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.

Today's Zechariah Readings

(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

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

A BLESSED CHRISTMAS & A PROSPEROUS 2011 TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. We hope you have a wonderful holiday vacation. So much has happened in 2010 for us and we continue to thank God for His goodness in our lives. Here are some highlights of our 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.

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.