"We do not put Jesus in the backseat as Christians. We let the Lord guide our decisions and emotions." - Pastor Jun Divierte

We do not put Jesus in the backseat as Christians. We let the Lord guide our decisions and emotions. The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 6:14 (GW),

𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙪𝙣𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨. 𝘾𝙖𝙣 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨? 𝘾𝙖𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨?

The Lord inspired Paul to write this to inform believers of the dangers that can arise if spirituality is jeopardized. Once a believer enter into this form of relationship, the following things could happen:

1. Your spiritual zeal for the Lord will wane.

2. Your children will be puzzled as to which belief is correct.

3. Your spouse may question your church practices.

4. Your faith of staying true to the Scriptures will be compromise.

When a Christian makes this compromise, it indicates that her emotion (heart) takes precedence over her faith in God which is unfortunate. The prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 17:9 writes, "𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙩𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨." You can tell whether you truly love Jesus Christ or not if you follow your heart rather than His command. The Lord Jesus Christ said,

“𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨." (𝙅𝙣. 14:15)

Many women fall into this emotional trap because they are probably afraid that they will never meet a responsible and mature Christian believer. It requires faith to wait for that one whom God has reserve for you. My wife was too preoccupied with serving the Lord in the church to think about relationships. As she concerns herself about the Lord's business, everything just fell into place, including our relationship. And we are glad that we were able to honor the Lord and be a witness to our children. In addition, I know some Christian women who are happily serving the Lord despite the fact that they are single.

Marriage, like having children, is a privilege, not a right. If the Lord is leading you to marriage, honor Him. One single woman said, "𝙄𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙅𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙨 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩." I admire the faith of this young Christian lady. After all, our lives do not revolve around marriage and relationships; rather, our world revolves around Jesus Christ, whom we love and honor. May the Lord grant you wisdom in your decision makings.

𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩, 𝙗𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙙𝙤𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙡. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪. - 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙩. 6:33, 𝙂𝙒

You may visit this page for more of his articles: https://www.facebook.com/jundiv1 

"...someone who asks God how to love you."

It's sooo amazing to think that God has been dealing and loving us lavishly and uniquely. Imagine, God has been telling people how to love and treat you right. God has been revealing ways to certain people how to love you the way He wants His love for you lavishly and uniquely. God has been calling people to become His love in this world, even in your world. You are that special. Very, very special.

You are that precious. 

You are that loved and protected lavishly. 

You are a treasure. 

No more hiding, love.

God is so, so proud of you.

You are a beloved.

So don't you ever think that you are worth low-key. 

No, you are worth telling the whole world of your great wonders.

He is reaching out because you're most beautiful when you're living in this truth. 

The depth of your spirituality is contingent not in mere believing that you can be forgiven, but believing that you can be delighted in by God in Christ. We just don't want forgiveness, we want to be loved.

The key to becoming is beholding. Becoming is a springing identity. So it's more of a, we become who, not what, we behold. What is talking about the process of change, while who focuses on the identity building. Now, who are we beholding to become, in order to love and lead.

Love grows when it is founded in trust.

Spiritual Apathy

So yea, I would like to talk about it shortly. I found some useful resources in the internet regarding the issue: Apathy. 

Spiritual Apathy.

When we are getting overloaded with certain things that used to be our delight, it makes us hurry and hustle (embedded links are provided for the words to make us better understand why we have to end ruthlessly hurry and hustle). These two words are subtle in their crafts in destroying our intimacy the Lord. And basically, this is what the enemy wants, for us to enjoy being busy. To the point of forgetting what really matters... forgetting the heart behind the things that we do... getting cold and withdrawn from everything that used to flame us in the Lord.

I remember, a non-verbatim from the book of CS Lewis, Screwtape Letters, wherein one demon reported to his master demon the status of certain churches. Then there's this one church where he found to be pretty busy, then the master demon just said to leave them be because it's gonna be thie

So here are some symptoms of getting into spiritual apathy:

1) Decline in attendance—When there is a slacking of attendance, there is also a slacking in hunger for the preached Word of God. Obviously, there are times of the year when vacation or other factors play a part. But when a decline becomes the trend rather than an exception, there is cause for spiritual concern on the part of a shepherd. 

2) Lack of concern for souls—When soulwinning and outreach times are attended by fewer and fewer people, there is a spiritual disconnect between what we say we believe (that the Great Commission is our great priority) and how we behave (that soulwinning isn’t a priority).

3) Lack of participation in congregational singing—The Bible commands us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. When Christians come to church with a heart of praise, the opportunity to sing is welcome. When they come distracted and bored, their singing reflects it. 

4) Indifference to the needs of others—Growing Christians are caring Christians. Scripture commands us to bear one another’s burdens. When we don’t care enough to know what the people around us are going through, we’re slipping into self-focused apathy for sure.

5) No pastoral encouragement—The Bible commands us to know those who labor among us and to remember them for their work’s sake. Just as a maturing teenager or an adult will notice and be grateful for the care and sacrifices of their parent, so growing Christians will give thanks for spiritual shepherds who serve them.

6) Declining concern for missions—When a church becomes inward focused, they are no longer concerned for the fields white unto harvest. They lose their sense of eternal realties and of spiritual responsibility to reach the world with the gospel.

7) Failure to invest in the next generation—When a church fails to see young men and women as their future and fails to invest in their development, apathy is setting in. Frankly, the church may not continue in the next generation.

(ref. https://paulchappell.com/2015/08/17/7-early-symptoms-of-spiritual-apathy/)

And since we are already discovering how the enemy is at work in us, let us now go in the offensive side. When these things are already on the roll, breathe and remember that

1. YOU DON’T HAVE TO FIX IT

If we are going to be God’s comfort agents—being present with others in their pain—we need to come to terms with the mysteries that God chooses not to resolve. Are we willing to stand in faith, engaged in the brokenness that is shredding the world, and proclaim that God is still God, even when life doesn’t change and hurts refuse to heal? Being an ambassador for Christ in the middle of brokenness takes a willingness to sit in the mystery for the long haul with someone whose hurts keep on hurting. It is a willingness to feel the full weight of what can’t be explained away. We are not called to heal or fix and make everything good as new. Only God can do that.

2. YOU DON’T HAVE TO EXPLAIN IT

When people are in pain, it’s tempting to give a little morsel of wisdom and a pep talk and send the suffering on their way. One of the worst platitudes is the notion that “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.” In essence, we are telling people a) their pain isn’t so bad and b) God hands out trouble based on our ability to handle it. We cannot adequately explain the mysteries of suffering with platitudes. Attempting to do so diminishes the very real anguish and calls God’s goodness into question.

3. YOU JUST HAVE TO BE PRESENT

Right where you are, your life intersects with countless people who need someone to come close in the hour of suffering. It could be a lonely neighbor, a homeless man, an angry teen, a stressed-out mom, a doubting saint, a searching soul. People in your midst need someone to be brave enough to sit with them in their sorrow, to share the load by choosing to feel and choosing to trust God’s promises. We cannot stop the suffering in the world, but we can make sure no one suffers alone. God invites us to be his comfort agents, to manifest his presence so people know our God sees us (Genesis 16:13) and is with us (Matthew 1:23) in our suffering.

(ref. https://relevantmagazine.com/god/faith/3-ways-to-break-spiritual-apathy-your-life/)

Now, when things are in the rough. Like it seems so hard to go back. Or like, you are doing what you're supposed to do to be like so dragging and you just don't understand it... REST. REMEMBER that these are just days where our souls are really affected the emotions that overwhelms us because of so much work. So when this happens, continue to REMAIN IN HIS LOVE. ABIDE. God's love is constant. It never diminishes over good or bad days. God is constant. God is faithful. And you are His child. His beloved.

"There is no better cure to spiritual apathy than to make Him the highest priority of our day." - Leslie Ludy

I will always be reminded of that pain. But at the same time, be reminded about the humility that brought me to my knees and pray and plead for life. I will always be reminded of that pain. But at the same time, be reminded how God has held and carried me altogether and all through out. I will always be reminded of that pain. But at the same time, be reminded of the depth of that forgiveness I never imagined I could draw from me. I will always be reminded of that pain. But at the same time, be reminded of how God has loved me, forgave me, and never gave up on me. That day, was my second encounter with Jesus; life changing. That day told me how fragile hearts could be. That day made feel how wretched I am. That day I threw everything who I was because there's nothing left but mess. But that was also the very day, Jesus saved me. Again. Those days, I kept on breaking and running away but He kept pursuing. He kept me, healed and restored me. Again and again. And I realized this love, I hope to be brave it in life. There are days I get so afraid and wish to stop. But His love keeps me still. His love quiets me. Pain is real, but so is He. The shame and guilt are deep, but His love deeper.

it's hard to receive love when you yourself don't believe you deserve it

This test of security
this truth discipline
that even if things 
doesn't go your way
because it is His way
you will believe
you will still be in faith
that you are loved
Greatly loved by the King
Because He said so
and that's all that matters

When Agsunta sang, "Unti-unting bubuoin ang pag-ibig na nawalay sa'kin. Iingatan na ang puso ko sa sakit na dala ng mundo. Babangon na ako sa pagkahimlay at daldalhin ang pag-asang Ikaw ang nagbigay. " I felt that bruh.

Comeback is real. 

How many times do you have to forgive? AS MUCH AS IT IS NEEDED.

And He giveth again and again. And again. 

I've never received loved from anyone. Not because they were not giving, but I was not accepting. I was afraid to receive and accept. But now, somehow, it makes sense. Those days I was breaking and nights full of tears. I did not understand, but I continually chose to surrender. It was painful to yield every time but He was worth it. And I know He was making a way in the deserts. He was making me human. He was making Himself bigger, wider and deeper in all sense. His love manifested in His creation and people, it was beautiful. Definitely not perfect but very beautiful.

Indeed, when He speaks it overwhelms.
When He loves, He overtakes the soul.
Nothing compares to Your love, Lord!

Love is war.

'til You're the one that I desire.

I will fight to follow
I will fight for love
Throw my life forever
To the triumph of the Son

NO OTHER LOVE THAN THIS

LOVE REACHING OUT TO US

Whenever I cross this thought, I remember how God sent His Son Jesus to REACH OUT to us. I mean, the preparation God made took a measurable yet significant time from the Old Testament to the New Testament. He was preparing, and just like everything we are celebrating, it is grand and it was that. He was getting ready for this great exchange. He knows the struggle of each and every people for ages just to reach His presence, just to have Him, once again. But love came and stayed. These struggles that brought out all the wickedness of the human heart, all the while as He was silent, I believe He was saying "Hold on just a little more my beloved, I will come to you. I am preparing everything for our grand reunion." And indeed, heaven revealed its splendor. "And the word became flesh, and dwelt among us." He spoke everything into existence. He who is the glory of heaven. He who's love is translated in Jesus.

Jesus exemplified what kind of life God wants us to live. A life knowing that we are children and the Father is good, His will ever pleasing and perfect. Jesus showed that the Father wanted a relationship, where love is the only language. Jesus lived a life rooted in the Father, a powerful, fruitful and alive life. It was never about what we can do, what others will say, what has been. His ways may be contrary to the world, but that's the truth and discipline our souls have been wanting, a love that does not pretend yet so persistent.

During our recent coaching group (CG as we call it), we discussed the book of John. The goal was to finish the book before February starts, however due to circumstances we weren't able to do it, so what our leader did was, upto the recent chapter we were reading, what certain event in the bible speaks to us. I shared about the story of the Centurion who's servant was dying. And to my bad, just as I was looking for the verse for reference, I found out that the account is in the account of Matthew and not in John. (face slap) Going back, 2 girls shared about the Samaritan woman Jesus encountered in a well. They shared how Jesus quenched the longings (thirst) of our hearts just by believing in Him and that how it fills our [hungry] souls when we do (obey) the Father's will. Then another one shared that it reminded her of the time she was still new in faith where read about "Love one another. Just as i have loved you." She shared that she's going having a hard time loving certain people in her life due to circumstances, but then again God reminds her of His love for her. His love that keeps no records of wrong. A love that only God can perfectly perform. You know as they say, an inventor knows the whats and hows of their invention. Someone also shared that she's constantly being reminded by God to rejoice in her circumstance.

All of these revelations came so fresh to me. I mean, amazing love how can it be? I've always been someone who is never convinced that someone could love me just like that. He loves like a relentless hurricane yet comes to you as sweet as a dew. You know what I mean? Where can you find this kind of love? So strong enough to stop your storms yet so calm at the same time that it gives you His peace that transcends all understanding.

A love like this

Where can you find

I went to ask the ocean

Told me to measure its depth

But even its depth is immeasurable

I went to ask the sky

Told me to gauge its height

But neither its height is limitless

I went to meet the east

But I seem to chase after west

I tried to talk with the moon

Told me to count the stars

But counting brings me to infinity

I wander to find this love

I thought it has a name to belong

I though I found it but

Love found me instead

What a glorious moment

To know it has been with me all the time

The answers brought me somewhere I thought I'm lost

But it's where you found me instead

Your love that finds instead of seeks

Your love that gives rather than receives

Your love that forgives and doesn't demand 

Your love that stays, I can never comprehend why

Love speaks who you are

Love is all that you are

You've been with me in ages

And You speak love to me face to face

SURPRISE

A week ago, I was asking God to surprise me for my birthday. I was telling Him what I want to have - Ecuadorian Roses from Blumes' Davao or Love Letters from favorite people or a message from Mr. Hi. I was giggling inside thinking about these but I was also battling it because I don't want to spend my birthday with these drives. I mean, what if any of these won't happen?

AND NOTHING REALLY HAPPENED. Yesterday, I celebrated my birthday with people I really admire. My day started with my sister nagging me about her comb that I left at the office. I was then the whole day sitting in front of my laptop working on deadlines, silent about the day. I spent the entire night meeting with people talking about God. 

It was not the day I imagined it should be. People celebrating in parties, everyone enjoying the good food and good company. SURPRISE, SURPRISE! As much as I wanted to celebrate it that way, but I guess I haven't realize why I should do that in the first place.

When we sow, there is to harvest. You see the irony? I wanted everyone to enjoy good food and good company but did I invest? No. So sad. And I am ministering to myself. Hahaha. Maybe I was used to let the other people do that for me. Maybe because I that's when I feel I am also important to them. When people make effort on special occasions.

Honestly, it felt lonely. A bit. But when I thought about the things that I do up to yesterday. I can't help but feel grateful. So thankful that God brought me into His pasture. So grateful that I have known the heart of my Father. So thankful that I have found purpose and love in obedience. So thankful to know that there's so much to pray because you know His will be done.

Everything up to this very day is a surprise for me. And it's because of His grace. The translation of His great love, not just for me but to everyone He created in His likeness and image. The way I respond. The way I can control my thoughts. It is because of Him. It is because someone loved me more than His very own that I can not afford to do the things that hurt Him.

Far be it that what He has started in us be put into waste because we stopped believing in the hope that He gave us in Jesus. God is a good, good Father. There are certain things in life that makes it impossible to believe but remember that's WHAT FAITH IS FOR. And believe it or not, God is on our side. He is for us, He is on the move and He will turn tides for you. He is more than willing and able to fulfill His promises in our lives. His Word will never return to Him empty, it will accomplish its purpose in us. 

Beloved, you are in the constant pursuit of His romance. Be prepared. Be excited. He who promised in faithful.

Fighting for what we love sometimes may bring us in tears, in knees. But we've got to try, we've got to persist, we've got to give it all. The call of urgency: sink or swim, now or never. Cause if it's worth it, no amount of words against it shall measure up what you have decided to engage 'til the end. Time? Strength? Provision? Consent? These will not be an issues! We shall not be limited by these things - suppressing us in a small box! For God's grace is abounding; His love relentless! His unchanging character, faithful 'til the end, holds us up amidst all chaos, even within us. This is a win-win situation. We are marching, not towards victory but, from victory. Jesus already won it all! His death paid all the tolls we have go through in this world as we follow Him! His promise, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" will never ever ever ever cease! Will never end! Will never die out! Because this is the truth. That not that we love Him, but because He loved us first. And we know this because even in our darkest, He was there. Fear not. Despise not the tears welling up from our eyes as we fight for love. Because these tears shall empty what's overwhelming in our hearts - fear, rejection, discouragement, pain, persecution. And as we are become emptied from those that is not from God, know that He will restore what the enemy has stolen from you. Remember that the battle is already finished. Won. You don't need to struggle that much. You just have to know, to assure and secure your mind and soul and heart, that this fight is not mine, but of my God. Yes, Amen!

Yung tipong, Lord DMD!

Grace? Love? Peace? Siksik, liglig at umaapaw! Di ko maiwasang maisip ngayong gabi na dahil sa pagmamahal mo sa amin, Ikaw na nga gumawa ng paraan para di kami mapalayo sayo, naabuso ka pa. Sa grace mo, sa ginawa ni Jesus, naging madali ang lahat sa para sa amin upang magdasal at lumapit sa Iyo ng buong buo. 

"If grace was an ocean, we're all sinking." Sin is serious to you, because You are holy. But You were desperate for us, because You love us. So desperate that left me thinking the psalm "who am I that You are so mindful of me?" always. Always. And might take me forever, an eternity or maybe never if I try to understand it. 

And Your glory that You desire for us? For the God of the universe, He who created everything by His word, and He who said "I AM" to time and space. To impart it to us like God seriously, quotang-quota na kami sa Iyo! 

Yung feeling na kayang-kaya ko gawin lahat, kasi You gave the confidence in victory that Jesus won on the cross; kasi You are for us and not against us. Pero I want Your way for me. That there's nothing in this world that I want but Your will be done upon me. And where ever we are, I know God has a plan and He is pleased with us. He is the God of peace that transcends all understanding. Through Jesus, nothing is broken, nothing is missing. Shalom!  

From week one upto the third, may last week pa of course. You have made me seriously look at Jesus. What He did on the cross. What kind of a Father is God. Like grabe, even Jesus in the heaven sitting at the right hand of the Father is interceding for us. Also, sending the Holy Spirit just to make sure that we are well taken care of.

Lord, DMD talaga. 

Jesus, the Lamb of God - The Perfect Redeemer. 
Jesus, the High Priest - The Perfect Mediator. 
Jesus, the Suffering Servant - The Perfect Substitute. 

My heart is so grateful, O God. So much awe, so much indescribable feelings and unspoken words as to Your greatness. I am humbled by Your grace. Thank You for taking it all. Thank You for being the Once and for all sacrifice that has to be, in order to restore our relationship with the Father, for enabling forgiveness to take effect to us, for never giving up to the end. Thank You Jesus! Thank You.

I want to...

"I want to save lives."

After watching the news about this UP prodigy, graduating 1.004, I asked myself: What's next for her? Then she said those lines. It's as if, it's the first time I have understood every word she spoke.

To save lives.

To save lives.

To save lives.

Those words really rang into my being. From those words, I thought, she was able to find what she really wanted to do.

She wanted to save lives.

And there I felt it. A soothing brush in my soul, lifting the weighs of  jailed years in my heart. I felt it. Really. Right in my chest. Why didn't I recognize the very voice that has been inside me saying, "I want to help." I long forgotten about that feeling because I thought it wasn't going to help me when I grow up and work. 

Practicality. That's who I cultivated in this world. Fearing I won't be able to survive if I only think about helping, I need to earn. Thinking what others said, helping others won't get you anywhere to become rich, I gave up on it. I mustered courage to face the reality as so they say, but the more I come closer to it, the more I realize I'd like to be someone who could be of great help. Be it the one who closes the curtain when the show ends, or those who are at the backstage preparing the front liners. I would gladly offer a hand.


During college, almost everything was restricted. Because the only thing that must be is that I should graduate on time. I don't know if my parents were not okay with me having extra-curricular activities but they were... protective. It's hard to move without any moral support you know. So yeah. I underwent great ordeals with them regarding my fondness of doing extra-curricular activities, but God knows how I never regretted participating any of those.  And I wish I could've done more.

Then I thought of words that might go along with it.
'I want to build', 
'I want to create',
'I want to inspire', 
'I want to be just like...' 
And countless of hopeful words.

And I would like to say, this is not just some kind of American Dream as they say but a path  you can surely build up in the good future. The drive of continuing. The purpose of your existence. There must be a lot of things these thoughts might offer you so do not shun it away. If people say there is nothing you can benefit from desiring it, do not lose heart. Because I tell you, there's no one that has a heart like you do.

Friends, time will come when you realize want you want to do. If it comes in a very specific manner, congratulations!  all the courage in the universe and never give up, you shall find your way up there in no time. And if you are the same as me whose been and still picking up the pieces in the great puzzle, pursue it. The moment you had that puzzle get to solve, it's gonna be worth it.

I never intended this post to be this long but I thought I wanted to remember this and maybe share a thought for some readers out there. It's because times like these are answered prayers. And I genuinely honor it. The fact that I cannot deny in my soul that I want to help, someday I shall be in the nation, in the nations. I don't know what lies ahead but I have something to hold on. That in everything that I experience, it's one step towards this goal in my heart: to be of great help. 

And satisfaction has dawned in me.

God has set you apart. Do not feel outcast if you have desire the world may never understand. God placed that in your heart because you are the best, the fit person for it. Cherish it. Nurture it. Someday, you will meet people who will guide you, whom you will have the same desire to make a better future in this world.

The keyword is: BELIEVE

This morning, while traveling going to work, the minister said over the radio,

Kapag may pananampalataya ka, mangarap ka!

With so much conviction and encouragement in his voice, he shared his experience of hoping to go to US with whatever his plans there. Believing that country won't just be plain map before his eyes. It happened.

"Never give up. The keyword is believe." 2 Corinthians 1:20 says," For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us."NIV

• Be specific. In your prayer be specific of what you desire. This way, God sees how serious, genuine or desperate are we for us, over the time we are asking for it.
• Know in your heart, mind and soul that He is faithful. Doubt everything in this world but God's word. The world may pass but His word shall remain - that's how grounded His word for us!
• After all, God's business is answering our prayers . How amazing is that? Do you have anymore to say? Haha.

So... you're someone who's been waiting for like forever? And it made you frustrated and disappointed, draining all hopes the universe had given you? And what do you do? You blame others, you blame yourself. You think you're cursed and will never get a promotion, be struck being a no one. Then you compare yourself to others, you think you're inferior and you think you don't deserve any of these. Then you blame others, you blame yourself... repeat chorus.

A tiring odd ugly dull life.

But you can never solve your problem by blaming others, only by praying... Remember that your enemy is not your brother or sister (including circumstances, whatever) , it is the devil. Do not fight wrong battles, love.

Our God is limitless!
Our Gos is miraculous!
The keyword is believe. You have to.

Dreaming about what you love, for me, is the most beautiful thing in this world. No, wait.  In the entire universe! It's like you are to become a supernova that will significantly contribute in the interstellar mediums and help in the formation of new stars! Others will not understand how our language, hope, works for us, but Jesus got our backs! He left the Holy Spirit, the testimonies of hundreds of believers in the bible as our guide and strength. The world may lie but The Word is the truth.

Now, imagine living our dreams. How much of a beauty shall it be?

Tiwala lang. 

Darating din tayo jan. 

Praise the Lord for the future He has stored for us! And mind, that's not some future you think for yourself. It's the kind of future that no one can ever stop and steal away from the One who planned it all.

When do we say we deserve better?

One beauty queen said in an Banking Ad, "I just woke up one day and realized I deserve better."


So what's next after this question? Do we likely move or should we stay still otherwise?

I don't know myself either, how to measure but I know, I just know, that I really deserve better.

I was raised up in the thought process of equivalent exchange (just lemme use this word, hehe). You work, you get what you want. That's how my life has been. I measure everything that I deserve with how I work. 

I realized this thought like a hundred times in my life. But what do I do?

We can do whatever we want. If I want to move for the better, because that's what I think is best, I can. There's nothing wrong about it actually. You can always get what you want. But there are these times that even if you want to step out where you are, you can't get out of it - and you know that there's something that holds you back. 

Either fear or His word.

Fear is cheap. It drains all of your energy. It robs you what you really have, what you should have for the meantime. You think you should have this and that and all these things that you deserve but you just end up nothing - exhausted mind, body and soul. You can't realize what's for today is enough because you have already set your mind off for tomorrow.

So were getting into the clearer root of this fear, aren't we? Fear for tomorrow. Yes, everyone in this world has a hold of this. From time to time it pops and then we get crazy thinking about it over and over again. And we gain nothing from thinking the most of it when reality slaps us that for now, we can not do anything. Just yet.

His word. Sometimes it ticks me off that His word is making me stay where I am. That moment when you just realize you deserve better but deep in you speaks, "Be contented. Being faithful in small things is a preparation for the better things to come."

It's a challenge for me everyday that I should have this mentality over and over. Everyday, you choose to think this way because you know it is what He wants you to. It contradicts every being of me actually. Every nerve of me erupts. Every tiny universe in me becomes a black hole.

Do I deserve more?
Of course.
God doesn't withhold anything good from His children. And this good has to be in line with His will. And what is His will anyway? Something beautiful, that even ashes could be become star dust.

Do I deserve more?
Yes.
But not now.
He is preparing me.
I know this because He keeps me still.
I know this because it's Him that I am longing for.
I know this because it's written in His love letter.

Do I deserve more?
After all He has done for me, No.
I don't deserve all that I have now.
My life. My entire existence.
But because He gave it all.
His grace extended up to the limits.

I have always asked about Your love.
I didn't understand it.
That's why I don't want it.
I remember how it hurts every time I am reminded of it.
It hurts so much, no, it overwhelms me so much.
How could you love me? What part in me do you love?
As much as I don't want to think about it, it comes rushing so fresh in me.

When my discipler told me about this certain line in the lastest movie in the hobbit, which is familiar with everyone,

 
Tauriel: "If this is love, why does it hurts so much?"
Thranduil: "Because it was real..."

How could it be love when it hurts so much? How can that be real?
You wouldn't know if you never loved like Him. If I think about it, maybe He's the only one who felt it that way. 

That genuine love that hurts when He saw His beloved died.

So instead of seeing us dying everyday of our lives, Jesus came and said "Let me take their place." And so the Father gave His only begotten Son die for us to live.

Now tell me, do you deserve what you say you deserve?



 
 

COAlove

I never gave a thing about Valentines day... no, not until this year.

'tis my last year as a college student and I as much as I'd like, I wanna spend it like no regrets, please - doing some silly things, you know. But I'm not that silly girl you have particularly in mind - full of liberation? Oh no, I can't. Don't ask why it's an I can't.

University Week has ended just a few hours ago. I spent the whole time accompanying and assisting our President since it's the peak of deliberating everything we're doing to the college chairpersons and the heavenly bodies as we call it.

Well, I couldn't tell it was all success. Sure we had flaws that somewhat disturbed our motto: RELAX. It was during the HIYAS pageant, we committed a wrong move which turned everything inside-out. It was later resolved after waiving it to the Student Council President and the College Chairpersons.

Over all? I wanted more. A feeling that I wanted more pressure, I want to atone (to redeem) what was wrongly done. Because indeed, it was a heartfelt learning I brought from that short-time experience. The people that I met, were truly amazing, I can see their leadership and humbleness, their kindness and joy in working with eachother.

Spending time with bunch of new faces didn't become a factor for us not to unite. And this is how I spent my first ever acknowledge valentine's day. And most importantly, this special day also tells us to thank God for allowing us to have a steadfast heart through out the years.

So here's something I cuddled over for the week. I actually don't have pictures from being a part of COA because I have this feeling that I won't stand having a separation anxiety for a week or so specially that my remaining days as a college buddy are already countable. So enjoy~