Do Your Really Want Your Birthday to Be Happy?

“Happy birthday!” How many times have you heard those greetings in your lifetime?

But the question is: Are you really happy for your birthday?

How many times have you felt discontent in the midst of the crowd?

I remember an ancient song attributed to Moses that King David, a musician and great leader, quoted in Psalms 90:12. It says, “Teach us to number our days,that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Now, do you really want to be happy every time you have your birthday?

Here are some simple ways to make it really a pleasurable day.

1. Celebrate It In a Meaningful Way. 

Celebrating birthdays is usually in public, but it does not matter if the event is big or small. What matters most is that you spend it with the people you love.

Personally, your birthday is a great day to be thankful for God’s faithfulness that you are still alive. Another year has been added to your life and experience.

If you really want to be happy during your birthday, feel the love and the joy of being needed. Be happy on your special day. Feel the pleasure of being alive.

2. Count Your Days.

Every birthday almost always highlights the “day” of your birth. That particular period of time is not just a date. It is actually your date with destiny.

As such, to “number your days” during your birthdays means to quantify the quality of your years.

Take a look at the past: Where were you, say, five or ten years ago? Can you see the difference now?

If you measure what you were in contrast to what you have become today, can you measure the greater quality of your life today?

Do you feel the pleasure of living your standard? Are you happy with the quality of your life today?

3. Commit to Grow in Every Way.

If you truly learn how to “number your days,” one of the great benefits is you’ll “gain a heart of wisdom.”

This one thing I learn in life. Experience is your biggest source for wisdom simply because wisdom is practical knowledge gained through personal experience.

When you hear the words, “Your days are numbered,” you realize that life is precious but fragile. You have to make every experience count and have that sense of urgency.

Every birthday day emphasizes the day of your “birth.” Then, we have to realize that where there is birth, it follows that there is death. That’s where you’ll also see that your numbers’ up.

As for me, every birthday is not just one step closer to my end, but it also helps me see to really live with a purpose and be meaningful with my existence. I cannot afford to waste my life down the drain and leave this world for nothing.

As such, I often challenge those who spend their birthdays to really grow in every aspect of their lives and live an abundant life.

Being happy could mean having the feeling of contentment.

I hope it is not your license to stifle your personal growth. Rather make a checklist of what you want to do and become.

• Spiritually, how are you going to grow in your personal relationship with God?
• Emotionally, in what ways are you going to get in touch with your feelings?
• Mentally, are there things you need to learn more and intellectually grow?
• Relationally, what are some interpersonal skills you need to develop?
• Physically, how are you going to strengthen your physical well being?
• Financially, what are some steps you are making to improve your financial life?
• Socially, are there other responsibilities you want to do in the community?

What you do today for your birthday would certainly affect your happiness someday. So find full satisfaction in seeing your life grow with a purpose, passion, and significance.

Have a happy–and really meaningful–birthday!

Glenn Plastina (c) 2018

Why You Cannot Out-Give God?

Let me share a mystery in life. I learned it from my late father. “Son,” he said when I was just a kid, “you have to honor God with your finances through your tithes and offering.”

I was a little businessman, a kid earning in little ways since 1st Grade. As I began to love giving my tithes and offering, the more I see that God is pouring out His blessings.

Since then–and now as a pastor–I’m a firm believer and practitioner of tithing and giving generously. Here’s why I love giving.

1. Begin With the Return in Mind.

Most, if not all, people believe in the principle of sowing and reaping. In fact, it’s plain common sense, even a child could understand.

When a farmer plants seeds, he shall reap more in due season. But adult people do (intentionally) neglect or forget this process. They try to complicate things they don’t like.

That’s why the apostle Paul reminded Christians. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will (not “maybe,” “perhaps” or “shall,” but “will”) also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

The truth is that sowing and reaping is a universal rule. It is not conditioned by time, culture or geography. Everyone can benefit from its certainty.

If you plant seeds of faith, you’ll reap spiritual blessings. If you cultivate positive thoughts, you get positive results. If you invest money, you gain financial returns and the like.

The only question is this: Are you going to plant more (and reap more abundantly) or plant less (and reap just a little on top of what you planted)?

2. Become a Cheerful Giver.

Let’s get this straight. God does not need our donations and surplus. After all, He owns everything we got. What could we possibly give that He does not own?

So why give?

The truth is, generosity is a matter of heart, while giving is a matter of conscience.

The Bible says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

A generous heart does not make a big debate on giving. It is natural, like a supernatural gift that flows from within. It is much more willing to delay gratification or make sacrifices when needed.

On the other hand, the act of giving is a demonstration of obedience to God or of the yearning heart. There is something in God’s universe that is inherently giving in that when one is always on the receiving end only, it dies.

Have you observed that we can actually give without love, but we cannot love without giving?

I firmly believe that your generosity is a reflection of your love. If you’re not yet convinced, just look at how you give to those you really love–be it for God, a spouse, a family member, special people or your self.

But this doesn’t stop here.

3. Be Blessed Abundantly.

If you’re a parent, you don’t want your kids to out-give you, do you?

The truth is God does not want to be a debtor to you or to anyone. In fact, for creating, giving, and sustaining life, God has given much that no one can repay.

Even in your work, businesses, and resources, God is the ultimate Giver and Master of it all. Either you recognize or reject that.

But there is more to a blessed life that leads to a generous heart. The more it gives, the more it receives, much more than it can imagine.

Take this declaration and promise of God for a moment (at least read it three times and reflect).

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (Please read it again.)

If that Word of God does not tell you anything today, prayerfully write it down and get back to it soon until something great happens or it becomes a reality for you.

For I have seen this. The more people think and act so tight in their tithes and giving, the more the blessings are so tight in coming. But those who are generous are usually more blessed in return.

So far, this one thing has not changed yet. You and I cannot out-give God. Even unbelief could not refute it.

Do you?

Glenn Plastina (c) 2018

How Well Do You Really Know Jesus Christ?

According to statistics, more or less 5 billion people know about Jesus Christ (but sadly 2.8 billion has little to no access to the Gospel). Some nations are even identified as predominantly Christians.

But how well do “Christians” know Jesus Christ whom they are identified with?

Take a look two centuries ago. The apostle Paul once said, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”

If there is one knowledge–that single most important knowledge–any human being should possess, it’s knowing Christ.

1. Be Desirous of Knowing Christ.

Perhaps you’ve been told that your “wants” are not necessarily “needs.” That is only partially true.

For Paul, however, his “want” is everything he needs. It is the single most important knowledge he is passionately pursuing.

Even though Paul is a brilliant thinker, highly-educated scholar, strictly religious person, and influential leader, this fanatical former-persecutor of known Christians turned to Christ.

His one utmost desire after a life-changing encounter? “I want to know Christ.”

This is not about mental exercise, emotional hype or physical desire but about the passion to personally know Christ. It is not mere googling information about Jesus but an intimate knowledge of Him as one’s loving Savior and dear Lord.

2. Break the Wall of Ignorance and Shallowness.

There is no apology, but being a Christian is not all about some emotional hoopla of “praising the Lord” and “hallelujahs.”

It’s also not about pursuing prosperity as if it is the sole validation of Christianity. Such shallowness has become detrimental to the identity of being Christian.

The truth is, genuine Christianity did not promise all about heaven and happiness.

For Paul, everything is “yes” in Christ and “yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings.”

In places where Christians have the freedom to exercise their faith, the tendency to be shallow is a constant temptation.

But in the hostile countries where Christians are severely persecuted, Christians grow stronger as they identify with the sufferings of Christ.

3. Become Like Christ in the Process.

I firmly believe that any knowledge of Christ that do not lead to Christlikeness is a Christless Christianity. It is either conceited or cheap.

The true knowledge of God results to “becoming like him” and that’s nothing less and nothing more than the supernatural transformation of becoming like Jesus, especially “in his death.”

The reason why self-help is limited in transforming a person is that it may change a person’s mindset, behaviors, and habits, but it cannot change the soul.

Only the Gospel of Christ can totally transform the person.

If you are not willing to spiritually die for Jesus, you’re not actually living for him. You just know him but is not necessarily persuaded in full faith.

Knowing something about Christ does not make a person a Christian, as someone who knows something about history would mean the person is already a historian.

In fact, there are many theologians who are still considered “unbelievers” or “borderline skeptics” and “slightly convinced academicians.”

The truth is, head knowledge “about” Jesus is different to knowing Christ.

But the final test is this: If your knowledge of Christ does lead to becoming like Him, then you are, indeed, knowing Christ in spirit and in truth.

Are you becoming like Him every day?

Remember this: Knowing Christ is different from just knowing “about” Christ.

Glenn Plastina (c) 2018

My Top 10 Daily Habits

Behind my social media (as part of my social goals to increase my influence and inspire people to live with a purpose), these are my top 10 daily routines. Whatever are added to it are my bonuses.

1. Rejoice in grateful, morning prayer.

First things first: I wake up grateful in ten to fifteen minutes of prayer and conscious worship. I’m always reminded of this.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

2. Read the Bible and meditate.

Since high school days, I committed to read several chapters of the Bible. Sometimes, my wife and I do our morning devotion through reading the Bible and other devotionals. I believe in this:

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

3. Relax with a morning, brewed coffee.

Be it our early morning and 3 or 5 PM coffee time during week ends, such time with my wife is a precious moment every day. If you have a purposive life, indeed, it includes a time to “Enjoy life with the wife whom you love.”

In fact my regular 10 AM and 3 PM office coffee is a sweet moment to thank God for a savory coffee. A cup of black coffee without sugar and cream keeps me sharp in the morning as well mid-afternoon.

4. Read books.

I’m a believer of this ancient Proverb. “Get wisdom; get insight…Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.”

To mentally grow I regularly read several book pages or chapters on Christian life, leadership development, theology, business, non-fiction, and the like.

What I’ve learned I usually write reflections in my journal or blog about it. In fact, most of my blogs are results of personal reflections.

This year, my goal is to read fifty good books before December 31 ends.

5. Review my priorities on what to do and act efficiently.

I always keep a planner at hand. I’ve set my priorities ahead based on my values. I consider myself as a Christian husband first, then a father, and then a pastor.

I don’t put my work on top of who I am. If I do so, it would be unfair to the people I work and serve. So I schedule my priorities instead of making the schedules taking hold of me and my time.

6. Refocus on what matters most.

Jesus commanded, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” For me, my work in the ministry is a way of worshiping the God of the ministry. And I love fulfilling my God-given purposes in life partly through my roles at work.

So I see to it that my service is to the best of my God-given ability with those who also serve God with excellence. I focus on my job descriptions at work and give full support to my mentors-leaders and peers.

7. Reinforce my life and my family in every way.

I value spending time with family to help every member grow spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally, relationally, socially, and financially.

My wife and I consider mentoring our kids as our top discipleship ministry. Our dining table is a powerful venue for meaningful conversations, edification, instructions, and, sometimes, correction. Dining together is a daily sacred time for me and my family.

8. Respond to needs discreetly.

I try not to mess up my priorities for “Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys” his family and spiritual leadership.

Hence, I balance my life and work. I let my family know if there’s a major need, but they also see how I delegated or turned down the “tyranny of the urgent.” While doing my major task at work, I also see to it that my fellow workers are valued well and look great as I work behind them in support.

9. Resolve problems as challenges.

I make plans for the day, take my work seriously, and do extra mile. I’ve also made a commitment to help many people as I can to solve problems. We serve in whatever capacity God has called us to do.

As such, I affirm this. “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

10. Rest well.

I’m more of a night person. Before I sleep, I make sure I’ve made the day productive by achieving my goals. Then I make plans for the next day. I call it my “PlaNext.”

“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”

If you think serving the president is great, isn’t it far more excellent to serve the King of kings, and the Lord of lords daily?

I challenge you to serve God in the marketplace He placed you on purpose.

Glenn Plastina © 2018

The Way to Prosperity or Poverty: Which One?

A long time ago, God spoke to Israel through Prophet Haggai.

Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”

Are you still earning but somehow you’re still drained?

You work hard but you’re still struggling on getting out of poverty?

Despite that you’re busy with a lot of things, you’re still not productive. Do you feel like the heavens are holding back its blessings on you ?

Here’s how you will be able to overcome these oppressive situations.

1. Pay Attention to Your Ways.

“Give careful thought to your ways,” says God.

The rule in the book of Deuteronomy is that the path to God’s blessings is through obedience, while the path to curses is disobedience.

Giving careful thought to one’s ways means being reflective, not reckless, foolish or flippant. In fact, the lazy and lousy thinking leads to poverty and not to riches. It is a curse to one’s life.

So when it comes to money, be prudent. If you’re an entrepreneur, be cautious. Think about what you’re doing.

Make plans well with calculated risks. And do everything with excellence.

2. Plant for Massive Harvest.

You cannot have a harvest if you don’t plant. A lot of people want to have a lot of something, but how many of them are willing to plant?

A person who wants to get much but is not willing to plant good is not thinking right. And if he is planting much and yet he is not getting great harvest, there must be something wrong with his ways.

People who eat and drink but remain wanting and not full are in trouble.

Likewise is the person who dresses well but still feels cold winter. They are all the same with the one who plants but did not harvest what he worked hard for.

Giving careful thought to your ways could mean answering this: Have I done the right way of planting?

What’s the root cause of the failure of crops or harvest?

Once you learn, then ask yourself “how can I do it right this time to get a massive harvest”?

3. Please God in All Your Ways.

Now don’t be too quick to judge that every poor person is dishonoring God. It could be a personal choice.

Likewise, it’s not right to assume that all rich people are blessed by God.

However, God’s chosen people suffered poverty because they were reckless in their ways. They experience problems and poverty because they did not honor God and His work.

It was their personal choice to neglect God’s plans and pathways to blessings. What God wanted from them was to take care of His “house” or the Temple in ruins.

Instead of seeking God’s ways, people are busy with many futile activities. And yet they still wonder why are they not having the power to earn. For them, it is normal to “earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”

Have you ever thought why so many people work hard to earn money only to spend it on depreciating things and remain poor?

Whether you like it or not, the truth is this. The rich does something that the poor does not. There are ways of the rich that the poor haven’t done yet.

If the poor decides to think, feel, and act like the rich, it is not impossible that he will become rich. That’s the way from rags to riches–even for the righteous rich.

That’s why paying attention–giving careful thought–to your ways is God’s indispensable command. Consider your ways always and do what is right.

After all, it’s your choice. Take the path to prosperity or poverty. Which one is for you?

Glenn Plastina (c) 2017

Are You Living In God’s Plan For Success?

Indeed, what would you do if God wants you to prosper and succeed?

Refuse or reject it, it’s your personal choice.

God in all His wisdom and knowledge has already stated His own interest. He made “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Now that you know that God has wonderful plans for your life, are you going to wait for it to come true or begin living it now?

The best way to live for the future is to live it now. It is because the now is part of the process towards the future. No one can access the future without the present.

Here are some simple ways you can live God’s success in the present.

1. Plan For Success, Not Failures. 

In my previous blog, “What If God Wants You to Succeed?” I highlighted three major points. First, Prepare to Know God’s Plan. Second, Plan in Line with God’s Plan. And third, Pursue the Future with Hope.

People who play safe do not want to make plans or have dreams.

While some have wishful thinking that they’ll succeed without any plans and actions, people who fail to plan, indeed, plan to fail. That’s not rocket science.

While some people succeed by doing stupid things, not so with God.

If you want to succeed with eternal significance, you’ve got to do it God’s way.

2. Pray For Your Success.

The power of prayer is found in the reality that we are not in control of our lives, neither are we in control of the situations, events, and circumstances of the world.

Once you realize that God is pleased to make you successful, what stops you from praying for it?

Are you afraid that God may have made a mistake?

Or you’re too arrogant to submit to His will by assuming you’re more spiritual if you’re a failure?

When God says, “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you,” it’s not about you changing God’s plans and purposes.

Don’t misunderstand this as if you’re going to call upon and pray to God only when you succeed.

If you fully understand how God gives you hope and a future, you completely think, do, and live in that divine motive right now, not tomorrow or in the far future.

Pray that God will grant you success in whatever He wants you to do and that He will be glorified in every way.

God promises that He will listen to your heart’s desire.

2. Pursue God.

If you want to be truly successful and find it meaningful, pursue God first and all these things that God placed in your hearts shall be added to you.

The most tragic of all pursuits in life is to chase after the wind. Even if you get it, you’ll only reap a windfall. That’s when people find the emptiness of success without God.

For me, the greatest adventure and pursuit of life is the pursuit of God. If you take it as an investment in life, it is something with the greatest ROI.

God says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

The truth is, genuine success have serious conditions. It has divine prerequisites. Seek God first with all your heart and He will be found. What follows are His bonus blessings.

Worldly success demands focus and strong faith in what they are doing. It’s where many people gave everything they have, sometimes sacrificing their families and friends at the altar of success.

But when a person idolizes success above God’s sovereign will, that’s where all kinds of troubles come in to destroy everything what has been made and achieved.

Such idolatry for success only brings utter despair. Even if one succeeds, it only adds more misery and emptiness.

However, if you want to live in the total success and significance that would give you genuine satisfaction, joy, and contentment, find it in God to be your everything.

If God is your everything, you’ll soon find you have nothing to lose.

So it’s really up to you to choose either you’re living in God’s success now or never.

Glenn Plastina (c) 2017

Why Not All “Christians” Are Jesus-Followers?

Are you aware?

Being conditioned to be a Christian does not necessarily mean the person is a converted one.

In fact, through centuries, Christianity is plagued with “unconverted Christians” (I’m borrowing the phrase from David Platt).

When people think of Christians, they think of being a member or going to church, reading the Bible, giving generously, living a good life, etc.

Although these things above are good practices for spiritual growth, they do not actually mean being a converted Christian.

So what really makes a person Christian?

1. Die to Yourself.

Human nature is basically selfish–as such, self-centered, self-righteous, and sinful. Against this background, the invitation of Jesus to die to one’s self and live for Him was given.

The truth is being a Christian is not about living and feeling good about yourself, but dying to it and living for Jesus Christ. That’s why the person is called “Christ-ian.”

In fact, the term “Christian” was originally a derogative description of those who denied themselves and followed Jesus.

Anyone can claim to be a Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Baptist, Presbyterian, Mormon, Pentecostal, Evangelical, Independent, and others—anyone can be one of these, except being a Christian.

In fact, being Americans, Filipinos, or South Koreans, do not make people Christians, regardless of how dominant Christian religion is in their home countries.

By dying to self, regardless of race and religion, being a Christian is having the life lived in Christ and becoming like Him–even to peacefully die for Him.

2. Decide to Follow Jesus Christ.

“Come and follow me,” Jesus repeatedly preached. Those who did obey followed Him until the end.

Of course, it would be nonsense for Jesus to invite people to follow Him if they do not have the ability to do it. God himself must provide the capability for a person to take such action. And it begins with a God-enabled faith and decision.

However, being a Christian is more than saying “The Sinner’s Prayer” to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Interestingly, such practice is actually absent in the Bible history of the Christian Faith. (Nonetheless, God could use such simple act of prayer when done wholeheartedly in faith.)

The same is true for having a denomination, sect or organized religion. Though insufficient on its own, God could use exposures to any religious environments for people to seek God’s truth and find Christ. Remember, Jewish people in Jesus’ time were also religious.

The truth is being a Christian is not to be religious. It is being converted to Christ, not any church or creed. It’s not about confessing a magical prayer but about being changed in conformity to Christ’s image.

3. Disciple People to Be Like Christ.

A true Christian is actually a disciple of Christ–nothing less, nothing more.

If you look at the life and leadership of Jesus Christ, it’s basically about discipleship—the lifelong process of becoming like Christ and helping others to be like Him.

The early Christians were able to turn the world upside-down because they were unashamed in proclaiming their faith in Jesus and making discipleship as their essential mission in life.

I’m inclined to believe that the strongest proofs that a person is truly a Christian are having a transformed life and making disciples. Both can’t be divorced.

It is where a person puts his faith in Jesus Christ and become His follower by making others into followers of Jesus also.

Becoming Christlike is not mere possession of an information about Jesus or of Christian doctrines, but the transformation of the student-disciple into the likeness of the master, the Lord Jesus Christ.

On the other hand, there is also that commitment to transfer such Christlike life unto others.

As such, intentional discipleship in obedience to Christ’s command to “make disciples” is an essential hallmark of a true Christian. It’s not a fad, but of faith and obedience.

Jesus gave this warning before, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

Remember, it’s not that one can be saved by deeds—as most world religions believe—but the only proof that you truly know what you believe is by doing it.

Likewise, being a Christian only makes sense by demonstrating your faith in Christ Jesus through your lifestyle and actions.

Glenn Plastina (c) 2017

Why Is the Missing Second Commandment Essential?

In the US Constitution, the 2^nd Amendment matters. But for the 10 Commandments, the 2^nd command matters much.

In Exodus 20, God says, “You shall not make for yourself a carved image.”

Here’s what you can do.

1. Observe the Second Command.

It’s not a suggestion but a prohibition. It’s a divine mandate that demands obedience.

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

Obviously, it means “do not make idols.” Period. Such idols (Hebrew pe.sel) are objects of worship, love, affection or offering.

Repeatedly, making idols were forbidden in the whole Bible. Such “likeness” indicates form, image, representation, or semblance. However, these carved images are not referring to temple object or household figurines for arts and decorations.

Of the 30 references of “idol” in the Old Testament, the “carved image” is first mentioned here. This is where we get the word “idolatry” or extreme admiration or reverence for someone or something.

2. Obey the Giver of the Command.

Many would say, “We don’t actually worship the image, we just respect it, like we respect our father, mother or loved ones.”

Have you begin to observe that there are offered prayers involved and not just love, affection, and respect?

But God’s commands in making or having carved images for reverence or worship are evidently prohibited. The second commandment goes, “You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God.”

Why would God prohibit the act of bowing or paying service of homage to carved images?

It’s because God’s nature forbids it. He is a jealous God. So whether these carved images represent someone other than God, be it a revered person or any objects, God feels suspicious.

3. Obtain theExact Results.

Arguing the thin difference between respect and reverence regarding carved images is like a tightrope walk for an ordinary person. But even if one would succeed in walking across the game, the risk is given.

Disobedience to the second commandment is still spiritually catastrophic. Due to idolatry, God clearly warns of “visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.”

Elsewhere in Deuteronomy, there is a spiritual curse for idolatry. God made the solemn utterance to inflict harm and punish, not just “the sins of the fathers” but of the children and great grandchildren.

Ignorance of this law is not an exemption. As such, the consequences and curses are trans-generational.

Have you noticed that idolatrous nations suffered serious consequences for thier collective actions?

But for our obedience to the second Commandment, there are blessings. God also invokes His commitment to bless and express his unwavering love to those who obey—from the parents and from one generation to another.

Have you ever thought of the results of your obedience to your posterities?

Until now, I believe, God asks this question, “O Ephraim [or Israel], what have I to do with idols?”

And for the church, “What agreement has the temple of God with idols?”

The answer is now upon you.

As for me, the answer is straight—nothing.

Glenn Plastina © 2017

Why The 10 Commandments You Never Knew Matter?

Is the Ten Commandments you thought you knew is real? Or rigged?

In Exodus 20:1-17, as well as Deuteronomy 5:6-21, the Ten Commandments were clearly reiterated. (Compare it also with all reliable translations and versions of the Bible.)

Like in most ancient documents, the source is being identified. In the case of the Ten Commandments, God is the source, not Moses. “And God spoke all these words, saying, ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.’”

When God speaks, let all mortal people listen. And here are the Ten Commandments.

1. “You shall have no other gods before me.”

2. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.”

3. “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.”

4. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”

5. “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”

6. “You shall not murder.”

7. “You shall not commit adultery.”

8. “You shall not steal.”

9. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

10. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”

Does the second Commandment disturb you? Why would God emphasize his character as a “jealous God”?

How many generations will be affected to suffer because of the sin of disobeying the second commandment?

Take a walk around your neighborhood and find a 10 Commandment monument. Isn’t it interesting why the second Commandment is often deleted? (And to patch up, the 10^th Commandment was divided into two commandments to make it ten?)

Moses pointed out the major purposes why the Ten Commandments were given. When all the people were so afraid for their lives as they stood far from God’s holy presence, they spoke to Moses to speak for them.

“Do not fear,” Moses replied, “for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.”

Here’s a test: If your tradition or what you believe in goes against the very Word of God, what would you do?

Would you stick with God or your gut?

It’s not what you know that destroys. It’s what you don’t know and do.

Glenn Plastina © 2017

Are You Impressed or Inspired?

How do you feel when you see some people succeed?

While most are envious of successful people and would love to drag them down for no reason, there are those who are impressed or inspired by them.

Which one are you?

1. Check Your Heart.

How people feel about successful people reveal a lot of their inner selves. In fact, many of them hate highly successful. They stereotype them as “filthy rich,” “greedy,” “opportunistic,” etc.

While there are those who are not ideal models for success, there are those who gained it with exemplary levels of excellence.

The only question is this: Will a person become someone who he hates? It is unlikely.

King David, a very successful man, once said, “Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases.” Don’t be so impressed, to the point that you become silent and inhibited.

David knew how envy could destroy anyone. His predecessor, King Saul, was envious of him before. But if there is a prevailing reason why he learned not to be overawed is this: “for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them.”

Thus, both the envious and the enriched will go to the grave with nothing at hand, regardless of wealth accumulated. So why envy?

2. Count Your Blessings Wisely. 

Conventional knowledge tells us that success is closely related to prosperity. In fact, the wisdom tradition of the Bible supports the idea that prosperity is one of the major aspects of biblical success but it’s not everything.

David observed, “Though while they live they count themselves blessed—and people praise you when you prosper—they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life.”

The king knew. Common people, setting aside any resentment, respect and give admiration to successful people like him. They are not merely impressed, but some were inspired by his life, a sort of rags-to-riches story.

When one’s riches do not bring too much trouble, it is counted as blessings. No doubt about it. But everything in life is not just about acquiring wealth.

From the cradle to the grave, it is wise to grow and be enriched in every area of life. And while we live, it is good to count our blessings wisely and be grateful for it.

So let’s check our hearts. Why can’t we be grateful for the success and blessings of others?

3. Consider Our Common End.

Death comes to us all, rich or poor, success or failure. But how you and I live and die matter.

As everyone was born into this world with nothing at hand, we all carry nothing to the grave. It’s just that some leave this world with style.

Whether one prefers style over substance, why and what you live for supersedes how you live.

That’s why wisdom tradition recognizes this truth. “People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish.” Don’t misinterpret this. David was not judging the wealthy like animals.

Despite David’s wealth and power, he knew well that a person who does not possess wisdom has nothing in the end.

When a person lacks understanding of life, it does not matter whether he is rich or poor. Like the fittest animal that survives, even if it succeeds, it is still an animal.

There is truth in this: It’s not how long but how well you lived. So instead of being envious or merely impressed, why not learn, bless others and be inspired?

After all, it’s your choice to be simply impressed or be successful yourself. So which one do you prefer to be?

Glenn Plastina (c) 2017