Episode 9: Finding the Love of your Life, Part 3

Episode 9: Finding the Love of your Life, Part 3

This is the last episode of season 1. I want to take you on a new adventure in my life. God willing, I'm going on a mission trip far from where I am now, so I'm excited to share it with you when that day comes. It is also the last episode of finding the love of your life about how to keep loving someone unconditionally. So grab your favorite coffee, sit back and listen to what God has to say.

We have learned in previous episodes that the way to stay in love is that you must first understand that apart from God's agape love for you, your love will not last.

Yun bang idea na kailangan mong tanggapin ang pag-ibig ni Cristo na nakaugat sa pananampalataya na ikaw ay makasalanan at kailangan mo ng tagapagligtas at Panginoon sa pamamagitan ni Hesus. Ang pag-ibig ng Diyos ay hindi lamang isang emosyon na iyong tinanggap, kundi isang kapangyarihan na ipinagkaloob ng Diyos para sa iyo. Sa context na ito, ang maranasan ang agape love ay makakatulong sa atin na magmahal nang kusa at nang walang kondisyon.

Kapag naunawaan at tinanggap natin ang inaalay na pag-ibig ni Cristo, matututunan nating mahalin ang ating mga sarili at ang kapwa natin ng sukdulan at sa masakripisyong paraan. Makikilala nila na ang pag-ibig ay hindi lamang isang emosyon, kundi isang paggawa din na nangangailangan ng pagsisikap, pasensya, at pagpapatawad.

Higit pa rito, makakatulong din sa atin na harapin ang mga challenges at struggles sa ating mga relasyon. Kapag naunawaan natin na ang ating pag-ibig ay hindi nakasalalay sa mga kilos o pag-uugali ng ating mga kapartner sa buhay, maaari tayong magbigay ng awa at pagpapatawad kung kinakailangan, at pagsikapan para mapanatili ang isang matatag at malusog na relasyon.

Kaya ang pinakamahalagang bagay ay ang magmahal tulad ni Kristo. Hindi niya binago ang kanyang pagmamahal sa atin hanggang sa kamatayan sa krus.

Let's define the love that we all need like Jesus did to us. This message is rooted in this passage on John 15:9-13. 

Jesus states: As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

Jesus commands us to love each other as He abides His love to His Father. And we can read verse 11 na mukhang wala sa context of love, pero ipinapaunawa sa atin ang koneksyon sa pagitan ng love and joy. Kung ang pinili mong magsakripisyo ng hindi mo gustong magsakripisyo, hindi love yun. Ang mga tao ay nagsasakripisyo dahil sa iba't-ibang dahilan at hindi love. Nais ni Jesus na ang kanyang pag-ibig ay nasa atin, kaya alam niya na ang kanyang kagalakan ay dapat na nasa atin din, kaya sabi sa verse 11 , “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” Without joy, I don't think we can have agape love. At kung walang agape love, hindi ka magkakaroon ng tunay na kasiyahan.

So what kind of love should we have?

1. Love Should Be A Choice Rooted in Joy

Pag may agape kind of love ka sa isang tao kahit anuman ang mangyari, magpatawad ka. Hindi mo na iisipin Love is not just a sacrifice for another. I believe agape love is a joyful sacrifice for the object of your love. For example, what is your attitude like, as a member of a family?

• Do you consider everyday tasks burdensome chores or a way to serve your family?
• Do you view your home as a gift to be cherished, no matter what its state of it may be?
• Do you enjoy your family?

Ang honest na pagsagot sa mga tanong na ito ay pwedeng makatulong sa iyo na maintindindihan mo ang iyong present condition ng isip mo at saloobin. Malaki ang kinalaman nito sa damdamin mo tungkol sa iyong tahanan at sa mga taong kasama mo sa bahay.

Ang bahay natin kasi ang naging paraan para mapanatili yung peace and comfort na ang ating pamilya ay makahanap ng masasandalan sa gitna ng mga pasanin at kabigatan sa buhay. Pagnagpapakita ka ng love di baramdam nila ito. Hindi sapat na gumawa lang tayo ng mabuti. Gusto nating gumawa ng mabubuting bagay para sa kanila. Kailangan nating makahanap ng joy sa pagseserve sa kanila para ito ay maging agape love.

Ang hindi ko sinasabi na balewalain ang hirap. Nakakasawa din ang palaging napapagalitan, o pinaglilinis, ayusin ang mga kalat, mag-intindi pa ng ibang nangangailangang miyembro ng pamilya pagkatapos ng mahabang oras ng pagtatrabaho. Pero sa kabila ng lahat masaya ka pa rin. Bakit? Dahil unang-una, mahal ng Diyos ang bawat isa sa ating pamilya, at mahal natin sila. Without the motive of finding joy and satisfaction in our family, we would not be able to make sacrifices for them. Dahil tayo mismo ay nakakatanggap ng agape love, nakakahanap tayo ng kasiyahan sa kanila, kaya nating magsakripisyo para sa kanila. So we choose to sacrifice, but my decision is rooted in a free choice motivated by joy.

    2.  Love Is A Sacrifice That Brings You More Joy

Throughout the Bible, joy is consistently linked with love. According to the Bible, Love Is A Sacrifice That Brings You More Joy in you.

Listen to 2 Corinthians 9:7, Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Romans 12:9-10, “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”

Without our choice being “cheerful” and filled with “affection” our love is not genuine and God is not pleased with it. Kung pipiliin nating gawin ang tama pero may bad attitude o dahil sa takot sa halip na malaya, hindi tayo nagpapakita ng agape love.

Again, hindi naman sinasabi sa atin na dapat tayong maging masaya sa paggawa ng sakripisyo. Kundi dapat tayong magkaroon ng malalim na pagmamahal sa kanila na ating isinasakripisyo. Kapag nakagawa ng mali ang isa sa iyong pamilya, at nagpatawad ka, ipinapakita natin ang ating pagmamahal sa Diyos. Hindi tayo nagbabase dahil kailangan, kundi minahal mo sila dahil ang iyong pagmamahal ay para sa Diyos. Kung hindi mo mahal ang Diyos walang dahilan para mahalin ang iyong pamilya.

Dahil mahal mo ang Diyos maaari mong piliing magsakripisyo ng masaya para sa iba. Sabi sa Bible na ginawa ni Hesus ang mismong bagay na ito: Hindi naging madali para kay Hesus na ialay ang buhay Niya. Hindi rin naging madali ang Kanyang pagdurusa. Pero kusang-loob ito, meaning, masaya siyang sumunod sa Diyos at nagdusa para sa atin na siyang ugat ng Kanyang pag-ibig.

Pagdating sa pag-ibig ng Diyos sa atin, ipinahahayag niya ito sa pamamagitan ng gentleness. Ang gentleness ay mahirap sa umpisa, pero ang bunga nito ay higit na matatamasa pagkatapos. Ang gentleness mismo ay hindi masaya, pero ito ay isang pagpapahayag ng pag-ibig dahil ito ay isang sakripisyong nakaugat sa pagdevelop ng kagalakan.

So not only does agape love require a joyful sacrifice, a loving sacrifice will actually bring more joy in you, for as Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." 

I-offer natin sa Lord ang ating mga saloobin. 

Hesus, salamat sa sakripisyo mong mamatay sa krus dahil mahal mo kami. Alam namin na ang Iyong pag-ibig ay walang kapantay sa lahat ng mga ginawa Mo para sa amin. Marami kaming mga pag-aalinlangan sa aming mga dinadaanan. Patawad, Panginoon. Ngayon, ipinagkakatiwala namin ang aming sarili sa iyo, at nawa'y mapuspos kami ng iyong presensya na kung wala ka, wala kaming magagawa. Nais maging masaya habang nagbibigay kami ng pag-ibig sa kapwa. Patnubayan mo kami, Ama, ng iyong karunungan para mapamalas namin ang gentleness, patience and selfless kind of love for each other. Amen.

Nawa’y nainspired kayo at tunay na namotivate to truly keep loving someone unconditionally. I encourage you to check and assess your current relationship and be the first person to answer these reflective questions.

1. Evaluate your attitude and views about loving someone unconditionally. Why is it so important to us all?
2. Pray and ask God to give you a cheerful heart despite all circumstances in life.

If you answer those questions, you can write them down below or dm me on my IG or FB account, for sure I will answer you! Be sure to follow me on Spotify and on YouTube. If this episode was helpful to you or you want to add some of the experiences that you have encountered while having a relationship, please leave a comment on any of my social media platforms. If you think someone else would enjoy it and it could help them improve their relationship with Jesus and their loved ones, please share it with them! And if you share on Facebook, the hashtag CafeTayowithElisaCamara would be greatly appreciated! 

See you on season 2! Thank you!

Podcast Episode 8: Finding the Love of your Life, Part 2

Everything changes but I have one thing that will never change: God's unconditional love for me. It lights up my life. It is the foundation that sustains me. God's love is reliable, unchanging, constant, dependable, steadfast, immovable, unshakeable, and unstoppable. It's forever for you and me. But it didn't stop there. And this is the hardest part. He wants me to love others the way he loves me and so do you. Wow! Kumusta naman tayo?!

Everybody can fall in love but it takes a lot more to stay in love. Do you agree with that? Yes, I know! Haha I can hear you. Witness mo ang maraming marriages and relationships na nasa paligid mo. It’s a lot harder to stay in love than to fall in love. So how to keep this relationship strong and healthy is up to you and God. Remember, you have a part to work out and God has a part to work into your life.

May ibibigay akong tatlong scenarios and I want you to take a look at them. Very significant kasi yung intentions ng isang nakikipagdate. I want to encourage you how to carry yourself in these such situations.

Una, single and ready to mingle. Pwedeng ito muna ang pumasok sa isip mo. kaya naghahanap ka na ng special someone, na lahat na yata ng paraan ginoogle mo para maging ready ka lang. Ok rin naman. Dating is about learning each other’s qualities and likes. Dito mo rin kasi makikita ang value ng isang tao na makatutulong sayo kung paano makipagrelasyon. But take into consideration na you’re still in the process of knowing that person. Baka ma-in love ka na, magtuloy-tuloy na. Just take it easy, relax, and grow your relationship with God first. We are taught that love is not enough to marry. It takes a lot of other things.

Pangalawa, playing around. Are you playing around? Ah, hindi naman. Gusto ko lang magkaroon ng special someone. So, you’re dating. If it happens, Don’t play around. I did not say just to take it lightly but be serious enough to know the person first. Eto ha, girls and boys, if you’re only flirting, your effort becomes pointless. Don’t waste time. Kasi sa bandang huli, maaaring mapahamak ka. Kailangan kasi nacocomunicate mo yung intensyon mo. You need to set boundaries on what your relationship is like. Your future relies on this, hindi porke’t bata ka pa marami ka pang panahon. Remember YOLO, “you only live once.” See your value first as a person. Date on a public places so you can also resist temptations. Do not send mixed messages; be clear and concise in your actions. Pag-usapan nyo hanggat maaga pa.

Pangatlo, the time is ticking. Pressured ka ba sa mga nasa paligid mo? kaya ganon na lang ang paghahanap mo. Naku naman, mahahanap ko pa kaya siya? Oh bakit ganon? Pinipilit ako ng nanay ko, ng tatay ko, ng pamilya ko, at mga kaibigan ko. Minsan nasasabi mo, Bakit yung iba? Sobrang saya naman nila. You have no business looking into other people's relationships. You have no business comparing your journey or relationship with others. Hindi mo daw dapat ikumpara ang chapter 1 mo sa chapter 20 ng iba! Narinig ko yan sa podcast ni Xian Lim, hehe. Hindi mo alam kung ano ang nangyayari sa loob ng kanilang relasyon. Hindi mo dapat husgahan ang iyong sarili dahil ito ay incomparable. Iba-iba ang pinagdadaanan ng mga tao. Kung alam mong nasa tamang landas ka, take your time. Hayaan mo itong maging bahagi ng journey mo na nilalayon ng Diyos para sa iyo.

Today’s episode inspires by 1 Corinthians 13, the Love Chapter in the bible. The Apostle Paul gives a detailed definition of love and unity. And today, it continues to have a universal impact as used at weddings or to explain the love that should exist between spouses. Let us learn why it continues to be a compass that guides many in understanding true love and unity and growing in that love.

Listen to this passage in 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, I may speak in different languages of people or even angels. But if I do not have love, I am only a noisy bell or a crashing cymbal. 2 I may have the gift of prophecy. I may understand all the secret things of God and have all knowledge, and I may have faith so great I can move mountains. But even with all these things, if I do not have love, then I am nothing. 3 I may give away everything I have, and I may even give my body as an offering to be burned. But I gain nothing if I do not have love. 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. 5 Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done. 6 Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth. 7 Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always endures. 8 Love never ends.

The kind of love in 1 Corinthians 13 is the Agape love. 

This is God’s perfect, sacrificial and unconditional love that can save and restore even when we sin. Ang sinabi ni Pablo tungkol dito ay nagbibigay ng malinaw na paglalarawan ng Agape love habang ito ay nakatuon sa unconditional love na kailangan nating pagsikapang icultivate sa ating mga puso. Pag wala nito, we are only a noisy bell or a crashing cymbal.

Kasi kung sa atin lang napakalimitado natin. Katulad mo kapag nasasaktan ka, hindi mo iisipin ang iba. At minsan nagiging obligasyon ito na dapat ibalik ang pag-ibig na inukol mo sa kanya. Pero hindi ito ang klase ng pag-ibig na gusto ng Diyos para sa ating mga relasyon. Hindi tayo binibigyan ng awa o pabor kapag deserving ka lang o kaya pinagsisikapan natin na makuha ito sa pamamagitan ng mabubuting gawa. No, God loves us because God is love — sabihin na natin yun ang character ng Diyos, ito yung kung sino Siya at kung ano ang Kanyang ginagawa.

The beauty of Agape Love is found in these two statements of the two most popular celebrity pastors in the world.

• Rick Warren writes, “When you love in spite of your feelings, that’s called loving by faith. And it doesn’t just change the other person. It changes you, too, and makes you more like Jesus.”

Kapag nahanap mo na ang the love of your life, dapat pareho kayong may agape love sa inyong mga puso para tunay na magmahalan sa isa't isa. Kapag nangyari ito, palagi mong nasa isip ang kanyang best interests at nais na paglingkuran at suportahan siya. Mas magtutuon ka ng pansin sa kung ano ang magagawa mo para sa kanya kaysa sa pagsisikap na tiyaking makukuha mo ang gusto mo sa kanya.

• Joyce Meyer writes, “sacrifice is not always fun or easy, but when it is motivated by godly love, it always brings more peace and joy to your soul.” 

Para ka daw nagtatanim sa inyong pagsasama para umani ng gantimpala na kayo ring dalawa ang makikinabang o ang mga taong nasa paligid nyo dahil ang Diyos ay kumikilos sa inyong buhay sa mga kamangha-manghang paraan habang kayo ay nagtitiwala at sumusunod sa Kanya.

Later I will give you the 3rd statement that is coming from me, Naks! hehe but before that, I want to share my story about how this third statement made possible in my life and your life, too. 

When we were still dating, Rainier and I had to separate because he found his new faith and to get away from his pasts he considered me one of them. Shocked ako, mahirap man but I moved on.

One time, my former high school classmate saw me at SM Makati. Kwento siya about his faith. The next morning, it was Sunday, he took me to the fellowship he was attending and that day, tinanggap ko si Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I found new hope in God! That was the beginning of my new journey of peace and freedom from my heartaches. Agad kinontak ko si Rainier, at masayang Sinabi sa kanya ang nangyari sa akin. But to my amazement, he just smiled and spoke a few words. Sa loob ng halos isang buwan, pumupunta ako sa church para makipagkaibigan kay Rainier. Pero may mga kasama siya. So walang nangyari, after the fellowship, umuuwi na lang ako. And that's it. I realized that it is impossible for us to be together again.

Ang pag-unawa sa pag-ibig ng Diyos ay naging mahalaga sa akin. Dito ko sinimulang hanapin ang kalooban ng Diyos sa aking buhay. Mayroon akong kapayapaan sa aking puso dahil sa pag-asang may magandang plano ang Diyos sa aking buhay. Nagsimula akong magbasa ng Bible, magpray, mag-attend ng church, at sumali sa isang ministry. Nagsimula akong maglakad na may gabay ng Diyos at naisip ko kung magchuchurch ako sa hapon, hindi ko makikita si Rainier at iyon ay upang patunayan na si Jesus na ang pinupuntahan ko tuwing Linggo. Sa wakas, nahanp ko ang tunay na pag-ibig upang magsimulang muli. Ginamit ni Jesus ang mga pangyayari sa buhay ko para makita ko ang pagmamahal na hinahanap ko sa iba na natagpuan ko sa Kanya.

One time, nung nasa bahay ako ng pinsan ko, dumating si Rainier at sumama sa aming kumain sa labas. Unknowingly, God intervened in this love relationship to bring us back together. Nagpapasalamat ako na tinulungan ako ng Diyos na maunawaan ang mga benepisyo ng pagiging nasa Kanyang kalooban. Binago Niya ang takbo ng aking landas upang kontrolin ng Kanyang kalooban ang aking buhay. Iyan ay udyok ng Kanyang perfect, sacrificial, and unconditional love for me, the Agape Love.

I’d like to share the 3rd statement. If Jesus changes your route directed to His love, He shows His purpose for bringing you through many struggles, frustrations, and suffering so you can look back and remember that He has been good to you.

Kung babaguhin ni Jesus ang iyong ruta patungo sa Kanyang pag-ibig, ipinapakita Niya ang Kanyang layunin sa pagdaan sa iyo sa maraming mga pakikibaka, pagkabigo, at pagdurusa upang makabalik ka at maalala na Siya ay naging mabuti sa iyo.

God always works on our character and enables us one day to look back and say, the Lord has been good to us. We let go and commit our situations to the Lord's hands. We don't have to worry. We are not afraid of the future. 

For over 30 years now that we have been married, I am so thankful that God helped us understand the benefits of agape love and sacrifice in our marriage.

I want to encourage you to give your heart and your relationship to God completely. Trust Him to give you the grace to love yours as much as He loves you. There are blessings to come your way when you diligently do that kind of love and sacrifice, as God guides you to do so that far outweigh the pain you experience in the process!

Join me in prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your love. Nasasaktan kami pero pinagaling mo kami at ramdam namin ang comfort mo. Ang iyong pag -ibig ay nagpapasaya sa amin sa umagang pagkagising, at ginagabayan kami sa oras na kami ay nag -aalala sa aming hinaharap. Lord, I pray for my listeners, para sa mga taong naghahanap ng tamang lalaki o babae. Tulungan mo silang makahanap ng totoong pag -ibig at tapat na relasyon. Nariyan pa ang mga nagmamahal na magulang, kapatid, o kaibigan kung sakaling may nakikinig sa amin na naghahanap ng kalinga. O kung wala naman Silang makapitan, dalangin ko haplos mo para sa Kanila. Nawa’y matagpuan ka muna upang makita ang uri ng pag -ibig na inaalok mo bago pa ang anumang relasyon sa mundong ito. nananalangin rin ako para sa mga relasyon na nabigo na nang maraming beses pero ikaw ay matiyagang naghihintay sa kanila upang mapagtanto na sayo lamang nangagaling ang masaganang buhay. Tulungan mo rin ang mga mag -asawa na nahihirapan at malapit nang masira. Nawa’y maibalik nila ang kanilang pag -ibig at paggalang sa isa't isa, at makita nila ang mga nabuong pangarap at tagumpay na nalikha nila para sa bawat isa. Nawa’y tulungan mo silang mag-alab sa pag-ibig, at maging gabay at suporta na naghahanap ng interes hindi lang para sa kanila kundi unang-una sa kanilang asawa o sa kanilang relasyon. Salamat sa pagtanggap namin ng mga sagot sa aming mga panalangin. Sa pangalan ni Jesus. Amen.

Music Interlude

I hope you walk away from this episode feeling encouraged and inspired to truly stay in agape love together for life. I encourage you to check and assess your current relationship and be the first person to answer these reflective questions.

• How does the Bible challenge the way our culture portrays romantic love?
• When people don’t respond to your love the way you expect, what is a Christlike way to react?

If you answer those questions, you can write down below or dm me on my IG or FB account, for sure I will answer you! Be sure to follow me on Spotify and on YouTube. If this episode was helpful to you or you want to add some of your experiences that you have encountered while having a relationship, please leave a comment on any of my social media platforms. If you think someone else would enjoy it and it could help them improve their relationship with Jesus and their loved ones, please share it with them! And if you share on Facebook, the hashtag CafeTayowithElisaCamara would be greatly appreciated! 

Thanks! Happy valentines!
Elisa

Episode 7: Finding the Love of your Life

What’s up, everyone? Welcome back to the Cafe Tayo podcast! It’s me, Elisa Camara. And in this episode, we will be talking about love! How to find the love of your life! Usapang paghahanap ng pag-ibig ng iyong buhay! 

Music Interlude: I Finally Found Someone

Wow! Have you finally found someone? Since this is a love month, magandang simulan ang pasok ng linggong ito sa topic na Finding the Love of your Life, para maihanda ka sa paghahanap ng tamang babae o lalaking mapapangasawa na umaayon sa kalooban ng Diyos. 

Narito ang ilan sa mga nakalap ko sa pag-aaral para magamit ko sa pagtuturo para sa aking mga anak at apo at sayo na nakikinig ngayon. Magkukuwento ako ng kaunti tungkol sa aking mga karanasan at gagamitin ko ang sermon ng isang kilalang Pastor na si Rick Warren in finding the right person to marry. Ginamit Niya ang Proverbs 12:26, kung kailangan nating maingat sa pagpili ng ating mga kaibigan, lalong kailangan nating maging maingat sa pagpili ng makakasama sa buhay. Remember, it's a choice. God does not do this and no one teaches us how to do it. Walang subject na ganito sa school. Bilang magulang ay nagkukulang tayo sa pagtuturo sa ating mga anak na pumili ng tamang mapapangasawa. At dahil dito, marami ang nauuwi sa maling pag-aasawa sa maling dahilan. Ako, bilang asawa ng pastor, ayaw kong mangyari ito at ayokong humantong sa ganito ang aking mga anak.

I have at least three children who are not married, one already has a fiancée, and I care so much about them. I want to teach them how to look for the right person and how to change their view about marriage. This can save a lot of pain. I have two questions that require serious decisions to make the right choice in your life. First, when are you getting married? That's a choice. And the second is, if you marry, Who's going to be? The Bible says a lot about this.

Kaya titingnan natin ngayon kung ano ang sinasabi ng Biblia, Here are some selected checklist for us to choose the right person. Pero bago yun, nabanggit ni Pastor Rick Warren ang ilan sa mga myths o paniniwala na kailangan munang icorrect sa ating isipan.

1. God doesn’t choose my mate for me. It’s your decisions, your choice. He didn’t choose for you. He places the responsibility 100% on your shoulder. For example, Hindi ako makikipagdate, maghihintay lang ako na darating siya. Tama ba? Mali. Hindi darating yun, kailangan may gawin ka. Kapag nagsisimula ka pa lang na maghanap, alam ng mga babae kapag may gusto sa kanila ang isang lalaki kahit hindi ito nagsasabi, at nagpaparamdam lang. Hindi na dapat pang magpakipot, kilalanin mo siya,at nang makita mo ang tunay na hangarin niya sayo. Marami kasi sa mga kalalakihan na kung alam nila na mabubusted lang sila, ded ma na lang sila sayo.
2. There isn’t only one right person for me. Alam mo totoo yun. Kasi kung hindi totoo, isang tao lang ang magkamali ng desisyon parang domino ito na mali na ang mga susunod na saling lahi. Kaya ang daming maling asawa sa mga maling marriages. Okay lang makipag-date sa mga ilan na dumarating sa buhay mo para mas makilala mo sila, at pumili ng taong tama para sa iyo.
3. Love is not enough to marry. That’s because you love someone doesn’t mean you should marry him or her. Pwedeng ang daming babae na dumating sa buhay mo na minahal mo bago ka nag-asawa. Love is not enough, it takes a lot of other things.

God doesn’t tell you who to marry but He does give you a description of the kind of person He desires for you to marry. If you want God’s blessing on your marriage, you want God’s protection, or you want God’s success in your marriage, then listen to what God has to say about the kind of person you should marry. 

Listen to Philippians 2:1-5, ‘Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.’

Because of the tremendous blessings that the Philippians have received in Christ, Paul urges them to be united in harmony. Paul calls for this unity in four ways: he wants the Philippians to have the same mind or the same thinking, to have the same love, to be joined together in spirit, and be of one mind. The best description of a person God has intended for you to marry is for both of you to become like Christ.

• We must have spiritual unity. Kung Hindi iisa ang inyong pananampalataya parang mahirap magkaroon ng physical, emotional, and sexual intimacy that God intended for your marriage. The No.1 area of your life is your relationship with God. 

In 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 (God’s Word), Stop forming inappropriate relationships with unbelievers. Can right and wrong be partners? Can light have anything in common with darkness? 15 Can Christ agree with the devil? Can a believer share life with an unbeliever?

Noong panahong magboyfriend pa lang kami ni Pastor Rainier, maraming nagsasabi na ang ganda ng mga qualities namin, marrying age, parehong may stable jobs, we love each other, ok naman ang aming family background, and yet there is only one problem, I am not a believer of Jesus Christ. As he is a new believer, he decided to get rid of all those ugly pasts in his life at sinama Niya pati ako. So, sa madaling salita, nag break kami Kasi Hindi Niya alam kung paano at ano ang dapat gawin, minabuti Niya na tapusin ang lahat ng pwedeng maging temptations na pwedeng kasama ako doon. Kahit mahirap kong tinanggap, naging daan din yun para hanapin ko si Jesus. And after two months, God in all His mysterious intervention made a way to brought us back together. Today, kung Hindi dahil sa intervention ng Lord, we will never have a physical, emotional, and sexual intimacy the way God intended us to be. Kung di ako naging Cristiano, Pwedeng hindi ko maintidihan ang faith niya. 

Don’t commit to somebody who is not committed to Jesus Christ. Don’t gamble your life if you have an unbeliever boyfriend or girlfriend. Please, if this is offensive, I’m sorry. But, if you are married to an unbeliever, show them your love and pray that they find Christ.

• We must have life purpose compatibility. You must be both headed in the same direction, with the same purpose in life. 

Amos 3:3 (NLT) ‘Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?’

Kung hindi pareho ang inyong direksyon, hindi kayo magtatagal. Hindi pa kayo handang magpakasal hangga't hindi mo nalalaman ang purpose ninyo. What is your mission, your purpose, your calling, or vocation? Ang marriage ninyo ay mabubuo sa ganitong mga paraan.

Kapag namatay ang isang tao, hindi naman tatanungin ng Diyos kung sino ang pinakasalan mo. Maaaring itanong ng Diyos sayo, did you fulfill your purpose? Marriage is a partnership to fulfill your purpose. You both are partners in God’s calling, gifted and called for His purpose. Hindi ko alam na kami ay magiging isang pamilya ng pastor. The only thing I know we have the same purpose in life, we are all called by God. Pastor Rick Warren said a bad marriage is a thousand times worst than staying single for the rest of your life. A bad marriage is a thousand times worse than staying single for the rest of your life. Kaya shout out sa mga singles pa! You’re much better than those falling marriages! Huwag kang maghanap ng batong ipupukpok mo sa ulo mo. So do not settle for 2nd best who didn’t share the same value. Don’t make that mistake.

• We must both be emotionally healthy.

Hindi naman sinabing perfect because we are all broken. But that’s ok because God still loves us. Kung sinuman ang pakakasalan mo, you married a sinner. Everybody’s broken. Pero may mas broken pa sayo, so you need to avoid them even how well he is, you have to figure out the emotional health of the person before you go too far in your relationship. Emotionally healthy individuals express appropriate emotions, which can help them to avoid danger, relieve stress, and communicate with others.

So if you spot an emotionally immature, deficient, unhealthy person you are marrying, you're asking for trouble. Why? 

1. First, if that person has uncontrolled anger. Minsan may narinig akong babae, gusto ko ng lalaking bastos, yun bang dating, bad boy? Naku, mali ka, iha mia! Kapag ganun, lumayo ka na! 
2. Second, if that person has addictions. Iba’t iba ang klase ng addictions ng tao. Kung makakakita ka ng babaeng sobrang hilig magshopping, ay boys, layuan mo na! O lalaking addicted sa alak, sa sugal, sa babae, sa video games? Layuan mo na rin! Hindi yan mababago kapag mag-asawa na kayo. Obvious naman lalo na kapag drug addict. Lalong layuan mo na… kahit pogi pa yan.
3. Third, if that person has bitterness - ito yung poison that eats you alive! Pastor Rick Warren said, Whatever you resent, you resemble. So stop resenting. You have to release it. If you start dating a bitter person, that bitterness will turn to you. How do they treat their parents? You marry a family. Ganito no, halimbawa, matindi ang resentment mo sa parents mo dahil lumaki ka sa mga abusive parents. I’m sorry. They’re your parents, regardless kung terible sila, nasa yo ang DNA nila, sila ang lumikha sayo kaya ka nabuo. I am not saying na ok lang kung abusive sila. Bigay sila ng Diyos sayo, without them you are not here. You need to pray for them, pray also for you to heal, and ask for help in the process of healing.
4. Fourth, if that person is selfish. The No. 1 cause of conflict in marriage is selfishness. Nauuna pang maglakad sayo. Hindi man lang buhatin ang mga pinamili mo. Or palaging naaawa sa sarili niya kasi walang nakikita kundi sarili niya. Don’t be selfish.
5. Fifth, if that person is greedy. Kapag may spouse kang greedy, malulubog ka sa utang, they are only interested in themselves. Don’t try to impress others. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others.

So the three among four checklists are done. We must have spiritual unity,  life purpose compatibility, and emotionally healthy,

• We must be generous and kind.

An emotionally healthy person tells the truth. Love is based on trust. Trust is based on truth. He can say, I am doing this to protect you. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Palaging ibinibigay ng Diyos ang kanyang best sa mga taong namumuhay sa pagpili sa Kanya. Say, I want God’s best in my life, and I got it. 

Do you notice in these entire lists there is not one word about appearance or how they look? The world has this mindset na kailangan natin iwasan. 

To have a good marriage, my husband must meet these needs: Sexual attraction, The feeling of being noticed, The fear of loneliness, Wanting to be loved, We have many things in common, and We are having fun.

In the end, kung walang patutunguhan ang inyong relasyon, huwag mo nang ituloy. Dahil habang tumatagal ang relasyon niyo, mas lalong hindi ka na makakalabas. 

If you want to get married, God will bless you. Be spiritually connected to God. Your challenge is to commit yourself to God's standards. Just tell yourself, I'm not going to let the ocean of emotions overwhelm me to make that stupid decision.

Don't date until your emotional hurts are healed or at least in the healing process, just find a mentor or a counselor for your healing process. Do this, and close that door. Get rid of that bitterness, that anger. Don't carry that in your marriage.

Marriage does not create problems, it reveals them. The problem is already there with you or your boyfriend or girlfriend. And the more you deal with it before you get married, the happier your marriage will be. The more that meets the deep intimacy of the soul that is personal, sexual, relational, and spiritual. 

It is the oneness that comes from being unified in our relationship with God, and our purpose. Discover your mission first. Get involved in a small group, and find a ministry in the church. Expose yourself in lots of Christian men and women. You won't find it just sitting in the house. If you have a fiancée, get premarital counseling.

Let’s bow our heads and join me in prayer. 

Almighty Father, we have problems. We are a broken people. We need most to turn to you, Jesus. I ask you to bring healing to my family and to the family who listens to this podcast who are hurting. Bring hope to those who are hopeless right now. You are a miracle-working God. To those who need to end their relationship that is going nowhere, have them speak the truth in love. If we are insecure, we have heartaches, and you know we are here to heal and change for our future. Please clarify my purpose and connect me with other believers. Help us build spiritual oneness with our spouses. And for the singles, let them do it Your way. In Jesus's name, I pray, amen.

I hope you walk away from this episode feeling encouraged and inspired to indeed find the love of your life. Please check and assess your current relationship and be the first person to answer these reflective questions.

1. What qualities does Paul encourage in relationships (2:3-4)? And speaking of marriage, how does it compare to your relationship with your spouse?
2. How does this episode of finding the love of your life help you?

If you answer those questions, you can write them down below. Be sure to follow me on Spotify and on YouTube. If this episode was helpful to you or you want to add some of your checklist or experiences you have encountered while dating, please leave a comment on any of my social media platforms. If you think someone else would enjoy it and it could help them improve their relationship with Jesus and their loved ones, please share it with them! And if you share on Facebook, the hashtag CafeTayowithElisaCamara would be greatly appreciated! 

Thanks and God bless us all!

(Link: https://margmowczko.com/philippians-2_1-5/)

Episode 6: God's Part and My Part in Changing Me

 What’s exactly God’s part and our part in changing our lives? Alam mo ba? Rick Warren originally wrote God’s Part and My Part in Changing Me, in his series about how to enjoy the rest of your life, where he mentioned how spiritual growth happens. God uses the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and circumstances so we can grow naturally over time. So faith matters in how we live. I found the key to knowing this I need to focus on happiness, holiness, and humility. 

By the way, this is Elisa Camara. Welcome to Cafe Tayo Podcast where I can talk about my story while having coffee. So today, let’s pause, make coffee and take a few minutes to listen and let the Holy Spirit speaks to you.

Music Interlude

Last October 16, 1988, I met Jesus Christ for the first time. Our relationship began, which completely changed my life. But how did God change my life? How am I living to be what God made me to be? Ako ba lahat, o lahat ay sa Diyos, o pinaghalong sa Diyos at sa akin? Kailangan alam ko ito para tuluyan akong magbago tungo sa pagkakadisenyo sa akin ng Diyos.

Listen to Philippians 2:12-13, "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

Here, Paul says, when it comes to our spiritual growth, God has a part, and we have a part. Gumamit siya ng dalawang phrases to explain this cooperation: work out and work in. Work out is my part and work in is God's part.

This passage has something to do with our salvation. Pero ang salvation ay religious jargon sa mga makakarinig. Kaya mas magandang alternative na gamitin ko ang word na "freedom." To be saved by Jesus is to be set free from guilt or from destructive behavior, and set free to know God more, to love others, and be what God made me to be.

Dito sa passage na ito, mga Cristiano na ang kausap ni Paul kung kaya’t ang ibig sabihin nito ay idevelop natin ang kung ano ang mayroon tayo na ginagawa ng Diyos sa buhay natin. Work out the implications. If we call ourselves Christians, disciples or followers of Christ, (there is no difference in those words) we should start growing.

Now, there are three things that you and I need to keep an eye on as we allow this change to happen. It is our job to work out what God is working in. How do we work out what God is working into our lives?

First, focus on being happy no matter what.

Where is your level of happiness? Are you desperate enough looking for happiness even with no particular reason? But most often we define happiness in different meaning. Sa tingin natin, ang pera, possessions o success ang mga sagot sa kaligayahan ng tao. D man natin aminin pero minsan ito yung nagtutulak sa atin na maging masaya. Pero ito ay mga delusions at idolatry. Ang tunay na kaligayahan at kapayapaan, ay matatagpuan lamang sa isang relasyon sa Diyos. 

Hindi naman tayo pinangakuan ng buhay na walang problema. Kailangan nating lumapit sa Diyos at sabihin ang ating mga saloobin. Humingi tayo ng kapanatagan sa Diyos na tayo ay kaawaan Niya at magtiwala na diringgin ang ating mga taos-pusong panalangin dahil nakikinig Siya sa saglit na tumawag tayo sa kanya. Yan ang sabi ni David sa Psalm 4:3, ‘He listens the split second I call to him.’

Kung magiging malalim lang sayo ang ibig sabihin nito, ’there is more joy when you are in God's will than material prosperity and luxury.’ Ang Prosperity kasi, kahit kasing liwanag pa sa sikat ng araw ang security na makukuha mo dito, hindi ito dahilan para maging mapayapa ang pagtulog mo sa gabi-gabi, tama ba? Ang lumakad sa kalooban ng Diyos ang tanging dahilan para tayo ay siguradong magiging malaya sa takot at pag-aalala.

God has a role in the life-change process. We partner with God. God is always at work in us.

Use the Bible as His Words for us today. Listen to Psalm 37:4 in Tagalog version, ‘Sa Panginoon mo hanapin ang kaligayahan, at ibibigay niya sa iyo ang ninanais mo.’

Ano ba ang mga naisin mo sa buhay? May pangangailangan ka ba? Listen to Matthew 6:33, "Kaya unahin ninyo ang mapabilang sa kaharian ng Dios at ang pagsunod sa kanyang kalooban, at ibibigay niya ang lahat ng pangangailangan ninyo."

Second, Focus on being holy. Your heart is where the Holy Spirit dwells. He teaches us how to be holy.

The Holy Spirit provides the power, the conviction, and the direction for life change.  Siya ay kumikilos na para bang isang warning device inside of us kapag nagsisimula na tayong gumawa ng mga maling hakbang. At para namang cheering crowd kapag tayo ay gumagawa ng mga tamang hakbang patungo sa kabanalan.

Ang Holy Spirit ay nakatira sa ating mga puso. He grieves when we do the wrong thing. He is pleased when do the right thing. He challenge, encourages and supports you with other believers. Kaya dapat tayo ay nasa isang small community o small group. Ang paggugol ng oras sa ibang mga mananampalataya ay nangangahulugan ng pagdadala ng mga pasanin ng isa't isa, pinapatibay ang loob ng bawat isa, at pagtulong sa atin na palakasin ang ating pananampalataya. Kapag kumonekta tayo, bumubuo tayo ng confidence, nakakakuha tayo ng feedback, nagiging responsable tayo at nagbabago tayo para mangalaga din ang iba.

Kasama rin dito ang pakikisalamuha sa kapwa. Encourage natin ang ating pamilya na magmano sa mga nakakatanda at ang paggamit ng po at opo bilang paggalang na kinaugalian ng Pilipino. Pakita natin na huwag itong mawala kahit mapunta pa ang ating mga anak o apo sa ibang bansa. Let us go beyond reproach and that is holiness. 

Take this as an important key to holiness: Depend on the Holy Spirit in every moment. How do you know that you depend on the Holy Spirit? Review your prayer life. The things you pray for are the things you depend on God for. The things you don't pray for are the things you don't fully depend on God for.

Third, Focus on humility because God wants us to realize that everything we need is on the ground. 

I like the song by one of Black Pink's members, Rose, On the Ground. The meaning of the song is about the reputations and achievements we have made will one day disappear. We need to know where to stop, change direction, and move toward the goal of becoming a better person.

Ano ang dapat nating tugon sa lahat ng ito? Wala sa atin na may gusto ng half-hearted na paghingi ng tawad - ni ang Diyos. Siya ay naghahanap ng tunay na repentance. Kaya ito na ang pagkakataong magsimulang muli. Sabihin sa Diyos ang iyong saloobin. Ano ang gusto mong baguhin? Ano ang gusto mong gawin ni Jesus para sa iyo? Ang pagbabalik-loob ay pagpapakumbaba sa Diyos. 

Keep your feet on the ground. Meaning huwag tayong makalimot sa nakaraan kung paano ka nagsimula as your humble beginnings upang patuloy na makibagay sa kapwa ng may pag-ibig at pang-unawa.

In summary, We have a part to work out. Seriously focus on happiness, holiness, and humility, and move in the direction where God made you be. 

But don’t be too hard on yourself. Trust God. He has a part to keep you on. Gradually look up. He has the power to cultivate gratitude and a thankful spirit. Forgive even when you don’t feel it. Be happy no matter what. Be holy for God is holy. Be humble like Christ. Because before you know it, you will be where God made you be.

Sa tuwing dumadaan ka sa mga matitinding pagsubok sa buhay, kahit na gusto mong gumawa ng mali at pinili mo pa rin na gumawa ng tama, lumalago ka sa spiritual maturity, wisdom, character and faithfulness.

Sabi nga, untested faith cannot be trusted. Sooner or later lahat tayo ay dadaan sa mga panahon ng pagsubok. Sa mga panahong ito, the challenge is to be faithful  – Hindi para patigasin ang mga puso natin kundi maging soft and tender to God – na patuloy na magtiwala kahit dumadaan tayo at sinusubok ang ating pananampalataya.

Last Sunday morning, I was in church and worshiping the Lord. I wonder what we will do in heaven. Apart from worship, we will no longer experience pain, tears, fear, shame, or disgraced. We have a lot to do in heaven. There is a business in heaven. Everything we do on Earth will do in the new heaven and Earth. The difference is that satan is locked up in a bottomless pit. We have glorified bodies, free from sickness and death. We live forever in the unity and fellowship of the Holy Trinity. Then we will be tested again. Whatever the reason is, Christ is seated at the right hand of God. He is victorious, and so do we.

Lord Jesus, thank you that through your sacrifices we can approach the throne of your grace with confidence, receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. We come to you humbly. We are sorry for everything we have done wrong and we want to start over. Thank you, Jesus, for Your love.

Music Interlude

I hope you walk away from this episode feeling encouraged and inspired to work out what God is working into your life. Be sure to follow me on Spotify, and if this episode was helpful to you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. If someone else would enjoy it and it could help them improve their relationship with Jesus, please share it with them! And if you share on social media, the hashtag #CafeTayowithElisaCamara would be greatly appreciated!  

Thank you and God bless us all!

Episode 5: What's So Special About Christmas

What's so special about Christmas? Maybe many of us will say that this is the season for the whole family to get together. We enjoy the Christmas vacation because it is also a holiday. We enjoy eating, visiting, and going for a walk to see the beauty of the sparkling Christmas lights and decorations in the parks and malls and the fireworks. It's fun! That's all nice. God wants us to understand the depth of this special day.

Today's episode, originally a sermon of Pastor Rick Warren, will highlight some significant facts about Christmas to give you deeper insights into how to enjoy this season meaningfully. 

I'm Elisa and welcome to Cafe Tayo with Elisa Camara where I share my thoughts and family life so that I can leave something for my children and grandchildren one day and for you to take on today. So grab your favorite coffee, hands ready to take notes of insights, and join me with this conversation today!

Paano nagsimula ang Pasko. God Came to Earth

Natatandaan mo ba kung kelan napunta ang tao sa buwan? Malaking news iyon. Parang huminto ang buong mundo para panoorin ang small step na ginawa ni Neil Armstrong, na naging isang giant step in our history. Pero kung tutuusin hindi ito macocompare sa news na ang Diyos ay naparito sa lupa. Si Jesus Christ ay God, at ang kanyang kapanganakan ay nang pumarito ang Diyos sa lupa.

Maaaring nahihirapan tayong makipag-ugnayan sa isang hindi maliwanag na katauhan na nasa langit, pero si Hesus ay naging Diyos sa laman. Sabi sa Bible kung nakita mo si Hesus nakita mo na ang Diyos (John 1).

Jesus “being in the very nature of God …” (Philippians 2:6) Jesus was God, and he came to live among us for a while (John 1).

Hindi nagsimula si Jesus sa Sabsaban. Narito na Siya bago pa ang mundo. The distinction of Christ in the book of Colossians, where he is the exact likeness of the unseen God, narito na Siya bago pa and lahat, and, ang katotohanan, he is the Creator who made everything in Heaven and on Earth (Colossians 1:15-16).

Ang Katotohanan tungkol sa Pasko? God Became Man

Jesus Christ was a real man, flesh and blood. He was a real person — hindi Siya alamat, hindi parable, at hindi rin Siya isang magandang kwento lang. The Bible says about Jesus, “he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” (Philippians 2:7).

Now, how is Jesus like us?

1. He was born like us. Ibinigay niya ang lahat ng mayroon siya at dumating sa lupa tulad ng bilyun-bilyong iba pang mga babies sa buong mundo. However, ang buong history of the world depends on this fragile baby. Jesus came in the middle of the night in a stable in Bethlehem. Jesus was God in human form, born like us (Luke 2:5-7).
2. He grew like us. Lumaki siya tulad natin. Si Jesus ay lumaki at lumago bilang tao (Lucas 2:52). Naiisip mo ba kung ano ang magiging pakiramdam kapag nasa school ka kasama si Jesus? Malalaman mo na medyo kakaiba Siya, pero maniniwala ka ba na Siya ang Diyos? Hindi niya pinagmalaki ang katotohanan na Siya ay Diyos. kamukha ng mga Hudyo na lumaki mula sa Palestine. Nagtrabaho siya bilang karpintero.
3. He was tempted like us. Sabi sa Bible Jesus was tempted, like us, but he was without sin (Hebreo 4:14-16). Naranasan ni Jesus ang mga paghihirap na nararanasan natin, parehong mga struggles and temptations, pero hindi siya kailanman bumigay sa mga iyon. Dito mo mauunawaan na pwede talagang makarelate si Jesus sa mga temptations and struggles nga na nararanasan natin.
4. He suffered like us. Si Jesus ay nasaktan at nakadama ng frustrations. Napagod din Siya at nakaramdam ng pag-iisa. May panahon na nalungkot at umiyak Siya. Sa Getsemani, sinabi ni Jesus, "“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." (Matthew 26:38). Alam ni Jesus kung paano masaktan at ma-pressure. Si Jesus ay naging kung ano tayo, upang tayo ay maging kung ano Siya.

Ano ang dahilan bakit may Pasko? Jesus Came to Die

Hindi nanatili si Jesus sa sabsaban. Napako siya sa krus at kusang-loob na nag-alay ng kanyang buhay para sa atin. Sabi sa Bible, "He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2:8). Walang naglagay sa kanya doon nang walang pahintulot Niya. 

Bakit naman hinayaan ni Jesus na mapako Siya sa krus?

The Bible says he did it for two reasons.

First, to demonstrate God’s love. The Bible says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8). Ang motivation Ni Jesus ay love. Kung gusto mong malaman kung gaano ka kamahal ni Jesus, tumingin ka sa kanyang krus. Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." (John 15:13).

Second, to pay for our sins. Kapag lumabag ka sa batas, kailangan mong magbayad ng multa. Kapag nilabag mo ang mga batas ng Diyos, babayaran mo ang mga parusa ng Diyos. Sinasabi sa atin ng Bible na ang kabayaran ng kasalanan ay kamatayan, pero ang kaloob ng Diyos ay buhay na walang hanggan. Ang ginawa ni Jesus more than 2,000 years ago ay maaaring magkaroon ng pagbabago sa ating buhay ngayon. Maaari tayong lubusang mapatawad sa lahat ng ating nagawang kamalian o gagawin pang mga kamalian. Iyon ang dahilan ng Pasko.

The angels said, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:11 NIV) 

Jesus came to be the Savior of the world

If you didn’t need a Savior, God wouldn’t have wasted all the effort to send one. Ang mismong katotohanan na si Jesu Cristo ay naparito sa Lupa, ibinigay ang lahat ng kaluwalhatian ng Langit, naging isang tao, ipinanganak bilang isang baby, lumaki bilang isang tao na may mga struggles and temptations na katulad ng sa atin, at pagkatapos namatay sa krus at nabuhay muli ay nangangahulugan na kailangan mo talaga kung ano ang inaalok ng Diyos. Hindi Niya sasayangin ang lahat ng iyon.

Ang kaligtasan sa pamamagitan ni Hesus ay nangangahulugan ng kalayaan - kalayaan mula sa pagkakasala, pag-aalala, takot, at kawalan ng layunin sa buhay. Malaya kang mamuhay sa paraang ninais ng Diyos para sa iyo na mamuhay, at maaari kang magpahinga sa kalayaan na malaman na binigyan ka ni Jesus ng buhay na walang hanggan.

So the Cross of Christ is not the end of baby Jesus in the manger. He is alive and came on a mission to bring you home to the Father. That’s the reason for Christmas.

Ngayon, alam mo na kung ano ang tunay na kahulugan ng Pasko. 

What is your response to Him? We need to grow spiritually, in faith and assurance that we have a future in heaven. 

First, make Him the Lord of your life.

The Bible says that because Jesus was willing to walk in humility, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11).

Ano ang ibig sabihin ng maging Cristiano, maging believer, o maging saved? Ibig sabihin, “Jesus is our Lord. Kinikilala natin ang katotohanan na siya ay Diyos, naniniwala tayo na kontrolado niya ang lahat, at ipinagkakatiwala natin ang lahat sa kanya.”

Ano ang ibig sabihin ng "Jesus is the Lord of my life"?

Tinatanggap ko na si Jesus ay aking Diyos. Siya ay higit pa sa isang tao o isang propeta. Siya ang Panginoon sa aking buhay, ibig sabihin ay gagawin ko ang sinasabi niya sa akin — it is a test of our commitment to Him.

Naniniwala ako na nasa ilalim ng kontrol ni Jesus ang lahat. Ang pagsasabi ng “Jesus is my Lord” ay isang comfort and encouragement. Kahit na mukhang malabo ang lahat, Jesus is my Lord, at alam kong kontrolado Niya ang lahat. Maaaring hindi ko makita kung ano mismo ang nangyayari, but Jesus is my Lord, at kinikilala ko ang katotohanan na kontrolado Niya ang lahat. Walang nalilingat sa kanyang pangangalaga o pag-aalala dahil Jesus is my Lord. Ang sabihing "Jesus is my Lord" ay para mo na ring sinabi na I don’t know what the New Year holds, but I know who holds the future.

Ialay mo ang buong buhay mo kay Hesus. May karapatan siyang alamin kung ano ang tama sa buhay mo at ayusin ito. Gusto mong mamuhay ayon sa kanyang mga plano.

Ito ang ibig sabihin ng pagiging isang believer of Jesus Christ, “If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from death, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

Second, He is coming back. Be prepared. 

In the meantime, grow up as obedient children, hayaan nating mahubog ang ating mga sarili sa isang paraan ng pamumuhay na hinubog ng buhay ng Diyos, isang buhay na masigla at napupuspos ng kabanalan. God said, “I am holy; you be holy”’ (1 Peter 1:14-16, MSG). Tanging ang Banal na Espiritu, na nagdudulot ng bagong buhay na ito at ngayon ay nasa sa atin, ang makapagpapabanal sa atin.

Iwanan ang buhay na puno ng galit at sama ng loob at, sa halip, mamuhay tayo ng may 'tapat na pag-ibig', nagmamahal sa isa't isa ng taos-puso. Ito ang pinakalayunin ng buhay Cristiano. (1 Peter 1:19–22). 

You may feel hopeless that you are in a bad place. O kaya baka isipin mong hindi mo kayanin ang mga nangyayari sa iyo. Maaari mo ring isipin na ang mga problema mo ay napakabigat para maunawaan ng sinuman. Alalahanin mo to, Jesus is your Lord. He is in control.

Kaya ngayong pasko, "Sa Panginoon mo hanapin ang kaligayahan, at ibibigay niya sa iyo ang ninanais mo." (Psalm 37:4) 

I just want to serenade the Lord with this song. Pwede mo akong samahan sa pagsamba kay Jesus.

Silent night, holy night!

All is calm, all is bright.

Round yon Virgin, Mother, and Child.

Holy infant so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace,

Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight.

Glories stream from heaven afar

Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,

Christ the Savior is born!

Christ the Savior is born

 

Silent night, holy night!

Son of God love's pure light.

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus Lord, at Thy birth

Jesus Lord, at Thy birth

I hope you walk away from this episode feeling encouraged and inspired to be more loving as Christ did to you. Be sure to follow me on Spotify, and if this episode was helpful to you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. If someone else would enjoy it and it could help them improve their relationship with Jesus, please share it with them! And if you share on social media, the hashtag #CafeTayowithElisaCamara would be greatly appreciated!  

Merry Christmas!

In my thoughts,

Elisa