Why do bad things happen to Good People?

Why do people suffer? Why do bad things happen to good people?

These are just some of the questions that Feast Laguna Senior Builder, Bro. Jon Escoto attempted to answer during the second part of the series Your Toughest Questions Answered.

One thing that Bro. Jon assures everyone present is that “God wants to bless you today”

However according to him there may be others that think God loves suffering because there are good people that suffer in life

And as if directly refuting the thinking Bro Jon said “Walang magulang na gustong nakikita na naghihirap ang anak niya”

That is not the God we know since God does not love suffering instead God wants us to avoid unnecessary suffering.

However there is such a thing called “Necessary Suffering” just like what Jesus had to go thru. His suffering is necessary because we need to be redeemed from our sins.

Bro Jon gave out 4 things why “Necessary Suffering” happens to our lives

1.  We suffer because of the consequences of our bad, sometimes even painful decisions

2.       We suffer because we live in a fallen imperfect world that needs to be redeemed by Christ

3.       We suffer because God wants to bring about change in our life

4.       We suffer because God has a greater miracle in mind

Bro Jon explains that God does not punish, we all suffer since we are still here on earth.

“Hanggang wala ka pa sa langit, you will experience suffering”

But not everything that happens in this world is Gods will adds him, God has given us freewill to decide and it’s the same freewill given by God that can give us the best joy in the world.

“God has an amazing way of turning the garbage that we made into something beautiful”

Adding that there is no need to feel down and out when we are suffering since God knows how it is to suffer, all we need to do is trust in His love

“You can trust in His love because He is a God of greater miracle”

Bro Jon ended by saying that good people suffer because God has a greater miracle in mind

“We might only be expecting the moon but God wanted to give us the stars in our lives instead”

God Knows What's Best For Me

For the new series, Your Toughest Questions Answered Bro. Jon Escoto, Feast Laguna Senior Builder tackled a question that we hear from people most of the time, “What is God’s will for me?”

“Marami tayong tanong sa buhay, pero the good news is Jesus is the answer” 

What is God's will for me?

Bro. Jon mentions that as much as we wanted to know what our will on life is, God wants to make known His will to us in a way as plain as simple as possible.

He then gave out 3 ways on how God speaks His will to us

Inner Voice – when we hear Gods voice, we have to be very discerning and to always remember the basic rule of discernment that there has got to be a confirmation.  It has to resonate well in our heart.

Inner Values – God speaks thru our conscience and it should be formed by Gods word. We need to plug in to the word of God so that our conscience gets recharged

Inner Vision –knowing our life’s purpose and knowing what is God’s given dream for us

According to Bro. Jon, God gives us the vision but leaves the details to us on how we want to achieve His will since God’s will is not a detailed command but is a divine call.

“God lets us decide our own faith but with guidance from Him, He gives us the why and lets us determine the how”

Adding that we must follow our heart and explore since our life’s will is already planted by God and that His will is found in our deepest desire.

Ending Bro. Jon reminded everyone that there is another thing more important that finding Gods will for us according to him the search for Gods will is really all about our journey with 

“More than finding God’s will, much more important is finding God”

God has a plan for us because we are Beautiful

Part 2 of the series Vampire: How to deal with difficult people Bro. Jon Escoto, Laguna Feast Builder, emphasized that during the time of Jesus, He was insulted, being criticized and people were demanding a lot from Him, He never mustered a word against them but rather just accepted everything that was thrown at Him. This is how Jesus protected himself from difficult people.

 “Ano ang pagkakaiba natin kay Hesus?” asks Bro. Jon in which he calmly answered “Hindi  tayo ang tagapagligtas ng mundo”

But what we can do as individual is learn from the experiences that Jesus had so that we can protect ourselves from all the criticizing, demanding and doubting people.

Just like Jesus, he mentioned that we as individual gets punished be it emotionally, physically or psychologically but adds that it is up to us on how we deal with such.

Do we simply tolerate the people who abuses and punish us in order to get the benefits that we wanted?

Bro. Jon suggested things that we can do when faced with such adversity and when dealing with such person

Walkout if it does not give life to you - in here he mentioned that walking out means decreasing our interaction time with the person causing us pain and punishment

Wear an Emotional Helmet and Helmet of Truth - this strategy are for instances wherein walking out is not applicable or when walking out is difficult.

 “Unless you’re free from difficult people you can’t love them genuinely”

Pray to ask for grace and guidance adds him.

According to Bro. Jon surround yourself with armor of friends who will remind us about the truth and would serve as wise counsel.

We get drained not because we spent so much energy but rather we receive love less quips Bro. Jon.

“Surround yourself with trusted friends who are after your welfare”

But what exactly do we need to learn from Jesus’ ways when He was facing adversities?  “Pray” is what Bro. Jon tells us.

“Pray to God for the person who hurt and persecute us”

We do this in order for them to get to know God more the way that we do.

As a parting message Bro. Jon said that even if vampires belittle and persecute us, he tells us to not believe them since our value as a human being is not in any way diminished.

“Always remember that God has a plan for us, because you are beautiful” 

Why are difficult people, difficult?

A new series Vampire: How to deal with difficult people kicks off

In the new series Vampire: How to deal with difficult people, Bro. Jon Escoto, Laguna Feast Builder talks about a not so ordinary topic. A topic which can only be seen on movies or read on books and can be best described as a pigment of our imagination.

Vampires are known to take the life of a person by sucking the blood out of the body.  But in the new series, Bro. Jon talks about a different type of vampire - Difficult people, whether in the office, friends, relationships even in family, vampires are abound but made it clear that the series is not intended to judge someone but rather more of a personal reflection - a self-examination. “Ako ba ay bampira sa ibang tao”

He then gave out the most common types of vampires

Criticizing Vampire –often sees the mistakes that other make. Wala nang nakikitang tama sa isang tao

Controlling Vampire – Bully, confrontational. They use intimidation to get control and get what they want. By pointing to others their fault they establish superiority to others.

Complaining Vampire – everytime you talk to this type of person, all they do is complain and whine. Their definition of life is catastrophe. They like that you pity them.

Clinging Vampire – Emotional co-dependency

Crying Vampire  – Sobrang matampuhin, balat sibuyas.

Con Vampire – Manipulative, once you have liked the person, she or he will control you.

So why are difficult people difficult? As if saying to not look very far to get the answer, Bro. Jon said that we should start looking at the mirrors and ask if we are Vampire ourselves.

So how can we be free?  3 things according to Bro. Jon

Believe – Believe that Gods desire is for you to be free and give life to others.

Be Open – ask other people of what they think about you. Do not be defensive. Listen even if it hurts.

Bless – make a commitment to bless people. Catch people doing the right things.

Bro. Jon assures that God has faith and that He will do whatever it takes to bring out the beauty in us

But forewarned that it will not feel good “He will chisel and smoothen the rough edges”. 

“Di maganda ang pakiramdam habang ginagawa yan, minsan masakit”

Every vampire is a child desperate and hungry for love   “Magpakumbaba, tanggapin ang grasya at tanggapin ang pagibig na nagpapabago sa lahat”

Ending his talk, Bro. Jon said that even if we see ourselves as a vampire with rough edges in our life,

“As far as God is concerned you are a masterpiece and the grace of God will be there for you.”

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.

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