One of the first things that Bro Eli Soriano and Bro Daniel Razon tell newly-baptized brethren in Members of the Church of God International is to ask God to teach us how to count the number of days in our lives. It is stated in Psalms 90:12 (KJV)

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Bro Eli taught us that we should know how to count the days we are inside the flock. He shows us the importance of a day inside the Church compared to a thousand days outside. He read to us the verse in Psalms 84:10

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Today, February 4^th of 2012, marks the 2556.75th^th day of my wife inside the congregation. I thank God for giving my wife such number of days in His flock. These are the days that my wife has remained firmly with her faith with His help. 2556.75 days in the courts; days that I personally saw and felt the mercy and love of God for my wife.

May God continuously give my wife fruitful days inside the Church. Thank You for the days You have given my wife.

It was like a scene from a movie.

Just this morning, me and my wife witness a thief caught by a police. It was like an action scene from a movie. The police, wearing a civilian clothes, parked his motorcycle behind a bus. The bus was unloading passengers at that time. The police stood behind the bus, patiently waiting for the thief to strike. Then the police pulled out his gun from his jacket then ran and nabbed the thief. The thief was caught in the act. The brave police man pointed his gun to the thief, marking the end of the thief’s evildoing.

At first we got scared because the thief might run to our direction and a gun fight might start. Thank God for taking care of us, as well as the police and other civilians in the area. This is the second time that I saw the same incident (live!). The first was during my college days. I am thankful it did not get worse.

With what had happened, I suddenly recalled what Bro Eli Soriano taught us how a law officer should be. He said that authorities should be a terror or a threat to the evildoers as stated in Rom 13:3 (KJV)

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

Good thing that in our times even though there are corrupt officials, there are still those that remain faithful to their sworn duties. I salute you, mister brave police man!

(NOTE: this is not the actual photo. This is a photo of the police forces I took when they joined a marathon for the benefits of Philippine education. See story here.)

Once again, Kuya (big brother in tagalog) Daniel Razon proved that any good deed will not yield bad results.

Kahit Isang Araw Lang Unity Run (Just One Day Unity Run) which was held on January 22, 2012 aims to provide computer laboratories to selected public schools in the Philippines. The unity run was organized in seven different points in the Philippines: 2 in Luzon, 3 in Visayas, and 2 in Mindanao. Not only that, despite the time zone differences, Unity Run was also held in different parts of the world. There are runners in Europe, Asia, South America, and North America. This is a sign that everyone all over the world are ready to support the noble cause for our poor yet deserving students.

With God’s help, the event was successful. Not only in the number of registrations gathered but also it has earned enough for the DepEd’s (Department of Education) Adopt-a-School project. Runners also include our police force and different sectors of the Philippine Army, which only shows that they value education. Students from different levels and schools (both public and private) also participated. Check this link to see other runners all over the world.

Just for one day, The Philippines and other countries ran for the benefit of Filipino students. Just for one day, Daniel Razon’s advocacy has given everyone all over the world a chance to support the education sector. Just for one day, everybody from different government and private sectors was united for the improvement of public schools. Just for one day, the whole world ran for education!

All of this, with God’s help, Just for one day!

Strawberries and Deep Fried Pork Mesentery (commonly called in the Philippines as “chicharon bulaklak”). Mouth-watering and irresistible. Tempting to the eyes and taste buds, no one can just walk away without having a bite. Both are delicious, yet have a different result in the human body. The former is a good source of vitamin C and flavonoids while the latter is a high source of cholesterol.

Whenever I see these on one table, I always remember what Bro. Eli Soriano always teach us. He says that religions are like foods, most will look delicious on the surface but they will be a poison for our soul. We should know how to taste what we hear from preachers, pastors, priests, etc. We must not just consume easily what are given to us. Just like what is stated in Job 12:11

Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat?

Before we got baptized in the Church of God, Bro Eli taught us to taste what we hear from different religions. We should be sure of what we are ingesting especially when it comes for the soul and salvation. It will be very fatal for all of us if all we eat are high in cholesterol.

I am thankful that Bro Eli and Bro Daniel Razon, with God’s help, has put up many ways for us to taste the words being preached by religions. They have a twice a month bible exposition, both locally and internationally. People can ask questions about faith and get answers directly from the bible. And now, they have started the marathon bible exposition that runs for 12 straight hours. Everyone now has a chance to know the nutritional value of what they are eating!

With this, I am inviting everyone to have a dinner with us and taste the preaching of Bro Eli and Bro Daniel. They have set up a lot of locations to accommodate everyone. Of course, literal foods will be served for our hungry tummies. We hope to see you there God willing.

Bon Appétit!

There a lot of things to smile about. Especially after the 3 days International Thanksgiving of the Members of Church of God International or MCGI. Bro. Eli Soriano and Bro. Daniel Razon has thought the brethren 6 topics in the 3-day feast. Bro. Eli first reminded the brethren that before we offer thanksgiving to God, we should have forgiven all those who have wronged us as stated in Mat 5:23-24 (KJV).

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee;

Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

This gives another reason for us to smile as brethren were eased from the burdens in their hearts. As the 3-day thanksgiving goes on, Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel thought brethren about the conscience and its importance to salvation. This again put a smile on the brethren’s face as they have learned the importance of why and how to keep the conscience blameless in front of God and men. Bro Eli and Bro Daniel ended the third day with the topic that gave a big big smile to everyone. It is about how a person understands the mysteries of the bible, and they even reveal the mystery of the blood of Christ. The brethren, although tired, still have their big smile in their faces because of the 3-day gift God has given them.

There are a lot of reasons to smile for in 2011. Thanks be to God for all His unspeakable gifts that put the smiles in our face and hearts!