TL;DR
Instead of your regular message last Sunday, we had a panel discussion with some of the elders of our service.
Here are the questions:
What are some practical, genuine ways to “rejoice always” when facing personal challenges or negative situations?
What are the potential consequences of not finding our joy in the Lord?
How can we encourage others to find joy in the Lord when they are struggling?
How can awareness of God’s presence and guidance throughout the day help us in prayer?
What are some practical ways to express gratitude to God and others?
How does a thankful attitude impact our relationships and overall well-being?
How can we identify and resist evil influences in our lives and communities?
What are some examples of “every form of evil” that we should avoid, and what are their consequences?
What are some practical ways to discern between truth and deception in our modern world?
I answered these, I had friends from different places and varying age groups answer in advance, and then we finally took on them as a panel last Sunday.
What are some practical, genuine ways to “rejoice always” when facing personal challenges or negative situations?
Personally, I listen to praise worship, or I sing. I also find that when I do come upon challenging and negative situations, praise and worship automatically plays in my mind. It’s happened more than once. Call it my own mental conditioning, but I’ve found it to be very helpful for me.
What are the potential consequences of not finding our joy in the Lord?
This means we find our joy in other things. Only the Lord is infinite and eternal, and only from the Lord can we find infinite and eternal joy. On Christ the Solid Rock, we stand; All other ground is sinking sand, and all other ‘joy’ is ultimately finite and has an end.
How can we encourage others to find joy in the Lord when they are struggling?
I would draw from Galatians 5, specifically where Paul tells them that we should ‘bear one another’s burdens’. We struggle with them. I tell them that I won’t stand until you’re ready to stand. I offer presence and attention as encouragement.
I would also add that we as the body of Christ should be more natural in immediately praying for each other. We have the propensity to reacting with nurturing or coming up with solutions, but God forbid we lose everything before realizing that the first and foremost thing to do is to pray.
In our telling others to trust in the Lord, we are reminded to trust in the Lord, ourselves.
How can awareness of God’s presence and guidance throughout the day help us in prayer?
Knowing that the Lord is with me no matter what, just makes me more and more comfortable in talking to Him, more as a Father and less as an idealized authority figure.
I had a good Bible study earlier this week where it dawned on me that confession isn’t a religious SOP (Standard Operating Procedure); It’s a privilege and opportunity to open up to the Creator of the Universe as He is our Father, and for us to experience that whole ‘taking a load off our chest’ with Him.
What are some practical ways to express gratitude to God and others?
Just to give thanks in everything, really. And as I always say, it’s not a sarcastic, literal ‘thank God’ for everything that happens. Sometimes you thank God, not for death or sin, but for His being with us through it all. And as you give thanks to the Lord, so you have a greater propensity to give thanks in general, before complaining.
How does a thankful attitude impact our relationships and overall well-being?
You feel better. I mean, even secular folks see the so-called ‘science’ behind gratitude, and how it improves our mood. But for us in the body of Christ, we go through more than just positive thinking – we’re more directed to the goodness of God when we find reasons to give thanks.
How can we identify and resist evil influences in our lives and communities?
What are some examples of “every form of evil” that we should avoid, and what are their consequences?
What are some practical ways to discern between truth and deception in our modern world?
To these three questions, I go back to John 16 – the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ, and Christ alone. If something downplays Christ, and/or promotes other things, then that to me is evil and deceptive, that to me is what we should be avoiding.
1. What are some practical, genuine ways to “rejoice always” when facing personal challenges or negative situations?
- DOX: Detach and spend time with the Lord, if possible. I speak with Him. “Casting my cares” upon Him. Go to the Word. See the Truth vs what I feel. If I can’t separate myself, then I bite my tongue and be in the Spirit (speak in tongues). Allow the fruit of the Spirit to come out.
- DANA: –Worshiping when it’s hard or like focus on God’s character. Parang I have to remind myself of who God is in my life even when the situations or circumstances are uncertain.
- VENUS: By appreciating our small blessings, like waking up everyday and such. By remembering God’s sovereignty and promises and acknowledging God’s presence beyond any situation.
- ANDREI: •be grateful for challenges bec these reveal God’s mighty power. In our weakness God is strong. grateful that challenges reveal our dependence on the Lord. And reminds us that it would be foolish to think we can live life on our own; through our own merit•Praise God for waking up today and for the enlightenment that even in pain or struggles, we are drawn to Him (rather than in futile solutions such as drugs, alcohol or vices) * Keeping a Mindset: what is God trying to teach me through this struggle? Is it letting go of something harmful for me? Is it to forgive my enemy and to love? Is it to be humble?
- ERAS: – – Practically and genuinely, Pray. Not actively thinking “i want to be happy in this situation”, but just pouring out your legit emotions to God. In a way after doing so, you’ll feel better, and I think that entire process could be a definition of “rejoicing”. Like rejoicing through crying out in sorrow and in joy. – I’d say think of challenges as blessings. Where confusion arises, especially if you think you know na option A leads to this and option B leads to this, you should be reminded na eitherway, you come out stronger from this with more experience and even another “memory” with God.
2. What are the potential consequences of not finding our joy in the Lord?
- DOX: I would quote 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV) 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I believe when there’s no joy, you are out of the will of God in Christ. The potential consequence: out of the will of God.
- DANA: –Detachment? a a a a
- VENUS: Base on my experience ayy lht nmn a a a . Well distancing from the Lord, emotionally weak which leads to poor decision making, like joining a frat. OA nmm frat di nmn ano lng um mga BI ganun
- ANDREI: * dependence on wordly pleasure and temporal elation (vices and validation from people) * Weakening faith
- ERAS: – Haha I think this one’s fun. You may not be “finding Joy”, but one way or another and without doubt, “God’s Joy” is chasing you and it’s always there. It’s more of “delayed realisation” maybe which sometimes is needed for you to appreciate joy even more.
- – To answer the question properly, the consequence of not finding joy in the Lord is ironically, a much more “tagos” na emotion sayo when you come to realise na God has always been there anyway. Maybe at first it sounds off kasi you “find joy in other things” but technically this leads to Christ din. Find yourself amazed
3. How can we encourage others to find joy in the Lord when they are struggling?
- DOX: Before even going “out there”, i ask the Holy Spirit to help how to minister to people. And almost most of the time, I point the person to the Word of God. (Hebrews 4:12 (TPT) 12 For we have the living Word of God, which is full of energy, like a two-mouthed sword. It will even penetrate to the very core of our being where soul and spirit, bone and marrow meet! It interprets and reveals the true thoughts and secret motives of our hearts.) The Word is the seed that I plant to the hearts of people who are struggling. And i believe the Word will bring forth joy. My go to verse to tell a person I minister to is 3 John 1:2 (NKJV) 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
- DANA: –Be a testimony or remind them of the promises of God. Also, pray with/for them.
- VENUS: By showing that we care about them sharing our personal testimonies that could also give them courage of some sort, and by praying with them.
- ANDREI: * attitude of gratitude (count your blessings; not your struggles) * Find inspiration in worship songs: “Even when it hurts so bad, i’ll praise you” * Confide with a friend , pastor or mentor when you cant find it in your heart to give praise bec of immense pain (mourning a loss). Talk it out. God works in mysterious ways. God moves through other people around us * Reflect on scriptures. For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you
- ERAS: – As Q1, pray. In a way “finding joy” has the first step of not actively finding “joy”, cause I think in struggles it sort of makes sense to pour out emotions muna (be it very striking or dramatic) tapos Joy comes out like a by-product of it (although as we know it’s always there naman) – As an encouragement, I’d say be very open kay Lord. When praying, you don’t have to tell the solution to yourself. Not that I recommend but sometimes I end up straightforwardly asking God, “Why Lord? Why am I in this situation?”. Don’t have to pray it like with the mood of pa feel good ngay.
4. How can awareness of God’s presence and guidance throughout the day help us in prayer?
- DOX: I believe when His love is revealed, you know His presence is always with you. Knowing that His presence is with you, the prayer of “asking” is replaced with “thanksgiving”. And the prayer during the day will be more on praising and thanking Him. I believe the revelation of His love will help us throughout the day in prayer.
- DANA: –Calms anxiety. Knowing that God is with us makes it easier to cast all our cares and anxiety on Him.
- VENUS: Mindful. We become more attentive to how God is working in daily situations, knowing God is present encourages us to constantly have a conversation with Him throughout the day. Like “Lord may tanong ako” .
- ANDREI: * “where you find yourself anxious the most is where you are trusting God the least”. * (You) Place complete Trust in the Lord. * Reflect on the story of “footprints in the sand. “. From sets of footprints (Jesus and l) to just 1 set. I thought it was me walking alone in my struggle. But Its actually Christ carrying me and my burdens
- ERAS: – oooh this one’s good. I think it takes some time to subconsciously just know this. You don’t have to say every minute “God’s here”, but it comes out naturally in how we act. Ako sometimes if may problem for example or something, nag s sideways nod nalang ako ng head with a half chuck smile and say “up to You man You got me on this”.. – It’s quite important to realise too that (in God’s presence) you don’t have to semantically pray about the same thing for 20 times. Maybe a helpful example like if mag sumbong ka sa Apple or Bank Support, “one reklamo is enough” or like more times you complain the same problem doesn’t mean mas mabilis mag respond. What I am saying, In Christ, I’ve got the trust (especially if a horrible imagination comes in) na I can just say “No, God’s got me on this” or like hindi papayag si Lord na mapabayaan ako. Not that people think this way or may mali, but it may be tempting to think mas bibilis ung sagot ni Lord the more times you pray about it or the louder you speak. Di mo sure baka answered prayer na din.
5. What are some practical ways to express gratitude to God and others?
- DOX: By focusing on what Jesus has done in my life. When I magnify Him, anything here in this earth becomes small. By focusing on His Word, I am right now standing in the truths of what the Word says about me.
- DANA: –Through thanksgiving or simply be kind…
- VENUS:act of service. Cause we do things genuinely and willingly, “Worship”. Saying thank you like ate Joe does. Giving thoughtful gifts or notes to people who’ve impacted us (you) like when mama Nitz is giving me book to read and to share with other readers. Personally journaling helps too, listing the daily things that I’m thankful ganern.
- ANDREI: * sing / worship in song. Start and end of day especially * Write it in your Journal * Share the miracle with family/friend. Spread God’s goodness to others. * Be a blessing to others too. Pay it forward * Fervent Prayer
- ERAS: – This is quite tough. I think it depends on what your intention is. Quite need to be careful like do you want God to be gratified by what you did/do? I mean, just remember your place with God. It might be tempting to think na the reason why God is happy is because we said Thank You for example. I mean oo naman, but remember na “God is already gratified”, or like we’re already blessed that’s why we can give. – As a brother or a son, I can express gratitude by simply taking care of myself and my faith like “hey I know you love me” A a a a a
6. How does a thankful attitude impact our relationships and overall well-being?
- DOX: It really moves the focus on the “light” and where there is light, there’s no darkness. Aside from the Word instructing us to give thanks always or “with thanksgiving” or “in everything give thanks”, it really shifts our perspective. It helps us remember the benefits of His finished works. (Because we tend to forget) so gratitude really helps.
- DANA: –It reflects God’s character. Like thankfulness reflects humility and recognizes na si God ang giver ng mga bagay bagay.
- VENUS: Mas lumalakas po yong relationship natin sa isa’t isa kasi di ty nag fofocus sa mali kung di nag fofocus ty sa kung ano ang tama.
- ANDREI: * attitude of gratitude = altitude * We will never get far in life if we aren’t appreciative of blessings and gifts from our Creator. Gratitude = Humility in acknowledging that we are nothing without Christ. Christ is the source of Truth, Beauty, Love, Wisdom, Justice
- ERAS: – a thankful attitude comes in many ways. Being thankful may mean accepting a blessing or using your talent/skill, not necessarily saying “thank you”. Pero to answer the question, having a thankful attitude keeps us valuing the relationship or blessing more I’d say. Like more than being thankful, you actually value it kasi galing kay Lord. Maybe work wise you take the effort of learning more or just doing your best, knowing na this is a gift from God.
7. How can we identify and resist evil influences in our lives and communities? What are some examples of “every form of evil” that we should avoid, and what are their consequences?
- DOX: We identify when we put it beside the Word. Ie the world says “flu season” vs the Word says “no plague shall draw near your dwelling”. An example form of evil would be words. In Isaiah 54 it said that “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn.” So when someone says something negative, you can condemn and reject those words and counter with the truth – the Word of God.
- DANA: –Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment or conviction. Pwede din mag set ng boundaries like protecting our hearts and mind from the toxicity of our environment.
- VENUS: By understanding the Word of the Lord and um isabuhay yon cause by having a deep relationship with the Lord means that we know his teachings. Alam natin yong ipang lalabas natin sa evil influences. The Armor of God. The Helmet of Salvation, the Breastplate of Righteousness, Belt of Truth, Shield of Faith, Sword of the Spirit, and the Shoes of Peace. One of my seniors taught me this when i was battling with my addiction. Examples of “every form of evil” Gossip, slander, and divisiveness within communities. Substance abuse and exploitation. Spiritual deception, false teachings.
- ANDREI: * pride is the worse sin. Pride caused the fall of the angel. Pride that we can live a fulfilling and righteous life without God. Pride that our success was bec of our hardwork alone. * Check your Ego. “If you aren’t humble, life will bring humility to you “ (mike tyson)* Pride also hinders us from loving others bec we think so highly of ourselves that we are too good to be around those “less” than us.
- ERAS: – one word is enough. Know that you don’t need to shout 10 times and say the enemy is dead or I rebuke the enemy because that’s literally under our feet na 2,000 years ago. Resisting the enemy may be as simple as saying God loves me and responding to this by subconsciously knowing na God’s taken care of that battle na. Maybe something like “gravity”. If you hold a ball and bitawan mo, it will always go down and kahit sang parte ka ng mundo pumunta at whatever time, the ball will fall. In the same way, know that we are naturally oriented in God’s love, such that wherever we go and whatever we do, we can’t escape God’s love. Even go deeper like a black hole maybe na once you’re in there’s NO WAY out. \ a a. A a a – Just remember you’re not praying extra like it’s a limited potion.
8. What are some practical ways to discern between truth and deception in our modern world?
- DOX: For me, the mindset of “The Word is Truth” is what I am holding on to. It says in Romans 3:4 “let God be true and every man a liar”. I believe we should stick with the only truth there is, The Word of God. Stick to Jesus – “but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” In this modern world, a lot of people tend to believe what they see or hear in social media or the internet. One practical way i would discern is to compare the statement to the Word of God. The enemy’s strategy is still the same, “has God said?”
- DANA: –Pray. Ask God for discernment, ask God to open our eyes and give us clarity.
- VENUS: Fact check. Compare it to the Bible. Common sense ano pa ba a a a Pray about it and remember that truth aligns with God’s character.
- ANDREI: * Conscience * Scripture/ Bible * Pray about it. Pray for discernment. Pray for enlightenment and clarity. * Challenge credibility of sources of information. Fact check.
- ERAS: (nothing)
What are some practical, genuine ways to “rejoice always” when facing personal challenges or negative situations?
- Count your blessings! Count your present blessings, and even your small blessings. Remember your past blessings: They are touchstones, for reference.
- Know your history, and remember that God is faithful!
- Focus on the Lord produces endurance.
- Remember, and rejoice.
What are the potential consequences of not finding our joy in the Lord?
- If you don’t find your joy or happiness in the Lord, then whatever joy or happiness you have is ultimately short-term.
- You will never be content.
- You would be ‘plastic’, or not really genuinely joyful.
- Not only would you be ‘plastic’, but you will be anemic.
- You’d be negative. Not only would you not have joy, but you would have anger against the world.
- In the Spirit, there is fullness of joy. So if your joy isn’t in the Lord, unfortunately, you don’t have the Spirit either; But, on the other hand, having the Spirit automatically gives you joy in the Lord.
- Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sick, weak, and hopeless. In the Spirit there is fullness of joy!
How can we encourage others to find joy in the Lord when they are struggling?
- Remember, and testify. Remember what situations you’ve been in the past, and minister to others in the same situation. Proclaim who God is, validate our position in Christ.
- Remind each other of the promises of God. Remind each other of Scripture – Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 14:17 (sing in support: ‘Righteousness, Joy, and Peace in the Spirit!‘), Philippians 4:6-7
- Most importantly, before you speak, before you pray for each other, or testify, or do any reminding: LISTEN to others. Don’t be quick to offer solutions. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the Law of Christ.
How can awareness of God’s presence and guidance throughout the day help us in prayer?
- “God is my ‘Buddy‘ – I know He is with me.”
- Being aware of His presence has us worshipping in His presence, naturally! You stand in awe of God’s glory and grace!
- Imagine Him – awareness leads to worship, worship leads to prayer.
- +1 to Awareness. Use your antenna. Remember you are in a relationship with the Creator, through Jesus, sealed by the Spirit.
- You do have the privilege to be honest with the/your/our Father!
What are some practical ways to express gratitude to God and others?
- Open your eyes to Creation. The stars in the sky, the flowers and the mountains bring us to give thanks to God.
- Rely on good friends to remind us to give thanks. By the way, your friends are also God’s creation.
- Move with the intention and mentality of honor. Honor people, honor God, honor family.
How does a thankful attitude impact our relationships and overall well-being?
- You are able to affirm others, and you are able to do so lovingly, and more importantly, honestly.
- Refer to Psalm 50. (Not sure now where exactly, but I suppose verse 23 would suffice: ‘23 The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly, I will show the salvation of God!‘)
- Thankfulness improves trust, combats the enemy, serves as an antidote to complaints, and is not only truly expressed in words but in doing.
How can we identify and resist evil influences in our lives and communities?
What are some examples of “every form of evil” that we should avoid, and what are their consequences?
What are some practical ways to discern between truth and deception in our modern world?
(For lack of time – actually, by around this time we were over our usual time – we brought it all together)
- Check your thoughts.
- Put it all beside the Word. Get close to the Word, get close to the Truth. Get close to Jesus, and bask in the Holy Spirit.
There was more to this, I’m sure – and I know the congregation was taking their own notes as well, more than I was while I was juggling between facilitating and recording. But all in all, this proved to be quite the beneficial exercise. It took a load off of my chest, and my good elders had their time to share… before they share more for the rest of this month.
I thank God for His faithfulness. We’re all into Christ-centered living!
To God – Father, Son, and Spirit – be all glory, honor, and praise, forever and ever.
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