PAG-ALAY

“PAG-ALAY” (Lukas 2:8-20)

INTRO

Kadalasan, pinaparanas ng Diyos ang panahon ng kahirapan at pagdarahop upang masubukan niya kung iaalay pa rin natin sa kanya ang pinakamainam (“the best”).

Basahin: Luke 2:8-20

• Ano ang pangkaraniwang ginagawa ng mga pastol nung panahon na iyon? (v. 8) Ano ang mga “regular” na ginagawa mo sa araw-araw? (daily routine)
  
• Ano ang di-pangkaraniwang naranasan ng mga pastol nung panahong iyon? Please describe (vv. 9-14)
  
• FACT: We need “extraordinary” experiences to happen just to wake us up from the “ordinariness” of our common lives.
  
• REMEMBER: God comforts the afflicted but he also afflicts the “too” comfortable. 
  
• Ano ang naging tugon ng mga pastol sa pangyayaring iyon? (v. 15)
  
• Fact: Obedience first before sacrifice (or offerings)
  
• Ano ang pangunahin nilang natuklasan? (v. 16) If you were there at the scene, what will be you initial reaction?
  
• TAKE NOTE: Even at Jesus’ birth, the first group of people he met were those who are from the common masses. (“masa”)
  
• Ano ang ginawa ng mga pastol pagkatapos ng pangyayaring iyon? (vv. 17-18)
  
• Ano ang kahuli-hulihang ginawa ng mga pastol? (v. 20) Kung ikaw ay isa sa mga pastol, anu-ano ang gagawin mo upang alayan ng pagsamba ang ating Diyos especially ngayong pasko?
  

BOTTOM-LINE LESSONS...

• Daily live an “extra-ordinary” life - when sometimes you feel you are falling in the “ordinary trap” always ask yourself “what can I do to advance (even a centimeter) the kingdom of God?” By moving the kingdom of God you are actually changing this world!
  
• Always remember that you are a leader - according to Carly Fiorina, "A leader's greatest obligation is to make possible an environment where people can aspire to change the world."
  
• Be a “roaring lamb” - after encountering Jesus the shepherds became “roaring lambs.” According to Bob Briner, “Being a roaring lamb is not about special days, special emphases, special people, and special professions. Rather, it is about everyday people doing everyday jobs with a very special goal---that of effectively representing Christ in all areas of society. Our churches should exist for this.”
  
• Practice “Obedience first then Sacrifice” - It’s so hard to offer the best for God if we are not submissive. Check Mary’s reaction to everything that’s happening at that time (v. 19) and match it with the shepherds action (v. 15). You will seek that obedience is key to a breakthrough!