Choir Team Building activity =)

“The Rat Race”

A few weeks ago, I’ve been searching for a book to be used for cell group discussion amongst our Young Professionals’ Fellowship. I couldn’t find the books I previously searched through the net and somehow came across this book: “The Man in the Mirror” by Patrick M. Morley. I kind’a thought “This is a good book for me”. A good read somehow… and, so I bought it, having found nothing else to buy from the Christian bookstore.

As I read it, the first chapter talks about this “Rat Race”, which the author relates it to the “American Dream” yet never attained. From this point on, I knew that the target readers of this book were Christian Americans who are engrossed and perhaps trapped in pursuing this so called “The American Dream.” Although it may have targeted Americans, still I have interest in reading it. And so I did!

The author defined “Rat Race” as pursuing the beautiful wrinkled-free life. To far more describe it in detail (from my own understanding), it is about one’s desire to acquire a life with beautiful house, excellent & luxurious car, with time to relax with family and friends and simply enjoy, having fun and etc. I thought to myself and ask “Is this the kind of life Filipinos dream too?” Probably! But maybe that’s just my opinion. The Filipino majority, I believe, are the poor ones and there are even poorer than the poor. Putting myself in their situation, I see that their goal might be, is to survive this wretched and corrupted system of ours and survive by earning and even sacrificing much for the sake of providing for their needs. And to add to it, even we Christians are somewhat caught in this kind of situation.

As I failed to make some survey of my own, perhaps asking my fellow young professionals would suffice and confirm my thoughts and ideas about this so called “the rat race” (in the Filipino concept). And somehow it was almost the same in my thought when asked “What is the Filipino’s dream today?” One of the things I’m sure would hit our thought is “Abroad!” Going away or running away from the Philippines. Of course with the idea that your family is also with you and finding a better place to stay or “a greener pasture” as they say. And before one could do that, sacrifices had to be made. One has to venture and explore the uncertainties and the risks, rather than to choose to stay in this corrupted nation.

Seeing the lives of other people, I think some are successful and some failed. And a sad truth, one has to gamble a great deal of money to take the risk of earning huge of amount of money. And of course when money is in the middle of it, corruption and deception follows it luring the innocent and the unknowing victims of its true intention.

Another sad thing, most often we Filipinos are caught up and almost have a habit of what we call loan (utang – Filipino term). I can’t understand how this practice have come from, for I believe this kind of practice is never a Christian habit or life-style.

Romans 13:8 “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law”

But going back to the book…. And I think, Filipinos and even we Christians being caught in the idea of pursing a goal which is to attain this greener pasture-kind of life is our “the rat race”. I’m not saying that being in this “rat race” is wrong, but it’s just that because of this, we forget our real goal. We forget sometimes what is more valuable than not. And most often, we forget that we have a Great God. And, that I must admit, I too am caught in this problem.

Hebrews 12:1-3 – Talks about our race, the Christian race, which definitely points us to a different direction.

And,

Galatians 5:7 - Reminds and asks us Christians “What has detracted us into running our good race?”

“But what can we do? It seems there is no way from getting out of the rat race?” I somehow asked. Personally? I too am hard up thinking about these things for there are many factors that affect our situation.

The book talked about some factors that have weaved this “American Dream” concept. One is, Media. The media has become a strong medium of, maybe brainwashing or deceiving people to believe in a product and making it become as if “a need” rather than just a want. With the power of technology, media has become more influential than ever. And, perhaps created a new breed of generation, if I may say, a materialistic generation. It’s astonishing how the television works and affects people. Sometimes I observe my sisters and perhaps I myself caught in watching TV programs. Just after watching one episode, generate a desire to watch the next one, same with games and other media and/or entertainment-related activities. It definitely creates such an addiction that is hard to say no to it. A problem which may cause us to decide poorly and unwise on certain decisions which will in effect may lead us to bigger problems. And I think that is the problem. We are caught up with small things and think it’s just a small problem when in fact, when neglected becomes a big problem.

That is just one factor. And it’s certainly a sad note.

1 Corinthians 6:12 "'Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything.

This verse gives a practical principle we Christians should put into practice. Watching TV is not evil nor is a problem. But it actually gives no benefit for us. Probably to simply entertain, but entertainment is never a need. If you think we need it to relax and have a little laughter, don’t you think you could do that in a much better activity like being with your family or your friends? Think about it. What is more likely enjoyable and much more meaningful, a time with your TV or your family and friends? And, the principle that one must not be mastered or controlled by it is one thing we Christians should really have. At this point, I have certainly learned to say no to TV. But if idle time comes, it definitely knocks on my door a lot.

One of the factors that I’m currently on struggle right now is money. For some reason, I couldn’t help but be caught up in the pursuit of more money. Of course, due to the need of money-generated problem (e.g. bills, allowances, food, needful items & appliances, etc.). And seeing others, it seems they too have the same problems, which makes me at times ask God and most often doubt Him as my Provider. Of course, by doing so, I sin against Him. And so I ask God’s forgiveness as well as for Understanding. And the Truth? I think the problem is in how we define our needs. I sometimes ask, “I wonder if I were alone living in a simple house. What would it be like? What will be my needs?” Sometimes or most often we have a problem managing or becoming a good steward on what God has given us. And as one preacher recently preached: “Sometimes we think we own these things. When actually it is God’s[re-phrased].” We need to learn and remind ourselves that we are just stewards of God’s creation and God’s gift. And we are held accountable in what God has given us.

I may never give comfort and share all the insights here. But certainly, we can’t go on in our lives as Christians and become miserable just by looking at and pursuing a goal other than Christ.

Matthew 7:14 “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

MY TESTIMONY

(Written and printed last November 26, 2000
from the program of the church, as-is)

I was born in a Christian Family. But, I don't remember when I have accepted Christ. The only thing that I remember is that I accepted Him three times. As time goes by, I realized that it is wrong, I need to accept Him once. Like a gift, we only accept a particular gift once. I don't remember much on how I have accepted Him but only a flash of memory is left. The time when my father led me to accept Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I remember some of the words in Ilocano which says "Bigbigek nga syak ket managbasol, ken mamatiak nga ni Jesu Kristo ket natay para kenyak, ket awatek isuna akas manubot ken mangisalakan ko". After the prayer I felt the happiness in me and a part of me is changed.

Just like a new born Christian a (should be I) started sharing God's Word to my friends. But as time passed by, the fire within me slowly dies, only a glow was left at my mouth to speak about God. But even though, I never speak much, I tried to show to others that I'm a Christian through my actions. Then I was baptized, became a member of the choir and the AFC. I got to know more about God. I started building relationship with God. He became my Friend, my Father, my God and my everything. If you think I'm a loner, you are wrong because I am always with God, He is my Best Friend!

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At some point I got to laugh about how I wrote 10 years ago (hahaha!) by the time or perhaps the Era of Ptr. Antonio Yadao, Jr. (a.k.a. Ptr. Pet). Calculating my age at that time... I was 18 years of age. A teen, and haven't much learned about many things. At the same time, haven't experienced much the battles of being in the Christian Life. Although I wouldn't regret on those battles, for I believe it has made me stronger. It doesn't mean I'm no longer hard up on struggles but it has shaped me on being more mature as a Christian.

This little article has set me to reminisce the old days. When our leaders we're trying to teach and train us God's Word. And, now trying to do the same thing for the next generation. So far I really miss the old ones though, the people who have greatly impact our lives. And I wonder and hope, I'm doing the same thing. As I face new challenges and level of life, things has really changed and new generation has dawned. Christian life goes on! and May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to be Glorified and Magnified!

The Rich Man and The Resting Fisherman

(inspired by a story given by Ptr. Jong, which he himself read from an article or something, therefore this story is not mine nor Ptr. Jong's)

Once there was a rich man walking near the beach, he saw this Fisherman lying down on his simple boat. Resting and enjoying the breeze of the air that comes from the ocean early in the morning. The fisherman seemed to care less of what was going on around him and simply lying down like a lazy person doing nothing at all...

The rich man was bothered seeing this fisherman seemingly doing nothing. He went close to the fisherman and ask, "Excuse me sir, but what are you doing?" The fisherman replied without hesitation, "I'm resting!"

Then the rich man said, "Are you not going to go out fishing?"...... 

"No, I have already caught enough fish for the day." the fisherman replied. 

The rich man told to himself "This fisherman is really such a lazy person".. So he asked again... "Why wouldn't you go out and catch more fish?" 

Then the fisherman puzzled and asked... "What will I do with those more fish?" ... The rich man laughed to himself, thinking the fisherman was so stupid and said... 

"Well, you could sell it to others. Then, if you'd sell them and earn a-lot, you could buy a NEW BIGGER BOAT".. then the fisherman asked "What will I do with a bigger boat?"..

The rich man replied,  "Well, if you get a bigger boat you could catch and carry much more fish!"... 

Then the fisherman scratched his head saying, "Then what will I do with the much more fish? "... 

The rich man starts to be frustrated on how stupid the fisherman is saying, "Well, you could buy more boats then catch much much more fish... Then maybe in time you would be rich like me and have more money!!!"

Then the fisherman still puzzled and asked a question... "And...... what will I do with a lot of money???"

Then the rich man astonished thinking how really stupid this guy is, said..... "Then you could relax and have fun for yourself!!!"

Strikingly the fisherman replied and asked..... "SO WHAT DO YOU THINK AM I DOING NOW!?"

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Hehehe! Funny story but one can learn a lesson from the fisherman's perspective ....Most often in pursuing the things of this world, we forget what is more meaningful and valuable in our lives.... May we know and pursue the kind of life that is more meaningful and of great value. And that can only be found in Christ!


"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)


"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14)

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Faith... it's the current concept or topic on our theme of the month in our church. And for some reason, I stumbled upon a site on the net where our Faith is questioned, ridiculed, laughed at and etc. I couldn't help but read most of it and as always, words can manifest its power. We are indeed easy to waver in our faith when we are not prepared against such misleading words, words which could definitely poke our logical mind with logical reasoning and arguments. But the Word of God is still more powerful than ever. For it can pierce our hearts and bring to us Truth, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of God of which we learned and planted in our hearts can indeed help us when we need it the most.

Some people these days and perhaps growing in number, believe only in the things they can see, feel, hear, smell and touch, and their own knowledge or what we call science becomes their standard of living. Faith is set aside.

Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." and this is our shield and stronghold for what we stand as Christians. This faith is what these people see as foolish and worthless, but the problem is they don't see what genuine and true Christians have experienced because of it. If I may say what I think, these people would base all their beliefs on a limited aspect, which is knowledge. But we Christians base our beliefs on something that is not limited, which can only be done through Faith.

To them they see us as fools and sore losers, at some point they may be right, but on the basis of the world's standard of winners and success. But on God's standard they are the ones who are lost. And we Christians, came from those group of the lost and the call continues to seek and to save those that are lost. The problem is, would they receive the call and believe?

Having the Faith in the Lord truly never promised such glanderous life as many expect, for in fact Christ himself says in Mark 13:13 "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." And this should be a puzzling thought, for why still follow if we will face such circumstances? Because we Christians have hope. Hope for eternal life and a life with God. This is the gift God is offering and continues to be offered until the day Christ returns.

It's sad that even with these statements or hope or gift we present, they could become hard-headed and closed mind about it. Perhaps knowing their kind of character is the thing that have disturbed me the most and gave me worry. Perhaps the feeling that these kind of people will never be able to receive the Gift of salvation at all. But it hits me! I knew a man from the social network "Christianster.com" who is now serving God. I may not know him personally but as far as I remember he declared that he was once one of them who never believed in God. And, because of that I could rest my heart and mind, that even they can be changed once they get to know Who God really is in their lives.

Far more than these, the life we live as Christians is indeed strong evidence we could offer. As always, our lives is the greatest message we could ever share. People look at us, observe us and would try to test us. Therefore, the call for Christians to glorify and magnify God through their lives is at its peak. Having been reading a devotional book testifying the lives of different Christians and how God worked in their lives, truly it is very inspiring. But it is also a challenge, for we need these men and women of character, people who will like a light, shine, so that others may see Christ in us.