made to float

It rained for three days and two nights...flood waters has risen to devastating heights...people were injured physically and scarred emotionally...death toll rises inevitably...what now?

WE FLOAT!

There's nothing in the world that can hinder us Filipinos from flipping tragedy into something worth laughing about. I'm not here to make the death of some of our fellow Filipinos lightly...but to insinuate the fact that we Filipinos are just witty as hell. Who would think of using a flooded underpass as a venue for a mini Olympic freestyle diving competition??? Who would stop in the middle of treading the black murky water just to take a picture??? Who, in their right mind, would jetski in a foot of flood to 711??? ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES.

We are a unique people who can easily adapt into different cultures and situations. We have been blessed by the Almighty God with flexibility in spirit. Our history has been full of ups and downs...but where ever we are in the graph of life, we Filipinos have the potential to reach our destination no matter what the odds are. Life has been tough...but we Filipinos are tougher! And when we realize that God has placed us into this country for a reason...then our potential would exponentially increase!

These tragedies have a purpose...God intends to bring out the best in us in every situation. I'm sure God has nothing to do with the floods...Sure, He allowed the rain...why wouldn't He...Rain is part of this world's design. Now the reason behind the floods...I'm sure is man made. I'm not here to point fingers and play the blame game...because I, for one, am also guilty! But now that we understand where we lack...where we need to improve...and where to move forward...let's do our part and contribute in the healing of our nation. Part of the healing process is going back to God.

If you are reading this and you've been spared by the flood...then God has been good to you. If you have been affected by the flood but came out of it alive and kicking...the God has been merciful to you. You, my friend, have been specifically preserved by God for a purpose...and that purpose is for you to find out. But before you go exploring your spirituality...let me give you crucial tip! There is only one way to find out...and the Bible says that JESUS IS THE WAY! I'm not here to convert your religion...but I am here to convert your heart into accepting the reality that Jesus paved the way for you to know and understand your purpose here on earth. What if you were one of the unfortunate few who died? Do you know where you are going? Something to think about...

Well...here we are...the rain is dying down and flood waters are subsiding! The road to recovery will be a difficult one....but one thing I'm sure of. God is always with His children...He will never leave us nor forsake us. He might not be there when you call...not because He's tired of you. It's because He knows that we Christians are made to float.

resolved to be courageous

just the other day, I finally decided to watch the movie COURAGEOUS. It's an independent Christian film that circles around the story of fathers who decided to keep their integrity intact with Jesus as their stable constant. Their story was not far from typical domestic issues...but their response to their predicaments were non-conforming to the world. I'm not going to talk about the movie...but I do enCOURAGE you to watch it! You'll be blessed!

What I want to point out from the movie is the resolution they signed. Thanks to GOOGLE... I found the copy of the resolution they signed. It goes like this:

THE RESOLUTION

I DO solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children.

I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.

I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.

I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.

I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly.

I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.

I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.

I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.

I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.

I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.

I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.

I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. ---Joshua 24:15

The four men in the movie signed this resolution in-front of their family and pastor. As I watched them take on this resolution, I felt the great burden to abide by the same code. I am not perfect...I have not attained much in my spiritual life...but I feel God tugging me in a direction of integrity and honor for His glory! I have knowingly shamed His name and forsaken His principles...It's time I make an effort to contend and stand by  His word.

I am not yet married. I don't have kids yet. But as I move towards entering a divinely ordained institution like marriage and someday start a family on my own, I have to resolve within myself that I have to preserve my integrity for the benefit of my future wife, kids and glorify God in the process. God has given me so many second chances through out my life...and it's time I stop abusing His grace and mercy. It's high time that I gird up and move on to higher level of responsibility!

This resolution does not guarantee an easy life...it's actually a challenge to BRING IT ON! I will still make mistakes and sin...but, as the resolution did state, I have to learn from these mistakes, repent of my sins and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.

Upon committing to this resolution, I understand that I am now doubly responsible for all my decisions I will be doing in life. A passive Christian life is no longer acceptable...sitting in the sidelines are for slow moving believers...I'm here to take on God's promises with every ounce of faith in me. I may not have much to offer, but I see God moving mountains with it.

So with all inhibitions aside...and all seriousness in set...I would like to sign this resolution:

I, Timothy Jonsel S. Ermitaño, a bachelor betrothed to my best friend, do solemnly commit to the ethical, moral and spiritual aspect of this resolution. I am acting on my own accord with confidence that God, Who has begun His work in me, will be faithful to complete His purpose in my life. Failure to adhere to the set standards of this resolution is a result of my unwilling and unfaithful condition. Grace is the seal of this resolution for I understand that nothing in me can ever get me through this code of conduct. I am a product of God's mercies and grace...I am therefore lifting my hands as a sign of my submission to His sovereign will. By God's loving kindness and compassion...I will set my heart to what is right...facing my fears...contending the faith...loving my future wife...and protecting my family...knowing that Jesus Christ is my rock and salvation in whom I can be COURAGEOUS.