Stand Firm

Last week, our church celebrated its 16th year of standing firm in faith, united in doing the mission of God. It was victorious. The program runs smoothly, the message was very clear on the presentations, the Word of God was delivered with great impact by the guest pastor, and more importantly, many visitors took the step of faith and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Indeed, our labor is not in vain.

And as expected, the enemy will work double time to destruct us. We cannot expect them to simply sit and watch us as we celebrate.

WRONG SENT

As Christians, we strongly believe in the power of prayer; we believe that God don't just hear our prayers but He answers them, one by one...

We can stand in front of people and talk about God's faithfulness the whole day. How God works amazingly in our lives. How He turn our dreams into reality...

But sometimes, it seems that He doesn't respond quickly and worst... He didn't answer the way we want...

The Life that is Truly Life

It's my 200th post. 
After saying Bye Bye Love on the 2nd year of Kali...
It's about time to let go of the life I planned to accept the life that is waiting for me.

As I randomly checked some of my previous posts, memories flashed back... actually, I cannot believe that I was able publish it and let people enter into my life.
From the story of The Good Samaritan...  and how I was EMBARRASSED by my nephew's faith and the many Happy Thoughts that we shared...
Different issues, personal stories, you got to know my family and friends, I was able to share my point of views, my dreams and frustrations, heartaches and pains, inspirations and goals...

God Bless the Philippines

Voting is over...
The new automated election in the country pushed through despite all the negative speculations.
It wasn't 100% successful, but knowing that it it happened somehow it made a history to our country.


The people have decided and the counting begins.

Finally, the dirty campaign is over...
After all the issues and black propaganda that filled the whole country for 90 days (or more...), we are now facing the real challenge...

The canvassing of votes.
I know that it's an automatic counting, but from the past experiences, this is the stage of the actual battle... we have to be assured that every single vote is counted... and accounted to the right candidate.

Many areas are still doing manual counts... as expected. And this is where the fear of the people arises.
As the machine fails, we are all hoping that the people wont...

At this time, while we are all waiting for the final result, let's keep on praying that our Father will continuously heal our land and bless us as a nation of God.

Again and again,
God please... Bless the Philippines.

Violet is Red

He is one of the Big Bosses, known to be the toughest and worst boss within the agency...
Let's call him Violet. The terror VP of the company.

Even the coffee delivery guy knew who and what he was.
If you happen to be a first timer within the vicinity, someone will surely warn you about Violet.
Or maybe, you'll find it yourself once you pass the hall near his office.
To newly hired employees, his name should be mentioned and he should be described, otherwise, the first day will also be their last...

He screamed to death...
With his power, even if he whispers... his voice will be heard...
Like a king... people should follow his orders...
The company is his kingdom.

To almost everyone... he is Miranda - from 'The devil wears Prada', or rather, Miranda is only half of him...
Violet is far worst... he was described to be Hitler by others who worked with him...

Can you imagine the life of his P.A?
No one within the network would like to be in her shoes...

And most were amazed how she deals with him.

Even Violet himself asked her several times, on how she looked at him.
With all sincerity, she said, 'I believe you are kind.'

Yes. To her, Violet is Red...
A man with soft heart and kindness deep within.
Not everyone might understand and believe but yes, he is Red to her...

Why?

This small but terrible PA is like David dealing with Goliath...
Her secret weapon is not a stone, but the powerful prayer that she whisper to our Lord God every single day of her office life.
Praying that He will touch Violet's heart, make it as Red as it can be...

And God continuously fulfill her prayers...
Knowing how Violet treated his previous PAs, everyday is a miracle to her.

Many can't believe, but indeed, Violet is Red...

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts, and your minds in Christ Jesus.

- Philippians 4:6-7

Such miracle can happen to every corners of offices with 'Violet' bosses...

Instead of cursing your managers... lift them up to Him. and you will witness how God touch one's heart...

Lent

The season of prayer and penitence...
Time of commemorating the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As the whole Christian world observes the Holy Week, many tends to forget the real meaning of the season... Most family were already booked for the much awaited week long vacation. Friends have their parties set... Although the traditional practices were still observed (esp. in Phils.), it was more of gimik and happenings instead of remembering what Jesus had been through and understand why He suffered on the cross.

Living in a Muslim country is becoming more difficult in times like this, when Christians should be in churches for service and activities or doing some penitence, we are inside our offices, just as another ordinary day...
I missed the days of watching 'The Ten Commandments', times when we are just at home and Nanay reads the Bible, or attending Bible study lead by our Lolo Marciano.

More than the usual vacation, as Christians, we are longing for the Spirit of the Holy Week... Moments when we can reflect and repent and give service to others. Observing the good examples that Jesus demonstrated to us.

Though being on this part of the world, surrounded by non-believers, it won't be a hindrance for us take part and rekindle our faith... deep in our hearts, we continuously give thanks for all His sacrifices...

"This is how God showed His love among us; He sent His One and Only Son into the world that we might live through Him." -1 John 4:9

Prayer Power

"There are thoughts which are prayers...
There are moments when, whatever the posture of the body, the soul is on its knees."   -Victor  Hugo

Have you ever experience that?
When there are no other things in your mind, but prayers...
Either giving thanks and praise or asking for strength and relief...
Or just simply wanting to be on His feet... talking with Him in silence.

In one article, I read about Paul's teaching on Thanksgiving and Prayer (Ephesians 1:15-23).

He prayed that people will be given the Spirit of Knowledge to know God better.
For people to experience in their lives the power that raised Jesus from the dead.
He prayed that God would strengthen them by Spirit in their inner being.
He talked about worship and submission in terms of Spirit.
And to let the Spirit use God's words in their lives and encouraged them to 'pray in Spirit.'

Paul demonstrates the importance of seeking God in prayer... showing us that prayer, worship, submission and the word of God are crucial in releasing the Spirit's Power in our lives.

There is one more "prayer lesson" that I can never forget. I learned this from my religion class from grade school....
How we should pray, remembering others... with fingers as guide:

Thumb, as nearest to the heart, stands for the people who are close to our hearts...
Index, or the pointing finger, are like those who teach, they may be our teachers, pastors, trainors... pray for those people.
Middle, as the tallest are the leaders, our boss, head of our team, government officials... people that leads.
Third, being the weakest, reminds us for those who are sick... we should never forget to pray for them.
Finally, the Little finger, which is ourselves...

Physically, do you experience goose bumps when you pray? Cold air embraces you, while you are talking to Him... Tears unconciously flow from your eyes... Do you feel the lightness from deep within after you surrender you worries? Do you feel relieved?

And even if we don't say anything; when we simply call on His name and our heart sing praises...
He will hold you close...

That is the magic of prayers...

For me, its like a button that when I switched on, it will automatically remove all my tensions and fears.
At times when I am feeling disturbed and stressed, a seconds of silence will give me peace.
One click and I'll feel comfortable again :)
Because I know that He listens and I feel that He cares.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:6-7

Lord, Please Hear Our Prayers

Lord, please take away the sadness. We are hurting. We are weary.

There are days we cannot remember what joy felt like.

Our hearts have been broken. We sometimes wonder if you really care ...

and if you are really there. We are not sure how much we can bear.

So, in our sadness we pray,

"Father, restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

Lord, please take away the fear. There's so much happening that we don't understand.

We struggle with the uncertainty. We struggle to find confidence.

We are looking for reasons for hope. So, in our times of fear we pray,

"Father, walk with us and hold us in Your strong hands."

Lord, please take away the anger. We are not by nature angry people.

But, there are times when the anger waits just beneath the surface to erupt at just the wrong moment.

We don't want that anger to take root in our hearts. We want to let go of it and harbor no resentment.

We want to forgive. So, in our anger we prayer,

"Father, forgive us as we forgive those who have sinned against us."

Lord, please take away the hurt. The hurts ... well, they hurt.

The hurt seems to never end. Pain is all around us.

Not just us, but people all around us are crying for relief.

So in our times of hurting we pray for Your healing hand to rest upon us,

and to feel Your comforting Spirit within us, and that someday we might understand.

Lord, take away the loneliness. There are times when loneliness almost completely overwhelms us.

We long for love. We know You are always with us. We know your love is real.

So, in our loneliness we pray, "Fill us, Lord, with Your presence."

Lord, thank you for meeting us in prayer until we come home to you and meet you face to face.

We surrender everything to you, Father... In Jesus' name, we pray.

Amen.

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Photos from CNN

Isaiah 40:30-31

"Even youths grow tired & weary and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles,

they will run and not go weary,

they will walk and not be faint."

O LORD, thank you for sustaining me through the hard times in my life.

Thank you for helping me soar, doing things for you that I never dreamed I could accomplish.

FATHER, thank you for blessing me during the everyday comings and goings of life.

For every good and not so good things in my life, I praise you and thank you...

In Jesus' name I pray... Amen.

I've Got Nothing!

I am tired...

I am weak...

I am worn...

I am a struggler...

I am a sinner...

I am a child...

I am human...

I have questions...

I have fears...

I have temptations...

I have pride...

I am self-concious...

I am selfish...

at times, I am a mess..

I cry out to you, Lord and I confess that i have nothing!

As my cries goes silent, I hear you say...

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:3

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Your grace is sufficient for me, O Lord...

I may be lacking many things.

I may not be knowlegable in many ways...

Yet, You have come to rescue me.

"For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.'

No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything in all creation, will be able to seperate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, our Lord." - Romans 8:28-39

I was saved by Your love.

Strengthen by Your mercy.

I have nothing, yet, with my faith in You...

"I can do everything, through him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13

Lord, I have nothing! But when I stop, listen & hear your voice...

I realize that I have You & You know me.

That's all I need.