This week I have an infected lower eyelid. Last week it was the upper lid of my other eye. I'd love to show some pictures but, let's keep those disturbing images to ourselves ;)
So what's the cause? Allergies? Fatigue? Malnutrition (!) ?
Sin?
Filipino folklore says a person gets an eyelid cyst or sty from peeping around. So I'm already used to someone cracking that joke when they see me with a "bad eye". Then I'll come up with a witty retort...
But these past few days I do feel God drawing me gently towards Him again. Thank God I still feel Him. Thank God He does not let go but He does not force anyone to love Him either.
I've been busy. But that's not an excuse. One's hands can be busy but still have a heart, mind, and soul connected to God, our One True Love. It's humbling to admit that I have to be "forced" to STOP moving, to experience the lack of joy in going after anything else, before turning back to Him.
I had to apologize, and I need to claim His forgiveness.
"Your eye is the lamp of your body.
When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light.
But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness.
See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.
Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark,
it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you."
--- Jesus (Luke 11:34-36)
Ultimately, God the Son says we just have to do two things: Love God, and love one another. This season, both my relationship with God and with others needed a major reboot.
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged.
Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.
Forgive, and you will be forgiven...
For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
--- Jesus (Luke 6:37,38)
I've heard the above passages many times and really taken them to heart. I think. Lately I've been seeing more of the depths of my evil nature, which makes my physical condition a very appropriate (ironic? sublime? gentle? funny?) reflection of my spiritual condition.
Continuing from the same passage above:
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye
and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
How can you say to your brother,
‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’
when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye?
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye,
and then you will see clearly
to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."
--- Jesus (Luke 6:41-42)
These days my eyes burn with tears, and it's not because of the dust around me. I'm filled with shame and sorrow for the filth inside of me.
But tears cleanse and purify.
On my way home tonight, I was surprised at how CRISP and clear my vision was. I still had my cyst, and that offensive nature... but I can see much clearer now.
"For judgement I have come into this world,
so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind...
If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin;
but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains."
--- Jesus (John 9:39,41)
For some people, it might seem like a miracle to be finally made aware of their own sins! (*Ouch!*) But it's still not enough. There is no use realizing you're on the wrong way of a one-way road, if you don't do anything about it.
"This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you:
God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.
If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness,
we lie and do not live out the truth.
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light,
we have fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.
If we claim to be without sin,
we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just
and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned,
we make Him out to be a liar and His word is not in us."
--- John (1 John 1:5-10)
To have healthy eyes, they must be kept clean. Feed them with the right nutrients. Don't make them suffer in darkness; keep them in the light.
Take care of your eyes and they will keep on showing you the truth about your surroundings, and even about yourself.
And now, to take care of my eyes by going to sleep. Good Night!
Showing posts with label weak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weak. Show all posts
February 10, 2014
February 22, 2013
Honor God with your body
Let's
talk about sex, marriage, and food. Because it's February :) From
Paul's first letter to the Corinthians (3:16-17, 6:9-7:11):
"You know the old saying, 'First you eat to live, then you live to eat'? Well, it may be true that the body is only a temporary thing, but that's no excuse for stuffing your body with food, or indulging it with sex. Since the Master honors you with a body, honor Him with your body!
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/images/body/body2.jpg
"You realize, don't you, that you are the temple of God, and God Himself is present in you? No one will get by with vandalizing God's temple, you can be sure of that. God's temple is sacred --- and you, remember, are the temple...
"Don't
you realize that this is not the way to live? Unjust people who don't
care about God will not be joining in His kingdom. Those who use and
abuse each other, use and abuse sex, use and abuse the earth and
everything in it, don't qualify as citizens in God's kingdom. A number
of you know from experience what I'm talking about, for not so long ago
you were on that list. Since then, you've been cleaned up and given a
fresh start by Jesus, our Master, our Messiah, and by our God present in
us, the Spirit.
"Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I'd be a slave to my whims.
"Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I'd be a slave to my whims.
http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/logos/logos1206/logos120600468/
14092973-catering-buffet-food-in-luxury-restaurant-with-dessert-and-fresh-fruits.jpg
"You know the old saying, 'First you eat to live, then you live to eat'? Well, it may be true that the body is only a temporary thing, but that's no excuse for stuffing your body with food, or indulging it with sex. Since the Master honors you with a body, honor Him with your body!
"God
honored the Master's body by raising it from the grave. He'll treat
yours with the same resurrection power. Until that time, remember that your bodies are created with the same dignity as the Master's body. You wouldn't take the Master's body off to a whorehouse, would you? I should hope not.
http://www.godsownholidays.com/graphics/images/honeymoon1.jpg
"There's
more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as
physical fact. As written in Scripture, 'The two become one.' Since we
want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the
kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely
than ever --- the kind of sex that can never 'become one.' There is a
sense in which sexual sins are different from all others. In sexual sin
we violate the sacredness of our own bodies, these bodies that were made for God-given and God-modeled love, for 'becoming one' with another. Or didn't you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don't you realize that you can't live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.
"Now, getting down to the questions you asked in your letter to me. First, is it a good thing to have sexual relations?
http://images03.olx.com.ph/ui/1/57/11/6965611_1.jpg
"Certainly --- but only within a certain context. It's good for a man to have
a wife, and for a woman to have a husband. Sexual drives are strong,
but marriage is strong enough to contain them and provide for a balanced
and fulfilling sexual life in a world of sexual disorder. The marriage bed must be a place of mutuality --- the husband seeking to satisfy his wife, the wife seeking to satisfy her husband. Marriage is not a place to 'stand up for your rights.' Marriage is a decision to serve the other, whether in bed or out. Abstaining from sex is permissible for a period of time if you both agree to it, and if it's for the purposes of prayer and fasting --- but only for such times. Then come back together again. Satan has an ingenious way of tempting us when we least expect it. I’m not, understand, commanding these periods of abstinence --- only providing my best counsel if you should choose them.
"Sometimes I wish everyone were single like me --- a simpler life in many ways! But celibacy is not for everyone any more than marriage is. God gives the gift of the single life to some, the gift of the married life to others.
"I do, though, tell the unmarried and widows that singleness might well be the best thing for them, as it has been for me. But if they can’t manage their desires and emotions, they should by all means go ahead and get married. The difficulties of marriage are preferable by far to a sexually tortured life as a single. And if you are married, stay married. This is the Master’s command, not mine. If a wife should leave her husband, she must either remain single or else come back and make things right with him. And a husband has no right to get rid of his wife."
"Sometimes I wish everyone were single like me --- a simpler life in many ways! But celibacy is not for everyone any more than marriage is. God gives the gift of the single life to some, the gift of the married life to others.
"I do, though, tell the unmarried and widows that singleness might well be the best thing for them, as it has been for me. But if they can’t manage their desires and emotions, they should by all means go ahead and get married. The difficulties of marriage are preferable by far to a sexually tortured life as a single. And if you are married, stay married. This is the Master’s command, not mine. If a wife should leave her husband, she must either remain single or else come back and make things right with him. And a husband has no right to get rid of his wife."
January 15, 2013
My solid ground
This is the Star Frisbee, perhaps the craziest ride in Star City.
(Yes, those are legs dangling as the pendulum swings and rotates.)
This is me on the Star Frisbee.
Just to be clear, that is not a smile --- that is a grimace of intense fear and psychological pain. The horror of it all in multiple angles.
As I was mercilessly thrown back and forth,
I was processing how in the world I got there,
barely able to breathe in (and gasp out "LORD!")
when the ride braces for the next swing.
Realizing there's no escape and I just have to ride it out,
I told myself, "Well, nobody died from this yet, so I should be okay."
I did get out alive; a proud survivor but with no plans of returning, thank you very much.
Just like 2012.
The year I turned 30 was the craziest ride ever, wilder than all the past years combined. Beliefs were turned upside down. Boundaries were formed and reformed. Principles were challenged. Priorities were refined. All of a sudden, God gave me maturity, self-control, security and peace.
I was shaken, I was strengthened. And yet through it all, my God remains the same. He is changing me --- improving, pruning, developing. As for Himself, He really can't improve on perfection now, can He?
Our God is the one stable and constant Presence in the universe. He is terra firma: solid ground. His Word does not change even when our understanding of it does. His gifts remain with us even when we forget about them, or ignore or misuse them. Most importantly, He is with us, always, period.
When the Star Frisbee of Life tosses me wildly back and forth, I will put my trust in what is secure. That ride is ultimately anchored on the ground; rocky circumstances ultimately answer to God Himself. I'll place my hope in my terra firma: enduring dangling in mid-air by remembering what the ground feels like... and making sure I get to touch base (literally get grounded) as much as possible.
https://twitter.com/iamglezjvn1/
(Yes, those are legs dangling as the pendulum swings and rotates.)
This is me on the Star Frisbee.
Just to be clear, that is not a smile --- that is a grimace of intense fear and psychological pain. The horror of it all in multiple angles.
As I was mercilessly thrown back and forth,
I was processing how in the world I got there,
barely able to breathe in (and gasp out "LORD!")
when the ride braces for the next swing.
Realizing there's no escape and I just have to ride it out,
I told myself, "Well, nobody died from this yet, so I should be okay."
I did get out alive; a proud survivor but with no plans of returning, thank you very much.
Just like 2012.
The year I turned 30 was the craziest ride ever, wilder than all the past years combined. Beliefs were turned upside down. Boundaries were formed and reformed. Principles were challenged. Priorities were refined. All of a sudden, God gave me maturity, self-control, security and peace.
I was shaken, I was strengthened. And yet through it all, my God remains the same. He is changing me --- improving, pruning, developing. As for Himself, He really can't improve on perfection now, can He?
Our God is the one stable and constant Presence in the universe. He is terra firma: solid ground. His Word does not change even when our understanding of it does. His gifts remain with us even when we forget about them, or ignore or misuse them. Most importantly, He is with us, always, period.
When the Star Frisbee of Life tosses me wildly back and forth, I will put my trust in what is secure. That ride is ultimately anchored on the ground; rocky circumstances ultimately answer to God Himself. I'll place my hope in my terra firma: enduring dangling in mid-air by remembering what the ground feels like... and making sure I get to touch base (literally get grounded) as much as possible.
December 2, 2012
Tempted much? Some reminders
http://www.blessedisthekingdom.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/temptation_575.jpg
These days I'm very tempted. And I fall, fall, and fall.
Reminders from His Word:
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”
(1 Corinthians 10:13–14)
"Do not give the devil a foothold."
(Ephesians 4:27)
"When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."(James 1:13-15)
There's also a very good discussion here: "10 Temptation Truths"
God bless you, and God bless me. Gotta claim that. And look to Him, first and foremost, once again.
September 1, 2011
Mom's (and Dad's) Forgiveness
An unlikely friendship has formed between the mother of a 9/11 victim and the mother of one of its main conspirators. (More stories like this can be found over at The Forgiveness Project.)
"I have come to see forgiveness as more than a word; it's a context, a process. I don't forgive the act, but trying to understand why someone has acted in the way they have is part of the process of forgiving. Forgiveness is being able to accept another person for being human and fallible."
This reminded me of another scene between two mothers - those of 2Pac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. These rappers were based in rival territories (West Coast vs. East Coast), and both were murdered. Here, their mothers made a public appearance together.
We've heard it said that a mother's love is unconditional. How deep that love must be, to extend even to the *enemies* of her children!
Yet we are also aware of how fallen even our moms can be. God says,
"Can a woman forget her nursing child,
that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
yet I will not forget you."
- Isaiah 49:15
As we receive the imperfect love of our human mothers, may we appreciate all the more our Heavenly Father's perfect love.
"I have come to see forgiveness as more than a word; it's a context, a process. I don't forgive the act, but trying to understand why someone has acted in the way they have is part of the process of forgiving. Forgiveness is being able to accept another person for being human and fallible."
This reminded me of another scene between two mothers - those of 2Pac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. These rappers were based in rival territories (West Coast vs. East Coast), and both were murdered. Here, their mothers made a public appearance together.
We've heard it said that a mother's love is unconditional. How deep that love must be, to extend even to the *enemies* of her children!
Yet we are also aware of how fallen even our moms can be. God says,
"Can a woman forget her nursing child,
that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
yet I will not forget you."
- Isaiah 49:15
As we receive the imperfect love of our human mothers, may we appreciate all the more our Heavenly Father's perfect love.
August 18, 2011
Too scared to move?
Sometimes in our fear that we might do something wrong,
We end up not doing anything right either
Sometimes we know all too well what we cannot do,
How about looking at the things we can do?
"We can do ALL things through CHRIST Who strengthens us."
:)
We end up not doing anything right either
Sometimes we know all too well what we cannot do,
How about looking at the things we can do?
"We can do ALL things through CHRIST Who strengthens us."
:)
August 3, 2011
Give to receive: Teacher learns something new
Today I was pleasantly surprised to learn a new study "trick". Especially since I realized it in the middle of teaching someone else. (Thank You Holy Spirit.)
I'm reminded about why maintaining this blog is a delight and never a chore. It goes beyond the urge for self-expression. Sharing about God blesses not just the hearers but the messenger too.
A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
- Proverbs 11:25
By this kind of hard work we must help the weak,
remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said:
"It is more blessed to give than to receive."
- Acts 20:35
Indeed, ultimately:
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it,
but whoever loses their life for Me and for the gospel will save it.
- Jesus (Mark 8:35)
Makes me excited about the new things I'll be learning in the next days. :)
I'm reminded about why maintaining this blog is a delight and never a chore. It goes beyond the urge for self-expression. Sharing about God blesses not just the hearers but the messenger too.
A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
- Proverbs 11:25
By this kind of hard work we must help the weak,
remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said:
"It is more blessed to give than to receive."
- Acts 20:35
Indeed, ultimately:
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it,
but whoever loses their life for Me and for the gospel will save it.
- Jesus (Mark 8:35)
Makes me excited about the new things I'll be learning in the next days. :)
July 14, 2011
He creates no pests
Have you ever wondered why God created pests like *that person*? Well, how about pests in general? ThinkChristian gives an insightful look at a child's question: "Why did God create mosquitoes?"
1. Well, who decides what is a pest anyway?
2. Whatever may be a pest to me may be a precious in His sight, a unique special creation.
3. I must admit the many times I was (am) a pest to God and to people... Thank God He hasn't sprayed divine insecticide (yet) in anger and frustration. Thank God He has not given up on me yet.
4. He can turn pests into precious children. Nay, that's what He has always intended for us to be, if we just continue to let Him do His work in us.
5. Makes it *much* easier to deal with the pests in your life, eh?
Who wants a mouse in their house? (Sorry Mickey.) From here.
1. Well, who decides what is a pest anyway?
2. Whatever may be a pest to me may be a precious in His sight, a unique special creation.
3. I must admit the many times I was (am) a pest to God and to people... Thank God He hasn't sprayed divine insecticide (yet) in anger and frustration. Thank God He has not given up on me yet.
4. He can turn pests into precious children. Nay, that's what He has always intended for us to be, if we just continue to let Him do His work in us.
5. Makes it *much* easier to deal with the pests in your life, eh?
That the deaf may hear: The Gospel in sign language
Are there people around you who know THE most important life-changing news, yet are muted by fear or laziness?
What about those who become too deafened by the world's pressures to stop and listen?
Hearing-impaired people have an additional difficulty: the lack of Christians willing to share the Gospel in "their" language, sign. The deaf are one of the largest people groups not yet "reached" by Christianity.
Hoping many hearing-impaired brothers and sisters get to "hear" this :)
An FSL* Fellowship is held regularly every second Sunday of the monthat Higher Rock Christian Church, 3/F Esna Bldg., Timog Ave., Quezon City. The next fellowship will be on Aug 14 (Sun), 1-3 PM.
Everyone is welcome to join, help out, and invite our deaf loved ones to finally "hear" and receive God's Good News, which is for everyone indeed. God bless you. :)
*FSL = Filipino Sign Language
(Thanks to Ken Bulahan for the video and Cyril Sadia for the link.)
July 9, 2011
Empty to Full: Sister Teci
I find it ironic --- but in a funny way, not-cynical-but-more-of-tongue-in-cheek
that I'm more of a nun now that I'm not a Catholic.
Nuns take vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.
And my complete name is Maria Teresa = Mother Teresa ;p
Haha.
And yes, in my past life of godlessness, I never planned on becoming what I am now.
Truly it is His plans and purposes that prevail.
"Throw off everything that hinders..."
In my weak state, I cannot handle romance, money, and my own will (yet)
(But I'm learning!)
And God literally knows what I need to let go of
so I can hang on to Him more
Empty-handed, so I can be full(er)
I'm seeing the value once again of some practices
even those of the Catholic faith, which I left
But in the same way,
again I ask my Catholic brothers and sisters
(and everyone else)
to let go of whatever hinders
Empty hands
Full life :)
Postscript:
All good things come from Him,
and He redeems all things
If there is something hindering you from following God,
set it free and cling to Him
But if obeying Him means standing firm or pursuing something,
then go... and be filled with more of Himself :)
that I'm more of a nun now that I'm not a Catholic.
Nuns take vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.
And my complete name is Maria Teresa = Mother Teresa ;p
Haha.
And yes, in my past life of godlessness, I never planned on becoming what I am now.
Truly it is His plans and purposes that prevail.
"Throw off everything that hinders..."
In my weak state, I cannot handle romance, money, and my own will (yet)
(But I'm learning!)
And God literally knows what I need to let go of
so I can hang on to Him more
Empty-handed, so I can be full(er)
I'm seeing the value once again of some practices
even those of the Catholic faith, which I left
But in the same way,
again I ask my Catholic brothers and sisters
(and everyone else)
to let go of whatever hinders
Empty hands
Full life :)
Postscript:
All good things come from Him,
and He redeems all things
If there is something hindering you from following God,
set it free and cling to Him
But if obeying Him means standing firm or pursuing something,
then go... and be filled with more of Himself :)
June 24, 2011
But why doesn't that happen to *me*?
In the Bible, or perhaps on TV, or movies, or from your friends, you'd hear of awesome miracles, superhuman tests, or the Holy of Holies or His angels personally interfering in the affairs of man.
"But how come those things don't happen to me?"
Let's make do with what we have;
Let's act on what we do know.
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.
- Deuteronomy 29:29
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Following God, walking with Him... every step is amazing. We get transformed "from glory to glory", growing to be "more like Christ" as we go along. Just enjoy the ride, relish the process. The wonderful God will do wonderful things with the life yielded to Him. :)
"But how come those things don't happen to me?"
Let's make do with what we have;
Let's act on what we do know.
Let's start with the basics. The Bible says spiritual infants need "pure spiritual milk".
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.
- Deuteronomy 29:29
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Following God, walking with Him... every step is amazing. We get transformed "from glory to glory", growing to be "more like Christ" as we go along. Just enjoy the ride, relish the process. The wonderful God will do wonderful things with the life yielded to Him. :)
For the Insecure
May you find security in the One who made you
the All-Knowing, All-Powerful, All-Good God
May you recognize your gifts
that are different from theirs
but are equally special
and are equally important
May you find joy in the path He has laid out for you
May your faith in Him increase in good and in bad times
May you find His peace
for He is with you
and that's all that matters
May you realize that
He has already accepted you
He has already forgiven
and He is already transforming
In the Mighty Name of Jesus
Insecurities be gone!
Be healed!
And may you do unto others
what God has done unto you.
Amen.
the All-Knowing, All-Powerful, All-Good God
May you recognize your gifts
that are different from theirs
but are equally special
and are equally important
May you find joy in the path He has laid out for you
May your faith in Him increase in good and in bad times
May you find His peace
for He is with you
and that's all that matters
May you realize that
He has already accepted you
He has already forgiven
and He is already transforming
In the Mighty Name of Jesus
Insecurities be gone!
Be healed!
And may you do unto others
what God has done unto you.
Amen.
January 27, 2010
gossip grace for january 2010
"I love the guy. He's full of flaws, like all the rest of us. And he's going through a rough time...
Ask any human being walking on the planet, 'Have you ever done anything that you're not proud of?' And I think most people will say, 'Yes. I've done a few things I'm not too proud of.'"
--- Mel Gibson, on Tiger Woods
September 4, 2009
i can't
i can't do good
i can't realize how bad i am
i can't move
i can't stop
i can't help it
i can't help myself
i can't save others
i can't save myself
i can't tell others what to do
i don't know.
i'm weak
i'm selfish
i'm bad
i'm a sinner
i'm cruel
i'm hopeless
i'm helpless
God, help me.
i can't realize how bad i am
i can't move
i can't stop
i can't help it
i can't help myself
i can't save others
i can't save myself
i can't tell others what to do
i don't know.
i'm weak
i'm selfish
i'm bad
i'm a sinner
i'm cruel
i'm hopeless
i'm helpless
God, help me.
April 7, 2009
i'm not worthy...take me out of the dark...
Take Me Out of the Dark
by Gary Valenciano
(see video here)
Just what is it in me?
Sometimes i just don't know
What keeps me in Your love
Why You never let me go
And though You're in me now
i fall and hurt you still
My Lord please show me how
To know just how You feel
You have forgiven me
Too many times it seems
i feel i'm not what You might call
A worthy Christian after all
And though i love you so
Temptations find their way to me
Teach me to trust in You
With all of my heart
To lean not on my own understanding
'Cause i just forget
You won't give me what we can't bear
Take me out of the dark My Lord
I don't want to be there
You never left my side
You gave Your hand to me
To hold You, oh Jesus
i'm no longer in the cold
And yet i leave You there
When i feel satisfied
i'd like to thank You everyday
Not only when i feel that way
i've never known a man
Who'd give His life for sinners like me
And yet because He loves us so
He promised us eternity
And we can have that promise and be His
If we have faith and just believe
Teach us to trust in You
With all our heart
To lean not on our own understanding
'Cause we just forget
You won't give us what we can't bear
Take us out of the dark our Lord
We don't want to be there
Yeah, My Lord
Teach me to trust in You
With all of my heart
To lean not on my own understanding
'Cause I just forget
You won't give me what I can't bear
Take me out of the dark my Lord
We don't want to be alone
You take me out of the dark my Lord
i don't want to be there
by Gary Valenciano
(see video here)
Just what is it in me?
Sometimes i just don't know
What keeps me in Your love
Why You never let me go
And though You're in me now
i fall and hurt you still
My Lord please show me how
To know just how You feel
You have forgiven me
Too many times it seems
i feel i'm not what You might call
A worthy Christian after all
And though i love you so
Temptations find their way to me
Teach me to trust in You
With all of my heart
To lean not on my own understanding
'Cause i just forget
You won't give me what we can't bear
Take me out of the dark My Lord
I don't want to be there
You never left my side
You gave Your hand to me
To hold You, oh Jesus
i'm no longer in the cold
And yet i leave You there
When i feel satisfied
i'd like to thank You everyday
Not only when i feel that way
i've never known a man
Who'd give His life for sinners like me
And yet because He loves us so
He promised us eternity
And we can have that promise and be His
If we have faith and just believe
Teach us to trust in You
With all our heart
To lean not on our own understanding
'Cause we just forget
You won't give us what we can't bear
Take us out of the dark our Lord
We don't want to be there
Yeah, My Lord
Teach me to trust in You
With all of my heart
To lean not on my own understanding
'Cause I just forget
You won't give me what I can't bear
Take me out of the dark my Lord
We don't want to be alone
You take me out of the dark my Lord
i don't want to be there
January 10, 2009
What Life Would Be Like by Big Daddy Weave
it’s when I’m at my weakest i can clearly see :)
What Life Would Be Like
by Big Daddy Weave
Lyrics: http://www.lyrics-celebrities.anekatips.com/song-lyrics/what-life-would-be-like-lyrics-big-daddy-weave
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3CVswshwNs
I wish I was more of a man
Have you ever felt that way
And if I had to tell you the truth
I’m afraid I’d have to say
That after all I’ve done and failed to do
I feel like less than I was meant to be
And what if I could fix myself
Maybe then I could get free
I could try to be somebody else
Who's much better off than me
But I need to remember this
That it’s when I’m at my weakest
I can clearly see
He made the lame walk
And the dumb talk
He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits
While His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like
If we let JESUS live through you and me
What if you could see yourself
Through another pair of eyes
What if you could hear the truth
Instead of old familiar lies
And what if you could feel inside
The power of the hand that made the universe
You realize
He made the lame walk
And the dumb talk
He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits
While this heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like
If we let JESUS live through you and me
All our hearts they burn with hate in us
All our lives we’ve longed for more
So let us lay our lives before the one
Who gave His life for us
He made the lame walk
And the dumb talk
He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits
While this heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like
If we let Jesus live through you and me
What Life Would Be Like
by Big Daddy Weave
Lyrics: http://www.lyrics-celebrities.anekatips.com/song-lyrics/what-life-would-be-like-lyrics-big-daddy-weave
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3CVswshwNs
I wish I was more of a man
Have you ever felt that way
And if I had to tell you the truth
I’m afraid I’d have to say
That after all I’ve done and failed to do
I feel like less than I was meant to be
And what if I could fix myself
Maybe then I could get free
I could try to be somebody else
Who's much better off than me
But I need to remember this
That it’s when I’m at my weakest
I can clearly see
He made the lame walk
And the dumb talk
He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits
While His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like
If we let JESUS live through you and me
What if you could see yourself
Through another pair of eyes
What if you could hear the truth
Instead of old familiar lies
And what if you could feel inside
The power of the hand that made the universe
You realize
He made the lame walk
And the dumb talk
He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits
While this heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like
If we let JESUS live through you and me
All our hearts they burn with hate in us
All our lives we’ve longed for more
So let us lay our lives before the one
Who gave His life for us
He made the lame walk
And the dumb talk
He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits
While this heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like
If we let Jesus live through you and me
September 10, 2008
on a day when tears flow like rain
Right now, i just rejoice in the fact that GOD is strong where i am so weak. i also rejoice in the fact that He is stronger than any of our pastors, friends, or family. Para sa Kanya talaga ako tatakbo kapag finally naaalala ko uli na hindi ko kaya. (So that it is to Him i'll run to when i finally remember that i can't handle it all.)
Restoring force: F = -kx. The farther i drift away, the bigger the force (yet it's the gentlest, most gracious kind of force!) that He uses to draw me back.
"I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love." (Hosea 11:4)
That's all for now. Take care everybody :) Continue to snuggle in God's embrace. :)
Restoring force: F = -kx. The farther i drift away, the bigger the force (yet it's the gentlest, most gracious kind of force!) that He uses to draw me back.
"I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love." (Hosea 11:4)
That's all for now. Take care everybody :) Continue to snuggle in God's embrace. :)
August 3, 2008
*everything* about my life in a video skit :)
"Everything" by Lifehouse performed as a skit. i hope you could relate to it as much as i do :)
Read the words while listening to the music here.
*sigh* :)
Remembering that i'm already free,
and that i already have everything,
teci :)
[p.s. thanks to li'l bro for the links.]
Read the words while listening to the music here.
*sigh* :)
Remembering that i'm already free,
and that i already have everything,
teci :)
[p.s. thanks to li'l bro for the links.]
September 9, 2007
failing to do right
from the Daily Bread column of the Philippine Star
Failing to Do Right
Sunday, September 9, 2007
To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. — James 4:17
In his book Eight Men Out, Eliot Asinof records the events surrounding the notorious ”Black Sox” scandal of 1919. Eight members of the Chicago White Sox baseball club were accused of taking bribes from gamblers in exchange for intentionally losing the World Series. Although they were never convicted in a court of law, all eight were banned from baseball for life.
But one of those players, Buck Weaver, claimed that he had played to win despite knowing about the conspiracy. Though Weaver’s performance on the field supported his contention, baseball commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis ruled that any player who had knowledge of the scandal, yet chose not to stop it, would still be banned. Weaver was not punished for doing wrong, but for failing to do right.
In his letter to the first-century church, James wrote, “To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (4:17). In a world filled with evil and darkness, followers of Christ have the opportunity to shine their light. That often means we must resist the urge to do nothing.
When faced with the choice between doing good and failing to do anything at all, we must always choose to do what’s right. — Bill Crowder
Heavenly Father, help me to honor You throughout my life by being a light in this dark world May it never be said that I failed to do what I knew to be good, just, and right. Amen.
READ: James 4:13-17
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. — Edmund Burke
The Bible in one year:
• Proverbs 6-7
• 2 Corinthians 2
Failing to Do Right
Sunday, September 9, 2007
To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. — James 4:17
In his book Eight Men Out, Eliot Asinof records the events surrounding the notorious ”Black Sox” scandal of 1919. Eight members of the Chicago White Sox baseball club were accused of taking bribes from gamblers in exchange for intentionally losing the World Series. Although they were never convicted in a court of law, all eight were banned from baseball for life.
But one of those players, Buck Weaver, claimed that he had played to win despite knowing about the conspiracy. Though Weaver’s performance on the field supported his contention, baseball commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis ruled that any player who had knowledge of the scandal, yet chose not to stop it, would still be banned. Weaver was not punished for doing wrong, but for failing to do right.
In his letter to the first-century church, James wrote, “To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (4:17). In a world filled with evil and darkness, followers of Christ have the opportunity to shine their light. That often means we must resist the urge to do nothing.
When faced with the choice between doing good and failing to do anything at all, we must always choose to do what’s right. — Bill Crowder
Heavenly Father, help me to honor You throughout my life by being a light in this dark world May it never be said that I failed to do what I knew to be good, just, and right. Amen.
READ: James 4:13-17
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. — Edmund Burke
The Bible in one year:
• Proverbs 6-7
• 2 Corinthians 2
August 29, 2007
South Park Christianity: Back to the Message
My brother and i were watching this South Park episode yesterday "Starvin' Marvin Goes to Space" (??) and i dramatically groaned and whined every now and then. It featured:
(1) missionaries to Africa who will not feed the children unless they read the Bible and accept Jesus as their Savior;
(2) same missionaries who impose their language upon the natives they're visiting; and
(3) Pat Robertson (of 700 Club) praying for money.
What can i say?
(1) Yes, it's happening.
(2) Yes, it's wrong.
(3) No, that's not what following Christ is all about. :)
(By the way, i love South Park; beyond the crass humor it has intelligent insight, especially in attacking hypocrisy and everything that's wrong with the world. So i actually thank Trey Parker and Matt Stone (or is it Trey Stone and Matt Parker? ;p) for bringing this to our collective attention :) )
We Christians are an imperfect bunch: that's exactly why we need a Savior (Biblical Christianity being the only faith/religion that relies not on what the person does but on what Jesus did for him or her). But this explanation does not at all justify the wrongdoings done in the name of Jesus, or God, or the Bible.
I know this is hard, but let's look beyond the messengers (see first set of three's) and back to the message itself:
(1) Jesus met and ministered to each person's needs; many times leading them to realize on their own that they've just encountered the one, true, living God. ("If I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.") The prosperity gospel and other "versions" of Christianity always have this danger of focusing on the self rather than on God (saying things like, "go to God so you will be blessed!"), and conveniently forget that persecution and suffering are guaranteed in following Christ. However, it is true that God is the source of all blessing: unconditional even. Jesus talked of how everyone gets sun and rain, and how all plants and animals get food --- without the "spiritual blackmail" shown, perhaps truthfully sometimes, in that SP episode.
(2) Jesus is fully God yet He descended into the earth and "demoted" Himself to become human. He took on a human form, He worked, He got tired, got thirsty, got tempted. He imposed standards of perfection and 100% holiness ("Be perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect,"), yet only because He gave the simple (but NOT easy) solution: "Nothing is impossible with God." The solution is complete dependence on Him, the God who lived as a human and the only suitable God-Human Ambassador. ("I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.")
(3) We have a lot of requests, and Jesus did guarantee that anything asked of the Father in Jesus' name will be answered. But here is the BEST prayer i have encountered, spoken by Jesus on the eve of His excruciating death: "Father, not my will, but Yours, be done."
Let's go beyond South Park, beyond the awful Christians (myself included), and back to Christ Himself. :)
(1) missionaries to Africa who will not feed the children unless they read the Bible and accept Jesus as their Savior;
(2) same missionaries who impose their language upon the natives they're visiting; and
(3) Pat Robertson (of 700 Club) praying for money.
What can i say?
(1) Yes, it's happening.
(2) Yes, it's wrong.
(3) No, that's not what following Christ is all about. :)
(By the way, i love South Park; beyond the crass humor it has intelligent insight, especially in attacking hypocrisy and everything that's wrong with the world. So i actually thank Trey Parker and Matt Stone (or is it Trey Stone and Matt Parker? ;p) for bringing this to our collective attention :) )
We Christians are an imperfect bunch: that's exactly why we need a Savior (Biblical Christianity being the only faith/religion that relies not on what the person does but on what Jesus did for him or her). But this explanation does not at all justify the wrongdoings done in the name of Jesus, or God, or the Bible.
I know this is hard, but let's look beyond the messengers (see first set of three's) and back to the message itself:
(1) Jesus met and ministered to each person's needs; many times leading them to realize on their own that they've just encountered the one, true, living God. ("If I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.") The prosperity gospel and other "versions" of Christianity always have this danger of focusing on the self rather than on God (saying things like, "go to God so you will be blessed!"), and conveniently forget that persecution and suffering are guaranteed in following Christ. However, it is true that God is the source of all blessing: unconditional even. Jesus talked of how everyone gets sun and rain, and how all plants and animals get food --- without the "spiritual blackmail" shown, perhaps truthfully sometimes, in that SP episode.
(2) Jesus is fully God yet He descended into the earth and "demoted" Himself to become human. He took on a human form, He worked, He got tired, got thirsty, got tempted. He imposed standards of perfection and 100% holiness ("Be perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect,"), yet only because He gave the simple (but NOT easy) solution: "Nothing is impossible with God." The solution is complete dependence on Him, the God who lived as a human and the only suitable God-Human Ambassador. ("I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.")
(3) We have a lot of requests, and Jesus did guarantee that anything asked of the Father in Jesus' name will be answered. But here is the BEST prayer i have encountered, spoken by Jesus on the eve of His excruciating death: "Father, not my will, but Yours, be done."
Let's go beyond South Park, beyond the awful Christians (myself included), and back to Christ Himself. :)
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