If there is one thing I appreciate about conflicts, it is that they oftentimes expose a part of ourselves that requires improvement, other than solving the issue at hand. It is as if God is using these conflicts so we can talk about Him more and refine ourselves in the process.
Conflicts and confrontations are a part of our lives, whether we’re at home, at work, in school, or anywhere else where we have to deal with different kinds of people. And while conflicts sometimes don’t get resolved the way we wanted them to be, it is my prayer that we get to uphold what Scripture says about conflict resolution:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18
God views relationships as sacred. I believe most of what the Bible talks about is centered on how to live with the people around us, which is reflective of His commandments.
So, when there is a debate about God, instead of us viewing it as an attack against Christianity or our faith, I think it’s best to see it as God creating an opportunity for people to know Him more. If you’ll ask, but what if the name of the Lord is being used in vain during the controversy? That is how most of us would see it.
But what if for God, it’s the other way around? What if God is using it so more “seeds” will be planted because more people are now curious as to who God really is, His nature, how He moves in people’s lives, and how He uses every person, every situation for His glory and for His kingdom. We just can’t see the bigger picture and how one controversy plays out in His much bigger plan.
Because again, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” – Isaiah 55:8
How people will receive God is not our goal. It is our only duty to share the Word of God, and how people will receive it will be between them and God. I think we can liken it to the Parable of the Sower. We are the sowers, and there will be different types of soil, and only God knows which of the seeds will grow and become fruitful.
So, this is my praise report for this week – a realization. 😀 Nothing grand, nothing highfalutin, just a simple “Eureka!” moment. And because it’s the weekend, here are some of the movies I’ve watched on Netflix that I think should make it to your “must-watch” list. Don’t worry, I won’t be making a critical analysis of the movies here.
The first movie is an adaptation of the love story of Ruth and Boaz in the Bible. We all know the story – how love started with sparks and tragedy.
And the second one is A House of Dynamite, which is about the US government’s response to a nuclear attack. The writer did a very good job in creating the storyline by presenting it in 3 different angles or POVs. And yep, no spoiler alert, as promised. 😀
P.S.
I really think I left my heart in Mt. Mayon when I touched its soil during our ATV trail adventure last year. Because I keep receiving NDRRMC emergency alerts, though Bulan is 113 kms away from Daraga.
Out of curiosity, I asked my sister and Dad if they are receiving these emergency alerts, too, and they said no. Okay, so it’s just me. Why me, Mt. Mayon? 🤔
I hope I am not the reincarnation of Daragang Magayon (Christians don’t believe in reincarnation, just mentioned it for literary purposes only 😀 ). Because if I am, then most definitely I am going to change the narrative to a happy ending because I hate romantic tragedies.
Kaya puro 3 ang grades ko sa mga major subjects ko noong undergrad (I was a literature major) kasi tinutulugan ko sa klase ‘yang mga romantic tragedies. lol
But, thankfully, my reality isn’t as tragic, and I am praying it won’t be. I have faith in that. 🙏 I am also a feminist, so yes, it will be a woman warrior who wins this time.
A couple of weeks ago, I also noticed my device’s location was in Daraga and sometimes in Legazpi. That went on for a couple of weeks, though it is now set in Bulan. But I still receive the NDRRMC emergency alerts until now, which I actually appreciate because I don’t have to research Mt. Mayon’s status on a daily basis. This way I receive consistent updates, so I can include the communities near Mt. Mayon in my prayers.
Bagan sige an rimongdimong san ako kalag sa Albay. Pag-uli na baya tabi. Kaya pala lutang ako noong mga nakaraang araw. 😂
Speaking of 113, a thought just came to my mind, and I wondered if now is the right time to take L113. If you’re wondering what it is, here’s a brief overview:
I’ve had a lot of Victory Bible study group leaders, by the way, since I’ve been attending different Victory churches depending on the season I’m in and where God is calling me to be. Some of my VG leaders before were encouraging me to attend one, and I hesitated because I felt like I wasn’t qualified yet at that time.
I’ve been praying to God if this is now the perfect time to go through L113, and I plan to attend one in Victory BGC, if God wills it, when I go back to Manila. Victory Naga also offers L113, but it’s too far from our town.
Speaking of church ministry, if you’re single and connected to one, you might relate to the following memes:
Before courtship…
When you finally got her…
P.P.S.
Here’s something cat-lovin’ and fun-lovin’ to jumpstart your weekend vibe. 😉
If you haven’t followed “The Kiffness” on Facebook yet, you are missing out on extraordinary music. Check out one of his videos below:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/868120825632377
Let’s pretend I did not see you laughing out loud (because I can’t), but I know you did. Happy Weekend! ❤
The Journeyman's Moments 