I only got YOU

Today I realized, I should not rob You of anything that belongs to you.

I belong to You, You own me. Therefore, I surrender, because I don’t have the right to control this life. I have no power. Now I will be selfless, as You did, when you gave up Your life for me. Thank You Lord.

No one is wiser than You, so I rely only on You. I cannot fathom all your plans, but I trust in Your will. You know my needs, I should not worry.

Whenever I stumble, I’m sure I can get up, because You’ll never let go of my hand. You help me get through the storm, though I don’t deserve it. What love is greater than that?

You have never got tired of reminding me that You care for me, moment by moment. You’re so patient with me and I usually don’t notice it. How can I ever thank You for constantly loving me though sometimes, I forget what You have done for me when You purchased my life through Your blood.

How can I be as fragile as I am today. I am being torn piece by piece. But how come You still pick each part of me, and mold me easily, making me whole again. How I treasure Your being blind to love me like that, because for a fact, I am always imperfect for your unconditional love.

My flesh is crying out now. I long to see You, I long to love You. But I have to wait on You Lord. You own the time. I should be patiently waiting on You and enjoy Your present gifts, which I don’t really deserve to have. But I want to keep them, treasure them, and share them with others.

I want to praise You, even in the midst of the storm. You deserve my worship, myself, my all. Teach me God how you want me to do these. I am desperate to know how to please You. It is my joy to see You smile.

Nonetheless, I will not rush. I will wait on You. You know the perfect time for everything. I will be patient. My hope is in You. My help always comes from You. Your love endures forever and I can wait even longer.

I loveYou Lord.

I live to know You more.

I live to serve You.

I live to worship You.

I live to please You.

I live to offer You things that You actually own.

I don’t own anything.

I only got You.

-chibi

Indescribable Love

How could we describe the love that He has lavished on us?

We may have not realized how we are loved by this God.

We don't even deserve to be loved by Him, but He endured everything

for us. What a God!

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INDESCRIBABLE LOVE

composed by chibi

Glory to God.

How do you describe the indescribable GOD?

You are so valuable in His sight.

That He has laid down His Godship

and died on the cross

to save you from eternal separation

from Him

(in short, saving you from hell, ouch!).

Who are you,, that He is so mindful of you????

Remember, you live in that tiny little earth which revolves around the small star called sun- in the huge galaxy, where gigantic stars like Sirius, Pollux, Aldebaran, Rigel, Arcturus, Betelgeuse, and Antares are located in as well.

Our big sun can contain 500 Jupiters in it, which can keep 1320 earths inside.(In case you forget.)

We are all like microscopic bacteria, walking on the face of the earth. But God cared about us. Why did he lay His crown down just to save dirty microscopic dusts like us?

Because He is…

an INDESCRIBABLE GOD

WHO GIVES

INDESCRIBABLE LOVE

Why do I say indescribable? Because my 1.5 kg brain can never explain His whole nature, even His capability to love you and me remains unknown to me. He is infinite, and our lifetime will not be enough to explain everything about Him. Nevertheless, it can be really exciting to see what we can know about Him to the best of our ability. He knows our needs, so He knows up to what point we can stop studying things about Him. Let’s study until He says “stop!”.

Read more: I LIVE BECAUSE...

How to Please God?

As a Christian, it is always my desire to please God. But the question is "how"?

And without faith it is impossible to please God... - Heb.11:6

Faith therefore matters to God. It is therefore an everyday call for us to see how much faith we have in Him.

True faith does not show when everything seems ok. It is seen during storm. It is very easy to say "praise God" when every thing is on its right place but when you are not fine and perhaps nothing seems to be positive around you, like you see nothing but problems and troubles, can you still praise Him?

Praising God in the storm is a big challenge. Times of trouble and tests are actually the best moments to praise Him. The faith that we have in Him pleases Him during such times.

By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff. - Hebrews 11:21

Jacob, even when he was facing death, still had his heart to worship God and bless each of Joseph's sons. Yes, he was still able to worship and bless, while abandoning what he was facing - death. His faith is in God alone even in the end of his time.

All of us should have the faith that Jacob had. Faith that causes blessings and worship to God even when we are facing trials, especially, the final test.

The Rain Became Typhoon!

(Based on my testimonial post yesterday)

Amazingly, the rain sent by God yesterday continued to be a storm.

I still stand in awe.

Issued at: 5:00 p.m., 13 July 2010
(click here to download 5 p.m. forecast-Adobe PDF format)
Synopsis : At 4:00 P.M. today, the center ofTyphoon "BASYANG" was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 40 kms North Northeast of Daet, Camarines Norte (14.4 °N, 123.3 °E) with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph. It is forecast to move West at 22 kph.

Metro Manila

24°C to 30°C

Moderate to Strong: Southwest Manila Bay: Moderate to Rough

from: http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/

God sent Rain!

I am still in awe of what God has done to me earlier. Wow, what a God. I can't wait to share it to the world.

Ganito kasi yon. At first, I don't know why my feet brought me to the last room in our house, where I can hear anything that is happening next to the two walls. I heard three people having a conversation (this is very unusual, because that place, which we call HQ, is a very private place for the kids worship/fellowship/discipleship/etc.). Apparently, this is the first time that it happened. I was momentarily curious about what's happening. I was asking, what are these people doing in this place that we are offering to God. Then I stepped a little closer to the window, where they are sitting nearest to.

Sadly, I recognized that it was my lola, tito, and a certain man. My lola was scolding my tito because of too many things about family, and other mistakes he has done in his life (that's in front of that certain man-who is perhaps a kumpare of my tito). All along, my lola is the one who was just talking. My tito butts in at some point in the "scolding chapter of this story" but thank God because he was not raising his voice to my lola, and somehow, the certain man tried to regulate the "sermons" of my lola. Later in the conversation, they tend to change the topic. A sudden shift to talk about our family. I heard their gossips about my mom (who has not done them any wrong, except her being part of a poor family). Plus the mistakes that were encountered by family. I really felt so judged, though I know that I am not the one they are juding, but my father and mother. I know you will understand what I feel because you also has a mom and dad. It was really hurting to my ears to hear them saying bad things about my parents, and take note, in our own place.

Instead of confronting them, I started to pray to God: "Lord what will I do. I'm hurt. You said I should not repay evil for evil."

I knew God didn't want me to lose temper. It was really hurting to realize that they are invading our privacy with the place because they did not even dare to ask permission if they (my tito and another man) can use the place, they were just "illegal bystanders" in the first place, but I didn't take that in a serious note. The point is, i wish my lola has stopped saying bad things about my family, and continously making herself as an example of a good life (pointing the spotlight to her past and what she has gone through- which she boastes earlier). I kept my silence while I heard them. I submitted to God. I did not confront them.

Continually I prayed to God. Singing songs of worship and praise. I left the room when I heard that my lola finally left the two. I sit on my work-shop and ask God for wisdom, so I can understand what He was trying to teach me with this situation going on. Later, I was prompt to play the keyboard and sing the song "Give us clean Hands".

I went to the same room (same place next to them) My tito and the man were still there. I am bothered because I've sneaked on them and seen that they were drinking liquior! Take note, that place that they are invading and drinking liquior in is a holy place for us. I was really hurt. But then, I asked God for wisdom. I had to do something. I plugged the keyboard in then started to play.

We bow our hearts
We bend our knees
Oh Spirit come make us humble
We turn our eyes
From evil things
Oh Lord we cast down our idols

So give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh give us clean hands
and give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another
Oh God let this be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob
Oh God let us be
a generation that seeks
Who seeks Your face, Oh God of Jacob

I know my tito and the man can hear me playing and singing. I intended to raise the volume of the keyboard and my voice. Still praying God will take control. As the volume gets stronger, I hear raindrops on the rooftop. Later, the rain has gone harder, driving my tito and his company away because the place they were in is reached by raindrops when it is raining hardly. (we only have a temporary roofing there)

Wow!

Praise God! Praise God. My heart sings praises that moment. God is powerful. He is indeed in control. I didn't even have to scold them to drive them away. It was God.

Later when the rain is through, I went to the place where my tito and his company were in. They' re not there but I found two bottles of red horse beer. I threw them away, knowing that I have the right to clean up the mess in the place where I am accountable to take care for. Then I put the table and chairs inside the room so it won't happen again.

When I was about to return inside, I heard my tito and the man. They've come back. They were looking for the bottles. I told them bravely, "I threw them away". I said it with a smile, still with respect to them as older people. Then I left them, trying to get the bottles on the other side of the fence. I don't know if they were able to get them. What I know is that, I had the right to tell them that they have done wrong to me and my family, especially to God. BUT I DID NOT. They did not respect the place and our family. BUT I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM NOT THE ONE TO TELL THEM THAT.

Simple acts like that can give major effect. But praise God, I didn't have to raise my voice to them. God will be the one to judge not me.

I pray that my lola, with her little time in this world, will see the truth. Live her faith. She prays the rosary twice a day, early in the morning and late at night before sleeping. But it is not the way to heaven but Faith that works. I also pray for my tito and his friend that they will also see the truth.

I believe, God is at work with everyone of us. Who am I to straighten the crooked stick? God will do His task. I dont have the right to hold grudge. I forgive them for what they've done.

Glory to God.

Praise Him. Forever and ever.

Amen.

Aging Eagle

My Exegesis Assignment for Hermeneutics (GCUM, BCCL)

_________________________________________

Interpretation of Isaiah 40:31

“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” NIV

_________________________________________

Natural Unit: Isaiah 40:1-31

Next Larger Unit: Isaiah 40:1 -66:24

_________________________

Historical Background/Facts/Notes:

Isaiah – Longest book in the bible next to Psalms and Jeremiah.

Prophet Isaiah is said to be the greatest prophet in history. He is a contemporary of:

Micah – in Judah

Amos, Josea, Jonah – in Israel

The book of Isaiah is like a bible in miniature, containing:

66 chapters = 66 books in the bible

first 39 chapters = the Old Testament

Last 27 chapters = the New Testament

Like the OT, the first 39 chapters of Isaiah is focusing on God’s judgment against the sin of people. On the other hand, like the NT, the last 27 chapters of the book of Isaiah focuses on God’s grace, giving the Lord’s comforting words to the hurting people of Judah as well as Israel.

Dead Sea Scrolls – 1947-1956

• Contain 19 copies of complete manuscripts of Isaiah
• Those found were 1000 years older than the existing copies the time before the dead sea scrolls were discovered.

Traditional Records say that Isaiah died under Kind Manasseh, who sawed his body in half.

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Passages Before: God is proclaiming, through the mouth of the prophet Isaiah, that He has had enough, and He is bringing judgment to the wickedness of the people.

Passages After: Isaiah 40 down to 66 focus on God’s giving of comforting words to the hurting people, after God has given His judgment to the nation. His words mirror the unending grace He is giving to people.

CIT: GOD RENEWS OUR STRENGTH AFTER ENDURING THE SUFFERINGS.

Keywords: Growth, Maturity, Eagle (and its aging process)

_____________________

Detailed Interpretation

Growth means being like gold that needs to undergo extreme pressure to attain purity, turning like steel that needs to be beaten hardly to gain strength, and sitting like diamonds on the rough, waiting for hundreds of years before finally shining with crystals.

We all need to be in pressure and be beaten. We often have to wait and be still because God is just around, checking if we are trusting in Him for whatever circumstance we are in.

Wait in God. Hope in God. Isaiah 40:31 is about God’s promise to us if we will learn how to put our total trust in Him, once we are trapped in a life-and-death situation in life.

In the 31^st verse of Isaiah 40, one important creature that God has made was mentioned- the eagle. Indeed, all of us can be compared to an eagle, especially when it undergoes its aging process.

Fact about the Eagle’s Metamorphosis

At a Certain point in an eagle’s life, it suffers a different method of aging. After a long time of successful flights on hunting preys and viewing every beautiful thing from above, it loses capabilities and beauty.

In this aging process, the eagle stays on the rocks, beating its beak and talon on the rough surface to break them. It endures the pain in plucking all its feathers. During the process. The eagle is almost defenceless. You cannot see a wild and brace hunter in its condition. Many eagles die at this point in their life. Nonetheless, the eagle who overcomes all these sufferings and pain, will get its feathers growing abundantly again, having its beak and talons sharper and stronger than ever. Later, the eagle who was once defenceless, ugly, and almost having no life at all, weary.. BUT persevering.. is spreading its beautiful wings, ready to soar on high again.

ISAIAH 40:31 is part of God’s comforting words to the people of Judah, who has undergone tragedies as consequences to her sins. After the sufferings, God has given them the second chance to live again. God’s amazing grace is everlasting!

Oftentimes, we transform like eagles, only if we endure and understand that God has designed such “aging process” to teach us something.

I would like to relate the inspiring truth with what God has said with His comforting words through the prophet Isaiah. Line by line..

(Let us call these E⁴ – E for Eagle)

_____________________________________________

“But Those Who Hope In The Lord Will Renew Their Strength..”

We are ENERGIZED. God wants us to pause for a while and learn from His instructions and later, get recharged by His power. Sometimes, we put too much energy out of our own strategies and plans, without consulting God, hence, we are often left out. Wait on God. Trust in God. Hope in God.

“..They will Soar on Wings Like Eagles..”

We experience EXCEPTIONAL FLYING. If we only allow God to take in control of the process, He will show us the beauty of the result. He will let us see His “long-range viewpoint”, “bird’s eye view” so to speak. He will also let us feel the freedom like how an eagle flies. He will also let us learn to see things beautifully from above.

“.. They will Run and Not Grow Weary..”

We get more ENDURANCE. Does the eagle run? Perhaps during the defenceless-stage, when it cannot fly, it will surely run when a predator shows off on the rocks to harm it. When it runs, it will really cost the eagle a quite ‘good dose’ of endurance. When you think you can’t, you really can’t. But if you say “yes! I will run even if it seems impossible to escape”, you will indeed overcome. God is the source of our strength, even in the most impossible time.

“..They will Walk and Not Become Weary..”

We gain ENDLESS JOY. As we witness God’s work in our lives, we will see ourselves, constantly walking in step with Him. In this, we don’t feel tired bored, and bothered. We won’t notice how long and tiring it has been. We will just feel the contentment and unexplainable joy. How happy an eagle is, when it sees itself walk, run, and fly as it reminisces its awful experience on the rocks, beating its beak and talon, while plucking all the feathers out. It is finished. The eagle is free!

Conclusion:

As We TRUST IN GOD’s WAY, We:

• are Energized
• experience Exceptional Flying
• get more Endurance
• gain Endless Joy

Last words:

God came on earth to give everything He can. And until now, He is still at work in us. Let’s submit to Him. Jesus said, “I’ve come that you might have life..”

Let’s hold on to His promise, He surely won’t break it.

Life means constant problem solving. We should courageously solve the problems, with the right attitude, like the persevering eagle that has beaten its beak and talon, and plucked its feathers out.

As we grow enduring the different problems and challenges in life, trust in God, Hope in God.

So, when you get caught up by “the Aging Process”

Stand firm.

Gain life.

Break your talon.

Pluck your feathers out.

And you will see,

The beautiful creature

That God has designed

In your life long before you were born.

You are special to Him.

Trust in Him.

Because He knows what He is doing.

Prepared by Lanilane Ocbina

Glory to God!

Fly Like an Eagle

METAMORPHOSIS OF AN EAGLE

Scientists tell us that as eagles age, their beaks and talons become encrusted with calcium. Thus, neither is as sharp as they once were. When this happens, the aging eagle cannot hunt as effectively as he once did. As he ages, he also loses some of his feathers. When this happens it causes his body to "whistle" in the air as he dives toward his prey. This destroys his ability to hunt in silence, thus further reducing his effectiveness as a hunter.

When the eagle enters this period of his life and he appears bedraggled and haggard, he will descend from soaring in the heights above and find him a place in the rocks. There, he will pluck out all of his feather and break off his own calcium encrusted beak against the rocks. He will even scratch his talons against the rocks until they are reduced to nubs. At this point, the eagle is absolutely vulnerable and defenseless. Many eagles die during this process because they cannot feed themselves or escape predators.

But, during this time a wonderful thing begins to happen, to those who survive. The feathers will begin to grow back. His beak will also grow back. His talons regrow as long and as sharp as ever before. After a time, the eagle will step out on the rocks, flap his great wings and take to the skies once again in victory. The eagle has "renewed its youth", its vigor and strength return and it mounts up and soars on high again.




Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/metamorphosis-fly-with-the-eagles-71909.html#ixzz0raveT7is
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
________________________________________

ISAIAH 40:31
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.
____________________________

Until recently, I have not learned that eagles undergo such life-and-death challenge. They are absolutely like us. When we step on that maturing level, we surely undergo the challenges that almost make us stumble and fall. Some eagles die during that stage, sometimes, so do we. Some of us give in during the hardest stage. But for the greater glory of God, most of us metamorphose beautifully and fly high again. Let's keep our hope in the Lord because He will guide our paths. Focus on Him not on our sufferings. He is our helper, we shall not fear.

"Stand firm.. Gain life.." Luke 21:19

Hermeneutics wheew!

Hermeneutics textbook

my work-shop

The module is over (though not totally yet because of the take home exegesis). Wow, that was a tiring course but I enjoyed it. Praise God because I've learned more than enough! Honestly, at the onset of the module, things are really mind boggling. Nevertheless, after a few days, I enjoyed every new learnings I get from God. Gradually, I am learning to exegete. I realized a lot of errors I've made before and because of the lessons, I know which habits in preaching should I avoid. Thank You Lord for this blessing. Thanks for leading me to BCCL, knowing that I was really not in the mood to enroll for this module, but You still gave me the chance. Truly, you are a gracious God. I pray that the learnings I had will last for long so I can use it and share it to other people. I pray that I can enroll again next module. Your will be done.

(I will soon share my exegesis here soon)

1st day of classes

All bags are packed and my siblings are back to school again! May God bless their new journey this school year.

Menschville Camp 2010

Glory to God!

Menschville Camp was a success as it was attended by 18 kidz- now newly trained (and still being trained) for servant-leadership and stewardship. The activities started at 6pm Friday, June 11 and ended with a presentation in BU-CBEM E-hall during JDC service yesterday, June 13 at 6pm. The Menschville kidz sang “I could sing of your love”, Jake on drums, Tho on bass, Vincent on beatbox, Mary on percussion, Syra and Monnette on Lead vocals and everyone on dance and back up vocals. Glory to God.

The first Kidz service, by God’s grace, will be held next sunday, June 20, at the Menschville-JDC Gbtn HQ at San Francisco, Guinobatan, Albay.

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Menschville Camp 2010 Participants:

Mary Rose Oabina 15

Ericka Dayondayon 12

Monnette Dela Rama 12

Sarah Nopia 9

Mary Rose Dela Rama 9

Angela Tejada 10

Syra Mae Nopia 11

Kaila Mae Llorando 11

Angielyn Oabina 9

Russel Magante 10

Jayvan Moyano 10

Joshua Ocbina 7

Rey Moyano 6

Nomer Jake Ocbina 13

Jerald Moyano 13

Earl Lord Vincent Oliva 10

Justin Mancera 9

MORE PICTURES OF THE MENSCHVILLE CAMP 2010 HERE

www.menschville.org

Click the play button to Watch this video

of Menschville's 1st worship leading

@ BU-CBEM E-hall, June 13, 2010

Trust Him Fully

Blondin was a 19th century acrobat, famous for his tightrope act 160 feet above Niagara Falls on a rope which was over a thousand feet long. In 1860 a Royal party from Britain saw Blondin cross the tightrope on stilts, and again blindfolded. After that he stopped halfway and cooked and ate an omelette. Next he wheeled a wheelbarrow from one side to the other, and returned with a sack of potatoes in it.

Then Blondin approached the Royal party. He asked the Duke of Newcastle, "do you believe I could take a man across the tightrope in this wheelbarrow?" "Yes, I do" , said the Duke. "Hop in, then" , replied Blondin.

Well, the Duke declined Blondin's challenge. He might have believed Blondin could do it, but he wasn't about to trust him with his life. When it comes to God, this kind of belief is not much good to him. God is looking for followers who will trust him with their lives. When we are challenged with trials in life,

HOW CAN WE FULLY TRUST IN HIM?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” –PROVERBS 3:5-6

1. Trust in the Lord with all your heart

When God challenges you to get into that wheelbarrow, are you going to trust in Him with all our heart?

• Believing is not enough. Even demons have that kind of faith. They know and believe that God exists (James 2:19) - and tremble.
• The difference is that, they have no loving confidence in God. We have faith in God- meaning, we believe and have loving confidence in Him. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." He.11:1.
• We don’t need proofs to have faith in God. When we learn to love God, faith will just come out.
• We have to Fully trust Him. Trust is the practical outworking of faith: it is when we trust God that we show that our faith in Him is real.

2. Lean not on your own understanding

• We think we know better than God, but the reality is that, like Adam and Eve in the beginning, our wisdom and understanding is weak, crooked and unreliable.
• At first Solomon pleased God and was obedient to him, but then he began to think he knew better than God. He acquired an army for himself and imported horses from Egypt; he accumulated vast amounts of silver and gold and built himself a palace even more opulent than the temple he'd just built. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines. He began to opress the people.
• The Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding- Proverbs 2:6
• Lean not on your own understanding. Lean instead on the wisdom of God's word. We need FAITH. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. Ro. 10:17

3. In all your ways acknowledge Him

God cares not just about your sacred activities but about everything you do. Break the wall and let God be at the center of everything you do.

4. He shall direct your paths

• God's path is not the path we would naturally take, and God's idea of a straight path is not necessarily our idea of a straight path.
• Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

This site is No.1 for the KW > "hold on 33 miles chords"

Everyday, I check the feeds for the viewers of my blog, and apparently (if you check it yourself as well) many visitors go here for the chords of "hold on" 33 miles. I wonder why, that's why I googled it, then I saw, it's PR1N1 in the SERP. Very cool.

In case you are a new visitor and looking for the chords for the song "hold on" by 33 miles:

simply click here

finishing the battle.. obeying the commander

I’m tired. My heart is gradually tearing apart. I don’t want to question why because I know the answer. Life involves solving puzzles and problems. But it's not all about sufferings. It's about whom we run to as we go through the trials and walk through the fire.

I just want to rest for a while. Anyhow, sometimes, the warrior is a child. Sometimes, we need to cry. Nonetheless, crying does not signify fear or weakness. We are human, we need it. The battle is still on, I just need to lay down my armour and take a break for just a little while.

Even though something seems to be crashing my heart now, my flesh is crying out: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear..” I believe, just like what He said to Joshua, the successor of Moses, God also wants me to take courage and be strong. My Lord is with me always. My hope is in the Lord. He will not leave me nor forsake me. My God is faithful. He loves me. No man can ever harm me.

Whatever problem it is that I am having right now, I am taking courage and leaning only to God. I know God wants me to feel uncomfortable right now because He wants me to run to Him for comfort. I will run to Him- No matter how long, no matter how far, no matter how tiring, no matter how hard, and no matter how foolish I may look in front of people, I will always run to my Lord. I will finish the battle, and obey my commander.

God is good all the time. Amen.

Jesus Resurrection- A historical event or a Hoax?

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the heart of Christianity. For this reason, this matter has been attacked by skeptics for how many years now. Nonetheless, noone has ever thrown down the truth about the resurrection. Many have tried, but it seemed that not even one has proven that Jesus Resurrection is a myth. That is because, He has indeed rose from the dead.

One simple example is the opposition of the once recorded “most successful lawyers ever lived” Sir Lionel Luckhoo (Guiness Book of Records). He has been among the most successful advocates of his time and brilliant lawyer, 245 consecutive successful defenses in murder cases. He was challenged to prove that his claim that the resurrection of Christ is a hoax and so he gave years of study about the case. It turned out that Luckoo, instead of presenting his negative claim about the resurrection of Christ, has presented himself as a converted Christian. He said:

“I humbly add I have spent more than 42 years as a defense trial lawyer appearing in many parts of the world and am still in active practice. I have been fortunate to secure a number of successes in jury trials and I say unequivocally the evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is so overwhelming that it compels acceptance by proof which leaves absolutely no room for doubt.”

Many of us today have strong stand about our own opinions and theories. I believe that everyone has the right to have his own view and belief. For now, mine will be strongly about affirming that Jesus indeed rose from the dead.

History will say that not just a simple bible school student like me will have this same stand. Simon Greenleaf (1783-1853) was one of the founders of Harvard Law School also has the same stand. Lee Strobel was a Yale-educated, award-winning journalist at the Chicago Tribune, once an aetheist, has the same claim. These brilliant people and many other more intelligent fellows are also claiming that Jesus resurrected. Some of them were once on the other side but it turned out that they have proved themselves wrong firsthand, because of the evidences they have discovered while trying to prove the resurrection of Christ was a myth. They all agree- Jesus indeed resurrected.

Some of the people in the negative side would say that I and my fellow believers do not have enough evidence because we were not there when it happened. This is somewhat a silly argument because we are believing a lot about history, say Roman and Greek History, the story of Helen of troy, the reign of Juliius Caesar, the Philosophy of great Philosophers like Plato, the story of Alexander the great and so on and so forth, these are all accepted in the society. Note that the history of Alexander the Great was recorded first by Plutarch. Alexander the great died 323BC, and Plutarch was born 46AD. That is almost 400 years in between, but the society is very much enjoying the information about this Roman conqueror, as given by Plutarch. Amidst all these, why do a lot of people are still in doubt of Christ’s Life, Death, and Resurrection, while strong historical bases are set before our very eyes?? That is because, many refuse to open their eyes towards the truth. It is all beyond the natural laws! Our 3 pound brain could not totally contradict God’s case!

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I Live Because...

Many of us are confused about what this life’s for? What’s the reason for all of these things around us. We all seemed like illegitimate kids who do not really know our past and that, we cannot move forward to the future otherwise, we see the whole story backwards. This book is about digging up deeper to the truth about our whole entity. Who are we? Where do we come from? Why do we exist?

Let’s decipher…

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Apostle Paul's "Last Will and Testament"

Preparation for my report in GCUM- NT Survey and Background
RE: 2 TIMOTHY
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Chapter 1

3I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5I have been reminded of your sincere faith… 6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

- Consequently, Paul wishes to write to Timothy before he dies. No one else could minister to his needs as well as could Timothy (Phil 2:20); since he is about to die, he must encourage Timothy to continue in the work of the ministry. Paul longs to see timothy. He misses his ‘son’ in faith. He is reminiscing the ‘good and bad times’ they spent together in the ministry. In the introduction, Paul wanted to tell Timothy that he has to be brave and he has to continue the faith.. as for how many times in this 2nd epistle to Timothy, Paul reiterated that.

“15You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.16May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 18May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus”
- Paul is at the height of his emotions and was telling Timothy that everyone seemed to have forsaken him, except Luke, who was with him, and Onesiphorus, who has looked for him. Some disciples however have left for their assignments like Titus to Dalmatia and Crescens to Galatia. (4:10)

Chapter 2
“1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”

- This is the main theme of 2 Timothy- ENDURANCE. Paul encourages Timothy to set forth and continue with the proclaiming the gloriousness of Christ. Giving Timothy this encouragement, Paul was experiencing the desertion of the members of church and even leaders, who if not afraid, are ashamed of fighting for Paul’s freedom then.

“14Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

- It was apparent that Timothy was entrusted with the church in Ephesus (them), which was in the midst of troubles with false teachers who were once taking over the church. For how many times, Paul warned Timothy to keep away from profane and foolish discussions. He pointed out some of their former companions who have wandered away form the truth, Hymenaeus and Philetus. Paul’s powerful motivation given to Timothy about this matter (which we also hold on to) was:

"The Lord knows those who are His,"[a] and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
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Chapter 3

“1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them”

- Paul talked about the last days. It seemed like Paul really wants Timothy to remember these signs as he said “Mark this..” it’s like a teacher who says “take note” when he wants to emphasize something to his students. Now, we are also taking these notes relative to what we are experiencing now.

Chapter 4

“1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”

- This is Paul’s charge to Timothy. It is like the ‘key of responsibility’ is being passed on to his ‘son in faith’- “but as for you, continue in what you have learned….” Paul has been with Timothy since his 2nd missionary journey in Lystra, and after his release from his 1st imprisonment (in v.10-it shows that they were together in Antioch, Iconium and other parts of missionary journeys as well). It looks like Paul and Timothy had a very deep relationship in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, and that, Timothy was well equipped for leading the church.

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7…”

-If we recall his letter to the Philippians, he was comparing himself and us, Christians, to athletes, who are running the race, and reaching for the prize. Now in 2Timothy, he was like saying that he is approaching the finish line, and he ‘smells’ the sweetness of victory where the righteous Judge will reward him.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

- I pray that like Paul, all of us will also say these words. May we also have a good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith until the end.
God bless!

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Prepared by: Lanilane Ocbina

naiiyak ako

I am so blessed by this video. Wheew. Our talents are for God Alone. God bless manong tomy who continuously gives glory to God. Make sure you watch these. Be blessed too.

READY TO OBEY HIS GREAT COMMISSION?

BE HIS DISCIPLE FIRST...

Luke 14:25-27

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother , his wife and children, his brothers and sisters, even hiS own life- he cannot be my disciple…. Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciples.”

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother , his wife and children, his brothers and sisters, even hi own life- he cannot be my disciple.”

- This is not about “hating” or getting angry or becoming allergic with your family and loved ones. It doesn’t also mean to abandon them! That’s silly. God is love, and He surely doesn’t want you to hate anybody especially your family. In this verse, God just wants us to be reminded what life is all about. He should come first. He is above everything. Hence, before we please anyone around us, God should be pleased first. If pleasing other people, including your family, will not please God, then you should get over it. Everyone and ourselves should come next to Him. Life is not about you, it is all about Jesus.

“He cannot be my disciple.”

- If we claim that we are a follower of Christ or if we consider Him as our discipler, it should show in our way of living. Do we put Him fist above all things? Do we pause for a while to ask Him before making a decision?

“Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciples..”

The cross is the sign of our redemption from sins through Christ. In any way we look, the cross will remind us how sinful we are but the grace of God has washed us from being sinful. Everyday, we should carry this cross. The weight of the cross- the burden of the sins of this world- we have to carry them as a burden not as a comfort or pleasure. It is easy to live in this world if we are conformed to its pattern. In contrast, it will be hard to carry the cross- the sins of this world. We belong to God not to this world. As aliens, strangers, foreigners in this world, knowing that everything is temporary, it will be hard to conform, that is- if we hate sin. The true disciple of God hates sin (but love the sinners, that’s why God love us) [I used “love” not “loves” because God, refers to the trinity- Father, Son, Holy Spirit]

ARE YOU A DISCIPLE OF GOD?

ARE YOU READY TO OBEY HIS GREAT COMMISSION?

Spiritual Leadership

Book Review - SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP - J.Oswald Sanders

The book Spiritual Leadership by Sanders has a lot of eye-opening principles to tell. Indeed, the true rewards of being a leader are not richness, fame, position, great friends or any good things on earth. When you are a leader, according to Sander, it costs you suffering, loneliness, stress, persecutions and a lot more. To be greatest in the kingdom of God, one should be the servant of all. It is not mere martyrdom, it is the expression of grace and unconditional love, which God has already taught us when He went down to earth and redeemed us from sins.

Real leaders are in short supply, Sanders said. Many are called but few are chosen. Few wanted to respond to the call because it is too costly to follow God. That is, “expensive” in earth-bound richness and happiness. Only few understand that greater richness and happiness are promised when we follow Christ. And it takes wisdom to understand this.

Humility – Sanders pointed out that God has made it clear to James and John that high position in the kingdom of God is reserved for those whose hearts- even in secret places where no one else probes are qualified. God hates people who focus on position just like what happened to a group of Levites who rebelled against God and Moses because of jealousy in power. Leadership is neither about position nor power, it is about service to God. In our church, it is never about getting a position though most of us are youth, we don’t focus on labels or anything. Glory to God. “It is God who will give these places to those for whom He has prepared them.”

Being a leader sent by God, one has to undergo training to be completely qualified. It is said that no one is too weak to serve God because in every man’s weakness, God’s mighty and limitless power is made perfect. As Sanders explained, an ambassador for Christ needs to learn how to be qualified socially, morally, and mentally. God inspects the leader’s heart, where everything is coming from.

The perfect example of discipleship is what Jesus did. It shows even at this very moment. Christians are everywhere, burning for Jesus. If not because of Jesus’ effective and efficient leadership and discipleship, we might not be experiencing the fire in us today. The leadership of Jesus continued for years. For a long period of time, many disciples, however, have committed inefficiency. I personally still have problems with effectiveness and efficiency. Leaders commit mistakes. They are imperfect but undergoing the process of being perfected. God wants faults and failures to be corrected. He wants us to learn. In our church, we have a meeting called “bull session” wherein we practice rebuking with God’s love. We learned how to help one another by pointing the mistakes of one another in a constructive way. Then, we pray together often.

Nehemiah, a prophet and instrument of God rendered an example to the encouragement to his people. He faced weaknesses and remained faithful to God. Prayerful life is his lifestyle. It is great to know that Sanders emphasized the true necessity of prayer, which Jesus Himself had given example with. Truly, all Christian leaders should be prayerful as the Son of God. If it is not necessary, Jesus would have not cared to waste time in praying. A prayerful leader like Jesus surely endures the perfect but painful will of God. “The goal of prayer is the ear of God”, Sanders.

The Spiritual leadership by Sanders is truly a helpful tool that every Christian leader should read. It contains the right insights needed by a Christian leader who seeks an example to follow. In other words, this book is a Christ-centered book. He is the exact model for leadership. Many biblical characters were also used mightily by God but none of them is as perfect as Jesus. Everyone had flaws in their leadership but not God Himself.

Honestly, I have not yet finished reading the book; however, it is my goal to finish reading it because I believe, God has a lot more to teach me about Spiritual Leadership.