(written October 21, 2005)
"But there are some of you who do not believe."
For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe,
and who would betray Him.
And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”
From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.
Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
"Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
John 6:64-69
=======================
"No one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”
What? What about free will? My own decision-making skills?
But just like salvation, truth is a gift. Yes, God gave us brains so we can understand truth, but the revelation, when it first starts to sink in...is from the Holy Spirit.
"One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see."
(John 9:25, a blind man received sight from Jesus)
I could not and I would not boast about my intellect; for mere hearing or reading, mere observations, or head knowledge, are not enough.
"Seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand..."
(Mark 4:12, Matthew 13:14, Isaiah 6:9, Acts 28:26)
How many times have I heard that "Jesus died for my sins," since childhood even!
But it was only when the Holy Spirit truly showed me the extent of my sin against God and man, only then was I able to fully appreciate Jesus' sacrifice.
It was only when God reminded me that He, the Loving Father, is the Righteous Judge as well, only then did I realize that my sin deserved punishment: an eternity away from all that is good, pure and holy.
It was only when God made known to me the need for Jesus --- the Lamb of God, human and yet without sin, the only holy substitute for my punishment because frankly, I cannot save myself --- only then did I utterly embrace Him as my Savior.
Does this mean that we'll juts sit back and stare at nothingness, since it's up to God to reveal the truth to me anyway? Of course not.
"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth,
to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."
2 Chronicles 16:9
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him,
for he who comes to God must believe that He is,
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
Hebrews 11:6
"Seek and you will find."
Matthew 7:7,8 Luke 11:9,10
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."
James 4:8
"You do not have because you do not ask."
James 4:2
"When You said, 'Seek My face,'
My heart said to You, 'Your face, LORD, I will seek.'"
Psalm 27:8
"'Then I will cause him to draw near, And he shall approach Me;
For who is this who pledged his heart to approach Me?’ says the LORD."
Jeremiah 30:21
So what to make of all this? :)
"Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts.”
Hebrews 3:15, 4:7
:)
October 30, 2005
meekness
LORD, i thank you for the gift of meekness.
knowing my confident (translation: arrogant, proud, haughty, self-important, superior) self, the ability to NOT retort, to NOT answer back, to NOT give insults as painful as i got them, is a phenomenon. (it is a miracle.)
thank you for the grace, to receive hurt with dignity.
the fight to advance Your kingdom continues.
knowing my confident (translation: arrogant, proud, haughty, self-important, superior) self, the ability to NOT retort, to NOT answer back, to NOT give insults as painful as i got them, is a phenomenon. (it is a miracle.)
thank you for the grace, to receive hurt with dignity.
the fight to advance Your kingdom continues.
the truth shall set you free
Then Jesus said to those who believed Him:
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
And you shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:31-32
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
And you shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:31-32
PRIORITIES :)
ahem :)
"Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life,
which the Son of Man will give you,
because God the Father has set His seal on Him."
John 6:27
"Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life,
which the Son of Man will give you,
because God the Father has set His seal on Him."
John 6:27
to see is to believe?
The wind blows where it wishes,
and you hear the sound of it,
but cannot tell where it comes from
and where it goes.
So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.
John 3:8
and you hear the sound of it,
but cannot tell where it comes from
and where it goes.
So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.
John 3:8
THE REAL REASON (He came here)
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world through Him might be saved. :)
John 3:17
but that the world through Him might be saved. :)
John 3:17
worried? :)
a great source of comfort a few weeks past:
In your anger do not sin;
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And put your trust in the LORD.
There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?”
LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:4-8 :)
In your anger do not sin;
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And put your trust in the LORD.
There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?”
LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:4-8 :)
more about teci and her testimony :)
hi, i'm teci. daughter of God, friend of Jesus, servant of the King.
i LOVE babies and kids! aren't they cute? :-)
i'm taking my master's degree in physics from university of the philippines diliman, and am also a physics lecturer.
23 yrs of age...
with one younger brother (who's annoying and adorable at the same time), and godmother and aunt to the most WONDERFUL creature in the world, four-year-old ivan!
i have a very loud laugh, a smile for any occasion, and (God willing) ears always ready to listen and words meant to encourage and enliven. (well, that's what i HOPE i have! :p )
i love to think. to chew on ideas, gulp, then regurgitate so i can chew on them again (the thing cows do...).
i love scifi, mysteries, horror, and x-men and x-files stuff. (though now that I'm a Christian i'm learning to find a balance, in other words, to STOP WORSHIPPING these things, particularly in relation to Jean Grey.)
i want to have the time to cross-stitch, to do crunches, to sleep, and to finish Don Quixote. and to eat more (glutton!). it seems i can only do all these activities when (if?) i get pregnant. well, except the crunches part. :p
i started this weblog to share my testimony, my life story of how i came to know Christ and what He is revealing to me every day. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Mark 4:9)
and i do want to form real friendships. yes, it's cyberspace, but i know that there are real people with sincere hearts behind those computer terminals :-)
whoever you are, if you don't believe God exists, if you're not sure He's there, or if you just didn't care, don't waste another moment. just whisper or think of something, like this: 'God, if you're there, show yourself. why is the entire world in pain and suffering? explain yourself!' no matter the content, what's important is that you talk to God. He is real, and He *will* answer you, so be prepared for what you'll hear! =)
and i pray and hope that this weblog would help you draw near (or nearer) to God, in one way or another :)
i LOVE babies and kids! aren't they cute? :-)
i'm taking my master's degree in physics from university of the philippines diliman, and am also a physics lecturer.
23 yrs of age...
with one younger brother (who's annoying and adorable at the same time), and godmother and aunt to the most WONDERFUL creature in the world, four-year-old ivan!
i have a very loud laugh, a smile for any occasion, and (God willing) ears always ready to listen and words meant to encourage and enliven. (well, that's what i HOPE i have! :p )
i love to think. to chew on ideas, gulp, then regurgitate so i can chew on them again (the thing cows do...).
i love scifi, mysteries, horror, and x-men and x-files stuff. (though now that I'm a Christian i'm learning to find a balance, in other words, to STOP WORSHIPPING these things, particularly in relation to Jean Grey.)
i want to have the time to cross-stitch, to do crunches, to sleep, and to finish Don Quixote. and to eat more (glutton!). it seems i can only do all these activities when (if?) i get pregnant. well, except the crunches part. :p
i started this weblog to share my testimony, my life story of how i came to know Christ and what He is revealing to me every day. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Mark 4:9)
and i do want to form real friendships. yes, it's cyberspace, but i know that there are real people with sincere hearts behind those computer terminals :-)
whoever you are, if you don't believe God exists, if you're not sure He's there, or if you just didn't care, don't waste another moment. just whisper or think of something, like this: 'God, if you're there, show yourself. why is the entire world in pain and suffering? explain yourself!' no matter the content, what's important is that you talk to God. He is real, and He *will* answer you, so be prepared for what you'll hear! =)
and i pray and hope that this weblog would help you draw near (or nearer) to God, in one way or another :)
yes, i admit, i watch big brother....
i am ashamed at myself! tsk tsk! :)
it's just that (1) i'm an anti-establishment person. i HATE fads.
(2) and there's something wrong with the tagline that advertises "ang teleserye ng totoong buhay", for the simple fact that real life is NOT the same as the weekly tasks, weekly nominations, and weekly eviction of a housemate.
(3) and i'm wary of how it MAY misrepresent God. (ahh, once again, i just had to connect it with God eh?) because, like Big Brother, God always sees us and directs us to do one thing or another.
so, to counter the above viewpoints...(no, ABS-CBN did not pay me to say this, hehehe, but any appreciation is welcome...)
(1a) i SINCERELY HOPE that fads do not remain fads. (huh?) i mean, let the really good trends and philosophies and realizations remain. and i do hope that things which do not deserve a second glance would abruptly disappear, and be gone faster than any fad. (well, un-realistic, but am still hoping...)
(1b) a pastor feared that young people are calling themselves Christians simply because it's now cool to be one. (context: many actors and musicians are now declaring their faith in Jesus Christ openly.) i am not the only one who hopes that Christianity is not just the latest fad in this day and age.
(2) sure, aetas might not come knocking on my door anytime soon, but the relationships in the house are very much real. which is why people from many backgrounds can still relate to the housemates. (did i just unwittingly plug the show? this post is one big promo ad for the show, yipes!!!!)
(3a) okay, okay. like Big Brother, God may sometimes tell us something which seems arbitrary, nonsensical, or maybe even *gasp* evil. (example: telling Abraham to sacrifice his only son, who Abe and wife Sarah waited for, for 10+ years...the same son through which God promised Abraham descendants as many as the stars in the sea or the sand in the shore...)
but isn't 'all that' for our greater good? God was just testing --- and stretching --- Abraham's faith. he eventually did become the father of a great nation, and also a shining example of a man of FAITH. (big brother fans, please supply the corresponding example :) )
(3b) this is what got me to write this entire post in the first place: last night kasi, i thought say was such a brat as she haggled with big bro over how long (or how short) her hair should be cut. yes, she was willing to sacrifice her hair for the 'greater good' (in exchange for kitchen showcase and charity)...but all the time she was whining and complaining, tsk tsk...
and then this morning it hit me (oyyyyy, hours later and i'm still thinking about that show ha!...). in my walk with God i have behaved like say so many times --- heeding God but showering Him with my oh-so-ungracious complaints the whole time.
if i trust Him so much, as i say i do, and if i am going to follow Him anyways, then why all the fear and doubts and hesitations?
God wants us to keep things real. if we have problems, He wants us to turn to HIM and nowhere else.
BUT, i'm just here to say, there's nothing to fear anyway :)
(and i can't believe i just plugged big bro...)
it's just that (1) i'm an anti-establishment person. i HATE fads.
(2) and there's something wrong with the tagline that advertises "ang teleserye ng totoong buhay", for the simple fact that real life is NOT the same as the weekly tasks, weekly nominations, and weekly eviction of a housemate.
(3) and i'm wary of how it MAY misrepresent God. (ahh, once again, i just had to connect it with God eh?) because, like Big Brother, God always sees us and directs us to do one thing or another.
so, to counter the above viewpoints...(no, ABS-CBN did not pay me to say this, hehehe, but any appreciation is welcome...)
(1a) i SINCERELY HOPE that fads do not remain fads. (huh?) i mean, let the really good trends and philosophies and realizations remain. and i do hope that things which do not deserve a second glance would abruptly disappear, and be gone faster than any fad. (well, un-realistic, but am still hoping...)
(1b) a pastor feared that young people are calling themselves Christians simply because it's now cool to be one. (context: many actors and musicians are now declaring their faith in Jesus Christ openly.) i am not the only one who hopes that Christianity is not just the latest fad in this day and age.
(2) sure, aetas might not come knocking on my door anytime soon, but the relationships in the house are very much real. which is why people from many backgrounds can still relate to the housemates. (did i just unwittingly plug the show? this post is one big promo ad for the show, yipes!!!!)
(3a) okay, okay. like Big Brother, God may sometimes tell us something which seems arbitrary, nonsensical, or maybe even *gasp* evil. (example: telling Abraham to sacrifice his only son, who Abe and wife Sarah waited for, for 10+ years...the same son through which God promised Abraham descendants as many as the stars in the sea or the sand in the shore...)
but isn't 'all that' for our greater good? God was just testing --- and stretching --- Abraham's faith. he eventually did become the father of a great nation, and also a shining example of a man of FAITH. (big brother fans, please supply the corresponding example :) )
(3b) this is what got me to write this entire post in the first place: last night kasi, i thought say was such a brat as she haggled with big bro over how long (or how short) her hair should be cut. yes, she was willing to sacrifice her hair for the 'greater good' (in exchange for kitchen showcase and charity)...but all the time she was whining and complaining, tsk tsk...
and then this morning it hit me (oyyyyy, hours later and i'm still thinking about that show ha!...). in my walk with God i have behaved like say so many times --- heeding God but showering Him with my oh-so-ungracious complaints the whole time.
if i trust Him so much, as i say i do, and if i am going to follow Him anyways, then why all the fear and doubts and hesitations?
God wants us to keep things real. if we have problems, He wants us to turn to HIM and nowhere else.
BUT, i'm just here to say, there's nothing to fear anyway :)
(and i can't believe i just plugged big bro...)
October 27, 2005
MATURITY
(written August 29, 2005)
Since grade school until before graduating from college, I think I was pretty much the same inside. I used to think it was because I was so psychologically mature at an early age.
Wenk!
Nope, nuh-uh.
In the relatively short time that I’ve encountered, known, and welcomed Jesus as the center of my soul, SOBRANG tindi at bilis ng maturity rate ko. (Definitely an external cause --- if I can change myself I would have done so long ago, right?) Sabi nga ni Cherry (my former cell leader), ang bilis ng growth ko.
This is not to boast. No part of me is boasting right now. I’m just so AMAZED at what God has done inside me and through me.
The scales have, season by season, been falling away from my eyes.
And, yeah, it’s humbling (ang dami ko palang imperfections, failures, and sins!). Yet, I wouldn’t want it any other way! I wouldn’t want any other me! (Of course I want to be more like Christ with each passing moment, but God has shaped me in a unique set of circumstances that I am pleased to call my life.)
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”
(Ephesians 3:1-4)
“I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and to make it mine. Christ wants me to do that, which is the reason he made me his. Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.
“All of us who are spiritually mature should think this way, too. And if there are things you do not agree with, God will make them clear to you. But we should continue following the truth we already have.
“Brothers and sisters, all of you should try to follow my example and to copy those who live the way we showed you. Many people live like enemies of the cross of Christ. I have often told you about them, and it makes me cry to tell you about them now. In the end, they will be destroyed. They do whatever their bodies want, they are proud of their shameful acts, and they think only about earthly things. But our homeland is in heaven, and we are waiting for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven. By his power to rule all things, he will change our simple bodies and make them like his own glorious body.
“My dear brothers and sisters, I love you and want to see you. You bring me joy and make me proud of you, so stand strong in the Lord as I have told you.”
(Philippians 3:12-21, 4:1)
“Remind the believers to yield to the authority of rulers and government leaders, to obey them, to be ready to do good, to speak no evil about anyone, to live in peace, and to be gentle and polite to all people.
“In the past we also were foolish. We did not obey, we were wrong, and we were slaves to many things our bodies wanted and enjoyed. We spent our lives doing evil and being jealous. People hated us, and we hated each other. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior was shown, he saved us because of his mercy. It was not because of good deeds we did to be right with him. He saved us through the washing that made us new people through the Holy Spirit. God poured out richly upon us that Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ our Savior. Being right with God by his grace, we could have the hope of receiving the life that never ends.”
(Titus 3:1-7)
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
“If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
“This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.
“Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
(1 Timothy 4)
“The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not [obvious] cannot be hidden [for long!].”
(1 Timothy 5:24-25)
Now to a subtle shift of the topic… :)
“I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
(1 Timothy 2:9-10)
“A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved [or restored] through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.”
(1 Timothy 2:11-15)
Hmmm! Lord, ito na ang next focus of my maturity! (In other words, next subject/theme to grow up in…)
I have to admit that this is a struggle. I have many questions regarding womanhood and *cough, cough* submission. Well, as I read of other people in the Bible, it becomes clear that God would rather have me bring those questions to Him. Confront Him if need be, as opposed to turning away completely.
In the meantime, let me not blaspheme, or present my own views, in an area where I am still in the process of understanding God’s will.
Go go go maturity! :)
Since grade school until before graduating from college, I think I was pretty much the same inside. I used to think it was because I was so psychologically mature at an early age.
Wenk!
Nope, nuh-uh.
In the relatively short time that I’ve encountered, known, and welcomed Jesus as the center of my soul, SOBRANG tindi at bilis ng maturity rate ko. (Definitely an external cause --- if I can change myself I would have done so long ago, right?) Sabi nga ni Cherry (my former cell leader), ang bilis ng growth ko.
This is not to boast. No part of me is boasting right now. I’m just so AMAZED at what God has done inside me and through me.
The scales have, season by season, been falling away from my eyes.
And, yeah, it’s humbling (ang dami ko palang imperfections, failures, and sins!). Yet, I wouldn’t want it any other way! I wouldn’t want any other me! (Of course I want to be more like Christ with each passing moment, but God has shaped me in a unique set of circumstances that I am pleased to call my life.)
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”
(Ephesians 3:1-4)
“I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and to make it mine. Christ wants me to do that, which is the reason he made me his. Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.
“All of us who are spiritually mature should think this way, too. And if there are things you do not agree with, God will make them clear to you. But we should continue following the truth we already have.
“Brothers and sisters, all of you should try to follow my example and to copy those who live the way we showed you. Many people live like enemies of the cross of Christ. I have often told you about them, and it makes me cry to tell you about them now. In the end, they will be destroyed. They do whatever their bodies want, they are proud of their shameful acts, and they think only about earthly things. But our homeland is in heaven, and we are waiting for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven. By his power to rule all things, he will change our simple bodies and make them like his own glorious body.
“My dear brothers and sisters, I love you and want to see you. You bring me joy and make me proud of you, so stand strong in the Lord as I have told you.”
(Philippians 3:12-21, 4:1)
“Remind the believers to yield to the authority of rulers and government leaders, to obey them, to be ready to do good, to speak no evil about anyone, to live in peace, and to be gentle and polite to all people.
“In the past we also were foolish. We did not obey, we were wrong, and we were slaves to many things our bodies wanted and enjoyed. We spent our lives doing evil and being jealous. People hated us, and we hated each other. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior was shown, he saved us because of his mercy. It was not because of good deeds we did to be right with him. He saved us through the washing that made us new people through the Holy Spirit. God poured out richly upon us that Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ our Savior. Being right with God by his grace, we could have the hope of receiving the life that never ends.”
(Titus 3:1-7)
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
“If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
“This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.
“Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
(1 Timothy 4)
“The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not [obvious] cannot be hidden [for long!].”
(1 Timothy 5:24-25)
Now to a subtle shift of the topic… :)
“I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
(1 Timothy 2:9-10)
“A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved [or restored] through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.”
(1 Timothy 2:11-15)
Hmmm! Lord, ito na ang next focus of my maturity! (In other words, next subject/theme to grow up in…)
I have to admit that this is a struggle. I have many questions regarding womanhood and *cough, cough* submission. Well, as I read of other people in the Bible, it becomes clear that God would rather have me bring those questions to Him. Confront Him if need be, as opposed to turning away completely.
In the meantime, let me not blaspheme, or present my own views, in an area where I am still in the process of understanding God’s will.
Go go go maturity! :)
My life so far (August 2005)
[previously titled: "THE BEST SELF-HELP EVER!"]
(written August 2005)
I’m saved. :)
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:25-26)
I’m saved.
All my duties as a teacher, a student, a researcher, a Filipino, a taxpayer…even all my privileges, blessings, and wonderful relationships…all these are just cherries on top. (Ang daming cherry!) (There's so many cherries!)
God loves me, even before I was born:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
But I am saved when I stopped relying on myself, my good deeds, my religiousness (or lack thereof!). Dati, I just wanted to be the best person I could be, doing right in my own eyes…on my own terms.
“In those days…everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6, 21:25)
Well, I turned out to be the *worst* that I could be. Sounds strange, or strangely familiar? For me, the things I hated in other people eventually became the same things I saw in myself.
It then became the most natural thing to tell God, “Okay Lord, let’s have it Your way!” Ano pa nga bang mapanghahawakan ko? Finally, after more than two decades of existence, He became my Savior.
I’m saved! He suffered the punishment which was supposed to have been mine, so I can be “credited” with His righteousness, His holiness. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Ang sarap maligo, ‘no? Pero with God, hindi lang 99.9% germs ang matatanggal.
“Behold, I make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)
"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
(Isaiah 1:18)
Yes, we have the will, the good intentions. But we will always fall short of perfection; in our weak state we are always prone to fall into sin. Jesus tells us to trust in Him for our salvation, instead of trusting in ourselves. And even if we don’t reciprocate, He still loves all of us. It is His wish that all of us turn to Him.
It is His ‘wish’, because it is still your free will that decides whether to let Him save you or not. He is Lord of all Creation, but He respects your free will. You are free to choose between Him and…what other alternative is there, anyway? :)
So…now what? Bakit nga ba hindi pa tayo kinukuha agad ni Lord when we finally accept Him? For the same reason the original disciples were left looking up as Jesus rose up into the sky. (Dramatic! Hollywood can’t make up stuff like that!)
“Go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19, 20)
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature…” (Mark 16:15)
“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
“Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary…that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:46-47)
Ang tawag pala dito ay the Great Commission. It was Jesus’ last command before He left the disciples. Guess what was His first command?
“Come follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17)
“From now on you will catch men.” (Luke 5:10)
Hmm! Galing ah! But we’re not just called to be great manghahatak for the sake of greatness itself…
(1) we’re called to lead others to Jesus…
One of you says, ‘I belong to Paul’, and another says ‘I belong to Apollos.’ When you say things like this, you are acting like people of the world. Is Apollos important? No! Is Paul important? No! We are only servants of God who helped you believe…So you should not brag about human leaders. All things belong to you: Paul, Apollos, and Peter; the world, life, death, the present, and the future --- all these belong to you. And you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
(1 Corinthians 3:4-5, 21-22)
(2) …and we are called to love.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
“These things I command you, that you love one another.” (John 15:17)
“As the Father loved me, I also have loved you; abide in my love.” (John 15:9)
The greatest commandment is love. Love everyone ha, not just those who are easy to love!
“But I say to you who are listening, love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who are cruel to you. If anyone slaps you on one cheek, offer him the other cheek, too. If someone takes your coat, do not stop him from taking your shirt. Give to everyone who asks you, and when someone takes something that is yours, don’t ask for it back. Do to others what you would want them to do to you.
“If you love only the people who love you, what praise should you get? Even sinners love the people who love them. If you do good only to those who do good to you, what praise should you get? Even sinners do that! If you lend things to people, always hoping to get something back, what praise should you get? Even sinners lend to other sinners so that they can get back the same amount!
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without hoping to get anything back. Then you will have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God, because he is kind even to people who are ungrateful and full of sin. Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy.”
(Luke 6:27-36)
And another way of putting it…
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, don’t stand up against an evil person. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other cheek also. If someone wants to sue you in court and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. If someone forces you to go with him one mile, go with him two miles. If a person asks you for something, give it to him. Don’t refuse to give to someone who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemies.’ But I say to you, love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. If you do this, you will be true children of your Father in heaven. He causes the sun to rise on good people and on evil people, and he sends rain to those who do right and to those who do wrong. If you love only the people who love you, you will get no reward. Even the tax collectors do that. And if you are nice only to your friends, you are no better than other people. Even those who don’t know God are nice to their friends. So you must be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is people.”
(Matthew 5:38-48)
Sino nga ba ang “wicked”? The best example would be myself. I was a cruel, mean, selfish bee-yatch before God cleansed me, changed me, transformed me. I am still far from perfect, but in following Christ and striving to be like Him, I know I’m in the right direction.
“I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and to make it mine. Christ wants me to do that, which is the reason he made me his. Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.” (Philippians 3:12-14)
It’s easy to love the un-love-able when I remember na ganun din ako dati…or mas malala pa!
It’s easy to love the un-love-able, when I remember what Christ did for us:
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
But guess what? I’m not my old self anymore. And in following God, His desire --- for salvation and eternal happiness for everyone --- has become my own.
Wishes and hopes, good intentions and goodwill, are never enough. But God honors the desires of our heart, and He, the God of all creation, will be the one to empower us.
“When I go away, I will send the Helper to you.” (John 16:7)
“The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
Of course, I have to be prepared.
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Friends, this is my life so far. :)
(written August 2005)
I’m saved. :)
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:25-26)
I’m saved.
All my duties as a teacher, a student, a researcher, a Filipino, a taxpayer…even all my privileges, blessings, and wonderful relationships…all these are just cherries on top. (Ang daming cherry!) (There's so many cherries!)
God loves me, even before I was born:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
But I am saved when I stopped relying on myself, my good deeds, my religiousness (or lack thereof!). Dati, I just wanted to be the best person I could be, doing right in my own eyes…on my own terms.
“In those days…everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6, 21:25)
Well, I turned out to be the *worst* that I could be. Sounds strange, or strangely familiar? For me, the things I hated in other people eventually became the same things I saw in myself.
It then became the most natural thing to tell God, “Okay Lord, let’s have it Your way!” Ano pa nga bang mapanghahawakan ko? Finally, after more than two decades of existence, He became my Savior.
I’m saved! He suffered the punishment which was supposed to have been mine, so I can be “credited” with His righteousness, His holiness. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Ang sarap maligo, ‘no? Pero with God, hindi lang 99.9% germs ang matatanggal.
“Behold, I make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)
"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
(Isaiah 1:18)
Yes, we have the will, the good intentions. But we will always fall short of perfection; in our weak state we are always prone to fall into sin. Jesus tells us to trust in Him for our salvation, instead of trusting in ourselves. And even if we don’t reciprocate, He still loves all of us. It is His wish that all of us turn to Him.
It is His ‘wish’, because it is still your free will that decides whether to let Him save you or not. He is Lord of all Creation, but He respects your free will. You are free to choose between Him and…what other alternative is there, anyway? :)
So…now what? Bakit nga ba hindi pa tayo kinukuha agad ni Lord when we finally accept Him? For the same reason the original disciples were left looking up as Jesus rose up into the sky. (Dramatic! Hollywood can’t make up stuff like that!)
“Go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19, 20)
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature…” (Mark 16:15)
“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
“Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary…that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:46-47)
Ang tawag pala dito ay the Great Commission. It was Jesus’ last command before He left the disciples. Guess what was His first command?
“Come follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17)
“From now on you will catch men.” (Luke 5:10)
Hmm! Galing ah! But we’re not just called to be great manghahatak for the sake of greatness itself…
(1) we’re called to lead others to Jesus…
One of you says, ‘I belong to Paul’, and another says ‘I belong to Apollos.’ When you say things like this, you are acting like people of the world. Is Apollos important? No! Is Paul important? No! We are only servants of God who helped you believe…So you should not brag about human leaders. All things belong to you: Paul, Apollos, and Peter; the world, life, death, the present, and the future --- all these belong to you. And you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
(1 Corinthians 3:4-5, 21-22)
(2) …and we are called to love.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
“These things I command you, that you love one another.” (John 15:17)
“As the Father loved me, I also have loved you; abide in my love.” (John 15:9)
The greatest commandment is love. Love everyone ha, not just those who are easy to love!
“But I say to you who are listening, love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who are cruel to you. If anyone slaps you on one cheek, offer him the other cheek, too. If someone takes your coat, do not stop him from taking your shirt. Give to everyone who asks you, and when someone takes something that is yours, don’t ask for it back. Do to others what you would want them to do to you.
“If you love only the people who love you, what praise should you get? Even sinners love the people who love them. If you do good only to those who do good to you, what praise should you get? Even sinners do that! If you lend things to people, always hoping to get something back, what praise should you get? Even sinners lend to other sinners so that they can get back the same amount!
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without hoping to get anything back. Then you will have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God, because he is kind even to people who are ungrateful and full of sin. Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy.”
(Luke 6:27-36)
And another way of putting it…
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, don’t stand up against an evil person. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other cheek also. If someone wants to sue you in court and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. If someone forces you to go with him one mile, go with him two miles. If a person asks you for something, give it to him. Don’t refuse to give to someone who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemies.’ But I say to you, love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. If you do this, you will be true children of your Father in heaven. He causes the sun to rise on good people and on evil people, and he sends rain to those who do right and to those who do wrong. If you love only the people who love you, you will get no reward. Even the tax collectors do that. And if you are nice only to your friends, you are no better than other people. Even those who don’t know God are nice to their friends. So you must be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is people.”
(Matthew 5:38-48)
Sino nga ba ang “wicked”? The best example would be myself. I was a cruel, mean, selfish bee-yatch before God cleansed me, changed me, transformed me. I am still far from perfect, but in following Christ and striving to be like Him, I know I’m in the right direction.
“I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and to make it mine. Christ wants me to do that, which is the reason he made me his. Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.” (Philippians 3:12-14)
It’s easy to love the un-love-able when I remember na ganun din ako dati…or mas malala pa!
It’s easy to love the un-love-able, when I remember what Christ did for us:
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
But guess what? I’m not my old self anymore. And in following God, His desire --- for salvation and eternal happiness for everyone --- has become my own.
Wishes and hopes, good intentions and goodwill, are never enough. But God honors the desires of our heart, and He, the God of all creation, will be the one to empower us.
“When I go away, I will send the Helper to you.” (John 16:7)
“The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
Of course, I have to be prepared.
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Friends, this is my life so far. :)
SEASONS
(written August 31, 2005)
“So, do you commemorate Christmas?” a classmate of mine, eager to know about Christianity, asked.
Hmm, good question. I suppose I didn’t get to think of it much. In the one and a half years since I’ve accepted Christ as my Savior and the Lord of my life, I was too overwhelmed with God’s love, His faithfulness, and His grace…flooded with His blessings and even more thrilled in discovering the many ways I can bless others as one of God’s new ambassadors.
The decision to follow Christ and to walk with Him may be a one-time event, but it is definitely a lifetime commitment. And being Christ’s ambassador is a 24-7 job, because God’s desire is not only for me to turn to Him and be saved, but for all people to do the same. Sometimes, I go and tell people. Sometimes, they ask me. Like my classmate.
“Well, historically Christmas probably occurred around summertime, not December…” I started, and he immediately nodded his head. We both knew of the stand of scholars that December 25 was just a date to observe the birth of Jesus and was not based on any historical account. And that Mary and Joseph and the shepherds could not have traveled nor stayed outdoors for long if the first Christmas did occur in December.
“…but as a cultural event, yeah, we celebrate it,” I added.
The discussion quickly moved on to ‘meatier’ topics: sin and salvation, divine will and human will. But a week later here I am, reminded of that particular piece of conversation.
Right now I could say I’m amazed. Amazed that (a) wow, it’s been a year since I’ve dedicated my life to God, and (b) really? That’s just in one year? These less-than-twenty months with God are infinitely more fulfilling, exciting, HAPPY than the more-than-twenty years I spent without Him.
January 2004. It was thesis time, but I hardly noticed. It was easily the darkest, most depressing season of my life, and I was looking for anything and everything to fill the empty space in my soul. Eventually I realized that that empty space was there all along; that it was the piece of me which is eternal and is looking for the only One who is eternal; and, humiliating as it sounds, it was only when I was at the end of my rope that I finally reached out for my Father’s extended hand.
Come December 25, 2004, I was merry. After all, we were celebrating the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us. But then again, I was joyous the day before, the day after, the week before, the week after. The gladness of heart persists, day after day --- not only because Jesus came into this world because He *wanted* to save me. I am glad because He actually *did* save me!
Every now and then I commemorate not Jesus’ birth, but my rebirth: “Last year I was ___, but now I’m ___.” “I used to think ___, but God has shown me that ___.”
I was blind, but now I see.
I was bound, but now I’m free.
It is His desire not just for me but for all of us to be saved.
Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, has *already* died to take the punishment for our sins.
But unless we stop trusting in ourselves or in anything other than god, until we accept that there is only One who can save us and has already saved us, then we are bound to repeat endless seasons of sin, guilt, regret, and pain.
I may or may not know you personally, friend, but I know that without God in your life, nothing will completely and perfectly satisfy. Whether in a season of hope or helplessness, a season of doubt or disbelief…it is my prayer that you turn to God and offer your life back to your Creator and your Savior.
For the God of all seasons is the Love of all seasons…
And only He will get you through any season!
“So, do you commemorate Christmas?” a classmate of mine, eager to know about Christianity, asked.
Hmm, good question. I suppose I didn’t get to think of it much. In the one and a half years since I’ve accepted Christ as my Savior and the Lord of my life, I was too overwhelmed with God’s love, His faithfulness, and His grace…flooded with His blessings and even more thrilled in discovering the many ways I can bless others as one of God’s new ambassadors.
The decision to follow Christ and to walk with Him may be a one-time event, but it is definitely a lifetime commitment. And being Christ’s ambassador is a 24-7 job, because God’s desire is not only for me to turn to Him and be saved, but for all people to do the same. Sometimes, I go and tell people. Sometimes, they ask me. Like my classmate.
“Well, historically Christmas probably occurred around summertime, not December…” I started, and he immediately nodded his head. We both knew of the stand of scholars that December 25 was just a date to observe the birth of Jesus and was not based on any historical account. And that Mary and Joseph and the shepherds could not have traveled nor stayed outdoors for long if the first Christmas did occur in December.
“…but as a cultural event, yeah, we celebrate it,” I added.
The discussion quickly moved on to ‘meatier’ topics: sin and salvation, divine will and human will. But a week later here I am, reminded of that particular piece of conversation.
Right now I could say I’m amazed. Amazed that (a) wow, it’s been a year since I’ve dedicated my life to God, and (b) really? That’s just in one year? These less-than-twenty months with God are infinitely more fulfilling, exciting, HAPPY than the more-than-twenty years I spent without Him.
January 2004. It was thesis time, but I hardly noticed. It was easily the darkest, most depressing season of my life, and I was looking for anything and everything to fill the empty space in my soul. Eventually I realized that that empty space was there all along; that it was the piece of me which is eternal and is looking for the only One who is eternal; and, humiliating as it sounds, it was only when I was at the end of my rope that I finally reached out for my Father’s extended hand.
Come December 25, 2004, I was merry. After all, we were celebrating the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us. But then again, I was joyous the day before, the day after, the week before, the week after. The gladness of heart persists, day after day --- not only because Jesus came into this world because He *wanted* to save me. I am glad because He actually *did* save me!
Every now and then I commemorate not Jesus’ birth, but my rebirth: “Last year I was ___, but now I’m ___.” “I used to think ___, but God has shown me that ___.”
I was blind, but now I see.
I was bound, but now I’m free.
It is His desire not just for me but for all of us to be saved.
Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, has *already* died to take the punishment for our sins.
But unless we stop trusting in ourselves or in anything other than god, until we accept that there is only One who can save us and has already saved us, then we are bound to repeat endless seasons of sin, guilt, regret, and pain.
I may or may not know you personally, friend, but I know that without God in your life, nothing will completely and perfectly satisfy. Whether in a season of hope or helplessness, a season of doubt or disbelief…it is my prayer that you turn to God and offer your life back to your Creator and your Savior.
For the God of all seasons is the Love of all seasons…
And only He will get you through any season!
Relativity
(written September 9, 2005)
Don’t belittle others’ griefs and struggles as compared to your own. God has given us different personalities and has led us through different experiences. Let us sympathize with our brothers and sisters through any and all trials, problems, and sufferings.
I came to know Christ because of heartbreak. When my first-ever boyfriend broke up with me, my whole world collapsed. Granted, it may not be as dramatic as some life stories, but is this observation really important?
God spoke to me in one area of my life where I thought I knew it all and where I thought I could handle it. Is this not what our Father does with each of us, although in different circumstances?
As a new believer, I’ve had my life story pooh-poohed by supposedly more mature Christians. There is always a danger in comparing yourself with others! Are we not to sympathize with our newer/less mature/younger/weaker brothers and sisters? If we ourselves had gone through something seemingly harder or more difficult, will this not serve as an encouraging example to those around us, as an opportunity to exhort those who are now undergoing trials as well?
We must be reminded constantly that we were all sinners, and that God loved us and saved us despite ourselves.
He also did this so that no one can boast.
Don’t belittle others’ griefs and struggles as compared to your own. God has given us different personalities and has led us through different experiences. Let us sympathize with our brothers and sisters through any and all trials, problems, and sufferings.
I came to know Christ because of heartbreak. When my first-ever boyfriend broke up with me, my whole world collapsed. Granted, it may not be as dramatic as some life stories, but is this observation really important?
God spoke to me in one area of my life where I thought I knew it all and where I thought I could handle it. Is this not what our Father does with each of us, although in different circumstances?
As a new believer, I’ve had my life story pooh-poohed by supposedly more mature Christians. There is always a danger in comparing yourself with others! Are we not to sympathize with our newer/less mature/younger/weaker brothers and sisters? If we ourselves had gone through something seemingly harder or more difficult, will this not serve as an encouraging example to those around us, as an opportunity to exhort those who are now undergoing trials as well?
We must be reminded constantly that we were all sinners, and that God loved us and saved us despite ourselves.
He also did this so that no one can boast.
October 20, 2005
Hello, hello...
ummm...hi...
whoever you are, GOD LOVES YOU! :-)
Still reading? Cool. :-)
it's midnight, this is my first ever entry on my first ever blog, and i'd like to say hi. And, whoever you are, I'd like us to be friends :) yup, you read right! i know the warnings about people on the prowl on the Internet (in fact i could be one too, growl, snarl...), but i sincerely hope i could touch your heart :-)
and introduce you to the most wonderful thing that has happened to me, Jesus Christ. :)
does this sound unbearably sappy to you? HAHA! i sound corny to myself even! but it's TRUE!!!!
people that i know personally would testify that i was NEVER the goody-goody, saintly type...i was a headache in our school run by nuns, and i once gave an explicitly romantic (okay, BASTOS) novel to a classmate to lure her away from her call to be a nun.
TSK TSK!!!
Behold, I make all things new. Revelation 21:5
which is why whoever you are, i want to get to know you personally too...for me to testify about a very personal matter...
God, the God of the HEAVENS and the all-knowing, all-present, all-powerful Being, is also
The God of Second Chances (and third, and fourth...).
The God of Extraordinary Promises and the Faithfulness to Keep Them.
The God who wants to be YOUR best friend.
so there. if i seem sincere to you, then make yourself heard! :) if i sound crazy or just plain lying, i challenge you to...talk to me and see for yourself.
better yet, ask God if He would make yourself known to you. LORD, SURPRISE ME!!! I WANT the closeness others feel towards You, the ultimate fulfillment of their lives as they offer themselves to You...i want to find out how in serving You, they have found complete freedom.
if you're an atheist or an agnostic like i once was, or haven't really had the chance to Him personally, like i was, let's just do this on a hypothetical basis. "Ahem. er, GOD, IF You ARE real, show Yourself to me. IF You DO LOVE me, make that love FELT."
Knowing God is the key to loving Him. I hope this blog helps in showing the way :)
whoever you are, GOD LOVES YOU! :-)
Still reading? Cool. :-)
it's midnight, this is my first ever entry on my first ever blog, and i'd like to say hi. And, whoever you are, I'd like us to be friends :) yup, you read right! i know the warnings about people on the prowl on the Internet (in fact i could be one too, growl, snarl...), but i sincerely hope i could touch your heart :-)
and introduce you to the most wonderful thing that has happened to me, Jesus Christ. :)
does this sound unbearably sappy to you? HAHA! i sound corny to myself even! but it's TRUE!!!!
people that i know personally would testify that i was NEVER the goody-goody, saintly type...i was a headache in our school run by nuns, and i once gave an explicitly romantic (okay, BASTOS) novel to a classmate to lure her away from her call to be a nun.
TSK TSK!!!
Behold, I make all things new. Revelation 21:5
which is why whoever you are, i want to get to know you personally too...for me to testify about a very personal matter...
God, the God of the HEAVENS and the all-knowing, all-present, all-powerful Being, is also
The God of Second Chances (and third, and fourth...).
The God of Extraordinary Promises and the Faithfulness to Keep Them.
The God who wants to be YOUR best friend.
so there. if i seem sincere to you, then make yourself heard! :) if i sound crazy or just plain lying, i challenge you to...talk to me and see for yourself.
better yet, ask God if He would make yourself known to you. LORD, SURPRISE ME!!! I WANT the closeness others feel towards You, the ultimate fulfillment of their lives as they offer themselves to You...i want to find out how in serving You, they have found complete freedom.
if you're an atheist or an agnostic like i once was, or haven't really had the chance to Him personally, like i was, let's just do this on a hypothetical basis. "Ahem. er, GOD, IF You ARE real, show Yourself to me. IF You DO LOVE me, make that love FELT."
Knowing God is the key to loving Him. I hope this blog helps in showing the way :)
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