AKALA KO

Akala ko hindi ako makakapagtapos sa pag-aaral dahil mahirap lang kami. Pero dahil si Hesus ang naging kayamanan ko. Nakapagtapos ako.

Akala ko hindi ko kayang makipagsabayan sa mga katrabaho ko. Ngunit ang Diyos ang aking naging kalakasan. Natutunan ko na hindi ko kailangang makipagkumpetensya sa iba, bagkus ay gawin ang trabaho para sa ikalulugod Niya.

Akala ko hindi ko kayang kumausap ng mga taong hindi ko kakilala. Pero sa kabagligtaran nito, nakapag-share na ako sa mga pulubi, sa iba na bago ko lamang nakasama - mga taong kailangan din ang Panginoon gaya ko noong una.

Akala ko hindi ko kayang humarap at magsalita sa harap ng maraming tao. Pero kaya ko palang tumayo sa harap nila para ipatotoo ang kabutihan ng Panginoon sa buhay ko.

Akala ko hindi ko kaya. Pero KAYA KO pala! Sapagkat tunay na ang Kanyang kapangyarihan ay lubos na nahahayag sa aking mga kahinaan.

Kaya kung may pinapagawa ang Panginoon sa iyo, gaya ko maaring mag-alinlangan kayo. Pero sumunod ka lang pagkat si Lord ang bahala sa iyo. Hindi man ganun kadali pero sinisiguro ko, sapat ang tulong na ibibigay ng Panginoon sayo. PUSH lang!

5 STEPS IN TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION:

1. PAUSE

“Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” - Proverbs 19:2

Avoid making fast decisions. Just pause, get the facts and examine all the possible outcome of all the options that you have in front.

2. READ

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”- Psalms 119:105.

When facing a decision get God’s wisdom. Seek what His word has to say on it.

3. ASK

“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed” – Proverbs 15:22

Get advice from reliable sources. That could be a Pastor, leaders or a friend.

4. YIELD

“Not my will, but your be done” – Luke 22:42

Jesus spoke those words to give us the principle to follow that our will needs to yield to God’s will. God’s direction is always the best direction.

5. PRAY

“Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

When doing the steps 1 to 4, don’t forget to PRAY.

~Hayag

He Lives in You! - ROLC 29th Anniversary

The people were filled with joy and a grateful heart for the unending faithfulness of the Lord as River of Life Cainta Church celebrated its 29th Founding Anniversary with a theme "He lives in you" at ROLC Church, September 23.

An Opening Tambourine Dance Number

(Karen Kate Tagupa, Camilla Vargas, 

Shaina Mae Alarcon, Eleonor Datangel, 

Michelle Salanguste, Frexie Jane Hermosa)

Invocation led by Merrylyn Vargas

(Keyboardist: Grace Anna Elicano)

Praise & Worship led by 

Tess Elicano

Back Up Singers: Marilou Chaneco, Joji lyn Bangonon

Keyboardist: Grace Anna Elicano

Lead Guitarist: Joshua Castillo

Bassist: James Gallardo

Drummer: Reymhel Alvarado

Masters of Ceremony: 

James & Joanne Gallardo

Elder Raul sharing the brief

history of River of Life

Cainta Church

Pastor Jeffrey Datangel's 

preaching about the church 

anniversary's theme:

"He Lives in You!" 

(C) James N. Gallardo

Women's Team dance number 

(From left to right: Lanie Huervas, Beanne Peras, 

Antonette Macalma, Marita Pasion, Estelita Lirazan,  

Elenita Javier, Rizalyn Javier, Tess Datangel, 

Dhel Canares, Marilou Solayao, Flor Ramos, Evelyn Ruel)

Sunday School Kids during their 

dance number - Unstoppable God

Patricia Ruth Elicano singing her

composition for the Lord

(c) ROLC Multimedia Team

Men's Ministry in their 

"We Love You Jesus"

Dance presentation

(From left to right: Jeff Achazo, Verlyn Manalo,

Sherwin Tocante, Eric Siarot, Jeffrey Datangel, 

Joshua Castillo, Ricky Chaneco, Joshua Alarcon,

Macky Bronola)

Food by Casa Palasyo Catering

(Hickory Pork in Honey Lemon, Fish Tempura, Spaghetti,

Steamed Rice, Fruit Salad, Iced Tea)

(c) James Gallardo

Cupcakes by Antonette Macalma

(c) James Gallardo

Picture Taking:

Tambourine Girls

(Karen Kate Tagupa, Shaina Mae Alarcon

Michelle Salanguste, Eleonor Datangel, 

Frexie Jane Hermosa Camilla Vargas

Women's Ministry

(Erma Pariscal, Antonette Macalma, Maricris Peruelo, 

Flor Ramos, Estelita Lirazan, Dhel Canares

Beanne Peras, Lanie Huervas, Elenita Javier, 

Marita Pasion, Marilou Solayao, Rizalyn Javier, Daisy Vargas)

Sunday School Teachers

(Juana Tanquion, Karen Tagupa, Marilou Chaneco, 

Camilla Vargas, Sharina Tocante,Shaina Mae Alarcon)

Youth Rapids

The Multimedia Team

(Juana Tanquion, Patricia Ruth Elicano, Eleonor Datangel,

Frexie Jane Hermosa, Daniel Cordial)

Housekeeping Ministry

(Bhea Lynn Javier, Brenda Javier, Eleonor Datangel,

Sharina Mae Tocante, Eric Siarot, Macky Bronola, 

Joshua Castillo, John Verlyn Manalo)

Hayag Team

(Grace Anna Elicano, Rachel Alvarado, Merrlyn Vargas,

John Lloyd Gutierrez, Joshua Castillo, Joshua Alarcon)

Couples Ministry

Worship Team

(Jeffrey Datangel, Joshua Alarcon, Michelle Salanguste, 

Grace Adricula, Marilou Chaneco, Juana Tanquion, 

Migs Vargas, Joji Lyn Bangonon, Merrylyn Vargas,

Grace Elicano, Ricky Chaneco, Shaina Mae Alarcon, 

Sharina Mae Tocante, Reymhel Alvarado,

John Verlyn Manalo, Joshua Castillo)

The Sunday School Kids

Youth Leaders

(Grace Elicano, Joshua Alarcon, Michelle Salanguste)

The Girls Team

(Merrlyn Vargas, Camilla Vargas, Frexie Jane Hermosa, 

Michelle Salanguste, Richel Golfo, Shaina Mae Alarcon, 

Karen Kate Tagupa, Jauan Tanquion, Anna Seno,

Sharina Mae Tocante, Bhea Lynn Javier, 

Brenda Javier, Rachel Alvarado)

Men's Ministry

(Raymond Dela Serna, Jeff Achazo, Reymhel Alvarado, 

Daniel Cordial, Joshua Alarcon, Eric Siarot, 

Macky Bronola, John Lloyd Gutierrez, Verlyn Manalo, 

Sherwin Tocante, Arpee Pariscal, Jojo Javier, 

Jeffrey Datangel, Lionel Marcelino, 

Ricky Chaneco, Migs Vargas)

The River of Life Cainta

Church Family! <3

It's All About Jesus!

Reaction Video:

John Verlyn Manalo reaction video 

on ROLC 29th Anniversary

BITTERNESS

By: Haggai

Alalahanin mo na ang patuloy na pagkakaroon ng kapaitan sa iyong puso na dulot ng mga taong nakasakit sa’yo ay maaring lumason sa iyong kaisipan at pagkatao. Alalahanin mo rin na isa lamang ang gamot sa kapaitang ito – Ang PAGPAPATAWAD. Magdesisyon ka na huwag hayaan ang mga taong nakasakit sa’yo noon ay patuloy na kontrolin ang iyong buhay at magdulot na mapalayo ka sa Diyos. Isipin mo ang lahat ng bagay na pinatawad ng Panginoon sa’yo at hayaan mong ang iyong pagpapasalamat at pagmamahal sa Kanya ang magtulak sa iyo na sumunod sa Kanyang utos na magpatawad din sa iba. Maging bukas ka sa pagpapatawad kahit na paulit-ulit ang pananakit ng iba sayo, o kahit na hindi sila humihingi ng tawad sa iyo, o di kaya’y ayaw nilang makipag-ayos sa iyo.

Ang pagpapatawad ay hindi patungkol sa kung anong tingin mong makatarungan – ito ay patungkol sa pagsunod at pagiging tapat sa Diyos. Huwag mo na ring hintayin ang panahon na kung saan ay “feel” mo nang magpatawad sapagkat maaring hindi dumating iyon. Sa halip, MAGDESISYON ka na gawin ito at magtiwala na tutulungan ka ng Panginoon. Asahan mo rin na ang Diyos ang mag-aalis ng lahat ng kapaitan sa iyong buhay sa oras na gawin mo ito.

“Magpatawad kayo sa isa't isa tulad ng pagpapatawad sa inyo ng Diyos dahil kay Cristo.” - Efeso 4:32

ACCEPTING HIM IS NEVER THE END

By: Jonah

Every Christian has his own story of how he met God and how extraordinary he felt afterward and felt that everything has changed but there might be questions afterward. What will happen next after I accepted Him? Was that it? Should I be satisfied by the fact that I have Him now in my life? Should I move on now and do something else?

Imagine yourself in a desert with nothing to eat, to drink or a place to rest. Just when you were about to give up, someone appeared in front of you holding a glass of cold water. After drinking that water you felt refreshed and filled with a new hope. After drinking that glass of cold water, what are you now supposed to do? Will you run around feeling so refreshed? Ask for more water? Worry what to do next?

Why bother about the problems when you can ask the person who gave you the glass of cold water who is right in front of you. I guess that's the first step in strengthening yourself. People often ask questions with answers right in front of them. Why were you in the desert in the first place? We tend to find our happiness in the world and in the places that we thought were our "destiny". We tend to engage ourselves in journeys and believe that we write our own destiny. Just like the urge to eat when you are hungry, you can never escape God's calling. Whatever you do to stop that urge, your tummy will rumble. God will never stop till He places you in your proper place. BUT it will never happen until you learn to accept and admit that you can never rule yourself because He is already in control.

We should never be satisfied in serving God because there will be plenty of things to accomplish, a lot of obstacles to destroy and a lot of deeper understanding on where He is pointing you. God created us different from one another so He gave each of us a different set of gifts. Sure some may both be under the same ministry but the feet cannot hold things and the hands cannot run. We cannot assume that a certain number of people can accomplish the task that God has given under that ministry because we need to help each other not only as a church but as a family. We cannot assume to be a leader if we hesitate to be a follower. We cannot just be Christians and be satisfied with it, so satisfied that we just sit down and watch from afar how great God uses those He appointed. The leaders need to teach the new generation and someday that generation will prepare the next. Don't you want to be a part of this process and see what God has prepared for us in the end? God doesn't want us to be stuck in a desert because of our so called journeys to finding and understanding ourselves. He had created for us a place in His ministry to serve Him and understand the true meaning of happiness.

So as the saying says “walang forever”, yes, there is no end to a life with God.

Have a Break, Have Jesus!

By: Haggai

In a world that is full of “Ayoko na! Pagod na ako”, all you need is to have a rest in Jesus.

Yung feeling na sobrang pagod ka, sobrang disappointed ka, at lahat ng pressure nagsabay-sabay sa work, sa school at sa ministry. Tapos sabayan pa ng mga messages na talagang magpapahiwalay ng kaluluwa mo sa katawan mo. 

Yung feeling na di ka pwede magpakita na napanghihinaan ka na ng loob dahil mapanghihinaan na rin ng loob yung mga tinuturuan mo.. Yung kailangan mo silang i-encourage kahit ikaw mismo, sobrang discourage na…

Yes! We feel you! We feel the same things as yours! 

Pero yung highlight sa lahat ng yun ay yung matutunan mong lumapit pa rin kay Lord sa kabila ng kahirapan. 

Yung matutunan mong magpatuloy kahit gusto na ng lahat huminto.

Yung matutunan mong magtiis kahit ayaw na ng lahat.

Sabi nga ni Lord sa Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Tinanggap nyo si Christ para makaisa S’ya kasama ng kanyang kapangyarihan upang sa mga panahon na sobrang bigat ng problema ay hindi ka mag-iisa. Hihilain mo yun ng kasama ang Diyos na makapangyarihan sa lahat. Kaya nga di ba, kahit anung bigat ng problema basta kasama si Lord parang gumagaan.

TIPS TO SURVIVE IN YOUR ACADS

1. Start with a grateful heart.

Maraming tao ang hindi nabibigyan ng chance na makapag-aral kaya dapat ipagpasalamat mo kay Lord na nakakapag-aral ka. Jesus came that we may have life, and have to the full (John 10:10). Having an education is one way for you to live a full life. It offers a lot of opportunities. Kaya bago ka mag-review para sa exam, pasalamatan mo si Lord. Bago ka magsagot sa exam, pasalamatan mo si Lord. Bago ka ma-traffic sa umaga papasok sa school, pasalamatan mo si Lord. Kasi yung iba, pinapanalangin pa lang na maranasan din nila ang mga bagay na yun. Be thankful. Don't take school for granted.

2. Embrace the hardship.

Dapat willing kang mahirapan. Dapat willing kang ma-haggard. There will always be difficult situations habang nag-aaral ka. Wag ka mag-expect na laging petiks lang. Nothing worth having comes easy. Mahihirap na exams, research, reporting, minor subjects na pa-major, financial problems, family problems, di ka crush ng crush mo, ang dami mong pimples, etc. Lahat ng yan pagdadaanan mo, pero hindi ka dapat panghinaan ng loob. Hindi mo dapat isipin na hindi mo kaya dahil hindi ka mag-isa na haharap sa lahat ng yan. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

3. Strive for excellence.

Excellence doesn't always mean being the best among the rest. Sometimes, excellence means being a better you. Hindi mo dapat ikumpara ang sarili mo sa iba dahil iba-iba ang landas na inihanda ni Lord para sa atin. We are all intelligent and talented in different ways. We will bloom at our own time, at our own pace. So dapat gawin mo yung best mo. Do not settle for "pwede na". Start from the most basic things. Do not be late in class, do not be absent, take notes. And in striving to be a better version of yourself, do not be afraid to fail. It only becomes a failure when you don't learn from it. So win or learn; never lose. Don't let fear of failure stop you from being the victorious person God called you to be. For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

4. Be a person of integrity.

Maraming estudyante ang tamad mag-aral pero ayaw bumagsak, kaya nandadaya na lang sila. The truth is, exam is not a measure of intelligence but a measure of character. Dito masusukat ang iyong paninindigan bilang tao. Kung hindi ka nakapag-aral sa isang exam at alam mong hindi ka makakasagot, face the consequence. 'Wag mo nang dayain ang sarili mo. Be humble enough to accept na posibleng bumagsak ka at bumawi ka na lang sa susunod. It's better to have an honest zero than a stolen 100. Maniwala ka na kaya mo ring magtagumpay nang hindi nandadaya. Nakikita ni Lord ang mga ginagawa mo at hindi Niya kalooban na gumawa ka ng bagay na hindi makabubuti sayo. Gusto Niya na maging deserving ka sa bawat tagumpay at blessings na ibibigay Niya sayo. Bigyang-halaga ninyo ang kaharian ng Diyos at ang pamumuhay ng ayon sa kanyang kalooban, at ibibigay niya sa inyo ang lahat ng mga bagay na ito (Mateo 6:33).

5. Lastly, let God be God.

Kapag dumating sa point na sobrang hirap na ng mga bagay para sayo, nawawalan ka na ng pag-asa at hindi mo na naiintindihan ang mga nangyayari, let God be God. Trust on who God is. He who is all powerful. He who is all knowing. He who is faithful. He who loves you. Magbago man ang sitwasyon, magbago ka man, si Hesus, hindi magbabago ang pagmamahal Niya sayo. Kahit sarili Niyang buhay ibinigay Niya para iligtas ka sa mga kasalanan mo. What makes you think na hindi ka Niya ililigtas sa mahirap na sitwasyon mo ngayon? When you focus on who God is and allow Him to be the Lord and Savior of your life, you will have the freedom to live out His wonderful plans for you. You will have that confidence that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

~Mr. Single but not yet ready to Mingle

#iHayagMo

PAANO MAKINIG SA BOSES NG PANGINOON?

1. Manalangin  at Asamin na marinig ang Kanyang Boses. Dito nagsisimula ang lahat kapatid! Naisin mo na marinig ang Panginoon. Paano? Simulan mo sa panalangin at pagbabasa ng Kanyang salita. Sa pamamagitan nito ay mangungusap sa’yo ang Panginoon.

2. ALISIN LAHAT NG BALAKID:

                - Unforgiveness?

                - Mga tagong kasalanan?

                - Maling motibo?

                - Pagmamahal sa ibang bagay higit sa Diyos?

Hindi ito collectibles kapatid! Wag mo isama to sa mga collections mo. Kaya kung isa man sa itaas o lahat ay meron ka, alam na! Repent! Ask God for forgiveness!

3. MATUTONG MAKINIG. Napakadaling magsalita at sabihin sa Diyos lahat ng ating mga panalangin pero napakahirap makinig sa Kanyang mga sasabihin. Kailangan nito ng ibayong training at disiplina! Kailangan nating matutunang isara ang ating pandinig sa iba pang boses at buksan ito sa boses ng Panginoon. Parang ganito yan eh:

                GOD’s VOICE vs. DEVIL’s VOICE vs. YOUR VOICE

4. MAGING MATIYAGA. Kumalma ka kasi! Ganun talaga kapatid! Darating yung mga panahon na kailangan nating maghintay sa sasabihin ng Diyos. Hindi lahat instant! Tinuturuan tayo ng Lord minsan na maghintay kaya tiyaga-tiyaga lang.

5. MAGING HUMBLE. Alam ko namang pabibo ka at pabida minsan. Pero kapatid, requirement sa pakikinig sa Diyos ang pagkakaroon ng humble heart. Wala tayo sa posisyon para mag-demand ng kung anu-ano. Gayunpaman, maari tayong humingi, maghanap at kumatok at tiyak na tutugunin tayo ng Diyos. Just be humble.  (oh mahirap to)

6. MANIWALA KA. Kailangan mong maniwala! Bakit? LOGIC! Kung gusto mong magsalita ang Panginoon sa iyo kailangan mong maniwala at magtiwala na mangungusap Siya sayo. Through Christ, believe in the power of His Holy Spirit. Nais ng Diyos ng kausapin ka araw-araw, maniwala ka!

7. TANDAAN MO NA MAHAL KA NG PANGINOON. Nais ng Diyos na mapabuti ka at yun ang katotohanan. Kaya sa panahon na nahihirapan kang marinig Siya at feeling mo ang layo layo N’ya, alalahanin mo lang na MAHAL KA NIYA. At  nais ka N’yang tulungan kahit sa maliliit na area ng life mo. Kaya sabi sa bible: “In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will  direct your path” (Proverbs 3:6). Kahit feeling mo tahimik Sya minsan, hindi pa rin magbabago ang kanyang pagmamahal. Magtiwala ka lang.

PS: It’s never God who is not speaking but it’s us who are not hearing. Maniwala ka na kinakausap ka na ng Diyos ngayon kaya simulan mo nang makinig sa Kanya!

~J

#iHayagMo

DO NOT COMPARE

“Hindi ko kayang gawin to, hindi ako kasing galing ni ano..”

“10 years ago ganito kadami nagawa nila eh..”

DEAR YOUNG WORKERS OF THE LORD,

A friendly reminder…

Hindi nyo kailangang i-compare ang mga sarili nyo sa mga nagawa ng mga leaders nyo o ng mga naunang workers sa inyo. Your generation is very unique because you are uniquely created by God! Meron kayong ibang set of talents, gifting, at strengths. Ang Key dito is tanungin si God what He has for you in this season at kung ano yung gusto Niyang mangyari na babangga sa character, heart and giftings nyo. Be fully dependent on Him not on the past or to others.

PS: PRAYER is the key, kaya tigilan na ang pagpapanggap at totoong manalangin.

#Hayag

TIPS IN FINDING YOUR TOTGA (The One That God Allowed)

Paano mo nga ba masasabi na He/She is the one? Mayroon nga bang right person for someone? Maraming principles at guidelines na binigay si Lord pagdating sa panliligaw at paghahanap ng “the one”.

1. Do not be yoked with someone who is not believer.  Sa tagalog, wag ka daw makipamatok sa di mananampalataya!

2. DON’T FOCUS ON PHYSICAL APPEARANCE. Gusto natin gwapo, maputi, matangkad, at marami pang iba. Ang problema, pano na kapag hindi naman yun ang magiging asawa mo, ‘di ba? For me, ito yung mga standards na hindi naman masyadong importante. In the future kasi, magbabago rin yan, kukulubot, papangit. Pero hindi ibig sabihin that your spouse would love you less.

3. LOVE IS A DECISION. Love is not a feeling, although part ito, but ultimately love is a decision. Tulad kung paano tayo minahal ni Lord, it was a decision. Sabi nga sa Romans 5:8 “while we were still sinners Christ died for us”. Ibig sabihin, while we were at our worst state he decided to love us. Kaya nga dapat center si Lord ng relationship. At sa tingin ko, the right time for a person para maghanap ng spouse is the time where he or she will decide “to love is not just to get but to actually give as Christ did for us”.

4. FIND YOUR “TOTGA” IN CHURCH. Saan ba pwedeng maghanap ng babae/lalaki na mahal si Lord? Bakit parang hirap na hirap kang mahanap siya. Ang tanong, san ka ba naghahanap? Stop looking at the wrong place.

5. VALUES ARE VERY IMPORTANT. Dapat parehas kayo ng values at parehas kayo ng pananampalataya. Sabi nga sa Bible, do not be yoked with unbeliever! Isipin mo na lang what if you have different values of faith with your spouse? Naku po matinding away yan in the future. “Do we value the same Lord?” “Do we have same point of view?” Check it! That's the very important – VALUES.

6. HE / SHE REALLY LOVE THE LORD. Wag puro kagwapuhan / kagandahan! Una nyong dapat hinahanap sa isang lalaki o babae ay kung mahal nya ba si Lord. Alam nyo kung Bakit? Dahil mamahalin ka nito kung paanong minahal siya ni Kristo. Nakakatakot ang lalaki o babaeng walang takot sa Diyos. Hindi mo alam kung saan siya huhugot ng pag-ibig. Lalo’t kung hindi niya pa na-experience yung pagmamahal ng Diyos.

7. PRAYER IS IMPORTANT. Prayer plays a very important role when finding your spouse, and finding The One That God Allowed. Ako, I prayed really hard for my husband. AS IN!!!! Pumupunta pa ako ng prayer mountain para ipagpray lang yun. At Yes, ganun ako ka seryoso sa pagpepray sa aking partner dahil alam kong seryosong bagay yung papasukin ko and this is forever!

The One That God Allowed for you is out there somewhere pero remember: God has planned it and you can’t find him/her without God.

PS:  Prayer ko pa noon: “Lord, kung ayaw niyo siyang ibigay sa akin, ako na lang ang ibigay niyo sa kanya.”  Hahaha joke lang. Pray hard! <3
~E
#iHayagMo