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.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Busyness and the great need...
For in a few moments there I had to ponder... It's been years I have been in the same church and doing the same ministries I am able to handle. Previously I was a Sunday School Teacher, an Ambassadors for Christ officer, a choir member and an AWANA leader. But back then I was simply a student still free to do things. Right now, I'm an employee in a known local newspaper and still giving some time helping out in AWANA ministry and the Choir ministry. Still attending the AFC observing and looking after the new young generations of young people.
Can't help but see time passes bye and realize things. I have been in the church for so long continually trying to disciple young people and helping them out to learn to disciple others as well. Discipling young people has been my desire for a long time, my heart's delight, but right now, as the church is currently in the theme of "Witnessing", somehow I had to look at my status on how well I have been winning souls for the Lord. And, I see my self lacking of it. I'm not saying I haven't been able to witness to any person but simply lacked much of effort or zeal of doing it. I do believe that we are commanded and should be part of witnessing, but it seems this is one of my weaknesses. The one thing that bothers me is the fact that most often many struggle in this area due to a lot of many factors (i think). Not everybody seem to have the gift of sharing things so easily especially to a complete stranger. It is a good thing though that there a lot of ways and methods that has been presented as by way of being able to share the gospel, like the AWANA ministry. It gives a portal for Christians to share the gospel to kids and train them. Cantata presentations are also one by which choir members can be part of witnessing to other people. Through songs that they sing and the preaching of the pastor, the gospel can be heard by unbelievers. But when it comes to sharing the gospel to our friends and love ones, it makes another whole new level or situation. It takes a lot of courage and much prayer I believe.
This time, it makes me wonder, with so much busyness, i can't seem to really figure out how could i even share the gospel with those close to me; friends, co-workers and other relatives. I sometimes would want to know whether am I really in the right direction or not? So much question remains in my mind like "Why give so much time in the church, when there is currently a great need to go out and share the gospel?" This is just one example of questions I have in mind.
Recently I have been able to be with my fellow elementary batchmates, which really challenges me to seek the salvation of my fellow batchmates. The problem? my time and my priorities. My co-workers too seem to be wanting that I go with them on certain activities. Their activities are not bad or evil and if I also would like for them to know Christ, then I must do something. Problem? Still time management or perhaps activity management.
All through out the week, 24/7, I see myself much busy in the church. Why? because I see the need of helping. And perhaps a problem? Only few see the needs. Only few would commit. Only few would give lives. If only all the church members would take part, how magnificent would it be. But it seems this doesn't often happen at all. Here we are learning a lot, but so few do it. I really wonder, pondering.... too much needs...
Well, for some reason from time-to-time we Christians should really review our priorities and also perhaps the circumstances we are in. And truthfully there's a lot of factors affecting our management of our priorities. Unorganized plans, abrupt decisions and useless activities most often destroy efficient and effective priority management. Wisdom, i believe is what we are lacking. Great wisdom from God is what God's people need. Discernment of what does God desires and separating it from our own desires. And, most importantly, that we obey and follow it. Oh how I wish we Christians have that kind of attitude, where we can discern and know God's heart & desires at the same time we obey. We Christians have to seek God's will, continually depending always on Him and learn to obey Him.
Truly, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
Can't help but see time passes bye and realize things. I have been in the church for so long continually trying to disciple young people and helping them out to learn to disciple others as well. Discipling young people has been my desire for a long time, my heart's delight, but right now, as the church is currently in the theme of "Witnessing", somehow I had to look at my status on how well I have been winning souls for the Lord. And, I see my self lacking of it. I'm not saying I haven't been able to witness to any person but simply lacked much of effort or zeal of doing it. I do believe that we are commanded and should be part of witnessing, but it seems this is one of my weaknesses. The one thing that bothers me is the fact that most often many struggle in this area due to a lot of many factors (i think). Not everybody seem to have the gift of sharing things so easily especially to a complete stranger. It is a good thing though that there a lot of ways and methods that has been presented as by way of being able to share the gospel, like the AWANA ministry. It gives a portal for Christians to share the gospel to kids and train them. Cantata presentations are also one by which choir members can be part of witnessing to other people. Through songs that they sing and the preaching of the pastor, the gospel can be heard by unbelievers. But when it comes to sharing the gospel to our friends and love ones, it makes another whole new level or situation. It takes a lot of courage and much prayer I believe.
This time, it makes me wonder, with so much busyness, i can't seem to really figure out how could i even share the gospel with those close to me; friends, co-workers and other relatives. I sometimes would want to know whether am I really in the right direction or not? So much question remains in my mind like "Why give so much time in the church, when there is currently a great need to go out and share the gospel?" This is just one example of questions I have in mind.
Recently I have been able to be with my fellow elementary batchmates, which really challenges me to seek the salvation of my fellow batchmates. The problem? my time and my priorities. My co-workers too seem to be wanting that I go with them on certain activities. Their activities are not bad or evil and if I also would like for them to know Christ, then I must do something. Problem? Still time management or perhaps activity management.
All through out the week, 24/7, I see myself much busy in the church. Why? because I see the need of helping. And perhaps a problem? Only few see the needs. Only few would commit. Only few would give lives. If only all the church members would take part, how magnificent would it be. But it seems this doesn't often happen at all. Here we are learning a lot, but so few do it. I really wonder, pondering.... too much needs...
Well, for some reason from time-to-time we Christians should really review our priorities and also perhaps the circumstances we are in. And truthfully there's a lot of factors affecting our management of our priorities. Unorganized plans, abrupt decisions and useless activities most often destroy efficient and effective priority management. Wisdom, i believe is what we are lacking. Great wisdom from God is what God's people need. Discernment of what does God desires and separating it from our own desires. And, most importantly, that we obey and follow it. Oh how I wish we Christians have that kind of attitude, where we can discern and know God's heart & desires at the same time we obey. We Christians have to seek God's will, continually depending always on Him and learn to obey Him.
Truly, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
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