Thursday, December 24, 2009

Twas the Night Before Jesus

Twas the night before Jesus -and all through the house
not a creature was praying- not one in the house.

Their Bibles were lying all closed on the shelf.
Everyone was just into their own self.
The children were dressing to get into bed -
Not once ever kneeling or bowing their heads,

And mom on the sofa with baby on her lap,
was watching TV while I took a nap.
When outside the house there arose such a clatter
-I got to my feet to see what was the matter.

To the window I flew in a hurried flash,
opened the shutter, threw up the sash,
when to my surprise what should appear,
but angels proclaiming that Jesus was here!

With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
-I knew in a moment this must be the day!!

The light of His face made me cover my head,
it was Jesus' returning just like he said.
Though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth
- I cr1ed when I saw Him, in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life, which He held in His hand
- was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name,
then He said, “it’s not in there" my head, hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love,
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without Sound,
while the rest of us were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but I was too late,
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight,
if only I had been ready tonight.

The words of this poem - and the meaning is clear
- the coming of Jesus is drawing near!
We have only one life and when comes the last call,
we’ll find that the Bible was true after all!

- Author Unknown

The Reason for the Season

Marcus and his sister were to spend Christmas at their grandparents farm. Helping to care for the cattle and mend the fences was exacting work. But the reward that Marcus received was well worth it!

“Markus,” his grandfather placed his large hands upon Markus’ shoulder, “I have a present for you. You have proved yourself responsible and capable. So I am giving this to you as an early Christmas present.”

And with that, his grandfather placed into his hands a slingshot. The wood was firm and strong, and the band was supple and snappy. It was the most treasured and wonderful thing he had ever seen!

“Now you must promise me something! You must promise me that you will never aim this at people or animals.”

Markus nodded his head so vigorously that the ruffled hair waved like wheat in a windstorm.

Markus shot an almost everything! He found that he could hit cans and send them flying for yards! Trees, twigs, fence posts… he was fast becoming a crack shot. But as he grew bored with the ‘little stuff’ he began to wonder just how FAR a stone could be propelled.

Looking across the pond, he spied grandma’s duck waddling around the edge of the water.

“I’m going to sink a stone right in front of grandma’s duck and scare it!!!” he chuckled to himself.
So saying, he pulled back upon the band with all his might, and let the rock fly. Fly it did! Such a great distance! Right toward the duck…

… yeah, you guessed it. It hit the duck in the side. It squawked at the first, but flopped around in circles. Marcus was horrified!!! He dashed up as fast as his eight year old legs could carry him!
Before his feet crashed through the weeds at the edge of the pond, his heart told him what he would find. It sank deep down inside as he came upon the still, lifeless form of grandma’s favorite pet.

The blood drained from Marcus face, and he felt weak and sick.

Quickly, he forced himself into action. Seizing the duck, he carried it a few feet over to the wood shed. He buried the carcass in the earth and piled the neatest stack of wood atop you would ever see! It looked picture perfect. But as Marcus stepped back, he spied his sister on the porch watching. She had seen everything.

Rachel held up her finger in judgment and accusation! Then turned and dashed inside.
Marcus wanted to drown himself.

That evening at dinner, Marcus had no appetite. Every time his grandma encouraged him to eat, his conscience would sting and he would flush. Rachel would just look at him and widen her eyes and smile.

After supper, grandma asked Rachel to help clear away the dishes. She looked right at Marcus.

“I’d love to, Grandma… but Marcus told me HE wanted to clear away the dishes and wash them!” she said sweetly, staring daggers of blackmail at her brother. “Didn’t you Marcus?!?”

Marcus jumped to his feet. “Yes! I want to do it, Grandma! Let me get those!” he blurted out and rushed to the task.

The next two days were completely miserable. Christmas was supposed to be a time of joy and celebration. But for Marcus, there was no such thing. He had to skip an ice fishing trip with his grandpa because Rachel decided that he should fold the laundry for Grandma that afternoon. He missed licking the bowl after Grandma made fudge because sister decided that Marcus ‘promised’ to clean the bathroom and mop the floor. And, he missed the decorating of the tree because Rachel had reminded him that he ‘promised’ to chop and stack the wood.

The cold bit into the tears on his cheeks as he stood just feet from where the ‘crime’ had been committed. Marcus could not even make eye contact with Grandma anymore. It was like she was reading him with every gaze. Reluctantly he gathered the broken branches and chopped logs and put them into neat piles.

That was when he noticed Grandma standing beside the shed.

“Grandma!” Marcus cried out, unable to take the guilt anymore, “I killed your duck! Your favorite duck, I killed it!!!” Tears burst forth and regret choked back his words of repentance.

Grandma held him close.

“I know, Marcus. I know,” she said.

Marcus was horrified.

“I watched you from the kitchen window. I saw everything,” she said. Then she hugged him. “Marcus, I wondered how long you were going to let your sister torment you before you would come to me and confess.”

That Christmas, Marcus made an incredible discovery

What do you want for Christmas?!? A laptop or toy? Can it be purchased at a sporting goods store? Is it edible? Does it weigh more than a pound of butter? (IS it a pound of butter?!) Is it World Peace?!? (We’ll never have world peace until everyone just decides to do what I say!!!! Psh! :-P )

In America, Christmas is a huge thing! Its commercialized, packaged, advertized, plagiarized, and publicized! Which… is a good thing, I guess, because it help ensure that it will never go away!
But, what is Christmas really all about? Many song writers will tell you it’s about love and family; happiness and peace to the world. But why limit that to one day?! If the magic and formula was as simple as:

"Setting aside time to do all that on purpose," = "love, joy, peace, and happiness!"

... why not do it EVERYDAY!

That would save a lot of expensive wars, and leave more ammo for the rest of us to shoot! :-P But just ‘choosing’ to be happy isn’t really on option for most people. Christmas is kind of about Love, but it is something more.

Companies and manufacturers tell us that Christmas is about gifts and giving! And THEY know exactly what your loved ones want and need! But they, too, are only partially right.

Christmas is about one very Special Gift of Love… the Ultimate Gift! The one everyone desires to have, one that everyone has the power to give, but one that is the HARDEST to part with. What is this wonderful gift?!

Forgiveness.

The very first Christmas was centered around a humble manger… a stable. The Biblical ‘parking garage’ for modes of transportation. Imagine if you were traveling home for the holidays and the hotels were all booked. So much so, that you and your pregnant wife were welcome to stay, not in the lobby, but in the parking garage?!

Not a very fitting place for the arrival of the very Son of God! However, arrive, He did. He was born of a virgin, fulfilling the promises of prophecies of old! Born, not to be a King, but rather, to be the Promised Sacrificial Lamb. Man’s disobedience and rebellion, from the Garden of Eden to the present day, broke the heart of God, and caused Him to provide the sacrifice needed to pay for our transgressions. A Good Loving God reaching out to a bad, selfish and rebellious people!!!
Forgiveness available for the asking. So powerful was that Sacrifice of God’s Own Son, that it can wash away the sins of all who will place their faith and hope for heaven in that blood. Who will come to God and ask for forgiveness?! Whosoever will.

You know what forgiveness is? Forgiveness is giving up the right to the hurt you have. It is seeing that all things are brought across your path by God Almighty and with His consent and approval. And that, even though you do not understand it at the time, trusting the Lord to work through the hurt. It is choosing to thank the Lord for the hurt/problem He has sent.

Too often we think we are good people (because we compare ourselves to people worse than us.) but in actuality, we fail to understand just how bad sin is.

Sin is bad because it HURTS other people! There is no such thing as a local sin. One statistician claimed that every person effects at least one hundred others. I have no earthly clue how to even go about getting exact enough numbers to make a statement like that, however I believe, realistically, it would be much higher than that!

In my home state, a mother was arrested for driving to a bridge and slitting the throats of her two children. One was only a few months old, and died immediately. The seven year old son survived. Why? Sin hurts other people. A man in a city near me, a few Christmases back, was accused of embezzlement charges, and went home and shot and killed his wife and kids, and then attempted suicide. The ripple effect of his sin was devastating! Sin hurts other people. Two years ago, and not more than thirty-five miles from my home, a janitor was doing spring maintenance on a college swimming pool. He removed the winter cover of the pool, only to discover the floating body of a student who had committed suicide. His family, who had been searching and hoping for almost 6 months from his ‘disappearance’ were absolutely devastated! Did I mention that sin hurts other people?! God is not 'mean' for labeling ‘drinking’ sin. Putting toxins into your bloodstream not only harms you, but has destroyed families across the WORLD! It is related in almost 80% if the traffic deaths in America! Smoking, drugs, free extramarital sex, gossip, lies, stealing, hate, bigotry, self-centered living, murder, lust, greed… all these things and more PEOPLE do. And if you ask them, they will tell you that they ARE good people!!!
Psh!

Bitterness is a cancer of the soul. It effects you not only inside, but also outside! One of the greatest travesties of mankind is our self-centered desire to hold grudges! Christ, the Symbol and Standard of forgiveness has forgiven us of so much. But not just forgave sins… but paid the penalty that was owed Himself!

If there are three Christmas gifts that you could give yourself for Christmas, I would ask that it be these!

1.) Accept whatever hurts or wrongs have come your way. Don’t lie to yourself and deny them, or pretend that they didn’t hurt or matter. Or worse, insist that no one understands you or what they did to you! Accept the hardships of life as having been sent to you, personally, by God Almighty for your benefit, and for your growth!

2.) Forgive. Give up the right to be hurt or offended. Give up the desire for revenge. Let it all go. Let the Lord’s grace and forgiveness He extended on the cross shine through your heart to those you feel had wronged you. Understand that all things are done for a very good reason and are allowed by God.

You would be foolish to judge a book by a random sentence on the middle of a random page, how much MORE foolish to judge all of life by one action.

3.) Thank the Lord for bringing those hurts and tragedies across your path. God’s stamp of ‘allowance’ was placed upon those circumstances. Thank the Lord for those things which you have no control over!

In giving yourself these three things, you are also enabling yourself to give to God your depression, your guilt, and your self-defeat!

Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. – I Peter 5:7

But that’s not all! There are TWO parts to forgiveness! There is the FORGIVER, and the RECEIVER!

The FORGIVER has the ‘RESPONSIBILITY’ to forgive. It is NOT an option. It is not a ‘you really should do this thing’ matter. It is something you HAVE to do. If you are a Christian, you are REQUIRED to forgive!

And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” – Luke 17:4

But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive our trespasses.” – Mark 11:26

If you ever want the forgiveness of God for your lousy, second rate, self-righteous act as a Christian, you are going to HAVE to make a regular habit of forgiving those around you! Forgiveness is not forgetting the offense. Forgiveness is giving up the right to harbor a hurt against those who have wronged you. Let go of the hurt. Give it, instead, to the Lord. Forgive.

However, the 2nd half of forgiveness is the ‘receiver.’ The one who has wronged must receive the forgiveness. This requires repentance. God didn’t tell Peter to just ‘forgive and forget.’ Peter was required to extend forgiveness in each case. But the process wasn’t beneficial to the receiver until the receiver came forth with a repentant attitude. The repentant soul gains the ABILITY to be forgiven! The ABILITY to be accepted and restored. They gain unmerited compassion and mercy. In Peter's case, each time the offender came and humbled himself, and apologized.

When a person wakes up to their sinful condition, and instead of comparing themselves to worse people around them, they compare themselves against the Law and Commandments of the Lord, they are in a position to be ‘repentant.’ God is ALWAYS ready to extend forgiveness to the ‘repentant’ soul.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleans us from all unrighteousness.” – I John 1:9

Repentance, however, is what makes the process complete and fulfilling. Non-repentance walks all over compassion, and wipes its filthy feet upon mercy. It kicks justice and blemishes forgiveness. This is why God cannot simply write off and ignore all sin and let everyone into heaven. It’s the same reason that you cannot simply ‘forgive and forget.’ Forgiveness can be offered indefinitely, but unless the transgressor understands that he/she are in the wrong, and are in need of forgiveness, it will be rejected, ignored, and unneeded/unappreciated… in short – of no effect.

A Christian’s responsibility is to forgive. To keep that forgiveness extended. The transgressors responsibility is to be repentant. When this works together, it is a perfect picture of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary for our transgressions! Since the very first transgression of God’s law in Genesis, God has extended the promise of forgiveness. That promise became a reality when Christ came to earth in the form of a child… that, my friends, was the 1st Christmas.
Christmas is about forgiveness. The greatest, most powerful gift of all!

When are you going to decide that you are NOT going to go through this life without people doing you wrong?! Injustice from imperfect, fallen, and fickle people is unavoidable!” - unknown

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

My Letter to God for My 23rd Year

Dear Lord,

Today, I am celebrating my 23rd year of existence in this world. Herein, I can never recall a day that you've left me nor you've forsaken me. Your grace and mercy surpassed all my sorrows and troubles I’ve had in my life.


Today, I remember how You have been good and faithful in my life. From how/where I was born, as to the color of my skin, hair, face, personality and my whole being, for the family that you have chosen for me to be with, for the kind of parents and sibling/s I have, for what friends I have around me, as to the schools I’ve been and to whatever accomplishments I’ve had; Lord, it is all because of You.

Today, on my 23rd years in this world, without a doubt I can never deny Your love for me. I might feel empty sometimes, telling myself that nobody loves me; that I am always second best in people’s lives but that’s a big lie. You were and will always be there on my side and will always embrace me when no one is left to hang on.

Your protection. For 23 years in my life You have shown me that you are the greatest Defender and will never put me into danger. You are my source of strength to be brave to go home in the middle of the night or in the break of dawn. You are always my rescue when illicit, immoral creatures attempt to pester on me or take advantage of me. Surely you are my protection and one thing I know, “Vengeance will always be Yours.

You are my God. Your faithfulness is overwhelming. Why? You deal with my shortcomings. I’ve been through a lot of temptations as to wrong decision makings. Still, You welcomed me, open-handed ready to forgive all my trespasses.

Twenty-three years is just as fast as yesterday. All I see is your unfailing love. You have chosen carefully everything to be part of my life. I might not be the most beautiful but You have created me in your own image. I might not be the smartest but I was never dumbest. I was never rich but grace will always be satisfying. I may not a product of a good school but you made me pass my examinations. I might not be the greatest but You chose me to lead groups. My parents may not be the best but You gave them as to what I am supposed to be molded. I might not be working as a nurse full time but unquestionably Your purpose in my life will never be hindered. I don’t know what might happen as I start my 23rd year in this world, all I know is, You will always be faithful, forgiving, loving merciful gracious and protective God to me.

Things may not be so good and perfect in my eyes but definitely Your promises will never failed. I have tendencies to a slack in reading my Bible but then You are using guilt and other people to remind me of the duties and responsibilities as a Christian. Personality-wise, I am inconsistent but for you Lord I’ll try to change my shortcomings and downsides. I can’t change in a day or so but with the help of the Holy Spirit I’ll find myself someday faithfully serving You with boldness in my heart to share and 100% serve you without holding back.

Lord, I know You have prepared a guy for me. A guy who will be with me for the rest of my life; who will honor me as his partner and together we will serve you Lord. He might not come today but bless him. I know someday I’ll get to see him in the right time and place.

Lord, I don’t know what future might bring where I will be a year from now. I surrender to You everything. You have printed a very nice blueprint for me. Mold me Lord for Your glory and honor. Make me a better Christian, a witness for You, use me everywhere I go and always lead me to right decision makings. Thank you for all the blessing You have giving me and for all those to come.

Let this be my prayer; my letter for You.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Think Twice

Stop! What are you doing? Are you sure you want to do that? Why? What makes you say yes? And why no? Is that your final answer?

Decision making is such an immense thing to do. Everyday, great or small, we make decisions. These decisions make us succeed if we planned it so meticulous for success; failure for those decisions drawn from anger, jealousy, pride and selfishness. When people settle on ideas and undertakings, they might get to the point were they’re thinking without acting or acting without thinking.

As to the world view, morality is considered to be what you feel is good and what you feel is bad. There are times that what you think is right may not really right in the eyes of our Almighty Creator. Take an instance, drinking (alcohol or something fermented), some might say it is not wrong to drink because it removes stress from a long day of work or it gives us a good sleep. Or staying in front of the computer for like the rest of your life doing nothing for a day may not be offensive to the public or to the morality we have. You decide to do it thinking that you didn’t break any law or you can say morality says it’s good.

Thinking of these issues I can say sometimes I am thinking the same. Such example would be sleeping. Sleeping is part of our basic needs but oversleeping is still part of my discretion. I realized that I missed several points in decision making.

Asking questions before taking any steps and seeing the possibilities if you are making a right decision that pleases the Lord based on His Word will never harm you for sure.

The Bible says:

Is it an indulgence in earthly desires? “Do not love the world or anything in the world” (1 John 2:15)

Would it be pleasing to God or to humankind? Everything you do should be for God’s benefit, not your own or anyone else’s. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your hearts, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3:23)

Could God bless it? If it’s not something you could take before in good conscience, you have your answer. “The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it” (Proverbs 10:22)

Could you thank God for it? Would it be something that would be inappropriate to thank God for? “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).

Would it be a stumbling block to others? You should never do anything that would offend or harm others. “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block of the weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9).

Would I want God to see me do it? You must remember that God sees all –you can’t hide anything from Him. “You know my folly. O God; my guilt is not hidden from you” (Psalms 69:5).lly. O God; my guilt is not hidden from you"edom does not become a stumbling block of the weak"od the Father through him"t

What would its consequences be? God forgives your sin, but you will still have to live with the results of your decisions. “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7).

Would it hinder my walk with God? “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” (Hebrews 12:1).

Would it bring God glory? Bless the Lord in all you do. “So whether you eat or drink whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

How would Satan react? The last thing you want or need is Satan celebrating your decision. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8).

Would it bring me closer to God? Our daily lives should be bringing us ever closer to the heart of God. “Everything is permissible’ – but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’- but not everything is constructive” (1 Corinthians 10:23).

Have I sought godly counsel? Ask advice from godly people who have a proven track record of wise decision-making. “For lack of guidance a nation falls, nut many advisers make victory sure” (Proverb 11:14).

Have I asked the Lord about it? How many decisions do you make on a daily basis without first seeking God? He will never speak something that contradicts His Written Word. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5,6).

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Two Sacks of Money



Suppose there were two enormously large sacks of money on two sides of a room. One sack was filled with $1 bills. The other sack was filled with $1,000 bills. And supposing you were given a small basket, and told you had only 60 seconds to fill your basket with as much money as you could…
… which sack would
you choose to take from?!

Money is a very temporary object, as it is here one day and gone the next. Jail cells are filled with people who once had great wealth. Life, also, is short. The Scriptures liken it unto a vapor, a flower, and a single day. So, friend, which would be the
wiser use of our ‘day’ on earth? To gather up as much as we can from the low-dollar self-serving worldly sack, or to reach into God’s Will, and attain that which will last all eternity!?

That said, allow me to act as your CPA (
Certified Public Accountant) and let’s review your assets in this matter. In short, “How successful are you at leading souls to Jesus?!” Take a piece of paper and write down how many years it has been since you first found Christ. Now, below that number, please write down the total number of people who have placed their trust and hope for Heaven in Christ because of your witnessing/testimony.
If the top number is larger than the bottom number… you need what I am about to say. If the bottom number is much larger than the top, you already know what I am about to say.

Here’s the secret to becoming a fruitful Christian:
This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightiest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:” -- I Timothy 1:18-19

Young Timothy had a Greek, unsaved father. His mother was a Christian, and took great care to teach her child, Timothy, the scriptures. Paul reminds Timothy, (
In the book aptly named 1 Timothy.) That God gives us TWO UNIQUE WEAPONS to being an effective Christian witness.

1.)
Faith. Without FAITH it is impossible to please God. We like to SAY we have faith, but in truth… it takes faith the size of a mustard seed to move a mountain. Have you re-arranged any mountainous terrain lately? No? Since you lack even the most rudimentary level of terraforming, mayhaps your faith is SMALLER than even a grain of mustard seed! LOL!

Actually, your problem may very well lie in the book of James.
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew my thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith BY my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils ALSO believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” -- James 2:17-20 [emphasis added]

Sadly, many Christians believe that since they are saved, there is no need to live a separated life. Their THEOLOGY (
How they view God and His Commandments/Laws) are based on their MORALITY (Their comfortable and preferred lifestyle.) Paul reminds Timothy that the scriptures taught to him in his childhood would be the ‘ammo’ for fighting a good warfare. Christian friend, if you do not spend time thinking on scriptures, and meditating upon God’s precepts, you are trying to fight a war with no ammo… and those wars tend to be short ones!

Your faith becomes as DEAD in the eyes of those you are trying to witness to if it contains no works. God DOES see the heart, but man is stuck seeing the OUTSIDE. What are the works that establish our faith in man’s eyes? Knowing and keeping God’s precepts and principles! Forgiveness. Love thy neighbor. Love thine enemies. Bless them that curse you. Go the second mile. Care for the widows and fatherless. Turn the other cheek.
… you KNOW most of them. But KNOWING and DOING are two very different things. It only takes faith to trust Christ as Savior, and be saved! But it takes faith + works to convince others.

2.)
A Good Conscience. Let’s build a sling shot. (You remember those from childhood, right?) We must find a ‘Y’ shaped stick, and then we need a pebble. And what else….!? Oh! And we must not forget the thing that sends the pebble flying! What works best for that? STRING? Tape? How about a USB cable?!
No. A pebble will not go far without proper energy transfer method. (
Throwing always works.) Rubber bands will work, yes, but a piece of bungee cord is the absolute BEST!

A Christian armed with a Good Conscience is like using an elastic band to launch a pebble! It is what gives the words you say ‘Oomph!’ ...
POWER!

The younger you are, the easier it is to maintain a clear conscience! When you make a huge blunder, or commit a terrible sin, you are in a wonderful position to use the Grace that God gives you to ask forgiveness and keep your slate clean with both God and man.
However, the older you get, the
harder this becomes. Especially if we have neglected the necessary repairs from our youth. Why is it so hard to go to those we have wronged and apologized? No excuses. No cop-outs. No placing or sharing the blame.
Guilt is probably the all time GREATEST preventer of Christianity! It nullifies our words, and causes them to be meaningless and doubtful.

Foolish people attempt to balance their guilt with blame. Why is it that our actions and attitudes are always someone else’s fault? Why is it that the words we say in anger, or our actions-in-response are always someone else’s fault? WHY? Because we have guilt, and look to balance that guilt with blame. But to do this brings on depression, anger, bitterness towards self and others, discouragement, disorientation, and devastation.

A Wise Christian understands that it is better to balance GUILT with FORGIVENESS! If you mess up… when you fall… when you hurt others… when you lose your temper… when you fail to act in accordance to God’s Wise and True Preciepts… it is BETTER to humble yourself and ask for forgiveness.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrigheousness.” – I John 1:9

Keep things level and
clean between God and Man. Go to those you have wronged in your past. Make those slates CLEAN. Apologize to those you have offended. Make restitution to those you have stolen from or cheated. Correct with honesty those to whom you have lied. Make amends with those whom you have fought with. Let everyone know that you are trying your best to be a TRUE Christian with a CLEAN conscience. While some may choose NOT to forgive you, at least God will know that you have honestly and truly tried.
And keep the slate clean by granting mercy and forgiveness to those who have wronged you.

As Christians, we are responsible for every thought we dwell on. (
II Corinthians 10:5); every word we say (Matthew 12:36); every deed we do (II Corinthians 5:10); every attitude we display (I Peter 3:10); and every motive which drives our actions (Jeremiah 17:10)!!!

That’s BASIC human responsibility! How can we expect to be a happy, effective Christian if we choose to neglect our basic responsibilities and live a slave to the world’s philosophies!

Chose to grab from the sack of eternal treasures… Things you will be able to present to the Father on that judgment day. Live for HIM because He, alone, is
Worthy. Live by FAITH… constantly attentive to God’s Word. And live by a Clean Conscience… faithful to those God has placed around you.

I part with this advice: “
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works.” – Hebrews 10:24 Christ died for others... can we not live for others?

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Nurses & YOU


Half past eight, Sunday after church, together with my little brothers in the Lord, we were sitting outside the church building when suddenly something crashed. The youngest son of my church pastor took a look where it happened and he said 'twas vehicular accident and there was a man lying on the road followed up with the statement…JOKE! I told him to stop teasing or else I’ll pull his ear. (Of course, I was just teasing). Unhappy with his sort of investigation, he walked closer to the place where we heard the loud crash, and he told us that it is for real". There was an accident. Together with the other boys we walked closer to the scene and found out it was real.

"Lub dub lub dub" says my heart. The instinct of a nurse to help run through my veins, I pulled the youngest son of my assistant pastor and we ran to the scene just across the street of our church. There I saw a guy lying on the road, crashed windshield of the van, the smashed up motorcycle, the bystanders (which actually just watching and DID NOT DO ANYTHING, and of course BLOOD! I identified myself as a nurse and I was caught off guard. Isn’t it I am an oncology nurse?! I took a deep breath and whispered a prayer. I begin assessing the patient with my heart racing like a galloping horse. The guy was still on the motorcycle with his left extremity underneath the motorcycle. I asked him if he’s ok and if he can hear me. He nodded. I asked help to the bystanders if they can move the motorcycle so that I can assess the patient more and if he has leg fracture or what. The funny thing was, of all the people who were there no one dared to call the police or an ambulance! I left the patient and called the police to report the collision and asked for an ambulance too. We went to the hospital and after few hours he was lying okay intoxicated with his wound cleaned and dressed. Their family friend dropped me home past midnight. Adrenaline rushed I can’t sleep I begun writing this article.

When I was in the emergency room waiting for the doctor to finish suturing the patient’s nose, I begun to think of Jesus Christ who helped the wounded Samaritan.

Luke 10:25-37 (Words of Jesus in red.)

25Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 26He said to him,
"What is written in the law? What do you read there?" 27He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." 28And he said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live." 29But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" 30Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' 36 Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" 37He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

It is God's command to help others who are in need, eventhough you are not in the medical field. Prayer, donation and simple words of encouragement has a huge impact to the patients. Help others just like Jesus did. Let us be Christ-like in words and in deeds.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Fear Factor Challenge

Phobia, fear of something or anything, some are rational like heights or close spaces but some are irrational like fear of breathing or ugly people. We all have fears within ourselves. Even the most influential, strong and the most respective personality you are looking up to have fears either rational or not. My fears? Oh, I have lots of those but I am not going to tell of what I fear.

As a nurse I have learned that the most feared thing of all the patients especially for those who will be going in an operation (surgery) is the fear of the unknown – what will happen if I fell asleep in the operation? Shall I be able to gain consciousness again or shall I die? What do nurses fear? We have our own fears too. Fear of being infected with our patients diseases, fear of giving wrong medications – negligence and malpractice at all, and fear of percutaneous injuries (pricking, sorry for being technical) from patients with untreatable diseases such as AIDS or Hepatitis B. Our own health is at stake, even our lives.

Nowadays, we are in a world of uncertainty. The world that is full of chaos, disasters and calamities, wars and conflicts, global warming and financial crisis. You do not really know if the place where you live is safe for you and for your family or the food you are eating is still good for your body. Horrible, isn’t it?

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. “ Isaiah 41:13

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

“Be not afraid” occurs more than 365 times all throughout the Bible. There are 365 days in a year. This means we should not be afraid every single day of our lives. Ninety-two percent of what we worry about never happens and the 8% is usually manageable. Our God is great for us, His’ people, to fear. Lay down your worries and fears to Him. For our God is in control! Be bold and say MY GOD IS BIGGER THAN MY PROBLEMS. I SHALL NOT FEAR! I just want to leave you with two of my favorite verses in the Bible that I usually cling on when I am afraid.

“So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convince that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Give Up to Go Up

Think about the best friend you’ve ever had and what made your relationship great. Isn’t it about hanging out, talking and trusting friend enough to share your secrets with him or her?

Have you ever thought that you could have relationship with God as good as the relationship that you have with your best friend?

You don’t just get a close friendship with God because of what your parents tell you about Him or by spending an hour a week in Sunday school. Just like it took hanging out with your best friend, talking and testing his or her trust, it takes hanging out with God, talking to Him and learning to trust Him.

So where does God hang out? Wherever you are! He’s been running after you – yearning intensely and persistently for you. Perhaps you know what pining feels like. Have you ever wanted to be good friends with someone for a long time, yet he or she managed to ignore you or to not realize what a great person you are? Stop for a second and think: have you possibly ignored God lately? Have you talked to Him?

In case you’re wondering how to talk to God, you pray –constantly. Not just before that exam you didn’t even study for; you pray throughout the day. He’d like it if you prayed for everything and anything. He’d just like to hear from you. Of course, you don’t get to know someone if you’re doing all the talking. Let God take a turn talking to you. One way you can let Him do that is to read His Word, the Bible. Come on, don’t say you don’t’ like to read. If your best friend wrote you a 10-page letters, you’d read it immediately, over and over again.

The Bible is filled with letters and poems from God addressed to you, treasures just waiting for your discovery. Your Bible, which hopefully isn’t dusty, is yelling, “Open Me! Search Me!” How you hear God speaking to you is by inserting your name into the scripture you’re reading and seeing how it applies to your personal life. You’ll soon realize that it really was written with you in mind!

As you begin reading God’s Word every day (or if you already are, try spending ever more time reading it, you’ll also begin to trust Him more, and you begin to get closer like a best friend that always around in your success and failures. For the Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scriptures is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

Your trusting God will cause your relationship with Him to grow. Think of the person you’re closest to. Do you sometimes find yourself knowing what he’ll say or what she’ll do? Do you know what makes him happy or what annoys her? In the same way, soon God’s desires for you will become your own desires! And Psalm 139:4 will be the case: “For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.”

When your best friend’s birthday comes, don’t you want to give him or her something nice? When your relationship with God becomes close, you’ll also want to give Him something. After all, hasn’t God given you everything? In return, how about giving Him the best of your time, your money, your energy, and your love? Most important, how about, giving Him your heart-surrendering yourself to Him?

God is Holy and He hates sin. We are human. We were born in this world with a sinful nature. Romans 3: 10 and 23 says There is none righteous, no, not one; for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. See the difference? There is a barrier between God and us, it is SIN. And we can’t be His best friend in that case. BUT praise be to our God, He sent His son Jesus Christ to be our mediator for us (1 Timothy 2:5), our supplications and prayers to be heard. Jesus Christ died for our sins. He tore the veil between God and man.

Now you might ask me, how can I make God as my best friend? By trusting Him; accept Jesus Christ to be your only Savior and Lord, Believe that He died for your sin and He is the only way to eternal life, Confess your sins to Him and live a new life. For the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away behold, all things are become new.”

How do you learn to trust God? By getting to know Him. And do get to know Him? By spending time reading His Word, fellowshipping with other Christians and praying to Him every day.

God say in Isaiah 41:9, “I have chosen you.” Now He’s just waiting for you to choose Him-to surrender to Him in response.

Say this prayer if you want to surrender your life to Him as a response. “Dear God, I realize that I am a sinner. Thank you for sending Your son, Jesus Christ to pay for my sins and save me. Lord Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross and rose from the dead for me. I repent of my sins and receive You into my heart as my Savior and Lord. I accept your gift of eternal life. Thank you for coming into my heart and for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now, congratulations! You didn’t only gain your best friend but you can also be with Him through all eternity in Heaven. :)

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Summer Means Service

In my country, summer cool breeze and boiling hot weather starts in the month of March to the month of May. Well that was before, before when I can’t feel the effects of human abuse to nature. I am talking about Global Warming. This year, summer started early and sad to say it ended early too. Summer is such a great season for me. It means “Service”. In fact, God is really the greatest scheduler ever. Why? Well, my contract as an ESL (English as Second Language) Tutor expires in summer. Sweet isn’t it? I didn’t renew my contract. I want a full service this summer for the Lord. I want to have a fruitful Summer ’09. Anyway summer season is not really long. What is 2 months without job anyway? It will not kill me. The truth is it will give me a break from work and have a fresh start after it. You have to try it. You can’t explain how fulfilled you are deep inside.

The day I ended teaching, we had our 7 Sayings Service and I sang a song. It was a good start for me for a great summer. The next day my church have had a Church Retreat. Of course I was there. For some people it doesn’t really sound good. Summer and I have no job. I beg to disagree though. I am under the divine providence of my Lord and Savior. He is the source of what I’ve got right now. It is just time for me to bring back what is due to Him.

For the past years I’ve been actively involved in Vacation Bible School. I started teaching children when I was 17 and I still did this year; hopefully for the years to come. Where ever God will take me. I want to serve Him – with all I am. The theme this year is “SonTreasure Island” – Discovering God’s Love based on 1 Corinthians 13. I know for other countries especially the United States of America, this theme was for the year 2006. Anyhow it doesn’t matter as long we use it for the Lord. This year I am task to be a Music Teacher. Anyway I volunteered. It is really overwhelming how children respond and how they are enthusiastically singing the songs you are teaching them. How did I know? I was the Music teacher last year too. How these little children ages 3 up moving there hands, singing loudly and giving there best for the Lord is just simply amazing. Thinking how there little souls wanted to worship the Most High. If we are all like children open and willing to be teach by God’s word; no resistance and no murmuring. It is just pure willingness to listen.

Thinking of what God has done in my life; service will not stop or just be around during summer season. It must go around the whole year, everyday. Have time for God like He has all the time listening to your problems and supplications. Anyhow, we are in this world by Him, through Him and for Him. Is your Master satisfied with your service? Think of it.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Jevohah Rapha - God Heals

For the past several months, I came across different types of people that in a long run became my good friends. Some stayed, some went away. I had a friend that I’ve known for a year now, however she’s not talking to me anymore. She got cancer. As a friend, I comforted her saying all things work for good. Trust God and have faith. He is miraculous that He will heal you. Sad to say, she rejected it and chose to stop talking to me. 

Jesus Christ made the lame to walk again (Luke 5:17-25), blind to see (John 9:1-7), and raise the dead (John 11). These were just few of the miracles Jesus Christ performed in this world when He was here. My point is, these people faithfully believed that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, can heal them and they were healed.

Base on my personal experience in life, my father committed suicide when I was small. He’s in the Intensive Care Unit for several weeks that we never knew anytime he will pass away. My family and friends wept and prayed for God’s miraculous healing. After 2 months my father survived from that near death experience. He survived because we prayed, we believed, there was faith. To tell you, that was the over all change in our family’s lives. We became Christians. 

The Bible promised us in Hebrews 13:5 that “…I will never leave the, nor forsake thee.” God is a great God. He is a healing God. In God nothing is impossible. (Luke 1:37). Lean on His promises – promises that never fail. God is always in control.

Think about it. Why not pause for a prayer and ask God for forgiveness, accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior. Pray for healing. Whatever you feel, whatever sickness is in you, have faith. Exodus 15:26 says “I am Jehovah who heals you” both body and soul, In body, by preserving from diseases, and by curing then when afflicted with them and in soul, by pardoning their iniquities. Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord Who Heals).

A song of healing by Don Moen – Heal Me O Lord. Have time to listen. God bless you and heal you.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Another Year of Service

“What you are is God’s gift to you; what you do with yourself is your gift to God”
Danish Proverb

It’s New Year. My church annually nominates new sets of officers for each group, in my case, Young People’s group. I’ve been an officer for quite sometimes in this group. It’s not that I don’t want to serve God anymore, I told my siblings in Christ not to nominate me and give way to new potential leaders. They asked why. I told them, it’s time for a new set of faces in the office - new sets of people to be use by God. As what I’ve asked them, I am not part of the new set of the officers anymore.

Our new president, an 19 year-old guy, asked why me in a low tone of voice like his in doubt if he can manage to be the president of the group. Suddenly, a preachy me came into action saying something. God gave as talents that we can use for service –for Him. Some are in born. Some need to be discovered. I told our new president that “It’s time to shine. Let God use you this year. I know it’s quite intimidating to be a president without any experience but God doesn’t look on our resume or our degree for us to serve Him. He wants our best, the willingness to serve, despite of our shortcomings.

Discover what talents and abilities you have to be use for God’s glory. You will never know what you’re good at until you try. Let God use you this year. 2 Timothy 2:15 says “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

God is using me now and I want Him to use more of my abilities and capabilities this year and the years to come. What about you? How can you make the best use of what God has given you?

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Farewell Fruitful 2008. Welcome Prosperous 2009.

Two thousand eight (2008) has been a fruitful year for me. My heart is full of thanksgiving as to what the Lord has done in me. In connection, my first blog for 2009 is all about the blessings I received for the past year. I will cite the eight (8) major highlights of all the blessings I received that made 2008 extraordinary for me.

The first thing I want to thank God last year was the blessing to pass the December 2007 Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination released February of 2008. The night before the result was released I prayed to God that He had supplied my needs for four years in college that I knew He would make me pass. Human as I am the fear of failing was there, though. I prayed just to pass it be it 75% for a general average I would not mind. God was so good. He let me passed and the good thing was, I passed with satisfactory grade. My comforting song during that worrying and bloodcurdling night was “He never sleeps” by Don Moen. (You can found this song in the player I have in my sidebar below.) I played the song for hours while crying and praying to pass. The lesson I learned, as the Bible says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things just be added unto you” Matthew 6:33. The verse is true and God’s promises will always be true.

Next to my list for my thanksgiving for the last year, I fell in love for the first time. I don’t want to talk about it but for the sake of the blog I will talk it over a little. I fell in love with an unbeliever. I struggled to keep the relationship; however, it ended up a failure. Until then I appreciate my pastor’s advice regarding the Bible verse about equally yoking with the unbeliever (2 Corinthians 6:14). My first was a failure; nevertheless, it’s with a purpose.

The succeeding blessing, the third I suppose; another year to serve God through Vacation Bible School (VBS), 5 days of classes pointing to God’s goodness. It was my first time to be a VBS Music Teacher. It was a big challenge for me, the fact, that I have this stage fright. What motivates me to do so was the opportunity to serve God through the message of the songs and the voices of the children singing for the Lord. I love kids – the reason why I enjoyed it. An opportunity to serve God is a blessing too.

June. It’s been a year since I’ve seen my father that time. God is really good for using somebody just for His will to push through. My aunt invited me and my mother to visit their place where my father is working for them. Tears of joy and sadness stir together when I saw my father. No matter what, that’s a blessing, a wonderful one to thank God.

August. Out of desperation of failing the interview I had with the manager of a Korean Academy in my place I resolved to volunteer my service as an oncology nurse in one of the hospitals in my place. I did not experience any difficulty applying for that position. The head nurse just scanned my papers and said I can start that date. Well, another blessing to thank. I was the last person who got the last slot.

September. Funny thing happened. Surprisingly, I passed the exam and the interview with the Korean Academy I applied last August. I jumped for joy that I made it. I was trained together with my batch mates things that I don’t know. It was another learning experience that I never expected to happen. It’s a blessing to thank God.

My second to the last thanksgiving, 5th day of November, I had in my hand the white card with my picture and of course my name and the title nurse. I am talking about my license card as a nurse of my country. It’s a double celebration because that day I was celebrating my 22nd birthday anniversary. No party was prepared but handling my license was the greatest present I had received.

To wrap up my last and the most important thing I want to thank God for the last year, is the opportunity to serve Him. The eternal life He gave me that I will always keep. I can’t have those things I’ve mentioned above without a life obviously. God has been good in my life for the past years and unquestionably will be good for the years to come.