Psalms 19

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.

2 Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge.

3 There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard.

4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,

5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.

6 Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults.

13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. (NKJV)

A very beautiful psalm that reveals wonderful things that each of us must understand to help us fully appreciate our God. Verses 1-6 reveal to us the glory of God through His works. The handiwork of God reminds us of His power; that the creation did not exist from eternity that it has its beginning, it has a Creator, an eternal Creator with eternal mind, powerful, and good. The work of God is indeed perfect, that every creation speaks of the glory of our Almighty God.

Then enters verses 7-11 with even higher revelation to declare, a divine revelation. That the law of the lord is perfect, meaning it is free from all corruption and that it is profitable for our learning, to convert the soul, to bring us back to God, and to make the man of God perfect (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The testimony of the Lord is sure, we can rely to it and it will never deceive us; that it will give us clear perceptions of the divine revelations from God and the ability to think ahead of things to come. The statutes of the Lord are right; that every instruction from God are to be obeyed for it will make us right if we receive and submit to it which in turn will make our heart rejoice. The commandment of the Lord is pure, it is clear, without stain; it helps us understand the inconvenience of living in sin thus enlightening our eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, there is nothing in it that tends to defile the soul; it is to stand to all eternity. The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. Moreover, it is expressed that these revelations are to be desired more than fine gold which are earthly and destined to perish; that in keeping these divine revelations from God a great reward awaits.

The psalm was concluded by an appeal to be cleansed from secret faults, a petition to be kept from presumptuous sins, and a plea to be upright and acceptable to God. We are to pray to God to keep us away from sin and we understand that God must accept our performances; that we do not favor our sins if we expect God to favor us. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear”. (Psalms 66:18 - NKJV)

Bible Study at Minagbag, Quezon, Isabela (June 18)

We thank God for another opportunity He opened for us to preach the gospel. We thank also the Fernandez family at Minagbag who offered their house for us to have bible study with brethren and friends. We appreciate the desire of the brethren and friends for even if the time is very hot (at 2:00 in the afternoon) they all gathered at the place with their bibles and paid very close attention to our study. Brother Jay Gumpad and Rody Gumpad are the preachers at this place. Brother Jay Gumpad led the singing before we start the study, then brother Mark Daquioag led the opening prayer. I thank God for using me again this day in spreading the Gospel; I was able to teach "Christ our Savior (Acts 4:12)" to our brethren, then brother Jun Gumpad led the closing prayer.

Gospel Meeting at San Jose Church of Christ

June 15: Brethren Jun Gumpad, Jay Gumpad, Jhun Bautista, Rody Gumpad, Jerome Forelo, Dennis Yuson, and Mark Daquioag left Tuguegarao very early in the morning and took the two and a half hours travel to San Jose, Santiago City to attend the gospel meeting of our brethren there. The humble preacher of our brethren is brother Virgilio Jacob. Brother Domie Jacob preached a lesson about "Roman Catholic Church", he explained that the said church is not found in the bible and that it is not the New Testament Church. Brother Jhun Bautista preached about "The Methodist Church", he also made us understand more that the said church is not the church that Christ built. Brother Rody Gumpad then preached "The Original Church of Christ and the Modern Churches", here he explained that many are claiming that they are the tru church but the bible only speaks of one true church; that the original church is that church that was built by Christ on the first day of Pentecost at Jerusalem and that understands that their head is no other than Jesus Christ.

Lord's Day at Metro Tuguegarao Church of Christ and Alibago Church of Christ

We thank God for giving us a very fruitful and encouraging Lord's Day here at Metro Tuguegarao and at Alibago last June 14. We had two seasoned preachers who taught us in our bible study and preached in the sermon. Brother Jhun Bautista taught us in our bible study, he prepared a very good lesson about "Giving"; he emphasized how Christians are to give every Lord's Day. He taught us the manner of giving and our purpose in giving every Lord's Day. Brother Lordy prepared a very good lesson also in the sermon regarding "Does God Care When We Need Him? (The Love of God)", he made us understand more that God loved us from the very beginning and that God is always ready to extend His loving arms to every one who comes to Him. I am also very thankful to brother Lordy Salunga for helping me preach at Alibago Church of Christ. The brethren at Alibago were very thankful also in having brother Lordy in our worship there. Brother Lordy preached a very encouraging lesson entitled "One Body (Ephesians 4:4)".

Gospel Meeting at Metro Tuguegarao Church of Christ (second night)

The second night of the gospel meeting at Metro Tuguegarao Church is a very fruitful work for the Lord. We learned a lot of things from our very patient and hardworking speakers. They prepared their lessons very well and presented them very systematically for us to undersatnd it easily. Brother Lordy Salunga preached about "The Seven Year Great Tribulation and The 1000 Year Reign"; with the use of the bible he was able to explain that this such teachings were not authorized by God. Brother Jhun Bautista preached "The Second Coming of Christ". In behalf of the elders and the brethren here at Metro Tuguegarao Church we would like to give our sincere thanks to our brother lordy Salunga and brother Jhun Bautista.

Gospel Meeting at Maguirig Church of Christ

After the gospel meeting at Palca Church of Christ we took a short lunch and went straight to Maguirig, Solana for the gospel meeting of our brethren at Maguirig Church of Christ. Brother Jun Gumpad is their preacher. The invited speakers were brethren Lordy Salunga nd Jhun Bautista. Brother Lordy Salunga preached the topic about "Giving" and brother Jhun Bautista preached "One Hope (Ephesians 4:4)".

Gospel Meeting at Palca Church of Christ

June 13, 2009: A special day for our brethren at Palca Church of Christ, this is the day when they scheduled their gospel meeting. Brother Mark Daquioag is their hardworking and loving preacher. They invited brethren Lordy Salunga and Jhun Bautista as their speakers. I thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to lead the opening prayer. Brother Lordy Salunga preached first with the topic "Are There Many Churches?". Brother Jhun Bautista preached "Kahalagahan ng Pagkakaisa (Importance of Unity)".

Gospel Meeting at Metro Tuguegarao Church of Christ (first night)

After the gospel meeting at Aquib Church of Christ we immediately went straight to Metro Tuguegarao Church of Christ for the scheduled gospel meeting 6 to 8 in the evening. Brethren Lordy Salunga and Jhun Bautista were the speakers. The preachers in Metro Tuguegarao Church of Christ are brother Rody Gumpad and yours truly. The elders of Metro Tuguegarao Church of Christ are brethren Rody Gumpad, Robert Rances, and Wennie Arca. Our two speakers prepared very good lessons. Brother Lordy Salunga spoke first with the lesson "How Many Churches in the Bible?" and brother Jhun Bautista taught "The Importance of Unity".

Gospel Meeting at Aquib Church of Christ

June 12, 2009 we were invited by the brethren at Aquib church of Christ to attend their gospel meeting; brother Dennis Yuson is their preacher. I thanked the Lord very much for that very encouraging meeting; the brethren encouraged us much by their very warm hospitality and the lessons were very much encouraging. They had five (5) speakers that day. Brother Willie "Otey" Pastor preached first with his lesson about "Panagtulnog (Obedience)". Brother Otey discussed that obedience is essential in our salvation, he emphasized that faith alone is not able to lead us to salvation yet faith with works is what will lead us. Brother Jhun Bautista preached next with another interesting topic regarding "Ang Mga Mamamayan sa Impiyerno (The Citizens of Hell)". Brother Jun enumerated and discussed those who will end up living in hell at the end of time; he enumerated that Satan, worldly people, individuals not added to the body of Christ, and lukewarm Christians are some of the persons we might find in hell. The third speaker was brother Lordy Salunga and he taught us "The Resurrection of Christ". He explained to us the importance of the resurrection of Christ in our lives and emphasized that Christ was resurrected for our salvation; that if Christ was not resurrected our faith will be futile. The fourth speaker was brother Geronimo Ganela with the topic about "An Apostle Peter Hymn and Praise"; he discussed the book of 1 Peter 1:3-9 about how Peter gave praise to our Lord. The last speaker was brother Rody Gumpad who delivered a lesson about "The Second Coming of Christ". He urged us that we must be ready always for the second coming of Christ, since we do not know when it will come we must make sure that when it comes we are still inside the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Bible Study at Minagbag, Quezon, Isabela

After our bible study at the home of the family of the late brother Lorenzo Piayas we took our short lunch at the home of brother Geronimo Ganela. After partaking of the wonderful and delicious lunch that the brethren prepared for us we shared news about our lives and news about our work for the Lord, we were brothers and sisters who have not seen each other for a long time and when we saw each other treasured time and used it to enjoy each others company. After a verry happy and fruitful chat with our brethren we took the highway and head to Minagbag, Quezon, Isabela; to save time we took the shortcut but very rough road. While driving along the rough road we were able to pass by some students who walk everyday just to be able to go to school; the sun was very hot but they were very patient. After around 30 minutes of driving we were able to reach Minagbag and meet the brethren. We had some short chats with our brethren before we each led some spiritual songs for our Lord. The preachers at this area are brother Rody Gumpad and brother Jay gumpad. Brother Rody Gumpad prepared a lesson about "Truths About Christ". The brethren and friends, though the climate was very warm, were very attentive and showed much interest in the lesson presented. We thank God of the wonderful opportunities he opens for us all to preach the gospel of Christ at all times.

Bible Study at Hilltop, Tabuk

Brethren Rody Gumpad, Jay Gumpad, Reneboy Maranion, Jerome Forelo, Sherwin Miranda, and sister Tessie Gumpad left Tuguegarao very early in the morning to travel towards Hilltop, Tabuk to visit the family of brother Lorenzo Piayas who just died. We met brethren Geronimo Ganela, Gerald Ganela, Estring Ganela, Virgilio Bocarile, Eli Bocarile at Kalinga before we went to Tabuk. We arrived at the place and have to walk a little to arrive at their home. We were very happy walking and enjoyed the "mini-mountain climbing" that we experienced; brother Jay Gumpad had an even greater experience for he have to walk up and down hills and cross some creeks with his "prosthesis". After an enjoyable trek we were able to reach the place and meet the family of our late brother Lorenzo. Their we met his wife, we found out that they have four children wherein their oldest son is 10 years old and their youngest is 2 years old. We tried to comfort the family, sang songs of praise and encouragements, and brother Rody Gumpad preached to us a very good lesson about "Where Are The Dead?" Brother Rody discussed that if an infant and a faithful Christian dies it will go to Hades at the place of paradise while if a man dies a sinner or an unfaithful Christian it will also go to Hades at the place of torment. We urged every one to become a Christian and to remain faithful in serving the Lord for us to be able to receive our reward in heaven. The family were very happy and thankful for the encouragements. To you dear brother/sister who might be reading this post, I humbly ask you to please include the family of our late brother Lorenzo Piayas in your prayers.

Love... in Deed and in Truth

Love is a special part of our lives; it seasons our lives and gives great meaning in our dealing with others. Since love plays a vital part in our lives we are reminded by John to love not in word or in tongue but to love in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18). “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - NKJV)”. In these verses Paul is trying to present the nature of love and at the same time showing us a concrete example on how we should understand love and how it should be manifested towards others.

As Christians, we are to understand that we have to properly exercise love. The moment that we obeyed the gospel of Christ, we are to love the gospel of Christ in deed and in truth. Apostle Paul urges us to have our conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, that we continue to stand fast in one spirit and continually strive for the faith of the gospel; and we are to do this for we love the gospel of Christ, we do this at all times (Philippians 1:27). We love the gospel that we obeyed in deed and in truth and not in word or tongue.

We study the bible and continually study it because we love the bible in deed and in truth. The bible contains the golden words of our Savior Jesus Christ, it contains answers to our questions, in it we find the things that we must do for us to be able to achieve salvation and not to fall into everlasting punishment. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 - NKJV)”. Let us imitate the Bereans in that “…they received the word with all readiness and searched the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11)”.

You love God, I love God, we all love God… we are to love God in deed and in truth. God created everything, He is our Creator, He is our redeemer, and He is the God that gave His only begotten Son (Exodus 20:11; Hebrews 11:3; Genesis 1:26-27; Galatians 4:4-5; John 3:16). God deserves to be loved in deed and in truth. “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. (Revelation 22:14 - NKJV)”.

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9 - NKJV)”. Let love be sincere and genuine. Let not love be in words only but let it be manifested in deed and in truth.