God is able to restore and resurrect the dead and the desolate

GOD IS ABLE TO RESTORE AND RESURRECT THE DEAD AND THE DESOLATE.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” - John 11:25-26

What does this passage say about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ:

He is the resurrection - He is capable of bringing even dead things to life.

He is the life - Apart from Him we are dead and boring.

He is worthy of our trust and faith - Because His promise is available to "whoever who believes" in Him.

 Jesus' question for you too is "Do you believe this?"

 Have a Blessed Day!! :)

Don't delay to be a blessing to someone else

In light of yesterday's suicide incident in Ortigas, I discovered in the news that there was another suicide incident (a day before yesterday) this time involving a UST student. My heart breaks for these precious ones who have concluded that life has no meaning anymore, enough to end their lives abruptly. Hope came too late for them.

I do not intend to dampen your spirit today. I just want to remind us that time is running, and the enemy is also at work to destroy the lives of this generation. One generation is all it takes to make or break it for the next generation.

But God is at work in you, and He can work through you. Every day counts. In us we carry this hope in Christ that can transform the world. Really. Don't lose any moment to be a blessing to another. A simple hi, smile, initiate a conversation, an act of unconditional love through a simple act of kindness can make a difference.

The Man and The Miracle

Today I was reading through the story in John 9 when Jesus healed the man who was born blind. I was just reminded by what motivation did Jesus healed the blind man. I really love this story because this is something I can relate with. I may not be physically blind, but at one time, spiritually I was groping in the darkness of my soul.

The man born blind didn't asked to be healed, he didn't even know that Jesus had come to heal him that day. But Jesus did it anyway. So what was Jesus' motivation behind this healing? Reading through the passage with eyes of the flesh we can assume that Jesus might be trying to prove a point. He might be trying to prove His superiority over Sabbath, or the Law and the Pharisees, which He is (superior). Or perhaps He had his disciples for another lesson on the kingdom and it happened that this blind man was a suitable object lesson. Then I realize, it is my sinful nature that I see in me. These are why we do ministry for the wrong reasons. The thing is Jesus' didn't have to prove anything, He heals people for who He is. His name is Jesus.

I started to magnify and worship God as I am confronted once again with this amazing love of God. The blind man didn't ask to be healed. Like many of us, we didn't ask to be saved. "But while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." His motivation, pure love and compassion. A love as hot as a burning furnace, compassion as gentle as a Father's embrace. And the object of this raging love and compassion--you. He is in hot pursuit of you. In the grand scheme of God's plan, Jesus sought this man born blind to reveal himself to this man and to reveal God's kingdom to many, "so that the works of God might be displayed in him."

It makes me wonder and ask myself, how am I responding to this love. That if love is a burning furnace, have I been transformed by it? Makes me wonder the moments when I choose to cast my godly inheritance for earthly ones. These are the moments when I lose sight of this love, the knowledge that God is continuously drawing me to Him. Scripture say that it is by God's kindness that we are led to repentance. Just when Jesus challenged the faith of this man to believe and wash his face in Siloam, do I have that faith to believe that I am washed, forgiven and redeemed?

"Once I was blind, but now I see." The man only knew two things. The Man and the miracle. It was enough for him, but soon after he would discover that he was already talking to his Savior face to face.  

I was also blind once, and Jesus sought me and He saved me because He is love. His grace, forgiveness and His dwelling presence that I have received lay on this amazing love. And so we focus on the Name and the miracle--Jesus and what He has done for us. 

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One Act of Faith and Righteousness

As a young Christian, I grew up to the story of the Peace Child, the story of a missionaries Don & Carol Richardson and their sons who won to Christ the Sawi tribe who was then known for tribal wars, headhunting and cannibalism. This video is when the missionaries family returned to visit the Sawi tribe after 50 years. 

This video is a reminder that there is no one too insignificant and too sinful to be too far from God's saving hand. It also reminds us that God can take a person's one act of faith and righteousness to save many lives. Can your one act of faith and courage save a campus? By God's grace and power, yes! Your stand and voice for Jesus can impact a generation of believers in your campus in the years to come. #walkLikeJesus

"For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." Romans 5:19-20

Never the Same from Pioneers-USA on Vimeo.

Subic Road Trip

I love the times when Nette and I get to have a break from work and ministry and just hang out together. This time, we went with her aunts and cousins to Subic to hang-out. Here is my story:

First stop: Royal Duty Free. It's their anniversary so everything is 10% off. 

It was a chaos inside the store. Everyone scuttling to find the best deal. It's funny because sometimes we buy things we don't really need, we convince ourselves that we need them after we see them. It's so crowded that shopping carts are head to head, people's patience are tested. Twice, I've heard someone say that someone stole an item on their cart, on which I thought "how can someone steal from you when you have not yet paid for it?"

Seth finds his toy. 

Lunch at Meat Plus. I'm holding a banana split which Nette and I destroyed after a few minutes. The barbeque pork ribs is also a must try (P220)

Stopped by Shell of Asia NLex on way home to kill some time before the coding is lifted. Went to starbucks and hang out.

Tried this pumpkin crunch a.k.a. buto ng kalabasa

Have you tried peeling pumpkin seeds? But instead of eating each right away, you wait until you've gathered a handful and then you eat them all together? This is sort of like that. Though eating already-peeled pumpkin seeds misses out on the experience of peeling it, the struggle and reward.

Seth is our nephew. A jolly little kid.

In Photos: The Month That Was

I'd like to share to you some of my memorable photos in the past few weeks:

This was just this evening. I met up with some of the guys in my student DGroup (L-R: Dan, Calvin, Morris, Sid and Chimi (he's the one taking the pic) to catch up after our Radical Outbreak convergence in Baguio. I wasn't able to spend much time with them in Baguio, so this get together was a much awaited one. I am rejoicing with the stories and reflections I heard from these guys. Praying that they will continue to grow in the Lord.

This was taken last Sunday at LifeSource. Just so happened that Ronel and I wore a complimentary shade and stripes and it reminded me that Christmas is drawing near. Ronel is an XA alumni from UP Los Banos and is now taking his MA in La Salle. Very, very bright kid.

RADICAL OUTBREAK

Delegates from Radical Outbreak Baguio and Cebu

What a privilege to speak before students of Chi Alpha at Radical Outbreak Baguio and Cebu. I did the welcome and wrap up sessions.

Hanging out with Chi Alpha Luzon Team at Baguio's 50s Diner. It's a great encouragement to everybody when like minds with the same passion and burden for students meet together and share a meal.

Hanging out with Brian Lopez, RadCon Baguio's program coordinator. We met back in 2004 in AIYS, but this is the first time we've really worked together. He's really an awesome guy. Learned so much from this guy. He's a great motivator, with a great passion for leading worship and ministering to young people.

One of our candid moments with the XA team. I really appreciate this photo because it reminds me that ministry can be serious without being somber. We always love a good laugh.

Behind every successful man is a woman. And that woman in my life is Nette. I really thank God for giving me a loving and supportive wife. I'm blessed to be with her serving with me during the convergence. Thanks by, I love you!

A meeting in progress. Met with XA Visayas leaders and coordinators to catch up, share stories and victories and values. These people can move and mobilize. Each of us has caught the vision.

 This was during our road trip in Cebu the day after the Cebu convergence. I'm with Jed, Japhet and Gadiel. Jed is my co-staff in XA Luzon. Japhet and Gadiel are Ate Merla's disciple in Toledo City. I thank God because He is raising the next generation of student missionaries and campus workers. In fact, I surveyed almost on each locale God has placed a young trailblazer in Chi Alpha. Makes me excited for the things to come!

The icing on the cake. Our time in Cebu was taking toll on our physical. So when Kuya Paul Mongas took us in The Port in Waterfront Hotel, and treat us to an eat-all-you-can buffet, it lifted all our spirits. The best ka talaga Kuya Paul!

SEMENDERS

Our last Dgroup gathering in PUP. After weeks of failing to meet together because of the final exams, we finally made our last hurrah for the semester and almost everyone turned up for the gathering. Cookie cheers for a great 1st semester!

Sem end doesn't mean we can't go meet new friends. We made new friends with students from Technological University of the Philippines. We had a small gathering in the Chinese Garden in Luneta, had fun games and fellowship and shared to them the good news.

This photo was during my birthday party last September. But I'm highlighting this because the guy beside me, Chester, my disciple from CEU will not be with us in 2nd Semester. He will be staying with his mom in Italy for a while and will be back 2nd Semester next school year. I miss this guy. Our last Sunday together at church made me cry and realize the attachment I had with these precious ones. :'(

We'll see each other soon. :)

We ended our semester with a great semender party! Everyone turned up and more! Looking at this photo reminded me of the months we spent serving in University Belt, and truly our work in the Lord is not in vain.

BONUS

These are video clips from our semender party ...

Team Building Reflection

Icebreaker

Radical Outbreak

Just recently wrapped up the Radical Outbreak XA Student Convergence. I have yet to write my thoughts and reflections about this historical event. But in a nutshell, it was more than awesome. It's all about Jesus!

Photos available at the Chi Alpha FB Page.

Circumcision of the heart

Jeremiah 4:3-4

"… Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts … or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire because of the evil you have done--burn with no one to quench it."

"Break up your ground left uncultivated for a season" … Season of mediocrity, apathy, self-centeredness left the soil of our hearts uncultivated, unfruitful, not put to good use … break it up, break your hearts for God's season of planting. "Break my heart for what breaks Yours."

"So that you may not sow among thorns" … Planting on unclean soil ("thorny") will be unproductive. Remember the parable of the soil when the seeds fell on thorny ground, it choked the seedlings. The transforming Word of God can be choked by our worries and worldly cares. Jesus taught about not putting new wine on old wineskins. Don't sow new seeds on old, uncultivated soil.

Before we could be use by God for His good purposes, allow Him to cleanse you, wash you clean, make you fit for service. This is a clear reminder that ministry without a healthy relationship with God is empty and dangerous. 

"Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts." In the ancient times, circumcision in the bible is not just a physical rite of passage, but has a spiritual meaning. It's a God-given covenant between God and his people that set them apart from the people around them. To circumcise meant to remove, or to set apart. As followers of Jesus, we must set ourselves apart from the world and wholly dedicated/set apart for God's use. We must set our hearts apart for God's use and will, not allowing worldly thoughts, desires dwell in it.

"My wrath will flare up" … Every disobedience, despite God's stern warning, will result in ushering God's wrath, judgment, discipline in our life. This adds a new dimension when the Bible says, the Lord disciplines whom he loves. God will show tough love to those whose heart needs to be turned back to him.

The Perils of Disobedience and the Promise of Restoration

Isaiah 19 is a message of warning and promise for the nation of Egypt. Egypt at that time is a strong and oppressive nation against God's people. Throughout the old testament Egypt represented slavery and false worship. God delivered the Hebrews from them both. Now Isaiah prophecies against Egypt, that though they are strong, they will be made weak. Though they are proud, they will be humbled. But it doesn't end in the proclamation of destruction, but from a word of warning a word of promise blossoms. God will strike them, but soon there will be healing and restoration.

Today God gives us a warning, to leave our Egypts: the sins that we are keeping and the gods that we are trusting. God remains to be holy and no sin stands up to him. "Today, when you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts" (Hebrews). We either walk onto destruction or turn back to Him. Hope often rises from the most unexpected places. And springs up even from ashes of destruction and suffering. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1Jn 1:9). Forgiveness, freedom from guilt and holiness are available under the shadow of the cross.

Today God also gives us a promise, anchored upon the Word of God. That when we return to Him, when we seek and obey Him, He will restore and heal us. Even Egypt had a fighting chance for His blessing. He says in Isaiah, "Though our sins are like scarlet, they will be white as snow" (Isaiah). His blessings far trumps what the world has to offer:

• God will rescue you - v20 - "When the people cry out to the Lord for help … he will send them a savior who will rescue them."
• God will reveal Himself to you - v21 - "The Lord will make himself known to [them] … They will make a vow to the Lord and will keep it."
• God will restore what you lost - v22 - "For they will turn to the Lord, and he will  listen to their please and heal them."
• God will rebuild your relationships - v23 - "In that day Egypt and Assyria will be connected … and they will both worship God. And Israel will be their ally. The three will be together, and Israel will be a blessing to them."
• God will raise you up - v25 - "For the Lord will say, "Blessed be Egypt, my people …"

There's no better way to start than today. Stop reliving the past and living in the future. Today is what we can do something about. 

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

Ignited in Isabela

Last week til weekend, my wife and I together with the XA Luzon Team this time composed of Ate Khit, Jed and Jhang went to Isabela for Chi Alpha. It was my first time to visit Isabela and had some wonderful memories during my visit. Here are some photos of that trip.

For the complete photo album, please visit our Chi Alpha page in Facebook look for "Chi Alpha Philippines".

We arrived in Santiago City in the morning and stayed at FAME Church. After a few hours of rest we set for Cauayan City, an hour trip from Santiago to visit Isabela State University--Cauayan campus, where our Chi Alpha members are waiting. It was a great time of fellowship and sharing encouragement to them. Praise God because the group is really growing.

The guy in black kneeling in front is Ptr. Jomer de Isidro, the coordinator for XA-ISU-Cauayan. He is also a local AG pastor in the city. Got a passionate heart for young people and students. He is sort of a legend in the campus because almost everyone knows him.

Another group photo at the campus field. Ptr Jomer says 70% of the students that make up Chi Alpha came to know Christ in the campus.

The weather was hot and humid, so after ISU they took us to a small canteen on the side of the highway. But don't let looks fool you. They serve the best Pancit Cabagan in Cauayan! We tried Batil Patong, a version of Cabagan with egg. From the left there's Ate Khit, Nette, me, Ptr. Jomer, Ptr. Joses of Santiago, and Ptr. Christian of Bacnor, both leading their own Chi Alpha groups in their locale.

Friday, we visited Sefton, the district bible school where we met Ptr Glenn, Ate Dayang's husband. We would later go to Roxas to visit them as well. The couple on the right is Ptr. Lawrence and Ptra. Joy. Turns out they were former members in ICS and Ate Joy was Nette's Sunday School teacher. Small world .. They gave us a short tour around the compound. The building at the back is the Fire Center, the main gathering/fellowship hall.

It was an unexpectedly long trip to Roxas. Actually it only took 1.5 hours by van, but since the route was new it felt longer. We visited Kuya Glenn and Ate Dayang's place in Roxas. Ate Dayang is the former youth pastor of ICS, and has moved to Roxas after getting married. She is soon to give birth to baby Zurielle. It was a great dinner fellowship in the evening.

After dinner they took us around the town center via tricycle. Ate Dayang sits more comfortably at the back of the motorcycle than inside the cab.

Saturday was the main event. The Chi Alpha District Kick of Rally was held in FAME Church with youth groups from different churches around Isabela, Ifugao and Quirino joining us. Ptr. Joses the youth pastor leads the Chi Alpha group in Northeastern Colleges, just a few walks from the church. Though they have just started this semester, the group is vibrant and growing.

Sharing the vision of movements of multiplying disciples is always a personal joy of mine. Students listen attentively as I share about our Student: Missionary campaign.

It is only in this chapter that we saw XA blocks like this. It's a great idea and a great photo opp piece. Thanks XA Luzon and our local XA leaders for making this trip memorable.