Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions
and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how
we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us,
we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
- 1 John 3:18-20
The Mind of the Melancholeric Man: Musings on Life and Ministry by Patrick Tan
Ramblings that started in death
This week, the dad of one of my wife's best friend died. My wife and I are close to this family. It's always sad to see someone pass away, and the thought of how much grief and pain this causes the deceased's loved ones. A lot of thoughts going through my mind about the topic of death.
I am reminded how short life is. If the Bible has set the average life span of a person is more or less around 80 years old. Then almost 40% of my life is already spent and I have 60% life ahead. It's still much time to create memories with the people you love. I thought to myself how God is so good in the past, especially the last 10 years of my life. I can't wrap my mind around the idea of how much more can God surprise me in the next decades of my life.
Now there's a thought in my mind that I have to make the most of the moments of my life. I've been thinking about what should my next 10 years be spent on. I'm glad that I was able to process myself turning 30 (you can read about this in the previous entries). Some of the ideas that are playing around my head ... taking another course like business administration or education ... starting up a business ... get more learning. I also thought about family. Most probably around this next 10 years God would already have sent us an angel. Something I have been silent about. But just as Mary and Joseph, I just keep these desire in my heart. God knows my heart. He knows what is best for us.
Thinking about the brevity of life I think about the need to always create memories. Make life meaningful. Collectively meaningful to you and the people you love.
I thought about my parents. They are in their mid-50s now. How much longer would I be able to spend time with them. I have to be careful about concluding to myself that certain seasons have passed. When I was a kid, I loved my parents. At youth, we look for other sources of love and acceptance. But it's amazing how our parents love us nonetheless. As a young adult this love makes a full circle, we are drawn back to our parent's love. There is an awareness to make up for lost time. Then you get married, and now your heart shifts to your wife. And I think it's the seasons of life. My point is, when you still have the time to love them tangibly, do not hesitate to do it. Because there will come a time when priorities will change.
I am always tempted to be fatalistic. To dwell on the thought when I and the people I love will be gone. I have a post here of the intro montage of the Disney movie Up, always makes me cry. I think it's the melancholy in me that always thinks about the finish line. It's funny that I look at life in chunks. That definitely makes life really short. Five decades can easily be counted in one hand, but five decades times 10 years times 365 days will be a long time coming. I have to constantly remind myself, just as the saying goes, live for the moment. Cheer up. And don't be too serious all the time (Patrick are you listening?) Take time to be silly. Take time to get to know people and make friends. I am reminded by the words of Jesus himself, "Who would by worrying gain a single day in his life?"
In the last few weeks I've been struggling about something. I am seeing a clash of myself and my calling. Most people know me as a minister. But I have to look at myself when I am not in front of the crowd. How am I nurturing my natural relationships with family and friends? This is something I am baffled about myself. When in public, I can be sincerely charismatic and all, but in private, I retreat to my inner self. I become shy, quiet and seemed unconcerned. I am especially more conscious of this now that I am usually away from my church (unlike before when I have time and opportunity to nurture relationships in church). This morning this thought was magnified when the sermon was about loving one another. This is something that I miss being constantly connected to one church. I thought I need to improve this aspect of my life. Not that I am not loving person, I think I am and a few close friends would say so, but I feel I need to improve in initiating and expressing in tangible ways this love in the other people. Sorry if this might have shocked you. Yes, I'm not perfect. I'm also a work in progress.
This makes me think about my own passing. What would the people say about me? Did I make an impact in someone else's life. Of course, the most important think is what God thinks about how I spent my life. But nevertheless, it matters to me how my life have become a blessing to another.
It's time to sign-off for the day. If you got to read until this portion congratulations for staying with me, despite these sporadic and scattered thoughts. May you have a wonderful week ahead.
When the World Fears, Trust God
11 The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said,
12 “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do,
and don’t live in dread of what frightens them.
13 Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life.
He is the one you should fear.
He is the one who should make you tremble.
14 He will keep you safe.
But to Israel and Judah
he will be a stone that makes people stumble,
a rock that makes them fall.
And for the people of Jerusalem
he will be a trap and a snare.
15 Many will stumble and fall,
never to rise again.
They will be snared and captured.”
16 Preserve the teaching of God;
entrust his instructions to those who follow me.
17 I will wait for the Lord,
who has turned away from the descendants of Jacob.
I will put my hope in him.
- Isaiah 8
I remember a funny Japanese prank show I saw in YouTube. So the set-up was like this. A group of men would walk alongside an unsuspecting person just like normal. Then suddenly, on cue, the men who are in with the prank would suddenly appear scared as if they saw something dreadful on the way, and they would start running on the opposite side. What’s funny is that even the person who’s being pranked adapts this fear that the prank crowd has staged and started running on the opposite side as well.
Has it ever happened to you? No, not having been pranked, but having your attitude influenced by other people’s attitude or feelings. Have you done something you know the Lord doesn’t approve, but for the sake of the majority you do it anyway? Israel experienced that same thing. When bigger powers threatened their existence as a nation, instead of trusting God who made a covenant relationship to be His people, Israel chose to make an alliance with other nations who can protect them. An alliance with the King of the universe discarded for an alliance with a foreign king. The Lord gave Isaiah “a strong warning” not to live as the world lives (8.11). This warning is also given to us living believers living among the world:
(1) Don’t think like everyone else does (8.11) – We are called not to “conform any longer to the pattern of this world …” When we received Jesus Christ, the thoughts we think and the ways we do that do not honor God we do not do anymore. Paul urges us to seek God’s will for our life by, “the renewing of our mind …” (Rom 12:2).
(2) Don’t dismiss my instruction (they call a conspiracy) like others do (8.12). – A soldier must obey the captain’s instruction to the last detail. As soldiers of Christ we are to treat His Word as His instruction, seeking everything in our power to obey His commands so that bring honor to Him. “No soldier when in service gets entangled with the enterprises of [civilian] life; his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him (2 Ti 2:4).
(3) Don’t fear the things that frighten them (8.12). – And since the ultimate answer to our need is in and through Christ, we must let ourselves be threatened by the things the world fears about. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 8:33). We may not be immune from calamities and the uncertainty of the future, but through Christ we can have a “peace that surpasses all understanding.”
After laying these warnings down, the Lord directs us to the rightful recipient of our fear—Himself. “Make the Lord holy in your life. He is the one you should fear …” (8.13). This kind of fear is not worldly fear that should drive us away and hide from God. To fear God is to do everything in our means to please and bring honor to Him. To please and honor HIm so that we may live at peace with Him. That’s why the Lord’s charge to Isaiah was to make God “holy” in his life. God is to be holy, sacred and not to be taken for granted. A holy God cannot tolerate the sin of His children, therefore we must repent. His place in our lives should always be first, our actions compelled by a holy passion to bring glory to Him.
The Lord never falls away from His promise. He doesn’t fulfill His promises like a man who would give the bare minimum. He fulfills His promises extravagantly. And when He says that we can trust Him that “He will keep [us] safe” (8.14) in the midst of uncertainty, we can trust Him for every single word of it. The world cannot understand this peace that the Lord gives (8.14-15), but for the children of God, putting our trust in Him is the safest place to be.
So choose the narrow path. When the world fears, trust God to bring you through and make you overcome. Instead of being influenced by the thoughts and ways of the world, teach others to trust God also (8.16). Wait patiently and steadfastly (8.17). Wait in worship. Trust God and He will keep you safe.
12 “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do,
and don’t live in dread of what frightens them.
13 Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life.
He is the one you should fear.
He is the one who should make you tremble.
14 He will keep you safe.
But to Israel and Judah
he will be a stone that makes people stumble,
a rock that makes them fall.
And for the people of Jerusalem
he will be a trap and a snare.
15 Many will stumble and fall,
never to rise again.
They will be snared and captured.”
16 Preserve the teaching of God;
entrust his instructions to those who follow me.
17 I will wait for the Lord,
who has turned away from the descendants of Jacob.
I will put my hope in him.
- Isaiah 8
I remember a funny Japanese prank show I saw in YouTube. So the set-up was like this. A group of men would walk alongside an unsuspecting person just like normal. Then suddenly, on cue, the men who are in with the prank would suddenly appear scared as if they saw something dreadful on the way, and they would start running on the opposite side. What’s funny is that even the person who’s being pranked adapts this fear that the prank crowd has staged and started running on the opposite side as well.
Has it ever happened to you? No, not having been pranked, but having your attitude influenced by other people’s attitude or feelings. Have you done something you know the Lord doesn’t approve, but for the sake of the majority you do it anyway? Israel experienced that same thing. When bigger powers threatened their existence as a nation, instead of trusting God who made a covenant relationship to be His people, Israel chose to make an alliance with other nations who can protect them. An alliance with the King of the universe discarded for an alliance with a foreign king. The Lord gave Isaiah “a strong warning” not to live as the world lives (8.11). This warning is also given to us living believers living among the world:
(1) Don’t think like everyone else does (8.11) – We are called not to “conform any longer to the pattern of this world …” When we received Jesus Christ, the thoughts we think and the ways we do that do not honor God we do not do anymore. Paul urges us to seek God’s will for our life by, “the renewing of our mind …” (Rom 12:2).
(2) Don’t dismiss my instruction (they call a conspiracy) like others do (8.12). – A soldier must obey the captain’s instruction to the last detail. As soldiers of Christ we are to treat His Word as His instruction, seeking everything in our power to obey His commands so that bring honor to Him. “No soldier when in service gets entangled with the enterprises of [civilian] life; his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him (2 Ti 2:4).
(3) Don’t fear the things that frighten them (8.12). – And since the ultimate answer to our need is in and through Christ, we must let ourselves be threatened by the things the world fears about. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 8:33). We may not be immune from calamities and the uncertainty of the future, but through Christ we can have a “peace that surpasses all understanding.”
After laying these warnings down, the Lord directs us to the rightful recipient of our fear—Himself. “Make the Lord holy in your life. He is the one you should fear …” (8.13). This kind of fear is not worldly fear that should drive us away and hide from God. To fear God is to do everything in our means to please and bring honor to Him. To please and honor HIm so that we may live at peace with Him. That’s why the Lord’s charge to Isaiah was to make God “holy” in his life. God is to be holy, sacred and not to be taken for granted. A holy God cannot tolerate the sin of His children, therefore we must repent. His place in our lives should always be first, our actions compelled by a holy passion to bring glory to Him.
The Lord never falls away from His promise. He doesn’t fulfill His promises like a man who would give the bare minimum. He fulfills His promises extravagantly. And when He says that we can trust Him that “He will keep [us] safe” (8.14) in the midst of uncertainty, we can trust Him for every single word of it. The world cannot understand this peace that the Lord gives (8.14-15), but for the children of God, putting our trust in Him is the safest place to be.
So choose the narrow path. When the world fears, trust God to bring you through and make you overcome. Instead of being influenced by the thoughts and ways of the world, teach others to trust God also (8.16). Wait patiently and steadfastly (8.17). Wait in worship. Trust God and He will keep you safe.
The Fickle, The Fallen and the Faithful
Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. - Hebrews 5:13-14
THE FICKLE
Are you a milk drinker?
Milk Drinkers
- They don't try to understand what is right. (5.11)
- They ought to be teachers, but needs to be taught themselves again. (5.12)
- They are "not acquainted" with the teaching about righteousness (because they don't live it out) (5.13)
- They are not mature, i.e., able to distinguish good from evil. (5.14)
THE FALLEN
A warning - Don't fall away
Their previous status:
- They have been enlightened
- They have tasted the heavenly gift
- They have shared in the Holy Spirit
- They have tasted the goodness of the word of God, and the powers of the coming age ...
But have fallen - It is impossible for them to be brought back to repentance. What does "fallen" mean here? It means falling away from the faith, turning away from Christ.
Two illustrations:
- They are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace (6.6)
- They are like lands who after receiving rain produced thorns and thistles. They are worthless, cursed, and burned. (6.8)
Comfort - Even though we speak like this (serious warning) ... we are convinced of better things in your case--the things that have to do with salvation. (6.9)
THE FAITHFUL
Challenge: GROW UP!
Drink the rain and produce a crop useful for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God (6.7)
- Move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ (6.1)
- Be taken forward to maturity (6.1)
- Be diligent and committed to serve others (6.10-11)
- Imitate men of faith who inherited the promise (6.12)
I Believe There is More
You have been good to me
You have been good to me
You have been gracious
You have been faithful
Meeting my needs
Lord, it's so plain to see
You have been good to me
I have been given so much
I can't even Begin to thank You
And still I believe there is more
I believe there is more I believe
So open my hands to receive
All that Your love has in store
Lord, I believe
Everything I have done
All that I've said and sung
Lifting Your story giving You glory
That's just the beginning
Father, I know there is more
Power to heal and restore
Miracles wonders blessings unnumbered
Love never-ending
Exceeding abundantly
More than our minds can imagine
Love overflowing
You are bestowing
Day after day after day
Becoming 30
I've been catching myself twice now saying I'm past my prime. I just turned 30 last September 11. And two times I spoke in the pulpit I have caught myself saying to the young to serve God while they are young because being 30, it's past the prime age to serve God. It's like I blurt it out of nowhere. It's good that I have this time to really reflect on what I'm saying. I am wondering myself what's in my heart that convinces me to say this. So I look into myself.
When I say that, I feel that I have accomplished something. Like a soldier who has been to the war, talking to the ones who are just going out to war. There is some truth in that, but there's also a hint of pride. I wanted to hear, wow you've been through a lot, I wanted to feel a pat on the back. Is this assessment true? Sometimes I can be hard on myself. And now I'm confused.
But as I reflect upon this it's nice to hear, but I refuse to believe that. Something inside me refuses to accept this sort of lie--that I'm past my prime. I hear myself criticizing myself, really you are past your prime? How about the next 50 years more? Are you going to live and look at today from the past's perspective? I refuse to accept that. How about the other statement you say and the declaration that you pray over people, that the best days of their life are still to come? Don't you believe that perhaps and more likely God has still something in store for you in the future, that the best days of your life are still ahead of you?
Yes. The best days of my life are still ahead of me. I am not past my prime yet. I remember Caleb that even at the end of his life he said that he can still fight wars and he refused to retire.
"... just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then." - Joshua 14:10-11
I want to be like that. I refuse to view today from the perspective of past glories and victories. His mercies are NEW every morning. I'm tempted to say 30 is the new 20. But I think it's another deviation from reality. 30 is 30. But Being 30, I'll celebrate God's faithfulness in the last decade. In the last 10 years (2001-2010):
- I've supported myself out of college and graduated in Architecture.
- I've received my calling as a minister of the gospel.
- God has allowed me to serve Him in many ways, especially through young people.
- I've entered the seminary and finished my M. Div.
- God has blessed me with family who continues to be a constant support in my life.
- God has blessed me with a wonderful wife for whom and to whom I'm so grateful.
- And many, many more. I've been blessed.
Being 30, I look forward for the new decade, new season, new adventure of my walk with God.
Thank God for helping me put things in perspective. My advice, prepare to become thirty and settle your hang-ups (I feel with so much busyness I've failed to prepare myself about this). Face the truth. Celebrate the past, live in the now, and anticipate the best days that are yet to come.
My prayer is that God, make it more clearer, strip me off the accolades so that I may see myself from Your eyes. Because that's what matters. I cannot satisfy the world's standards because I am not of the world, just as Jesus is. My identity is in Christ.
Philippians 3: 7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Balanga & Bilaonan
Yesterday and the day before I was on the field again for Chi Alpha. Last Friday Ptr. Alvin and I visited Bataan Peninsula State University. The local XA has invited us to do a How to Succeed in College seminar for the freshmen students of Mechanical Engineering. 85 students showed up and heard the gospel. They are now going to follow up on them. XA-BPSU has been experiencing growth in the past few months. Before they are meeting as one group and it's one big group, but now they multiplied themselves into 5 small groups, one per school day. The XA president even remarks that she recognizes new faces added to each group that she doesn't know some of them anymore. It's a lesson. Learn to take smart risks. If the risk is worth trying then do it.
By 2PM I was already in the bus station in Balanga, en route to Pangasinan. NLDC XA is holding its first district XA congress in Lubic Bible College. The trip took longer than I expected. I was traveling alone, and felt lonely, conversing with God. And I was reminded that Jesus had moments of aloneness, not loneliness. I arrived at sabatan (intersection in Ilocano) a few more steps to the bible school. I was greeted by voices of young people singing worship songs. Brian, one of the XA leaders was already waiting for me at the gate. We went up to the room where they gathered and the classroom was filled with XA leaders from different campuses worshipping God. I was amazed. No time to meet and greet, I joined the chorus and started worshipping God. How awesome is His presence. I can't keep myself from crying because of what God has showed me. Earlier in Bataan and now in Pangasinan/La-Union. God is moving among the young people, despite of the storms raging elsewhere. After that wonderful worship, I led the session about Envisioning a Culture where Movement of Multiplying Disciples Thrive. I led two more sessions the next day. It was a great time of fellowship with Ptr. Crame and Ptr. Ley and the local XA leaders in the campuses.
It was raining non-stop when I finally boarded the bus back to Manila. Another time to reflect and think where is God in this, where He is leading me. As I read today's devotion, I am reminded to keep my priorities straight, and keep the one thing at the forefront:
"... I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me ... One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Ph 3:12-14
I need a motivation
1AM. I am back again in blogger. Non-commital. Tumblr has been blurred and vague.
Anyway, I just finished working on the things needed for our major company meeting tomorrow. It seems that now that our boss is back we will get some more work done. I've been thinking and reflecting about how this work fits my future. Going back I came in this ministry company March 2010 shortly after my wedding. The motivation: I need to get a stable job. The proposal: Flexible work week. But as the time pass by there has been an unspoken rule to report daily. My late check-ins are not helping either. My freelance work, booming. Makes me think that I need to trust God more. In fact for the past 3 months I've been recording our financial make-up, God has provided enough to make us survive the month. How He provides is just amazing. So going back to my day job, it feels that like charity. Well in a way it should be. One of my superiors himself have told me that they are not paying me as much as I should be paid. I think someone here needs to give us a vision and a motivation. So what's keeping me to my desk? A few reasons come to mind.
Day in the Life: Lesson Learned
It’s Sunday morning in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro and I’m waiting for someone to pick me up and bring me to the church that I will preach in today. Yesterday was the reason we’re here. We had a whole day student rally and Chi Alpha campaign for Oriental Mindoro. The rally was great. There were 100+ students present, mostly high school students. We introduced Chi Alpha to them that had never been heard before, except for a few oldies who said they were a part of Chi Alpha in the University Belt back in the 60s! We taught the students how to share the gospel and the importance of evangelism and discipleship. In the afternoon, we sent them out in the community for one hour hands-on evangelism exposure. They came back with 59 salvations made! Praise God for this. It’s amazing how God can move in a heart of a student and young person. These prayers that have been made I know have made impact for eternity. I have seen the power of prayer and the power of God in response to prayer.
Going to Oriental Mindoro was a struggle between me and God, though not a heavy one. Perhaps because it’s because the humanity in me that wants to know the plan before stepping into it. There were challenges, financially and by location. I thought the event was going to be in the capital city Calapan, but a few hours before I leave for Manila, I was informed that the event was going to be held in Mansalay which according to Wikipedia was a 3rd-class municipality. I told myself, surely this is not the educational hub of this province. Then there is my hesitation to leave because I’m parting again with my wife. As we grow closer together, the harder it is to part.
The day before we left, I was able to catch via live streaming the youth service of US General Council in Phoenix. The speaker was a missionary to a restricted location in Thailand. He told one story that really caught my attention and felt it was God speaking to me. He told about a time when he was a missionary in India, when God spoke to him to reach the highest inhabited village in the Himalayas. It was an exciting assignment for him. So he packed everything that he could give to these people, reading materials and Book of Hopes, one heavy load. And made a five day trek upward. But when he reached the highest inhabited village, he was disappointed to see that there were only four houses! But not only that, seeming to add insult to injury, they learned that the people cannot read! In his mind, he had a lot of questions to God, of bringing him there. But God spoke to him saying, “I love these people, and I want everyone to have a chance at hearing the gospel.”
That struck a chord in my heart. Here am I questioning God for sending me to this place. God made it clear. Everybody deserves a chance at salvation. Every soul is important, every student not a lesser value than those in the cities.
Slowly God’s sovereignty begins unfolding. The missionary at the council said, “God doesn’t give you the whole plan, because you can’t handle it!” And it was on a positive note, that when we know how much God has in store for His children, of how God will use His children yielded to Him in our lifetimes, we might breakdown in such awesomeness. He wants us to trust Him, always.
So I learned that they held the event in this place because this place has the biggest concentration of AG churches. And despite the heavy rains the previous day and hours before the event, God sent the young people. Students who are eager to learn and be used by God.
The trip was also a communion with God—with His creation, the mountains, trees and the beach … and with His people. These people are abundant in resources in another kind. They fed us well with the fruits of the sea (fish and crabs), let us sleep in their own beds, and extended graciousness beyond average, a superb country hospitality, and grace extended through the Spirit that dwells in them.
Lesson learned. Everyone deserves a chance to hear the gospel. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise … He is patient … not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Going to Oriental Mindoro was a struggle between me and God, though not a heavy one. Perhaps because it’s because the humanity in me that wants to know the plan before stepping into it. There were challenges, financially and by location. I thought the event was going to be in the capital city Calapan, but a few hours before I leave for Manila, I was informed that the event was going to be held in Mansalay which according to Wikipedia was a 3rd-class municipality. I told myself, surely this is not the educational hub of this province. Then there is my hesitation to leave because I’m parting again with my wife. As we grow closer together, the harder it is to part.
The day before we left, I was able to catch via live streaming the youth service of US General Council in Phoenix. The speaker was a missionary to a restricted location in Thailand. He told one story that really caught my attention and felt it was God speaking to me. He told about a time when he was a missionary in India, when God spoke to him to reach the highest inhabited village in the Himalayas. It was an exciting assignment for him. So he packed everything that he could give to these people, reading materials and Book of Hopes, one heavy load. And made a five day trek upward. But when he reached the highest inhabited village, he was disappointed to see that there were only four houses! But not only that, seeming to add insult to injury, they learned that the people cannot read! In his mind, he had a lot of questions to God, of bringing him there. But God spoke to him saying, “I love these people, and I want everyone to have a chance at hearing the gospel.”
That struck a chord in my heart. Here am I questioning God for sending me to this place. God made it clear. Everybody deserves a chance at salvation. Every soul is important, every student not a lesser value than those in the cities.
Slowly God’s sovereignty begins unfolding. The missionary at the council said, “God doesn’t give you the whole plan, because you can’t handle it!” And it was on a positive note, that when we know how much God has in store for His children, of how God will use His children yielded to Him in our lifetimes, we might breakdown in such awesomeness. He wants us to trust Him, always.
So I learned that they held the event in this place because this place has the biggest concentration of AG churches. And despite the heavy rains the previous day and hours before the event, God sent the young people. Students who are eager to learn and be used by God.
The trip was also a communion with God—with His creation, the mountains, trees and the beach … and with His people. These people are abundant in resources in another kind. They fed us well with the fruits of the sea (fish and crabs), let us sleep in their own beds, and extended graciousness beyond average, a superb country hospitality, and grace extended through the Spirit that dwells in them.
Lesson learned. Everyone deserves a chance to hear the gospel. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise … He is patient … not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Day in the Life
Back to blogging ... hopefully. Today is Sunday and waiting on my wife as we go to church. We will be going to Binondo today. Ptr. Herb and Karen Johnson once our senior pastor in Binondo, the one before our current pastor is speaking today at church. A few months ago, they were in Papua New Guinea for mission and an unfortunate event happened. Thank God they are okay. But am wondering how they would respond at the changes in our lives. For one, last time they were in Binondo I was still a pastor there, now we're out doing mission. I hope everything turns out well.
The Garment
Excerpt from Max Lucado's In the Grip of Grace:
"My only qualification for writing a book on grace is the clothing I wear. Let me explain.
For years I owned an elegant suit complete with coat, trousers, even a gat. I considered myself quite dapper in the outfit and was confident when others agreed.
The pants were cut from the cloth of my good works, sturdy fabric of deeds done and projects completed. Some studies here, some sermons there. Many people complimented my trousers, and I confess, I tended to hitch them up in public so people would notice them.
The coat was equally impressive. It was woven together from my convictions. Each day I dressed myself in deep feelings of religious fervor. My emotions were quite strong. So strong, in fact, that I was often asked to model my cloak of zeal in public gatherings to inspire others. Of course I was happy to comply.
While there I’d also display my hat, a feathered cap of knowledge. Formed with my own hands from the fabric of personal opinion, I wore it proudly.
Surely God is impressed with my garments, I often thought. Occasionally I strutted into His presence so he could compliment the self-tailored wear. He never spoke. His silence must mean admiration, I convinced myself.
But then my wardrobe began to suffer. The fabric of my trousers grew thin. My best works started coming unstitched. I began leaving more undone tan done, and what little I did was nothing to boast about.
No problem, I thought. I’ll work harder.
But working harder was a problem. There was a hole in my coat of convictions. My resolve was threadbare. A cold wind cut into my chest. I reached up to pull my hat down firmly, and the brim ripped off in my hands.
Over a period of a few months, my wardrobe of self-righteousness completely unraveled. I went from tailored gentlemen’s apparel to beggars’ rags. Fearful that God might be angry at my tattered suit, I did my best to stitch it together and cover my mistakes. But the cloth was so worn. And the wind was so icy. I gave up. I went back to God. (Where else could I go?)
On a wintry Thursday afternoon, I stepped into his presence, not for applause, but for warmth. My prayer was feeble.
“I feel naked.”
“You are. And you have been for a long time.”
What he did next I’ll never forget. “I have something to give you,” he said. He gently removed the remaining threads and then picked up a robe, a regal robe, the clothing of his own goodness.
He wrapped it around my shoulder. His words to me were tender. “My son, you are now clothed with Christ” (see Gal . 3:27)
Though I’d sung the hymn a thousand times, I finally understood it:
Dressed in his righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.”
"My only qualification for writing a book on grace is the clothing I wear. Let me explain.
For years I owned an elegant suit complete with coat, trousers, even a gat. I considered myself quite dapper in the outfit and was confident when others agreed.
The pants were cut from the cloth of my good works, sturdy fabric of deeds done and projects completed. Some studies here, some sermons there. Many people complimented my trousers, and I confess, I tended to hitch them up in public so people would notice them.
The coat was equally impressive. It was woven together from my convictions. Each day I dressed myself in deep feelings of religious fervor. My emotions were quite strong. So strong, in fact, that I was often asked to model my cloak of zeal in public gatherings to inspire others. Of course I was happy to comply.
While there I’d also display my hat, a feathered cap of knowledge. Formed with my own hands from the fabric of personal opinion, I wore it proudly.
Surely God is impressed with my garments, I often thought. Occasionally I strutted into His presence so he could compliment the self-tailored wear. He never spoke. His silence must mean admiration, I convinced myself.
But then my wardrobe began to suffer. The fabric of my trousers grew thin. My best works started coming unstitched. I began leaving more undone tan done, and what little I did was nothing to boast about.
No problem, I thought. I’ll work harder.
But working harder was a problem. There was a hole in my coat of convictions. My resolve was threadbare. A cold wind cut into my chest. I reached up to pull my hat down firmly, and the brim ripped off in my hands.
Over a period of a few months, my wardrobe of self-righteousness completely unraveled. I went from tailored gentlemen’s apparel to beggars’ rags. Fearful that God might be angry at my tattered suit, I did my best to stitch it together and cover my mistakes. But the cloth was so worn. And the wind was so icy. I gave up. I went back to God. (Where else could I go?)
On a wintry Thursday afternoon, I stepped into his presence, not for applause, but for warmth. My prayer was feeble.
“I feel naked.”
“You are. And you have been for a long time.”
What he did next I’ll never forget. “I have something to give you,” he said. He gently removed the remaining threads and then picked up a robe, a regal robe, the clothing of his own goodness.
He wrapped it around my shoulder. His words to me were tender. “My son, you are now clothed with Christ” (see Gal . 3:27)
Though I’d sung the hymn a thousand times, I finally understood it:
Dressed in his righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.”
Raised Up for Such A Time as This
The Story. Haman decides to annihilate the Jews because Mordecai refused to bow down to him. Mordecai runs to her cousin Queen Esther to ask the king for help. Their conversation unfolds in the following passage:
Esther 4:11 "All the king's officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king."
12 When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"
15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."
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The Risk - Showing up to the king unsummoned many cause you your life unless the king is pleased with you. Many Christian are afraid of sharing Christ for the risk of being ridiculed, isolated and rejected. But what if you share Christ and it turned out to be a positive experience for you and your listener?
"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance ... will arise from another place ..." - Your refusal to speak about Christ will not hinder the Lord's work. He will choose another person through whom he will speak. You have missed a great opportunity lang naman!
"You .. will perish" (one day and eventually be forgotten).
"And who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?" - Who knows? God knows! God has placed you where you are--in that class, that office, that community so you can "show forth the praises of Him". To the Christian student, you are not just a student who happens to be a Christian; you are a Christian who happens to be a student! God has raised you up for this purpose, to be a light in your campus; to be a star of Bethlehem to your friends that will point them to Christ. Seize the opportunity!
"If I perish, I perish" - May our love for Christ and other, and our obedience to Him outshine our fears. Who knows? God knows! He has raised you up for such a time as this! Share Christ today!
Esther 4:11 "All the king's officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king."
12 When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"
15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."
----
The Risk - Showing up to the king unsummoned many cause you your life unless the king is pleased with you. Many Christian are afraid of sharing Christ for the risk of being ridiculed, isolated and rejected. But what if you share Christ and it turned out to be a positive experience for you and your listener?
"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance ... will arise from another place ..." - Your refusal to speak about Christ will not hinder the Lord's work. He will choose another person through whom he will speak. You have missed a great opportunity lang naman!
"You .. will perish" (one day and eventually be forgotten).
"And who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?" - Who knows? God knows! God has placed you where you are--in that class, that office, that community so you can "show forth the praises of Him". To the Christian student, you are not just a student who happens to be a Christian; you are a Christian who happens to be a student! God has raised you up for this purpose, to be a light in your campus; to be a star of Bethlehem to your friends that will point them to Christ. Seize the opportunity!
"If I perish, I perish" - May our love for Christ and other, and our obedience to Him outshine our fears. Who knows? God knows! He has raised you up for such a time as this! Share Christ today!
Luke 24:44 He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."
 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.  46 He told them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,  47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  48 You are witnesses of these things.  49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
It was only when Jesus "opened their minds" that the disciples finally understood the main thing. Sometimes we get caught up in our own understanding of what God is trying to do--from our perspectives and limitations. The disciples thought Jesus' plan was for a national revolt to restore Israel to it's early glorious reign. Imagine their dismay when their leader was killed. Even until when Jesus resurrected from the grave, their mindsets remained. But Jesus' had his eyes set on something greater, far grander than any human mind could comprehend. The disciples thought about national revolution, Jesus aimed for universal redemption.
There are times I get caught up with the details of life. I tend to look at life with a magnifying glass. In focusing on the minute, I miss the big picture. And when I finally see what God is doing in the tapestry of His grand design, I get overwhelmed. I ask, does my work bring value in God's work? Am I a Martha who misses "what is of utmost importance--sitting at the Master's feet?"
- Jesus has declared it, the gospel will be preached to all nations.
- You are his witness. And God is sending you.
- Be clothed with power from on high. You cannot give what you don't have. Don't forget your TAWG-Time Alone with God (Read the Bible, pray and be filled with the Holy Spirit)
 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.  46 He told them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,  47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  48 You are witnesses of these things.  49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
It was only when Jesus "opened their minds" that the disciples finally understood the main thing. Sometimes we get caught up in our own understanding of what God is trying to do--from our perspectives and limitations. The disciples thought Jesus' plan was for a national revolt to restore Israel to it's early glorious reign. Imagine their dismay when their leader was killed. Even until when Jesus resurrected from the grave, their mindsets remained. But Jesus' had his eyes set on something greater, far grander than any human mind could comprehend. The disciples thought about national revolution, Jesus aimed for universal redemption.
There are times I get caught up with the details of life. I tend to look at life with a magnifying glass. In focusing on the minute, I miss the big picture. And when I finally see what God is doing in the tapestry of His grand design, I get overwhelmed. I ask, does my work bring value in God's work? Am I a Martha who misses "what is of utmost importance--sitting at the Master's feet?"
- Jesus has declared it, the gospel will be preached to all nations.
- You are his witness. And God is sending you.
- Be clothed with power from on high. You cannot give what you don't have. Don't forget your TAWG-Time Alone with God (Read the Bible, pray and be filled with the Holy Spirit)
Verses to Keep
The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. - 1Sa 16:7
You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel ... it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands. - 1Sa 17:45-47
You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel ... it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands. - 1Sa 17:45-47
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. - Mark 10:14-15
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” - Mark 10:29-31
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” - Mark 10:29-31
Places I've been to
My Lakbayan grade is C+!
How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!
Created by Eugene Villar.
Bangkok!
Last April 5-12, Netty and I had a blessing to go to Bangkok, Thailand. We were invited to participate in APYL (pronounced "apple" Asia Pacific Youth Leaders Consultation) as coordinators of Chi Alpha Philippines. That was from 6th-8th. We extended our stay to go around the city and spend time with friends Ptr. Rodel, Ate Alice, Ptr. Abe, Ptr. Sur, Ptr. Chad, Ate Renz and Nav). Thank God for giving us an opportunity of visiting this beautiful city.
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| The Grand Palace compound. |
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| This is in Wat Arun ... entrance to the hall of Buddhas. |
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| This was during the consultation. We stayed in Bangkok Christian Center. |
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| This was in a mall featuring wax exhibit. |
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| This is the temple of Wat Arun. The tower was massive and very intricate. |
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| This is in Wat Pho that houses the massive golden lying Buddha. |
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| This was on Saturday when we visited Ancient Siam. It's a park that features replicas of famous sites all over Thailand. |
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| This is the king's palace in the Grand Palace compound. I took this shot. I love it. |
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| This is in Ancient Siam. There's a mini-zoo inside it. Took photo with their resident python. |
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| This was when we arrived in Bangkok, we were met by Ptr. Abe and Ptr. Chad. |
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| This was the last night of the consultation. We went to a dining compound that had cultural shows. These two girls were on their way to the performance. We stopped them for a quick snapshot. |
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| This is in Shakey's in NAIA 3 with Ptr. Rodel and his wife Ate Alice. Ptr. Rodel is the Southeast Asia regional coordinator for One Hope. |
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| This is in Ancient Siam. The background is a replica of the Pavilion of Englightenment. Very beautiful architecture. |
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| These are the delegates of the APYL consultation. 9 countries were represented here. |
It is finished!
My M. Div course that is. Last April 1 I graduated in Masters of Divinity after 6.5 years of taking it up. I wrote in my FB message:
On April 1, I will be graduating from Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries (www.ascm.net) Masters of Divinity (Oct 2004-Apr 2011). I entered ASCM after responding God's call in my life at the Asian Institute of Youth Studies May 2004 (after graduating in UST) in APTS Baguio City. This season has been a fulfilling and molding experiece. ASCM has equipped me to do what God has called me to do: to serve the next generation and to impact the nations for God. Through your support, encouragement and prayers you made this possible. Thank you for investing your life in me. To God be the glory for the things He has done!
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| With my family. |
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| Our friend Mutya attended the graduation. I'm the last of the remnants of this group. Most of them had already graduated or moved to other places already. |
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| My beloved adviser and professor Dr. Zonia Tappeiner. She and her husband Dr. T made an impact in my life. |
Help me overcome my unbelief
"' ... But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us' ... 'If you can'? said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for the one who believes.' ... 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" - Mark 9:22-24
" 'Why couldn't we drive it out?' ... 'This kind can come out only by prayer.' " - Mark 9:28-29
Many times we get used to the normal. Normal is getting by. Getting by what's there and existing. Getting used to our limps and crutches. We used to believe that God will take them away, but "I've been asking for awhile and the answer hasn't come yet.". So we take on a new notion that it's something that will be permanent, something that we should deal with from day to day. And our prayers become something like, "If you [God] can do anything ... help us." Two things are revealed from the father's prayer: First his lack of faith, seeing his son suffer this sickness "from childhood" made him believe that perhaps God can't do anything about it. One pastor says, "So small a prayer might be an insult to God." We must be reminded that God is sovereign--He know's what He is doing ... and God is all powerful--He is able to do anything. Yes, anything. Second observation is that this father lacked faith in themselves. He thought his family's circumstance is too small to be dealt with by an Almighty God. "If you can do anything ..." is like saying ... "Well, if you have spare time, but if I'm interrupting it's fine." How many times we pray prayers like that as if God had something better to do, more important to do. But God is more than willing to hear us and meet our need. Experiencing God tells us the beauty of serving our God. He is sovereign (He knows what he's doing), He is all-powerful (He can do anything) and He is Love ... God is Love. He does what's best for us and for His glory. Imagine that, a God who can do everything and He's on our side and He knows what He's doing.
"Everything is possible for one who believes." Everything is possible, that's the promise of Jesus himself. Impossible does not exist in God's vocabulary! Imagine what opportunities are open to a child of God. But this promise has a premise: "for one who believes." "One" can mean anyone. Jesus does not say "a child of God" or "the faithful". But it's an invitation for anyone to come and believe. Yes, even the worst of sinners and the unreligious. This invitation to believe the impossible is for everyone. The main ingredient is belief--or faith. Faith in what or to whom? Faith that God can and that He will. "Without faith it is impossible to please God." "Faith can move mountains."
What is the main ingredient of your prayers lately? Is it full of faith or a recitation or duty? God longs to share an intimate conversation with us. Like a parent longing to hear a young child's exploits after a day's work, God longs to hear our exploits, our victories and even our failures. When we ask, He won't say, "let's set an appointment for that," or "let me check my schedule." "Would a father give his son a snake when he asks for an egg? ..." His promise, "If fathers would know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more will our heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him."
Let it be the father's response be our response and prayer. "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Let us return once again to this child-like faith and trust to God and say, "Yes, Lord, I believe." God help me overcome my lack of faith--Ultimately it is God who will draw us to himself to know Him and trust Him.
" 'Why couldn't we drive it out?' ... 'This kind can come out only by prayer.' " - Mark 9:28-29
Many times we get used to the normal. Normal is getting by. Getting by what's there and existing. Getting used to our limps and crutches. We used to believe that God will take them away, but "I've been asking for awhile and the answer hasn't come yet.". So we take on a new notion that it's something that will be permanent, something that we should deal with from day to day. And our prayers become something like, "If you [God] can do anything ... help us." Two things are revealed from the father's prayer: First his lack of faith, seeing his son suffer this sickness "from childhood" made him believe that perhaps God can't do anything about it. One pastor says, "So small a prayer might be an insult to God." We must be reminded that God is sovereign--He know's what He is doing ... and God is all powerful--He is able to do anything. Yes, anything. Second observation is that this father lacked faith in themselves. He thought his family's circumstance is too small to be dealt with by an Almighty God. "If you can do anything ..." is like saying ... "Well, if you have spare time, but if I'm interrupting it's fine." How many times we pray prayers like that as if God had something better to do, more important to do. But God is more than willing to hear us and meet our need. Experiencing God tells us the beauty of serving our God. He is sovereign (He knows what he's doing), He is all-powerful (He can do anything) and He is Love ... God is Love. He does what's best for us and for His glory. Imagine that, a God who can do everything and He's on our side and He knows what He's doing.
"Everything is possible for one who believes." Everything is possible, that's the promise of Jesus himself. Impossible does not exist in God's vocabulary! Imagine what opportunities are open to a child of God. But this promise has a premise: "for one who believes." "One" can mean anyone. Jesus does not say "a child of God" or "the faithful". But it's an invitation for anyone to come and believe. Yes, even the worst of sinners and the unreligious. This invitation to believe the impossible is for everyone. The main ingredient is belief--or faith. Faith in what or to whom? Faith that God can and that He will. "Without faith it is impossible to please God." "Faith can move mountains."
What is the main ingredient of your prayers lately? Is it full of faith or a recitation or duty? God longs to share an intimate conversation with us. Like a parent longing to hear a young child's exploits after a day's work, God longs to hear our exploits, our victories and even our failures. When we ask, He won't say, "let's set an appointment for that," or "let me check my schedule." "Would a father give his son a snake when he asks for an egg? ..." His promise, "If fathers would know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more will our heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him."
Let it be the father's response be our response and prayer. "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Let us return once again to this child-like faith and trust to God and say, "Yes, Lord, I believe." God help me overcome my lack of faith--Ultimately it is God who will draw us to himself to know Him and trust Him.
Road to Graduation
10:30PM. On my bed with Oli (my Mac's name) on my lap typing away. Tomorrow Netty and I will be going to Butuan City for a week-long Chi Alpha training. We'll be going down to Tagum City 2nd half of the week. It's been a roller coaster of a life these days.
I'm graduating soon thank God. I took a leave from office today because I had an "exit interview" with our dean at school, but unfortunately he didn't show up on our meeting time. The day was not all wasted because I did some small errands like paying my remaining tuition etc. You know what, I thought I would be able to completely pay off my tuition fee, but when I checked with our school's cashier, the money I had wasn't enough to pay everything off. I was a bit sad that morning because I don't know where to get the money to pay off the remaining balance but God made a way. I prayed to God for His provision and just like one of those faith prayers God answered immediately through a text message saying a payment has been made for my project! God is really good.
I entered ASCM on October 2004. Graduating on April 2011. That is like 5.5 school years man (I was out of school for a year when I got married (October 2009-October 2010). This is like another season of my life with its own trials and lessons and God's display of His goodness and faithfulness in my life. And now it's soon closing. I'm thankful to God for sustaining me by His grace. I couldn't do it without Him. I quote Paul, not that I have attained it, but I (continue to) press on toward the goal for which Christ has set before me. I'm excited for what's next. But Lord, my prayer is that may I continue to be grounded and grow deeper in Him.
Deuteronomy 4:39-40
“So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other. If you obey all the decrees and commands I am giving you today, all will be well with you and your children. I am giving you these instructions so you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you for all time.”
What does it take to reach 25?
Last night my wife and I attended a 25 silver wedding anniversary celebration of Tito Jeff and Tita Bold in ICS. They were our ninong and ninang during our wedding. They had a beautiful recommitment ceremony, much similar to a wedding ceremony with a few twists. I thought, what does it take to reach 25 years of strong marriage and tight knit family? I look forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary also with Netty. That will be on 2025 ..
Day in the Life: Japan
Today is a sad day for the world. 8.9 magnitude earthquake and huge tsunami has hit north eastern part of Japan yesterday. The scenes on the TV are devastating. Makes me wanna rethink of my minuteness in this world. And my relationship with God. Am I ready to go when it's time to go? These are times when life forces you to narrow down the things that are of utmost importance. Though it feels like what's going on with the world right now is much like a lottery of chances--the unrest in the Middle East, the disasters that have recently hit New Zealand and Japan .. I have to remind myself that God is greater and my life is in his hands. Lord let Your abounding grace overflow to get us through these times.
Day in the Life
Here today at the library. Just finished our midterm exam. I did ok, I hope. Waiting for chapel to start in a few minutes. Head is aching since last night don't know why. A while ago I picked up and filled up my graduation application for April 2011. Thanking God for this season of study and molding--6 years. I just hope everything goes well and fits well with the busyness of life these days. On Sunday will be going to Ozamis City via Cebu for Chi Alpha training. Will come back on the 13th. Celebrate Valentines on the 14th. Leave again for Roxas and Kalibo on 15 & 16. I didn't realize it's almost two weeks that I will be gone from the city and home.
The Fighter
Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today ... The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. / Ex 14:13-14 NLT
For the past few days I feel as if my deeds outweigh my love for the King. I was reading through Experiencing God once again and read about asking ourselves whether we can honestly declare Mark 12:30 of loving God with all of my mind, soul and strength. I feel I am falling short of that. My mind struggles to justify before this audience that there must be some reasonable explanation why. Perhaps there is too much work. Aren't I'm doing this for Him anyway? But I have just to let it be. I need God. I need His presence--always.
Last night I went to an evening service whose topic was incidentally about Jacob. His story has been ringing in my life in the last few days. I can always relate to Jacob. Deceitful, bent and a coward. But yet in his most vulnerable moment God struggled with Him. God's question: What is your name? Who are you really? I am Jacob the Deceiver. I am weak. I am proud. I am nothing without You. For us to overcome God sets a mirror in front of us to see and acknowledge who we really are in the light of God.
In the light of this season I read through today's reading. The Israelites are crossing the sea. It required for each of them to believe. Murderous Egyptians on one side, an open sea on the other. What are the odds of dying today? But just as the Master Writer of our story always show himself to be, He's always ready to surprise us beyond our imagination. Let's split the sea so you can pass through it and cross the other side. There are times when I feel trapped between time and the day like sitting on a conveyor belt till it drops you on the edge. But these words of affirmation instructs me how to go through such times:
Do not be afraid. God is saying to me to be strong and take courage. To wait on Him and find new strength. Because He has promised me that He is always with me.
Stand firm. That despite of the challenge. I must never give up on my calling or give in to enemy lies like my life depended on it. No matter what.
Be still. That I must listen to the still small voice. Stillness is silent confidence of knowing who you are and who your God is.
Why? Because God is fighting for us. I am not alone. He is fighting for me. He fights for my trust. He fights for my love. He fights for my success.
For the past few days I feel as if my deeds outweigh my love for the King. I was reading through Experiencing God once again and read about asking ourselves whether we can honestly declare Mark 12:30 of loving God with all of my mind, soul and strength. I feel I am falling short of that. My mind struggles to justify before this audience that there must be some reasonable explanation why. Perhaps there is too much work. Aren't I'm doing this for Him anyway? But I have just to let it be. I need God. I need His presence--always.
Last night I went to an evening service whose topic was incidentally about Jacob. His story has been ringing in my life in the last few days. I can always relate to Jacob. Deceitful, bent and a coward. But yet in his most vulnerable moment God struggled with Him. God's question: What is your name? Who are you really? I am Jacob the Deceiver. I am weak. I am proud. I am nothing without You. For us to overcome God sets a mirror in front of us to see and acknowledge who we really are in the light of God.
In the light of this season I read through today's reading. The Israelites are crossing the sea. It required for each of them to believe. Murderous Egyptians on one side, an open sea on the other. What are the odds of dying today? But just as the Master Writer of our story always show himself to be, He's always ready to surprise us beyond our imagination. Let's split the sea so you can pass through it and cross the other side. There are times when I feel trapped between time and the day like sitting on a conveyor belt till it drops you on the edge. But these words of affirmation instructs me how to go through such times:
Do not be afraid. God is saying to me to be strong and take courage. To wait on Him and find new strength. Because He has promised me that He is always with me.
Stand firm. That despite of the challenge. I must never give up on my calling or give in to enemy lies like my life depended on it. No matter what.
Be still. That I must listen to the still small voice. Stillness is silent confidence of knowing who you are and who your God is.
Why? Because God is fighting for us. I am not alone. He is fighting for me. He fights for my trust. He fights for my love. He fights for my success.
Consequence of A Hard Heart
Ex. 8:15 But when Pharaoh saw that relief had come, he became stubborn. He refused to listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had predicted.
As I read through the story of the ten plagues. I am reminded of what happens to a person whose heart is hard--like Pharoah. Through Moses God challenged Pharoah to submit to him. But he was stubborn, just like many of us. So God sends plagues to make him humble. Just like Pharoah, sometimes God corrects us, but still we don’t listen, until our own folly makes us suffer. Then we pray to God to turn the suffering away. And God does turn it away just like in this story. But God takes away our problems, we return to our old ways. The first nine instances Mses demanded Pharoah to let his people go. The first nine instances God sent plagues to demonstrate His Lordship. All through these times Pharoah’s heart was stubborn and hard. Until the last straw came, when his hard heart caused him his firstborn son. May this be a warning to us. That though God loves us and desires the best for us. Our stubbornness and hardness of heart can hinder us from experiencing the good life. God says He is a jealous God. His desire is for you and knows that the way for you to experience the good life is through Him alone. I am reminded by the passage in Hebrews that says of the stubborn Israelites, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart.” Listen and obey.
As I read through the story of the ten plagues. I am reminded of what happens to a person whose heart is hard--like Pharoah. Through Moses God challenged Pharoah to submit to him. But he was stubborn, just like many of us. So God sends plagues to make him humble. Just like Pharoah, sometimes God corrects us, but still we don’t listen, until our own folly makes us suffer. Then we pray to God to turn the suffering away. And God does turn it away just like in this story. But God takes away our problems, we return to our old ways. The first nine instances Mses demanded Pharoah to let his people go. The first nine instances God sent plagues to demonstrate His Lordship. All through these times Pharoah’s heart was stubborn and hard. Until the last straw came, when his hard heart caused him his firstborn son. May this be a warning to us. That though God loves us and desires the best for us. Our stubbornness and hardness of heart can hinder us from experiencing the good life. God says He is a jealous God. His desire is for you and knows that the way for you to experience the good life is through Him alone. I am reminded by the passage in Hebrews that says of the stubborn Israelites, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart.” Listen and obey.
Singapore!
God has graciously allowed us to spend our first wedding anniversary in Singapore for a week. (Posted January 27)
Singapore Top 5 (in no particular order)
Animals - Seeing birds and animals I've never seen before for the first time and close encounters: Flamingos, pelicans, penguins, kangaroo and more!
Sentosa - Universal Studios! Cable car - First time to ride a cable car. The height was nerve wracking!
Efficiency - The transportation MRT & bus is efficient and convenient.
Architecture - Goldmine of architecture from cultural, to colonial, to modern and ultra modern.
Culture - Chinese, Indian and Malay culture in the mix!
Helpless Hagar
But God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants." Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink. / Genesis 21:17-19 NLT
I noticed that when God intervenes in our darker days He announces two things. First and well known is the phrase “Don’t be afraid” or “Do not fear”. He told it to Moses, to Gideon, to Mary, to the disciples. When we are afraid to do God’s bidding His invitation is “Do not be afraid." The second and often overlooked is a proceeding command “Go”. That means He is not only telling us not to be afraid just for the sake of comforting us with His presence. He says “Do not be afraid” so that we can “go” and obey His command with courage and assurance of His presence.
“God opened Hagar’s eyes”. For a moment I told myself Hagar must have obeyed God’s command to “Go” first before God opened her eyes. We see that God speaks courage to her to “go” and save Ishmael. The next we see God immediately opening her eyes. It wasn’t mentioned if she obeyed before or after her eyes were opened other than when she saw the well it said she took some water and “went” to the boy. Reflection: Often times we give too much credit upon ourselves saying “it is because I stepped out in faith that God did this and that” or we tell someone, “For God to do something for you, you must first take a step of faith.” While it can be true in other contexts, this passage tells me that I am helpless without God. I cannot do anything good apart from Him. Before I took “a” step of faith towards Him, our unpredictable God already took the greater step, or more like the most unimaginable leap--a leap from heaven to earth to save me. “Before we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”. He is salvation even for “pagans” like Hagar and Ishmael.
There is an old chorus that says:
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
May you see (as God opens your eyes) that He is always more than we can imagine or think. His love is more than we can imagine what His love looks like. His invitation--Do not be afraid. His purpose for you--Grand. May this knowledge bring you the strength to live for His glory.
I noticed that when God intervenes in our darker days He announces two things. First and well known is the phrase “Don’t be afraid” or “Do not fear”. He told it to Moses, to Gideon, to Mary, to the disciples. When we are afraid to do God’s bidding His invitation is “Do not be afraid." The second and often overlooked is a proceeding command “Go”. That means He is not only telling us not to be afraid just for the sake of comforting us with His presence. He says “Do not be afraid” so that we can “go” and obey His command with courage and assurance of His presence.
“God opened Hagar’s eyes”. For a moment I told myself Hagar must have obeyed God’s command to “Go” first before God opened her eyes. We see that God speaks courage to her to “go” and save Ishmael. The next we see God immediately opening her eyes. It wasn’t mentioned if she obeyed before or after her eyes were opened other than when she saw the well it said she took some water and “went” to the boy. Reflection: Often times we give too much credit upon ourselves saying “it is because I stepped out in faith that God did this and that” or we tell someone, “For God to do something for you, you must first take a step of faith.” While it can be true in other contexts, this passage tells me that I am helpless without God. I cannot do anything good apart from Him. Before I took “a” step of faith towards Him, our unpredictable God already took the greater step, or more like the most unimaginable leap--a leap from heaven to earth to save me. “Before we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”. He is salvation even for “pagans” like Hagar and Ishmael.
There is an old chorus that says:
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
May you see (as God opens your eyes) that He is always more than we can imagine or think. His love is more than we can imagine what His love looks like. His invitation--Do not be afraid. His purpose for you--Grand. May this knowledge bring you the strength to live for His glory.
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