Makati Carecell Christmas Party

This was our Makati Carecell Ministry's Christmas party held last December 16 at Ate Susan's house. This also our last meeting for the year. We had a lot of fun and games, not to mention abundant food. But most of all what I really appreciate about this group is the fellowship that we had in love and thoughtfulness as we celebrated the birth of Christ. Looking forward to resume our Carecells in Makati with a new addition of the Salcedo Carecell starting January 2010.

More photos of our celebration here: http://picasaweb.google.com/p83ktan/MakatiCarecellChristmasParty2009

All in Life by Carman

A fortune made, a goal achieved | But in God's sight, what does it mean? | If I don't glorify Your name | The things I do, I'll do in vain | Oh Lord, to please You is what I yearn | Help me remember this Truth I've learned... That kingdoms come and kingdoms go | But through the Word of God I know | When all in life is done and past | Only what's done for Christ will last


To sacrifice and reach a star | But then lose sight of who You are is never worth the price, I know to gain the world and lose the soul | I know now what You've tried to say, Lord, to me | My spirit can understand | Now, I can see... That kingdoms come and kingdoms go | But through the Word of God I know | When all in life is done and past | Only what's done for Christ will last

The Things I Do

I posted on my Facebook status:

"There are things that I do because I want to, there are things that I do because I choose to, there are things that I do because it pays, and there are things that I do but don't really want to be a part of. My goal is to eliminate the last three." 

I thought of another one:

"There are things that sometimes I want to do and sometimes I don't want to do depending on the people I work with." 

Something I need also to work on.

First Love

"I know your deeds, and your toil and perseverance ... and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first ..." (Rev. 2:2-5)

Even at times of our toil and passion we are prone to lose our focus on the sole purpose why we toil and persevere for the things of God. Our hearts and flesh are not invincible to exhaustion for we are still made up of earthly clay. But those whose life is constantly yielded to the Potter, Jesus--our sole Object of our love and devotion, our Master who deserves nothing but our undivided devotion and service surpassing that of kings and kingdoms--those whose presence has not left the apple of His eye shall live forever. For the reason why God grieves when we leave our First Love is not because of Personal ambition to possess and take control (because that is contrary to His nature), but in His omniscience He knows the only way for us to be free is to be sheltered under the shadow of His inexhaustible grace. For it is only when we yield our all to Him that we are free from the desire to please anyone else but Him.

Surprise Pre-wedding Party!

Last Monday, our friends threw out a surprise pre-wedding party for us at the house. Netty knew nothing about it but I was informed because they said I will smoke it out of them anyway. But they spared me on the details. It was really a challenge to bring Netty to the party because the day before and the day after we were together. But it worked out well anyway. Netty was really surprised--in tears. Friends from BFGFC were there as well as co-workers in ministry and Ate Me-anne and Kuya Jeric and Kal. They had a fun game involving the two of us, where we had to answer a question and our answers must be the same. They also had gifts for us which was really fun. I had another realization moment when we opened Ate Me-anne & Kuya Jeric's present and it was a pair of cookwares and I thought, I am really getting married. We really appreciated the efforts of those who prepared the party, we really feel loved and important. Thanks guys!

Suprise Wedding Party for Us

45 Days

It's 45 days 'til our wedding day! I am very excited. Words cannot contain the feeling I'm feeling these days. A mix of excitement, anticipation and adventure. Yesterday, Netty and I visited our caterer Hizon's once more with our wedding coordinator Ms. Juness Acayen. We had to settle some issues with the table settings because the decisions we made last time were a bit rushed and influenced. After a few hours of meeting, we leave and had lunch. Stayed at Netty's house until 6PM to pick up my brother Lawrence who works in Makati.

We were quite worried that the payables again won't be met (despite how God proved himself faithful in previous times, the frailty of the now). But the more we draw near to the wedding date, the more our faith is being built up, because through the months of preparation, there has been never any lack in funds to meet our suppliers--never, nada. A good example is the last one, our wedding photographer. We were scheduled to pay a downpayment a few weeks ago. And the amount is no joke. We had almost used up our funds that it would not suffice to pay that amount. Our trust in God is tested--and sometimes I admit it is nerve-wracking. But, three days before the deadline, a client calls to settle accounts (after months of waiting) and whalla, the same amount with a little extra, just fell on our laps. I almost cried because it was insane, the way the need was being met just at the right time. So yesterday, thinking about other due payables, we were tested again. We are faced with our biggest payable yet. And this is no exaggeration. Yesterday afternoon and last night, two of my new clients agreed to my project proposal and the projects are on their way! Praise the Lord! When I submit my initial proposals, the projects' down payments would cover a lot of ground.

Thinking of things I have learned on the road to our wedding:

1. Walk in faith and work hard. Never lose sight of God's promises. It's important to ask God for a word or direction as you prepare for the wedding. Ours is that God will meet all our needs before that day comes, that's the promise we are holding on to. Of course you gotta do your part, because how can God channel His provision to you, if you don't hit the rock.
2. Save save save! This is something I learned too late. One year is not enough to save if you want to have your dream wedding. It is only by the grace of God that our needs are being met. But to save you a lot of senseless worries and stress it is wise to save early. 
3. It's wise to get a wedding coordinator for your wedding, because as the day nears you get crazy.
4. Never lose the reason why go through all this--it is your love for one another. There will be times when you will not agree on things, learn to disagree in love. Your love for the other is more important than winning the argument. I mean, that's why you want to get married with the person!

One year after our engagement

I almost forgot that today marks one year after I proposed to Nette up in APTS Baguio. Indeed time flies so fast! Last night during our phone conversation, she asked if I remember anything about today. I thought, November 22 ... her birthday is on the 24th right. Thankfully after much pondering what November 22 was I remembered. Wow it was already a year ago? Though we weren't able to celebrate this I still rejoice in the testament of God's faithfulness in our lives even as now that our wedding day draws near.

I remembered having the engagement ring done and ready a month before my proposal. It just sat faithfully in my drawer, looking at it once in a while (and trying it on my pinkie, not a beautiful sight.), rehearsing so many times how the whole secret surprise proposal would turn out to be. The evening before I went up to Baguio, we were together. Because usually when we do not see each other on that day, we would talk on the phone. So I had my things packed before we went out. I did this so that we don't get to talk on the phone anymore as I would be already on the bus to Baguio. Good thing I kept the excitement and anticipation which wasn't heard to do. After our date, I took her to their home and I took a quick taxi to Victory Liner Station in Pasay City where my brother Lawrence, his girlfriend Zarah Jane and Brznf were already waiting with my things.

It was already morning when we arrived in Baguio. We had a quick stop at SM and headed to APTS where our room awaits. With the help of Ptr. Joseph Suico who was a faculty in APTS, we got two room apartments just overlooking the familiar mountain ranges of the Cordilleras. We were to stay in one room. The other room was for the arriving guests the next day (Netty and her sis and husband, and their church friends). A few weeks before that day, it was a challenge how to make Nette come up to Baguio without smelling something fishy. Ate Me-anne purported a story that Kuya Jeric needs to attend a conference in Baguio and invited her to go with them which she innocently obliged.

Day 2. I picked up Ate Me-anne and Kuya Jeric in SM Baguio. We also bought food and necessities for the evening and the next day. Weng Sabacan, a former team mate in a youth org I spearheaded before who resided in Baguio that time, helped us get around and get the best buys. I bought two dozen roses in the market for P80. Then went to this flower shop to have a beautiful bouquet of assorted purple colored flowers along with the roses. It was beautiful. Every minute was nearing to zero-zero hours. Going back to the apartment, we had a simple dinner (Ate Me-anne cooked roast chicken which I forgot to appreciate because my mind was already all over the place). Then we slept early. Team 3 composed of Nette, Reah (her BFF), Grace (her cousin) and Enoch (Reah's brother) are already on the bus going up to Baguio.

3AM. A text message. "We're going up to APTS now". We convene to review the plan for the surprise. Ate Me-anne and Kuya Jeric wait upstairs to welcome the group. Nette thinks that only Ate Me-anne and Kuya Jeric will be there. Everyone's armed with a camera. A few moments later six floors below, we can hear chattering. It was time. So me in my best garb, with a bouquet of flowers on hand and the ring on the other, we make the longest elevator trip of my life (though it was only six floors up!) APTS have been memorable to both of us because it was during a conference here where we first met. And one of the places where we were confined to ourselves was the elevator.

At the ground floor, the elevator starts to close, signifying that someone from above already pressed the elevator button. The elevator starts to go up. And stops. And it opens with me on it. Netty was really caught by surprise! And she starts to cry and go on a corner. I gave her the flowers. She keeps crying, reprimanding me why I haven't texted her all day long and reprimanding others why they kept this from her. She begins to squat down. I told her she needs to get up. Because I should be the one kneeling down. So feebly she gets up, I kneel down shaking. I opened the small blue velvet ring box with the ring in it and said, "'By, will you marry me?" For a moment there was a pause. And finally she said, "Of course! Yes!" I put the ring on her finger and give each other a very tight hug.


On the ring, it is inscribed, "Patty & Netty, Forever starts Today - November 22, 2008."

(Thanks to Reah for this Video)

“When you want something, all the universe conspires and helps you to achieve it.”

~ King Melchizedek, The Alchemist

Pre-nup Photos

It was last Monday that we had our pre-nuptial photo shoot with Raymund Vince Cruz at the La Mesa Eco Park. The date was our second attempt to have our photoshoot after our initial choice fell short of our expectations. I thought the park was far from the city. Driving there it was traffic but we didn't expect it to be so close to the city we almost missed the turn. So as the pre-nup team arrives composed of Raymund and his photographer buddy, we are close to having our photoshoot. On our early shots I was quite nervous, evidenced by the wild perspiration on my forehead and my body crevices. Not to mention a number of couples also taking pre-nup with us! I felt all of us (especially the guys) were quite conscious but what the heck (wala nang pakialaman, basta project lang). Midway finally I got used to the shoot. Forgot to tell you that Nette was really pretty. She had her trial make-up that morning. It was hitting two birds in one stone. Anyway, we spent more than three hours taking photos in various interest points in the park. By Wednesday, Netty received a package from LBC--it was our unedited pre-nup photos sent by Raymund! Netty had quite a laugh before I saw it that night. It was funny seeing our bloopers. Most of my photos were sleepy-eyed. We got some awesome shots nonetheless and can't wait to see the final edited photos at the wedding.

Location: La Mesa Eco Park

The Climb

On the road towards our wedding day:

Where We First Met

Early Dates

She's the One 

From Baguio with Love

 

Tag: Netty

Tag: Patrick and Netty

Tag: Wedding

Day in the Life: Missions Convention

Yesterday was our annual missions convention. This is one of the special events that happen annually in our church. Usually it lasts 3 days long, but recently we celebrate it on one Sunday. It's the time we renew our missions support as a church to local and foreign missionaries across the globe. This particular Missions Sunday had a lot to rave about:

1. First, we have finally overshoot our last year's missions pledge. Pastor reported that it was 101% already and we still have a month to wrap up last year's monthly missions pledge.
2. Second, it was a wonderful message from Kimberly Snider who was our guest speaker. She's the editor-in-chief of Moms Magazine, and the wife of Bro. Bill Snider, the main man of Asia Pacific Media Ministries. Anyway its a simple message from Matthew 28 that turned out to be one of the most inspiring and challenging I have heard in a while (after Bill Hybels). Her last story is worthy of retelling:
   
   Earlier when she was taking up some ministry course in Thailand under Biola University, now a grandmother of three, began to experience some sort of depression or "loss-cause" syndrome. I think all ministers go through that one point or another (Even Moses and Elijah had those moments). As she was pondering about this in her room with her roommate, they began to exchange to ask themselves what the heck they were doing on the other side of the globe instead of enjoying their families back in the States. After sometime some of their American classmates decided to enjoy the tourist sites in Thailand and opted to have an elephant ride. Kim and her friend thought, they're used to these kind of trips being Asia-based missionaries and thought to pass up the trip but went on anyway. Fast forward. They now find themselves on top on an elephant cruising through the Thai forest, and suddenly they here a very familiar sound. They hear the elephant driver singing "What A Friend We Have in Jesus" in his own language. Unsure that they were hearing the right song, they sang along with the guy using English lyrics and to their surprise it was indeed the faithful hymn. They thought, could he be Christian? So Kim started another song. An old familiar hymn, "Amazing grace ... how sweet the sound ... that saved a wretched like me ..." The elephant driver, in an unspoken validation, sang in harmony with them in his own language! Soon, as elephant riders now going past them, a number caught on the tune and began to sing along. Now it was a choir-like singing in the forest in English and Karen. She remembers how a hundred years before a missionary by name of Adoniram Judson preached on the steps of a Buddhist temple in Myanmar, and for 18 (more or less) years won only 6 converts. But with that small number of converts a whole Burmese Karen tribe were won to Christ. And this Christian heritage past on from generations to generations of these people until they cross over from Myanmar to the mountains to Thailand for refuge and work. Lesson: Sometimes we think that our work is in vain. But no work for the Lord comes to waste.
   
   That's a beautiful story.
   
   
   

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." ~ 1 Corinthians 15:58

Day in the Life: on the road to wedding day

I'm here today at Netty's clinic waiting. She is seated facing the wall mirror in room. Gene the make-up artist we just met a few hours ago (one that her sister's sister-in-law recommended) is giving her a trial make-up. So far so good. Netty keeps eyeing me asking if she looks ok. She looks beautiful. I woke up early today to come early in their place, with a number of clothes at the back of the car, because by lunch time we will be going to La Mesa Ecopark to have our pre-nup photoshoot with photographer Raymond Cruz. Really excited about it. It's 61 days before the wedding.

Day in the Life: Makati Carecells

Last night we had our Carecell at Kamagong. I'm just glad that the group is really growing. We had started five weeks ago the Intentional Moves discipleship curriculum to facilitate learning and growth in our members. Last night was also a first. Normally after Carecell around 9PM, everyone would hurry up to go home because it was quite late. But last night, everyone stayed for food and chitchat. I felt that everyone is enjoying each other's company. Praise God for this because truly there is fellowship in the presence of God. We are quite excited with our first Christmas party also.

Another thing that pumps me up with our ministry in Makati is that God has opened a new door of opportunity to build another "lighthouse" in that city. A few months back Sis. Gema, who manages a recruitment company, returns from Malaysia to resume her work in Makati. She has tons of testimonies to share which is very encouraging. And upon meeting she offered her office to be a venue to hold a Carecell there. Praise God! That's what we prayed for before, that God would open a workplace for His ministry, and now here it is. So last Tuesday our core group went there to survey the place and everyone is excited about it. Soon we will be opening Salcedo Carecell and will reach more people for Christ. My dream is for our Makati ministry to raise four cells and then plant a daughter church there. God is so good!

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:14-15)

Are You A True Disciple?

[This was my sermon message last Sunday at BFGFC.]

John 8:31-32, "If you continue in my word, you are my disciples indeed. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

Last, last week, I lost my driver's license. I don't know where, when or how. My parents and my fiancee have been pressing me to remember where I lost it, but I thought, that's why it's lost right, because I don't remember where I placed it.

So Tuesday morning with my forms filled and printed already, I went to LTO to apply for a duplicate of my license. And to my surprise, they rejected my application because I have two outstanding violations from MMDA. These were violations I have committed way way back and it came back to haunt me. So what should be a two-hour wait for a new duplicate became a two day ordeal, of paying fines, waiting, queuing and walking. Moral lesson, if you have the opportunity to right your wrongs today, do it now.

Wouldn't you want to have life that enjoys God's day to day blessings rather than living in constant restitution of the past? Enjoying the life that Christ has died and rose again for is found in obedience to God. And by obeying God, we avoid possible future problems our disobedience may insue. That's why, "Obeying God today solves a lot of problems tomorrow."

In John 8:31-32, Jesus offers three rewards of obedience to God: (1) Recognition, (2) Revelation and (3) Revolution. But before we experience these rewards, there lies a condition. "If you continue in my word ..." Jesus says. Full life in Jesus comes in continuing in His Word. What does it mean to continue in His Word? To continually commit oneself in obeying His commands. Many people accuse Jesus' way as ineffective in their lives, being used to an instant way of life, we assume that Full Life comes in a day, a week or even a month. But here Jesus says, "continue", it's continuous obedience, faithfulness and allegience to Him that brings in the rewards of the Full Life.

So onto the rewards:

(1) Recognition. Obedience to God is the true litmus test of a true disciple of Christ. A true disciple is not identified in emotionality or even how much ministry they do in church. A true disciple is recognized outside of church--in daily life, in our home and community, our schools and workplace, and even in times when we are alone, that's when the true disciple of Christ shines. "If you continue in my word, you are my disciples indeed ..."

(2) Revelation. Not only would Jesus recognize us as true disciples, but as we continue with John 8:31-32 it says, "You will know the truth." Knowing God's word reveals the Truth in our lives. No more grappling in the darkness in search of answers to difficult and compromising situations, but in God's Word, we see what God sees, and feel what God feels. Wouldn't it be truly liberating when we see how God sees our dire situations and struggles, or feel how God feels for the lost and the needy?

Before Peter Parker was Spiderman, he was far from fulfilling his destiny. After he discovers his power to walk on walls and his webbing abilities, he didn't get too far from what destiny expected of him. He used his power to work as a wrestler. There was no one more agile and powerful than him, even to his bigger opponents. He made cheap money through it. But one day, opportunity knocks in his life. He witnesses his manager being robbed by a thug. But instead of using his power to stop what was happening, he let the robber go because "it wasn't his job". Little did he know, that when the thug left the building, he had hijacked the car of Uncle Ben, Peter's uncle, and Uncle Ben got killed in the process.

Peter Parker had this power, but he failed to use it for good. How many times, we are given a powerful revelation of God's Word, but then we short-change God with indifference. Has God revealed to you through His Word that you should be sharing your faith? Or trusting Him more? Or be more forgiving? In God's kingdom this is true as well, "With great power, comes great responsibility." God reveals His burden to people He expects to respond.

(3) Revolution. Imagine if everyone would respond to the revelation God has given them. Our church would be sparking a revolution of God's Kingdom on earth!

John 8:31-32 says, "If you continue in my word, you are my disciples indeed (Recognition). Then you will know the truth (Revelation), and the truth will set you free (Revolution)." Jesus during his lifetime on earth, rounded up uneducated, untrained men, but nevertheless Jesus radically transformed them with the Truth of his words, inspired them through the Holy Spirit, and in turn became the greatest revolution on earth up to this day.

In Matthew Jesus tells us who we are, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." Someone who has known the Truth but fails to act upon what he knows is indeed imprisoned perhaps in guilt or in apathy or even in legalism. Never waste the Truth God has given you, the same power that brought Christ back to life, is the same power that can revolutionize your life and your sphere of influence.

Noah, when God spoke to him about the flood, obeyed Him despite what seemed to be a crazy directive in the eyes of Noah's neighbor. But in this story and like many others, when God tells us to do something, He never fails to uphold His Word. "Obeying God today solves a lot of problems tomorrow." Imagine if we would just seriously devote our lives in obedience to God, how much of our moments would be lived in freedom and joy in Him. So don't miss on the Full Life, Christ is offering to those who would radically choose to obey him. Continue in His Word, and live in true freedom in Christ.

Are You Focusing on Your 5%

Last Global Leadership Summit 2009, I had a privilege to listen live to Pastor Wayne Cordeiro from Hawaii. I've heard before that he is of Filipino descent, but from what I read in Wikipedia, I'm still confused. But anyway, he shared a very insightful message that focuses on the personal well-being of us leaders. Somehow most of the sessions in the GLS focused (for me) on sustainability, either personal, ministry or financial etc. In his session entitled "Dead Leader Running" he mentions about focusing on your 5%. He says that studies show 85% of what we do can be done by other people; 15% can be done with minimal training; while only 5% of what you do are the roles and chores that only you can do. We are not Superman. In fact, the Bible says that our bodies are like earthen vessels or jars of clay in which God puts His treasure. Earthen vessels--we need to take care of ourselves because often times its not the priorities that we forget, but according to Ptr. Cordeiro, our humanity. So he proposes to us to take take and discover our 5% and focus on those things. He gives his personal 5% as an example: (1) A growing relationship with Christ - Only you can do that for yourself. You cannot delegate others to take care of your relationship with Christ. (2) Marriage - only you can be the spouse of your spouse. (3) Family - Family first before ministry. Because ministry never runs out, but you have only one family. (4) Ministry, Vocation, Physical Health and Rest. About the importance of taking a break, he says "rest is a forethought", and not an afterthought. Because in the economy of the "new reality" (as Hybels put it), rest is important for long-term effectiveness. Wayne finishes with an illustration of the Olympic flame. Every four years, before the Olympic Games start, the Olympic torch is taken from one city to another, passed from one athlete to another. The goal is not to take the torch from point A to point B the fastest, but to keep the torch burning throughout the course of the run. Run to fast and you may end up with a burned wick instead of a healthy flame. It speaks a lot about life. It doesn't matter who finishes or succeeds first, the more important thing is are you running with your soul and your character.

Last Saturday: Global Leadership Summit

Pastor Bill Hybels in the flesh .. Here he exhorts on the local church being the hope of the world.

With friends Zarah Grace and Carrie.

We had a quick stop at Oasis, our venue for the wedding.

More photos here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=124508&id=647782491&ref=mf

Seven "Theses" about the Sabbath

In the letter of Paul to the Galatians he addresses a problem concerning some of the brethren are getting confused by a new teaching, that Jesus is not enough for them to obtain salvation, but they must adhere to the Mosaic Law of circumcision in order to seal the deal--entry to heaven's gates. Paul says, "Man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law." (Gal 2:16).

In this post I will address the idea of seventh day worship, like circumcision was part of Old Testament law or the Mosaic Law. (What is seventh day worship?) Here are seven reasons why I don't believe that the fourth commandment on the Ten Commandments does not imply strict compliance to Saturday worship today (in no particular order):

1. Because now there are only two commands. Because Jesus already summed up the whole law in two: (1) Love the Lord your God which is the greatest commandment, and (2) love your neighbor as yourself (Mt 22:36-40).
   
   
2. Because today is a period of grace and freedom from the Law. Galatians say that "it was for freedom that Christ has set us free, no longer to be subject to the yoke of slavery" (Gal 5:1) (hey, that's a song!). In another portion of Galatians it says, "for the fruit of the Spirit is love ... against such things there is no law" (Gal 5:22-23). The law that stumbles us toward despair because everyone has fallen short of God's standards has already been replaced by a period of grace through Jesus.
   
   
3. Because Jesus already reinterpreted the Law. Because Jesus taught that the essence of the law matters than literal interpretation. For example, the Mosaic Law of "thou shalt not murder" (Ex 20:13) was reinterpreted by Jesus to thou shalt not murder even as you plot hate towards your brother (Mt 5:22-23). "thou shalt not commit adultery" (Ex 20:14) into thou shalt not commit adultery even as you look lustfully towards your sister (Mt 5:27-28). Note that he begins his discourse with "you have heard it was said", not the past tense. And then he reinterprets the law with this new phrase, "But I tell you the truth". Thus, I believe that keeping the Sabbath holy today is honoring God's command of setting aside a day for rest and worship.
   
   
4. Because our righteousness is bound by faith and is beyond law. Because the Mosaic Law are designed for the Israelite nation (Ex 20:1-2, Deut 5:1). As children of Abraham we are beyond the Mosaic Law (Rom 4:16, Gal 3:7). Abraham was beyond the Mosaic Law. Abraham is not an Israelite. The word Israelite itself determines to whom the nation was attributed--Jacob or Israel by God's rename (Gen 32:28). Israel was only the grandson of Abraham. Therefore, Abraham cannot be an Israelite, instead we could say that Israel or Jacob through whom the Israelite nation comes from, is an Abraham-ite. Abraham was not declared righteous by the Law, (1) because the Mosaic Law didn't exist until Moses' time, and (2) Genesis and Romans both say that Abraham was declared righteous because he believed in God or he had faith in God and not by the Law (Gen 15:6, Rom 4:3, Read Romans 4) . Paul writes to the Roman Jews that we are children not of the law but of Abraham, thus we are free from the Mosaic Law (Rom 4:16). It is true that Jesus quoted from the Law, but (1) the New Testament hasn't existed yet therefore the Law served as God's commands for Him, but (2) He challenged these commands in obeying the underlying purpose rather than the physical command (as in previous reason) and (3) when He quotes it, it becomes a new Jesus command by itself.
   
   
5. Because it is practical. Because if this is so, our weekend workforce (those who need to work on weekends hitting Sabbath) don't have a chance to obey this command, no matter how sincere they worship God.
   
   
6. Because it is liberating. We need to evaluate ourselves does the concept of "7th-day worship". Does it allow me to experience the freedom from the law which Christ died for? Or is it leading me towards legalism and self-attained righteousness through works? Read Galatians. The Judaizers addressed in the Galatian letter are promoting Jesus plus law (circumcision) formula equals salvation but Paul vehemently bashes this idea because Jesus alone saves.) Didn't the Bible commanded us to worship God every day, every time? Didn't the early church of Acts met together everyday to praise God and study the apostles teaching?
   
   
7. Because the glory of Christ is the final standard. Finally because this is not "central-central" to our faith, Christ is. Adherence to proper rites and rituals do not save, Christ does.  In both cases, we can agree that God designed one day for us to (1) worship Him, (2) rest from work and (3) appreciate His and our creation (the results of our work). But these should not outshine the glory of Christ. It's all about Jesus. We may adhere to 7th day worship rites but our hearts "are far away" but we may choose to rest and worship on a Thursday or any other day sincerely and passionately. Thus we see the measurement of true obedience is not found in the physical (day of the week), but on the spiritual condition of man's heart (worship). Jesus said that the Son of Man (pertaining to him) is Lord of the Sabbath (Mt 12:1-14), and his standard for Sabbath is not physical (observance of the law), but spiritual (desire to do good and please the Father). 

Soli Deo Gloria.

[This is in polite response to a question raised in tonight's Carecell about the validity of 7th day worship (Saturday as true Sabbath). This has helped me evaluate and fortify my convictions about the topic.]

Supplement readings:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Church_of_God
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armstrongism
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worldwide_Church_of_God#Criticisms
• http://www.thebereans.net/arm-sda-ans.shtml

Seven Thankfuls

Thankful ...

1. It was a great Carecell once again at Makati. We also had new friends. Thankful for the friends there.
2. I got to register as a voter even for the last minute.
3. I got a new copy of my driver's license after I lost it and spent two days applying for new one, half a day at MMDA to pay my violation fines. A learning moment, the bad things we do always catch up with us so better deal with it now.
4. At spurt of a moment while waiting for a friend in Makati I dropped by my school ASCM to check on my grades for last semester. It happened that I can already apply for graduation because I am away this semester and next year would be too late.
5. For Netty who is always a constant support and care despite my flaws.
6. For good friends who are a source of cheer and encouragement.
7. That I was able to spend last week with young people and Chi Alpha workers to teach and inspire young people to reach the campus.

Walking through the tombs

It was the first time after many years that All Saints Day fell on a Sunday. So after our morning service our family went to the cemetery to visit our departed. As usual we parked three to four blocks away from Chinese Cemetery because of the crowds. I am fond of these visits for the reason that walking through the tombs and mauseleums of the Chinese Cemetery is like walking through a museum or walking through time with it's different periods of architecture and designs. This time the place had gotten older somehow you can feel that it was wasting away. After some 30 minutes of staying at my dad's parents grave we prepared to leave and go back to our car. It was during this time that a sudden emotion came over me .. of gloom and utter depression of the place. I remembered Ecclesiastes where Solomon writes, "Life is meaningless ... everything is meaningless." I thought, did each person lying in these graves did something during their lifetime? Something worthy of God's approval, something that pushed the boundaries of God's cause further out so that His kingdom will reach to the ends of the earth. Then I resolved to myself, I will not let that happen with this life of mine. Just like Doctor Octopus (Spiderman 2) said to himself in the struggle of good and evil in himself, "I will not die a monster." I will not pass through this life without doing something, my two cents, for God.

God of This City by Chris Tomlin

A very timely song as I prepare for the next season of ministry in my life. "Greater things have yet to come, greater things are still to be done ..."



VERSE 1
You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are

VERSE 2
You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
You are

REFRAIN
There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

CHORUS
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City

2nd National Chi Alpha Summit

This was a post I made for the XA website:

We just wrapped up the National Chi Alpha's 2nd National XA Student Summit held in Cliffside Retreat House in the scenic Tagaytay City. The summit was attended by a total of 54 student and youth leaders and pastors represented by different churches, sections and districts of Assemblies of God. This year's summit was entitled "Momentum" and its main thrust is the Movement of Making Disciples. Discipleship is indeed the irreducible aspect of any campus and student ministry. The summit focused on training the delegates. There were three levels of training: Level 1 focused on personal student evangelism and disciples. Level 2 focused on leading student discipleship and small group. And Level 3 focused on mobilizing students for church-based campus ministry. Intensive and passion defined each level's training and discussions with our National Chi Alpha workers. It was also in this summit that the Intentional Moves discipleship program was introduced as the suggested discipleship curriculum for our campus ministries in alignment to the Assemblies of God's thrust on discipleship and mobilization. Our guest speaker for our chapel service was youth missionary Ptr. Jerome Sack who inspired us with the Word. By the end of the summit a call for commitment was raised and many young people came forward and some shared of being called towards deeper service for the Lord in full time ministry or as student missionaries in their schools.

It was also revealed by our National Youth Director Rev. Sur del Rosario that he intends to do this summit annually as a venue for training student and youth leaders and pastors in starting campus ministries in their own locales. In an effort to further establish the three fronts of the National Youth Ministries Network (Christ Ambassadors or church youth, Chi Alpha or campus ministry, and Young Adults), one of the thrust in the national youth department is to further establish the three fronts as a separate sub-department the NYMNet. Next year the National Chi Alpha will be coordinated by NYMNet staff Ptr. Patrick Tan and Ptra. Merla Laanan.

Click here for photos from the XA Student Summit 2009.

Knowing You (All I Once Held Dear)

One of my favorite songs. This songs comes from Paul's words in Philippians that says I count all things rubbish compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord. This song expresses gratitude of a life of knowing and being known by Christ.



Knowing You Jesus
by Graham Kendrick

VERSE 1
All I once held dear, built my life upon,
All this world reveres and wars to own;
All I once thought gain I have counted loss,
Spent and worthless now compared to this.

CHORUS
Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You
There is no greater thing.
You're my all, You're the best,
You're my joy, my righteousness,
And I love You Lord.

VERSE 2
Now my heart's desire is to know You more,
To be found in You and know as Yours,
To possess by faith what I could not earn
All surpassing gift of righteousness

VERSE 3
Oh to know the power of Your risen life,
And to know You in Your sufferings;
To become like You in Your death, my Lord,
So with You to live and never die.

Day in the Life: These Two Weeks

I'm a few days near the end of my semester. And I still have one paper to submit. It's hard. 'Cause the sembreak mode is already starting to move in.

Today we had a wonderful time once more at our Makati Cell group. Lately we started meeting continuously every week at Ate Susan's house. It's great that you have people of peace in your ministry. The Bible talks about the man of peace who welcomes the Christ's disciples in a particular city. In this case, our people of peace in our outreach cellgroup is Gerald and Ate Susan. I thank God that once more, our attendance have been stabilizing after a few weeks back when we're reduced to a handful. May He continue to nurture our members in His love and knowledge.

Things have been taking a halt this few weeks because I'm sort of trapped in these unfinished businesses I'm still not attending to. I need to start regrouping and get back in the game. 'Cause next week I will be gone for three days because I'm teaching in the Chi Alpha Student Leaders Summit in Tagaytay City. I need to finish my paper. Do some legal document stuff for our wedding, and most of all follow-up on jobs at work. It's a bit nerve wracking that we're a few weeks to our next payable for the wedding. I really thank God for Netty who always balances me out. We're really made for each other. When I'm freaking out, she normalizes me. When she's freaking out, I normalize her. I am reassured that God continues to make me aware that He is watching over us through little things. Please continue to remember us in prayer for provision and peace of mind. Despite these momentary setbacks, I am growing impatient to be permanently with her now. At this moment I am 86 days away from that realization.

I am meditating from this verse and this chapter this week: "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (Isaiah 41:13)

Isaiah 41:19-21

I will make rivers flow on barren heights,
and springs within the valleys.
I will turn the desert into pools of water,
and the parched ground into springs.

I will put in the desert
the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive.
I will set pines in the wasteland,
the fir and the cypress together,

so that people may see and know,
may consider and understand,
that the hand of the LORD has done this,
that the Holy One of Israel has created it.

Last Saturday's Concert

This was from our Firebrands Youth concert held last Saturday at Binondo Full Gospel Family Center. Some of the folks here are friends who visited, and young people from our daughter church in Valenzuela Full Gospel Family Center. 

God works for the good of those who love him

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose ... For I am convinced that [nothing] will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:28, 38-39)

In times of difficult situations, when we are walking the "valley of the shadow of death", we may question the goodness of God. We may ask "Where is God in all of this?" "Where is God when I need him?" or "Why does God allow His (children) to go through suffering or pain?

There are three reasons why we go through such situations. 1, It is the Course of nature. Death and nature's manifestations such as typhoons and earthquakes are natural. 2, They are Consequences of our actions. We go through pain perhaps as a result of our wrong choices and actions. and 3, They are for the Chipping of our character. We go through difficulties as trials that try and help mature our character and faith in God. However, regardless of the reason, explanations may be irrelevant or may not sink in to a hurting person, one desires only one thing--salvation.

There is one thing we can hold on to, that God works for the good of those who love him. God works with the end in mind--our good. Gold is purified through the hottest flame. Note that God doesn't work for everyone's good, but for those who love and put their hope in Him.

In light of the recent calamity. It is amazing how God's Sovereignity rule over the situation. One cannot say that all these people who have been hit by the calamity experienced it because of a consequence of their sins (that's why often legalistic Christians get heat for this), because for some this calamility is aimed at molding their faith, and for others it is a harsh correction of a worldly life. But in all of these, I believe and am amazed that for every person God had a purpose for this calamlity to come upon them. Nothing is done without a purpose. No experience is wasted and unlearned.

Let us be confident and stand in courage by these words, that nothing will separate us (who have placed their faith and love in God through Jesus Christ) from the Love of God through Christ Jesus. That means no matter what I am going through, I am loved by God. His plan for my end is for my good.

I love the passage that we reflected on in class this week:

Jeremiah 36:32-44

36 "You are saying about this city, 'By the sword, famine and plague it will be handed over to the king of Babylon'; but this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 37 I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. 38 They will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me for their own good and the good of their children after them. 40 I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. 41 I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.

42 "This is what the LORD says: As I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will give them all the prosperity I have promised them. 43 Once more fields will be bought in this land of which you say, 'It is a desolate waste, without men or animals, for it has been handed over to the Babylonians.' 44 Fields will be bought for silver, and deeds will be signed, sealed and witnessed in the territory of Benjamin, in the villages around Jerusalem, in the towns of Judah and in the towns of the hill country, of the western foothills and of the Negev, because I will restore their fortunes, [d] declares the LORD."

Day in the Life: My Stability

(Let me warn you that this post might be misleading for some because of the flow of thought. It tackles about God, love and relationships based on one of our discussion "arcs" tonight at Makati Carecell.)

My message last Sunday touched on one's source of stability in life. Isaiah 6 is about the calling of Isaiah to be a prophet to Judah. Verse 1 said, "In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on the throne ..." 2 Chronicles 26 documents the achievements of King Uzziah, of how he won victories over the nation's enemies. And because of this peaceful reign in his nation, he was able to bring growth to the nation. He built infrastructures, improved it's economy and built a strong military power with state of the art equipments. (Later he was struck by God with leprosy because of pride and he died). The people enjoyed peace and prosperity under King Uzziah. For Isaiah and the rest of Judah, they found their stability in Uzziah, but now he is dead. Imagine this terrible loss, fear and uncertainty of the nation at the death of their king. But at ground zero despite the looming uncertainty of the future for Isaiah and the nation, God revealed Himself to Isaiah in a vision as a king, or the King (in fact, the King of kings), sitting on the throne, still reigning over every circumstances, reassuring us that in every situation, even in the most difficult ones, God is still in control. "God works for the good of those who love him."

That was just my introduction. On to the main topic of this post.

Everyone finds stability in something or someone. There are three things where our stability may come from: 1. Possessions - our assets, houses and savings, 2. Positions - our status, social status, surnames and careers, and 3. People - our parents, children, spouse, or friends. And there is one thing that is common to all of the above mentioned: they are temporal. Today they are here, tomorrow they may not be. The fatality of this truth was proven by the recent typhoon and flooding that caused pain over the loss of these sources of stability. One might conclude that rather than putting our stability on these things, we ought to put our stability on God only.

But as I was analyzing this thought, I believe that the more right thing to say is our stability must find itself first and foremost in God. First and foremost--top source of trust and standard of security. Because I have to admit. God is not the only source of my stability, though God is the main source of my stability. Second to God, I find strength in my soon-to-be wife Nette. In fact both of us find our stability in God. But for me, Nette has become a major source of balance and confidence in my life. Life would be difficult today without her.

I saw the Pixar movie Up a few months ago, and if you know the story, Mr. Fredrickson, prior to his hard and grumpy personality, loved his wife. Their bond and love for each other grew stronger as they grow old until age caught up with them and she had to go first. Watching it I can't help but cry at the thought of losing one's companion in life. (Forgive my melancholy tendency to sulk at the future). Now I am beginning to understand not just in mind, but in my heart how devastating it is of losing someone you love. Because she is my stability.

So the statement, never put your stability on people doesn't quite work. Yes and again, Our stability must first and foremost come from God. But I believe it is God Himself who brings the blessing of loved ones in our lives to let us know that we are loved and we are human--capable of loving--bringing balance and stability in our lives. If we say we cannot put our stability on people, we run the risk of not being able to experience how to love and be loved in return which is one of the defining attributes of the Godhead himself.

Bottom line/s:
- God should be the first and foremost (otherworldly level) source of our trust and stability.
- Not trusting people (in general) runs the risk of our incapability to love and be loved.
- Without trust there is no relationship.

Anointed in unity

A church united is a church anointed. This was a title of one of my Sunday messages a few months ago. And I was reminded by it again as I meditate on Isaiah 9:

Isaiah 9:21, "Manasseh will feed on Ephraim, and Ephraim on Manasseh; together they will turn against Judah. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised."

Manasseh, Ephraim and Judah once formed the united kingdom of Israel. And because of disunity, the kingdom was divided into Judah and Israel (10 tribes, including Manasseh & Ephraim). And even wars prevailed between brothers nations, there were internal conflicts between Israel's tribes (Manasseh & Ephraim). And because of this prevailing discord and lack of unity, God's hand was heavy upon them.

When there is a prevailing spirit of disunity in the church, we can be sure that the Holy Spirit is driven away by our lack of humility and healthy conflict management. Solution: Once more establish the "headship of Christ" (Reimagining Church) in the church in repentance and reconciliation. The headship of Christ empowers us to take captive of every lofty and prideful thought that sets itself against God. And such is the image painted by prophet Isaiah of Christ's lordship over anyone who put's their allegiance to Him:

Isaiah 9:6, 7, "... And the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Price of Peace ... He will reign ... establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that ime on and forever ..."

Lord forgive us when we isolate ourselves, being deceived that we are on our own. You have made us to be in unity in community.

Communicating passion

In the book The Starbucks Experience, it tells a story about Starbucks challenge in introducing the Starbucks coffee experience in the tea-dominated market of Japan. Once for the Japanese, coffee was experienced in simple powder form or cheap 3-in-1's. The need: heighten the tea-loving people's coffee experience. Author Joseph Michelli calls it the art of bringing sophistication to coffee experience. And this was what Starbucks did: Painstakingly educate the Japanese market about coffee, it's kinds, where they come from, encourage discussions and inquiries through strategic use of spaces among others, and teaching them how to appreciate good quality coffee, it's tastes and aromas. Thus they succeeded in bringing a heightened appreciation of coffee in Japan. (Trivia: Starbucks Coffee Jelly originated from Japan!)

Just as the leaders of Starbucks succeeded in elevating the appreciation of coffee by elevating their experience of the product, how do we as ministers (people who do ministry) encourage our congregation's appreciation of the Christian experience?

Bringing sophistication to the Christian experience. It may sound contradicting, but let me define the terms. When I googled "What is sophistication" it gives this meaning, "uplifting enlightenment." So bringing sophistication to the Christian experience does not mean complicating the Christian experience, but lifting the person to an enligtening awareness and appreciation of the beauty of the Christian experience. For example, how do you help move a person to an enlightening awareness and appreciation of God's Word or prayer. The opposite of this would be simple-mindedness as the book of Proverbs describe a person who lacks an inquiring and analyzing mind.

Have you ever experienced difficulty in communicating and letting other people catch your passion? For example, a worship leader who is well educated and skillful in music theory, is frustrated because her team is not able to appreciate or see the beauty in transposition or vocal harmony, for them harmony or no harmony--it's the same banana. For the Sunday School director, the need to be equipped to produce creative means of teaching children is his heart's passion, but other teacher's in his team do not see the importance of it, thus pulling a lesson from last year's and a lesson creatively prepared during the week is one and the same banana. And for me as a preacher, my passion is for our congregation to come to a higher appreciation the beauty of God's Word, to have a desire to seek the Scriptures recreationally, and not just Sunday "Christian practioners" who are occupied with Christian fads and sensationalism, hungry for pleasant words and good fortunes (Is 30:9-11).

This is the challenge, just as Starbucks was able to introduce coffee to Japan, how do you bring a person to an higher enlightenment and appreciation of the Christian experience? How do you communicate your passion effectively so that as you see what God sees, others will see what you see? Just as Starbucks educated the Japanese market to appreciate coffee, how do you educate your congregation in appreciating the Christian experience?

Here are some thoughts:

Catch a God-given vision - Doing something to please people will never last, follow a vision that is worthy of God's passion, a vision bigger than yourself.

Build relationships - People won't care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Relationships are built on trust.

Teach it formally and informally - Bruce Wilkinson in the Seven Laws of the Learner, teaches retention of one's content by talking about it formally and informally. The Hebrews passed the law to their children in their everyday living. "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates ..." (Deut 11:18-20). Not only share your passion on the pulpit, share it over coffee and other informal settings.

Cast the Why before the How - Constantly communicate the vision by casting the Why--the importance of your cause. Answer, creating skillful music is important because ... teaching creatively is important because. When they see the Why before the How, you are encouraging creativity in coming up with Hows because there are always multiple solutions to a problem.

Don't be ashamed to ask for commitment - A person will follow a leader secure of his own convictions.

Responding to God's Call

I like the outline of the commentary (The Bible Exposition Commentary by Warren Wiersbe via PC Study Bible) made about Isaiah 6.

In Isaiah 6 we find the nation Judah in unstable circumstances as it's King Uzziah died. This king was very good and fruitful and was responsible for Israel's national growth (Yet in his latter days, he became too proud and was stricken with leprosy and died). This was when Isaiah saw the vision of the King of kings seated on a throne.

Isaiah 6 is what Isaiah experienced as he responded to God's call as a prophet. As Spirit-filled leaders we go through the same experience as we respond to God's call for our life. Consider these three progression of Isaiah's calling:

He saw the Lord (Sight) - In the uncertainty of times caused by the death of a powerful king, Isaiah saw in a vision the Lord seated on a throne as a reigning King. "I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple." He also saw angels worshipping the Lord crying "Holy, holy, holy".

Vision does not begin with us. As Ptr. Rick Warren always say, "It's not about us." It begins with God, seeing with spiritual eyes His greatness, holiness and grandeur.

He saw himself (Insight) - And as Isaiah saw the greatness and holiness of the Lord, and realizing he was standing in His presence, he saw himself--a worthless, sinful man. "Woe is me! I am a man of unclean lips!" was the cry of Isaiah in the presence of the Lord.

As we come before God in worship and reverence, we cannot help but be amazed by Him, and see ourselves as unworthy of this glory. We will not be able to proclaim woes to other people, when we do not realize our own woes--our weaknesses and misgivings. To be able to be used by God, we are called to be repentant, teachable and humble. Before God our Potter mold us up, He breaks us down--and that we should be aware of.

So in Isaiah's vision he sees an angel take coals from the altar and touched his lips with it as a gesture of cleansing through fire. As ministers (people who do ministry), trials come to bring out the best in us. Consider Peter's words that out of trials and suffering come character, patience and endurance.

He saw the need (Vision) - After these, God throws the challenge, "Whom shall I send?" And with no hesitation, Isaiah responds "Here I am send me!" God presented a need, Isaiah saw the need and met the need.

We need to realize that before a vision is given, before we set our foot to walk the path of ministry, the two previous awareness are non-negotiable (seeing who God is and who we are). It's placing yourself where you're supposed to be (in humility and service), and placing God in your life where He is supposed to be (as King and Lord of our lives).

In Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels (read the book!), he defines one's calling as seeing one's passion coming in parallel with God's passion. Moses saw the need, the plight of Hebrew slaves in Egypt--It was the heart of God all along. God said, "I hear the cries of my people, and I am sending you." Moses' at first failed to be where he was supposed to be in their relationship with God. He tried rescuing Israel with his own might. God brought him through 40 years of stripping and molding--trial by fire. And only then, came that one day like any other that would begin his extraordinary walk with God.

Anointed servanthood is seeing who God is + seeing who we are + seeing and responding to the need, our passion coming in alignment with God's passion.

7 + 2 Effective Practices in Leadership

Here's what Ptr. Sam Sade shared during our retreat in his session "Keeping in Step with the Church". Though he numbered it seven, he added two more by the end of his session. We call it in the biz, impromptu :)

Clarify the win - Vision, vision, vision! Know where you are going. Ask, What do you celebrate when you look back? As a minister, are you celebrating conversions and disciples?

Think steps not programs - Programs are activities to keep people busy. Steps are programs to get people to the place where you want them to be. Steps are easy to follow/monitor, obvious (the need is obvious) and strategic (not "just because").

Narrow the focus - Do one or two things well rather than being a jack of all trades. Remember less is more. (This is something I really need to work on.)

Teach less for more - Teach them what they really need to know, not just trivial things, but things they can apply for the betterment of their lives. I remember a teaching professor remarked back in a conference about teaching today's seminarians, he said something like this, "I am less concerned when Calvin was born (and other "important" dates of church history), and more concerned about their contributions to today's church and the Christian faith system."

Listen to outsiders - Once in a while (or more than that) take evaluation from the people outside your organization. Because the longer you stay in an organization, the more your bias for or against the organization. Andy Stanley talks about how they value feedback from new employees, because it helps them see their organization with "fresh eyes".

Replace yourself - This is similar to what I heard before from Chuck Quinley: Work yourself out of your job. Meaning, learn to train, empower and disciple others to continue and enlarge the vision's flame.

Work on it - Simply put, nothing happens without industry and hardwork.

Think outside the box - If you don't think outside the box, you're only reaching people other churches are already reaching.

Dream big dreams, take great risks - Never fear to dream big. The safety of "dream small, fail small" is unchallenging and pessimistic. Learn to take great risks (with faith and anointed ears) and cross over to living an adventure.

Day in the Life: Wedding Preparations

Today Netty and I went to had my body measured for my suit for my wedding. I'm wearing a black suit (black coat, black vest, white shirt and plum-colored tie). Plum is our color motif. Anyway, I was a bit shy before the designer of my suit. Because I am ignorant at this. Somehow this time I have difficulty visualizing what I want to wear. I just want a suit (everyone else will wear barong tagalog). The trip to the tailor (what do you call that?) was a success.

After that we went to Glorietta for dinner. It's good to sit down and talk. Netty knows that these days when we talk about wedding, I get stressed out. Don't misinterpret. I want to get married. I'm excited to get married. Thinking about it, it's not the provisions that's stressing me, because I'm confident about God's provision for us. I am beginning to realize that going round and about the details was the culprit. It's something I have to face. After dinner we headed to Gloria Jeans coffee to set some dates and payables for our wedding. It went well. Actually I really appreciate Nette for doing what she's doing, those well-organized planners and list of things to do. I thought I should be doing that being a born planner, but somehow wedding planning is of a different caliber. I feel I am becoming passive-aggressive about this and other things. Something I need to change. Oh the unfruitfulness and apathy of Facebook and the web ...

If wedding preparations stresses me out. Talking about future ministry stresses her out. I am glad that we had a conversation about it. This time I was the one opening up and she was the one listening. I'm glad that I had a chance to pour my heart out about what's happening in my mind. I always thank God for having a godly and supportive spouse-to-be.

Please do continue to pray for us. Our wedding preparations (provisions) and our ministry direction. May God alone be glorified when it's all said and done.

Ondoy says, "Wake up!"

It is during these times of tragedies we couldn't help but think if it is the effect of our nation's plight before the Lord. Controversies, corruptions and meaningless chatters, swept away by the raging flood. May it they never rise again. But it wouldn't be as easy as it sounds. Isaiah 1 deals with the plight of Judah before the Lord:

"When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me ... When you spread out your hands in prayer I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen ... Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." (Isaiah 1:12, 15, 17)

Just as the Lord addressed the chosen nation for their callousness in the midst of the suffering of the community around them, He still does so today to the church. Don't get me wrong, the church is on the move, I have heard and seen great efforts to send relief coming from the church. But bringing it closer to home, as a person of God redeemed by the One who says, "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me to preach good news to the poor, to bring freedom to the captives, to declare the holy year of our Lord," am I part in prayer and help of the people in need of them? The Word of God cries "Justice!" Often times we get too comfortable in the four walls of our churches that we grow indifferent of what's happening just outside it's walls, it has become a prison of indifference.

I heard Rick Warren talk about the benefits and curse of technology. The technological revolution has helped us get information to and from us at the speed of light. But if I am watching for example, the tragedies of Ondoy on TV, I could feel sympathy, or perhaps tear a bit. But if I leave it at that, I failed to respond to the need, it becomes a coat of indifference in my heart. A couple more tragedies, tsunamis, Katrinas and Ondoys, and we are left with a hard calloused heart who deceives itself by thinking emotional sympathy without action is enough to justify one's lack of power to do something about it. Jesus saw the need, felt the need (compassion), and most importantly, met the need (Luke 10:34).

"Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow ... If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land." (v. 17, 19) Praise God if you are already living true Christianity, never stop doing it. If not, if your heart is stirring against the injustice you see on TV, do something, anything! No matter how small.

After Isaiah calls the attention of the church. There's another institution he brings to rebuke:

"See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her--but now murderers! ... Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow's case does not come before them." (v. 21, 23)

It is not hidden from our sight, not far from our ears our nation is going through. The Philippines has among the highest corrupted governments in the world. And every day I see and hear it's corruption even to the grassroots government--even SK's, 15 to 17-year-olds! It is sad that our beautiful nation has come to this. It has become a culture of abuse of power and the hopelessness and helplessness for the oppressed and suffering. Someone says, this is no time to blame one another. Yes, but we have brought rulers to powers to lead us. And we have been led nowhere.

Nevertheless, God says, "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow ... If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land." (v. 18-19). Is there hope for our nation, I believe there is. What can I do? Stop indifference: (1) Pray for the Philippines, (2) vote wisely this election, (3) be the change and (4) lead others to do the same. 

It is during these times that I am led to think that perhaps God uses these acts of God to compel us to come before Him in repentance and once more to depend on Him. It is during these times that remind us that instead of tearing down one another, we ought to be helping each other. It is sad that it always has to come to this. When will we learn? May this "new slate" bring us new hope and direction towards nearness and rightness with God. My hope is that we will become a fertile ground of God's word to work when the time comes and it's near:

"I will restore your judges as in days of old, your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City. Zion will be redeemed with justice, her [repentant] ones with righteousness." (v. 26-27)

Reunited and it feels so good

I just discovered that I could now import my old Blogger blogs to my current one. So finally my 1st, 2nd and latest blog spanning five years now (started summer of 2004) could be joined together to form one timeline in one blog. This is great because once in a while I would check what I did in the previous years.

Chasing The Vision

I loved Ptr. Sam Sade's (during ASCM retreat) take on 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 as he relates it to vision. The verse says, "'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.'--but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit." God has prepared for each believer a vision of what He wants for us to accomplish. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived ..." And sometimes that vision is too crazy, too risky, too far out that it almost instantly gathers criticism, disbelief and discomfort from the people around. God asked Noah to build an ark miles away from the nearest body of water. But God never fails to allow His chosen to see a glimpse of what He sees. "God has revealed it to us by his Spirit." Thus for the vision-carrier it is so clear that it ignites him to act--despite the difficulties and threats ahead. But in the end, he will find himself as an integral part of God's tapestry of His-story. There's no place I would want to be than where God wants me to be. Therefore, whatever God has put in your heart to accomplish, remember that no one else has the passion for this vision as vivid and as fiery as to the earthen vessel He has chosen to fill--you. Go and chase the adventure!