God's perfect will in an imperfect world

Some people expect God to bless their choice.
Others ask God for His choice, and expect to be blessed.

But first, a disclaimer!
There is no perfect person to marry,
no perfect job to take,
no perfect friend to hang out with.

To prove this, let's look at some examples of "perfection" and think of how unrealistic they are :)  (On the off-chance that you have all of these, congratulations! But I'd bet you still have a flaw, even just one...)



Wanted: Perfect Life

The Perfect Female Face 
according to Men (top) and Women (bottom)

 

http://fashionbombdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/escentuals-perfect-woman.jpg

 http://www.ivillage.com/womans-idea-perfect-man-cause-girl-can-dream/4-a-508962

 

http://thegreysfan01.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/snoopy-the-perfect-friend.gif

The Perfect Day

 http://youqueen.com/life/personal-development/how-to-find-a-new-career-you-are-truly-passionate-about/

If perfection is impossible, why bother looking around?

Because... we have a perfect God.
And He is calling us to be more like Him. 

Because He has a Spirit of wisdom and revelation,
and this is available to anyone and everyone who asks for it.

Because He reminds us to listen to Him instead of the foolish, self-serving norms of this world.

Because I'm not perfect,
but He is, and so is His will for me.



Marriage

I am not perfect, and nobody else is. But I'm not going to marry the first Y-chromosome-carrier I see. Of all the billions of people in the world, not everyone would share my goals and my dreams. My future husband and I cannot build a life together if we cannot even agree. Yes, we can always decide and commit together as a couple. But it's much easier to live for what God is calling me to do, as a single, before embarking on a journey and a shared calling with a life partner. This way, I'm sure that I am living for God, first and foremost. 

And if I do get married, will it be because I want to, or because God wants to? There are many men (!) that I wanted for myself, but thank God He didn't answer my prayers. (Or, He answered with a resounding "No!")  I am NOT talking about somebody being superior or inferior... just a bad combination. Somebody could be a "really great girl", or "a man after God's own heart", but the union could still be a hindrance to one or both of them.

Love and marriage do not conquer all, but God does. I've seen friends who live for God yet cross continents to join their spouses, and that's great. I know others who, in living for God, decide to end their romantic relationship. I can say that's great too --- because they pursued God, regardless of where He would lead them, regardless if their hearts are broken.

And I know that His will is always good, pleasing and perfect. No man is perfect, no woman is perfect, but God will bless and purify the union of those who seek His blessing. But I do not have to wait for marriage to seek His blessing --- I can ask for His guidance now, and even His will in who to date and to marry :)

Recommended read:
"When God Writes Your Love Story" by Eric and Leslie Ludy


Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
--  Paul to the Romans



Career

Unlike marriage, which is a lifelong commitment, looking for a job might be a little easier:

http://www.people-results.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Perfect-Job.jpg

But if I am living for God, how will my priorities change? Specifically, what job should I look for, how well should I do that job, and what will I do with my spare time and extra income from that job?

Isn't this over-spiritualizing (or over-thinking)? After all, the Bible says:

 
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do,
do it all for the glory of God.
 -- Paul to the Corinthians


Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, 
as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 
since you know that you will receive 
an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. 
It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
-- Paul to the Colossians


Serve wholeheartedly,
as if you were serving the Lord, not people,
because you know that the Lord will reward each one
for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
-- Paul to the Ephesians


Okay, so do whatever, right? As long as it's for God.

That's just it. Not all things honor, glorify and please Him. If I work in a company that regularly engages in fraud and corruption, or if my work environment encourages or even requires immorality, should I continue working there?

Some people choose to stay and fight the good fight, to be that one little candle in that dark corner, to challenge, revolutionize and reform their place. Others leave for better pastures, that will help them help others better. Still, others make their own company, build them up from scratch with God as their cornerstone. I think all these actions glorify God, but it is up to each person to determine God's specific action plan for himself.

Of course, we work to buy the "basics": food, clothing, and shelter. Yet Jesus reminded us of our priorities: 


So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’
or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
For the pagans run after all these things,
and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own.
-- Jesus (The Gospel of Matthew)


The main driving force in my life, including my career, should be the spread of God's Kingdom -- His righteousness, truth, love, grace, peace, justice. He will provide the "basics". But He is calling us to work (literally) for more than that.


Recommended read:
"Lifework: A Biblical Theology for What You Do Every Day" by Darrow Miller    
**This is a shorter version for free 


"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come, Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread."
-- Jesus (The Gospel of Matthew)



Friendships

Think of your best friend. The bestest friend you have ever had. Did you have at least one fight? Or at least one issue you disagreed on? Was there something that left you disappointed or even betrayed?

Thank God that He is our Perfect and Best Friend, our Rock, Rescuer, and Defender. 
Thank God because: 

• He loved me in spite of my faults;
• He forgave me before I asked;
• He died in my place so justice would be served;
• His Spirit is always available to transform me, to cleanse those faults, and to empower me to rise above them.

But God's commands boil down to these:

 

http://blog.jennimullinix.com/love-god-love-others-scripture-printable/ 

Our life with God does not end with God. He should always be first and foremost, but loving Him means also loving the people He created --- including the least lovable people we know ;)

God loved us without waiting for us to be perfect. He calls us to do the same (and interestingly, He calls this "being perfect"):


“You have heard that it was said,
‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good,
and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
... Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
 -- Jesus (The Gospel of Matthew)


But, like marriage and career, we need to choose wisely if we're looking for mutual, life-giving, healthy friendships.


Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
     “I will live with them and walk among them,
     and I will be their God and they will be my people.”
Therefore,
     “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.
     Touch no unclean thing and I will receive you.”
-- Paul to the Corinthians


This might seem confusing. Let's backtrack: 

God created everyone and loves everyone, 
so we should love everyone too.
(If that's hard to do, think of your worst sin,
and how God already loved and forgave you for that. ♥ )

But when it comes to seeking advice, guidance, inspiration, responsibility and accountability, who will we go to? Shouldn't we go to the people who would encourage us to do right, and not wrong? Even (especially) when we are weak? 


And let us consider
how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but encouraging one another —
and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
-- Letter to the Hebrews


Again, this is not looking down on (fellow) imperfect people, but just doing what is wise. If I am tempted to do drugs, should I get advice from a drug addict or a drug pusher? Of course not! I should get advice from (a) someone who has never struggled with that issue, or better yet, (b) someone who has struggled and overcome. How inspiring is that, and directly applicable to my own present issue!

Again, nobody is perfect, in our lives and relationships. We are called to love imperfect people perfectly. But if I know that someone is walking with God, then I have more confidence that I can walk with him too: same Way, same goal.

Recommended read:
"What's So Amazing About Grace?" by Philip Yancey
** This is a related study guide for free


  
Stop Looking Around

How easy it is for us to use "I'm not perfect" as an excuse to continue doing wrong. Being an imperfect, flawed sinner is an explanation but never an excuse. Instead of wallowing in the mud of our faults, or slinging that mud to others, we can simply ask the one and only perfect God for help. He will never disappoint.
 
I have a challenge for you: to stop looking around for perfection; and to seek God, the only One who is perfect. We become who we follow. When we seek God, we become more like Him --- still with human flaws and no divine powers, but we can mirror His character and be His agents of blessing, power, grace, love and truth in this world.

  

http://golikejesus.com/sites/default/files/inshort-golikejesus.png

First, first, first, our focus should be on God. Oh, how perfect!

But as we live in this fallen world, we join God on His quest to redeem and restore this world, one good deed at a time. Perhaps we do seek perfection, impossible though it may be. But we have God as our Author and our Finisher, and with Him, all things are possible.

God's will is good, pleasing and perfect. The more we seek HIS will to be done, the more we will encounter His Kingdom --- on earth, as in Heaven.

Recommended read:

"The Bible" by God :) 


As for God, His way is perfect:
The Lord’s word is flawless;
He shields all who take refuge in Him. 
-- Psalm 18 


Not my will but Yours be done.
-- Jesus to God the Father


The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

-- Proverbs

http://wallpaperstock.net/perfect-me_wallpapers_35926_1366x768_1.html

On Respect (Do not impose)

http://jeffmcleod.ca/day-18-disrespecting-parent/ 

 "When you enter a home, greet the family, ‘Peace.’ If your greeting is received, then it’s a good place to stay. But if it’s not received, take it back and get out. Don’t impose yourself."
  -  Jesus (Luke 10:5-6)


Such wise yet remarkably simple advice. This clarified a life decision for me and released me from an unnecessary burden. Thank You Lord for the freedom to live and let live, the freedom to choose, and the freedom to breathe. 


"Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don’t impose it on others. You’re fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you’re not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe — some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them — then you know that you’re out of line. If the way you live isn’t consistent with what you believe, then it’s wrong."
  -  Paul (Romans 14:22-23) 


For Christ-followers: Could sharing the gospel be considered as "imposing your belief on others"? Yes, if the sharer expects the listener to immediately and completely agree. But that rarely happens, right? Just be patient and hopeful and keep praying --- it is God whose Word we are sharing, and it is God who will make it grow in people's hearts. (Practical tip: Think of a time when it was so hard for you to see the light yourself!) As someone who knows the Good News, your choice is to share or not. Those who hear you have a different choice: to accept God or not. 


For everyone: Jesus tells us to love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31, Matthew 22:39). While we distinguish between love and respect, ultimately God is calling us to treat ourselves and each other in the same (good) way.


It's amazing how something I've heard since childhood is still fresh to me; I still have a long way to go. Below are some practical tips for treating others (and ourselves) with respect --- not because any one of us deserves it, but because of God, who respects us enough to give us our freedom.  :)

http://www2.kumc.edu/son/respect/index.html

http://www.udayton.edu/studev/commitment_to_community/habits.php

http://www.chooserespect.org.au/code_of_behaviour.html

 

http://www.bacchusnetworkstore.org/respect-yourself

 

May our relationships be filled with respect. Remember that it goes both ways --- giving and receiving --- and we can take our cue from God Himself.

I cannot keep silent

But if I say, "I will not mention His word or speak anymore in His name,"
His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
(Jeremiah 20:9)

http://sigmamindset.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/public-speaking.jpg

I cannot keep silent. God is too good of a news to keep to oneself. There's a saying that goes something like, "If you had the cure for cancer, wouldn't you tell everyone? Isn't Jesus the cure for something much deeper: eternal separation from God? Then why aren't we sharing about Him enough?"

Besides, it's actually a command. Jesus's last words to His followers were:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:18-20)

We don't have to be a pastor or take up a theology course or be a Christian for 20 years. We can just start with the little we know about Him, no matter how general or personal that may be. Besides, it is God who literally gives us what to say:

“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Jesus (Luke 12:11-12)

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Jesus (Acts 1:8)


So that's that. God wants every person in the world to have a relationship with Him. Those who already have that relationship cannot remain silent, for the sake of everyone else. Will we let our shyness or fear get in the way of someone's salvation? Of course, God is in control of everything, including salvation. But we can choose to work with Him, pointing people towards Him, instead of turning them away or keeping quiet. Take it from Jeremiah: it's much easier to speak up.

Four-Way Gospel

I thought of this image after my last post comparing the four gospels.

Amazing, eh? The gospels have all the bases covered and they balance each other out. God's Good News is for everyone.

One book reminds us to look up to Jesus' divine origins (therefore being worthy of worship), another to look down to his humanity (therefore being worthy to be followed). Another looks behind to his Jewish origins (fulfilling ancient prophecies), while the last looks forward to his being Savior of the world.

Lastly, these four directions combined give us the Cross. The gospels tell of Jesus, who was born to die for our sins, so that we might live with Him. God is making sure that this Good News reaches everyone. 

Have we heard the News? If yes, are we going to share it, in any and every way we can? :)

The Gospel according to Social Media

I've been blogging here for *years*, and I'm also on Facebook. Last month I finally got on Twitter and Instagram. In learning how to express myself through different social media, complementary without being redundant, I also got a sense of... gospel harmony.

If you've read the four Christian gospels, you might notice that they're not exactly the same. Just like any book, each gospel has some traits based on the author and the intended audience. Let's look at those traits (according to experts as in here, and verifiable by you and me reading the books ourselves), and see the parallels with popular social media (in my humble personal opinion).

The Gospel according to Matthew

rj-mccauley.blogspot.com

Author's description:   Jew, former tax collector

Content:   Jewish Scripture, history, prophecies (e.g. Old Testament and other writings) 
Intended audience:   Jews or Israel

Focus on Jesus as:   King of the Jews, Immanuel ("God-with-us")

Focus on Jesus' sacrifice as:   Trespass offering ("trespass" = wrongdoing against God according to Jewish law)

Similar to which social media:   Blogs (e.g. Blogger, Wordpress)

Because of:   Ability to post unlimited text and images; Contain complete archives; Can easily link to other websites

 

The Gospel according to Mark

http://blogs.nsb.org/jonathanalexander/files/2010/09/mark.jpg

Author's description:   One of the 70 disciples, companion and scribe of Simon Peter

Content:  Quick, action-packed accounts; the shortest gospel
Intended audience:  Romans

Focus on Jesus as:  Servant, Prophet

Focus on Jesus' sacrifice as:   Sin offering ("sin" = wrongdoing in the general sense)

Similar to which social media:  Twitter

Because of:  Limited length of tweets and messages, emphasis on trending topics

The Gospel according to Luke

http://www.thatimaydwell.com/images/sermons/luke_lg.jpg

Author's description:   Doctor, non-Jew, companion of Paul

Content:  Accounts about the lost, weak, outcast (Prodigal Son, Good Samaritan)
Intended audience:  Greeks

Focus on Jesus as:  Son of Man, High Priest

Focus on Jesus' sacrifice as:   Peace offering (to reconcile outsiders to God)

Similar to which social media:   Facebook

Because of:   Emphasis on relationships (old and new), well-documented timelines

The Gospel according to John

http://pastorbrett.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/ibelieve_color.jpg

Author's description:   One of Jesus' twelve apostles

Content:  Word pictures (Jesus is the Light of the World, the Way, the Good Shepherd, the Bread of Life...) 
Intended audience:  All

Focus on Jesus as:  Son of God the Father, the Word of God made flesh

Focus on Jesus' sacrifice as:   Burnt offering (for worship)

Similar to which social media:  Instagram

Because of:   Emphasis on images

So there you have it. Please note that I'm not measuring the Christian faith with social network activity ;)  But I do hope that this post helps us appreciate the gospels more: in each book's uniqueness, and in their harmony (unity in diversity) in presenting Jesus, Son of God, Savior of mankind.

Just watch ♥

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGlx11BxF24&feature=youtu.be

Homepage: http://www.fallingplates.com/

Speak to glorify God, not self

Paul the apostle repeatedly writes in his first letter to the Corinthians:


For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel — not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
(1 Cor 1:17)

Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.
(1 Cor 1:31- 2:5)

 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
(1 Cor 13:1)



Wisdom and eloquence are good, until they defeat the purpose of the message. When we speak about God, do we glorify Him, or ourselves?

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.

"Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus"

The most-watched video on Youtube: 




Excerpts:

"[The Church] is not a museum for good people,
it's a hospital for the broken.
Which means I don't have to hide my failure,
I don't have to hide my sin
'Cause it doesn't depend on me,
It depends on Him. 

"Religion says "Do", Jesus says "Done."
Religion says "Slave", Jesus says "Son."
Religion puts you in bondage while Jesus sets you free
Religion makes you blind but Jesus makes you see

"And that's why religion and Jesus are two different clans
Religion is man searching for God
Christianity is God searching for man

"Which is why salvation is freely mine
And forgiveness is my own
Not based on my merits
but Jesus' obedience alone

"So for religion, no I hate it
In fact I literally resent it
Because when Jesus said "It is finished,"
I believe He meant it."

Talk it out!

"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." [1]

"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother." [2]

For the longest time, my favorite (fictional) person was this mutant mind reader. But I'm neither a mutant nor a mind reader, so I need *communication*. When there is a conflict, problem or issue, there has to be a resolution.

A leader of mine says we tend to judge other people by their actions, but we judge ourselves by our intentions. When it comes to *others*, I tend to just be judgmental and assume the worst. This should not be.

The Bible talks about satan, the eternal enemy of God and all His works (including us, His children), who accuses us before God and each other. How many times have I agreed with satan when I serve as judge, jury and executioner towards others?

Remember (preaching to myself):
1. I might be wrong. I do not know all the details.
2. I am just the same, or worse. C.S. Lewis says, "My heart — I need no other’s — showeth me the wickedness of the ungodly." (Thanks for the quote Rayda.) Acknowledging my faults makes it easier to forgive others'.
3. I am not The Judge. I do not have the authority nor the power. I am just a fellow sister.

And that is why communication is important. When there is an issue between two parties:
1. Perhaps it was only a misunderstanding.
2. Perhaps one party did hurt/grieve/injure the other, but unintentionally.
3. Perhaps one or both did injure the other, but why?

All these can be resolved if each party airs his/her/their side... and listens to the other side.

We are different people, but let's take these differences constructively. We can learn from each other and grow. Let's appreciate each other, understand, and celebrate. :)

I'm not a mind-reader, but I am a person with one mouth and two ears. May I use them well.

The God of my future

"My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me."


My friend says, "The concept of a future husband is not biblical." I disagree. My whole life is oriented toward the plans that God has for me --- plans, to the best that I understand them. (Indeed, I should be anchored on God, not on the plans! But the point is I trust God, in what He has revealed, and in how I respond.) Thankfully I've never stopped being friends with the person who said that. God speaks (and we move) in different ways.

I don't know if God tells every person who to marry, what job to take, what country to live in... I can only speak for myself. He revealed many things many times, in that still small voice. And those revelations have only drawn me closer to Him.

I can also say that:
- it's not my will (I've gone through issues that I'd rather not have);
- nor self-delusion (well, let circumstances back my words up),
- nor my own knowledge (I usually see the wisdom of the Leader after I obeyed).
(Not that I'm required to justify how I live my life to other people --- it's not their business.)

Indeed, what is biblical? ==> The fact that God is acting on our behalf, and making it known to us! Is not the Bible a compilation of revelations about the past, present and future?

This blog is called "Teci's Testimony". Here I'm supposed to tell of how great, how good, and how amazing God is. Indeed He is great, He is good, He is amazing --- in my past, in my present, and in my future.

Some people advise not to speak about the "revelation" (in whatever area that is) until it already happened. But by then, what's the point? Isn't that silence a show of unbelief? ("I'll say it only when I'm sure, and I'll be sure only when it happens, *if* it happens...") And how would that convince others that "I am God, who speaks before it comes to pass, that you may know that I am He"?


There is a God, the God of Heaven and Earth,
I know because He made Himself known to me.
He redeemed my past
He is lighting my present
He knows my future
(and sometimes lets me in on it)

True, I don't have to say *everything*. For example, in matters of the heart, men are called to initiate and women are called to respond. Suffice it to say that God speaks to us for our welfare, and God speaks through us for the welfare of others.

In the future, I'll be able to say more
about what the God of my future has always known.
:)

Which Witch are you?

It's Halloween again. Which reminds me of witches.

But not really this kind...

 Image from here.

More of this.

Image from here.

Joan of Arc led her country to victory, against the odds, and they handed her to the enemy. She was canonized as a saint, but centuries after the same church burned her as... yes, as a witch.

Joan was accused of being crazy ("she imagined she hears voices") and being demonic ("the voices are real, but they're from the Devil"). Was there no possibility that God is real, or that God did speak to her? And even if they denied her story, how could they deny that they owe France's very survival to her?

In Joan's time, countless people were accused and executed as witches. While the Inquisition and the Salem witch hunts were unjust (to put it mildly), it might surprise some that God is against superstition and the occult. Such mystical practices take away from complete trust in Him. (Read this and this for more details.)

The Bible says, "Offer yourselves as living sacrifices." While our traditional concept of sainthood may involve dying a nobly tragic death, it is much nobler to offer each living moment in obedience to God and service to man.

And if that's not enough motivation, think of the lives cut short simply because they were telling the truth, following God even. Our society is relatively more enlightened - people are not really burned at the stake anymore. Let's not compromise, but rather grab the opportunity to serve God all the more.



P.S. Do watch "The Messenger." ♥

My baby turns 6 :)

My baby turns six... And I'm one proud mommy...

It's been six years to the month since I posted my first blog entry.

Which means, it's been over six years since God said, "Write for Me,"...

And over six years that I've been blessed with the insights from Him, and even more blessed that I get to share them with others...

Just today, our pastor said we are sub-creators and co-workers with God. In the context of writing, that would mean I'm a co-author and collaborator with Him in sharing the Good News. (It's easy to determine who says what --- the impulsive, ungracious trains of thought are mine. :p )

A six-year-old child can already think and act for himself, learn independently even. A six-year-old blog, on the other hand, would survive depending on the relevance of the subject matter and the commitment of its 'parents'. Well, God is nothing if not relevant, but am I still available... and inspired?

The same God who told me to write for Him has also called me to do other things: Work as a science/math/everything-else teacher, Research as a PhD Physics student, Love as a patient single woman. Too busy to write? These days I feel like I'm too busy to breathe!


"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42)


But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. (Revelation 2:4)


Back to first things first: LOVE GOD.

Then... LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Then... Obey. Live my life to the fullest! Maximize! Excellence... Carpe diem!

And... if my schedule permits, or if the Spirit compels, then blog about it. ASAP.


Happy birthday, Teci's Testimony. We still have miles to go before I sleep, so be excited ;)

(And of course, THANK YOU GOD for my growing baby. :) )

Glory to God in Miss U 2011

Have you caught the Miss Universe fever? :)  I barely saw the replay but like the rest of my countrymen, I'm so proud of how Miss Philippines honored God above all, even her heart.

"If I had to change my religious beliefs, I would not marry the person that I love because the first person that I love is God who created me and I have my faith and my principles and this is what makes me who I am. And if that person loves me, he should love my God too."
- Shamcey Supsup, Philippines


And... she didn't win. It seemed like a repeat of last year when Miss Jamaica gave, in my humble opinion, the best answer in the final round.

But it's great that Miss Angola's answer also honored her Creator:


"Thank God I'm very satisfied with the way God created me and I wouldn't change a thing. I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life."
- Leila Lopes, Angola (and Ms. Universe 2011!)


'Til next year! Indeed, the Gospel is being shared to all nations... including through international beauty pageants  ;)

Redeeming Love ♥

God loves us at our worst and redeems us to be our best. ♥ 

If there's one book that defines me --- or to be more exact, my relationship with God --- it has to be "Redeeming Love". (Thank you again to Jenny and Faye for sharing it with me.)

 

From the official site.

What's the big deal, you may ask. If it's inspired by a Biblical story, what's new in this book? How relevant would it be in this day and age... How relevant would it be to me?

The official site is celebrating the book's 20th anniversary. In the online journal contest, you can read how "Redeeming Love" has impacted others, and vote for your favorite testimonies. You can also share how the book impacted your life, and get a chance to win a trip for two to San Francisco, one of the main settings in the book.

The site also features some excerpts from the book. I can repost some of the parts here, but I might just end up transcribing the whole thing  :p  Just read it for yourself. (I can lend you my copy. c: ) And... prepare to be blessed :)

The Liberty Manifesto

Then you shall know the truth,
and the truth shall set you free.
     - Jesus

Just speak His Word

The Prince of Peace did not come to bring peace
but a sword
Either you're for Him or against Him
Either you're against Him or for Him
There is no middle way


God says,

"There will be times when people will be hurt
Just speak My Word
That is enough."


His Word is His Sword
Double-edged, because both messenger and receiver are fallen
We all realize how far we are from The Holy of Holies
But we all have a choice too
To recognize how far He's come, how much He's done, and let Him save us
Or to make the rescue attempt ourselves (good luck)
Or to say we don't need a hero, thank you very much

When the Sword falls and divides
flesh from flesh and soul from Spirit
on which side will you be?

That the deaf may hear: The Gospel in sign language

"He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."

Are there people around you who know THE most important life-changing news, yet are muted by fear or laziness? 

What about those who become too deafened by the world's pressures to stop and listen?

Hearing-impaired people have an additional difficulty: the lack of Christians willing to share the Gospel in "their" language, sign. The deaf are one of the largest people groups not yet "reached" by Christianity.

Hoping many hearing-impaired brothers and sisters get to "hear" this :)
 

An FSL* Fellowship is held regularly every second Sunday of the month
at Higher Rock Christian Church, 3/F Esna Bldg., Timog Ave., Quezon City. The next fellowship will be on Aug 14 (Sun), 1-3 PM.

Everyone is welcome to join, help out, and invite our deaf loved ones to finally "hear" and receive God's Good News, which is for everyone indeed. God bless you. :)


*FSL = Filipino Sign Language
(Thanks to Ken Bulahan for the video and Cyril Sadia for the link.)

A student's sure answer

A physics major talks about being uncertain (no more) in Christ. (We belong to the same research laboratory and the same local church.)

We finally have a way and right to be certain - no more estimation. We don’t have to estimate whether we have done enough good works to earn ourselves a spot in heaven. We don’t have to worry ourselves to death on whether we’ve believed in Him enough for Him to spare us the pain of hell. Why, because the job is already done. Our sins have been paid at a price (Yes, you’re a sinner and so am I.) Don't get me wrong, there are things that we do have to trust Him for - things in our life that we still do not see. But God will never forsake us. And the one thing that we cannot be uncertain of, he made certain for us already.

Keep on discovering and sharing the truth, Haneka :)

The Obvious Post

'Obvious,' a teacher of mine said
In our field, the term is near derogatory
It is considered a waste of time pointing out what we all know to be true

But if such a thing is true, and obvious even,
     how come in that person's life
     it's not obvious, but hidden
     perhaps, forgotten

And so I resolve to keep on stating the obvious
     to people who agree with their heads and stop there

I will speak the obvious
     until its truth is seen
     not just in ideals but in actions