AFP just giving Liza, Catriona warning about Left: Palace

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was not red-tagging actress Liza Soberano and 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray but just giving them a warning that their advocacies might be used by the Left-leaning groups, Malacañang said on Thursday.

“Well, tingin ko naman sa statement mismo ng AFP, sinabi naman niya walang ganoon (I think based on the AFP statement, he said there is no such thing),” Roque said in a virtual Palace briefing.

Roque was referring to the statement of Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. who advised Soberano to “abdicate” her ties to Gabriela Youth.

Parlade made his advice after Soberano participated in a webinar organized by Gabriela Youth and tearfully called on fellow influencers to speak up on issues affecting women and children.

Parlade of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) also issued the same advice to Gray.

“Pinag-iingatan lang nila sila na baka mamaya magamit sila ng Left (They are just being cautioned that they may be used by the Left),” Roque said.

He said the AFP understands that Soberano and Gray were just advocating the rights of women and children.

“Pero siyempre ingat din po kasi ang talagang, iyong mga Maoists po sa Pilipinas eh talagang kung mayroong puwedeng pagsamantalahan ay pagsasamantalahan nila (Of course, we have to be cautious because those Maoists in the Philippines, they will take advantage of anyone they can exploit),” he added.

He said like Soberano and Gray, President Rodrigo Duterte is also supporting the rights of women even when he was mayor of Davao City for over two decades.

“Pero wala po kaming problema doon sa mga sinasabi nila Liza at ni Catriona dahil ang ating Presidente sinusulong din po ang karapatan ng kababaihan at malinaw po ang track record niya lalung-lalo na noong siya po ay Mayor ng Davao City (But we have no problem with what Liza and Catriona have said because our President is also advocating the rights of women and that is clear on his track record especially when he was still Mayor of Davao City),” Roque said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119466

The World Tonight | ANC (22 October 2020)

THE 700 CLUB ASIA | Pagiingat | October 22, 2020

Buksan ang Mata sa Online Class - Kape't Pandasal kasama si Fr. Kali Lla...

How Do I Reconnect With God?

 If we believe not, yet he abides faithful: he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13, NKJV

How does a person restore a connection with God?  That was the question posed by a friend of Guidelines.  She struggled in even writing the letter, saying that four years ago she had written asking the same question but never mailed the letter.  Now a little girl, three years of age, is asking questions about God, and all of this triggers feelings of remorse and regret.

Like so many who have drifted away from the warmth of the Father's love, this young woman sustained a loss, a big one too.  Her brother was brutally murdered, and when this happened her heart cried out, "God, why did you let this happen?  Where were you when my brother needed your help?"

Scores of people have been there.  Yes, they know that if God undertook every time that one of His children was in need, everybody would want to line up on God's side, just to avoid the pain and disappointment of living in a broken world.  I'm thinking of a cartoon that shows a crusader standing over a pagan, his sword resting on the neck of the subdued person, who, looking up says, "Tell me more about your new religion. I'm terribly interested!"  Hey, that's the way it would be with the whole world, if we who are Christians always came out on top.

People who once connected with God know that the Bible is full of stories about individuals who were godly people who were mistreated and suffered without cause.  Daniel was thrown to the lions.  Jeremiah was cast into a slime pit and left to die.  Elijah lived in exile with a price on his head.  David had to hide out for seven years as Saul sought to kill him.

Down in their hearts people who blame God for what happens know that God isn't the one who caused the problem. They simply have turned and walked away because He didn't reverse the tide of evil or the wickedness which broke the tranquility and order of their lives.

Then a little child begins asking about God, or a friend lies at the point of death, or in the darkness of their souls they begin thinking about how it used to be, how at one time the joy of the Lord was real and when they prayed, the presence of God seemed so close and meaningful.

Here's the question: How do you restore the broken connection with God?  Just asking the question, facing the issue, means you recognize the deep longing in your heart to connect with God.

When David realized that the affair with Bathsheba had broken his connection with God, he prayed, pouring out his heart and honestly telling God how he felt.  Psalm 51 records this.  That's your first step.  Realize that God is far more desirous of embracing you and drawing you to Himself than you are to have Him do this.

Gently remind yourself that it was not God who moved.  You did.  So, come back.  Paul wrote Timothy, saying, "Even when we are too weak to have any faith left, he remains faithful to us and will help us, for he cannot disown us who are part of himself, and he will always carry out his promises to us" (2 Timothy 2:13, Living Bible).

Paul is saying that God's nature is that of faithfulness.  His love is unchanging, and His desire to have fellowship with you hasn't lessened in spite of your detour from His presence.

Finally, draw a line and step across it.  Say, "As for the past, I leave it behind.  I choose to walk with the Lord.  Get back to church, and dust off your Bible and start reading it.  Underline it, memorize it and realize it's God's love letter to you personally.

It's time to restore a broken connection.

Resource reading: Psalm 51:1-19

https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/how-do-i-reconnect-with-god/

[Overhead-Broadcasting Culture] CCTV Butterfly Logo Collection

 If the butterfly logo continues to be used without disputes, the style of each logo may become

MATTEO GUIDICELLI, TYSON SY, MARK BUMGARNER AND ENZO PASTOR: NEXT GENERA...

“In 2007, Petron launched the new Petron XCS Complete Combustion System, the first gasoline powered by premium organic combustion enhancers that gives your engine cleaner burn and unrelenting power. Petron XCS fueled the next generation of road warriors represented by car racers Matteo Guidicelli, Tyson Sy, and Mark Bumgarner.”

A group of military soldiers stormed the Peninsula Manila hotel in Makati to seek the ouster of then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

On the morning of November 29, 2007, a group of soldiers led by Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Captain Nicanor Faeldon and Capt. Gary Alejano, along with 30 others, walked out of their hearing for the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny at the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) and went to the hotel.

The group stayed at the hotel, where, through the media, they expressed their sentiments against the Arroyo administration.

Due to the incident, the Philippine National Police (PNP) put Metro Manila under a red alert status. The guests in the hotel were also asked to vacate their rooms.

The group was given until 3 p.m. to surrender. By 4 p.m., some gunshots were heard inside the hotel as authorities entered the hotel. Tear gas was also used against those inside the Peninsula Manila.

Military trucks and tanks also arrived at the hotel by 5 p.m., as police officers started arresting the mutineers. Some members of the media were also arrested along with the soldiers.

After the arrests, then Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro justified the media arrests, saying the arresting officers did not know that they were journalists.

A curfew from 12 midnight to 5 a.m. was also implemented all over Metro Manila, Central Luzon and CALABARZON from November 29 to 30.

The police also launched a manhunt for soldiers who escaped the hotel, including Faeldon.

The Peninsula Manila became fully operational by December 3.

The three kart racers with the late race car driver Enzo Pastor are being flanked by Sen. Pia Cayetano, Rina Go, Paolo Abrera and Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino general manager Marco Protacio in Manila during the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand over the weekend of December 8 to 9, 2007.

besides next to kart racer Guidicelli, Sy, Bumgarmer and race car driver Pastor is Cebu basketball player and businessman Jeremy Ryan Huang, who was joined by CGA&P (Sen. Cayetano, Go, Abrera and Protacio) in Manila, on December 9, 2007 at Spiral Restaurant of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City.

Radio announcer Dennis Antenor, Jr. (formerly known as Dennis Guisado of YES! FM 101.1) was at the DZRH studio, while dozens of amusement-park goers outside of Star City - Amusement Park and PICC participating in the "Occupy" protests, as well the Anti-government protesters clash with police at Roxas Boulevard.

While Guidicelli, Sy, Bumgarmer, Pastor and Huang in Manila with CGA&P, Diaz, Joven dela Merced, Magsaysay, San Diego and Tayao-Cabrera, is no less than Enchong Dee and Ken Uy, are participated at the 2007 Southeast Asian Games swimming competitions in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Uy was in lane 4 of men's 100-meter freestyle finals at past 7 p.m. on December 8 and Dee was in lane 8 of men's 100-meter butterfly finals at past 7:29 p.m. on the same day.

The pillars of GMA News and Public Affairs - Pia Arcangel, Arnold Clavio, Mike Enriquez, Angelique Lazo, Vicky Morales, Connie Sison, Jessica Soho and Mel Tiangco will anchor the sports coverage for the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand - "A Time for Heroes". This coverage will run on all platforms (TV, Radio, Mobile, Internet and YouTube) from December 6 to 15, 2007 on GMA-7 and Q channel 11.

Arcangel, Clavio, Enriquez, Lazo, Morales, Sison, Soho and Tiangco was at the GMA Broadway Centrum Westside Studios in Quezon City along with Patricia Bermudez-Hizon, Christine Jacob-Sandejas and Chino Trinidad in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand for the live special TV coverage, Dyan Castillejo, Boom Gonzales, TJ Manotoc and Mozzy Ravena of ABS-CBN News, Rico Hizon of BBC World, Christine Ong of Channel NewsAsia and Marga Ortigas of Al Jazeera are reporting live from same city for the last nine days, from December 6 to 15 of the same year.

A Few months after the 2007 Southeast Asian Games was held in the city of Nakhon Ratchasima from December 6 to December 15, 2007, the fact that Typhoon Frank had already made landfall in Samar on June 20, the Philippine Coast Guard allowed the ferry to sail for Cebu City – albeit on an alternate route to avoid the typhoon – because it was deemed large enough to withstand the sheer force of the typhoon. It was supposed to cross through Romblon in order to reach Tañon Strait, skirting the cyclone that was forecast to pass by the Bicol Region.

But, the following day, the typhoon suddenly changed course, passing through Masbate and Romblon. The ferry, which had barely reached the Jintotolo Channel between Masbate and Panay, turned back but was overwhelmed by huge waves off San Fernando town in Sibuyan Island and capsized.

Of the ship’s 862 passengers and crew, only 48 survived, while 67 were confirmed dead and 747 remain missing.

Herrera, Carlos, Ravena, Guidicelli, Sy, Bumgarmer and Pastor, along with CGA&P, because when Typhoon Frank that hit Luzon and Visayas on June 17 to 27, 2008 causing severe damage and resulted in at least 1,371 deaths and leaving 87 people missing, a month ahead of the Inquirer Lifestyle Series: Fitness.Fashion with Samsung Fashion Show on July 31, 2008 at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Manila in Makati City.

Ferdinand “Enzo” Pastor was a popular Filipino racing champion who had unfinished dreams after a tragic act of violence in the Philippines, Thursday, June 12, 2014.

He was en-route to Clark International Speedway to store his late model cars when two motorcycle riders pulled up to the vehicle and gunned him down. He was 32. It’s a tragic loss for Philippine motorsport, losing one of their strongest advocates. Enzo is survived by his wife Dalia and children, Damien and Xander.

Digital Saint - Kape't Pandasal kasama si Fr Nono Alfonso, SJ

How Do I Reconnect With God?

 If we believe not, yet he abides faithful: he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13, NKJV

How does a person restore a connection with God?  That was the question posed by a friend of Guidelines.  She struggled in even writing the letter, saying that four years ago she had written asking the same question but never mailed the letter.  Now a little girl, three years of age, is asking questions about God, and all of this triggers feelings of remorse and regret.

Like so many who have drifted away from the warmth of the Father's love, this young woman sustained a loss, a big one too.  Her brother was brutally murdered, and when this happened her heart cried out, "God, why did you let this happen?  Where were you when my brother needed your help?"

Scores of people have been there.  Yes, they know that if God undertook every time that one of His children was in need, everybody would want to line up on God's side, just to avoid the pain and disappointment of living in a broken world.  I'm thinking of a cartoon that shows a crusader standing over a pagan, his sword resting on the neck of the subdued person, who, looking up says, "Tell me more about your new religion. I'm terribly interested!"  Hey, that's the way it would be with the whole world, if we who are Christians always came out on top.

People who once connected with God know that the Bible is full of stories about individuals who were godly people who were mistreated and suffered without cause.  Daniel was thrown to the lions.  Jeremiah was cast into a slime pit and left to die.  Elijah lived in exile with a price on his head.  David had to hide out for seven years as Saul sought to kill him.

Down in their hearts people who blame God for what happens know that God isn't the one who caused the problem. They simply have turned and walked away because He didn't reverse the tide of evil or the wickedness which broke the tranquility and order of their lives.

Then a little child begins asking about God, or a friend lies at the point of death, or in the darkness of their souls they begin thinking about how it used to be, how at one time the joy of the Lord was real and when they prayed, the presence of God seemed so close and meaningful.

Here's the question: How do you restore the broken connection with God?  Just asking the question, facing the issue, means you recognize the deep longing in your heart to connect with God.

When David realized that the affair with Bathsheba had broken his connection with God, he prayed, pouring out his heart and honestly telling God how he felt.  Psalm 51 records this.  That's your first step.  Realize that God is far more desirous of embracing you and drawing you to Himself than you are to have Him do this.

Gently remind yourself that it was not God who moved.  You did.  So, come back.  Paul wrote Timothy, saying, "Even when we are too weak to have any faith left, he remains faithful to us and will help us, for he cannot disown us who are part of himself, and he will always carry out his promises to us" (2 Timothy 2:13, Living Bible).

Paul is saying that God's nature is that of faithfulness.  His love is unchanging, and His desire to have fellowship with you hasn't lessened in spite of your detour from His presence.

Finally, draw a line and step across it.  Say, "As for the past, I leave it behind.  I choose to walk with the Lord.  Get back to church, and dust off your Bible and start reading it.  Underline it, memorize it and realize it's God's love letter to you personally.

It's time to restore a broken connection.

Resource reading: Psalm 51:1-19

https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/how-do-i-reconnect-with-god/

The World Tonight | ANC (20 October 2020)

China's state broadcaster CCTV would adopt new logos

 

From January 6, 2015, the news channel will appear in the early morning hours of the new version of the promotional video, at the same time in the news channel in the early morning hours of the program reels, credits and promotional videos appear single-line CCTV logo, this logo is only CCTV internal promotional logo, not Official launch of the station logo; On January 1, 2016, CCTV’s Chinese International Channel officially launched the new version of the station logo promotional video and corner logo; on August 27, 2017, on the opening day of the Tianjin National Games, CCTV Sports Channel, Sports Event Channel A single-line CCTV logo appears in the title of the event (including "Sports News" and other columns) during the National Games. Prior to this, except for news channels, all other CCTV channels' promotional videos (such as program previews and public service advertisements) have all adopted the single-line CCTV logo. In recent years, single-line CCTV logos have also begun to appear on CCTV reporter microphones. However, after the successive revisions of the CCTV channels in October 2019, the channels that originally used the new red dot package (such as CCTV-4, CCTV-5) and the ending version of CCTV-13 were restored to use double Line CCTV. However, at present, major special programs, brand and public service advertisements, and CCTV's official website still use the new version of the logo as promotional signs.

On December 31, 2016, in response to the official launch of China Global Television Network, "CCTV-NEWS", "CCTV-Français", "CCTV-Español", "CCTV-العربية‎", "CCTV-Pусский" and "CCTV-9 The logo of "Documentary" was changed to the new single-line logo of "CGTN", "CGTN Français", "CGTN Español", "CGTN العربية‎", "CGTN Pусский" and "CGTN Documentary". The CGTN logo font is the same as the new CCTV logo. The single-line logo is consistent. There is no mark in the upper right corner of the HD signal of all CGTN channels, but the CGTN logo in the upper left corner is small and fully adapts to the 16:9 format; instead, the logo in the upper left corner of the SD signal is too large and stretched, and the logo of the HD signal The location scale is a bit biased.

「 PNA Newsroom 」2020.10.20

Tuloy po! - Kape't Pandasal kasama si Cardinal Chito Tagle

「 PNA Newsroom 」 2020.10.19

Turuan Natin ang Sarili at mga Anak ng Respeto - Kape't Pandasal kasama ...

Replay: TV Patrol livestream Weekend | October 18, 2020 Full Episode

Except for livelihood aid, most Filipinos say govt actions vs COVID-19 'adequate'

 Majority of Filipinos said the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic was "adequate", except for providing aid for those who lost their jobs, according to an independent survey released Saturday.

The Social Weather Stations said that in terms of helping people left jobless by the pandemic,

44 percent said government efforts helping people left jobless by the pandemic were "adequate," while 46 percent said they were inadequate and 9 percent were undecided.

The net adequacy, or the score of adequate percentage minus inadequate percentage, was lowest in Metro Manila (-15), followed by Balance Luzon (-2), Mindanao (-1), and the Visayas (+4).

The COVID-19 pandemic, which dragged the economy into recession in the second quarter, has left 4.6 million jobless Filipinos as of July according to the state statistics agency.

Meanwhile, 71 percent found "adequate" government actions ensuring the public has enough information on how to fight COVID-19, with 22 percent saying they were "inadequate" and 6 percent were undecided.

The sentiment was highest in Mindanao (+52) and Visayas (+51) than in Balance Luzon (+47) and Metro Manila (+45).

Some 67 percent said government actions to ensure there would be extensive contact tracing were "adequate," 37 percent said they were "inadequate," and 9 percent were undecided.

It was highest among residents of Balance Luzon (+49), followed by Visayas (+47), Mindanao (+37), and Metro Manila (+29).

Government recently hired almost 50,000 additional contact tracers in a bid to stop community transmission of the virus.

The survey also found 54 percent of respondents saying government efforts to ensure there is affordable coronavirus testing were "adequate," while 33 percent said they were "inadequate" and 11 percent were undecided.

The net adequacy was highest in the Visayas (+28), followed by Mindanao (+25), Balance Luzon (+18), and Metro Manila (+16).

The health department said it has tapped other laboratories to run coronavirus tests after the Philippine Red Cross halted servicing government due to state insurer PhilHealth's debts worth P1 billion.

The September 17 to 20 poll was conducted using mobile and computer-assisted telephone interviewing 1,249 adult Filipinos. It had a sampling error margin of ±3 percent for national percentages.

The Philippines confirmed 2,379 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday bringing the country’s total to 356,618.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/18/20/except-for-livelihood-aid-most-filipinos-say-govt-actions-vs-covid-19-adequate

PopCinema with LouDre

LIVE: TV Patrol livestream Weekend | October 17, 2020 Full Episode

The World Tonight | ANC (16 October 2020)

Sunset Glow

Sunset Red, the only senior special program of China Central Television, was launched on October 11, 1993, Beijing time. The program has been loved by the elderly since its inception, and it is now one of the most important columns of CCTV. 

The column is now scheduled to be broadcast on the Social and Law Channel of China Central Television. The broadcast time is 8:25 and 16:25 Beijing time every day. It has been broadcast on CCTV 1, 2, 4, and 10 programs. In Hong Kong, ATV Home once broadcasted the Cantonese version of this program.

History

In October 1993, the "Sunset Red" column was launched. In the year it was launched, China had entered a society with an aging population for six years. At that time, the co-founders of the Science and Education Department of the Social Education Center of CCTV and the "Management World" magazine of the Development Research Center of the State Council of the People's Republic of China learned about the aging of the population in China, and the "Sunset Red" column was officially born. The broadcast will be broadcast on CCTV-2 and CCTV-4 

On December 7, 2010, "Sunset Red" was suspended, and the original program time slot was replaced by "Life Early Reference". On June 27, 2011, the broadcast of "Red Sunset" resumed, and the broadcast platform was transferred from CCTV-1 to CCTV-10. The broadcast time was 7:00 from Monday to Friday. The host was replaced by two young beautiful anchor. [5]

On September 30, 2013, "Sunset Red" was transferred to the Social and Law Channel of China Central Television, and the content of the program was changed to tell stories about the elderly. [1]

Host

• Huang Wei (current)
• Chen Zhifeng
• Zhang Yue
• Shen Li

Link

At present, this column is a column telling stories about the elderly. The following are the links that have appeared in the program:

• "Follow the Sunset"
• "I wish you good health"
• "Not Old People"
• "New Window of Life"
• "Walk the Four Directions Smartly"
• "Meet the Red Sunset"
• "Grandpa and grandma use their brains"
• "Happy Gathering at Sunset"
• "Calligraphy and Painting Class"

theme song

Song title "Red Sunset"

Lyricist: Qiao Yu

Composer: Zhang Piji

Singing: Tong Tiexin

The most beautiful but red sunset

Warm and calm.

The sunset is a late flower

The sunset is old wine.

Sunset is late love

The sunset is the unending love.

How much love

It turned into a sunset red.

Logos

Logo used from October 11, 1993 to December 31, 1995

Logo used from January 1, 1996 to October 16, 2000

Logo used from October 17, 2000 to 2002

Wendy's Fried Chicken

 

The Wendy's Fried Chicken pieces names are: drumstick, rib, keel, wing, thigh

Tumalima sa Diyos - Kapet Pandasal kasama si Rissa Singson-Kawpeng

ISOC Holdings still keen on property expansion, cites sector’s resilience

By Denise A. Valdez, Senior Reporter

ISOC HOLDINGS, Inc. is bullish to expand its property portfolio in the coming years as it looks at the capital market as a viable investment tool in the future.

The holding firm of businessman Michael C. Cosiquien, co-founder of listed Megawide Construction Corp., said it launched two real estate projects this year despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Before the year ends and through the coming years, it looks to launch more commercial and residential projects in Metro Manila, and an integrated resort in Clark, Pampanga.

“The real estate industry is probably one of the most resilient sectors given that despite the pandemic, the industry remains to be stable,” Mr. Cosiquien, chairman of ISOC Holdings, told BusinessWorld via e-mail.

To support this growth, the company is studying possibilities for fundraising through an initial public offering (IPO) or a real estate investment trust (REIT) IPO.

“We want to establish a strong and consistent track record of sustainability that will satisfy, if not delight, our home owners. Doing an IPO or a REIT listing is a consideration in our long-term plan,” Mr. Cosiquien said.

ISOC Holdings, through I-Land, Inc., has two commercial properties, a residential property and a seven-hectare master-planned complex in Clark, Pampanga in its portfolio.

This year, it launched I-Land Bay Plaza in Pasay City and I-Land Residences Sucat in Parañaque City. I-Land Bay Plaza is already 50% leased out and is scheduled to be topped off next month. I-Land Residences is recording “very good” sales take-up, with all its one-bedroom units sold out.

“That’s why we are planning to launch Tower 2 of Sucat soon with more one-bedroom units,” Mr. Cosiquien said.

In the years ahead, the company plans to launch new residential and commercial projects in Quezon City, Pasig City, Makati City, and Taguig City. “We want to be able to satisfy our future homeowners and create a long term partnership and loyal following,” Mr. Cosiquien said.

Aside from real estate, ISOC Holdings also has interests in cold chain solutions, energy, and infrastructure businesses.

https://www.bworldonline.com/isoc-holdings-still-keen-on-property-expansion-cites-sectors-resilience/

How Do I Reconnect With God?

 If we believe not, yet he abides faithful: he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13, NKJV

How does a person restore a connection with God?  That was the question posed by a friend of Guidelines.  She struggled in even writing the letter, saying that four years ago she had written asking the same question but never mailed the letter.  Now a little girl, three years of age, is asking questions about God, and all of this triggers feelings of remorse and regret.

Like so many who have drifted away from the warmth of the Father's love, this young woman sustained a loss, a big one too.  Her brother was brutally murdered, and when this happened her heart cried out, "God, why did you let this happen?  Where were you when my brother needed your help?"

Scores of people have been there.  Yes, they know that if God undertook every time that one of His children was in need, everybody would want to line up on God's side, just to avoid the pain and disappointment of living in a broken world.  I'm thinking of a cartoon that shows a crusader standing over a pagan, his sword resting on the neck of the subdued person, who, looking up says, "Tell me more about your new religion. I'm terribly interested!"  Hey, that's the way it would be with the whole world, if we who are Christians always came out on top.

People who once connected with God know that the Bible is full of stories about individuals who were godly people who were mistreated and suffered without cause.  Daniel was thrown to the lions.  Jeremiah was cast into a slime pit and left to die.  Elijah lived in exile with a price on his head.  David had to hide out for seven years as Saul sought to kill him.

Down in their hearts people who blame God for what happens know that God isn't the one who caused the problem. They simply have turned and walked away because He didn't reverse the tide of evil or the wickedness which broke the tranquility and order of their lives.

Then a little child begins asking about God, or a friend lies at the point of death, or in the darkness of their souls they begin thinking about how it used to be, how at one time the joy of the Lord was real and when they prayed, the presence of God seemed so close and meaningful.

Here's the question: How do you restore the broken connection with God?  Just asking the question, facing the issue, means you recognize the deep longing in your heart to connect with God.

When David realized that the affair with Bathsheba had broken his connection with God, he prayed, pouring out his heart and honestly telling God how he felt.  Psalm 51 records this.  That's your first step.  Realize that God is far more desirous of embracing you and drawing you to Himself than you are to have Him do this.

Gently remind yourself that it was not God who moved.  You did.  So, come back.  Paul wrote Timothy, saying, "Even when we are too weak to have any faith left, he remains faithful to us and will help us, for he cannot disown us who are part of himself, and he will always carry out his promises to us" (2 Timothy 2:13, Living Bible).

Paul is saying that God's nature is that of faithfulness.  His love is unchanging, and His desire to have fellowship with you hasn't lessened in spite of your detour from His presence.

Finally, draw a line and step across it.  Say, "As for the past, I leave it behind.  I choose to walk with the Lord.  Get back to church, and dust off your Bible and start reading it.  Underline it, memorize it and realize it's God's love letter to you personally.

It's time to restore a broken connection.

Resource reading: Psalm 51:1-19

https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/how-do-i-reconnect-with-god/

The Secret To Daily Renewal

 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Do you live in a part of the world where the trees lose their leaves in the fall? Strangely, they become their most brilliant, with leaves of red, orange, gold, and brown right before the cold freeze of winter arrives, stripping the leaves and leaving barren branches.  Yet when spring follows winter, there is hope for renewal, and as the warmth of a spring sun gradually drives back the frost of winter, there is the expectation that new life is here, that there is hope.

When everything is the same all the time there is weariness to the landscape--whether it is driving rain or blazing sun, or even life itself.  Perhaps you're feeling like the man who admitted, "I'm not growing any more.  I start my day about 5 A.M., work hard all day, my laptop and phone follow me home and then I work most evenings.  When I read my Bible, I'm so tired that nothing makes sense."   No wonder he isn't growing!  Speaking of tired, maybe you're a mother of young children on a 24/7/365 schedule and locking yourself in the bathroom might be your only hope for a moment of quiet.

We all need renewal, but the question is, how do we find it?  How do we keep ourselves alive spiritually?  A few quiet moments alone is good for anyone facing the stress of meeting deadlines and caring for others, but you've probably realized that you don't find time for renewal; you have to take it.  This means prioritizing your life and schedule.  Often, rising 30 minutes earlier than you normally would and having those few quiet moments with Jesus is the key to personal renewal.

But no matter how early you get up--whether it is 6:00 a.m. or 4:30 a.m.—you'll inevitably find things that need immediate attention.  It is amazing how sharp your recall is when it's time to open God's Word and hear from God.   All kinds of important things that you've forgotten will suddenly scream for your attention.

Here's a suggestion:  First prioritize and protect a few minutes each day--preferably at the beginning of your day--which is your time for renewal.  Then concentrate.  The best thing your eyes can land on when you first open them in the morning is God's Word.  Reading your Bible gives you the perspective and encouragement you are guaranteed to need in your coming day.  Romans 15:4 speaks of the "encouragement of the Scriptures" which gives hope.  When your hope doesn't come from God, there isn't much to bring encouragement.  It's looking upward that makes a difference.

The famous preacher, Charles, Spurgeon, said, "A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't." But it's not just reading the Bible that renews you.  The important thing is hearing from God--not simply reading five chapters or ten minutes, whichever comes first.  Some people read through the Bible every year—that's admirable.  However, it is better to read even a chapter or a verse with understanding than plowing through pages without meaning. If you are having trouble concentrating, then read out loud, a single word at a time, or read with a pen and underline important thoughts.

Then take a moment to think about how what you've read informs your life.  This means application, making course corrections.  Sometimes it's helpful to write the thoughts that come to you in a notebook or on an app.

Finally, pray, letting God know where you are in your life, asking His help in situations you cannot change, and asking Him to use you to touch the lives of those around you. Without daily renewal, life becomes a barren wasteland and depression is just around the corner.  Renew and refresh today.

Resource reading: Romans 15:1-13

https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/the-secret-to-daily-renewal/

The World Tonight | ANC (15 October 2020)

Magkakapatid Tayo - Kape't Pandasal kasama si Fr. Kali Llamado

Should God Forgive Everyone?

 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.  Luke 23:34

A former Khmer Rouge prison chief who was convicted of crimes against humanity is now serving only half of his 35-year sentence. His name is Kang Kek lew, but he was known during the decimating and ruthless slaughter perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge as "Comrade Duch."

Kang Kek lew had admitted to being the infamous butcher of the Tuol Sleng detention center in Phnom Penh, where18,000 people were tortured and killed between 1975 and 1979.  Known as "Duch," this man was said to be directly responsible for the reign of terror in the "killing fields" of Cambodia.

In 1979, Kang disappeared into the jungle after Vietnamese troops took Phnom Penh, and there he encountered God, so he says.  In 2007, he was formally charged with crimes against humanity.  In 2008, as part of the judicial process, he asked for forgiveness and to give him hope that he might be forgiven before reportedly collapsing in tears.

Large numbers of Cambodians, though, were unhappy.  "Far too lenient," they said, "for his terrible crimes which we will never forgive." When you hear that someone such as this has become a Christian, and pleads for forgiveness, how do you respond?         Chances are that if ten of you expressed yourselves, most of you would be skeptical.  "Hiding behind religion," we say, or "He's been converted like the devil getting religion."  But, then, again, perhaps he is sincere, and his conversion is genuine. Can God forgive someone such as this? Is there a limit to God's forgiveness?

Saul was an accomplice to the murder of Stephen (Acts 7).  David had the blood of Bathsheba's husband on his hands. Scores of men and women whose past lives are checkered and dark have repented of their sins and have sought and found God's forgiveness. If all men and women are sinners, (and they are, according to Scripture), is there a qualitative difference in sin that means God will forgive the person who takes one life but not the one who has been responsible for the deaths of many people?  Where is the line which says, "Too much!  You're doomed!"?

Here's another sticky question: Would you be comfortable in heaven seated next to this guy?  The issue is not so much the question of whether or not God could forgive him, but should He forgive him?

Frankly, if you were the husband or the wife of one of the men who died under his authority, would you forgive him? Before you answer, you need to know that forgiveness doesn't mean you disallow the consequences of his wrongdoing, nor does Kang Kek lew expect that.  To the contrary, he believes that accepting the consequences is God's direction in accepting responsibility for what he did.  So, when you forgive you don't say, "Oh, that's OK."  Forgiveness in a biblical context means you give up your right to hurt someone because he or she hurt you.  Of course, it is tough.

Do you as a Christian have the responsibility to forgive?  Two New Testament passages seem to confuse people on the issue.  First, Jesus said, "But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Matthew 6:15) --a pretty straightforward, unambiguous statement with no conditions attached.  But what about Luke 17:3, which says, "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him"?

Frankly, forgiving those who have hurt you is one of the most difficult things you will ever do in life, but the rewards and consequences are both great.  Forgiveness is a choice and a decision, not an emotion.  It is an act of your will.  You either extend forgiveness to one who has wronged you or you decide to hold on to your anger and bitterness. An old adage says the one who cannot forgive burns the bridge over which he himself must someday pass.

Resource reading: Luke 23:1-34

https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/should-god-forgive-everyone/

The World Tonight | ANC (13 October 2020)