Stop, Look and Listen

When was the last time we stopped and prayed seriously for our country especially the upcoming national election? For some of us, it is a reality that we forgot to do so, due to our busy and demanding schedules. Or, we prayed, but because everything runs smoothly, we were not serious and desperate in uttering our prayers.

I was down with flu for the past days. This situation forced me to slow down and stop amid my busy and hurried life. During this time, I had an opportunity to rest, reflect and enjoy solitude. I remember one of the children songs I used to sing during my elementary days entitled, “Stop, Look, and Listen”. Before crossing the street as a kid, I need to stop, look and listen. I need to slowdown and impede my footsteps, use my two eyes to observe the traffic lights and look for coming vehicles on my left and right, and lastly, be attentive in listening to the unusual sound like horn. In doing so, I can safely cross the street free from traffic danger.

In seeking God’s will, we need to stop and drop what we are doing, seek and listen to God. Warren Wiersbe suggested, “When you are facing major decision in life, take a good nap, go for a walk or spend time alone in a retreat. Any decision that you made when you are not at your best will possibly be a wrong one, so, be patient.” When we decide out of impulsiveness, we will surely suffer the consequence of our decision.

As we look back, can we recall those decisions we made in life that we could consider as rewards? How about the regrets? If we make a list and divide it into reward as first column and regret as second column, what is the column with more items? Is it the reward or regret? Most decisions that I listed in the regret column were product of my impulsiveness and apathy. Meaning, I was not interested in inquiring with and seeking God before coming out to those decisions. Be it major decisions like quitting a job or marrying somebody and minor decisions like buying groceries and gifts for our loved ones, let us always utter a prayer for wisdom and guidance.

As what I had mentioned in my previous sharing, I didn’t exercise my right to suffrage since 1992. Since then, I became apathetic and decided not to register and vote anymore. As I looked back, this was one of the decisions I had listed in the regret column. This time, I want to go early at the assigned precinct to vote for the leaders whom God will impress in my heart.

We have barley twelve(12) days to go before the May 9 National Election. We have still sufficient time to visit our churches and kneel down desperately in prayer for a peaceful and honest election and of course, wisdom in choosing the right leaders to lead this country. The Bible says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James1:5, NIV). By God’s grace, it is my ardent prayer that the decision we made during this election will be included in the reward not in the regret column. Amen!

 

 

The Prayer of the Righteous

General Stonewall Jackson was one of the prayerful confederate generals during American Civil War. Because of his strong influence to the soldiers under his command and leadership, thousands of his men became a follower of Jesus. He was found not only fervent in the battlefield but on his knees in prayer. One of his soldiers who died in the battlefield left a note later the historian called, “A Soldier’s Prayer”.

“I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,

I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey….

I asked for health, that I might do greater things,

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things….

I asked for riches, that I might be happy,

I was given poverty, that I might be wise….

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God….

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,

I was given life, that I might enjoy all things….

I got nothing that I asked for –

but everything that I had hoped for,

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am among all men most richly blessed.”

The memorabilia’s such civil war coins, uniforms, and weapons faded away but the words written by this soldier lasted and endured. They served as a war monument that reminded us of God’s heart and loving nature. He is our sovereign God who has been working for the good of those who loved Him. Though this soldier died in fierce fighting with the Union army, he crafted deep insights forged for over months of seeking God in prayer. At the end of day, God answered his prayers in His own unique way.

The Bible says, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall added unto us”. The righteous prayed by seeking first God’s will not longing after “the all these things to be added.” But human as we are, our minds are after the blessings. Like the confederate soldier, he first sought God. And God in His sovereignty showed the soldier the wisdom, humility and joy more than the blessings of power, wealth, health and strength.

Let us not resent, if God didn’t answered our prayers the way we want to be. Maybe, God in His sovereignty has a bigger plan and purpose. As the song says, “

“Our Father knows what’s best for us His ways are not our own So when your pathway grows dim And you just can’t see Him, Remember you’re never alone”

“God is too wise to be mistaken God is too good to be unkind So when you don’t understand When don’t see His plan When you can’t trace His hand Trust His Heart!” Amen!

Character Building and Molding

Did you know how days it would take the Israelites to journey the shortest route to promise land? Answer, ‘It is only eleven days journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh-barnea’ (on Canaan’s border) according to Deuteronomy 1:2. Instead of taking the shortest route, why God allowed them to wander in the wilderness?

This is our focus of discussion today as we continue our faith journey. The ultimate objective of God for every believer is holiness- to be like Jesus. In this journey, there is no short cut and sufferings in many forms are expected and anticipated as part of the molding process.

The Israelites of the old were not allowed by God to proceed directly to the promise land in 11 days passing Mount Seir to Kadesh-barnes, because they were unprepared to face the giant Anakites and Amelakites.  As we reviewed God’s people exodus from Egypt to Canaan, we could vividly observed the vicious cycle of trusting and forgetting God. They were able to witness God’s power first hand many times; crossing the Red Sea, pillar of clouds guided them during the day and pillar of fire led them at night, provision of quail and manna, the clothing that didn’t wear out and the feet that didn’t swell for forty years. Despite the miracle after miracle experiences, they forgot God. In one occasions Moses was so angry when they worshipped the golden calf. God knew how to deal with these rough edges that was the reason He allowed them to wander in the wilderness to build their character and equip them with courageous faith.   

We have been constructing an 8-storey building since 2012 and we encountered problems along the way that caused the delay of the project to move as planned. How we wish to fast track everything according to our timeline. But, God in His wisdom allowed all the hassles for us to develop the attitude of being patient and powerless. And to prevent us from being proud when that day of occupancy comes. God is not only building the concrete structure but our character as well.

Like you, I have plans and dreams in mind. Did we wonder why God allowed delays as we pursue these things? Do not resent them because God has a purpose that is to mold our character and prepare us when the most awaited blessing comes. Maybe God is not yet done holding the sand paper to refine those rough edges in our lives. God is always in the process of molding us since He is the potter and we are the clay. Amen!

The Lord is our Defender

Did somebody accuse you of the offense you didn’t commit? Did you experience being criticized? or being misinterpreted or misunderstood? It is a reality that even though we did everything to be at peace with the world, we ended in frustration because we cannot please everybody.

When these people continue to throw all accusations and charges on us, what is the right thing do? Are we going to retaliate and find ways to get even? In this sharing, we will dig deeper on this issue. In my 30-year journey as a follower of Jesus, I faced this dilemma in every chapter of my life. I can vividly remember those service days being ridiculed and called me “father” or “pastor” because of my faith.  As a corporate employee, I received death threats because I stood on the ground against corrupt practices and was accused with the offense I didn’t commit. Years passed by, God in His time vindicated me by proving them wrong. Indeed, the Lord is my defender!

This situation also happened to Joseph in the Bible. He was sold to slavery by his brothers in Egypt and was imprisoned to the crime he didn’t commit. But in the end, God vindicated Him by promoting him to the second highest position in Egypt. As what Joseph said, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive”.

Our ultimate model and example is our Lord and Savior Jesus. The Bible says, “Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example to follow. Jesus committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” He responded in love that is kind, patient, not proud, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs and he even died at the cross without any complaint or opening his mouth.

“Count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit you because of your faith. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.” (Matthew 5:11/THE MESSAGE).  The Psalmist said, “How I love you, Lord! You are my Defender. The Lord is my Protector; He is my Strong Fortress. My God is my protection, and with Him I am safe. He protects me like a shield; He defends me and keeps me safe.  I call to the Lord, and He saves me from my enemies. Praise the Lord!”.

It is crystal clear to us what to do when we face criticism and persecution. Let us keep on loving people, remain powerless and humble as modeled by our Savior.  Let’s continue to fix our eyes to the author and finisher of our faith! In His time, God will vindicate us through the power of His forgiveness and redemption. As what Chuck Swindoll said, ” Be willing to let Him the lead, Let Him call the shot, let Him do the guiding, let Him do the defending”. Amen

More Valuable Than Sparrows

While writing one Saturday morning at the house, I heard the birds chirping and jumping from one branch to another. I somewhat envied these birds because of their way of life. They wake up each day happy, singing, dancing, and seemed enjoying each moment. Unlike humans, the birds don’t toil all day to live in order to survive. The sparrows live each day with excitement and don’t worry what tomorrow would bring.

What can we learn from these birds? We have been experiencing dry spell for almost three(3) months and PAGASA forecasted that it might be extended until middle of this year. Considering this scenario, our farms will suffer severely and as agricultural company, the bottom line will be badly hit. This week, I visited one of our farms situated in the South to attend a meeting. While bowing our heads during the opening prayer, we heard the chirping and singing of birds because our venue was situated in the middle of big trees. At that moment, I was reminded of what the Bible says about the sparrows.

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

Jesus used the birds as a model to illustrate his message intended for the crowd including his disciples on worry. In a way, birds are limited and helpless. They could do only as much like flying from one tree to another, look for worms to eat and take care of their young. They don’t toil, sow or reap or store their harvest at the barns like the humans. Yet, they survive from day to day and happy! Unlike us, who worry too much about the future of our kids, company shutdown, business bankruptcy, the coming May Election, our health, and the list is unending. It is high time to learn from these birds!

Because of busyness and tight schedules, we have been overwhelmed with the deadlines and the tyranny of the urgent. We forgot the things that we consider with lasting and eternal value. Like me, we succumbed to worry for the future and as a result, didn’t enjoy and savor the moment. Life is short, it is time to create wonderful memories with our loved ones and pursue our God given calling.

When was the last time we spent an unhurried and meaningful date with our spouse? How about planning for a family vacation this year? Aside the relationship, I think it is high time to pursue the purpose why God created us. Find time to slow down, evaluate and pursue what matters in life. As what the Bible says, ““Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Amen

 

The Power Of The Cross

The Lenten Season just ended. Everybody had the opportunity to spend the holidays in solitude, rest and deep reflection. The celebration of Holy Week became a practice of the Christian world in commemoration of the death of Jesus Christ. According to Mark Bailey of Dallas Theological Seminary, “The cross is the central of Christology and therefore it is also the central of Christianity.” The crucifixion served as the realization of God’s promise to give his only son to die on the cross and whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. Having said that, the cross has the power to provide hope to the hopeless drowned in the mired of sin.  In this context, we will study and discuss people of different walks of life transformed by the power of the cross.

While hanging at the cross, one of the criminals hurled insult to Jesus but the other defended the Savior and said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”. Then Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise”. This encounter with Jesus saved the helpless criminal since he acknowledged with humility his sinfulness and sought help from the savior. In response, Jesus granted him his request and the gift of hope was given as well. This criminal became the first recipient of the power of the cross.

Aside from the disciples, there were a lot of people changed by God. One of them was the man named Stephen who was tagged as the first martyr of the Christianity.  Bible also recorded in the book of Acts, when Peter preached the message of forgiveness and repentance, 3,000 were added to their number that day. Another prominent man named Saul encountered Jesus along the road of Damascus and experienced the amazing power of the cross. His name later was changed to Paul since he was called to suffer for the sake of the gospel. Paul wrote almost half of the New Testament and the power of the cross transformed him from being persecutor to a gospel preacher.

Even today, God has been in the business of transforming people of different walks of life. Recently, I bumped into an inspiring story of Wyden King, the owner Hotel Anito. This hotel chain had been known for the propagation of immorality or one night stand. It was amazing that the owner encountered Jesus and the power of the cross transformed him. He immediately implemented drastic changes across Anito Hotels- a memo to accept only married people who can present marriage contract. It affected the business bottom line but because of his new life with God, he opted to pursue things with eternal value. You may read his story by clicking http://www.entrepreneur.com.ph/run-and-grow/wyden-king-love-motels-christian-hotels-a00054-20160321-lfrm.

There were a lot of conversion stories I know brought by the power of the cross that might include your story and mine. To name a few; I remember the life actor Hayden Kho, my PMA classmate Capt. Gerardo Gambala, and the life of composer/singer Orlando Macaspac. Indeed, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has all the power to change you and me even though how dark  our past and sinful we are. As what the Bible says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here! Amen

 

Making This Life Count

Psalmist says, “Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.” The word of God painted the reality of the brevity of life and even predicted the average life span of man at seventy years. It also explained the hard and harsh realities of pain, trouble and suffering in the process. It is said that “life begins at 40” and everybody is not exempted from a midlife crisis. At this stage, we began to ask ourselves question like, am I really at right place? Am I trekking a right career and direction in life? Some people tendered a letter of resignation and started a new hobby, skills and career in this phase of life. What is its implication for the committed believers of Jesus like you and me? Steve Green the author and singer of the song entitled, ‘Bring Back the Glory”, shared his insights.

“Give me a cause that is grand. And a reason to stand. That calls for the best I can see. Something worthy to live for. A reason to give .Everything that I ever could be .O there must be more .Take me Lord. How I need you to give me. A glimpse of eternity.”

Indeed, this life is full of risks and dangers. We have been living in a dangerous world and it is all by God’s Grace that we are still alive. And the reason why God allowed us to wake up each morning despite the impending sickness and accident is for us to have a chance to give our best for eternity. It is good to live ourselves serving and obeying God amidst the threats and dangers surrounding us. We don’t want to waste our life by living an uneventful life in the process.

How are we spending our lives? Our lives are gift from God and our gift to God is to give our best and productive years at his service. We know that life is short. Let us allow God to make our lives count by giving our very best for glory and honor.

“Lord, Heal Our Land”

Is there any hope for this country? Allow me to share a personal journey with the intention to respect, inspire and encourage everyone. When I entered PMA, we were taught the core values of “Courage, Integrity and Loyalty”. Some of our alumni served as our models who ultimately sacrifice their precious lives for our country and people. During our graduation, a former military general was the president and I felt elated when I shook hands with him. When we took our graduation oath, this meaningful activity allowed me to have a deep reflection how I can serve the Filipino and my country. I even contemplated to follow the career path of the then President who became the AFP’s Chief of Staff, the Secretary of National Defense and then voted by the people to the highest office. This desire and idealism pushed me to join the Navy’s elite – the Philippine Navy Seal. When I got married and had our first born, my perspective, idealism and priorities gradually change. One day, I read about Mother Theresa who was asked by an idealistic young man, “what he will do to change the world?”. She responded, “Youngman, go back to family and love them”. At that time, I was deployed in Manila and my family was in Davao. When I came home I was a stranger to my son.

In 2002, I decided to leave the military service to be able to spend more time with my then toddler firstborn. It was a major decision that I initially considered difficult and heavy. Later on, after soaking it in prayer, God showed His favor and approval as clear as midday. Honestly, I admit that I still miss wearing my military uniform, with all its decorations, especially when I see these servicemen around doing their duty. At times that I doubted if I made the right move, I would go to God in prayer. Always, He would lovingly reassure me that I made the right decision, and that He has some other things for me to do outside of the armed forces, and that I need not be afraid and just keep on listening to Him.  In this period, I had the opportunity and privilege to be “Daddy” to my sons, to introduce and share Jesus to my children during our family storytelling and devotional time. The joy of leading my kids to pray for the forgiveness of their sins and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior is indescribable. Sharing Christ’s love is a great blessing more than the fame, power, colorful chest and shoulder boards with suns and stars.

Lately, I make it a point to get inside my sons’ room and lay hands on them in prayer. I prayed that more than the success, wealth and the good life this world would offer them, I wish them Jesus! My ardent desire and dream is for them to grow knowing God more, serve Him wholeheartedly and love Him sacrificially. Though not perfect kids, I pray that they grow in the knowledge and wisdom of His word. Each time I pray for them, something in me is stirred as well. The realization of the burden of fathering these lives entrusted to us by God is both humbling and overwhelming – the more I tremble and ask God to guide me be the father my children models and follows, to live a life as an example in conduct and faithfulness to the King. “Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful. May the fire of our devotion light their way. May the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe and the lives we live inspire them to obey. Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful.”

Some of us were called by God to serve this country as a servicemen, politician, academician, businessmen and in different field of expertise. Indeed, our country needs you and me in nation building. But let us not forget to put God in the equation and let us go back to our respective families and love them. Let us become spiritual leaders of our homes. With the premise that family is a basic unit of the society, real transformation will be realized one child at a time and one family at a time.

As what Joshua who once said, “Me and house, we will serve the Lord”. He modeled as a leader and warrior during his time to seek God first and love his family. “If my people will humble themselves, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways. Here I am from heaven will forgive their sins and heal their land.” Amen!

Live for the Audience of One

During one of the long weekends brought by holidays, we had video-k singing at the house as one way of relieving stress. We enjoyed and had fun in the process. One of my favorite songs was popularized by a Filipino music artist, Eddie Peregrina, entitled, What Am I living for? While enjoying the melody of this song, I was also pondering on the striking lyric in the form of a question. Indeed, What Am I living for? Like what Rick Warren asked, what on earth am I here for? What is my purpose in life?

“Living for the audience of One” is puritan saying that reflects kingdom living. Some of us are living for the audience of many who want to please people at all cost. Thus, it makes our lives complicated and busy to point of near breakdown. The word of God says that we have to set our minds and hearts on things above not on what people would say and think about us. This doesn’t mean that we will disregard the counsel and advice of our friends and colleagues. But we have to turn our eyes above to God and always act with God in mind.

If God is our audience, we feel rested thinking that God is light, loving, understanding and gracious. God will surely accept us even if we fail and fall short of His standard. But it is not an excuse for us to live in mediocrity and mere average but living and doing our best for His glory and honor.

On other hand, if we live pleasing people, our life became complicated, stressful and demanding. No wonder, our health also suffered in the process. As what James Bryan Smith said in his book, The Good and Beautiful Life, “No matter how many worldly “trophies” we acquire, we won’t be able to lay our head down in peace because we are only as good as our last success. But our loving Father-the only one who matters- tells us that we are loved, that we are of immeasurable worth”.

God is not happy with mediocrity but encourages everyone to think what is pure, lovely and excellence. Doing our best heartily not to please our human masters but doing our assigned job as unto Lord. God wanted His work to be pursued by those who wholeheartedly followed Him. They are God servants who look beyond the cheers and applause of men. The Lord will surely honor those who solely honor Him. What am I living for? It is my prayer that we are living to serve and please Him alone. Amen!