There’s a higher calling

Today’s devotional reminds me of a higher calling.  More than wealth, fame and luxury is a higher purpose that God prepared for me.

Though we are urged to “walk worthy of the calling with which [we] were called” (Eph. 4:1), we live in a world where we face distracting enticements. Maybe we’re offered a job that pays well but requires that we compromise biblical principles. Our calling is always to do God’s will.

I remember having interviews for new jobs that really interests me.  I dress up really well and even buying new clothes just to impress.  I review my books on job interviews to refresh me how to answer their questions wittingly.

However, I would always feel bad whenever I learn that the job requires me to work on Saturdays.  For some interviews, I immediately close the door, knowing that this job is not for me.  In some cases, I am thinking to compromise because the job is really really great, with great pay and great oppurtunities to go abroad.  Yet, here I am still in my old job enjoying the liberty of rest every Sabbath.

I also remember another job interview where I was told of a possible work during Saturdays.  Although the regular working days is only from Monday to Friday, there are possibilities of overtime during the weekend.  I told them I can work on Sunday if needed but not on a Saturday because I am a Seventh-day Adventist and I have responsibilies at church.  I gave them examples in my current workk where there are urgent requests to go to work on Saturdays but I was able to find ways to fix the issue without compromising my Sabbath and my work.

But that wasnt enough for them and keep on probing me questions of what ifs.  Then I told them this.

“The amount of dedication I give to my Sabbath is the same amount of dedication I give to my work.  For just one day per week, I devote myself to worship and serve the Lord.  For the other five days per week, I give the same devotion to my work.”

That silenced them with a satisfied nod.  A few weeks later, they called up me up for the job offer.

YM Certified

What does it mean to be part of the youth ministry?  What does it mean to be an Adventist Youth?

This is a question I have been pondering since the start of the year.  When I started handling the programming of the youth ministry of Pasay, there is a big challenge to introduce something new to the group.  Something that will greatly revive its members.

Last year, we were successful in at least reviving the dwindling number of members.  We have several new young members who were starting to become active in our activities.

The challenge this year is how to keep them in the ministry and help them find

What we came up with is the Youth Certified Program.   Launched last January, the program aims to have constant activities every month where the youth members will be trained and certified to be ready for God’s service.  Through the certification activities, the members will be able to find their gifts and strengths and find the best venue where they can be of service.  They will be able to find a part in the ministry where they best belong.

Easily said.  But the program is just in its infancy and the whole concept is still being built.  Hopefully, we will be able to find a ways injecting the right activities for us to meet our goals.  Through God’s grace we will.