Can God Really Do Anything?

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.  Acts 20:24


Is there anything too hard for the Lord?” Some three times, that question is asked in Scripture. But how would you answer it? Today we are faced with a quandary. Either we nod our heads and say, “Yes! God can do anything,” unsure of whether we really believe this, or else we are confronted with empty hands and hearts, wondering why God didn’t step in and reverse some troublesome situations confronting us.


Let’s back up for a moment. A man sitting in prison or at least under house arrest for preaching the Gospel—a man known as Paul, the Apostle—wrote to the Ephesians. The theme of his letter was the church, and those of us who comprise that group made up of every race and culture on Earth. He closes one of his prayers saying, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).


For a moment, let’s look at God through the eyes of Paul. He says first that God is able. Here let’s stop for a moment. The verb is able is incomplete. You have to follow it with something. You say, “My company is able to be competitive,” or “That person is able to make good on his word.” It is always followed by something that qualifies the ability of someone or something to perform or do something.


Paul is stressing the all-sufficiency of God Himself. Unlike ourselves, God isn’t limited or restricted by 1) time, 2) space, and 3) human limitations. That’s why He is God and we are finite. We were born at a specific time, but God is without beginning or ending. You are limited by geography and space but God knows no such limits. And certainly there is a limit to what any of us can do. We’re only human, but is God limited?


Moses contended that “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind.” Then he asked, “Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19). Isaiah said that God knows no limitations as he wrote, “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear” (Isaiah 59:1).


When Paul stressed God’s sufficiency he said it is limited by only two things: what you ask for, and what you envision or imagine, and that leaves out about nothing.


Yes, it’s true that the Bible gives us parameters of what to pray for and how God answers but here He says, “Trust me. See if I will not respond on your behalf. Reach out and ask for a large measure, that your joy may be full.”


Making this intensely personal, why don’t you finish Paul’s statement; “God is able to (and finish the sentence, describing your need). Like what? Like saying, “God is able to bring my wayward son back to Himself,” or “God is able to bring healing and help to our marriage,” or “God is able to provide for all my needs according to His riches in glory.” Remember, you are limited only by what you ask Him, in accordance with His will to do, and what you visualize or imagine.


Friend, the more you know of Scripture, the greater will be your faith, and subsequently the more you will see God’s personal intervention in your own life. May I suggest you find a Bible and go to Ephesians 3:20 and notice that this promise has your name attached to it.


As a paraphrase puts it, “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us” (Ephesians 3:20, Message).


Resource reading: Ephesians 3:1-21


https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/can-god-really-do-anything/

Curfew sa lalawigan ng Pampanga, muling pinaaga

Ibinalik sa alas-10 ng gabi ang simula ng curfew sa buong lalawigan ng Pampanga simula ngayong Huwebes.


Sa bisa ng Executive Order No. 31-2020 na pinirmahan ni Governor Dennis "Delta" Pineda nitong Miyerkoles, muling ipatutupad ang curfew sa lalawigan mula alas-10 ng gabi hanggang alas-3 ng madaling araw.


Pinabulaanan din ni Pineda na magpapatupad ng lockdown sa lalawigan ngayong Pasko, subalit ipatutupad ang mas mahigpit na pagbabantay laban sa mga lumalabag sa Ordinance 756, o ang mandatory wearing of facemask, at ngayon pati face shield.


Bawal din ang paglabas at paggala ng mga bata lalo na ang mga nangangarolling at namamasko.


Nasa ilalim ng Modified General Community Quarantine ang buong lalawigan. - ulat ni Gracie Rutao


https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/17/20/curfew-sa-lalawigan-ng-pampanga-muling-pinaaga

Food shorts: Biggest Popeyes branch in Southeast Asia opens, Foodpanda reaches 100th city in PH

 Check out some of the latest news in the local food scene.


BIGGEST POPEYES BRANCH IN SOUTHEAST ASIA OPENS AT MOA


The biggest Popeyes restaurant in Southeast Asia recently opened at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. 


The new restaurant boasts of a seating capacity of 200, so customers need not worry about physical distancing when grabbing their Louisiana-inspired treats at the branch.


The inauguration of the new store also marks Popeyes' second branch in the Philippines since the lockdown, after the restaurant at Eton Centris in Quezon City. 


CROWNE PLAZA UNVEILS NEW XIN TIAN DI


Executive Chinese chef Peter Yeung and his culinary team are ready to welcome diners as Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria’s Xin Tian Di has reopened its doors.


Yeung introduces an elevated line of signature dishes that still resembles the restaurant's familiar flavors including Steamed Lobster Dumpling topped with Black Truffle, Deep-Fried Crispy Stuffed Crab Shell with Taro Crust and Seafood, and Hot Prawn Salad. 



For guests discerning for a specific cooking style, they may order in advance from the live seafood and cooking selection. The restaurant also has three private dining rooms to choose from.


]More details are also available on Crowne Plaza's social media pages. 


DISCOVERY SHORES, CLUB PARADISE OFFER HOLIDAY DEALS


Discovery Shores Boracay and Club Paradise Palawan are offering holiday deals for those who are looking to have a getaway before the year ends. 


The children will be busy with an array of holiday programs. At Discovery Shores Boracay, their chief joy officers have prepared arts and crafts activities, gingerbread decorating classes, make your-own-pizza activities and a Christmas treasure hunt while at Club Paradise Palawan, kids can enjoy playing traditional Pinoy games by the beach or watching movies under the stars every weekend at 8 p.m. by the poolside, apart from the Christmas treats and trinkets decorating sessions.


For the whole month of December, guests at Club Paradise Palawan have daily access to a Healthy Hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. From 7-10 p.nm., they can either partake on an exquisite wine menu or have a Thai Khan Tok dining experience, showcasing authentic Thai dishes, specially prepared by Thai executive chef Alex Atthasarn.


From December 15 to 30, guests can indulge on Christmas-themed cocktails from 4-7 p.m. while enjoying front row views of the magnificent sunset at the Sand Bar in Discovery Shores Boracay and at the Sunset Deck at Club Paradise Palawan.


A feast is waiting for all members of the family featuring a selection of international dishes and holiday treats at Discovery Shores Boracay, and a nostalgic spread of local favorites at Club Paradise Palawan, on December 24 at 7 p.m.


At 7 p.m. on Christmas Day, they can have a salu-salo with the family featuring Pinoy holiday dishes and festive treats at Discovery Shores Boracay. At Club Paradise Palawan, a sumptuous Italian feast is thoughtfully prepared to match the day’s happy celebration.


For inquiries and reservations, visit the websites of Discovery Shores Boracay and Club Paradise Palawan. 


FOODPANDA REACHES 100TH CITY IN PH


Foodpanda Philippines has reached its biggest milestone to date with the opening of its 100th location in the country. 



The delivery app marked the occasion with a motorcade featuring local riders and the unveiling of its 100th city marker, replete with pink pyro musicals and an official lighting ceremony. 


The Philippines now enjoys the distinction of being the first and only Asia Pacific country to have foodpanda available in 100 local markets.


Launched in the country in 2014, Foodpanda is available for free on Android and iOS devices. 


JOLLIBEE'S SWEET PIES NOW IN 6-PC BOXES


Jollibee's popular sweet pies now come in six-piece to-go boxes, making it easier to share Buko and Peach Mango Pies with family and friends.


The boxes come in three combinations: 3 pieces each of Peach Mango and Buko Pies, 6 pieces of Peach Mango Pie, or 6 pieces of Buko Pie. 


These are now available in all Metro Manila stores for P175 through Jollibee's delivery website, app, and hotline, as well as via GrabFood, Foodpanda, and LalaFood.


The products may also be ordered for dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru in Jollibee's Luzon provincial, Visayas, and Mindanao branches starting January 11. 


KINDER JOY KICKS OFF CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN


Premium chocolate brand Kinder Joy encourages bonding moments between moms and their kids over Christmas tasks through its latest Christmas campaign. 

 

Actress Camille Prats kicks off the #ChristmasWithKinderJoy campaign on Instagram with her daughter, Nala. The mom-daughter tandem decorated their towering Christmas tree with a parol and Kinder Joy wrapped in limited edition Christmas sleeves. 


Former beauty queen Lara Quigaman, who just recently gave birth to her third child, and actress Valerie “Bangs” Garcia also joined the Kinder Joy holiday fun with their children Tobias and Amelia, wrapping Christmas gifts for friends and playmates they have been missing since the beginning of the quarantine.


Kinder Joy is manufactured by Italian chocolatier Ferrero. More details are available on the brand's Facebook page.


MAMA SITA SUPPORTS HEIRLOOM RICE VARIETIES


The Mama Sita Foundation continues to bring Filipino culinary heritage to the fore with its Heirloom Grains Project, which advocates the preservation of upland rice varieties and keep the culture that maintains them sustainable. 


It is offering the Heirloom Rice Champorado, which can be purchased in retail outlets online for Metro Manila customers. 


More details are available on the Mama Sita website.


MAYA KITCHEN OFFERS CHRISTMAS RECIPES


Maya Kitchen has come up with recipes that will make any Christmas spread any delightful this season. 


These include the Marseille Seafood Soup, a light and flavorful French soup that's versatile enough to include the family's preferred seafood; Lechon Belly with Bacon Saffron Rice Stuffing, which combines pork belly lechon, plus some earthy and sweet saffron rice stuffing; and a medley of Mini Bibingka with ube, buko pandan, coffee, or chocolate flavors. 


The recipes are available on the Maya Kitchen website. 


NUTELLA PARTNERS WITH VIA MARE


Nutella is bringing the all-day breakfast truck back into town and introducing a new pairing -- bibingka and puto bumbong with its hazelnut spread. 


The brand has partnered with Via Mare to offer Bibingka con Nutella and its puto bumbong counterpart through the truck, made accessible as pop-up stores go up throughout the metro area.


Its next stop is at Burgos Circle on December 18, followed by Eastwood City on December 19 and 20. 


The new products are also available for takeout or delivery via the Via Mare website. 


VITASOY INTRODUCES VIRTUAL TOWN


Vitasoy recently launched Vitasoy Milky Town, an online hub where visitors can check out recipe tutorial videos and fun games, and even win prizes in the weekly raffle draws.


They can also engage with Vitasoy Plus Milky online ambassador Danica Sotto-Pingris and other online content creators such as Isha Borromeo, Thea Sy, Team Malunggay, and Haidee and Hazel Quing.


The virtual town is part of promoting Vitasoy Plus Milky, a soy milk drink that is available in supermarkets for P85. It can be also purchased online via Lazada, Shopee, and Zalora. 


More details are available at the Vitasoy Milk Town website, with the code milkytime required to enter. 


https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/12/17/20/food-shorts-biggest-popeyes-branch-in-southeast-asia-opens-foodpanda-reaches-100th-city-in-ph

Tolentino bats for redistricting Rizal province, Calaca's cityhood

Senator Francis Tolentino has pushed for two measures concerning the local governments of the provinces of Batangas and Rizal.


During Wednesday's session in the upper chamber, the chair of the Senate committee on local government sponsored House Bill No. 6222, which seeks to reapportion the 2nd legislative district of Rizal into three districts.


To be retained under the 2nd legislative district of Rizal are the following: Cardona, Baras, Tanay, Morong, Jala-Jala, Pililia and Teresa.


The municipality of San Mateo shall be considered as the 3rd district and the municipality of Rodriguez as the 4th district.


Tolentino said this would promote proper representation in the province of Rizal and help local officials better respond to the needs of the residents.


He also sponsored House Bill No. 6598 which seeks to convert the municipality of Calaca, Batangas into a component city.


Prerequisites stated in the Local Government Code have been met by the town, according to Tolentino, as it has a locally generated annual income of P164 million and has 105.49 km2 land area.


Both bills were approved by the House of Representatives in June this year. Senators will have to take the measures up for second and third reading after they resume session on January 18, 2021. —LBG, GMA News


https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/768375/tolentino-bats-for-redistricting-rizal-province-calaca-s-cityhood/story/