Redemption is the key theme of the Bible and God’s work with the cross of Christ is not yet finished. To every man, He still calls on the housetop and in public squares as wisdom, come ye ignorant beings and hear me, “For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death” (Prov 8:35-36 NIV). Every year we celebrate New Year because to us, it implies a new beginning and we recognize that the past year is done, with all its trials and blessings. Yet a one thing remains that is essential, we have hope! That is the main reason we celebrate Christmas and New Year, the hope to overcome and be blessed in the coming season. This hope is the anchor of the soul which is why every person who loses hope invariably turns to death or becomes insane.

As I continue to ponder on the power of the message of hope, Noynoy who actually is the least capable among all the presidential candidates last year was voted to presidency because when people look at him, they see his mother. Likewise, this year, we should reflect the Lord in a greater manner; when our neighbours, classmates and colleagues look at us, they should see in us the semblance of Jesus. The Lord is the Great Shepherd who looks at us with great care so that even in simple everyday things, God is interested because He cares as a Father does to his child. Psalm 23 above, embodies 10 redemptive names of God, which when applied in our lives, we shall experience His power.

Because most Christians have only been taught about God in general but not given details, they also know Him in a general manner, which is a great disservice if not inadequate to actually fight the good fight of faith. Knowing the names of God can impart faith which when possessed by the believer, can overcome the world as Joshua and Caleb did. These two heroes represent faith in their generation in the Scriptures so that they were the ones only allowed to enter the Promised Land, but just as they had faith, they also had to fight what they believe for. To do that, they not only saw God can actually crunch the giants in Canaan, but do it through them. Let us go through them one by one and ponder over their meanings in our lives.

David wrote the following verses out of the depths of his experience with the Lord which is why it is filled with meaning and bequeaths promises that can change our lives and perspectives. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (the Lord my Shepherd), many understands that they have a Shepherd who is the Lord but few so actually trusts Him to be their Shepherd. A true shepherd guides his sheep and chooses only the best part of the land to feed his flocks. True to this, Jesus who is the “good shepherd” leads many of us into prosperous lives and even to abundance so that we never lack. God is near to us, as wisdom when we have none eg guidance where to work, what course and what school to apply for in college, who will be our mate, what church organization to participate or help and what ministry to do. All of these are part of the ministry of the Shepherd; He alone can guide us into them when we ask. Because I desired to study abroad, I was given the opportunity to do so in the University of Bremen, Germany and in the University of Hong Kong, China. This did not come unless I ask because when I studied in UPLB, I also asked to pass the entrance exams while studying diligently as well. Now, I am asking to pass and study in Spain or Belgium or again in UPLB.

I trust my Shepherd, enough to ask Him what He wants me to, for He said, "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened. "Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? "Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? (Matt 7:7-10). In the second verse, we are told, “He makes me lie down in green pastures” (God who Provides), which tells us that God can indeed turn the barrenness that we see around us. If you think you have been destined to poverty, vanish that thought once and for all because Jesus has come to remove poverty in your life. It is written “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11 NIV). Clearly, God’s people have a destiny so great that they have all that they needed, they shall not lack!

Chronic poverty is a bondage, but the Lord has come to set us free so that we can freely answer His call. The path to prosperity is not found in trickeries and magic gimmicks, the first solution to a chronic poverty which is defined as perpetual lack or crisis, is to turn to the Lord and repent. Examine yourself if you are in the faith; do you trust Him in your finances? Or you consume all that you have, never minding to give at least 10 percent from your income to God? Even the mite of a woman was appreciated by the King, who could judge the value of money better than Him? Do you plant your seeds diligently?

If you plan to harvest much and you own a land, then learn to sow many seeds so that you can sell many in the market. The same principle holds true for office workers, if you are an employee, develop relationships, learn to communicate effectively and do your job well then you will be promoted when the time comes. God leads the prepared into the green pastures; those who only know spiritual principles but do not apply them are just as barren as those who don’t know anything. Indeed God provides a way and solution for every problem that we have if we try to consult Him. “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jer 29:12-13 NIV).