Thank You

Dear God,

My family’s life isn’t exactly how I prayed it to be. My dad is still far off – sacrificing intimacy with us to provide for the whole family. Two of us, Nanay Pining and Tito Genie, left this world so soon. In truth, we are still a broken family – broken by hatred, unforgiveness and selfishness.

But as we celebrate my mom and dad’s silver anniversary, I wish to stop looking at what’s visible and instead, just simply thank You.

Thank You, that after 25 years, we are still complete, though not together. 

Thank You for appointing me to Rudy & Luzviminda Rotor. I don’t think any other couple can do a great job in raising me up in sweet and tender love.

Thank You, Lord, that you provided us a decent living, though not rich. We have enough food, good education, warm clothing and a blessed home.  

Thank You for giving us the gift of people. My lolo, lola, and my other relatives are a blessing to us.

This life may not be exactly how I prayed it to be, but this life will never change the fact that You are and will always be God and You will always be good. There is always a reason to thank you.

That is why I thank you, well…for You. =)

I thank you that…. (*sings) I have You, You have me , we’re one happy family! =)

I thank You for Jesus through whom we enjoy the favor, grace and mercy You are richly giving us. If I may say so, You, Lord, have an adorable son. He is precious to me. 

Lord, I can give You nothing in return except the remaining time I have on earth. 

I love You so so much…and thank You.

Love,

Rye

Insulting God

Sometimes, without us knowing, we are saying words and doing things that insult God. These are works of unbelief, works done because we do not trust God.

My dad has safely arrived last Monday night. But I remember, earlier that day, when my mom and I were going home to Manila (from Tagaytay), there suddenly came a strong rain shower. 

It was so strong that it almost blinded the window of the car. So my mom started worrying. "What if the same weather is to welcome dad when he lands?" A bit of fear came to me.

Then I remembered God.  I prayed for his safety. God loves me and I know He will hear my prayer. "Don't worry, mom, God will give us a good weather tonight. Just trust Him." I told her.


She replied " Let your brother stay in Tagaytay instead so that he won't have to go throught this storm later."


The idea that doing this might insult the Lord suddenly hit me. It is as if she's saying,"no, God cannot do anything about this storm and even though He can, He will not."


See how a normal practical thought can offend God. So I told her to trust in the Lord because surely, He will provide us a good weather. I also told her not to do that because she might be insulting God.


And, praise God, she listened. 


And I was not put in to shame.  A good, rainless, weather was given by the Lord.


I was reminded of what David did. It was a plain simple, wise, practical, tactical thing to do. As king, he counted the number of his fighting men. Not really an obvious sin. But he trusted in numbers rather than trusting in Yahweh, the One who fights for them. 


David realized how he have sinned. And God punished Israel for that simple act of unbelief. 


We may be doing things which we think are okay but is already insulting to God. It's time to do some checking with our hearts. 

For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Romans 10:11