The Battle Belongs To The Lord

Visions of horror
Visions of hope
Trudging through terror
Sliding down a slimy slope
Reeling from the sorrows
Heads buried beneath the burrows
Preparing to wave the white flag
But alas, a sliver through the dark clouds
A revelation
What was intended to break me
God purposed for good
So it's time to fly
No wings to flap & glide
Just faith, yes faith
In the One who can catch my arms
And hold my hand as tightly as He can
As I was swinging w/Him  through the blue skies
In the midst of the howling winds & bumpy air pockets
Did I hear Him whisper the words
Don't be afraid child be strong & courageous
For the battle belongs to the Lord
Wait and be strong it's my fight
My war, my victory, my glory
Yes child the battle belongs to the Lord
You need only to wait & be not afraid!

Acts 4:13-20

 Peter and John were forced to defend themselves before the Sandhedrin (which is the Supreme Council or Court presided by the High Priest) after healing a lame man. In verse 8 of this passage, Luke (the author of the Book of Acts) describes Peter as being filled with the Holy Spirit as he boldly presents his defense before the council. This was the same Peter we see in the gospels that strikes me as a goofball, a man who was the epitome of the word "glitch", however after the resurrection of Jesus and the miracle that occurred in the upper room I began to see a different kind of Peter. Another thing that caught my attention was how the council in their perplexed state of mind perceived Peter and John (v. 13) as uneducated and untrained men... Uneducated and Untrained? And yet the council leaders became so impressed at how astutely John and Peter defended the gospel (consistent to what Paul mentions in the book of 1 Corinthians 1:20-21 which reads "God chooses the foolish to shame the wise"). What these ever so highly respected men of the council realized in the end was that John and Peter had been with Jesus ergo this explains the boldness and eloquence of speech. Their courageous defense of the Full Counsel Of God's Word was extremely impeccable as a result of time spent with Jesus. Folks we don't nee a PHD or a Doctorate to present or defend the Inerrant Word of God in order for us to share the gospel to a relative, a friend, a co-worker, a schoolmate or a random stranger. We need only to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit who guided Peter and John in their defense of the gospel before the Sanhedrin. Communing daily with Jesus through the study of His word, immersing ourselves in His presence regularly allows us to be filled with the Holy Spirit therefore giving us the boldness and wisdom to say what needs to be said when God opens the doors for us to witness. The reaction of the recipient of the good news that you will be sharing to will be one of two things... Either the person repents or demonstrates hostility towards you and rejects the gospel. Whatever the result may be the seed has been planted. My Evangelical Hero, Chuck Smith once said "The same sun that melts the wax is the same sun that hardens the mud." In conclusion in verses 18-19 of Acts 4, the Apostle Luke narrates how the council commanded and threatened Peter and John, warning them to no longer preach in the name of Jesus or face dire consequences... I love the way they responded to the council's threat with much chutzpah. The Evangelical Dynamic Duo's response is as follows (and I'm paraphrasing it a little bit lol) "Which is right in God's eyes? To listen to you (mere men) or to Him (God) go figure! As for us (Peter and John) we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Wow this right here shows us obedience at its best. When we obey God, He takes care of everything else. With that after giving two or more empty threats the council released them.

HERO

During the Second World War he led a Resistance Movement Unit in the Philippines called the "Signal Corps". Their goal was to provide vital information to the United States Military of the activities as well as the movements of the Japanese Imperial Forces occupying the country of the Philippines. The Battle Of The Philippine Sea for example was won partly because of the gallant efforts of the "Signal Corps" led by a certain Lieutenant Jose "Seque" Villacin in informing the United States Navy of an Armada of Japanese Ships setting out to ambush a U.S. Naval Fleet within the islands of Palau. The tide was turned because Lt. Villacin and his men were quick to pass on the information to the United States Forces In The Pacific and the United States Navy eventually won the battle that led to the return of General Douglas McArthur to the Philippines. Along with his troops, Mc Arthur led the battle for the liberation of the country of the Philippines from its invaders that eventually led to the surrender of the nation of Japan to the Allied Forces in the Pacific.

I am a proud son of a Hero, who served both the countries of the United States of America and the Philippines with so much courage, his life was always at stake as he held the most important responsibility of handling the extremely sensitive task of "Military Communications". He served for the cause of Freedom and Peace and he was a warrior until he caught his last breath as he engaged himself into the final battle of his life against cancer.

The most courageous part of his battle was acknowledging the need of a Savior and the humility to repent of his sins. He knew that this was the only way to attain a glorious victory by bringing back the glory to Jesus. He was a WARIOR til the end...and he fought gallantly and like Job never blamed God for the his adversities yet humbled himself to pray to God everyday...I know this coz' I was there beside him all the time and in fact would in many occasions be the one to lead him in prayer as he lay in silence and suffering intensely from the pain that the cancer had brought him yet he was very much in agreement with the words that came out of my mouth while we were both praying.

As the bugler played the "Taps" and the Soldiers gave him the "Twenty One Gun Salute" I could not help but break down in tears. I was saddened to have lost him but happy that he is now a Citizen of the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN of which Jesus is the King.

Where an Army Of Angels has given him a warm Heavenly Welcome as he walked the Streets Of Gold approaching the presence of a King waiting to accept and embrace him with open arms saying the words "Well Done My Good And Faithful Servant...Well Done!"

I Love You Papa...It pains me to realize that you left on the same month of my birthday. But I know your are now in good hands...free from pain and able to fly like an eagle.

OLD SOLDIERS NEVER DIE...THEY MOVE TO A BETTER PLACE, WHERE THE STREETS ARE MADE OF GOLD AND WHERE THEY CAN ENJOY LIFE ETERNAL!

He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in Trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.
Psalm 91:16

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