I once read from an author that God can speak to us in many different ways. Sure, the Bible is there and God speaks to us through His word when we meditate on it regularly, but this guy was saying there are other ways God can speak to us. Blasphemous you say? I think not. He said that there were times when God spoke through movies, other times maybe through songs, just little instances where messages came through and he knew that it was an answer to some of the things he was going through.
Obviously God wouldn't speak through songs with lyrics like "I wanna see your peacock" (which incidentally I overheard someone playing on their mobile phone) or in movies like say Saw, but there are times when I felt like God was telling me something through the things I read.
I remember one particular time when I was browsing the editorial section of a newspaper and came across two editorial columns which talked of two entirely different things altogether. One was written by a renowned hard-hitting journalist while the other was a guest writer. One talked about the struggles of Fil-Ams with their identity and wealth while the other talked about his work.
The Fil-Am struggles were highlighted by the penchant to work to death for material things and the signs that go with wealth and success like cars, gadgets, and so on while normal Filipinos can go on contentedly with smiles on their faces without these symbols of affluence. The other guy talked about his dreams of getting a dream job in "skyscraper city" after leaving the province but ended up feeling frustrated because he wasn't in it wholly. After getting a job as a research assistant in a far-away province, he said that he found his sense of purpose and fulfillment. Imagine that, giving up a high-paying job and trading it for one where his passion was.
Which brings me to the question: What did God say to me through these insights? My mind raced back to what the wise man said toward the end of his life "Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 2:11). I think what's important is what God wants me to do and not what I think what's good for me. I suppose everyone should prayerfully consider that; what is that thing God wants to do so that His purpose may be carried out in each individual. Time to get going.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The fine line between belief and doubt
"If you can? said Jesus. Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23
You can read: Mark 9:17-29
We often take things into our own hands. Why not? If there is a problem, we often can come up with a solution. If there is something that needs to be fixed, we find way to get it done. So , in our reliance on our strength, we need not consider what God can do, and he is always relegated to the sidelines. Then, when a situation comes aling which we cannot handle, we turn to God in prayer but deep down inside is a question of whether God will be able to see you through that situation.
I really liked the way Jesus replied to the father whose son had an evil spirit tormenting him. In response to the dad's remark that maybe Jesus can heal his son, the Lord replied with a frank "If you can?" as if to say, are you really trying me? After which came a remark that everything is possible for him who believes.
We can be like that sometimes, bringing our problems to God, yet doubting His ability to take care of it. In His wisdom, he gently reminds us that if we believe, things can and will happen. Just believe.
You can read: Mark 9:17-29
We often take things into our own hands. Why not? If there is a problem, we often can come up with a solution. If there is something that needs to be fixed, we find way to get it done. So , in our reliance on our strength, we need not consider what God can do, and he is always relegated to the sidelines. Then, when a situation comes aling which we cannot handle, we turn to God in prayer but deep down inside is a question of whether God will be able to see you through that situation.
I really liked the way Jesus replied to the father whose son had an evil spirit tormenting him. In response to the dad's remark that maybe Jesus can heal his son, the Lord replied with a frank "If you can?" as if to say, are you really trying me? After which came a remark that everything is possible for him who believes.
We can be like that sometimes, bringing our problems to God, yet doubting His ability to take care of it. In His wisdom, he gently reminds us that if we believe, things can and will happen. Just believe.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Name association
"A good name is more desirable than great riches, to be esteemed is better than silver or gold" Proverbs 22:1
You can read: Proverbs 22:1-6
When you leave this world behind, what would it remember you by? Were you someone who spread goodness and cheer, or were you someone who led by cunning, deceit and wrong intentions?
A name conjures up feelings of good or bad that are associated with it. For example, you hear the name Sy, Tan, Ayala or Lopez, and you instantly associate that with the biggest families in business in the country. Or you hear Francis Kong, Andrew Liuson, and you know that these are successful businessmen who are also very vocal about their faith.
Then you read about Bernie Maddof, and then the connection switches instantly. Here now is a rich Wall Street financial broker, now infamous because of duping people into a sophisticated pyramiding scheme.
When others hear your name, what would they associate it with? Why don't we all take some time out and reflect about what our name would be associated with?
You can read: Proverbs 22:1-6
When you leave this world behind, what would it remember you by? Were you someone who spread goodness and cheer, or were you someone who led by cunning, deceit and wrong intentions?
A name conjures up feelings of good or bad that are associated with it. For example, you hear the name Sy, Tan, Ayala or Lopez, and you instantly associate that with the biggest families in business in the country. Or you hear Francis Kong, Andrew Liuson, and you know that these are successful businessmen who are also very vocal about their faith.
Then you read about Bernie Maddof, and then the connection switches instantly. Here now is a rich Wall Street financial broker, now infamous because of duping people into a sophisticated pyramiding scheme.
When others hear your name, what would they associate it with? Why don't we all take some time out and reflect about what our name would be associated with?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Once for all
"Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself." Hebrews 7:27
You can read: Hebrews 7:26-28
Some people have a hard time comprehending that Jesus died once for all. There are still those who believe that they can earn their way into God's presence through repetitive prayers or event through their own merit.
The bible is very clear that the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross is enough for us to be cleansed of all unrighteousness. He was the perfect sacrifice, therefore, there is no more need for any other sacrifices in order to gain God's favor.
As people who have faith in Christ, we can also tell this to others who may still think it needs some effort on their part before God accepts them. We can tell them of the great sacrifice Jesus paid one time upon the cross to set us free and keep us alive.
You can read: Hebrews 7:26-28
Some people have a hard time comprehending that Jesus died once for all. There are still those who believe that they can earn their way into God's presence through repetitive prayers or event through their own merit.
The bible is very clear that the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross is enough for us to be cleansed of all unrighteousness. He was the perfect sacrifice, therefore, there is no more need for any other sacrifices in order to gain God's favor.
As people who have faith in Christ, we can also tell this to others who may still think it needs some effort on their part before God accepts them. We can tell them of the great sacrifice Jesus paid one time upon the cross to set us free and keep us alive.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sawdust and planks
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3
You can read: Matthew 7:1-5
Sometimes there are verses in the Bible that make you think about theological stuff, which sometimes needs fancy high-falutin terms in order to get an explanation. Sometimes, there are verses that are so straightforward and practical that only a fool would miss its meaning.
Take a quick look at what Jesus said about judging. Simple, yet straight to the point. Why look at others when you can't see the fault with yourself? Very true. There are times when we get upset with others because we find a little bit of our fault in the things they do. Unconsciously, we correct others because of faults we cannot correct ourselves.
So instead of quickly pointing an accusing finger on others, check yourself out first, maybe it's you who needs a fixing, before you try to fix others.
You can read: Matthew 7:1-5
Sometimes there are verses in the Bible that make you think about theological stuff, which sometimes needs fancy high-falutin terms in order to get an explanation. Sometimes, there are verses that are so straightforward and practical that only a fool would miss its meaning.
Take a quick look at what Jesus said about judging. Simple, yet straight to the point. Why look at others when you can't see the fault with yourself? Very true. There are times when we get upset with others because we find a little bit of our fault in the things they do. Unconsciously, we correct others because of faults we cannot correct ourselves.
So instead of quickly pointing an accusing finger on others, check yourself out first, maybe it's you who needs a fixing, before you try to fix others.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Have Faith
"Have faith in God," Jesus answered.รข€ Mark 11:22
You can read: Mark 11:20-25
We can sometimes look at the mountain or turn our focus on God. Troubles come, hardships can make us feel weary, we can also look at our problems instead of the opportunities they present, but God tells us to always have faith in Him.
The disciples were amazed at Jesus' declaration upon a fig tree. In the earlier parts of Mark 11, Jesus and the disciples were hungry and looked for something to eat. They came upon a fig tree, and finding it bare, Jesus declared that no one would eat from it again. The disciples remembered, and after a few moments, they came back and saw that the tree had withered, and Jesus declaration came true. When they asked how He did it, Jesus replied by saying, have faith in God.
How many times have we really declared our faith in God? Do we always see God first before the problem? Or de we always see the obstacles first before realizing God's power in our lives? God is always there to provide us with what we need. All it takes is faith in Him.
You can read: Mark 11:20-25
We can sometimes look at the mountain or turn our focus on God. Troubles come, hardships can make us feel weary, we can also look at our problems instead of the opportunities they present, but God tells us to always have faith in Him.
The disciples were amazed at Jesus' declaration upon a fig tree. In the earlier parts of Mark 11, Jesus and the disciples were hungry and looked for something to eat. They came upon a fig tree, and finding it bare, Jesus declared that no one would eat from it again. The disciples remembered, and after a few moments, they came back and saw that the tree had withered, and Jesus declaration came true. When they asked how He did it, Jesus replied by saying, have faith in God.
How many times have we really declared our faith in God? Do we always see God first before the problem? Or de we always see the obstacles first before realizing God's power in our lives? God is always there to provide us with what we need. All it takes is faith in Him.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The true object of worship
"When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, The gods have come down to us in human form!" Acts 14:11
You can read: Acts 14:8-15
There are preachers, and then there are good preachers. There are good leaders, and then there are leaders who have ordained themselves gods and ask their followers to submit to them and whatever they require.
This isn't a new thing. We have heard of people like Jim Jones, David Koresh and the likes. But even before these personalities developed their god status, Paul and Barnabas were also worshipped as gods but they constantly rebuked those who did so, saying they were only messengers of God and they were proclaiming what they have seen and witnessed.
People who bear God's message and who possess great communication and interpersonal skills are merely God's messengers. They are merely people who have extraordinary abilities to convey God's message. They are not gods to be worshipped or revered, all that is due only to God who created everything and who is sovereign over all.
You can read: Acts 14:8-15
There are preachers, and then there are good preachers. There are good leaders, and then there are leaders who have ordained themselves gods and ask their followers to submit to them and whatever they require.
This isn't a new thing. We have heard of people like Jim Jones, David Koresh and the likes. But even before these personalities developed their god status, Paul and Barnabas were also worshipped as gods but they constantly rebuked those who did so, saying they were only messengers of God and they were proclaiming what they have seen and witnessed.
People who bear God's message and who possess great communication and interpersonal skills are merely God's messengers. They are merely people who have extraordinary abilities to convey God's message. They are not gods to be worshipped or revered, all that is due only to God who created everything and who is sovereign over all.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Our strength
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”Philippians 4:13
You can read: Philippians 4:10-13
Sometimes, our circumstances get the better of us and we kind of lose hope and falter. This can happen many times, or it can happen for a prolonged period of time. It could even be a lifetime of underachieving, because you may look down on yourself, notice past failures, and give up altogether.
Still, we find that we have our strength, and also our power in Christ. That's how we can confidently say we can face whatever the world throws at us. We do not need to rely on our own frail, fragile self that is prone to mistake and failure, but rather, we can rely on God who is never-changing, always faithful no matter what we may feel, or what we may face.
If you are going through a toough time now, or you feel downhearted, don't lose hope, cast all your cares on God, lift everything up to Him and He will sustain you.
You can read: Philippians 4:10-13
Sometimes, our circumstances get the better of us and we kind of lose hope and falter. This can happen many times, or it can happen for a prolonged period of time. It could even be a lifetime of underachieving, because you may look down on yourself, notice past failures, and give up altogether.
Still, we find that we have our strength, and also our power in Christ. That's how we can confidently say we can face whatever the world throws at us. We do not need to rely on our own frail, fragile self that is prone to mistake and failure, but rather, we can rely on God who is never-changing, always faithful no matter what we may feel, or what we may face.
If you are going through a toough time now, or you feel downhearted, don't lose hope, cast all your cares on God, lift everything up to Him and He will sustain you.
Our Strength
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”Philippians 4:13
You can read: Philippians 4:10-13
You can read: Philippians 4:10-13
Sometimes, our circumstances get the better of us and we kind of lose hope and falter. This can happen many times, or it can happen for a prolonged period of time. It could even be a lifetime of underachieving, because you may look down on yourself, notice past failures, and give up altogether.
Still, we find that we have our strength, and also our power in Christ. That's how we can confidently say we can face whatever the world throws at us. We do not need to rely on our own frail, fragile self that is prone to mistake and failure, but rather, we can rely on God who is never-changing, always faithful no matter what we may feel, or what we may face.
If you are going through a toough time now, or you feel downhearted, don't lose hope, cast all your cares on God, lift everything up to Him and He will sustain you.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Eyewitness Accounts
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touchedรข€”this we proclaim concerning the Word of life" 1 John 1:1
You can read: 1 John 1:1-4
When celebrated cases play out on the "court of public opinion," it is usually media statements and press releases that form the public's perception regarding the case. Examples could be the ZTE scandal where the proponents of the case aired their sides through numoerous press conferences. The Garci scandal also played out on TV, without the merits of the case being presented in courts to determine whether things were as they seemed in TV.
When a case comes to court, there are certain rules that govern the presentation of evidence, and it si only based on the testimonial or physical evidence that rulings on cases are made. In the case of Jesus versus an unbelieving world, testimonial evidence abounds as to the veracity of the events that transpired when God walked the earth in human form.
In his letter, John once again affirms this truth. He begins his epistle by once again reminding those who are reading it the he was also a witness to the amazing things that happened and that he was also proclaiming what he saw. These accounts spur us to believe and to put our faith in God who gave His Son for us.
You can read: 1 John 1:1-4
When celebrated cases play out on the "court of public opinion," it is usually media statements and press releases that form the public's perception regarding the case. Examples could be the ZTE scandal where the proponents of the case aired their sides through numoerous press conferences. The Garci scandal also played out on TV, without the merits of the case being presented in courts to determine whether things were as they seemed in TV.
When a case comes to court, there are certain rules that govern the presentation of evidence, and it si only based on the testimonial or physical evidence that rulings on cases are made. In the case of Jesus versus an unbelieving world, testimonial evidence abounds as to the veracity of the events that transpired when God walked the earth in human form.
In his letter, John once again affirms this truth. He begins his epistle by once again reminding those who are reading it the he was also a witness to the amazing things that happened and that he was also proclaiming what he saw. These accounts spur us to believe and to put our faith in God who gave His Son for us.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Even in the midst of trying times
"When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, The Lord's will be done." Acts 21:14
You can read: Acts 21:10-14
Would you be willing to do whatever it takes for what you believe in? Would you be willing to risk your life for something you care passionately about? Maybe these values aren't so prominent nowadays since the persecution of Christians do not happen in our society.
These persecutions still go on even though we may not hear about all of them. Time and time again, I hear news reports about how churches are burned, believers are killed, in countries were Christianity is not the prevailing belief.
Early in the Paul's ministry, someone Agabus prophesied that Paul would be handed over because of his ministry (v 10). Instead of evading his ultimate destiny, Paul and the believers that had gathered surrendered themselves to God's will. This, in spite of knowing what would happen.
Even if we don't have to fear for our lives in preaching about the Good news, we are stilled called to do so. When we freely express our faith to others, remember also those who are persecuted and those who have been martyred because of the same.
You can read: Acts 21:10-14
Would you be willing to do whatever it takes for what you believe in? Would you be willing to risk your life for something you care passionately about? Maybe these values aren't so prominent nowadays since the persecution of Christians do not happen in our society.
These persecutions still go on even though we may not hear about all of them. Time and time again, I hear news reports about how churches are burned, believers are killed, in countries were Christianity is not the prevailing belief.
Early in the Paul's ministry, someone Agabus prophesied that Paul would be handed over because of his ministry (v 10). Instead of evading his ultimate destiny, Paul and the believers that had gathered surrendered themselves to God's will. This, in spite of knowing what would happen.
Even if we don't have to fear for our lives in preaching about the Good news, we are stilled called to do so. When we freely express our faith to others, remember also those who are persecuted and those who have been martyred because of the same.
Only through God's mercy
"he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" Titus 3:5
You can read: Titus 3:3-8
I suppose that we often try to work to find favor from others. This could be finding favor from our spouses, maybe even from our superiors at works, the clients we deal with and so on. It may not be a conscious effort such as bringing a client to a good restaurant, it could be as simple as making a few tweaks in a deal so that everyone comes out a winner, but still, it kind of still falls into the category of trying to find favor.
Maybe we also make efforts to try and find favor from God. Maybe we think that when we do certain things, God would see and reward us. One thing is for sure though, our salvation was not us trying to get God's favor, it was God, who reached out to us.
Many people still don't quite understand what that means; God's mercy and grace. We were the ones who were sinners, yet, God provided a way for us to be reconciled with him. I recall the lyrics of one of my favorite songs by Philips, Craig and Dean, it's called Mercy Came Running. The chorus goes like this:
Mercy came running, like a prisoner set free
Past all my failures, to the point of my needs
When the sin that I carried, was all I could see
When I could not reach mercy, mercy came running to me.
God's mercy. Your past. Their meeting? The cross of calvary.
You can read: Titus 3:3-8
I suppose that we often try to work to find favor from others. This could be finding favor from our spouses, maybe even from our superiors at works, the clients we deal with and so on. It may not be a conscious effort such as bringing a client to a good restaurant, it could be as simple as making a few tweaks in a deal so that everyone comes out a winner, but still, it kind of still falls into the category of trying to find favor.
Maybe we also make efforts to try and find favor from God. Maybe we think that when we do certain things, God would see and reward us. One thing is for sure though, our salvation was not us trying to get God's favor, it was God, who reached out to us.
Many people still don't quite understand what that means; God's mercy and grace. We were the ones who were sinners, yet, God provided a way for us to be reconciled with him. I recall the lyrics of one of my favorite songs by Philips, Craig and Dean, it's called Mercy Came Running. The chorus goes like this:
Mercy came running, like a prisoner set free
Past all my failures, to the point of my needs
When the sin that I carried, was all I could see
When I could not reach mercy, mercy came running to me.
God's mercy. Your past. Their meeting? The cross of calvary.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Helping Hands
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10
You can read: Hebrews 6:9-12
There are times when people extend help or provide some form of assistance when something is expected in return. A rich corporation could donate thousands to a charitable institution because they could get tax exemptions is return. Sometimes, people also donate because they have excesses and they want to get rid of them.
Then again, there are those who genuinely help out. I heard over the radio that there is a charitable institution in Africa that wants to put up a nursing school so that those in the rural areas won't need to travel far just to get basic medical services. Then, there are those who woul be willing to sacrifice their effort and money just to go on missionary trips in far-flung areas of the globe just to preach the gospel.
Helping someone out should come from the heart and should be an expression of genuine concern. We are not just making someone else's life easier, we also are pleasing God.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Cries and prayers
"Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth." Psalm 54:2
You can read: Psalm 54
God is always present to hear us when we call. We can always sing to God a song of praise, or utter a desperate cry for help when things aren't going so well. The thing is: God is always there to help us and to be with us.
The sad fact is that we almost often put God as the line of defense, the last hope when we have tried everything and yet still fail. Those who have put their faith and trust in God know otherwise. When troubled times come, God is there; when good times are upon us, God is also there. When enemies surround us, God is there. We can always turn to God and plead with Him for our requests and also for the requests of others.
Like the Psalmist, we cry out to God, and He hears our prayers.
You can read: Psalm 54
God is always present to hear us when we call. We can always sing to God a song of praise, or utter a desperate cry for help when things aren't going so well. The thing is: God is always there to help us and to be with us.
The sad fact is that we almost often put God as the line of defense, the last hope when we have tried everything and yet still fail. Those who have put their faith and trust in God know otherwise. When troubled times come, God is there; when good times are upon us, God is also there. When enemies surround us, God is there. We can always turn to God and plead with Him for our requests and also for the requests of others.
Like the Psalmist, we cry out to God, and He hears our prayers.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Our Refuge
"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him." 2 Samuel 22:31
You can read: 2 Samuel 22:27-32
Our God is always there for us, even if we do not understand what we are going through at this very instant. God was there to deliver David from his enemies, thus, the song of praise recorded in 2 Samuel 22. Even after this, David went on to write many songs of praise to God which we cand find in the book of Psalms. Most of these songs have themes that speak about God's protection and care for those who trust in him. Most of them always talk about God being a refuge, a shield, some sort of protection from persecution, from enemies, from bad times.
You may not be a song writer like David, who gets his works published for eternity, but you also have the ability in you to acknowledge God in your life. You can also always turn to God for refuge and seek the protection of his power. It oculd be that you are going through a rough time, or maybe even going through a period of Godรข€™s favor in your life, but the truth is, God is always a shield, a refuge for us. May that thought guide your walk today.
You can read: 2 Samuel 22:27-32
Our God is always there for us, even if we do not understand what we are going through at this very instant. God was there to deliver David from his enemies, thus, the song of praise recorded in 2 Samuel 22. Even after this, David went on to write many songs of praise to God which we cand find in the book of Psalms. Most of these songs have themes that speak about God's protection and care for those who trust in him. Most of them always talk about God being a refuge, a shield, some sort of protection from persecution, from enemies, from bad times.
You may not be a song writer like David, who gets his works published for eternity, but you also have the ability in you to acknowledge God in your life. You can also always turn to God for refuge and seek the protection of his power. It oculd be that you are going through a rough time, or maybe even going through a period of Godรข€™s favor in your life, but the truth is, God is always a shield, a refuge for us. May that thought guide your walk today.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
The Golden Rule
"Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31
You can read: Luke 6:27-31
The Golden Rule. Many people think that it is a saying that was crafted by some literary genius. Others think that it isn't explicitly in the Bible. Much like another saying "God helps those who help themselves," people often debate whether this was stated in the bible. So there. Argument closed. Jesus mentioned to his disciples explicitly: Do to others as you would have them do to you.
I wonder how the world would be like if everyone adhered to this saying. Just imagine with me, there wouldn't be unscrupulous business people who would just put profit above everything else, there wouldn't be swindlers who try to pull a fast one off others, there wouldn't be thieves, rapists, murderers, why? Because everyone would be afraid to do those things because others would do unto you as you would do unto them.
Conversely, if everyone showed kindness, compassion, mercy, grace, forgiveness and the whole gamut of all the good things in life, imagine how we would live then? Everyone would probably be smiling at everyone else, people would consider each other's welfare more, and people would probably just be getting along better, period.
The Goldern Rule. It's there, we just need to put it into action. How about that today?
You can read: Luke 6:27-31
The Golden Rule. Many people think that it is a saying that was crafted by some literary genius. Others think that it isn't explicitly in the Bible. Much like another saying "God helps those who help themselves," people often debate whether this was stated in the bible. So there. Argument closed. Jesus mentioned to his disciples explicitly: Do to others as you would have them do to you.
I wonder how the world would be like if everyone adhered to this saying. Just imagine with me, there wouldn't be unscrupulous business people who would just put profit above everything else, there wouldn't be swindlers who try to pull a fast one off others, there wouldn't be thieves, rapists, murderers, why? Because everyone would be afraid to do those things because others would do unto you as you would do unto them.
Conversely, if everyone showed kindness, compassion, mercy, grace, forgiveness and the whole gamut of all the good things in life, imagine how we would live then? Everyone would probably be smiling at everyone else, people would consider each other's welfare more, and people would probably just be getting along better, period.
The Goldern Rule. It's there, we just need to put it into action. How about that today?
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The Wild Man addendum - A trail in the wilderness
One of the activities of the Manila YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) is a yearly work camp for college students. What they do here is they ask volunteers to stay in very rural communities for up to one month where they will work with the community. This work could be farming, repairing schools or setting up facilities for learning or playing. The volunteers would shoulder their own expenses for that month and often forego urban comforts such as having one toilet per person or even a comfortable bed.
One such community we visited was located in a mountainside Barangay in Morong, Bataan. It was a community of indigenous peoples we call as Aetas. This was one of those isolated communities, quite far away from civilization. There were no roads going to the village. We had to park our pick-up trucks by the roadside and began a trek to the place. You had to cross a hanging bridge over a wide mountain stream and then hike up the mountainside for a few minutes before you could see the houses that belonged to the village. Talk about adventure, that hike was something else--a real break from the daily routine we call city living.
When we got to the village, you could see the definition of agriculutural living. The people farmed the land for their daily sustenance, and we were even welcomed with a fresh jar of honey taken straight from the hive. Although they lived mostly off the land, they had a school in that community, even a barangay health center but most strikingly, there was a church.
I talked to the pastor of the church, and to my pleasant surprise,they were part of the Kalookan Christian Church, which was headed by a friend of mine, Rev. Eric Maliwat. Eric is also the station manager of 702 DZAS, a non-profit radio station dedicated to bringing the gospel.
Even before the courageous volunteers of the YMCA dedicated their time and strength for the community,someone had already blazed that trail in the wilderness to bring the gospel to this community. Although the church was small, you could tell that it had been built a few years back. They already had a decent building, pews and all the trimmings of a church. It was obvious, someone had walked the rough road before to bring the good news to these people.
Someone who did not have a car, who had to hike up a mountain, who had to bridge cultural differences went there and told them about Jesus Christ. I would certainly like to shake the hand of the person who did that.
Then, I began to ponder again. There are some of us who are content with going to church once in a while. Who come in just before the message, and maybe even leave before the offering plate comes around. Maybe there are those who sit there with idle thoughts, maybe even random thoughts or problems that seem to have no end. Maybe there are those who think that "It's all good," I've done my weekly dues to God. I'm reminded of the main character from the movie Flywheel who answered that he had already given his "tithe of his time" just by going to church that particular Sunday. I wonder how many others think that way.
Going back to that little church on the mountainside; are there those who are still willing to blaze a trail in the wilderness for the gospel? Maybe there aren't that many mountainsides anymore with people that need to be reached, but there are other wild frontiers where we need to blaze new trails. We have before us the wilderness of apathy and complacency that needs to be dealt with. The Christian faith is under attack from a resurgence of humanist views while its warriors either sit comfortably in their pews or bicker with each other over petty things.
Is there someone who is willing to take up the cudgels and fight for the faith? To boldly go where no one has gone
before in the words of Star Trek. I even dare to quote another pop culture reference and ask like Slim Shady asked: Will the real Christian please stand up?
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The sign and the seeker
"He sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it." Mark 8:12
You can read: Mark 8:11-21
We sometimes long for miraculous signs in order to believe. The lame walking again, the blind seeing again, and all of other visible manifestations of God's power. We read about these miracles being performed in the bible and sometimes wonder why they aren't so visible these days.
A funny thing happened to the disciples regarding this matter. The pharisees wanted a sign, some miracles they wanted to see but were denied (vv 11-12). The disciples on the other hand, were first-hand witnesses to the feeding of nine thousand people using only twelve loaves of bread yet they did not realize it.
In effect, Jesus was saying that miracles aren't the end all and be all of our faith. Whether we choose to believe in the power of God relies not on the miracle but in our faith that God can do all these things. It's not the sign we should seek but the source of the sign. I am sure you would still believe even if there was no physical manifestation.
You can read: Mark 8:11-21
We sometimes long for miraculous signs in order to believe. The lame walking again, the blind seeing again, and all of other visible manifestations of God's power. We read about these miracles being performed in the bible and sometimes wonder why they aren't so visible these days.
A funny thing happened to the disciples regarding this matter. The pharisees wanted a sign, some miracles they wanted to see but were denied (vv 11-12). The disciples on the other hand, were first-hand witnesses to the feeding of nine thousand people using only twelve loaves of bread yet they did not realize it.
In effect, Jesus was saying that miracles aren't the end all and be all of our faith. Whether we choose to believe in the power of God relies not on the miracle but in our faith that God can do all these things. It's not the sign we should seek but the source of the sign. I am sure you would still believe even if there was no physical manifestation.
Monday, October 25, 2010
The wild man addendum: Of Crabs and Men
For some reason or another, I find enjoyment in watching The Deadliest Catch,a series on the Discovery Channel. The amazing thing about it is that the show is just about a bunch of guys on their boats catching crabs,but that's where the difference also comes in. Yes, these guys catch crabs but they catch monster crabs, the giant Alaska King Crab whose legs can grow to about 3 feet long. Their work environment? the deadly Bering Sea off the coast of Alaska,where treacherous storms are the rule not the exception, where temperatures can drop several degrees below freezing.Each episode of the show features how they battle with the elements and with each other, just to earn their keeps. It's a rough world, no holds barred and this show is what makes reality TV watchable.
Then I read a wonderful book called Wild at Heart by John Eldredge and sort of realized why I like the show. You see, the show is about men in their element. Men being men. No flashy cars and fancy suits, no wimpy pushovers, no faces that seem to come straight from the pages of GQ. These are men who are at their best being men. I suppose that deep down inside, there's that yearning to be like those fishermen in the show, rugged and not having to put on a mask to prove they are men. See, what Eldredge said in his book is that men have got that wild streak, it's just the nature of men. You know, slay the dragon, save the damsel in distress and yes, live passionately for God. Men have got that built in wildness that came straight from the Father. When this manliness is lost, a man creates a false self, just to get the approval from those around him that he is indeed a man. But when a man realizes his potential, and lives it to the fullest according to what God ordained, God's plan and purpose is fulfilled.
Now at this point, some would say that this is a male chauvinist message. I beg to disagree. Let's not take anything away from women, they aren't the weaker or lesser gender. They also carry the fullness of the image of God, if I may borrow Eldredge's words. Women are just designed differently. You don't see young girls running around playing horsie horsie or trying to slam their playmates to the ground like a piledriver. Leave that to the boys.
It's the young boys whose first impulse it is to take a stick and make believe he's part of the 101st Airborne, storming Nazi-occupied France. Maybe that stick is the sword of Zorro, or an MP5 held by an elite member of the Hostage Rescue Team. It's this wild, restless spirit that God calls to achieve great things for Him. It's this wild heart that is often neutered at some point in the growing years. Prince Valiant is supposed to be blazing new ground for God but somewhere along the way, he lost his drive. Fast forward a few years, and see whether Prince Valiant is still there, standing his ground for God, or just plodding along in survival mode just to get through another day. Did the fire to be used mightily for the glory of God die out or burn stronger as the years went by?
As I see the fishermen of the Bering Sea rake in their haul in giant thousand-pound cages, my mind races back to a different set of fishermen. This set had their weather-beaten faces, calloused hands and strong spirits as well. One particular day, the catch was not there until a stranger told them to cast their nets again. This time, the haul was to the point that their nets almost broke. They were doing what they knew they did best, until God called them to do what they were supposed to do. That one act ofobedience changed the course of human history forever as Peter and his men obeyed the command sent by Jesus. Still, they didn't fulfill their call to the fullest at first. When word that their master had died, they fled, and went back to what they did before. They returned to the comfort and familiarity, and forgot the call of risk and adventure in proclaiming and fulfilling God's plan. One day, while they were back to doing the familiar, the same stranger (to them) once again asked them to cast their nets with the same result. Only this time, they realized what they needed to do, and the fishermen from Galilee became the mighty warriors of God whose message still remains with us today. As you ponder on what you need to do, the question that begs to be answered now is this: Will you continue to do what you do, or do the thing God called you to do?
Then I read a wonderful book called Wild at Heart by John Eldredge and sort of realized why I like the show. You see, the show is about men in their element. Men being men. No flashy cars and fancy suits, no wimpy pushovers, no faces that seem to come straight from the pages of GQ. These are men who are at their best being men. I suppose that deep down inside, there's that yearning to be like those fishermen in the show, rugged and not having to put on a mask to prove they are men. See, what Eldredge said in his book is that men have got that wild streak, it's just the nature of men. You know, slay the dragon, save the damsel in distress and yes, live passionately for God. Men have got that built in wildness that came straight from the Father. When this manliness is lost, a man creates a false self, just to get the approval from those around him that he is indeed a man. But when a man realizes his potential, and lives it to the fullest according to what God ordained, God's plan and purpose is fulfilled.
Now at this point, some would say that this is a male chauvinist message. I beg to disagree. Let's not take anything away from women, they aren't the weaker or lesser gender. They also carry the fullness of the image of God, if I may borrow Eldredge's words. Women are just designed differently. You don't see young girls running around playing horsie horsie or trying to slam their playmates to the ground like a piledriver. Leave that to the boys.
It's the young boys whose first impulse it is to take a stick and make believe he's part of the 101st Airborne, storming Nazi-occupied France. Maybe that stick is the sword of Zorro, or an MP5 held by an elite member of the Hostage Rescue Team. It's this wild, restless spirit that God calls to achieve great things for Him. It's this wild heart that is often neutered at some point in the growing years. Prince Valiant is supposed to be blazing new ground for God but somewhere along the way, he lost his drive. Fast forward a few years, and see whether Prince Valiant is still there, standing his ground for God, or just plodding along in survival mode just to get through another day. Did the fire to be used mightily for the glory of God die out or burn stronger as the years went by?
As I see the fishermen of the Bering Sea rake in their haul in giant thousand-pound cages, my mind races back to a different set of fishermen. This set had their weather-beaten faces, calloused hands and strong spirits as well. One particular day, the catch was not there until a stranger told them to cast their nets again. This time, the haul was to the point that their nets almost broke. They were doing what they knew they did best, until God called them to do what they were supposed to do. That one act ofobedience changed the course of human history forever as Peter and his men obeyed the command sent by Jesus. Still, they didn't fulfill their call to the fullest at first. When word that their master had died, they fled, and went back to what they did before. They returned to the comfort and familiarity, and forgot the call of risk and adventure in proclaiming and fulfilling God's plan. One day, while they were back to doing the familiar, the same stranger (to them) once again asked them to cast their nets with the same result. Only this time, they realized what they needed to do, and the fishermen from Galilee became the mighty warriors of God whose message still remains with us today. As you ponder on what you need to do, the question that begs to be answered now is this: Will you continue to do what you do, or do the thing God called you to do?
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sing praise
"Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises." Psalm 47:6
You can read: Psalm 47
An integral part of any Sunday worship service is its music. It could be in the form of songs, instrumental reflections and even background music from CD players. The songs could be accompanied by a rock band, maybe sometimes a solo organ and I have seen churches that have orchestras to provide the accompaniment to choirs or solo singers. The songs could be traditional hymns or contemporary music but the praises to the Lord are lyrical and musical, tunes that give praise to God.
I suppose that it has been that way ever since. We have been blessed with the ability to put harmonies, melodies, and timing to our praise and it comes out with much more beauty. Not everybody can create music, not everybody can sing in perfect pitch and perfect rhythm but everybody can express their praise through music.
If there has been a time of despair or even a time of God's goodness in your life, we can always express our faith and express our praise in song, in the beautiful music God has given.
You can read: Psalm 47
An integral part of any Sunday worship service is its music. It could be in the form of songs, instrumental reflections and even background music from CD players. The songs could be accompanied by a rock band, maybe sometimes a solo organ and I have seen churches that have orchestras to provide the accompaniment to choirs or solo singers. The songs could be traditional hymns or contemporary music but the praises to the Lord are lyrical and musical, tunes that give praise to God.
I suppose that it has been that way ever since. We have been blessed with the ability to put harmonies, melodies, and timing to our praise and it comes out with much more beauty. Not everybody can create music, not everybody can sing in perfect pitch and perfect rhythm but everybody can express their praise through music.
If there has been a time of despair or even a time of God's goodness in your life, we can always express our faith and express our praise in song, in the beautiful music God has given.
God is Faithful
"Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands." Deuteronomy 7:9
You can read: Deuteronomy 7:7-11
The Lord always answers prayers. It may not be at the time you expected it, it may not even be in the form you expected it, it may not even be how you expected it, but the answer is always there. He has proven this time and time again in my personal life and He has always been there for any need.
Even before God started dealing with my prayers and even yours, He was already in the business of caring for His own. Look at the words He promised to the Israelites that He would keep His covenant even for thousands of generations. What else did he promise in other parts of the Bible? That he knows the number of hairs on our head, that we don't have to worry about what we would eat or wear because even the little birds and the grass that grows, is taken care of.
So, if you find yourself in a fix today, just remember God's faithfulness. He will surely carry you through.
You can read: Deuteronomy 7:7-11
The Lord always answers prayers. It may not be at the time you expected it, it may not even be in the form you expected it, it may not even be how you expected it, but the answer is always there. He has proven this time and time again in my personal life and He has always been there for any need.
Even before God started dealing with my prayers and even yours, He was already in the business of caring for His own. Look at the words He promised to the Israelites that He would keep His covenant even for thousands of generations. What else did he promise in other parts of the Bible? That he knows the number of hairs on our head, that we don't have to worry about what we would eat or wear because even the little birds and the grass that grows, is taken care of.
So, if you find yourself in a fix today, just remember God's faithfulness. He will surely carry you through.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
In God alone
"In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation" Psalm 5:3
You can read: Psalm 5
It is such a comfort to know that God takes care of those who love Him. It's written all over the Bible. Numerous passages everywhere tell of how God comforts and protects His people. Other passages also tell about how God blesses them beyond their expectation.
On the other hand, those filled with arrogance, deceit and lies cannot come before God because as the Psalmist said, "You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil" (v.4), therefore those who take delight in their folly shall not find favor before God.
Still, the comfort and peace we find in God's presence is more than enough for us to remain in Him, in His goodness and His mercy. Heed the words of the fifth Psalm, and find the best in God.
You can read: Psalm 5
It is such a comfort to know that God takes care of those who love Him. It's written all over the Bible. Numerous passages everywhere tell of how God comforts and protects His people. Other passages also tell about how God blesses them beyond their expectation.
On the other hand, those filled with arrogance, deceit and lies cannot come before God because as the Psalmist said, "You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil" (v.4), therefore those who take delight in their folly shall not find favor before God.
Still, the comfort and peace we find in God's presence is more than enough for us to remain in Him, in His goodness and His mercy. Heed the words of the fifth Psalm, and find the best in God.
Friday, October 22, 2010
God-given provisions
"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" Luke 12:20
You can read: Luke 12:13-21
We work to earn our keeps. Each day, it's either we get a salary, or we have our own business to sustain ourselves. We accumulate gadgets, personal conveniences and say that these things are our rewards for the work well done. Sometimes, people judge us by the coolness of the gadgets like the wide flat screen TV, the turbo-charged luxury car, the spacious home, the dazzling bling-blings and all other luxuries. Then, we are prompted to make more to gain more gadgets, and find ourselves ensnared in a culture of wanting more and more for ourselves.
It's definitely not a crime to appreciate our efforts and reward ourselves with the fruits of our labor. The tricky part is this: being so consumed by that pursuit that God is left out altogether. The trickier part is getting all of those luxuries just for the sake of getting them. In short, using our finances for personal gain, rather than for glorifying God.
What did God tell the fool who built big barns, and when he saw his big barns, tore them down so he could build bigger ones? "Your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" He ended the parable by saying, this is what happens to those who stores things up for himself but is not rich toward God.
Let's not make the mistake of storing things up just for our sakes, we can work, buy and enjoy the blessings God gives us, but we have to remember, they are blessings, God-given provisions that we can use to acknowledge how good He has been in our lives.
You can read: Luke 12:13-21
We work to earn our keeps. Each day, it's either we get a salary, or we have our own business to sustain ourselves. We accumulate gadgets, personal conveniences and say that these things are our rewards for the work well done. Sometimes, people judge us by the coolness of the gadgets like the wide flat screen TV, the turbo-charged luxury car, the spacious home, the dazzling bling-blings and all other luxuries. Then, we are prompted to make more to gain more gadgets, and find ourselves ensnared in a culture of wanting more and more for ourselves.
It's definitely not a crime to appreciate our efforts and reward ourselves with the fruits of our labor. The tricky part is this: being so consumed by that pursuit that God is left out altogether. The trickier part is getting all of those luxuries just for the sake of getting them. In short, using our finances for personal gain, rather than for glorifying God.
What did God tell the fool who built big barns, and when he saw his big barns, tore them down so he could build bigger ones? "Your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" He ended the parable by saying, this is what happens to those who stores things up for himself but is not rich toward God.
Let's not make the mistake of storing things up just for our sakes, we can work, buy and enjoy the blessings God gives us, but we have to remember, they are blessings, God-given provisions that we can use to acknowledge how good He has been in our lives.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
God is always there
"Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 124:8
You can read: Psalm 124
Don't you find it encouraging that no matter what, no matter where, no matter when, we can always turn to God? Whenever we feel happy because of a blessing in our life, we can always thank Him, whenever we feel stressed out because of so many problems, we can always turn to Him.
From time immemorial, God has always been a refuge, God has always been a source of strength, and comfort. The psalmist sang about it, the whole nation that God chose put their trust in Him and His Word. We now can freely worship God because of His Word, and because of His goodness.
No matter what circumstances you are in now, just open up the Word of God, meditate on His goodness, and yes, acknowledge that He is sovereign in your life.
You can read: Psalm 124
Don't you find it encouraging that no matter what, no matter where, no matter when, we can always turn to God? Whenever we feel happy because of a blessing in our life, we can always thank Him, whenever we feel stressed out because of so many problems, we can always turn to Him.
From time immemorial, God has always been a refuge, God has always been a source of strength, and comfort. The psalmist sang about it, the whole nation that God chose put their trust in Him and His Word. We now can freely worship God because of His Word, and because of His goodness.
No matter what circumstances you are in now, just open up the Word of God, meditate on His goodness, and yes, acknowledge that He is sovereign in your life.
Viral faith
"Your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it" 1 Thessalonians 1:8b
You can read: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10
Social networking, viral videos, blogging, tweets. These are today's buzzwords when you want to catch up with the latest from friends. There are so many sites available today that even my inbox always has an invite from an old friend to join him or her on this or that particular network.
These social networking sites have become online diaries, with people constantly updating their profiles and shouting to the world what they think, how they feel, what they're doing right now. The merger of online features, telecommunications and other hand-held devices also enable people to connect with ease, at any time they want to.
I wonder how fast news spread in the days of the apostles. According to Paul's letter, the faith of the Thessalonians were known everywhere, thus negating the need to say anything about it. If the news about these people's faith spread that far that fast in those days, when news spread on foot or through messengers on horses or donkeys, imagine the potential for good news to travel these days.
Technology today helps us communicate easily. Why not use it to spread the good news as well?
You can read: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10
Social networking, viral videos, blogging, tweets. These are today's buzzwords when you want to catch up with the latest from friends. There are so many sites available today that even my inbox always has an invite from an old friend to join him or her on this or that particular network.
These social networking sites have become online diaries, with people constantly updating their profiles and shouting to the world what they think, how they feel, what they're doing right now. The merger of online features, telecommunications and other hand-held devices also enable people to connect with ease, at any time they want to.
I wonder how fast news spread in the days of the apostles. According to Paul's letter, the faith of the Thessalonians were known everywhere, thus negating the need to say anything about it. If the news about these people's faith spread that far that fast in those days, when news spread on foot or through messengers on horses or donkeys, imagine the potential for good news to travel these days.
Technology today helps us communicate easily. Why not use it to spread the good news as well?
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