When everything is just temporary

Sometimes, you won't see things because your heart is not into it. There are various lessons God is teaching us yet we sometimes tend to see them with our mere eyes. "Eveything is temporary." This is ringing on my head since yesterday. It's been over a year that I couldn't settle myself in. I have seen changes after changes that I found it hard to catch up. At many times, I found myself just keeping my head above the water. When I was suddenly taken out from the place I thought I was thriving, it took me time to really move on. Then I realized, I was struggling because my other foot was still stuck on the other end - my comfort zone. So I made a declaration and commanded myself that I will get up from bed seeing things from His perspective. It took me awhile to see that but I'm glad I found the courage to do so. One thing I have proven true again is that there's wisdom in letting go, in surrending it all to God. And so after I made that decision, I found myself again walking on water. I started to see myself again in my best form and the best part is, I started enjoying each moment of waiting. But right, this is again "temporary" as another beginning is fastly approaching. Sometimes, when we start to get the hang of it, is actually the perfect message that it's time again to let go. God taught me and still teaching me that all these "temporary" moments have "eternal" purposes. What I have learnt is that obedience to God doesn't really require "understanding" but obedience will later on make us understand. There are a lot of things in our walk that dont make any sense on an outright but God is asking us to just plunge in and as we keep on taking the step of faith, as we keep on holding on to His grip in the midst of uncertainties, He will make us understand and see the beauty of His impecable plan. We just have to make a decision to align our heart to all these wonderful mysteries He has on mind. "The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8, NLT

INFINITE

Living on my own for almost 2 months now makes me more understand what "infinite" means. I got to keep myself busy in many ways I can imagine. I got to see what fun means in many angles as I could. And the more I discover them in countless ways, it develops infinite hope in me. It makes me see how infinite GOD's goodness is! Remember when Abraham was asking God about his inheritance? God took him outside the house and said "Look up at the sky and count the stars--if indeed you can count them." Then God said to him, "So shall your offspring be." (Gen 15:5) Infinite. It's a simple word yet so profound. It's one word yet has "infinite" meaning. And so is hope. And so is faith. And so is trust. They are seemingly simple words but how they keep us anchored is so deep to measure. God speaks to us in countless ways. In fact, God is infinite. In so many ways we want to comprehend all things in our own infinite ways, God is actually the only ONE who already knows the end even before it has begun. The more we dig into the "infinity" of the future, the more we got to tighten our grip to HIS goodness as only HIM and HIM alone who can truly anchor and take us to where we should be. "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set ETERNITY in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecc 3:11, NIV

The WIND

GOD's love is more than tangible! I woke up really early this morning. I looked around in my room and yeah, I am alone and today marked my 1 whole week living on my own in my small rented apartment. In Singapore, I usually greet my roomies and flatmates in the morning. And everytime I come back from my long absence, they would always welcome me with "We miss you. It has been so quiet here without you." Or one will say "I miss your cooking." Or "No one is initiating our housemate bonding anymore". Or "I miss our breakfast together." I also miss hanging out almost every night and there would even times that I couldnt fit everyone in! Yeah, I miss those moments. In fact, it has been a year that my lifestyle has drastically changed. It was so drastic that I let my feet slip at times. But when I woke up this morning, my heart was at peace. My heart is filled with joy. I felt so much loved. I felt His embrace wrapped around me. I am loved. I am soooo loved! HE lavished His love on me. And one thing that really came to me was that HIS love gave me the assurance of victory. I think the assurance of being loved gives us so much to look forward to. It negates our fear indeed as we know that that in HIS love, no matter what happens, we are accepted. It gives us full of hope knowing that the ONE who loves us unconditionally has our best interest on mind. HIS love gives us courage - being assured that His grace will always come to our rescue when all fail. Many of us know this so well already but knowing is one thing and really living to its fullest extent and feeling deep down in our soul is another. It's more than a revelation. It's like the air we breathe - we know it exist and we believe it does... but when the air move or we call it "wind", the feeling is much different. God's love is like that - sometimes it just become so ordinary to us like air but His love does move and when it does, the presence is much felt!

When our best is not good enough

When our best is not good enough, God will complete it. The only thing God is asking us is to give our best - no more, no less. He will not ask us beyond our fullest capacity. When you have given your best and still it's not enough, take courage! Don't look down, look up as it's just about time for God to show us what He can do. It simply means, He wants to take part of that dream. He wants us to be dependent on Him. He wants us to trust Him. If giving our best alone will satisfy that, we tend to take the glory. We tend to look to ourselves more when we should be focusing on Him. I think that's what faith and grace are all about. It's taking God into the equation. Faith to be assured that God is with us. Grace that enables us to do things beyond our skills, strengths and even beyond the best of our best. So when we can honestly say we have given our best and still falling short, don't be discouraged as God will definitely walk you through. "Everything will be OK. When it's not OK, it means it's not yet the end." - anonymous I read and heard this many times, and true enough, God will never fail those whose trust are in Him. “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Cor 2:9, NIV

Run with perseverance!

Don't expect life to be easy on you; If it so, you won't discover the possiblities God has put within you. Therefore, run with perseverance.

Don't think you will always hear His voice in silence; If so, you won't realize that God has actually already put the answers in your heart. Therefore, run with perseverance.

Don't linger on sadness when you experience failure; If everything is about winning, you won't learn that you can actually do some more. Therefore, run with perseverance.

Don't await that someone will always pick you up; If that's the case, you won't find out that God has enabled you to push yourself up. Therefore, run with perseverance.

Don't be surprised when you find yourself alone at times; If they will always be around, you won't really see that above all, God is actually who you need after all. Therefore, run with perseverance.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith..." Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV

PERHAPS

After listening to Ptr Paul's message this morning, there's one word that really struck me. It was not the highlight of the message in fact but it came to me like a bomb and the Lord spoke to me through the word -- perhaps!

Perhaps is an expression of some sort of uncertainty yet it's the same word Jonathan used when he called his armour bearer to go up and invade Philistine garrison.

Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; PERHAPS the Lord will work for us, for the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few.” 1 Samuel 14:6, NASB (emphasis added)

Jonathan was not sure yet he moved up in courage. He was not certain yet he took the step. He didn't know what awaited him yet he pursued his destiny. He didn't have any idea of the future but he knew his God!

Not having the full picture is the perfect picture of walking by faith. It is where we discover that God has actually bigger things on mind than what we know.

Perhaps God is just waiting for the same courage from you. Perhaps HE is just waiting for you to take that bold step. Perhaps HE is just asking you to move up and take what is yours. Perhaps HE is teaching you to let go and move towards your promised land. Perhaps HE is just asking you to take your full assurance from who HE is!

Perhaps and many more perhaps. Most of the times, God will not tell you what's on the other line but you wouldn't really know unless you cross it - be bold and embrace!

Thoughts into captivity

“Just because you have a thought, you don’t have to think it… bring every thought into captivity (2 Cor 10:15)” – twitted by Max Lucado

Sometimes the tests will not come in a big wave or strong storm… Sometimes, they come in silence. And sometimes, we just find ourselves wondering and holding tight as changes in life pass us by. Thoughts will keep on knocking into our head for sure and no wonder we always say that our mind is the battleground. It takes so much stillness in our minds and hearts to hear every “hallelujah” our spirit is crying out.

At times, you would feel nobody seem to see the depth of your cry and that every small victory would mean a lot… and that every time you trip, you would just want someone to tap your shoulder and say “it’s ok” or every time you slip, you just long to have someone reminding you how great you have done so far and just let your mistakes fly away.

Oh... sometimes you would ask GOD questions that you yourself know the answer – you just want to blurt it out. And in every silence, sometimes, you would just close your eyes holding on to every encouragement you could find – no matter how small that is. Yet sometimes in finding, you are putting yourself in stickier mud... and so sometimes, doing nothing means doing something.

Sometimes, you know you are neither lonely nor doubting, but you just find yourself seeking to what seem to be missing… and this is one of the moments you would realize that there must be a good reason why GOD’s kingdom must be seek and as promised, those who will seek with all their hearts will find it.

But yeah, bring every thought into captivity… as the enemy is trying to ensnare you away from the stillness of HIS love. This is why we have to renew our mind daily – feed our thoughts with HIS words, fill our hearts with HIS peace.

And when you are back to your senses, you would smile and just say, “yeah, I can be the answer to my own prayer...”

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV

Unfamiliar Road

I remember one time I was talking to myself the things that I'm not really comfortable with and one top of mind answer I had was: "Facing the UNKNOWN". I guess like everyone else, nobody wants to walk the road of uncertainties. We get uneasy knowing we will face things we may not know. 

Yet at the same time, this could also give you the excitement if you will just see it in the eyes of faith. It's turning our question from "God, why am I here?" to "God, what are You teaching me?" 

As I was having my time with God, HE just reminded me of this one basic principle: the gold process. To get pure gold, it has to go under a certain degree of heat... and during this process, the mineral impurities will be separated. Being in the unfamiliar road would make you see what are from God and what are not. In the process, God will show you the impurities of your heart, not to say "you are bad" but a message that "HE is good". HE is that good that inspite of your imperfection, HE has chosen you to reflect His glory... And little would you know, HE is in the process of purifying you for HIS plans that you have never imagined. 

All these "revelations" you have learnt in your years of Christian journey would just be "concepts" and "principles" if they are not tested... If they are not flesh out. Jesus didn't just take the "WORD" wherever He went, HE WAS THE WORD HIMSELF (John 1:1). It's no longer just knowing the principles and taking it wherever we go, it's about living them -  that your words and yourself will be one. It's like when you talk about "grace", that grace itself permeates in your life. When you talk about "self control", that very word will be seen without you saying it. When you talk about "all things are possible", your life itself will show that indeed nothing will hold you back. 

Being in the "unfamiliar road" is the perfect time to take all these "familiar principles" you have known and make it your reality -- your very life message.

Unshakable

“… so that what cannot be shaken may remain.” Hebrews 12:27, NIV


This came to me like an echo from GOD to my heart. “Unshakeable” is something that separates the disciples from the crowd, the mature ones from the yet to be matured. So when shaking comes – where do you stand? The shakable or the unshakable?

It is no longer a surprise to us that shaking comes – it is no doubt expected. One thing that assures us is that we have received an unshakable foundation, we just have to stand firm and remain steadfast. Nothing in the world can shake the goodness of GOD. No one can even fathom how great HE is – that’s why HE said, “I am who I am” (Exodus 3:14)

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28, NIV

Be part of the “unshakable”.

The BIGGER WHY

They say, it’s the WHY that will drive you to move forward. It’s the reason behind that gives you the will to take another step. But what if you can’t find the reason? What if you don’t know the purpose why things happened?

I bet many would fall without having a clear understanding of the why.

Then I looked at my heart. What keeps me then going when I don’t understand? I came up with this answer: it’s first knowing the bigger why behind the why. It’s like I aim to give my best at work because I want to be a good testimony or I give because I want to be a blessing to others… but behind all the WHY’s I do things because I am loved by GOD and I love HIM. So if my work will be shaken or how the people will see me, even if I don’t understand, I will keep on keeping on because first, my GOD loves me so much.

I think that’s one big difference from the world. Now I’m having a clearer understanding of the bigger WHY, if you don't have it, you will lose sight of track when everything else fail... when all your whys fail. Everyone needs a strong ground to stand on… something that will never change through all seasons and there’s only one I can think of: HIS love.

So as for me, I’ll keep on declaring, in high or low season, I will praise GOD.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! 
His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1, NLT

The Bigger Blow

When there's crisis in our lives, the tendency is we get weak because we stop what we are doing. But the more we stop, the more the enemy advances. And the more we give in, the more we unconsiously agreeing with the satan's subtle schemes.

Jesus clearly said, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work." (John 4:34). It is in the doing what we should be doing, believing what we should be believing and pursuing what we should be pursuing that we get strengthened. If we stop, we deprive ourselves from eating our spiritual food. And that's like letting the enemy take the upper hand because guess what? The enemy's goal is to steal away that purpose God has given us - he wants to steal that "moment".

Instead, let me share to you one of my principles in my walk with God: when the enemy is trying to steal away my joy, I give the enemy a bigger blow! Whenever he touch my family, I would say, "Alright, I'll get up and encourage more people." Whenever I see his plans advancing, yes there are moments that I will just give myself a break - let all the things out of my chest, cry out to God... but at the same time, I tell the enemy, "Watch out. Once I'm back, I'll definitely give you a bigger blow. I'll preach all the more. I'll excel all the more. I'll lead all the more. I'll love all the more. I'll write all the more. I'll give all the more. I'll give you more bigger blows!"

For this I know, I'm strengthened in living my very purpose!

"Each time He said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." 2 Cor 12:9, NLT

Because it takes HUMILITY to GROW

Sometimes, it is in this "yeah, I know that" moments that God is actually teaching us BIG time... but learning takes humility. No wonder sometimes kids learn faster. They have lesser understanding of what we call "pride". And no wonder JESUS promotes childlike faith. They don't need logic to fully believe. The best part is, when "pride" takes the upper hand is actually the time we need "humility" the most. Whilst pride plays around selfishness, humility talks about selflessness. Pride capitalizes on "what I think"; humility sees "what HE thinks". 

"He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them HIS way." Psalm 25:9, NLT

Sometimes, we redefine what humility is and only wear it when it doesn't hurt us. Stubbornness blinds us. We indulge too much on what we know instead of what we should do. 

Humility talks about radical surrender, unconditional obedience to God. It is not "OK GOD I'll do this if..." or "I will believe when...". Humility recognizes the nature of God - not just what He already did or can do, but the very nature of HIM who knows so much far better than we do. Humility highlights HIS LOVE. It speaks more than just about trust or faith. It is not merely preaching about peace. It is a state of the heart. 

Humility is behaving like this, "HE must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less." John 3:30, NLT

And if we really want to grow, wearing the cloak of humility is definitely a good start.

Deep longing. Deeper assurance.

After decades has passed...


I'm still on the road believing
To a promise worth fighting.

Finish line is still out of sight
But hope keeps me strong in the fight.

Agony is surely waving
But HIS love is far more convincing.

The more I get my knees to the ground;
The more I see how HIS grace abounds.

Well, who says there's a deadline in faith anyway?
Faith is just believing all the way.

Ohh yes, after decades has passed
All I know is, His goodness is steadfast.

When Small Means BIG

I think many “strong” believers "fail" more on the little things than the big things. We can hear a louder “yes” or “no” when we will be tested on giving up our “big dreams”, “big desires” and responding to “big callings” but we tend to miss listening to the whispers of giving up our rights, responding righteously when no one sees, thinking admirably especially at the middle of emotional tortures. How funny it is when we can say YES on an instant to BIG stuffs but make excuses on how we are behaving on small things?
If there’s a camera everywhere, will you respond differently? If there’s a megaphone on your mind, are your thoughts worth echoing? I was walking one evening when I saw this advertisement that says, “Transparency is beautiful when you have nothing to hide.” Oh how indeed so true and these “hidden” things are actually what define us the most.
These small things shape us as much as the big things. Even Jesus highlighted this, "Whoever is faithful with very little is also faithful with a lot, and whoever is dishonest with very little is also dishonest with a lot." Luke 16:10, NASB

Small responses mean BIG especially when your character is on the line! So yes, “CHARACTER” is the word and is best displayed when we have all the excuses to be rude, impatient, mean and all…
“On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4, NIV

Yielded Heart

When I was still studying, I used to tell to myself, "There's no such thing as a surprise quiz to those who are always ready". Now I have come to realize that in our Christian journey, there's no such thing as a "surprise test" to those who have that right kind of heart.


I have been contemplating these past few days on how is it to really live a life in a place of total yieldedness... and this lead me back to the basic - the state of heart. Many times we tend to make all our trials as our excuse on why we responded "that" way but isn't that our actions are just a mirror of what’s inside of us? Matthew 12:25 says, "a good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him". No matter how utterly surprising things would come, a yielded heart would always exude the true qualities of it.

These are the priceless teachings I got from one of my great heroes, Job. It never fails to inspire me on how he responded to the overwhelming "surprise tests" he had. Just right after everything was taken away from him in one instant, he humbled himself and said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:20)
His response was more than notable, it was exceedingly commendable! Did it come as a surprise? Absolutely yes! But his outright response reflected the state of his heart. Talking about yielded heart? Job displayed it perfectly.
To conclude, only thru our yielding to GOD that we will experience the fullness of life. Job yielded and in his yielding, he had that life everyone would want - "full life" (Job 42:17).

It is POSSIBLE!

It is possible to stay strong even if all the people are displaying their weaknesses.


It is possible to be so hopeful even if all that surround you are hopeless.

It is possible to keep calm when everyone else is in panic.

It is possible to believe when they are all doubting.

It is possible to forgive when it's "valid" not to.

It is possible to extend grace even if your pride says no.

It is possible to stand again even if you were wounded countless times.

It is possible not to say hurtful words even if the situation prompts you so.

It is possible to advance even if everyone else retreated.

It is possible to bless even if all others are cursing.

It is possible to remain faithful, even if they all forgot.

It is possible to keep on loving even if you feel it's not being returned.
It is possible to respond rightly even if you were offended.
It is possible to contend in faith even if they all think it's ridiculous.
It is possible to keep on fighting even if it has already caused you so much pain.
It is possible to walk on water even if you were the only one left daring it.
And definitely...
It is possible to pursue Christlikeness, even if the scenario tempts you otherwise.


It is possible!!! The answer only rest on the choice that you will make - it will spell the BIG DIFFERENCE!


(Today's random thoughts inspired from Ptr Les' preaching)

IRONIES

Isn’t amazing that GOD is asking us to think not the way the world thinks? Here are some life chunks that the Lord taught me and still teaching me:

1. Sometimes, the CLOSER you get, the FARTHER you will become. Does familiarity ring a bell to you?

2. The HIGHEST wisdom that you need is mostly found at your LOWEST point, at least true to my experience!

3. It is never about your GREAT achievements but the LITTLE things that you do that will put you at the right spot.

4. It is not about what you do when the SPOTLIGHT is on you but what you become when the party is OVER that will define you.

5. When YOU need refreshment, try refreshing OTHERS and you will be refreshed! Oh well, it's actually in Proverbs 11:25, NIV!

6. It is not when you RECEIVE that you will gain the most but it is when you GIVE.

7. MATURITY begins when you accept that you are still IMMATURE.

8. The more you COUNT it, the more you will FALL short.

9. Knowing the value of true REST and granting yourself one, will keep you GOING.

10. You are ready to HAVE it when you are ready to LOSE it. (This talks about yieldedness to HIM, surrendering everything to HIM, trusting HIM come what may.)

11. The "pride" that you could BEST offer HIM is when you have not taken any pride with the things you have offered.

12. It is not about how people acknowledge you but how you acknowledge that it's not about acknowledgement at all.

13. The more you SURRENDER to HIS ways, the more you will experience VICTORY.

14. Influencing lives talks more about what you can LEAVE and not what you can TAKE.

15. Sometimes knowing it all does NOT actually mean you know it ALL.

All glory belongs to YOU GOD. You must increase so I would decrease (John 3:30)...

Sweet lessons...

The LORD concluded my birthday celebration with these lessons in life:

1. You don’t need a “secret formula” to influence lives… Just be the woman (or man) GOD wants you to be- just the way HE designed you and there goes the “formula”. Remember, HIS designs, every inch of HIS idea about you is the perfect blueprint and it covers everything!

2. A willing heart attracts GOD! Don’t resist HIS move. Don’t fight HIS grip. There is nothing more edifying than a heart that is just so willing to trust and obey HIS move. Abide in HIS words. Trust HIS silence. Listen to HIS heartbeat. Pursue HIS dreams. Remember, you can never outgive, outlove and outdo HIM; HE always give you back in hundred folds!

Beyond logic...

When Jesus multiplied the fish and loaves, He definitely didn't use logic. When He raised the dead, He didn't support it with logic. When HE caused the lame to walk, HE didn’t explain it with logic. When all other miracles happened from Old to New Testament, GOD never presented logic. HIS goodness is just simply beyond our comprehensions and logic will fall short to explain even just a single miracle.

So why use logic when faced with seemingly unreasonable challenges after challenges? Logic will not take us any farther; we will just find ourselves lost in trying to understand all things. That’s why the psalmist said, "Be still and know that HE is GOD. (Psalm 46:10)" We were never asked to “understand GOD” and in fact, Ecclesiastes 11:5 says, “As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.”

If truth be told, GOD is inviting us to walk the path of miracles and beyond logic - to dream bigger than ourselves and to dare wilder than what we have been seeing. Excuses are no longer “excuse”. Jesus even guaranteed us that greater things shall we do (John 14:12). Where’s the logic in there? A resounding NONE! We just have to see it for ourselves!

We were created beyond logic to begin with. And the purposes and potentials implanted within us are as well beyond logic. For this reason, we were posed to “live by faith and not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7).

The Yardstick

The more you measure it, the more it will come fall short... but the more you pour it out, the more it will just overflow...

These phrases have been just ringing on my head and echoing in my heart since this morning. You just got to give love, release hope, bring joy, and carry encouragement relentlessly without measuring the extent of what you have already given or counting what you have already received in return. You just got to let that love go!When will we know if we have already given enough? I guess penning answers to that question is like limiting what love can actually do. Can we really measure love? Taking the illustration of a candle – will the candle stop burning after it will provide you light for a moment? I doubt that because giving is not just merely responding for a moment. It’s not just answering to someone’s needs. It’s just simply giving because it's the nature of the giver. I have come to realize that the more you withhold it, the more you keep yourself away from shining that glory GOD has implanted within you because the glory of someone is being revealed in the giving mode – in the line of duty, in the light of service. When was the glory of the Father’s love perfectly shown? When HE gave HIS only SON. And when was the glory of HIS son JESUS immensely demonstrated? When HE gave HIS life for us.

So what’s the yardstick of giving? In Phil 4:19 it says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” God gives according to what HE can, what HE has and what HE will. This verse perfectly expresses that in giving the yardstick is not the receiver, but the giver himself.

The Heart of the Matter

"As the water reflects the man's face, so the man's heart reflects the man." Prov 27:19

It always and always boils down to the state of our hearts. It's never about the amount of revelations we have received nor the multitudes we have discipled nor the recognitions we have taken nor the positions we have attained... NO, not even the number of days we have been serving God because the heart of the matter is, OUR HEARTS. Putting on the table plainly, in the kingdom of God, our hearts will matter the most because "God looks at the heart" (1 Sam 16:7).

The greatest test of TRUST, OBEDIENCE and HONOR would be at its highest level when it comes to the matter of the heart and that's why the scripture says to "guard our hearts with all diligence (Prov 4:23)." And when you will be tested to the core, your response will not be based on how much you have influenced the people nor how much great things you have accomplished but rather, on how much all “these things” have transformed your heart during the process. Be it on the offensive or defensive side, leading or the one being led to, if your response stinks, it simply means your heart stinks because "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matt 12:34)."

So what does the man after God's own heart has to say? David taught me that my heart is my compass.

As a follower, be like David. He perfectly showed me to honor the leaders or superiors at all time - not because of their positions but because there must be some good reasons why God put us under their care. David taught me the value of true honor - even when King Saul was seeking to kill his life, he remained honoring Saul and amazingly still considered as "anointed one of God" (1 Sam 24). How could he still take Saul as anointed man of God in the midst of Saul’s evil works? It's his heart - an honoring heart.

When leading, be like David. When his son Absalom plotted to take his throne, he kept his humble heart (2 Sam 15). David displayed here that his heart was steadfast.

When you are hurting and the promise doesn't seem coming, be like David. When he was hiding in a cave, he turned his cave into a palace - he always knew his identity. He turned his pains into songs and hymns, his anguish into praise and worship. Looking for someone to look up to? David is my professor when it comes to keeping a fixed heart. Besides, who were not hurt anyway? At some points in our lives, we were hurt and have hurt others, we were offended and have offended others but what would separate us from the crowd is our response -- and that would count the most.

David's journey gave me a remarkable demonstration that to be a woman after God's own heart, my inner strength should depend on God's very nature and that even at moments my mind wouldn't understand, my heart would keep on trusting the intentions of His heart. And so I conclude that the impact of the revelations I have been receiving will only really matter if my heart is being transformed to reflect His heart.

Humility before faith...

For many of us, faith is not the issue. We're up to challenge. We don’t rest on our laurels. We can run towards the piercing arrows unshaken and stand in a fiery furnace immovable. We can unscramble the hidden message. We can see the invisible in the midst of the cloudy skies. We can walk on the water. We can smile and even rally the people to victory while keeping our head above the water.

Yet, the right kind of heart is still the compass in our Christian journey. Humility before faith; meekness before honor. This is one of the significant marks of a true disciple.

Matthew 15:25-28: But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” And Jesus answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she said, “Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at once.

If we will read the verses above just scratching the surface, "faith" is most likely the highlight. But I believe before the Canaanite woman’s “great faith”, we must give her the credit of having the right kind of heart. If you were the woman and you were so in need or in pain or in your most desperate moment but instead of Jesus giving you the perfect treatment that you were expecting, Jesus would turn to you and say, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” How would you feel that instead of comfort, Jesus will throw you a mean answer and compare you to a dog? In this scenario, I believe many would walk away but the woman didn’t. She didn’t allow those words to offend her. She didn’t argue. She didn’t let her pride take the upper hand. Instead, she remained and with the lowliness of her heart, she accepted her position before Jesus. She didn’t demand for a big bite of bread but instead, she put so much weight on what the little crumbs can do to her. Thus, before her faith was seen, her heart was first put to test.

The way up is the way down. This is just one of the many ironies in the Bible that many people would not easily understand but this is one of the key yardsticks to gauge the level of our maturity. It is how we respond when we are offended. It is how we remain when we are in pain. So yes still, above our great performances and all our accomplishments – even the countless fruits that we can bring to the Kingdom, the fact remains, the right kind of hearts will set the line between a disciple and not… Without this right kind of heart, our faith will surely crumble.

“O God, let the secrets of my heart be uncovered, and let my wandering thoughts be tested” Psalm 139:23, Basic in Bible English

TRUST: A Walk of a Still Heart

Galatians 6:9 "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

God has always been intentional. HE does things to drive a point, hit the bull's eye, strike for a purpose. The good news is, all HIS intentions are pure and impeccable, even when things don't seem to make sense. He is not asking for our understanding, He is asking for a heart who is fully surrendered to Him, with unwavering trust, immovable faith, and a steadfast love no matter what the cost.

I believe God inspired Paul to write Galatians 6:9 to validate that at some points, we will reach our lowest weariness or feel like losing our heart in the process. He wrote to acknowlede that at certain times, we will feel our nothingness and things are just so much hard to bear. He recognized that we have our own limitations. Yet, it is also a message to ascertain us that GOD knows, God feels and the best part is, God rewards.

Do not lose heart to be a blessing. Our weak feet may falter but His grace is steady. Walk in His grace and just take another step... and another step.. and another step... In our limitations we would know that God is unlimited, boundless and eternal.

Be still even when you have all the reasons to faint. Be still even when all things are choking you. Be still even at the brink of your breaking. Be still. Be still. Be still. And again, be still. Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God..."

AGAPE: The Outburst of My Heart

My AGAPE, My WORLD

When all the world makes all the noises

And all that surrounds me suppress me

You carry me to Your arms and Your Agape would be my world


My AGAPE, My BREATH

When the water rage and the boat shakes

And when all that's within me is gasping for air

You secure me to a quiet place and Your agape would be my breath

My AGAPE, My FUEL

When all I can hold is nothing

And find myself standing alone

You run towards me and swing me around

And You would always whisper that Your agape is my fuel


My AGAPE, My COMFORT

When all my nerves feel all the pressures

And all the stress rush through all my veins

You never fail to embrace me and Your agape is my comfort


My AGAPE, My STRENGTH

When my knees and all my bones weaken

And my feet is about to lose its balance

You would always there to catch me and Your Agape rekindles my strength


My AGAPE, My ANSWER

When exaggeration becomes my reality

And all the most challenging tricks would come to play

I just close my eyes… and there I would feel Your Agape becoming my answer


My AGAPE, My FRIEND

When no one can decipher what's on my mind

Nor feel what fills my heart

You would always know what to do and Your agape would be my friend


My AGAPE, My EVERYTHING

And when I am caught up with overwhelming blessings

You smile and turn my face towards You

And that above anything else, Your Agape is my EVERYTHING

Looking from the Lens of Forgiveness

One of the most plausible substances of a believer is their power to forgive but not because they are superheroes but because they themselves have tasted the depth of His forgiveness. But if we lay it down on the table, forgiveness is so hard to spell. It talks about our rights, our pride, our values. It asks you to consider all perspectives. It calls you to weigh things. It is something you can't demand to someone and on the same manner, they can't demand from you. It involves the whole of you.


ASKING FOR FORGIVENESS

Asking for forgiveness is more than being sorry to your actions and more than admitting your fault. I say, it's putting value to the person - to your relationship, to his/her feelings, to him/her as a person. We may have different perspective on the matter but we have to remember that emotions are valid and thus, asking for forgiveness is going beyond our logic.



I believe that the call to ask for forgiveness is not dependent on the consequences it had to make on the person. You don't have to wait for the person to look sorry before you say sorry. Hence, when pride takes the upper hand, remember that we are made from love, for love, and to love.




RELEASING FORGIVENESS

Releasing forgiveness is not a walk in the park because the pain almost always cloud us. But if we will just honestly evaluate it, what good thing can unforgiveness do to us? Even if I ponder it a thousand times, I guess I will never get an answer.



Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34



Looking at Jesus' standard, releasing forgiveness is looking from where the person is coming from (for they do not know what they are doing). Scrutinizing deeper, Jesus released forgiveness to the people who don't even have any intention to say sorry, not even a single hint of a changed heart. Needless to say, we don't get the green light from them. We don't wait for the person to apologize even before we extend forgiveness because actually, releasing them is freeing ourselves as well.

As a final note, here's Gary V's tweet for us to ponder: ‎"One thing that blows my mind away is when Jesus, even while being nailed 2 the cross said "God forgive them 4 they know not what they do"......He said this for a people who only had one thing in mind and that was to kill Him. This is the kind of love this God of ours has for us."

The STRONG Ones

Many people are amazed on how these “strong” people can do it. For me, one thing that I really learned is that everything just really depends on how we see things, really. Admittedly, I’ve wanted to peek what the future lies so I would be able to appreciate every detail of pain and get at least a little concrete assurance of the trail I’m travelling but then again, where would “faith” comes in?

Through many years of my Christian journey, I have come to understand that FAITH is the main flavour for me to savor every little chunk that comes to my plate. No matter what the taste would be – be it sweet, bitter, sour, tasteless– my FAITH would let me finish my meal.

Running around the unfamiliar roads is not simple, unquestionably not, but every time I see myself again hustling through the wilderness, I would always hold HIS grip. I know seeing it though my perspective won’t help at all; I need HIM to take the lead. It’s actually reading through the blank pages or getting the message through jumbled words – that’s how faith works.

So does it mean being “strong” equates to being “numb” to pain? Absolutely not, definitely not. But I must say, it’s how the strong ones translate the pain into trust, into hope, into love, into every little thing that would radiate HIS glory. The strength of a person is also not about how fast one can recover from the sting of life because I believe, many of these “strong ones” could still be under recovery yet they opt to still run and believe HIS perfect and irrefutable plan.

“In EVERYTHING, give thanks…” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Plasters and Blisters

Conquering new heights is like wearing new shoes. We get so excited to try it on. We feel pretty and walk so gorgeously on our first few steps... but after few more steps... and another step, we can feel the pain on our feet... blisters are forming. And for us to just go through the day, we put plasters on them... Yet still, the agony of bearing the pain and letting the day pass is kicking-in. But at the end of the day, we may find our feet with plasters and blisters, there's still undeniable satisfaction of having a new blessing... and we know, after some more tries walking with it, we'll get used to it... and soon enough, we will realize, how pretty we are on our new shoes... and that it perfectly fit with our size.

On the same manner, we get so excited with the idea of starting our career to a new place or new heights or taking new assignment. Hence, our hearts are so filled with joy as we start the journey... We're so pumped up with passion and determination! But as the days... and some more days pass by, the agony of waiting is just 'killing' us...

So I must say, "adjustment period" is inevitable and resistance is almost always part of the process but as long as we begin to see our future in HIS eyes and appreciate each blessing that was given to us, every step, big or small, is indeed not a waste... and sooner or later, it will be paid-off.

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things."

It’s all about the character!

Life is a journey but what would take you to the finish line? Life is a quest but what would make you a winner? My bet is that our “character” will draw the line!

Some argue that life is unfair but had it been fair with Job? Some may debate that our “environments” would play a big role but looking at Joseph’s life, his “character” played much bigger. You may have a winning case but if your character fails to function well, you will lose along the way.

Yes, it’s all about our character! Things may present to us as an astounding surprise or likely expected, but the bottom line is, how much our “winning character” will stand out. We may have a long list of unanswered questions but the truth still lies, how are you going to respond while seeking for the answers?

Ephesians 4:14-15 (personally revised version): “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by life’s challenges and every questions left unanswered, and blown here and there by every offensive word, unacceptable reasons and unfavorable circumstances. Instead, speaking (and believing) the truth in love, we will grow having an unoffended life to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

Get your portion!

2011 is said to be a great year – greater than ever! It’s our time to shine, our time to walk in the light and to be the light! But as we all know, there’s a price to pay for greater acceleration! As we are all in the market, most of us are working on different industries, there’s always a platform for us to excel – be skilled in whatever comes to our hands not for our name, but for HIS name.

I have been learning a lot from King Solomon chewing on every chunk written in Proverbs – not just reading and hearing but making each principle a reality. Solomon was known to be the wisest man in his time. How wise? All other kingdoms were willing to pay just to hear his wisdom! We want the world to listen to us? Be wise!


Here are few lines that keep on echoing on my head (all from Proverbs)

1. Acquire wisdom. Get insight. Love knowledge. – These are all over the book of Proverbs! We may all want the second word of each phrases “wisdom, insight and knowledge” but ignore the first one, “acquire, get and love”. There’s a step to take, a time to commit, an effort to extend. If we want excellence in our work and all areas of our lives, TAKE ACTION!

2. “For the waywardness of the naive will kill them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them.” – Proverbs 1:32

(a) “For the waywardness of the naive will kill them…” – alignment to HIS word is always a requirement. Obedience is always a prerequisite. Don’t compromise! Stay focus!

(b) “…And the complacency of fools will destroy them.” – Don’t ever embrace mediocrity and never sit on your laurel; KEEP ON MOVING UP! There’s so much more to achieve. Don’t ever think that you have reached the top; remember that we go from glory to glory!

3. Listen to the words of the wise! Solomon reiterated many times in Proverbs, “listen my son…” or “pay attention to what I will say…” Learn from the best! Don’t ignore the teachings on excellent spirit and all those gifts given to us. Listen to the words given to Destiny! Listen to the words of GOD!



All the resources have been given – get your portion!

Glued to the promise…

"… for the joy of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10

This verse has been ringing on my head while I was in the bus going to work. For many times I have asked myself, what makes people endure? What keeps people smile in the brink of breaking? What holds them to be strong and just pursue the promised future? And there are so much unspoken mysteries that I can muse about… And then I asked myself… what keep me then fighting the good fight?

I was given a promise since I was a child and just the picture of the fulfillment makes me enthusiastic of the future.

In 2 Samuel 23:9-10, these verses boast about one of the great men of David – Eleazar. When the men retreated, he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and FROZE to the SWORD. Like him, I glued myself to the promise and HIS promise is my SWORD.

"… for the joy of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10. We have this inner joy that only HE provides – a joy that is not dictated by any circumstances or joy that is not bound by time; it never fades and it never falters. But this verse gave another impression to me this morning, a whisper that says, “It is MY joy to see you enduring. It is MY joy to see you standing over and over. It is MY joy to see you winning battles after battles. It is MY joy to see you believing in Me. It is MY joy to see you walking on the water. MY JOY is your fuel because it’s your joy to please me.”

These very words brought tears to my eyes. Since day one, I’m still that same child who received the promise. Years passed yet still I’m that same child who is glued to HIS promise.

Sometimes

Sometimes, you just want to sit in a corner where no one else could find you

Or just fly to a mountain where not a single person could touch you

Or dance under the rain that no one will dare to stop you

Or maybe just stare the stillness of the sea and feel the breeze where no one is around you


Sometimes, you just want to do something "not you"

Something that will just make you feel good

Something that would make the time freeze for you

Or something that will make all the birds flock around you


Sometimes you feel like playing around the clock

Going fast forward to have a glimpse of the future

Or pressing rewind to hold back some memories

Or pause some pictures on your mind, capturing every detail


Sometimes, you enjoy the attention

But sometimes you long for your space

Sometimes, you pray for the courage to speak

Yet sometimes, you also seek for the strength to remain quiet


Oh sometimes, you don't know what you want

Or clueless how to juggle all things with 2 hands

And sometimes things would trigger you to change your mind

But sometimes, all you have to do... is to do nothing


With many choices in a box, sometimes you dont know which one fits you best

With your joy to paint love around you sometimes left you puzzled which color to pick

Oh sometimes... and all these "sometimes" moments

Still, would lead you ALWAYS to one thing and one place... To a place that never change --- HIS place

(random thoughts within 30 minutes, alone at riverside...)

What does your name stands for?

I was browsing the latest magazine of Bloomberg and was amazed when I saw the picture of a very large crowd gathered together to listen to Warren Buffet. The magazine said that there were more than 37,000 people flocked in Omaha, Nebraska, for Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s annual meeting to hear investing wisdom from Warren Buffet and they call it, “The Oracle Speaks”. ORACLE, wow! Just the name of "Warren Buffet" is already a big announcement – they don’t have to put some more accessories, people will surely come. His reputation precedes him!

What about our names? What do they stand for?

In Proverbs 22 verse 1, it says, "A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth, good favor more than silver or gold."

We know that we, believers, are God's representatives (2 Cor 5:20) - we carry His name. Everywhere we go, we bring His banner but we don't (always) say that outright. We don't go around and introduce ourselves as, "Hi, I'm God's ambassador...” Rather, we meet people and introduce our name first, "Hi, I'm Odessa." but the question whether how this name will impact their lives depends on how well we will build our name. We have to admit that one of the common languages today, either spoken verbally or not, is "sorry but you have to earn my respect first".

Next to our name is our CURRENT profession or whatever we are into NOW. We don't (normally) say, "I will soon to be a CEO." They themselves will somehow know how our future paths will be depends on how we perform today. My point is, wherever our feet is standing now, it is our call to protect and establish our name. May we never use our current situation as an excuse to be “nobody” but rather; from all these tests we start to flourish our name and be “somebody”. How sweet it is to hear from others when they say, “Odessa – someone who always perserveres and trusts GOD…”

Apostle Paul said it well that we ourselves are the open letters known and read by everyone (2 Corinthians 3:2). We are the open BIBLE! Trust me, our testimonies speak so much louder than what we preach! So the question is, are we a good steward with the talents given to us?

When I was in my elementary years, my dad usually asks me to buy his all-time-favorite newspaper, Philippine Daily Inquirer. One time, I saw this teaser of the said paper on one of the sidelines that says (I can’ remember the exact words but something like), “We’re sold out because we don’t sell out.” I didn’t understand it then but I carried that line until now. At least during the early years, Philippine Daily Inquirer is one of the most reputable newspapers if it’s not the best. They don’t go around and advertise themselves but the readers themselves look for it. On the same manner, we don’t have to brag around that we're CHRISTians but people will look and follow us depends on how we have established our names.

As a final note, our company is now working on a new product (quarterly report) that we will sell. My boss said, we will give out samples but just the overview. He said, “The trick is slicing it so that people see the icing, but don’t see how the cake is baked." Let me tweak a bit and apply in our Christian lives, "we let the people see the icing or taste the cake. Soon, they want to know who baked it and how it was perfectly done."

Capturing my thoughts: Collection of my recent Facebook statuses

I have thought most of them while on the bus going to work and they paint the picture of my thoughts on those said days *wink*

March 2
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney. And here's my version, it's kind of boring to do the possible, haha! Yattir spirit!

March 18
I am soooo me and you are sooo you, haha! See, we are just different in many ways but it's our differences that make our lives so lively and colorful - and that make us dependent with each other *wink*

March 25
Whilst it's well acknowledged that many things would have to undergo a very loooong process, there are just also certain things that can change in just a blink of an eye...

April 5
When you are left with no reason to fight for them, make HIM the reason why... when you are left with no reason to fight for them, make HIM the reason why... After all, that should be the starting point...After all, that should be the starting point...

April 8
I am so glad that I am already dead, haha! Those who have ears let them hear... *wink*

April 15
It's never about who's the best among ourselves but living out the best in each one of us. We are all like stars meant to shine and it's never about outshining one another but shining all together. Enjoy shining my co-stars for the glory of the ONE who enabled us to shine!

April 19
Most of the times, the heart can feel what the eyes can't see... And the ears also do hear what the heart ignores to feel... :)

April 21
Genuine appreciation never fails to encourage someone. Your words don’t even cost a penny so why not be generous to express them? You just never know how they can empower someone's day. Cheers!

April 23
There are times, our beliefs are bound to be questioned and if we only have our doctrines/theology as a back-up, we might end up questioning our own beliefs. BUT our personal encounters with HIM nullify all these venomous doubts - and that's how powerful EXPERIENCES are! Have a blessed morning and may we all have great encounters with HIM today. :-)

April 27
It takes so much courage to speak up but it also does take so much "will" to remain quiet when the circumstance require you to... :)

My Work, My Ministry

“You are super, it’s really our blessing to have you.” I would never forget this text message that I received from our chairman – and this is my favourite (so far) among all his sms.

I still clearly remember how our boss treated me on my first 2 weeks of job. He bombarded me with all his pressuring and humiliating emails that everybody can read. I knew it then that how he saw me wasn’t really me so I chose to remain and unleash my true identity. Little did I know that GOD was just preparing me for bigger things… and not long enough, his treatment started to shift.

There are times that we are just clueless on how to reach out our colleagues and even bosses. We may have an unending list of what to do’s but most of the times, still end up fruitless. BUT, are we really required to open the Bible to them and preach for us to fulfil our calling in our offices? Are we really obliged to tell them that they have to follow Jesus or they will go to hell? If you would ask me, I would definitely love sharing them GOD’s words. BUT, first of all, we have to set our record straight!

Working abroad is really not that easy. Given the pressures of work plus throw in all these different cultures and work ethics, it would sometimes blow our mind. But I still think that this is a lame excuse for us not to stand, wherever we are, because before we could say any word on how one should live his/her life, we must first show them how one employee should work.

So, what’s our true identity? We have the very genes of CHRIST – it’s the same CHRIST who walked on the water, healed the sick, caused the lame to walk and even the dead to arise. Our identity is doing supernatural things or accomplishing extra-ordinary stuffs! Putting it in simpler words, EXCELLENCE is just a flow of our identity.

INFLUENCE/CONNECTION is, I believe, one of the greatest powers one can have, but creating a “positive mark” is a prerequisite in aiming for this. A mark of “excellence” coupled with “love” is my number one bet. Once you have those, even our quick casual chit-chats with our officemates would be very fruitful. We don’t need to have a manual on “How to reach my officemate 101” because the answer is within us. Set your record straight and HE will do the rest!

As a final note, here’s one simple conversation of a sister (who made a connection) with her Chinese officemate (simple conversation and yet it served as a platform to share the word). The sister told the officemate the story of a demon-possessed person who got healed after they prayed for her during the African Call.

Officemate: what language did you use in praying for her?

Sister: it’s in English

Officemate: So your God can understand any language? If I pray in Chinese will He understand me?

Sister - yes, even if it’s in Tagalog, He will understand you...

Telling stories like that would not be such a struggle once we have made the difference, once we have built the connection. So remember, never ever underestimate your small talks during quick breaks. As for me, my work is my ministry.

Cherries on top

Different people know us in different ways. Like me, many say that I’m “what you see is what you get” person whilst some says, “I’m more than what meets the eye”. But whichever camp you are in, many have just actually scratched the surface.

People usually notice my smiley face and distinctive laugh. They also say that I’m sporty, a statistician/analyst, a loyal friend, generous giver and some also admire my unwavering faith, passion, determination, driven-for-excellence attitude... and the list goes on… But this list? These are just the cherries on top.

I, myself, am still in the pursuit of knowing the deepest core that God has designed for me. He is not done with me yet. Each day is indeed a new day with God filling my vessel with new things and I would never dare to put a halt on my growth. He fills my cup with joy incessantly and I’m loving it.

No matter how much we try to sketch the whole picture of our image, there's always a need to redraw it. Time and time again, new things will just fall on our lap. You will sometimes just find yourself in awe how God perfectly designed His masterpiece. Each fibre, each moment and every little thing, they make the whole of you. And this where vagueness comes in. There is a mystery on each one of us and we can only unravel it when we SOLELY seek OUR CREATOR.

The way you see yourself even adding up the way others see you still doesn’t speak the totality of you. These are just your cherries on top and God holds the main flavours. And remembering what God said after He created Adam, “it is so good”, is a good start in finding the mysteries imprinted within us. Yes, Adam was good and so are we.

The day He created us is already a mystery. Our journey is even more. We are thrown with many unanswerable questions and sometimes when we don’t find a satisfying answer, we tend to settle with our own assumptions, thus, failing to seek the truth. Like the famous quote say, many are just breathing but not really living. Yes, life is indeed a mystery.

With so much that we can see and feel, don’t just scratch the surface. Dig the treasures. Solve the puzzle. Unravel the mystery. And there is only one starting point - seek your CREATOR.

The Price and the Prize of a Disciple

This exhortation is one of the basic things of Christian life - one of the things that we should have already known... But, while I was preparing last night (or morning I should say) for our cell meeting, I was prompted to share with you my notes and I think it's good to start by quoting John Bevere, "Many preachers/believers focused so much on sharing the promises of 'resurrection' but sometimes forgetting to stress the message of the 'cross'. WHY? Because many are afraid to lose their people… If we will only preach like Jesus did, many will walk out..." Remember the rich young man who walked out sorrowful after Jesus told him to sell his possessions and follow HIM (Matthew 19:16-26)?

While I was reading Matthew 10:38 “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me”, 2 questions came to my mind.

First, why "cross"? Why take up the "cross"? The first thing that always come to my mind when we talk about the cross is "Jesus dying on the cross for us" but when Jesus said those words, He has not gone through the "crucifixion” yet so He must not be talking about His death. To put things at the right perspective, it’s always good to check the history. Taking from Wikipedia, the cross “depicts a purposely painful and gruesome method of public execution.” To put it in simpler words, CROSS means DEATH. So when Jesus said take up the cross, He meant death, but not His but ours – DEATH TO SELF. He meant denying ourselves (Matthew 16:24).

Second, why did Jesus had to say “take up the CROSS”? Why did He not just say “follow Me”? Jesus just drew the line! “Taking up the cross” will separate the “true followers” from the “self-proclaimed followers”. Many think and confess that they are CHRISTians and yet still living and loving their old selves.

To set the record straight, let’s take Jesus as our model. Let’s now talk about HIM carrying His cross. When Jesus “literally” took up the cross (note of the word “literal”, that must be a classic example huh!), He bleed and experienced death… and when we take up our cross, we will bleed, surely we will... We will have questions like, “Father, why have You forsaken me?” but like what John Bevere said, that only after dying we will experience resurrection…

So you think following HIM means losing your life? Nah, on the contrary, it’s actually a choice given to us for us to enjoy life to the full (John 10:10). The promises of GOD to us are countless and they are more than the riches of this world… You give HIM your life and HE will surely outgive that. Many get scare of the “price” but the “prize” is actually priceless!

Right Choice 2

I have written about this last time, that it's all about making the right choices... From the time you open your eyes in the morning, there are already many choices given to you. The choice if you still want to stay longer in bed and adjust your alarm clock or not. Or, if you still opt to spend few minutes in stillness and solitude with God despite the thought that the clock is ticking and you're late for work or a meeting.

Eating in a restaurant is an example. You are given a menu what food you are going to take so if you end up not satisfied with what has been served to you; it's not the restaurant's fault but that was the choice you made. Granted, you may not know the taste of the food by just looking at the list of options but still we can’t take off the fact that it was you who picked your meal.

I know a lot of people blaming "life" or "fate" to what they are in right now. For many times I've heard the word, "kapalaran" and they start blaming the events in their life; I myself is not excuse with this deception; I've been there so I know. What many can’t understand, or maybe just ignoring the fact, is that life is full of choices and every choice we make has a corresponding consequence. Let me echo these familiar quotations, "we are a product of our yesterday's choices" and "what we do today is what we become tomorrow". There are times that we think we are left with no other alternative but the truth is, even to the last resort, we still have that choice if we will say yes or no.

When I was in college, I was asked by a friend. We were having a breakfast then and I was winning her for God. She posted me this question, “God is all-knowing, right? He knows who will end up in hell or not? So, if He knew that I was going to hell, why did He still create me?" I didn’t know how to answer her then and for many years that question taunted me.

Many around us, even us believers, sometimes blame "fate" to what we are becoming. We sometimes use "fate" as an excuse to make the wrong choices. And, admittedly, the "victim feeling" is sometimes teasing us, but what would be our response is always our choice. So, yes, God knew us even we are still being formed in our mother's womb and His plan for everyone is something greater and bigger. God did not plan for us to end up in prison of pain with the consequences we made. If we can only envisage His plan that awaits us, “wow!” I said, “WOW!” We will be awed, it's something unfathomable. Jesus did not die on the cross for us to settle for anything less. BUT we have to understand that we will only get to that right destination if we will make the right journey. If you know that your destination is Baguio, what ticket will you buy? With all the ticket booths lined up, will you queue at the right line? If you know that there's a great reward awaiting for you in Singapore, will you book for a flight going to China? Again, it's all about choosing the right choices.

Everyday we have choices, in fact, we will not run-out of choices, and the choice to get back on the right track is always and will always be there. Looking back at the conversation with my friend then, it was only now that I've come to realize that it was actually one of God's ways for her to drive back in to the right road. That’s how free will operates and that’s how good GOD is.