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It’s So Cold!
by Elder Aries de Vera Reading: Romans 12:11 Today is December 14th, marking my 19th year here in Canada. Even after all these years, the frigid winter weather still challenges me. As I stepped out of our door this morning, I was immediately greeted by biting cold air. The temperature was negative ten degrees, but…
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Beyond the Christmas Stereotypes
by Elder Aries de Vera Reading: John 1:14 (NIV) Every December, our world becomes wrapped in the familiar sights and sounds of Christmas. Red, green, and gold fill the season, sometimes with a soft hint of silver. These colors brighten our homes, our streets, and almost every space we visit. Music plays in the background,…
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FINDING CHRISTMAS
By Elder Aries de Vera Reading for the day: John 3:16 I’ve written countless materials over the years. I had a book of poetry from my college days. I have a few screenplays, teleplays, documentaries, and featured videos created for the Church’s media ministry. I’ve done hundreds of hosting and program scripts. I’ve written more…
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It Is The Power The World Needs
By: Ptr. Gen Concepcion “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign forever and ever,” (Revelation 11:15) Around us, the desire for power is unmistakable. Nations compete for it, businesses strategize to gain it, and even families sometimes wrestle over it. The world…
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December Lessons from the Man Who Raised My Faith
by Elder Aries de Vera Reading for the day: Colossians 3:23-24 Growing up in Manila during the 90s was both challenging and exciting. My high school and college years were truly memorable, though not always easy. Life brought more than enough troubles. Power outages, brownouts, as we called them were common. The economic and political…
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FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER
by Elder Aries de Vera Reading for the day: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end.” – Lamentations 3:22 Christmas has always held a deep and tender connection in my heart. Growing up, the first week of December meant one special thing for me and my siblings:…
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It Is What The World Despises
By Ptr. Gen Concepcion Although resistance to authority has marked human history, it has become far more visible in our time because of the technology that now surrounds us. From philosophical ideas to active social movements, disobedience and resistance to law and authority unfold daily—in workplaces, shopping malls, homes, classrooms, and on our streets. And…
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It Is Not What We’ve Made It To Be
By Ptr. Gen Concepcion At the heart of Christmas lies one astounding truth—a truth that reaches beyond tradition and decorations, a truth that goes past the superficial and settles deep into the spiritual. John 3:16 encapsulates this truth: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son…” Christmas exists because Love Himself…
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Plan, Pray, and be at Peace
We can plan, prepare, and predict. We can plot, propose, and project. But the truth remains that we can never be sure if things will go according to our plans.
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Lessons from 2024
Today is the last day of the year 2024, and in a few hours, we will welcome the new year. It is always nice to look back on the past year and appreciate what God has done in our lives, in His church, and in the world.

