Share on facebook
Share on email
Share on pinterest
Share on linkedin
Share on telegram

Whom God listens to
when they pray

LIVESTREAMING WORSHIP SERVICE:
PMD MULTIMEDIA CENTER, QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES
APRIL 26, 2020

By RONNIE H. MUTYA

Constantly taught by the Church Administration with God’s words, members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) are blessed to have the proper guidance on how they should face and overcome crises at large or in their lives.

On April 26, 2020, Church members mostly from places in the USA that were severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic were reminded of, among others, how vital and powerful prayer is, especially in times of trouble. This was during their worship service to God led by the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, which was held through videoconferencing.

Some of them shared how they were inspired by the biblical lesson.

          __________________________________________________________

“The worship service is very important in the lives of the members of the Church Of Christ. During such occasion God pours out His love and blessings. I cannot imagine having to go through the whole week without hearing His words. I am so thankful that despite the current situation, I am still able to attend the worship service through livestreaming.

God alone is our hope in these times and we should completely put our trust in Him. Our prayers should not be the last resort but should be the first and only resort. His words are my source of strength and hope. … Whenever I feel lonely or worried, I go back to His teachings and I look back on all the answered prayers and, after that, I’m not worried or sad anymore. God continuously reminds us that He will not forget us. So I hold on to God’s teachings and promises, for I know that they are true.

What’s happening now was foretold and proves that God’s words are powerful and that the day of our salvation is truly near. We should always remember that He always works for the good of His people. Many more trials like this will come. But with God on our side, everything will be okay.”

          __________________________________________________________

“God’s teachings have always been our guide and path as we continue to deal with the difficult situations in the world. I see the things happening around us as a necessary part of the journey and the process that we, members of the Church Of Christ in these last days, have to go through as we move ever closer to our salvation. These experiences serve to remind us of the importance of entrusting our hope and faith in God, to always seek His help and protection. We can receive this by being true members of the Church Of Christ, that is, by always abiding in God’s teachings and commandments. I will always show my love for the Lord God by obeying His laws.”

          __________________________________________________________

“In spite of this situation, with the help of our Almighty God, our family is so blessed to be safe and able to continue worshiping Him. Through the leadership of our beloved Executive Minister and the efforts of our ministers and ministerial workers, we are guided accordingly and are able to conduct worship services in our respective homes.

Hearing the preaching of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, we were inspired to all the more trust in what God can do in our lives. God is indeed our only hope. With the help of God and through the guidance of the Church Administration, we will be able to remain true to our membership in the Iglesia Ni Cristo.”

          __________________________________________________________

“During these times, my family and I continue to entrust everything to God. I am still currently working during the week as a medical assistant. Everyday, I do have fear in my heart and some feelings of anxiety of what I may encounter after leaving my house. But I believe God will protect and shield me from any harm and keep me and my family safe from this pandemic. 

Attending worship services is an important part of my life. God’s teachings I receive are the food for my soul most, especially during these trying times. It always gives me the strength that I need to go on. I am always spiritually uplifted. As a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, no matter what I go through in life, no matter how hard I fall, I will always get up and stand firm. I truly believe that God will not allow me to experience anything that I cannot handle. I will be resolute in my faith and soldier on.”

          __________________________________________________________

“There are times when I do have fears of contracting the virus from work as a medical assistant and bringing it home to my family. But it is during these uncertain times that I feel God is even closer and listening to us and taking care of all our needs.

I am grateful that, through livestreaming, we are still able to conduct our worship services to prove to God that no matter what happens we will always continue to worship and give thanks to Him. The lessons Brother Eduardo Manalo taught all the more fortify our faith, thus we continue to entrust our lives to Him through prayers, especially in these trying times.”

          __________________________________________________________

“The current events are [opportunities for] His children to [show they] obey Him— even in times of trouble and distress. This is also how God will show that no matter what [they are] experiencing, He will always protect His children. … God’s promises to His children are being fulfilled. His words are true.

As a member of the Church Of Christ, I will always serve God with all my heart, whatever this life throws at me, be it difficulty, pain, or sorrows in life. This is also what I teach to my children: no matter what happens, even if the time comes that we, parents, are not by their side anymore, they [must] continue to serve God.”

          __________________________________________________________

“We have to put our complete trust in what God can do for us. Before we pray, we have to meditate and prepare our hearts, our minds, and even the things that we have to pray for. He answers the prayers of His faithful servants and nothing is impossible with Him because He is Almighty. He will give us everything we ask of Him and even more, as long as we remain faithful and true to Him. God promised to protect and save His faithful servants. I hold on to His promises for this life and especially for the eternal life to come.”

          __________________________________________________________

“Conducting worship services, even at home, is very important for us. In such gatherings, we are able to approach God, ask for His mercy and forgiveness, and listen to His teachings. Most importantly, during worship services, we praise, give glory and honor, and give thanks to Him.

We see this ongoing pandemic as a clear manifestation that Judgment Day is indeed very near and God is calling on people to return to Him and be obedient to His laws and commandments. That is why I will be more active in my Church duties and help more in inviting many people to listen to God’s teachings upheld by the Church.

Although I got sick and was tested positive for Covid-19 and my wife, who was in critical condition, was confined in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for over a month with the same illness, my faith in God even became stronger than ever. As my wife and I recover from this illness, it is our conviction that no matter what comes in our life, we will endure until the end to receive the promised salvation.”

          __________________________________________________________

“God’s teachings help me by always strengthening my faith and giving me the guidance I need, and further strengthening my faith, especially in the current situation of the world. Whenever I feel lost or scared, I turn to God’s words because they always give me the reassurance I need. Especially now, God’s continuous guidance through His teachings always gives me comfort. I see the things happening around us as fulfillment of signs that the Day of Judgment and especially the salvation of God’s chosen people are coming soon.”

          __________________________________________________________

“Attending worship services is truly important and a major aspect in our family’s life, especially with what is going on. We were reminded through the preaching of the Executive Minister to entrust everything to God because He is Almighty and He is capable of doing anything. That is why I and my family always draw close to Him for our needs and worries in life and cling to His promises.

With that mindset, my parents, sisters, and I are not afraid to go out and continue to go to work because we know God will take care of our parents and the rest of my family.”

          __________________________________________________________

No matter how severe the hardships are in this world, faithful Church members will continue to draw near to God so they will not be moved but instead, will remain steadfast and zealous. They firmly believe that as long as they are always obedient to His commandments, God is always willing to help and listen to their pleadings.

Share on facebook
Share on email
Share on pinterest
Share on linkedin
Share on telegram