For months I have been reading a devotional book entitled “From this Verse” by Robert J. Morgan, and I can explicitly say “This book is worth reading!” At some point, I may not relatively relate but reading about the lives of people who have given their lives to God made me to reflect on the unexplainable, mysterious and inspiring work of God in the lives of them who have committed their lives to Him.
The book contains verses that have greatly affected or perhaps made a great impact in the life of an individual Christian and most likely made an unforgettable event in their lives, as well as to those that surrounds them. Those verses perhaps made a change in one’s life, proved God’s faithfulness and goodness, entails God’s magnificent and glorious omnipotence, wisdom and strength; Verses that have truly become a part of the their life.
As such as I have read and still reading, it continues to hit me with the question: “Does these verses continue to be a blessing and a powerful life-changing verse in these times?” Considering what is happening these days, where hope seems to be robbed my many and disappointments rule the mind of God’s people, how indeed shall these verses continue to build Christians up? But truthfully, it is all by Faith.
Needlessly not much to say, but I hope these verses indeed continue to be a blessing and a challenge for me. To keep on the Faith and firmly stand on the Word of God, as we were taught and trained by men and women and who firstly gave their lives to Christ.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The Journey towards the Destination
"God is interested in the journey, not only the destination."
This quote I've read it from the book "Boy meets girl" is most often quoted by my single young adult friends. Although at this point I like to use it in another perspective, as recently I have traveled to two destinations. Destinations which probably have connection to my father and his ministry. The first travel I've had was going to "Bisal", a very remote place near the Ambuclao Dam, of which he was asked to preach and speak as their guest speaker for their church anniversary. The other travel I've had was our family outing going to Pagudpud, a recent new tourist spot with white sand beaches.
The first travel I've had was definitely an adventure, as we traveled in the very steep mountains and uncemented roughly roads. We also had to hike for 10-15 minutes going down towards our destination. Recalling my previous visits there; I was still kid then, probably more or less 7 years old, I had the experience of hiking for 1 hour or more going there. But actually more of a free ride as someone we call "Manong Ricky" carried me on top of his shoulders almost throughout the hiking period, hiking in a narrow path near the edge of a cliff. That was then when no road is near the place.
It was the church's 25th anniversary and with my father as the speaker, who was one of the pioneers of the church in Bisal, old colleagues of his came too. It was like a reunion for those who helped and ministered in that place. As I look at my father, I got the feeling he is more than happy seeing the fruit of his labor, as God himself has indeed preserved and continue to be faithful to the church.
It was a time of remembrance and a time of rekindling the fire amongst the believers in Bisal Fundamental Baptist Church. A fire that should continue to fill them as they serve God and continue to be a light in there remote area. Hearing their stories, I was able to know those who faithfully continued and grow in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. And, I was also able to know their own struggles and needs. The need to grow more as believers in the Lord and as a part of the body of Christ, the church.
The other journey I experienced with my family, although focused on having fun and relaxation, went to a different kind of journey. We had no real good plan for it, a reason perhaps things we expected didn't ever happen, or perhaps it was all God's own doing. It was still an adventurous journey, as we traveled towards our destination with no idea how to go there, but simply relying on what we know and what we had. This time my father had the opportunity to see an old colleague as well, who became our guide throughout the travel.
We were able to be on two beaches, one of which our guide, Ptr. Macoy, recommended to us and at Pagudpud, one of which we were eyeing to be and enjoy for the vacation. But with the circumstances, time caught us and never was able to do what we wanted to do. Nevertheless, we still had the opportunity to be in places and my father got to be re-united with his old friend and was able to know his status as well. Ptr. Macoy was one of those people who previously stayed at our house, as my father narrates, who not only learned carpentry but also was inspired and touched by the Holy Spirit to be a pastor. Throughout the travel, Ptr. Macoy and my father was able to talk about a lot of things. And, perhaps gives delight to my father's heart seeing his old friend continually serving God.
Although it wasn't purely an enjoyable travel, as we had the experience to be stuck on the sandy beach, cooked and ate our dinner with lack of light, and rushed to come home, still I think it was a memorable and learning experience as well. We are reminded to plan well in every decisions we make. But far more than that, personally, I think it was a time to see the fruits of our labor blessed by God. And with this particular travels, it wasn't my labor, but my father's, who have dedicated his life in the ministry of God. Truly I can say "Our labor is not in vain with God."
This quote I've read it from the book "Boy meets girl" is most often quoted by my single young adult friends. Although at this point I like to use it in another perspective, as recently I have traveled to two destinations. Destinations which probably have connection to my father and his ministry. The first travel I've had was going to "Bisal", a very remote place near the Ambuclao Dam, of which he was asked to preach and speak as their guest speaker for their church anniversary. The other travel I've had was our family outing going to Pagudpud, a recent new tourist spot with white sand beaches.
The first travel I've had was definitely an adventure, as we traveled in the very steep mountains and uncemented roughly roads. We also had to hike for 10-15 minutes going down towards our destination. Recalling my previous visits there; I was still kid then, probably more or less 7 years old, I had the experience of hiking for 1 hour or more going there. But actually more of a free ride as someone we call "Manong Ricky" carried me on top of his shoulders almost throughout the hiking period, hiking in a narrow path near the edge of a cliff. That was then when no road is near the place.
It was the church's 25th anniversary and with my father as the speaker, who was one of the pioneers of the church in Bisal, old colleagues of his came too. It was like a reunion for those who helped and ministered in that place. As I look at my father, I got the feeling he is more than happy seeing the fruit of his labor, as God himself has indeed preserved and continue to be faithful to the church.
It was a time of remembrance and a time of rekindling the fire amongst the believers in Bisal Fundamental Baptist Church. A fire that should continue to fill them as they serve God and continue to be a light in there remote area. Hearing their stories, I was able to know those who faithfully continued and grow in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. And, I was also able to know their own struggles and needs. The need to grow more as believers in the Lord and as a part of the body of Christ, the church.
The other journey I experienced with my family, although focused on having fun and relaxation, went to a different kind of journey. We had no real good plan for it, a reason perhaps things we expected didn't ever happen, or perhaps it was all God's own doing. It was still an adventurous journey, as we traveled towards our destination with no idea how to go there, but simply relying on what we know and what we had. This time my father had the opportunity to see an old colleague as well, who became our guide throughout the travel.
 |
| The journey towards our destination!!! |
We were able to be on two beaches, one of which our guide, Ptr. Macoy, recommended to us and at Pagudpud, one of which we were eyeing to be and enjoy for the vacation. But with the circumstances, time caught us and never was able to do what we wanted to do. Nevertheless, we still had the opportunity to be in places and my father got to be re-united with his old friend and was able to know his status as well. Ptr. Macoy was one of those people who previously stayed at our house, as my father narrates, who not only learned carpentry but also was inspired and touched by the Holy Spirit to be a pastor. Throughout the travel, Ptr. Macoy and my father was able to talk about a lot of things. And, perhaps gives delight to my father's heart seeing his old friend continually serving God.
Although it wasn't purely an enjoyable travel, as we had the experience to be stuck on the sandy beach, cooked and ate our dinner with lack of light, and rushed to come home, still I think it was a memorable and learning experience as well. We are reminded to plan well in every decisions we make. But far more than that, personally, I think it was a time to see the fruits of our labor blessed by God. And with this particular travels, it wasn't my labor, but my father's, who have dedicated his life in the ministry of God. Truly I can say "Our labor is not in vain with God."
Thursday, December 17, 2009
A shocking youth message
Watch this video and try to reflect on your faith.
Recently I have viewed this and not at all that I am shocked. I agree with a lot of things that He said. Although for some, he may be misunderstood and perhaps disagreed upon (just reading comments on youtube). And, at some point I may not understand some of his points, like the statement "continuing to repent," which may sound like Salvation is lost when we sin or backslide after being a Christian. But I believe that's not what he meant, for he never said it. He explained further, that if you are a genuine Christian, when we sin, God makes a way for you to get back to Him. But if you are truly not saved / not a genuine Christian, then we are still imprisoned by sin.
Perhaps I could explain this on another point. One of which I have observed is that we mostly forget when witnessing or leading a person to Christ that they should willingly, personally receive Christ to be their Lord and Savior. And the word most often left off is the word "Lord". Sometimes Christians focus only on the word "Savior" which means One who saves and leave the word "Lord" which means Master, King or Leader, the One of which we ought to obey and follow. Almost the same with repentance. When we repent, we turn our back to sin and turn towards God or Christ and follow Him. And to be a genuine Christian, one must make that decision and a decision of Faith that should change our life. And other than that decision, is God's omnipotent power to change life. (Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9)
Another thing is, when we talk about Christianity. Christianity is also about having a relationship. A relationship toward our God. In John 1:12, it says that if we receive Christ, we are given the power to become sons and daughters of God. It's a relationship that a Christian should not only recognize it but live it. Just as on how we relate to our parents or siblings, so should we relate to our God. The only problem, as the speaker may be talking about, is that when we receive or pray the sinner's pray but don't really recognize or have not really made that binding relationship with the One whom we pray to. Praying the sinner's prayer is not a formula to be saved. It's a personal statement that comes from the heart and professed by the mouth of which declares who should you be now, a Christian. (Romans 10:9-10)
One of the raised problem too is when we doubt. I too doubt at times, but I do not look towards the time of which I prayed, but I look to my relationship with Christ. And remind myself that Christ has been there for me always, and that He had and still is my Best Friend, my Father, my God, my Savior, my Lord, my Master and my Everything. And that reminds me of who I am to God and God to me.
Considering also the speaker's audience, i believe they are foreign, of course :-) ... I just really don't know what do they believe in context of the Christian Faith and the gospel. But as for Filipino Christians? Hmmm?? I believe our faith is still intact as a Fundamental Baptist, although I also believe, compromises are starting to creep in. Just as technology rises increasingly fast, so is the Word of God easily twisted and make diverse confusion of the Christian faith. These are the times of which the call for Christians to stand on the Faith and on His Word is much greater than ever. Jesus Christ is our Foundation, the Solid Rock and the Word of God as our witness of the Faith. Though Christ is in heaven, God has given us His Word and His Holy Spirit to guide and teach and preach the Truth. And the only truth we can only depend on.
Surely, we are in the age of which a lot of things are proclaimed. Many profess they are truth and that they have truth. I remember Jesus Christ saying about these things.
Matthew 24:5
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
And, by this, stands a warning. A warning for His people to be alert and be watchful. Sadly most often, we aren't. We are too busy with other things. Security, fame, power, money creeps most often in our mind forget our God, the God, Who made the stars, feeds the birds of the air and watches over us day and night. Surely, this is a tragedy for Christians who no longer struggle in following Christ but simply go on the flow of the world.
This is just perhaps a reminder to ask "What do we stand for as a Christian?" and therefore we must go to His Word, know it and live it.
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