faith.hope.love.

a fresh start!

2011-07-24T21:55:00.003+07:00

i'll be blogging here once again after a long period of time.
before anything else, i dedicate this blog site to my greatest savior and to my best-est friend who never failed to be with me in times of my ups and downs.

the journey of being in the LEVEL 144 starts NOW...

this is indeed a YEAR of PROMOTION.

i thank Him for trusting me and being faithful to me inspite of my flaws and shortcomings.
there's really no greater LOVE than His.

this is indeed a REVOLUTION of winning souls and making disciples! :)

Test Post

2011-02-04T11:22:00.002+07:00

Yo Yo Yo

Mic test

Food fest

Gutom na ko.

Asan na kayo?

Yo yo yo.

1.1.11

2011-01-01T19:55:00.000+07:00

first post this year! :D

this year will be a year of acceleration for me. my network leader told me to pray for INCREASE.

increase in everything. time for God. finances. disciples. goals. prayers. :)

this year, only God will DIRECT my life.

2010: Wrap Up Survey.

2010-12-31T17:31:00.001+07:00

2010 in a Survey.

2010: In the Beginning

Where did you bring in the New Year? here at home! :)

Who were you with? Family!

Did you kiss anyone at midnight? hoho. nope!

Did you make any resolutions? ahaha. yeaaah. and i wasn't able to accomplish it as usual.

2010: Your Love Life

Did you break up with anyone? nope. no boyfriend. okaaaays.

Did you get anything for Valentine’s day? Yes. a treat in Shakey's then starbucks by Homer.

Did you meet anyone special? hhhmmm. special someone? yeaah.

Did you fall in love? yeaaah. Bren is my witness with all of it.

2010: Friends and Enemies

Did you meet any new friends this year? Lots of friends! call center. Destiny. Pax. 4C. Fully loaded. :)

Did any of your friendships end? nope. thank God.

Did you dislike anyone? Yes. but we're ok. :)

Did you make any new enemies? hahaha. yeaaah. just for laughs! :p

Did you resolve any fights? yessss. lots of misunderstandings.

Who was your closest friend? Bren and Daryl.
Who did you grow apart from? my childhood sweetheart! lol. Joseph. :p

Do you have any regrets when it comes to your friendships? No. i am blessed to have them all! :)

2010: Your BIRTHDAY

Did you have a cake? hahaha. no cakes. lol. i was sad because of that! :p

What did you do for your birthday? i ate dinner with allan and dax. and another dinner with elaine and ate karen. yay! double dinner! :)

Did you have a party? i prefer eating out. chill and sit.

Did you get any presents? Yes.

If so what was the best thing you got? Panda! :)

2010: All about YOU

Did you change at all this year? Yes, i've been more intimate with God.

Did you dye your hair? Nope. no plans of doing so.

Did you get your hair cut? Yes. hahaha. as in HAIR CUT! XD

Did you change your style? style on what?

Were you in school? of course! and i could say that studying is the best! :))

Did you get good grades? unfortunately, i failed subject because of my absence.

Did you have a job? yes. a summer job in makati.Do you drive? nope.

Did you own a car? No.

Did anyone close to you gave birth? not close. but a friend of mine.

Did you move at all? what kind of move? move on? aww. haha. i have moved on.

Did you go on any vacations? vacation is not in the vocabulary of engineering students like me. XD

Would you change anything about yourself now? Yes. for the better!

2010: Wrap Up

Is 2010 a good year? one of the best year! :)

Did 2010 bring any new insights? yes indeed!

flashback 2010.

2010-12-31T00:32:00.003+07:00

January.

my mom and dad had a fight right after the new year. I was really sad that time, allan just made my day because it was his birthday. Thanks to him. Dad and mom were not yet ok until their anniversary, January 8; though that day was memorable to me because I and allan had a dinner in tokyo tokyo after classes. We went straight to eng'g building where daryl and nicolai were waiting. Daryl got angry to me and I kept on saying sorry until we got home. Still, thanks to allan for saving me that day. The rest of january was all about acads. Quizzes. Prelims.

February.

Engineering week. Parade. Valentine's Day. This was my most depressing month. I was so lost. Bren was my one and only companion in getting through with all of my mistakes and assumptions. I could not imagine myself without Bren on my side. A million thanks Bren! Bren is really a good extractor of truth from a person who is hiding something. I have known what was the real score because of him. I was blinded. I was fooled? I just learned to forgive and to know the real meaning of LOVE. PS I love you.

March.

Finals. One last chance to pass all of my subjects. One last chance to revive a friendship. It was a success. Breakfast for delivery. McDonald's and Tokyo Tokyo on the go. The friendship grew stronger than ever before. It was fun. Freedom is really within. De La Salle experience was a blast. The truth shall set us free. I passed all of my subjects except for Physical Chemistry which was incomplete. The door opened for me once again to accept Christ. I attended the Bible Study in which Elaine invited us. Here I met Kuya Kai, Kuya Vin and Kuya Hardee. I told them that I am also a Christian and been attending to Tabernacle of Faith Int'l. There, they also invited me to go to their church. And I said YES.

April.

I attended my physical chemistry classes to complete my status. Sir A is really a considerate professor. Thanks to him. This was the month when I, Eunice and Eli applied for a summer job in Makati. It was my first time to apply and I got accepted instantly. My first application was in Aegis People Support and it was a success. The experience is really priceless. Answering calls and taking orders. The sleepless nights and drowsy days. Rizal to Makati. Makati to UST. Went to apply for an NBI clearance, SSS, TIN, Health Check-up. Whew. Tiring but fun. Got familiar with Makati and enjoyed the scenery of Ayala. That was really wow. I can't imagine how I survived this month. Hahaha. Of course, this month was my first time in Destiny Ministries International. I really thank Kuya Kai for inviting me there and being persistent that we should attend their service. Thanks Kuya! I met Ate Karen then. She is really beautiful and calm. :)

May.

This was the month when Daryl and I became even closer. We hang around in Trinoma. We went to church together. Bought some stuffs for school. I met his brother Derrick. Also my Mom's birthday and we celebrated it in a resort. Yay. The spirit of school was already present. ChES activities were on my schedule already. ChES Bulletin Revamp. Brigada Eskwela. This was really my busiest summer ever.

June.

Photoshop tutorials. Cell Leader's Conference. Dorm hunting. My family was ever supportive to me and we had a dinner in Mann Hann. It was my treat to them! Hoho. First day of classes. New section. New friends. The atmosphere was really warm. My new classmates greeted me Happy Birthday. They were all fun to be with. No regrets in deciding to go to 4C. Bren gave me a tumblr. Daryl gave me a letter. Allan gave me a Panda! Yay! It was really beautiful. He made it by himself. Awesome! ♥

July.

G12 Conference. Reborn. Rebirthed. 180 degrees turn. No turning back. I was back to serve God to win souls and make disciples. My month of encounter with my Creator. It was so enlightening and fulfilling. My month of miracles and revelations. Thank you Lord for a brand new life. Dad's birthday and it was an unforgettable experience. I and Elaine jogged in the UST field. It was our first time to do it. Also my first complete mass with Aj. Egs and Allan. A love spell that I did. Lol. Plant visit in Shell Batangas. My first cell with Angelica. Watched Inception right after the service with Daryl and Dax.

August.

Acads. ChES Idol. Pax GA. Prelims. Back to Back. A real headache but it didn't matter at all. The fun of being busy. Lol. Daryl's birthday and we bought him a cake. I gave him a chain shoelace and a letter. Thanked him for the friendship and the rides going home and sometimes in going to school. A dinner at a Thai Restaurant with Bren and Daryl. Post-Encounter Sessions started. Watched Step-Up 3 with Daryl and Bren. The month of acceptance and moving on.

September.

Bren's birthday. He was sad for I and Allan failed to give him a cake. We apologized, for this month was really busy with all the requirements. Week of Fire. Week of Conquest. Got sick and was able to miss my Stoichiometry Quiz 3. Wew. No special quiz. Went to UST Hospital for a check-up. Got my medication. No dengue. Thanks God. Quizzes. Reportings.

October.

Finals. Moment of truth. I failed stoichiometry because of that one missed quiz. I learned to trust God that He has a better plan for me. My cell leader really supported me.

November.

Enrollment. Had a long talk with Danella and Bren. L1728 Welcome Party. It was fun. Watched Megamind 3D. The story was really good. Harry Potter in IMAX. Jop's treat in KFC. Double Down is love. hahaha. ChE Week. Kemikalan. Foodfest. G12 Conference in Araneta. The BEST! I was really moved by Sarah Castellano's preaching. Very anointing.

December.

Love is already in the air. My cousin's wedding. Rica and Allan Nuptials. Paskuhan. Fireworks. Had an overnight in Bren's apartment. Here I am again. I should learn from my mistakes. No more assumptions. Enough with the signs. I just need to lift up all my thoughts to God. Only God knows. Eastwood with high school friends.It seems that I can't feel the vacation. Lots of homeworks and reports on hand. Went to Daryl's house for the journal critiquing. Mae's 18th birthday party. I led the prayer twice. It was fun. Lots of foods. Met Mae's brother, Joshua. A sanguine. Right now, Prison Break on DVD player. Graham cakes. Yay! :)

Memories of 2010.

Thank you for making me stronger.

Thank you for all the tears and joys.

Thank you for all the unforgettable experiences.

Thank you for letting me KNOW God once more.

WELCOME 2011. A Year of Acceleration. ♥

Glory to the Most High.

2010-12-25T10:01:00.001+07:00

When I was still young, my cousins and I go to a Pentecost Church. There was a service for kids like me, a service for the youth and a service for adults. Sunday was the only day that I was forced to wear a dress. Thank you Lord.

That time our pastor told us to memorize the chronological arrangement of books in the Bible. Of course I was an obedient child. I memorized the books everyday by heart. I found it fun and enjoying.

During our Bible Study in the house, our pastor asked us what was written in John 1:1, I was the one who recited that verse. That was the first verse I have memorized in my life as a Christian.

Joh 1:1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

I was proud of myself that time to recite that verse to them. Still, I have no knowledge what it meant.

Now that I am in the right age of understanding things, the whole universe started through the Word of God. The Word of God came to life for the Word was with God. We have known Him as our Creator of Heaven and Earth for the Word was God.

Joh 1:2 He was already with God in the beginning.

Joh 1:3 Everything came into existence through him. Not one thing that exists was made without him.

Joh 1:4 He was the source of life, and that life was the light for humanity.

Joh 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

The word of God is the Only source of LIFE. This life is a gift from God who is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. This is a gift that we must treasure and handle with care. We must live the most out of it for the glory of God. When we offer our lives back to the Lord, it's the time that we start to live life meaningfully and purposefully.

Our life serves as light for other people to reflect on it. When everything seems to be dark, your light will shine upon them. The thing is, people are so immersed in the comfort of the darkness that they are afraid to reveal themselves in the light.

Joh 1:6 God sent a man named John to be his messenger.

Joh 1:7 John came to declare the truth about the light so that everyone would become believers through his message.

Joh 1:8 John was not the light, but he came to declare the truth about the light.

Joh 1:9 The real light, which shines on everyone, was coming into the world.

Joh 1:10 He was in the world, and the world came into existence through him. Yet, the world didn't recognize him.

Joh 1:11 He went to his own people, and his own people didn't accept him.

Joh 1:12 However, he gave the right to become God's children to everyone who believed in him.

Why do we sleep during mass?

- - but when the ceremony is over we suddenly wake up.

Why is it so hard to talk about God?

- - but so easy to talk about sex.

Why is it hard to read the Bible?

- - but find it easy to read Playboy.

Why is it easy to ignore a Godly message?

- - yet repost the nasty ones.

Why are churches getting smaller?

- - but bars and clubs are growing.

Joh 1:11 He went to his own people, and his own people didn't accept him.

Why is it hard for people to accept Him? The one who gave His life for us so that we could live our life here on earth.

Why is it easy to commit sin? While hard to obey the Lord and please Him with what we do in our life for Him.

This season, people are busy going to the malls and line up for the cashiers, people are lining up for Santa to have a picture of him. Where's the line for Jesus?

Joh 1:13 These people didn't become God's children in a physical way-from a human impulse or from a husband's desire to have a child. They were born from God.

Joh 1:14 The Word became human and lived among us. We saw his glory. It was the glory that the Father shares with his only Son, a glory full of kindness and truth.

We were born from God so we must live for God.

Jesus, Our Mighty Savior, let these chains be broken that hinder us to live for your glory. I pray that whoever reads this devotion will give his life to You and will accept You as his personal Lord and Savior. Lord, touch our hearts and saturate us from the inside out. We lift up all the glory and praises to you. In Jesus' Mighty Name. Amen. ♥

spotlight.

2010-12-24T21:25:00.000+07:00

last december 18 was the time when i entered a world where i felt like a stranger to myself. why did i even chose to be in that place at that point of time? there was a voice inside me that keeps on telling me that i don't even deserve to be there.

however, i strolled around the vicinity of Eastwood City while my friends were in Circa enjoying the beat of the music and the Frozen Margarita. James Blanco was there having a good night with his friends. i walked inside the Clock Tower and saw Alessandra de Rossi in one of the stalls. she was shopping around together with her relatives.

walk. stroll. walk. stoll. Walk of Fame.

there were lots of teenagers and young adults in every bar i passed along. Manor. Bedroom. Jack's Loft. Circa. to name a few. cigarettes and liquors were just so ordinary to them. it's like an energy drink that fuels them up. saw couples everywhere having their pda. i really thank God for i don't have that kind of lifestyle.

the glamor and lights can't hide their impurities. i just felt how each of these people also have their longingness in their hearts to be loved. well, maybe God just wanted to open my eyes regarding on these things. it's not the popularity and wealth that will satisfy us, it's the LOVE of God that will heal and can make us WHOLE and ALIVE again. ♥

never cease.

2010-12-23T07:21:00.000+07:00

Have you ever experienced not talking to your father for a long long time? It feels so sad and empty. You feel the longingness in your soul because you know to yourself that there's something lacking in your being.

In my case, I haven't experienced it. But what is more excruciating than not having a conversation with your dad, is when you cease praying to our Heavenly Father. They say that a week without prayer makes one weak. It is true indeed! Weeks without devotions make me so weak! I was like a zombie walking without direction. What a shame! It's heavier than not talking to my dad.

I lose the connection with my Father. As a result, the devil was too quick to drag me down to the pit. Sadness begun to loom and self-pity started to rose. My vision was distorted and my thoughts were full of impurities. I feel so condemned with my attitude.

It came to my senses that this can't be happening to me. The situation will only get worst if I continue to be like this. I must submit to the Lord and resist temptation. How could I say No to Satan if I won't say Yes to the Lord? I told myself to wake up and rise up!

In Luke 18 - the parable of the persistent widow

Luk 18:1 Jesus used this illustration with his disciples to show them that they need to pray all the time and never give up.

Luk 18:2 He said, "In a city there was a judge who didn't fear God or respect people.

Luk 18:3 In that city there was also a widow who kept coming to him and saying, 'Give me justice.'

Luk 18:4 "For a while the judge refused to do anything. But then he thought, 'This widow really annoys me. Although I don't fear God or respect people,

Luk 18:5 I'll have to give her justice. Otherwise, she'll keep coming to me until she wears me out.'"

Luk 18:6 The Lord added, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge thought.

Luk 18:7 Won't God give his chosen people justice when they cry out to him for help day and night? Is he slow to help them?

Luk 18:8 I can guarantee that he will give them justice quickly. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

God said to me that I must never cease praying and never bring my barriers down to Satan. If I continue praying to Him all day, the devil will wear out and will soon be tired of nagging me. Praise God!

The best weapon in attacking the devil is PRAYER.

With God, if we continue to call His name and pray from the bottom of our hearts, by faith He will grant the desires of hearts according to His name. Always walk by faith and always obey.

In 1 Thessalonians 5,

1Th 5:16 Always be joyful.

1Th 5:17 Never stop praying.

1Th 5:18 Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God's will in Christ Jesus that you do this.

In these verses, God told me to be happy always and to just trust Him with everything and in everything. I don't deserve to feel this sadness for there are more to be thankful for. There are more reasons on why should I be joyful.

King above kings, I can't thank you enough for what You are doing for me everyday. Your mercy and love really endures forever. How many times I failed and disappoint you but still your mercy remains. You make this cold heart of mine start to move again for Your glory. Lord, my Heavenly Father, I love you so much.♥

Amen.

nostalgia.

2010-12-22T13:17:00.000+07:00

i grew up playing legos, toy cars, miniature soldiers, dragons, military tanks, playstation, billiards and robots. those dolls didn't caught my attention in the slightest. i found it very boring. i was really into running, hide and seek, softball and the like. my cousins really influenced me a lot.

i didn't wear dresses way back then. i hated it when they insist me to wear those flowery dresses. arrggh. i hated sandals and heels. caps, shorts, shirts and sneakers were my style. i found it very comfortable and always on the go.

i just remembered how i got my scars because of learning how to ride on the bike. there was fear at the start, but as i accelerate further and further, it was fun! and there were times that we were just running on the stairs of our condo, 4th floor way down to the ground level. i was really carefree that time. just enjoying every minute of the day playing.

when everyone was lazy playing outside, billiards was on the top list. 9 balls, 15 balls, 8 balls and poker all day. at the age of 7 i learned how to play cards, royal, flushes, straight, and everything. at night i and my cousins will play rpg games in the playstation. silent hill, resident evil, metal gear solid (my favorite), twisted metal, legends of legaia, xenogears. oh i miss it! dance dance revolution was also one of our favorite game, stomping on the dance pad to highest energy level.

what i won't forget was, when there were these two playmates of mine who courted me. their names are kevin and boogle. they gave me gifts and the like. the one that i remembered was a small figurine from japan that kevin gave. i forgot the reason why but i threw that figurine to his face. maybe i was angry. XD

and there was this guy whom my mom was teasing to me. he was the son of my mom's bestfriend. they called us childhood sweethearts. since we were kids then, we didn't care if we hug or kiss. his name is joseph peter. well, i still see him and he has a girlfriend right now.

i miss the days when our whole family would just jump on the car and go to the outskirts of the city and have lunch then dinner. just enjoying the scenery of tagaytay and antipolo. going here and there. drive drive drive until we all get tired.

childhood memories. how nostalgic.

one way.

2010-12-13T08:01:00.000+07:00

FEAR - it is the very thing that will destroy your dreams. it is the very thing that will make you regret things that you must have done.

FEAR is NOT from God.

You won't accomplish things whenever fear is inside your hearts. It is like a barrier between you and your dreams in life.

O Fear! I cast you out of my life!

Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Psalm 139:24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

God knows that i have this fear in my heart. He knows every detail of my life. He knows every thought that comes in and out of my head. He knows everything.

Psa 139:1 O LORD, you have examined me, and you know me.
Psa 139:2 You alone know when I sit down and when I get up. You read my thoughts from far away.
Psa 139:3 You watch me when I travel and when I rest. You are familiar with all my ways.
Psa 139:4 Even before there is a single word on my tongue, you know all about it, LORD.

Lord, revive me. Cast out all these negative thoughts that bind me. Cast out this fear that hinders me in doing your works. Lord, saturate me with your presence. All I need right now is just one touch and my spirit will be renewed again. Lord, I cry for more of you. Father, I want to rediscover You. Amen.

rare.

2010-12-13T00:29:00.001+07:00

Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.

- ernest hemingway

talking to the MOON.

2010-12-12T23:28:00.000+07:00

At night when the stars light up my room
I sit by myself

Talking to the Moon Try to get to You
In hopes you're on the other side
Talking to me too Or am I a fool
who sits alone Talking to the moon

Cause when the Sun goes down
someone's talking back

Do you ever hear me calling?
Cause every night
I'm talking to the moon
Still trying to get to you

I know you're somewhere out there
Somewhere far away..

paradise.

2010-12-12T22:45:00.003+07:00

Love is divine only and difficult always.
If you think it is easy you are a fool.
If you think it is natural you are blind.
It is a learned application without reason
or motive except that it is GOD.

:'>

2010-12-11T22:28:00.000+07:00

. . . but God is always there for us 'till the END.

reflection.

2010-12-11T21:41:00.000+07:00

How should we live?

First and foremost, we should live according to the purpose and word of God. He created us to fulfill His good, pleasant and perfect will for us.

Jer 29:11 I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.

Every day of our lives should be about giving glory to Him. Each day is a blessing and therefore we are here to serve Him; to wholly follow Him. We are not created just to sit and stare and be a burden on this nation. We are here to bring CHANGE to the dying world. Being a Christian is not just by name but by ACTION. Christians are called to be Christ-like, thus reflecting on God’s image to other people.

At this present time, people are longing for something REAL. People are already tired of RELIGION. We are here to bring Christ to the people who have not fully known Him. We are here to introduce Christ in such a way that they have not known Him before, that Christ is REAL and He is not just a RELIGION. He is there waiting for us to have a REAL RELATIONSHIP with Him. That’s how we should live everyday. Being a radical Christian who will bring LIGHT into the darkness and who will be the SALT of this dying world.

Mat 5:13 "You are salt for the earth. But if salt loses its taste, how will it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people.

Mat 5:14 "You are light for the world. A city cannot be hidden when it is located on a hill.

Why is it hard for us to follow Him and live our life the way it should be? It is because of SIN. We are so entangled with so much temptations that we easily fall on it. We kept on sinning because we find it easy to commit rather than standing up for what is morally right. We just indulge ourselves on the pattern of this world, afraid to bring a real CHANGE because we fear of rejection and humiliation. We just let ourselves to be carried away by the strong current of our present society full of stereotyping, immorality, anger, hate and betrayal.

Honestly, we could live a life without sin. We just have to hold on to God’s word and live by them always. Having a relationship with God will take you away from committing sin.

Mat 26:41 Stay awake, and pray that you won't be tempted. You want to do what's right, but you're weak."

We need to submit ourselves to Him. We must surrender our lives to Him and allow Him to take control each day. The world will become a better place to live in if everyone of us allows Christ to come into our lives and hearts.

Shall we aim for happiness or at knowledge, virtue, creation of beautiful objects?

We should aim for the virtues. When we are applying the virtues in our everyday lives, we can affect people positively. We could build their character and personality because of the virtues we possess. When we show kindness to others, kindness will we reap in return. When we are honest every time, our integrity as a person is strengthened. When we show our loyalty, other people will learn to trust us. Our aim as a person is to always wear these virtues.

Eph 6:13 For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to take a stand during these evil days. Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to stand your ground.

Let us not be weary on doing good, for in God’s time, we will be rewarded for what we sow is what we will reap. When we aim for virtues, happiness and knowledge will follow.

Is it right to be dishonest for a good cause?

Dishonesty is never right. God didn’t told us to lie for a greater cause. Jesus didn’t set that example for us to follow. He never lied to His fellowmen. He endured all the hurt and pain just to pursue righteousness. He was hated by many, He was rejected and betrayed by people.

In the first place, people won’t be dishonest if the justice here in this country is being honest to his countrymen, if judges don’t accept bribery from the person who is at fault, if there’s no under the table transactions and so on. Dishonesty will never be the solution for doing a good cause. Right justice is! If all the people in this world will be honest, why dishonesty for a good cause?

Can we justify living in opulence when others are starving?

Yes we can justify living in richness while others are starving. Why? If we deserve to live in that kind of status, we have to. If we are born rich, then we are rich. If we are born poor, then we starve. It’s just a matter of how we deal with our situation. We can use our richness to share it with other people who are in need. We can use our money to train poor people to get into business and thus improving their lives.

Poor people must never stop striving. They must learn to live by faith and use their talents God has given them. People may be born poor but that doesn’t mean that they will die poor. Our future is in our hands. We could do something about it.

What are our obligations to other creatures with whom we share this planet & to the generations of humans that will come after us?

We have a vision in our church called the Government of 12. Jesus has his own 12 disciples and that 12 disciples became world leaders. Up until now they have reached our generations and continuing to affect other people’s lives. At the same manner, our church is doing that vision. We go and find our own 12 people and disciple them just like Jesus did to His 12. These 12 people will go forth and multiply as world class leaders affecting the lives of people who are lost and blinded by the darkness.

It is not even an obligation, but it is our calling to win souls for God and disciple them. Through this vision we can bring change to each people thus having a better place to live in.

[unedited version]

be UNSTOPPABLE.

2010-12-06T09:03:00.002+07:00

until when will you conform in the pattern of this world?

until when will you be dead by your transgressions and sins?

until when will you be deaf and blind into the will of God?

WAKE UP!

Eph 2:1 You were once dead because of your failures and sins.
Eph 2:2 You followed the ways of this present world and its spiritual ruler. This ruler continues to work in people who refuse to obey God.

i was dead spiritually when sins took over my life. i was like a zombie walking into the face of the earth doing the same routine over and over again. the greatest sin for me was to disobey what God wants me to fulfill. i was a hard headed kid insisting of my own way and my own understanding.

i was DEAD TIRED of following the pattern of this world! meaningless. pointless. empty. void.

Eph 2:3 All of us once lived among these people, and followed the desires of our corrupt nature. We did what our corrupt desires and thoughts wanted us to do. So, because of our nature, we deserved God's anger just like everyone else.

because of my disobedience and selfishness, i experienced failures and depression. i really deserved those punishment. it was painful to me that time. but i know that pain will make me stronger; that pain will help me surrender to God; that pain will make me cry out to God.

INDEED! i am crying for more of God in my life. There's no going back to what i've been used to be!

Eph 2:4 But God is rich in mercy because of his great love for us.
Eph 2:5 We were dead because of our failures, but he made us alive together with Christ. (It is God's kindness that saved you.)
Eph 2:6 God has brought us back to life together with Christ Jesus and has given us a position in heaven with him.
Eph 2:7 He did this through Christ Jesus out of his generosity to us in order to show his extremely rich kindness in the world to come.
Eph 2:8 God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God.

but GOD is ALIVE! He saved us from our sins through His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. we don't deserve anything of it but because of His great LOVE and MERCY, we are saved! God gave us another LIFE in order to live righteously; another LIFE to serve Him completely; another LIFE to fulfill our purpose that He has given to us!

are you WASTING that one BIG OPPORTUNITY?

Eph 2:9 It's not the result of anything you've done, so no one can brag about it.
Eph 2:10 God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do.

we are created in God's image. we are here to reflect the image of God.

we are not saved by our own good works, but by the mercy of God.

LIVE your PURPOSE!

BE UNSTOPPABLE for CHRIST!

Lord, saturate our hearts and our minds then we will be unstoppable for YOU. In Jesus Name, Amen.

to DG :)

2010-12-04T23:28:00.002+07:00

THANKS.SORRY.

*HUGS*

"After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David,
and he loved him as himself."
1 Sam 18:1

failing forward.

2010-12-03T12:37:00.000+07:00

have you ever asked yourself,

"what's really the purpose of my life here on earth?",

"is there more to life than studying, working and having a family?",

"am i happy and contented with my life right now?"

i have come to a point in my life that i hated my parents for scolding and beating me up. i hated them for giving me a lot of commands and errands. i disobeyed them for how many times and doing things my own way. i have rebelled against them for quite some time. i have thought that maybe they don't love me.

Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God-those whom he has called according to his purpose.

PURPOSE. my parents' purpose is to discipline me, to love me, to keep me from harm. now i fully understand why are they doing all those things to us. they want us to learn how to become the person we are meant to be.

The same way goes with me. I have a purpose to live. I am destined for something greater. i have learned that life is not about ME. It is not about 'MY' desires but God's desires. each day He is calling me to live my purpose and that is to Win Souls and Make Disciples.

When we are living for God's purpose, immeasurable blessings will come upon us. good things will happen to our lives. and our lives will never be the same anymore for we are NOW living for a GREATER CAUSE.

when things were out of control, i felt that everything was against me. when i am not heard by people, i'm thinking that maybe i am not that important to them. when people disregard my efforts, i feel sad and disappointed. when people don't understand my real motives, i shutter. I feel ALONE.

Rom 8:31 What can we say about all of this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

PROTECTED. no one can go against us when we are standing for the truth. it came to my senses that i am to please GOD not to please the people around me. I just have to be myself before Him and do what He says. God's covering is upon the people who are not getting tired of doing good things for His Glory.

Continue to press on. Stop complaining. Get going.

jealousy was one of my problems before. i easily envy other people who have all the luxuries in life. i have wished to be like those people who got talents, beauty and riches in life. i was not contented with what i have. i was hungry to get those things that i wanted so much.

Rom 8:32 God didn't spare his own Son but handed him over to death for all of us. So he will also give us everything along with him.

EVERYTHING. when we pursue the Kingdom of God, everything will be added upon us. the things that are invisible to the eyes are the things that matters most. those are the things that will guarantee satisfaction. we will learn to be contented with what we have. we stop to crave for material things because we have GOD in our lives which is EVERYTHING to us.

that's the secret. it is in GIVING that we RECEIVE.

i have sinned a lot. as in a LOT. in my past life, there were numerous things and acts that i have done which were not pleasing to God. i cheated. i lied. i stole. i cheated. i lied. i stole. i fantasized. i cheated. i lied. i stole. i fantasized. i lied. i lied. i lied. a cycle. when we say cycle, there's no end. thoughts of condemnation were upon me. i was thinking that maybe God doesn't love me anymore; God will never forgive me anymore; God will not accept me in His Kingdom anymore.

Rom 8:38 I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us. We can't be separated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything in the present or anything in the future, by forces
Rom 8:39 or powers in the world above or in the world below, or by anything else in creation.

LOVE. the love of God covers everything. sin. death. condemnation. depth. height. nothing can separate us from the LOVE of GOD. God's love never fails. God's love is ready to accept our failures and our weaknesses.

as i accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour, i have felt His wondrous love upon me and my family. i feel so awesome everyday, thanking Him for my life and with all the blessings and even the obstacles i am going through. for we, Christians, are more than CONQUERORS.

live by FAITH.

2010-11-29T07:24:00.002+07:00

If there's a person who struggle the most, it is the Christians. Why?

1. They need to leave their old selves. It is not easy to go out in our comfort zones and do things which are contrary to our past habits and routines. It is uncomfortable to talk to people for the very first time. It is hard to rebuke people with their sins most especially when they are our friends. We are afraid that they would get angry and be offended. And the like.

2. They do not live for their selves ONLY. Cell leaders like Bren, Daryl and I are not just thinking for our own selves. We are not just praying for our own good. We carry the problems and struggles of people whom we lead. We pray for them day by day in all the aspects of their lives. We edify one another in Christ Jesus.

3. They resist hundreds of temptations each day. We are tempted in every way just like Jesus who was being tempted by Satan. Most Christians turn away from God because they fall in the traps that Satan plants in them. To tell you the truth, it's very easy to sustain all our pleasures and human desires. But after awhile, it only causes emptiness in our hearts. It's not worth it after all.

But on the second thought, it's no struggle at all. The key secret is to allow the Holy Spirit to direct you and lead you. It is very fulfilling to serve the Lord our God with all our heart. The problem sometimes is that we still insist our way knowing that God's way is the perfect one. In Galatians 3:1-12,

Gal 3:1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.

Gal 3:2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?

Gal 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

Gal 3:4 Did you suffer so many things in vain--if indeed it was in vain?

Gal 3:5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith--
Gal 3:6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"?

Gal 3:7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.

Gal 3:8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed."

Gal 3:9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

Gal 3:10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them."

Gal 3:11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith."

Gal 3:12 But the law is not of faith, rather "The one who does them shall live by them."

Sometimes in our Christian lives, we just live by the Law and not by faith. We follow for the sake of following. We worship for the sake of worshiping. We give tithes for the sake of giving. We attend the church for the sake of attending. We are just pleasing God by our own efforts. We are like the Galatians, fooling ourselves.

Depend on God. Abide in Him always. Allow the Holy Spirit to direct you. We can't earn a relationship with God by our very own strength and efforts. It is not enough. You have to live by faith. ♥

confessions of a broken ♥

2010-11-26T07:09:00.000+07:00

My cell leader explained to me how important devotions and prayer time are. This is the time where God's revelation and guidance are given to us in order to face the day with a smile on our faces and to have a full reliance on Him in dealing with problems and obstacles.

Importance of Devotions for me:

Revival. It serves as revival of spirit and strength for me to endure the rest of the day with a calm heart, a positive outlook, good vibes and a peace of mind that God is in control of my life.

Revelation. This is the very chance that I could know God more. His revelations greatly help me in making decisions and having a clear mindset on what to do and what I must not do.

Relationship. Doing my devotions give me the opportunity to talk to God in everything that I want Him to know about me. In the same way, this is the time when I could listen to His voice and feel His presence. A good moment to make my relationship to Him grow deeper and deeper.

Because of my very early schedule, I haven't done my devotions for the past few weeks. And you know what happened?

Short-tempered. I easily get irritated when things are not done the way they should be.

Complains. I complain when things are hard for me already.

Pessimism. All the negative thoughts are just popping into my head. All the doubts are coming in. I lack faith and trust when things get out of hand.

That's my confession. No devotions. No destiny.

In Nehemaiah 9:32-37,

Neh 9:32 "Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love, let not all the hardship seem little to you that has come upon us, upon our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers, and all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day.

Neh 9:33 Yet you have been righteous in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly.

Neh 9:34 Our kings, our princes, our priests, and our fathers have not kept your law or paid attention to your commandments and your warnings that you gave them.

Neh 9:35 Even in their own kingdom, and amid your great goodness that you gave them, and in the large and rich land that you set before them, they did not serve you or turn from their wicked works.

Neh 9:36 Behold, we are slaves this day; in the land that you gave to our fathers to enjoy its fruit and its good gifts, behold, we are slaves.

Neh 9:37 And its rich yield goes to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and over our livestock as they please, and we are in great distress.

Nehemaiah confessed, "Our kings, our princes, our priests, and our fathers have not kept your law or paid attention to your commandments and your warnings that you gave them. Even in their own kingdom, and amid your great goodness that you gave them, and in the large and rich land that you set before them, they did not serve you or turn from their wicked works."

In my life as a Christian, this is one of my struggles. God is good to me all the time but I am not doing the tasks I should supposedly do. I am like the kings who have not kept the law or paid attention to the commandments.

Inspite of my actions, He still KEEPS the covenant of LOVE. How awesome, how merciful, how great, how mighty God is!!!

DEVOTIONS are POWERFUL.

It's like an oxygen that keeps you breathing and living. Live for the glory of God.

rediscover YOU.

2010-11-24T21:23:00.000+07:00

I say an empty prayer
I sing a tired song
I need to just admit that the passion's gone

And I want to get it back

You told me
Look for You and I will find
So I'm here
Like I'm searching for the first time
Revive me, Jesus
Make this cold heart start to move
Help me rediscover You

:|

2010-11-24T20:39:00.001+07:00

2010-11-22T15:59:00.000+07:00

STRONGER than BEFORE.

be.

2010-11-21T00:03:00.003+07:00

. . . impelled by FAITH.

. . . propelled by HOPE.

. . . compelled by LOVE.

(The Quadricentennial Retreat theme of UST)

- 1st meeting with Dr. Marcelo on our IP Lab

i was really enlightened on how

Dr. Marcelo shared her insights about it. she was like an angel that time sent down from the Heavens. She is the kind of professor that will push you until you go beyond your limitations.

P.S. i really ♥ my blogger title! ;)

glory to glory.

2010-11-15T10:09:00.000+07:00

The transition of my old-self to the day that I have accepted Christ as my personal Lord and saviour is the best part of my life. It was the day that I felt differently towards the world and towards God. I have realized how I loved the world so much before that I can't feel that there's a God whom we can trust, whom we can draw our strength and whom we can consider as our true friend. I was just relying in my own understanding. It was NOT enough.

I tell you people that my life was meaningless way back then. Doing the same routine each day and immersing myself to the pattern of this world. I always ask myself then, "is there MORE with this?", "is it all WORTH living for?"

I have experienced the consequences of loving the world so much. There was hate, jealousy, anger, selfishness, greed and self-centeredness. It was infuriating being fed up by these attitudes. It was really TIRING.

Honestly, there's no contentment at all when you always feed your earthly desires. You will want more and more and more. That's how Satan attacks us. He is diverting our attention to the things that are not worthy of our time.

If you want MEANING in your LIFE, NOW is the right time for a great TRANSITION.

1Co 15:41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory.

1Co 15:42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable.

1Co 15:43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.

1Co 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

1Co 15:45 Thus it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

….

1Co 15:50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

1Co 15:51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

1Co 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.

1Co 15:53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.

1Co 15:54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."

1Co 15:55 "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"

1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Allow God to come into your LIVES and into your HEART. That's the first step you need to do in order to attain a life that God destined you to live.

Always do good things for the Lord. Never get weary. Never lose hope. All of your deeds will not be put into vain. It will be rewarded in God's time.

☀★☾

happy (:

2010-11-14T22:44:00.004+07:00

There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state to another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness. We must have felt what it is to die, that we may appreciate the enjoyments of life.

anonymous.

2010-11-13T23:13:00.002+07:00

Loneliness is never more cruel
than when it is felt in close propinquity
with someone who has ceased to communicate.

today my life BEGINS.

2010-11-13T15:53:00.006+07:00

"my fragile heart's been done so wrong.."

i've been working hard so long
seems like pain has been my only friend
my fragile heart's been done so wrong
i wondered if i'd ever heal again

yesterday has come and gone
and i've learn how to leave it where it is
and i see that i was wrong
for ever doubting i could win

life's too short to have regrets
so i'm learning now to leave it in the past and try to forget
only have one life to live
so you better make the best of it

just like all the seasons never stay the same
all around me i can feel a change

i will break these chains that bind me, happiness will find me
leave the past behind me, today my life begins
a whole new world is waiting it's mine for the taking
i know i can make it, today my life begins

today my life begins...

P.S.

the songs dream awake and today my life begins tell what's inside me. it's all been said. whew!

keep running.

2010-11-13T09:52:00.000+07:00

Lord, help me fight every temptation that will come in my way. Thy will be done and not my will be done. Father, i have nowhere to go but in Your loving hands. Hold me in Your arms forever. my heart and soul cries for more of You. Father, give me enough strength and endurance to win this race. Amen.

♥

dream awake

2010-11-12T21:08:00.006+07:00

"we shine brighter than the stars together.."

....

Saw you alone in the shade of the night,
A distant reflection I caught in my eye
Is this real?
Cause I feel, like you're the one
My heart's beatin' faster
You're taking my air
I'm drowning, I'm close
As we start to dance
Amor, I feel lost in your smile
Many times but not this way before

A moment of magic I just cannot place
Feels I'm asleep the first time we embraced
Tell me, have we, been here before?
Now that I got you, I wont let you go.
Wont wake up tomorrow and find I'm alone
Now you're here
It's so clear
My dreams become reality.

See, it's my imagination running wild
But I pinch myself to see if I'm right
Is this just a fantasy or am I just make believin'
I'm awake, why am I dreaming?

Wont you stay?

And hold me in your arms forever?
Don't want this night to fade away
I thought my eyes were closed but I,
I'm in a dream awake, I'm in a dream awake.
We shine brighter than the stars together
This night'll never turn to day
I thought my eyes were closed but I,
I'm in a dream awake, I'm in a dream awake.
....

burns like a fire.

2010-11-12T07:18:00.001+07:00

Bad things also happen to good people. some people don't deserve the circumstances they are going through; probably because of all the good things they have done to other people. i, myself had experienced this kind of situation. i helped my classmates in understanding a particular subject, but in the end i was the one in the verge of failure.

i already have many failures in life, not just academically but also in my personal life. sometimes, i feel so disappointed with myself. at the end of the day, i still have my God who is there to accept me for who i am. beyond all the circumstances i am going through right now, God's love burns like a fire within me!

2Co 1:6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.
2Co 1:7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
2Co 1:8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.
2Co 1:9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.

everything really happens for a reason. i am here in this condition right now because God wants me to feel His unfailing love for me. He wants me to trust Him and be faithful into Him. my sufferings make me experience His comfort and grace.

without pain and suffering, there would be no comfort and strength.

without circumstances and failures, there would be no faith and hope.

without selflessness, there would be no love.

rely unto God, not unto ourselves.

Lord, i cry out for more of You in my life. Amen.

headache.

2010-11-11T16:28:00.005+07:00

i just don't like my new schedule this semester. i hate waking up too early in the morning and i'm having a hard time adjusting my body clock. it's really a challenge for me to wake up at 3:00 am to have my devotions then 4:00 am to prepare myself for school.

right now, i'm having a headache for i'm not used to waking up that early because i am also sleeping very late in the evening. my body feels so weak and my throat is aching. because of my dilemma, i was late awhile ago and i wasn't able to attend my material science subject. X|

i just remember how daryl was scolding me last semester because of my tardiness in physical chemistry. i and eloi reminisced that day awhile ago because i was late again. hahaha. i miss it because it was priceless. :)))

wheeew. i have to endure this routine for how many months. the good thing is, we only have 4 days of classes per week. friday and monday are our free days so we have more time to make our research works and journal readings for biotechnology and material science.

LORD! help me this semester. i can't surpass this without your guidance and provision. You are my strength and my refuge.

peace be with you.

2010-11-08T05:28:00.001+07:00

Often times we are troubled by the demands of our daily life. Paperworks. Homeworks. Quizzes. Projects. Chores. Relationships. Family. Name it! With all these in our hands, we can't avoid to be anxious on how to balance everything.

This semester really challenged me to keep things in control. With my fully loaded schedule of classes from morning till late afternoon, I was in full constraint on how to balance my time with all of my subjects.

Aside from my schoolwork, I also have my responsibility as a Christian. In the first place, I am already born as a Christian that happened to be a student right now. Put God first before anything else. So during Thursday, I went to the life meeting in Pedro Gil. It was really energizing to attend the mid-week service. Of course, my Sunday is fully-booked for the Lord. Post enc classes plus service.

There was a week allotted for an activity in the church, it was called the Week of Fire. I attended that one week activity; right after classes, I and bren went straight to the venue. It was tiring for I still have to travel. But I have no regrets, it was really awesome and fulfilling. It was GREAT!

I can't imagine how I got through with all these tasks and responsibilities in my hands. I was really worried if I could finish everything in time. Even though I failed a subject, the Lord says to continue to fight and be at peace with Him. God is just so awesome!

In John 14:25-27,

Joh 14:25 "These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you.

Joh 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Let us not be troubled. The Holy Spirit is with us to guide us and teach us in all the things we are undergoing right now. He wants us to surrender everything to Him so we may live at peace.

SURRENDER IT.

IT will bring PEACE.

PEACE in our HEARTS.

HEARTS that HOPE.

HOPE that brings FAITH.

FAITH that draws LOVE. ♥

no excuses.

2010-11-07T09:25:00.000+07:00

People have so many excuses when it comes to following rules and regulations. They are complaining on obeying protocols and procedures. Little did they know, it's for their own good and protection.

I, myself have so many excuses when I don't feel doing things. My sinful nature is calling me everytime I want something to be done than obeying what's meant to be done. I indulge on doing things the EASY way than doing things the RIGHT way.

I become selfish and self-centered. I make excuses on obeying Him to gratify my own desires.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

1Th 4:1 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.

1Th 4:2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;
1Th 4:4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,
1Th 4:5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;
1Th 4:6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.
1Th 4:7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.
1Th 4:8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

God called us to be sanctified before Him. God's instructions are for our own good that we may live life according to His good and perfect will for us. Always abide in God whatever the situation you are in. If you already feel so desperate and hopeless, just abide in Him.

If you do things YOUR way, expect the consequences of your actions. If you do things in GOD's way, the blessings and promises will be fulfilled unto you. We are not here to please ourselves but to please God with our actions and decisions.

The key is to become SELFLESS not SELFISH.

No excuses are allowed. Just FOLLOW.

Lord, thank you for exposing my weaknesses and wrong attitudes. I won't do things MY way but YOUR way. Not my will be done but Thy will be done. In Jesus Name, Amen.

2k.

2010-11-06T22:26:00.003+07:00

i've lost my 2,000php while strolling with bren in SM San Lazaro. i can't imagine how i've lost it in my very own hands. i can't decipher. i just can't. it was really fast. in a blink of an eye, it was gone. i looked back on the floor if i have dropped it but i saw nothing. NOTHING.

i and bren searched for it around the shoe stalls. i talked to the salesman if he noticed something until he directed me to their manager. i told my story again and i'm quite satisfied with their urgency to help me. thanks to them. still, no 2,000.

reality check: it was GONE. whoever picked it up, i pray that he'll use it for a greater cause.

lesson learned: material things can be gone in a second and can be replaced in a matter of days, but LIFE can never ever be replaced. we only live ONCE. let's make the most out of it.

cell leader's response: HE is not punishing you (i asked her if God's punishing me), HE is teaching you. you can't take care of big things if you can't take care of small things. this is not about your finances, its about responsibility. someday HE'll give you your 12, kaya ngayon palang tinuturuan ka niya kung paano ingatan ang mga bagay bagay. you should be happy though. God is exposing your weaknesses. God is telling you what you should conquer. CONQUER.

God's waking me up and opening my eyes into my weaknesses. i just thought that He's dealing with my finances, all along my being irresponsible and careless are the things He wants me to CONQUER to. thanks to my cell leader for keeping me headstrong all the times. ((:

Have FAITH in God's words.

Have HOPE in God's hands.

Have LOVE in God's grace.

Be a CONQUEROR.

P.S.

i think God's also dealing with my finances. He's telling me to be faithful in His promises to me and doing things the RIGHT way, not the EASY way. (:

P.S.S.

thanks bren for supporting me all the way. (:

faith. hope. love.

2010-11-06T07:27:00.001+07:00

As you can see, the name of my blog is Faith. Hope. Love. It came from the bible verse, 1Corinthians 13:13, "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." This is one of my favorite verses in the bible. I am greatly inspired by it because these three elements are so powerful when they combine.

… the greatest of these is LOVE. Like what I have said in my previous post, true love is followed by all the positive feelings you could ever imagine. God designed it to be that way for He is Love. God is Love. God's love is unfailing. It's perfect.

When we are deeply in love, we are inspired to do almost everything we want to do and accomplish. We are strengthened day by day to finish all the tasks that are endowed upon our shoulders. It's like being in a parachute that can take us into places and heights that we've never experience before. That's the power of God's love, we are transformed in a way we can't even imagine.

There's a difference between true love and the emotion of love. I have experienced the difference between them. Emotion of love just bursts out suddenly. There's no solid foundation. You didn't even decide on it. You just felt and that's all. You are carried away by those emotions.

True love is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

1Co 13:4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
1Co 13:5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;
1Co 13:6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
1Co 13:7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

True love is deeply rooted in our inner most being. It's foundation is our mind, our strength and our heart. These are not governed by our emotions but by our wills. It's a decision and a conviction.

Have FAITH.
Have HOPE.
Have LOVE.

pain --> healing

2010-11-05T12:00:00.000+07:00

Humans are the only creation of God who are gifted with feelings and emotions. These gifts make us superior with all the creatures here on earth.

Love is the greatest feeling that one can have. When one is greatly in love, all the positive feelings follow. Remember? Love is the greatest commandment of God. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Love God above anyone and anything else. How good it is to be in love at all times! :)

What I have typed is what's in my heart today. The Lord sees it for He knows every fiber of my heart and of my being. He knows when I am sad and when I am weak. He knows what's going on in my mind right now and how I feel today. He knows me from the inside and out.

Psalm 139:1-6 clearly states,

Psa 139:1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
Psa 139:2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.
Psa 139:3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.
Psa 139:4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
Psa 139:5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.
Psa 139:6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

We surely cannot comprehend the thoughts of God for His thoughts are far greater than our thoughts. And surely, He is the ONLY one who knows who we really are. That's why when you still don't know yourself that much, go back to your Creator and He will show you the real you! Only the creator knows his invention and masterpiece. (:

In Psalm 139:23-24,

Psa 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!
Psa 139:24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Only God knows all the sins we have committed and still committing. So plead into God to cleanse you from all your wicked ways. Remember that sin is the greatest hindrance of God's blessings and promises entitled upon us. Repenting seems to be painful at first for it requires so much discipline from our body, but as we learn to master it, healing is just arm's stretch away.

Lord, cleanse my body, mind and soul from all kinds of sin. Make my thoughts and actions pure and sanctified before You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

hello ♥

2010-11-04T21:47:00.002+07:00

happy. contented. happy. :)

Lord, you are awesome and great! thanks for changing me from the inside out.

You are always there to lift me up and give me strength when i feel so weak.

You are my joy everytime i feel so lonely.

You are my comfort whenever i feel so distressed.

You are the love that i needed the most -- a ♥ that NEVER fails.

Your LOVE is more than enough for me and i could not ask for more.

Hello Love is a title of an album of Chris Tomlin. One of my favorites. :)

i'll never ever get tired of praising and worshiping You my Father :)

a cry from the heart.

2010-11-04T10:03:00.002+07:00

sadness is looming around me

i don't know if its meant to be

why am i feeling like this

as if i'm lost in a dementor's kiss

am i being melancholy or phlegmatic?

i can't feel the word choleric

and sanguine where art thou?

you disappeared like a shadow

Psa 143:1 A Psalm of David. Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!
Psa 143:2 Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you.
Psa 143:3 For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.
Psa 143:4 Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled.
Psa 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.
Psa 143:6 I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah
Psa 143:7 Answer me quickly, O LORD! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
Psa 143:8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Psa 143:9 Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD! I have fled to you for refuge!
Psa 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!
Psa 143:11 For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life! In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!
Psa 143:12 And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies, and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul, for I am your servant.

Lord my heart is breaking

everyone seems escaping

You are the only hope i need

You never fail when i take a plead

revive me from my failings

You are my strength in my frailties

my joy comes from You

You are the Only one that's TRUE.

Lord, Holy Spirit, pray for me this day. i just can't put my emotions into words. Help me God for my heart is heavy. You are the only one who knows what's really in my heart. Jesus i want more. Jesus i need more. More of you Jesus. Heal me Father for i am wounded. all i need is You Lord. no one else. in Jesus Name i pray, Amen.

standards.

2010-11-03T23:45:00.000+07:00

my cell leader once told me to set my standards for the man that i'll be living with for the rest of my life. on second thoughts, why should i set standards? God already planned everything before we came out of this world. i just followed her because i know it's for my own good in guarding my heart. ♥

1. he should be a physicist. i am already hooked in science since elementary and physics is one of my favorite branch of science. i'm amazed how special relativity works and how blackholes are formed. there's a certain study that blackholes can be an instrument to travel through time. well, physics is amazing just the way physicists are! :)

2. he grew up without a helper. i believe that men should also be good in household chores. i want a guy that has really a hands-on inside the house not just relying everything to a helper. i am irritated seeing guys giving commands to their yaya when they can actually do it by themselves.

3. he knows how to play the piano. one of my frustrations is to learn how to play the piano. i know the basics of doremi but to really play a piece is different. i'm so much eager to play my favorite song. i hope it's not yet late to learn. i want us to play the piano together.

4. he's into sports. i love watching basketball and soccer. my favorite NBA team is san antonio spurs. i miss the tandem of ginobili, parker and duncan. i'm also playing billiards since elementary. my cousins were my playmates before and i miss playing with them. and badminton will always be on the list. sports will be one way of our bonding and pastime.

5. he must be a Christian. this is really a must! in every relationship, God must be the center of it. i strongly believe that God must be our number one influence in life as a couple. that we must love and obey God before our commitment with each other.

i still have some points to share but that's it for now.

it's not wrong to set standards. this will only serve as a guiding path towards an everlasting relationship. it will greatly help in guarding our hearts from jumping into a relationship to another and so on. lift your standards unto God. He is not deaf. if you really desire and put your faith into it, nothing is impossible with Him! :)

reality check.

2010-11-03T22:56:00.003+07:00

i can't sleep. i watched GI Joe and it was great. still i can't sleep. i've been thinking so much lately that i'm having a difficulty to get a good sleep. what am i thinking? i'm just visualizing my life this coming semester. i need to wake up early to catch up my 7am classes. well, sounds fun and challenging just like the high school days. hope i won't get a grade of 5 because of FA.

this semester, my life would equate to independence. relying on myself to get through things, but of course with God in the center. it's more favorable to me to be alone at times for i learn the reality of life. God's using my failure to wake me up from the fantasy i have once lived. He's telling me that there's more into life than the ones i'm giving attention to. He's certainly right!

my cell leader texted me that there will be a meeting on saturday at 1pm for those who will commit on SOD Manila. i just don't know if i could make it by that time. hopefully. i'm already decided to commit my time to God every thursday. it's time for me to go into the next level. plus, i'll be having my SOL1 classes. excited about it! my goal should also be God's goal. i must not live by what i feel but how God feels.

the gift.

2010-11-03T07:54:00.003+07:00

it's really difficult to be alone. it is sad. it is frustrating. you feel so helpless because there's no one to talk to regarding your problems and pleadings in life. there's no one to understand and comfort you when you're in deep pain and agony.

i don't know if its just me, but i already experienced those scenarios. it's depressing really. i accept the fact that not all times there will be that someone to lean on to. that's why most of the times i'm telling to myself not to rely too much on someone anymore. it's just disappointing and painful when that person doesn't seem to understand how you really feel.

in a way, being alone helps me to become more connected with the Holy Spirit. i am always in awe on how the Holy Spirit comforts me. it's just amazing that after i tell all my iniquities, problems and heartaches, i begin to smile and to be at peace again. i look up at the sky and i tell to myself how awesome and how great God is. amazing really.

in John 14:15-18,

Joh 14:15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
Joh 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,
Joh 14:17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
Joh 14:18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

it says here that the Holy Spirit will be our Helper and Comforter forever. Our strength in weakness, Our peace in trouble, Our wisdom in perplexity, Our conqueror in temptations, Our consoler in sorrow. these are the gifts that we can ask from the Holy Spirit.

Stay connected.

Stay prayerful.

Stay faithful.

.. with/in the Holy Spirit.

Lord, i am always in awe on how you comfort and help me in times of trouble, pain and sorrow. i am always thankful for Your presence in my life. i love you very much. In Jesus Name, Amen.

comfort to confront

2010-10-28T10:29:00.001+07:00

One of my weaknesses is to rebuke the sin of others. I don't have enough courage to confront people and tell them that what they have done is wrong. In this situation, I admire my brother, Bren, for he is really good in rebuking people face to face. It seems effortless to him because his personality is really like that. God gave him that gift and through that gift he has helped a lot of people to realize their own mistakes.

This sem, I would be in a different section. I won't be with my brothers, bren and daryl. It's already time for me stand up and correct what is wrong. Bren won't be at my side all the times to defend what is right. Maybe, my gift is not to confront but to comfort people. Yeah, I know I am good at it. I could confront sin by comforting the doer.

What's good about me is I easily forgive people. I am really slow at anger. I may be angry at the moment but afterwards I am as good as if nothing happened.

Luke 17:3-6

[3] Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,
[4] and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him."
[5] The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"
[6] And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

God called us to:

1. Keep the flock. We are here to help the astray and show them the right direction. We are here to rebuke them into their sins and lead them the Way. All we need is faith. Have faith in people that they will change eventually. Pray for their needs and tell them how God loves them so much.

2. Defend the attacked. We are here to edify one another and build each other up in Christ Jesus. Whenever one is attacked by sin, we must be there to help him get up once again. We, Christians should be a light to each others way.

3. Nurse the sick and weak. These people need the comfort and love the most. They are longing for the touch that will strengthen them. Just like the woman who was bleeding for years, all she desired is to touch Jesus for she believed that she will be healed by it. Her faith has healed her! No doctors have healed her, Only Jesus did.

All we should have is FAITH. But faith without action is dead. Let's be courageous in doing things God has called us to do.

Keep the faith!
Keep the fire!
Keep the passion!

Lord, my God, you are really powerful indeed. Your teachings will never go in vain. This generation will rise up in faith and in love. Bless us Father in every circumstances and triumphs. Help us humble ourselves before you. You deserve all the glory and all the praises. In Jesus Name, Amen.

an appeal!

2010-10-27T10:36:00.001+07:00

Job 5:8-11

[8] "As for me, I would appeal to God, and to God would I commit my cause,

[9] who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number:
[10] he gives rain on the earth and sends waters on the fields;
[11] he sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.

[8] "As for me, I would appeal to God, and to God would I commit my cause,

Today, I would really appeal to God and re-establish my relationship with Him. I have been so stubborn these past few days and now I want to seek Him again to correct my ways.

Sin and God really don't co-exist. Once you've committed your life to God, the power of the Holy Spirit will remind you that you can't indulge in temptations anymore. The Holy Spirit will rebuke you that what you've done is totally wrong and out of disobedience.

I want to re-dedicate my life to God.

[9] who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number:

God is awesome. He is marvelous. He is great. Each time I wake up in the morning, I never fail to appreciate the wonders of His creation, from the rising of the sun to the appearance of the moon and stars at night.

I am also in so much awe everytime my prayers are answered and some miraculous events happen. Like my encounter last july, God moved my tests and quizzes so that I could focus on Him on the Encounter. God is really good all the time.

I can't number all the miracles God did in my life.

Lord, break all the chains in me. I want to be free. I want to re-dedicate my life to You my Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.

purity. sanctity. chastity.

2010-10-26T07:41:00.003+07:00

1 Thessalonians 5:6-11, 23

[6] So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us be alert and self-controlled.

[7] For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night.
[8] But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.
[9] For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
[10] who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.
[11] Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
[23] Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lord is really dealing this in me regarding of my self-control. Lately, I am battling between my sinful desire and following the Holy Spirit. The temptations are so high that it's hard to resist. I gave in in some of them. I am confessing it with all my heart and my soul, asking for forgiveness and repentance.

Satan is really attacking the weakness of my thoughts. He is instilling different impure thoughts in my head that pops-up automatically every now and then. Lord, I hate it when I am like this.

The real battle is in the mind. What to do to guard our thoughts in mind?

1. Devote it. First of all, having a devotion in the morning will really help us throughout the day. We must feed our mind with God's word before facing the world and its deceitfulness. Just devote your time to worthy activities. This is our very own weapon to overcome the battle.

2. Distract it. When you are sensing that satan's attacking again, distract yourself immediately. Do not give in. Do not allow it. Think of the things that you have done for the Lord. Remember how you surpass all the temptations you've been through before.

3. Defeat it. You must be the one victorious not your impure thoughts. Remember that you are more than conquerors in Christ. Pray continually. Cease not! Go back to the cross and saturate yourself with His love and grace.

Devote it. Distract it. Defeat it.

[23] Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is our primary goal, to be blameless. It's rewarding to face the Lord pure and sanctified.

Lord Jesus, I am weak and in you I find my strength. I can't battle all of these without Your presence in my life. Lord, I don't want to backslide again. I only belong to You. You own me and my life. Be with me always until the very end. Keep me pure and sanctified until the day of Your coming. I love you Lord, Amen.

so close!

2010-10-23T06:34:00.000+07:00

As a child, we really want to be with our father or mother always. We feel protected, cared and loved. We always look for them when we are hungry and when we feel sick and in pain.

In Matthew 4:18-25,

[18] While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

[19] And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." [20] Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
[21] And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.
[22] Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
[23] And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.
[24] So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them.
[25] And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

It says here that God will make us fishers of men. When we say fishers of men, it is a commitment that we are here to minister people, care for them, love them and protect them; like what our Father is doing for us. We can only do this if we…

1. Follow closely our Father. Like a child, we are always to rely with our Creator. We need Him more than anything/anyone else! When we are close to Him, we are becoming more like Him! :)

2. Carry your cross. Jesus Christ carried His cross until His crucifixion. Each of us has his own cross to carry in this journey of our Christian life. What it means to carry our cross? For me, it is leaving all sinful desires in the cross and having a brand new Life in Him.

3. Deny yourself. When God called Peter and Andrew to follow Him, these two immediately leave their nets and followed Him. They deny themselves instantly in terms of their occupation. They sought first God's will before thinking of themselves.

What's your cross? Whatever it is, carry it NOW. let's follow closely our Father in Heaven and our lives won't be the same as before. We'll gonna experience a glimpse of Heaven here on earth.

Lord, You've changed me a lot! I don't know how it came about but I am glad that You are always there for me inspite of my flaws. You are really a loving God. You deserve all the glory and praise. In Jesus Name, Amen.

just FOLLOW.

2010-10-22T06:32:00.001+07:00

Psalm 119:33-40

[33] Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.

[34] Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.

[35] Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.

[36] Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!

[37] Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.

[38] Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.

[39] Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.

[40] Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!

i believe in God since i was a child. i pray to Him giving thanks for all the blessings He is showering upon our family. as i grew up, i just prayed and prayed and prayed, asking for forgiveness and giving thanks for all the blessings. a cycle of sorry, thanks and wishes.

it is just in my Christian life i realize that i haven't establish a relationship with God and haven't obey Him totally. i viewed Him as a genie that will grant wishes and forgive me whenever i ask Him to.

it is just in my Christian life i realize that i can lean on Him and rely on Him in every circumstances in my life. that when i obey His laws and commandments, i will live a LIFE destined for eternity; not just mere existing but having a life of PURPOSE and DIRECTION.

[40] Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!

let's be hungry for the word of God each day. it will serve as strength, wisdom and weapon as we battle our everyday struggles, obstacles and trials in life. just cling unto it. never let it go. God's word is the ONLY way to LIFE.

[37] Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.

material things often divert our attention from God. we value more our possessions than His commandments. it says in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." more blessings will come if we put God first in everything that we'll do. let us please Him first before we please ourselves.

[34] Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.

God's thoughts are far greater than our thoughts. there are times that i don't understand why He is putting me in such circumstances. still, i trust in Him that He has better plans for me. this failure serves as my cross that i may keep His law and observe it with my whole heart.

Lord, Almighty creator of Heaven and Earth, thank you for all the circumstances you are giving to me right now. i know that you have a purpose for everything. i trust in You my Father for You know what's best for me. Lord, thank you for helping me grow in Your righteousness and for changing my perception and mindset on how to deal with problems. You are AWESOME, You are GREAT, You are MIGHTY TO SAVE.

I love you Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.

believe.trust.pray.

2010-10-21T07:55:00.004+07:00

2 Corinthians 5:5-9

[5] He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

[6] So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord,

[7] for we walk by faith, not by sight.

[8] Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

[9] So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

troubles and circumstances decrease our faith unto God. it's as if there's nothing more you can do about it and thus giving it up and letting it go.

i feel so hopeless honestly with the current verdict of my professors. there's this fear and doubt that i will eventually fail. but there's a voice inside my head that i will pass this subject no matter what. my sight can't see what my faith can envision. there's still hope until the grades are not yet encoded. Lord, speak to them and change their hearts. i must walk by FAITH, not by SIGHT.

what it means to have a FAITH?

1. you BELIEVE in God. you know that there's a God that will go with you along the way. that His plan is to prosper you and not to harm you; to give you hope and a future.

2. you TRUST in God. whatever circumstances you are undergoing right now, your trust in Him is never wavered. all of your days You rely on Him for His strength and wisdom.

3. you ACT upon it. faith without action is dead. when you believe and when you trust, you act based on it. you'll do everything just to fulfill what you want to achieve. that's action with a big faith.

everything happens for a reason. whatever the Lord plans for me, i will carry it on my cross and just follow Him wherever He goes. it's easier said than done. it really requires a Big Faith even when you don't understand what He really wants you to do. JUST FOLLOW. He will lead the WAY.

Lord, i put my trust and hope in You. i lift up all my doubts and worries unto you. cast out all unnecessary thoughts in my head. i claim your mercy and unending grace. In Jesus Name, Amen.

a vow to eternity

2010-10-17T07:30:00.000+07:00

Hebrews 8: 8-13

What is a covenant?

According to the dictionary:

Covenant is a signed agreement between two or more parties to perform some action

In biblical terms:

Covenant is an agreement between God and his people in which God makes certain promises and requires certain behavior from them in return

There's a difference between the two meanings. Have you noticed? The second one indicates that God makes certain PROMISES implying that if the required behavior is met, then we can behold of the promises of God. Those promises are not given in the first meaning.

If you are already tired of this broken world;

if you feel down and hopeless;

if you think that you're such a failure;

if you sense like there's no one to hold on to;

If you feel like there's no one to love you genuinely;

It's time to make a new covenant with our God and behold all the promises He made for us. Experience His genuine love and be enlightened by the way He works.

These are the FOUR L's you have to keep in mind and in heart.

1. Laws of God FIRST. If you think that laws were made just to punish us and to hinder us from doing what we like, you are wrong. God's laws were made, for us to have a life that we deserve; for us to live our life meaningfully and worthy, reflecting God's image in each and everyone of us; for us to have a life destined for eternity. "That's cool? Yeah, that's COOL!"-- pastor ben

As the Lord says,

"I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts."

-- hebrews 8:10

2. Leave the old one. We can't obey the Lord, unless we leave our old self and begin to live a new one. When we accept the Lord, He will give us a new life. Old and new can never co-exist like God and sin can never co-exist. Honestly, I fail in this aspect most of the times. But it's time to step up and wake up from a deep slumber. CHANGE and be the CHANGE.

3. Level-Up. It's time to go to the next level with the Lord. We must deepen our relationship with our creator. We must understand His will for us; this will serve as our direction and our path as we go along the journey of our Christian life. Always pray and talk to God. God is not a genie that will grant all our wishes. There will come a time that He will say NO and that's for our own good, for He has something much better to give.

4. Lift it up. We are still humans. We have emotions and feelings. Sometimes we are angry and frustrated; sometimes we feel burdened and anxious; sometimes we are lonely and disappointed. Just lift them up to the Lord. Cast all of them to Him and pray instantly about your negative feelings. We can't advance if those feelings are in our hearts.

God already conquered the world, and we are more than conquerors!

Lord, this day, I will make a new covenant with you in time for my baptism. This is it my Father! You are awesome, you are great and I am proud to be Your child. I lift up all the glory and praise to you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

scarlet letter.

2010-10-14T06:50:00.000+07:00

Lord, my God, my Stronghold, my Savior, my Dad,

i'm really sorry for the things that i've done which were not pleasing to Your eyes. i'm drained mentally, emotionally and spiritually Lord. give me a brand new heart to go on with my Christian life, in obeying You and serving You.

Lord, i am really nothing without You. i am so disappointed with myself. most of the times i fail in resisting temptations. forgive me Father. i ask for your forgiveness. Lord, i will repent from now on, help me to overcome my earthly desires, help me to leave my old self.

Father, i cry out for more of You. sorry if i was out of tune lately. my devotions were haphazardly done. actually, i did not write anything about my devotions for this week. what's happening to me?

Help me grow and mature Lord. i need you in my life more than anything else. i cast out all my worries and anxieties to You. Lord, i surrender everything. i must decrease, for You must INCREASE.

Lord, i want to shout at the top of my lungs how You love me so much. Lord, i want to cry because You are always there inspite of my disobedience at times. Lord, i love you so much. You are the ONLY one who understands my heartaches and my pleadings.

Honestly, i am hopeless right now. Lord, help me to believe once again. I need a brand new faith from You my Dad. i can't fight this battle, these obstacles, these trials without Your strength and guidance; Your knowledge and wisdom.

Father, into Your hands i commend my Spirit.

b.e.l.i.e.v.e.

2010-10-09T07:07:00.001+07:00

John 11:10-40

this account is all about the death of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha. Jesus also wept that time for He is close to Lazarus. Martha is exclaiming that if Jesus has been there earlier, He could save the life of Lazarus.

Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?"

sometimes it's HARD to believe anymore when things are not going smoothly as we wanted.

why are we having this difficulty in believing?

1. everything falls apart. it seems that the world is turning its backs on you. there's so much failings you have encountered that you stop believing that you CAN overcome those obstacles and trials.

2. wrong mindset. those failings created a wrong mindset that there's nothing you can do anymore. Satan is instilling in your mind that you are already hopeless and that everything is a mistake.

3. doubt. you are doubting in your capacities and abilities that you CAN cross the troubled waters. you are saying to yourself, "kaya ko pa ba?"

just BELIEVE! you have many reasons to BELIEVE. there's a WAY for you to BELIEVE.

1. God is your back-up. when you are having a hard time believing, just remember that you have a God who is STRONGER and GREATER. He is bigger than your problems in life. He holds the universe.

2. persevere. just keep pushing and holding on until its not yet finished. exert all your energy and strength upto the last drop of your adrenaline. ibigay mo na ang lahat lahat. ilaban mo hanggang sa kaduluhan.

3. surrender. cast all your anxieties to God. lift up all your burdens to Him. keep in mind that each and everyone of us is a CHILD of the KING. let go of it. let God take control. He loves us so much, He will never leave us nor forsake us.

BELIEVE. we have a GOD who will push us higher. we are not alone in the race of our life.

keep the faith and always PRAY.

Lord, i believe in You. You have conquered the grave and the cross; nothing is impossible with Your glory and grace. i lift up all my anxieties to You, for Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. Amen.

everything falls.

2010-10-08T22:27:00.001+07:00

You said
you'd never leave or forsake me
when you said,
this life is gonna shake me
you said
this world is gonna bring trouble on my soul
this I know

when everything falls apart
your arms hold me together
when everything falls apart
you're the only hope for this heart
when everything falls apart
and my strength is gone
I find you mighty and strong
you keep holding on

when I see
darkness all around me
when I see
that tragedy has found me
I still believe
your faithful arms will never let me go
and still I know

Sorrow will last for the night
but hope is rising with the sun
there will be storms in this life
but I know you will overcome

from the inside out

2010-10-07T06:03:00.004+07:00

A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame

Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

My heart, my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out, O my soul cries out

My Soul cries out to You
My Soul cries out to You
to You, to You

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out, O my soul cries out
From the inside out, O my soul cries out
From the inside out, O my soul cries out.

Lord, consume me with Your love from the inside and out.

i need You O Father for i feel hopeless and helpless.

be with me throughout this sem.

Lord, help me overcome my unbelief. In Jesus Name, Amen.

restoring love.

2010-10-06T07:09:00.000+07:00

i have been going to a Christian church since 4th year high school. the atmosphere is really different compared to a catholic one. my first service in that church made me feel that there is really a God - not just seen through carvings but a REAL one. then, i came to realize that it's not about religion, it's ALL about our relationship with God.

those times made me feel that i have a God whom i can rely on; whom i can ask for strength when i am weak; whom i can talk to regarding with my problems. that's really awesome! the feeling is great!

during my walk as a Christian, there came a time when i was so lazy to go to church until i was not involve in any church activities anymore. that was during the last quarter of my 4th year HS. in short, i backslided. the world was still eating me up that time. my attention was really focused on the earthly things. i have so many reasons not to go to church that time, whether i was busy or lazy. or maybe, i lose the fire in serving God. or maybe, i was not yet ready that time to wholly follow the Lord. so i wasn't attending church until 2nd year college.

then came 2nd year college, my heart was broken emotionally. i was so down and depressed. i need not to tell the whole story here. but i was really broken that time. 2nd year of my college life was really the peak of my sadness and emotional distress. i failed my two subjects; there was so much selfishness in me; i was having a hard time accepting the response of these two people; i felt the love for money literally that i was blinded by it; my friends got angry with me because of my attitude; my relationship with my parents was not that good. a LOT really happened during this year.

with all of those experiences, the Lord lifted me up once again. i started to attend service again in our church. i felt the restoration of God's love. He healed me with His loving embrace. this lasted until the 1st sem of third year, after that i backslided again. maybe the main reason is that, my leader was not that close to me. i haven't established my relationship with her. i have no one to talk to aside from my high school classmates. i felt a piece was lacking in my church. so i stopped attending there.

3rd year 2nd sem came. one day, elaine invited me to attend a bible study after class. i have second thoughts on attending because there was still so much things to do or that was just my excuse for myself so as not to attend. then this time came when she invited me again together with her classmates. that time, i said yes.

and. . .

during that bible study, i felt once again on what is like to be a Christian. i easily relate with what Kuya Vin talked about that day. after that meeting, i approach these guys, Kuya Kai, Kuya Vin and Kuya Hardee, and i told them that i am also a Christian and been attending to services in our church. Kuya Kai invited me to go to their church too. i said a yes when its not busy anymore.

April 3, his invitation came into reality. i went into their church called Destiny Ministries International located in Teacher's Village. again, God welcomed me. i felt a second restoration and this time i felt different. at first, i was not comfortable with their church for i got used with my previous church. well, i haven't had a hard time adjusting with the environment because the people are friendly.

then Kuya Kai introduced to me a beautiful girl named Karen Rose Orquia. She prayed for me and i told her that i am also Christian and everything. she really made efforts in establishing a relationship with me. she texted me every now and then asking me how am i doing. this continued until i was already attending to her cell and she became my cell leader.

SUCCESS! for i have found what i have been looking for in my previous church and that is RELATIONSHIP. with God and with the people in the church. i really feel that i belong, making new friends and helping in the ministry.

THIS IS IT! i am already a disciple of my cell leader. she asked me, if i could be her disciple, after i have encountered God. i said yes instantly and was really joyous that time! it's an honor to be a part of 12 of a leader! AWESOME! :)

to make the long story short, this verse summarizes my experiences as a Christian.

"Take with you words, and turn to the Lord; I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely."-- Hos 14:2-4.

Lord, thank you for your restoring love. i am healed. i am renewed. i am born again. i lift up all the GLORY and all the PRAISE to you. Amen.

why?

2010-10-05T07:22:00.000+07:00

if people really love God, why do they have to commit sin? i am just saddened when i encounter people who are dominated with bitterness, anger, jealousy and selfishness because through these emotions they do things which are not pleasing to the eyes of God. people tend to say bad words; they tend to cheat; they tend to lie; they tend to steal; they tend to hate.

i am not saying that i am perfect in the eyes of God. i still have my flaws in doing His works; in obeying Him; in trusting Him; and in terms of my maturity. but God is changing me from the inside out. the words of pastor zha really ministered to me that when you are near to the cross, it serves as magnet to our sins. there's no room for it to grow. there's no room for those sins to stay in our soul.

everyday that i think of the cross where the Lord was crucified, there's no second thoughts for me to commit any sin. He poured His blood so that we'll be cleansed; so that we could have the LIFE He promised for us. that is the LOVE that LOOSED us. loosed us in terms of sin. there's no greater love than that who lay down his life for his friends -- a verse that really struck me.

continue to press on. be patient. in God' time all our prayers will be answered if we only possess a heart of compassion and love; and if sin will be thrown away from our being. be cleansed by the Holy Spirit. just ask Him to come into your heart and into your life. your life will really change from mediocre to extraordinary!

love and be loved.

Lord, my King and my Majesty, your love never fails and i am blessed that You are changing me from the inside out. just be with me Dad. without You i am nothing. i lift up all the glory and praise to You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

wonders of love.

2010-10-03T06:11:00.001+07:00

As I have said to my previous devotions, God's love is immeasurable. No one can level the love of God for us, but we can be a channel of His great love.

Have you ever been in a place wherein you were awed by its wonders? Have you experienced something wherein you were fascinated by it?

Now, I'll tell you that I am captivated by the wonders of God's love for us, for I am experiencing it day by day.

First wonder is that God loved and loves the world. He made it beautifully and wonderfully so that men can dwell in it and admire the splendour of each creatures. God wants us to live in a place wherein we could enjoy His blessings everyday.

Second wonder, the Son of God came down to the earth and dwell with us. That's great! That's awesome! The prince of prince dwell and mingle with us sinners. He walked with the poor, the sick, the tax collectors, and ate with traitors. There's no love greater than that.

The third wonder of his great love is that eternal life is just within the reach of whosoever. God gives us not quantity but quality of life. A life that is everlasting. Who doesn't want eternal life? We could only achieve it by abiding in God's love and walking with Him along the days of our lives - not just to be a witness but to be with Him always. God is the only way through eternity.

Lord, the king of kings, you are awesome! Your love is the greatest gift for us and your love will always be in my heart. Help me O loving God to be a channel of your great love. Amen.

-- talagang gustong i-minister sa akin ni Lord ang love. wew. what i really need, He gives it instantly. grabe lang. He doesn't want me to rush things this time. Lord, you are awesome! you really know what's in my heart.

is it real or surreal?

2010-10-02T05:27:00.000+07:00

these past few days my devotions were all about love. the love of God for us, how He gave His only Son for our salvation. God is really Love. He first loved us that's why we also know how to love for we are created in His image. God's love goes beyond the heavens, beyond the vastness of the universe and beyond the grains and sands all over the earth. It's perfect, unfailing and unconditional.

Have i really been in LOVE? that's the question i am asking to myself. my close friends knew what i went through the past semesters. they knew that i have fallen in love with this guy that i have known for a year right now. they knew that i was hurt and depressed by some instances. they also knew that my source of happiness that time was that guy.

But was it true love that i felt?

i was insisting to bren that time that it was really true love that i was feeling. but right now, as i read the verses about the love of God, i didn't really love. i just enjoyed the feeling of being in love. it even didn't reach the standards of love in the eyes of God.

1Jn 4:16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

i didn't abide in Him that time. i rely on my own knowledge of what love is all about. i was carried away by my emotions without thinking twice on the actions i have made. God is really opening my eyes on this matter for this is my greatest weakness. i easily fall, i am easily hurt. God wants me to abide in Him for His love is perfect. this is the love that casts out fear and hurt.

loving God makes us wait for the right time and the right moment to experience TRUE LOVE.

always remember, LOVE is PATIENT.

Lord, my loving God, help me to be patient on this matter. i don't want to rush things this time. bless me with all my decisions and help me to become firm with it. Your love is perfect that it casts out fear and hurt and everything that's negative. Lord, i want to abide in You always. Just be with me my Dad. i love you very much. Amen.

unfailing LOVE

2010-09-30T07:09:00.002+07:00

When we are so much in love with a person, we'll do almost everything to make that person happy and contented. If sacrifice is needed, we'll gonna do it just for his/her sake. When we are deeply in love, our limitations are being stretched out; our weaknesses become strengths; our negativity becomes positive.

Love is the greatest emotion that God gave us. It transforms us from the inside out. As the verse says,

"In all these things we are more than conquerors, through Him that loved us."-- Rom 8:37.

The love of God makes us more than conquerors. He conquered the cross and the grave for us, therefore, we are the beneficiary of that victory. So we are more than conquerors through Him that loves us so much.

Because of His unfailing love for us, we are saved, we are renewed, we are free from sins. When the Holy Spirit lives in us, we have the Life that is destined for us. If we allow sin to control our lives, then death is subjected into us.

The truth is nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

Not even those can separate us from the love of God. He is a God of mercy and grace. God always gives us the chance to change our hearts for Him. He always gives us the chance to turn back from our sins. He loves us so much that He understands what we are going through in our lives.

His love never fails. If our loved ones fail us most of the times, His love is an unfailing LOVE. It defies everything that blocks the way.

Lord, my God and my Savior, thank you for your steadfast and unfailing love. Keep Your love burning into our lives that we may also love other people as You have loved us. Amen.

heart of wisdom!

2010-09-29T09:39:00.000+07:00

Psa 90:12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

no one knows when God will call us to heaven. no one knows until when we are going to live our life here on earth. my devotion is telling me to number my days for i am uncertain until when will i be able to live my call. honestly, i am frustrated when i become idle doing God's work. i am frustrated with the time i am allowing to pass everyday. yeah, i encourage other people not to be disheartened with their undertakings and obstacles but its not enough for me. i know there's more that i can do; that i can win them for God; that i can share to them what God is doing into my life.

if you'll gonna ask what my Dad is doing to my life? INFINITE. i can't number them with my bare hands. from morning till evening, He's doing a lot of work for me. it's just that i can't return back the FULL glory He deserves because of so much things to do in school. people are so busy meeting deadlines that i can't penetrate in their hectic schedules. i am ranting! why Dad? You are only requiring them a couple of their minutes but they always disregard Your call.

Dad is telling me to have a heart of wisdom in dealing with people. it's not enough to be on Fire for the Lord, wisdom is needed to fight the battle.

knowledge without wisdom is dead.

faith without action is dead.

friends, REFLECT. we need God in our lives. we can't rely on our own strength everyday. a Supernatural hands is needed for us to LIVE our LIFE. as in LIVE! not just mere EXISTING!

Lord, my Dad, open our hearts and souls that You may live in us. we need You so much. open our eyes so that we may see the importance of having You as our personal Lord and savior. help us to rely on You always and not to rely on our own personal strength. our strength is not enough, it will die down in due time. Lord, i love you so much! we bring back all the glory and praises to YOU. Amen.

let's stop for awhile

2010-09-28T22:44:00.000+07:00

i miss the simple talks with my close friends. just awhile ago, i and bren had the chance to catch up with our close friends Danella, Eunice and Ciolo. i really miss them so much - the bonding, the teasing, the laughs, the ups and downs of each one. it's like a year not talking to them. time is not enough awhile ago to catch up with everything. nakakabitin talaga.

it's good to stop for awhile, refresh our minds and ease our body with all the schoolworks that are piled up. for just only 15 minutes, drop your ballpen, calculator and notebooks. contemplate and reflect. daydream and think. just feel the freedom of your thoughts flowing through your head. whoa, i miss doing this. another option is to ask your friends about their day. people also need the care and our thoughtfulness on what's going on with their lives. there's no sweeter thing than remembering them.

relaxation. when will you come again? with all the busyness in school; meeting deadlines for reports, take home quizzes and homeworks.

the day will come that i will surely miss school days. but for now, everyone needs a BREAK! :)

armor of light.

2010-09-26T06:52:00.000+07:00

Clothes serve as protection and covering for our body. I can't imagine people going out without clothes. These garments also tells the personality and fashion statement of a person. Through clothes, people also express what they feel. These are only the clothes that people will see with their naked eyes. How about the clothes which are permanent?

The Lord said, "Awake, awake; put on thy strength; put on thy beautiful garments."-- Isa 52:1

These garments are made up of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, generosity. The beauty of the Lord our God must be upon us. These are the clothes that will last for a lifetime.

"It is high time to awake out of sleep: let us cast off the works of darkness; let us put on the armour of light."-- Rom 13:11-12.

Wake up! And let us put the armour of light. When I say armour of light, these are the armour we need to battle Satan's army. "The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?" let's not be afraid of tomorrow and the things that will come upon us. We need to learn to trust and have faith.

I may be a nagger reminding this every now and then into my blogs, but it's for our own good that these words will make a mark into our hearts.

I myself, need to read the verses so many times before I could fully understand and meditate upon it. It's not enough to be knowledgeable in bible verses, we need to meditate and apply it on our lives.

Lord, my saviour and my strength, I love you so much. Heaven can't contain your glory. I am in awe everyday of your great works in our lives. Lord, I pray that people will come to You again and be their personal Lord and saviour. Amen.