Lessons I Learned: Give and be Blessed

I am an Ilocano (half, at least). In the Philippines, they would say, that if you are an Ilocano, you are nakermet but as redeemed as I am, I would translate that as frugal, prudent, and responsible.

But generally, we are in nature, selfish. We don't want to share, or at least it offends us when we are asked to share or even worse, give what we have. Even me sharing this, will actually offend a lot of people. The Bible says in Galatians 5:19 about the acts of the sinful nature which are obvious, and included there are hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy- all these I would say act as a family because you would notice that they always come together.

The Word of God teaches us to give. Even Jesus Himself said in Acts 20:35b that ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ The amazing miracle of giving is only felt if we claim that promise of God- the blessing that follows after the giving, if we put our faith to the One who "fulfills" this promise, indeed, it is more blessed to give.

As young as Matt and Dave are, Connie and I fully agree with each other that they should learn giving. Not just the idea of giving away what they have, but knowing and believing that God's promise of being blessed follows right after. Convincing them of the giving part is easy, and in fact, they would obey (sometimes with tears in their eyes), but then again, depositing the TRUTH in their hearts that God will indeed bless them "a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into their lap", the focus begins to be shifted from us and the giving part- to GOD. They begin to trust God and be thankful to Him for everything (even starting with the small things). They should share their toys with each other. Even in Kids' church, they should learn to play with other kids without getting someone else's while playing with it. And if someone grabs the toy they are holding, they should give it right away, without having to feel hurt or offended, because it is better to give. My eyes got sweaty, when Connie told me about Matti praying faith-fully for a toy car he saw in Robinsons, and Connie told him to pray for it, and when we bought that for him, and it was time for prayer, he closed his eyes and said "Thank you Jesus for this toy". It was surely a marvelous sight, a sincere, true-to-his-heart prayer, focusing on God and no one will ever take that away from him.

If we are convinced by this, then I cry foul to people who would say "Ok lang, huwag ka na mag-bigay..." all because sorry, there is NO TRUTH on that. The Bible gave us a way on how to be blessed- and this is to give. Even Jesus commended a poor widow who gave out of her poverty (the 2 very small copper coins). Jesus said she gave more. Was Jesus talking about the quantity? Well, I think He was focusing on the heart and the faith. Does that mean that the rich gave without their hearts on it? Not really, but I am sure, they have not given "their all" with what they gave. The old woman who gave 2 very small copper coins was poor, and the money she gave might have been the only money she had, but "she gave it all". Let's be careful of the theology we subtly preach (or for the benefit of the doubt, "carelessly say") to people just because we are careful not to offend them. The only way to be blessed is to obey the Word of God, and yes, He said- GIVE.

All these things can only be learned and accepted if we are fully convinced of the God we worship, we serve and we put our faith into. Our giving, and even the way we talk with others about giving, is definitely dependent of our perception of our God.

Is your God indeed capable to bless you? How? Is your God faithful to His promises? (and some will say, what promises are you talking about?)

My God is an awesome God. He said in Luke 12:31, that if I seek his kingdom, and all things will be given to me as well. My God teaches me to give because He said it will be given back to me- a thousandfold.

My God is generous Himself, he gives generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5).

This Christmas Season, and all the seasons of our lives, let's Honor God by giving. With this becoming our practice, we will surely experience His abundant blessings after obeying His word. This season is a reminder in itself- when God gave us His Son to die for our Sins and redeem us from the wrath that should be upon us.

All for His glory and honor.

Top 10 John Wooden Quotes I LIKE!

Top 10 John Wooden Quotes I like:


10. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

9. Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.

8. I'd rather have a lot of talent and a little experience than a lot of experience and a little talent.

7. It isn't what you do, but how you do it.

6. It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.

5. Never mistake activity for achievement.

4. Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.

3. Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.

2. If I were ever prosecuted for my religion, I truly hope there would be enough evidence to convict me.

1. There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior

PS. John Wooden was one of the most-awarded Basketball Coaches of all time.

Lessons I Learned: Respect and Honor Your Leaders

For a Christian like me who literally grew (in faith and in weight) in church since 1997, I quite certainly observed a few things which makes it dynamic or not, exciting or not, sinner-friendly or not, etc. Thanks to a bunch of wise leaders who were there, willingly showing how they do things, how they decide and what they do before deciding. I have seen the churches where God placed me, grow, not just in quantity but in quality. I am arrogantly listing a few reasons I observed in Church Admin which I guess (I say this with all my heart, because I am not even sure) made the church more than just a body of believers, but a family:

Respect and high honor for leaders. I have to put this as No. 1. I believe that the first thing we need to unlearn from all other organizations we belong, is throwing unnecessary comments to our leaders. We can do that in all other organizations, but definitely not in church. In other organizations, we may question their ability, or even their decisions, but in church, it is like saying we don't believe in the God who appointed them. I have seen my leaders contradict Senior Pastors in front of the staff meeting table, but never held grudges after, or even take offense if their suggestions were not implemented. My respect for them even increases and all the more, I highly regard them for such a matured stand. I served Pastors of different styles, but 2 things standard and should be done are to make their lives easier and PRAY FOR THEM. If blessings and fresh revelations are upon them, everyone benefits.

To question the leader that God has given us is to question the God we serve.

Hebrews 13:16-18 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.

What is Hindering You?

It's been a long while since I have posted something here in my blog account. Here I am again, now in a completely different world, with different people I get to hang out with, a different set of "country" rules, and so on and so forth.

I was worrying when I left the Philippines. In fact, when I stepped my foot here in Riyadh, there was this fear inside of me that anything can happen, specially if the Mutawas (Saudi Police) will ask me of anything and might do something to me. The same feeling or even a little more terrifying when I temporarily moved to the Visayas (more of the language barrier).

Before boarding the plane from the Philippines, there were these immigration guards who checked our stuff inside our bags. It's different when you are headed to KSA, they are quite strict, they check your wallet if you possess a picture of your god, if you have a rosary in your bag, and all the religious stuff Filipinos might bring. Only the food I bought was confiscated. Everything else passed. I made sure I removed my Bible software from my iTouch, mahirap na. One of the lady guards even asked me, Sir, sigurado po kayo? Mahirap daw sa Saudi eh, grabeng strikto, tamo nga kami dito, required talaga kami ng Kingdom na maghigpit sa mga papasok sa Saudi, to which I thought, It might be really a serious crime to even mention the name of Jesus in that country.

When I set my foot in Saudi, it is really different, I thought. The air tells you that you can't just do anything here, and that they are seriously ISLAM, if you may. No pork, no pork flavored noodles, no hopiang baboy, no chicharon. You disobey, you are deported back to the Philippines. 

But something inside me is saying that God is the Lord of the Earth, even of Saudi. I knew it, it was God comforting me and telling me that I will be just fine.

To make the story short, I am now living with fellow Christians (whom I just met here, through other people whom I also just met here). I did not choose things to come this way, I know, it was God who orchestrated everything. Ang daming Pinoy dito na mapagsamantala, at alam ko, hindi aksidente na ang proteksiyon ni God ay sumama sa akin, at hindi niya ako pinabayaan. 

The second week of my stay in Saudi is another eye-opener. I had my first Christian service in an underground church. It made me realize that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GOD. That nothing can hinder those who are hungry, those who feel desperate of the Lord, and those who stick to the TRUTH. 

I read a verse just now- in Matthew 27:51, which was the time when Jesus died on the cross. What happened there? Let me share it with you:

"At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom...."

It was a simple verse, a few words, but it means a lot. During the Old Testament days (or prior to Jesus' death), only the High Priests can enter inside the temple, otherwise, something terrible will happen to the one who enters. In other words, only the High Priest can commune with God. Again, all because of Sin. We cannot communicate with God, not because He doesn't want to, but because our SINS separated us away from God. THE HINDRANCE IS SIN. 

In that verse, it signifies freedom. It signifies forgiveness. It signifies acceptance. Because of Jesus' death, we can worship God in Spirit and Truth- without guilt and condemnation- all because Jesus made the way for us. He removed the HINDRANCE once and for all, so that we can freely go to God- and commune with Him. Now, God can hear us. We can have an exciting relationship with God again, because of what Jesus did on the cross.

Here in Saudi, there maybe hindrances from the government, BUT NEVER A HINDRANCE TO GO AHEAD AND SEEK, WORSHIP, AND LIFT UP JESUS. There maybe resistance in the physical, but it is God who makes things possible. We still gather, we still choose to lift up HIS Name. We still choose to humble ourselves and allow HIS hands to move in our midst.

Are you discouraged? Are you going through tough times? Things are hard in your life? Remember us here. Remember also, above all, what JESUS did on the cross- and what happened after. The curtain was torn for you to enter His throne of GRACE. Allow HIM to speak to your life. Experience life to the full- with Jesus ruling over your life. Is there anything too hard for God? Is there any problem or situation you can think of that God cannot fix? The thing is, we have to let him TAKE CHARGE. Let Him be the Boss- even of our emotions, our understanding (intellect)- in other words, the LORD OF EVERYTHING.


It's hard to express how is it to have a relationship with the Lord. Just think of this: even in a restricted country like Saudi, we come together and have fun in His presence.

Romans 8:35, 37-39  

³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?....³⁷No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

typhoon

you show your strength from afar
by the distance, everyone's warned at your wrath
how you managed to become famous
people are scared at your mere presence

suddenly you come
as a matter of fact, you come in power
even though we hide, you get within
slamming everything you can, no one's exempted

you bring in with you rains that you pour like there is no more tomorrow,
winds that are strong, you bring in sadness and sorrow,
oh typhoon, you are like the tongue of the hollow
nothing inside you, but devastation will surely follow

who can avoid you, bitching winds of typhoon?
how many lives, in fact you have taken?
like the tongue of the one who have mastered,
you leave and hurt, yet you never really care

who has hurt you, typhoon of destruction?
that you approach us like this, like there is no other season?
don't you know the horror you bring?
can't you feel the curse that you bring?

then you're gone, everyone's out again,
feeling empty and discouraged, with what you've left behind,
you made us down, you tongue of destruction,
well, that is what you were made of, who can question?

June 10 Prayer and Worship

One thing I learned yesterday during the Prayer and Worship night at Victory Ortigas during worship time is: When approaching God, bring everything along with you, the good and the bad, and lay it before Him in worship, because He is willing to take away all of it, and fill you up with His presence.

I use to think that I am always unworthy of His presence, of His goodness, but when will I ever be? While it is good to feel empty, I should not forget that, on my own, I am never qualified to approach the throne of God- His Presence.

Jesus made me worthy. I can worship with all I am- because of Jesus! It is just freeing to think that way. Worshiping in spirit and truth is knowing who you are and Who God is in your life, in my life.

Technology: Bancnet Online

I can't help but share my excitement about a new found discovery (at least for me, lately). This is about www.bancnetonline.com.

If your card or bank belongs to the Bancnet (group of banks), you can now inquire your balance- AND PAY YOUR BILLS online!

No need to go and fall in line in ATM Machines, or even to any Bayad Center just to settle your bills. Bancnet online is just a few clicks away!

And here's more, you don't need to register and be approved after 3 days or a week! Instantly, you can do your transactions!

2 thumbs up for bancnetonline!

Approaching the Throne of Grace: What's Da Meaning?

As a Catholic, I am used to suffer first before I can confidently approach God. I feel like I need to be crucified first, pray the prescribed prayer, and feel the guilt forever because of what I have done. Once I feel guilty, then I can approach God. 

I have never wondered if it was TRUE, or should I just do it, because millions are doing it anyway. At least, I think millions are doing it. Anyway, I was fine, I thought. I was a very religious person. I felt a lot better than those who are professing they believe in God but never went and serve in church. I was not proud, I was just religious and felt peace because I am always in church. I thought.

As a Renewed Catholic, I can say that things has to change, first, in my mind, and ultimately in my heart.

I remember the first day I was confronted with this verse (which became my favorite): 

Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

What happened was, I was graciously invited for a small conversation with A.B., a friend I met during college. He was there at the canteen outside where my boarding house was located. Waiting for me, as I agreed to meet with him at that exact hour. I was not very interested. In fact, I told the landlady to tell him I was sleeping, but he insisted to wait so I just had to go out and tell him personally I planned something else and maybe just meet some other time. But he was very insistent. 

"If you can't give your all and willing to fight and die to that something that you believe, you never really believed in the first place."

Radical. I have always believed that when doing something, give it your best shot, or else, you might lose your chance. I have always believe in giving it all, or none at all. If you can't give your all and willing to fight and die to that something that you believe, you never really believed in the first place.

"I am fine, kuya. In fact, I always go to church and serve. I have compassion for the poor. I fear God. I pray. Parang I don't see the reason why I have to be what you think I should be because I think I am fine." I said.

"Ah, talaga.?" he lovingly responded. "What if I tell you na those things fall short? Na what you just said were not what really matters?"

The conversation was heating up. He got me very interested. I guess I have to listen to what he is about to say, or else, lose my chance.

AB asked me to open his Bible and read Ephesians 2:8-9, if I am right, around 5 times. I thought he was fooling around already, but on the 3rd time, it got into me. On the 4th time, I was about to cry, my voice was shaking, the verses were starting to dawn deep within. It was just so true. It was getting inside of me, in my mind. In my heart. On the 5th time, I let the tears go. Like a baby, tears just kept flowing from my eyes. We were in a public fast-food chain. I was in a position where everybody can see me crying, but I did not care. He cared, so we had to swap seats so people wouldn't have to wonder why I was crying like crazy.

How can I be so misinformed? How come I haven't known this and just now? It's all timing. It's all God's grace. Life was never the same then.

There is no way I should think like the former thinking. God is so loving He sent His son to die for me and give me a destiny for my life, not just after I die, but now, right here. 

Today, I say, I approach the throne of grace simply because of what Jesus did for me on the cross. He gave me the passes. And it wasn't a cheap ticket. It cost Him his life. He came so I can have life to the full. He endured the suffering in the cross so I can approach the throne of grace with confidence. I can freely worship a living God without even thinking of anything- only focusing on my eyes to the One who deserves my worship. A God who gave me an access to His blessings, to His goodness.

I am no different to anyone. The humility to accept Him in my life and His sovereignty is never because I wanted to be humble, but he enabled me to. I asked for God to fill me with every good thing from above. And he was generous enough to provide them. You can ask too.

If there is anything that I want to share with you- it is approaching God with confidence simply because of Him and through faith in what He has done. It is for freedom that God has set us free. I will never allow the world to measure me according to how it measures others. God has made me immeasurable. Gad has accepted me because of what Jesus did for me. It was never because of me, but because of what Jesus had done. I can ask and it will be given. I can knock, and the door shall be opened- all because of Jesus! 

Ephesians 3:12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

The Busy Bird Loses Its Temper

You have been working all day,

Toiling, flying, like there is no more tomorrow,

And why all these chasing after the wind?

What are all these for?

Like the fish in the sea, I wonder, do you know why you keep on swimming?

Where are you headed, where are you going?

You have been looking for that one thing,

Yet you don't know what that one thing is for.

After a long day of work and being good to your fellow birds,

You come and I am not sure if it's home,

Feeling restless, why the sudden energy when it comes to work and money?

I can't get it, help me get it, why oh why?

Why would home sacrifice for you,

When you should sacrifice for home?

Why would the little birds deserve what is left,

When gathering is what you are excited with?

Why? Does this home have to suffer what is left?

Should they just understand because you are tired and restless?

You keep flying, you keep toiling, looking for that one thing,

Approaching your nest, your head is aching, your temper lost.

Losing your temper is one thing, busy bird,

But letting the whole world know it is another,

The little bird has been hurt,

Yet you left, because your sleep has been disturbed by its cry for help.

Shame is upon you, yet shame is what you give,

The birds of your kind, are they like you?

I hope they are not, suffering should be outside, looking for the sufferers,

Not the sufferers suffering what you are suffering after you toil.

Why complain in this life where suffering is like breathing?

Is life in itself something you should be thankful of?

Those little birds, given to you from above,

Are they not enough reasons to learn patience and love?

Tomorrow is another day busy bird,

Tomorrow is another day of toiling,

Tomorrow is another day of choosing.

Another day of losing..... or winning.

A Pleasant Surprise

While setting-up my PC for a long day work today, my officemate who came from Zamboanga handed me "the padala" of a dear friend, Ryan Abutazil. Thank you Gil B. for bringing it sacrificially to Manila! :)

I did not expect that much. :) I was super blessed to have another Apollo Checker and 2 packs of Maggi Curry Flavored Noodles. These are 2 of my favorites from Zamboanga (apparently, it came from Malaysia, but since they are almost neighbors, Malaysian food is cheaper in that part of the archipelago).

Thank you Ryan! :) Connie and the kids will be happy, and I am too! :)

See you on July for the EN2010 World Conference! :)

David Lewis @ One Year and 3 Months

David Lewis, or Dave, or A-vid, or Dale, is our youngest. He is now 1 year and 3 months and 8 days old. Connie and I are just amazed at how young David is growing so fast and smart. 


I noticed David can say words already and can even respond well with simple instructions. I am excited because he can already do the following:


1. When I tell him to close the door, and say "Please close the door, David", he would go, even if he is lying on the bed and drinking his milk, he would stand and close the door. With this, I know, he imitates Matti who is very responsible when asked to do something. Sweet young boys.


2. When I call his name and say, "David, come here", he would come to me. I know it sounds weird to even be sharing but what is amazing with David is that when I put him to sleep, he doesn't do tantrums (I am not just sure if he does it with their yaya, but not to me or even to Connie). He would just lie down beside me and close his eyes. He won't move or try to go out of bed. He would just obey.


3. Like any other boy his age, he doesn't want to be stuck in his crib. He wants to roam, scatter all my CDs, hammer something on my laptop, scatter all the clothes which were piled in the corner, pull anything he can pull from the dining table, climb anywhere he can climb (and wonder how to get down, so he cries for help, but still does it over and over), spill anything he can spill, open anything he can open, grab anything he can grab, break anything he can break, etc. Here's one thing I commend my boy for- as young as he is, he knows the meaning of the words "NO", "Give it to Daddy", "Stay in your crib", and "Don't touch that"- and the consequence of disobeying. That way, I can at least minimize our things from breaking, shattering into bits, food wasted, and anything falling. How comforting not to buy a replacement any longer. :)


4. He can now say "Buh-bye" with his hands waving in the air. It actually gives me energy in the morning when I am preparing for work. He normally gets up ahead of me, and I would normally wake up when something breaks or he makes a sound like something big fell (e.g. a glass broke in front of him, the rice cooker fell in front of him). He will know that when someone discovers he's awake, he will stay in the crib already for the next 3-5 hours, while everyone is busy preparing for breakfast, cleaning, etc. I would wear my socks and shoes in front of his crib and there he will be staring at everything I am doing, while giving me some words which are still alien to me. He would smile sometimes, while talking and pointing on something. After wearing my shoes, and as I stand up, he would start saying "Buh-bye" already, waving his hands, until I leave. I always look forward to this scenario in the morning when I prepare for work.


5. He kisses me when I ask him to (I wonder if in Connie's experience, she still needs to ask, but for me, I have to ask). He is so sweet. When I ask him to kiss me, he would kiss me. These are the times I love to be a dad to my children, that I know, I am here for them, literally. That when they need me, I am there for them. I super appreciate it. 


Post-Script on Point 5. Just to emphasize on this, whenever Matti speaks, he would say "Daddy, buy ________ (whatever- milk, diapers, juice, iced tea, battery, hotdog, Milo, toy, ball, medicine, alcohol, vitamins, etc) for _________ (whoever he wants that thing given)". This is exactly what God wants to see in us- that we are confident to Him, that He is indeed our provider. I don't feel pressured at all or mad at Matti when he says this every time, like almost everyday. It reminds me of my God instead, that I can ask anytime, everyday as well.


There is more, but I am glad to have time with the kids. And it is always deliberate on my part. I have so much to do, so much that I need to accomplish, but I would rather be with them and disciple them and train them the way they should go, and see them grow, mature, and learn new things. They are wonderful blessings indeed. They are teachers in their own little ways- teaching us how to trust God and how to embrace Him as our Father.


1 Cor 3: 10b-11 But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Free SMS, UNLIMITED, to ALL Networks!

I have been using txtmate.com's Free Unlimited SMS for the last 5 months and so far, it has been a reliable and cost-effective source of free SMS through my PC more than the usual and well-known free sms service today.

What makes this free service really interesting is that it is UNLIMITED to all networks. It uses different numbers though, that is why it has to be explained to the receiver that they should not reply to the number and reply to the sender's original numbers instead.

Since it is unlimited, there will be no message that says "You have reached the maximum allowed number of SMS" or "The receiver needs to reply before you can send another message".

The service (txtmate.com) has a small-sized software (simple UI) that can be downloaded here or the web-based software that can also be accessed here.

Enjoy technology! Be a responsible texter. Don't send spams, malicious messages, prank messages, or porn-like messages! :) Text to edify, encourage, and empower people! :)

A Worship Experience: Worship in Faith

Yesterday was a special day. I would always think that everyday is really a special day, well, at least i think. And expect, or maybe, just believe. Especially when I am about to sing as part of the music ministry. It makes me realize the grace of God upon me, that I never deserved, His love that is just so amazing. I remember how I love, that is my choice to love, and I would love just the people who are lovable or those who loves me back or loved me first. How different God's love is- a love that loved me not because of what I did, but just because He wants me to, period.


As I stood there, I wanted to do things right. I wanted to make things right, the way I was taught, during the first phase of training. I wanted to remind myself of the Scriptures that I can remember, the way I should stand, the way I should clap, that I should minimize breathing, because my tummy might get bigger, from how big it is already, the way I pronounce my lyrics, my movements, that I should minimize looking at the lyrics from where the sound mixers are, that I should minimize closing my eyes while singing, that I should look around and try to communicate what I am not understanding (it is hard to feel the lyrics while communicating it to the people, huh). I was so consumed of the way I should do it, being so conscious that one of my training leaders are around, observing.


The first service was "just" right. I did what I "should" be doing. While the techniques are not wrong at all, I tend to really be submerged into it, not realizing that I am finishing the service without really worshiping God the way He wants me to. I did not really want to finish it like that. No excitement, no expectations of God, just finishing the worship service. Yesterday was a little different, and I guess, life-changing thus, worth-sharing.


I was trying to sing the songs, when suddenly, I was reminded of the phrase "It's not about me". 


Before that, I was tired the whole night prior to that night. I practiced. We had the best musicians- passionate guitar player, the best keyboardist-drummer of all time, a dancing bass guitar player, singers who can pull off almost any genre of songs. Therefore, we were ready. But I wasn't, like maybe the past Saturday nights I was a privileged to be a part of the music ministry.


But last night was just so different. My wife noticed it too. Or maybe she just encouraged me, but I am convinced it was different. I felt it was, at least.


I worshiped God. And I just felt His presence and I think saw Him smile at me!


I looked up and gazed upon His beauty. And man, I hope I will be able to describe it as exact as how I experienced it, and hopefully be able to put it into words, what I experienced. I closed my eyes, trying to feel the lyrics and put life into them. Something tells me, it's by faith that God is pleased. It's believing in a God I can't see but realizing His sovereignty over my life, over my family's. There was nothing really extravagant about my family, nothing really depressing and life-and-death situation. Nothing new that should make me feel a little emotional. 


There was nothing so emotional about my life, that should make me cry and ask God for His presence to be felt, and worship Him because I feel bad. 


God never needs me. He will never need me. NEVER. But I was in great need of Him. I am the worst sinner of all. I feel like I have been a guilty offender of His goodness. I did things right before His eyes, and realizing how gracious and loving He is, makes me really fall on my knees and worship. There was nothing about me that is worthy of His presence. There will never be. And I like it that way. Makes me worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. And Spirit and Truth signifies FREEDOM to me. Where the Spirit of God is, there is Freedom. The truth sets me Free. And I am free indeed. I am no longer a man-pleaser, but a God-pleaser. While all those preparations are great, God deserves every excellence that i can give, from everything to my life as a whole. I just can't help it. Praise and worship is not just finishing the line-up but enjoying every single second of it, to honor God, be amazed at  His goodness and beauty, enjoying His presence, sitting on His lap and allow Him to fill me up (like that of Mary in contrast to Martha). I wanted to just pour out my appreciation of God. I wanted to intimately be with Him and like a child who wants something so desperately, I did not want to let His presence go. Such a wonderful worship time- worshiping Him alone, setting aside what I am going through and just enjoying Him. And I know, He is delighted to see me worship Him and my eyes focused on Him. I danced, clapped, sing with joy and love, all because He deserves it. How I hoped it never ended. 


Without faith in worship, it's just going to be an activity. A part of the Service. It will just be 4 songs, 2 fast and 2 slow, and 1 special number. Without faith, it's just going to be lyrics and music from talented artists. Faith, according to the Bible, is being sure of what I don't see, and certain of what I hope for. I am sure of God's goodness, I am sure of His love, I am sure  of His existence. I am certain of the hope that one day, things will get better, in my life, in my family's, in the people I pray for, etc. I am certain that God will never leave me and that He remains to be faithful, even when I am not, or I tend to forget, or maybe just not. God is just so awesome beyond description. I just love worshiping!


“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”- Hebrews 11:6 

Technology, Politics and Elections

In the realm of the World Wide Web, traditional politics today has evolved into an Internet Politics. The face of the electoral process, at least in the Philippines, has become more sophisticated, exciting and more “political”. From the candidate’s campaign, to endorsements, to making a stand without going to shout in the streets, from the candidates’ update while campaigning from miles away, to updates as to who is leading (through surveys). Communication just became better (or worse?).

This is the third time that I am voting and for the past 2 times I voted, this is the only time where I can make a stand even from where I am. I don’t have to actually join political rallies or caravans to influence people and feel that I am able to tell everyone who I am voting for and who I am supporting. Thanks to the development of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Friendster. I can say that I am not just limited to the people who see me, but even to friends of my friends who might have the access to my posts or profile. This is aside from the fact that we can also share the exact post or blog, in case we really liked the contents of it.

With the emergence of technology, we have been given a stage to let everyone know who we are voting or supporting. We can freely express our sentiments, though virtually, our eyes are opened to other facets of the candidates we are supporting. On the part of the candidates running for a position, electoral expenses have also been cut to 50% or even more. Internet campaign, whether we like it or not, has provided them with a more cost-effective way of mobilizing our volunteers, creating more efficient avenues to let everyone know of their platforms. If we may ask, who are the voting public? It’s those who have an access to the Internet, or even the 1/3 voting population who are poor still have mobile phones where message updates are sent using multiple- receiver (send-to-many) setting, thanks to the availability of such software.

 The following is my analogy of Technology today being used in the Elections, at least in the Philippine setting:

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGE
Cost-effective campaign	Cost-effective cheating
Quicker tallying of votes	Quicker cheating
Smoother communication (real-time updates)	May be hacked to alter the smooth communication
High-tech presentation of platform (propaganda)	High-tech backstabbing of other candidates (black propaganda)
High-tech voting	High-tech cheating
Reach the unreached	Cheat the unreached
Easier (no manual counting)	Easier to cheat

For me, there has to be some balance between the use of technology and the manual process of some of our elections’ activities. We cannot virtually see sincerity unless we see the person. I hope that people are a little wiser, in terms of selecting their candidates, not purely based on what is passed on to them over the world wide web, but take time to know their candidates personally as well.

Since change is indeed inevitable, it’s the very character of elections here in the Philippines that also has to change simultaneous with technology. I personally embrace advancement, new innovations, and new technologies, all for the glory of a more comfortable life. But then again, the mantle of responsibility is still in us who uses them. It’s never an issue of technology, it has always been an issue of the people who abuse it and use it for their personal gains. Every Juan in this country should learn to advance as well, in terms of integrity, honesty, transparency, and purity of heart, as technology has been.

~come to think of it~

"Uhm, are you sure? I can be forgiven from ALL of my sins? I can't even begin to remember each one of them, but... are you really sure"? These were my lines as I innocently asked the person who did personal discipleship with me, that time, talking about God's forgivevess.

I can't imagine life without God's forgiveness and His power to transform and restore me to the person HE really designed me to be. Maybe, without God's restoration for me, I am dead right now. Possibly, I am:

1. Directionless. I am a person who is used to despise everything. I complain a lot but move/act less. I don't know what I want and I am never satisfied with what I have.

2. Barking at the Wrong Tree. I am still complaining about the government, about the people leading the government, etc. I never knew that God is the only One who can make lasting transformation to this country.

3. Still in School. Maybe in my max residency (if there is such a thing).

4. At my worst: My relationship with my family (parents), my classmates, my friends,etc.

5. Bitter. Maybe, with all the negative things done to me, I am still bitter and can't move on. My life probably will be filled with stress.

6. An Expert Man Pleaser. Everything I do probably is to please people. I am never secured to who I am and what I can do, but will always be concerned about how people will see and think about me.

7.  Confused. Probably, I don't have peace. My heart and life will probably be in chaos.

Though this is a list of the "probabilities" if I haven't encountered God in my life, I believe their opposite serve as the "MIRACLES" I can hold on too, in times of doubt, familiarity and unbelief. They can serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness over the years, of how He is able to transform and restore a person like myself.

With so much gratefulness to God's goodness and grace, I am who I should be. Thank God for showing me the truth which set me free- in all aspects of my life. I am not perfect, but God is so perfect and He is worth all my trust, hope and faith. Things around me are definitely not perfect too. I got problems every now and then, but even though, I am happy that God is with me, therefore, who can be against me.

I thank God for His forgiveness because it teaches me to forgive and love people even more. Because of His forgiveness, I am able to live my life with so much security and at the same time, I am able to let go of the negative things done towards me.

Indeed, there is nothing to boast. There is nothing to personally be proud of. If there is something to be proud of, is the fact that my God is able to graciously give more than what I am able to accomplish. It is so tiring to trust myself and at the end of the day, it is still futile, not enough.

Lord, more of you and less of me.

1 Corintians 1: 26- 31 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

Somebody- for my Love

somebody

I am currenly listening to a song entitled "Somebody" by Depeche Mode. It just struck me and pushed me to write something about my love...

Here's the lyrics of the song and how I see them from her...

I want somebody to share
Share the rest of my life- really my life, my everything, my work, my desires, the things that I am hoping, my dreams, my jokes, my all, etc.
Share my innermost thoughts- she knows what I feel and think and sometimes, even before I say them, she already knows.Know my intimate details- she knows my inner desires, my longings and needs and respond to them at onceSomeone who'll stand by my side- her support is endless
And give me support- like i said, she altruistically cares
And in return
She'll get my support- i give her everything i can, for i know she needs it too
She will listen to me
When I want to speak- she lends her ears whenever i say something, no matter what they areAbout the world we live in
And life in general- i feel like a hero whenever she needs my help, she makes me feel like "the man"Though my views may be wrong
They may even be perverted
She'll hear me out
And won't easily be converted- a woman of faith, a woman of conviction. she believes God's Words and reiterates them to me when needed, and she does it without putting me down or accusing meTo my way of thinking
In fact she'll often disagree-  a lot of times, but she securely stands at the end of the day, letting me feel that I should be making the decisionsBut at the end of it all
She will understand me- she is soooo good at this, i love her more everyday because she is thisAaaahhhhh....

I want somebody who cares
For me passionately
With every thought and
With every breath- I am glad I found her, finally
Someone who'll help me see things
In a different light- I admit, she knows a lot of things that I don't, but she creatively puts it in an encouraging athmosphere

and so on...

My wife, she is so dear to me. She will always be the one, the woman I always loved and love and will always adore. I thank God everytime I think of her. She is a gift from above. She is a gift to my children. A gift to me.

Lord, thank you for my wife. Thank you for bringing her to my life. I pray for grace and understanding, so I can be a better husband to her. Bless me so I can bless her.


~for you Connie~
Happy 4th Year Anniversary of Love, Partnership, and Faith!

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Parenting Advice (As I Learn, I Share): Never Allow Others to Discipline Your Child

The main people responsible to discipline our children are us- parents. Not the grandparents, uncles, aunties, or other relatives. Not our neighbors or friends, or pastors or godfathers and godmothers. Especially not the YAYAs.

I remember someone said "If you don't want the police to discipline your child in the future, be the one responsible now". I can't agree much.

Discipline when the child disobeyed. If the child was hurt already, don't spank him or her again because he or she suffered the consequence already of his or her disobedience. And rod on the butt, not above it, not below it (I always fail on this, specially when my boys have diapers, I heard we should remove the diapers when rodding them).

Parents should not point on each other as to who should discipline. It's a team effort. The person who is there when the disobedience happened should be the one who should discipline. If the father/tatay is present during the disobedience, he should be the one who should discipline the child.

When rodding, use a small rod/stick not a baseball bat or something that will really really hurt. Don't use your hand because the hand should be a symbol of love and care for the child. The rod takes the discipline symbol. The goal is to leave a sting, not a mark or wound! Never rod when you are angry, or else, it will be painful on the child's part. And your emotions goes with the weight of your hand- you will lose control.

~thanks to Sir G.Alba

Parenting Advice (As I Learn, I Share): Say "Please" When Asking Favor From your Child

I grew up in a family that doesn't use the word "please" very much often. In fact, there is not an exact translation of the word in Tagalog, Ilocano, Itawes, or Ibanag. Only considered as prefix or suffix like "paki-" or "nge" or "man".


I was surprised that in the Visayan language, there is such a thing, which I normally hear that sounds like "palihog".


Growing up and not being able to use "please" a lot of times, I have learned to just say whatever request I have- to people. That is why even in the house, I am not used to using it (redundant). 


But I realized, it's true. Saying "please" should be deliberate. I have seen great results from my son, Matthew. I see a smile in his face and a sense of gladness to serve whenever I use the word "please". Sometimes, I sound very bossy already, just to use the word, I would think of things that somehow, I can apply it. Like a piece of paper, I would tell him "please give me that paper". I feel good that I see a glow in his face whenever I use the word "please". I wanted to teach him to say "please" that is why I am trying to use it, but more than that, I learned from his responses. 


When the word "please" is used, it's so good to do whatever the other person is trying to ask. It is one magic word because it changes the entire meaning of the request. It becomes sweeter, sincere, and you suddenly get a sense of responsibility and "importance". Suddenly, you feel like a hero. :) It's not really for the one requesting, because it is just a mere WORD, but it is more for the one whom the request is directed- to change the mood and it entirely changes what the sentence means or sounds.


Let's try to use PLEASE in our house, work, or whatever we are doing, especially with the kids. We'll definitely see immediate results.


~thanks to Sir G.Alba

The Diaper Story

I woke up one morning and was surprised at our helper's confession- "Koya, wala na pong diapers ang mga bata"... Hmm, kakabili ko lang noong isang araw ah ( I whispered to myself)?

That day was special because I am out of budget already. I did not want anyone to know. Not even Connie. I did not want to tell anyone. I wanted to ask God that day. As simple as a few diapers, but that should make a difference, specially that I have known my God to be faithful from the start. Will he fail me this time- with just a very small thing I am asking? He has provided for big things in the past, will he let me down this time?, I asked.

The whole morning, I was just at peace. No one heard a word from me. I was asking the Lord, to please don't delay. My obedience this time is to trust that He will provide- JUST IN TIME.

The day was about to end. Nothing spectacular is happening just yet. But I don't know, my faith is saying to patiently wait.

Now I am going home. No word still. Haven't shared to anyone. My confidence is on God. I love the kids and I did not want them to be uncomfortable without their diapers.

I reached home. No diapers. But as I sat and closed my eyes, God has provided- no strings attached. It's yours, for the diapers.

I can't brag of anything that I have because it is all from God. I can only brag about His faithfulness, of the Truth that He indeed answers prayers. After all, if He can't be Lord of all, what's the point of all these? I loved Him more because He is true to His promises. And he never fails. He's always on time. Thank you Lord! All glory, honor, worship, praise is Yours, forever and ever.

Matthew 6:8b... for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Who's on Your TOP LIST?

Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Lord, I want to know you more in a very personal way. I want to know what Your kingdom is and understand your heartbeat. Let me love what you love and hate what you hate. Help me be in your side all the days of my life and fulfill whatever is there in store for me. Oh how I want to know your will and see the promised land for me. Thank you that it is not just about the "things that will be given to me" (that is already a bonus) in return, but that I have fullness of life in you.

I appreciate a friend for reminding me not to focus on the blessings but on the one who blessed. Blessings fade away, but the One who blessed will remain- and that he never fails. :) God thank you for reminding me to fix my eyes on you- that even if everything is gone, I will remain, because I have you. In Jesus' name, amen! :)

Preparation

Preparation is indeed a word that describes if not all, majority of the breakthroughs and great things that happened in my life. What is wonderful about preparation is that it is not always pleasing and doesn't always bring a good feeling. Sometimes, it even challenges relationships, tests faith, provokes impatience, and shakes foundations. It reveals character. But always remember that once every storm strikes, with God alongside us, we always end up victorious. I can't help but reminisce our lives as a family last 2009 and how God showed his faithfulness and commitment for us- as a family.

Allow me to write about preparation in general and in my life as a whole.

1. Marriage- God prepared me for great things. He prepared me to get married to a wonderful woman, filled with faith, excitement and love for God. A faith that shames mine (most of the time), a faith the blows away every unbelief and doubts that I experience. I am glad that God prepared me to accept that fact, that I married a woman who isn't perfect- but man, she's full of wisdom, when in comes to believing God for something.

2. Typhoon Ondoy- The people who adopted and helped us can attest as to how God has been faithful to us, especially during the last quarter of 2009. Although we lost material things, God doubled it. We did not see it as preparation at first, in fact, we were discouraged also, cried over what happened. I cried seeing my kids sleeping and transferring from one house to another. Then I thought, if that is how I feel as a human being, how much more is God's concern over us- His children that He died for? God prepared us indeed, not as we expected it to be- in our eyes, but He did.

3. Our children: Matt and Dave- This is one of the highlights of my life for the past 3+ years. I know that raising children is a challenge but discipling them is more than a challenge. It entails huge preparations. Who would I want them to follow? How can I raise the standard? How can I teach destiny? Humility? Teachability? How can I demonstrate Jesus in a manner that they can understand? God has prepared me and still teaching me about this. I remember, I have always looked up to the people who trained me in church. From the start that I joined Victory, I have always wanted to build a family the way my leaders do it. That is mainly because my Raising Children 101 lessons are outdated, but with God's help, he surrounded me with people who served as living examples/lessons whom I can learn from. I am not yet sure as to how things will work out exactly, because Matt and Dave are still young, but I am excited of whatever they will become- in God's perfect time. I remember Pstr. Joel sharing about Mt 6:8 saying, "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him". This one comforted me bigtime, not just with my children, but leading a family as a whole. Sometimes, I tend to get worried, but yes, my Father (take note of that word, it's really life-changing, because He's not just a God now, He is my Father) knows EVERYTHING that I need.. isn't that very comforting? :)

4. People- God prepared me and my wife for this. Actually, it's more of Him renewing our passion and compassion for people. Our desire to fish for men and women always reflects our desire to honor God and love Him. His very heart is for people. His Kingdom is all about people- feeding them, helping them, interceding for them, loving them, and training them to follow Christ. This is important- and I know how it meant for us ni Connie, having people surrounding us also, standing for us and praying for us- makes you feel and see God through them.

5. For the Future. Preparation is always for the future. It is like a plan. You won't prepare for your past. You won't prepare for your present. You prepare for your future. And there is always a reason why you prepare. You don't prepare for nothing, just because you want it- without any motive or intention at all. You prepare because you are aspiring for something. It is therefore safe to say that only those who aspire or dream for something prepare. What is the sense of preparation without the goal? It's like buying an airline ticket without a destination. How foolish would that be. But still a lot of people do that. They call it spontaneity. Fun. It's like going home without a route or specific road to take. Just go on and on and hoping that the road leads you to your house eventually (sorry, hope is not even the right word for this). The other way of looking at this is having a goal, but failing to prepare. It is like taking the boards without reviewing now. Aspiring to have the best wife, without being the best husband-to-be now. There is more, I can go on and on, but I hope my point is well-explained already.

I am glad that I have a big God who is preparing me for a great future. I can be sure that it is going to be marvelous. I can trust Him because of His Word. I can trust Him because He already proved Himself faithful, from the time that I learned how much He loved me and gave Himself for me, until the time that He blessed me with things I can't even begin to say that I truly deserve. What more proof can I say to convince me of His love and commitment for me on top of this- dying for me and taking away the punishment that I deserve? What more? It is even hard to do that to someone we love, how much more to our enemies? We were once enemies, but how come he loved us still? How come he wants to give us a hope and a future? What could we have done to deserve Him?

1 Peter 1: 13-14 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

Hebrews 10:4-6 because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased.