Shirley, Marty and Christmas

I was watching Fox news on Christmas Day and their featured guests were Shirley Jones and Marty Ingalls. I remembered watching Shirley when I was only neigh high playing the matriarch Shirley Partridge on the Partridge Family back in the day. But it was a different Shirley Jones I was watching on T.V. this time around, she along with her husband Marty were sharing to the news anchor how they crashed a Hollywood Parade holding a big sign that went "You Can't Stop Christmas". They were both riled up over how some people have robbed us of the true essence of Christmas while substituting it with "Happy Holidays" thus taking the God Factor away from the most joyous season of the year. Some of us have taken Christmas to mean getting new presents and looking forward to after Christmas and Thanksgiving sale that way we can get the best bargain.

For most of us the idea of celebrating the birth of a baby that made history as the One who has redeemed mankind of all its filth is no longer that relevant. Immersing in the commercial aspect of the season is far more substantial than pondering on the nature and purpose of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. And some sectors of society and even the church would rather remain in a state of apathy over how Christmas has been railroaded by the liberal media, Agnostics and yes even some of our politicians. I cannot for the life of me figure out for example how in the State Capitol of Washington where a Nativity Scene was displayed, a billboard was later on set up that defines the inner thoughts of what Atheists think of Christmas and how the Governor of the State would walk by the same area everyday and not do anything about it just because it falls under the constitutional clause of "Freedom of Speech". It saddens me that it has all come down to this. Christmas has been bush whacked and bamboozled, this should no longer be tolerated by those who claim to be believers in Jesus.

...Let us not be in remiss of why we are celebrating the Christmas Season...Jesus Christ is still and will continue to be the reason for the season.

Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, For you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the son of the highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."

Luke 1:30-33

MEN IN MOTION

Men In Motion Reunited! during the time God called me to step up and lead this group of Men from different theological persuasions I have witnessed six righteous and very courageous men decide to publicly declare themselves to be followers of Jesus through water baptism. My best friend Omie was one of them he has passed away and is now in the presence of his beloved Savior Jesus Christ. Phillip has gone on ahead to step up to the calling of being the Associate Pastor of his church. Alain continues to teach in his ministry and is one who has remained a true servant of the Living God. Glenn remains a committed church member and has led people to Christ. Jess is now living in Australia and has been for a long time, Nonoy continues to immerse himself in God's truth. Joey (who was my logistics guy) has moved to Saudi Arabia where he continues to remain faithful to the work of his Savior and supports a persecuted Christian Church in that part of the world (please pray for him and his safety). The rest of the members live in the city of Bacolod, the Philippines where they have remained staunch followers of Jesus and continue to adhere to the Word Of God. God used me just to plant the seed it was all up to Him to let the plant grow...

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.

1Corinthians 3:6

DECISION 2008

Today, (November 4, 2008) will be a historic moment for the country of the United States of America. Citizens will get the chance to have their voices heard by casting their ballots. It is imperative for each voter to ask for God's wisdom(James 1:5-8) before making the decision in choosing who to lead this country over the next four years. We all need to understand that whoever will win... ultimately God will still remain... Sovereign!

...My God Continue To Richly Bless The United States Of America

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities for there is no authority governing authority except that which God has established.


Romans 13:1

Mama Emma

Just a few minutes ago I got a call from my cousin, Karen from San Francisco. She had informed me that my only remaining aunt from my Father side has just passed away. She was 94 years old. The last time I saw her was during the summer when I returned to the Philippines, I made it a point for me and my girls to visit her. Surprisingly she still recognized me when I walked inside her room. She spoke in spanish and sometimes in english and then switched to the vernacular. But it was such a joy to see her again, I remember how appreciative she looked when I gave her the present which she has asked me to bring to her from the States when she found out that I was returning to the Philippines...It was a doll...and her eyes lit up as I handed it over to her.

Mama Emma (as we fondly call her) lived a wonderful life of 94 years, we engaged ourselves every now and then in a discussion on religion and faith and she had such profound ideas on how religion should be defined. She was a wonderful lady, aunt, grandmother, daughter, sister and businesswoman. She loved living in the farm and taking care of her plants. She was full of life and proud to be part of our clan. Now she is gone...I believe she is now enjoying in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ and has finally found her rest.

Would you please join me in praying for the Lord to comfort my family at this time of grief. Please pray for my Father (Mama Emma was the only living sibling that he had left) he is going through a hard time dealing with the thought of loosing his sister (he is two years older than her) let alone finding out about her passing. He has been feeling depressed these past few days...He still has not found out about the death of his sister and my family is looking for a way on how to break the news to him.

In a span of a year and a half since I moved to the United States, I lost four very important people in my life. My Father In Law (Vic), My Best Friend (Omie), My Uncle (Paul) and now my Aunt (Emma). May God continue to give me the strength as I deal with this difficulty.

EMMA VILLACIN CORUNA
1914-2008

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Meet Me At The Pole

Several week ago while dropping off my daughter to school I noticed a group of young kids gathering together around the school's flagpole. I asked my daughter what it was all about and she immediately jolted from her car seat and said that she was supposed to wake up early to join these kids coz' they were there, she said to gather around the pole to pray for the nation. I told her that she can still go and join them...it's not too late.

Seeing those young people meet at the flagpole area early in the morning and at the risk of ridicule from some of their peers and persecutions from other groups within their school gives me so much hope for this nation. I firmly believe that God honors those who seek Him, I learned later on that day that there were other meetings of the same nature being done in different parts of the country. Hope...Hope is what we should all hang on to...Hope for the nation...Hope for the world...Hope for the lost...Hope in the Lord.

Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the judge of all the earth do right? So the Lord said "If I find in Sodom fiflty righteous witin the city then I will spare all the place for their sakes."

Genesis 18:24-26

Bailout

These past days all we hear in the news is whether or not the bailout/rescue plan for our economy will be approved in congress. The week started with the Dow Jones dropping big time as congress decided not to pass the bill for the bailout plan. It's the economy stupid! As they all say. But a little reminder for the children of God... His economy is different from this world's economy.


I have been young and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor His descendants begging bread.

Psalm 37:25

Waiting

This is a picture of surfers waiting for a wave they hope to ride. I took this shot on a cool Sunday afternoon in San Diego's Mission Beach. Sometimes it becomes really frustrating...waiting, I mean. But boy, when it comes....

But those who WAIT on the Lord, Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Curve Road

I was driving the other day down a curve road and I happen to take a glance at something that attracted my attention. As soon as I redirected my attention back to the road I realized that I was off my lane and almost hit the gutter that could have spun my car into oblivion. Driving on a curve road reminds me of our daily walk with the Lord, there will always be elements within the heavenly realm that would seek to divert our attention from our pursuit of following God's statutes. It can come in different forms that can attract our attention much like the forbidden fruit was to both Adam and Eve. Internet Porn, a very pretty/handsome colleague that leads you to what you may think to be an innocent flirtation, cable television shows that has a lot of sexual content and then some. Next thing you know your just far too deep into it that once you try to redirect your attention back to God you would have already hit the gutter so hard and you would have spun and thrown you into a triple turn into nowhere. Temptation is real and should never be underestimated. The safe route to take is to remain focused on the Lord and remain immersed in His word.

So if you think you are standing firm, be grateful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

1Corinthians 10:12-13

Gustav

Everyone was anticipating a category 4 hurricane yesterday. It was all over the news, people evacuating to different states from Lousiana where it was expected to make landfall early Monday morning. Gustav made landfall but did not incur the kind of damage that it was expected to. God is sovereign... we will have our own expectations of what category the storms in our lives will be, sometimes what may be a category 4 for us is nothing but a speck of dust for God. Often times we dodge these expected hurricanes because of God's favor and our faith in Him. All it takes is faith as small as a mustard seed and it begins by believing.

The desciples went and woke him, saying "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith? He asked His disciples."

Luke 8:24-25

Phillip

Phillip was my former Production Director when I began working as a part time Radio Talk Show Host in the Philippines. Back in the day Phillip was a party animal and a heathen in the true sense of the word. When he temporarily left the Radio Industry I lost touch with him for a good year or two. Lo and Behold one lazy weekday afternoon I bumped into him in one of the malls within Bacolod City (where I used to live). He asked me if I was still active in church but before I could answer his question I had to ask him first why he was asking that question (am I sounding too redundant?). Anyways, his reply to me was that he felt that it was time for him to renew himself spiritually. Long story short, I invited him to attend our Monday Night Men's Bible Study which we used to call MOVI (short for Men Of Vision) which we later changed into MEMO (short for Men In Motion). He did show up, committed his life to Jesus and in a course of a few months he helped me and other brothers in the Lord in running a Sunday Evening Christian Radio Talkshow which went on air in one of the top commercial radio stations in our city. A few more months after he spoke to me of his decision to be baptized...a few years later (present time) he is now the Assistant Pastor of Horizon Christian Fellowship, Philippines. He is unstopable and relentless in his pursuit to declare the gospel message to every corner of Bacolod City and the rest of the province. Whether in a Radio Station or in Church, this humble man of God is truly a committed soldier of Jesus Christ. However, in the midst of his success in the ministry he has been striken by a physical illness called APAS (don't even ask me what it is short for ... just google it!). This illness has caused blood clots and almost cost him his life when he suffered from a heart attack triggered by this kind of disease that also attacks the immune system through the blood stream. He has never given up the fight on the contrary in spite of his physical ailment he remains excited to daily testify of the goodness of Jesus in his life. Say a prayer if you will for my very good friend and brother in Christ...Phillip.

So then death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. It is written; "I believe therefore I have spoken." With that same Sprit of faith we also believe and therefore speak.

2 Corinthian 4:12-13

MIGHT CLOUDS OF JOY

I thought of sharing with all of you excerpts from the e-votional that my good friend, brother in Christ and Pastor in the Philippines, Chaz Yandall sent me. While waiting outside of his house to prepare to run some errands he looked up the sky and took this picture (above)...Here is what he observed..."These clouds reminded me of us humans. The high clouds were the ones closest to the sun, they were not moving just like the sun. The second layer of little ones were in such a hurry to get somewhere and then the big dark ones were moving in to block the sun. Not long from when I took this picture the dark clouds hid all the other clouds and the sun to us below we had no idea that there was anything going on above, you only knew if you had been paying attention a few moments before".

He concludes his e-votional by saying "This is a great lesson for us to remember, our circumstances may look like a storm is about to dump on us but what we can't see is that there is still activity in the heavenly realm and that the "Son" always shines, even when we can't see...Be encouraged, Jesus loves you".

Look to the heavens and see; and behold the clouds...they are higher than you

Job 35:5

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OMIE... MISSING YOU UNCLE PAUL

My friend Francis e-mailed me just a few minutes ago reminding us that tomorrow will be our best friend Omie's birthday. He mentioned in his e-mail letter that upon checking his calendar he realized that today (early morning of August 21 in the Philippines) is Omie's birthday and lamented at the thought that Omie won't be around this year to celebrate it and that we apparently are growing old. But I figured that right now Omie is having more fun in heaven with Jesus as he continues to celebrate a new life ... a life of eternal bliss. I spent four days last week grieving, comforting and supporting my family here in the United States as we were preparing to bury my Uncle Paul. I was one of the pallbearers during the funeral, dealing with the idea of loosing someone is never easy... Now, hoping for eternal life and the idea of being reunited with the loved ones you've lost makes the burden easier to bear. Happy Birthday My Dear Friend Omie may you enjoy the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus and His Angels as we all celebrate your new life in heaven. I love you Uncle Paul and I will miss you so much...

Where O death is your victory? Where O death is your sting. The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gave us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:55-56

Uncle Paul

"Delightful!" was always his response whenever we would have a phone conversation and when I would ask him how he was before we started indulging ourselves into deep discussions about life, work, politics and then some. Today, I received a call at around 7:30 in the morning. It was my cousin Marie who was in Mac Allen, Texas. She called to inform me that my Uncle Paul, the Delightful Giant whom I have loved in his living years has passed away. My good friend Pastor Robert Gutierrez called me up immediately as soon as he got word of our loss...I complained to him by begging the question... "how many many more deaths do I need to deal with in a span of one year?" First it was my Father In Law then my Best Friend and now my Beloved Uncle. This is quite a handful to deal with but indeed I find my source of strength in the Lord Jesus Christ who himself had to deal with the thought of loosing His own life for the sake of many (Matthew 26:36-45). I will surely miss the advice and the encouragement that I am a recipient of from Uncle Paul not to mention our long conversations over the phone. Last time I saw him was about a year ago when I went to visit him and my Aunt Meriam, it's hard to believe that he's no longer around...I would like to believe that he's in a better place. Two days from now I will be flying to Mac Allen, Texas to attend the wake and funeral, please pray for me people of Blogland that God may use me to be a source of comfort to my family as we all mourn the death of our beloved Paul Joseph.

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.

1Corinthians 5:1

Torn

I don't think I would need an image to go along with this blog, I am currently in a bind. Part of me is dying to leave which I am definite would prove to have positive results for me and my family but would certainly make people wonder and may even possibly hurt them. The other part is to remain which would absolutely spare me from all the drama and hoopla but may obscure a very important area of my life. I may stop seeing some but remain with some ... go figure. Thus, the ambivalence but there once was a man who told me that between choosing his family and the other things that may prove to be very important to him he would choose his family. May the God of wisdom guide me as I make this very important choice...

If any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault.

James 1:5

Surf's Up ...Again

After a long tedious 12 hour flight from Manila to Los Angeles, I am finally back in the United States. My girls and I were met by my wife and cousin at the LAX airport and it was both an emotional and joyous reunion. As soon as we left LAX we immediately embarked on a two hour road trip to San Diego where I will be spending a week before heading off to the Lone Star State Of Texas. San Diego is pretty it's my kind of place... a beach community, gnarly weather and a beautiful landscape. I went for a 3o minute walk at the community where I live as a guest of my cousin's and I can't help but consider the possibility of moving to this place. Horizon Christian Fellowship (the mother church of the local church where I attend in the Philippines) after all is based here. And I have always considered myself to be a staunch true blue Horizon guy. I was descipled by a guy named Chaz Yandall whose friendship with me and my family has gone a long long way since the early 90s. He now Pastors the local church I attend in the Philippines. That being said, I was stopped short and reminded by God that I should just learn to be content with where he has appointed me to be. Should he decide to uproot me from Dallas or not is after all His prerogative. Be that as it may God is in full control of everything and is always certain that His purpose in each of our lives is served to the fullest for His glory. On a sad note on my way to the airport to catch a plane from Bacolod to Manila en route to Los Angeles my mom informed me that my Dad's health condition has worsened, my mom could not have chosen the best time to share this piece of news with me (God Bless Her!). Would you please say a prayer for my Dad? He is 96 years old but still has an active mind though he may be physically frail. He still travels to to his beloved farm an hour away from Bacolod regularly. I think that it is his form of therapy, he is a good man and war hero. Chaz sent me off at the Bacolod Airport and I remember giving him the heads up at any eventuality (God forbid!) regarding my Dad's health. God allows us to touch base with people whom we care such as our parents so we can be able even in the shortest of time to show His love, mercy and grace to them especially during the time when they have reached the stage when the swell is no longer as big as before. But our task is to prepare them for the time that they would be able to cross to the other side and realize that there are better/bigger waves to surf.

Though our physical being may be gradually decaying yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day.

2Corinthians 4:6

Time To Head Back

I was in an island resort two weeks ago about and hour's drive from where I live here in the Philippines, it's hard not to appreciate God's creation when your in a place that shouts the word "paradise". My return was filled with action, drama, renewal of friendships, spiritual experiences and then some. Tomorrow, I return to the United States...my departure will be bittersweet. I am saddened at the thought of leaving my family (both biological and spiritual) but excited to see my wife again. I am learning to accept that home is where God wants me to be and where He knows I could serve His purpose for His glory. The kicker however is that we should all look forward to living in our Home Eternal... Paradise to the gnarliest degree. What a Stoke! I will miss you Bacolod...Until my next return...Lord willing!

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God. An eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.

2 Corinthians 5: 1

Closure

Two days ago I recieved an extremely moving text message from my best friend's (the late Omie Sola) widow, Gina. She offered to give me Omie's watch because in her words "Omie loved me very much and that she knew that I loved Omie with the same degree as well." I told her to just keep Omie's watch as I have more memories of Omie stored in my heart and in my mind to last me a lifetime. Yesterday morning I travelled to Kabankalan City along with my girls where Omie's body has been laid to rest at the City's Memorial Park. Upon seeing his gravesite I paused and tried to remember the good memories we both had together then I broke down and finally said goodbye. In retrospect I think the most memorable event in my friendship with Omie was the day he was baptized and when I saw his face as soon as he emerged from the water after I dipped him. It was the most joyous face of Omie's that I have seen in our entire friendship. Before I left the gravesite I realized that he is now at a far better place than where I am right now. Only because I obeyed God's call to share the love of Jesus to a friend who was at the time willing to surrender his life to God's will.

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual hould restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:1-2

Crunch Time

One more day before travelling back to the Philippines and its crunch time. Almost everytime I travel, the pressure of packing things and making sure you have everything covered can be extremely overwhelming. But such is the nature of preparing for a trip, no matter how much I try to travel light I always end up bringing a tonne and a half. This reminds me of how Jesus before His ascencion to heaven while appearing to His disciples made it an imperative that they understood the importance of making sure everything was covered in so far as bringing the good news of the gospel to men and women around the world is concerned. His death alone covered a multitude of sins let alone the everlasting life that He is offering to anyone who opens the doors of their hearts when He comes knocking.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.

Matthew 28:19-20

Countdown Begins

Five more days to go and I will be flying back to the Island in the Philippines where I come from. There is so much for me to look forward to about this trip. A reunion with my father and the rest of my clan, seeing my only surviving aunt (on my father's side) who by the way is already going through her second childhood. She asked me to buy her a stuff doll for a present, then there's the opportunity to visit my best friend Omie's family and his burial place. The "Omie" part will be somewhat hard for me, last year when I first returned from the United States Omie would always make it a point to pick me up from my parents' house and bring me around. This year however I won't be having my best friend picking me up and hanging out with me. I look forward to seeing my church family down there and having sweet fellowship with them. But most of all I am curious as to what God's purpose is for my return this time around. It's exciting, it's bittersweet ... The Countdown Begins.

And Mizpah; for he said, The Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent from each other.

Genesis 31:49

If We Are The Body

But if we are the Body

Why aren't His arms reaching

Why aren't His hands healing

Why aren't His words teaching

And if we are the Body

Why aren't His feet going

Why aren't His love not showing them there is a way. There is a way.

Jesus paid much too high a price

For us to pick and choose who should come.

Chorus from the song "If We Are The Body" (Artists: Casting Crowns)

Now the body is not made up of one part but of many.

1 Corinthians 12:14

Sis

They both fight, play, joke around, talk and share secrets together. Sometimes I can't help but be reminded of the relationship between sisters Martha and Mary in the Bible whenever I am with them. Pajie and Jheyjette sisters forever!!!

As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, "Lord don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Luke 10:38-42

Severe Weather 2

Imagine with me for a moment...What if it was pitch dark and all of a sudden you see a lightning coupled with a tornado appear out of nowhere approaching your way, How would you react? ... You only get to live once... don't waste it!

As they sailed, He fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying "Master, Master," we're going to drown!' He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" He asked His disciples.

Luke 8:23-25

Just as man is destined to die once and after that to face judgment.

Hebrews 9:27

Wing It...Not!

Sure, a lot of people believe in God or some kind of a "Supreme Being", "Intelligent Being who designed this world", It's hard for most of them however to commit to the "Biblical Truth" that Jesus suffered and gave His life for us all. Possibly because it requires a quid pro quo such as changing their lifestyle which they may not be comfortable to give up. So it is therefore a better choice to just believe that there is a God period... beyond that is relative. The great King Solomon once declared "For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also VANITY, but FEAR GOD.(Ecclesiastes 5:7)." Have you ever gone BEYOND your BELIEF in a Supreme Being? Take a step of faith today... Recieve Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior and enjoy a personal relationship with Him. Friend, don't just wing it... your eternal life is at stake (seriously!).

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isiah: You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with theri hearts and turn, and I would heal them.

Matthew 13:14-15

U2

Back in the late 80s the popular Irish band U2 came out with a single entitled "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For". I love listening to the song over and over again, U2 was one of my favorite bands back in the 80s and it still is. The title of the song for me begs the question "Are a lot of people trying to find what they are looking for through success in their career, wealth, fame, material belongings? and the list goes on." Twenty years ago I embarked on a spiritual search, trying to look for answers. Suffice it so say that I did find what I was looking for and indeed the "truth" has set me free.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Time Is Of The Essence

Cyclone in Myanmar, Massive Earthquake in China, Typhoon in the Philippines all in a span of days apart. It makes me wonder how do each of us value the urgency of sharing the Gospel of Christ, the Good News? There are many out there who may not have the luxury of time... a relative, a close friend, a co-worker, a classmate. There were a lot of people burried under the rubble when the earthquake occured in China, thousands died during the cyclone in Myanmar most of which did not know Jesus in a personal way. I was blessed by God to have shared the good news of Jesus to my best friend two years ago. He passed away very unexpectedly this year but I will always have the comfort of knowing that he is now in the presence of the Holy One in His Kingdom enjoying life eternal. Share Jesus while you still have the time.

Jesus answered "are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world's light. It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light."

John 11:9-10

Wipe Out!

I was stoked!

But just when I thought I was riding the right wave ...

It came unexpectedly from left field...

Wipe Out!

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even the youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:29-31

Dave

I struck a conversation with my good friend Dave, he informed me that he was looking for a new car to purchase. It came down to two choices a Mini Cooper or a Toyota FJ Cruiser. I looked at him and right off the batt told him that he did not look anywhere near like an FJ Cruiser to me, but rather he looked every bit like a Mini Cooper. It's funny how sometimes people's characters or personalities can match the cars that they drive, there is a peculiar parallel between this illustration and the way we claim ourselves to be Christians. We can shout out loud to the whole world who we are and claim to be Christians all we want ... but do we look it? Do we live like one? Does our talk match our actions? Does our behavior shout the words "I am a Christian!"? Dave by the way hunkered for a Mini Cooper which is awesome to say the least because it matches his character and personality. What about us? What if when somebody tells us "you look like a Christian...are you?" Can we honestly own it? Hmmmmm.......

Do not merely listen to the word of God, and so decieve yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does.

James 1:22-25

SATO

This was my dog Sato he was a cream colored male labrador, He passed away several months ago when he was tragically hit by a bus as he crossed the street from the farmhouse of my friend who was entrusted to care for him when I moved to the United States. I remembered Sato to be a very loyal dog who knew who his master was. He wagged his tail whenever he saw me and Pajie (my eldest daughter) whenever we took him out of his cage to play with him. He loved going inside my airconditioned room to cool himself from the very humid weather. We enjoyed playing with him and he in turn enjoyed being around us. Sometimes I would argue that dogs are better than humans when it comes to relationships in terms of loyalty, love and affection. They can never cause you any pain except when they get sick or when you loose them. But alas! they are just animals, lesser creatures than men. That being said we are not dogs either but in the manner of loyalty we should always have the wisdom to know who our real Master is in all theological and spiritual aspects. There is no such thing as neutrality in our relationship with the Lord. No compromise, no gimmicks, no story telling under false pretenses within a cofee shop setting just to "win people to the side of truth" even if it requires twisting the genuine truth to the point of leaning towards liberal theology. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life ... there are no two ways about it, make no mistake! To teach a different truth that contradicts how the Word Of God defines it so there could be and appearance of neutrality and can be viewed as attractive, this in order to gain more church goers is erroneous at best and should never be adhered upon. May we all use our God given discernment...

I know your deeds that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Revelations 3:15-16

Paige

I was driving on the freeway when we got stuck for about two hours in a horrendous traffic jam on our way to have dinner at a mall. Of course when waiting to reach your destination while traversing an extremely slow moving traffic what do you do? You try to beat the boredome from out of your system. Ergo one of the ways to do that is to entertain yourself (singular, if you are driving alone) and or yourselves (plural if you're with other people e.g. your family). As we were moving closer to our destination albeit in a turtle pace I heard a voice so sweet and angelic from the backseat of the vehicle. I heard her sing a number of times before but none could've compared to how she sang that night. She sang like a nightingale in one of the animated movies I had watched when I was just a squirt and a half. I immediately stared towards the direction of my wife who was sitting beside me, initially with disbelief that later turned into amusement (It was one of those "I am proud to be your Dad moments"). Paige is her name and she is my youngest daughter, we nicknamed her Jheyjette. This morning on my way to drop her off to school I encouraged her to use the gift that God has given her only to glorify Him to which she agreed. I must admit I never thought her talent would ever go beyond mastering computer games or making witty remarks...I surprised myself! Praise God! for kids who with their childlike faith bring so much joy to their parents.

After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had recieved five talents brought the other five. "Master he said, you entrusted me with five talents. See I have gained five more." His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful sevant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things, Come and share your master's happiness!"

Matthew 25:19-21

Winchester

His name is Winchester as in the rifle you would see in western movies being rapidly fired from the hands of the "Duke" John Wayne himself. Winchester is the new kid on the block at our workplace and he's fairly young . He (like I was six months ago) is gradually learning the ropes and the nature of our work. Often times my boss would ask me to assist him so he would familiarize himself with the process of how we do things. I have seen him commit errors every now and then much like how I did it back in the days. But unlike Arthur who was assigned to assist me before (he was kind of harsh and was a very impatient teacher, although we later on ended up becoming friends) I would gently show Winchester where he went wrong and encourage him to do it again and lend him a helping hand while showing him the right way to do things. It's wierd how looking back in retrospect I was the same person and how much I have changed over the months at work. I have gone from being the trainee to becoming the trainor. It reminds me of God's grace and mercy in the light the our pursuit of obedience to His word. And how amazing it is to hear of fellow Christians who went through situations in the past assist those who are going through the exact same situation with the same compassion and comfort that Jesus has extended to them. This much I know that we will trip, flip over and fall face down but there will always be a Phenjie to a Winchester, a Phenjie to an Omie, a Chaz or a Butch or a Robert to a Phenjie. But more importantly to all of us there will always be Jesus to lift us up from a fall and to help us keep walking within the path of righteousness.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles with the comfort we ourselves have recieved from God.

2Corinthians 1:3-4

SEQUE

Today he turns 96 years old A War Time Hero... Veteran of the Second World War, Leader of the Signal Corps Unit that brought the destruction of an entire fleet of Japanese ships that led to the end of the Japanese occupation. A Businessman who has a very sharp foresight and very wise when it comes to his investments. A Father who has faithfuly met the needs of all of his children. A Grandfather who lovingly looks after his grandkids in a most magnanemous manner. A Benevolent Boss, Uncle and Patriarch of our clan. He is fondly called Seque by his fellow veterans, relatives and friends. As for me he will always be "Papa", who made me sit on his lap when I was young and walked me through the fields of our farm, brought me to watch the afternoon matinees at a local movie theater and encouraged me to find my own spiritual answers to life. When he found out about my conversion he told me these words which I remember so vividly "Your belief is your choice, let no one dictate to you otherwise. Son, follow your convictions." I just spoke to him a few minutes ago, I could sense from his voice how much he longs to see his youngest and only son again and how he regrets not having me around to celebrate his birthday with him.

Lord willing I will see you soon Papa... Happy Birthday and I love you so much.

Listen to your FATHER who begot you. And do not despise your mother when she is old.

Proverbs 23:22

MY BAD!

I was oblivious on whether she was just parked and waiting for somebody to climb up her car or waiting for the car that was backing up so she could take over the parking space. I swirved to her left side and unaware of the offense I was about to commit I just went on ahead and took the parking space that was meant for her. As soon as I got out of my car I heard somebody scream off the top of her lungs. The words coming out of her mouth were thrown towards my direction like a rocket grenade fired from an RPG. She felt offended...I felt embarassed and like a wild animal defending his teritory I wanted so badly to retaliate and say the words "Right Back At Ya!' But I felt a conviction so strong, I backed off and instead did the opposite ... I apologized! A transposition took place, now if I were in her shoes and the same exact thing happened to me I would not immediately assume that the person who stole my parking space was oblivious on whether I was waiting for a parking space or just parking by the side while waiting for a companion, I too would have felt offended to say the least. She accepted my apologies but was still obviously upset. We parted ways, I felt peace that only the Holy Spirit can provide.

And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him take your cloak as well.

Matthew 5:40

PAJIE

Sixteen years ago at exactly one in the morning my wife and I were blessed by God with a bouncing baby girl. Amazing how time flies, now she's all grown up ipod and all and then some. It is the joy of knowing that she remains to be a God fearing individual that continues to comfort me. I hope and pray that she would remain steadfast in her faith in Jesus. This in spite of the speed bumps that she would have to encounter as she is faced with the reality of having to attempt to traverse the treacherous highways of life.

Happy Birthday Pajie, may you continue to remain the sweet and loving child that you are!!!

Even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right.

Proverbs 20:11

EPIFANIO

He took the risk to say what I had to hear, I sat with utter discomfort as I listened to what he was about to tell me. I was about to become defensive over the words that came out of his mouth until I realized that there was really nothing to defend about if the person telling me all these speak only of the truth. I asked a question... "How did you know all these? How is it that you were able to read my thoughts? to which he replied...I can only say these things to you, because I AM YOU." As a recepient of these words of wisdom, I will forever be greatful...Though the words hit me hard...It it did knock some sense out of me. Thank You Epifanio...You are FAMILY!

Faithful are the wounds of a friend. But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Proverbs 27:6

Calm After The Storm

Once again a little bit of peace and tranquility. But I await with caution the next batch of storms...How long must I hold down the fort O God?...In you and you alone shall I find strength with a steady supply of wisdom coming from the people whom you send towards my path.

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him. For the help of His countenance

Psalm 42:5

Exhausted

I am battle scarred, tired and on the verge of giving up... but my hope is in Jesus who continues to give me the strength to hold on. Father, I am walking on thin ice but I know that you will let it remain solid no matter how long I will be walking on top of it.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my bruden is light.

Matthew 11:28-29

Tete-a-Tete

Miguel and I work together and oftentimes we would both engage ourselves in a little colloquy about anything under the sun. He thinks that I am an intersesting person to converse with. Today, of all the topics in the world we discussed about religion he claims to believe in a Supreme Being but thinks it is crazy to believe in Jesus being the Son of God who gave His life for the sins of men. He asked me point blank if I believed that Jesus is the Son of God my initial thought was that I should rather err in the side of caution as I did not want to engage in a debate with Miguel certainly not in the middle of work. But instead, I looked at him straight in the eye and said "yes I believe that Jesus is the Son of God". He thought this was crazy but I just gradually and gently spoke about my not being religious yet maintaining a personal relationship with God. I have not gone full circle with Miguel and it is going to be an uphill battle (it's gonna take a lot of work I would imagine). But I know that God ordained that moment perhaps to plant a seed. Please pray for Miguel that he may know Jesus in a personal way and pray for me that I may be able to go beyond just telling him that I believe that Jesus is the Son of God but that I could explain with love and eagerness why I hold this position and then proceed to minister to Miguel and share the joy that I have inside because of having a personal relationship with Jesus.

I am the way the truth and the life no one else can come to the Father except through me.

John 14:6

Unreachable Star

A Movie Actor and Singer who was very popular back in the 60s had everything... he had a good and beautiful wife, three wonderful kids, money and fame. But it seemed like all these were not enough, he later became a philanderer and had gone the way of the world and it was not surprising to everyone that this would soon be the primary reason behind the collapse of his marriage. He later lived a low key life where he finally gave his life to Jesus and became an evangelist. Since then he has reconciled with his wife and children and now enjoys spending time with his twelve grandkids. He also continues to serve God as a Chruch Choir Director and an Evangelist. Asked by a journalist if he has finally reached the "Unreachable Star" his reply was... "the Unreachable Star (alluding to Jesus) has gone down to reach out to me."

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Matthew 16:26

Severe Weather

Yesterday as was the week before North Texas was under a Severe Weather, last week several parts of the DFW metroplex witnessed the sirens go off as some of their roofs were blown off by the strong winds. Yesterday evening when I was watching the news and monitoring the weather the meteorologist kept on warning the viewers to stay inside their homes, keep away from the windows and if possible go down to the basement area. I live in the second floor of an apartment building, we have no basement area all we could do is pray and trust God and at the very least stay inside the bathroom and huddle ourselves within the tub whenever a tornado warning comes up.

In life we go through unpredictable situations that hit us like a tornado and much like a severe weather these things are beyond our control. The only comfort that we have is that whatever the outcome of these situations ... God is fully in control and will not allow us to go through a trial that is beyond our capacity to endure.

Then He got into the boat and His disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "YOU OF LITTLE FAITH. WHY ARE YOU SO AFRAID?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

Matthew 8:23-26

Boss

My boss asked me to come inside her office while I was in the middle of my work today. On my way to the office I was in a quandary as to why I was being called into her office. Although a bit perplexed I continued to proceed towards her general direction, it was then that she told me that she was giving me a raise because my performance it seems was more than what the company had expected from me. I was overjoyed but was careful to immediately bring back all the glory to the Lord.

When the time comes for us to return to our Creator wouldn't it be neat to hear Him tell us how much He appreciates the work He has done through us for the expansion of His Kingdom and the salvation of many souls who otherwise would have ended up in hell had they not heard of the good news of the gospel and the saving knowledge of His son Jesus?

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life to mind your own business and to work with your hands just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

1Thessalonians 4:11-12

Wave Rider

Surfers aim hard to find the right wave in order for them to have the ultimate stoke. A lot of people claim to have found religion or God albeit the lack of conversion. I did not find God ... I strongly believe that He chose me from the beginning of time to serve His purpose for His glory through the life that I live. I may go through a process of change yet in my imperfection I find comfort in His word, grace and mercy that compels me to have a more profound appreciation of the word "obedience". He gave me the right wave twenty years ago and up to this day I still continue to ride the same wave, there are occasional wipe outs but God keeps scooping me out of the current so I could climb back on my surfboard and paddle towards the swell that will eventually lead me to a state of ultimate stoke.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

John 15:16

Remiss

"Is it possible for Christians to miss the benefits of rest?"

Pastor Russel "Butch" Diwa

Senior Pastor of The Biblical Community Church

For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.

Exodus 20:11

Rainbow

There's a Rainbow always after the Rain.

"The interseting thing is that you cannot minister to others without being ministered to yourself. That's the glorious thing about ministry."

Chuck Smith
Senior Pastor
Calvary Chapel Movement

And the Lord restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Job 42:10

Daunting

I go through the motions of change...I am incessantly reminded of how imperfect I am and how flawed my life is...But I serve a Perfect God whose grace and mercy sustains me daily.

For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do-this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work. When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law.

Romans 7:19-22

Hope For A Nation

A survey was done in the United States, the Bible emerged as the book most read by the citizens of this beautiful nation. There is a good reason for the children of God to be in a state of jubilation. The Word Of God ... Salvation Through Jesus, His Son... Hope Springs ...Hope For A Nation!!!

So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading. And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people "This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.

Nehemiah 8:8-9

Illumination

Children of the Light...Children of the Living God...Shine in the midst of Darkness...Shine...Illuminate the Horizon with your lovely glow...Lord let me Shine...Shine like the moon...

Jesus said "I am the light of the world whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but have the light of life."

John 8:12

You are the light of the world. A city on the hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

What Controls You

Dissipation: unrestrained yield to pleasurable temptation.

Spirit Filled: relinquished fully to God's will.

Excerpts from the sermon of Pastor Russel "Butch" Diwa (April 6, 2008)

Do not get drunk with wine which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the spirit.

Ephesians 5:18

Beyond The Wild Blue Yonder

I was browsing through some of the text message on my cell phone's inbox and I noticed that I kept the final text messages that my best friend, Omie sent to me while I was about to board the plane that would take me from Manila to Los Angeles after a visit to my hometown of Bacolod in the Philippines last summer. The message content was as follows: "Bro, thanks for spending just a little time with us I pray for your safe trip home. I know I am gonna miss you...I will miss your company. Bye Bro." I was balling when I read it, sometimes it takes a while before a person could accept that someone who means so much to him is no longer around. I miss you Bro there is not a day that I wished you were still with us. I'll see you soon Bud!... beyond the Wild Blue Yonder.

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24

Narcissism

I was watching an entertainment news report about an actor who (after years of being in hiatus) was given an offer to do a movie which could have been his comeback project. After signing a contract with the movie outfit and after recieving a down payment for the said project he changed his mind. The reason behind the change of heart? The movie did not focus enough on the character that he would have played, his manager argued that if this was gonna be his comeback movie then one can infer to the fact that the whole storyline of the movie should have revolved around the actor's character. See now, this is very disturbing for me I guess I just have problems dealing with characters having an ego the size of the great state of Texas. I don't pretend to know the whole story but indeed if you examine the video of his manager's interview, I guess it speaks for itself. In contrast Jesus in the book of Philippians chapter two was the exact opposite, He is the Son of God yet He did not make such a big deal about it. Paul gives a rundown of the kind of humility that you would find in Jesus' character in his letter to the Philippian church.

Narcissism: an abnormal tendency to admire one's perfection (Webster's Dictionary).

Then Jesus said to His desciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, but yet forfiets his soul? Or what can man give in exchange for his soul?"

Matthew 16:24-26

GPS

When I need to find my way around areas unfamiliar to me a GPS can always come in handy. As we traverse the roads of our spiritual lives it helps to seek God through His word to keep us on the right track.

GPS: Gospel, Praise and Service...Can't go wrong if these three factor into your walk with Jesus.

Jesus answered, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life no one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:6

Dollars And Cents

Are we in a recession or are we not in a recession? Should we rely on man's economy? ....Or trust in God's economy?

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

Matthew 6:31-34