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Place of Refuge
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 A
LIFE OF SIMPLICITY
- By
Philip Yuson
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“The point is this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and
he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as
he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God
loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every
blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything
and may provide in abundance for every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
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The
basic truth that Paul is saying in this passage is that God gives us
more than what we need. Therefore, we will ALWAYS have enough of e
 verything
AND may provide in abundance for every good work. As children of God, we
have the right to claim this promise. God never, ever abandons His
children. I know - because I have experienced being without a job for 13
and a half months, and through it all, God provided for four mouths to
feed PLUS some more to give for good works. Of course, it was not all
that fun and smooth. There were times of difficulties and despair, but
through it all, the Lord came through.
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This
is why the Lord said in the Old Testament that no one is to come to Him
empty handed. The reason is that this will be an insult to the Lord. If
we come to Him without anything, we are saying that He is not giving us
enough - when in fact, He said that He is able to provide us with EVERY
blessing in ABUNDANCE.
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Say
it again - God is ABLE to provide us with EVERY blessing in ABUNDANCE.
Key words are: able, every blessing and abundance.
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Why
is God giving us abundance? Is it to satisfy our cravings for luxury? Is
it for us to buy the latest electronic gadget or car? It is so that we
can have enough of everything AND provide in abundance for every good
work. The things we have, we are expected to give to every good work.
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Years ago, I talked to a priest who told me that, as a priest, he has
vows of celibacy, poverty and obedience. He also told me that a
layperson has to live in chastity, simplicity and humility. As
laypersons then, we are not called to live in poverty. We are called to
live in simplicity. A life of simplicity does not mean living a miser's
life - skimping on everything. Neither is it to flaunt our wealth to
cause envy in others. It is using our resources responsibly. But it is a
life that is according to our means and station in life.
Some businessmen have to maintain nice cars and houses because their
business requires it. Some people need to buy the latest in electronic
gadgets because it is needed in their work. We can sometimes give our
families and ourselves some simple luxuries - because the Lord also
wants that. But to live in luxury if we cannot afford it, then that is
not according to the will of the Lord.
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May
we then be able to live our lives according to our means - so that we
can always have enough of everything and provide in abundance for every
good work.
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- TELL US LIKE IT IS!
- Has
something wonderful and unique happened in your life lately? Did God
answer your prayer in a very unexpected way? Did you, like Isaiah, meet
God’s whisper?
- Have you felt His
powerful hand working in your life recently?
- Everyday, people
are experiencing God’s mighty Word in their lives and it is a pity that
very few know about it. Do you have a story to tell? Some Good News to
share?
- E-mail us (genesis@catholic.org) or fax us
(021-6627384), and tell us about it. That’s right! You don’t have to be
a great writer to do this. We can help you write it – just tell us like
it is!
- Don’t forget to
write the subject: “Let Me Tell You A Story”
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This site has been awarded
IN THIS ISSUE:
HIS Servant
by Bro. Pete Lapid
Our Faith
By Fr. KJ Veeger, MSC
Surabaya Corner
By Ramon Martillano
Place of Refuge
By Philip Yuson
Straight from the Heart
By Carolle Bautista
G* KIDSPACE
By Tintin Magbitang
Community Life ~
Here's the Latest
By Pinky Torres
Surabaya Sharing
By Bombet Malinao
Saint for the Month
Source: Catholic Online
On Focus
By Sansu Garin
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