it's traditional for Filipinos of the Catholic faith to celebrate the Christmas season with a 5 day Night Mass (that is held 3 or 4 o' clock in the morning...which is technically MORNING) that ends in a early morning mass called MISA DE GALLO or ROOSTER'S MASS! I am not catholic but I do enjoy hearing Christmas bells or recorded tagalog carols in the cold mornings of December...It's kinda nostalgic at times!
Our house is in front of a huge Parish Church that my Grandfather helped build...so every morning, starting on the 16th of December, I would look out of our balcony and witness a large multitude of people overflowing the church building. But as I observe the people who attend this mass, I can't help but wonder if the truth of God's word would ever reach them in this kind of setting. I would ponder on the endless possibilities of souls being saved if only we Believers would take hold of this tradition to our advantage. I remember the verse that says we have to REDEEM THE TIME for the days are evil...how can we as believers redeem this season for God?
On the 24th of December, many people will be attending the misa de gallo seeking for hope...trying to find answers to life's difficult questions...questions that has an eternal value...overwhelming questions that are ignored most of the time. I hope and pray that the Jesus that is celebrated on this momentous occasion would make a difference in the lives of these people.
Merry Christmas to everyone!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
replacing the "WHY?" with "WHO?"
"Why does God allow these evil things to happen?"
A canned question that pops up every time a disaster comes our way. I remember two or three people directly asked me that question after the typhoon ONDOY situation. Answering such questions will require a lot of explaining and deep theological immersion...something that a Phlegmatic person like me will seldom take on. Now, as typhoon SENDONG left Northern Mindanao in utter devastation, the question resurfaces. So I challenged myself to research and give an answer, not to those people asking this question, but to myself...I need to settle this question within. So far, this is what I have to say about it.
In the beginning, A self sustaining three-person Deity has existed...God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Full of compassion, love, absolute truth, perfect justice and impeccable righteousness they have decided to create, in their omniscience and omnipotence, creatures of light that will reflect their glory. These creatures are loved, and one of them are even favored and was called Son of the Morning. Along with the love that these creatures enjoyed was also freedom...but that freedom, untamed and all, was the reason for the fall of 1/3 of the angelic hosts...led by the Son of the Morning...who planned to ascend and overthrow the Sovereignty of God.
After such events, God did not stop loving. His character is still intact, and with all integrity, the Trinity decided to create another creature. This time, these creatures will be patterned from their essence and personality. These creatures will know how to love because they have been loved. Undaunted by what happened to their first creation, the freedom to choose was still installed. They were placed in a perfect environment with everything they needed and gave them one basic rule...that if broken, would change everything...and it did! The perfect environment that the first two humans enjoyed was taken from them...pain and suffering began. The concept of death began claiming every living thing. At this point, these creatures may have been overwhelmed by the sudden change brought about by their disobedience.
Now, the world continues to be cursed. We have inherited the curse of our forefathers. We ourselves are cursed...but despite our fallen nature...God made a way for us to exercise our freedom in a positive way and regain the relationship that was cut because of the decision that was made a long time ago. At this point you might think that I'm losing my argument on God being fair. Well...in reality, God's justice and righteousness is not up for debate. They are perfect whatever we say. With or without the consolidated opinions of His creation, He will never cease to have perfect justice and perfect righteousness.
Think about this...
When God created us, He was not obligated to do so...He was already self-sustaining. But still, He decided to create us...not on a whim but with a purpose...He even fashioned us according to His very own image. He loved us so much...and He wanted us to understand the concept of unconditional love...and to to do so, God gave us Free Will. With the freedom to choose, we also have the freedom to reject. God risked being rejected so that we would understand the extent of His love. But the rejection of God solicits painful consequences. So, when something bad happens, it's not God...rather it's the absence of God.
So when will God step in?
God will step in when we humbly acknowledge His presence. God is not a sadist who enjoys seeing us suffer...but because we are designed to have freedom of choice, God cannot just step in. We have to choose to seek Him out. But we have to remember that God is not a genie who will magically do what we want. By acknowledging God's sovereignty, you are willfully submitting to what God wants for us. Remember the perfect environment? That's God's initial plan...but no...our free will wanted something else! Same concept...you want God to protect you? then adhere to His rules!
I love what Proverbs 1:29-33 says...it basically points out that evil will come to those who do not choose God's ways. That protection may not come as something we expect...It's not like God sending angels as bodyguards...but it may be a form of protecting your emotions, your soul, your integrity...things that matter to Him!
In conclusion...when we understand the sovereignty of God and His plan...we can breathe easily, knowing that Romans 8:28 is true when it tells us that everything that will happen in our lives will work out for our benefit and God's glory with the premise that we don't just ask "Why is this happening?" but acquire a divine viewpoint on "Who is the Alpha and Omega who holds this world together?" and understand God's true essence.
A canned question that pops up every time a disaster comes our way. I remember two or three people directly asked me that question after the typhoon ONDOY situation. Answering such questions will require a lot of explaining and deep theological immersion...something that a Phlegmatic person like me will seldom take on. Now, as typhoon SENDONG left Northern Mindanao in utter devastation, the question resurfaces. So I challenged myself to research and give an answer, not to those people asking this question, but to myself...I need to settle this question within. So far, this is what I have to say about it.
In the beginning, A self sustaining three-person Deity has existed...God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Full of compassion, love, absolute truth, perfect justice and impeccable righteousness they have decided to create, in their omniscience and omnipotence, creatures of light that will reflect their glory. These creatures are loved, and one of them are even favored and was called Son of the Morning. Along with the love that these creatures enjoyed was also freedom...but that freedom, untamed and all, was the reason for the fall of 1/3 of the angelic hosts...led by the Son of the Morning...who planned to ascend and overthrow the Sovereignty of God.
After such events, God did not stop loving. His character is still intact, and with all integrity, the Trinity decided to create another creature. This time, these creatures will be patterned from their essence and personality. These creatures will know how to love because they have been loved. Undaunted by what happened to their first creation, the freedom to choose was still installed. They were placed in a perfect environment with everything they needed and gave them one basic rule...that if broken, would change everything...and it did! The perfect environment that the first two humans enjoyed was taken from them...pain and suffering began. The concept of death began claiming every living thing. At this point, these creatures may have been overwhelmed by the sudden change brought about by their disobedience.
Now, the world continues to be cursed. We have inherited the curse of our forefathers. We ourselves are cursed...but despite our fallen nature...God made a way for us to exercise our freedom in a positive way and regain the relationship that was cut because of the decision that was made a long time ago. At this point you might think that I'm losing my argument on God being fair. Well...in reality, God's justice and righteousness is not up for debate. They are perfect whatever we say. With or without the consolidated opinions of His creation, He will never cease to have perfect justice and perfect righteousness.
Think about this...
When God created us, He was not obligated to do so...He was already self-sustaining. But still, He decided to create us...not on a whim but with a purpose...He even fashioned us according to His very own image. He loved us so much...and He wanted us to understand the concept of unconditional love...and to to do so, God gave us Free Will. With the freedom to choose, we also have the freedom to reject. God risked being rejected so that we would understand the extent of His love. But the rejection of God solicits painful consequences. So, when something bad happens, it's not God...rather it's the absence of God.
So when will God step in?
God will step in when we humbly acknowledge His presence. God is not a sadist who enjoys seeing us suffer...but because we are designed to have freedom of choice, God cannot just step in. We have to choose to seek Him out. But we have to remember that God is not a genie who will magically do what we want. By acknowledging God's sovereignty, you are willfully submitting to what God wants for us. Remember the perfect environment? That's God's initial plan...but no...our free will wanted something else! Same concept...you want God to protect you? then adhere to His rules!
I love what Proverbs 1:29-33 says...it basically points out that evil will come to those who do not choose God's ways. That protection may not come as something we expect...It's not like God sending angels as bodyguards...but it may be a form of protecting your emotions, your soul, your integrity...things that matter to Him!
In conclusion...when we understand the sovereignty of God and His plan...we can breathe easily, knowing that Romans 8:28 is true when it tells us that everything that will happen in our lives will work out for our benefit and God's glory with the premise that we don't just ask "Why is this happening?" but acquire a divine viewpoint on "Who is the Alpha and Omega who holds this world together?" and understand God's true essence.
Friday, December 16, 2011
without guidance, the people perish
You've been walking for days...staggering and limping...trying hard not to fall behind schedule. Your heart is racing, not knowing what to expect the moment you reach that goal...but then, when you look ahead...all you see are miles and miles of road left to be trekked. You look for signs and shortcuts...but the harder you look, the more disappointed you become. At the height of exhaustion, you stop and try to remember how it all started. What made you walk the road you're trekking? What motivated you to pursue something that seems impossible to end? Why is this happening?
When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. (Proverbs 29:18, NLT)
I love the way it was translated in that particular version. If you are a believer, and you are doing something that was not divinely guided, then you are running wild...that will ultimately consume you. You'll go tired, weary and burned out. Hopefully, before you crash and burn, you'll have enough sense to evaluate yourself and see if there is something you need to change in the way you are doing things. If you are developing a negative character during your long haul, then I suggest you let the Holy Spirit confront you and not resist.
Same thing goes for organizations...if an organization that was ultimately built for ministering to people and has the vision of reaching people for Christ will let go of their core values, then they will run wild. That frightening kind of shift will only occur if people in leadership are doubting the very same foundation that they signed up for in the first place. If left unchecked, that seed of doubt will affect every people in the organization. It may not be communicated verbally, but people are not dumb...tension will be felt...factions will be passively set...irritations will rise...then good communication between leaders and workers will falter and ultimately become a myth for the organization. Sad as it may seem...but that is the truth. One thing remains to be done...
PAINFUL CHANGE
Spiritual therapy and emotional deconstruction. It will involve a series of painful sessions where in you need to honestly evaluate yourself and the tendencies of your old sin nature and how these things contributed to the mess you are currently in. You will have to knock down your arrogant perception of yourself and accept the reality of your weaknesses. You will have to shift from egotistic self confidence to Spiritual Self Esteem. You have to renovate your mind and renew your thinking. Everything you used to do will be set aside and needs some honest evaluation.
Once you finish your spiritual therapy with God, you're ready to get back on track or double back if needed. Either way, your willingness to be on that journey will be unparalleled. You are dead sure that, even if you can't see the end of the road, that's where God wants you.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
absolutely free
two hospitals in less than a week...a personal record of mine!
for those of you who did not know...my two sisters were confined to different hospitals almost simultaneously! My youngest sister underwent an emergency appendectomy last Wednesday, while my other sister was sick at home with UTI...but not for long...her case became complicated when her platelet slowly went down and was diagnosed with Dengue. They are both fine now, and are at home.
While in the confines of the hospital room, I was pushed into a spiritual confrontation with the Lord. I was questioning the reason behind this spur-of-the-moment-sickness-spree that really shook the whole family up. Finances was low, morale was dwindling and faith was in question. Instead of applying doctrine, or even thinking about applying what I've been teaching, I went into a fit...a spiritual tantrum. Letting arrogance and self pity take control of my emotions and driving every bit of doctrine out of my system! It was exhausting and painful. But at the end of my week long spiritual retreat/hospital hopping expedition...a lot was revealed to me...especially the concept of GRACE and FREEDOM.
We are free to accept and reject grace...and that freedom is what makes our faith and belief strong. When God the Holy Spirit inspired John the Beloved to write the oh-so-famous-verse "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life." God made sure that freedom will be enforced. Grace is free to accept...and also free to reject...but of course, every choice we are going to make is coupled with certain consequences.
God can really orchestrate situations in our life with such awesome timing that Grace will still outshine every pain, hurt and confusion. In the end...whether we make good or bad choices...we will realize the we are ABSOLUTELY FREE...
for those of you who did not know...my two sisters were confined to different hospitals almost simultaneously! My youngest sister underwent an emergency appendectomy last Wednesday, while my other sister was sick at home with UTI...but not for long...her case became complicated when her platelet slowly went down and was diagnosed with Dengue. They are both fine now, and are at home.
While in the confines of the hospital room, I was pushed into a spiritual confrontation with the Lord. I was questioning the reason behind this spur-of-the-moment-sickness-spree that really shook the whole family up. Finances was low, morale was dwindling and faith was in question. Instead of applying doctrine, or even thinking about applying what I've been teaching, I went into a fit...a spiritual tantrum. Letting arrogance and self pity take control of my emotions and driving every bit of doctrine out of my system! It was exhausting and painful. But at the end of my week long spiritual retreat/hospital hopping expedition...a lot was revealed to me...especially the concept of GRACE and FREEDOM.
We are free to accept and reject grace...and that freedom is what makes our faith and belief strong. When God the Holy Spirit inspired John the Beloved to write the oh-so-famous-verse "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life." God made sure that freedom will be enforced. Grace is free to accept...and also free to reject...but of course, every choice we are going to make is coupled with certain consequences.
God can really orchestrate situations in our life with such awesome timing that Grace will still outshine every pain, hurt and confusion. In the end...whether we make good or bad choices...we will realize the we are ABSOLUTELY FREE...
Saturday, December 10, 2011
SOLOMON II
Meaningless....meaningless...everything is utterly meaningless.
An old testament book written by the wisest man who ever lived dedicated every thought to a life that is meaningless. You live...work...have fun...then die! A cycle that was tackled by Solomon himself in detail. Ecclesiastes has got to be the second saddest book in the Bible...next to Lamentations. But I believe that its inclusion in the complete canon of scripture is not an accident. Every jot and tittle of this book contains principles that can be applied in our lives!
One of my fascination about Solomon is not in his abilities, skill nor wealth...It's his up brining. Proverbs 22:6 told us that we should train up a child in a way that they should go, for when he is old, he will not stray from that teaching. I believe that part of Solomon's training is the persistent doctrinal training of his father, David! Our fallen nature will never guarantee 100% obedience to what our parents tell us, but as we grow old, the nuggets of wisdom that are passed to us by our parents will tend to complement the reality of life. Yes, we will sin and fail, but if our training includes REBOUND (getting back on track) then I can say we have been taught well. The premise of Proverbs 22:6 is not to reform us till we can always say yes...but to stick with the reality of our sinful selves never depart from the grace of God!
Sadly, Proverbs 22:6 was not part of Solomon's agenda...because right after His death, his two sons divided the kingdom that once stood united for God and openly rejected God by building pagan gods! Maybe if only Solomon took what his father taught him and injected it to his sons then maybe...just maybe...conflicts could have been settled maturely!
Next time, we'll closely look at Solomon's success in life and how he tried to frantically search for happiness!
Till my next post!
Ciao!
An old testament book written by the wisest man who ever lived dedicated every thought to a life that is meaningless. You live...work...have fun...then die! A cycle that was tackled by Solomon himself in detail. Ecclesiastes has got to be the second saddest book in the Bible...next to Lamentations. But I believe that its inclusion in the complete canon of scripture is not an accident. Every jot and tittle of this book contains principles that can be applied in our lives!
One of my fascination about Solomon is not in his abilities, skill nor wealth...It's his up brining. Proverbs 22:6 told us that we should train up a child in a way that they should go, for when he is old, he will not stray from that teaching. I believe that part of Solomon's training is the persistent doctrinal training of his father, David! Our fallen nature will never guarantee 100% obedience to what our parents tell us, but as we grow old, the nuggets of wisdom that are passed to us by our parents will tend to complement the reality of life. Yes, we will sin and fail, but if our training includes REBOUND (getting back on track) then I can say we have been taught well. The premise of Proverbs 22:6 is not to reform us till we can always say yes...but to stick with the reality of our sinful selves never depart from the grace of God!
Sadly, Proverbs 22:6 was not part of Solomon's agenda...because right after His death, his two sons divided the kingdom that once stood united for God and openly rejected God by building pagan gods! Maybe if only Solomon took what his father taught him and injected it to his sons then maybe...just maybe...conflicts could have been settled maturely!
Next time, we'll closely look at Solomon's success in life and how he tried to frantically search for happiness!
Till my next post!
Ciao!
Friday, December 9, 2011
limitless grace
I've been teaching in our young people's class for almost 10 years now...telling them the importance of application of doctrine...the deciding moment of using what you know that ultimately contributes to who you are. I bombard them with verses that talk about pressing on, fighting the good fight, wearing the armor of God, keeping on...I touch on sensitive parts of the Christian life like sex and gossip...I push them into thinking things that are pure, honest, of good report and having a Christ like attitude. All these I do because I am motivated with love.
I love these kids enough that I would rather hurt them with the truth than candy coat a lie. I know how hard it is to depend on my own capacity, eliminating God in my plans, doing things my way, living wild and free...the farther you are from God's will, the harder He would smack us back to reality. I've learned my lesson well, but I've learned it hard. Pain was my initial motivation...and boy was it painful! That's why I always say this to my beloved young people "What you don't learn from doctrine, you will painfully learn in experience."
I don't have a degree in theology, or even a decent college degree. My credentials in Christian Living would be so undesirable that you would think twice listening to me in Bible class. I am not hiding the fact that I am not perfect, the young people at church has seen my highs and lows. They've seen me lose my cool or arrogantly respond to a question that challenges my belief. I am not proud of it, but I don't hide it...I constantly thank God that He has provided a way for me to get back on track!
My imperfectness as a fallen and sinful creature elevates the importance of God's limitless grace. Yes, I am a sinner...but my sins should never stop me from teaching God's principles to our young people. I have dedicated my life to be used by God in whatever way He wants. I try to practice everything I preach, but the fact that I can't makes the Word of God so real to me.
I don't expect the young people of our church to be perfect and stop sinning...because that won't happen. But just because they won't be perfect does not mean I should stop bombarding them with doctrine. While sin still exists, we should not stop proclaiming God's perfect and limitless grace.
I love these kids enough that I would rather hurt them with the truth than candy coat a lie. I know how hard it is to depend on my own capacity, eliminating God in my plans, doing things my way, living wild and free...the farther you are from God's will, the harder He would smack us back to reality. I've learned my lesson well, but I've learned it hard. Pain was my initial motivation...and boy was it painful! That's why I always say this to my beloved young people "What you don't learn from doctrine, you will painfully learn in experience."
I don't have a degree in theology, or even a decent college degree. My credentials in Christian Living would be so undesirable that you would think twice listening to me in Bible class. I am not hiding the fact that I am not perfect, the young people at church has seen my highs and lows. They've seen me lose my cool or arrogantly respond to a question that challenges my belief. I am not proud of it, but I don't hide it...I constantly thank God that He has provided a way for me to get back on track!
My imperfectness as a fallen and sinful creature elevates the importance of God's limitless grace. Yes, I am a sinner...but my sins should never stop me from teaching God's principles to our young people. I have dedicated my life to be used by God in whatever way He wants. I try to practice everything I preach, but the fact that I can't makes the Word of God so real to me.
I don't expect the young people of our church to be perfect and stop sinning...because that won't happen. But just because they won't be perfect does not mean I should stop bombarding them with doctrine. While sin still exists, we should not stop proclaiming God's perfect and limitless grace.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
claiming a fortiori
if God lovingly and willingly gave His only begotten Son as payment for sins that He has nothing to do with, how do you think He'll handle two sick sisters and an escalating hospital bill?
Yesterday morning, one of my sister (Eunice) was rushed to the hospital because of a very high fever. Now, when my sisters ask you to bring them to the hospital, it's most probably serious. The doctor diagnosed her with UTI (urinary track infection) I don't know how she got it, and I'm not interested to know...at least they know what it is and they can treat it. So my other sister (Stephanie) text messaged me and told me what the deal was with my sister and that everything's fine.
yeah right!
After five minutes, my mom was calling me...as soon as I answered the phone, my mom said "UMUWI KA NA! DALAWA NA SILA!" (you have to get here, your other sister's sick) I thought it was a sick joke, but when I heard grunting sounds in the background, I immediately sad "OK". As I was preparing home, I was thinking to myself how in the world can two of my sisters get seriously ill?
On my way there, someone sent me a message that my youngest sister is already in the emergency room of a certain hospital. I was thinking...great...one at home and the other at the hospital...Merry Christmas to us! I wanted to see both of them together but then, it was geographically impossible.
As I walked in the hospital, I saw my mom and uncle at the triage area. As soon as my mom saw me, she briefed me with what was happening and told me that she had to go back to check on my other sister, my uncle also needed to go. So...there I was, phone on one hand, pieces of paper on the other. Slowly I graced the ER and peeked through the curtains till I found my pale looking sister lying there with one hand pressed on her side. I cracked a joke to let her know that his "kuya" has arrived. Seconds after, the nurse gave me another piece of paper and told me to pay for my sisters blood test to find out what's wrong with her. I obeyed and paid them at the cashier, then I gave back the receipt to this petite nurse.
At that point I started calling people up, letting them know that my sister's at the hospital. While on the phone, a guy in scrubs walked in and without choosing his words, blurted out "it's appendicitis...we have to operate tonight." Then my phlegmatic self just answered..."uhm...hold on..." As I tried to find a spot to sit down, nurses rushed towards me with papers for signing. I've never signed so much papers since my company decided to regularized my status. So I signed, and signed and signed till I read the phrase "Expected Hospitalization amount: Php 40,000.00 - Php 60,000.00" I looked at my sister...and prayed...then I signed.
To make the long story short, Stephanie's fine, she's slowly recovering, My other sister on the other hand still has the fever and needs to force herself to take in lots and lots of fluids till they come out here EARS! God has been good to me and my sisters from the moment we surrendered our lives to Him. He's been with us through the good times and especially the bad times. Yes, there were hardships and painful experiences, but God turned most of them around for our benefit. Now if God has done the impossible for a world full of sinners who detest Him, do you think He would fail His children with the possible?
God is the only sovereign being who can orchestrate what happened to me and my family these past 2 days. I believe that there's a good purpose for it...and I'm excited to witness God's awesomeness!
Yesterday morning, one of my sister (Eunice) was rushed to the hospital because of a very high fever. Now, when my sisters ask you to bring them to the hospital, it's most probably serious. The doctor diagnosed her with UTI (urinary track infection) I don't know how she got it, and I'm not interested to know...at least they know what it is and they can treat it. So my other sister (Stephanie) text messaged me and told me what the deal was with my sister and that everything's fine.
yeah right!
After five minutes, my mom was calling me...as soon as I answered the phone, my mom said "UMUWI KA NA! DALAWA NA SILA!" (you have to get here, your other sister's sick) I thought it was a sick joke, but when I heard grunting sounds in the background, I immediately sad "OK". As I was preparing home, I was thinking to myself how in the world can two of my sisters get seriously ill?
On my way there, someone sent me a message that my youngest sister is already in the emergency room of a certain hospital. I was thinking...great...one at home and the other at the hospital...Merry Christmas to us! I wanted to see both of them together but then, it was geographically impossible.
As I walked in the hospital, I saw my mom and uncle at the triage area. As soon as my mom saw me, she briefed me with what was happening and told me that she had to go back to check on my other sister, my uncle also needed to go. So...there I was, phone on one hand, pieces of paper on the other. Slowly I graced the ER and peeked through the curtains till I found my pale looking sister lying there with one hand pressed on her side. I cracked a joke to let her know that his "kuya" has arrived. Seconds after, the nurse gave me another piece of paper and told me to pay for my sisters blood test to find out what's wrong with her. I obeyed and paid them at the cashier, then I gave back the receipt to this petite nurse.
At that point I started calling people up, letting them know that my sister's at the hospital. While on the phone, a guy in scrubs walked in and without choosing his words, blurted out "it's appendicitis...we have to operate tonight." Then my phlegmatic self just answered..."uhm...hold on..." As I tried to find a spot to sit down, nurses rushed towards me with papers for signing. I've never signed so much papers since my company decided to regularized my status. So I signed, and signed and signed till I read the phrase "Expected Hospitalization amount: Php 40,000.00 - Php 60,000.00" I looked at my sister...and prayed...then I signed.
To make the long story short, Stephanie's fine, she's slowly recovering, My other sister on the other hand still has the fever and needs to force herself to take in lots and lots of fluids till they come out here EARS! God has been good to me and my sisters from the moment we surrendered our lives to Him. He's been with us through the good times and especially the bad times. Yes, there were hardships and painful experiences, but God turned most of them around for our benefit. Now if God has done the impossible for a world full of sinners who detest Him, do you think He would fail His children with the possible?
God is the only sovereign being who can orchestrate what happened to me and my family these past 2 days. I believe that there's a good purpose for it...and I'm excited to witness God's awesomeness!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
business for a ministry OR ministry for a business?
For years I have been planing to better my life by putting up a business. I've searched the internet, inquired with friends and even asked my relatives what to do, but nothing seems to make a good impression on me. I've tried starting a Food Cart Business...but every time I tried calling the business up, I always end up uninterested. Then I prayed...I told God to please open up a business opportunity...I waited and waited (just like my prayer for missions) but nothing came...as in nothing! Then I read an article online (and i'm still looking for it again) that had this thought: A Christian planning to start a business should ask this question first with all honesty...WHY? Because if making money is all reason there is...then might as well reconsider.
For months I've been pondering that question...because the only reason I can see why I want to start my own business is because I want to have my own car...my own house...and enough money to support a family! In short...I wanted to make more money that what I have now. It was a legitimate reason...who does not want to prosper? But then it hit me...
I was trying to fit my life into a mold that was not meant for me. I was trying to connect with God through a different signal. All along, God was clearly preparing me for something better than what I was planing, but I was willfully rejecting it. The plan was obvious and was perfect!
God took my calling for missions, my desire to teach and reach souls (especially young people), my creativity and involvement with Multimedia and fused it all together! In short...I was not made to start a big company as a business man, but organize a small ministry as God's follower. God was tapping my heart, reminding me not to be blinded with what the world can offer, but to stick with the desires God saw in me.
My current work is part of my ministry but God prepared something more for me. I'm not resigning...well maybe not yet...but it does not mean that my loyalty has changed...it has never and will never change! Because right from the start, it was God who lead me here and my allegiance is to Him and Him alone.
Right now, I'm slowly drafting a vision and mission for this ministry God impressed in my life. Honestly it's very overwhelming and scary. But God will never allow things in our lives that will destroy us. I believe with all my heart that if God freely gave me this ministry, He can freely take it away and still be the fair and just God that He is.
Stay tuned for the unveiling of God's awesome genius...
For months I've been pondering that question...because the only reason I can see why I want to start my own business is because I want to have my own car...my own house...and enough money to support a family! In short...I wanted to make more money that what I have now. It was a legitimate reason...who does not want to prosper? But then it hit me...
I was trying to fit my life into a mold that was not meant for me. I was trying to connect with God through a different signal. All along, God was clearly preparing me for something better than what I was planing, but I was willfully rejecting it. The plan was obvious and was perfect!
God took my calling for missions, my desire to teach and reach souls (especially young people), my creativity and involvement with Multimedia and fused it all together! In short...I was not made to start a big company as a business man, but organize a small ministry as God's follower. God was tapping my heart, reminding me not to be blinded with what the world can offer, but to stick with the desires God saw in me.
My current work is part of my ministry but God prepared something more for me. I'm not resigning...well maybe not yet...but it does not mean that my loyalty has changed...it has never and will never change! Because right from the start, it was God who lead me here and my allegiance is to Him and Him alone.
Right now, I'm slowly drafting a vision and mission for this ministry God impressed in my life. Honestly it's very overwhelming and scary. But God will never allow things in our lives that will destroy us. I believe with all my heart that if God freely gave me this ministry, He can freely take it away and still be the fair and just God that He is.
Stay tuned for the unveiling of God's awesome genius...
Monday, December 5, 2011
bitterness cancer
Everyone is a potential victim of this disease. Rich or poor, male or female, young or old, it does not matter, you can acquire it. It's harmful and can even be fatal (I'm not kidding) if you don't start therapy soon. I will share with you some of the symptoms of this particular cancer.
- ENVY - this is a disease in itself. If God has been faithfully providing your NEEDS (not including wants) but you still have the audacity to wish someone else's life, then you're well on your way to acquiring this kind of cancer. This is not a stand-alone symptom, once you show this particular symptom, you are most likely to have the next one...
- EXCESSIVE COMPLAINING - Once envy strikes the heart of a person, they will start to complain about everything. Nothing is good enough for them. Even the basic things that God has been providing before gets a load full of complaint! Once you reach this point, you move on to the next symptom.
- ARROGANCE - Too much complaining will build your ego and how you perceive yourself. Your complaints could have been legitimate before, but because it went too far, you have developed this false perception that the world owes you something.
- COMPULSIVE BLAMING - Now that you think so highly of yourself, nobody has the right to be better than you. So if you make a mistake, you are quick to point your finger. Then sometimes you go back to complaining, stating that "If only I had...." or "If only I was like..." then it wouldn't happen.
- PASSIVE IDOLATRY - Why is it passive? well...because it's not active (DUH!) Let me be more specific. Sometimes envy has only one target. That particular person is branded in our minds. We hate them, we despise them, we wish harm to them, because there's something they have that we don't. So because of that, we develop a mental picture of what our life could have been if we only have what they have. We passively idolize the people we hate. Ironic as it may seem, it's the truth for most of us.
- UNPLANNED BUYING - If our envy and excessive complaining are not addressed immediately, there's a possibility of taking the matter into our own hands. We buy things we really don't need just to live up to a list of standards we developed in our minds...a list that is really a fruit of our envy and excessive complaining.
- CRIPPLING DEBTS - Borrowing 5 Pesos, 10 Pesos, or 20 Pesos for an immediate need is not really crippling (but still make sure you pay it back). But once you borrow money to sustain a make believe lifestyle, then it starts to become crippling. Your sense of responsibility is thrown out the window. After a while, people will become irritated and indifferent towards your borrowing spree. Without any remorse or even an inkling of possessing a conscience, you still borrow. Then you are entangled in a web of debts where you borrow to pay-off an existing debt.
- DEPRESSION VIA SELF PITY - Usually this symptom will show once your conscience kicks in. You'll constantly evaluate yourself. But instead of responding positively to your conscience, you go the other way...you pity yourself for not actually achieving your list of what a "happy life" should feel like!
If you have all of them, then you officially have bitterness cancer. But do not fret...there's still hope! You can still be rehabilitated, but it won't be easy. You will have to start with little steps of Faith.
First of all...You need someone who is stable enough to get you through this dilemma. The person should know everything about you, from your history to your plans of the future...He should be strong enough to carry you through this...He needs to be everywhere you go...patient enough to express unconditional impersonal love through out the process...He has to be absolutely fair...has to have an impeccable integrity because He is always right...absolute truth should always be with Him...He should have the final say in your life...and He should not be bound with time!
If you don't know someone like that, then let me suggest my Savior to you. If you are in a middle of this kind of cancer, Jesus can heal you...He can if you let him. All you need to do is to accept that you can't do it alone and you need a Savior. My friend, this kind of cancer is sin based...and no one can pay for our sins except Jesus. Surrender your life to Him now...and start your Rehab with Him!
Be aware of the bitterness cancer.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
the need to see
"Unless I feel the nail prints in my Saviors hand, It's hard for me to believe..."
A doubting Thomas once insisted that he has to see the Messiah for himself before he could ever believe that He has risen again...a legitimate request from a fallen creature like us. Sometimes when the pressures of this world becomes our focus, we can't help but second guess the reality of God's truths. We demand that tangible evidences be presented before we initiate a small leap of faith. Childish and inappropriate as our request may seem to "mature" believers out there, God still grants some of them.
Out of nowhere, Jesus appears and calls Thomas. He reaches out His hand and asks the doubter to touch the wound...Jesus knew the need of Thomas. Jesus could have decided not to appear before Thomas...but He did. There will be instances in our lives when doubt and fear will try to cripple us and we shout to God and demand His presence...I can't guarantee you that He'll work it out in an instant, but I'm always claiming that God will always show himself evident in all our circumstances. He may not lend a hand but you'll know He's there.
When Thomas finished inspecting the Messiah, Jesus said that blessed are those people who did not demand but still believed. Jesus was not disowning Thomas, He was simply hinting to the doubter that he has a long way to go in his spiritual life. Jesus understood the need of Thomas for tangible evidences, He also understands our need of clear signs...but remember, blessed are those who still keeps on the right track with just the knowledge and understanding that God is with them.
A doubting Thomas once insisted that he has to see the Messiah for himself before he could ever believe that He has risen again...a legitimate request from a fallen creature like us. Sometimes when the pressures of this world becomes our focus, we can't help but second guess the reality of God's truths. We demand that tangible evidences be presented before we initiate a small leap of faith. Childish and inappropriate as our request may seem to "mature" believers out there, God still grants some of them.
Out of nowhere, Jesus appears and calls Thomas. He reaches out His hand and asks the doubter to touch the wound...Jesus knew the need of Thomas. Jesus could have decided not to appear before Thomas...but He did. There will be instances in our lives when doubt and fear will try to cripple us and we shout to God and demand His presence...I can't guarantee you that He'll work it out in an instant, but I'm always claiming that God will always show himself evident in all our circumstances. He may not lend a hand but you'll know He's there.
When Thomas finished inspecting the Messiah, Jesus said that blessed are those people who did not demand but still believed. Jesus was not disowning Thomas, He was simply hinting to the doubter that he has a long way to go in his spiritual life. Jesus understood the need of Thomas for tangible evidences, He also understands our need of clear signs...but remember, blessed are those who still keeps on the right track with just the knowledge and understanding that God is with them.
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