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Pray For Solidarity as Our Nation Prepares For The Year Ahead

November 28, 2024

Our nation faced various challenges this year—both longstanding and emerging. From political indifference to economic pressures and disputes in the West Philippine Sea to the impact of typhoons and disasters, we cannot deny the realities that have caused toil and hardship for Filipinos.

Yet, we also remember the truth that God is sovereign; He is merciful, gracious, and abounding in steadfast love. We hold on to our faith that we can overcome these challenges as we draw strength from Him and our collective hope as a nation. Our solidarity as Filipinos is crucial; it embodies the spirit of unity, harmony, and cooperation.

Scripture reminds us of the principles that demonstrate the significant rewards of our unity when we stand together as one people.

“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” – Psalm 133:1

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:8-9

Let’s be in the spirit of solidarity and prayer as we prepare for the year ahead. Take a moment to lift our nation to God:

Prayer Points:

Pray for all the leaders of our nation to work together selflessly for the common good of the Filipino people, setting aside any personal and political interests.
Pray for divine protection upon our nation against the devil’s schemes – whether political, social, environmental, or economic – that seek to sow fear, frustration, discord, and division among Filipinos (Ephesians 6:10-12). Pray also for healing and a spirit of forgiveness to prevail upon our nation.

Pray for the church to lead by example in promoting unity and peace, serving as a beacon of hope and encouragement for the Filipino people in light of all the present issues challenging our nation.

Pray for the church to unite in praying for the welfare of our nation, declaring God’s promises and blessing to be upon our land. Pray also that the church will be zealous in taking part in nation-building by living out righteousness and integrity, and by faithfully doing evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development.

Pray For Every Filipino To Be A Channel Of God’s Blessing And Righteousness

August 30, 2024

On Monday, August 26, we commemorated National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig. The president urged Filipinos to be “heroes in their own right.” He called on the Filipino people to respect the rule of law, uphold democracy, and defend Philippine sovereignty.

Over the past years, our nation has also recognized and celebrated our modern-day heroes, namely the members of the Navy, overseas Filipino workers, teachers, and environmental advocates, among others.

As a church, we are committed to actively promoting and upholding integrity in every sphere of society, wherever God places us. Our responsibility is to be ambassadors of truth and righteousness in our land. In Deuteronomy 16:20, we are called to pursue justice – Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you. We should be aware not to indulge in selfish gain, pervert justice, show partiality, and accept bribes. May we not be the kind of double-standard people, but may the Bible be the first and final authority in our lives.

Jesus is primarily concerned with the corruption in our hearts. He has come to save us from the corruption and wickedness within us. Our prayer is that the transformation Jesus brought to our hearts will also be the transformation we bring to our city, nation, and beyond.

As people of God, we take justice, righteousness, and the choosing of our leaders seriously. In view of the upcoming 2025 senatorial and municipal council elections, we ask the Lord to appoint righteous and competent leaders who will be an extension of His justice and righteousness in our land.

Prayer Points:

Pray for our modern-day heroes, that God may arm them with strength and grace as they serve in different sectors of our society.
Pray for wisdom and discernment to recognize right from wrong and right from almost right in our daily situations. Let us ask for God’s grace to always live righteously as His church.
Pray for those currently in government offices and positions of leadership that they will fear God and resist any temptation to succumb to corruption and pervert justice.
Pray for the people who will be voting in the next elections, that it will start within themselves the desire to pursue righteousness, competence, and justice at all times.

To learn more about the current situation in our nation, you may read through these resources:

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231931

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/comelec-calendar-activities-dates-remember-2025-midterm-polls/

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/06/22/2364617/18271-posts-grabs-2025-polls

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231716

Pray for God’s Peace and Restoration in the Middle East

February 27, 2024

On January 28, Sunday, an aerial drone packed with explosives flew into Tower 22, a US military outpost in northeast Jordan, along the border of Syria and Iraq, exploded in the barracks, killed 3 US service members, and injured 34 others. Both the Islamic Resistance in Iraq and the Axis of Resistance, militant groups said to be backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack. There have been nearly 200 attacks against US targets since the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, this is the first known instance of American casualties.

The strike has backed US President Biden into a corner. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Ja Austin III declared on the same day that “The president and I will not tolerate attacks on American forces, and will take all necessary actions to defend the United States, our troops, and our interests,…” However, due to the complexity of the Gaza war, the President’s response must carefully weigh military duty against political pressure while being mindful not to further escalate the current regional conflict.

While retaliation would seem like a natural response, it would heighten the volatile situation and fuel an all-out war.

Iran, despite accusations, claimed these militant groups do not take orders and act independently. The country states that it does not intend to be pulled into a regional war.

Less than a week later, the world found out the answer. On Friday, February 2, five days after the drone attack, the US launched major airstrikes on 85 military targets in 7 locations in Iraq and Syria.

As we have learned throughout human history, there are no winners in war. War begets war. Leaders and nations are often handcuffed by larger political interests despite their desire to fully pursue paths of peace. When man runs short of answers, it becomes all the more clear that only the Gospel provides a lasting answer to our troubles. Let us pray for His Light to shine on the world during this time.

Prayer Points:

1. Pray for wisdom, diplomacy, and discernment to prevail over President Biden and Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to avoid war and bring the independent militias under control and even be dismantled.

2. Continue to intercede for the end of the Israel and Hamas war and for normal life to resume as quickly as possible for both sides. Ask God for a supernatural answer that will be acceptable to both the Israelis and Palestinians in their 75-year war over the land of Palestine.

3. Intercede for a spirit of revival to wash over the world as the risk of an escalating regional war looms in the Middle East. May this desperation force people, leaders, and nations to fall on their knees and humble themselves before the Prince of Peace.

Know more:

Three US troops killed in Jordan drone strike linked to Iran

https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-says-three-us-service-members-killed-drone-attack-us-forces-jordan-2024-01-28/

US carries out retaliatory strikes on Iranian-linked militia targets in Iraq and Syria

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/02/politics/us-strikes-iraq-syria/index.html

U.S. hits Iranian proxies in Iraq, Syria in retaliation for deadly strikes

https://www.npr.org/2024/02/02/1228132782/us-biden-iran-drone-response-strike

Why did US wait to retaliate for drone attack on its troops?

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68182658

Pray for God’s Peace and Stability in Taiwan

January 31, 2024

Taiwan opened 2024 with a presidential election on January 13 which had major implications for Taiwan and China, with the rest of the world watching. While there were other major domestic concerns, such as the economy and housing, no bigger election issue was at stake than the candidates’ position on Taiwan’s relationship with neighboring China. The ruling party (DPP) fielded Lai Ching-te who campaigned on a strong pro-independence platform. The biggest opposition (KMT) was represented by New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih who ran on increased diplomacy and possible reunification with China. A third party (TPP) was led by former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je who offered a middle ground – continued sovereignty while dialoguing with China. China obviously backed KMT candidate Hou and called this election a choice between “war and peace. All 23.5 million Taiwanese felt the weight of pressure leading to the elections.

DPP’s Lai won the elections with a majority of 40.05% of the votes. It was a very strong message to China. It also meant greater uncertainty, rising tensions, and a risk of war escalating moving forward. Two days after the elections, China lured Nauru to cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan through promises of economic assistance. Tuvalu is expected to follow soon. It is part of China’s efforts to isolate Taiwan. Twenty nations have switched diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China since 2001. China is also expected to step up its military exercises near and within Taiwan’s defense zone.

Whatever happens in the next few years has serious implications for the rest of the world, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Philippines. As God’s people, we do not fear. Instead, we lift everything up in prayer, knowing God is sovereign.

1. Pray that the message of Christ’s love will break pride, animosity, and hatred — bringing about lasting peace.

2. Intercede for peace-minded politicians and leaders on both sides to find a political solution that will satisfy both governments and people.

3. Pray for God’s wisdom for President Lai as he leads Taiwan during these difficult times.

To know more about the current situation, you may check the links below:

Metro Series

September 25, 2019

Cities are part of God’s plan to save and redeem man. In just a span of a century, we’ve seen a vast number of people flock and relocate to cities, or metros, which have turned into centers of activity all around the world. While this move may be a means for people to meet their physical needs, God, as revealed in Scripture, has planned this beforehand to carry out His plan of redemption for all mankind. In this series, we will look at God’s purpose for our cities and the role that we play in it.

Here are the topics for each week:

Week 1: Why the City?
Week 2: Our Eternal City

Together, let us make disciples in every nation by reaching more cities for Christ!

See you at our worship services across the Philippines!