Not Where I Used to Be

“I may not be where I need to be but I thank God I am not where I used to be.”― Joyce Meyer, speaker and author

That quote finally had made an impact on me at this point of my life. Why is it so? Let me explain.

Picture credit: www.the-spearhead.com

In the past days I've been writing about my life during my third year in high school, which I've centered around my unsuccessful leadership as the elected president of the section where I was in. I've sought my journals to weave a draft day by day. As I've read through my (almost) daily accounts, recollecting sudden happenings in my life made me reflect how hard life has been at that time, and how much I learned from the year-long burden.

My eyes and heart, undergoing an ongoing "coming-of-age", were opened to many things, especially the reality of life.

"Hand to Face 1" by Tim Patrick
Picture credit: http://www.timpatrick.co.uk/

Among those realities, this stands out: leading is not an easy job, especially handling a large group of people where tensions tend to regularly spring up; and at this point I am doubtingly ready to take that role again. Reading a biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. emphasized that reality further. The difference is he got through, and I've gone moribund.

Reading through my journals also made me realize my multitudes of faults and my bulk of immaturity during those times. Not only had I a novice's journey through presidency, but also a struggling entanglement with sins and selfishness. I related with people in very poor, silly ways. I dealt with problems as if I've lost my sense of thinking and humility. I've been too soft, and at the same time too callous. Even after third year I was still quietly bitter, brought by the harsh life I faced.

But praise God! I'm glad I've thrived through all of these. Though I realized the reality of life, I further knew that God continues a good work on me. I've been officially a believer since pre-grade 6, but still I failed so much. Yet going on with a walk with Christ, I have grown further in the faith, and I have learned greater things alongside it.

I realized, especially while I'm checking out of high school and gearing up for college, that I should let go of the bitterness I accumulated. I need to forgive, and by God's grace I did wholeheartedly.

Furthermore, reading the Bible frequently and memorizing verses really helped me a lot in my ongoing growth. Here's this verse I am really glad to know:

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."—John 8:36 (NIV)

And because He already has set me free from sin, through what Jesus did on the cross, then why should I still be imprisoned in sin?

I learned to look up to God, and shake off my sins—relying on His immense ability and not on my own vain effort—for I'm already free through Christ.

For real, God goes on working great things in me, such as amazing changes: a wider devotion to God's Word, an expanding commitment to prayer, a heightening longing for fellowship with other believers.

And that's how I say I'm not where I used to be. I am not a professional yet, and I still face many challenges, and I'm not perfect; but I'm thankful I'm no longer a prisoner of darkness, someone found but still lost—where I used to be.

With the faith I'm holding on, I'm going further with life with God, who has great plans for me, for all of us (Jeremiah 29:11). The best is yet to come.

"Project America - Martin Luther King Jr." by Franco Fasano
Picture credit: http://www.celesteprize.com/

Postscript: Change can also be done in you, dear reader. Let God drive your life, and let Him take you to where He wants you to be—a blessed, abundant life.

He loves you so much He wants you to be with Him. What Jesus did is enough. The gift of salvation is already there. What's missing? You. Your choice. Decide to have faith, accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and you have already made the most important decision of your life.

Relentless Praise

"Sing the praises of the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done."—Psalm 9:11(NIV)

"Wherever and whenever we meet in the name of Christ, we should consider him as present in the midst of us."—Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary(Matt. 18:15-20)

In a Wednesday evening the night sky encircled Araneta Coliseum. Crowds lined-up and gathered inside the dome, and soon they filled it. While I and my fellow people from the church settled on our seats in an upper box—enough to see the stage where all that happened that night would take place—people continued to group in the boxes above and the floor below.

That scene seemingly appear, as our youth pastor noted, that many Filipinos now are aflame towards God, that many Filipinos are gaining an interest in Jesus Christ. For that night was a night of moving and empowering praise to God. That night, the famous contemporary Christian music band Hillsong United came to Manila to perform their first of two shows (the next was on the following Friday), and, above all, to praise the One who made playing such good and notable sounds possible.

Before the performances started (from the planned 7:30 to around 9:00), 2 big screens near the stage showed very wonderful and artistic videos promoting Hillsong Worship’s latestannual album No Other Name; as well as Hillsong Young & Free, Hillsong church’s newest band; and also Hillsong College and this year's Hillsong conference. The people behind these videos really did a great job of showing splendid art and using fine techniques for a cause.

Great music

The performance started, as I’ve said, around 9 pm. And the great crowd surrounding the 11-piece band excitedly cheered and gradually stood as the uninterrupted concert commenced with what I consider as the track I like the most from the band’s latest album Zion—“Relentless”.

As the concert went on, the audience sang together, as well as lifted their hands. And they jumped to the upbeat songs. And I didn’t expect that I would be moved as much as the crowd was.

During the praises in our church’s service on Sundays, I simply sang and clapped; then when I took charge of the visuals for the service as I grew up, I only sing quietly with a low voice. Only in the concert, however, did I raised my hands again, as well as sing my heart out (that doesn’t always mean singing in a high voice, ok?), and jumped at seemingly the “biggest dance party” that night.

The concert went on with a deeper impact and touch around the dome with fresh renditions of United’s trademark songs, from “Hosanna” to “Inside Out”; and new music from their latest album, including “Oceans(Where Feet May Fail)” (with the beautiful and wonderful voice of the only female in the band), “Aftermath”,  and “Stay and Wait”.

The presence of God was really felt as people gathered together in the Big Dome in His Name! What a great experience it was…One remarkable thing I witnessed was when one of the singers mentioned what was imprinted on each black shirt my companions and I wore that night—“If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

Of course, all in the setlist moved me that night from “Relentless” to the finale, “With Everything”, where we chanted in chorus a musical melody, like an audience in a football match, which led Hillsong United back to the stage for the encore.

In the encore, they sang some songs which were apart from the band’s discography. They were from Hillsong Young & Free, namely “Alive” and “Wake”. I also remembered singer Joel Houston saying, while the crowd asked for “more!”, “You’re all crazy…” Nevertheless, he noticed earlier in the concert that Philippines is the favorite in Asia, especially that it wasn’t expected that the audience filled the dome! The real finale that put the 2-hour praise to a close was the very well-known “One Way”.

Brilliant visuals

                                     

Not only did I appreciate the music. I also appreciated the visuals. Not only were there 2 big screens, but also a “lighted mountain” in the background of the stage, and enclosed in the “mountain” was a mountain-shaped screen.

Throughout the concert the art was impressive, as well as the effects they applied into it, from the bursts of colors to the fast clash of different camera angles. It’s just that the keyboardist wasn’t shown on the live feed (in my perception). I really waited for the keyboardist to be captured on camera, yet I haven’t seen any; but that’s just fine. I’m so much proud of the multimedia ministry that made these visuals go with the music.

Indeed, it was a blessing event, a very fresh experience of praising and worshiping God, as Filipinos gathered that night in His presence. I saw and heard a fresh treatment of modern Christian music, and I felt its amazing effect.

I hope they’ll come here again, and with that, for me to bring my friends with me. I look forward to a DVD of this concert, and for Hillsong Young & Free to perform here.

June 11, 2014—it was a night of moving, relentless praise. 

—  

Picture credit: Some were taken by the author, but the majority were captured by his sister.

Postscript: Christmas (on the piece "Two Christmases")

2 years ago, I wrote a piece here, where I depicted 2 different Christmases: one that was a joyous celebration, and one that was not that joyous.

Days before Christmas that year, Typhoon Washi, or Sendong, struck Mindanao and parts of Visayas and Palawan. As long as I can remember, the pictures and videos showed a very tragic aftermath. One picture that I put there in the post set my mood down. I did wonder: how they'll spend Christmas when there's nothing left? When their love ones were carried away from them?

This year, I felt the same again. History repeated itself, but now in a stronger level. Typhoon Haiyan, or Yolanda, is seen as the greatest storm yet. It brought damage in Visayas and parts of Minanao. It turned Tacloban and nearby places into "ghost towns", like that in The Walking Dead, or Cell.

Seeing on the TV screen what was going on there pulled me in awe. I felt compassion. I was saddened suddenly. I wondered what can I do to help. And so I wrote the poem "Donation".

Prayers were all I can give at those times. Thankfully, some days after, I took the chance of giving unused clothes.

I think this 2013 it's two Christmases again. But I also think it's not a sad Christmas at all.

Last Christmas Eve morning, I saw on the front page of The Philippine Star a nice picture of 2 typhoon survivors arranging a Christmas tree out of recyclables and relief goods. I can see there that for them it's really not a sad Christmas at all.

Despite of the storm, the Filipino spirit stayed strong. It will stay strong. Amid the sadness and grief, there are still smiles, and even laughter. Optimism remains, and hope rises.

I hope my fellow Filipinos there will get better as they go on rebuilding the devastated lands, together with the efforts of other Filipinos and the international community.

I also hope they will find hope in the Reason for the Season—in Jesus Christ. They may find Him in these trying times. They may grip on Him.

He is really the reason why we celebrate Christmas. Again—I'll point it out to you—the day of His birth is not specifically pointed out. But for me it's good enough to celebrate the fact that He existed, that He was born for us, for the salvation of mankind.

Christmas is not much about gifts, or getting what you want, or enjoying a feast. It's celebrating God's goodness and love. It's learning to be generous and overflowing with love towards others. It is acknowledging what God has done to us out of His love—giving the dying world His perfect present, a living Savior(credits to Our Daily Bread). That was what I was reminded of this Christmas.

Days before this, I really didn't feel it's Christmas. There's the usual work, plus a burden that suddenly came like a storm (I prefer not to tell you that until a better time permits).

But God is good, I was blessed with such presents this Christmas season. They're not wrapped, they just came in. One of them was that reminder of what the season really is. I think it's better to list the others:

• The joy of giving (at Christmas party). 
• The joy of being with friends that I missed since 4th year began (post-party)
• That peace coming from the Prince of Peace
• The joy of bonding with the family
• The rest I can have after all the hustle and bustle

This year's Christmas appeared to be different from the past ones. But still, it's a blessing.

I hope, dear reader, that you also see Christmas as I now see it. And I hope you'll accept Him in your life. The gift is already there. It's yours to accept.

Blessed holidays to you! 

"He left His Father's throne above

So free so infinite His grace!
Emptied Himself of all but love
And bled for Adam's helpless race.

Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou my God shouldst die for me?..."

—"And Can It Be That I Should Gain?" 
from A Treasury of Hymns, Ralph Carmichael and the 
London Symphony Orchestra and Choir

Donation

I have three words for Haiyan, or Yolanda, which deeply struck the Philippines, actually Visayas: strong, short, but most of all saddening.

For the first time I felt a heavy sadness and awe when I saw the pictures of destruction, the piles of debris, and the agony of people in Leyte and Samar on television. Really depressing. 

After the typhoon, lots of help came, from both the local and international. Telethons are held. Concerts happen for the cause. Celebrities auction their things. Foreign aid, which amounts to billions, is given (we hope that they wouldn't go nowhere). 

But how about me?, I thought last Sunday. Shouldn't I give something? Shouldn't I give to Red Cross or somewhere else? Shouldn't I donate?

I lament the situation, but shouldn't I donate? Yet, unlike others, I don't get much money, though I admit I have savings. 

Thankfully, last Wednesday our school called for donations. 

But at that Sunday evening, the thought crowded my mind. What could I give at the moment? 

And so I give you this 2-stanza poem.

Donation

What can I do
but only prayers for you?
Head down, face frown
For the tragedy that put you down

Thankful here, for we're safe
Thankful there, for our spirit's great
Hoping you will all get well
God be with us: to trust may we never forget.

11/10/13

Put To Death, Bury To The Grave

"If I could change I would take back the pain I would
Retrace every wrong move that I made I would
If I could stand up and take the blame I would
If I could take all the shame to the grave I would"

—Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, from "Easier To Run"

"When you feel my heat
Look into my eyes
It’s where my demons hide
It’s where my demons hide"
—from "Demons", Imagine Dragons

At the end of October and the beginning of November, people celebrate Halloween and remember their loved ones who have passed away. Many of us also celebrate around horror characters and anything else that will scare us, maybe wearing "scary" costumes and engaging in Halloween parties.

When these days come, horror doesn't only come to mind. There are also the mythical creatures, ghosts, monsters and zombies (aren't those horror too?). And since there's All Saints' Day and All Souls Day, there come the subjects of death and the dead. Graves, tombs, cemeteries, burial. Those things.

And I just thought of something: things we should put to death.

There are those things we should remove from us. There are those things which shouldn't remain in our lives. There are such things that should no longer stay in us. Those are the monsters in us.

Author Stephen King, whose Cell I'm currently reading and whose Carrie was recently re-remade in a movie, had a very notable quote:“Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win.” I agree to that. 

I'm not a guy who frenzies himself over ghosts or the paranormal. I don't watch horror films very much, though sci-fi film Videodrome scared me (Note: I didn't concentrate myself on the SPG(not SPG at all) parts of the story, ok?). I hardly believe in ghosts(but believe in the Holy Ghost). But I believe we are the ones who make the monsters and the ghosts. The evil many of us watch and get scared of actually lies in the human. I'm not saying that we are totally bad people, but I refer the monsters to our bad behaviors and bad habits: anger, rage, jealousy, envy, contempt, hatred, and even lust(and there are more). I can equate the ghosts to the past that we dip ourselves in, the past that cloud us when we should really face the present and, say, move on.

Will you let yourself, dear reader, to be defeated by the monsters inside you? Will you always remember what happened before, when you can start again and never be a slave of 'before'? Far from what you see every time you are in a movie marathon watching horror films to get your lungs screaming, far from what you read in fantasy stories and what you see in The Walking Dead, these monsters and ghosts are really the enemies that can and will kill us. 

In movies or TV series, aren't these monsters, ghosts, or zombies confronted and aimed to be killed? This now sounds like Frankenstein, killing what can kill us. But my point is why should we tolerate these bad things that can knock us off? Why nurture the evils that can choke us? Why not put them to death, and bury them to the grave? 

Bitterness, anger, envy, jealousy, hatred...even your/our total hatred on Miley Cyrus as if she's Hitler. Also our judgmental self, our quick-judging selves who look at people around us and look at current issues and instantly making conclusions even though we don't know the whole story or understand the reasons why. Plus the habits that worsen our lives, either physically, emotionally, or in other way—let's terminate all these destructive monsters.

I can relate to a Linkin Park song, where Mike Shinoda raps about a wish: "If I could take all the shame to the grave I would". If I could change the wrongs I did before, I would.  But, the past cannot be changed. But that doesn't mean we have to live there. So, kill the ghost that traps you with the past, and focus on the present.

I hope I'm clear there—the monsters and ghosts. But how? And can we?

You see on your screens in good-vs.-bad stories that there's someone or a group of people defeating all the evil and winning in the end. Nice scene, huh? Unfortunately, that cannot happen in reality. We can't erase evil in ourselves. We cannot kill the monsters and flee the ghosts all on our own. If we want to kill them, then we need help. And that help comes right from who else but God. 

Good defeats evil. God did, through Jesus Christ, on the cross. And we can through His strength. To defeat the demons hiding inside, we need Him. Much more, we need to accept His gift of salvation, that salvation that frees us from sin, from the monsters and ghosts, from evil's hold. So why don't you reach your hands to His, open your heart to Him, pray, and let Him listen to you?

At these times of remembering the dead, may you not just remember the dead. May you also put the monsters inside to death. “Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win.” This time, may we win—with God's help.

"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature..."

—Colossians 3:5, NIV

The Weekend (Good)News

    It has been Holy Week.People took a break from their jobs.They either leave their homes and had leisurely or spiritual vacations-whether it's Baguio or Boracay or any other place;or they'll just stay at their homes,entertaining themselves on Internet,cable TV,or DVD.The radio stayed silent for a while,beginning on Maunday Thursday,though other stations turned somber or calm as they continued playing soft music.Some local television stations on free TV temporarily left the airwaves beginning on the same day-including the People's Television(the station of the government).Most of the stations remained on air,although they began signing on at a later time and broadcasting special programming,showing cartoons,movies,and religious specials,and documentaries.Thanks to cable,I can have more entertainment and information to watch,not waiting for the stations to sign-on.When I was a very young child before,I thought radio and television stations acted this way because it's Holy Week,stopping from the regular schedule and become "calm".We can say it that way-out of respect(Got it from Wikipedia).But I also thought of one reason when I grew up.Maundy Thursday to Good Friday are public holidays-then add Black Saturday.People would take a break and either rest or relax for a long time.It is the chance of television and radio people to stop from their daily jobs and rest or relax for a while.Stations also have a chance of doing their "maintenance" since only few would listen or watch them.Nonetheless,other media people,especially reporters and TV and radio operators,remain at work to cover Holy Week whereabouts and to serve the people.

***

    Too much for that.Holy Week is also a time for most Filipinos,mostly Catholics,to go to churches,abstain themselves from particular meals,perform or watch plays portraying Jesus Christ-mostly known as senakulo,and reflect on the core of this Holy Week-Jesus Christ,crucified on the cross.Of course,other Christians won't forget the reason why there's Holy Week.That's why I wrote this blog so that I may share my own perspectives regarding this.
    As people do their own things on Holy Week,whether it's reflection or relaxation,sadly,other people take their "sacrifices" to the extreme,exaggerated level.Look at some places here in the Philippines,especially at the provinces here.Some men do their own acts of penitence.Some beat their backs,whipping it in alternate directions,left and right.They'll continue it as they walk in a procession,with much blood flowing in their backs.In short.that's what you call self-flagellation.Not only that.Other people,the strong ones,crucify themselves on crosses.Big nails,sterilized on canisters,are fastened on these men on those crosses,imitating Jesus' act of sacrifice.
    Isn't that dreadful?It's not right.Jesus sacrificed his body "once for all" for our sins.There is no longer any sacrifice for sin.It is just what Jesus did that could only forgive and cleanse us from our sins.His crucifixion on the cross can only save us-no other.Jesus did it for us.No one needs any crucifixion or self-flagellation for the forgiveness of sins.

    "For it is by grace you have been saved,through faith-and not from yourselves,it is the gift of God-not by works,so that no one can boast."--Ephesians 2:8-9

    Jesus is the only way to God.He and only He can take away our sins.By God's grace,we can have salvation.
    Do you see?How God really loves us!He sacrificed His Son for us.He gave Jesus Christ for us to be saved from our sins.The Lamb of God was sacrificed for our salvation.

      "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."--John 3:16


    You can receive God's grace.You can receive salvation.All you have to do is to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.Open your heart to God.Believe in Him....and trust Him all the way.That's faith.
 
      "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved."--Acts 16:31


      "To all who received Him,to those who believed in his name,he gave the right to become children of God"--John 1:12  
 
    Yes.That's it.No good works,no other sacrifice would save you."It is finished,"Jesus,the Lamb of God,said as He faced His death on the cross.Isn't it one of the seven last words?The sacrifice was offered.The debt was paid by Jesus Christ.He took our place.He saved us.That's how God loves us.Unconditionally and in great measure.
    Just accept God's grace...receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
    Are you really receiving Him in your life?If it is so,you may receive Him now,putting your trust in Him and calling upon Him to save you.You may pray the following prayer or any prayer like this:

    Father.I am a sinner,separated from you through sin.I know that Jesus,whom you sent,died on the cross to save me.Now,I trust Him and accept Him by faith as my Lord and Savior.Forgive me from all of my sins,and cleanse my heart from all unrighteousness.Thank You for your grace and sacrificial  love.Help me live a life that pleases You and lead me all the way.In Jesus' name.Amen.

***

GOOD NEWS:Jesus died on the cross for You...and He rose at the third day after the crucifixion.He is risen!Jesus is alive!Jesus lives!Be saved today!

A blessed Easter to you....and God bless you.

Blinded By Faith

Author's Note: This post is based on my faith, on what I believe, and on what the Bible say. Still, I wrote this for you, my readers, that you may know what's right, and what God says in the Scriptures. Thanks.

Courtesy of Inquirer.net

Last January 9, a big news made the headlines. It's an event that showed Catholic faith, maroon shirts, and what else but crowded roads. "The Feast of The Nazarene", as they call it, went again. But it's different this year than the previous years, as I saw it on TV and on print throughout the years.

Crowds are larger, making incidents and injuries on some. Vast devotees were around the Quiapo church, around Plaza Miranda and Quirino Grandstand, and throughout the procession. Most of them crawled and struggled to go through the icon that they believe to bring miracles, and they either put their towels on it or say their prayers. They shouted the usual “Viva! Viva!”. They even defy alerts of plotted terror attacks announced by the President. Also, the procession of the caravan lasted almost a day.

However, as an adolescent aware of the news and as a born-again Christan, I am saddened by this event and its futility and contradiction to the 2nd commandment of the Ten Commandments.

 "You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below."-Exodus 20:3-4 (NIV)

Like my mother said, it's awful to see this people clinging to their faith, clinging to the man-made representation of Jesus Christ. It's not good to see vast crowds, believing in God of course, waiting and rushing through their "Black Nazarene", expecting him(it) to hear their prayers, to heal them of their sicknesses, or to grant them blessings. It's an entire idolatry.

 "They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. Even while these people were worshipping the Lord, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did."-2 Ki 17:40-41(NIV)(Emphasis mine)

How wrong the feast really was! They are misled to something untrue. As Dr. Anthony P. Pezzota, a former Roman Catholic who turned Christian, put it on his book, "Truth Encounter":

"Roman Catholics are truly misled whenever they are taught that the second commandment does not apply to our time or is the simple repetition of the first."(Emphasis mine)

God is only the one to be worshiped. He, our Creator, should be only honored. He, who loves us so much that He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, should be the One to be trusted and relied on; not mere figures or statues. Furthermore, Dr. Pezzotta wrote on his book:

"Idolatry is directing honor, praise, respect, or affection that rightly belongs to God to some created person or thing."(Emphasis mine)

While you worship some saint or icon, you praise or honor it instead of God, who really deserves our praise.

 "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs."-Jonah 2:8 (NIV)

But idolatry is not limited to icons. Idolatry can also be on material things, on money, on self, on people-personality cults, or even someone you love.

How bad and blind idolatry is. Instead of worshiping God, people would bow, kiss, or hold to saints or figures of Christ or Mary.

If you want to learn more about what I wrote today, I recommend you to read "Truth Encounter: Catholicism and the Holy Scriptures" by Anthony Pezzotta. Nevertheless, always read the Bible that you may know the truth and obey it. I'm also open to your questions. Just comment. You may also talk to a pastor near you.

Some may just ignore this or even distaste me for working on such a post. But I'm just telling the truth as a believer in Christ. That's what The Ten Commandments said. That's God wanted for us: our praises, our honors, and-of course-our love to the One who truly loved and remained faithful and loyal to us.

May you never be blinded by your faith.

References:
Truth Encounter by Anthony Pezzotta
News about the Feast: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/125277/millions-defy-terror-alert

Bible verses found on http://www.acts17-11.com/idolatry.html