"This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs."
-1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
-carpe diem-
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Thoughts on Sundays
"This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs."
-1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
-carpe diem-
-1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
-carpe diem-
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Hindi Ka Bagay Diyan...Soooo Not You.
It doesn't matter what other people think...
Whether they tell you it is not bagay. OR It is soo not you. OR You can't do it...
Let us remember that sometimes God gives us desires that are VERY out of character for us.
And our decision to follow, obey and pursue those, could eventually lead us to a fulfilled life ahead.
A wonderful life that He, especially prepared for us.
So what they say doesn't matter. Listen to Him, instead. The ONE who truly loves you and knows what is right for you.
He will allow for His opportunity. In His time.
-carpe diem-
Whether they tell you it is not bagay. OR It is soo not you. OR You can't do it...
Let us remember that sometimes God gives us desires that are VERY out of character for us.
And our decision to follow, obey and pursue those, could eventually lead us to a fulfilled life ahead.
A wonderful life that He, especially prepared for us.
So what they say doesn't matter. Listen to Him, instead. The ONE who truly loves you and knows what is right for you.
He will allow for His opportunity. In His time.
-carpe diem-
Hindi Ka Bagay Diyan...Soooo Not You.
It doesn't matter what other people think...
Whether they tell you it is not bagay. OR It is soo not you. OR You can't do it...
Let us remember that sometimes God gives us desires that are VERY out of character for us.
And our decision to follow, obey and pursue those, could eventually lead us to a fulfilled life ahead.
A wonderful life that He, especially prepared for us.
So what they say doesn't matter. Listen to Him, instead. The ONE who truly loves you and knows what is right for you.
He will allow for His opportunity. In His time.
-carpe diem-
Whether they tell you it is not bagay. OR It is soo not you. OR You can't do it...
Let us remember that sometimes God gives us desires that are VERY out of character for us.
And our decision to follow, obey and pursue those, could eventually lead us to a fulfilled life ahead.
A wonderful life that He, especially prepared for us.
So what they say doesn't matter. Listen to Him, instead. The ONE who truly loves you and knows what is right for you.
He will allow for His opportunity. In His time.
-carpe diem-
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Thoughts on Sundays: Love is the Foolishness of Men (by: David Bonifacio)
Today, I came across another one of David Bonifacio's pieces. (i think he's awesome! one of my favorite blogs) Is it a good read? That would be an understatement. That good read has been a liberating, humbling and reassuring experience...and a lot more for me.
I am actually talking about this... David Bonifacio's Blog (CLICK LINK)
I am actually talking about this... David Bonifacio's Blog (CLICK LINK)
THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012
Love Is The Foolishness of Men
“Love is the foolishness of men, and the wisdom of God.”
- Victor Hugo
"Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants. When he had begun to reconcile, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down and kneeled before him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’ The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. "But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him, and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ "So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you!’ He would not, but went and cast him into prison, until he should pay back that which was due."
- Matthew 18:23-35
We humans are a funny lot - that's putting it mildly.
We want others to be patient and bear with us as we grow, yet we are quick to criticize, quick to show anger, quick to pronounce judgment.
We want to be accepted for who we are yet condemn others for failing to be a certain person for us.
We want the friendships that make us better, sacrificial friendships, yet we dispose people who have offended us or threaten us - proving their value to us was based on how they made us feel.
We want to be treated as important and be served yet do not show compassion to those who need it most when they need it most.
We want complete forgiveness while selectively being unforgiving.
We want true unconditional love yet we burden others with our conditions - conditions that change depending on how we're feeling.
We want our record of wrongs to be erased yet we engrave their sins, even their past sins against others, on our stone hearts and hard minds.
We do these and we call it justice, we call it wisdom, we call it survival, we call it discernment, we call it practicality, we even call it obedience sometimes. Yet at the center is fear, self-preservation and the preservation of the chosen ones (those we are comfortable with loving and forgiving). At the center is hurt or the avoidance of hurt. At the center is pride and selfishness - I am more important than him or her. What I think about him or her is more important than him or her. My protection is more important than him or her. My comfort is more important than him or her. My feelings are more important than him or her. My opinions are more important than him or her. My success is more important than him or her. My relatives are more important than the relatives of others. My friends are more important than the friends of others. My children are more important than the children of others. My beliefs are superior to the beliefs of others. My choices are better than his or her choices. My sins are not as bad as those of others.
This is the human heart. This is my heart.
And this is so far from God's.
If our stronger faith, our learning, our wisdom, and our better decision-making have made us more judgmental and less patient then we should search our hearts.
If our obedience to the law has made us more condescending and suspicious of others then we should search our hearts.
If our relationships with good people have made us less forgiving, more disdainful and less welcoming of bad people then we should search our hearts.
If our blessings and answered prayers have made us forget the prayers of others then we should search our hearts.
If our higher positions have made us look down at others then we must search our hearts.
If our kindness to others, our generosity, and our good works have made us less forgiving of the unkind and selfish then we should search our hearts.
Our hearts are never stagnant, never just in one place, it is either beating towards God or moving away. We can check our own growth by very simply asking:
"Am I more patient today?"
"Am I more kind today?"
"Am I less envious today?"
"Am I less boastful today?"
"Am I less proud today?"
"Am I more honoring of others today?"
"Am I seeking the interests of others more than my own today?"
"Am I less easily angered?"
"Am I less bitter, more forgiving, and not keeping yesterday's wrongs on record today?"
"Am I not holding on to evil, but rejoicing in the truth of God's love today?"
"Am I more protecting of others today?"
"Am I more trusting today?"
"Am I more hopeful today?"
"Am I more persevering today?"
For me, the answer is usually a resounding "NO". That is the honest truth. Yet when I turn the question back to God and ask:
"Has He been more patient with me today?" YES. He has given me another day with Him.
"Has He been more kind to me today?" YES. I'm breathing His air. Living on His planet. Enjoying His sunshine.
"Is He less envious?" Was He ever envious? He has never zapped any of the girls I liked. In fact, He loves them more than me.
"Has He boasted less today?" He never has. His works boast of His greatness and those who know Him boast of His love, yet all He ever tells me is how much He loves me.
"Has He been proud towards me?" NO. On the contrary, He made Himself lower than me by taking my sins once and for all.
"Has been honoring towards me." YES. More than I deserve. He has taken a dishonorable man like me and honored me with His loving kindness.
"Has He been self-seeking?" NO. He has been seeking me. He has been self-giving.
"Has He been easily angered with me?" NO. He has been forgiving. He has been patient with my continuous faults. He has been gracious.
"Has He kept a record of my wrongs?" NO. He has taken them upon Himself and paid my price. He has erased my debt.
"Has He rejoiced in my evil?" NO. He has brought the Truth of His love: the Gospel, the Good News, that Jesus died for my sins.
"Has He protected me today?" YES. He has protected me from my sins, from my wrong choices and the wrong choices of others. He has used my hurt to build my character, to strengthen me. He has protected me with His love.
"Has He trusted me?" YES. More than I deserve. I have let Him down, yet He continuous to entrust me with time on this planet, with relationships with people, those He loves most, with His purpose for me.
"Does He still hope for me?" YES. He continues to work in me to bring realize His plan and purpose in my life.
"Does He persevere with me?" YES. Despite my stubbornness, He doesn't give up. He is faithful.
He perseveres in His love.
The greater our understanding of God's love, the greater the love we will show others.
-
In The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, the servant owed the King the equivalent $3,000,000,000 USD. Yet the King forgave all His debt. This shows the absurdity of God's love - the love He wants us to show others.
The servant had a debtor, someone who wronged him, someone who owed him, someone he felt he had the right to collect from, and when that person couldn't pay, he condemned him to prison. How much did this person owe the servant? The equivalent of $1000.
He had been forgiven $3,000,000,000 yet he could not forgive $1000.
Again, this is my heart. I have banished others to the prison of my bitterness for $1000, maybe even the $1,000,000 offense against me. Yet, God has forgiven my $3,000,000,000 debt.
I don't want to get what I deserve. I want to get better than I deserve - and I have in Jesus. I must treat others better than they deserve.
-
We humans are a funny lot - we are a selfish lot. Because of this we cannot embrace fully that His wisdom is summed up in His love. Proof of this is our inability to love - especially those who threaten us, the ones who need our love most.
We humans are a funny lot - we are a selfish lot - we are a rotten lot - we are a proud lot - yet we are loved - so we are forgiven - so we are a redeemed - so we are blessed - again, how great have we been loved - so we can love.
-carpe diem-
- Victor Hugo
"Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants. When he had begun to reconcile, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down and kneeled before him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’ The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. "But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him, and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ "So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you!’ He would not, but went and cast him into prison, until he should pay back that which was due."
- Matthew 18:23-35
We humans are a funny lot - that's putting it mildly.
We want others to be patient and bear with us as we grow, yet we are quick to criticize, quick to show anger, quick to pronounce judgment.
We want to be accepted for who we are yet condemn others for failing to be a certain person for us.
We want the friendships that make us better, sacrificial friendships, yet we dispose people who have offended us or threaten us - proving their value to us was based on how they made us feel.
We want to be treated as important and be served yet do not show compassion to those who need it most when they need it most.
We want complete forgiveness while selectively being unforgiving.
We want true unconditional love yet we burden others with our conditions - conditions that change depending on how we're feeling.
We want our record of wrongs to be erased yet we engrave their sins, even their past sins against others, on our stone hearts and hard minds.
We do these and we call it justice, we call it wisdom, we call it survival, we call it discernment, we call it practicality, we even call it obedience sometimes. Yet at the center is fear, self-preservation and the preservation of the chosen ones (those we are comfortable with loving and forgiving). At the center is hurt or the avoidance of hurt. At the center is pride and selfishness - I am more important than him or her. What I think about him or her is more important than him or her. My protection is more important than him or her. My comfort is more important than him or her. My feelings are more important than him or her. My opinions are more important than him or her. My success is more important than him or her. My relatives are more important than the relatives of others. My friends are more important than the friends of others. My children are more important than the children of others. My beliefs are superior to the beliefs of others. My choices are better than his or her choices. My sins are not as bad as those of others.
This is the human heart. This is my heart.
And this is so far from God's.
If our stronger faith, our learning, our wisdom, and our better decision-making have made us more judgmental and less patient then we should search our hearts.
If our obedience to the law has made us more condescending and suspicious of others then we should search our hearts.
If our relationships with good people have made us less forgiving, more disdainful and less welcoming of bad people then we should search our hearts.
If our blessings and answered prayers have made us forget the prayers of others then we should search our hearts.
If our higher positions have made us look down at others then we must search our hearts.
If our kindness to others, our generosity, and our good works have made us less forgiving of the unkind and selfish then we should search our hearts.
Our hearts are never stagnant, never just in one place, it is either beating towards God or moving away. We can check our own growth by very simply asking:
"Am I more patient today?"
"Am I more kind today?"
"Am I less envious today?"
"Am I less boastful today?"
"Am I less proud today?"
"Am I more honoring of others today?"
"Am I seeking the interests of others more than my own today?"
"Am I less easily angered?"
"Am I less bitter, more forgiving, and not keeping yesterday's wrongs on record today?"
"Am I not holding on to evil, but rejoicing in the truth of God's love today?"
"Am I more protecting of others today?"
"Am I more trusting today?"
"Am I more hopeful today?"
"Am I more persevering today?"
For me, the answer is usually a resounding "NO". That is the honest truth. Yet when I turn the question back to God and ask:
"Has He been more patient with me today?" YES. He has given me another day with Him.
"Has He been more kind to me today?" YES. I'm breathing His air. Living on His planet. Enjoying His sunshine.
"Is He less envious?" Was He ever envious? He has never zapped any of the girls I liked. In fact, He loves them more than me.
"Has He boasted less today?" He never has. His works boast of His greatness and those who know Him boast of His love, yet all He ever tells me is how much He loves me.
"Has He been proud towards me?" NO. On the contrary, He made Himself lower than me by taking my sins once and for all.
"Has been honoring towards me." YES. More than I deserve. He has taken a dishonorable man like me and honored me with His loving kindness.
"Has He been self-seeking?" NO. He has been seeking me. He has been self-giving.
"Has He been easily angered with me?" NO. He has been forgiving. He has been patient with my continuous faults. He has been gracious.
"Has He kept a record of my wrongs?" NO. He has taken them upon Himself and paid my price. He has erased my debt.
"Has He rejoiced in my evil?" NO. He has brought the Truth of His love: the Gospel, the Good News, that Jesus died for my sins.
"Has He protected me today?" YES. He has protected me from my sins, from my wrong choices and the wrong choices of others. He has used my hurt to build my character, to strengthen me. He has protected me with His love.
"Has He trusted me?" YES. More than I deserve. I have let Him down, yet He continuous to entrust me with time on this planet, with relationships with people, those He loves most, with His purpose for me.
"Does He still hope for me?" YES. He continues to work in me to bring realize His plan and purpose in my life.
"Does He persevere with me?" YES. Despite my stubbornness, He doesn't give up. He is faithful.
He perseveres in His love.
The greater our understanding of God's love, the greater the love we will show others.
-
In The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, the servant owed the King the equivalent $3,000,000,000 USD. Yet the King forgave all His debt. This shows the absurdity of God's love - the love He wants us to show others.
The servant had a debtor, someone who wronged him, someone who owed him, someone he felt he had the right to collect from, and when that person couldn't pay, he condemned him to prison. How much did this person owe the servant? The equivalent of $1000.
He had been forgiven $3,000,000,000 yet he could not forgive $1000.
Again, this is my heart. I have banished others to the prison of my bitterness for $1000, maybe even the $1,000,000 offense against me. Yet, God has forgiven my $3,000,000,000 debt.
I don't want to get what I deserve. I want to get better than I deserve - and I have in Jesus. I must treat others better than they deserve.
-
We humans are a funny lot - we are a selfish lot. Because of this we cannot embrace fully that His wisdom is summed up in His love. Proof of this is our inability to love - especially those who threaten us, the ones who need our love most.
We humans are a funny lot - we are a selfish lot - we are a rotten lot - we are a proud lot - yet we are loved - so we are forgiven - so we are a redeemed - so we are blessed - again, how great have we been loved - so we can love.
-carpe diem-
Thoughts on Sundays: Love is the Foolishness of Men (by: David Bonifacio)
Today, I came across another one of David Bonifacio's pieces. (i think he's awesome! one of my favorite blogs) Is it a good read? That would be an understatement. That good read has been a liberating, humbling and reassuring experience...and a lot more for me.
I am actually talking about this... David Bonifacio's Blog (CLICK LINK)
I am actually talking about this... David Bonifacio's Blog (CLICK LINK)
THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012
Love Is The Foolishness of Men
“Love is the foolishness of men, and the wisdom of God.”
- Victor Hugo
"Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants. When he had begun to reconcile, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down and kneeled before him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’ The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. "But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him, and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ "So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you!’ He would not, but went and cast him into prison, until he should pay back that which was due."
- Matthew 18:23-35
We humans are a funny lot - that's putting it mildly.
We want others to be patient and bear with us as we grow, yet we are quick to criticize, quick to show anger, quick to pronounce judgment.
We want to be accepted for who we are yet condemn others for failing to be a certain person for us.
We want the friendships that make us better, sacrificial friendships, yet we dispose people who have offended us or threaten us - proving their value to us was based on how they made us feel.
We want to be treated as important and be served yet do not show compassion to those who need it most when they need it most.
We want complete forgiveness while selectively being unforgiving.
We want true unconditional love yet we burden others with our conditions - conditions that change depending on how we're feeling.
We want our record of wrongs to be erased yet we engrave their sins, even their past sins against others, on our stone hearts and hard minds.
We do these and we call it justice, we call it wisdom, we call it survival, we call it discernment, we call it practicality, we even call it obedience sometimes. Yet at the center is fear, self-preservation and the preservation of the chosen ones (those we are comfortable with loving and forgiving). At the center is hurt or the avoidance of hurt. At the center is pride and selfishness - I am more important than him or her. What I think about him or her is more important than him or her. My protection is more important than him or her. My comfort is more important than him or her. My feelings are more important than him or her. My opinions are more important than him or her. My success is more important than him or her. My relatives are more important than the relatives of others. My friends are more important than the friends of others. My children are more important than the children of others. My beliefs are superior to the beliefs of others. My choices are better than his or her choices. My sins are not as bad as those of others.
This is the human heart. This is my heart.
And this is so far from God's.
If our stronger faith, our learning, our wisdom, and our better decision-making have made us more judgmental and less patient then we should search our hearts.
If our obedience to the law has made us more condescending and suspicious of others then we should search our hearts.
If our relationships with good people have made us less forgiving, more disdainful and less welcoming of bad people then we should search our hearts.
If our blessings and answered prayers have made us forget the prayers of others then we should search our hearts.
If our higher positions have made us look down at others then we must search our hearts.
If our kindness to others, our generosity, and our good works have made us less forgiving of the unkind and selfish then we should search our hearts.
Our hearts are never stagnant, never just in one place, it is either beating towards God or moving away. We can check our own growth by very simply asking:
"Am I more patient today?"
"Am I more kind today?"
"Am I less envious today?"
"Am I less boastful today?"
"Am I less proud today?"
"Am I more honoring of others today?"
"Am I seeking the interests of others more than my own today?"
"Am I less easily angered?"
"Am I less bitter, more forgiving, and not keeping yesterday's wrongs on record today?"
"Am I not holding on to evil, but rejoicing in the truth of God's love today?"
"Am I more protecting of others today?"
"Am I more trusting today?"
"Am I more hopeful today?"
"Am I more persevering today?"
For me, the answer is usually a resounding "NO". That is the honest truth. Yet when I turn the question back to God and ask:
"Has He been more patient with me today?" YES. He has given me another day with Him.
"Has He been more kind to me today?" YES. I'm breathing His air. Living on His planet. Enjoying His sunshine.
"Is He less envious?" Was He ever envious? He has never zapped any of the girls I liked. In fact, He loves them more than me.
"Has He boasted less today?" He never has. His works boast of His greatness and those who know Him boast of His love, yet all He ever tells me is how much He loves me.
"Has He been proud towards me?" NO. On the contrary, He made Himself lower than me by taking my sins once and for all.
"Has been honoring towards me." YES. More than I deserve. He has taken a dishonorable man like me and honored me with His loving kindness.
"Has He been self-seeking?" NO. He has been seeking me. He has been self-giving.
"Has He been easily angered with me?" NO. He has been forgiving. He has been patient with my continuous faults. He has been gracious.
"Has He kept a record of my wrongs?" NO. He has taken them upon Himself and paid my price. He has erased my debt.
"Has He rejoiced in my evil?" NO. He has brought the Truth of His love: the Gospel, the Good News, that Jesus died for my sins.
"Has He protected me today?" YES. He has protected me from my sins, from my wrong choices and the wrong choices of others. He has used my hurt to build my character, to strengthen me. He has protected me with His love.
"Has He trusted me?" YES. More than I deserve. I have let Him down, yet He continuous to entrust me with time on this planet, with relationships with people, those He loves most, with His purpose for me.
"Does He still hope for me?" YES. He continues to work in me to bring realize His plan and purpose in my life.
"Does He persevere with me?" YES. Despite my stubbornness, He doesn't give up. He is faithful.
He perseveres in His love.
The greater our understanding of God's love, the greater the love we will show others.
-
In The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, the servant owed the King the equivalent $3,000,000,000 USD. Yet the King forgave all His debt. This shows the absurdity of God's love - the love He wants us to show others.
The servant had a debtor, someone who wronged him, someone who owed him, someone he felt he had the right to collect from, and when that person couldn't pay, he condemned him to prison. How much did this person owe the servant? The equivalent of $1000.
He had been forgiven $3,000,000,000 yet he could not forgive $1000.
Again, this is my heart. I have banished others to the prison of my bitterness for $1000, maybe even the $1,000,000 offense against me. Yet, God has forgiven my $3,000,000,000 debt.
I don't want to get what I deserve. I want to get better than I deserve - and I have in Jesus. I must treat others better than they deserve.
-
We humans are a funny lot - we are a selfish lot. Because of this we cannot embrace fully that His wisdom is summed up in His love. Proof of this is our inability to love - especially those who threaten us, the ones who need our love most.
We humans are a funny lot - we are a selfish lot - we are a rotten lot - we are a proud lot - yet we are loved - so we are forgiven - so we are a redeemed - so we are blessed - again, how great have we been loved - so we can love.
-carpe diem-
- Victor Hugo
"Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants. When he had begun to reconcile, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down and kneeled before him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’ The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. "But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him one hundred denarii, and he grabbed him, and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ "So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you!’ He would not, but went and cast him into prison, until he should pay back that which was due."
- Matthew 18:23-35
We humans are a funny lot - that's putting it mildly.
We want others to be patient and bear with us as we grow, yet we are quick to criticize, quick to show anger, quick to pronounce judgment.
We want to be accepted for who we are yet condemn others for failing to be a certain person for us.
We want the friendships that make us better, sacrificial friendships, yet we dispose people who have offended us or threaten us - proving their value to us was based on how they made us feel.
We want to be treated as important and be served yet do not show compassion to those who need it most when they need it most.
We want complete forgiveness while selectively being unforgiving.
We want true unconditional love yet we burden others with our conditions - conditions that change depending on how we're feeling.
We want our record of wrongs to be erased yet we engrave their sins, even their past sins against others, on our stone hearts and hard minds.
We do these and we call it justice, we call it wisdom, we call it survival, we call it discernment, we call it practicality, we even call it obedience sometimes. Yet at the center is fear, self-preservation and the preservation of the chosen ones (those we are comfortable with loving and forgiving). At the center is hurt or the avoidance of hurt. At the center is pride and selfishness - I am more important than him or her. What I think about him or her is more important than him or her. My protection is more important than him or her. My comfort is more important than him or her. My feelings are more important than him or her. My opinions are more important than him or her. My success is more important than him or her. My relatives are more important than the relatives of others. My friends are more important than the friends of others. My children are more important than the children of others. My beliefs are superior to the beliefs of others. My choices are better than his or her choices. My sins are not as bad as those of others.
This is the human heart. This is my heart.
And this is so far from God's.
If our stronger faith, our learning, our wisdom, and our better decision-making have made us more judgmental and less patient then we should search our hearts.
If our obedience to the law has made us more condescending and suspicious of others then we should search our hearts.
If our relationships with good people have made us less forgiving, more disdainful and less welcoming of bad people then we should search our hearts.
If our blessings and answered prayers have made us forget the prayers of others then we should search our hearts.
If our higher positions have made us look down at others then we must search our hearts.
If our kindness to others, our generosity, and our good works have made us less forgiving of the unkind and selfish then we should search our hearts.
Our hearts are never stagnant, never just in one place, it is either beating towards God or moving away. We can check our own growth by very simply asking:
"Am I more patient today?"
"Am I more kind today?"
"Am I less envious today?"
"Am I less boastful today?"
"Am I less proud today?"
"Am I more honoring of others today?"
"Am I seeking the interests of others more than my own today?"
"Am I less easily angered?"
"Am I less bitter, more forgiving, and not keeping yesterday's wrongs on record today?"
"Am I not holding on to evil, but rejoicing in the truth of God's love today?"
"Am I more protecting of others today?"
"Am I more trusting today?"
"Am I more hopeful today?"
"Am I more persevering today?"
For me, the answer is usually a resounding "NO". That is the honest truth. Yet when I turn the question back to God and ask:
"Has He been more patient with me today?" YES. He has given me another day with Him.
"Has He been more kind to me today?" YES. I'm breathing His air. Living on His planet. Enjoying His sunshine.
"Is He less envious?" Was He ever envious? He has never zapped any of the girls I liked. In fact, He loves them more than me.
"Has He boasted less today?" He never has. His works boast of His greatness and those who know Him boast of His love, yet all He ever tells me is how much He loves me.
"Has He been proud towards me?" NO. On the contrary, He made Himself lower than me by taking my sins once and for all.
"Has been honoring towards me." YES. More than I deserve. He has taken a dishonorable man like me and honored me with His loving kindness.
"Has He been self-seeking?" NO. He has been seeking me. He has been self-giving.
"Has He been easily angered with me?" NO. He has been forgiving. He has been patient with my continuous faults. He has been gracious.
"Has He kept a record of my wrongs?" NO. He has taken them upon Himself and paid my price. He has erased my debt.
"Has He rejoiced in my evil?" NO. He has brought the Truth of His love: the Gospel, the Good News, that Jesus died for my sins.
"Has He protected me today?" YES. He has protected me from my sins, from my wrong choices and the wrong choices of others. He has used my hurt to build my character, to strengthen me. He has protected me with His love.
"Has He trusted me?" YES. More than I deserve. I have let Him down, yet He continuous to entrust me with time on this planet, with relationships with people, those He loves most, with His purpose for me.
"Does He still hope for me?" YES. He continues to work in me to bring realize His plan and purpose in my life.
"Does He persevere with me?" YES. Despite my stubbornness, He doesn't give up. He is faithful.
He perseveres in His love.
The greater our understanding of God's love, the greater the love we will show others.
-
In The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, the servant owed the King the equivalent $3,000,000,000 USD. Yet the King forgave all His debt. This shows the absurdity of God's love - the love He wants us to show others.
The servant had a debtor, someone who wronged him, someone who owed him, someone he felt he had the right to collect from, and when that person couldn't pay, he condemned him to prison. How much did this person owe the servant? The equivalent of $1000.
He had been forgiven $3,000,000,000 yet he could not forgive $1000.
Again, this is my heart. I have banished others to the prison of my bitterness for $1000, maybe even the $1,000,000 offense against me. Yet, God has forgiven my $3,000,000,000 debt.
I don't want to get what I deserve. I want to get better than I deserve - and I have in Jesus. I must treat others better than they deserve.
-
We humans are a funny lot - we are a selfish lot. Because of this we cannot embrace fully that His wisdom is summed up in His love. Proof of this is our inability to love - especially those who threaten us, the ones who need our love most.
We humans are a funny lot - we are a selfish lot - we are a rotten lot - we are a proud lot - yet we are loved - so we are forgiven - so we are a redeemed - so we are blessed - again, how great have we been loved - so we can love.
-carpe diem-
Monday, July 9, 2012
Saturday, June 30, 2012
THE PROPOSAL
Four days ago I got a text message from my friend Ems, asking me to free my Friday night. She said she had tickets for the Amazing Spider Man movie premier. And I thought, why not? (Ok toh, good movie, nice seats, most of all, I get to watch with my friends- and for free pa!!)
A day before Friday, I got another text saying the free premier movie was actually a scheduled block for JD's wedding proposal to her girlfriend Nikki (our friends). Reading the rest of message and all the "secret" briefing and specific instructions for the BIG NIGHT got me more exciteeed than ever! Yaayyy! (Super ok talaga toh, free movie, may proposal set-up paaa! galing!)
We heard this proposal was a product of months of collaborative efforts and planning of the couple's friends and of course the truly creative minds of the people behind VCF Davao (you know who you are..). Months of praying...for provisions and instructions from the Lord..and that perfect timing.
True enough, all the efforts, prayers, faithfulness and preparations paid off. Not only was the proposal a big success (we all got Nikki to say THE "YESSS"!!) , everyone had a super great time as well. What a way to end a weeek! Good jooob guys!! (wooooot!!)
This in fact, was my first time to witness one of the grandest gestures of LOVE in this lifetime. I am not even talking about the free red carpet movie tickets for almost a hundred family and friends. Not even the bouquet of lovely flowers, the party poppers, the paper airplanes, the yells, cheers and tears of joy, the engagement ring nor the perfectly crafted and conceptualized music video at end credits.
Last night, I did not only witness the kind and amount of love that my friends JD and Nikki had for each other, but most importantly I was moved at seeing how the LOVE of God has made such a beautiful story to occur. He is indeed the best author of love stories, one like no other- ever!!
I am overwhelmed and sincerely humbled for this wonderful experience-so I thank you Lord! I am pretty sure everyone felt the same way and went home smiling, super kilig and thankful for a great night that was.
A glimpse of what happened that night... (photo credits: ana minerva g.)
-carpe diem-
A day before Friday, I got another text saying the free premier movie was actually a scheduled block for JD's wedding proposal to her girlfriend Nikki (our friends). Reading the rest of message and all the "secret" briefing and specific instructions for the BIG NIGHT got me more exciteeed than ever! Yaayyy! (Super ok talaga toh, free movie, may proposal set-up paaa! galing!)
We heard this proposal was a product of months of collaborative efforts and planning of the couple's friends and of course the truly creative minds of the people behind VCF Davao (you know who you are..). Months of praying...for provisions and instructions from the Lord..and that perfect timing.
True enough, all the efforts, prayers, faithfulness and preparations paid off. Not only was the proposal a big success (we all got Nikki to say THE "YESSS"!!) , everyone had a super great time as well. What a way to end a weeek! Good jooob guys!! (wooooot!!)
This in fact, was my first time to witness one of the grandest gestures of LOVE in this lifetime. I am not even talking about the free red carpet movie tickets for almost a hundred family and friends. Not even the bouquet of lovely flowers, the party poppers, the paper airplanes, the yells, cheers and tears of joy, the engagement ring nor the perfectly crafted and conceptualized music video at end credits.
Last night, I did not only witness the kind and amount of love that my friends JD and Nikki had for each other, but most importantly I was moved at seeing how the LOVE of God has made such a beautiful story to occur. He is indeed the best author of love stories, one like no other- ever!!
I am overwhelmed and sincerely humbled for this wonderful experience-so I thank you Lord! I am pretty sure everyone felt the same way and went home smiling, super kilig and thankful for a great night that was.
A glimpse of what happened that night... (photo credits: ana minerva g.)
Congratulations JD and Nikki!! We love you guys!
(So, who's neeeext?? haha!)
(So, who's neeeext?? haha!)
Here's a line from: http://h3sean.com/relationship-surrender/
"God is the author, designer and maker of our lives. He is the author of love and romance. He created everything. I totally believe that the best love story you can ever have has to be written by God. I know mine was – the proof of a God-written love story is the impossibility of it apart from Him. A God-written love story must glorify Him and will reflect His mighty hand. It must bless other people in the sense that they realize it has to be God."
THE PROPOSAL
Four days ago I got a text message from my friend Ems, asking me to free my Friday night. She said she had tickets for the Amazing Spider Man movie premier. And I thought, why not? (Ok toh, good movie, nice seats, most of all, I get to watch with my friends- and for free pa!!)
A day before Friday, I got another text saying the free premier movie was actually a scheduled block for JD's wedding proposal to her girlfriend Nikki (our friends). Reading the rest of message and all the "secret" briefing and specific instructions for the BIG NIGHT got me more exciteeed than ever! Yaayyy! (Super ok talaga toh, free movie, may proposal set-up paaa! galing!)
We heard this proposal was a product of months of collaborative efforts and planning of the couple's friends and of course the truly creative minds of the people behind VCF Davao (you know who you are..). Months of praying...for provisions and instructions from the Lord..and that perfect timing.
True enough, all the efforts, prayers, faithfulness and preparations paid off. Not only was the proposal a big success (we all got Nikki to say THE "YESSS"!!) , everyone had a super great time as well. What a way to end a weeek! Good jooob guys!! (wooooot!!)
This in fact, was my first time to witness one of the grandest gestures of LOVE in this lifetime. I am not even talking about the free red carpet movie tickets for almost a hundred family and friends. Not even the bouquet of lovely flowers, the party poppers, the paper airplanes, the yells, cheers and tears of joy, the engagement ring nor the perfectly crafted and conceptualized music video at end credits.
Last night, I did not only witness the kind and amount of love that my friends JD and Nikki had for each other, but most importantly I was moved at seeing how the LOVE of God has made such a beautiful story to occur. He is indeed the best author of love stories, one like no other- ever!!
I am overwhelmed and sincerely humbled for this wonderful experience-so I thank you Lord! I am pretty sure everyone felt the same way and went home smiling, super kilig and thankful for a great night that was.
A glimpse of what happened that night... (photo credits: ana minerva g.)
-carpe diem-
A day before Friday, I got another text saying the free premier movie was actually a scheduled block for JD's wedding proposal to her girlfriend Nikki (our friends). Reading the rest of message and all the "secret" briefing and specific instructions for the BIG NIGHT got me more exciteeed than ever! Yaayyy! (Super ok talaga toh, free movie, may proposal set-up paaa! galing!)
We heard this proposal was a product of months of collaborative efforts and planning of the couple's friends and of course the truly creative minds of the people behind VCF Davao (you know who you are..). Months of praying...for provisions and instructions from the Lord..and that perfect timing.
True enough, all the efforts, prayers, faithfulness and preparations paid off. Not only was the proposal a big success (we all got Nikki to say THE "YESSS"!!) , everyone had a super great time as well. What a way to end a weeek! Good jooob guys!! (wooooot!!)
This in fact, was my first time to witness one of the grandest gestures of LOVE in this lifetime. I am not even talking about the free red carpet movie tickets for almost a hundred family and friends. Not even the bouquet of lovely flowers, the party poppers, the paper airplanes, the yells, cheers and tears of joy, the engagement ring nor the perfectly crafted and conceptualized music video at end credits.
Last night, I did not only witness the kind and amount of love that my friends JD and Nikki had for each other, but most importantly I was moved at seeing how the LOVE of God has made such a beautiful story to occur. He is indeed the best author of love stories, one like no other- ever!!
I am overwhelmed and sincerely humbled for this wonderful experience-so I thank you Lord! I am pretty sure everyone felt the same way and went home smiling, super kilig and thankful for a great night that was.
A glimpse of what happened that night... (photo credits: ana minerva g.)
Congratulations JD and Nikki!! We love you guys!
(So, who's neeeext?? haha!)
(So, who's neeeext?? haha!)
Here's a line from: http://h3sean.com/relationship-surrender/
"God is the author, designer and maker of our lives. He is the author of love and romance. He created everything. I totally believe that the best love story you can ever have has to be written by God. I know mine was – the proof of a God-written love story is the impossibility of it apart from Him. A God-written love story must glorify Him and will reflect His mighty hand. It must bless other people in the sense that they realize it has to be God."
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Thoughts on Sundays: On Honoring God
Why do we want to be excellent?
Because we want to HONOR Him...
And with these gifts...
And by being excellent at what we do, we point people to CHRIST...
-carpe diem-
Thoughts on Sundays: On Honoring God
Why do we want to be excellent?
Because we want to HONOR Him...
And with these gifts...
And by being excellent at what we do, we point people to CHRIST...
-carpe diem-
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
EM BEE EI :)
Whoever said the phrase “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” obviously didn’t go through graduate school. Wahahaha!
(photo credits: tristan,eva and leebai)
-carpe diem-
Obviously hindi niya naranasan ang “sleepless nights”. Hindi rin siya nagka chronic diarrhea, multiple pimple outbreaks, headaches at heartaches dulot ng matinding STRESS sa kakabasa ng cases at kakasolve and kakabasa for exams. Lol!
Fellas, this is nothing violent. Apparently, I am making a very late post on something I have (really) been thankful for this year. Intro ko lang yun. Ok ba?
You see, I just finished my.....tentedeeeeeng!!! MBA Degree this year (Ehemm at 25- at that! Haha! Hayaan nyo nalang akong magyabang, dito lang. Sa wakaaas!)
Here’s an exclusive peak of the much-publicized and much-ranted about MBA Comprehensive Review and Exams Year 2012...
But just like any grueling race, there is always a sweet FINISH! Here we are in our (really weird, hogwarts-ish) grad toga! Yayyyy!!
This is just ONE of the MANY blessings and breakthroughs I thanked and still am thanking the Lord for granting me this year... Truly, when it rains, it pours! Our efforts, patience and faithfulness never go unnoticed by our Great God.
Salamat sa Bagyong Blessings Lord! Perfect timing!
(photo credits: tristan,eva and leebai)
-carpe diem-
EM BEE EI :)
Whoever said the phrase “what doesn’t kill you makes you
stronger” obviously didn’t go through graduate school. Wahahaha!
(photo credits: tristan,eva and leebai)
-carpe diem-
Obviously hindi niya
naranasan ang “sleepless nights”. Hindi rin siya nagka chronic diarrhea, multiple
pimple outbreaks, headaches at heartaches dulot ng matinding STRESS sa kakabasa
ng cases at kakasolve and kakabasa for exams. Lol!
Fellas, this is nothing violent. Apparently, I am making a
very late post on something I have (really) been thankful for this year. Intro ko
lang yun. Ok ba?
You see, I just
finished my.....tentedeeeeeng!!! MBA Degree this year (Ehemm at 25- at that! Haha!
Hayaan nyo nalang akong magyabang, dito lang. Sa wakaaas!)
Here’s an exclusive peak of the much-publicized and much-ranted
about MBA Comprehensive Review and Exams Year 2012...
But just like any grueling race, there is always a sweet FINISH! Here we are in our (really weird, hogwarts-ish) grad toga! Yayyyy!!
This is just ONE of the MANY blessings and breakthroughs I
thanked and still am thanking the Lord for granting me this year... Truly, when
it rains, it pours! Our efforts, patience and faithfulness never go unnoticed by our Great God.
Salamat sa Bagyong Blessings Lord! Perfect
timing!
(photo credits: tristan,eva and leebai)
-carpe diem-
Monday, April 16, 2012
Believing the Invisible
I lost count of how many times I failed the Lord. Many times I found myself compromising my faith and just giving into momentary delights.
-carpe diem-
I've never been proud of those times. Really.
But the good news is that, hey, we have not only an Amazing God, but a God who is loving, generous and extremely forgiving. There is a border-less room to allow change to happen and renew/restore relationships. All the judgement stamped on to you by the world will never matter because it is His judgement and our relationship with Him that matters most at the end of the day.
Ultimately, the cross reminds us of how Our Savior sacrificed so much and even had to go through the process of immense pain and death to redeem us from our sins. This reminder gives us new hope and inspiration to start, get-up and pick ourselves up and stand to become better the next time around. It reminds us of God’s incredible grace and salvation. These we didn’t deserve, but were freely given to us. How lucky could we get?
Today, I am particularly honoured and blessed to have heard Pastor CJ Nunag’s preaching on Faith and on Pleasing God. It reminded me that in my pursuit of being the best version of myself, in my pursuit of accomplishing things in life and in being excellent, really, in all of these things, I would want to be doing- in my goal to eventually please my wonderful God.
And in our goal of pleasing God, FAITH always comes in. Not one, without the other. It is said that it is impossible to please God without it.
Our FAITH essentially allows us to:
1. Believe even if we don’t see. Just because we couldn’t see something… or just because something is taking sooooo soooo long to happen (“Lord, bakit ang tagal??”) it doesn’t mean that it is not real or it won’t happen. The Lord is faithful to His promises to us. So trust and hold on to that promise!!
2. Obey even if we don’t understand.At times we become so anxious, we get confused (Lord, what do you want me to do? I don’t understand.). The story of Abraham showed us how even with so many challenges, so much uncertainties, confusion and difficulties, he managed to obey God. And true enough, the promise land and prosperity that God has promised him, prevailed. So the next time God asks us to forgive, go, stay or give, even if it seems so hard and does not make sense, let us take that big step of faith and obey Him because it will be for something better. Diba, if it’s His will, it will be PERFECT!
3. Persevere when it is hard. On hard circumstances, the easiest way out is to QUIT and GIVE UP. But then, the sweetest successes were never without a seal of hard work and perseverance on it. The Lord will be with us every step of the way. Sometimes it will seem unbearable, but if we give up, we will miss the promise of a brighter and lovelier season ahead. We will miss some of the best opportunities to love and learn and receive faith-building experiences if we give up in one difficult season. Therefore, kahit mahirap, kahit masakit, ( tell yourself this is just 5 mins, 5 painful and taxing 5 mins, just 5 mins to a wonderful future ahead! kayaaaa ko to!) let us refuse to quit fellas!!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Few days ago, I came across two testimonials (videos) from two wonderful women of the Lord and I got really inspired and blessed upon hearing their stories and knowing how God worked through their lives. So here, Sharing! Sharing!
2 Corinthians 5:7 says “WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT.”
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