Enlightened Perspective

I’ve learned … That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I’ve learned … That when you’re in love, it shows.
I’ve learned … That just one person saying to me, “You’ve made my day!” makes my day.
I’ve learned … That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I’ve learned … That being kind is more important than being right.
I’ve learned … That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I’ve learned … That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in some other way.
I’ve learned … That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I’ve learned … That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I’ve learned … That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I’ve learned … That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I’ve learned … That we should be glad God doesn’t give us everything we ask for.
I’ve learned … That money doesn’t buy class.
I’ve learned … That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I’ve learned … That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I’ve learned … That the Lord didn’t do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?
I’ve learned … That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I’ve learned … That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I’ve learned … That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I’ve learned … That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I’ve learned … That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I’ve learned … That there’s nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.
I’ve learned … That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I’ve learned … That life is tough, but I’m tougher.
I’ve learned … That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I’ve learned … That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I’ve learned … That I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.
I’ve learned … That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I’ve learned … That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I’ve learned … That I can’t choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.
I’ve learned … That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you’re hooked for life.
I’ve learned … That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.
I’ve learned … That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life-threatening situation.
I’ve learned … That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

A Look Into Life

The chilly overcast day caused me to gather my thoughts like droplets gather as clouds. My mind takes me back to the moment I set foot once more at the mountain where I first joined a National Gcamp-out. The rain poured hard that day, and I remember how I inhaled a deep breath and looked at the misty fog around me. It sure was great to be back.

From the hustle and bustle of city life, it was a breath of fresh air to fellowship with fellow believers and have nature encounters with them, while meditating on the greatness and faithfulness of our God. Every Gcamper knows every camp-out isn't just a time for fun and meet-ups, it's a time to recharge in the presence of our Saviour and redefine our vision and mission as ambassadors of Christ.

Memories kept rushing as I stare at the leaden sky. Fast forward to the last night at the beach. Bonfire behind us, the deep sea before us, we hear the sound of the crashing waves and the soft gospel songs on the soundtrack as we lay on the velvety sand and gazed at the marvelous twinkling stars above us. Enthusiastic shouts fill the air for every shooting star we cast eyes on. While waiting patiently for the falling stars, I marvel at the thought of the brevity of life like a streak of light in the night sky that's gone in a split second. Like the meteoroid that lights and burns up as it enters the Earth, are we also burning up for the right cause? Like the stars that light up and display the glory of God in the dark and night sky, are we also lighting up in the darkness of the world and exalting the glory of God in our lives?

Jesus warned that in the last days, lawlessness will abound and the love of many will grow cold. It couldn't be truer these days. Morals have clearly changed. What is right according to man prevails, without regard of what the word of God says. Unbelievers are so downright and blatant with what they believe which if you examine closely is indubitably opposed to what the Bible says. We are witnessing the resurfacing of the modern Sodom and Gomorrah as a nation threatens to redefine the Biblical definition of marriage. Here and there, we hear horrible news of injustices by rebels and religious extremists worldwide. HIV cases rise each day, and local statistics show rampant sexual promiscuity as early as grades 5 and 6. The entertainment industry continues to lure the audience into sin, displaying themes contrary to the fruits of the Holy Spirit. More and more people are turning their backs at Jesus. What was once unacceptable is now commonplace and even comfortable. And what's more? The busyness of life robs people of a real relationship with Jesus Christ. It's easy to slip away from God when our focus is shifted to the deceptions the world has so much to offer. Imagine how the future generations will strive when the world keeps spiraling down.

As believers, we know that the Biblical prophecy is unfolding as it should. Despite the wretchedness all over, we have the assurance that Jesus Christ is on the throne and is in full control. Looking into the life around us, where do we stand? We stand on the promises of our Saviour. And we can courageously stand amid the challenges if we immerse ourselves in His presence continually. In introspection, how is our prayer life? Our church life? Our daily meditation on His word? Our fellowship with believers? Our personal relationship with our Redeemer? Our love for the Lord? Are we still winning souls for the Lord? Are we still running the race? Do we still have the flavor as the salt of the Earth? How do we respond to the spiritual threats around us? These questions race my mind as raindrops begin to pour.

The Invisible God

As a casual third-party observer of the world, I can’t help but feel a little nudge inside me to speak my mind and put my thoughts about what’s transpiring around me into words.

            There’s been a change of atmosphere here in the Queen City of the South, with the people all pumped up with the upcoming Sinulog Fest. I see busy bodies everywhere, with plans of boisterous parties and all sorts of revelries. I hear friends talk about their displayed excitement and the preparations they’re making for the most awaited festival in the city. And here I am with my petty observations, my mouth shut, and my mind speaking. I could be a bit paranoid, but I know some people might think I’m the boring type of person, or the antisocial one, because I don’t delve in to their conversation and plans for all-day and all-night parties that could become the “time of my life”, as they say.. But as an ambassadress of Christ, I ask myself, “Where do I stand?”

            And so I am back at examining the world around me, walking circumspectly. I look around and I fearlessly say to myself, ‘this is all not right’. Showing devotion to the “Sto. Nino” in lieu of favor and blessings, or as a thanksgiving for the ones received, they say, is the essence of the feast. Well, is it right to give the glory and praise to a representation of God, and not God Himself? Having a graven image of a Sto. Nino is like having a picture of someone. It’s a representation of that someone, but not truly the person himself. Simply put, it is a picture of me, but it’s a picture, a thing, and it’s not really the person that I am. People tend to place God within the narrow confines of the human mind, thus requiring a physical representation that is far from God Himself, with a tendency to put extreme devotion on that representation which overshadows God. Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 1:17, “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” It may be hard to worship an invisible God due to certain human limits, but that doesn’t mean we should succumb to graven images of wood and stone that is fashioned by human hands, instead. Because worship requires faith, and faith is the evidence of things not seen.

            The word “idol” comes from the Greek word eidos which means “form or shape”. Does the invisible have form or shape? You don’t have to go to school to answer that correctly. It is even defined by Merriam-Webster as “a picture or object that is worshiped as a god”. By that, a sensible person can deduce that any picture/object given reverence is an idol, a false god. The Bible blatantly condemns the practice of such. To mention one bible verse out of many, Isaiah 44:9 says, “All who makes idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame.”

            Aside from that, Sinulog won’t be a festival without various parties or revelries. 1 Corinthians 10:7 says, “Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry”. This becomes a challenge for the believers, to not be conformed, to bravely make a stand, and not join the vain traditions of men and the accompanying parties with dancing and drinking. Keeping an intimate relationship with the one true God, with our Lord and personal Saviour Jesus Christ, and a desire to live for His glory and do things pleasing unto His sight, should make it easy for true believers to not get involved. He already paid for our sins, but that doesn’t give us the liberty to do things that is not right before God. And to those not of the same faith, I plead that you consider your ways and be subject to thorough scrutiny in reference to the Bible, genuinely asking wisdom from God.

            This goes out not just to festivals like Sinulog, but to anything that requires the believers to stand up in faith, to examine what’s right according to God’s impeccable word, and to live a life surrendered daily to God.

            The times are evil; will you be the salt of the Earth?

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” 
Romans 12:2

Who will?

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."  - 1 Corinthians 6:13

 

 

Five or ten years ago, the world wasn't as foolish as today. We were warned about the last days and the perilous times. Undoubtedly, we are in the last days. And if the world is full of filth these days, how much more 10 or 20 years from now? It may not be obvious in our country yet, but other Christians worldwide are criticized, challenged, and persecuted already. And sooner or later, we'll soon find ourselves in that state.

 

As light bearers and ambassadors of Christ, are we still taking a stand? Are we still running to win? And are we still walking worthy of our calling? Anytime soon, our Lord and Savior will gloriously come again, and will He still find us faithful until that day? How's your personal relationship with God? Just a few questions to reflect on.

 

More and more people are getting cunningly deceived, and it's vital for a Christian to have the continual discernment between right and wrong and to firmly refuse to be swayed by the ways of the world. In all areas of life, whether it be in the music or movies, the devil is strongly and effectively penetrating. And we should be keen and wise enough to be able to see and avoid the pitfalls ahead. Yes nobody's perfect, we may fail and get into the trap, but God's loving grace always finds us back.

 

It's a constant daily battle for us, and the only way we can win is to stay in God's presence. There is a dire need for us, ambassadors of Christ, to stand out and bravely make a difference. Because if we won't, then who will?

 

 

 

Sighted

“I see God in everything…”

At every GCAMP-out, I have always been struck by an event that compels me to write, with the exception last year (due to my laziness).

This year, after the 9^th National GCAMP-out with the theme, “Walking Worthy of Our Calling”, I reminisced and searched for an inspiration for my write-up. After a moment of free thinking, I finally realized this time was something different, something I did not see coming. This time I did not see God’s greatness on top of a mountain, or while lake canoeing, or during a midnight bonfire.

I rerun the happenings in my mind, and I am taken aback by the people behind the success of the GCAMP-out.

I see the generous hearts of the people who gave for the Lord and His work.

I see the laborious hands of the servants of the Lord – toiling, sacrificing, always on the go for what needs to be done, anticipating, working together, lending a hand, and mustering the time and strength to work and take care of things. No questions asked, no complaints, only genuine efforts rendered.

I see the dedication in the eyes of the preachers and I see their propelling passion: taking time to prepare themselves, surrendering to what God wanted them to deliver, seeking to share everything they could to inspire and bring people closer to God, leading the worship and meditation, and speaking God’s words into life.

I see the excitement and relentless participation of the delegates, the eagerness to listen to the meditation, the honest efforts in obeying the rules, respect given, the camaraderie shared, and the laughter so contagious. How different is it to be in fellowship with fellow believers? No inhibitions, no injustices, no discriminations, mutual goals.

I see the vision of the leaders, without which, the people perish. By their vision, wonderful fruits were brought forth.

I see how the founders and pillars willingly surrendered to God and His ministry.

I see what every GCAMP chapter has gone through along the years, to keep the fire burning.

I see the commitment and devotion of every GCAMPer who instilled the ministry in their hearts.

And with these, I see God in everything. I see His greatness and what He is capable in shaping one’s life, I see His wondrous love, I see His endless grace and mercy, I see His benevolent hands, and a lot more of Him.

Thus, overwhelming gratitude fills my heart and shows in my face. Blessed beyond measure to have witnessed such.

And I snapped out of my reverie… Having been reconciled and given the ministry, are we really bringing the message of reconciliation? Are we walking worthy of our calling as ambassadors of Christ? Or are we swayed by the ways of the world? The life we have, the talents we have been given, the numbered time we are blessed with each day --- is God glorified? Think on these things.

Die to Self, Live for CHRIST

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

The decision to follow Christ is a challenge, yet living by the decision is a tougher and greater challenge.

"I am crucified with Christ . . ." Jesus Christ laid out the Ultimate Sacrifice through the shedding of His precious blood to wipe away the filth of our sins before the eyes of God [the Father]. When we declared our faith to God and believed in the Gospel of Salvation, it doesn't end there. As Paul had strikingly stated, we are crucified with Christ. That entails nailing our sins, guilty pleasures, and selfish desires to the cross. We DIE to SELF. We no longer take the sole command of our lives, but we surrender to the will of God. However, are we committed to it? Are we really seeking God's will in every bit of area in our lives? Dying to self is a daily, conscious effort. It requires constant desire to serve, glorify, and lift God's name up high; living a life of full obedience; and giving out our best for the Most. But undeniably, we fail so often. Yet His benevolent grace abounds much more. Howbeit, shall we continue in sin?

". . .nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me . . ." Still, to let Christ be the center of our lives necessitates complete surrender. We ought to be not just Christians by name, but by soul and spirit. The devil will, by all means, pull us away and will always look for an opportunity to lure us to sin; but by all means also, we must let the power of Christ be manifested in our lives. Because Christ dwells within us, we ought to draw closer to God and resist the devil so he may flee from us.

". . .and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God. . ."  Let our faith be evident as we walk by it and not by sight. When we deliberately choose to please God through our faith, we overcome the demons within and around us and shield ourselves from the fiery darts of evil and temptation, thus emerging victorious. But are we living life in the flesh by faith or life in the carnality of the flesh alone? Is it the cross which is before us and the world behind us or the other way around?

". . .who loved me and gave himself for me." When we consider what Christ has done for us, we come into deep realization of our nothingness. We ought to instill in our hearts and minds how he suffered and carried the burden of our repulsive sins, with tears and blood. Now brethren, let us imagine and picture out the passion and anguish of Christ as He blamelessly died on the cross for OUR sins; and every time we allow ourselves to be ensnared by sin, conjure this up in our minds. Let us think of God's unmerited favor and marvelous love toward us, sinners. This should be enough reason to live for Christ. Before we succumb into temptation and sin, we ought to remind ourselves the price it took to save us from the penalty of sin, which we can never repay.

In our daily walk with God, let us strive to be committed to service, gearing up through prayer and devotion.  Again and again, let us walk worthy of our title as ambassadors of Christ. Let us bear in mind to die to self, and live for Christ -- the Lord of lords and King of kings.

A Life that Counts

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"                                                             2 Corinthians 13:5 

More often than not, we need to stop in our tracks for a while, look back and ask ourselves, "Am I living a life that counts?"

In a world that has a lot to offer, so many things can wrap and consume us, a lot of concerns can narrow our vision, and different engagements can thwart us from doing our mission. As ambassadors for Christ, have we been doing our part? Have we stood up to the name? Are we walking the talk? Can others see Christ in us? 

It's easy to get swayed by the world, and get our attentions wrapped up to what the world tells us are important. The world says, "Money is important", "School is important", "Pleasure is important", "Work is important", "Social networking is important", and the list can go on and on. But what does the Bible say about that? Were we not told to set our minds on things above and not on Earthly things? As pilgrims, it is indeed very difficult to stay detached to Earthly matters, since we ourselves are living in this world. However, we have the option to stay rooted and grounded in Christ, and make our lives count. Yes, a lot of things are important, but are we using these matters to be an avenue of service? Or are we unknowingly becoming slaves of it?

Beloved, let us examine ourselves. What takes most of our time? What are the reasons behind the stuffs that we do? Is it for God's greater glory or merely for self satisfaction? Are we fired up or burnt out? Every day should be a time for a throwback and self-check. Let us pray as the Psalmist has prayed, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom."

We are no strangers to these words; however, human nature and certain bearings constantly tug us to pull away, making us feel hesitant to break free from dullness and contented to settle with the mundane. It takes humility, surrender and deep-seated eagerness to overcome such hindrances and struggles. Let us continually endeavor to prove our own selves, looking unto Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Rekindle the flame of each other and together let us make our lives count.