Recently, a move by some senators to call for the resignation of  the Department of Health Secretary has brought mixed feelings to different people.  Although the quality, quantity, and timeliness of efforts and programs of government leave room for improvement,  as my colleague said, the timing seems off.  Thus the motive and appropriateness are questioned.  People are more surprised by the move,  than ready to take sides. 

“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,
but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.“  

Proverbs 14:29

In a country were the word “Bayanihan” resurfaces In the midst of the pandemic, reminiscent of how people in the Barrios  help carry a Nipa Hut  House of one family  to a new place of residence, the move is somehow out of line. Where is “Bayanihan”?

And implicating the secretary for the loss of lives of doctors in the country is, to say the least, insensitive.  As if  a non-redeemable decision is devoid of other players and factors.  The gravity of this pandemic has shocked the best and richest of nations.   At this present time, what we need is not “finger-pointing,” but “hand-holding,” well figuratively.  

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”

Matthew 7:3

Dear lawmakers, will we have more budget for healthcare and bring standards and status of government hospitals at par with that of the first world‘s? Will there be higher pay and incentives for our nurses and doctors to the barrios, and other healthcare professionals  so they will stay and serve. Will there be more subsidy to the poor without excessive burden to the middle working class? Now and after the pandemic? We are not calling for your resignation, just your action.   

“For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”

Matthew 7:2

I believe what we need is not a “changing of the guard” but a change of Heart. I believe  we need a change of heart for the leaders in the government to uphold and assist one another in bringing the best in this country sacrificially, wisely, without vested interests, and with humility.  I believe we  need a change of heart for the constituents of this country to do exactly the same. Let’s call (pray!) for a change of heart. ❤️

“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh,but envy makes the bones rot.”

Proverbs 14:30

We need a heart that acknowledges  the one true living God who can save us, and do what we cannot;  and who can use us to fulfill His good, pleasing, and perfect will.   This takes away our pride, and struggle or thinking that the outcome is entirely in our hands. 

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Ephesians 2:10

We need a heart that refrains from sin and wrongdoing, grateful for the penalty paid for  them. 

“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8

Small wrongdoing, big wrongdoing is still wrongdoing.  Small sin, big sin, still is sin.  The poorest and the richest, the criminal and the dignitary, the uneducated and the one with doctorate degree, the ones from the slums and the ones from the gated community, should refrain from wrongdoing. 

“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

1 John 4:10

We need a heart that seeks to serve and do good to others, more than ourselves.  

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:3-4

We need a heart that will hold oneself accountable, as much as, if not more than others. 

“There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?”

James 4:12

“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

James 3:16-17

We need a heart that believes the greatest good is possible even in our  mistakes, follies, and weaknesses. Forgive. Receive forgiveness. Pray. Have faith. Begin again. With God.

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Luke 1:37

And with each other…

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28

— Ninang changed thoughts from a changed heart (just a while ago…) 😘

🙏 Heavenly Father, may we have a change of heart by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. Grant us wisdom, and resolve to do and say what is strengthening, encouraging, and comforting of others. Fill us with your most Holy Spirit and help us discern and accomplish your will. May we trust that the greatest good is only possible with you, nothing and no one less. May we humble ourselves before you and receive healing for our land. In Jesus name we ask, Amen.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.”

Psalms 51:10

“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

Ezekiel 36:26

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” 

Romans 12:2