What are your Blind Spots in your Christian walk?

By Arnel

Sometime a few years back some of my friends introduced me to the Johari Window. A Johari Window is a cognitive psychological tool created by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham in 1955 in the United States, used to help people better understand their interpersonal communication and relationships. When performing the exercise, subjects are given a list of 56 adjectives and pick five or six that they feel describe their own personality. Peers of the subject are then given the same list, and each pick five or six adjectives that describe the subject. These adjectives are then mapped onto a grid.

Author’s Note: I’ve noticed that my recent conversations with friends had something to do, to a certain extent, with being accountable – hence, this entry. It’s also a memo to myself.

Among the four quadrants, I was most concerned about my blind spots. These are traits I am unconscious of, yet seem to exhibit from another’s point of view. Left unaware, this hidden persona of mine could be disparaging to the relationships surrounding me.

“The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” – Proverbs 12:15

I would often find myself dismissing symptoms of my self-hidden behavior as something “normal” and non-offensive, and even reason out to the point of resistance – justifying such manifestations. In frustration I often retort, “You don’t understand the whole story!”

Some may relate with this struggle – that when we are given unsolicited advice to address it we find difficulty in obedience. Perhaps it is the case because we have never confided everything, and so by residing to the fact that they lack enough knowledge of the situation we feel wrongly judged and accused. As my discipler once explained in one of our accountability discussions, “I can only help you to the extent of what I know – of how much you are willing to tell me. I cannot help you in your walk if I don’t know what’s going on.”

I would like to believe that counsel includes a loving rebuke – which often springs when we are caught blindsided by people who concern themselves enough to take notice. We have to come into grips with the fact that there are facets of us that are more evident to others than to ourselves. And with this acceptance, we must find the humility to listen and the wisdom to understand. Accountability starts with laying down the facts – detailed and intimate – and being open to the possibility that we may not be seeing these facts as they are.

“Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wise; teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.” – Proverbs 9:8

Accountability would [almost] always involve disagreements of varying degrees, but there is wisdom in listening to what we perceive to be an opposing standpoint. It could be that we are operating on our blind spots, and we are invited to a dialogue to let us know that what we’re doing is either unedifying to someone, subject to misinterpretation by the observing public, a potential issue, or simply contrary to what the Bible says. By being pointed out our blind spots, we are able to do something about them and develop our character closer to being Christ-like.

If no one rebukes us, we might be doing the right thing. Either that or perhaps no one knows or cares about what we do. We are blessed when our blind spots are brought to our attention. When it happens, let us listen; because someone loves us enough to be our extra set of eyes when we cannot see the reality and consequence of our own actions and behavior. God, too, loves us – so much that He won’t allow us stay the way we are.

The Unexplainable and the Undeniable

By Arnel

In one of our dgroup sessions, my discipler pointed out the value of one’s testimony. I remember him saying these words: “Testimonies are not only unexplainable, they are also undeniable.”

Author’s Note: I was browsing through my old journal and found some verses that had a “write an article” note on them, but I have somehow forgotten. This is one of them.

The transformed life of the Christian must be characterized as such. At some point we find people who will challenge what we believe, pitting it against their own belief system in a philosophical debate. Whatever the motive, we will often be pushed against the wall; demanded for an explanation for the faith that we confess – that God exists, and that He is good, is a truth that remains unacceptable, even repulsive, to most modern minds.

I’ve read one comment by an atheist in a Christian blog site entry recently. He pointed out in his comment that the God of the bible is nothing more than a fantasy. His contention was anchored at the notion that the bible was written by man, and for one to believe in a God that is found in the pages of a man-made book would imply that he, too, could become god if he writes a book claiming that he is.

He then continues his point by stating that he’d rather believe that which is logical or that which can be proven by empirical evidence rather than something he considers a flight of human imagination. On a separate occasion, I’ve also heard another story of a person who tried to prove the non-existence of God through an experiment – praying the same prayer to God and to a toy dinosaur, and evaluating the results – concluding that the toy dinosaur answered more of his prayers than God, implying that there is no God.

Though we can engage in endless philosophical discussions against such views, we would only find ourselves enraging their proponents by taking an adversarial stance – attacking their philosophy and declaring them wrong in their thinking. I personally believe that living a life pleasing to God is more effective than any theological argument.  In one of his messages, I’ve heard Ravi Zacharias say, “The Christian life is the greatest apologetic.” I believe he is right. Those who do not know the God of the bible or refuse to accept that He exists are compelled to explain something inexplicable presented before them.

They may deny the existence of God, but they cannot deny the Christian’s existence and the transformation that has taken place and is taking place in his life. They may be uninterested to know about God, but they will somehow find themselves asking why the Christian lives the way he does. Our testimony becomes an evidence of the His existence, sovereignty, goodness and love. Like the man who was blind at birth professing before the Pharisees, our lives must be unexplainable and yet irrefutable to those who examine it apart from the truth of a loving God.

He then answered, “Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” – John 9:25

In his letter, Paul’s instruction to Timothy was to live a life that is pleasing to God – to live out the faith he has proclaimed in the midst of an observing crowd.

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” – 1Timothy 6:11-12

We might just be the only Gospel people will ever read. And in reflection I ask myself, “How undeniable is Jesus in my life?”

Keep Walking

By Arnel

Last weekend I was blessed to be part of a retreat that pushed through despite the bad weather. Retreats are always refreshing. At the very least, they provide a momentary, tranquil escape to the otherwise busy state of the city – away from all the hassles of the daily life we live and complicate. They also pull us aside and give us time to reflect on matters we normally shrug off and discount as irrelevant or least priority. Most importantly, retreats give us the serene opportunity to approach God and be intimate with Him – devoid of all pretenses, open to hearing the Gospel and invite Jesus to reign in our hearts as Lord and Savior.

Author’s Note: This is inspired by the recent Singles@Work retreat. =)

For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. – 2 Peter 1:5-7

I have heard the Gospel being shared many times over the past years since I have come to know and accepted Christ, but the impact it creates amazes me to this day. To the one who claims that God’s Word is alive and powerful, he has evidence to prove it – the lives being transformed by those who receive it. A full understanding of the good news brings forth not only a sense of unexplainable peace and joy, but a longing to know Jesus even more.

As infants do not remain infants, so should our relationship with the Lord progress from the seed of faith that has been planted in our hearts to a strong and firmly rooted tree bearing much fruit; that we may become God’s letters to the world.

Let us exercise our faith as evidenced by God’s goodness.

Let us examine God’s character in the Scriptures so as to gain knowledge of Him.

Let our understanding of the Lord prevail that we may have self-control.

Let us consider bearing self-control as it is the fruit of the Spirit and perseverance.

Let our perseverance perfect us to godliness.

Let God shine in us to bring others to Christ.

Let us carry out God’s greatest commandments: to love Him with everything we are, and to love others we do ourselves.

To believers, both old and new, it is a comforting thought that the Hand that holds the universe is the same Hand that holds ours as we walk through the path He has set before us; that we are not alone in the journey He has invited us to embark. Let us hold firm to God’s promise as expressed in the pages of Scripture.

“I will never leave; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5b

Perhaps the reason for the Christian life being often referred to as a “walk” is that it should be continuous; we progress. We don’t stagnate. We don’t stand still. We don’t slack off. We walk.

Keep walking.

Savior Complex

By Arnel

Saving the worldis more often than not the main plot of most video games – with its protagonist being portrayed as one whom everybody will rely on in the story’s darkest hour; the only one who can restore the balance in the universe, the only one who could stop the maniacal and sinister antagonist, the one who will rescue the captive damsel in distress, the one in whose hands lie the fate of the world. What makes such games even more appealing is that we get play the role of the lead character – with the whole storyline revolving around us.

“Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Perhaps such plots tend to awaken something that is inherent in each individual – the whimsical idea of being the central character in one’s own story. Everything is centered on ME. It’s MY story. It’s MY life.

A book on Kokology consists of a set of questions that aims to understand one’s personality by how a person responds. I remember playing this game of question-and-answer with my college friends a few years back, and a particular question struck me: “What’s your immediate reaction when you see a broken clock?” According to the book, the response to the broken clock reflects one’s reaction upon encountering problems. In my case, my response was immediate; “How do I fix it?” reflecting my urge to solve the problem on hand.

While the proclivity of such an urge is not in itself evil, how we satisfy this urge may very well be influenced by our innate sense of entitlement. “It’s up to ME.”, relying on our own resources we brave through life often without regard of an omnipotent and personal God.

The same can be said about the Christian. Often we decide to take action on the basis of our own strength; forgetting, even momentarily, the sovereignty of the God we have come to believe through Christ Jesus – as if reassuming control and dismissing dependence by telling Him, “Lord, I got this one.”

It could be in handling finances.

It could be in fixing a broken relationship.

It could be on trivial decisions.

It could even be in sharing the Gospel.

The Christian may often forget one simple truth that Paul wrote to the church in Galatia.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

We are no longer the protagonists of our respective tales. Rather, we find ourselves to be part of a far grander story alongside its ONLY protagonist – Who calls us to live out our lives relying on His strength, wisdom and grace in order to play the part He has set for us. Paul clearly understood this when he wrote to the Philippians, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Unsilenced Longing

By Sean

I have heard speakers declare, time and again, that the Christian life is not difficult; it is impossible. Many would think that the life of a believer is a walk in the park. At one point it was something I would love to believe – that problems would go away the moment I accept Christ. But it’s not. It’s a misconception. Christ never guaranteed convenience upon following Him.

Author’s Note: This is based on a reflection on the book of Mark three weeks overdue.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. – Matthew 16:24

As I progressed in my walk with the Lord, this truth seemed to have become more and more of a reality. Discouragement in all forms would engage me – from ridicule to difficult circumstances; from VDP’s (Very Draining People) to dead silence and waiting to hear God’s voice. Often it becomes too difficult to bear, and I’d be tempted to become silent before God.

I wonder how the blind man, Bartimaeus, must have felt. I wonder how long has he been sitting by the roadside begging. It must’ve been daunting to the point of despair. It was probably even more discouraging when people around him tried to silence him upon knowing that Jesus was in Jericho. But he refused to be quieted down. His longing for Jesus was greater than his dispiriting state, and it could be that his longing for Christ was intensified by the crowd who told him to be quiet.

Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” – Mark 10:48

His story didn’t mention loss of his sight. Maybe he was waiting all his life for a miracle. Some of us may not relate with his condition, but perhaps we could in Job’s case – losing everything God has given him. Yet he seems to have the same response in the midst of deep despair; in a state which one might be led to the realization of an absentee God.

Yet I am not silenced by the darkness, nor deep gloom which covers me – Job 23:17

Discouragements will come; they will happen, even to the best of us. It can happen to someone as ordinary as Bartimaeus, or to a man of God such as Job. But let us learn from these men; that faith is not and should not be waivered by circumstances. Like the blind man from Jericho, our discouragement ought to intensify our longing for God to reveal Himself. Like blameless and upright man who feared the Lord, let our yearning to find God be so great that it is unsilenced by any darkness veiling our faces. As his soul is downcast and disturbed, the psalmist who longs for God cries out despite the inability to feel His presence:

I say to God my Rock,

    “Why have you forgotten me?

Why must I go about mourning,

    oppressed by the enemy?”

My bones suffer mortal agony

    as my foes taunt me,

saying to me all day long,

    “Where is your God?”

- Psalm 42: 9-10

In our discouragement, let our cry to and for God be heard even more. Let our longing for the Lord be louder than the voices tempting us into silence.

All I’ve Got

By Angelyn

I’m tired and restless. I feel like I’ve pushed myself way beyond what I thought I could. I’ve tried my best – yet it’s just not enough.

Until I remember you…

The works of my hands are futile. My thoughts and ideas are lame. Nothing seems to be right and everything inadequate. Giving up seems to be the best option, if not, the only option.

But I remember you…

I’ve let go of my passion. I abandoned my dreams. I clammed up when people misunderstand what I do. I held back the words I want to say. I closed my eyes when I couldn’t bear it anymore.

Then I remember you…

I feel I’m wiser now; choosing what to say and what to keep. I believe I’m more trusting now; less worried and anxious about tomorrow. I think I’m more patient now; understanding and giving him/her the benefit of the doubt.

Until I remember you…

I remember You; who made the world, sun, moon and stars; who is in-charge of everything I see, hear, smell, touch, think, say and imagine; who designed me-my purpose, my thoughts, my words, my works, my struggles, my pains, my joy, my relationships.

I remember my Maker, my Designer, my Orchestrator, my Redeemer, my Master. And I’m reminded that everything that happened to me came from You. All I’ve become is because of you and now, all I’ve got will be for You.

I remember you because you first remembered me…

“Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” - Psalm 34:8

Worth the Fork

By Arnel

“Keep you fork. The best is yet to come.” I’ve heard it a couple of times during messages to illustrate hopeful anticipation for what God has in store – as a chef tells his patron to wait for the dessert, which most people often refer to as the best part of the whole dining experience.

Author’s note: This was inspired by a conversation I had with a friend over lunch a couple of weeks ago.

Our Christian walk doesn’t necessarily make us immune to feelings of discouragement. Surely, there are situations that will throw us off and can potentially lead us to be sidetracked from following Christ. When things get tough and seemingly unbearable, that is when we are most likely to falter. We tend to believe the lie that we are not worth anything, even if we know that it is what it is – a lie.

Yes, we’re not immune to these things. We are, after all, still living in this world, along with its ways.

But though we are not immune, Christ’s love for us protects us from sinking and yielding from such discouragements, depression and feelings of self-pity.

We are heirs of God’s Kingdom. Romans 8:16-17 tells us, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

Jesus saw us as someone worth saving. We are worth the precious blood of Christ, and by His blood we become part of the greatest family – His family.

We are God’s masterpiece, and He will bring us to completion. Philippians 1:6 tells us that God, who has started to work in us, will continue to work in us into Christ-likeness.

I’ve come to know about Ludwig Van Beethoven’s near obsessive editing in composing his musical scores from an article I read early in February. He was brutal in honing his ideas, and it showed in his manuscripts – including the recovered working score for a piano version of “Grosse Fuge,” or grand fugue. quoting the article:

“Groups of measures throughout the 80-page manuscript are furiously canceled out with cross-marks.  Remnants of red sealing wax, used to adhere long corrections to an already scuffed up page, remain like scars.  There are smudges where he rubbed away ink while it was still wet and abrasions where he erased notes with a needle.  Dated changes and omissions are scattered throughout the score, many of these markings dating to the final months before his death in 1827.” (1)

No matter how messed up we are, God is at work. And in the midst of the mess that is our life, a masterpiece only done by God’s hands will ultimately surface.

We are worth the fork. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

The rejections we experience and the feelings of discouragement are part of building us up until we are complete, lacking in nothing – perfected by the One who is perfect. We are continually being perfected by the One who is not afraid to get His Hands dirty with the mess we have in our lives.

We have been told to keep our fork, but has it ever occurred to us that when God said “the best is yet to come”, He was referring to us? That we are being reserved for the one whom God has told to keep his/her fork? He is telling the other person to wait, because we are worth holding on to that fork.

Dangerous Side Comments

By Sean

We see people here and there – when we take a walk in the park or take a stroll in the mall. At times we can’t help but say a word or two about a certain individual whom we find weird or out of place. We make a side comment.

I stumbled upon this verse in Proverbs while I was having my quiet time:

“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.” - Proverbs 11:12 (ESV)

Sometimes we ‘just can’t help it’ but conjure something in our thoughts as an opinion towards other people. Lately I was made aware of this developing habit in me. A habit of taking a look at other people and finding something wrong. This verse opened up my eyes to this dangerous growing habit. I praise God that I stumbled upon this verse early on.

How do we change this habit?

By renewing our minds. We have to see people in a different light – that there is always something in someone which is good.

“Every man I meet is my superior in some way. In that, I learn of him.” - Emerson

We have to take off that mindset of judgmentalism and take on a mindset of humility. Look at yourself. Focus on your relationship with God and with the things you need to work on in your life and attitude.

“How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” – Matthew 7:4-5

Have you taken those planks off your eye? I know that I still have some – at that I still cannot see clearly to clean other people’s eyes too.

“I shall pass this way but once; any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindnes that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” - Taken from the book ‘How to win Friends and Influence People’

I love this short principle. Any good that we can do anyone, let us do it. We only get to live one life. Do not delay that ‘good job’ or ‘you look great today’ or ‘I like your voice’ to the person who deserves it. Do not withhold something you don’t need to eat to a starving person. Do not keep your ‘I love you’ from your mom or dad who’s longing for your affection.

Any good we can do, let us do it now. Do not delay. This practice will change your mindset and will take off those nasty side comments from our minds.

The Beauty of Being Lost

By Arnel

Note from Sean: Arnel is a good friend of mine in Church. He loves writing for God and has blessed a lot of people in doing so. I am honored that he has allowed me to share some of his works with you.

Last week I went to a wake with my discipler, his wife, and a friend at church. We didn’t know exactly where the place was, so we just drove out to find it with the few instructions we had. The next thing we knew we were in the middle of what seemed to be a congregation of trucks going towards heaven-knows-where.

We were stuck for while in the sea of sixteen-wheelers, but we managed to inch our way through. I don’t know about them, but at that point I was already clueless as to where we were. A few kilometers more and a few turns lead us to a busy side street.

The road started to look a bit scary as we looked around and see no signs of our destination. One of us jokingly asked, “Are we still in the Philippines?” The place looked like Manila’s version of a ghetto – with guys hanging outside shirtless with bottles on hand and children running around the street as if it was their personal playground, without a care if cars were rushing towards them.

We asked a few bystanders on how to get to where we should be, but to me the instructions were not crystal clear. Finally, my discipler’s wife called up our friend and said, “I think we’re lost.”

Our friend then asked us where we were, and gave instructions on how to get to their place. We followed her directions, and before we knew it we were there, and she was waiting for us. We spent a good half hour or so at the wake, and prayed for our friend and her family.

I noticed one thing about being lost – it’s the fact that when we finally realize that we are, we will do everything to find our way out of the mess we are in and back to where we are supposed to go.

I think that’s the problem with most of us, we don’t know we’re lost. Some of us don’t know where we’re going. We keep on subscribing to people and things that only point us to countless dead ends. We keep our pride and keep on going our own way.

But the beauty of knowing we’re lost is that at some point we grow tired of our worldly subscriptions, give up and finally say, “Lord, I’m helplessly lost. Please help me.” When we’ve finally humbled ourselves, we start to ask someone who knows the way.

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” – John 14:6

Once we realize we’re lost and accepted the fact that we can’t make it on our own, it’s always comforting to know that God gave us THE way back to Him, to where we should be. He gave us His Son. We just need to accept that we’re lost, and that He is our way back to the Father, Who patiently waits for our return.

Be the Difference

By Angelyn

In our time today, mediocrity, consistency and loyalty are respected. Faithfulness compared to fruitfulness is more recognized. Perhaps this is why many students feel not the need to excel. And no wonder many of our citizens stick it out in their jobs without the need to have a sense of fulfillment. Thus, the world knows ‘loyalty’ than prestige.

That little difference can give God glory

God said in His Word, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made”. Do you believe this? Have you ever thought this verse through?

Do you know that He knows your every gift, each talent and your every skill? Did you know that He was the one who placed that desire in your heart? He made you…wholly and completely. But are you giving Him back the honor and praise for His blessings?

God has given each of us a mission to live. In which case, He uses our gifts and talents for Himself, to glorify Him. All of us recognize skill and niche for something that many of our peers, classmates or workmates don’t even take interest on. I bet even once in your life you’ve also asked yourself why you were good at it, right? So my next question for you now is, why aren’t you stretching yourself?

  1. Fear? That you fail and disappoint your parents and loved ones in the process or worst, yourself?
  2. Satisfied? What for when life’s good and all’s well?
  3. Lazy? Why bother when you’re uncertain where it will lead anyway? Do you have a mindset that it’s better to fail without moving a finger than risking and feel ashamed afterwards?
  4. Low self-esteem? Are you thinking, “REALLY, am not that good!”?

If any of these crossed your head that’s why you’re where you are today and not living life to the full, then please allow me to bring you to the light… God’s Perspective.

  • Challenge yourself. Take a shot at it. Remember how you felt when you’ve beaten someone’s high score in your favorite game? How happy were you? Don’t you miss that feeling? Wouldn’t you want to create more unforgettable memories as those?

Enjoy the uphills and downhills along the way. Learn from it! Success comes in different forms. You only fail when you believe you already have.

  • Discover your potential. What is it you still see yourself doing after forty years and still smiling about it? Share this with a loved one.

If you’re unsure, ask the closest person who knows you and believes in you. Discovery and encouragement always go together.

  • Dedicate your potential. Lift up your motives to God and ask for His blessings. Also, be accountable to that loved one you shared your potential to. This way, you have someone you trust monitoring your progress.
  • Develop your potential. Be committed to put that dream to reality. Remember that growth is happiness. The day you tell yourself you’re content with life (and you’re still alive) is the day you stop living. Claim God’s Promise of an abundant life. In His grace and mercy, you will reap what you sow and find what you seek.

Don’t be an ‘If only’ guy who would only be happy when he has a certain thing or someone. Don’t stay a ‘What if’ girl who lives her life on worry and stop herself from becoming who she dreams. And stop reminiscing on the good old days because Jesus promised that the “Best is yet to come!”

It only took one man named Noah to start a brand new world when He obeyed … Be the difference in your world today!

4 Ways on How to Deal With Stress

By Angelyn

Are you being pushed in means and ways beyond your limits? Is getting by with life harder and harder each day? Are you simply tired?

You most probably are and have been at some point that’s why this topic appealed to you. Let me first encourage you that even Jesus experienced stress. And even if looking around, others seem to just be having the time of their life, living la vida loca and dancing in the moonlight; in this human race, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

This entry was inspired by Jesus being crowded upon people lost, wanting to be healed or released from evil spirits as they hear Him passing by. Jesus and his disciples continued their ministry/work even to the point of missing meals.

Allow me to share with you 4 ways God impressed upon my heart as ways on how to approach stress:

Examine Yourself. Go back to basics. Who are you today and who were you before?

Before you resort to quitting your job, are you sure you have completely learned the ropes? Can you confidently say that you’re a better manager, consultant or cook now than when you first started this job? Would you be leaving a legacy to those people who witnessed this phase in your life?

In terms of character, are you in line with God’s purpose for this occurrence? Are you being salt and light to the people around you? Would Jesus be pleased with your reactions? Keep in mind, your response is your responsibility.

Spend Quality time with God. Pamper yourself in His Presence.

Meditate upon His Word and character. The Bible tells us that Jesus spends a lot of quality, alone time with His Father “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” - Luke 5:16

During His most stressful time, when He was about to be crucified to pay the price for your sins and mine, he prayed earnestly and unceasingly that His sweat turned into blood.

“And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” – Luke 22:44

The personal relationship you have with your Savior is vitally important as we see:

“I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had absolutely no other place to go” - Abraham Lincoln

“I have so much to do that I spend several hours in prayer before I am able to do it” - John Wesley

Face Your Giant. (From the book “Be All You Can Be” by John Maxwell)

David, being steadfast in his faith, grounded by the purpose to defend his Lord and King ready with his sling and stones, faced Goliath alone. Without the applause from the crowd or receiving encouragements from them but instead criticisms and ridicule.

When life pushes you around, be prepared to be alone. You have to put on the full armor of God so that you will be able to stand firm.

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” - Ephesians 6:11

The crowd’s eyes will always be watching how you respond as a child of God.

Remember Love is Patient. (From the book, ‘A Love Worth Giving’ by Max Lucado)

Above everything else, beyond all that was said about love, love is first and foremost, patient.

Only when you have fully understood the insurmountable amount of debt you have and how God painfully yet willingly paid for it, can you extend a little patience… patience to wait for the results of a big exam, patience to wait for the return call of job interview, patience to work with a nerve-wrecking boss/ colleague or patience to just smile at the next reckless bus driver in Edsa.

God has to be your power source. “We love because He first lvoed us.” – 1John 4:19

And then you can extend patience as you practice Ephesians 5:1-2, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God”.

And claim Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

We know that these things are easier said than done. But I urge you to take that leap of faith to follow through the tips recommended and see how it works for you. Perhaps the Mighty Orchestrator purposely brought you to this site that you may come to Him, where the “yoke is easy and the burden is light.” - Matthew 11:30

“Pray as if everything depended on God, and work as if everything depended upon man.”-Francis J. Spellman

Do your part. Be stretched for His Glory… then let go! Let God be God!

«Older Posts
Newer Posts»