Jesus is the Ultimate Reward!

Eternal Rewards closes the series: Unli – God’s limitless plans for you and me

Part 3 of the series Unli – God’s limitless plans for you and me focused on how one can receive Eternal Rewards as Bro. Jon Escoto, Laguna Feast Builder mentioned that the type of rewards that we receive here on earth is imperfect and that we have limited time to enjoy it.

Bro. Jon then stressed that even if we have limited time here on earth to enjoy our rewards, he mentions that even if we are bound to die, we continue to live

 “We are not human beings having spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having human experience”

This is where Bro. Jon asserted that if life does not end and rewards are real then true ETERNAL rewards are real.

But is there such a thing as eternal rewards? 3 truths according to Bro. Jon that makes eternal rewards real

1. Heaven is real

2. Heaven is the ultimate reward

3. The kingdom of heaven is where the King is

Summarizing his message, Bro. Jon wanted to let us know that even if we get all the rewards that we want it would not compare to the joy that we get from the relationship that we establish with someone and the relationship that we establish with the giver of all rewards.

As his final message, Bro. Jon said, that the ultimate and eternal reward is Jesus and that the highest reward that one can get is Jesus.

“Jesus is the ultimate reward!  Jesus makes the heaven, heaven”

Ending on a positive note he mentioned to everyone present that if we feel blessed already because we are already reaping the rewards now, he assures everyone that the best is yet to come.

GOD wants to BLESS your life EXTRAORDINARILY!!!

Part 2 of the series Unli: Gods unlimited rewards talks about Earthly Rewards and how one can reap God’s rewards abundantly as Laguna Feast builder Bro. Jon Escoto explains that in order to reap abundantly one must plant in the heart of God.

But how can we reap God’s reward abundantly?  Bro. Jon gave out questions that would serve as a guide in achieving or realizing it.

Are you planting? – Most of us are expecting to get the rewards even without planting the seed or working hard for it.

Bro. Jon lamented that some people would even get envious with the rewards that a person gets rather than knowing how that person achieved getting such reward”

“Feel na feel mo ang harvest pero sa pagtatanim wala kang nararamdaman”

In life you can’t win if you don’t invest he adds. Encouraging everyone as well to imitate the good deeds before the rewards that comes along with it

Are you harvesting? – Bro. Jon said that there are a few that does not know how to harvest the rewards that were already given by God and are very much hesitant to spend the reward that they have worked hard for

“May panahon na ang pinagtrabahuhan mo ay pwede mo nang anihin”

The big question now that Bro. Jon asked is, “With what you harvested are you willing to plant on the higher ground?

Further explaining that God wants us to experience a higher form of reward, but forewarned that “there are people who will try to pull you down.”

“Prosperity comes with persecution” he then adds.

Summing up, he reminded everyone that God’s unlimited rewards are just starting.

“All you need to do is plant on the higher ground. Be willing to do more, for God wants to bless your life extraordinarily”

God’s rewards are bigger than any human rewards

Effective Rewards onsets a new series

Like a scene in a children’s birthday party, “Bring Me” was a success. People were scrambling of their seats just to be the first one to give the item that was being asked.

This was the scene on how the new series Unli – God’s limitless plans for you and me started.

Laguna Feast Builder, Bro. Jon Escoto conducted a game to jumpstart the morning talk. This was done in essence to connect what the topic was all about for the day.

“God wants to reward you today”

Bro. Jon mentioned that God purposely created human beings to aspire for rewards “Ang tao ay nilikha ng Diyos na sadyang mahilig sa rewards”

Two things that describe rewards according to Bro. Jon is that people in general love rewards. We oftentimes buy something just to get the reward attached to it and secondly he talks about rewards being more powerful than punishment.

As a whole, people wanted to win in life and with such goal embedded in our DNA he gently reminded everyone present to not focus on the pain but focus on the prize instead.

Discussing it further in details, effective rewards according to Bro. Jon are based on the following:

1.     

        Law of the Farm –The most basic law of life. We reap what we sow, whatever we do today will have an impact on our tomorrow.  In here he also mentioned that it is not just about what we reap but also getting the reward of the good and bad deeds that others sow.

2.      Rewards don’t come instantly but in time – in here Bro. Jon says that we just need wait for the rewards to come and never give up if we don’t get it during the time that we wanted it to happen.

3.    God will reward you even if others don’t – don’t give up on your dreams and continue to plant the seed of good deeds and always think of what God will give you as a reward.

In summary effective rewards are determined by how we planted the seed of good deeds, how we patiently wait for our reward to come and focusing on what God will reward us and not worry of what rewards other human can give as what Bro. Jon mentioned “Gods rewards are bigger than any human rewards”

Prayer brings us to the real source of power

“The Real source of Power is Prayer”

Bro. Andreus Cosio talks about the Power of Prayer

After a series of controversial topics about Money , Sex and Power, Bro Andreus Cosio, Laguna Feast servant shares his insights and talks about the real source of Power which is Prayer.

“Prayer brings us to the real source of power” is how he started of his talk.

There are some people who do not pray because they are distracted, they are comfortable.

“Prayer is the oxygen of our souls, when we do not pray something inside of us dies”

 Using the example of parents having a new born child, Bro. Dreus explains that parents, especially first time parents would sometime stare at their baby for hours and noticing almost every single reactions and changes that happens with the baby.  Though at some point all the observation and staring stops. It does not go on forever.

“Have you ever asked that question, if the Lord stops looking at us?”

The Lord never stops to love us and never stops staring at us with love answered Bro. Dreus and goes on to say that Gods love is always present. Everytime people become aware of Gods’ love that is the start of prayer. When you do nothing and you just allow God to love you that is the start of prayer. He mentioned that the devil is afraid, everytime we pray because we become Christ like -- It’s the power of prayer.

“The true meaning of prayer is when you change”

Bro. Dreus believes that the moment you prayed, something already happened to you.  A real prayer makes one person more loving. If it does not change you, then one is not meeting with God.

“Pray for people who hurt you to be changed and be blessed because everytime you pray you become closer to God.”

Further stressing his message as to why prayer is powerful, “Everytime you pray the universe of God’s blessing is in us”

Encouraging everyone to pray with persistence because in prayer the persistent one wins

“Kung marami kayong problema, pray with persistence.  Keep on knocking keep on asking be persistent. Hingin mo lang ng hingin at dadating yan” adds Bro. Dreus

Published October 7th 2012

God designed sex to be Beautiful and Holy

Part 2 of the series, Holy Money, Sex and Power

Bro. Jon Escoto, Laguna Feast Builder started the 2^nd of the three part series with a disclaimer that the topic to be discussed will be controversial. And with such touchy subject, he started off with a prayer to open the mind and hearts of people who are present.

The definition of Sex according to him is the celebration in a committed relationship or the direct way of saying it is in marriage.

“God designed sex to be beautiful and holy but sometimes we miss it” noting that the real meaning of sex is missed out because of the devil who wants to ruin everyone’s life. He also cited a study that many of the diseases by women can be traced thru teenage pregnancy that was caused by having teenage sex.

“Teenage sex is always ugly. Kasi di handa ang katawan mo para dito. Nasisisra ang kinabukasan masisira din ang katawan mo.”

 The idea of sex being popular is prevalent since it is being used to make money. It sells the idea that one need sex but truth is you need it lesser.

“The world that we live in now tries desperately to separate sex from committed relationship but the reality is sex only works that way”

Bro. Jon then adds that real men have the strength to be faithful in marriage. “Sexual fidelity is not old fashion it is wise, practical and biological”

“Ang sex ay pinagsasaluhan lamang ng 2 taong ganap na binigay ang kanilang sarili sa pangako”

Sex before marriage diminishes you but marriage before sex completes you adds Bro. Jon

Bro. Jon then gave out quick tips on how to live and have holy sex

Have good sex – emphasized here that it sex is good only in marriage, he reminds everyone present to serve their husbands or wives with good sex.

Count the costs – think of the consequences before falling in to the temptation

Bro. Jon also shared that he has his own list of consequences that he keeps and always think of whenever faced with these challenges.

Sex is Energy and we should re-channel the energy by building relationships and making friends with the right people adds Bro. Jon

“Re-channel your energy towards serving God and miracles will happen in your lives”

Ending the talk Bro. Jon mentioned that God fully satisfies our natural desire for intimacy and that once we allow that act, our sexual desire will be easier to control.

Published September 30, 2012

Money is NOT the root of ALL evil

For the love of Money
Holy Money jumpstarts a powerful 3 part talk series

Bro. Jon Escoto, Laguna Feast Builder kicks off the new series with a disclaimer regarding the topic that will be discussed all throughout the series. Since these are topics not normally discussed by the faithful, including the first part of a powerful 3 part series -- Holy Money.

 “Pag binanggit mo ang pera, nag-iiba na ang feeling ng mga tao”

But according to him, Jesus spoke about money more than any subject and noted that if only the people can apply the wisdom of God it will lead them for sure to the path of holiness and that is how to handle money well.

“Money is not the root of all evil but rather the love of money” he added.

Once you start worshipping money that is when it starts to fail, a stern warning given by Bro. Jon.

“Kung kilala mo ang Diyos, dapat malinaw sa’yo na it’s not Gods will na manitili kang nakabaon sa utang”

He also points out that even the bible gives out financial solutions to financial problems.

“Money can be ruthless but it can also be a good servant, use it to help others” Bro. Jon advises.

As a guide Bro. Jon gave out 3 steps toward achieving Holy money: Available, Acceptable and Actionable.

Available – looking at what one currently have and using what is available since God will use that to help make holy money

Acceptable – the willingness to accept the blessings that God is giving and up to what extent can one handle

Actionable – something that can be done and can be attained – reasonable

Summarizing his talk Bro. Jon said that “God does not want you to be a beggar. Use what you have and do what you can and God will do the things that you are unable to do”

“Hindi pangarap ang mag de-determine ng blessing kungdi ikaw at kung ano ang kaya mo”

Further adding that “God is not talking to you about survival but rather fullness of life” 

Published September 23, 2012

Everyone is created by God for a greater purpose

Your Passion and Potential determines your Purpose in life

For the final part of the series YouNique,  Bro. Jon Escoto, Laguna Feast  Builder with his usual jovial mood said to the audience  “Sa buhay mayron tayong mga plano pero may mga nagaganap tayong di inaasahan na babago sa paningin natin”

“Buti na lang andiyan si Lord dahil ipinapakita niya na mas maganda ang kinahihinatnan ng buhay natin.”

Focusing on his message, he mentioned that everyone is created by God for a greater purpose. Adding that there is no normal human being that does not think highly of their sons or daughters futures

 “Kung ang normal na tao nga mataas ang pangarap sa kanyang anak ang Diyos pa kaya?”

He then said that there is not a creation of God that does not satisfies His liking and expectations when it comes to shaping ones’ dreams in life.  God has a plan for everyone to be successful in life adds Bro. Jon, however noting that  “Kaya lang marami sa atin ay di nararanasan ang tagumpay dahil walang “alignment” ang buhay.

Using the bow and arrow as an example, Bro. Jon said that “Ang passion at potential ay parang bow and arrow, pag di magkahanay ang pana at palaso – sablay”

Explaining more he said that in order to attain or achieve one’s target or purpose in life, they have to take note of the following

Passion – “Dito nanggagaling ang lakas, ang taong walang passion di magtatagumpay. Your passion is your power.” He then asks “How to know your passion?” By doing the things that you wanted to do without expecting anything in return.'

Potential – This is where one can be a superstar by doing things that you do and in return help other people.

But Bro. Jon though warns the audience that when aiming for a certain goal in life, one should have a pure intention. “Dapat tama ang layunin mo, dahil ang dakilang layunin ng Diyos, di naaalis pilit mang lunurin ng baha ng buhay”

Ending his talk he said that even if bad or painful experiences have crippled ones’ passion, potential and purpose in life, God’s plan is still the same.

“Kahit na gawan ka ng ibang tao ng di maganda, di nagbabago ang plano ng Diyos sa inyo”

Published September 9th 2012

Your Pain in life is a result of what YOU have done

Part 3 of the Series: YouNique

 “Pag dumadating ang pasakit sa buhay – magpasalamat sa Diyos” is how Bro. Jon Escoto, Laguna Feast Builder started of the third part of the series YouNique. He mentioned that oftentimes questions are being asked to him about the meaning of life? And why is it that painful memories and hardships are being experienced?

“Ano ang buhay? Bakit ganito ang buhay puro hirap?” Bro. Jon then asks “Para ka bang sumasagwan pasalungat sa alon ng buhay?”

Assuring the audience that trials and hardships are just the same for everyone but is just presented differently. 

“Wala tayong nararanasan na di nararanasan ng iba. Pare-parehas lang ang pasakit sa buhay, may kakaibang detalye lang dahil unique ka”

Further explaining his message to the audience, Bro, Jon said that there are certain things that God wanted to happen for each and everyone’s lives. And when that time comes, he said that they have to let God guide them as they go through the experience.

“Minsan may mga nais mangyari ang Diyos sa buhay mo ngunit habang nangyayari ang pasakit na ito di mo ito naiintindihan”

This is the mystery of life and whatever is happening with oneself is a result of ones’ action quips Bro. Jon. “Kung ano ang buhay mo ngayon ay produkto ng factory ng buhay mo” clarifying it more.

But he then reminded the audience, “Ang mga pasakit at pagsubok sa buhay ay pintuan patungo sa nakalaang pagpapala ng Diyos”

Using the story of Lazarus, he mentioned that Lazarus symbolizes the dead dreams that everyone has.

“Baka may mga pangarap kayong nahihimlay na – nais buhayin ng Diyos ang patay mong pangarap”

Reassuring the audience he then said that “Impossibility is God’s specialty”

“Ngunit mangyayari lamang ito pag binuksan mo ang pinto ng buhay mo” he adds

Asking the audience once again as to why others are finding it hard to open the “door” he then said that 

“Kung nais mong makamit ang wala ka dati, handa ka dapat gawin ang hindi mo ginagawa dati” Even the littlest of things should be done everyday. 

Ending his talk, “Maraming binabatong paghihirap sa buhay natin, all we need to do is open our door and let the miracle of God work for you”

“Sa tulong ng Diyos – makakagawa ng himala sa ibayong pagpapala”

Published September 2, 2012

Your PAST was not Perfect but it was Perfect for your Purpose

Laguna Feast Builder, Bro. Jon Escoto asked a series of questions to the audience present to jumpstart the 2^nd part of the series, YouNique.

Hindi ka ba nagtatataka kung bakit dito ka sa Pilipinas ipinangnanak?

Bakit sa mga magulang mo ikaw pinanganak? 

Bakit kakaiba kahit ang iyong nakaraan at karanasan mo sa buhay?

“Siguro may espesyal na nasa isip ang diyos at pano ito gagamitin ng diyos.”

“Your past was not perfect but it was perfect for your purpose” he adds.

He then shares that man can live without food for 40 days, without water for 4 days but without hope for 4 seconds.

“Pinangnanak ka na may problema sa buhay. Pare-pareho and suliranin ngunit iba lang ang detalye”

Bro. Jon then explains that there are 2 things that people should remember when unpleasant things happen in their lives:

1.    God is not punishing you – The unpleasant things happening in our life are just consequences of our action and decisions in the past which are not so right

2.    The Blessing is always stronger than the curse - Kahit merong hindi magandang ipinaranas ang iba sa inyo, God Meant it for you. We only need to search for God's blessings.

“Minsan may darating na pangyayari sa buhay mo, walang lasa, di mo inaasahan, mapait at di mo alam kung bakit dumadating”

Bro. Jon then explained that “Life is not what happens to you, life is what you do with what happens to you.”

“Life is what happens because of what you did to your life “

Assuring the audience before ending his talk. Bro. Jon said that “GOD IS BLESSING YOU RIGHT NOW! No one can curse what God has blessed”

Published 26th August 2012

God created you to solve someone else’s problem

A “Younique” series kicks off with Your Personality

Explaining the topic of the series Bro. Jon Escoto said that each and everyone has their own unique personality ranging from the shape of their ears, fingerprints  and even how one’s heart beats. Everything is unique.

But before going further, Bro. Jon said “Alam mo ba na unique lang para sayo ang assignment sa buhay na binigay ng Diyos sayo?”

“Your transformed personality will be used by God for His glory to help your brothers and sisters and this will make you happy” 

He then urged everyone present to live for something bigger than oneself in order to achieve genuine happiness.

“Happiness comes when you live for something bigger than yourself”

Adding that, “God created you to solve someone else’s problem” as this special assignment will fulfill the lives of other.

“Kaya ka buhay dahil may assignment ka na binigay ng Diyos at yan ay ang maglingkod”

As such, Bro. Jon said that the real way to be happy is to serving others.

However he gave 3 reasons as to why one cannot fulfill the assignment of serving others:

No Time -  Inilalaan lamang ang oras para sarili
No Sympathy – Di mo nararamdaman ang nararamdaman ng ibang tao
No Hope – Walang ng pag-asa sa buhay

He then countered by saying that there are 2 things how to know the assignment that God has given.

Look at the world - Kindness begins with the eyes since one can never care until you are aware.
Look at yourself - God asks us "ano ang nasa kamay mo ngayon?"  It can be one’s personality, spiritual gifts and even abilities.

“God wants you to be happy -- When you are weak, serve and be a gift to someones' need”.

Ending his talk, Bro. Jon said “Nasa istorya ng buhay natin ang pag-asa ng fulfillment ng assignment natin”

“You may not be somebody to the world but you can be the world to somebody ...The world may seem beyond cure...But never beyond care!"

Published August 15th 2012

Life is all about Love

A summary of the series, Tagged: Get into the Soul Network


“Life is all about Love” are the words that best summed up the recently concluded series Tagged: Get into the Soul Network.

“Dahil ang Diyos ay pag-ibig. Ang pinakamahalaga nating matutunan ay kung pano magmahal” Bro. Jon Escoto, Laguna Feast Builder explains.

Adding that people are given a lifetime to learn how to love.

“Sa lahat ng matututunan natin sa buhay, ito lang ang may silbi – ang magmahal.”

But Bro. Jon reminded the audience that the essential things about learning love is that it cannot be learned thru isolation.

“Kailangan matutunan mo magmahal kasama ang ibang tao lalo na ang mga di-perpektong tao”

He then added that in order to learn how to love, people need to understand 3 things.

1.    The best use of life is love - Make love your aim. Since love is not just a good part of one’s life. It is the most important part of your life because Life is Love

2.    The best expression of love is time – One can know a persons’ worth by the amount of time that is given to them. One can give without love, but cannot love without giving.

3.    The best time to love is now – It is a fact that people die and children grow up and by that, miss the only chance that they have. If one wants to express their love, NOW is the right time.

Ending his talk Bro. Jon left 3 questions and a quote for everyone to ponder.

“Kung ikaw ay pipili ng isang taong pagsasabihan mong mahal mo siya at wala ka nang ibang pagkakataong na sabihin mo ito 

 Sino ito at ano ang sasabihin mo? Bakit di mo sabihin? Bakit di mo gawin?

“Ang mga maliliit na bagay na pagpapahayag ng pagmamahal kung bibigyan ng oras ay nakakapagbigay ng lunas sa relationship at life”

Published August 5th 2012

Discipleship is Relationship

“Invite” concludes the series Tagged

The last part of the series, Tagged: Get into the Soul Network focused on ways on how to get people into Discipleship.

As Bro. Jon Escoto, Laguna Feast Builder explains,“Discipleship is Relationship. Leading people to God to hear God’s word consciously or unconsciously”

Raising a question to the audience, “How do you know if a person is a genuine Christian?”

“A genuine Christian is someone who introduces God to others and those who invite others to have a relationship with Him.”

However Bro. Jon warned that there is a wrong way of doing the right things when it comes to inviting people to establish relationship with God.

Likening discipleship to a type of fish, Bro. Jon said that there are 2 kinds.

Shark – Matapang, Mabangis. These are people that would tell you that what you do is wrong and theirs is right. People tends to go away from these kinds

Dolphin – Playful and Friendly. People enjoys being with them and understands what discipleship is all about.

“Christians are more known for what they are against and not what they are for" adds Bro. Jon

Stating his reason why Christians find it difficult to invite others into Discipleship, he said 

“Baka kaya di natin Siya mapakilala sa iba ay dahil di pa natin Siya tunay na kakilala”

When Jesus invites people into discipleship He does not look into the personality but rather the worth of the person.

“Jesus dines with you first before inviting you to be his disciple” Bro. Jon adds.

Summarizing his topic, Bro. Jon said that “When Jesus asks us to make disciples He just simply wanted us to make relationships.”

Published July 29th 2012

You Rock – Jesus!

Talk 2: Like

Springboarding from last weeks’ session, Laguna Feast Builder, Bro. Jon Escoto said,

“Lahat ng bagay may katapusan ngunit may isang bagay na walang katapusan ito ay ang relationship – Relationships are forever”

In stressing further his point and message he asked that if the audience imagined that their family, marriage, business and friend relationships are sitting on bedrock or a strong foundation happiness or pure joy shall be experienced.

Reminding the people, Bro. Jon said that “We should build our relationships with Jesus thru Gods’ word”

Using the story of the 3 little pigs, Bro. Jon said that compared relationships with the houses that were built by the pigs. Straw, Sticks and Bricks

“Ang Lobo ay dumarating sa buhay to test your relationship to see where your relationships is made of straw, stick or brick”

Then Bro. Jon goes on by saying that there are 3 kinds of relationships:

1.     Based on Charisma - relationships that are based on Aesthetic characteristics

2.     Based on Convenience – relationships that are based on getting something back in return

3.     Based on Character – relationships that are built on the timeless character of God

“Faithfulness, Loyalty, Selflessness, Sacrifice, Humility and Forgiveness – timeless character of God” adds Bro. Jon

Further explaining his message, he said that “God loves us not because of Charisma and Convenience but based on Character.”

“This is the nature of our Father, kahit anong gawin mo, mahal ka pa rin ng Diyos”

Ending his talk, Bro. Jon shared that the only way to build strong and lasting relationship is to build it in rocks.

And that rock is Jesus

Published July 22nd 2012

The only WIN in LIFE is when you WIN in LOVE

A new inspirational series Tagged: Get into a Soul Network kicks off

Talk 1: Friend

 “What makes a person or place beautiful is the relationship you built with each other”, this is how Bro. Jon Escoto, Laguna Feast Builder unveiled the new series entitled Tagged.

With the opening message of reminding people that if they take the series seriously, Bro. Jon assures that this will be one of the miraculous series that has ever been held.

“I am asking you to take this series seriously, -- miraculous thing will happen in your family life, relationships. If not many of your pains if not will be healed “

Further explaining the series, he said that “90% of pain and hardships are coming from relationship – relationship that you have is what gives you the utmost joy” Using basketball as an analogy, Bro. Jon, asked everyone present “What is the win of life?”

“Marami sa tao, akala nila pag nag dribble sila ng magaling, mananalo sila sa buhay --  ang buhay simple, kahit magaling ka mag dribol, what makes you win in life is when you shoot the ball. “

So how does one win life? According to Bro. Jon, the only win in life is when you win in love.

Bro. Jon focused the last part of his talk about Christian life. He mentioned the difference between religious maturity and spiritual maturity.

“Religious maturity has to do with rules while Spiritual maturity has to do with love”

Quoting a verse from the bible, to further stress his message:

 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - If I don’t have love I am nothing

Ending his talk, Bro. Jon mentioned the one important factor in winning with ones’ life whether it be business, family, church and Christian life -- that is “relationship”

Published July 22nd 2012

Impossibility is God’s specialty

“I know that God created this day to bless me!”  

This is how Laguna Feast Builder, Bro. Jon Escoto jumpstarted the last part of the series, Impossible: 3 Things God Cannot Do. Even if this is not how most people feel, Bro. Jon assured: 

“Kahit puro kamalasan na ang nangyayari sa buhay -- God Cannot Fail!”.

Careers, business, relationships, studies and even competitions in life are just some of the areas where people fail and these are the only thing that stick in people’s mind, However Bro. Jon mentioned that people does not see the victory of God because:

1.       People Focus on details, God focuses on the best

2.       People see temporal, God sees eternal

3.       People see partial, God sees complete

Bro. Jon, in summarizing these three (3) reasons, said that “As far as God is concerned, His commitment to you is,  not to fail you on the most important part of your life! This is what real victory is -- it lasts forever!”

He added, “When people see the little, temporary and partial things, God sees whatever is big, eternal and complete!” and emphasized that  “Kung kamatayan nga, natalo Niya; hinarap Niya, how much more His PROMISE! So, even if things do not happen our way, always remember that God never fails!” 

“Impossibility is God’s specialty” he adds.

As a parting shot, Bro. Jon supposed, “Maybe your dreams are not dead, it is just sleeping – therefore you must be touched by the love of God again in order for your sleeping dreams to be resurrected!” --since God, as Bro. Jon mused,  is in the business of resurrecting dreams.

Ending his talk, Bro. Jon left a very inspiring message to everyone present: “Live your life and pursue your dreams, because God never fails!”#

Published July 1st 2012

Everything changes except God!

In the second of the three part series Impossible: 3 Things God Cannot Do, Bro. Jon Escoto, Laguna Feast Builder started with saying that there are things which are difficult to explain especially those that does not change, because all things change.

Cellphone, computers, physical appearance and even message of a song they all change according to Bro. Jon.

Though Bro. Jon emphasized that there is one thing that does not change and that is the love of God.

“Hindi maaring magbago ang Diyos because He is God and because of His love for us” Bro. Jon added.

“Minamahal tayo ng Diyos, di dahil tayo ay kamahal-mahal; minamahal tayo ng Diyos sapagkat Siya’y mapagmahal” Bro. Jon emphasized.

Bro. Jon even mentioned the misconception that other people think whenever they commit sins, “Ang akala ng iba kapag ikaw ay nagkakasala nagagalit ang Diyos sayo –nauubos ang pagmamahal ng Diyos.”

“You cannot do anything that can make God love you less because He does not change” Bro. Jon added.

Bro. Jon, with reference to the story of Hosea said “Itakwil, pagtaksilan at kalimutan ka man – ang pag-ibig ng Diyos ay di magmamaliw.”

He also said that “God does not change and there is nothing that you can do to make God change His mind about you.”

Summing up everything that was discussed about God cannot change, Bro. Jon explained that “Real love changes people, and the unchanging love of God changes people.”

As a fitting way to end the talk, Bro. Jon offered a prayer amidst all of the changes that are happening around:

"Sagitna ng pabagobago ng panahon at mensahe, kahit sa kabila ng pabago-bago kong isip, palagi kang nandyan. Baguhin mo ang aking isip at puso, ng Iyong di nagbabagong pag-ibig.  Turuan Mo akong maging tulad Mo! Overwhelm me with Your love, embrace me today and the warmth of Your love …  ang magpapalambot ng aking puso. My heart will be left with no choice but to love you with all my life."#

Published 24^th June 2012 

Remembering the Real Passion of Christ

They say that the hardest thing to do when writing an article is how to start it and to be honest I am having a difficult time conceptualizing how to even start this article.

When I was a kid I always long for hearing the word Good Friday since this simply tells me that it is the start of my summer vacation.

I was raised as a Catholic growing up and also studied at a catholic school during my high school but all I can think of about Good Friday is that this is the day wherein Jesus Christ was put to the cross and died.

But is that really what Good Friday is about?  Are there other things that we can get from Good Friday?

Good Friday can be best summed up in three words, Passion of Christ.

The word Passion comes from the Latin word for suffering but so we know, the passion of Christ is a story about injustice, doubt, fear, pain and ultimately death. It tells us how God experienced these things in the same way as ordinary human beings and until we are aware of what transpired during that fateful event in the life of Christ, we would really never know the real meaning of Good Friday.

So how do we go about remembering the Passion of Christ? By simply being aware of what happened to Jesus Christ, we should be able to discern and think of ways on how we can go about remembering it.

The entire Passion of Christ reminds us about two important things – Praying and Forgiving.

When Jesus Christ was going thru the suffering, humiliation, cruelty and condemnation from the very same people whom at one point He helped, Jesus did not flinch nor retaliate but simply took all of it and even came to a point wherein He prayed to the Father and asked for their forgiveness.

While many of us would prefer to go on vacation, spend it on a beach resort in Boracay or escape the summer heat and go north to Baguio.  Still it dawns me, is it how we should remember the Passion of Christ? Getting crucified and nailed on the cross is a stark reminder that Jesus Christ went through a lot to just redeem us from our sins.

We might have been wronged by someone close to us, whether a family member, officemates, friends or simply by someone we know and the least that we can do is to remember all about what God had gone thru and that is to pray for them and simply forgive.

God Cannot Lie

Published June 10^th 2012 from the Series: Impossible

Is it right to say that it is impossible that God cannot do everything? Have you ever thought of the things that God cannot do? Some people might question that thought since as we know that God is after all, God. So we are assuming that he can do all things that we can think of.

In the first part of Bro. Jon Escoto’s talk on the new series titled: Impossible. He tells us that there are indeed things that God cannot do. He pointed out the first thing that God cannot do by using the bible verse from Numbers 23:19 which says:

“God is not a man so he does not lie, he is not human so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?”

Bro. Jon summarizes the 3 things that God cannot do.

God cannot Lie
God cannot change
God cannot fail

Explaining the objective of the series, Bro. Jon mentioned that the goal after the series is to know God more.

“Magtiwala sa kanya upang mapanatag ang Puso at mabawasan ang stress sa buhay…”

He then added,

“Gusto natin na ang mga mahal natin sa buhay ay di nagsinungaling.”

It was stressed that “God cannot lie because if he does, then he is not God” Bro. Jon then even mentioned that it might be devil but definitely not God.

 “Kung meron diyos di siya nagsisinungaling.  God is not just telling the truth, GOD IS THE TRUTH.” Bro. Jon explained

Bro. Jon then asked the audience, “Di nga ba nagsisinungaling ang diyos?”

When people pray, whether asking for a simple promotion in the office, a successful business or even a child, they would often question God’s truthfulness and even willingness to grant all of these prayers. We would even come to a point of doubting his abilities. 

After the sharing that was done by Bro. Gil Caballero, Bro. Jon Escoto noted that there are 3 things that we can take away from what was shared.

#1 Be firm with your dreams.

In here, Bro. Jon shared the story of Elijah and Elisha. Best friends in faith and sources of miracles. Elijah had 7 miracles during his lifetime. So when Elijah asked Elisha on what does he want before he leaves from this world, Elisha responded:

“Let me inherit a double portion of yourself.”

Bold, daring and courageous.  That is how Bro. Jon described Elisha’s answer. So when we pray to God, we should think like Elisha. Ask big things and do not limit yourself as Bro. Jon pointed that success goes to the bold the daring and courageous as long as our motive is to glorify and serve God, he often answers in ways beyond our imagination. Always remember the truth that we are serving God and if we work hard and pray hard and pray in faith, our dreams will be fulfilled.

#2 Be flexible with your deadlines

With the second takeaway, Bro. Jon noted that often when we pray, we would like to have it microwaved. We want it fast. He stressed that we wanted things that are too small, too fast and goes on to say that:

“Kumpara sa ating maliit na pananaw at makitid na pagiisip. Kadalasan ang gawa ng diyos ay malaki at mabagal.”

Comparing it with a home-cooked meal where ingredients are carefully picked and slowly cooked as such the reason why it is delicious.

Again, we should not rush our prayers as God does not give half-baked miracles.

#3 Be free with your details

The last point that Bro. Jon wanted to share is that we have to be always open to Gods best.

“ Madalas ang mga dalangin natin ay maliit may pagkakamali because of our limitation. Ngunit ang gusto ng diyos is much bigger than what we expect at a different time frame.”

When we pray, we should always consider that it will be granted not based on when we want it rather, when GOD wants it.

To end Bro. Jon shared a story about an Olympian who in 1924 gave up his chance of getting a gold medal for his wife who was about to give birth at the same time that the Olympics will be held.  Bill Havens in return was chastised because of his actions. But Bill Havens said that he was just being true to himself and to god and to his wife. He chose his family since that is important to him more than winning a gold medal.  But in the 1958 Olympics, his son brought home the gold in the event in which his father did not get because he stayed with his mother to watch over her while he is being born.

We might be praying for things on how we wanted it to happen  and even wanted it fast. But what God has in mind might be different from what we truly want. It may take longer but at the end it should be sweeter.

Be true to yourself and to God as He does not know how to lie.