Our THREE countries

 Isaiah 31:1

King James Version

31 Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; 

and stay on horses, 

and trust in chariots, 

because they are many; 

and in horsemen, because they are very strong; 

but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, 

neither seek the Lord!

My stand remains the same.

For whatever country in the world is involved.

We cannot rely on our own wisdom.

We cannot rely on our own strength.

We cannot rely on our own unity.

We need GOD.

We need His Son, JESUS.

We need to be taught by the HOLY SPIRIT.

We need to be born again, that we may have SPIRIT.

There can be no peace, until we believe in JESUS, the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6-7

King James Version

6 For unto us a child is born, 

unto us a son is given: 

and the government shall be upon his shoulder: 

and his name shall be called Wonderful, 

Counsellor, 

The mighty God, 

The everlasting Father, 

The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace 

there shall be no end, 

upon the throne of David, 

and upon his kingdom,

 to order it, 

and to establish it with judgment 

and with justice 

from henceforth even for ever. 

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

All our attempts at peace are futile, unless we all believe in the same GOD.

Exodus 3:6

King James Version

6 Moreover he said, 

I am the God of thy father, 

the God of Abraham, 

the God of Isaac, 

and the God of Jacob. 

And Moses hid his face; 

for he was afraid to look upon God.

Matthew 22:32

King James Version

32 I am the God of Abraham, 

and the God of Isaac, 

and the God of Jacob? 

God is not the God of the dead, 

but of the living.

Acts 3:13-15

King James Version

13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, 

the God of our fathers, 

hath glorified his Son Jesus; 

whom ye delivered up, 

and denied him in the presence of Pilate, 

when he was determined to let him go.

14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, 

and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

15 And killed the Prince of life, 

whom God hath raised from the dead; 

whereof we are witnesses.

As it is, the Philippines is primarily Roman Catholic.

The U.S. took out GOD from their government.

Japan believes in many other gods.

But we all worship the same god.

The god of money.

Which JESUS warned us about:

Matthew 6:24

King James Version

24 No man can serve two masters: 

for either he will hate the one, and love the other; 

or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. 

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Today, the U.S., Japan, and Philippines are united against provocations from China.

The Philippines' navy and fishermen are constantly harassed by China.

We do not have the capability to defend ourselves.

We are an archipelago, surrounded by oceans.

We need superb air, sea, and land defense systems.

Which our presidents haven't really looked into, surprisingly.

We are like "sitting ducks" in an ocean of plenty.

Everyone knows the resources we have.

And the strategic importance we have.

Of course we are grateful for any help from other countries.

Granted that there's no hidden agenda.

It's election season in the U.S.

Also, our three countries had a dark past.

The Americans occupied us before.

The Japanese did the same.

The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

The Americans bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

And today, we're all friends.

Such is human nature.

Fragile.

Flimsy.

Fearful.

That's why the Bible warns us:

Psalm 118:8-9

King James Version

8 It is better to trust in the Lord 

than to put confidence in man.

9 It is better to trust in the Lord 

than to put confidence in princes.

I trust the LORD alone.

In GOD is LOVE.

Jeremiah 31:3

King James Version

3 The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, 

saying, 

Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: 

therefore with lovingkindness 

have I drawn thee.

In JESUS is GRACE and TRUTH.

John 1:17

King James Version

17 For the law was given by Moses, 

but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

In SPIRIT is LIBERTY.

2 Corinthians 3:17

King James Version

17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: 

and where the Spirit of the Lord is, 

there is liberty.

If we are a true born again, we will rely on GOD alone.

We will not have hidden agendas.

We will not plot against each other.

We will not plot against any other country.

We live by GOD's laws.

Realizing that, without JESUS, we can do nothing.

John 15:5-7

King James Version

5 I am the vine, 

ye are the branches: 

He that abideth in me, and I in him, 

the same bringeth forth much fruit: 

for without me ye can do nothing.

6 If a man abide not in me, 

he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; 

and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, 

and they are burned.

7 If ye abide in me, 

and my words abide in you, 

ye shall ask what ye will, 

and it shall be done unto you.

And if we're not born again?

We're toast.

Matthew 13:41-43

King James Version

41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, 

and they shall gather out of his kingdom 

all things that offend, 

and them which do iniquity;

42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: 

there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

43 Then shall the righteous shine forth 

as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. 

Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

P.S. 

China's response to the trilateral agreement among the THREE countries can be heard here.

Related material:

LEADERS for GOD

EVERYTHING belongs to GOD

It's all PREPARATION now

For the HEALING of nations

GOD's power over nations

SOUL-saving WORD

born again observations on war

GOD's WORD forever

On GOVERNMENTS

Scripture on HUMAN rights

FORTIFY your FORTRESS

BORN AGAIN articles

The BALIKBAYAN box

2 Corinthians 9:7

King James Version

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, 

so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: 

for God loveth a cheerful giver.

It all started with the "covetousness" article.

Wherein I wondered if we Filipinos had stuff in that cargo ship.

You know, the one that hit the bridge.

I'd be surprised if we didn't.

So, that made me remember the "balikbayan" box.

Our famous creation.

Who is a cheerful giver?

The one who sends a balikbayan box.

Who is a cheerful receiver?

The one who receives a balikbayan box.

What is "balikbayan"?

"Balik" means "return".

"Bayan" means "town".

So, "balikbayan" means "someone who returns to his town".

Now, if you can't return to your town, you can always send a box.

Our now infamous "balikbayan" box.

That LARGE, square box.

What do you put in the box?

Goodies.

Gadgets.

Gifts.

You are not Filipino, if you're an overseas worker, and you haven't sent one to your folks back home.

You are not Filipino, if you do not delight in receiving one.

All of us who have sent one, or two, or three, imagine the delight in our loved ones' faces.

All who have received one, or two, or three, literally jump, and squeal in delight.

We Filipinos are a simple people.

Those of us who are not spoiled, are grateful for everything.

If we receive a balikbayan box, who's to say we won't jump in glee?

And, of course, the GREATEST fun is in the sharing.

Something, for every one.

We realize the hard work, and efforts, of our loved ones abroad.

We know they skimp on their food, and essentials.

Just so they can send us that glorious balikbayan box.

That awesome box which patiently rides those cargo ships.

Which we eventually receive, a month, or two, after it's been sent.

And sometimes, not at all.

It's not unheard of they get lost at sea.

Or get lost in someone else's home, after it's pilfered.

Or the box gets opened, to see if there's contraband.

Or opened by "inspectors", keeping a few things for themselves.

Gone are the days you can just about send anything you want.

Food stuff, clothes, toiletries, tiny appliances, gadgets, and such.

I once packed a wine bottle in each boot.

We have to get creative, you see.

We have to max the box.

Meaning, we cram everything we can cram in there.

With the idea if they toss that box aboard, nothing gets displaced.

And nothing really does.

But we have to make sure all sides, corners, top, and bottom, are sealed with wide packing tape.

I even had to sit on one such box, so that the top won't open, as my relatives sealed it.

Oh, the things we go through for our loved ones!

Just knowing we thought of their every need, makes us smile.

Even if they wonder why we pack soap, shampoo, and detergent beside the chocolates.

You can imagine how the chocolates taste, after a month at sea.

But, do we receivers complain?

Nope.

We're mighty grateful.

We Filipinos are usually a happy lot.

GOD made us naturally cheerful, and creative.

Like I said, if we have not been spoiled.

Do you have such balikbayan boxes in your country?

It's really fun to receive one.

Go, fill one.

Go, send one.

Go, wait for one.

Just don't mix soap, and chocolates.

And you'll see what I mean.

Related material:

World WITHOUT covetousness

Balikbayan box

Images: Clipart Library

The Philippine FAITH

 

2 Corinthians 5:7

King James Version

7 (For we walk by faith, 

not by sight:)

The Philippines is basically a Catholic nation.

From a population of nearly 112 million in 2015, nearly 80% of Filipinos are Catholics.

Having been colonized by Spain in the 1500s, we had to embrace that faith.

I myself grew up Catholic.

In my city, it was mostly Catholic schools run by Filipino, Belgian, and German priests, and nuns.

Throughout my studies, from kindergarten, to college, I studied at a Catholic school.

The older generation taught us to pray the Rosary, to go to Mass, to pray the daily Angelus, to go to Confession.

We are supposed to receive the sacraments, from baptism to extreme unction.

Protestants comprise but 9.13 % of the Philippine population.

My country has the world's third largest Roman Catholic population.

No wonder, soon as he became head of the RC church, Pope Francis visited us in Leyte.

Interestingly, welcomed by a literal storm, too.

I remember seeing that on tv.

As for me, GOD made me take another fork in the road.

He made me born again  in 2019, changing my life forever.

He made me take that 180-degree turn.

The Bible became my only reference, after that.

GOD's WORD came alive in my heart.

His SPIRIT made things plain.

I dropped all other studies at that point.

There are many other faiths in the Philippines.

But I'm forever grateful GOD made me born again.

Through His SPIRIT, I have greater understanding of JESUS.

Which I'm able to share with you.

Through our many blogs, and books.

Nothing like knowing you're walking the right path.

And that you're not misleading others.

Isaiah 30:21

King James Version

21 And thine ears 

shall hear a word behind thee, 

saying, 

This is the way, walk ye in it, 

when ye turn to the right hand, 

and when ye turn to the left.

John 14:6

King James Version

6 Jesus saith unto him, 

I am the way, the truth, and the life: 

no man cometh unto the Father, 

but by me.

Galatians 5:16-18

King James Version

16 This I say then, 

Walk in the Spirit, 

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, 

and the Spirit against the flesh: 

and these are contrary the one to the other: 

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, 

ye are not under the law.

More articles here.

Related material:

An Urgent Message For Roman Catholics

Mike Gendron's "Christ Alone"

"Saved By Grace, Not By Good Works"

WHO shall be SAVED?

GOD's GLORY blogs

Paoay church image: Wallpaper Flare

A RESILIENT race

 

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

King James Version

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; 

we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; 

cast down, but not destroyed;

The Philippines is loved, because we are a friendly nation.

We speak English well.

We are open to learning.

We work hard.

We learn fast.

Even imbibing foreign ways to a fault.

What others would call "colonialism".

But we've suffered greatly, too.

We've been under three rulers:

-- The Spanish rule (1565–1898)

-- The American rule (1898–1946)

-- The Japanese rule (1941-1945)

We were finally liberated by the Americans, until Japan's formal surrender on 2 September 1945.

By that time, approximately 10,000 American soldiers were missing in action, and one million Filipinos had perished.

Many old buildings in my city still carry an echo of such suffering.

Come rain, or come shine, Filipinos manage a smile.

Our islands are loved for our people's hospitality, even as we also have many unscrupulous characters who feed upon trusting tourists.

Because of the various foreign occupations, we are a melting pot of mixed races.

We carry strong Spanish, American, European, Chinese, and even Japanese features to this day, mixing with our original Malay race.

May the next generations remember the sacrifices of their kin.

Many say they've kept on because of their faith.

And that's for the next post.

Image: Michael Rivera

JEEPNEYS and such

 

James 4:10

King James Version

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, 

and he shall lift you up.

How do we get around within the Philippines?

Simple.

If you're an everyday person like me:

Jeeps.

Buses.

Pedicabs.

Taxis.

Trains.

Ferries.

Motorcycles.

You walk.

If you're loaded:

Cars.

We're particularly proud of our Philippine jeepneys.

Sarao and Francisco Motors were the popular builders.

We learn that its heritage has American, Russian, Jewish, British, and eventually Filipino roots.

(I'm referring to the brains behind the creation of our jeeps; as well as the technology involved.)

Talking about a rich heritage.

All the more I would never want it scrapped.

In Thailand, we rode tuks.

In India, I loved their old, cream Tata Motors cabs.

Now, if those are gone, you can imagine how old I am.

You see, global elitists wants us all to go electric.

Now, if they're really smart, they'll have three:

Petrol, electric, pedal.

Or even solar, biofuel.

Depending on the terrain.

You don't need to be a genius to figure that out.

More exacting terrain will require more exacting power source.

Who's to say oil won't run out?

Who's to say your electric batteries won't burn?

More so, can my people afford your expensive schemes?

So, please, don't scrap our jeeps.

Don't take away our people's livelihood.

If anything, you can supply us fresh tires.

We are of a humble race.

And that's for the next post.

Related material:

Jeepney

Image: Wallpaper Flare

Very UNUSUAL shape

 

1 Samuel 16:7

King James Version

7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, 

Look not on his countenance, 

or on the height of his stature; 

because I have refused him: 

for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; 

for man looketh on the outward appearance, 

but the Lord looketh on the heart.

Is it just me?

Or am I imagining it?

I've always thought our country has a strange shape.

Looks like a sitting dog, to me.

Is that why other countries make us the underdog?

Is that why some of my countrymen feel they are underdogs?

My apologies.

Sometimes, my over-active imagination gets the better of me.

And yet, look!

Doesn't my beloved country, the Philippines, have an unusual shape?

I mean, look at other land masses of the world.

Most countries, apart from Israel, are vast, landlocked.

My country's the cutest.

It's an archipelago.

As a kid, I learned we have 7,100 islands.

Now?

Wikipedia says we have 7,641 islands.

You mean, my country's still birthing?

How do islands form?

Geologist Emma Gillies says it's:

 "through the convection currents 

of the mantle"

Wow, heady stuff.

I won't even pretend to know.

(Though I once contemplated studying Geology.)

So I dig further:

"Mantle Convection on Earth"

As you can very well see, we are having mini lessons.

On geography, and geology.

No wonder tourists love it here.

For the beaches, people, and scenery.

A quirky shape.

A quirky people.

A quirky country.

Is yours, like ours?

Now, I'll tell you how we get around here.

Click the next post.

Related material:

Geography of the Philippines

Image: Free World Maps

On the PHILIPPINES

 

1 Peter 2:16

King James Version

16 As free, 

and not using your liberty 

for a cloke of maliciousness, 

but as the servants of God.

Yes, friends, that's our Philippine flag.

Every country has a flag.

When you brandish it, that means you've earned your freedom.

And most likely, fought for it.

You are officially a nation.

What can I tell you about my country?

A lot.

Mostly quirks I've noticed.

Unique traits of Filipinos.

A rich heritage from natives, Spaniards, and Americans.

I won't go much into history.

But I will tell you simple traits we have.

Traits we need to preserve.

Traits we need to change.

Traits that shape us.

And culture, in between.

These articles will be at random.

As SPIRIT guides me.

As my memory serves me.

All observations had been "filed" for future use.

And today is that day!

Please welcome "On the PHILIPPINES".

It replaces a July 1, 2022 blog we first created.

The old title limited me.

But this one won't.

Head over to the next posts.

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Philippines

Image this page: Wallpaper Safari

Blog background image: Jah Cordova