93. Wala ka sa Lolo ko. For him, physical ability sometimes does not work to one's advantage.
16 January 2021
No Confidence in the Flesh
Philippians 3
4 Though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:
5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;
6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
Here is what I wrote 29 September 2017 which I have updated.
"Physical ability. Sometimes it does not work to one's advantage.
Apostle Paul pointed out his physical being, as to his adherence to Jewish tradition. (Philippians 3:4-6)
Yet, as a result of his encounter with the Lord Jesus after His resurrection, he considered his own such physical well-being did not work to his advantage.
Philippians 3
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.
8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.
I would like to make a parallel. I have two older brothers, and back high school days they were into physical activities being varsity players, one basketball and one volleyball. I was barely five feet in high school and played little during intramural games. Looking back, my two brothers did not give much regard to their health. The older passed away at age 51 due to illness and the other, already a widower, had angioplasty last year at age 58, fortunately in Canada under social security. I just turned 57 and my medical examination days ago had encouraging results including that of the treadmill stress test. My seeming frail physical built has made me careful about my health.
"Lord, I pray for the family of my deceased brother; his wife, my sister-in-law is experiencing hypertension; Lord, be the Father to my nephews and nieces; provide for the family and touch their hearts that they put their trust in You, Lord.
I pray for complete healing for my other brother, that his strength be restored fully and be able to provide well for his family; Lord, please look after my nephews and nieces, provide for the family and also touch their hearts that they put their trust in You. This I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
""
"My oldest brother Boy aka Avegon. He was a varsity basketball player, coached some youth when I was in high school, tagging me along even if I was barely five feet, and he would draw a play at the opening tip for me to drive for an easy lay up. He passed away years ago, and we siblings together look after his children; his eldest daughter in Canada supports her mother and her siblings. I pray for God's provision and guidance for the whole family.
My older and only remaining brother. He was a varsity volleyball player; in recent years he was steady in his disposition being a witness to a murder for which the suspect was convicted, for this reason I will not mention his whereabouts. He is now a widower, had angioplasty few years ago; I praise God his career in merchant marine is back on track. I pray for him, I shared my faith with him, and I also pray for his children including his married children.""
I take comfort in the words of Apostle Paul.
Present Weakness and Resurrection Life
2 Corinthians 4
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
My prayer.
Lord, do not cast me away when I am old;
do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
Though you have made me see troubles,
many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.
My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
of your saving acts all day long—
though I know not how to relate them all.
I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord;
I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.
As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more. (Psalm 71:9, 20, 15-16, 18, 14) Amen.
The Word of the Lord.
"I will be your God through all your lifetime, yes, even when your hair is white with age. I made you and I will care for you. I will carry you along and be your Savior." Isaiah 46:4 (The Living Bible). Amen.
May you be blessed with the message.
Maraming salamat.
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