My Journal

Be My Disciple

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:12:00 +0000

Jesus' call to discipleship is clearly stated in Luke 14: 27 , “...anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Then he added in verse 33, “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” Based on these verses, true discipleship means passionate, complete, utter devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ. Everyone of us who believes in Jesus, needs to be His disciple. It's not enough that we just give Him a part of our lives, He wants our all. Being His disciple means that we have to make Christ Lord of all our lives. If He is not Lord of all, then He is not Lord at all.

As a true disciple, God wants us to be consistent in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Our focus should be on our relationship with Him, not on religious traditions or on empty acts of service. We have to remember that the Christian life should always be characterized by love. This means that in everything we do, love should be our motivation. As it says in 2 Corinthians 5: 14-15, “For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”

The entire discipleship process does not stop in being a disciple. Actually, it's just the first step. Now that we've experienced God's working in our lives, it's time for us to engage with others in our families and communities so we can tell them about God's love. God's great commission to all believers is found in Matthew 28: 19-20. It says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This is command is not optional, it is a must. We have to constantly be aware of the opportunities for discipleship that God's presents before us. As Christ models true Christian living to us, so should we to those we disciple. But it is important to remember that discipleship is not a one-time thing, it is a lifestyle.

The “I AM”

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sat, 01 May 2010 03:53:00 +0000

Moses' first encounter with God was while he was tending to his father-in-law Jethro's flock at Horeb. It was there that the Almighty told him to lead His flock, the Israelites. Moses was not up to the job because he knew that he was just a nobody. He was content to living a life of peace and quiet, yet purposeless, in the desert. But God assured this run-away prince that He would be there to guide him and empower him with great strength and power.

It was no surprise that Moses asked this question, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?" (Exodus 3:13). God's answer to this one important query was nothing ordinary. He told Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you." (Exodus 3:14)

To a usual onlooker, this may seem very confusing. But to someone who has encountered God in the deep recesses of his being, this statement is very powerful. In this “I AM” statement lies the very essence of our God - He can be whoever and whatever we need Him to be. When we need someone to take out our infirmitites, He is our Healer. When we need someone to bring us our daily bread, He is our Provider. When we need quietness of spirit, He is our Peace. When we are grieving and our hearts are in turmoil, He is our Comforter. The possibilities are endless. God can be anyone we need Him to be – that brings us great hope and cheer.

The Power of The Cross

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 03:52:00 +0000

The Holy Week is definitely one of the most awaited holidays in the country. For many, this holiday, locally known as Semana Santa, is the only time when Filipinos can take some time off from work to relax and spend time with the whole family. Some families go on beach outings or mountain hikes. However, for more than half of the Filipino population, Semana Santa is a time when they can lessen their sins by making sacrifices like flogging and crucifixion, and visiting as many churches and shrines as they can. But do all these acts really make a difference?

To answer that question, we would have to go back to the power of the cross. Interestingly, when we visit churches all across the country, we see two kinds of crosses - one with Jesus Christ still on it, while the other one empty. It can be quite confusing for a normal church-goer but which one depicts the cross of the Bible?

If we look at the Bible’s account of Christ’s suffering on the cross, we will see that after he was crucified, he was buried, which means that He did not stay crucified on the cross. But amazingly, he did not stay in the tomb, too. After three days, the rock that sealed His tomb was open and Christ was nowhere to be found inside it. The impossible has happened. Christ has risen from the dead.

The cross is God’s wisdom for our salvation. No amount of sacrifice on our part can do that. Only Christ’s sacrifice on the cross can save us from our sins. On the other hand, the empty tomb tells us that in God there is victory. The empty cross and the empty tomb remind us that God’s power is at work in the lives of those who believe in Him. All we have to do is put our trust in Him.

God Takes The Broken Pieces

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:49:00 +0000

Have you ever felt like God was so far away? As if your prayers don't go past the ceiling? Does it seem like your dreams will just stay that way – just dreams? Have you resigned yourself to saying, “Que Sera, Sera. Whatever will be, will be?” as you feel like life is all about luck. Some are lucky, some are not – and only a few are lucky enough to belong to the first lot. If this is exactly how you feel, then here's good news for you: God has created you with a purpose and a great future. And there is indeed hope for you.

When God created the world, every thing was perfect. But because of sin, things became corrupted. The perfect world that God has created became full of lies, disappointments, pain, suffering, disillusionment, illnesses – all sorts of evil things. Man's image which was after God's own image became distorted. Man's relationship with Him became marred with filth. The world that God had created was now a far cry from His original design, and it's all because of sin.

It may look like things are utterly hopeless, as if there's nothing that can be done about our situation. But the truth is, God himself went out of his way to restore things for us, especially our relationship with Him. Two thousand years ago, He sent his only Son to bridge the gap between us and Him. Right now, he's stretching out his hands to us so he can take the broken pieces of our lives and put them back together. The invitation is always open. He's just waiting for us to accept it. But it's always our choice as he never forces himself on us.

Love Is The Answer

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:56:00 +0000

At the mention of the word “love”, our minds would immediately conjure up a myriad of images that show how we perceive this word. For a married couple, they may remember the day they committed to spend the rest of their lives together for better or for worse. A grandmother would remember the time when she held her first grandchild in her arms, while a teenager would be thinking of the boy that she has taken on a certain fancy. Love can mean a million different things to different people but ultimately love is God, and God is love.

Love is the very essence of God. To know God is to know His love. If we fail to understand that God will always be a God of love, then we miss the whole point of our existence - that is to reciprocate the love that He has given us freely. The Bible says, “we love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

God loves us not because we do good things for Him or because we are nice people. He loves us because that is who He is. There will never be a time when he will stop loving us. It's just impossible for Him not to love us. He wouldn't be God if he stopped loving because that is His very essence. What is amazing about God is that He, the Almighty and powerful God, extends His hands towards us to draw us near to Him by making His love known to us. We don't reach out to Him, He reaches out to us. All we have to do is to accept what He is offering us – His love.

God's love is unchanging. It has been and will always be the same. No matter what we do it will still be as it is now. God's love is also powerful. It can bring people together, as well as bring healing, joy and peace in our lives. There is no corner in our lives that love cannot touch. Knowing this, we have no reason to fear. Understanding and accepting God's love means entering into His loving arms where all fear is cast out. (1 John 4:18) There is every reason for us to praise God because there is nothing or no one in this whole wide world that can shake us or bring us down if we have God's love in our hearts. So we can now say with firmness and conviction that “love is the answer” to everything that we're facing right now.

A New Year, A New Start

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 03:59:00 +0000

It's 2010! A new year, a chance to have a new start. We turn to God with eagerness for what He has in store for us this year. But as we do that, we also remember the past year with a mixture of both happiness and pain. God allows us to remember our mistakes and frustrations in the past to help us grow in Him. He wants to remind us that only He alone can give us hope for the future.

As we start the year 2010, we hold on to God's promises in the Bible. By faith, we are certain that He will go before us, paving the way for us. He will guide us and watch over us so we will not fall over the same failues which can happen if we don't ponder over His Word and dwell in His presence through prayer.

Let's not rush into the new year, forgetting all that God has done for us in the past. Let's patiently wait for God to reveal and accomplish His promises to us. Let's learn from our past failures but let's not dwell on them. What's in the past is irreversible, we can't change them anymore. But God holds greater things for us in the future. Let's us wait with expectant and eager hearts knowing that He holds our future in His hands.

True Spirit of Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:23:00 +0000

Christmas is the most festive time of the year. It’s a time when malls are packed with hordes of people trying to find gifts for their family and friends. Commercial establishments probably achieve their biggest sales during the Christmas season.

Amidst all the rushing and shopping, few people truly understand the reason why we celebrate Christmas. Why do we give gifts? Why do we sing Christmas carols? Why do we have parties? The shepherds who were looking after their flocks that special night or the wise men following that bright, bright star would be most capable of telling us why. What then is the reason for the season?

A lot of people do not know why they give gifts, sing Christmas carols or have parties during this season. They just know that they have to do it because of tradition. For those of us who know, this is the perfect time to tell them why.

Two thousand years ago, God sent Jesus to live here on Earth as part of His redemptive plan for mankind. Because of His great love for us, He was willing to let His only Son become the ultimate sacrifice to save us from the punishment that we deserve. Here we see the greatest gift of all, Jesus as payment for all our sins. All we have to do is to accept God’s gift of salvation and commit our whole life to Him, then we will have eternal life.

Many people do not know this so it is our job to tell them. The greatest gift that you can give your loved ones this Christmas is not something that you can buy from the stores. The best gift that you can give them is the message of the gospel. They have to know that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Advent Conspiracy

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:20:00 +0000

Nice concept...

Why don't spend less on gifts and more on relationships?

One Flaw of Women

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:02:00 +0000

Got this from one of my friends. Just wanted to share it to remind all women how priceless they are.

Women, enjoy!

---------------

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy

and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer

when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel

and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about

a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they

think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss

can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you

to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what

makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their

family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

A Greater Purpose!

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:17:00 +0000

It's been 2 months since I've arrived from Indonesia. I miss teaching. I miss my friends in Surabaya. I miss hearing Bahasa Indonesia. But I am also happy that after so many years, I now have lots of time in my hands (that's just a better way of saying "I am now a bum").

Sometime last year, I felt a deep stirring in my heart to leave Indonesia and go back to the Philippines. It was triggered by one comment made by an immigration officer. She was checking my passport and immigration card when she asked me whether I was teaching in a private school or a government school. I told her that I was teaching in a private school. Her reply was simple, "Good, 'cause if you were teaching in a government school in Indonesia, I wouldn't allow you to leave". She gave me back my passport and said goodbye casually. She had no idea what she's done.

After hearing the immigration officer's comment, I felt uneasy. The message was clear to me. It was time for me to go back to my homeland and serve my fellowmen. I've been in Indonesia for six years and I have loved every moment that I've spent there. I have been given lots of opportunities to serve in communities. The latest was in a poor community where I had the chance to teach Character Building Education to preschool children. I won't be able to forget the memories that I've had in that community.

I remember that I would always feel nervous when it was time for me to teach as I had to speak in Bahasa Indonesia. I would diligently memorize the "script" given to me, trying to imitate a local's accent when speaking. But whenever I stand in front of the class and deliver my "lines", I only see children with blank faces. In my frustration, I asked my friend why they seem not to understand what I was saying. I asked her whether my accent was wrong or was I speaking too fast 'cause the children didn't seem to understand what I was trying to teach them. My friend just laughed and told me that almost all of the children in that community couldn't understand Bahasa Indonesia. They could only understand their tribe's local dialect. It brought relief and at the same time disappointment. I was relieved that it was not because of the way I spoke. But I was disappointed that they didn't understand the lessons that I was trying to teach them. But despite this, I was still very happy that I had the chance to reach out to them. This is the kind of opportunity that I long for. While others are longing for opportunities to work in highly developed countries to earn big bucks, I am dreaming of finding opportunities where I can help others. I would be hypocrite if I say that I don't want to be rich. Of course I want to be rich! But only so that I can have all the resources that I need to help others.

So in November of last year, it was clear to me that it was time for me to pack my bags and head for my beloved homeland. It was a struggle as I was already used to my life in Indonesia. I loved my job, my ministries and my friends there. But then I know that if I don't do as my heart says, I would always be hearing "What if's" in my mind.

Now, I am back in the Philippines. But I still haven't done anything for my country. I was hoping that as soon as I hopped off the plane someone would approach me and hand me and envelope and say, "This is your mission". But then it only happens in movies. I am neither Tom Cruise nor Keanu Reeves. So there won't be people popping in front of me telling me what my mission is. But one thing is for sure, my Almighty Father has already prepared everything for me. He constantly guides me, leading me in the right path. He is always patient, especially when I am stubborn. I am secure knowing that His plans for me are greater than anything that I could ever imagine. I was created for a greater purpose.

Ninoy's Letter to Noynoy

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 07:48:00 +0000

I read this post in the blog of one of my friends. I couldn't help but be teary-eyed. How I wish Ninoy was still alive so he could become our President. Read on.

LIHAM NI NINOY KAY NOYNOY (Ninoy's Letter to his son, Noynoy)

August 25, 1973

Fort Bonifacio

11:30pm

Mr. Benigno S. Aquino III

P E R S O N A L

My dearest Son:

One of these days , when you have completed your studies I am sure you will have the opportunity to visit many countries. And in your travels you will witness a bullfight.

In Spanish bullfighting as you know, a man – the matador – is pitted against an angry bull.

The man goads the bull to extreme anger and madness. Then a moment comes when the bull, maddened, bleeding and covered with darts, feeling his last moment has come, stops rushing about and grimly turns his face on the man with the scarlet "muleta" and sword. The Spaniards call this "the moment of truth." This is the climax of the bullfight.

This afternoon, I have arrived at my own moment of truth. After a lengthy conference with my lawyers, Senators Jovito R. Salonga and Lorenzo M. Tanada I made a very crucial and vital decision that will surely affect all our lives: mommie's, your sisters', yours and all our loved ones as well as mine.

I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I've been charged with illegal possession of firearms, violation of RA 1700 otherwise known as the "Anti-Subversion Act" and murder.

You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision. Briefly: by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel, the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations, I will not put up any defense, I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial and I will merely await the verdict. Inasmuch as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possibly be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.

You may ask: why did you do it?

Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny, as it will surely appear to many, it is my last act of defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.

You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people.

For this I am very sorry. I had hopes of building a little nest egg for you. I bought a ranch in Masbate in the hope that after ten or fifteen years, the coconut trees I planted there would be yielding enough to assure you a modest but comfortable existence.

Unfortunately, I had to sell all our properties as I fought battle after political battle as a beleaguered member of the opposition. And after the last battle, I had more obligations than assets.

The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me.

I prepared a statement which I intend to read before the military commission on Monday at the opening of my trial. I hope the commission members will be understanding and kind enough to allow me to read my statement into the record. This may well be my first and only participation in the entire proceedings.

In this statement, I said: Some people suggested that I beg for mercy from the present powers that be. Son, this I cannot do in conscience. I would rather die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees in shame.

Your great grandfather, Gen. Servilliano Aquino was twice condemned to death by both the Spaniards and the American colonizers. Fortunately, he survived both by a twist of fate.

Your grandfather, my father was also imprisoned by the Americans because he loved his people more than the Americans who colonized us. He was finally vindicated. Our ancestors have shared the pains, the sorrows and the anguish of Mother Filipinas when she was in bondage.

It is a rare privilege for me to join the Motherland in the dark dungeon where she was led back by one of her own sons whom she lavished with love and glory.

I ended my statement thus: I have chosen to follow my conscience and accept the tyrant's revenge.

It takes little effort to stop a tyrant. I have no doubt in the ultimate victory of right over wrong, of evil over good, in the awakening of the Filipino.

Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them.

I was barely fifteen years old when my father died. His death was my most traumatic experience. I loved and hero-worshipped him so much, I wanted to join him in his grave when he passed away. But as in all sorrows, eventually they are washed away by the rains of time.

In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink from their fountain of experiences.

Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of her with patience and warm affection.

Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.

I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid, you will now have to go it alone without your guide.

The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.

There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength.

Son, the ball is now in your hands.

Lovingly,

Dad

True Worship

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 06:14:00 +0000

Some thoughts on "worship" after reading the book "Teaching Kids Authentic Worship" by Kathleen Chapman...

Whenever we hear the word worship, we often think of the kind of worship that we may have experienced. This may entail singing a gospel song over and over or raising up our hands with tears streaming down our cheeks. However, worship is much more than these actions.

For us believers, we still remember the time when we made the decision to commit our lives to Jesus. We were definitely excited to grow in our relationship with God so we attended camps that resulted in “mountaintop experiences” or retreats that gave us a warm feeling all over. There were times when we would be stirred in our hearts to love God more after listening to a very good sermon. These wonderful feelings are usually equated with worship. Sadly, these things are not worship.

According to A.W. Tozer, “worship is to express in some appropriate manner a humbling but delightful sense of admiring awe and astonished wonder and overpowering love in the presence of our Father which art in heaven.” This simply means that worship is speaking or expressing God’s worth, and our responsibility to adore Him. It is not about music or singing, and it’s definitely not about us. It’s not about what we enjoy doing for Him.

Worship is more than just faithful service. It is more than just reading your Bible from cover to cover or singing loudly in a church service. Worship is focusing only on God and never thinking about ourselves. God is so awesome and wonderful that our prospects for worship are limitless. Nature alone already speaks of God’s greatness. Yet, there are still a myriad of other things around us that show us God’s grandeur.

Practicing true worship can bring us closer to God. It can bring us so close that nothing or no one can come between us and God. May we learn to practice worship in its true form, not focusing on ourselves but focusing on God alone.

Working at MSCS

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:42:00 +0000

The article below is my write up for the MSCS yearbook for AY 2008-09. Hope you enjoy reading. :)

“What is there to enjoy in Surabaya?”

I was asked this seemingly unimportant question that brought me to realize this very important morsel of truth: we were created to enjoy our relationships. When I was asked this question, my instant answer was “The people, my friends.” It was then that I realized how important our relationships are and that we were created to enjoy each and every relationship that we have.

Relationship with God.

Our most important relationship is our relationship with God. We were created to have fellowship with Him each and every moment of our lives. We find wisdom and strength only in His presence. I was so blessed to have been part of a school where we corporately worship God and pray to Him for our needs daily. It is just right to make Him first in everything that we do.

Relationship with others.

When one of the teachers said that MSCS has a very good working environment, I just couldn’t agree more. When I first came to this school, I immediately felt the warmth of the people working here; it was as if I was part of a very intimate family. Every one was so accommodating that I did not find it difficult to adjust to my new environment. It became very easy for me to do well in my job because all of the people here were so kind and helpful. Even the students were so adorable and loving. I truly treasure my relationships with my bosses, my colleagues and my students. Though years may pass, I will always have my MSCS family in my heart.

I consider working for Mawar Sharon Christian School or MSCS as it is more commonly known, to be one of my most rewarding experiences. That is why it was very hard for me to say goodbye after working here for two years.

What Kind of Learner Are You?

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:28:00 +0000

Nakigaya kay Chique...

You Are a Visual Learner

You tend to remember what you see, and you have a good eye for aesthetics.
You excel at art, design, and computer programming.
You would be an excellent film director - or the next Bill Gates!

What's Your Learning Style?

A Train Ride to Jakarta (A Lesson on Compassion)

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:55:00 +0000

I heard their cries... I was annoyed...

I was in a 12-hour train ride to Jakarta a few days before Hari Raya. I knew from the beginning that choosing to ride the train instead of riding a plane was a big mistake. Why? Because I can't sleep unless I'm lying down comfortably with my arms wrapped around a bolster pillow. But the adventurous side of me won over my practical side. I convinced myself that riding a train would be more challenging. I told myself that this train ride would be special. God knew that it couldn't have been closer to the truth.

The first two hours were not so hard. I left Surabaya at about 5pm so it was hours before my "bedtime". I tried to keep myself busy by reading a book on child-rearing. As it neared the hour for sleeping, I started to feel uneasy. I didn't know how to position myself. I turned to the left, I turned to the right but nothing seemed perfect. Fortunately, the seat beside me was empty. So I could stretch my legs as far as I could. But then, it was not the same as "lying down" so I still couldn't sleep. The constant shaking and "chugging" of the train added to my discomfort.

Around 2 AM, I started to drift off to sleep. It was not the deep, restful sleep that I longed for but still it was sleep. So I was thankful. But about an hour later, it felt like I was dreaming. I heard people shouting and crying... I woke up. It turns out that the train has stopped at one of the stations in Java Island and the voices that I heard were the voices of the vendors peddling their goods.

I heard their cries... I was annoyed...

These people woke me up from the precious sleep that I've been longing for. I was complaining in my heart, thinking terrible things about these people... But then I heard God's still, small voice saying to me, "Listen closely, my daughter". I didn't know what God meant so I just kept quiet. I couldn't figure out what God wanted me to see. I felt deeply bothered in my spirit. After a few minutes, it all became clear...

The cries that I heard were not just the cries of ordinary people peddling their goods. They were the cries of people hungry for life. People who were lost but had no one to guide them. People who were thirsty but had no one to tell them where the fountain of life is. I felt deep conviction in my heart. I felt really convicted...Big time.

I was on my way to Jakarta to visit Mahanaim Foundation. I wanted to learn how to "minister" to people, to learn how to reach out to the lost. But when God put me face to face with the "harvest", my automatic reaction was annoyance, not compassion. I was more concerned about my sleep than I was of these people who were "dying". I felt so ashamed of myself. There was nothing else to do but cry. My heart cried out to God for forgiveness. I asked him to forgive me for being so superficial in my motive to serve. I only chose opportunities of service that were convenient for me. I know that God deliberately woke me up from my sleep to show me that I am daily surrounded with people who are in need of Jesus' love. But most of the time, I don't even give them my attention.

Why are we doing the things that we're doing? Is it because of our love for God or is it because doing them makes us feel better? That simple encounter with the "common people" made me realize that my motives were not always pure. A part of me was serving God not because of my love for Him, but because of my selfish motives. Every day I pray for opportunities to serve Him, and every day He answers my prayer. He daily surrounds me with opportunities to show compassion to people who are in desperate need of the truth... I just don't see them 'cause I am so busy looking out for the seemingly "better" opportunities.

Let's examine our hearts and answer this question every time we do ministry ...

"Why am I doing what I'm doing?"

Wanted: High School English Teacher

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 09:10:00 +0000

Tuban, a township in the island of Java, is in need of an English teacher who will teach in several Secondary Schools within the area. Tuban is about a 3-hour drive from Surabaya, the capital city of East Java. The residents of this area are predominantly muslims so applicants must have a "big heart" to serve the muslims. Applicants should be available to start immediately.

Applications should be sent to . Please include expected salary.

Please forward to anyone who might be interested. Thanks!

Being a Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:36:00 +0000

I guess winning has been quite a usual thing for me lately...heehee...well, actually that's an overstatement. I've won in two contests this month, actually one was a raffle. But the reason why I'm making such a big deal out of this is that all my life, I've only won a prize in a contest once, a general admission ticket for a Gary V concert in Zamboanga, and that was when I was still in high school. But then this month, all of a sudden I was a winner in not just one but in two contests... It really feels great to be a winner.

I was in a Cebu Pacific flight two weeks ago. As usual, there was a "Bring Me" game on board the flight. I usually don't participate in these games coz I am always seated in one of the back rows. And I noticed that people in the back rows don't really get to win any prize. But in this particular flight, I was seated in the second row. So when the game started, I wasn't really excited. But since there was nothing else to do I told myself that I will participate in the game. When the flight attendant asked for the inflight magazine, I raised up my copy not really expecting to win. After scanning the crowd for the winner, the flight attendant motioned to his colleague to give the prize to me. My eyes grew big not being able to believe that I was the winner. (I guess being a teacher, I acquired this habit of exaggerating for dramatic effects.) I was on cloud 9 the whole duration of the flight. I was a winner!

Then, just today on my way to class,one of the school's security guards told me that I had a package. I was confused because I wasn't expecting to receive any package. So I immediately tore the box open and read the cover letter. It turns out that I was one of the winners in Reader's Digests' annual sweepstakes. I vaguely remember joining the sweepstakes 'cause it was last year's raffle. I thought they had the raffle draw several months ago. It turns out that they just had it this July and I was one of the minor winners. I really couldn't believe that I was a winner, maybe not the grand prize winner, but I was still a winner. I was ecstatic. I was a winner!

Well, I've been declaring much about being a winner lately. And God has shown me that I am indeed a winner. These two incidents are just foretastes of what being a winner really is. I am indeed a winner. No matter what people say, no matter what happens, I am still a winner. God has already prepared into my future everything that I need to be a winner. I just have to keep on expecting for the "breakthroughs" to come. Now, I will keep on believing 'cause faith will keep me going. I am a winner! I am a winner!

Prophetic Word for the Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:28:00 +0000

Last weekend, I attended the International Prophetic Conference at the Supermall Convention Center. It was a 3-day event but I only got to attend the last 2 days. On the 3rd day of the conference, Pastor Benaiah of Malaysia gave a prophetic word for the Philippines. There were three points to the word he gave:

1. People should pray for the upcoming Vice-president of the Philippines. He will be like Joseph. We all need to pray for wisdom for him.

2. The Lord will move within the military in a new way. Fellowships will arise in the military. God will do a great thing in the military, something that He has never done before.

3. The construction and service industries will be 2 of the most booming industries in the country. New constructions will arise.

During the night service of the 2nd day, Cindy Jacobs said that a prayer tower will arise in Bora-Bora that will open a gate to the Philippines. She didn't elaborate on the "Philippines part" 'cause she was concentrating on Bora-Bora but I believe that the Philippines will play a great part in bringing revival to this region... to Southeast Asia, to all the countries in Asia. Let's rise up to our destiny! Let's decree all that God has promised for our country.

The Ants

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:33:00 +0000

A week before the classes were to end, I got a very special surprise from one of my kindergarten students. One morning, Gavin came up to me very excited. He said, "I have something for you! I have something for you!" Thinking that he's discovered my "addiction", I was hoping to get a bag of chocolates from him. While he was getting that "something" from his bag, I looked at his class teacher and raised my eyebrows silently asking her if she knew what it was. She just giggled and said, "Yes, he has something for you!" Gavin finally came back and gave me that "special something" - ants.

I laughed out loud and lovingly said "thank you" to Gavin. It was so funny, there I was expecting a bag of chocolates but what I got was a plastic of ants, 2 big black ants to be exact. I hugged Gavin and proudly showed the plastic of ants to his classmates. I saw how proud he was of himself. He even offered to explain that those ants were "guard ants". For me it didn't matter what his gift was, the thing that mattered was "his heart" when he gave it to me. I will always treasure Gavin's gift to me.

This made me realize how God must feel for us. He must feel much love for us when we try to do things for Him. He treasures everything that we do even if these things may be very feeble. Most of the time we fail in our endeavors, but I know that He still lovingly looks at us and tells us that He appreciates our efforts. 'Cause He doesn't look at the whats of our efforts but He looks at the whys of our efforts. The only thing that He wants from us is a relationship with Him not our ministry, not our accomplishments, not our worldly successes. He wants all of our heart, not just a part of it but ALL of it. So the next time that we go to God and try to do things for Him, we have to remember that it doesn't matter what we do or whether we succeed or fail 'cause He will always be like a father to us. He will always be proud of us 'cause He knows our hearts.

Completely (from Facing the Giants)

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Mon, 26 May 2008 04:20:00 +0000

The secret of life is letting go
The secret of love is letting it show
In all that I do
In all that I say
Right here in this moment

The power of prayer is in a humble cry
The power of change is in giving my life
And laying it down
Down at your feet
Right here in this moment

chorus:
Take my heart
Take my soul
I surrender everything to your control
And let all that is within me lift up to you and say
I am yours and yours alone
Completely

This journey of life is a search for truth
This journey of faith is following you
Every step of the way
Through the joy and the pain
Right here in this moment

Right here, right now, and for the rest of my life
Hear me say

I am yours and yours alone
Completely

Prince Caspian

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sat, 24 May 2008 02:02:00 +0000

(with Irene and Yola at TP Mall)

I've waited for this movie since last year. I finally got to watch it for free last Wednesday, thanks to my school. There were about 200 of us from Mawar Sharon (church and school). Anyway, the movie wasn't what I expected. I expected it to be "grander". But then, it doesn't matter, I still loved it cause it's Narnia. I'm a die-hard Narnia fan. Go, Narnia!!!

I just hated the part where Prince Caspian and Susan kissed. I didn't think it was necessary. The movie would've been better off without it. But then, it's Hollywood, what could we expect. :-(

Anyways, I got three things from the movie:

1. I have to be passionate about what I do. (Reepicheep and his troop)
2. Be proud of my work.(Again, Reepicheep and his troop)
3. Anything that I do, I do it for God! (When they finally figured out what they were fighting for. That it was all for Aslan.)

Hurray for Narnia! Hope they make another Narnia movie. :-)

Abiding...Not Striving (James Hudson Taylor)

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Fri, 23 May 2008 10:11:00 +0000

Last week, I was reading a book about Hudson Taylor and his wife Maria and a chapter in the book struck me as something so true...and so liberating.

From Chapter 20 of the book "Hudson and Maria, Pioneers of China" by John Pollock.

He (J.H. Taylor) opened and skimmed through letter after letter from the stations, from home, from Shanghai.

He came upon one from John McCarthy, written a day or two after Hudson had left. It was a long letter. He read on and on, attention riveted. "I seem," McCarthy wrote, "as if the first glimmer of the dawn of a glorious day has risen upon me... I seem to have sipped only of that which can fully satisfy." McCarthy had found the secret they sought. Hudson looked at the letter again. "To let my loving Saviour work in me His will...Abiding, not striving or struggling..."

Hudson came to the last paragraph. "Not a striving to have faith, or to increase our faith but a looking at the beautiful one seems all we need. A resting in the loved one entirely, for time, for eternity. It does not appear to me as anything new, only formerly misunderstood."

Hudson was amazed at his own blindness. His eyes opened wide. As in Barnsley twenty years before, as at Brighton four years before, a long inward struggle resolved in a split second. "As I read it, I saw it all. If we believeth not, He abideth faithful. And I looked to Jesus and saw (and when I saw, oh, how joy flowed) that He had said, "I will never leave you." In shorter time than it took to describe afterwards, Hudson grasped that e must not struggle to have the strengthand peach of Christ. "I have striven in vain to abide in Him. I'll strive no more. For has not he promised to abide with me - never to leave me, never to fail me? The effort to 'get it out' was a mistake.

"I am one with Christ," he cried as he explained the glorious discovery to the whole Chinkiang household, hastily gathering them together and reading McCarthy's letter. "It was all a mistake to try and get the fullness out of Him, I am part of Him. Each of us is a limb of His body, a branch of the vine. Oh, think what a wonderful thing it is to be really one with a risen Saviour." And in some such words as he wrote a few weeks later to his sister Amelia in England, he expounded the truth he had missed so long: "Think what it involves! Can Christ be rich and I poor? Can your right hand be rich and your left poor? or you head well fed while your body starves?"

Wow! It's just so amazing to know that God is always there ready to guide us, ready to help us. We just have to abide in Him. He promised never to leave us nor forsake us. It just gets so tiring when we struggle to abide in Him thinking that He abandons us when we are unfaithful, but then we don't have to struggle 'cause He is always there... He will never leave our side. :-) Life in Him is always bountiful 'cause everything that is His is ours too. We have everything that we need to fulfill our destiny, we just need to abide in Him.

Shining Like Stars

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:27:00 +0000

My friends and I 'stole' this little boy a few days ago. His name's Raka and he seemed so comfortable in our house. Raka is just one of the many kids who play outside our gate every day. Right after moving to the new staff house, I felt a burden for the kids in the neighbourhood. I knew that I can bless them by teaching them English. However, I didn't know who to approach or ask for help about starting the ministry.

Last month, Ms Lina, also a teacher in MSCS, told me that she was planning to start a ministry in our neighbourhood and she was wondering if I could help. Immediately I said yes. I knew that this is an opportunity for me to be a blessing. I was excited. We started our English class 2 weeks ago. The children are always excited, very eager to learn. It is such a joy teaching them. :-) I am so grateful that God has opened the door for me and my friends so we can shine like stars in the darkness.

Gibby

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:02:00 +0000

I met Gibby at a children's revival meeting last week. My friends and I were jumping up and down during praise and worship when he suddenly appeared in front of us and showed us the 'right' moves. I couldn't help but laugh coz he looked so adorable and funny.

I took pictures of him while he was dancing. But he came to me and asked me to erase them coz he said he didnt want me to take pictures of him. He tried to look shy. But then, after a while it didn't really take much prodding to have him pose and smile in front of the camera. :-) I'm glad I met Gibby coz I was reminded that life was just so simple. And there's always lots of reasons to smile.

Humility in Service

noreply@blogger.com (Me) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 05:39:00 +0000

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Mark 10:45

We had our Easter celebration yesterday and all the students prepared a short presentation. The Kindergarten 1 students presented a skit on Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. It got me thinking about the reason why I am in ministry. I was convicted because most of the time I serve people only because of want of recognition or praise, and not because of love.

A few weeks ago, while reflecting on my life, I realized that I am always eager to please people. I want people to praise me, whether it be from my family, friends, boss, colleagues, pastor, co-workers in the ministry, it's all the same. I want them to praise me for the things that I do. I feel important when I am needed. I draw my value from my achievements, from the approval of men. I am on a spiritual high whenever people are applauding my efforts.

But Jesus came to Earth to save us because He loved us. He didn't need the approval of men because He was secure in the Father's love. He served people because He loved them and not because He wanted them to like Him. That is what I'm trying to do now, learning to serve like Jesus. I have a long way to go but at least I'm trying . :-)