(In NLT)
Rejoice! Shout in triumph! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet humble, riding on a donkey ... He will bring peace to the nations. His realm will stretch from sea to sea ... to the ends of the earth. 9:9-10
Because of the covenant I made with you, sealed with blood, I will free your prisoners from death ... I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles. 9:11-12
Ask the Lord for rain in the spring ... and he will send showers of rain so every field becomes a lush pasture. 10:1
I will strengthen you and save you; I will restore you because of my compassion. It will be as though I had never rejected you, for I am the Lord your God, who will hear your cry.
You will become like a mighty warrior, and your heart will be made happy as if by wine. Your children, too, will see it and be glad; their hearts will rejoice in the Lord. 10:6-7
The Mind of the Melancholeric Man: Musings on Life and Ministry by Patrick Tan
Day in the Life
Netty went to her ortho class today at Gateway. While waiting for her I stayed at Starbucks with a Signature Hot Chocolate on one side and Dark Chocolate Macadamia cookie on another and watch season one of Glee. Finished watching season one today. Overall, it was intriguing, but not as engaging as Heroes. Still feels bloated from the Christmas and holiday feastings, especially this early this week as we stay in my parents' house. I seriously need to lose some weight and the tummy.
Christmas 2010
January - After three years of being together we finally got married! Honeymoon at Baguio and Coron.
March - Patrick begins to work for ICI and APMedia (www.iciphilippines.org & www.apmedia.org) as resident web and graphic artist.
June - National Chi Alpha Student Ministry becomes our primary ministry focus where Patrick serves as National Coordinator. For the rest of the year, we have been to places such as Palawan, Iloilo, Zamboanga and Cebu training churches and students for campus ministry. (www.chialphaph.blogspot.com)
August - Antonette takes Orthodontics classes and certification.
November - Patrick returns to ASCM to finish his MDiv (www.ascm.net)
Home Inside Your Praise
Some have built You great cathedrals
An awesome sight for all to see
A temple made of wood and stone
Dedicated as Your own
Although my place is smaller
I hope you feel at home inside my praise
The earth is filled with all Your wonders
Canyons, mountains and the seas
Trees so tall, grass so green
Amazing views, so breathtaking
Although my place is smaller
I hope you feel at home inside my praise
When I lift my hands
I give You all I am
A heartwarming tender
My door is open
You're always welcome here
The heavens are filled with all Your glory
The place where You chose to set Your throne
Colors that have been seen
So beautiful, the angels sing
Although my place is smaller
I hope You feel at home inside my praise
When I lift my voice
I give You all I have
A heartwarming tender
My door is open
Through the praise of children
Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foes and the avenger. / Psalm 8:2
Lord let it be so that from mouths of children and young people come forth praises that declare Your worth and Your works. That just as Joshua led the army with a shout, so lead your chosen ones to shout Your fame and break down walls that keep our generation from worshipping You. Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. / Luke 18:17
Once again Lord, help me believe You like a child, love You like a child. Unashamed, unapologetic. For through them you call forth your praise to shame the strong. Theirs is the Kingdom.
Lord let it be so that from mouths of children and young people come forth praises that declare Your worth and Your works. That just as Joshua led the army with a shout, so lead your chosen ones to shout Your fame and break down walls that keep our generation from worshipping You. Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. / Luke 18:17
Once again Lord, help me believe You like a child, love You like a child. Unashamed, unapologetic. For through them you call forth your praise to shame the strong. Theirs is the Kingdom.
Day in the Life
Today was one of my office's (www.apmedia.org) party. By 11AM we left for office to go to Serendra for an eat all you can lunch at Brazil Brazil. Before going there I met Netty at Market Market. Looking lovely as ever. We arrived with everyone already eating. After lunch we had games. All of them mental games: Guess the Christmas song, Memory Game similar to what you play in the old Nokias, and Pinoy Henyo. Then came the giving of gifts. It was a fun time out of the office and fellowship with my officemates out of the office. After which we spent a few more hours in Market Market before going home.
Day in the Life
Through Oli's eyes.
Meet Oholiab or Oli for short (Ex. 31:6). Born December 3, 2010.
Day in the Life: Baguio
I'm here now in APTS Baguio City. Left Manila at 1AM and arrived 6AM in Baguio which is pretty quick. I didn't notice the drag because I was asleep most of the time. Anyway I'm here in Baguio for our district convention. It's been like two-three years since I attended one. I will be promoting Chi Alpha ministry tomorrow night. It's good also to be in fellowship with friends and co-ministers once again.
Day in the Life
It's been busy lately especially with Christmas drawing near. Some thoughts:
- Everything's like a giant tangled clutter right now, need some time to untangle things and order them in my head.
- Raving on my new MacBook Pro. Finally after much sulking.
- Tonight I will be going to Baguio for our district convention. And will go down Wednesday night for school.
- School is dragging but on my head I know there's a lot to be done, especially my internship programs.
- Chi Alpha is doing great. Recent projects include Batangas City and UP Diliman.
- Missing my parents because we haven't gone to visit now for two weeks.
The Secret Disciple
Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. / John 19:38 NLT
Once he followed Jesus from a distance. Joseph indeed followed Jesus in secrecy because he was never made known to us until this moment. But it was a remarkable moment nonetheless. For in the four gospels he is painted as one emerging from his place of secrecy into broad daylight. "Joseph ... asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus' body." For Joseph, what Jesus did on the cross for him now outshone his hesitation to be associated with Him. For Joseph, it was better late than never, to announce his allegiance before the world. Love, once again and ever shall, conquer Fear.
What could it mean to be a secret disciple? But in fact we all share his reluctance to be seen with Jesus. In our infantile regard for ourselves we are much concerned of what people will say have they known our association with this Carpenter's Son. And moreover, our own weaknesses and struggles betray us of our so called allegiance. But in our betrayal, "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Who could ever resist His unconditional love? When we spat at Him, He called us friends. Such extravagant Love is too beautiful to just be hidden. And once more He says, "You are the Light of the world."
Let it be known to you that your resistance only makes Him pursue you even more. May you surrender once more to this Love. May you let this Love drown out your fears. May you stand shoulder to shoulder, never ashamed, with the One whose hands are pierced.
Once he followed Jesus from a distance. Joseph indeed followed Jesus in secrecy because he was never made known to us until this moment. But it was a remarkable moment nonetheless. For in the four gospels he is painted as one emerging from his place of secrecy into broad daylight. "Joseph ... asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus' body." For Joseph, what Jesus did on the cross for him now outshone his hesitation to be associated with Him. For Joseph, it was better late than never, to announce his allegiance before the world. Love, once again and ever shall, conquer Fear.
What could it mean to be a secret disciple? But in fact we all share his reluctance to be seen with Jesus. In our infantile regard for ourselves we are much concerned of what people will say have they known our association with this Carpenter's Son. And moreover, our own weaknesses and struggles betray us of our so called allegiance. But in our betrayal, "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Who could ever resist His unconditional love? When we spat at Him, He called us friends. Such extravagant Love is too beautiful to just be hidden. And once more He says, "You are the Light of the world."
Let it be known to you that your resistance only makes Him pursue you even more. May you surrender once more to this Love. May you let this Love drown out your fears. May you stand shoulder to shoulder, never ashamed, with the One whose hands are pierced.
Where God is at work
Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does." (Jn 5:18). Mission then is not bringing God where He is not, it is merely recognizing Him where He is already at work. So wherever you find God at work in a person's life, grab the privilege of co-laboring with God in changing a person's life.
Homebound
It was this day last week that I left for Manila to do a weeks worth of Chi Alpha Training in Zamboanga and Cebu. It was always a fulfilling experience to equip young people and ministers especially in the task of reaching students for Jesus. It was this season that my faith is stretched. Faith to believe that God moves, touches hearts, empowers and provides. The running theme throughout the training was "it's not about us, but it's about God." It is true because it is only by Him, through Him and for Him that we do such exploits for His kingdom. Considering our frail humanity in constant need of grace.
I am missing my wife, Netty. She chose not to go with me because of her commitment to the class and to work. But I think we both learned our lesson. This is the first and longest time that we've been separated. How I wish that we would always be together doing God's work but there is time for everything.
At 10:30 we will be leaving from IBC to have lunch with Ate Afel's cousin who is a church worker here in Cebu. She said he will be treating us--Fish for lunch! We leave for Manila on 5:30PM. I am truly blessed serving God. Everywhere we go, we are welcomed by "men of peace" who are blessed to have the gift of hospitality. Makes me realize that truly God is my Master.
I wish that we could be on the mission field everyday. Though I believe that time will happen in due time. Not for the perks, but for the simplicity of life, focused only on doing His will. Going home I am excited to be reunited with my wife. But I dread living in close proximity with the world again. But then the world needs Jesus, and I can overcome through Him who strengthens me.
Day in The Life: Just Right
 |
| At TGI-Fridays 10/1/2010 |
I've been hearing about Peter Drucker, a renowned management writer and consultant, and how he's the go to guy for management principles and advise. I have discovered that one of my leadership strengths is management and organizing systems and structures, and I love it. I love to see things being done in effective and efficient ways. And so I found this shelf full of his books. (Checked the price--Php750.00 a book.) I picked an open book and found a good place to sit and read while I wait for Nette.
After some time I've gone already through three to four chapters my wife texts me that she's done. She meets me in the bookstore with her new haircut. A short above shoulder-length hair. And she looks wonderful. We then went to TGI-Fridays for dinner: Jack Daniels grilled chicken and shrimp and Mushroom chicken and mushrooms. It was a satisfying and delicious dinner.
A few more walks at nearby SM department store and we went home. This is a date that Goldilocks would describe, "Just Right".
My Song For Netty
Browsing through old music videos in YouTube and came across this 1972 video of the Carpenters guesting on Bob Hope's TV show. Karen Carpenter voice is so heartfelt. This is my song for Nette.
The Married Life
Every time I see this scene from Disney Pixar's Up I always tear up at the thought of parting with your wife. Could a life's worth of memories be enough to ease the pain?
Of Tarsiers and Dolphins
I've been thinking lately about tarsiers and dophins.
Tarsiers are said be gentle creatures. They live in the remotest corners of the forest. And it is said that when they are stressed, such as being terribly mishandled by uninformed tourists, they would rather kill themselves by banging their head on a branch.
Dolphins are the same. I heard someone say at church a few weeks ago that a dolphin's smile are nature's greatest deception. Because despite their cheerful and playful appearance. They can be so stressed that they can just choose to hold their breath and drown themselves.
Why am I saying this? Forgive my morbid illustrations.
I've grown to be a gentle, quiet person. A lifestyle I chose for myself. And lately I've been stressed by too much disruption around me. But not to the point of inflicting myself like the tarsier or the dolphin. I drown myself in music and His Word.
Like today I kept on meditating on Philippians 4 about how Paul has learned to be content in any circumstances. We often quote these popular verses. But sometimes it is out of context. We think Paul means we must learn to be content as if contentment can be attained if I thought about it hard enough. He says, "I have learned to be content ... in lack and in abundance ... because I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Understanding that it is through Christ that gives us strength to endure, to thrive, in whatever circumstance life throws at us, lifts a lot of pressure from us trying to not miss the line.
And we often fall to the idea that we can be good enough. We would try hard enough to merit God's approval. I've tried that recently, only to find myself crashing down by the end of the day like a house of cards. I asked, "God, why am I like that?" I've made a pretty sand castle, and at the end of the day it's I myself who destroy it. Then, I am reminded by the Paul's writing saying,
I have discovered this principle of life--that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord ... So there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. / Romans 7:21-8:2
Once more I am reminded that I am a sinner in need of a Savior, a saint only because of God's grace. And we sometimes hallucinate like we deserved to be rewarded because of our works.
I was reading Max Lucado's Cast of Characters. I've always loved the story of the sinful woman with the perfume in the alabaster jar, how she honored Jesus at Simon's banquet. Lucado has retold the story beautifully. "She has now water, but she has tears. She has no towel, but she has her hair ..." and by the end Jesus tells Simon about her, "I tell you, her sins--and they are many--have been forgiven, so she has sown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love." (Luke 7, NLT). Far be it for me that I would substitute my works and accomplishments and draw away from the grace of God that alone makes earthly clays into vessels of His glory!
Day in the Life: Parents
Yesterday we decided to visit my home church BFGFC for sunday service. We were blessed by a very practical and timely message by our pastor on How to be joyful always in the Lord. This was also the first time we visited after we were commissioned to missions by the church.
Our primary purpose though in visiting was to see our parents. Because this weekend and the next, we will be staying straight in Makati because my in-laws are abroad on the first week and I will be going to Batangas on the 2nd week. I know that they appreciate us staying home at least once a week. In fact early after marriage we use to stay more in Caloocan. But now that I have a job in ortigas and Nette's got her clinic in Makati. It's more practical to stay in Makati during weekdays. In fact we do miss our house in caloocan because we have the house to our own.
We learn soon that they have an afternoon church meeting. We planned to spend time with them in the mall. Clearly my parents are sad that we can't be togeter for some more time. We too am sad that it was so. I discover the reality of growing up. Once a person marries his attention is now to his wife. I'm glad that my parents have brought me up in a way that I desire to see them still as an adult married person. But I realize our time with our parents is not forever. So while you have time and still single, make the most to love them and serve them.
Our primary purpose though in visiting was to see our parents. Because this weekend and the next, we will be staying straight in Makati because my in-laws are abroad on the first week and I will be going to Batangas on the 2nd week. I know that they appreciate us staying home at least once a week. In fact early after marriage we use to stay more in Caloocan. But now that I have a job in ortigas and Nette's got her clinic in Makati. It's more practical to stay in Makati during weekdays. In fact we do miss our house in caloocan because we have the house to our own.
We learn soon that they have an afternoon church meeting. We planned to spend time with them in the mall. Clearly my parents are sad that we can't be togeter for some more time. We too am sad that it was so. I discover the reality of growing up. Once a person marries his attention is now to his wife. I'm glad that my parents have brought me up in a way that I desire to see them still as an adult married person. But I realize our time with our parents is not forever. So while you have time and still single, make the most to love them and serve them.
Wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world
I've been reading Experiencing God by Blackaby as a devotional these past few days and I've it is a good read having not read it ever before. The book is able to express and reveal my feelings and understanding about God and life. Another quote:
Have you ever heard someone say something like this: 'I'm afraid to surrender totally to the Lord, because He might send me to Africa as a missionary'? Such a statement indicates a lack of trust and understanding of the love of God. He would not call you to Africa unless He know that such a call would be best for you. Many missionaries in Africa would not want to be anywhere else in the world. They love Africa and they know God gave them His very best when He called them there ... Never allow your heart to question the love of God ... He has been pursuing you in that love relationship. Every dealing He has with you is an expression of His love for you. God would cease to be God if He expressed Himself in any way other than perfect love!
Reading this I feel very blessed that where we are now--student missions and ministry--is an expression of His love for us. And indeed we "would not want to be anywhere else in the world."
Here in My Life
A recent favorite.
I have never walked on water
Felt the waves beneath my feet but
At your Word Lord, I’ll receive Your
Faith to walk on oceans deep
And I remember how You found me:
In that very same place
All my failing surely would've drowned me
But You made a way
You are my freedom
Jesus you’re the reason
I’m kneeling again at Your throne
Where would I be without You
Here in my life, here in my life?
You have said that all the heavens
Sing for joy at one who finds
The way to freedom, truth of Jesus
Bought from death into His life
And I remember how You saw me:
Through the eyes of Your grace
And though the cost was Your beloved for me
Still you made a way!
I have never walked on water
Felt the waves beneath my feet but
At your Word Lord, I’ll receive Your
Faith to walk on oceans deep
And I remember how You found me:
In that very same place
All my failing surely would've drowned me
But You made a way
You are my freedom
Jesus you’re the reason
I’m kneeling again at Your throne
Where would I be without You
Here in my life, here in my life?
You have said that all the heavens
Sing for joy at one who finds
The way to freedom, truth of Jesus
Bought from death into His life
And I remember how You saw me:
Through the eyes of Your grace
And though the cost was Your beloved for me
Still you made a way!
God knows where I am
The running thought for today's devotion is 'Be still and know that I am God'. He knows our need before we tell Him. Before we reason out to Him He has already made the way. I pick this up out of Experiencing God: '... As long as God knew where I was, He could cause anybody in the worrld to know where I was. As long as He knew my need, He could place that need on the heart of anybody He chose ... We begin that first step of faith by believing that the God who knows where we are is the God who can touch anybody, anywhere, and cause him or her to know where we are' (p6-7). May you be affirmed that our God sees our need as He provides for them at the right time.
"Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God ... Let your words be few ... Stand in awe of God." Ec 5
"Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God ... Let your words be few ... Stand in awe of God." Ec 5
A Blessed Man Am I
Proverbs 5:15-23, NLT
Drink water from your own well--share your love only with your wife ...
You should reserve it for yourselves. Never share it with strangers.
Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
She is a loving deer, a graceful doe ... May you always be captivated by her love.
For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.
An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him.
He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness.
Drink water from your own well--share your love only with your wife ...
You should reserve it for yourselves. Never share it with strangers.
Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
She is a loving deer, a graceful doe ... May you always be captivated by her love.
For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.
An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him.
He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness.
Second Honeymoon
We are back in our room in the hotel. Our trip to cebu turned out to be a second honeymoon for us. Back at our wedding, one of our ninongs gave us coupons to stay in Crown Regency here in Cebu City. This is the hotel that has the sky adventure rides in Cebu. We opted to save these coupons for later time. Then a few months back, i was able to purchase promo airfare via PAL. Our trip was even threatened by the strike. But thank God we're here now. I really thank God he allow us to experience this. It was not a sidetrip con ministry, but purely RR, though tomorrow, we are to meet the district youth director in Cebu for Chi Alpha which is another good news because I've been praying that God would open Cebu for Chi Alpha.
Anyway, yesterday we woke up at 3am for our 7am flight. We arrived in our hotel at around 9am to realize that check-in time is still at two. So for the next few hours despite the lack of sleep and controlling our tempers, we stayed at 3 malls: Robinsons, Ayala Center and SM. Check-in at 2pm, and slept the throughout the day. By evening, I was opting to try going to what they call Nivel Hills, where there's a resto over looking the city, but I despite being told earlier that going there was a breeze, we discover that it was an hour away and going there via taxi was 1,000 pesos! It was a disappontment. So we opted to go to Ayala Center for dinner. We dined at La Tegola, an italian resto which had good food. Though it somehow removed my frustration of not being able to go where I wished to go, I was still frustrated because day 1 turned out to be average, something we could have done in Manila. But day two turned out to be quite interesting and memorable.
Day 2, woke up quite early but stayed in our room until lunch time. By the way, our room is awesome, an executive suite with 2 queen sized beds and very, very spacious. And also before our trip we planned to go to Bohol, but we realized, time wouldn't suffice, and better scheduled for another vacation. So we're left with a free itenerary. And also, I realixed now that we're married, iteneraries may not be followed strictly since your there also to enoy it with your mate.
Before this trip I was looking at new sites in Cebu and I found this museum downtown so we decided to visit that today. We went to CNT lechon for lunch for an authentic Cebuano lechon. Took the jeep to begin our downtown walk to the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House. It was a bit frustrating to go there because of the difficulty navigating unfamiliar streets. But after a few more blocks we finally find it. At first looking from a distance, I thought 'this is it?' because the house looked dilapidated old house. But inside was a gem, full of artifacts and antiquities. The local tour guide also gave a short tour and interestung stories about the house. Some interesting finds are the religious relics and Chinese-looking Catholic relics because the house was situated in the Chinese district at that time called Parian. We learned later that there's another house museum a few blocks away called Casa Gorgonio. The museum was larger that resembles Casa Manila in Intramuros. To bad we're not allowed to take phots inside.
We return to our hotel for our next adventure. By the way today is our monthsary as boyfriend girlfriend. Our next adventure is the dreaded sky adventure. The ride is a bit pricey but the experience was worth it. Like the saying goes to try everything at least once. First we rode the Edge Coaster. You sit on something like a roller coaster, but it tours you around the edge of the cities highest building giving you a 360 view of the city. Not only that, the ride tilts you towards the edge as far as 55 degrees incline! It was quite riveting and exhilarating. The second ride is a floor below called Sky Walk. This time you walk on a walkway outside the building secured by a harness. This is less scary until you walk on the glass walkway and take photos on daring poses like standing one foot over the edge and sitting by ledge. It was a one of a kind experince. By the middle of the walk I experienced painful cramps in my midsections because my muscle was so tense. We capped the night with a dinner buffet overlooking the night lights and mactan. It was a wonderful day altogether.
Will be posting pics later.
Life Well-Lived
Last night I received a very sad news. A friend was included in the recent Baguio bus tragedy last Wednesday. Her name is Cerni Casidsid. I call her Ate Cerni. If I remember we first met in The Call event in Iloilo City back in 2005. But after that, our paths often crossed unannounced because it happens that we are both attending the same event or what. She is from Aklan, and also a close friend of Ate Merla, who is understandably distraught. Incidentally, my wife and I will be flying to Iloilo in a few hours. I don't know what to expect. I do know that despite the tragedy and we will sure miss her, I know that she is in the presence of God, perhaps in a heavenly beach or something. She lived a well lived life while she was here. It made me think about me think about my own life also. We get these wake up calls when someone in close proximity departs this world. Because sometimes we live as if we will never leave this place. Makes you think about how are you doing in the things that matter. And what are the things that matter? A life lived in worship, in obedience to God. We labor not to earn our rights, we labor because it's the right thing to do.
Força da Imaginação
by Arranco de Varsóvia
artist: ah-hahn-koh gee vahr-SOH-vee-ah song: fohr-sah dah ee-mah-jee-nah-SOW
Founded in the 1990s by a group of passionate samba fans,Arranco de Varsóvia (Arranco from Warsaw) has been one of the leading forces in the current samba revival in Brazil.The brainchild of pianist Paulo Malaguti, who decided to form a samba band during a sleepless night in Japan in 1992, Arranco de Varsóvia features some of Rio’s top musicians.The group is devoted to presenting standards from the samba repertoire along with new compositions. Respectful to samba traditions, the group’s thoughtful vocal arrangements add fresh elements to this classic genre.
“Força da Imaginação” (Force of Imagination) was composed by popular Brazilian singer Caetano Veloso along with Dona Ivone Lara, a revered samba singer.“When the poet writes another samba / He creates another town / Complaining of his pain, he makes happiness / The force of imagination in the shape of a melody.”
Source
On Passion and Purpose
For some time now I've been listening to Putumayo Brazilian Cafe album. THere is this one particular track that I like. It's a samba moderately fast paced, duet of a man and a woman. The feel is fun, playful, laidback and carefree. They sing as if they are certain that they exist on this world to sing. So passionate and so carefree. Then I was reminded about how when we do the things we are passionate about, such as appreciating good music or going to the mountains to marvel at nature, or doing even the most mundane things such as putting things in order (though I think it's far from mundane when God put the universe in order). Things we do that we never feel time passes and when we stop we feel as if time is not enough--whatever it might be--we are "being" how God create us to be. In these moments of joy, passion and the love of the created, we get a glimpse of His nature, that is ever making and ever good. And we discover that this innate desire to create unites us with our Creator, following His footsteps. We realize, this is why we worship Him and why He deserves it. Our God makes all things beautiful. And He created me.
Netty's first ortho class
Today is my wife's first ortho class. Just want to take this time to thank the Lord for His faithfulness. Another altar in the name of the Lord is set-up. Another milestone of his faithfulness. Another routemark to remind me that God does provide. She will be graduating October 2011.
New Blessing!
This week my wife surprised me with a new phone.. A smartphone. My first smartphone. The phone i had before was a nokia 6500 slide which was popular at that time which was two years ago. Anyway its not even a week old I'm already loving it, especially it,s GPS feature. This week I also had my sun internet GPRS fixed because since before I can't make it to work. thank God sun cellular fulfilled their promise to fix it after my visit to their customer service.
Aug 15: I forgot to say that the day before this I set-up a wishlist app in my blog and one of my wishlist was a Nokia smartphone :)
Aug 15: I forgot to say that the day before this I set-up a wishlist app in my blog and one of my wishlist was a Nokia smartphone :)
Unite my heart to fear Thy name
"Unite my heart to fear Thy name" (Psalm 86) is a prayer uttered by the psalmist monarch David. Unity is not achieved by just one entity. For unity to be achieved there must be more than one. Therefore our prayer should not be "God help me focus on this one thing" but "God help me so that everything I do, every facet of my life's end desire is so that it glorifies You. "Whatever you do, whether you eat or drink, do it for the glory of God."
Testimony - Flight Tickets Covered!
This week we were invited to go to Iloilo City to conduct Chi Alpha training there. To get there we have to fly there. And though there were a couple of promos left and right, I was not able to find one. So I booked a regular fare for a regular fare amount for both of us. Though this expense was not in our agenda, we went ahead with the purchase because we believe God funds His work (amen!). So I decided to text blast some friends to pray for us for the need to be met. And after a few minutes when I sent out the text message, a partner called and set-up a meeting with us informing us that she will help us with the need. Praise God because we didn't expect this immediate response. When we received the support it was a check written with the amount that covered the airfare and travel expenses. Thank You God for touching this sister, bless her a hundredfold. Thank you guys for all who prayed with us to meet this need. And thank You God for giving me a chance to step in faith. Another "route marker" to remind me that God does provide.
God in all my senses
Today I have this conscious decision to expose myself to God's presence in all of my senses. Eyes to see God's beauty, ears to hear his voice, speech to praise his name and hands to lift in worship. Praise God because I have hit breakthrough, after much prayer and desperation, I pray I am on my way. Indeed it's in returning to the center of God's presence that His purpose is revealed, that my eyes are once more open to the spiritual. Yesterday, I spoke at a youth group in Bulacan. I had a sermon with me, but after much discernment chose to share from my recent experiences--of how God's love never fail despite our weaknesses, that in fact his love is made perfect in our weaknesses. I am reminded once more that when we are in the center of God's will everything is in-sync, no room for confusion. God conducting the universe to communicate His message to you. What seem to be coincidences become pieces of a greater puzzle of His will and desire, affirming Your place in His eyes. From songs sung yesterday and today, from the message heard from and away from the pulpit, to the writings of men and prophets. Truly, His invisible qualities clearly seen from what has been made, so that we are without excuse.
Unspoken Sermons
"Love is one, and love is changeless.
"For love loves unto purity. Love has ever in view the absolute loveliness of that which it beholds. Where loveliness is incomplete, and love cannot love its fill of loving, it spends itself to make more lovely, that it may love more; it strives for perfection, even that itself may be perfected--not in itself, but in the object. As it was love that first created humanity, so even human love, in proportion to its divinity, will go on creating the beautiful for its own outpouring. There is nothing eternal but that which loves and can be loved, and love is ever climbing towards the consummation when such shall be the universe, imperishable, divine.
"Therefore all that is not beautiful in the beloved, all that comes between and is not love's kind, must be destroyed.
"And our God is a consuming fire."
"For love loves unto purity. Love has ever in view the absolute loveliness of that which it beholds. Where loveliness is incomplete, and love cannot love its fill of loving, it spends itself to make more lovely, that it may love more; it strives for perfection, even that itself may be perfected--not in itself, but in the object. As it was love that first created humanity, so even human love, in proportion to its divinity, will go on creating the beautiful for its own outpouring. There is nothing eternal but that which loves and can be loved, and love is ever climbing towards the consummation when such shall be the universe, imperishable, divine.
"Therefore all that is not beautiful in the beloved, all that comes between and is not love's kind, must be destroyed.
"And our God is a consuming fire."
- George McDonald (1824-1905)
Love Bade Me Welcome
Love bade me welcome, yet my soul drew back
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lack anything.
"A guest," I answered, "worthy to be here";
Love said, "You shall be he."
"O, the unkind, the ungrateful? Ah my dear,
I cannot look on thee."
Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,
"Who made the eyes but I?"
"Truth, Lord, but I have marred them; let my shame
Go where it doth deserve."
"And know you not," says Love, "who bore the blame?"
"My dear, then I will serve."
"You must sit down," says Love, "and taste my meat."
So I did sit and eat.
- George Herbert (1593-1633)
Of Jacob and Jonah
Another work week wraps up. I am now here at home in Makati preparing for my message. I was invited to speak at a youth group tomorrow. Perhaps you might have noticed, that I'm busy again, no time to write (and gloat :) Resting for a while to reflect on my life. This is one thing I am losing in touch of these past few days.
Praise God because for the past few weeks He has blessed us again with provision. I feel .. (I know) that recently I am failing at giving God due credit. In fact, I've been itching to buy a Mac Book Pro. Know that feeling of you want something so badly but you can't have it. Recently my hard drive broke down, taking my files and working files with it. And after a few days, the keyboard of this laptop broke down as well. In front of me are two keyboards: the laptop's and a desktop keyboard I'm using to type with. So I mean the need to buy a new laptop is justified right? But I realized having this exaggerated wants just drives me restless, envious, discontent, and ungrateful. Ungrateful. Lord, I'm sorry. And thank You for your good gifts. You know what I need and I will shut up now.
I remember myself always saying that perhaps the reason why I wasn't able to push through with my last two subjects of my masteral course in the seminary is because I would be arrogant if I did. Just like why I wasn't able to pursue my architectural career, why every pursuit that ended up not-so-successful turned out the way it is--Because if I did (and somehow God knew that's why it is why it is), I will be an arrogant person. I reject that thinking now. First, I've been looking too low at myself, as if I am not capable of success without breathing pride. And second, I believe that God is not in the business of giving up on people's dreams. I mean, in other words, God wants us to succeed in what we do. I realized this has been the lie of the enemy, that I'm not good enough so I can wallow in self-pity and feed on the sympathy and praise of other people. I remember a passage in the Bible that said if earthly fathers give good gifts to their children, how much for the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit (what's best for us).
I have yet to conquer this thing within me. This thing that feeds on busyness, and ministry. I've realized that I've been far from the persons of the Bible. This week I've been searching the Scriptures for a person I can relate with. Two things come to mind: Jacob and Jonah. Jacob was by default a coward at the core. He became a deceiver because he didn't want to face his lot and his choices. Recently I saw this 2006 mob movie by Martin Scorcese called "The Departed", and the character of Matt Damon was (slightly surprisingly) someone I can relate to. To say the least he was like Jacob. He would not fess up if no one had found out. I am reminded by the passage that says, be sure your sins will find you out. By the end of the movie this guy thought he had already gotten away now that the people he messed up with had died, except for one dude who caught up with him and killed him.
Then there is Jonah. This small time prophet is asked by the great God of the universe to go to Niniveh to preach the message of repentance. Instead he chooses in a twisted sense of self-sufficiency to disobey. But no matter where he ran, the God who commands the winds and the seas and the mysterious creatures of the deep is always present, always near. God is always near. The God of love, the God of justice, the God of compassion, the God of second chances, the God of righteousness and holiness, the God of hope and everlasting joy, is always near.
I will not be able to run away from His unchanging Love. "I am convinced that ... nothing can separate us from the Love of God."
He is a God who chooses to wrestle with us, chooses to be overpowered, chooses to be shamed. Because He is the kind of God who can experience being laid low without losing every part of who He is. Though I am tempted to say that that is something I cannot become. At the after thought, He invites us to be like Him.
Jesus, loose the ropes that bindeth the hands that are kept from praising You.
Something Beautiful
Something beautiful, something good
All my confusions, He understood
All I have to offer Him was brokenness and strife
But He made something beautiful of my life
Something Beautiful
Something beautiful, something good
All my confusions, He understood
All I have to offer Him was brokenness and strife
But He made something beautiful of my life
God in the Clouds
It is not true to say that God wants to teach us something in our trials. Through every cloud He brings our way, He wants us to unlearn something. His purpose in using the cloud is to simplify our beliefs until our relationship with Him is exactly like that of a child— a relationship simply between God and our own souls ... [Oswald Chambers]
Forgiven
Blessed is he whose transgression are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit has no deceit.
When I kep silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord"--and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
David
Psalm 32:1-5
Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit has no deceit.
When I kep silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord"--and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
David
Psalm 32:1-5
Prayer for the Night
Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.
You have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,
because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
You have known the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16
Who God is:
- He is my refuge ... I am secure
- He is my righteousness ... I will be confident and not be burdened by Guilt
- He is my Father ... I can come to Him as I am, I can say and pour out my heart to Him
- He is my counselor ... I am led to the right path
- He is my inheritance ... I will never be empty-handed
- He is my right hand ... I can trust him
- He is my security ... I will not worry
- He is my ever present help ... I will not fear
- He is my joy and pleasure ... I will delight in Him
My response:
- I will praise the Lord
- I will not be shaken
- My heart will be glad
- My tongue will rejoice
- My body will rest secure
- I will be joyful
When All Options Fail
I was thinking about two Toy Story movies I recently saw where there's a scene when all options have run out and it seems that all hope is lost.
The first one, I don't know if it is Toy Story 1 or 2, where Andy's family makes the move and accidentally leaves Woody and Buzz. Buzz taped onto a rocket from the previous ordeal. And in their final effort to catch up with the moving van, they ride a remote control race car. The race car finally loses battery. But wait, the rocket! And Woody has one lone match he forgot he has. He lights it, but as it nears the rocket it's snuffed out by a speeding car. You would think that it's over. There's no way they could ever catch up with the van. But when all hopes fail, even the audiences', the writer has one more twist up his sleeve that we don't know about. Suddenly Woody remembers that Buzz's helmet can act as a magnifying glass. So he tilt's Buzz's helmet so that the sunlight pass thru it sparking fire on the rocket and it flew so fast they were able to catch up with the moving van.
The second is in Toy Story 3. By the end of the movie, there's a scene where all the toys were trapped in a conveyor belt that ends up in a burning furnace. They run away from it as fast as they could to no avail, the conveyor belt was faster than their little legs. The antagonist bear who supposed to have a change of heart was able to climb out of the moving belt, and reaches toward on-off switch, but instead of helping the team, he leaves them to fend for themselves and they all fell off the conveyor belt. Inside is a funnel that drops to the fire. Everyone is by the edge slowly inching towards the drop. At this point, it seems hopeless. Despite Woody's attempts to move away from the drop, others succumb that it's their end finally. At this point, I am close to tears because it seems hopeless. But again, the writer has one more twist up his sleeve that we don't know about. Suddenly a giant claw appears, operated by the three green alien plush toys, carrying them away to safety.
We can only assume. We know the story ends, but how or when, we are not certain. There are times and circumstances in our life when it seems (the keyword, "it seems", meaning we only assume that) it's the end of the road. I mean, given the facts and add to it our human ability to compound things with our emotions, it's hopeless. We lose hope, we give up, we bail out. But the Chief Writer alone decides how the story will end. The Chief Writer ... decides. It may seem going downhill, but they are necessary. The Chief Writer allows us to to experience disillusionment to glorify the salvation that's about to come, to elevate and to appreciate His salvation.
The Chief Writer is the God that brings us out of our Egypts. He is the One who provides a way out when we are tempted to give up. He is the Way ... the Life.
Today, may you realize that the story doesn't end here even when all hopes seems gone. The Chief Writer has finished the script and He invites us to discover His beautiful story. That there are times to mourn, only for a night, but in the morning is a beautiful praise. So never grow weary, even for a time you need to muster all your courage and strength to hold on. Salvation is near.
"Hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption." Psalm 130:7
If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
- Song of Ascents (130:3-7)
The second is in Toy Story 3. By the end of the movie, there's a scene where all the toys were trapped in a conveyor belt that ends up in a burning furnace. They run away from it as fast as they could to no avail, the conveyor belt was faster than their little legs. The antagonist bear who supposed to have a change of heart was able to climb out of the moving belt, and reaches toward on-off switch, but instead of helping the team, he leaves them to fend for themselves and they all fell off the conveyor belt. Inside is a funnel that drops to the fire. Everyone is by the edge slowly inching towards the drop. At this point, it seems hopeless. Despite Woody's attempts to move away from the drop, others succumb that it's their end finally. At this point, I am close to tears because it seems hopeless. But again, the writer has one more twist up his sleeve that we don't know about. Suddenly a giant claw appears, operated by the three green alien plush toys, carrying them away to safety.
We can only assume. We know the story ends, but how or when, we are not certain. There are times and circumstances in our life when it seems (the keyword, "it seems", meaning we only assume that) it's the end of the road. I mean, given the facts and add to it our human ability to compound things with our emotions, it's hopeless. We lose hope, we give up, we bail out. But the Chief Writer alone decides how the story will end. The Chief Writer ... decides. It may seem going downhill, but they are necessary. The Chief Writer allows us to to experience disillusionment to glorify the salvation that's about to come, to elevate and to appreciate His salvation.
The Chief Writer is the God that brings us out of our Egypts. He is the One who provides a way out when we are tempted to give up. He is the Way ... the Life.
Today, may you realize that the story doesn't end here even when all hopes seems gone. The Chief Writer has finished the script and He invites us to discover His beautiful story. That there are times to mourn, only for a night, but in the morning is a beautiful praise. So never grow weary, even for a time you need to muster all your courage and strength to hold on. Salvation is near.
"Hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption." Psalm 130:7
If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
- Song of Ascents (130:3-7)
First Sunday
Last Sunday we started attending Life Source Christian Fellowship. This will be our home for this season. We arrive early because the service starts at 10AM but we have to get our parents to Binondo before 8:30AM. After we parked a few blocks away from the university church we find out that the church is still closed so stayed at McDonald's for a second breakfast.
We are still in transition. Though I would like it to end soon and just start doing ministry, I believe it won't go away any moment soon. Sitting with my pancakes I look across the table and Nette is quiet. She is also adjusting to this set-up. She has gone through a lot: moving out of ICS, moving out of Makati Carecells and moving out of Binondo. She doesn't recover easily with parting relationships as I do.
As we arrive at church we find a familiar face. My friend who also just moved out their church.
The preaching was about the Lord's prayer. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Prayer is not changing the mind of God but aligning yourself to the will of God.
Prayer. My time alone with God today is dismal. I am reminded by the importance of community. It keeps you somehow on your toes specially in the spiritual disciplines (in my opinion). And Binondo is good at that. There is something in me that keeps on nagging me that I need to get my act together. But I can relate to the priest of Psalm 42, in despair, in longing, and yet hopeful. I am not looking for an emotional spiritual high, but it would help. I feel nothing, like a windless day. How do you push yourself, how do you "put your hope in God, until you once again praise Him?"
After the service we had small groups, and my friend breaks down. I've been thinking about that, how come I am not emotionally engaged with the situation we are in (I am not talking about sympathizing with my friend because I feel him). Am I in denial of something? Yes I realize that the church we came from was a security we cannot enjoy anymore. I acknowledge that I am floating, uprooted. What do I still need to acknowledge to myself? I know there is but today I still don't know. Where is God in all these? He is a Father waiting for my return. Lord, help me see what you want me to see.
We are still in transition. Though I would like it to end soon and just start doing ministry, I believe it won't go away any moment soon. Sitting with my pancakes I look across the table and Nette is quiet. She is also adjusting to this set-up. She has gone through a lot: moving out of ICS, moving out of Makati Carecells and moving out of Binondo. She doesn't recover easily with parting relationships as I do.
As we arrive at church we find a familiar face. My friend who also just moved out their church.
The preaching was about the Lord's prayer. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Prayer is not changing the mind of God but aligning yourself to the will of God.
Prayer. My time alone with God today is dismal. I am reminded by the importance of community. It keeps you somehow on your toes specially in the spiritual disciplines (in my opinion). And Binondo is good at that. There is something in me that keeps on nagging me that I need to get my act together. But I can relate to the priest of Psalm 42, in despair, in longing, and yet hopeful. I am not looking for an emotional spiritual high, but it would help. I feel nothing, like a windless day. How do you push yourself, how do you "put your hope in God, until you once again praise Him?"
After the service we had small groups, and my friend breaks down. I've been thinking about that, how come I am not emotionally engaged with the situation we are in (I am not talking about sympathizing with my friend because I feel him). Am I in denial of something? Yes I realize that the church we came from was a security we cannot enjoy anymore. I acknowledge that I am floating, uprooted. What do I still need to acknowledge to myself? I know there is but today I still don't know. Where is God in all these? He is a Father waiting for my return. Lord, help me see what you want me to see.
Murmats!
Today at Chi Alpha Ubelt I was able to connect with a high schooler whose name was also Patrick. He came to the center for the first gathering of the High School ministry through Book of Hope distribution done a few days ago. He came by himself. He said that he's already used to attending "youth" because he was active once in this sort of gathering. And later I will discover that he was a volunteer marshall at the Quiapo church, home of the Black Nazarene. And it's no question as I have confirmed that he's an active participant of the January feast. I learned that he is already twenty-one years old, that explains the moustache, but he looked like sixteen if not for the stache. Even though much delayed in education he was pretty determined to finish high school. I admire that because not a lot of young people in his situation would appreciate a high school diploma. Last part of the event was where they will be presented with the gospel story. This was the first time I did this since long ago and I felt I was pretty un-oiled, but praise God it went well. I just pray that the decision made by this guy will grow within him even in the days to come.
Two things:
Categories. Often times we put people in categories. I heard this first from Rob Bell and its true. We put people in categories. Is he Christian or non-Christian? High school or college? Today I was confronted by this almost involuntary labeling, and it screwed by labels. Much often we realize in this time today more than ever, labels don't work anymore. Being a "Christian" is not a guarantee of emulate-worthy, and I have met many "non-Christian" who are doing their part as active members of society. And one would sigh, "if only he/she was a Christian ..." Jesus broke the categories of his day, he broke through social lines and so we must as radical Jesus followers armed with the most potent weapon that breaks barriers: God's love.
The Mandate. We have been commanded to "go and make disciples of all nation". This was the first time again for me to intentionally share the gospel to a person. And even though at first it was like clockwork, by the end of my presentation I was filled with compassion for this person. We dwelled on discussing the validity of good works for salvation. If only he knew Jesus beyond the rituals and tradition just like many of us, even myself (even as Christians ministers we sometimes succumb to "autopilot"). But that moment sort of oiled my heart for the lost. The urgency the mandate and the beauty of an open heart.
I left after my conversation with the kid, they were still wrapping up the program, and Nette and I were to meet somewhere to go home together. In the train I texted the kid my appreciation and he returned, "... murmats kuya." This was new coded language for me. Is this how old I have gotten already, a realization that I'm not young anymore! So I texted him back asking what that word means (I thought it meant another thing, so I asked out of curiosity). He replied "Maraming Salamat" (Thank you). To God be the glory!
Two things:
Categories. Often times we put people in categories. I heard this first from Rob Bell and its true. We put people in categories. Is he Christian or non-Christian? High school or college? Today I was confronted by this almost involuntary labeling, and it screwed by labels. Much often we realize in this time today more than ever, labels don't work anymore. Being a "Christian" is not a guarantee of emulate-worthy, and I have met many "non-Christian" who are doing their part as active members of society. And one would sigh, "if only he/she was a Christian ..." Jesus broke the categories of his day, he broke through social lines and so we must as radical Jesus followers armed with the most potent weapon that breaks barriers: God's love.
The Mandate. We have been commanded to "go and make disciples of all nation". This was the first time again for me to intentionally share the gospel to a person. And even though at first it was like clockwork, by the end of my presentation I was filled with compassion for this person. We dwelled on discussing the validity of good works for salvation. If only he knew Jesus beyond the rituals and tradition just like many of us, even myself (even as Christians ministers we sometimes succumb to "autopilot"). But that moment sort of oiled my heart for the lost. The urgency the mandate and the beauty of an open heart.
I left after my conversation with the kid, they were still wrapping up the program, and Nette and I were to meet somewhere to go home together. In the train I texted the kid my appreciation and he returned, "... murmats kuya." This was new coded language for me. Is this how old I have gotten already, a realization that I'm not young anymore! So I texted him back asking what that word means (I thought it meant another thing, so I asked out of curiosity). He replied "Maraming Salamat" (Thank you). To God be the glory!
So it begins
Today our beloved church Binondo Full Gospel Family Center Assembly of God has released us from church to do campus missions. This is a major breakthrough in our ministry, however we have only just begun. Pray for us as we continue to step out in faith towards the task that God has given us for this season.
Rains
Just got home in Makati. Netty is not here because she went with her dad to Market Market to fetch her sister.
It's raining but the heavy rain has already passed. I've been observing the weather this past few weeks. This week it already started to rain really hard during late afternoon. And it's just a tropical depression they say. I thought, how much more rain will the rainy season bring (because it's not even rainy season yet). I observe that the clouds are very low, dark and huge. These are the ones that bring the heavy rains. It stirs around like the ones you see on TV when a tornado is about to form. Is this a result of climate change it probably is. If Ondoy brought so much devastation last year, one would think how much more this year, that even at this time it's already raining this hard.
I'm babbling. Waiting ...
It's raining but the heavy rain has already passed. I've been observing the weather this past few weeks. This week it already started to rain really hard during late afternoon. And it's just a tropical depression they say. I thought, how much more rain will the rainy season bring (because it's not even rainy season yet). I observe that the clouds are very low, dark and huge. These are the ones that bring the heavy rains. It stirs around like the ones you see on TV when a tornado is about to form. Is this a result of climate change it probably is. If Ondoy brought so much devastation last year, one would think how much more this year, that even at this time it's already raining this hard.
I'm babbling. Waiting ...
Day in the Life
I'm here right now at the ICI Office. See my work is shared by three organizations of the Assemblies of God US. Waiting for Ptr Sur and the XA team to finish their meeting and we'll have lunch later.
Woke up today a bit sore, everyday I wake up lacking energy, but today is more prominent. Anyway, the weekend has flied so fast. I felt I didn't have enough rest that the weekend provides. Saturday I stayed longer at the clinic to wait for my wife to finish. We went home around 7PM via LRT. Sunday morning I preached for the last time in our daughter church in Valenzuela. They have already been informed of our transition. After my preaching, before the pastor closed in prayer, he informed the congregation of our transition, pausing abruptly to hold back his emotion. I didn't expect that kind of appreciation and the impact I had with them. But it's a breather to feel appreciated and validated of our work. They prayed for me and my wife. My wife has low tears. I told them, it's OK, we will just be around, we're still in the Philippines. But still, I will miss them. The feeling is like crashing your hard drive, you forget some files that are in there, but when the time comes when you need it, you realize you've lost it forever. That's how it feels when you realize your decisions have many effects unexpected and unwanted. But still, we have to move on.
After church, we went with my parents to SM North to have lunch and grocery. This is why weekends feel so short. I miss my time with my parents now that I am married. I think it's just normal. It's like finding reasons to be with them, and even creating reasons to be with them. It's not that I'm like a mama's boy or papa's boy, but I am want their fellowship.
The video footage and presentation of our wedding came a few weeks ago. It's just last week that we had the time to view it. It is a testament of how God provided for us. It was a miracle. And this is the promise I can hold on to when I need it.
Woke up today a bit sore, everyday I wake up lacking energy, but today is more prominent. Anyway, the weekend has flied so fast. I felt I didn't have enough rest that the weekend provides. Saturday I stayed longer at the clinic to wait for my wife to finish. We went home around 7PM via LRT. Sunday morning I preached for the last time in our daughter church in Valenzuela. They have already been informed of our transition. After my preaching, before the pastor closed in prayer, he informed the congregation of our transition, pausing abruptly to hold back his emotion. I didn't expect that kind of appreciation and the impact I had with them. But it's a breather to feel appreciated and validated of our work. They prayed for me and my wife. My wife has low tears. I told them, it's OK, we will just be around, we're still in the Philippines. But still, I will miss them. The feeling is like crashing your hard drive, you forget some files that are in there, but when the time comes when you need it, you realize you've lost it forever. That's how it feels when you realize your decisions have many effects unexpected and unwanted. But still, we have to move on.
After church, we went with my parents to SM North to have lunch and grocery. This is why weekends feel so short. I miss my time with my parents now that I am married. I think it's just normal. It's like finding reasons to be with them, and even creating reasons to be with them. It's not that I'm like a mama's boy or papa's boy, but I am want their fellowship.
The video footage and presentation of our wedding came a few weeks ago. It's just last week that we had the time to view it. It is a testament of how God provided for us. It was a miracle. And this is the promise I can hold on to when I need it.
Transition
Today I am in this space of transition. If I would describe it, it's like one of those contraptions in the science museum of what appears to be a long hallway, but as you go towards the door on the other end, it becomes smaller and smaller, just like Alice in Wonderland. As I ponder on this season of transition (I am not yet at the end of it), I realize that there is no turning back. Words have been said and must not be taken back. It's not that I regret doing these things. I don't regret them. But if I could turn back time I will do it better, smoother.
I said in Facebook, I am like an albatross--because albatrosses are known for their clumsy landings. And I am like that now, ungraceful in a sense. But even in these times of unease, the Lord continues to guide me, minister to me. In spite of my weaknesses, He is the grace that is all sufficient for me, for us. Sometimes I think that God would allow me to go through this just to bring me across--or push me across. Last Carecell, someone shared an illustration about how some tourist visited the Statue of Liberty. It was 4 hours queue to be able to go to the top of Statue of Liberty and see the breath-taking view. As he went up, he already sees the view from the windows. And at last, he reaches the top. And the guard says, "You have three minutes to take it in!" Four hours for three minutes? And the view is not that different from when he was climbing up. The moral lesson: Life is a journey not a destination. God reveals himself even in the minute routines of our journey. This calling is long overdue, but I have a lot of what if's and will have more. But God puts up with it. He honors even faith as small as mustard seeds.
I was listening yesterday to this podcast, and what the preacher said confronted me of my true state. He said God is not somewhere else, He is with you whichever circumstance you are in. I am tempted to feel that I am doing this because God is somewhere else. It's a human default. Better is always on the other side of the fence. But in the mundane, the pains and the fears and instabilities God is there. This is not a solution for a more heightened experience of God, God has been always with me. So why am I doing this I ask myself. I am doing this because in this season, this is where God wants me to be. I am at the Lord's disposal.
I was listening yesterday to this podcast, and what the preacher said confronted me of my true state. He said God is not somewhere else, He is with you whichever circumstance you are in. I am tempted to feel that I am doing this because God is somewhere else. It's a human default. Better is always on the other side of the fence. But in the mundane, the pains and the fears and instabilities God is there. This is not a solution for a more heightened experience of God, God has been always with me. So why am I doing this I ask myself. I am doing this because in this season, this is where God wants me to be. I am at the Lord's disposal.
The journey of life. I have realized what Jesus said to His disciples, "You will always have the poor with you, but I will only be for a little while". The opportunity for service and ministry will always be there. It will outrun us, it will outlive us. But the more important thing is this: During my time here on earth, how did I cultivate that relationship with my God. More than the lists of things I have done, God is more interested in who I have become in Him. And this is a constant struggle--a struggle we all have to put up while we are in this fleshly state. The desire to seek the Giver more than all His good gifts. In this time of transition I am stripped of comfort and security, and have realized that I will be in this kind of stripping for a longer haul. The institution has become a security, instead of the Solid Rock. My prayer today is that Lord center me once more where my significance is only found in You.
Toy Story 3
Today after work Nette and I decided to watch Toy Story 3 as our date night. The movie is nice. There were some light moments, heart-touching moments, but there are scenes where I felt it was too serious and emotionally demanding for a children's movie--like the "hell & hopelessness" scene. And by the way, my wife was really beautiful tonight with her hair in a ponytail :) I'm sucker for ponytails. After movie we dropped by McDonald's for sundaes and fries, we also bought pasalubong for Kal-El, the shitzu of Ate Me-anne & Kuya Jeric. It was a nice evening, a time of relaxation from all the things that are going around us. Praise God.
Season's Ramblings
I'm here today at the my office. Most of the technical crew is out ... I mean ALL of the production team is out because they are doing week-long shoot of our latest video. Me, I'm stuck here, since I work in the web department, which is fine with me.
There are a lot of things that had been going on lately. Specially now that we are in this transition of moving out of our church to do campus missions. There are times that I feel stressed but if not for God's mercy and grace I would be found by the dumpster by now. Stressed because of relationships. Parting and new. I have realized I am not good at goodbyes. Though I thought before that I am. Until now I haven't said my piece to the people ought to hear it.
Is it safe to say that I am wobbly and fearful of moving forward? Many thoughts come into my mind. Am I doing the right thing? I have to do this. I am pressured when people around me expect that I have to know everything. I don't. I'm just as much as a pilgrim as you are. I am in this journey. It has ups and downs. But one thing I strive for, that is to finish strong. And the thought of finishing strong seems far out of reach. Every step or mistep might snap the cord that holds me together. But I must do this. It's time to move on.
What keeps me going on? My family, my calling, and the Lord. The Lord. Lord there are times that I feel distant from You. But I know You are still there watching and waiting for me to return. There are times that I think I have truly messed up some things. But I take hold on this character of Yours that is always able to untangle the deepest mess people get into. "When you are tempted, [God] provides." "You provide a way out." Thank You Jesus.
I am an inch closer to how Solomon felt when he wrote Ecclesiastes. Everything is meaningless. But I have to fight it, especially in these times when friends are scarce. "The poor will always be there." Service does not end. What's important is by the end, my duty to the Lord has been fulfilled. Lord, purge me with Your hottest fire. Destroy the strongholds that war against my soul. In this valleys may You alone O God be glorified.
He makes all things beautiful ...
There are a lot of things that had been going on lately. Specially now that we are in this transition of moving out of our church to do campus missions. There are times that I feel stressed but if not for God's mercy and grace I would be found by the dumpster by now. Stressed because of relationships. Parting and new. I have realized I am not good at goodbyes. Though I thought before that I am. Until now I haven't said my piece to the people ought to hear it.
Is it safe to say that I am wobbly and fearful of moving forward? Many thoughts come into my mind. Am I doing the right thing? I have to do this. I am pressured when people around me expect that I have to know everything. I don't. I'm just as much as a pilgrim as you are. I am in this journey. It has ups and downs. But one thing I strive for, that is to finish strong. And the thought of finishing strong seems far out of reach. Every step or mistep might snap the cord that holds me together. But I must do this. It's time to move on.
What keeps me going on? My family, my calling, and the Lord. The Lord. Lord there are times that I feel distant from You. But I know You are still there watching and waiting for me to return. There are times that I think I have truly messed up some things. But I take hold on this character of Yours that is always able to untangle the deepest mess people get into. "When you are tempted, [God] provides." "You provide a way out." Thank You Jesus.
I am an inch closer to how Solomon felt when he wrote Ecclesiastes. Everything is meaningless. But I have to fight it, especially in these times when friends are scarce. "The poor will always be there." Service does not end. What's important is by the end, my duty to the Lord has been fulfilled. Lord, purge me with Your hottest fire. Destroy the strongholds that war against my soul. In this valleys may You alone O God be glorified.
He makes all things beautiful ...
New Things
I have called you in righteousness. I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles ... to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison, and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. I am the Lord, that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols. See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare. Before they spring into being I announce them to you. (Isaiah 42:6-9)
May it come ever so quickly Lord.
May it come ever so quickly Lord.
After more than 30 days ...
Wow. I haven't blogged for almost a month! There are a lot of things that had happend while I was gone (in this blog). Here are some highlights:
I continue to work in APMedia during weekdays. These past few days had been very toxic because of the flow of work, but it's good. I enjoy it. Our boss will be going on furlough and they will be returning on January 2011 so they're like wrapping up everything before they leave.
We are transitioning to move from our home church to work as campus workers in Life Source Chi Alpha in university belt.
Netty and I started staying in Makati during weekdays because of the the toll it takes for us to travel from Caloocan to Makati when we go to work.
Netty will be studying ortho in August and praise God for this provision.
I on the other hand hopefully will be going to BUDAPEST, if the Lord wills (and I want to) for a week-long World Student Conference.
Despite the ups and downs of life. I've learned once more that there is one thing that is constant--Jesus. Praise God for His covenant love and faithfulness to us.
The Things We Do
One treads on dangerous grounds when one do not keep in check his heart's desires. Truly as the Lord has said that our hearts are deceitful and from it comes the evils of man. Therefore it is of first importance that we keep ourselves in check if we are living in outward religiosity that our Lord calls hypocrisy, instead of living in authentic intimacy with Him. Such happening can go undetected only to ambush us when we find spirits shriveled, then we realize we have been severed from the Vine. For example, do I go to church to see the beauty of His holiness, or do I "attend" church because it's the way that has been time immemorial? May it be that truly, in everything we do, whether we eat or drink, or open our lips in prayer, or lift our hands in worship, or speak with words of grace, that we do it not for the approval of the perishable, but for the glory of the Imperishable.
Reading: Mark 7:1-23
Reading: Mark 7:1-23
I Want to Know You More
My spirit desires to know You more. And it is when I draw near into Your presence that I recognize this knowing-ness of you. Not to know You is then must be when I am not in Your presence, knowingly or unknowingly, out of tune from the rhythm of Your symphony. It is when I am away from You that I fail to love the unlovable. For it is when I am intimately aware of You--Your grace poured and blood shed, living and walking in the Spirit, that I can bestow grace to man undeserving grace as myself. Lord, teach me, therefore, to live in Your Spirit.
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love ... Walk in the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh ... If you are lead by the Spirit, you are not under the Law ... And the fruit of the Spirit is love ..." (Galatians 5)
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love ... Walk in the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh ... If you are lead by the Spirit, you are not under the Law ... And the fruit of the Spirit is love ..." (Galatians 5)
Why God is precisely God
God is precisely God in that he can do what humanity cannot do: he can allow himself to be rejected, he can be made low and of no consequence--without, however, like humanity, being plunged into an inferiority complex, which shows that humanity with all its heart wants to be great. - Eduard Schweizer, New Testament scholar
(Taken from James Edwards' The Divine Intruder)
(Taken from James Edwards' The Divine Intruder)
Where God Wants to Be
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
where human nature rebels,
where our piety keeps a nervous distance:
there, precisely there, God loves to be;
there he baffles the wisdom of the wise;
there he vexes our nature, our religious instincts.
There he wants to be, and no one can prevent him.
Only the humble believe him and rejoice
that God is so free and grand,
that he works wonders where man loses, heart,
that he makes splendid what is slight and lowly.
Indeed, this is the wonder of wonders,
that God loves the lowly.
'God has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.'
God in lowliness--
that is the revolutionary, the passionate word of Advent.
(Taken from James Edwards' The Divine Intruder)
(Taken from James Edwards' The Divine Intruder)
Excitement Killer
Today my family was supposed to go to Antipolo for our church's annual retreat. Woke up early despite sleeping in late from last night's revival service. The food for lunch was also ready thanks to Ma. And as our car moved out of our garage, only a few meters away from our house it stops. My dad was puzzled. No matter how he starts the engine, it sounded like it was missing something which later we would learn that it was the "something" belt that was needed for the car to run. It was not long that people in the neighborhood took notice of us and gathered to see what the problem was. Thank God because there was a mechanic in the neighborhood. So my brother and I with the help of other guys in the neighborhood, pushed the car back to our garage.
Do you know the feeling of anticipating for something then suddenly it doesn't happen? All of us I think felt that. For me I was already longing for swimming in a pool. It's already playing and replaying in my mind, then suddenly it won't happen anymore. It sucks.
But I believe the Lord had purposes beyond what our eyes can see. So we spent the rest of the day in rest. Netty and I went back to bed until lunch time. And I continued to sleep through the afternoon. And now I'm wide awake. Restless because of the ministry stuff I'm reading off the Internet. I get restless thinking of ministry. I believe it's what you call passion. But I might sleep any time soon, because tomorrow Netty and I will be going to Makati to visit her parents.
Do you know the feeling of anticipating for something then suddenly it doesn't happen? All of us I think felt that. For me I was already longing for swimming in a pool. It's already playing and replaying in my mind, then suddenly it won't happen anymore. It sucks.
But I believe the Lord had purposes beyond what our eyes can see. So we spent the rest of the day in rest. Netty and I went back to bed until lunch time. And I continued to sleep through the afternoon. And now I'm wide awake. Restless because of the ministry stuff I'm reading off the Internet. I get restless thinking of ministry. I believe it's what you call passion. But I might sleep any time soon, because tomorrow Netty and I will be going to Makati to visit her parents.
Wasted For Jesus
(Article form of the message I preached yesterday at our revival service)
Acts 20:24, "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of grace."
Paul was a man of passion. As a Pharisee, Paul persecuted the Christians. But that fateful encounter and Acts 9 would radically change his life. He became an apostle of the One whom he was persecuting. As an apostle, he did even more. He became the catalyst for missions and authored the most number of books or letters in our Bible today. Considering Paul didn't walk with Jesus during His life here on earth, it seemed that Paul did more than the other disciples. But more than being a man of passion, I believe that Paul was a man of commitment.
Many of us seek passion. Passion to be rekindled only to be snuffed away once more, driving us to look and seek elsewhere for a higher level of emotional high. Passion is emotion, but commitment is of the will. There will be times when passion will be hard to find, but commitment is the irreducible minimum of our journey with Christ. Passion is not at all bad when driven at the right channels like a river flowing steadily within the banks of commitment. Commitment and passion, therefore, must go hand-in-hand. Passion without commitment doesn't bear much fruit, but commitment that is fueled by passion is can advance a cause.
Paul talks about two things all people possess. First is that every person in the world has a race to run. Our race is marked by a series of tests and obstacles. Like a race track with hurdles in them, we must overcome these hurdles in our life to win the race. Our race will be marked by victories, big or small, as well as tests, trials, tribulations and tragedies.
The second thing all people possess is that every person in the world has a task--our life's purpose. Everyone has a purpose to discover and fulfill to make a contribution in the world. It gives meaning to our existence as opposed to just being someone who just took up space and was gone without a trace. Not all people fulfill their purpose in life. Not all people finish their race.
That is why Paul has put his eyes toward just one goal: to overcome. "Only if I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me." Because for Paul, this life is not all that there is. In fact our life today is a preparation for our life set in eternity. Therefore our choices today dictates how we spend our eternities. Do we anticipate a welcome saying, "Well done, my good and faithful servant"? or "Away from me, for I do not know you"?
For Paul finishing the race and completing the task begins when we "consider our life worth nothing" to us. Time and time again the Bible speaks of finding life in losing it. Consider the following declarations of Jesus himself:
"If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." (Mark 9:35)
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." (Mark 16:25)
"No one who has left home or brothers or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in the present age... and in the age to come, eternal life ..." (Mark 10:29-31)
Such radical imperatives. But what's amazing with Jesus is that when he asks us to do something, it is not something that he hasn't done himself. Truly he is the model leader we all strive and should strive to become. What we strive for is all but a reflection of what He himself did on the cross:
"Think of yourselves the way Christ thought of himself ... he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! ... It was incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death--and the worst kind of death at that--a crucifixion." (Philippians 2:5-8, Msg)
His life, death and resurrection is the story of God's love, passion and commitment "to seek and save that which was lost." In a desperate need for reconciliation God sent His only Son, born in a manger, lived in the flesh among us. He proclaimed freedom to the captives, brought healing to the sick. And for that he was accused for a crime he did not do, ridiculed and struck, tortured and shamed. His ultimate sacrifice will lead him to bear the cross and die on it. What the world perceive as a sign of weakness, God sees as strength. Because by giving His life up He gained even more--He conquered the reign of sin and death, and on the third day Jesus rose a victor!
"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow ... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)
Because Jesus chose to finish the task by giving Himself up, grace was released to us even when we don't deserve it.
And in order to finish life's race, we must experience God's grace. God's grace is able to "build [us] up" and "give [us] inheritance of among all those who are sanctified"--salvation and the blessed hope. Many times we struggle in life to earn something and make ourselves worth something. But receiving grace is an act of humility, because we will never earn it. Some in their pride will reject grace, but our default response to grace given is to receive it wholeheartedly. Receiving something we do not deserve, who wouldn't be gratious and more in love with such a God. "Do we not know that God's kindness leads us to repentance?"
This grace, abounding and amazing, is the heart of the gospel the Lord Jesus has entrusted to the apostle Paul and to every believer who bears Christ's name. "If only I may ... complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of grace." Each of us is given a common task, Paul calls it our "ministry of reconciliation". Carl Henry says, "The Gospel is only good news if it only gets there on time." You don't even have to cross your countries borders to see the need to reach the lost for Christ. Every day violence, suffering, death, broken relationships and injustice continue to advance its ranks in our schools, offices and our families. "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" (Isaiah 6:8). The Lord Almighty is calling out to anyone who can muster up the courage to respond.
Our commitment to the task at hand begins when we become so passionate in love with Jesus we cannot contain the joy and peace in His presence. Our passion for Jesus begins when we experience His grace.
God can and is delighted to meet us where we are, whoever we are. Are we constantly living under the scrutiny of guilt and judgment? Allow Him to render you His grace. Are we struggling to finish the race He has marked out for us? Allow Him to renew your strength as you "wait upon the Lord." Are you falling short to muster up the courage to advance the cause of the gospel in your sphere of influence? Allow Him to empower you as He is the Father who does not withhold and gives good gifts to His children. It is when we let go of our lives and once more enter in the inner room where God's presence dwells that we will be able "to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given us."
Acts 20:24, "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of grace."
Paul was a man of passion. As a Pharisee, Paul persecuted the Christians. But that fateful encounter and Acts 9 would radically change his life. He became an apostle of the One whom he was persecuting. As an apostle, he did even more. He became the catalyst for missions and authored the most number of books or letters in our Bible today. Considering Paul didn't walk with Jesus during His life here on earth, it seemed that Paul did more than the other disciples. But more than being a man of passion, I believe that Paul was a man of commitment.
Many of us seek passion. Passion to be rekindled only to be snuffed away once more, driving us to look and seek elsewhere for a higher level of emotional high. Passion is emotion, but commitment is of the will. There will be times when passion will be hard to find, but commitment is the irreducible minimum of our journey with Christ. Passion is not at all bad when driven at the right channels like a river flowing steadily within the banks of commitment. Commitment and passion, therefore, must go hand-in-hand. Passion without commitment doesn't bear much fruit, but commitment that is fueled by passion is can advance a cause.
Paul talks about two things all people possess. First is that every person in the world has a race to run. Our race is marked by a series of tests and obstacles. Like a race track with hurdles in them, we must overcome these hurdles in our life to win the race. Our race will be marked by victories, big or small, as well as tests, trials, tribulations and tragedies.
The second thing all people possess is that every person in the world has a task--our life's purpose. Everyone has a purpose to discover and fulfill to make a contribution in the world. It gives meaning to our existence as opposed to just being someone who just took up space and was gone without a trace. Not all people fulfill their purpose in life. Not all people finish their race.
That is why Paul has put his eyes toward just one goal: to overcome. "Only if I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me." Because for Paul, this life is not all that there is. In fact our life today is a preparation for our life set in eternity. Therefore our choices today dictates how we spend our eternities. Do we anticipate a welcome saying, "Well done, my good and faithful servant"? or "Away from me, for I do not know you"?
For Paul finishing the race and completing the task begins when we "consider our life worth nothing" to us. Time and time again the Bible speaks of finding life in losing it. Consider the following declarations of Jesus himself:
"If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." (Mark 9:35)
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." (Mark 16:25)
"No one who has left home or brothers or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in the present age... and in the age to come, eternal life ..." (Mark 10:29-31)
Such radical imperatives. But what's amazing with Jesus is that when he asks us to do something, it is not something that he hasn't done himself. Truly he is the model leader we all strive and should strive to become. What we strive for is all but a reflection of what He himself did on the cross:
"Think of yourselves the way Christ thought of himself ... he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! ... It was incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death--and the worst kind of death at that--a crucifixion." (Philippians 2:5-8, Msg)
His life, death and resurrection is the story of God's love, passion and commitment "to seek and save that which was lost." In a desperate need for reconciliation God sent His only Son, born in a manger, lived in the flesh among us. He proclaimed freedom to the captives, brought healing to the sick. And for that he was accused for a crime he did not do, ridiculed and struck, tortured and shamed. His ultimate sacrifice will lead him to bear the cross and die on it. What the world perceive as a sign of weakness, God sees as strength. Because by giving His life up He gained even more--He conquered the reign of sin and death, and on the third day Jesus rose a victor!
"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow ... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)
Because Jesus chose to finish the task by giving Himself up, grace was released to us even when we don't deserve it.
And in order to finish life's race, we must experience God's grace. God's grace is able to "build [us] up" and "give [us] inheritance of among all those who are sanctified"--salvation and the blessed hope. Many times we struggle in life to earn something and make ourselves worth something. But receiving grace is an act of humility, because we will never earn it. Some in their pride will reject grace, but our default response to grace given is to receive it wholeheartedly. Receiving something we do not deserve, who wouldn't be gratious and more in love with such a God. "Do we not know that God's kindness leads us to repentance?"
This grace, abounding and amazing, is the heart of the gospel the Lord Jesus has entrusted to the apostle Paul and to every believer who bears Christ's name. "If only I may ... complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of grace." Each of us is given a common task, Paul calls it our "ministry of reconciliation". Carl Henry says, "The Gospel is only good news if it only gets there on time." You don't even have to cross your countries borders to see the need to reach the lost for Christ. Every day violence, suffering, death, broken relationships and injustice continue to advance its ranks in our schools, offices and our families. "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" (Isaiah 6:8). The Lord Almighty is calling out to anyone who can muster up the courage to respond.
Our commitment to the task at hand begins when we become so passionate in love with Jesus we cannot contain the joy and peace in His presence. Our passion for Jesus begins when we experience His grace.
God can and is delighted to meet us where we are, whoever we are. Are we constantly living under the scrutiny of guilt and judgment? Allow Him to render you His grace. Are we struggling to finish the race He has marked out for us? Allow Him to renew your strength as you "wait upon the Lord." Are you falling short to muster up the courage to advance the cause of the gospel in your sphere of influence? Allow Him to empower you as He is the Father who does not withhold and gives good gifts to His children. It is when we let go of our lives and once more enter in the inner room where God's presence dwells that we will be able "to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given us."
Grace Undeserved
I just got home an hour ago from work. Today is just a half day at work as government ruling. Thankful because despite the half day I managed to get some work done. I'm quite happy with my work in APMedia. Like I said in my previous post, it's a perfect fit (for now). "For now" because I don't know where the Lord will take me next.
This week I had a very good reminder of who God is in my life. I unintentionally hurt someone very close to me this week because of my "me-ness" (or meanness). I really felt bad because no matter which angle you look at it, it was my fault. During this time of sorrow thinking of how I can resolve and redeem myself from this I was riding a train, it was rush hour. And amidst the crowded, even suffocating boxed car, beside me sat a little girl, three or four, holding from the pleats of his standing dad's pants. As I observe this cute little girl, I can't help but notice her confidence and "child-likeness" despite the crowded, intimidating room--all because she was in the company of her dad. No fear, no worries and even hesitations, it's as if the past didn't wasn't behind her, the future didn't bother her. What's important is now where she's in her father's presence. Then it hit me, as if God himself was speaking to me, "hey, I am your Father. You can come to me." I realized that it's been a while since I looked at God as my Father. Amidst the busyness of work and ministry, I looked at Him as my Master. But at that moment He reminded me, more than my struggles and desire to do something great for Him, more than anything else, He wanted me, my heart and my child-like devotion to my Father. I realized, a husband can still be a childlike son of faith to His Father. And He doesn't withhold His love and assurance from His sons. So I return like the elder brother of a prodigal son. After that moment of revelation, I was reconciled and humbled before the person I hurt and experienced a strong moment of grace. Grace, always undeserved, yet because of Love, compels the giver to lay low despite the wrongs done to them; and compels the wrongdoer to once more stand as an equal, compelling them to love the Giver even more.
"May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." - Eph 3:18-19 (NLT)
This week I had a very good reminder of who God is in my life. I unintentionally hurt someone very close to me this week because of my "me-ness" (or meanness). I really felt bad because no matter which angle you look at it, it was my fault. During this time of sorrow thinking of how I can resolve and redeem myself from this I was riding a train, it was rush hour. And amidst the crowded, even suffocating boxed car, beside me sat a little girl, three or four, holding from the pleats of his standing dad's pants. As I observe this cute little girl, I can't help but notice her confidence and "child-likeness" despite the crowded, intimidating room--all because she was in the company of her dad. No fear, no worries and even hesitations, it's as if the past didn't wasn't behind her, the future didn't bother her. What's important is now where she's in her father's presence. Then it hit me, as if God himself was speaking to me, "hey, I am your Father. You can come to me." I realized that it's been a while since I looked at God as my Father. Amidst the busyness of work and ministry, I looked at Him as my Master. But at that moment He reminded me, more than my struggles and desire to do something great for Him, more than anything else, He wanted me, my heart and my child-like devotion to my Father. I realized, a husband can still be a childlike son of faith to His Father. And He doesn't withhold His love and assurance from His sons. So I return like the elder brother of a prodigal son. After that moment of revelation, I was reconciled and humbled before the person I hurt and experienced a strong moment of grace. Grace, always undeserved, yet because of Love, compels the giver to lay low despite the wrongs done to them; and compels the wrongdoer to once more stand as an equal, compelling them to love the Giver even more.
"May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." - Eph 3:18-19 (NLT)
My new job and update on Makati Carecells
I'm currently here at church. We had a sectional meeting this morning in Malabon. I enjoyed the bountiful lunch the church had served for us. Later I will pick up Nette in the clinic, so I'm killing some time right now. Actually I have one sermon due today for tomorrow. I have it in my mind right now and just need to write it down.
It's been two weeks ago since I joined Asia Pacific Media Ministries to work as web and graphic designer. The work is ok. So why did I employ myself in a full time job, many ask. First of all I need a stable income now I'm married. Freelance work is good but sporadic. I still do freelance jobs though for additional income. Second I need the discipline. Working at home is not as beneficial as one would think, specially working in your bedroom. I need the discipline and the motivation that a working environment gives. And both of these I got with the work I have now. Actually, I am working for three companies: Asia Pacific Media Ministries, ICI Philippines, and Assemblies of God Missionary Fellowship, each sharing an amount of a days work during the week. I thought to myself why haven't I thought of this (working in APMedia), which like right now in this season fits like a glove. I enjoy both the creative and ministry element of it. Most of my co-workers have a part-melancholy temperament in them so I get them and they get me. It's really doing good for now.
P.T.
Of course with the Makati church planting project around the corner sometimes I get concerned how all of this will work out. I mean working a full-time job and doing the job of a pioneering pastor. Last Wednesday, we had a very fun-filled evening at our joint fellowship in Makati which were composed of Kamagong and Ayala Carecells. We were 35 in all. What's interesting is that earlier our projected attendance was 35 people, and 35 people appeared. I thought I wished we'd projected a higher number. But kidding aside, I am amazed at how God works in this ministry.
During our core group meeting, I shared with them that as a leader there are times that I do things with confidence in my own strength--the things I usually and already used to do. This is not that time. To quote the apostle Paul (?), I come trembling and much fear (1 Co 2:3). The worst nightmare of a choleric person is to wake up one morning when he doesn't have it altogether. I have realized more than once that I don't have it altogether (causing an amount of stress and anxiety within me), but it works anyway. Then a revelation, it's not because of me that's this is possible, it's all about God.
I remember a verse in Acts when Peter and John were arrested for preaching the gospel. And during the interrogation, a respected teacher of the Jewish Law named Gamaliel stood and addressed his colleagues:
P.T.
Recently I think of blogging in the point of view of me as a father. I would blog about the lessons I learned in life so that my children will be able to read it, so that even in their non-existence, in their birth and infancy until they grow-up they would know who their father is really like, how their father loves them so much.
P.T.
It's been two weeks ago since I joined Asia Pacific Media Ministries to work as web and graphic designer. The work is ok. So why did I employ myself in a full time job, many ask. First of all I need a stable income now I'm married. Freelance work is good but sporadic. I still do freelance jobs though for additional income. Second I need the discipline. Working at home is not as beneficial as one would think, specially working in your bedroom. I need the discipline and the motivation that a working environment gives. And both of these I got with the work I have now. Actually, I am working for three companies: Asia Pacific Media Ministries, ICI Philippines, and Assemblies of God Missionary Fellowship, each sharing an amount of a days work during the week. I thought to myself why haven't I thought of this (working in APMedia), which like right now in this season fits like a glove. I enjoy both the creative and ministry element of it. Most of my co-workers have a part-melancholy temperament in them so I get them and they get me. It's really doing good for now.
P.T.
Of course with the Makati church planting project around the corner sometimes I get concerned how all of this will work out. I mean working a full-time job and doing the job of a pioneering pastor. Last Wednesday, we had a very fun-filled evening at our joint fellowship in Makati which were composed of Kamagong and Ayala Carecells. We were 35 in all. What's interesting is that earlier our projected attendance was 35 people, and 35 people appeared. I thought I wished we'd projected a higher number. But kidding aside, I am amazed at how God works in this ministry.
During our core group meeting, I shared with them that as a leader there are times that I do things with confidence in my own strength--the things I usually and already used to do. This is not that time. To quote the apostle Paul (?), I come trembling and much fear (1 Co 2:3). The worst nightmare of a choleric person is to wake up one morning when he doesn't have it altogether. I have realized more than once that I don't have it altogether (causing an amount of stress and anxiety within me), but it works anyway. Then a revelation, it's not because of me that's this is possible, it's all about God.
I remember a verse in Acts when Peter and John were arrested for preaching the gospel. And during the interrogation, a respected teacher of the Jewish Law named Gamaliel stood and addressed his colleagues:
"Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." - Acts 6:36-39If I do this ministry in my own strength, IT WILL FAIL--or explode, implode, burnout or burst into pieces etc. But if it is from God, IT WILL NOT BE STOPPED. It is a reassuring verse for me because there are times that I resolve to false self-sufficiency when Christ requires the denial of self. It is reassuring because I don't have to try TOO hard, because I am in partnership, if not, in the service of the King--and His purpose always prevails. If it is the Lord's work, He will prosper it. God is good.
P.T.
Recently I think of blogging in the point of view of me as a father. I would blog about the lessons I learned in life so that my children will be able to read it, so that even in their non-existence, in their birth and infancy until they grow-up they would know who their father is really like, how their father loves them so much.
P.T.
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