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 Truth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Truth. Show all posts
February 10, 2014
November 11, 2013
Does God hate RP? (Or Catholics, homosexuals, adulterers...)
Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines three days ago with the strongest winds in recorded history.
Someone claimed that Haiyan was God's punishment "for their tolerance of homosexuality, prostitution, Catholicism and other sins". So a student of mine (who I know is in a Catholic organization) asked this on Facebook:
Someone claimed that Haiyan was God's punishment "for their tolerance of homosexuality, prostitution, Catholicism and other sins". So a student of mine (who I know is in a Catholic organization) asked this on Facebook:
Appropriately enough, yesterday our Bible group talked about the book of Revelation chapters 2-3, where Jesus was calling to seven churches. To Thyatira He said this:
I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’
(Revelation 2:19-25)
Below is my reply to him. Please feel free to share your own thoughts, insights and beliefs. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the Philippines!
=================================
Hi ***** ...
First off: let's check the facts. (In this case, we're talking about God so we base our answers from the Bible and from personal experience.)
1. Did God really list those things as sin?
2. How does God view sin?
3. Does God punish sin?
4. Is God good, just, and merciful?
My answer to the four questions is Yes.
Unfortunately, the blogger here does NOT present a biblically accurate view of God.
"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:6-8)
"Should we call down fire from heaven?" the disciples asked Jesus, after a town rejected them. Jesus turned and rebuked them. (Luke 9:54-55)
"Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?" (Ezekiel 18:23, 33:11)
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:17)
Thank God that He not only loves us Filipinos, He also gave Jesus as the atonement for our sins and He gave us the Holy Spirit for the power to live sin-free and fully!
BUT we have to admit the issues and areas that we do not obey God.
His main commandments are to love Him and love each other (Matthew 22:36-40). For the details, we have guides like the Ten Commandments which starts off with:
Sorry ***** but the Catholic Church ignores these commands and even promotes idol making / bowing down / worshipping not just God but angels and people who are NOT God. The people we call saints --- Peter, Paul, John --- they were told and they tell people to not worship them. Some Catholics tell me they just "revere" and "venerate" Mary. But look at the Rosary --- for every one time we say "Glory to God", we "Hail Mary" ten times. So who is really glorified?
I sometimes write about that in my blog, like in here. (For more, you can just search "Catholic" or click the label "religions".)
Truly, God loves you, me, homosexuals, prostitutes, adulterers, Catholics... And God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6) so that we would grow more in Him (2 Peter 3:18). We have to admit where we are NOT right with Him, ask and receive His help to change us, and glorify Him and enjoy Him more fully as we now walk in *closer* fellowship with Him.
Last comment: Looks like that blogger is just out to mock Christians. (See his other posts.) But this is still a good way to start meaningful discussions
First off: let's check the facts. (In this case, we're talking about God so we base our answers from the Bible and from personal experience.)
1. Did God really list those things as sin?
2. How does God view sin?
3. Does God punish sin?
4. Is God good, just, and merciful?
My answer to the four questions is Yes.
Unfortunately, the blogger here does NOT present a biblically accurate view of God.
"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:6-8)
"Should we call down fire from heaven?" the disciples asked Jesus, after a town rejected them. Jesus turned and rebuked them. (Luke 9:54-55)
"Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?" (Ezekiel 18:23, 33:11)
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:17)
Thank God that He not only loves us Filipinos, He also gave Jesus as the atonement for our sins and He gave us the Holy Spirit for the power to live sin-free and fully!
BUT we have to admit the issues and areas that we do not obey God.
His main commandments are to love Him and love each other (Matthew 22:36-40). For the details, we have guides like the Ten Commandments which starts off with:
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
“You shall have no other gods before me.
"You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments."
(Deuteronomy 5:6-10)
Sorry ***** but the Catholic Church ignores these commands and even promotes idol making / bowing down / worshipping not just God but angels and people who are NOT God. The people we call saints --- Peter, Paul, John --- they were told and they tell people to not worship them. Some Catholics tell me they just "revere" and "venerate" Mary. But look at the Rosary --- for every one time we say "Glory to God", we "Hail Mary" ten times. So who is really glorified?
I sometimes write about that in my blog, like in here. (For more, you can just search "Catholic" or click the label "religions".)
Truly, God loves you, me, homosexuals, prostitutes, adulterers, Catholics... And God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6) so that we would grow more in Him (2 Peter 3:18). We have to admit where we are NOT right with Him, ask and receive His help to change us, and glorify Him and enjoy Him more fully as we now walk in *closer* fellowship with Him.
Last comment: Looks like that blogger is just out to mock Christians. (See his other posts.) But this is still a good way to start meaningful discussions
October 28, 2013
I can't change ---> The point exactly
I can't change
Even if I tried
Even if I wanted to
--- "Same Love" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, ft. Mary Lambert
(More lyrics from the song appear in purple italics below)
So goes the chorus from a beautifully haunting song, which is also a strongly-worded crusade on one of today's most controversial issues: homosexuality.
This seems like the next revolution, after the abolition of slavery, women's liberation, and the civil rights movement for African Americans. But in today's issue, the bad guys are (again?) the Christians:
It's the same hate that's caused wars from religion
Gender to skin color, the complexion of your pigment
The same fight that led people to walk-outs and sit-ins
It's human rights for everybody, there is no difference!
Live on and be yourself
When I was at church they taught me something else
I love your Christ,
but I dislike your Christianity.
- Mahatma Gandhi
How many people have been rejected, oppressed, even killed in the name of Jesus? It is so grievous to see the hate in action perpetrated by the followers of "God is Love". (Here's a healthy reminder.) These days, it's Christians vs. Homosexuals.
When everyone else is more comfortable remaining voiceless
Rather than fighting for humans that have had their rights stolen
I might not be the same, but that's not important
No freedom till we're equal, damn right I support it
Damn right I support that too: freedom and human rights for everyone.
I've often thought of what I would have done in William Wilberforce's time, when he fought for the freedom of slaves because of his faith in Jesus Christ. I could have easily ignored Wilberforce, saw a culture built on slaves as a blessing, and even cite the Bible ("submit to your masters") as a stand for slavery. Of course, centuries later, we thank Wilberforce, King, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and other freedom fighters who did what they did because Jesus did what He did.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.
--- Martin Luther King, Jr.
The right wing conservatives think it's a decision
And you can be cured with some treatment and religion
Man-made rewiring of a predisposition
Playing God, aw nah here we go
America the brave still fears what we don't know
And God loves all his children, is somehow forgotten
But we paraphrase a book written thirty-five-hundred years ago
One says homosexuality is a choice; another says it's hard-wired. One says it's immoral; another says it's no big deal. How can we reach a resolution when our starting definitions are already conflicting?
We can start with mutual respect, and a willingness to listen to the other side of the issue. (As a firm believer of "One Truth" and the goodness of every person, I believe we can reach a resolution.)
Like the song says, yes, the Same Love is available to all of us (God loves all His children). But it's the Same Truth that convicts us all (we are all sinners who deserve hell) and it's the Same Power that can save us (to bring us back towards Him).
When it comes to marriage, the full realization of Jesus as the Heavenly Bridegroom and His Church as His Bride would only make sense with the union of a man and a woman. The anatomy and psychology of the human male and female would attest to this. Jesus is always the Initiator and the Giver; the Church is always the Responder and the Recipient.
So, now what?
As a Christian, I need to regularly check if I am practicing what I am preaching: If God is really Love, does it show in my life? Does it show in my relationships to everyone: Christians and non-Christians, homosexuals and heterosexuals and bisexuals?
As a Christian, I will also uphold the original Biblical definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
BUT... Also because I am a Christian, I will:
- value the dignity of every person;
- uphold everyone's rights; and
- respect other points of view.
I disapprove of what you say,
but I will defend to the death your right to say it.
- Evelyn Beatrice Hall
And a certificate on paper isn't gonna solve it all
But it's a damn good place to start
No law is gonna change us
We have to change us
Whatever God you believe in
We come from the same one
Strip away the fear
Underneath it's all the same love
"I can't change."
That's the point exactly.
It is God who can change us.
If we wanted to.
=========================================
Full disclosure:
I am a sinner. I sin in desiring people I am not married to. This is lust and adultery, even if it's "only" in my thoughts, even if it's heterosexual. Sin is sin. God already loved me in my sins, but He also loved me enough to rescue me from them.
Even though homosexuality was not really an issue for me, I know of people who have acknowledged this issue before God, and have been truly and completely changed. They now honor their Creator as they live according to the gender He ordained for them.
October 7, 2013
God > science
"I only believe in science."
- Esqueleto, from the movie Nacho Libre
I found myself browsing through Zen Pencils this weekend and resolving to read each inspirational-quote-turned-comic. I already have some strips or their original sources reposted on my Facebook and Twitter. I also have some strips that I'm excited to show to my new students next week.
And then I reach this.
Which led me to respond with the following comment:
There are many scientists who are Christians too, myself included. I decided to go into physics after reading Carl Sagan's books and watching Cosmos (and the X-Files). Sagan also led me to become an agnostic/passive atheist, but after a life tragedy I found myself reading the Bible with one -- nay, two -- eyes open.
Christianity makes sense to me in the same way that physics does. Of course, God is way more complicated - but what relationship isn't? We sometimes cannot figure out ourselves, how much less the people around us, and how much less a *supreme being*? This reasoning does not automatically prove there is a God, but I'm just saying there are a lot of things that are beyond science.
Science gives a lot of benefits but also has a lot of limitations. Science demands repetition and predictability and numbers -- does art have this? Do we then say that art is foolishness, or that art does not exist? Wouldn't that be the foolish thing to say?
The wonder and awe for the universe that Carl Sagan gave me is still there. But in my humble opinion, it has now matured to include the Creator. Sagan hastily dismissed all world religions as superstitious falsehood and wishful thinking, yet was quite convinced of the existence of extraterrestrial life even though he had no proof himself (it's easy to give equations, but somebody please show me one alien being now). If one applies scientific skepticism to reject deistic/theistic beliefs, it is but fair to apply that same skepticism to one's own pet beliefs too.
On the other hand, Christians nowadays do tend to ignore the *first* commandment to love God with our mind (as well as heart, body, and soul). But I'm proud to say that I know many people who use science to honor God and even know Him more. As for me, I write a Bible verse on the board before beginning my college physics class. ♥
God be with you more Gav! I share your admiration for Sagan but also for Christian authors like CS Lewis and Marianne Williamson. I hope you find Him as you seek and share even more inspiration to the world.
- Esqueleto, from the movie Nacho Libre
I found myself browsing through Zen Pencils this weekend and resolving to read each inspirational-quote-turned-comic. I already have some strips or their original sources reposted on my Facebook and Twitter. I also have some strips that I'm excited to show to my new students next week.
And then I reach this.
Text by Phil Plait. Complete strip at: http://zenpencils.com/comic/52-phil-plait-welcome-to-science/
Which led me to respond with the following comment:
There are many scientists who are Christians too, myself included. I decided to go into physics after reading Carl Sagan's books and watching Cosmos (and the X-Files). Sagan also led me to become an agnostic/passive atheist, but after a life tragedy I found myself reading the Bible with one -- nay, two -- eyes open.
Christianity makes sense to me in the same way that physics does. Of course, God is way more complicated - but what relationship isn't? We sometimes cannot figure out ourselves, how much less the people around us, and how much less a *supreme being*? This reasoning does not automatically prove there is a God, but I'm just saying there are a lot of things that are beyond science.
Science gives a lot of benefits but also has a lot of limitations. Science demands repetition and predictability and numbers -- does art have this? Do we then say that art is foolishness, or that art does not exist? Wouldn't that be the foolish thing to say?
The wonder and awe for the universe that Carl Sagan gave me is still there. But in my humble opinion, it has now matured to include the Creator. Sagan hastily dismissed all world religions as superstitious falsehood and wishful thinking, yet was quite convinced of the existence of extraterrestrial life even though he had no proof himself (it's easy to give equations, but somebody please show me one alien being now). If one applies scientific skepticism to reject deistic/theistic beliefs, it is but fair to apply that same skepticism to one's own pet beliefs too.
On the other hand, Christians nowadays do tend to ignore the *first* commandment to love God with our mind (as well as heart, body, and soul). But I'm proud to say that I know many people who use science to honor God and even know Him more. As for me, I write a Bible verse on the board before beginning my college physics class. ♥
God be with you more Gav! I share your admiration for Sagan but also for Christian authors like CS Lewis and Marianne Williamson. I hope you find Him as you seek and share even more inspiration to the world.
May 22, 2013
Quotes: Nick Vujicic in Manila
Born without arms and legs, God is using Nick Vujicic to touch people otherwise crippled by fear and hopelessness. Two days ago I was blessed to hear this amazing man live in Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Here are the snippets I managed to write down. May you be inspired and encouraged as I am. :)
- Put your faith in action.
- Courage means doing something even if you fail.
- You don't need courage to win, you need courage to fail.
- F.E.A.R. --- False Evidence Apparently Real
- F.A.I.T.H. --- Full Assurance In The Heart (of the Truth)
- Courage starts with purpose.
- You can have arms and legs and not know what to do with them.
- Try again.
- Failure = Education. (Teci: In direct contrast to today's mainstream educational system)
- Never give up!
- Don't believe you're a failure:
- Thomas Edison invented the light bulb after 10,000 tries. He didn't see himself fail 9,999 times. Instead, he just learned 9,999 ways to not make a light bulb.
- Nick himself contacted 52 schools and got rejected before being accepted to his first speaking engagement. Now he has to say "No" to 28,000 speaking invitations.
- The bigger the dream, the bigger the opposition.
- Was that a failure? Yes. Was I a failure? No. Try again.
- Obstacles = Opportunities.
- We have storms and clouds but it's always sunny above the clouds.
- Sometimes you may have a dream that has to die, but don't let it kill you.
- Take steps, no matter how small, towards the right direction.
- Be thankful: See what you've been blessed with!
- My circumstances didn't change; my heart did.
- If you're not happy single, you won't be happy married!
- I'm happy today because I'm thankful for the things I do have.
- Fame, fortune, sex, drugs, gangs, being in the cool group... Happiness is not in those things. Love is what you're looking for.
- Life is not just about success. At the top of the mountain it could get very lonely. Build each other up in love.
- When Nick was a boy, he wanted to see someone who was like him, with no arms and legs. Sadly, that wish was never fulfilled. But now as a speaker he once met a child with the same condition as him. The boy looked at him and knew that he himself can be happy and okay.
- You can be a miracle to someone right now.
- Australians helping Australians... Filipinos helping Filipinos.
- What are the three greatest/dearest things in your life right now?
- Who have you not forgiven yet?
- At 19, Nick had his first speaking engagement: the first time he had compassion on a group of complete strangers, 300 teenagers.
- A teenager asked if she could interrupt Nick's talk because she wanted to hug him. She whispered, "Nobody has ever told me that they love me. Nobody has ever told me I'm beautiful."
- Nick got home, realizing what he wanted to do for the rest of his life: He wanted to be a speaker.
- My parents constantly planted seeds of love and hope and truth. If parents don't do that to their children, who will?
- You are beautiful just the way you are.
- Life without limits... Unstoppable... Limitless
- Unconditional love
- Don't take any day for granted.
- Dream big.
- You can't buy hope.
- Faith as first. Faith as last.
Nick Vujicic is the author of Your Life Without Limits, Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action, and Limitless: Devotions for a Ridiculously Good Life. He also encourages Christians to never miss an opportunity to share the Good News in this article.
December 2, 2012
Wisdom is a balance
That's right.
As Paul told the Ephesians to "speak the truth in love," so must we think, live and act with God's balance of truth and grace, justice and mercy, power and love.
It's a balance. It's easy to think of God as this All-Powerful, Majestic Creator (only). And it's easy to think of God as just this All-Loving, Goody Best Friend (only). But a half-truth is a complete lie --- we might completely miss out on God if we only know (or choose to see) one aspect of His Being.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." (Psalms and Proverbs)
Wisdom is knowing the Lord in the complete sense (well, as much as fallen limited humans can anyway). Wisdom is looking at the complete picture, first about God then about how He has made me. Finally, wisdom is about pursuing a life full of meaning and purpose.
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7) That last part always gets me. It's funny how I proclaimed 2007 as my year of power, then 2008 my year of love, then... then... nothing. Obviously I lack "sound mind", "discipline", "self-control" (the various translations of that verse); as well as having too much fear (the first part of that verse).
Thanks to God, things are finally changing. This year, without my declaring it (haha), turned out to be my no-fear year, and miracle of miracles, even a little sound mind.
Finally, some balance. I feel His Power strengthening me, His Love encouraging me, and the fears fading away.
As for self-control, I'm learning, bit by bit. (Case in point: I wrote this next paragraph after being distracted by one hour of Plants vs. Zombies.) We're not yet there, but getting closer. :)
Thank You LORD for the balance, the wisdom, and the complete picture. ♥
June 3, 2012
Wait till you read THIS!
Can a good tree bear bad fruit?
I'm sick of being gossiped about.
Especially by Christians.
You know, people who read passages like "Love one another," "Don't lie," "Whoever is sinless can cast the first stone," and of course, "God hates gossip."
Sister Mary Martha has a fine, practical article on how to identify and handle gossip.
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Let's go back to the basics:
- Jesus
I'm sick of being gossiped about.
Especially by Christians.
You know, people who read passages like "Love one another," "Don't lie," "Whoever is sinless can cast the first stone," and of course, "God hates gossip."
Sister Mary Martha has a fine, practical article on how to identify and handle gossip.
Also, the Four-Way Test of our friendly neighborhood Rotary Club reads:
1. Is it the TRUTH?2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
- Speak the truth. Is this a fact or just speculation?
- Love others. Assume the best, not the worst. Am I acting in concern and respect for others? Is it my business? Is it the business of the person I'm telling it to?
- First parties first. If there is a dispute, the first approach is to talk to the parties directly involved (Matthew 18:15-17). If the issue is not settled, take a few witnesses; if not, involve the entire church. Yes, in that particular order, not the other way around.
- Forgive as God has forgiven you. For most of my life I've been the gossiper, not the target, so it's easier to understand and (supposedly) forgive those who are now doing the same to me.
To be honest, I'd rather not see the people I think are gossiping about me, and I'd rather not hear them. But I don't want to assume anything. I can confront each one to get the facts straight, but that's too draining, physically, emotionally and socially. I'll just go ahead to the forgiveness part: Forgive them if my hunch is right, ask and claim God's forgiveness if I'm wrong.
And ask and claim God's forgiveness for my own gossiping ways.
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.
For this is the will of God,
that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
Live as people who are free,
not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil,
but living as servants of God.
Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God.
(1 Peter 2)
June 2, 2012
Light rising from the east (On the Corona impeachment)
The Chief Justice of the Republic of the Philippines was impeached by the Senate last Tuesday in an unprecedented 20-3 vote. GMA News gives a comprehensive overview here.
Former Chief Justice Renato Corona was perceived to be allied with the former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and therefore in conflict with current President Benigno Aquino III. So how tricky to have a trial of Executive vs. Judiciary, as presided over by the Legislative branch, and where everybody in an ideally fair trial could be seen as partisan.
I wasn't able to follow this trial at all except for the final day itself, where each senator gave his vote and an explanation thereof. I was impressed and enlightened in particular by Senators Drilon, Escudero, Lapid, Legarda, Osmena, and of course the presiding officer, Senate President Enrile. More memorable moments here.
The main reason for Mr. Corona's impeachment was non-disclosure of properties in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth. The fascinating thing is, the prosecution won despite itself. They lacked evidence and they were ill prepared. Many senators simply pointed out the facts: a "lowly" court employee dismissed from government service for the same act although on a much smaller scale, and a simple pie chart showing the amount of Mr. Corona's undeclared assets compared to those he did declare. Other senators were convinced to convict, ironically, because of the witnesses of the defense: Ombudsman Carpio-Morales and Mr. Corona himself.
The trial was smoothly concluded but questions lingered about the lack of due process. In my humble opinion, the technicalities of the law were overruled but justice and truth prevailed. Our country has already gone through two peaceful "extra-constitutional" revolutions in the past quarter century. This could mark the third. I believe we're maturing with each revolution; that we're getting the spirit and the letter of the law.
Also, every now and then I hear my Christian brothers and sisters declare (yes, prophesy) righteousness in this land. President Aquino was elected on a platform of righteousness and reforms are certainly being instituted now. For example, the dispute pitting Aquino's own family versus the farmers who tilled their land is now settled. Moral accountability is now demanded of our public servants.
Of course, there is still much to be desired. Some analysts see a darker future after this trial: quite possible. But a brighter future is equally possible. At the very least, the resolution of this very trial evokes hope in me. That we are already on the road to moral and economic recovery.
Politics and public affairs. (To use our latest tourism slogan:) It's more fun in the Philippines :D
P.S. More lessons from the impeachment trial here.
P.P.S. It might sound like I voted for President Aquino last 2010 but I didn't. I'm just an eternal optimist ;)
P.P.P.S. I'm optimistic but not blind. P-Noy needs to lead the people in righteousness and not just boot the people who aren't. On the same note, I should stop talking about righteousness and get back to my appointed duties (i.e., schoolwork). Toodles!
May 21, 2012
Truth hurts but...
"The slap of a friend can be trusted to help you,
but the kisses of an enemy are nothing but lies."
- Proverbs 27:6
The truth often hurts.
The "proper" or "gracious" manner can only do so much.
Thankfully, the truth also sets us free.
May 16, 2012
No fear, only love :)
Since yesterday, I've had this urge to get a Venti (largest) Starbucks frappucino. My favorite is Dark Mocha, but they're featuring a new flavor, Cookie Crumble.
I'm not rich: I work for every centavo I get. Neither am I brand-conscious: I'm just as happy with a four-peso Nescafe instant coffee sachet.
My Starbucks cravings would appear to be an extravagant luxury, and that's actually the point: This is my date with God.
Disclaimer 1: Every now and then I check my heart if I'm just using God as an excuse.
Disclaimer 2: Of course, God can speak to us at any time and any place.
Disclaimer 3: The Bible reminds us that obedience (a flexible heart) is more important than sacrifice (an inflexible ritual).
Having said those, there are moments when I feel that He has something to say, and that I better be all eyes-ears-and-heart-ready. Like yesterday. I was thinking, Lord, You can talk to me here and I don't have to go to a coffee shop, right? But again, that's part of the point. Not that Starbucks is a holier place than the metro train or our living room, but it's probably because I have to be really out of my comfort zone, doing nothing but listening to Him.
This morning, around noon, I finally got up, ordered the new Cookie Crumble frap (venti please!), and sat down.
And listened.
Perfect love drives out fear. (1 John 4:18)
Love extravagantly. Live generously. (1 Corinthians)
Love <---> Eternal Life
Hate <---> Murder
(1 John 3:14-15)
My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love.
Shut down debilitating self-criticism (even if there's some truth to it)
God is greater than our worried hearts
and knows more about us than we do ourselves
We're no longer accusing or condemning ourselves
We're bold and free before God!
We're able to stretch our hands out
and receive what we asked for
because we're doing what He said,
doing what pleases Him
==> Believe in Jesus Christ
==> Love each other
As we keep His commands,
we live deeply and surely in Him
and He lives in us.
And this is how we experience His deep and abiding presence in us:
by the Spirit He gave us.
(1 John 3:18-24)
My dear friends,
don't believe everything you hear.
Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you
Not everyone who talks about God comes from God
There are a lot of lying preachers loose in the world.
(1 John 4:1)
Let us continue to love each other
since love comes from God
Everyone who loves
is born of God
and experiences a relationship with God.
(1 John 4:7-8)
If we love one another, God dwells deeply within us
and His love becomes complete in us --- perfect love!
(1 John 4:12)
To love, to be loved (1 John 4:17-21)
God is love.
When we take up permanent residence in a life of love,
we live in God and God lives in us.
This way, love has the run of the house,
becomes at home and mature in us,
so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day ---
our standing in the world is identical with Christ's.
There is no room in love for fear.
Well-formed love banishes fear.
Since fear is crippling, a fearful life
--- fear of death, fear of judgment ---
is one not yet fully formed in love.
We, though, are going to love --- love and be loved.
First we were loved, now we love.
He loved us first.
If anyone boasts, "I love God," and goes right on hating..., he is a liar.
The command we have from Christ is blunt:
Loving God includes loving people.
You've got to love both.
May 15, 2012
Underground Warfare
Here's
a journal entry of a man in deep spiritual warfare. From the book "Fight" by Kenny Luck.
December 9, 2006
"It was a hot LZ [landing zone; military term].
I never stopped firing. I prayed for the destruction of the building
by an earthquake as an event that would speak to this people about
God's displeasure and create an openness to a witness of the gospel.
I claimed every life I encountered for Jesus, every wood beam, and
every brick. Alan and I acted like we were pointing and commenting
when, in fact, we were praying warfare prayers. I have never seen
this kind of paganism, and yet Jesus was with Alan and me. We could
sense His presence and covering like Daniel and his friends did in the flames of the fiery furnace.
"We prayed against
all powers, thrones, principalities, and evil raised up in this place
against the knowledge of God. We prayed against the lies and bondage
of these precious ones of God (“Woe to those who make My little ones stumble”). We asked for
the destruction of all images and idols. We asked for God's kingdom
to come. We asked for God to set these captives at our feet free. We
prayed the Scripture from John 17:3: “That they may know You, the
only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” We prayed for
every cacique's [local mob boss'] mind and for the destruction of
strongholds and patterns of thought. We prayed for miraculous signs
that would cut through culture and communicate God's power like
nothing else. We declared the drunken before us for Jesus and not for
evil, that they would drink a new wine of the Holy Spirit.
"We prayed
the Scripture. We prayed truth. We prayed in His mighty Name."
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