It's me again, wow... it's been a while that I have not posted anything here. Well, in the midst of all this global crisis going on right now, we can still smile only because of the basic understanding that God is still in control. In this present global financial crisis, no one is exempted, rich or poor, young and adult, married or single, christian or non-christian, everybody is feeling the impact of the present crisis. One thing is evident, for those who put their full trust in God we have a place of refuge, in the midst of uncertainties we have our assurancet hat our future is secure. I remember someone once said...we may not know what the future holds, but as long as we know who holds the future then can face whatever obstacles may come our way.
I was reminded of the story in the Bible, when the disciples were in the boat in the middle of the sea where strong winds and waves are tossing their ship. The scriptures says, that Jesus was with them in the boat, but He was sleeping. They were all fearful and panicking because their ship was being filled up and it was almost sinking. One of the disciples tried to wake Jesus up and laid down their concern by saying..."Jesus don't you care that we are about to perish"? Finally, Jesus woke up and told His bewildered disciples, "oh ye of little faith, why are you so fearful"? Then Jesus, began to rebuke the winds and the waves by saying "peace be still". Everybody in the boat was astonished because of what Jesus did, that even the winds and the waves obey at His bidding. Now, do you really think that Jesus will allow thier boat to sink while He the creator of everything is in that boat, I don't think so. Can you imagine, Jesus who came from heaven to earth to save humanity from the bondage of sin and the curse of death, only to die by drowning. This sounds ridiculous, but think about it, maybe right now many of us are thinking that we are in a very similat situation, where you feel like your boat is about to sink due to the storms of life that's hitting you left and right. Let me encourage you with this simple truth, as long as Jesus is in your boat, there's no level of storms that can make you sink. Yes, there are times you may feel like there's no way out, but as long as your faith is anchored on the one who can speak to the storms, and commands the wind and the waves to be still, then you are safe and secure.
May we always find refuge in Jesus who loves us so dearly...as the scripture says in Proverbs 18:10, 'the name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe'. We are living in the most opportune time to experience the reality of His promises, His presence and His provision.
...His promises is where we can stand secure.
...His presence is where we can stay secure.
...and His provision is what will sustain us in the midst of difficult situation.
Let us not loose hope, but look unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith!
'till next time :)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Friday, December 19, 2008
What Christmas means...
It's me again...Christmas is just around the corner, people will again be caught up with shopping, gifts, decoration such as Christmas light, Christmas tree with different ornaments and many more. To some it will be ‘white Christmas’ but to others it might be as we so called ‘blue Christmas’. For children it will be a lot exciting as they expect many gifts from their mom and dad, uncle and aunt, godparents, or the traditional way as many children thought that gifts are coming from ‘santa claus’. Sadly, Christmas have become so commercialize, where if you don’t have Christmas décor, or gifts under the Christmas tree, it is as if there is no ‘spirit of Christmas’.
But is this what really Christmas is all about, have we really ask ourselves what is the meaning of it, is it Christmas or x-mas, or is it about santa claus? Is it just about gifts and decorations or shopping, or is it something that we really need to understand deeply for us to grasp the importance or significance of it in our lives? Different people have different views of Christmas, it varies with culture and tradition, but in reality it is a message that is not bound by culture or tradition, it surpasses everything and reach out regardless of color and races or language. It has only one language, the ‘language of love’, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believe in Him should not perish but have an everlasting life” John 3:16
We need to understand that Christmas is a season where we need to celebrate the most significant event that happened in the history of mankind. It is more than gifts and decors, shopping and gift giving, it is a day where God displayed and unveiled His undying ‘message of love’ for all humanity by sending His only begotten Son Jesus Christ who was born in a manger. It is a day where God stretched His own loving arms to reach us, by coming down personally, leaving His throne, His glory, power and majesty. Sadly, it is a day where not many nobles heard the announcement made by the host of angels except for the few simple shepherds in the field, it is a day where God visited the world and yet, there is no room available to receive Him. It is the true message of giving and sharing, where God was the first one who gave the most valuable gift a person could ever receive. It should be centered on JESUS, the reason for the season, it is a time where people should open their heart and accept with thanksgiving "the indescribable gift of God" (2 Corinthian 9:15), and allow Him to reign in their heart where only then it will become meaningful.
As you celebrate Christmas, may you take time to refocus on the real meaning of it, and receive in your heart the greatest gift of all, God’s only Son Jesus Christ who loved you and gave Himself for you. Will you invite Him today to come in to your heart as your personal Lord and Savior and make your Christmas the most meaningful one?
Have a blessed CHRISTmas and a prosperous New Year!
'till next time :)
But is this what really Christmas is all about, have we really ask ourselves what is the meaning of it, is it Christmas or x-mas, or is it about santa claus? Is it just about gifts and decorations or shopping, or is it something that we really need to understand deeply for us to grasp the importance or significance of it in our lives? Different people have different views of Christmas, it varies with culture and tradition, but in reality it is a message that is not bound by culture or tradition, it surpasses everything and reach out regardless of color and races or language. It has only one language, the ‘language of love’, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believe in Him should not perish but have an everlasting life” John 3:16
We need to understand that Christmas is a season where we need to celebrate the most significant event that happened in the history of mankind. It is more than gifts and decors, shopping and gift giving, it is a day where God displayed and unveiled His undying ‘message of love’ for all humanity by sending His only begotten Son Jesus Christ who was born in a manger. It is a day where God stretched His own loving arms to reach us, by coming down personally, leaving His throne, His glory, power and majesty. Sadly, it is a day where not many nobles heard the announcement made by the host of angels except for the few simple shepherds in the field, it is a day where God visited the world and yet, there is no room available to receive Him. It is the true message of giving and sharing, where God was the first one who gave the most valuable gift a person could ever receive. It should be centered on JESUS, the reason for the season, it is a time where people should open their heart and accept with thanksgiving "the indescribable gift of God" (2 Corinthian 9:15), and allow Him to reign in their heart where only then it will become meaningful.
As you celebrate Christmas, may you take time to refocus on the real meaning of it, and receive in your heart the greatest gift of all, God’s only Son Jesus Christ who loved you and gave Himself for you. Will you invite Him today to come in to your heart as your personal Lord and Savior and make your Christmas the most meaningful one?
Have a blessed CHRISTmas and a prosperous New Year!
'till next time :)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
A post expression of gratitude!
It's me again...I know it's kind of late to express our heartfelt gratitude but it's better than not at all, it was last two Sundays ago that Sis Nette and I together with Jenny who is my Assistant Pastor was given a surprised Pastors appreciation at the church. It is a blessing to have leaders, workers and a congregation that supports their pastor, of course I'm talking about our precious people in San Diego. It was simple but very touching, particulalry the poriton where they did an impersonation of me, Sis Nette and Jenny and her husband, very funny, and sometimes it's kind of embarassing to see yourself as to how people perceived you.
Wow...time really flies so fast, Thanksgiving is just around the corner and everybody is already busy preparing something for this special holiday being observed nationwide. There are so many things that we could really be thankful for, what about our one and only precious life that God gave all of us. Isn't it just but right for us to be thankful for this life even though sometimes we feel that life is just unfair. Why is it that there are some people who are born with lots of things, while others have none, some were born full of talents others are just average. Now, if we will just learn to thank God for the many things that we have instead of being bitter for the things that we don't, I think our life will become more simple but meaningful.
So, always be reminded that thanksgiving is something that should be flowing out from our heart based on the idea of having this gift of life from our Creator who loves us so much and cares for us that He managed to leave heaven and be like one of us, just to clearly communicate God's love for all humanity.
Let us always have a grateful heart, and so this coming Thanksgiving let us try to find something, even the little things that we could be thankful for.
Leaving an imprint...
'till next time :)
Wow...time really flies so fast, Thanksgiving is just around the corner and everybody is already busy preparing something for this special holiday being observed nationwide. There are so many things that we could really be thankful for, what about our one and only precious life that God gave all of us. Isn't it just but right for us to be thankful for this life even though sometimes we feel that life is just unfair. Why is it that there are some people who are born with lots of things, while others have none, some were born full of talents others are just average. Now, if we will just learn to thank God for the many things that we have instead of being bitter for the things that we don't, I think our life will become more simple but meaningful.
So, always be reminded that thanksgiving is something that should be flowing out from our heart based on the idea of having this gift of life from our Creator who loves us so much and cares for us that He managed to leave heaven and be like one of us, just to clearly communicate God's love for all humanity.
Let us always have a grateful heart, and so this coming Thanksgiving let us try to find something, even the little things that we could be thankful for.
Leaving an imprint...
'till next time :)
Monday, November 10, 2008
Perspective...what you see matters!
It's me again...have you asked yourself lately about how you really feel about the present circumstances that are happening around you? The economic situation that our nation is facing right now, corporate businesses are closing down, different companies are laying off their employees, houses are being foreclosed, etc. As we look around us, it is so obvious that everybody is feeling the blow of all these circumstances, you can even sense in the air the feeling of uncertainties in so many facets of life. It only says one thing...nothing is permanent, everything is a variable and as the saying goes everything is changing except for change.
Now, with all this in mind I guess the question is how are we going to react with all these things around us? Is there hope? Is there something possitive coming out from this sitatuation...and sometimes it's really hard to believe because reality dictates that it seems there is no way out. Just looking at every angle of the situation, it's hard to believe that there will still be something possitive that we can draw from all this mess.
So where and how perspective comes in play in dealing with all these impossible situations, is there something that we are missing in the picture? All of our senses clearly dictate that nothing good is going to happen, in fact situations are getting worse espcially as we watch and listen to all the news on the television or what we are reading in the newspaper. That atcually feeds more of our fear, doubts and uncertainties. I believe that everybody is going through some obstacle in life ony with different levels or deegrees, and no one is exempted regardless of their status in life. What makes the difference, though, is our perception...I beleive that how you see things matters the most, that's the why the scripture clearly says in 2 Cor 4:18, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
I came accross with an article that was sent to me by a friend, whose author is unknown and I feel that the message on this article strongly affirms what 2 Cor 4:18 says...
A different perspective…
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.
The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it in his mind 's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Days, weeks and months passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
"Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present."
The origin of this letter is unknown.
I am convinced that the blind man in this article is more blessed than so many people of today who despite having both eyes can see but are blind because of their inability to see the things that are unseen.
Leaving an imprint!
'till next time :)
Now, with all this in mind I guess the question is how are we going to react with all these things around us? Is there hope? Is there something possitive coming out from this sitatuation...and sometimes it's really hard to believe because reality dictates that it seems there is no way out. Just looking at every angle of the situation, it's hard to believe that there will still be something possitive that we can draw from all this mess.
So where and how perspective comes in play in dealing with all these impossible situations, is there something that we are missing in the picture? All of our senses clearly dictate that nothing good is going to happen, in fact situations are getting worse espcially as we watch and listen to all the news on the television or what we are reading in the newspaper. That atcually feeds more of our fear, doubts and uncertainties. I believe that everybody is going through some obstacle in life ony with different levels or deegrees, and no one is exempted regardless of their status in life. What makes the difference, though, is our perception...I beleive that how you see things matters the most, that's the why the scripture clearly says in 2 Cor 4:18, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
I came accross with an article that was sent to me by a friend, whose author is unknown and I feel that the message on this article strongly affirms what 2 Cor 4:18 says...
A different perspective…
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.
The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it in his mind 's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Days, weeks and months passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall.
The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."
Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
"Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present."
The origin of this letter is unknown.
I am convinced that the blind man in this article is more blessed than so many people of today who despite having both eyes can see but are blind because of their inability to see the things that are unseen.
Leaving an imprint!
'till next time :)
Friday, October 31, 2008
There's no place like home!
It's me again...where am I? Oh sorry I forgot, just got back yesterday to San Diego from my east coast trip. It's so great to see my family again of course my lovely wife Dianette fondly called Nette for short and my three precious lovely daughters namely Abi who is now almost 16 years old and can't wait to drive and would like to be an architect, Dianelle my 14 year old who loves to watch food channel, not because she loves to eat but because of her desire to be an "international cheff", and not to forget my youngest one Danielle Joy..."DJ" for short, who just turned 8 years old this month who's ambition is to be a "preacher pastor" when she grows up, so glad to know that somebody will be following my path. And by the way, there's no way I will forget my mother in-law who's also with us, newly migrated from the Philippines, her name is Mama Gloria.
Like what I said, there's no place like home...yesterday after my trip from Virginia I rested for a few hours and made myself ready for the wedding rehearsal that i need to be at 'coz I will be officiating it this Saturday. Basically, I haven't got my real rest yet from a combination of trip from the Philippines and East Coast which is about 4 days apart. Anyway, I thank God for His divine strength that is sustaining us day by day. It's awesome to think, that even this simple trip coud be related to a simple reminder from God that all of us are just like a traveler here on earth. Yes, to some people they probably think of traveling to different places is nothing but fun, but in reality, it's so tiring knowing the fact that you always have to adjust to time and your body clocks always needs to adjust as well and not to mention leaving your family behind. Now going back to travel in the spiritual context I beleive it is something to realize that we are just passing by here on earth, this is not our permanent place. The Lord said in John 14:1-4, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." This scriptures gives us a clear view of what to expect after we're done with our travel here on earth which by the way is just temporary. Everytime I travel to different places, I notice that I don't have any personal attachment to that place whatsoever, because i know that i'm jsut visiting regardless of the duration of my stay. In the same way, I beleive that we need to remind ourselves that we should not have any personal attachment to this world that we are living in because this is not our permanent place, this is just preliminary...but be aware that how we live our lives here on earth will determine our eternal condition. So, let me suggest a few things while traveling here on earth...first, let us make sure that we don't attach ourselves too much to this world because nothing here is permanent. Everything that we may probably call our own will one day vanish due to the fact that we came here naked and we will definitely come out of this world naked, according to Solomon in Ecclesiastes 5:15. Secondly, travel light...with all the changes happening in the airline rulings of how many luggage you can bring and the weight, it's just frustrating to find out that if you have lots of excess baggage then you will be forced to pay extra, yes pay extra, unfortunately nothing is free anymore even airlines are getting tougher. Now the lesson here is, while traveling here on earth, the bible is admonishing us to ensure that we don't carry too much excess luggage that will eventually weigh us down if we don't take noticed. You may ask, what do you mean by those excess luggage...to name a few, worry or anxiety, offense that was caused by simple unmet expectation, how about anger or the worsed is hatred and unforgiveness. These are just a few things if left unattended will caused great dammage on ourselves. So the best way to handle this is, first let us examine ourselves if we have any of this excess luggage that we are carrying. Secondly, let us go to God and surrender everything to Him, anyway He's the one who said that we can actually cast all of our cares to Him because He cares for us - 1 Peter 5:7. Lastly, make sure that you don't take back what you already casted on Him, walk in freedom and enjoy the tour while we're here on earth knowing that our real purpose and mandate from our Creator is to be intimate with Him and reflect only His presence until we leave an imprint (an indelible distinguishing effect or influence) that others will follow.
Lastly, we need to have a clear perspective of our destination...it's a clear place that God Himself has prepared for us, no eyes have seen or ears have heard nor any hearts perceived what God has set for us in eternity. So this alone served as great encouragement even though there are times we feel like giving up or quiting from this long and tiring journey, knowing that we have something to look forward to, which is our blessed hope. When that time comes then everything that we hoped for and longed for will become a reality, no longer seeing our Master in the eyes of faith, we may probably say that today we can only see Him "faith to faith" but the time is coming that we will behold Him "face to face". So let us anchor our faith and trust to this indelible truth, that one day we will be with Him forever and ever in eternity.
I hope that you have been encouraged and motivated to continue your journey even if it seems difficult. Always remember, it's not how you started the journey but it's how you finish it.
'till next time :)
Like what I said, there's no place like home...yesterday after my trip from Virginia I rested for a few hours and made myself ready for the wedding rehearsal that i need to be at 'coz I will be officiating it this Saturday. Basically, I haven't got my real rest yet from a combination of trip from the Philippines and East Coast which is about 4 days apart. Anyway, I thank God for His divine strength that is sustaining us day by day. It's awesome to think, that even this simple trip coud be related to a simple reminder from God that all of us are just like a traveler here on earth. Yes, to some people they probably think of traveling to different places is nothing but fun, but in reality, it's so tiring knowing the fact that you always have to adjust to time and your body clocks always needs to adjust as well and not to mention leaving your family behind. Now going back to travel in the spiritual context I beleive it is something to realize that we are just passing by here on earth, this is not our permanent place. The Lord said in John 14:1-4, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." This scriptures gives us a clear view of what to expect after we're done with our travel here on earth which by the way is just temporary. Everytime I travel to different places, I notice that I don't have any personal attachment to that place whatsoever, because i know that i'm jsut visiting regardless of the duration of my stay. In the same way, I beleive that we need to remind ourselves that we should not have any personal attachment to this world that we are living in because this is not our permanent place, this is just preliminary...but be aware that how we live our lives here on earth will determine our eternal condition. So, let me suggest a few things while traveling here on earth...first, let us make sure that we don't attach ourselves too much to this world because nothing here is permanent. Everything that we may probably call our own will one day vanish due to the fact that we came here naked and we will definitely come out of this world naked, according to Solomon in Ecclesiastes 5:15. Secondly, travel light...with all the changes happening in the airline rulings of how many luggage you can bring and the weight, it's just frustrating to find out that if you have lots of excess baggage then you will be forced to pay extra, yes pay extra, unfortunately nothing is free anymore even airlines are getting tougher. Now the lesson here is, while traveling here on earth, the bible is admonishing us to ensure that we don't carry too much excess luggage that will eventually weigh us down if we don't take noticed. You may ask, what do you mean by those excess luggage...to name a few, worry or anxiety, offense that was caused by simple unmet expectation, how about anger or the worsed is hatred and unforgiveness. These are just a few things if left unattended will caused great dammage on ourselves. So the best way to handle this is, first let us examine ourselves if we have any of this excess luggage that we are carrying. Secondly, let us go to God and surrender everything to Him, anyway He's the one who said that we can actually cast all of our cares to Him because He cares for us - 1 Peter 5:7. Lastly, make sure that you don't take back what you already casted on Him, walk in freedom and enjoy the tour while we're here on earth knowing that our real purpose and mandate from our Creator is to be intimate with Him and reflect only His presence until we leave an imprint (an indelible distinguishing effect or influence) that others will follow.
Lastly, we need to have a clear perspective of our destination...it's a clear place that God Himself has prepared for us, no eyes have seen or ears have heard nor any hearts perceived what God has set for us in eternity. So this alone served as great encouragement even though there are times we feel like giving up or quiting from this long and tiring journey, knowing that we have something to look forward to, which is our blessed hope. When that time comes then everything that we hoped for and longed for will become a reality, no longer seeing our Master in the eyes of faith, we may probably say that today we can only see Him "faith to faith" but the time is coming that we will behold Him "face to face". So let us anchor our faith and trust to this indelible truth, that one day we will be with Him forever and ever in eternity.
I hope that you have been encouraged and motivated to continue your journey even if it seems difficult. Always remember, it's not how you started the journey but it's how you finish it.
'till next time :)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
This is the moment...I've just started my blog!
I have started this blog while on our way back to DC from our trip in Virginia with some very special people and my co-pastors such as Ptrs Aldrin & Monette, Ptr Bless and of course with a special empahsis of Ptr Jess who is driving us back to DC, also with his generosity in allowing me to use his NEW SONY LAPTOP/DESKTOP given by his very loving JIL GWDC congregation as their gift for the clergy appreciation day.
This will be a great opportunity for me to communicate and be acquainted not just with my friends but even those who are far.
'till next time :)
This will be a great opportunity for me to communicate and be acquainted not just with my friends but even those who are far.
'till next time :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
