ONEJOB Reflections

The ONEJOB event is over (but the cause continues). Until now I still have this electricity going through my body, excitement and adrenaline, remnants from last week's hustle and bustle. It was a successful event no question about it. First, thanks to God who gives wisdom and strength to his children. Thanks to the team who braved the challenges ahead. I never thought we would work so effeciently, especially with our Cebu staff who turned out to be the sweetest people in the world. Thanks to Kuya Sur who has seen what God can do through me even though at that time I don't see it yet. Some thoughts:

@young people: We are a formidable force. We are the church's work force. The older generation must see this and not resent our roudiness and noise (that's just how youth are, you were youth once yourself). The older generation must see the need to guide and direct our steps for His glory.

@tests: Twice. The enemy tried to destroy me in the event through relational strains. Thank God for Ptr. Alvin who let me see the big picture. Indeed the enemy will try to destroy His plans by using people, even the people inside to discourage you, but once he's exposed there's nothing he could do.

@growth: One time I told my peeps, I have grown in this event. Something was added to me, I've grown and I am aware of it. I know that the event is just a moment's pass but it has changed me. Today His vision for me looks brighter, the pathway clearer as He is the Lord of the Light. As I said before I am thrusted to places I did not ask for. Lord, my prayer today is You sustain me for my battles ahead, for the territories to conquer.�

Not to us O Lord, but to Your name be the glory.

God of the Valleys

1 Kings 20:28, "... the Arameans have said, 'The Lord is a god of the mountains, but He is not a god of the valleys,' therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord."

God is not only the God of our mountains, when we experience victories, answered prayers and successes, but he is also God of our valleys, trials and chastisements. Often times we celebrate when we conquer mountains but we resent Him when he brings us to valleys. Valleys are just as important as the mountains in our life's journeys. And He is the God who turns our deepest pitfalls for His good purpose. "You shall know that I am THE LORD [of all]." Wherever you are today, whether on a mountain top or a darkest valley, be still and know that He is God.

Day in The Life: Hours before ONEJOB

It's 2:36AM. In a few hours I will be leaving for Cebu for our church affiliation's national conference called ONEJOB (www.pgcag.wordpress.com). Finally the more or less 6 months of preparations and planning will be executed in less than a week's work. Thankfully the weather has become friendlier and hopefully it goes well for the next 7 or 8 days.

I feel a bit tired now. Earlier we had our final meeting at Trinoma with 5 hours worth of bottomless iced tea and lemonade then dinner in Heaven and Eggs. Though it's just a few events that I've worked with the people I'm working with. I am confident that our teamwork will be powerful. This is my first time to lead an event (the national youth convergence) on a national scale. I'm fearful not knowing what to expect but confident and excited with the preparations and planning we've made. We are expecting 1500-2000 delegates from all over the Philippines who will be attending this event. Thankful that Kuya Sur trusts me enough with this kind of responsibility.

God continues to be faithful as my prayers for financial provision have been answered before I leave for Cebu. My prayer now is that may all the hard work pay off and He will manifest himself through each aspect of the event. He is good indeed.

Still the enemy continues to trip me now that the event is near. Tonight I've been tempted to be really, really monster angry. And the pressure and adrenaline of the coming event does not help. First by my fiance's neighbor and second our own neighbor who was hosting a drinking session who wouldn't budge as our car tries to pass through our narrow street. I reflect, it's easy to say to love thy neighbor, but indeed it takes more than words to apply it once its there. But God says remember Christ who despite his blamelessness and power suffered unjust treatment from the world but he didn't retaliate. He says love not out of our human lack but out of his overflowing love. Challenging but let me overcome.

Sleeping now. Signing off.

If you saw the latest Idol episode this will be very funny ...

From pasture to palace

2 Samuel 7:8-9, "I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people ... I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make you a great name, like the names of the great men who are on the earth ..."

When I was young I sought to be in places where I could serve You, but today I feel like I am being thrusted to places of influence I never have imagined. I am thrusted fearful yet trusting. For it is only by the work of Thy hands that I am here. You are great, awesome and faithful. Be glorified in my life. Indeed Your words do not fail even time immemorial when You have called me to serve You. During my days in bible school your faithfulness to uphold me by Your timely provisions and quiet assurance have been faultless. And now by giving me such a loving, caring and faithful spouse and partner in ministry. Indeed You are forever faithful. Today more than ever before I embrace who You have made me to be. Therefore I will celebrate before You. Let me be humbled in my own eyes. May Your name forever be praised.

Caleb

Tonight I was reminded again of God's faithfulness.

"During the forty years that I led you through the desert, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet ... I did this so that you might know that I am the Lord your God" (Deut 29:5-6)

I was reminded of this verse tonight. When a friend who works in the same field as mine shared how his notebook has finally exhausted itself after three years of hardwork, and he is thinking of already buying a new one. Then I thought about my ASUS laptop that has stood its ground for almost�five years�now. Many projects have been created through this notebook and it's still ready to work even today. One of many unexplicable situations in my life that I give God credit for. I know that until my new laptop comes, this old friend will continually be sustained and blessed by the Lord. Today I'm calling him Caleb (Joshua 14:10-11).�

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." (Psalm 20:7)

2 Samuel 7

2 Samuel 7:2 & 27, "I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within tent curtains ... I will build you a house ..."

Because of David's gratitude for what the Lord has done in his life, he decides to honor God by building Him a permanent house (temple). And by that honorific gesture God honored David, establishing his kingly lineage forever. Such a wild ambition and expansive thought, simple and childlike but overflows deep within the man after God's own heart. David thought of building God a house and He honored it.�

How far am I willing to go for God? How wild of an exploit would I do for Him? Who am I, Lord, that Thou art mindful of me? May I honor you with my life, with my heart, mind and hands. I want to please You in every way. You know Lord that my life is in Your hands. Do to it whatever pleases You.

2 Samuel

6:7, "And the anger of the Lord burned against Uzzah and God struck him there for his irreverence ..."

Uzzah was struck because the ark nearly slipped from the cart and he took hold of it. Israel chose to put it on a cart rather than moving it the right way which should be by carrying it by poles and on the shoulder. Such is the repercussions when we mishandle the holiest things of God. Mishandling the Word of God. Mishandling His bountiful grace by taking it for granted. His holy presence descending in our worship. Lord, forgive me when I mishandle Your precious gifts, for "every good thing comes from" You.

Mark 16:15-18 (April 28)

Lord, where are you taking me? Last Sunday I felt irked by the mediocrity of what we do. I felt that I don't fit in. Is this a right feeling? Are you preparing me for a new chapter in my life? Lord, may I be ready when that kairos moment comes.

San Jose

This was an entry I wrote during my stay in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro last April:

I came to San Jose hopeful. But when I arrived there I noticed that the place was dry, hot and dusty--almost like a ghosttown, a god-forsaken land. Going around my convictions grew stronger. The young people when they get past high school would migrate to greener pastures, and some when they get past college would find work in Manila. I began to feel discouraged and hopeless for this place. But the last night God spoke to me as we worship as I seek a word from Him. "I love them too, just as I love the young people of Manila, I love them too. And you ought to serve them just as my Son humbled himself for their redemption." I asked God for forgiveness for being proud--the pride from the thought of coming from a more prestigious city, of being given more privileges and opportunities. God called me to be the servant of them, to wash their feet. That night I preached and by altar call, heavy rain poured down (after weeks of no rain they said). And so it rained during our commissioning time. God showed me that evermore nothing is impossible. He is always there.

Judges 12

Judges 12:5, "And it happened that when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, 'Let me cross over' the men of Gilead would say to him, 'Are you an Ephraimite?' If he said no, then they would say to him 'say now shibboeth', but he said 'sibboleth' for he could not pronounce it correctly. Then they seized him and slew him ..."

Just as everyone who wishes to cross-over to heaven's gates, we ought to be found pronouncing our allegience with utmost loyalty according to God's standards. Can our mouths profess that "Jesus is Lord"? Lord--that indeed He is Lord in my early life and that I have loved him and obeyed him faithfully?