FCF Anniversary Graphics

Joe Larano Graphics

Invitation poster FCF 6th Anniversary celebration

Our dependence on God this coming year

by Joe Larano, Jr- Richmond B.C. Canada

Walking and driving using roads and highways with several inch-deep snows could be torturous, if not dangerous. This is the case when Metro Vancouver experienced a heavy snow falling intermittently over a period of two weeks. While snow at main roads are periodically plowed by city crews, local and interior roads serving neighborhoods are left with snow piling up to knee-deep, which makes driving or walking a real nightmare.

One morning, I braved the thick of the snow and headed to office for work, confident that my AWD vehicle can easily make it just like” walking in the park”. With snow as thick as 12 inches, I inched my way to reach the end of my driveway. Backing off and slightly increasing speed to align with the road, the sound of engine started to roar which meant that the wheels are turning but not gripping to any hard surface or foundation. The car is stuck! With a little push to the accelerator, the car still can’t move. A neighbor who is passing through came closer and gave a cursory look at the still-moving wheel tires. The man signaled me to press a bit on accelerator but worst it got stuck going deeper into the snow. He tried steering and tried various gear shift position but to no avail. This car is no match to this kind of snow. My neighbor, sensing that the car is going nowhere, excused himself as he, too is going to work that morning. While slumping to seat in utter desperation, I noticed a button beside the gear shift lever. I haven’t used that button before and have no idea of the function of this button. I reached for the car owner’s instruction manual and started reading what that button is for. It says the button is a special gear shift to ensure a smooth and safe driving over a medium to heavy snowy road conditions. After turning on the button and pressing a bit on the accelerator the whirring sound disappeared. The car started to move forward and backward, too. I gave the accelerator a final push and “lo and behold” the car was able to moved, left that spot and reached my destination.

In most scheme of things, we boast ourselves and take pride that we can do things by our own doings. With education and experiences, backed with material possessions, we consider ourselves accomplished, unstoppable and can hit the road with success “just like walking in the park”. We are overly confident that things, materials and all of such desired things can be obtained by our ‘qualifications’. We are boasting that we find our salvation and all the good things in life by our own accomplishment. Ephesians 2: 8-9, simply tells us it is only by God’s grace that we have been saved. Our Almighty God is our Creator who knows every bit of ourselves. As created beings, we hold no authority to pride and boast of ourselves. We can do nothing but to submit to His majestic and loving authority. We have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ which freed us from the slavery of sin should guide us to acknowledge that we are not capable of doing simple or majestic things.

Given the fact that we have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior, all of our life’s aspects should be anchored to His teaching and instructions. We might have accumulated knowledge and experienced the rudiments of life, but this is no match to the rigor and trials and schemes of the enemies. Unless we acknowledge God’s omnipotence and rely on His words, we are nothing but pile of rubbish before God’s sight. God’s word is our Life Instruction Manual (2 Tim 3:16) that we can always read and refer during turbulent period of spiritual life’s storm. No matter how strong that storm is, surely enough we can overcome all obstacles. Our life’s failure and weaknesses could hamper our journey, but it we cling to God and to His teachings, we can surely move forward and reach our destination. Happy New Year!

May the New Year bring us excitement like a First Love -
with a fresh discovery every day
that will take our love one level closer to our Maker
till we find that His love is all we need in this life.
Blessings of LOVE, PEACE, HEALTH and HAPPINESS
in 2009 and the YEARS ahead.

An Invitation to a Dinner From our Heavenly Boss

By Joe Larano Jr. Richmond B.C. Canada

A week before Christmas, my boss approached me in my workstation to convey their invitation for a Christmas dinner in their place. Being aware that I am alone with my three boys and nowhere to go during Christmas, my boss openly expressed their sincerity of inviting me in their family Christmas dinner.

With no previous experience of being invited by a Canadian family, and much more, of being invited by my own boss, I was nearly tongued-tied and speechless upon hearing the invitation. I didn’t expect that kind of invitation. As if feeling terrified, I was not able to say ‘yes or no’ and just told my boss I have to consult my three boys first. My wife who left in the first week of December to visit her ailing mother in the Philippines, had told me in the airport to spend the holiday with kids and accept invitations from those in our church circle and from those others who simply want our presence in their holiday gathering. Upon reaching home that day, I gathered round my three kids and told them of the invitation of my boss. Persuaded by my proposition, my two teen-aged boys canceled their personal activities on Christmas day and submitted themselves to my pleading. My kids, then began to understand the fact that the one who invites us is our boss and secondly the other fact that it is an honor and privilege to be invited on such a private occasion as a Christmas dinner. I have always the notion that a Christmas dinner in North American psyche is traditionally a private affair for a family to celebrate. In the end, we were able to attend the Christmas dinner and experienced the merriment eating, drinking and having fellowship with the host and other members of their family.

This personal experience reminds me of the invitation of our Lord Almighty for us to eat, drink and dine with Him. Our Great Boss, who created the heaven and the earth, is giving His invitation to all, to those who will hear his call, pray and seek his face, and to those who humble themselves and ask for God’s forgiveness. In Luke 22: 29-30, our Lord Jesus tells us if we serve Him and stood with Him, we are conferred a kingdom so that in the process we may eat and drink at His table in His kingdom. Our Lord’s invitation is always open in all seasons, not only during special holidays but in every moment as He knows that every second of it is an opportune time for us to heed his invitation- to ultimately know Him as our Lord and Savior. Though the Lord’s invitation is open to all, it is unique in every sense, as this invitation is tailor-made to answer our unique spiritual needs, struggles and weaknesses. The desire of our heart to say ‘Yes’ to His invitation is an act of worship and submission – giving praises and honor to the Lord of Host. The joy of eating, drinking and having fellowship with the Master Host and other members of God’s family is an experience to behold for it says “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb” for these are the true words of God. (Revelation 19:9)

My Christmas Message to Humanity

(The message below was my letter to the Editor of Richmond News, a community paper in Richmond BC . This letter was published dated December 20, 2003. I am reprinting this article to share you a message this Christmas. Here’s what it says:)

Dear Editor,
As the news of wars, poverty, terrorism and economic and political uncertainty barrage us in all fronts everyday, we feel that the world we are living in is becoming unfit for peaceful and harmonious human habitation. This is certainly not good news or good tidings. We deserve a break from this media onslaught that downgrades the very fabric of our psychological and physical well being. In this Christmas season, let us pause a while and ponder the meaning and reason why we celebrate this season.

Very soon, a special day will be with us. It’s Christmas. Indeed, it is a glorious experience to celebrate this day. Even the very sound of it lifts and excites our well being. Christmas, being the celebrated day of the birth of Christ, is a great event for mankind and especially for the whole of Christendom. The birth of Christ culminates God’s faithful promise to His people. Jesus’ birth epitomizes God’s never-ending love and grace to His children. It is His arrival on earth that we have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and brings us to His majestic and glorious kingdom.

Throughout the ages, we have been rebellious and unfaithful to Him, but it is His faithfulness that made God the Father sent His only Son in order that we may have life. God’s plan of salvation calls for the coming of Jesus Christ who became flesh and dwelt among us. The birth of that baby in that lowly manger in Bethlehem is God’s response to His people that a Saviour is coming in our midst. We must rejoice! The Saviour is at hand. Here’s the good news, “Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be for all people.”

Today, as we contemplate the significance of His birth, let us be aware of the basic message of the event: For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. The very birth of Jesus Christ has freed us from the cruel and sinful structure that enslaved us. We are urged to proclaim and herald the good news and good tidings to everybody. Let the significance of this event finds its way deeper into our hearts. Let us, once again, herald the truth that Jesus Christ is the only reason why we celebrate this Christmas season. The commemoration of His birth should be viewed in a sensible and meaningful way – with spiritual depth!

Merry Christmas and wishing you and all the readers the best of this holiday season.

Joe Larano
Richmond B.C.

The Goodness of God

By Joe Larano, Richmond BC

Today is my birthday! I want to extol the goodness and faithfulness of my God. The following verses have really touched me and they continue to serve as my inspiration, both in good time and tough times. The Lord knows exactly what I need. He gives me trials in order for me to face challenges and gives me wisdom to solve problems through God’s will. He blessed me bountifully ,pressed down, shaken together and running over. How can I ask for more, He gave me the things I needed to be more subservient to Him. Praise Him for the wonderful family I have. I lift His name for the friends and brethren who share with my laughter and burdens. I thank Him for my job and my career. I thank Him for everything.

To all readers, may you be blessed and struck with awe by the greatness , glory , mercy and grace of my master LORD of whom I am privilege to serve.

Psalm 145: 9 – The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

Psalm 25: 8 - Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in His ways.

Nahum 1: 7 – The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.

Psalm 31: 19 – How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.

Lamentations 3: 25 – The LORD is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him.

Psalm 27: 13 – I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

I want to include in this post a song lyrics shared to me by my employer who according to her was written by her 76 year old aunt. This was sent via email right in the moment while celebrating my birthday in the office. Hope you enjoy it:

 

 

 

HE IS CALLING MY NAME

by Kathleen Forbes

He had so much love that He took the place  

Of a soul unworthy as I -

‘Cause He knew me then

I was part of His plan -

‘Twas for me my Savior died.

He came to earth to prepare the way

That leads to Heaven’s home,

Why He should love me I really can’t say

Bur I hear His sweet voice whisper, come,

He is calling my name,

‘Twas for me that He came -

He is calling – calling His own -

He is calling – calling His own.

How will you answer when He calls out your name

When He’s pleading to set your soul free,

What will you say

To the Father today -

As He offers his love

Will you see?

That He is your comfort

In sorrow and grief -

When the thunder and lightening strikes fear,

He calms every storm,

Hear Him calling your name -

And His love will dry every tear.

Chorus!

He is calling my name,

He’s forever the same -

The sweet Lamb of God glorified

He’s the Wonder of Wonders -

The Light of the Heavens,

And safe in His love I’ll abide -

And safe in His love I’ll abide!

 

 

 

 

 

2008 My own Jubilee Year

by JB Larano Jr. Richmond B.C.

” ‘Count off seven sabbaths of years—seven times seven years—so that the seven sabbaths of years amount to a period of forty-nine years. Then have the trumpet sounded everywhere on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement sound the trumpet throughout your land. Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you is to return to his family property and each to his own clan. 11 The fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; do not sow and do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the untended vines. For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you; eat only what is taken directly from the fields. – Leviticus 25: 8-12

Many political leaders have predicted the year 2008 would foster global cooperation and understanding in the fields of politics, economy and environmental concerns. That sounds great!

For me 2008, brings special meaning for it ushers my 50^th birthday. Wow, what a glorious year to commemorate and celebrate a life’s milestone. I classified this year as my Golden Jubilee, a year of thanksgiving, celebration and spiritual renewal. This is a year where my Creator bountifully blessed me with His unlimited provisions for my daily undertakings- both in physical and spiritual realms. This year, indeed is a celebration of His never ending faithfulness.

The word “Jubilee” signifies an occasion to remember and to celebrate the anniversary of an auspicious event or significant day, usually after a long period of time, whether that event is national or global, personal or familial. With joy and exultation we remember the ending of war, the declaration of peace, the founding or liberating of nations. We commemorate the bonding of a couple in a marriage that has endured or the birthday of a person who has achieved the fullness of fifty- or sixty – or eighty years.

The biblical Jubilee that was celebrated once every fifty years is referred to in Leviticus 25 as the “Sabbath of Sabbaths.” Its requirements included that the land lie fallow, all debts be forgiven, captives be freed, and a celebration held.

The year of Jubilee in both the Jewish and Christian traditions is a time of joy, the year of remission or universal pardon. In Mosaic Law, each fiftieth year was to be celebrated as a jubilee year, and that at this season every household should recover its absent members, the land return to its former owners, the Hebrew slaves be set free, and debts be remitted.

And how does the concept of Jubilee applies to my 50^th birthday celebration?

First and foremost is to acknowledge that my very existence is designed by my Creator. My life and the breathing mechanism that supports my existence is a gift, it is wonderful and perfect gift from above. This includes consecrating my 50^th year and proclaiming God’s faithfulness. Sounding the trumpet to all the spheres of my influence and heralding God’s wonderful plan to each and every one of us.

The Joy of the Lord

by JB Larano, Richmond, BC

Two weeks ago, a regular member of our Richmond Bible Study group came over and asked me how she could experience joy in her Christian life. Joy is the by-product of our action after we received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Further, the book of Galatians tells us that joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Clearly, anyone can experience joy while we are living under the authority of our Savior. There is no other form of joy that we could experience apart from the joy that the Lord has bestowed upon us. While it is true that we can experience happiness in the realm of material and worldly things, this happiness is superficial and temporal. However, as Christians, we are not guaranteed that we are always in a state of happiness. Periods of sadness and depression can enter into the life of even the most devout Christians. The thing to consider therefore is to overcome sadness and turn this into joy.

Question: “How can I experience joy in my Christian life?”

Answer: Periods of sadness and depression can enter into the life of even the most devout of Christians. We see many examples of this in the Bible. Job wished that he had never been born (Job 3:11). David prayed to be taken away to a place where he wouldn’t have to deal with reality (Psalm 55:6-8). Elijah, even after defeating 450 prophets of Baal with fire called down from Heaven (1 Kings 18:16-46), fled into the desert and asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19:3-5).

So how can we overcome these periods of joylessness? We can see how these same people overcame their bouts of depression. Job said that, if we pray and remember our blessings, God will restore us to joy and righteousness (Job 33:26). David wrote that the study of God’s Word can bring us joy (Psalm 19:8). David also realized that he needed to praise God even in the midst of despair (Psalm 42:5). In Elijah’s case, God let him rest for a time and then sent a man, Elisha, to attend to him (1 Kings 19:19-21). We today also need friends that we can share our hurts and pains with (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Try sharing how you are feeling with a fellow Christian that you look up to. You may be surprised to find that they have struggled with the some of the same things that you are going through.

Finally, remember that it’s only through God’s Holy Spirit that we can find true joy (Psalm 51:11-12, Galatians 5:22, 1 Thessalonians 1:6). We can do nothing apart from the power of God (2 Corinthians 12:10, 13:4). Indeed, the harder we try to be joyful through our own devices, the more miserable we can become. Don’t force it, but try just to rest in the Lord’s arms (Matthew 11:28-30) and seek His face through prayer and Scripture. My prayer for you is found in Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

It is time to celebrate… for the joy of the Lord is your strength. – Nehemiah 8:10

Managing stress in a different way

by JB Larano, Richmond, BC

Not too long ago, an officemate approached me and said, Hey Joe, of all the people in this office, you appear to be calmed, relaxed and seem not to be stressed by office routine, workload and the looming deadline. Speechless, I suddenly grinned and was not able to offer a quick response. The truth of the matter is, everyone is not exempted to be stressed. The blessing of being alive gives us the opportunity to be stressed so as to test our conviction, limitation and endurance. Work load and the stress that comes with it is part and parcel of our daily existence. The thing to remember, therefore is, make this stress under control so that in a bigger scheme of things, we will turn our life meaningful and productive in the sight of the Lord.

Looking at the face of this fellow worker, I sensed a distraught, fragile and confused character. I have been in his situation before and yes I sympathized with him. Suddenly, I asked, him,

O, bakit ka na naman na-i-istress? Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?

Meron ka bang deadline na i-bi-beat ngayong araw na ito?

It’s important to understand stress before we can effectively manage it. kaya Stress ang pag-uusapan natin ngayon.

Ayon sa mga scientists mayroong dalawang uri ng stress.

Eustress and Distress.

Eustress is positive stress. Ito ang nararamdaman ng isang dalaga kapag dumarating na ang kanyang manliligaw at may daladalang flowers.

Eustress din ang tawag sa stress na nararanasan ng mga nagwo- work-out when they are doing their exercises.

Ang mga athletes, pagkatapos na ma-stress ang kanilang muscles, they rest para ma-repair ang kanilang muscles.

Kapag hindi sila nagpahinga, the stressed muscles will be injured. When injury happens, yan ang distress .

Distress is the negative side of stress.

Nakakaramdam ka na ng sakit ng ulo, pagsakit ng tiyan, hindi na makatulog, di pa makakain.

Distress ang uri ng stress na nagreresulta sa kung ano-anong sakit tulad ng hypertension, minsan nga ay emotional breakdown pa .

Ano ba ang pwede nating gawin para ang stress natin ay hindi maging distress? Famous author and inspirational speaker,

Dr. John Maxwell has the following suggestions:

Don’t be overly sensitive to criticism .

Tanggapin na natin ang katotohanang hindi natin kayang i-please ang lahat ng tao .Talagang mayroong hindi aayon sa iyo kahit na napaka-noble ng iyong mga intentions and motives.

So when you receive criticisms , take it constructively kung sensible ang criticism.

If you think the criticism is not objective , huwag na lang pansinin at ng hindi ka ma-distress .

Don’t take too much pride in your achievements .

Ang pride ay parang uling, ginagatungan niyan ang distress.

Ang taong proud ay mas lalong nadi-distress dahil masyado niyang iniingatan ang kanyang achievement at accomplishment.

Minsan nga our achievements hinder us from growing and learning

kasi sinasabi natin sa ating sarili, aba may na-accomplish na ko.

Mas mahusay ako kaysa sa iba, hindi na nila ko pwedeng turuan.

Ang lungkot ng buhay kapag naging ganyan ang attitude natin.

Don’t harbor jealousy over the achievement of others .

Ang taong mainggitin madalas ding madistress, kasi nga totoo namang mayroong mas higit kaysa sa atin .

Natural ang iba ay maaaring magkaroon ng achievements na wala tayo di ba.

Instead of being jealous or envious , let’s learn to rejoice in the successes of others.

Malay mo malibre ka pa chibog dahil nakikigalak ka sa kanilang tagumpay, di ba?

Don’t focus on your weaknesses and inadequacies .

Ang sugat kapag mas lalo mong ginalaw mas lalong lalala at baka maimpeksyon.

The more you focus on your weaknesses and inadequacies the bigger the tendency of wallowing in self-pity .

While it is important to acknowledge your inadequacies, it is helpful to focus on your strengths and capabilities .

One effective way of fighting distress is by counting our blessings - the good things which life brings.

When we have grateful hearts, we will always be reminded that we are too blessed to be stressed!

Someone wrote that

‘ The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.

The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything .’

God indeed exists!

This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain and suffering. It’s an explanation most people will understand. Please share to others.

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects.

When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: “I don’t believe that God exists.” “Why do you say that?” asked the customer. “Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn’t exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can’t imagine a loving a God who would allow all of these things.” The customer thought for a moment, but didn’t respond because he didn’t want to start an argument.

The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard.. He looked dirty and unkept.

The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: “You know what? Barbers do not exist.” “How can you say that?” asked the surprised barber. “I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!” “No!” the customer exclaimed. “Barbers don’t exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.”

“Ah, but barbers DO exist! What happens is, people do not come to me.”
“Exactly!”- affirmed the customer. “That’s the point! God, too, DOES exist! What happens, is, people don’t go to Him and do not look for Him. That’s why there’s so much pain and suffering in the world.”

The Joy of the Lord is our strength

Our joy can be stable as the sunrise, even when circumstances put us through enormous stress.