FAIR SUNSHINE

The great thoroughfare was not merely crowded, but a veritable ocean of souls, pressing in upon us with a boisterous and dense throng. Yet, praise be to God, though they were neither openly antagonistic to the sacred message nor swiftly accommodating to its truth, their very presence bespoke a spiritual hunger, even if unacknowledged. To pierce this hardened shell of the world's indifference, I employed a humble but effective strategy. Observing a sturdy fishmonger—a man of the common folk, toiling honestly for his bread—I used his own likeness to paint the divine scene. I thus transposed the ancient parable of the haughty Pharisee and the penitent Tax Collector into a language that spoke directly to their daily lives and simple understanding. Our limited stock of Gospel tracts were all disbursed precisely as the final word left my lips. Forty-five long minutes it took, a testament to the sheer volume of the multitude! Yet, let us not gloss over the shadow that ever accompanies the...

Biblical Theology is a fascinating study for me. This will be helpful before I start on my systematic study early next year Lord willing. I prefer an actual book than digital versions. There is just something missing when reading using the phone. I for one love the smell of fresh pages. The canonical, thematic and ethical book is  beautiful, while the New Dictionary is what I am currently using this semester.

Behold, the Lord hath performed a marvel before our very eyes! She received the glad tidings without the least hesitation, embracing the Gospel immediately and without apprehension of the cost or consequence. The contrast between her former state and the spiritual beauty of her person now is as striking and undeniable as the difference betwixt night and the full clarity of day. I am filled with a profound sense of awe before the majesty of the Sovereign LORD! Whenever I am privileged to hear the very utterances of her heart ascend in prayer, I am instantly reminded, with fresh and unburdened certainty, of how truly wonderful and efficacious is the heart-changing, sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. This is a living testament to the efficacy of Divine grace!

It is with indwelling sin as with a river. Whilst the springs and fountains of it are open, and waters are continually supplied unto its streams, set a dam before it, and it causeth it to rise and swell until it bear down all or overflow the banks about it. Let these waters be abated, dried up in some good measure in the springs of them, and the remainder may be coerced and restrained. But still, as long as there is any running water, it will constantly press upon what stands before it, according to its weight and strength, because it is its nature so to do; and if by any means it make a passage, it will proceed.   So is it with indwelling sin; whilst the springs and fountains of it are open, in vain is it for men to set a dam before it by their convictions, resolutions, vows, and promises. They may check it for a while, but it will increase, rise high, and rage, at one time or another, until it bears down all those convictions and resolutions, or makes itself an under-ground passa...

"I am afraid," I confessed to my devoted wife as we prepared to commence the solemn work. The truth must be told: I have always been afraid. There has never been a single season when this natural man was not thus afflicted. I carry the endless, tempting voice of excuses running through my head, a train thundering but three inches from my spirit. Her steady words were a staff of strength to my trembling soul: "I would simply tell the people that salvation is found only in Christ." Immediately, I could almost hear the quiet, searching voice of the Lord Master asking me: "Since you first began this appointed labour, have you ever lacked anything?" And the answer is borne out by all my experience: Nothing, O Lord! You have always, always been faithful to supply the necessary grace for the present hour. I must confess and pray: Forgive this miserable servant. Glorify Your Holy Name through my weakness. The journey to the Angat Public Market is a distance of ...

After the first location, taking the familiar route that leads toward the Saint Joseph burial ground in San Jose del Monte, passing near the bounds of San Nicolas, my attention was arrested by a sight most unexpected: a great throng of souls gathered at the entrance of a cemetery hitherto unnoticed and hidden from my sight, despite my frequent passing. Truly, the hand of divine providence was unmistakably at work on that ground, for this quiet, obscure corner—hitherto deserted—was now animated by a continuous and steady stream of souls, moving both in and out. Having fulfilled my small duty within the sacred enclosure, distributing my meager handful of tracts to those remembering their dead, I felt a sudden, holy stirring of the spirit. I made my humble approach to the constabulary officers stationed at the portal. With a bowed heart, I requested their  permission to proclaim the eternal Word to the assembled multitude. To my profound astonishment and gratitude, these men of earthl...

Even as the afternoon waned, and the heavens wept with a heavy, persistent drizzle, the people did flock with an unceasing devotion to the graves of the departed. What a providential, solemn moment to stand amidst the monuments of the dead and remind the living that our sovereign God owes no man the assurance of another earthly day! The purpose of this gathering, therefore, is truly not about the state of those who sleep, but rather about the unsettled condition of the living—those who, in a space of time all too swift, shall themselves take their turn at that final resting place, to be visited by their own mourning kin. The truth is stark and urgent: Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation, for the tolling bell of eternity waits for no man's convenience! Indeed, the Good LORD, in direct answer to humble petition, had prepared a most favourable station for my voice, positioning me directly alongside the long table where the Barangay officials were seated. Though my H...