New Year's Resolutions?

During my morning devotion today I was greeted by a reading about "resolutions." I found this funny because over the last few days of the year, repeated in television talk shows were "New Year Resolutions" whether it be of the stars or celebrities or what-have-you.

I'm not a big fan of resolutions. Such long term goals don't really appeal to me as much. After having planned my life at a young age and then see all of it go to shite when uncontrollable circumstances changed the very course of my life, I realized... what's the point?

Right now I'll just try to be a better person, resolutions aside. I have resolved to trust in the Lord for strength and sustenance. This is not something I make as a New Year's Resolution. This feels more like a daily struggle.

Maybe my resolution will be to have a daily resolution in the Lord. That sounds right. One thing I'd like to do this year though is read through the Bible with substance. You know, reading AND understand, not just reading for the sake of reading. I hope God gives me the strength and faith and open-mindedness for that.

Happy New Year to all!

Gift Giving Season - Remembering the Giver as well

It's December and everybody knows it's a holiday month. I'm having difficulty just getting up and going to work being in holiday mode. December is also gift-giving season as well. We all love to get gifts. It's a lot harder to give these days though the economy being what it is

Reading "Purpose Driven Life" has helped me a lot in that area, one of the lessons there was about how God gave us gifts so we can share them with others. I have always tried to live my life in this perspective. It's not easy because we all need money and I do think I have yet to give more of what I have and/or more of myself before I can truly say that I have given my fullest, but I try.

One of the things we should remember about the season though is the Giver more than the gifts. God gave us Jesus this Christmas and I think we should always put that at the center of all that we do. In the midst of all the material blessings, let's remember the spiritual blessings as well, particularly the gift of salvation from Jesus Christ.

Jehovah Jireh - God our Provider

Just last week I was rambling about how I had to pay taxes to the tune of fifty thousand pesos. And I'm just about ready to pay that too, slowly of course over the course of the next few months. Saying goodbye to what's left of my measly paycheck.

I was budgeting what was left of my money and trying to distribute them to the different bills I had to pay from the electricity bill to house loan to phone bills and house help. But whatever I did, there just wasn't enough to go around. I had succumbed to the idea that I'll just try to make up for it next month. Being late in paying my bills isn't something I'm pleased about, but I'm even more uncomfortable with borrowing money from other people. By far I think the latter is worse. I decided that in time I will be able to pay for all my bills, late as they may be. Better late than never right?

But just the other day I got a pleasant surprise when in the mail I found a check from Google for my Adsense earnings in the last few months. I had forgotten all about it, but God just had it for me in time to pay the bills for this month. It's enough. That's all I have to say. With the amount that just arrived, it's just the exact amount to add to what's left of my salary to be able to pay for this month's bills.

Indeed God is our Provider. He has never failed me. Thanks Lord

The Lord Giveth, The Lord Taketh Away - Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord

I just found out the other day that I have to pay fifty thousand worth in taxes before the year ends. I was just shocked and aghast and I just cried my eyes out. How in the world will I get that kind of money? Where will I get that kind of money?

And if they took it out of my salary, what would I have left? Never mind that I don't even get paid that kind of amount, but that it's Christmas for crying out loud!

I picked myself up later in the day and prayed. What am I supposed to do? Eventually I realized that God had given me so much I don't have a right to complain.

I remembered Job.

I'm not as good as he was, in fact I'm probably the exact opposite. I thought I was probably being punished for all the wrong I've done instead of just being tested.

Either way I though this is the time for me to just give it back. I wasn't going to think about how much money we're already paying to our corrupt government, but that in faith God will provide. God will see me through this.

The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Purpose Driven Life and My Life

I'm starting to read Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, I've been feeling a little lot recently. Although I still go to church and do my thing. I'm not a bad person but I don't really know what's going on with myself and my life.

I go to church and say my prayers. I do try to be a good person. But this time I just got caught in this mess in the office.

What happened was a friend of mine helped me to get hired here. I owe her a lot, but even she thinks that I got in by my own merits, all she really did was hand over my resume. I still think though that somehow by doing that she let a little of her credibility rubb off on me, and this helped me to get hired.

Right now though the department I'm in, the entire division I'm in, doesn't really like her as a person, whereas I have the highest regard for her. Unfortunately though people talk and in the process such rumors have hurt her.

I got dragged in there just for being part of the team. I felt really down when she got upset. I was really sad that this had to happen. I apologized to her, not because I had any part in those rumors, but because I didn't do anything.

My personality is really to just ignore the unpleasant. That's what I did when I heard what was said about her. I didn't believe a word of it and so I just let it pass out my other ear and withdrew from what I thought was a futile & stupid conversation.

In this case though, non-participation was not enough. The rumors ended up sounding like it came from the group when I did not take part of it. She felt really bad and even said she was disappointed - I figured I was part of the disappointment as well.

I went to her at first not knowing what in the world was going on, just that she was giving me this "I-don't-like-you" vibe and then that was how I found out about the above incidences.

I apologized profusely and even feel bad to this day. I have a feeling I probably couldn't mend her image of me and that's really sad but I do hope she forgives me. For some reason though I pray that the opportunity won't have to rise that I have to defend her, that people will just keep their mouth shut and let her be. It's tough being brave. I do hope God will give me the courage when the time comes.

I think it's all a big misunderstanding. The people I'm with aren't bad people, sometimes gossip just gets twisted as it is passed around.

The Story Of Joseph - Waiting For God's Promise

The speaker in church today spoke of the story of Joseph but in an entirely different perspective. I had always though Joseph (the dreamer) was a very fortunate person, favored by God and man was how he was described in the bible.

Although a bit tragic that his own brothers sold him off to be a slave in Egypt, that must have been difficult.

It's amazing his faith never faltered and so he saw how the Lord's will unfolded in his life. The speaker in church today mentioned that it took 13 years for Joseph's dream to be made real. That dream where the sun, moon and stars bowed down to him.

He had to go through a lot of trial and suffering before he arrived to that place of honor and respect. Along the way he was maltreated and imprisoned and well, just tested by everything that happened in his life.

I can relate because nothing ever came easy for me. It always seemed like whatever I had to do I had to put so much effort in it whereas I saw other people just ease through things in life that I seem to have to work twice as hard at for the same results.

The speaker did mention that we learn best through steps of faith. I'm not sure I agree because it is most difficult but I guess that's how we best assimilate the lessons in life. In the end though it's true what she said about God's will, it doesn't unfold the way we expect them to. But God is faithful and so should we.

Adulteress Faces Condemnation?

In John 8:1-11, I'm sure a lot of you out there have read or at the very least heard about this story. It was about the woman who was brought to Jesus on charges of adultery. The pharisees wanted to trick Jesus by asking Him if they should stone her for her sin. Just so we've got it right, here's the passage again from BibleGateway.com

John 8

1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"

11"No one, sir," she said.
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

Often we see ourselves on the receiving end of this passage, helping us to remember that we should not judge others if we do not want to be judged but the message in church today gave the perspective of the adulteress.

The speaker said, "Wonder how we would feel if we were charged like that in front of all those people? Where would we put our face?" He often brought up those questions. We'd die of shame if we were put in the spotlight like that, I can only imagine she must have felt that way too.

The speaker also mentioned that we wouldn't stand a chance if God kept a record of our wrongs. Specially with God's standards, where our thoughts alone, if sinful are already sins by themselves even if we don't act them out. Now that is difficult

But Jesus shows a love that does not condemn. We are so blessed. Jesus doesn't want us to obey him and to abstain from sin because we're terrified of punishment, Jesus wants us to obey and be sinless because we love Him and are grateful for His forgiveness. I hope to learn that lesson Lord.

Be Still And Know God

I have been in my new office for about 3 weeks now and more than anything else, I have been quite terrified. It's difficult becoming a manger in a place full of experts and people expecting you to be an expert as well. I don't mind the hard work, I'm fairly used to that - I've been working since I was 16. But the thought of being thrown out there with the sharks is just scary.

While in church today I felt this sudden rush when I sang with the rest of the congregation...

When the oceans rise and the thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm

Father, You are king over the flood
I will be still and know You are God.

It was comfort and relief and also immense gratitude and a sense of being "taken care of" just filled me when I sang through those lines that I just cried the rest of the song. Everyone else was calling this God's presence. This is why I attend this particular church. When I used to be a Catholic, I stood with hundreds of other people and I didn't really feel anything and I had to focus really hard to pay attention to what the priest was saying... just to feel the presence of God.

But in this church I sense God is there even as we sing and as we pray. God is not just an abstract concept that people talk about. God can be felt and God can be heard. I'm so grateful for this church and hope and pray that God will always abide there.

It's important to go to church every now and then. God gives us this opportunity to recharge ourselves and remember that He is around. Life is really difficult sometimes but as the speaker said this morning, God does not want to make our lives miserable. More often than not, we make our lives miserable. God just hopes that we learn from them and that we remember that at all times, His gracious hand is there to guide us.

Although I do pray and have morning devotion on a daily basis, the collective blessing felt in the church is quite powerful and I will never take that for granted.

What Kind Of Church Do You Want To Go To?

The message this morning was simple and very direct to the point. The sermon in church today centered around how there are 2 kinds of churches:

1. A church that only asks for the forgiveness of God, but does not really seek a relationship with God. Stemming from Isaiah 4:1 (mentioned below) -
   
   
   1 In that day seven women
   will take hold of one man
   and say, "We will eat our own food
   and provide our own clothes;
   only let us be called by your name.
   Take away our disgrace!"
   
   This church does not really love the Lord, this church is of a people that just wants the name "Christian" for God to take away disgrace. A church that doesn't really care about the Lord, of following the Lord's commands or wanting the Lord's provision. This is not a true relationship with God.
   
   The sad truth is that many churches these days and many personalities just want a church that preaches what they want to hear. Nothing of striving for perfection or being holy like the Lord but just that God is there to forgive our sins. Although the latter part be true, we should also strive to do what God wants us to do.
   
   
2. The 2nd church wants to glorify God and make a meaningful relationship.

The speaker really connected with me because sometimes I fall into the trap as well. We all want to be forgiven for our sins like the people who seeks the first church. But God's forgiveness isn't the end of our relationship with God.

A friend of mine once said what's to stop me from shooting anybody after I become a Christian? God will forgive me anyway. Now I had a difficult time arguing that fact at first, but I did manage to say that if forgiveness is the only thing God requires of us then we are quite pitiful.

As it is, we are already quite blessed that God is willing to forgive us and is just waiting for us to ask for forgiveness, but that forgiveness doesn't give us the right to abuse the Lord. It more than anything else, should bind us with God.

The path of Christianity is to have intimacy with God in such a way that we aim to please God and love God. I know it's not easy, sometimes I treat God like the ATM, just asking for one thing after another and then begging for forgiveness when I make mistakes.

When we have a relationship with the Lord, we should let Him be the Lord of our lives. That's the only way for the relationship to work. We should love the Lord and obey Him. Not just make him a laundry person to cleanse us when we make mistakes.

A Rather Dark And Horrid Bible Story

Most of the bible stories I've read are mostly very wholesome and just filled with moral lessons, as should be as the bible is the book of God. Just today though a very sad chapter was discussed in church this morning. This chapter was Judges 19. Here it is word for word from Bible Gateway

Judges 19
1And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehemjudah.

2And his concubine played the whore against him, and went away from him unto her father's house to Bethlehemjudah, and was there four whole months.

3And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father's house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.

4And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.

5And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsel's father said unto his son in law, Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go your way.

6And they sat down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for the damsel's father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and let thine heart be merry.

7And when the man rose up to depart, his father in law urged him: therefore he lodged there again.

8And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart; and the damsel's father said, Comfort thine heart, I pray thee. And they tarried until afternoon, and they did eat both of them.

9And when the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant, his father in law, the damsel's father, said unto him, Behold, now the day draweth toward evening, I pray you tarry all night: behold, the day groweth to an end, lodge here, that thine heart may be merry; and to morrow get you early on your way, that thou mayest go home.

10But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up and departed, and came over against Jebus, which is Jerusalem; and there were with him two asses saddled, his concubine also was with him.

11And when they were by Jebus, the day was far spent; and the servant said unto his master, Come, I pray thee, and let us turn in into this city of the Jebusites, and lodge in it.

12And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside hither into the city of a stranger, that is not of the children of Israel; we will pass over to Gibeah.

13And he said unto his servant, Come, and let us draw near to one of these places to lodge all night, in Gibeah, or in Ramah.

14And they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down upon them when they were by Gibeah, which belongeth to Benjamin.

15And they turned aside thither, to go in and to lodge in Gibeah: and when he went in, he sat him down in a street of the city: for there was no man that took them into his house to lodging.

16And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even, which was also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the men of the place were Benjamites.

17And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city: and the old man said, Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou?

18And he said unto him, We are passing from Bethlehemjudah toward the side of mount Ephraim; from thence am I: and I went to Bethlehemjudah, but I am now going to the house of the LORD; and there is no man that receiveth me to house.

19Yet there is both straw and provender for our asses; and there is bread and wine also for me, and for thy handmaid, and for the young man which is with thy servants: there is no want of any thing.

20And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street.

21So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.

22Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him.

23And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, and said unto them, Nay, my brethren, nay, I pray you, do not so wickedly; seeing that this man is come into mine house, do not this folly.

24Behold, here is my daughter a maiden, and his concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth good unto you: but unto this man do not so vile a thing.

25But the men would not hearken to him: so the man took his concubine, and brought her forth unto them; and they knew her, and abused her all the night until the morning: and when the day began to spring, they let her go.

26Then came the woman in the dawning of the day, and fell down at the door of the man's house where her lord was, till it was light.

27And her lord rose up in the morning, and opened the doors of the house, and went out to go his way: and, behold, the woman his concubine was fallen down at the door of the house, and her hands were upon the threshold.

28And he said unto her, Up, and let us be going. But none answered. Then the man took her up upon an ass, and the man rose up, and gat him unto his place.

29And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, together with her bones, into twelve pieces, and sent her into all the coasts of Israel.

30And it was so, that all that saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt unto this day: consider of it, take advice, and speak your minds.

Sad and tragic as this story may be, the speaker this morning reiterated that our era is not so different from the time this story was told. Everyone is living a life where we try to live by our own standards of what is good. I know God's way is a lot more difficult with a lot stricter standards, but we've got to try.

A couple of the key points of his sermon were that people should be more spiritually discerning and that we should be spiritually feeling. We should be able to know and feel when we are in God's presence and we should be able to know and feel when we sin.

If we are numb to these things then we will end up like the Levite who sacrifices his concubine, the very reason for his being in the predicament just to save himself. It's quite tragic. I felt most sorry for the concubine and the virgin daughter that the men were so easy to give away for the perverts' consumption. It hurts as a woman.

But more important to this story I guess is that now is the best time to commune with God and to seek His guidance. To be spiritually feeling and discerning. God is a good God and He wants to lead us, if we will just let Him.

Where God Leads, He Provides

I've been facing difficult times recently, not because of sickness or poverty, but because I felt I was lacking in direction.

I ended up quitting my high-paying job for another one. I was quite confused at first because I was praying to hard to the Lord to "take me out of the dark" so to speak. My job and my employer were becoming more and more difficult it was so stressful just to go to work and even more difficult to get the job done. I usually felt to exhausted when I get home even if I had only worked 8 hours or so.

I started working there for only 9,000 pesos a month, and eventually rose the ranks to make more than 100,000 pesos per month. Not bad if I do say so myself, but this was not because of anything I have done but because God has provided me with this growth opportunity at every step. I never dreamed I'd become a manager, I'd never really dreamed of earning that much money anywhere.

However as I continued on, very grateful. It became so difficult to be a good person in the high-paying position I was in, day-in and day-out I felt I had to be part bitch just to get things done in the way that I thought was effective and efficient.

And so I began rethinking if this was still the place I wanted to be in. I did make a conscious effort at being nice and being as Christ-like as I could possibly muster. It would drain me everyday to make that effort. Becoming frustrated and stressed out seemed like it was part of the daily routine. I didn't want that

I prayed for a different opportunity from the Lord and He was so kind, so full of kindness that He gave me 2 of them. Two great companies and 2 great offers. Both offered relatively less in terms of monetary compensation but enough growth opportunities to make me think I was getting a better deal if I moved.

But then I was left at the fork on the road last week because here they were 2 offers that were pretty good. And then I thought, Lord which one do you want me to take? I prayed a lot. Asked advice from many friends and family members. I even went to church when it was deserted thinking I could probably hear God more clearer in church than I would at home or at work.

I asked over and over again, and this was what the Lord answered me

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. -- Romans 8:28

I felt at that point that God was leading me so it was fine. In the end with God's leading, I chose the job offer with an even lesser monetary compensation, under the premise that God will provide. Although the better-paying offer had me traveling, it also meant I would work on Saturdays which would eat up my family time.

This job would give me an opportunity to be with my daughter more while still being able to go to church on a routine basis. And in this way of putting my God and my family first, I hope that God will guide me in each and every step. And that His purpose will be fulfilled in me.

Waiting For God's Timing

It can be so difficult to wait on the Lord. I know that He has His way that has been prepared for me and I'm so excited to take it that I can't help but feel downcast sometimes. Sometimes I think maybe the Lord changed His mind and wasn't going to give it to me after all. Although I still pray for faith that He will provide and that I will be patient enough to wait for His perfect timing.

And then all of a sudden in my morning devotion earlier today, this is the verse I get

For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come and will not delay.
Habakuk 2:3

Praise the Lord. I continue to pray for patience I continue to wait for Your perfect timing Lord.

Dwelling In The House Of The Lord

My daughter just memorized this memory verse in Sunday School, "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23: 6

She was very happy and I was so proud. She never used to participate a lot in memorizing verses from Sunday School, I'm glad she's warmed up to it. I do hope she takes a lot more home in her heart

The Link Between Love and Sacrifice

The message in church today was very timely and very heart-warming so to speak. The speaker at our church spoke about love, sounds very passe I know, but this is about love for the Lord.

Everybody loves. That is a fact of life right? And the reason why everyone goes to their church (or place of worship, whatever that may be or maybe almost everyone anyway) is because we love and/ or fear God.

This is a really nice concept, loving a higher-being who has been looking after us. I do the same. The thing about this Sunday morning's sermon was that the speaker emphasized that it's not just about saying "I love you," or "I love God," but it's the actions that go with it

The focus of the message was on sacrifice, the things we should learn to sacrifice if we truly love the Lord. Now last week the message was that there can be no love unless there is no sacrifice, so this sermon was sort of connected to the previous one.

Anyway, he highlighted 3 things about sacrifice

• Sacrifice your freedom - now since we have been saved in Christ, we are all free. But just because we're free doesn't mean we should just go about doing what we want when we want like spoiled brats. We should be aware that because we love the Lord, we should be able to sacrifice some things for Him as he has sacrificed for us. This is very common even in romantic relationships right? We don't go ahead and eat something we know our partner is allergic to because it might hurt him/ her in the process. I guess it's the same for the Lord. We should do something that might hurt Him or brother and sisters - that they might sin because of what you did

• Sacrifice your time - church seems like a big sacrifice to some people. Being stuck in church for about 2 hours to hear sermon can be dragging and boring some times. I used to think so that's for sure. I've fallen asleep some times too. Now I try to think of it as a time when God might want to speak to me. I think there's a bigger chance because there are all these people as well to whom God might be speaking too, I guess I'm just after some collective blessing or message that God might want to impart. It's also really nice to with good Christians sometimes. But not only that, we should be able to say our prayers and devotions daily. These aren't necessarily long periods of time but instead times when we can come to the Lord daily for guidance. I think it's worth it

• Sacrifice your pleasures/ comforts - this was pretty funny when the speaker shared. His example was the "spa." There are a lot of those in the city these days. They make you feel good but then if they cause you to sin then you should probably avoid them. I'm not particularly a spa fan so I wasn't affected but he was right. Sometimes we have to forego certain pleasures in life to be with God, like a night-out for instance or probably a lunch-date that would make going to church difficult.

It was a very nice message today. I hope many were blessed. I'm sure I was

The Lord's Will and My Career

Right now is a very complicated time for me. I've been having difficulty about work relationships and just about work in general. I'm not really sure if I'm in the right place right now because I feel the work I do and the people I'm working with, my superior to be specific, is not really bringing out the best in me.

This is on a personal christian-like behavior anyway. I'd like to say I'm a good person, but I'm really not that good. And when it comes to dealing with my superior right now, it becomes even harder to be nice and polite.

There is this air of distrust between us. And so I asked the Lord to please take me away from this place. I usually say "Take me out of the dark Lord please!" and I think God has heard me.

So far there have been 3 opportunities presented to me, 2 of which cannot compete in terms of salary because I am very well-paid where I am, note though that I also work really hard. But both companies are very stable in the long-term. I've constantly asked the Lord that if either of those companies just came out with a job offer even if the pay was to be lower I would probably take it.

But so far, no offer has come my way. I'm still waiting on the Lord. Right now though my prayer has changed it's tone. Instead of saying please take me out Lord, right now it's please help me to wait for Your perfect timing and please give me the strength to stand my ground while I wait for Your will to unfold.

The third opportunity is already an offer as it is to go abroad. It's okay I guess but I'd like to stay here. I have told the Lord these things, offered to Him my career options - if they're still there.

Lord please help me, please help me know Your will and be patient for Your perfect timing. I know the Lord has so many good things planned for me. He has already brought me this far, and I couldn't have imagined myself being where I am today. He just gave me all these things

So thanks Lord, thanks so much for all these things. I truly truly appreciate them. The Lord knows my heart. The verse I carry around these days is this:

A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. --Proverbs 16:9

The Role Model Father - Job

Since it was Father's Day today, the message this morning, was on how to be a good father. The speaker wanted to find a role model father in the bible but said he found it difficult. There were a great many spiritual heroes, but fathers were few he said.

I don't claim to be any expert in the area, but I do know that the example he shared - Job, was pretty good. What I liked about Job was that he constantly prayed for his children, making sure they were purified. He made it his daily routine to offer sacrifices for his children.

As all parents should I guess. We should be able to embody God in all that we do, especially in front of our children.

One thing to remember also though is that we have a heavenly father who always watches over us even if our real biological parents seem to disappoint us so I guess there's no excuse for us to be bad people because as children it is our duty to obey our parents or in this case our Heavenly Father.

Job 1:5

5When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering ^(A)burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, "^(B)Perhaps my sons have sinned and ^(C)cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did continually.

via Bible Gateway

Waiting Can Be So Hard To Do!

When we ask something from the Lord, sometimes it is just so hard to wait. It makes me wonder, maybe what I'm asking for isn't God's will for me. But it just seems so good an opportunity I can't help but ask it from God.

I read this story once of a boy who wanted a toy train and egged his mother so much that she finally got that exact one for his birthday. However his brother mentioned that their mother got him an even bigger and better train originally, but because the child insisted on that particular toy train, the mother had to go return the bigger and better toy she originally got and exchanged it for the train the child insisted on.

Now isn't that a shame? I don't want that to happen to me. I know God has his great and perfect will for me and although it pains me to wait so long and pray constantly for this opportunity. I still hope that God's will be done instead of mine. I know He has a greater purpose. So even if it's so hard to wait, I will. I will trust in the Lord that He will provide for me.

The Ant Vs. The Grasshopper As Applied To Christian Life

The Ant Vs. The Grasshopper

The preacher last Sunday shared about the ant versus the grasshopper. Apparently the ant has a pay now, play later attitude. They work all summer to gather food in order to be able to enjoy it through the winter.

While grasshoppers on the other hand, do this the other way around. They play all spring and summer, then come winter... well... they die.

We as Christians are like that I guess. We should be like the ant where we pay now in order to enjoy the joys of heaven later on. We work now for the glories of heaven, help as many people as we can find Jesus and possibly join us in heaven.

I do hope I can do justice to that.

Needs of the Church

The message relayed in church today was in relation to the needs of the church. The speaker mentioned of the many needs of the church and the many way people can contribute. From financial contribution to just helping around.

I find it difficult to believe sometimes because I would say our church is pretty progressive. There are a lot of rich people who attend mass in our church. Just today I saw someone in one of those new BMW's so it's kind of hard to figure out. Maybe some people just don't feel that they should contribute as much?

I offer a bit but not that big I guess so that message did hit me a bit. I understand too that the speaker was encouraging the congregation to help out and you know, in his words it was to offer "ministry" or "service." But in simple terms I think he was just saying that if we help each other out we'll make the church a better place and I agree.

Requirements to Preaching The Gospel

The message in church today was very convicting. The speaker shared about preaching the Gospel. The need to do it and how to do it. I have to admit, sharing the Gospel isn't exactly one of my strong points. I find it intrusive when other people want me to believe what they believe in just because they tell me to and I guess that's the same with me. Since I don't want to be treated that way so I don't want to cause other people inconvenience by having them believe my faith.

But the speaker said it quite differently today. He said it was our mission to share the Gospel. I guess that's true. I'd rather my actions speak though rather than my words. I'm always afraid of not walking the talk.

As a requirement the speaker said that we should purge all sin from our lives.

• We should forgive others who have wronged
  
• We should confess our own sins
• We should offer restitution as well

Another requirement was for us to Pray

• Pray
• Pray
• Pray

And I believe these to be true as well. I do hope I can share some of what I've experienced in the Lord with other people. I'm not quite sure if I can go up to people and just say them but I hope that my life will touch people in the same way.

The beautiful image of the little girl is available as a poster on Allposters.com if you're interested.

How To Share The Gospel Of Christ

Today the message in church was about how to share the gospel. There was no hocus pocus or some magic formula to get people to believe in Jesus Christ. I even thought there was something to memorize. But instead what was only required was honest to goodness testimony. Your life speaking for the Lord. Your life speaking for itself.

The speaker said that if you just speak about how grateful you are to the Lord for forgiving your sins and how grateful you are for all that He has done for you and you actually live out this gratefulness for the Lord then people will naturally be attracted to what we believe in.

I think that's a pretty good, straight-forward and honest way to do it.

Image from Blackhawkchristian.org

The 3 Trees and God's purpose

I didn't get to see the complete video in Sunday School today, but I did get the low-down on this nice children's show they were able to watch about 3 trees.

Here's what I remember:

Once there were 3 trees in the forest, each of whom had their own ambition. The first tree wanted to become part of a mansion of some sort - a castle, something big and magnificent. As he was cut down though, he was disappointed to find out he was only to become part of a manger.

This manger though was where Jesus was born.

The second tree wanted to part of a great big ship that would sail the world. However, he was cut down to become part of a fishing boat.

This fishing boat carried Jesus. On this fishing boat, the Lord told the storm to be still.

The third tree didn't want to be cut down at all. The 3rd tree wanted to become the tallest tree in the forest, the tallest tree in the world. But to his dismay, he was cut down and made into a cross.

This cross was the very same one where Jesus was crucified.

The story is very simple but also very true. It took most of the kindergarten kids a long time to get it though, but the story is a reflection of what God will do with us. We are just like those trees. We will be pruned by the Lord, we will be guided by the Lord and eventually we will be used by the Lord.

We have a lot of plans but in the end, it is the Lord's will that will prevail.

Image care of SeedlingsRUs.com

UnChristlike?

An incident occurred where a Christian friend of mine borrowed a rather large sum of money from me. We live in the same apartment and so have shared a lot of things through more than a decade of living together. I don't mind lending money at all when I have some. I have been blessed with a rather well-paying job. I'm often busy but I do think I am paid enough to live comfortably, thanks be to God.

However, just recently this friend of mine wanted to attend a conference out of town that would yet again necessitate that she borrow money from me. I was of course agreeable to this, albeit quite jealous that she is able to go to such a conference while I have to work my way through the Lenten season. But that's okay though because I do have a child to take care of and with whom I also want to spend some quality time with (as well as my family too).

As it was time for this friend of mine to leave for her conference, it was her turn to shop for groceries. She did not do this before she left and neither did she tell anyone. By the time she had left, it was very difficult for us left behind to purchase food or groceries because it was now the Lenten holidays and most if not all the shops were closed.

I feel bad about this I really do. I feel quite betrayed and taken advantaged of. I think she should have at least told us that this was the case. I feel even worse because I took the extra effort to get her that money in time for her conference, but she did not extend to us the same courtesy and I don't think that's very nice. I'm no longer as angry as I was last week. I feel that my anger will accomplish nothing. But I still feel bad about it. I wonder if I'm wrong to feel this way but for some reason I don't think so. God help me decide what to feel

Frustrations And God's Sustenance

I was unable to post last Sunday's message from church on time because I was swamped with work over the week. I've worked 12 hours per day the last 5 days and I am exhausted.

I'm also frustrated because some of my relationships are a little off and I can't seem to help feeling sad and angry at myself.

Last Sunday, the speaker mentioned about the mountains and valleys of life, relating these to the promise land God was to give the Israelites when they left Egypt. In contrast to Egypt where they sow their food - Canaan was going to prove a great change in pace and ambiance.

The speaker likened Egypt to the world where there is a steady source of resource. There is the Nile river that would seemingly sustain us. However we'd be slaves in this land of Egypt. Slaves to our sinful desires and slaves to the world that commands us to sow and plant and reap/ harvest.

Canaan on the other hand, was a land of mountains and valleys that drank water from the rain falling from heaven. Being in the promised land means we will have to entrust our resources to God who will provide the rain in due time.

Applies well to me this week. I admit I prayed a lot for God to guide me through meeting after meeting and analysis after analysis, because believe me I can't do it on my own. I'm just about ready to fall over right now from exhaustion and frustration but still I think I am blessed because I could have never survived the week without God's sustenance.

The Hand Of God

The message in church today revolved around a woman named Fanny Crosby. She was a hymn writer and a poetess. What few people know though was that she was blind. Just 6 weeks after she was born she lost her eye sight, due to "questionable medical practice" at the time. But still she grew up to serve the Lord.

In her life though, she manifested a cheerfulness that was considered a great achievement even after 3 dreadful tragedies in her life: first was her blindness, which she compensated by memorizing multiple sections of the bible (even more than people who can see these days); second was her less than ideal marriage to a fellow musician, and third was the death of her child.

Those truly have to be devastating things. However she held steadfast to the love of the Lord and she continued on to speak and write hymns and teach for the greater glory of God.

The message in church today was more about how the hand of God (the same hand of God) that guided and shielded her, although we do not undergo the same circumstances, is the same hand that guides and protects us. The speaker's emphasis as well was not the we look at other people and their experiences because people have different experiences. Although one person is healed shortly after prayer and another is not (even if they both prayed), still we have to move forward with the will of the Lord and follow through by obeying Him.

We should set our eyes on the Lord and not on others. It will serve no good purpose to compare ourselves to other people. I know I've tried and nothing good has come of it. So I agree with the speaker, let us set our eyes on the Lord. He will follow through on his promises, provide His had to guide and hide us.

Being At Peace

In this Sunday's message, the topic was peace. It is very relevant to what's happening these days when there are so many troubling times for people. Where do we find peace? It has been said that the peace is not the absence of war, but the presence of God.

This was greatly manifested by one painting that the speaker cited today about a family of birds in their nest on a tree while there was a this horrible storm around them. It's true that we can't avoid the trials and tribulations of life, but what God is trying to say I guess is that even in the midst of these storms, He is there for us. And if we find peace WITH God then we can gain from the peace OF God.

Humility In Abundance

I learned something really nice last Sunday. The speaker quoted the verse Philippian 4:12

"I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need."

God has given us so many things. We are so blessed. So we must be humble. God allows us to be self-sufficient as a blessing. But we should trust in Him for all things. When I say trust though, doesn't mean we shouldn't do anything. We should still act accordingly and do our jobs and stuff like that, we just should be boastful about them and think it's because we're amazing as people. If anything, we are nothing and only vessels of God. I do hope He leads me in the path He wants me to be.

Passion For The Lord

The message I heard in church today revolved mainly around David and how he had fought so hard to gather the things needed to build the temple of God. The pastor spoke of his earnest desire to build the house of the Lord. However in the end, God said He didn't want David to build his temple, but his son instead.

The pastor spoke of how this didn't dishearten David, like how most of us would probably feel. But he was a humble man and even said that he would rather be a doorman in the house of the Lord than dwell in the tents of the wicked (not sure if that's how it's supposed to go)

The pastor encouraged us to have as much passion as David and seek after the Lord just as he did. I pray for that kind of passion as well.

(image from Crystalinks.com)

Wrong Creed Breeds Wrong Character

The message from church today was pretty enlightening. The speaker was a Singaporean missionary who was assigned in UK and London. Didn't catch his name though but his message was very insightful.

He said that sometimes we think since we go to church often or pray a lot, we know God but actually our perception of God may be wrong. And he's actually right.

One of his examples was that many times people think that just because God is "love" doesn't mean he'll just give us our heart's desire and pamper us all the time. More often than not we prefer to see God like that instead of being the kind of God He really is which is also a God who disciplines us. We'd like to perceive God just as a messiah and savior and discount the fact that He is supposed to be Lord of our lives as well. This then leads us to turn away from the Lord when things get difficult because we are unable to accept that a God who's supposed to be the definition of "love" can do such a thing to us.

The key phrase I got from this is that the wrong perception leads to the wrong reaction which becomes part and parcel of a messed up relationship. This applies to a lot of other relationships as well - our relationships with other people, not just God. However this is most significant when we think about our relationship with God because it is the very foundation of how we deal with other people in our lives.

I'm grateful to the Lord, He sent that guy to speak in our church

(image from Angeltalk.com)

What I Learned In Church Today - Be Tactful

I didn't get to stay long in church today because I was feeling under the weather but I'm glad to say that God gave me something to take away from that sermon even if I wasn't there for so long. One of the core messages of the church sermon I heard today was about being tactful.

Being tactful in today's church message was defined as "making your point without making an enemy." I think it's very practical and something that people can actually relate to day to day. We wouldn't have this much trouble between different religions if we can make our point without offending or demeaning other people.

So thank God for this word that He left me today and I hope it will bear fruit in my life.

When One Saved Us All

It's very lively where I am now, its the grade parade for the patron saint of the city if you believe in things like that. It hasn't been much of a prayerful time if that's what you're thinking. In fact the celebration itself has become less about the patron saint being celebrated than it is a commercial event.

The Sinulog festival here in Cebu is now more of a grand parade and Cebu City highlight compared to a solemn event. Many people believe that santo nino - the child saint for which this festival is named after is a reflection of Jesus Christ as a child.

In fact people from all over the world to see people dance on the streets and party all night. I have to admit, I have had my share of sinulog celebrations and it was indeed fun. Face painting, bar hopping, dancing and drinking are all part of the event.

Not to say that it's not fun and that it shouldn't be. But I made it a point today to go to church before the roads were blocked for the mardi gras parade. I wanted to thank God for the rich blessings of the city and of course my family.

In the end, I'm just glad Jesus came to die for our sins and for guiding us thus far.

Faith In Sickness

I was sick for about a week. Had Rubella Infection otherwise known as German Measles, it was quite a horrible experience too. Very discomforting and I had to stay away from my family because I was contagious.

This made me very lonely and sad. Kept praying that the Lord heal me. I asked God so many times if he could just take away the pain I'd really appreciate it. And then I also asked that if He could just bring me back home to my family again, that would be great too.

And here I am truly grateful for God's healing. It's difficult to have faith in times of sickness. I should know being stuck in a hospital bed for a week, coughing up blood with a sore throat.

God is indeed gracious. He provided for me while I was there in the hospital. I did have some visitors come by and there were people who expressed their concern and care. God never left me and He is with me still.

(image from Christnc.com)

New Year's Resolution

It's the New Year once again and everyone's bound to have a New Year's Resolution. Daily Bread just mentioned a few days ago that if you are in the market for a New Year's Resolution, one of which ought to be to slow life down instead of speed it up with so many goals.

If there is a worthy goal, it is to build up treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust can destroy. I agree with all my heart. Just difficult sometimes when we badly need so much to survive these days (or maintain a lifestyle). But I guess the point here would be that, we should take life easy with a primary goal of God first before everything else. That way He should help us align all the things we need to get done according to His Will.

(image from Fitnessmatters.com)