Why Do You Question?!

Before I start this article, I just want to greet everyone a belated Merry CHRISTmas!! This occasion is truly the most precious, ever, because this celebrates the birth of our Savior; our AWESOME GOD didn’t just watch over us, but humbled HIMSELF for us, so that we can be with HIM… that’s amazing love guys, and we are so blessed to be HIS…

Recently, I’ve realized that as much as more and more people are gaining faith in CHRIST (woohoo!!) the enemy on the other-hand, has been doing double time at work trying to destroy our faith as well, and his main target is, the MIND! You see, more and more people have become skeptical of the authenticity of the BIBLE, and as a CHRISTIAN, I can’t bear to witness this without taking a stand in the TRUTH, and that I believe is through the BIBLE alone, the true WORD of GOD.

Right now, you must be thinking, “HOW CAN SHE BE SO CONFIDENT?!”, well to tell you honestly, my confidence first of all comes from my faith and relationship with CHRIST and the rest, is from the evidences which scientists, archeologists, and historians present to us. After reading some books and watching some awesome DVDs in DEFENDING THE FAITH by Charlie Campbell, I was able to summarize some notes that I’d like to share with you.

Fulfilled prophecies, archaeological evidences, the bibles’ internal consistency, extra-biblical writings, amazing scientific accuracy and insights, manuscripts, forthrightness of Heroes’ success & failures and most of all the willingness of JESUS’ disciples to suffer a painful death just to preach the gospel surely attests to the Authenticity and Trustworthiness of the BIBLE!

1.Fulfilled prophecies- In the bible lies so many prophecies being fulfilled, and for prophecies for one MAN (JESUS CHRIST) to fulfill alone, is even more amazing. Peter Stoner, a former chairman of the Departments of Mathematics and Astronomy at Pasadena City College, who published a book entitled “Science Speaks” (1963) calculated and estimated the probability of one man fulfilling as many prophecies as JESUS fulfilled in the scriptures, and the estimation was 1 in 1017 (100 quadrillion). To think that the fulfillment of such predictions is by chance is absurd, the testimony of the scriptures shows that the purpose of such prophecies being fulfilled is that a GOD does exist and that He has a plan for this world.

2.Archaeological evidences- Knowing that the bible is full of historical events, we have to note that archaeology without History is meaningless. Though archaeology can give us the sequence of cultural development, it can’t give the chronology. What archaeology has done for the past century is to verify the history contained in the bible and it proved it to be historically accurate. To name a few of such evidences which you can search about are the ruins of Nineveh (Genesis 10:11), Hezekiah’s Tunnel (2Kings 20:20), the ruins of the Hittite Civilization (Genesis 15:20), Pool of Siloam (John 9:1:7), Jacobs well (John 4:1-6), Caiapha’s Ossuary found in 1990’s, evidence of Pontius Pilate found in Caesarea in 1960’s, and even the legendary Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19). Recent excavations at Tell Mardikh now known to be site of Ebla, uncovered 15,000 tablets mentioning Sodom and Gomorrah and recent evidences presented by scientific research has even pinpointed the area to which it was located.

3.Bibles internal consistency- Despite it being a collection of 66 documents, there is unity in all of it. It was written approximately by 40 authors, from different backgrounds, in 3 different countries (Asia, Africa, and Europe), in 3 different languages (Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic) and in a span of about 1,500 years. Complex in the making, yet full of harmony with each other, with its message centering basically in JESUS CHRIST. The Old Testament is the preparation (Isaiah 40:3), the Gospels are the manifestations (John 1:29), the Book of Acts the propagation (Acts 1:8), the Epistles give the explanation (Colossians 1:27) and the Book of Revelation is the consummation (Revelation 1:7).

4.Extra-biblical writings- Roman Jewish Historian, Flavius Josephus (Antiquities 1863-64) attested to 80 persons, historically in the bible (50 from the Old Testament and 30 from the New Testament). 39 sources outside the bible also testify more than 100 facts regarding Jesus’ life, teaching, crucifixion and resurrection. According to Charlie H. Campbell, he suggests you read the book entitled “The historical Jesus: ancient evidence for the life of Christ” by Gary R. Habermas.

5.Scientific accuracy and insights-The bible was never intended to be a science book, but rather an account that an Omnipotent GOD created everything and set standards for His creation and has a plan for His creation. Yet if we do take recent scientific findings and compare it with the bible, we can find that there is a correlation and accuracy in what the bible presents. Before man found out about space, the book of Job already had an account about it (Job 26:7) and even before Galileo Galilee invented the telescope to see the stars in the sky Jeremiah 33:22 already had an account of that, which he described as being as measureless as the sand on the seashore. And though medieval Christianity was leaning on a “FLAT earth” theory, I guess they didn’t read there bibles correctly (LOL!) because Isaiah 40:22, Job 26:10, Proverbs 8:27, and Amos 9:6 claimed it to be ROUND. To name a few, the Bible even describes other issues such as the hydrologic cycle, circulation of the atmosphere, and fluid dynamics.

6.Manuscripts- When examining manuscripts we have to take into account the span of time of when it happened to when it was written to the date of when it was actually found and the number of original manuscripts there are. If we were to take Roman history, where the earliest existing documents concerning it were found 900 years after the events happened and that only 20 original copies exist, and compare it with the Bible manuscripts, we could say it to be a mere “fairy tale” as compared to the later. Remember guys, Bible manuscripts date from 30-150 years after they happened and that more than 30,000 original manuscripts exist!! This fact would definitely have to convince the most skeptical of the Bible. Try researching about Dead Sea Scrolls which even increases the bibles authenticity, accuracy and integrity.

7.Heroes’ success & failures- The Bible is a record of so many people, including Abraham, Moses, Joshua, King David, Saul, and many more. But what makes it unique, is the forthrightness of the success of these people and their failures. I don’t think it would be human nature to right something bad about ourselves, but in the Bible you see it, men writing their weaknesses, mistakes, and their cries for help and mercy to GOD.

8.Willingness of Jesus disciples to die a painful death just to preach the gospel- I have a question to all of you, “would you go to great lengths to preach something, even if it means DEATH, which wasn’t TRUE?!” I bet you’d say, NO!! So to the skeptics, if the gospels were not true, then why would the 12 disciples willing to go through persecution and die painful deaths just to preach about JESUS? Andrew, Bartholomew, Simon Peter and Phillip were crucified; James the son of Alphaeus was stoned to death; James the son of Zebedee was cut off with a sword; Thomas was stabbed; Matthew killed by a sword wound; James the brother of Jesus (not officially an apostle) was beaten to death with a club; and the apostle Paul was beheaded. Their refusal to renounce their faith in Christ is tremendous evidence enough to prove the TRUTH OF THE BIBLE and the RESURRECTED JESUS CHRIST.

Brothers and sisters, may you have the right attitude and the write words when confronted with such skepticism about our faith, as it says in 1 Peter 3:15 and I quote, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as LORD. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Continue to pray for the unbeliever that the doors of there hearts may be opened to the TRUTH that the BIBLE tells. May their hearts be quickened by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the cleansing power of His WORD. I recommend you visit www.alwaysbeready.com by Charlie Campbell and read the book entitled “Answers to Tough Questions” by Josh McDowell and Don Stewart for all the information stated above.

Isaiah 40:8 says…

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”

THE GREAT MATCHMAKER

3 weeks ago, I was still in the Philippines. The simplicity of Dumaguete, is just worthwhile, I miss being in a slow-paced society (hehehe!), it’s nice to sit back and relax and just let the hours pass by with the people you’ve known for so many years. Oh man, I’m reminiscing again!!! Toinks!!! But anyway, whatever I just recalled has nothing to do with what I’m going to write… (Just making a weird introduction!whahaha) But, during my stay, I’m glad to say that I had awesome devotions and fellowship with friends who loved the LORD as much as I did (or even more!). And as a result of one of my QT devotions, I’ve decided to share what I’ve learned through Genesis 24 and entitled this blog as “The Great Matchmaker”.

Genesis 24 is actually the story of Isaac and Rebekah, remember that?! (If you don’t, well, then I suggest you read it again.hehe). As I read the passage, I learned 4 things on how GOD is our great matchmaker in allowing us to find the right person (partner) in our lives. First, the LORD has SPECIFICATIONS for us (Genesis 24:3); second, the Lord wants us to WAIT (Genesis 24:6); third, the Lord PREPARES them for us (Genesis 24:7) and fourth, the LORD will CONFIRM it to us (Genesis 24:14). This is so awesome because I had no idea that while reading the story, the Lord would reveal “finding love” in this perspective to me.

As great as our God is, He does speak to us and one way to be able to understand Him, is through His word. When He said to the servant, “do not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, but will go to my country and my own relatives…” (Genesis 24:3) was definitely specifications of who and where. So, as I correlate it with us, I believe that GOD has specifications for us on finding our mate or pin-pointing if we are on the right track. I mean, if we lean on GOD and we can see that the relationship we have right now is not going well, then we should step back and check the spec’s of the partner we are with. A brother in Christ told me that we got to be Right with GOD first, before we can be right in any relationship, and that is true to all of us guys! In the story, I also realized that Isaac didn’t have to look for his partner, but GOD brought it to him, where he was at. I too believe that we don’t have to keep on searching, but learn to WAIT upon the LORD, for I know He does meet us where we are at, in His perfect time and place.

As we wait upon the LORD and seek Him first before anyone (or anything) else, I also believe that the LORD PREPARES the one who He wants us to be with. “… He will send His angels before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there” (Genesis 24:7). Even though people break up in the past, doesn’t necessarily mean, they won’t have a chance in the future, right?! In time, people do change, and I believe that by God’s grace in their lives, they can become better people and God can equip them and prepare their hearts for the match the LORD has for them, it could be the person in the past or the person yet to come. Last but not the least, the LORD does CONFIRM His perfect match (Genesis 24:14). As God confirmed to the servant who that wife was, I too believe that He will confirm His Will to us as well.

Grabeh jud ang love sa Guinoo guys (great is the LOVE of the LORD) and for all of you who are anxiously waiting for that him/her, just be patient and continue to wait upon the LORD, for He has His ways and perfect timing for everything. He’s done it in the past, just like for Isaac and Rebekah, and He will do the same in our lives, all we need to do is to continue to rely and hope in Him first. Proverbs 37:4 says and I quote, “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart”… for surely, when you are with GOD, His desires will be your desires, and that will give you complete joy.

The RIGHT ALTITUDE, gives you the RIGHT ATTITUDE!

In this day and age, tragedy strikes where you least expect it. I mean, pick a spot on this planet that isn’t in crisis, and you’ll see that there isn’t a place that isn’t going through one. Fires, floods, famine, poverty, persecution, violence, name your pick, and it’s happening alright, as ever before… to tell you honestly, I don’t think the world is getting any better. And with all this turmoil and catastrophic events that is not only taking place around us, but may also be with-in us… what kind of attitude should we have?? An attitude that FEARS or WORRIES?? Or that which REJOICES??

Two Sundays ago, our pastor went through the book of I Peter 4:12- 19 which was about suffering for being a Christian. It’s really awesome to know that in our suffering we should also rejoice because we partake in the SUFFERING of CHRIST, so that WE may also be glorified with HIS GLORY (I Peter 4:13). Isn’t that cool?! I think it is, it gives me motivation, that despite whatever is happening to me now, PRAISE the LORD because I know the trials I go through on earth, purifies me for CHRIST. It may sound odd to rejoice in SUFFERING, but once your in the RIGHT altitude with your Maker (as my pastor said), you’ll realize that the attitude you have towards suffering will change.

A great example he shared with us was EXERCISING. You see when you exercise, you build stamina and resistance, and you become fit and disciplined. The more you get into it, the higher the level of endurance and strength... no more panting, greater distance, and a healthier body. So if we correlate EXERCISING and the ALTITUDE of Faith with have towards our Heavenly Father, I guess we can see a resemblance. The higher our relationship is with Jesus, the more disciplined and the greater resistance we have towards turmoil, catastrophes, trials and challenges that we face. You see, kong physically fit ka, you think ma knock out ka right away?? I don’t think so, dali rako makabangon dude! So if we are also RIGHT with GOD, then trials that come your way are CHICKEN FEED nah… you won’t be under the curse of depression, worry, self-pity and fear… your on a higher level, an altitude that brings you closer to GOD and away from grief. But when your not RIGHT with GOD, then what do you think will happen?? I guess everything opposite of what I just said, and sad to say being in that kind of position isn’t easy, it’s tiring, wasting, and decaying… not only to the flesh, but to our spirit.

So remember, SUFFERING isn’t bad, as long as you’re on the right altitude, then you’ll have the right attitude, the kind that rejoices because it is through suffering that we are disciplined, strengthened and purified.

I LIVE to DIE and LIVE again!

As I ponder on what to write right now, sometimes I just run out of words to even start the first paragraph… honestly, getting started on something, isn’t that easy, even in writing (but that’s only for me!hehe). Though I may have trouble starting every now and then, I’m still enthusiastic on getting it done, because when it comes to talking about Jesus, I just really want to overflow with so many things to share…

You know what, I love my Jesus, my true BESTFRIEND and everyday is always a new day for me to just empty myself of myself and fill it up with the Holy Spirit. You might be asking me, what does she mean by “living to die and live again?” is that even possible? Reincarnation or Resurrection? hehehe Actually, yes, the resurrection and also our way of life is what I had in mind.

When Christ died for us on the cross, He didn’t just stay there but rose again after three days, this resurrection is proof and preview of our own. I Thessalonians 4:14 says and I quote, “Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave; God will most certainly bring back to life those who die in Jesus.” You see, as a Christian, our ADLs (activities of daily living) shouldn’t just be centered on us and what would benefit us, but on Christ and who Jesus is in our lives. We are not living for ourselves anymore, nor are we living for the same needs as this world, but for the glorification of our Heavenly Father. We were born to praise Him, to love Him, to adore Him and to follow Him. Jesus being our Lord and savior means obedience and love for Him, and death of our own selfishness and gain.

So as we face each day yokefellows, let’s allow the Holy Spirit to lead us (Romans 8:14) and not be corrupted to what the world has to offer because we were not made for this world (John 15:19) but for something much greater then this, a life far more than our greatest imagination…

My profession For and IN CHRIST

What a beautiful Sunday it was, with a touch of a gentle cool refreshing breeze, if you’d compare the weather the week before, the heat wasn’t scorching and exhausting, just perfect for Sunday service!! (But even if the weather wasn’t as perfect as that day, I’d still love to go to church!! hehehe)

Anyway, Sunday’s passage was actually taken from 1 peter chapter 4, Living for GOD. It was a wonderful sermon, and it gave so many insights on how, we as Christians should live our lives for Christ. My pastor shared to us this cool illustration on how JESUS is our HOSPITAL. Awesome!! It struck me because it was SOOOO RIGHT!!!

The word HOSPITAL actually came from the Latin word “hospes” which later came to be “hospitalia” in Latin meaning, a place for strangers or guests. Aside from that translation we could also define HOSPITAL as an institution where the sick, the weary, the dieing are treated and cared for. At this point, I guess you guys already know where I’m heading, right?! If you don’t well, let me make it more clearly to you, if we correlate the HOSPITAL and our JESUS, wouldn’t we see a similarity?? DEFINITELY!!! Who gives life to the dieing? Who heals the sick? Who comforts the weary hearted? Who cares for strangers? I guess by now, it’s ringing a bell?! If it can give life and take away, then who else can we compare that too?? NO one else, but to our Heavenly Father!! He’s the over all “everything” we need, so if I say the HOSPITAL, I’m not just talking about the doctor, the nurse, the therapist, the technician, or the nutritionist… but EVERYONE, from the engineers who designed the building, accountants who budget costs, security officers who guards the place and even the highest in the chain of command, to the janitor that sweeps the floor!!! How amazing!!! hehe*wink*

Man, how blessed I am, that in my profession I can say that I’m not just gonna be working in a HOSPITAL because this HOSPITAL is not just an institution, but JESUS and for JESUS!!! Wow!! What a motivation, I’d never really thought of it like that before, and now it really gives me a booster to love what I’m doing. I know to those of you who are reading this, you may not all be in the same field as me, but guess what?? Whatever you’re doing, it still serves the same purpose?? FOR CHRIST and IN CHRIST!!! So as it says in my devotion book, “let’s take what we have and use it sublimely”!! Psalms 139:23-24 says and I quote, “Search me, O GOD, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” What you have and where you are now is your gift, no one else has it… so use it my friend, for HIS glory!!! Ciao…

What you try to HIDE, SHINES BRIGHTER than you think

Hia guys, it’s been a while since I last wrote and the last time I wrote, it wasn’t really much about the scriptures as well but never-the-less I hope my personal experiences in life has something you can reflect on. hehe ( Do you guys even read my blog?! But for those who do…hehe, I hope you learn something!)

Anyway, going back to my topic, I bet you guys are already familiar with the saying “wala’y asung makumkom” (sa mga bisdak, kasabot ramu ani!) or if I were to translate it, it would kind’ a go like “secrets can’t be kept”, just like smoke(asu) you can’t clutch it because it seeps through spaces between our fingers. What I’m trying to display in this illustration is that we as mere fleshy beings, each have our own HIDDEN motives in our heart… and no matter how well some may try to put on a façade, they may be able to deceive the crowd yet God knows and will reveal what you try to hide.

Today, it’s very easy for someone to call herself/himself a Christian, but the catch is, do they really earn the title of what they claim? Do they live their faith? Or is it all for show? James 2:14 says and I quote “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save?” What do you think is worse then an unbeliever? For me I guess it would have to be someone who claims to be a Christian, yet walks in the wrong direction. Does that not deceive others and lead them away from Christ?

Guys, the Lord knows your heart, deep within where no one else can see! He knows your motives, He knows your guilt, He knows your burden and even if you put on a very good show to say otherwise, no mask of deception can fool the Lord. We are His vessels, even if we may not look great, may not have the exact words to express who He is in our lives, His light will continue to shine within us because when we truly embed Him in our hearts, hidden from others, our obedience in action to Him will show even in the darkest shadow. I believe someone with true faith, even without words can draw others to Christ with the example of obedience in thought and action to our Heavenly Father.

So remember, as children of God, do wear your bumper sticker correctly. I John 3:9 says and I quote, “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of GOD. Thus even if Christ is hidden in our hearts where no one else can see, His light will continue to SHINE brighter than you think!!!

What i mean when i say "i love you"

It means, UNCONDITIONAL… it doesn’t matter what you have and it doesn’t matter who you were in the past or who you are going to be in the future…

It means, I’m PATIENT with you… it doesn’t matter how long it would take us to be together or how far apart we are…

It means I RESPECT you… not just for what you have achieved or the title you earned, but for your integrity and the content of your character…

It means I CARE… not just when you are at your strongest, but when you are at your weakest…

It means I am FAITHFUL… that my loyalty is strong and my vows are true to you alone and no one can just easily replace you…

It means I HUMBLE myself before you… that I wouldn’t compete or would I evoke dispute between us…

It means I am MERCIFUL… that though at times you may not deserve forgiveness; I give it to you whole heartedly…

It means I am OBEDIENT… that I would never do things that would displease you and cause you pain, I would avoid that which would provoke doubt…

It means I TRUST you… that you need no explanations or rationalization for your actions; I expose my vulnerability and have confidence in you…

It means I am COMPASSIONATE… I can look through your eyes and empathize what you are going through…

It means I am HONEST… I will reveal that which is true and rebuke that which is wrong…

It means, PURITY… no hidden agendas or false motives; I won’t allow anyone to influence who you are to me and defile your worth in my life…

And most of all, when I say I LOVE YOU… it’s the same as saying I LOVE YOU JESUS…genuine in the HEART, strong in SPIRIT, and forever HOPEFUL in His truth… so, what can you say, can you say YOU LOVE ME,TOO?!

My pain

Hia there, you might be thinking, this is a different topic. It’s not kinda inspirational like the ones before… hehe, yah, it’s not. So, what can I share with you guys who have the same question on your mind? All I can say is, yes, it’s true, it’s over!

To be honest, I’ve never cried so much in my life… hehe, but I also know this is a phase that I must go through like all the others who have gone through this before me. Painful indeed as they say, but I never knew it could hurt with so much extent.

I’ve never loved so much with all my heart and never gave so much patience the way I did with him. The effort given, the sacrifices made and the loyalty I tried to hold on too, I guess, just wasn’t enough. Sometimes, I say to myself, if it was the LOVE I thought it would be, it wouldn’t matter distance or time because LOVE that’s true prevails despite absence. The heart that longs for a partner to spend a life-time together wouldn’t allow anything, or anyone to influence the love they share. I don’t deny that the flesh has its temptations, but a strong man, whom I believe does exist, has self-control beyond what the world say is impossible.

As I look in the heavens, and cry out to Jesus, my Father… I can’t help but cry, not because I regretted loving, but because the love I gave was exactly the kind of love I knew He would of wanted me to bear and go through, so that I can grow stronger not just in body and mind but in SPIRIT. It’s hard for me to say these words without enduring pain, but I try my best not too so that those who will face the same circumstance would understand that they are not alone.

I hope you don’t pity me, to those who read this, think of this as a turning point in my life. A chapter has ended, and a new chapter is about to begin… but before God continues to write my story, I think He’s allowing the agonist to rest for a while and think of ways to mold her to be more of HIM, so that in the new chapter of the book, she’d be stronger and renewed for an exciting new challenge she would face.

As I exit for now, I want you to know that my former love hasn’t gone away from me he’s still in my heart… placed in a compartment that no one else could replace, a place where memories that made us who we are now can be kept, for a life time. I will keep it locked up for now and put it aside, so that I could open up the bigger part of my heart to those who need me most… my friends, my family and most of all my JESUS.

If you read this guys, I hope you gained insight on the twists and turns of love, but do remember this verse, 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 and I quote, “My grace is sufficient for you, for MY POWER is made PERFECT in weakness.” I will always have faith in Gods plans, and pray that may you have faith in His plans as well… It’s not over for me, but a new beginning…

Where is my comfort

As I ponder on the many circumstances the Lord has allowed to happen in my life, I realized that I’m so blessed, not just because I have what I have now, but because I was spared from a lot of painful situations that others were able to go through. But then again, as I empathize on their behalf, I can still feel the pain…

I don’t know if my words will be able to mend a broken heart, or sooth the pain of a wound of a broken family, or even uplift a person with shattered dreams, but one thing I know is true, despite the painful circumstance, the JESUS who loves us, knows what we are going through and has wide arms open for us to call on Him and seek rest and comfort.

I bet some of you are questioning, “If Jesus loves us so much, then why would He allow this to happen to me?!”… With all honesty, I do question that sometimes and get upset when things don’t happen the way I want it to. But as we look back… in the things that we did, did we even think of Jesus when we did it?! Or did we only think of pleasing ourselves with our actions?

I do believe God has an awesome plan for each of us, but to be able to follow it, we have to go to Him and seek Him first… the reason why, I believe, we get frustrated and blame God with the things that happen in our life is because we don’t realize that what happens to us is also the consequence of OUR OWN action and not because God planed that to happen. Our awesome God is to loving to allow us to bear pain more than what we can bear (I Corinthians 6:16) and though the situation we face maybe the painful consequence of our own action, He’s still there, and He doesn’t give up on us even if we’ve given up on ourselves.

For all of us who have endured pain and are enduring pain, we have COMFORT to lean on, and that’s Jesus. Don’t think Jesus doesn’t care because He does and if there was anybody on this world who could understand what it means to feel pain and loneliness, it would be Him… Remember, though things don’t happen the way we want it to, don’t feel hopeless because we have a heavenly Father to lean on to and by His grace and love, He’ll twist and turn those heartaches into conquered battlefields with triumphant victories that made us a better person today.

I Corinthians 12:9 says and I quote, “My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness.”… Always have faith in Him because He will always be faithful to you.

Lets Pray for this ACT

I’m writing because of an issue regarding us Christians as true believers of Jesus. We all know that America has become a country full of diversities of not only culture but of values, believes and norms. This isn’t a chain letter or anything, but an awareness of where society is heading, particularly here in California.

Biblical marriage has now become a continuous attack of homosexual activists, media and even politics here in California. Researches have shown that through the years the gap between favored traditional marriage and homosexual “marriage” has become a very narrow margin. The people of California passed Proposition 22 which amended that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California” in the year 2000, yet this was placed as a definition of marriage into California’s Family Code and not its constitution. The California Marriage Protection Act will place the language of Proposition 22, defining marriage as the “union of one man and one woman” into the state Constitution. This act is necessary so that by next year the Supreme Court won’t determine Proposition 22 as unconstitutional and that judicial decisions can’t hinder the religious freedoms of pastors and churches to act according to biblical truth. Yet before this Protection Act could qualify in November 2008 ballots, almost one million signatures have to be collected between now and Easter 2008. If California does turn over Proposition 22, the current legal protections for churches- and pastors’ freedom of speech will be contested in courts at every opportunity.

I know you won’t be able to participate in such petition, yet your prayers and that of your church will be MUCH of help for this to push through. I know when two or more are gathered together in His name, God is with them. We should all stand firm on the word of the Lord and do what’s right. Doing this doesn’t mean we don’t love our brothers and sisters who are gay, but as of obedience to the Lord, we should love the person and hate the sin. I believe we should stand up for our faith before it leads to a domino-effect of the many perversities that satan will continue to do in our society.

James 5:15-16 and I quote, “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

Let us PRAY together regarding this matter and for our gay brothers and sisters, may we not condemn them but bring them closer to Jesus for it says in John 3:16-17 and I quote, “For God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” Thank you for taking the time to read this, and may you be able to share this with fellow Christians and gather together in prayer. God bless you

My Conviction

I don’t know what really came over me to write this article, maybe a longing-ness in my heart to express my great love for HIM. A lot of times, my heart gets broken because of the wrong words that I choose to speak for my faith and the words just fall apart, I’m not able to express the right words that truly reflect who Jesus is in my life. It makes me cry when I’m not able to stand up for Jesus the way I want to, my boldness shrinks and the tone of my voice becomes defensive. I feel bad when I am questioned and I cannot answer, I do believe that I am not fully biblically equipped for a lot of spears being thrown at me by a mob (that’s how I feel when questioned by family, friends, etc. about my faith). For those Christians out there who know what I’m talking about, it’s some kind of persecution that is not obvious but piercing through the heart… that makes you end up saying, “Lord Jesus, I’m sorry I wasn’t able to defend you the way you should have been”. But nevertheless, I know my Jesus continues to love me and them. And He touches my heart to let me understand and allow me to be drawn to Him and His word more and more, though it may be difficult to memorize a lot of verses but if the heart is strong, then so will be my will to do so.

So now, let me speak of my conviction, of who Jesus truly is in my life. His name is more than just any name for me, for when I call on Him, he’s there 24/7; watching, listening, guiding, directing, and protecting. My father may have failed me so many times, yet despite circumstances in my life and my family, I know my Heavenly Father remains faithful to me no matter how sinful and disappointing I’ve been. I don’t think I’d be able to understand God’s love if it wasn’t for Jesus, for HE IS GODS LOVE TO BEGIN with. So many questions out there contradicting His authority, His grace and mysteries of His life, but let me ask this question, “Does answering any of those questions even guarantee us that they’d believe anything we say about our faith?” Honestly, in a generation so full of different “truths” it becomes confusing distinguishing truth from falsehood. But I know one truth is for real and that’s in John 14:6 and I quote, “Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to father except through HIM.”

I know there are so many unanswered questions and assumptions regarding Jesus, but why waste our time finding answers when we have the choice to just believe with a childlike attitude and wait for the answers until we reach the finish line (Heaven). A lifetime of faith rather than a lifetime of questions will actually lead us to the answer to the questions that we’re looking for, and for those who won’t take that chance to open their doors to Jesus will end up not knowing the answer at all. In a world where the “truths” of man are doubtful, we really have only one TRUTH to lean on to, that’s Jesus. And to be able to know Jesus is to know God’s word.

I know many question the authenticity of the bible, but I also know that there is no need to because God is too mighty to allow anything to corrupt His word. Scholars, historians and scientists even have their word on its authenticity based on accuracy and integrity of when they were written. Revelation 22:18-19 also has its say on those who try to alter the bible as well. Brothers and Sisters, have faith and leave the questions unanswered for now for in the end, He’ll answer everything you need to know before you even ask, just believe for it is grace, through faith that God saves and not by the word of man nor his works.

Surrender

Sometimes I ask myself, “What does it take to be a true disciple of Jesus?” To do everything He commands me to do enough to consider myself a true disciple? But I don’t think I’d be able to do that because I know I’ll always fall short of His commands. So if being able to do everything He commands isn’t possible, then how else can I become a true disciple?! I guess the only answer I can think of is a complete SURRENDER.

A surrender of my plans, a surrender of my treasures in life, or just a complete surrender of myself would reflect my TRUST and HOPE in JESUS. Surrendering our selves may not be easy because this means we would be giving up things or habits that were already inculcated in our lives that we loved to do! But God is forever faithful to us, and He has shown that through the bible. When we surrender ourselves, He blesses us more in ways which we could never imagine. Like in the book of Mark of how He feeds the 5 thousand in Chapter 6 and the 4 thousand in Chapter 8, Jesus showed that no matter what the circumstances are, as long as we surrender ourselves to Him, He will provide. He takes what we have and multiples it into greater things. Isaiah 40:31 says and I quote, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Don’t be afraid to surrender yourself to Jesus, because He’ll forever be our rock, unchanging and forever faithful to His children.

Sweetly Broken

Hia guys, happy NEW YEAR!! I wasn’t able to write on the first Sunday but then again, I won’t fail to write now. (hehehe!) We had a wonderful praise and worship today despite our number (usually more people go to church at 10am than 12nn) with new songs that I wasn’t familiar with, yet still had a great message in its lyrics. The word was also awesome, taken from Mark 7:24-37. This chapter basically talked about the faith of a Syrophoenician woman and the healing of a deaf and mute man. The pastor gave it a nice theme by the way entitled “Sweet Brokenness” because it was about being broken as a person, so that we can humble ourselves before Christ Jesus.

In this generation that we are facing, a lot of people I can say are being broken. An example would be facing difficult situations in our life that are tough to get out of like loss of a job, financial problems, drugs, problematic relationships in the family or loved ones, and many more. And in the passage of Mark 7 that difficult situation for the Syrophoenician woman was her daughter being possessed by a demon. And after doing all her efforts to help her daughter whom she loved so much she didn’t give up and humbled herself before Jesus and said “YES” to the will of the Lord who healed her daughter. I know it may sound weird to say “YES” and “AMEN” to the Lord during difficult situations in our life but honestly, it’s the BEST decision we could ever make because only God knows the best and directs the right path that we should go on. Humbling ourselves before the Lord lets us understand that He has a plan and that we don’t need to fight these challenges alone, and being “sweetly broken” allows us to think less of ourselves and start leaning on Him. (hehe!) Like our pastor would say, allowing the Lord to take control would mean us decreasing and the Lord increasing. I Corinthians 15:58 says and I quote, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm in the Lord. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself FULLY to the work of the LORD, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

As we go on to the deaf-mute man in the following verses, doesn’t he remind you of someone? Yup! You guessed it, it reminds us of US when we didn’t have the Lord, we were both DEAF in what the word of God had to say for us and MUTE that we weren’t able to speak of His message to others. But by the grace of God through Jesus, we’ve been born again through faith and His spirit lives in us if we willingly accept Him and our lives have now become a reflection of our relationship with our loving God. Isn’t it wonder?! I do think so. It said in the bible that God actually used His spit in allowing the man to speak, isn’t that kinda weird?! But then again God has His ways, and awesome as it may sound but actual human saliva, which I just learned, has painkilling effects 6x that of morphine which is a chemical compound called “opiorphin”…you can research about it if you like, seems unbelievable, well believe it.(hehehe!)

So you see, GOD has His ways, His time and His plans and all we need to do is humble ourselves before Him and allow ourselves to be sweetly broken and say “YES” and “AMEN” to the LORD. God loves us, he would not allow us to endure pain that which we cannot bear. May all who have read this continue to delight and submit to the LORD, for He is our hope and His promises are true and most of all He loves you! Till next time…ciao!