Here I Come!!!

From Bro. Elijah Abanto (BDJ Editor): Hey, brothers! You know, I need to leave some duties now. God is opening a new opportunity of serving Him, and that means leaving the position of editing this wonderful blogging ministry in the web. What does that mean? BDJ will end blogging? No, no, no, quite the opposite. It will be more given time to, now that this ministry is given to a great sister in Christ: Ella May Calderon. She's one of the most active members of our church, a Bible student, and loves to serve the Lord--and willing to do this ministry for you. So welcome her, with these words from this young lady in Christ:
             "I thank and praise the Lord for giving me this another opportunity to serve Him. I admit that I'm not really that good, but by His grace, I know I can do it...ofcourse, with a little help from Bro. Elijah...
             "Please continue to support and pray for this wonderful ministry."

Partners for Life

by Sis. Olivia E. Abanto

           Being a "Partner for Life" is a big committment. It means to set yourself to a life-long companionship with an individual or a particular group. Is it reallly understood by each one who mare making these promise?
           A man and a woman claiming to be in love gave this kind of promise to each other. Not thinking of the problems and hardships they may face, as said by their parents, made their promise to each other.
           But even though the very experiences of the persons closest to me, I have proven that it is really easy to make a promise but it is really hard to keep it.
           I have noticed a number of reasons based on experiences I have come through in this life. Willing to experience the instant happiness but not giving enough time to understand what responsibility they will enter to, this promise fails to be kept.
           The thought that the burst of burning emotion will not ever change is also a reason why this promise doesn't last.
           The deep meaning of this promise is not understood that this is not a promise to individuals or any group but most of all it is a promise to God. It is really sad to admit that most of those that make this promise have no strong stance to keep it. Much more when it is proven to be really hard, that this to whom I made a promise is not worthy, or those around me doesn't agree nor help to fulfill it. As I have said, this is a promise, most of all, to God.
            According to James 5:12 "let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay," and in Numbers 30:2, do not make a promise you can't keep, because God will not tolerate your failure to keep it. That's why I can say that and understand that this really is a heavy decision.
            We may have many reasons which seem to be acceptable, that's why we don't fulfill our promise, but I believe it's not with God because He gave His Word. Even He Himself promised eternal communion and help to us (Heb. 11:3) and this, He doesn't take for granted, given we are not worthy, our emotion toward Him changes, and our understanding of His Word and will is weak and ignorant--but still remains His fulfillment.
            This serves as God's reminder to me regarding to this aspect of my life. By grace, mercy and strength of the Lord that He continually gives, I will continue loving Him and  following His commands. I will fear and will avoid neglecting the promises and committments of partnership with every individual and group. We can do it by the Lord's grace. Let's recommit ourselves while there is life. 

What the Left Hand is Doing

By Ruth Bell Graham

            "He doesn't want his right hand to know that his left hand is doing nothing," a friend said of a stingy relative, wryly reversing Jesus' advice to not let the left hand know what the right is doing.
            Those who have affected my life most deeply for good have seldom, if ever, been aware of the fact. On the other hand, people who think themselves a blessing seldom are.
            Jesus told us in Matthew 25 that at the final judgment, He will seperate the people one from another as a shepherd would divide his sheep and goats, sending the sheep on the right and the goats to the left.
           "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you," He will say to the sheep. "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me." (Matthew 25:34-36, KJV)
           But to the goats He will say the opposite, commanding, "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41, KJV). The goats will have ignored His every need, which, He explained, are the needs of the least of His brethren.
           Those who minister to His needs are as unaware of their goodness and kindness as those who are indifferent are unaware of their indifference.
           Perhaps this is why Jesus warned against giving alms before men. And not letting your right hand know what the left is doing.

Taken from Decision magazine, June 2005. All rights reserved.         

The Editor The Importance of Rest

            This week of our finals on Bible School, after that, Micah and I went home. I'm already tired, because of all I did on Bible School. On the bus, Instead of sleeping , I watched the movie because I know it's a good one. We're already on the half of the trip when it ended, but still I did not sleep-- I observed the surroundings. Until we reached Trece, and got off the bus. I thought about what Mommy said that she will be the one to print the publications so I can rest, but instead I told Micah to go home,thinking, "It's almost vacation,--I'll just do it again." It was just fine, but when I left and rode on a jeepney, rain suddenly fell.. Until I got off the jeepney light rains are still falling. I have no umbrella so I just walked hurriedly. Good thing, I  reached home in good condition. I still have enough time to rest, but instead, I chatted with Ate Abigail.--and it was fun. After that, I prepared my preaching for the prayer meeting that night, and it was fine. The prayer meeting went well and I have taught well. Maybe it was about 10:30 when I slept.
            The next day, I couldn't get up. My head ached, and it seems that I would catch asthma. And so it happened. I couldn't  help but rest all day, save a little time for reading.
            Saturday, I forced myself to have Good News classes, but about 10 that morning, I fell very ill again. When I got home, I couldn't almost attend the choir practice. Then I realized--I must rest. We also need to rest?! Yes, my brethren. Even God created a Sabbath Day-- why can't we, right? Because, whether you like it, or not, He will let you rest--to prepare you for a  greater Work.