NO ONE EVER CARES LIKE JESUS

To care and to be cared is such a wonderful thing. It’s something nobody would ever throw away. But somehow that very awful moment comes when you feel nobody’s there and nobody cares. I admit, things aren't always my way. The hubby is not all the time cherishing, parents are not always adjoining, friends are at times missing, neighbors are sometimes not welcoming and such. That peculiar feeling just pops up at some point and clouds over your thinking, manipulates your emotion and often drives you to irrational doings.

Anyhow, that once-in-a-while scenario when nobody’s there does nobody really cares? At some points of my life, I supposed, up to the point of trying to take my own life. Yes, I was suicidal back then when I was younger. I assumed that nobody really cares. Rejecting every bit of kindness shown thinking everyone was just all pretending. But, is it really true that not even one cares?

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his    will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ.”

- Ephesians 1:3~9 -

always and forever

When I was unaided, high and dry; when nobody’s there and I can go nowhere, someone truly cares! Someone who never fails! Someone who has already have thoughts of me even before the world existed yonder. Someone who’s there to love and care, always and forever! Thank you my sweet Lord Jesus Christ! THANK YOU!

LOVE Like You Really Mean It: Friends and Foes Alike

I do love my friends; but a foe, as in really loving one? How could that be? Thank God, as of now, I don’t have one. But as I hark back to my younger years, I have more than a few. Back then, I knew I never was nice to an enemy. How could I be nice to someone who causes me pain, who doesn't even try a bit of niceness?

But then again, reminded by the God who humbled Himself before the sinful people who have greatly offended Him, then I am able to reconsider. Yes, I am reconsidering and trying by the help of my sweet Lord and Savior’s extravagant love and grace. A Creator who saved this sinful creature (me) from the eternal torments of hell. Who can love like Him? In the Scriptures He said,

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Mark 12:31

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44

I know that loving and maintaining love with my friends and also loving and praying for my enemies especially, are easier said than done, absolutely doesn't happen overnight but a lifetime process. But God’s love surpasses all things.

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.” – Proverbs 10:12

I earnestly pray that I’ll be able to love not just my friends but also my foes, just like how Jesus Christ humbled himself to the world that’s full of faults and flaws, to show His love that sooo overflows. Godspeed!

Indeed!

LOVE Like You Really Mean It: As How a Family Ought To Be

“But those who won't care for their relatives, especially those in their own household,

have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.”

- Timothy 5: 8 -

This verse really hit me in the core! Who wants to be worse than an unbeliever? But the word of God is never and will never be in error. In reality, it’s easier to be kindhearted and pleasant beyond the walls of our house. Actually? Yes, it is true, when I am elsewhere and/or with people other than the immediate family, I am extra kind, more patience, more polite, more generous and the-whole-kit-and-caboodle. I plead guilty.

A trusted friend once told me, “The praise and applause of other people are useless if the person closest to you just don’t agree.”  I beg to disagree in my deepest thoughts. But, as I ponder on God’s Word, I realized how I actually deceive myself by believing that it doesn't matter what my family thinks of me as long as my friends and Church-mates consider me a good one. True enough that behind the walls of our house, I am easily angered even with tiny flaws; not that polite; not that kind; not that generous and the-whole-kit-and-caboodle. Again, I plead guilty.

Sadly, it is usually that way. And I pray for every passing day that the people closest to me would truly be able to say that I am a good family. Godspeed!

LOVE Like You Really Mean It: As How GOD Meant His

I am quite aware of God’s love. As far as I can remember, even when I wasn't a convert yet, I knew and every people around me knew that there is a God and that He loves us. Only then I understood, though not fully comprehended, His love when I realized how He suffered in my stead to save me from eternal damnation. That unfathomable love that I never deserve but is lavishly given to me grace after grace.  That’s why I sometimes ask myself, “Do I really love You, Lord? Yes, definitely! But the thing is, “How much do I really love You?”

Is it no-nonsense to just confess or tell my friends that I love You?

Is posting and/or liking on Facebook or any social media things that show my appreciation worthwhile?

Is skimming through the pages of the Bible signifies how You really mean to me?

Is praying everyday enough to show that You truly mean more than anything?

Is doing charitable works or sacrificial offerings worthy to reciprocate Your immeasurable love?

Is it enough to just always be present every Sunday Service and all church gatherings?

Is my language of love towards You parallels Your way of how You want me to?

Do I really love You Lord like how you want me to mean it? The Scripture says in Mark 12:30,

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul

and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

More of a self-realization that loving You is more than any word I can ever say, more than any deed I could ever do. More than anything else, it’s how I give my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength to You. This self-check reminds me of how am I as a lover of the man You gave me as a partner-in-life. I am almost-all-the-time thinking of him, always trying to do things to please him, always considering him in every step that I take, always ensuring him of our love and so on and so forth. So as how You related ‘Your love for the church’ to ‘how a husband should love his wife and the wife to respect his husband’, so please allow me to relate my love for You as how a lover is to his beloved. So now my love for You would be defined by…

Do I think of You all the time?

Do I always go all-out to please You?

Do I always strive to avoid things that hurt You?

Do I always consider You in every step that I take?

Do I always give time to talk and especially listen to You?

Do I always ensure You of my love by choosing You over each and every thing I consider important?

Do I make every effort to love You the way You want me to?

My sweet Lord, I want to love You the way You want me to. I want to give you my all and not what's just left of me but this heart of mine is weak and shaky so please oh please help and strengthen me each day, for I long to give back though I’ll never be worthy.

I love you Lord!

About OBEDIENCE: REVERSE Tight Spots?

Indeed, the Lord commanded, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” – Ephesians 6:1

I am a liar to say that I am at ease with this commandment. I too have my own scenarios. Yeah right! Realistically, waywardness comes and that’s my bad.

Anyhow, reverse tight spots come every now and then. Reverse tight spots?

What to do?

Hmmmm…. I have so many questions but let me simplify.

-          What to do when a parent asks you to buy liquors and/or cigars?

-          How about when you are asked to answer or say things differently to cover up?

-          What if you are asked to denounce your faith in exchange of good fun?

My hasty response (and must always be) was a fervent prayer. At times like such, I whisper a prayer, take a deep breath and politely refuse. And yes, in all conscience at times I was ill-mannered, answered with a frown and walked away galumphing. I wasn’t always a good daughter, really. And those times usually comes with silent tears and never a stress-free state.

Indeed the Lord commanded ALL children, as in ALL, to obey their parents, but take good note, IN THE LORD! May I repeat, IN THE LORD!

Applause to those parents who are teaching their children ‘obedience to the Lord’ by example. Bravo!

How about you? Have these questions and other issues like so ever bugged your mind? Have you been to these awkward situations? What’s your response?

To Follow or Not to Follow?

Nothing beats that glorious feeling of being saved and finally finding somewhere you really belong! A joy beyond compare!

But then again, reality bites! I am in this cruel world that professes faith in God yet glaringly living the contrary.

Instantaneous grim reactions then hurled like it never ends.  Disapproval and rejection of devotee grandparents; Parents disavowing my "New York schooling" agreement, and eventually, totally losing the provisions for college (aka: shattered dreams); Humiliations from a high school religion teacher; Friends vamoosing; and all that.

But my sweet Jesus consolingly said,

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. – (John 15:18)”

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you,

as though something strange were happening to you. – (1 Peter 4:12)”

Which?

Oh! What a comfort and raise to the spirit! =D

Then the pater ardently uttered,

“I will give you all you want and finance your diversions,
just turn your back on that different religion.
That’s my only wish before I die.”

Now to the latter, to follow or not to follow?!

Concerning GOD's WILL

A usual misconception: “Following Jesus Christ makes one well-blessed and successful in this life.”

which way?

The tendency, some join religious organizations or any denominations they thought could make their lives better like how some people in the ancient times followed Jesus after he fed the multitude thinking their tummies would never go hungry anymore.

Anyways, being well-blessed and successful in Christ is a fact beyond doubt. But the world’s standard of being such is far way different from God’s.

One could be booming and triumphant in this world while doomed in the eyes of heaven. Whilst, one could be badly off and ill-fated in this world while making the heavens exceptionally proud. Who could forget Job? The man after God’s own heart, and whom He takes great pride of.

The Scripture says in 2 Timothy 3:12…

"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

It’s the norm when a Christian takes the narrow road and bears his cross and is usually contemplated, by this world, as the foolish one, like how Jesus was regarded during His days in this harsh world. It is actually God’s good will, not to suffer and break him down but to build him up and make him come to be more and more like Jesus Christ, God’s workmanship. And He is always there to guide and protect His follower.

A trusted person once told me, “A well-blessed and successful life apart from God’s will is a grave curse!”

However, do not misidentify. One can be prosperous in this world and in Christ as well. The thing is, are you in parallel with God’s perfect will? 

May 31, 2003: Biblically BAPTIZED

Baptism - A sacrament or a membership initiation?

Actually it’s a command of God. An act of obedience of a believer who desires to obey his Lord.

Baptism doesn't make a Christian. But a Christian needs to be baptized. It’s a step that needs to be taken by an individual who already had a full understanding of it, next to having assurance of salvation. A phase, if being understood and lived by, would take into effect and make a lifetime difference. Old life buried and new life begins. Being dead to sin and alive to Christ!

i will come to obey

And this day, I decided to follow, and will never be turning back. I am aware that things are not gonna be the same, especially being the only follower in the family. Stormy and rocky path surely awaits me; even so, I am with my sweet Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my ray of sunshine in every endeavor from this time forth and forevermore.

My rollercoaster ride has just begun!

Romans 6:3~4

“Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that,

just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father,

we too may live a new life.”

PROMISE TRANSFORMATION

Back then, before the Journey with my Sweet Jesus begun, I made a promise.

“I'm going to come back for a life-long camaraderie, but never for membership of this religion or whatever sect this may be!”

I NOW DISAVOW!

This is the first time I took back a promise without regrets. I know the world says that promises are made to be broken, which at some point I believed. But this time (December 21, 2002) forth, as I met my sweet Savior Jesus Christ who never fails, I want to make a new promise, actually a VOW.

thank you Lord!

“I’m going to live my life for Him!”

I know for sure that I’ll still have flaws and failures, but it’s totally different this time. Hereafter, I’ll walk through life now hand-in-hand with my sweet Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am no longer alone, and never will be! Still, beneath His wings, now and forever, with His unbreakable promises.

And to make a lasting successful journey, I need more than just camaraderie, I need constant fellowship. First, with my sweet Jesus for Lordship; then, with His people for keeping the fire burning. Which means, of my own accord, I am definitely coming back to be part of Pakna-an Christian Church, for good!

ASSURED!

NO condemnation IN CHRIST

Jesus Christ’s death paid it all! And not only that! He didn't remain in the grave, on the third day re rose again! The Lord who is mighty to save saved me from my sins’ grave punishment, from the fires of hell! Hallelujah!

Now, I have this immovable, unbreakable, glorious HOPE IN HEAVEN! Going home to the Heavenly Father is my destiny, and my utmost yearning. Can’t wait to see Him with my own eyes, be with Him, hold His scarred hands, hug Him tight, and adore Him face to face.

I am definitely NOT bragging! I never had and never will have the right to do so for everything is GOD’s GRACE. Something I could NEVER pay off!

God Himself assured me in His Words:

• John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 
• Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
• Romans 8:1 - [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Affirmations:

• John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
• Romans 5:8 - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
• Romans 5:1 - Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
• Titus 3:5 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
• 1 John 5:13 - These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
• Acts 4:12 - Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
• John 1:12 - But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name.

He loves me & gave Himself for me!

GRACE AFTER GRACE!I am nothing but HE is my everything!

JESUS CHRIST - A LOVE BEYOND COMPARE!

There's a lot more guaranteeing verses. Discover the TRUTH yourself by examining the Holy Scriptures above all, along with the support of genuine believers. Make a good careful search in your locality.

CONVICTION TO CONVERSION

My first ever personal conversation with the Almighty was a very tearful one. It was then that I totally accepted that I was not actually better than other people as I always thought of, never. And that I am a big SINNER! - Somebody who’s definitely worthy of God’s wrath. Then, Repentance sprung up from the core.

But it didn’t end there. It became a dilemma – knowing I’m a sinner and is going to be punished for eternity. What to do?! I badly needed help but was too timid to ask. Each passing day was nerve-wracking!

something worthwhile

Until December came, that same year, came up a 3-day Youth Camp. Continually I was seeking for answers. Though it was a joy-filled learning experience and adventure but that dilemma continued. Then and there, the second day came. As we were scanning through the pages of the Romans we read at chapter 6 verse 23,

”For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Whoah!!! Sudden peace transcends my dilemmas! I read over and over again, “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Then I was totally comforted! Praise God! Then I remembered the famous verse which almost everyone knew and even memorized,

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,

but have everlasting life."

Only then I was able to understand what this verse really meant. Through believing God’s only begotten Son Jesus Christ and accepting Him as my personal Savior and Lord, I would not perish! That grave punishment he took in my stead was for the forgiveness of all my sins. He accepted God’s wrath upon his shoulders and lovingly saved me, despite all my iniquities and has given me life eternal and gave me the right to be a child of God. How great is his love!

Christ died for me!

What Happened Thereafter

happily reading the bible

Attending the Student Meeting that one dull day of November led me to be present at every gathering of that Church: Wednesday Bible Fellowship; Friday Prayer Meeting; Saturday Youth Meeting which is 2 hours after the Student Meeting; Sunday Worship and Teaching Service; and believe me, even to the Sunday School for Kids. By the way, its ‘Pakna-an Christian Church’ situated at Kagape Road, Pakna-an, Mandaue City, Cebu Philippines.

Every meeting became an everyday longing - that bizarre excitement to meet everyone at the Church. Those very strange days! Ironic it is that I didn’t want to become a member but didn’t want to give up being with them either. Before long, I yearned for a personal Bible so I got one and surprisingly read them day by day. That hunger for ‘God’s Word and Will’ emanated. That boring lengthy Scripture became sweet daily cravings.

Then, one unforgettable day, I bumped into this verse that scared the hell out of me!

John 3:36 – “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life:

and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life;

but the wrath of God abideth on him”

the wage of sin

Oh my! God’s wrath is on me?! What am i going to do?! I was literally scared to the bones! I don’t know why. These words kept bugging me all day long. I was restless! For the first time ever, I stooped down to my feet and cried out to the heavens. I poured out my heart to the God of the heavens whose wrath is upon this sinful youngster. My first personal heartfelt conversation with the living God happened!

How it all Begun!

Will you?

One dull Saturday afternoon of November 2002 I was almost left alone after a School Program. Everyone’s busy preparing to leave while I had nothing else to go but home. “I don’t want to go home yet.” I whispered. As I saw one of my classmates hurriedly following my other classmate I inquired where they were heading. She (Marilyn) answered, “Come on, let’s go with Juville.” So because they are friends of mine, and I don’t wanna go home yet, I immediately went along. What mystified me was a white chinito guy (whom later I learnt was a Korean; Dae Oen Lee; a missionary’s son) who opened his car door immediately the moment we stepped out of the school gate, and also, Juville smiled and at once invited us in. What is this?! Perplexed I was yet am conveyed. Good thing everything was clarified during the ride. Oh! We’re heading to a ‘Student Meeting’ as they call it – a Bible Study for young people especially students. Yup! Bible Study, why not?

There, we literally had a Bible Study – reading through and checking the Bible. And oh, we sang godly songs. Anyways, it wasn’t my first time to read verses from the Bible, but it was my first to literally scan and read through page by page. I didn’t absorb the message though, but what I can never forget is the shame I felt to find something that’s hard to do – locating a verse. Argh! Really upsetting! However, it was something that challenged me to cram on the Bible, not to learn its content but, out of pride, to do better next time I will be told to locate a verse. Pride definitely struck me!

Later, snacks were served! Obviously painted a smile on me hihihihi but what really hit my core was this strange atmosphere, something undeniable, and something I believed as impossible – warm affection; genuine love and friendship. Oh God! Are you bumping into me? I don’t even know most of these people. Why are they too humane? They don’t even know me personally! Is this the answer to my cry? I’m surely gonna be back in this place! And I really did again and again. But honestly, that day, I firmly told myself, “Im going to come back for a life-long camaraderie, but never for membership of this religion or whatever sect this may be!”