Hike to Bisal 2014

Herein are two videos: One video of photos taken from the hike going to Bisal, Bokod, Benguet, Philippines, along with ibaloi version of hymns as background music.... another is a video of video clips taken from the hike with songs from the Gaither vocal band as background music.

photos taken along the way...

Video clips while hiking...

What we do in missions?

It's been almost 4 years I think being in the ministry of missions. When I committed and decided to join my father in the missions ministry. January of 2011, I remember deciding on that matter. Months before that I had to prepare or prepare people to handle the ministries I was handling at my home church, the Loakan Baptist Church. Though I'm not sure if those preparations were enough, but I've made sure to give note or inform people of my plan to commit in helping in missions. Nobody talked to me about my plans or even counselled me by that time... not that I remember of... Or maybe I've never approached and asked someone about it, except that I gave these thoughts and plans to God. Or should I say have prayed for it already for almost 2 months before the time, starting of the moment my father himself asked for help in the ministry. Therefore, I was glad in doing so. Though there were some hesitances too, knowing and understanding that I too have a heart to be still in the ministries of Loakan Baptist Church, specially on the young people department, and of course the comfortable feeling of knowing and understanding the ins and outs of things in the church. But to be honest? there was also that feeling of wanting to be freed from or that feeling of unburdening the burden of ministries in the church, which at times I felt and question myself, was that the Will of God? I do not know for sure but anyway, the decision was made and a new phase of experience has started.

To give a little background on the missions ministry of my father, he previously was a local missionary too on many places. As far as I know, he started being a driver of a missionary, Ptr. Eric Dawal, who were under the Pocket Testament League. He too was the operator of the old-style film-reel-based projectors.. It is somewhat awesome watching those old Christian movies... and very memorable. So he was like the Robin of Ptr. Dawal going around film-showing and sharing the gospel to places, partnering also with other groups like the Campus Crusades, New Tribes Mission and other Evangelical groups, and anyone who will invite them in to film-show and preach the gospel. So much experiences, but I wasn't able to take part of those... I mean, I did visit some times, but never was always there to see and experience myself, because 1) I was sickly and 2) I was probably still young. A reason why at those times I actually even envied my brothers going out exploring places such the like.

But my father did not simply became a driver-projector man. He said that the league thought of equipping the projector-man to become more useful too in sharing the gospel. So my father probably had to undergo some kind of training.. I think he had some kind of "written courses". He didn't go in a seminary or a bible school or something but I think he was given some kind of a self-studying courses. There's this like old bible exam sheet I saw one time, with questions and my father's handwriting answering the questions. And from then on, his preaching experience started. I can't probably narrate very well of his experience. I can only have a glimpse and vague or dull knowledge of what he has gone through. Nevertheless, I believe he has been greatly used by God reaching to many places. But of course he had many helps as well.

Typically, observing how he does missions, he always bring companions to join in the ministry. Not only one, but many. Perhaps the principle of "the more the merrier" is really great in the missions ministry, unlike the typically one-man team or by partners. Though I think he had his own experiences of being a one-man team or even being with the partner. I remember him mentioning names of those who have been helpful to him in the ministries, and I may not mention them all. These were the late Ptr. Nick Cawaon, Ma'am Rebecca Eslao, Ptr. Pat Eslao... Years before he too had some kind of apprentices or young people who helped him and by this time they are now adults, and some have been pastors and still on the ministry. Like Ptr. Benjie Oriao, Bro. Lorenzo, Marcelo, Ricky Pati, Angel (pronounced as "ang-hel") Balagot mostly coming from Minac Baptist Church. And they were a team sharing God's Word to different places. My father would tell me some stories that he would give some outlines to these young peoples and that they would share it to different areas of their outreaches. And these places were mostly in the Benguet area. Again, I don't have the exact knowledge nor the order of how, when and where they went out or where my father shared first but here are some of the names of places they've been ministering and sharing the gospel: Loacan Itogon, Minac, Bisal, Bolo, Sablan, Pidawan, Bangao, Labey, Andalasi, Cabayawasan, Bingo, Guisset, etc.. As far as I know my father has been part of pioneering churches before. My only vivid knowledge of which church he has pioneered are that of Minac, Bisal, Guisset (which died) Baptist Churches, whereas I think he also mentioned Loacan Itogon and Pidawan, and Sablan of chuches where he was used as an instrument. And I can't remember the others he mentioned. This somehow gives me an understanding, my father may be an evangelist to his native people, the ibalois, since most of these are of the ibaloi ethnic group, which he too is part of. Well? Who else can relate to them? And who knows more of the tradition and culture of the ibalois but my father who even had to go against his own father who was a pagan priest called "mambunong" in our dialect. My father had to go through great ordeal as well, so many great trials and testings.

And now? after him coming back to missions ministry, I can observe what he does and that I have become part of it as well in doing missions or pioneering ministry or the church planting ministry. Being with him within the span of three years, I saw how God greatly moved and have been reaching out to people as the gospel of Christ is preached. But I also saw how the enemy moves as well trying to hinder and destroy the ministry. I see how the enemy can use outside agents disturb the ministry like mockery, ridicules and scorn... and inside agents, my father call it a "spy" or "secret agent", in distracting the ministry. I saw people how that even with clear message of the gospel, and see God's unconditional love, others will see nothing and people hardening their heart. People who become part of the group of believers but in reality they don't really understand what they believe or Who they believe. The dangers of this ministry, people will take sides and will follow people, my father for example, and not Jesus Himself. Even if my father was actually just serving and preaching Christ... The experience of Apostle Paul among the Corinthian believers came to my mind, where they took sides of people, those of Paul, those of Apollos and those of Cephas and those of Christ. I saw how people claim they know and greatly appreciate God's Love and yet hard-up in sharing that kind of Love to others, the kind of love that can even extend to people who we may call enemies. True it is hard, but that's the point, if we are truly His', God's children, His love ought to flow through us and the impossible, possible! I see how easily discouragement and disappointment can turn people not to follow God no more nor to pursue His Will, because if they did, then the gospel should have been spread out and Jesus' kingdom growing, many more people believing... instead the gospel is hid and few believe, because people don't see Christ in the lives of those who profess Christ Jesus..

But as I've said, I also still see and saw God working! How in just unexpected days, people would come. People will hear the gospel, and true conversion happens! And when I speak of true conversion, I mean a life changed! People who never likes to talk, now talking and sharing. People who are easily discouraged and faint when trials and testing comes, now wears a smile and still retain that joy God gives, and even still desiring to be part of the ministry, the harvest field. People who say they are bankrupt and yet can laugh it out knowing and believing God is in control. People who have been without income for a year and yet their needs provided. People growing more and more to be matured spiritually. And truly being part of this, "God's work or harvest field" is such a privilege and of great opportunity. Though this truly is accompanied with great accountability and responsibility.

From these experiences, I truly can make deep comparison or similarity of planting or farming with regard to church planting or pioneering church. And too often I get disappointed and discouraged by churches and even pastors who seem to never get the idea of it. I hate and am angered by the idea that church planting is an easy task and easily accomplished by the works of man, when in reality, TRUE church planting is God's own work or doing. We may be instruments or laborers, but God makes things happen or should I say God changes the hearts of man, not us. Our part is only to obey God's command, and "GO" is one thing I understand that we have to obey first especially on the task of evangelizing and church planting. Our work is not to "WORRY" about other things, that's God's task or work. Do we not understand that it is GOD's Harvest Field? Not ours? And it is He Who decides on what He wants to do in His Harvest Field? Too often, I can't understand why others think they know what must be done when they are not the ones on the field. I mean, sure people can give suggestions and the like, but to enforce and to make proposals that what they think should be happening on other's turf of labor, I think is an insult to what God is doing. This gives me to remembrance about the laborers in Matthew 20:1-16. The laborers were complaining because they compared themselves with others. Too often this kind of attitude produces unpleasant mockery to the one Who Owns the Harvest Field. Can't we just be grateful that we are all in the working force of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Can't we just support and encourage one another instead, doing the work of the Father?

Before I joined my father, he stated that he prayed for God's provision and enablement before they started to have again a bible study in a 45-minute ride away from home, knowing that they, my parents, had no more source of income. That I believe started August of 2010. They went off to outreaches, preaching the Word. And father committing to re-start this bible study in a place called Apalan, near Guisset, where a previous church supposed to be was established but died out, without the knowledge that soon it would turn to a bigger ministry. Out of an empty-pocket state, they proceeded. I had my job though at that time, and was willing to help out in any help I could give whether it be finances or manpower. 2011, I joined them every Sundays, the bible study now became a service or sunday school. The Lord added more people to join in. It then extended to more places. At first, Apalan, then Guisset, then Beckel, then Cobabeng, then Gumatdang, then Bingo, then Camisong, then? I don't know... I too never expected that ministry to grow and reach more places. I thought we would be placed in only one place. But before those ministries grew, the family is glad that our home church now then accepted and commissioned my father to be a full-time missionary dated April of 2011. The Loakan Baptist Church now helps my father in providing his needs in the ministry.

Now, there are two pioneered or baby churches, that of in Apalan, called the Living Word Fundamental Baptist Church which also cover the believers in the places of Guisset, Boneco, Bingo, and Camisong; And that of Gumatdang, as of now temporarily named as "Gumatdang Christian Fellowship". A children's ministry is also being held in Beckel, hoping that a new church will be established as well in the area. Whereas, once-a-month bible study is being held in Cobabeng, 2-hours ride away from home, from which we are praying of a church who would partner in this outreach ministry. Praise God for still, God works and touches people to help, Ptr. Dencio Wong took the schedule of first and second sunday to hold bible study in Cobabeng. And this time my father is on-leave or vacation, pastors and brothers in the Lord have been helping, even if they are not of our home church. Ptr. Benjie Oriao, Ptr. Mark Ayano and Bro. Ricky Pati namely. Of course our home church sends also pastors and deacons who are able to teach and also provide transportations. They are of great help to nourish and help these ministries or churches grow.

Though probably comparing our home church who had years, like 50+ years or so with 200+ members, these new baby churches still needs assistance and need to be fed by God's Word for them to grow and learn to stand on their own. A very practical example that I observe with my father, is that, he provides the food we eat every lunch or dinner along with the church members or listeners of bible studies. He too had to provide for his own fuel for our vehicle or for others' vehicle who help in the outreaches. He does this with a hope that soon, these believers after being established, will stand-up with a willing heart and take the initiative to help in those areas. Yes, we have to teach them, that they have to stand-up on their own, provide for their needs, and manage their own ministries. But we have to understand these takes time and not an automatic robot-like command-and-do thing... It should be like the example of helping a baby walk for the first time. You don't say to the baby "go and walk" and just expect them to walk? No! You assist the baby first to stand, and doing this takes time. When he learns to stand and understanding that the baby can carry itself, you then start teaching the baby to walk by assisting him and going through the experience of walking. Again these takes time... Until the one who assists get the feeling, understanding and having that confidence that the baby can do it, then we can let go. But do not forget! The baby can also fall, so be ready to catch or assist again! These same principle should be seen in church planting. Do we need Bible references for this? Consider these verses: 1 Corinthians 3:2, 1 Peter 2:2, Hebrews 5:12. Yup, these verses talks about new Christians being fed with milk (God's Word), but don't we think it's just clear that it takes time and great assistance to help others grow and learn to stand on their own? Just so in planting or farming. Planting seed is one thing, but watering and taking care of the plant is another thing. And all these things comes with time. In fact, it's not our work for a seed to grow, that's God's work. And God has His own timing, we can't assume and depend on our own timing. 

Well, praise God! By this time the two established baby churches can now provide food for themselves, and also give some love gifts for my father and to those who visits and preach God's Word. Even with just a few financial-abled people they give willingly and joyfully. My hope personally would be soon, God would bless them monetarily so that they are provided with their family needs and also that they could give to help others. And, hopefully soon they could give so that they can provide for a worker that would feed them spiritually. This would take time I know, and more than time, God's graciousness and benevolence to provide what is that these believers need, whether physically or spiritually. 

The Government and God's Word

To us, Filipinos, it is very discouraging and disappointing seeing how corruption has greatly affected our government. But do we ever wonder what God says about the government? Read these verses.

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." (Romans 13:1-7)

These verses talks about the government being subject or submitted to God. And how God has indeed established an institute or an agent of His' to set forth order and harmony amongst the people. But indeed things has changed. From my watching of the video series of "The Truth Project", the lecturer explained how greatly sin and corruption has indeed corrupted how the government should be manifested or function. And from these verses we could simply understand that to have a functional and uncorrupted government, the government must be subject to God's Will and Ordinances.

You see the function of the government is really to bear the sword of order and harmony. Executing judgement to those who does evil, and commending the good. But the problem lies on how does the government see right and what is wrong? What is the basis of the government's decisions and discretion of which must be good and evil? and to whom should punishment be given? Without God being that standard or basis of good and evil, the government now then depends on their own ideas, their own standards, their own thoughts. And as far as I know, making their own standards leads to their own selfish and biased concept of good and bad.

If I were to ask, why do our government make laws and still if not many, there are and will be still people who will not agree with it? No nation seem to be at one or unity with whatever Government nowadays make as laws, except those that were already displayed and given as decree from God. "Thou shalt not kill!" a very interesting command of God, almost all nations agree to it, don't we? And what is the basis of this command or law? I don't think it began with the mind of man, but on the mind of God... people who don't believe on God though seem to disagree with that argument but would not find any historic evidence that it really came from man. Whether they say it common sense or common idea, man has no evidence it came from man but from the very start, it came from God.

You see, a nation whose laws based on the mind of man causes nothing more but chaos rather than harmony. Because whenever our laws are based on what people think as good and not depend on the standard of what God knows as good and evil, we will see that people will only see self-preservation becomes the main concept of the law and those that are not part of that self-preservation will definitely retaliate.

Perhaps I would like to site a great illustration, which we heard from the lecturer of the Truth Project. The question whether, "Can the government steal?" Surely there will be a mixed up ideas of each one. But comparing to a simple person who steals, most often we easily agree and discern that is wrong doing. But when we see the government taking something like a land perhaps by force, would we see it as stealing? From the one whom the land was taken, he / she would probably say yes, that is stealing. But what if the government says that they will use that land to give it to the poor and needy? Surely those to whom that land will be given will say, it's just but right to give it to the poor! Even a simple observer might say the same given that the person is not affected at all.

But in reality and in the eyes of God, stealing will always be stealing and it is a sin! And if God will give His hand of justice, He will give justice! That's what happened to the King of Israel, Ahab and His queen Jezebel. Perhaps these times, we don't often see that. But that doesn't mean God no longer is at work nor have stopped existing. God has His' timing and there will be a time of His Final Judgement, whether we believe it or not.

If and only if, the Government knows to be subject to the ways and principles of God, surely there will be great order and harmony. The Bible have so many examples of those, that of like King David and King Solomon. But when evil and sin came in, it destroys it so easily. From the lecture The Truth Project, the lecturer also displayed the United States as one of which a great example as well. Because from History and the foundations of America, it was Christianity that has founded and was built upon by the nation of America, one reason I too believe why they have become as a powerful nation... before! But now? things has indeed changed. They have forgotten God! You see their churches filled with old folks mostly and no young people. Atheism and other beliefs has flooded the nation of America, and I too believe that's the one big reason why it is falling apart as a nation.

Just trying to reminisce or remember, if I'm right, America was a great destination for people to look for a job and live in the early years... but now? I see our fellow "kababayan" who are hard-up living and trying to cope up with the life style in their. Well, I'm just re-echoing what I've heard and agree on what is really happening in our governments and in our nations. Without God being the standard, the basis, the foundation of our nation? We'll never experience order and harmony and even real peace in our nation. We'll have to just wait for that coming day when Christ Himself be the reigning King of kings and Lord of lords all through the whole wide world.

What is TRUTH!

"Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all." (John 18:38)

"What is Truth?" This question is a very vital question everyone of us has to ask ourselves and that requires an answer... Though Christianity offers a claim of what is truth, others or the world also declares its truth claims... and reality is that these two truth claims goes directly against each other, the truth claims of Jesus Christ and the truth claims of the world... therefore one is truly the truth, the other is nothing more but a lie, displaying itself like truth.

Well, surely I may be portrayed as bias, since I am indeed a Christian. But to give more (if it be possible to make it more clearer) understanding, the reason why I say that there are only two truth claims: that of Christianity, which the Bible declares, the other, the world's truth claims including other religious, political and social or even philosophical claims. Only Biblical Christianity, makes a clear statement that it is only and all about God or the Lord Jesus Christ being THE TRUTH, Who is worth following and obeying, whereas the other truth claims will point to SELF, I, ME, MY WORK, MY DOING, MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS, MY KNOWLEDGE, MY WISDOM, MY UNDERSTANDING, MY EXPERIENCE, etc... etc... etc... And that includes the so called "Christian Sects" who still adds up works of self...

Well, I'm sure people most likely will not understand what I'm saying here or maybe mock me for what I'm saying but I pray that people will hear what I'm saying and that they would understand. Well, my goal is to at least make people understand what I've seen, heard and understood and even experienced and make the invitation for others to believe it or not with what the Bible or the Word of God is declaring, because even the Word of God says in I Corinthians 2:14 "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." In other words, with OUR OWN knowledge or wisdom, God's spiritual wisdom or knowledge becomes foolish to us, LEST His Spirit work, the Holy Spirit, Who indwells True Christians (1 Corinthians 6:19), gives clear understanding to His every Word. I said "True" because in reality, even Jesus Himself declares there will be "false Christians" (See Matthew 7:21-23).

That's the reality of the Word of God, the Bible. And if man will see this as truth, that would be the reality of this world. So we see a great battle between The Bible's Truth Claims vs. The World's Truth Claims. And in reality, if there is a "Truth" there is a "False" or there is a "Lie". The Bible stands only on One Truth, being the Lord Jesus Christ, the other having so many different kinds of truth, but the Bible sees it as "all but lie". We can see that in Matthew 7:13-14, and paraphrasing it "Broad is the way that leads unto death, narrow is the way that leads unto life." And that Narrow way IS the Lord Jesus Christ, which the world will see as worthless or nothing more but a lie. So in all these things we should understand there is indeed a battle for Truth and the question "what is really really real that is worth believing?" is worth answering...

Though at times, people often mix things up, seemingly they are both the same or as if there is no difference, but are not. Because the Word of God says, there shall be people professing to be wise but are foolish in the eyes of God, them who will change God's Truth into a lie (Romans 1:20-32). Another reality is that even when conversion takes place to a person or when a person becomes a Christian, it is not automatic that the person becomes mature and  knows-it-all. A Christian will still continue to fight the battle of truth and lies. For a truth, even Christians can be deceived by the traditions of man and the teachings of the world (Colossians 2:8). One thing we should really be very watchful as a Christian, is the enemy's strategies of deception, we Christians are prone of it, we are not immune to it. We can be harmed, destroyed and become unusable by God Almighty when we are deceived by it.

But a Christian need not to fret, for a Christian should know, he is standing on the truth. It just requires that we Christian ought to be diligent and responsible in making our stand worthy and firm. 1 Peter 3:15 says be always ready to stand and give an answer to our reason of hope that is in Christ Jesus whenever someone asks or challenges us the faith we take hold on to, the faith in Christ Jesus!

But surely standing for the truth and the faith we hold so dear, has its difficulties. Because surely we will be challenged, we will be hated and we will be seen as enemies, like our Master the Lord Jesus Christ. The servant can not be greater than the Master (John 13:16). It really requires great courage to stand for the truth! And the hardest is when we live what we really believe. Most often we Christians fail on this category "Living what we really believe!" Let me sight just a great example that even Christ Himself reminded of His disciples or His followers. The rebuke of the Lord Jesus Christ with regards to "worry" (Matthew 6:25-31). Indeed, why do we worry? if we really believe we have a God Almighty, the Great Provider, the All Knowing and All Powerful, why do we still worry indeed? Though it doesn't mean we ought not to work any more, but the fact that we do work and still worry for the future is like a big question on what faith indeed do we have to our God Almighty?

 It is interesting the Lord Jesus Christ pointed out this small thing. How much more on the other parts of what we believe of God? Him being our refuge, our strength, our help in times of need? And what of our evangelism? do we simply tend to neglect the Great Commission God has given to us as a Christian? A great misconception I believe is that the Great Commission is only for the Pastors or Workers of the Lord, but the truth? Christ gave this Commandment to the Church, the Christians! Not the few of the Christians but the whole of the Christian Realm or the believers in Jesus Christ. Yet how is it that our perspectives on the Great Commission has changed?

Now, I've shared so much on the Christian perspectives and struggles, let me get back to the battle of truth and lies. I must say though that this battle is too big and too enormous for me to share and discuss things but I really would like to promote a video to be seen and hear of all the arguments and discussions. The video series of "The Truth Project". But in reality, these are just few things that would declare much truth or the reality of this spiritual battle. And in honesty, the greatest battle of Christianity vs. other beliefs is that of the belief on "Evolution." I say belief, because reality? it is still a "theory" and never has been made as a "law" of science. Even many Scientists knows this already and yet the truth is being hidden, being covered up and the lie being promoted as truth which is NOT!

Let me share one of my arguments which wasn't probably shared by anyone else (though I am not sure if there is someone who has this same understanding). Let me ask this question, "If evolution - the idea of evolving to be made better - is true, why then does people have to wear clothes?" I'm sure you'll laugh at this simple question. But if you'll have to understand the animals have their protective skins, furs, etc. Why would we humans not adapt or evolve into something that we don't need clothes? You see in all honesty, we need clothes because of course we need protection, and I'm sure of this, we need it because we feel shame if we are naked. And if I would take that note, is it not that that's one of the actual feeling and understanding of Adam and Eve when they sinned against God? Evolution HAS NO REAL ARGUMENT OR EXPLANATION WHY WE NEED CLOTHES, when in fact if evolution was and is true, WE SHOULDN'T NEED CLOTHES NO MORE. Because? We should have evolved already to fit in the environment. Probably people will say, we have an "evolved intelligent mind" to do that... but that would create more questions. How did  that come about? why are the apes and others didn't have that evolved mind? And why is it that there are only one kind of human race who have this kind of Intelligence? why can't there be those what we see in TV's, another kind having intelligence but having a big nose or an Aqua man kind of people? These and many questions man has to answer if Evolution was true.

Actually, if you'd watch the "Truth Project", there it explains that "Evolution" has no real basis and it's founding arguments are already abolished, YET? We wonder why it is still being promoted or being taught and being propagated. People will say it is science, when in fact many and even professing non-believer of Christ Scientist, sees it as not a "law" or see it as foolish.

And still God's Word never changed its Words and can still stand up, up to this day to declare Its TRUTH enough to answer these questions. And can even answer the question why people will not believe in this TRUTH. What an Amazing Word of God! These are my thoughts and understanding which I believe is shared by all Bible and Jesus Believing Christians. And I hope other non-believers will see this light and understanding be upon them and that they will see, there is only ONE TRUTH, and that is Christ Jesus!

Knowing and doing God's Will

It has always been a question I've heard and also have been my personal question every now and then... Though I must say God has already revealed His answer to this question. But how come I always ask this question?

Well I think 1) We are still in our fleshly being cursed by sin. Romans 7:15 says "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."... There is still a battle within a Christian, who even if given his life or surrendered his life, the battle does not end 'till death comes; 'till we are separated from our fleshly bodies. 2) our fellow brethren too gives a factor. The biggest factor when it comes to others, is that, there is none who gives a great example, a life example of how does one know and follow the will of God... if there are, they are rare! So few, that at times nobody even notice or even appreciate.. or simply we often do not care... Much more hardest is when those people whom you expect to be examples, falter or fail in fulfilling the Will of God. The craziest idea I believe at this period of time when it comes to God's Will is that Christian thinks God's Will is a Trial-and-Error test. Well, they will try things and see if everything works well, they will conclude that, that is God's Will!!! But if I would look at God's Word... NEVER has the Word of God declare such! God's Will has always been revealed in His Word, or often He instructs us always of what to do, and gives us the choice of obeying and following His Will.

I must say, there are those people who would claim, that God's Will which is revealed on His Word is only for the general mass of Christians. Whereas, Christians are looking for the specific Will of God for themselves. Well, surely God's Word has not given any specifics for every Christians... But I honestly believe God has given an instruction for that and also I believe God still allows His people to choose whether they would obey it or not. Though people would probably debate on this matter, but anyway, let the Word of God speak, if it must.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2, KJV)

"Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psalm 37:4, KJV)

These verses have really captured my eyes in understanding God's Will. There are those who might agree, there may be some who does not. But anyway, first thing is first. Knowing God's Will I believe starts from the heart of God.... If indeed we want to know His will for us, then let us start with Him and not with us or with others or with any other options or chances. Start with God's Heart. What is His delight? What is His desire? You see even the Word of God says "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jer. 17:9)... Therefore our heart is not the main focus or starting point of every decision we ought to make if we really really really want to know and do the will of God... It has to start with God's heart. Psalm 37:4 isn't actually about our desires, but it starts with God's desires. If we just simply learn to align our heart with His heart... then surely we'll know His heart and God will honour that which we desire, cause from the start we aligned our desire to His. Perhaps one might ask, how then can we align our heart with God's heart. I believe we do that by knowing Him, His nature, His Character... Who is He in our lives. When we get to know and understand His ways, His principles, then we will know to align our heart to His'.
And of course, knowing Him is not actually automatic. It has a process and it can start by reading and studying His Word.

The wrong thinking though of this world or this generation is that, we often and always think "Success" equals "God's Will". And often, we think "success" equals "Material possession" or "fame" or "profession" or "being on top-of-the-world"... I read one article which also shares this perspective that we, even Christians, are hooked up with the thinking that we are "blessed" if we have "this" and "that" and "those"... which pertains to material things... material gains... never to think that the eternal life we possess as Christians are really really really "great blessings." We are indeed captured in the mind set of this world. And that's Romans 12:2 warns us about. That we are not to be conformed (syn. adapt, follow, comply, agree, etc..) with this world.

Why can't we see that? Why can't we see that day by day, we tend to be easily conform to this world, to the system of this world, on how this world works? previously I've shared something about faith vs. the thinking of this world on "survival"... A concept I believe which the evolution theory started. And now? everytime I see things on God's perspective, I really see a big difference.. I mean... If we really believe we have a God Who is ALL POWERFUL, ALL PRESENT and ALL KNOWING... Why indeed do we worry? it's a very simple illustration Jesus Himself has been teaching... "Why worry?" It doesn't mean we stop working or something, since labor itself God has instituted from the beginning, but why indeed do we add worry to it? And at times, we are even motivated by the things others possess... so easily are we persuaded and deceived... When in reality, we don't actually need these things to live... "games? entertainments? media?" Aren't these more of robbers of our time? instead of spending time with our love ones or family members?

Sometimes I wonder, if Christians really mean on looking or finding and knowing God's Will and obey it... When day by day, I find people, even myself moved by the idea or thought that "I have to do this because this is what the world or the system ought for me to do." And yet, we think we want to do God's Will.