Which Is Worse: Gossiping or Listening To It?

Which Is Worse: Gossiping or Listening To It?

According to the Jewish laws found in the Book of Leviticus, which is worse: the person who listens to gossip or the person who tells it?

You might be surprised to know that listening to gossip is even worse than gossiping. Why?

Even though they both are forbidden by the scriptures, no harm could be done by gossip if no one listened to it. Listening to gossip gives it power to continue. If we refuse to listen to gossip, it would die instantly. But to listen to gossip is to help stab a person with a sharp-edged sword.

It is said that gossip kills three:

1.  the person who speaks it

2.  the person who hears it

3.  the person about whom it is told

Let's stop killing people with our mouths and with our ears.

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts. Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart. (Proverbs 26:22-23 NIV).

Much harm can be done through one's speech. The harm is worse than stealing or cheating someone financially because amends can be made for monetary harms, but the harm done by speech can never be repaired. It is like opening a pillow full of feathers on a windy day on the top of a mountain. You can no more make amends for the damage your words have done than you can collect all the feathers and put them back into the pillow.



So, let's watch our language, and let's stop gossip in its tracks by refusing to listen to it!

God Bless to all,

What Exactly is a Critical Spirit?

What Exactly is a Critical Spirit?

A “critical spirit,” is an obsessive attitude of criticism and fault-finding, which seeks to tear others down — not the same thing as what is sometimes called “constructive criticism.” The only criticism that is ever constructive is that which is expressed in love to “build up,” not to tear down — it is always expressed face-to-face, never behind their back. 

The person with a critical spirit usually dwells on the negative, seeks for flaws rather than good. They’re a complainer, usually always upset, and generally have a problem or a complaint about something. They often have little control over their tongue, their temper, and have tendencies for gossip and slander, which Paul said were sins “worthy of death” (Rom. 1:29-32).

What Causes a Critical Spirit?

1. Negativeness - A bad attitude and a negative view of life. A person may have unconfessed sin in their life (Rom. 2:1), or may harbor unforgiveness or bitterness toward someone who may have offended them (Heb. 12:15).

2. Insecurity - Criticism is often a subconscious means to “elevate one’s own self image.” By putting others down, they are inwardly trying to feel more important or that “they know more.” Jealousy toward the spiritual victories of others is often the cause of criticism and belittling comments. Popular ministers of the Gospel are often the target of such tactics.

3. Immaturity - Believers must always keep their focus upon Christ and His Word, not man, who will often fail (Heb. 12:2). The young or immature believer who has not progressed very far in their own faith, remain overly dependent upon the faith of those within the body of Christ. Unfortunately, when they begin to notice the flaws in their brethren, subconsciously, this becomes a threat to their own sense of victory. Criticism becomes a reaction of disappointment, because their expectations in others have been crushed.

4. An Unrenewed Mind - Put-downs, making-fun-of, criticism, sarcasm are the world’s ways of reacting to the faults of people. However, as Christians we don’t behave this way. Our thinking and attitude should be renewed by the Word of God, which teaches us to bear the infirmities of the weak, to love, and show compassion and encouragement (Rom. 12:2).

5. The Devil - As we may realize, the Devil specializes in influencing obsessive behavior. He may use any or all of the above channels, or other techniques, to influence a complaining or critical attitude to stir up turmoil and strife within the body of Christ (Eph. 6:12). We must be on guard that none of us would be used as a tool of the Devil to bring harassment or discouragement upon our brothers or sisters through continual criticism, as the Bible warns us not to “give place” to the Devil (Eph. 4:27). Remember that Satan is specifically called “the accuser of the brethren” (Rev. 12:10). Are you an accuser of the brethren?

The Bible says that the reason that we are to come together as a church is, not to criticize, but to “exhort” (encourage) one another (Hebrews 10:25). “Cursing the darkness” won’t change anything, but we must light a candle and “expose the light” of God’s Word. By sharing the truth of God’s Word, and encouraging people to live in its truth, people will change. Love and encouragement is a “motivational force.” 

If we ever hope to bring improvement in others, we need to become people of encouragement. This is the only attitude that will change people, and our actions and words must be devoted to encouraging the spiritual progress of our brethren. 

The Christian’s tongue should never be used for anything but good. “Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word, nor unwholesome or worthless talk (ever) come out of your mouth; but only such speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it” (Eph. 4:29 The Amplified Bible). 

GOOD TO BE ALIVE CHORDS & LYRICS

GOOD TO BE ALIVE CHORDS & LYRICS

Intro: E

Verse 1

E
Hold on  
    B                          C#m
 Is this really the life I'm living?
           A                         E
 Cause I don't feel like I deserve it
                          B             C#m                  A
 Every day that I wake, every breath that I take you’ve given
            A           B
 So right here, right now
            A           B
 While the sun is shining down


Chorus

          E               B 
I wanna live like there's no tomorrow
  C#m        A              E
 Love like I'm on borrowed time
       B          C#m        A
 It's good to be alive, yeah

Verse 2


Hold on
 If the life that we've been given
 Is made beautiful in the living
 And the joy that we get brings joy to the heart of the giver
 Then right here, right now
 This is the song I'm singing out

 
Chorus x2

 
Bridge

E     B   C#m  A
I won’t take it for granted
E   B      C#m   A
 I won’t waste another second
E    B  C#m  A     
 All I want is to give you
E     B        C#m            A
 A life well lived, to say “thank you”

 
Chorus x2

 
Bridge

GOD BLESS TO ALL

Huwag ikahiya ang hanapbuhay

Huwag ikahiya ang hanapbuhay

                       

 Isang hindi magandang kaugalian na naitanim sa tin ng mga Kastila, eh yung isipin' na "Kung sino yung pa easy easy at nagkakapera, sya yung nakakabilib" kaya madami sa tin, ayaw maghanap buhay, o magtrabaho ng patas, kase nga mababa ang tingin dun sa mga naglalako ng taho, binatog, kakanin, tinapa, bibingka, yakult, sorbetes at kung ano ano pa, kesyo mahirap daw na gawain yun, mas madali magpataya ng karera o jueteng o mag-ipon ng tong sa tong-its at mahjong. Kaya kumonti na yung mga self-employed na naglalako ng puto o kakanin na home-made nila, na sa totoo lang ay malaki din ang kita, ikaw ba naman, masyado madadamage ang self-esteem mo sa pagtatrabaho ng patas, syempre masisira ang motivation mo.

Pero sa totoo lang, yung mga nakita ko nung araw na ganito yung trabaho, sila pa yung nakapagpundar ng bahay, napag aral yung mga anak, nakaipon. Siguro isa na din sa dahilan kaya tumigil na sila sa paglalako o ayaw na din sila pagtindahin ng anak nila kase nagtatrabaho na sa call center o kung saan man na medyo disente ang kita at syempre nakaporma. So pano kung ang ginawa nila ay kumuha sila ng Business Administration saka nila ini apply sa negosyo ng magulang nila? ano sa tingin nyo mangyayari?

Since, ikinahihiya mo yung kinabubuhay ng magulang mo, e di bahiran mo ng konting kasosyalan. Innovation! Yung kakanin na dati nakabalot sa dahon ng saging ilagay mo sa styro tapos lagyan mo ng plastic wrap sa ibabaw, dagdagan mo ng creativity, mag print ka ng sticker lagyan mo ng brand name halimbawa "Nanay's Kakanin". Since masarap naman yung kakanin ng nanay mo, kunin mo yung formula o recipe sa kanya, tapos mag hire ka ng ibang magluluto para di na mapagod yung nanay mo, since ayaw mo din magluto di ba, gusto mo "manager" ka, di bakit hindi mo imanage yung negosyo ng nanay mo, kesa imanage mo yung si Dyolibi na bibigyan ka lang naman ng 14thou isang buwan. Since maarte at maporma ka nga, maghire ka din ng magdedeliver, tapos lahat ng suki ng nanay mo ipakuha mo ang celphone number, para text text na lang kayo, i di ba, save ka pa ng time at energy. So kung puhunan nyo sa pagluluto ng puto eh nasa 400 pesos nakakagawa ng 10 na Bilao at benta per bilao eh nasa 200 din( syempre since may brand name ka na pwede ka na magtaas ng konti ng presyo) so gross profit mo per day eh nasa 1600, multiply mo sa 30 = 48,000/month, kaya mo ba kitain yan sa dyolibi o sa call center? At syempre since, magaling ka mag manage, next move mo ay expansion, hindi lang yung mga dating customer ng nanay mo ang bebentahan mo, lalawakan mo na yung teritoryo na pagbebentahan mo.

So same formula sa tinapa, since maamoy sya, e di ilagay mo sa microwavable na plastic container, kung taho naman, ilagay mo na sa cup, tapos tawagin mo ng english "SoyMilk" na sya, lagyan mo ng flavor.

Saan ba sa tingin nyo nagsimula yang Dolor's kakanin na yan, Collette's Buco Pie, etc, etc. Walang overnight success sa negosyo, lahat pinagtyatyagaan at pinagbubuhusan ng panahon at determinasyon. Kung totoo yung kwento ni Aristocrat na dati lang sila karinderya, hindi ka ba nai-inspire?

Magaling ka pala pumorma eh, eh di gamitin mo at ilagay mo sa lugar. Tignan mo yung mga chinese sa divisoria, mukhang gusgusin pag nasa tindahan nakasando lang, pero pag nasalubong mo sa mall mahihiya ka sa suot mo na Lacoste na galing Greenhills kase yung sa kanya orig. Ikaw naka-taxi sya nakakotse. Siya naka Blackberry ikaw naka-Blackberry din, china phone nga lang, siya na chinese hindi gumagamit ng China Phone. O nakasabay mo kumain sa soyal na restaurant, pansinin mo kung nagtatanong sila sa waiter kung ano pinakamurang pagkain?

GodBless to all...

You are so Faithful Chords & lyrics

You are so Faithful Chords & lyrics

               E                   B/D#

Like the sun that rises every day

  A              E/G#    F#m7             Bsus B

You are so faithful, Lord, You are faithful

               E                    B                        A                E/G#

Like the rain that You send and every breath that I breathe

F#m7         Bsus B A/E   E

You are so faithful, Lord

             E                       B/D#

Like a rose, that comes alive every spring

  A              E/G#    F#m7             Bsus B

You are so faithful, Lord, You are faithful

               E                  B                   A              E/G#

Like the life that You give to every beat of my heart

F#m7         Bsus B A/E   E

You are so faithful, Lord

            F#m7                                        Bsus   B

I see a cross, and the price You had to pay

               F#m7          A/E             E    D A Bsus   B

I see the blood, that washed my sins away

                    E              B

And in the midst of a storm

                       A                    E

Through the wind and the waves

   A                G#m7  F#m7           Bsus B

You'll still be faithful, You'll still be faithful

                   E       B/D#                      A               E

When the stars refuse to shine and time is no more

   A                E/G#    F#m7          Bsus B  A/E   E

You'll still be faithful, You'll still be faithful, Lord

“The scars of life”

“The scars of life”

Some years ago on a hot summer day in south Florida a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.


His mother in the house was looking out the window saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, she ran toward the water, yelling to her son as loudly as she could. Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his mother. It was too late. Just as he reached her, the alligator reached him.


From the dock, the mother grabbed her little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother was much too passionate to let go.


A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator. Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his mother's fingernails dug into his flesh in her effort to hang on to the son she loved.


The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Mom wouldn't let go." You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, or anything quite so dramatic. But the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go.


In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you. The Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way.


But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love on your arms be very, very grateful. He did not and will not - let you go.

GODBLESS US ALL...

DO YOU LOVE ME?

DO YOU LOVE ME?

One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah! ... the beauty of God's creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work. As I sat there, I felt the Lord's presence with me. He asked me, "Do you love me?" I answered, "Of course, God! You are my Lord and Saviour!"

 Then He asked, "If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?"

 I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn't be able to do and thought about the things that I take for granted. I answered, "It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You."

 Then the Lord said, "If you were blind, would you still love my creation?"

 How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation. So I answered, "It's hard to think of it, but I would still love you."

 The Lord then asked me, "If you were deaf, would you still listen to my word?"

 How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God's Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts. I answered, "It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word."

 The Lord then asked, "If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?"

 How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me, God wants us to sing from our very hearts and souls. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words of thanks. So I answered, "Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name."

 And the Lord asked, "Do you really love Me?"

 With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, "Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one and true God!"

 I thought I had answered well, but God asked, "Then why do you sin?"

 I answered, "Because I am only human. I am not perfect."

 "Then why in times of peace do you stray the furthest? Why only in times of trouble do you pray the earnest?"

 I had no answers ... only tears.

 The Lord continued. "Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?"

 The tears continued to roll down my cheeks. "Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the good news? Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on? Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?"

 "You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all. Do you truly love me?

 I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? When my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, "Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child."

 The Lord answered, "That is My Grace, My child."

 I asked, "Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?"

 The Lord answered, " Because you are My creation. You are my child. I will never abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be with you until the end of days, and I will love you forever."

 Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done? I asked God, "How much do You love me?"

 The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Savior. And for the first time, I truly prayed.

GODBLESS TO ALL....

How To Renew Your Passport in Riyadh

How To Renew Your Passport in Riyadh

Philippines Embassy , Saudi Arabia

Site D3 Collector Road C, Diplomatic Quarter
PO Box 94366
11693
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
Phone:
+96-61-482-3615
+96-61-482-0507
+96-61-482-1801
+96-61-482-3816
+96-61-482-4354
+96-61-488-0835
+96-61-482-0474
+96-61-480-3662
Fax:
+96-61-488-3945
+96-61-482-1856
Email:
riyadh.pe@dfa.gov.ph
filembry@sbm.net.sa
Website URL:
www.philembassy-riyadh.org

 If there is only one ID a Filipino should have, it should be a  passport. Not only is it one of the most recognized documents in the Philippines, it's also the most recognized ID in any part of the world. Don't get caught not having without a passport, much less an expired one. So, make sure you renew your passport on time. Please remember that traveling in most countries will require you to have a valid passport for 6 months. For example, your passport expires on December 25, 2011 and you're traveling to Japan today, they won't let you in the immigration because your passport is no longer valid for 6 months.

 When I first went home for vacation in the Philippines, I was so excited and forgot to renew my passport months ahead. Good thing, it only took a month for me to receive my new one or else, I had to re-schedule every thing. My father, who doesn't really pay attention to these "trivial" things, didn't know his passport is expiring in two months and he had to travel to Pakistan for work. He had to ask the embassy for a passport extension, which will only be given with valid (business or emergency) reasons. He finally had his passport renewed and he waited a month or so to receive his new passport.

 The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh has recently introduced a new appointment system for e-passports. You don't have to wait in line anymore and you'll be able to request specific dates and time. It would be less hassle for your work or everyday activities. Only renewals are accommodated on this new system. Lost passports and new passports for children will be entertained as walk-ins. The Consular Section will accommodate 120 applicants daily so it is a must to get your appointment. Wag pasaway! No appointment, no entry! no processing!

 The following information is taken from the Press Release No. 74-2011 (24 August 2011) of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.

How to get an appointment to renew your passport

1. The new appointment system is free of charge and the applicants may enlist themselves directly by visiting the Philippine Embassy-Riyadh website at http://www.philembassy-riyadh.org/ and clicking on the E-Passport Online Appointment.

 • Family applicants must indicate all the names of its members. Otherwise only one slot would be provided to them.

 

2. Applicant should make an appointment at least 3 days before his/her intended day of personal appearance in the Embassy.

3. Applicant can request an appointment date and time.

 4. Applicant will be informed of the date and time of appointment.

 5. If the appointment is not confirmed, the applicant must request for another appointment.

 6. The applicant should be at the Embassy at least 15 minutes before the appointment for personal appearance.

 7. Late comers will be entertained after finishing all applicants who came on time.

 The Embassy is open Saturdays to Wednesdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon except on regular Philippine and Saudi holidays.

Requirements for e-Passport renewal:

 1. Personal appearance

 2. Original old passport

 3. Photocopy of old passport (data page only)

 4. Duly accomplished passport application form that can be downloaded from the Embassy website: www.philembassy-riyadh.org or obtained from Window 1 of the Consular Section or at the Information Desk at the Embassy lobby (no photo needed)

Requirements for replacement of damaged passport:

 1. Personal appearance

 2. Original damaged passport

 3. Affidavit of Damaged of passport

 4. Duly accomplished passport application form (no photo needed)

 

 Requirements for replacement of lost of passport:

 1. Personal appearance

 2. Police Report with English translation

 3. Affidavit of Lost of passport

 4. Duly accomplished passport application form (no photo needed)

 (Note:  There is a 15 days waiting period before the approval of the passport application)

Requirements for newly born applicants for e-Passport:

 1. Report of Birth form accomplished in 4 copies. (Form available at the Consular Section of the Embassy or the website)

 2. Arabic and English temporary birth certificate and/or other supporting documents (e.g. Notification of Birth from the clinic/hospital where the child was born) – 3 copies

 3. Marriage Contract of parents duly authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Manila (if married in the Philippines) or authenticated by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs with English translation (if married in KSA) – 3 copies

 4. Photocopies of parents' passports (data page only) – 3 copies

 5. Duly accomplished passport application form (no photo needed)

What to do on your appointment date

 • Come to the Embassy at least 15 minutes before the appointment time.

 • Proceed directly to the encoding Area for encoding

 • After encoding, proceed to Window 6 (Cashier) for payment.

Passport  Fees 

Renewal 

 e-‐Passport  SR  240.00 

Lost  Passport 

 Green  or  MRP   SR  360.00  &  SR100  for  authentication 

 e-‐Passport          SR  600.00  &  SR  100  for  authentication 

Newborn  children 

Report  of  Birth   SR  100.00 

 e-‐Passport          SR  240.00   

 

How do I get my new passport?

 

 • After 30 days after applying for your passport, you may check the Embassy website at www.philembassy-riyadh.org to find out if your passport has been received by the Embassy and is ready for release.  You may also call 482-3815, 482-3559 and 482-1577

 

Releasing of e-Passport (Window 3)

 

 1. Releasing will be in the afternoon only from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

 2. Bring the following: 

 a. Original old passport

 b. Official receipt

 

 If you cannot appear personally to collect your new passport, you may authorize a representative and give him/her a signed letter of authorization stating your full name and the representative’s full name.

GOD BLESS TO ALL ...

Cast All Your Anxiety on Him

Philippians 4:6–7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (ESV)

Today's Inspiring Thought: Cast All Your Anxiety on Him

 "The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety." Someone else said, "Worry is unbelief in disguise."

Some people can handle a great deal of stress and some people can handle very little.  The best thing is to find the right help in the midst of what you’re going through.

He has a reason for allowing us to go through these things.  Some reasons are testing’s which teach us patience and perseverance.   Some trials are to bring God glory and some trials we will never know or understand in our lifetime.  We need to have a plan so when the very difficult times come…we will know where to turn to and get the help we need to sustain us during that time

I have two scriptures that are my first point of meditation about my situation when I’m going through a very difficult time and they are:

1.)   1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (NIV)

                   Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (NLT)

2.)    Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

After you read these two scriptures (and there are many more scriptures in the bible, but seek God’s word and let Him speak to you through it) then put your mind on God, trust and wait on Him.  I tell you help and rest will come.  There are many ways God can minister to you in your time of need…even if you’ve been angry with Him.

The more heavy trials you go through (like me) the more you figure out how to seek out this kind of support from God when you are going through difficulty.  God has revived me and encouraged me many times and I KNOW he will be there for US…ALWAYS!

I’m going to say a prayer for you right now:

Heavenly Father,

I know there are people out there really going through some very difficult times and some even feel like giving up.  Lord I ask you to please strengthen their heart and give them reminders from your word of the help you promise to give us during extremely difficult times.  Please look past their anger and fear and help them get to a better place in you.  Lord forgive them for their doubt in your ability help them.  Bless every person who has found their way to this blog today and has this need in their life.  Lord…heal hearts and minds today and give them peace.  I ask this in Jesus name…Amen.