A Test Of Faith

Something happened yesterday - an encounter with a kind of storm that I never thought would ever arrive. A brother's test of faith turned out to be my ultimate test of faith.
What if the person you thought you've been sharing the same faith with all along, the person you regard as your role model, the person you've been referencing your walks with, the person you look up to so much... suddenly confessed a rather surprising declaration of disbelief in everything you learned to anchor your heart on. Wouldn't you be dumbfounded? It felt like the mountain you were climbing suddenly collapsed and you've got nothing to hold on to.
"Is there really such a thing as Christian life? Can someone really imitate Jesus' holiness? Do we all truly have that chance to reunite with the Father? What if there are people who are just not meant to be with God?" These questions bugged me for a moment. After hearing these things from the one I believed to be of strong faith, I began to doubt if my own faith is stronger enough to take all these. My heart struggled with my mind. My heart wants to stay put but my mind shouts in confusion. What if he's right? What if everything I've been fighting for all this time is meaningless? What if no matter what I do, I'm just not designed to belong to God's people? My heart went numb in great desolation. I wanted to feel something so I began to pray. Like a child losing in his game, I felt the presence of a Father cheering for His son. He calmed the river within me and in a moment I was at peace.
I surrendered all my doubts, laid all the questions of my heart and God responded unselfishly. He answered by throwing back one simple question that solved the entire puzzle, "In whom do you put your faith?" Strike! Now I remember! It is the Lord whom I've made a covenant with. A pledge I declared - to trust and to follow. My faith is not in man - not on the things I've been told nor on the things I've been guided to know. My faith is in the Lord - nurtured by the understanding of unspeakable things revealed between me and Him. My human thinking will not be able to decipher all the mysteries of life nor will it be able to comprehend the sovereign ways of the Lord. But my faithful heart will always get me across that bridge of uncertainty - for it believes for certain that God is good all the time.
"Is there really such a thing as Christian life? Can someone really imitate Jesus' holiness? If nobody can perfect the ways of Christ then nobody can call himself a Christian." It has a very good point - a very rational reasoning. But only a faithless soul will entertain this thought. It is true that nobody can live according to the principles of Christ perfectly. Therefore, nobody is capable of saving himself with his own efforts. And so, here comes grace. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9). The acceptance of this grace is the acceptance of Christian life. You admit that you need Christ to lead your steps. It will be impossible to follow His path without swaying. This is a reality. In your journey, you will definitely miss some of Christ's footprints. But that won't make you less of a Christian. That makes you a perfect Christian. For we all are not perfect. We all need Jesus. And as long as you are following Christ, even if you miss some of His footprints, you are confident that you are led to the direction of righteousness. God is faithful and He will never take away that grace from you.
"Do we all truly have that chance to reunite with the Father? What if there are people who are just not meant to be with God?" God said in His word, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16). The word whoever is not limited to any specific tribe or race. God is referring to all His creation - everyone of us. There are no people designed to not be with God. We may be coming from different walks of life - different races, cultures and world-set hierarchies. But we are all created with free will. Thus, giving us the liberty to choose what kind of life we are going to live.
When you hear of the country Iraq, what initially comes to your mind? I would guess war, commotion and chaos to mention some. Do you think it's fair? Do you think the entire Iraq was filled with threat and peril? Don't you think there may be other communities living in Iraq that are peaceful and nonviolent? But we can't help but think in general right? It seems like evil is residing in every corner of the country and not one Iraqi can do anything good. If God will wipe out the whole country of Iraq, it will appear to many that this country is simply not for God. But how about the other faithful people living in this place? Does it mean they have no choice? That they were all simply destined to be eternally separated from the Father because they were born in this wicked place? Why aren't they spared? Where is grace there? It's easy to blame God for this seemingly unfortunate event. You think God is unfair? That's another faithless criticism. It takes a true understanding of God's grace to accept this fate. Yes, their lives may not be spared but their souls were saved. If they chose to live their lives against the ways of the world they were brought into and followed the righteous ways in spite of the hardships and sufferings, the Lord have witnessed everything and He will surely reward them what is due their faith. For it is said in the Word, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (1 Peter 5:6-10).
Finally my brother asked, "What if there are things that are just not meant to be? Like filling a shoe that doesn't fit?". If God is the shoe, He is big enough to take any feet. His grace is enough for all of us (2 Corinthians 12:9). This I believe.
Faith is not just a matter of acquired emotion, it is built from a painstaking decision. If you choose to have faith, no explanation is necessary. But if you choose not to have faith, no explanation is possible.


I would like to acknowledge the courage that my brother has shown in questioning his own faith and being true to what he feels. If not for our faithful sharing, I wouldn't be able to ponder on these things myself and consider my own faith. I really thank God for blessing me with such a thought-provoking and honest brother. Haha. You know who you are. Peace! ;)

Let It Overflow

"The word Need relates to the things that you can't live without, while the term Want corresponds to the things that you can live without". This phrase stayed in my head from the moment I've heard it in one of the last few OJT seminars I attended back in college. The institute conducted such seminars to prepare us for the real world after graduation. The main topic was about the proper management of one's daily spending to be able to save effectively. I wasn't really interested to attend at that time but it's compulsory so I had no choice. I thought it will be just as boring as the other seminars it followed. I didn't expect that this 2-hour lecture will give me a lesson for a lifetime.
I've been working for more than 3 years now and I'm trying to live by this principle everyday. I admit there are times when I struggle and give in to temptations but God is always there to rectify my way. The Lord blessed me with a healthy job because He knows my needs. And I should always be grateful for that. I may not have the privilege to save and spend just yet for myself due to my responsibilities as a bread-winner of the family but I never felt sorry for it. To be able to give back to the people who supported you all the way from infancy is a blessing. No words can express the joy and satisfaction I am feeling whenever I see my family happy - a reward that no material thing can ever bring to me. The Lord designed my life this way and I trust His plan.
Even though I keep this principle in mind, I can't help but think of myself sometimes. I want to make the most out of my earnings. Now that I have the means to spend for the things that I would really love to have, why can't I? But my conscience keeps bugging me whenever I crave for something - do I really need it or I just want it?
There are things in life that we simply can't live without - food, shelter, clothings, etc. These are all our needs. Satisfying them is a nature of man to sustain living but desiring more becomes a vice - a want that we can live without.

Eating in a simple eatery vs Eating in a fancy restaurant

Living in a humble house vs Living in a grand mansion

Renting a regular apartment vs Renting a luxurious condo

Wearing decent clothings vs Wearing branded garments

There's nothing wrong with fulfilling our wants sometimes but we have to be reasonable. Some people are struggling to eat at least one meal a day, to have decent clothes to wear or to search for a place in the streets where they can spend the night. You may not feel responsible for them but for a moment, try reflect on their lives. You are very blessed. Jesus Himself lived a humble life. Despite His kingship, He didn't live with anything beyond His needs.
"I need it" is significantly different from "I want it". You might want everything in this world but you just need a few to survive. It surely makes you feel happy to satisfy all your wants in Life but how about cutting some to satisfy others' needs if God blessed you more than enough. Everything we have comes from God. And we should give back by paying it forward. For God is honored by those who are kind to the needy (Proverbs 14:31).
Jesus' disciples went on to their missions with nothing but the Word of God. The Lord blessed other people and used them to provide for the needs of the apostles; so the work that God has called them to do may be accomplished. If God is flooding you with blessings, don't further the height of your wall to contain it within. Let it overflow. For God has called you to serve a purpose - to be a channel of blessings to the others in need. So that His mercy may be displayed through you.

Level Up!

In a typical RPG game, the elements such as Agility, Defense, Strength and Life are very important. These attributes determine how powerful your character is. I remember playing this fun adventure RPG called Flyff. As expected, the lowest level is the easiest level. At first, I was enjoying killing those tiny little creatures with my super tiny powers. But it's just taking too long for a character to advance in level. And I got impatient. Then I learned that you have all the liberty to go and search for bigger and tougher monsters - a level or two higher than yours. If you're lucky enough to beat these monsters, then it's easier for your character to level up. This strategy may sound interesting but it doesn't work out always. You have 10/90 chance of winning - pretty risky huh? And when you lose, you lose big because your level drops off.
So what's my point? These elements are also essential to Christian Life. For we are in a spiritual war against this dark world. We will be facing tiny little creatures when we start walking with Jesus. And the monsters will get bigger and tougher as our faith advances in level. These invisible enemies will tempt us, accuse us and deceive us. They will do everything to make sure that we will die in the battlefield. And we NEED these elements to overcome them. We NEED to LOSE these elements to conquer them. Yes, you heard it right! Little by little we will learn to slow down, expose, be weak and die as we advance in our Christianity.
In contrast to a physical battle where you need to gain as much Agility, Defense, Strength and Life as possible, this spiritual battle compels you to lose them to achieve victory. Can it get any weirder than that? Losing them all to gain triumph? Won't you get vulnerable when you rid yourself of these elements? How are you supposed to win if you're readily naked for defeat?
That's the wonder of Christian Life. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12). What we need is the full armor of God and sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:13-17). And only when we free ourselves of these prideful human elements can we wear heaven's powerful armor and handle this spiritual sword.


We need to lose these elements in order to lift the level of our Christian Life.
Agility Level Down...
It's not about who finishes the race first. Slow down and listen to people around you. Never miss a single soul aching for truth and comfort. Let them know your Jesus. Let them know what's waiting at the end of the line. Let them join you in the race.
Defense Level Down...
Put down your defenses. Let Jesus into your life. Let Him sanctify you spirit and defeat the evil within you.
Strength Level Down...
It's no longer about the strength of your personality but the person that God has made of you. It's no longer about the things that you can do but what God can do through you.
Life Level Down...
It's time to live a selfless life. Surrender everything to God. Trust that He will lead your way and use you to encourage others to do the same.
CHRISTIANITY LEVEL UP!
Upgrade your armor and weapons. Upgrade your knowledge of the Word! Upgrade your faith in God! And GAME OVER for Satan!

A Dream Year

Today was indeed a big day for me. This day, I broke my fast. The 7-day journey with God made my body weak but it lifted the strength of my spirit to greater heights. Before, I thought that Christians are just exaggerating when they say that the emptier your system gets, the more sensitive to the voice of God your spirit becomes. I mean how can you even focus when you're mind is occupied with hunger? How can you concentrate praying when you're distracted by the grumbling of your tummy? It just doesn't make sense. But true enough, there are far more wonders that science can't simply explain. When I read the Bible, it's as if I can actually hear God speaking His very words. My love and fear of the Lord was intensified. I felt Him nearer and the picture of Him got more vivid. And it made me crave for more. It's just hard to express that supernatural feeling.
Only in your weakness will you recognize God as the provider of strength. Only in your emptiness will you experience God's fullness. Only in your frailty will the power of God be exposed to you. This season of prayer and fasting made me realize that just as how the body fades when we turn away from food, the spirit fades when we turn away from the Word. We need to eat to prepare ourselves for hours of work ahead. The same way we need to fill our spirits with the Word in preparation for the mission that God has called us to accomplish.
2010 was certainly my breakthrough year as a Christian. That was the year of remarkable realizations and revelations. And I declare by faith that things will get even better this 2011. It's about time to claim the gifts that has long been stored in heaven's warehouse. And surely, this year will not have enough rooms for these presents.
Like an architect designing his dream house, I am designing my dream year. I have laid the foundation through prayer and fasting. I will raise it with bricks of righteousness. I will fill its ground with marbles of humility. I will shelter it with roof of faithfulness. And I will paint it with layers of love and passion. So it will be pleasing to the Lord when I invite Him in. And in His delight, may He stay inside.

Yes, Coach!

How can the sinner be sanctified? How can the lost be saved?
One of the most significant (and probably the most popular) verses in the Bible enlightening the road to Salvation is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." How does this passage come to you? Did you really understand what it means to "believe in Him"?
A lot of people deem that once you believed in Christ and accepted Him as your Lord and Saviour, it all ends there... you are now officially saved! You can now live freely and get back on the things you were used to doing. Sins can no longer harm your soul. Whatever you intend to do, you will always be considered blameless because Jesus already saved you.
If that's the way you perceive Salvation then I'm afraid you're still lost. "Believing" is the foundation of your salvation. But it doesn't end there. With believing comes following. "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21). If you believe that your coach can lead you to victory, you will do as he says. You will not resist. You will not rely on your own capabilities and fully surrender to him. You will follow his plan. Same with believing in Christ. You need to get rid of that self-reliance and submit your life completely and faithfully to Him. You have to follow the footprints of the Son. Thus, realizing the will of the Father.
Salvation cannot be obtained in just a matter of 10 minutes. What determines your salvation is the direction you will take after laying the foundation. Will you remain in Christ? "If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love." (John 15:10).
I will never forget how our college school pastor explained by representation how one can obtain salvation. It was the very first time salvation made sense to me. He illustrated it through inheritance. And I quote him, "If a Father named his son heir to a wealthy land, it doesn't automatically entitle the son to the ownership of it. The land will never be his until he claims it. He can never take possession of the land until he accepts the fortune."
Salvation is a fortune from the loving Father. And we can never take possession of it until we claim it. And by claiming it means accomplishing the will that comes with it. This is a spiritual agreement between you and the Father. The question is, "Are you willing to abide by its terms and conditions? Are you ready to accept the stipulations?"
You are named heir to the wealthy land. Claim it!
The game plan is excellent and you are led to victory. Believe in it!
Trust in the Lord always. In all circumstances, respond with a faithful heart - "Yes, Coach!"

The Great Pretender

Can you distinguish the true Christian from the fake one? Wait! There are fake Christians? Oh yeah! There are fake Christians and there's a lot of them. When Jesus ordered His people to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), spreading the Good News, the Great Pretenders emerged at once. And they grew in number like mushrooms. These hypocrites have their own agendas.
In the world full of fakers, the challenge for true Christians to set themselves apart from the pretenders was heightened. These impostors have different purposes. Most of them use the Word of God to gain power and selfish rulership over people. They are the deadliest ones. Their words are like venom that poisons the soul of a genuinely seeking heart. Instead of bringing people closer to God, they are stealing them away from Him. Still many others pretend to be Christians just to flaunt a nice guy image and mask a corrupted soul. Therefore, allowing them to carry out their true intentions. They may all look holy and pleasing outside but their hearts are tainted inside.
What are the differences between a fake Christian and a genuine Christian? The fake knows the Word by his Mind, the genuine understands the Word by his Heart. The fake teaches the law, the genuine abides by the law. The fake takes delight in leading, the genuine takes pleasure in serving. The fake seeks for knowledge, the genuine shares the knowledge. The fake promotes lethal peace, the genuine stands his ground and wages in war. The fake boasts in his good works, the genuine honors God by his good works. The fake believes because he sees, the genuine sees because he believes.
Do you think you're genuine enough? Going to church every Sunday won't make you a genuine Christian. Reading the Bible won't make you one either. Knowing the Word is a simple task but understanding it by heart is another matter. Truly the longest distance is from the mind to the heart. People believe in Christ and calls themselves Christians. But even demons believe in Him and trembles in His name. Now what's your difference?
As a fan of Orlando Magic, I would be more than willing to go as far as wearing a Magic Jersey or paint myself blue so I can be identified with them. However, I'm not an American neither do I live in the US but I would definitely do it given the chance. Same with being a true Christian. You have to be identified with Christ. You have to wear His ideals and paint yourself with His principles. A true Christian is a follower. More than a listener, he is a doer.
Are you a true Christian or just a Great Pretender?

Rays of Prism

The perception of God is like a Ray from a Prism. The light may appear heavy for some while may come bright for others. People see Him differently. He is the God of Love but also the God of Justice. You may be seeing the heavy ray for a moment but don't be discouraged because it's for a purpose. It's for your own good. Always remember that there are brighter colors to look forward to. You can see it in the lives of others. God is preparing you for the best that life has to offer.

There may be shiny rays and dull rays. As there are darker days and brighter days. But one thing is for sure - there is only one Source... and that is God! Everything that comes from Him is for the good. Imagine when all the colors come together? Don't they look Magnificent?

An Encounter With God At CHRISTmas Eve

December 25, 2010. The Christmas Eve Celebration less my Dad and our youngest, Kenneth. We were in Laguna and they were in Isabela. Also, the very first Christmas without my dearest Lola who just passed away.
Last October, my Mom and my brother Angelo went to Laguna after receiving a call from my uncle. Lola has gotten weaker after her hospitalization. She can no longer eat. She can barely move and can no longer talk. She can only respond with a smile or a wink from her eye. All these signs led us to believing that she will be rejoining with the Father anytime soon.
We were right. Just a day before my mom's arrival, lola passed away. To witness someone dying is not a very good picture, even worse when it's your loved one who's crossing over that other side of life. You may have thought you've already prepared long enough for that day but when it comes, the wall you've built will still tumble down. It was one of the most heart-breaking moments in my life yet it brought me a sense of relief and serenity. Finally, her pains and sufferings have already ended. She breathed her last and died peacefully in my arms.
My mom arrived the next day. She entered the house and I stayed outside. I knew that I won't be able to hold back my emotions and it won't be of any support to her. It's been 2 years since their last meeting and it certainly won't make an ideal reunion.
After lola's burial, I decided to take the opportunity of bringing my mom to Asian Hospital. I believe that the doctors in Manila can give her condition a better look. She's been wheeled-chair ridden for over 6 years now and I can never ask for more than her healing. It was also my ultimate prayer request when I started the year with prayer and fasting. I was very excited and very nervous at the same time to hear the result of my mom's checkup. And God didn't fail me. After her checkup, the doctor told her that she will be able to walk again. After a great sorrow, here comes the rainbow. And it's even brighter than what I expected.
We were completely overjoyed. However, the medication required her to stay in Laguna for 2 more months. That means we will not be able to spend Christmas with my dad and our youngest in Isabela. The thought of it disheartened me. I've been waiting all year for this season. It's the only time of the year when I can stay longer with my family. But I know that God is in control of everything. It was His plan and it should be done. A Christian life doesn't guarantee an always happy season but it promises peace; an assurance that no matter what life brings, God is with you.
I was thinking, "It would've been perfect to spend the holiday season with a complete family. It would've felt awesome to get the chance to kiss everyone a Merry Christmas." And in the middle of my longing, God spoke to me. He made me realize how occupied I was by the tradition of togetherness; that I was missing the true reason for the season. He reminded me that even though Christmas is for us, it is not about us. And that truth gave me peace.
That evening, the true spirit of Christmas was with us. We felt that Christ was with us. He has all the right and privilege to celebrate His birth as we all humans do; and rest for a moment from thinking about this world but He still chose to care. He is a Comforter for the most weary hearts. Our family may have been broken by distance and demise but we were united by the true spirit of Christmas!