30 letters, 30 days: day 18 — the person that you wish you could be

I know a person who is in authority but never bragged about it nor abused it and pushed people to doing whatever He wants. Instead, He empowered and lead people by being a good follower and a good example to mankind - that despite our being human, we can resist temptation and do the impossible for the glory of God.

He also is a very busy man, with all the purpose God has put in Him and yet He never got so overwhelmed by the number of people He has to serve. He never felt time constraint with all the missions God placed on Him, for He accomplished them all in God’s time.

He is set apart by God, for He is God’s only begotten Son but he never made Himself indifferent for he reached out to the sick and lost and even mingled with sinful people in order to bring them (us) salvation.

He loves you and me. He cares for all of us. He did not die in vain but He rose from the dead to bring us eternal life. We will never be able to come to and connect with God without this Son of Man for He is the way, the truth and the light.

He is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. And although I am very far from what He is, I will never lose hope that I can be like Him for we, human beings, were all made in God’s image. And so let’s not forget who we are: God’s children, in Jesus’ mighty name.

—-

Jesus,

My brother, thank you for the life you gave me. May your name be lifted high!

All glory and honor to God!
Amen!

30 letters, 30 days: day 11 — a deceased person you wish you could talk to

Dear Dad,

I miss you. It’s been seven years and counting. Oh, thank God I’m still counting!

Kidding aside, I just want to let you know I hope I was able to share the Gospel with you. This is one experience - an experience with God - that we were not able to dig into. But you were so excited and went ahead to meet God instead. God knows how jealous I am.

But I thank you for raising our family like this. I actually did not feel like the responsibility weighted down on me the most, as it traditionally should be. You had us trained to share responsibilities in order to achieve something. You taught us that we are free to choose anything we like to do (as you did not push us to do whatever you like), but also to be responsible — that our actions do not just entail our own names but the family and people that we represent.

I also sometimes wonder how it feels like having you around at this age. How does it feel to listen to just about anything you have to say regarding manhood and being grown-up? How does it feel to be driving for you to wherever you want to go? Or to be drinking with you by the roof top under a starry sky? And more of these things, which I can only try with my own son sometime in the future.

I know you also are amazed of how God had me growing up from all the trials we went through. I am grateful that He personally took over when He pulled you out of the picture. I might not lived in a complete family but it never became dysfunctional at all. By God’s grace, we’ve reached this far and I know our family’s got a long way to go through. We’ve a lot more achievements to come, all for the glory of God!

You see, I remember I never made any promise but I just am doing the most that I can to bring you honor. I miss you, dad! I love you!

Death, no sudden

“For the wages of sin is death…”

I’ve been bugged by this Scripture lately. It was brought about by the death of two of my neighbor’s relatives (well technically my neighbors too since they reside often there) and my friend’s brother. No, I’m not saying they’ve been sinful and all because all of us are (I am sinful - raised my hands first). But I would like to share what I think has to be shared to those in need.

“The wages of sin is death…” Jesus Christ died for us so that we are made right before God, our Father. And yes, since Christ’s death we can call God OUR Father. God made Himself Father to the world regardless of what sin we have committed. And in love, we do as He wills. And until the second coming of Christ, sin will remain on earth, as God allows, in order to have more people (who choose to sin) turn back to Him and live godly lives.

However, some of us question God why do people die? I for one have lost my dad almost seven years ago, and a portion of my mind asks God why it happened that early. He was a good man, a loving husband to my mom, and a gentle father to us. Still, God took him.

Was he sinful? Yes, and again, just as I am…just as WE ALL ARE. And yet we were spared. God lead me to a thought that this is somehow a picture of why God sent Jesus to DIE FOR US. Maybe our relatives died for our own sake. So does this mean we should blame ourselves for our relative’s SUDDEN DEATH? No we shouldn’t, and, perhaps, no death is sudden since sin is still crawling freely here on earth. Rather, this reminds us that as long as we live, we have the chance to redeem ourselves and our household and meet them all in heaven. 

“Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” Acts 16:31.

With that written, my trouble was relieved. I once told my friend that I was worrying about if I’d meet my dad in heaven (as if I’m so much confident I will be there) as I tried to recall how my dad lived his Christian life. He wasn’t fond of attending church. He was fond of drinking a lot (and if not for his high alcohol tolerance he was almost a drunkard). He also smoked heavily (that lead him closer to his death) and probably other vices I dare not to ask from people around him (for I don’t want to hear what I must not).

The challenge for me (and for anyone as well) is how to put this life I am still living on into good use - one that would please God, my ultimate Father. I am amazed how God personally presented Himself and have taken over from where my father left. It was God’s will to made Himself known even though it took my family a hard time to accept and move on from our loss. He did not abandon us (Deuteronomy 31:8). And this promise God told His people keeps us holding on. And I cannot be more grateful as “His faithful love endures forever (Psalm 118:1).”

“For the wages of sin is death, but the FREE GIFT of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus, our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NLT).

I miss you, dad. ‘Til we meet again.. in heaven.

While Walking

I’ve realized how comfortable I become that at times I just go to sleep without praying properly. I trust God so much that He always gets me covered that I don’t need to worry about anything. This attitude has made me less anxious but it somehow led me off a consistent communication with Him. “Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek Him (Psalm 105:4).”

It’s a fact (that saddens me) that we are living in a world with people speaking in a manner that shows how shallow a life can get. They start a conversation using foul languages, filthy topics, or by talking with people they hate not realizing how consumed they are with these thoughts. It’s better to delight in a moment of silence than waste my time in a senseless conversation. 

Know people by what they speak about. “What you say flows from what is in your heart (Luke 6:45).” That’s why I don’t usually start a conversation unless I know the person. I am not good in leading a bad topic to a decent one and it’s rude to stop talking just because my ears are not delighted. I’m a listener and much less of a speaker, I think.

Oh, I am a writer, rather. Or am I not?

Three thoughts in my mind (or probably in everyone’s):
a. God’s will, which is pure, holy, and just;
b. My own, which are sometimes weak and brought about my insecurities I have not fully unloaded since I came to Christ. And;
b. Satan’s suggestions, which come spontaneously as my actions - for he cannot read my mind but he can suggest evil depending on what I do. 

Be it not just some wandering but a journey that leads me to a better life. This battle for me ain’t over yet but I know that Christ already won for me and for all those who seek Him.

Another randomness.

Forgive

In good terms, we once were
But now we are as woes
Still my God says, Forgive,
And from all I let go.

Not only once, He said,
Though my heart was deeply pierced.
But limitless, He meant,
And choose love then go forth in peace.

Wounds, they might heal
And scars in you they can leave.
Even if we can hardly forget
With open arms, we ought to forgive

Thus in this moment, I give up
All selfish desires of my heart.
Cast my bitterness all away unto Him
And with grace choose to love.

If there is

If there’s one thing God is making me realize now is that I don’t need to know all the time how much God loves me by all the words of appreciation and encouragement I can get. I AM LOVED.

If there’s one time God calls me to be who I really am is the time I am in the Spirit when only the two of us are talking - no pretending, no lies, no sugarcoating; for God knows my heart more that I know it myself.

If there’s one place I want to be at right now is with God Himself where I can do what my changed heart longs to do without the constraints from this world and from worldly people. Where no one mocks me for doing good. Where no one persecutes me for doing what’s displeasing from their eyes.

If there’s one action I want to do is sharing the love I get from the Lord in the boldest way I can. I have missed a lot of opportunities, which let pass due to whatever thoughts or situations I had before. But in time, by God’s grace, I will be able to.

GOD LOVES YOU. It’s time for you to take your cross and walk with Him. 

nonelikejesus:

A for Alpha 
B for Beginning 
C for Creator 
D for Defender 
E for Everlasting 
F for Father 
G because he is God 
H for Holy
I for Instructor 
J for Judge
K for King
L for Love
M for Majesty 
N for Nurturer
O for Omnipotent
P for Provider 
Q for Quick
R for Redeemer
S for Spirit
T for Truth
U for Understanding
V for Victorious 
W for Wonderful
X for Xcellent 
Y for Yahweh 
Z for Zion

Are you in LOVE?

If there’s one thing in this world that does not get too much nor even a little less’ that GENUINE LOVE.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

If you feel it gets too much’ it is not love, it’s OBSESSION. If you think you’re having less of it, it’s just mere ADMIRATION or other words you might want to call it but not love.

Never use the word LOVE if it is really not. It does not deserve to be called such if it falls even just a little short nor if it exceeds its true definition.

Know the WORD. Read the WORD. Then let your worldly standard be changed.