INSIGHTS INTO THE FUTURE 🌿

The symbols of the Holy Spirit are Dove, Fire, Oil, Wind and Water. 

THE DOVE: This can be seen in the description of the baptism of Christ (Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:30-34). 

Why I used the name turtledove? It is because a turtledove was h offerin during the time of Abraham, Moses, and Mary the mother of Jesus. 🏛️

This is a true story.

I’m gonna tell yah my experience how sowing the ‘spiritual seed’ produced a crop.

My first job as Pharmaceutical Service Representative for RORER, required me to do a lot of travels. My company provided me with a personal service car and marketing tools like brochures and product samples which I carried along everyday to enhance my sales performance in realizing  daily objectives – to call upon practising physicians and promote my products through one on one detailed presentations.

Travelling alone driving my car from base city to a far distant target territory, one city to another meeting clients who were of different medical specialties. I spared no effort introducing my company – the world’s leader in a specific therapy and to finally shove product recommendations.

Normally during the whiz of my activity, I used to carry a Holy Bible placed inside my ‘detail bag’. I believed this book has full of insights which I habituated to read daily on set schedules before bedtime and in bracing a new day. I sorted out this opportunity as my extra mile moment in exploring the ancient truth about life.

While in the field at that time, I encountered a lot of charms. Making friendship to some analogous to mine, and came across to know one lad named Joe (not his real name).

Heretofore, when I met Joe on that day incidentally I shared some lines from the scriptures, which I can’t even remember today what lines did I punch-in. After that, we didn’t see each other anymore.

Life is full of surprises and meanings. Unexpectedly, after twenty years I met Joe in the road again.

While I was making a walk by the road, a car heading through the opposite direction, slowly moving and stopped near me. Then I heard a voice calling my name, “Hey, Rod. Joe here. How are yah?!” In my surprise, knowing it was Joe inside the car I immediately replied, “I’m great, Joe. How ’bout yah? What do you do now?”

Joe coming out of the car and approached me and got to shake my hand. He smiled and said, “Im a pastor now. My career choice begun from that moment you shared the word to me. The word lived and grew abundantly in my heart. Well, I can still recall the place when you were holding a small bible in front of me. Thank you, Rod! “

“Congratulations Pastor Joe. See! You’re now dealing with heaven’s business. A noble profession.” And my eyes shone with joy.

“Don’t thank me Joe, it wasn’t me! A turtledove did it to you. He guided you and change your heart from stone to flesh and owned you to serve Him”, I replied.

And Joe shouted, “Praise God!” And I answered, “Amen” 🏛️

As the saying goes, “Live and learn till your old ages.” The learning process of how to conduct oneself is endless.

In the latter part of 2021, I started to write ‘Insights Into The Future‘ @greenapplefiles, as a hobby creating short uplifting stories for my family and friends. As of this time, my file has more than 100 articles to ponder on.

INSIGHTS INTO THE FUTURE is a compilation of simple, uplifting, and motivational wordiness. In one way or another, my writings could help out shake one’s sleeping soul.

My website is http://www.greenapplefiles.com.Why GreenApple 🍏? Green Apple is a symbol of uniqueness, mental toughness, health, friendship, and wisdom.

Here are some of the articles that got high impressions score: Time, When I Talked About Love, Encounter With The Big Boss Man, Remembering My Mother, Fall In Love, Health Matters, I Saw An Angel, Bring Home The Bacon, To My Son, It’s Never Too Late, Simplify, Create A Pathway To Life, Keep On Rockin’, Vegetables Fruits and Water, Just Believe, Poem in Summer and The First  Teaching.

All written articles enriches knowledge and learning. The value of learning lies in knowing what is important and appropriateness of application and not in hoarding excessive knowledge.

I truly believe that knowledge acquired on paper seems shallow still and thoroughly one to understand, one must personally experience it all. Hands on experience is the best teacher. Then, a ‘season spirit’ would eventually appear in oneself at the right pace of time. Someday you might be the one to emerge from thousands and millions of people who have the courage to grow with profound sentiments that can serve examples to others.

One must be brave to release the greatness that’s hidden from the inside of the comfort zone, withstsand the test of time, and never give up.

Who knows? Someday, you’ll be walking on the red carpet 🍏

Kindly regard this ancient aphorisms:

"🍏Anything you speak must be credible,
🍏Anything you do must be respectful,
🍏Your writing or painting must be firm and steady,
🍏Your appearance must be well presented,
🍏Your outfit must be proper and neat,
🍏Your steps must have composure,
🍏Your living quarters must be appropriate and quite,
🍏Your actions must be deliberated,
🍏Your speech must look for actions,
🍏The constant virtues must be persistently upheld,
🍏Promises made must be sincerely kept,
🍏Regard every act of kindness as that of your own conduct,
🍏Regard every act of evil as that of your own sickness. "

http://www.greenapplefiles.com

🌎

The name “book” is used figuratively, as in the Book of Remembrance and Book of Life. It appears that these are all basically the same, that is, they are all God’s “book”  of remembrance with a view to rewarding with eternal life the ones whose names are written in it. Since the Scriptures indicate that a person’s name can be ‘wiped out’ of it, so only if a person continues faithful is his name retained in the book.

The Book of Remembrance is a record of names of those who warm the heart, they are some who encourage one another in the love of the Lord.

The Lord then makes it clear that He hears and knows the intent of every heart and desires to honor those who honor Him.

In his infinite knowledge, God does not need a written record to keep track of human deeds. However, when he speaks to us, He often uses metaphor or parable to help us understand. 🎇

THE BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE

“Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name.”

* The Book of Malachi 3:16-18

And so, after a week on vacation in Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines, I’m back in Iloilo, the City of Love and trying to decide if I have missed anything.

Yes I have. What I miss is the time to read books. My favorite books. Reading is my habit until it becomes my passion to learn new information that I need in my journey into the future.

New fashions and technology models will have come and gone but reading is what exactly concerns me more ever since. It enhances my passion to live life, that for every reading gives learnings, new scenes, new ideas, thrills and excitement. Finally, reading open my soul and keep my good heart beating.

I love to read, though reading is a hobby for me, the truth is I’m not a good reader. I just keep on trying.

I miss to read and re-read the sexiness of the ❤️Betsy by Harold Robbins, the inspirations from 🌻The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino, 🚗The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari  by Robin S. Sharma,🏛️Dante the perflexing classical literature by Shakespeare, ⛄🌲Christmas Cards during the yuletide season, 🔖a heart to heart conference with God through the Scripture, and many more that hold my attention.

The biggest reason to why a person reads is to rid him of mediocrity.

I KNOW only books can bring the expansiveness of space and infiniteness of time in front of a reader.

I LEARN only books can direct the already flying signals of a noble life for the one who reads.

I RECOGNISE only books can present the profound wisdom in that wonderful contrast against ignorance and hideousness to the person who reads.

💡Reading will enrich the mind with ancient and latest experiences. The more that you read, the more things you will know.

In contrast, no matter how sharp the blade, it will eventually rust without constant sharpening.

Reading is learning.

🏛️

Hansen’s disease (also known as leprosy) is an infection caused by slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. It can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose (nasal mucosa). With early diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be cured.(www.cdc.gov)

MY BEST FRIEND told me this amazing story to tell you today.

The story of the Ten Lepers is full of Action and Mercy from the heart of God.

The Ten Lepers comprise a group of people excluded from community life because of their medical condition. They are considered the outcast portion of the society.

In the story, the lepers, “keeping their distance”, call out to Jesus, not specifically to heal them but to “have mercy!”

Their call for mercy, though, must indicate a desire to be healed of their afflictions.

The short narrative shows only ten percent (10%) of those who were healed or granted favor of the best of life can afford to thank and give glory to God.

The ninety percent (90%) were ungrateful to God. Nowadays, ungratefulness is the attitude of most people. They take all the credits of their accomplishments and achievements to themselves.

Carefully examine the tale how the amazing power of God moves and how the 10 lepers demonstrate their faith.

Note: Your friend here is a Roman Catholic by faith.

THE TEN LEPERS

AS JESUS and his disciples continued onward toward Jerusalem, they reached the border between Galilee and Samaria, and as they entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, "Jesus, sir, have mercy on us!"

HE LOOKED at them and said, "Go to the Jewish priest and show him that you are healed!" And as they were going, their leprosy disappeared.

ONE OF THEM came back to Jesus, shouting, "Glory to God, I'm healed!"

He fell flat on the ground in front of Jesus, face downward in the dust, thanking him for what he had done.

This man was a despised Samaritan.

💡JESUS asked, "Didn't I heal ten men? Where are the nine? Does only this foreigner return to give glory to God?

AND Jesus said to the man, "Stand up and go; your faith has made you well."

*The Parable of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)

These days I find I can look back at the past with new eyes, suddenly seeing to understand things that I missed at the time of my childhood days – the Tom and Jerry cartoons in black and white TV shows.

To review, Tom and Jerry is an American cartoon series about a hapless cat’s never-ending pursuit of a clever mouse. Tom is the scheming cat, and Jerry is the sounky mouse.

The series was driven entirely by action and visual humour. The characters almost NEVER SPOKE .

But in this article, surprisingly Tom and Jerry talk! Here’s the one line Q&A coversation :

Jerry: “In this world, how should I deal with someone who slanders me, bullies me, insults me, ridicules me, disparages me, belittles me, offends me, or deceives me?“

Tom: “Just tolerate him, let him be, avoid him, respect him, ignore him, and wait for a few years to see WHAT BECOMES OF HIM.”

The conversation reflects the test of time. One must be watchful to see the proof of occurence – “cause-effect philosophy (karma).”

Human existence is not a flattery to think deeply as waves on the vast ocean’s shore, or say not those who were thrown out incidentally are good as the sinking sand. The waves will wash the seaside as well as the flowing sand and both are carefully steered by the wind. Once the wild sand blows away, real gold will be revealed. 🏛️

🌴

Tobit is a devout and wealthy person during his time, who suffered severe reverses and is finally blinded. Because of his misfortunes he begs the Lord God to let him die.

Reading the full story of Tobit in the bible, it covers physical and spiritual healing. It is considered a work of fiction with only some historical references combining prayers, ethical exhortations, humour, and adventure.

The main message of the story of Tobit is “God is Merciful”. He is with us even in the midst of trouble and suffering.

MY NAME is Tobit. I have walked in the ways of truth and justice all the days of my life. I used to give alms and offerings for the altar. I always remember our Dear Lord in my heart.

I BECAME POOR. My properties were all confiscated by the Royal Government during insurrection. Nothing left – except a wife and a son. 

I BECAME BLIND at 62 years old, but God had pity on me. He sent Angel Raphael to direct my son, Tobias, spread the fish gall on my eyes. I regained eyesight at 70, after eight years in darkness.

WHEN I regained my vision, I continued giving alms to those who act justly and do good. I kept on praising God and proclaimed His great works, and blessed the Lord God forever.

HOW I GOT MERCY from the Lord? I urged you to listen –

💡I serve God and do what is pleasing in his sight. I exercise justice and give alm. I remember God in my heart and bless His name sincerely at all times with all my strength.

💡🎇 Throughout my life, I tried to abstain from all sin so in this way God granted me mercy and reward me with ‘Great Wealth‘ that I desired while I am living.

Blessed be the name of the Lord, a merciful God!

🏛️Tobit

* The Book of Tobit

In my early twenties, I left my house and travelled to a far distant metropolitan city with one goal – to search my dream job. But before I took off to journey and leaving my parents behind the first time then I managed to secure blessings from them that instilled indelible mark on my heart and it never ceased. My mother broke down and cried and my father bid me good luck with a smile. He gave these instruction to guide me in my career and life’s journey :

My son, you keep these intructions in your heart:

✔️Diligently learn the purpose of life, be kind-hearted and be faithful. 

✔️Be fair and be humble. Humbleness is beneficial. Accept justice without resistance.

✔️Never eat too much. Control your diet, shun from leisure. 

✔️Enjoy the beauty of having enough, be contented. Never be greedy to gain for yourself. Rather lose your life than to ever tell a lie. 

✔️Never be fluctuating in making decision. Control your emotion, never be easily ignited to create a flare-up. 

✔️Do not compete and challenge others, instead make known the good deeds of others instead of their faults. Prove only you're worthy to  earn a share, and in control of oneself. 

✔️Never talk about what others are ashamed of, and do not expose their secrets to anyone else. 

✔️Allow others to tell their story, for listening makes you big-hearted and compassionate person. 

✔️Maintain a mind of compassion towards anyone who begrudges you. Regard all living beings as your own parents. 

✔️Everything about being a man lies in the heart, the  well spring of life. With a gracious heart, blessings will be within reach, with a callous heart, adversity will be inescapable. 

✔️Celebrate with joy on the path to spiritual cultivation, instead of pride. 

✔️Never stop praying, and don't easily give up! 

✔️Listen and remember my teaching well, my son, for it holds such intentions.  ❤️

I kept the seeds safely in my heart and in my mind to grow in season. And I saw the glimps of bright stars that lights up my way. As ready to embark we all prayed, I kissed my parents foreheads, I cried with gladness and said goodbye. 🍏

Here’s a touching story of Ruth of the bible. It’s a story about God and how He restores those who look to Him with hope. It started when Ruth has made a decision that changed her life and the lives of others.

When Naomi, a godly woman, loses her entire family (husband and two sons) in dark times of famine, God restores her losses back through the presence of Ruth – her daughter in law. Ruth stays with Naomi, her mother-in-law, following the death of her husband to care for her. ❤️

A story my good friend told me to share…

At that time, a man named Elimelech left his country because of a famine and moved to a nearby land. With him were his wife, Naomi, and his two sons, Mahlon and Chilion. 

During the time of their residence there, the man died and Naomi was left with her two sons. These young men, Mahlon and Chilion married girls Orpah and Ruth. But later, both men died, so that Naomi was left alone, without her husband or sons.

She decided to return to her native land with her daughters-in-law, for she had heard that the Lord had blessed his people by giving them good crops again.

But after they had begun their homeward journey, Naomi changed her mind and said to her two daughters-in-law, "Why don't you return to your parents' homes instead of coming with me? And may the Lord reward you for your faithfulness to your husbands and to me. And may he bless you with another happy marriage." Then she kissed them, and they all broke down and cried.

"No," they said. "We want to go with you to your people."

But Naomi replied, "It is better for you to return to your own people. Do I have younger sons who could grow up to be your husbands? No, my daughters, return to your parents'homes, for I am too old to have a husband.. Oh how I grieve for you that the Lord has punished me in a way that injures you."

And again they cried together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, and returned to her childhood home; but Ruth insisted on staying with Naomi.

" See," Naomi said to her," your sister in law has gone back to her people and to her gods; you should do the same."

But Ruth replied, "Don't make me leave you, for I want to go wherever you go and to live wherever you live; your people shall be my people, and your God shall be my God; I want to die where you die and be buried there. May the Lord  do terrible things to me if I allow anything but death do separate us. "

When Naomi saw that Ruth had her heart set on going with her, she gave in.

And so the two of them traveled on together to the homeland of Naomi, and the entire village was stirred by their arrival. 

*The Book of Ruth

🏛️

Harmony in life means, if people are living in harmony with each other, they are living together peacefully rather than fighting or arguing. We must try to live in peace and harmony with ourselves and those around us. (Collins Dictionary)

"We hear wars and rumors of war" everywhere that disturb living condition of mankind and affecting the world's economy. Nobody has won the war in the record of history, resulting only to destruction of properties and loss of lives. There is no harmony. There is no peace and love. To obtain peace, the whole world must be able to tolerate one another and there must be freedom of expression and speech. A win-win talks must urgently be needed to ease the conflicts. 

Harmony is not only the key to happiness in life, but also the firststeps to experiencing inner peace. One has to cultivate harmony and peace with all. He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe. 

Harmony means that there's a beautiful balance, often regarding musical sounds, and in other artistic mediums, but it can apply to life, work, and home. 

Harmony is important in life. It is a condition for development, progress, fulfillment, overall happiness and survival of both the individual and the group to which he or she belongs regardless of any religion one is affiliated to. 

Harmony unites people in spite of their diversity and prevents enmity, war and conflicts. It makes small things grow beautifully. 

HOW harmony can be carried out successfully? Here's The Gift of Harmony.

STARTING from God harmony that is achieved through love, beginning from individual harmony that is achieved through Joy, we can then enlarge harmony to include our family and society that is achieved through respect, and proper use of time or time freedom to bring about action. 

NATURALLY there would be world peace. ☮️🍏

THE GIFT OF HARMONY G – God Harmony is achieved through Love ❤️ I – Individual Harmony is achieved through Joy 😄 F – Family Harmony is achieved through Respect 👨‍👩‍👦 T – Time Harmony is achieved through time Freedom. ⌚

Since long ago, the world has had many shortcomings. People always seeing this transient life as empty no matter what. Heading west in the morning, heading east in the evening, lives passing as that of a honeybee. Gathering hundreds of flowers, a transformation into honey, in the end, finding our efforts in vain.

Life is full of emptiness and so a gentle man came, to give the world a full life, with love and peace. 

But the world ignored a man of sorrow! 

A friendly man of sorrow, he is the Sweet Lord.. 🍏

In God's eyes, the Lord was like a tender green shoot, sprouting from a root in dry and sterile ground.

But in our eyes there was no attractiveness at all, nothing to make us want him. 

WE despised him and rejected him - a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. 

WE turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. 

He was despised, and we didn't care. 

Yet it was our grief he bore, our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, for his own sins! 

But he was wounded and bruised for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace; he was lashed - - and we were healed. 

*The Book of Isaiah 53:2-5