Life can begin again

Binhi sang Pagtuo

July 18, 2011

Dear Friends,

Greeting!

The Christ Emphasis Week of Central Philippine University started today with the theme “What do you want out of life?” and text John 1:37-39. Rev. Jerson Narciso, University Chaplain, reflected in his presentation of theme and text that when the would-be disciples of Jesus asked him “where do you live?” they were interested in seeing whether the private life of Jesus coincided with his public life. They found out that Jesus was consistent in “walking his talk” both in his private and public life.

This should be a constant challenge to all of us. We must be true to the words that we profess by showing it in our daily lives, both at home and in public.

Let me share to you our CEW Theme Song entitled, “Life can begin again.” This was composed by Pastor Joshua Zonita, Chaplain of Filamer Christian University. He performed it earlier at the Rose Memorial Hall during the two Opening Celebrations, morning and afternoon, with the Filamer Praise and Worship Team.

Verse 1

I want something real, not fancy words

I’m done with my false hope.

I want something whole, something pure

I’m tired of enslaving rules.

Refrain:

‘coz deep inside I’m broken, deep inside I’m weak.

The twist and turns of this life made me feel so down, oh down.

Chorus:

Show me your love Oh Jesus, teach me how to live for you.

Give me a sense of freedom, ‘coz nobody else will do.

I’ll take that zig zag, zig zag road if you’ll stay close with me.

This is the day, this is the hour to sing, life can begin again.

Verse 2

Having this clear night without stars is just like an illusion.

I want something fresh, simply new, somehow there’s something more than this.

Refrain:

‘coz deep inside I’m worn out, deep inside I’m dry.

I need your traveling grace now, Oh give me one more chance, just once more.

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

p.s.

Let us pray for the CPU CEW speakers: Dr. Jimmy Prieto, Pastor Kevin Sanders, Dr. Herman Moldez, Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Bhenken, Samuel Alibrando, and Rev. Leonardo Magno. This is the team brought by Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Ayala of Agape Philippine-American Ministries. The other speakers are: Rev. Martha Mae Luces for the Elementary Department, Ms. Rosette Joy Jalando-on and Ms. Kristina Alubog for the Kindergarten Department.

Christmas Star

Binhi sang Pagtuo

December 13, 2010

Dear Friends,

Greetings!

Nowadays we can see a lot of stars. We can see it atop the Christmas trees, star-shaped Christmas lights, and of course the traditional parol in the form of a star. We use the symbol of star to remember what happened in the first Christmas story.

What lessons can we learn from the Christmas star?

We must become a guide to people who are searching for Jesus; and we must continue to be seekers of Jesus. The star was the guide of the wise men who traveled from a far away place to visit Jesus.

The wise men had detractors along the way, notably King Herod, but they were persistent because the star guided them.

According to scientists, there are about 5,000 stars that can be seen by the naked eye although not all are visible at any given time or place. Modern astronomers believe that there are more than 1 x 10 to the 22 number of stars. The number is 1 followed by 22 zeros.

Among these millions of star, one star became visible to the wise men and became their guide. The account in Matthew 2:9 is that “the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.”

There are two challenges here:

Firstly, to those who have found Jesus, we must become the guide of those who continue to seek Jesus. We must be their “star” that continues to point the direction where Jesus is. Among the many “stars” let us be visible and guide those who need our help. The wise men a long time ago where filled with joy when they saw the star. We hope that a lot of people will be overjoyed because we acted as their “stars.”

Secondly, to those who are seeking Jesus, do not be in despair in your search. There will always be detractors along the way, but continue on searching because there are guides who are there for you. These guides will be your “stars” who will point you to the right direction.

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

How to Live Christmas

Binhi sang Pagtuo

December 6, 2010

Dear Friends,

Greetings!

Earlier this night more than 5,000 people were inside the campus of
Central Philippine University to witness the switching-on of the
Christmas lights as part of the awaited annual celebration dubbed as
the Festival of Lights and Music.

Our reflection is on the theme of this event: “Ikabuhi ang Paskua.”

How should we live out Christmas in our daily lives?

In order to live the meaning of Christmas, Jesus must be born in our
lives. John 1:14 tells us that “the Word became flesh and made his
dwelling among us…” Jesus is not a metaphysical being but as the early
creeds of Christianity state, “born of the virgin Mary, suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose
again from the dead…”

Although the early creeds left out the portion that “Jesus lived,
preached and taught about the Kingdom of God, healed the sick,
organized disciples” the objective to defeat the teaching of the
heretics in the early church was achieved. The heretics argued that
matter is evil and spirit is good, thus, in order for Jesus to be
good, he has no flesh, and he was like a phantom. They denied the
humanity of Jesus. The early Christians defended the humanity and
divinity of Jesus.

What can these musings on creeds and church history teach us? It
reminds us that Jesus is not just interested in our spiritual lives
but equally, Jesus is interested also on how we live our physical
lives. There should be no dichotomy between what is spiritual and what
is secular. Christianity is not only on Sundays but the whole week
24/7. To be a Christian is not only to be practiced inside the church
but also in our workplace, home and anywhere.

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

Give Thanks

Binhi sang Pagtuo

November 22, 2010

Dear Friends,

Greetings!

Yesterday we were in Ajuy, Iloilo to join the Thanksgiving Celebration of two churches – the Espinosa Rice Mill Baptist Church and the Ajuy Evangelical Church. Next week we will be joining Jaro Evangelical Church in their Thanksgiving Celebration.

The Greek word “thanksgiving” is eucharistía and it comes from two Greek words – eu which means “well” and cháris which means “grace.” This means that when we consider God’s cháris “grace” we are compelled to have eucharistía “thanksgiving.”

Mrs. Felina Silencino emphasized in her sermon delivered in Ajuy that we can live for 60 days without food, 6 days without water but not 1 second more without the grace of God. Indeed, we must acknowledge our indebtedness to God for the gift of life itself and for His mercy in sustaining us.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul encourages us that we must “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” The duty of thanksgiving must be evident in our prayers.

We must thank God for blessings that are granted. We must also be thankful for prayers that are deferred for they are delayed only until a more favorable time when we can fully appreciate the value of the blessing. And we must still be grateful for the petitions that are denied because God knows that what we have asked is not beneficial and can only hurt us. Soon, God will bestow to us something better than what we have prayed for.

I remember one instance a few months ago when we decided to buy tiles for our house. To my disappointment, the tile that we have chosen was out of stock when we decided to buy it. Somebody bought it a day before. My wife, Hermely, reminded me that since we committed to God our plans, He will give us something better. I was skeptical with her reassurances. She urged me to visit another store. And behold the tile what we like was available and, to make it sweeter, the tile was for sale at a discounted price.

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

Give Thanks

Binhi sang Pagtuo

November 15, 2010

Dear Friends,

Greetings!

November is the month that churches celebrate Thanksgiving. This is a tradition coming from the Protestant Missionaries that came to the Philippines more than 100 years ago.

Psalm 100, called the Psalm of Thanksgiving, declares,

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.”

Indeed we can declare that our God is good, merciful and faithful. God has showered us many blessings that we should be thankful for. As the song goes,

“Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”

Have you really tried to count and name your blessings? If not yet, then this November is a good time to reflect on the blessings that God has bestowed to you.

Let me name one blessing that we just received. Earlier today the pastors of central and south Negros experienced God’s blessings through the generosity of the Lapatha family. More than 90 pastors gathered at Caingin Beach Resort, Pontevedra, Negros Occidental for a 1-day Institute conducted by the Convention Baptist Ministers Association. Mr. Lemuel Lapatha shared to us that their hosting of our Institute is part of their ministry of hospitality (free food, snacks and venue). This event is without a doubt a cause for thanksgiving.

The Filipino nation yesterday also thanked God for the win of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao over Antonio Margarito to capture an unprecedented 8th world title in 8 weight classes.

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

Be like a Fruit

Binhi sang Pagtuo

November 8, 2010

Dear Friends,

Greetings!

Last week the Philippine Baptist Men held its annual assembly at Capiz Evangelical Church, Roxas City, Capiz. Let me share to you a portion of my sermon in the Closing Celebration on the theme: “Pruned to be Fruitful” and Scripture text: John 15.

Jesus said, “I am the vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that does not produce fruit and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.”

When Jesus spoke of this analogy I imagine that he was standing in the midst of a vineyard or near its vicinity and that his audience is looking at a lot of grapes. Jesus often spoke using the object lesson method of teaching. In this instance Jesus was telling his disciples that their faith must bear fruit. For our faith to be life a fruit it should be something that is tangible, attractive, tasty, and useful.

What kind of faith did the early church show that can be describe like a fruit?

First, their faith was tangible because they helped the poor. They have a food distribution center, and shared their excess wealth. It was a very attractive sight that eventually attracted the people and joined Christianity. The book of Acts tells us that thousands were added to their fold.

When was the last time that you gave a material thing to someone who is in need?

Second, their faith was attractive because they verbally shared the Gospel to the people. They did it through preaching, singing and giving testimonies.

Let us find ways to verbally express our faith. If you want to preach, then study preaching and ask your pastor for an opportunity to share the Word of God. If you do not want to preach, you can become a Bible study leader, a Sunday School teacher, a testimony giver, a liturgist, a singer or an encourager.

When was the last time that you verbally expressed your faith?

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

Lessons on All Saints Day

Binhi sang Pagtuo

November 1, 2010

Dear Friends,

Greetings!

Most of us have visited our departed loved ones in the cemetery today. It is our tradition to light candles, eat sticky food, and reunite with family members on All Saints Day.

What lessons can we learn on our November 1 tradition?

First, let us value our family. In our fast pace world nowadays we sometimes forget to greet our love ones, share stories with them, and just sit there and feel their presence.

We need to seek out our family members and let them feel that we value their existence. Sometimes a surprise visit does a lot of good.

When was the last time you visited your family?

Second, let us fellowship in our table. It increasingly alarming that we oftentimes eat alone, and in a fast food joint. One can note in the gospels that there are many stories of Jesus together with people attending a feast or having just plain supper. Jesus did not do it for the free food but in eating together, Jesus was teaching us about how to nurture our relationship with one another.

What is it in eating together? When we share a meal, there is ritual of passing the plates, viands, and drinks. While doing this, we are reconnecting with our family members – we would ask them what is happening with their life, and vice versa. This is why eating in a table with family and friends would sometimes take long to finish. Table fellowship is a good way of uniting our family.

Eating foods that are sticky on November 1 is a reminder for Filipinos to stick with your family. There are many families that are breaking up, and eating “suman” reminds us to keep our family together.

When was the last time you ate with your family?

Third, we need to keep and continue the legacy of our departed loved ones.

I noticed that in the cemetery, one of the purposes of lighting a candle is to start a conversation about the departed loved one and use the life of the candle as the timer when to end the conversation. Although the conversation is short, it rekindles memories. The swapping of stories becomes a great way of passing on to the next generation the legacy of the previous generation.

When was the last time you told a story of your departed loved one to the new generation of your family?

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

How to play the game of life

Binhi sang Pagtuo

October 25, 2010

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Dumaguete City!*

I saw the following words written in the wall of the Silliman University Gym:

“For when the Great Scorer writes down your name,

He writes not whether you win or lose,

But how you played the game.”

I have been an athlete since my elementary days and thanks to training of my father, I studied CPU with a full sports scholarship during my college years. Now, I am somewhat repaying my alma mater as the coach of Table Tennis varsity team. I have learned a lot from sports that influence how I view life.

Let me share four things from the word PLAY:

Be PASSIONATE. I would always encourage my players to play with passion. Passion is what fuels a person to go on no matter the odds. When you have passion, you are excited live life; you are enthusiastic to face another day.

LOVE life to the fullest. I read these words from the t-shirt of the College of Saint Benilde player: “Life is Short, Play Hard.” When we have come to realize that our life on earth is very short, it will change our attitude on how to view life. We need to love every moment of our life. I would always say to my players: “Every point counts. Play hard for each point.”

ALLOW God to shape our life. I believe that God does not want to intrude in our lives. God is not an intruder who just goes in without permission. We need to invite God in our hearts. God is saying, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Let us not make God wait outside of our lives.

YEARN for more. Lately, I have realized that life is an adventure – you’ll never know what would happen next; you just keep on discovering. Yes, we will never know what would happen in the future but we can be rest assured that God will be there for us. I always tell my players, “Prepare for any eventuality. If your one type of game doesn’t work, shift to another type. Maybe that type is the weakness of your opponent.” As they say in the ball games, “The ball is round.”

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

*I’m currently here for the 15th University Games hosted by Silliman University. CPU sent the following teams: Table Tennis women (my team), Football men (composed mainly of Korean students), Softball women, Sepak Takraw women, Chess, Taekwondo, Lawn Tennis and Volleyball women.

The best is yet to come

Binhi sang Pagtuo

October 18, 2010

Dear Friends,

Greetings!

Today is my birthday. I expected it to be trouble-free but starting yesterday I encountered some great surprises. I got a big surprise last night when we arrived from Negros (I preached at La Carlota Evangelical Church, and celebrated my pre-birthday with the Baptist Men and family). When I opened my bag, my laptop is gone. It was probably stolen in Iloilo pier when we disembarked. It was raining hard and I have my hands full carrying another bag. I still have two months left to pay it in full.

When we went inside our house, we found out that the satellite box is broken probably by the big lightning that hit our vicinity. Early this morning when I arrived at the office, the LAN card of my office laptop is broken. And to top it, I notice a lot of bird droppings in the windshield of our car. What will come after this mid-morning? I don’t know but I am ready for it.

Here is my reflection:

First, let me answer these famous statements – “when troubles come, they come in bundles” “when it rains, it pours.” With faith, I dare say “Let it come for I believe that my God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. God will never leave me nor forsake me. God will supply my needs according to His riches and glory.”

I pray that Christians will hold on to the promises of God when troubles come to our lives. As Paul reminds us, “nothing can separate us from the love God in Christ Jesus.”

My Maninoy Rev. Ronny Luces wrote me, “I will still greet you a happy birthday even though your laptop was stolen because joy is not based on the possession of material things but on things that are eternal.” How true indeed!

Second, it is so easy to be pessimistic but we really need to be optimistic. My sister texted me last night after I informed them that my laptop was stolen. She wrote, “the best is yet to come.” We need to continue to be hopeful in spite of the negative things that are happening around us.

Jesus told us a story about great hope. It was about a farmer who sowed seeds. Some fell in the way side and birds ate it up; some fell in stony places where there is little earth and when it sprung up, they were scorched by the sun because they have no root; some fell among thorns and they were choked; but others fell into good ground and bore good fruit, some hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

This story is about our perspective that “the best is yet to come.” The success of the farmer was 1 out of 4. But it brought forth many folds. The seed of faith (Binhi sang Pagtuo) was planted in us. Let it be that we also must plant seeds of faith in the hearts of people even if it is 1 out of 4. Something good is bound to happen when we just plant seeds.

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

Let us SHARE

Binhi sang Pagtuo

October 4, 2010

Dear Friends,

Greetings!

Last October 1, 2010 Central Philippine University celebrated its 105th Foundation Day. Our reflection for this week is on the theme of that celebration: “Paghiliambitanay” or “Sharing with one another” (or there might be a better translation than this).

Let me give an acrostic on the word SHARE.

When we share we S – SHOW that we care.

I read an illustration about a father and a son who walked in an area in which a person was crying for his house was razed by a fire. The father said to the son, “let us pray for that poor man so that God will help him.” The son answered, “Dad, let us not bother God anymore, let us help the poor man.”

Sometimes the phrase “let us pray for…” has become an excuse not to get involve in the situation. Let it be said that when we utter “let us pray for…” let us do our part to show that we really care.

When we share we H – HELP alleviate the situation of others.

When we look around us, we can see a lot of people, organizations, churches, and institutions that need our help. Let us try to find someone who we believe needs our help and share to them what we have.

When we share we A – ALLOW God’s blessings to flow.

There are people in this world that have become a dam. They block the resources and it is only upon their mercy that the resources will flow into others.

We need to become rivers in which the resources continue to flow. One can always see something green beside the river – and that means life. When we continue to share it will surely give life.

When we share we R – REMEMBER God’s goodness.

Our sharing is a symbol of our thanksgiving to God. Thanksgiving comes from two words – thanks and giving. There is always giving when thanking is being talked about.

When we share we E – ENCOURAGE others to share also.

Oftentimes the end result of our sharing is that other people will be encouraged to share their blessings also. A sharing attitude is a contagious attitude.

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

Do not withhold good when it is within your power to act - Part 2

Binhi sang Pagtuo

September 27, 2010

Dear Friends,

Our reflection for this week is a continuation of my reflection on
Proverbs 3:27 “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it
is in your power to act.” I already shared three things that are
within our power to share: 1. Material resources 2. Faith 3. Kind
words.

Let me now share to you three more things.

Fourthly, it is within our power to share our wisdom.

There are many wise people who do not hesitate to share their wisdom
but still there are still a lot of people who withhold sharing their
wisdom.

Let us remember that when we share our wisdom, more are added to it
rather than the thinking that when we share it, our wisdom is being
reduced.

Let us train second liners. Let us be happy when somebody is ready to
replace us. Let us teach disciples so that they will also become
teachers. Jesus had a public ministry of just 3 years but Christianity
is alive until because Jesus trained disciples who in turn trained
disciples.

Fifthly, it is within our power to share our availability to serve.

Oftentimes we can hear a lot of excuses when serving in the church or
in the ministry is being talked about. Some of us would say, I’m still
young, I’m too old, I’m afraid, Let others do it, I’m shy, I’m busy
and many other reasons. Does this sound familiar? I hope not.

Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is
insignificant and cannot make a change. God will do wonderful things
through us when we just say, “Here I am, send me, use me in your
ministry.” We will be surprised what God will do through our lives.

Lastly, it is within our power to share our loving attitude.

Sometimes our church has become a place where people feel that that
are condemned. It is as if they would feel that they are not worthy to
come inside the church because people inside it are very accusatory.
They accuse people of their sins as if they themselves have no sins.

Let us be like Jesus who approached persons with an attitude that the
person has the capacity to do good. Like what Jesus did to the woman
accused of adultery. He went there not to condemn the woman but to
help her. He later said, “go and sin no more.” This signifies the
attitude of Jesus to give persons a chance to change their lives. This
is what the grace of God means.

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

Jesus wept

Binhi sang Pagtuo

September 13, 2010

Dear Friends,

Greetings!

The shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35 “Jesus wept.” A very good friend of Jesus, Lazarus, died. When he visited the grave together with Mary and Martha he let go of his emotions.

This event shows us that Jesus feels our pains and sufferings. His tears signify that he grieves together with the family. This then gives us an assurance that in our sad moments in life, Jesus is there with us, crying with us. Jesus does this because he is compassionate and loving.

Yesterday, we buried Mrs. Eleanor Ruth Buensuceso Fabula amidst a torrent of rain, and a lot of tears. I would like to believe that the rain was Jesus’ way of telling the mourners that he was crying with them. This is a great assurance in times of grief.

Let me share to you a poem made by my mother, Mrs. Josette Gico Jalando-on, who considers Mrs. Fabula as her best friend.

A Salute to Nang Babie (Eleanor Ruth B. Fabula)

Josette Gico-Jalando-on

Lord, how can I say thank You for the person that was Eleanor Ruth?

She was full of love, of kind thoughts and what a lot of joy to us she has brought.

She was always willing to share her blessings to dear family and friends.

She was ready to even go the second mile or her last penny lend.

You have endowed her with great talents in music and the arts,

She was also a creative cook, as she experimented with her heart.

Her hands were indeed a wonder and she wielded them with great care,

as she played beautiful music, soothing to the ears.

She was a very caring wife and mother, a doting grandmother too,

She hid her tears and disappointments well so they need never know.

She always lived and laughed as she committed all to You

These matters that really shaped her life to fully trust in You

I thank You Lord for the gift of being a friend and a dear sister to me.

She taught me to be true to one’s commitment til the very end.

I’ll never fully comprehend why you took her home this early

as we could have more years together to make our dreams a reality.

Thank you even if it pains us to see her go…

even if we sure would miss her presence in our lives…

You have given her relief from the excruciating disease which sapped her strength and deprived her of enjoying her retirement years.

We cannot fathom your wisdom Lord, but we do thank You for the life of Manang Babie.

Lord thank You very much!

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

A Christ-centered Life

Binhi sang Pagtuo

September 6, 2010

Dear Friends,

Greetings!

Last week Central Philippine University culminated its 105^th University Day celebration. Let me share my reflection on the theme of its celebration, “Meeting Successfully the Challenges and Opportunities of Life as a Centralian.”

What is it in being a Centralian that one can meet successfully the challenges and opportunities of life?

I would like to believe that a Centralian is Christ-centered.

The training that a Centralian receives is geared towards the realization of CPU’s vision, meaning, to become an exemplary Christian for life. This is very ideal and should be a continuing reminder to all teachers, staff and administrators.

Nelson and Herradura once wrote, “…faculty members made it a point to provide a Christian atmosphere in the school, give the students a thorough knowledge of the Bible and some understanding of the meaning of the Christian life, and provide opportunities for the development of interest and abilities that could be used in the service of the church.”

Do we, the new generation of Centralians, live up to expectation to provide a Christian atmosphere in the campus of CPU, and to wherever we are?

I am praying that CPU will not only be “a university where the student is central” but more importantly CPU will become “a university where Christ is Central.”

If we are committed to Jesus Christ, then we are committed to Christian mission. We must instill to Centralians that we must develop a missionary attitude and orientation. CPU was born because of Christian mission. Thus, in one way or another, depending on how you exercise it, Centralians must become missionaries.

Rev. Dr. Johnny V. Gumban once wrote, “CPU is committed to Christian mission. Christian mission is for the purpose of attaining the wholeness of life on the total life of creation in conformity to God’s design and purpose as revealed in Jesus Christ according to the Scripture. God initiates this work in history by whatever means He chooses. CPU offers itself to be a means that God may choose for this purpose.”

We hope that all of us who profess to be Christians will make our lives as a channel of God’s blessing and purpose for other people.

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

Leadership Style of Jesus Part III

Binhi sang Pagtuo

August 23, 2010

Dear Friends,

Greetings!

Our reflection for this week is Part III of the leadership style of Jesus. In the last two issues of our weekly reflection, I already presented the acrostic message for the letters LEADERS (Loving and Compassionate, Exemplary Plan and Mission, Appealing and Charismatic, Delegation and Discipleship, Elevates the status of the marginalized, Resists Temptation, Seeks the will of God). Now, let me add the next three letters HIP to finish the word LEADERSHIP.

H – Humble

John 13:2-17 tells how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. It is a great illustration on how humble Jesus was. Mark 10:35-45 is a great reminder on what kind of leader Jesus expects us to be. In these verses, James and John, the sons of Zebedee demanded a favor from Jesus that both of them should be seated in the left and right side of the glorious throne of Jesus.

These two disciples were seeking popularity and the glory attached to it. The ten disciples who heard of this request got angry. Were they angry because they too wanted to be in the right or left side, or were they angry because they know that this is not the style of Jesus? I don’t know of the answer to that question but Jesus called them together to clarify his kind of leadership. Jesus said not to be like the Gentile leaders who lord over the people instead they must become humble like a servant for even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.

I – Immerses in the situation

One cannot be a good leader if he/she will not immerse him/herself in the context where he/she is leading. Jesus is our great example. John 1:14 tells us that God became human. God was incarnated in the person of Jesus. Jesus became one of us. In doing so, he knows our struggles, our fears and worries. He went through all the hardships that humans are experiencing. The importance of incarnation is that Jesus understands us.

Leaders must incarnate themselves also in his/her context and also on the lives of his/her followers. By doing so, the organization will run smoothly and without much conflict because the followers know that you are one of them. This is the reason why Jesus emphasized that we must become the “salt of the earth.” The salt can only be tasted if it is immersed and is no more to be seen. Though it cannot be seen, the taste can be found everywhere.

P – Provides space

Providing space means being open to others and welcoming mistakes. The story in Mark 9:38-41 exemplifies this kind of attitude. “Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us.”

The 12 disciples thought all the while that they were the only disciples of Jesus. Jesus reminded them that there are others who are working for the realization of the kingdom of God. Jesus welcomed their mistake and taught them to be open to other people. When you are open, you never lose the spirit of a learner. The saying says, “when the tree stops growing, the fruit starts to rot.”

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

Leadership Style of Jesus Part II

Binhi sang Pagtuo

August 16, 2010

Dear Friends,

Greetings!

Our reflection for this week is Part II of the leadership style of Jesus. The acrostic message for the letters LEAD (Loving and Compassionate, Exemplary Plan and Mission, Appealing and Charismatic, Delegation and Discipleship) was presented last week. Now, let me add the next three letters ERS. Next week is Part III and we will be reflecting on HIP to finish the word LEADERSHIP.

E – Elevates the status of the marginalized

Oftentimes, we look at leadership as a way to marginalize people. Some of us silently swear that when we become leaders, we will do everything in our power to diminish others. But this is not so for Jesus. Elevating the status of the marginalized was a way of life for Jesus. He not only talked to women, tax collectors, sick and poor, but gave them provisions and healing. God is a God of life. Jesus had a preferential option for the poor because the poor were dying before their time.

Lester Ruiz wrote, “Lead in such a way that when someone thinks of fairness, kindness, and integrity, he or she will remember you; Empower in such a way that when someone rises to question, to protest, or to challenge, he or she will remember you.”

R – Resists Temptation

A leader is tempted to become selfish and self-centered. The Bible knows that our human nature has the tendency to be selfish and self-centered. Jesus was tempted by the devil to become selfish and self-centered. Jesus reminded us to stay away from these temptations. What were the temptations? (Matthew 4) 1. Change stone to bread – quick economic gain through short-cuts. 2. Jump down from the top because angels will catch you – the misuse of power. 3. All the kingdoms will be given – the worship of glory.

S – Seeks the will of God

Jesus always sought the will of God. But he was also tempted to follow his own will. The prayer in the garden reminds us that even Jesus was tempted to follow his own will. But later on, he prayed “not my will but thy will be done.”

We must also reclaim the defeatist Filipino worldview that is “Bahala na.” A Centralian anthropologist, F. Landa Jocano wrote that this phrase was originally “Bathala na” or “thy will be done.” Thus, Filipinos always say “Bahala na ang Dios.” Let us dwell on the positive side of this trait. We need to develop an attitude of trust in God’s providence.

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

Leadership Style of Jesus

Binhi sang Pagtuo

August 9, 2010

Dear Friends,

Greetings!

Our reflection for this week is about the leadership style of Jesus. Let me give an acrostic message from the word LEADERSHIP. This reflection is divided into two parts. What is presented today is LEAD. Next week we will reflect on the rest of the letters.

L – Loving and Compassionate

John 15:13 states that “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” We are reminded of 1 John 3:16-18 that says, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

E – Exemplary Plan and Mission

Jesus is certainly clear on his mission. The mission of Jesus is the proclamation of the Good News of the kingdom of God. Luke 4:43 says, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” After Jesus’ resurrection, he still preached for 40 days about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3).

A – Appealing and Charismatic

Jesus had a great charisma. He had the charm, appeal, personality, and magnet to draw the people close to him. For example, Matthew 14:15-21 tells that about five thousand excluding women and children followed him. If the number will include women and children, then the population that followed him that day would be about fifteen thousand.

Leaders should develop their personality so that they can readily influence the people and convince them to put the plan into action.

D – Delegation and Discipleship

Jesus did not do it alone. He chose 12 disciples. He only stayed on earth for about 33 years. On top of that, his public ministry lasted for 3 years only. He needed others with him.

Mark 6:7-13 and Luke 10:1-12, 17 remind us how Jesus delegated his work to his disciples. 2 Timothy 2:1-2 is a great challenged hurled by Paul to us. We should constantly disciple others so that we will not have a shortage of leaders and experience a crisis in leadership. We must remember that the reason why Christian mission is effective is because of delegation and discipleship.

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

The Prayer of Jabez

Binhi sang Pagtuo

August 2, 2010

Dear Centralians and Friends,

Greetings from the campus!

Our reflection for this week is about the life of Jabez. The story of his life can be found in two verses in the Bible – 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.

Jabez is the head of a family in Judah, noted for his honorable character. The popular explanation of his name is that his mother bore him in pain.

What can we learn from the life Jabez?

First, Jabez had a good parent. His mother brought him up in the way of God.

The Bible mentioned that the mother of Jabez bore him with great pain. This verse implies that because of the great pain, his mother made a vow to train him in the right way so that she will not regret the great pain that she suffered.

I remember my mother who once scolded me, “I bore you with great pain. Now, please behave or I will return you to my womb.”

This is a big challenge to parents – to train their children in God’s way.

Second, Jabez was declared by the Bible as an honorable person.

This tells us that Jabez found favor in the eyes of God and the people. “More honorable than his brothers” does not mean that his brothers are not honorable, but Jabez was singled out because he was probably more consistent in his godly living.

How about us? What is our reputation in the community?

Third, Jabez was a prayerful person.

Our passage tells us that Jabez “cried” out to God. Crying out to God in prayer signifies how he fervently prays to God.

How is our prayer life?

What was the result of the prayer of Jabez?

God granted the prayer of Jabez. A village was named after him. It was famous as the home of scribes. This village produced a prominent clan from which came both Caleb, Joshua's colleague, and his son-in-law, Othniel, Israel's first judge. Othniel also established a school and named it after Jabez.

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

“What an Affirming Christian Church should be”

Binhi sang Pagtuo

July 26, 2010

Dear Centralians and Friends,

Greetings from the campus!

Yesterday, the University Church of Central Philippine University celebrated its 97th Foundation year. The theme that was expounded by the speaker, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico was “Knowing, Growing, Loving, and Serving.”*

We also praise God for the just concluded Christ Emphasis Week Celebration. The numbers of those who made decisions to accept Jesus Christ are the following: College 983, Elementary 117, High School 400+.

For our reflection this week, let me share with you a poem written (Dec. 20, 2004) by Dr. Henry Florida Funtecha entitled “What an Affirming Christian Church should be.” This poem appeared in the UC Newsletter “Church Alive” last July 25, 2010.

“We want a church that welcomes people

Whatever their beliefs are, even if they belong to other religious persuasions.

We desire a church that makes one feel at home

Whatever his/her socio-economic status in life is.

We admire a church that welcomes people wherever they may be in their faith journey

Believer or agnostic, conventional Christian or questioning skeptic.

We prefer a church that is open to the ideas and experiences

that people attending its services can bring.

We love a church that reflects God’s own love for humanity.

We believe that, as a church, the way members treat one another

is more important than the doctrines they hold.

We think that it is vital to take seriously the intellectual problems

which many people have with Christianity,

and encourage ways of understanding religion which feeds the mind as well as the soul.

We submit that a church must be concerned with injustice and suffering,

and see itself as a community helping to build a better world,

bring hope to those whom Jesus called the least of His brothers and sisters.

We recognize that some of the people’s ignorance far outweighs their understanding,

and that the church should give as much value to their asking questions as in finding answers.

We affirm that, as members of a Christian church, faith entails costly discipleship

and conscientious resistance to all sorts of evil.

We trust that God in His infinite love and wisdom will always give a helping hand

to an affirming church, and in the end, His kingdom will reign supreme in this world.”

May God bless us!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

Assistant Chaplain

*The UC pastors are: Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Fabula (Senior Pastor), Rev. Roger Quimpo (Outreach Pastor), Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian (Youth Pastor), and Pastor Ruth Lunasco (Christian Education Director).

Awakened!

Binhi sang Pagtuo

July 19, 2010

Dear Centralians and Friends,

Greetings from the campus!

Central Philippine University is celebrating Christ Emphasis Week (CEW) starting today.* The theme is “Awakened” and based on the scripture texts: Ephesians 5:14-16 and Romans 13:11-12 -- “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you”… “The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”

The theme and texts imply two things.

First, we need to get involved in the process of waking up people from the state of “sleep-mode” Christianity.

My family is living now in CPU Heritageville, Pavia. It would take us three rides to reach CPU in Jaro (1 tri-sikad and 2 jeepney ride). Because of this we need to wake up early in the morning so that we can be on time for our office, and also for our son’s 7:30am class.

The process of waking up takes a lot of effort. Sometimes it would take three pushes in snooze button of the alarm before we finally wake up. Then a cup of coffee to perk us up, a little stretching, followed by a cold shower, and a breakfast to make us finally ready to go.

This is also the same with our spiritual lives. We need a lot of “alarm clocks” – preaching, bible studies, Sunday School, fellowships to continually remind us to wake up and shine for Jesus Christ.

Are we acting up as the “alarm clocks” “exercise” “coffee” “shower” “food” of people so that they can be awakened?

Second, as “awakened” people, we need to live for Christ. The texts say, “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” … “So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

Are we shining for Christ? Are we bearers of the light of Christ?

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on

Assistant Chaplain

*We covet your prayers for a meaningful CEW experience for CPU. The speakers for this CEW are from the United States brought over by our alumni Engr. Nelson and Mrs. Bethel Consumo.

Starting last semester we offered many venues for the convocation to maximize the attendance. In this CEW we are using three venues – Rose Memorial Hall, University Church and Alumni Promenade Park. We assigned colleges for each venue.

The Encounter of Jesus with Zacchaeus

Binhi sang Pagtuo

July 12, 2010

Dear Centralians and Friends,

Greetings from the campus!

Our reflection for this week is about the encounter of Jesus with Zacchaeus.

This encounter happened in Jericho, a wealthy and important town during that time. It was the center of trade and industry. Its commerce was mainly on palm and balsam. Zacchaeus lived in this town.

He was wealthy but was unhappy. He was lonely for he had chosen a way that made him an outcast. He was not only a mere tax collector but the chief publican. He was despised and hated by people. He was corrupt because he charged more than what is supposed to be. He was an extortionist. This was his kind of life before he met Jesus Christ.

We can learn three things from Zacchaeus.

First, he had an Eager Attitude. He was determined to see Jesus and would let nothing to stop him. Zacchaeus threw away his pride, being a chief publican, and climbed the Sycamore tree in order to see Jesus.

Are we eager to find Jesus Christ? Do we let the crowd, the people, our work hinder us from coming to Jesus Christ?

Second, he had an Obedient and Open Attitude. When Jesus said that he will dine in the house of Zacchaeus, he immediately came down. He did not hesitate.

Jesus is continually knocking on our doors. Are we open to receive him? What obstacles do we have to overcome to see Jesus?

Third, he had a Repentant Attitude. There was a radical repentance in Zacchaeus. His change of life was evident in the actions that followed. He promised to give away half of his health and to return four-fold to those whom he cheated.

How do we act on our repentance?

The verse ending the story of Zacchaeus says, “salvation has come to his house.” It means that Zacchaeus became a blessing to his house. He brought the means of grace and salvation to his household.

Tradition tells us that later Zacchaeus became the bishop of Caesarea. What a turn of events if someone encounters Jesus Christ!

May God bless us all!

Sincerely,

Pastor Francis Neil G. Jalando-on