Three reasons why you must Guard your heart

Guard your heart (Part 1): Three reasons why you must guard your heart

There’s a well-known verse in Proverbs that gets quoted often, especially to younger girls who are entering the age of dating and relationships.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

This is a piece of advice from King Solomon dating centuries ago, yet it still speaks a powerful truth to us today-- that it is imperative to guard our hearts. Here’s why:

1. Because the heart is extremely precious

Hindi mo kailangang ingatan at bantayan ang mga bagay na wala namang value. Tuwing Biyernes ng gabi, inilalabas ng kasambahay namin ang mga basura sa bahay, at iniiwan lang niya na totally unguarded sa tabing-daan ang mga ito. Bakit? Dahil wala naman itong halaga; it’s junk!

Not so with your heart. Ito ang kaibuturan ng kung sino ka. It is your authentic self ---the core of your beng. It is where all your dreams, your desires, and your passions live. Ito ang bahagi ng iyong pagkatao na umuugnay sayo sa Diyos at sa ibang tao.

Kaya nga ang sabi ni King Solomon (na mas matalino at marunong pa kay Tata Lino), bantayan mo ang puso mo “above all else”. Hindi suggestion ito eh, kundi sinasabi niya na gawin mo itong priority.  Bantayan mo. Ingatan mo. Huwag mo basta-basta ipamimigay. Huwag mong basta-basta ipapakuha. Guwardyahan mo rin na tama ang kalagayan nito.

2. Because your heart is the root of everything you do

King Solomon says, “it is the wellspring of life”. In other words, it is the root and source of everything you do. Mula sa iyong puso dumadaloy ang lahat ng iniisip, sinasabi, at ginagawa mo.Kung nakatira ka sa isang are na may mga springs o “batis / bukal”, ma-ge-gets mo agad na naka-depende ang lahat sa agos ng sibol. Kung haharangan mo ang bukal, haharangan mo rin ang pag-daloy ng tubig na kinakailangan ng mga tao sa paligid; kung i-po-pollute mo naman ang tubig mula sa sibol, ang aagos ay nakalalasong tubig.

Likewise, if your heart is unhealthy and not right, it affects everything else--- your relationships, your career, your emotional stability, your discrimination and judgement, your ministry, your entire state. It is therefore crucial to guard it. 

3. Because the heart is deceitful

“The heart is deceitful above all things...” we read in Jeremiah 17:9. Ang puso, mapandaya? Oo, Bible na mismo nagsabi niyan.
While everyone advices people to “follow your heart”, the Bible actually tells us to GUARD IT. Why? Because the human heart can lead you in wrong, even deadly directions. Our heart and feelings can lie and can mislead us, if left unguarded. Pwedeng ang isang bagay o decisyon would “feel right”, and yet be completely wrong. Pwedeng tumibok sa ‘di pa tamang panahon.

Kung maayos ang pag-aaral, trabaho, ministry, finances, friendships, at family life mo, pero mali ang kalagayan ng puso mo, sabi nga ng Tatay ko, yung hindi maayos ang sisira doon sa maayos. Kaya it’s wise na bantayan at ingatan mo ang puso mo.


Do you agree that at times the heart can be deceitful / misleading? 
Can you share additional reasons why we must guard our hearts?


Direct link:
http://jezreelfaith.blogspot.com/2014/09/three-reasons-why-you-must-guard-your.html
(COPY link/ url above to share on Facebook)

Season of Waiting

Patiently waiting does not come naturally for most of us, pero isa itong mahalagang disiplina lalo na pagdating sa relationships. For a young man/woman, when the heartstrings are tugged, pakiramdam talaga niya “this is it” na, kahit hindi pa naman talaga.. Well, psychologically speaking, understandable naman dahil young people (especially those aged 11-21, a.k.a. adolescents) tend to be strongly emotionally-charged and are led by what they feel.

Pero naaalala mo pa ba nung Grade 5 ka?

‘Di ba feeling mo noon eh matured ka na, at nauunawaan mo na ang mga bagay-bagay sa buhay? Pero nung naging 1st year high school ka--- ano na ang tingin mo sa mga grade 5? Sobrang bata pa, noh? Pero ang ironic kasi at the same time, dahil high school ka na, nung mga 3rd or 4th year na, at sobrang uso na ang crushes, M.U., opposite-sex best friend relationships, at pagkakaroon ng bf/gf, feeling mo talaga noon eh big deal na at totoo na ang feelings mo. At feeling mo talaga this is really, really it! Feeling mo you’ve found the one you want to be with forever! So ayun... eventually naka-graduate ka na rin at pumasok sa kolehiyo. At nung gumagawa ka na ng thesis mo, at may mga nakaka-sabay ka sa fast-food at sa jeep na mga high school sweethearts... at ano’ng tingin mo sa kanila? Que ba-bata pa. Pambihira! Isang high five naman dyan kung may na-realize ka! :-D

The bottom-line: tatanda ka pa.. magma-mature ka pa.. marami pang pagbabago ang magaganap. And as you grow older, there will be a lot of people who will bring forth intense emotions and passion in you (at hindi ito masama, dahil bahagi talaga ito ng pag-grow natin; kasama talaga sa buhay ang mga ganoong I-think-I’m-in-love moments).. Marami ‘yan na dadaan.. But the thing is, not because the feelings are strong and warm eh ibig sabihin kailangan mo nang i-certify ito agad as love at pumasok na kaagad sa isang romantic relationship. Pagdating sa love life, may tinatawag tayong waiting :)

What do we have to wait for? (and this is not just for 11-21 year olds, but even for those beyond these years!)

• for God’s right time 
• for our maturity to take place; our un-rushed readiness 
• for the maturity of other people; their un-rushed readiness 
• for the right season for these things 
• the things God wants to do in our lives first before we dive into romance

Why should we wait?

1. Because God knows what He’s doing.

Psalm 139:16 says, “You (God) saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” 

     If all the details of our lives are not unknown to God -- from conception to birth to death, do you think He would miss out the important detail about our love life? 

     I encourage you then to surrender to His ways and His timeline, and to trust His heart. ‘Wag na ‘wag mong iisipin na KJ ang Diyos, at wala siyang pakialam sa love life mo. Meron. May plano siya dito at inaayos ka niya, kasama ng mga bagay sa buhay mo, para sa engrandeng disenyo Niya na ito. Kaya magtiwala ka lang.
     Maaaring hindi pa natin maunawaan ang lahat ng paraan at plano ng Diyos, but we are definitely capable of understanding and trusting that His will for our lives is nothing short of good, pleasing, and perfect (Romans 12:2b).

2. Because God might still be preparing you (and the other person) and your wonderful love story.

Let me ask you a question: If you have a 5-year old brother who wants to borrow your motorcycle (or if you prefer a more feminine example, your 5-year old sister wants to borrow your hot iron curlers), would you give him the keys (or the hot iron curler?). Probably not. Bakit? Hindi dahil hindi mo siya mahal, at sadyang may karamutan ka lang talaga, kundi dahil hindi pa siya ready. Mahal mo siya kaya hindi mo ito ipapagamit o ibibigay, dahil maaari niya itong ikasama o ikapahamak.

In the same way, before we enter an exclusive romantic relationship, it will really please God (and will be the best for us) if we’d be ready for it. Kaya naman habang hindi pa, patuloy ang pag-hahanda at pag-aayos niya sa atin (at sa taong iyon; ‘wag ka na munang masyadong focused sa pag-s-spy okay?) at sa mga circumstances na nakapaligid sa atin, para kapag dumating na ang tamang panahon, we would be fully prepared and at our best.

P.S., Gentlemen, sa isang banda, kung feeling mo naman eh ready ka na pero si girl ay hindi pa, aba eh kung may ginagawa pa ang Diyos sa kanya at binubuo pa siya, ‘wag ka munang makialam at manghimasok ---- :) Hintay-hintay at pray-pray din muna :) Don’t make the waiting and preparing time be a greater burden for hear by dropping early clues!

3. Because there is a time for everything. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”.

Mas malinaw pa sa isang HD Youtube video! Hindi natin dapat madaliin ang mga bagay dahil may panahon na nakatakda para sa lahat ng ‘yan --- naku eh lalo pa kung napakahalaga nito, katulad ng relationships. Again, we don’t need to rush through life because God wants us to appreciate and savor every season of our lives. In addition and in connection to #2, when we move out of time or out of season, we actually forfeit God’s protection over our lives as well as our hearts. Therefore, respect the seasons of life and go through its motions and pace.

If this is a season where God is guiding you in finding your identity and discovering your purpose, let it be. If this is the season of God building you up as a responsible and mature man / woman (from being a young, immature boy/girl), let it be. Or perhaps this is a season where God is allowing you to really grow your spiritual roots and depth? Let it be. For some this is a season where God seeks their undivided attention in the ministry; let it be. For others, this is a season of having their hearts and character changed and purified; let it be.

Three important questions you have to ask God:
- “What season am I currently at?”
- “What do you want me to do at this season?”
- “What do you want to accomplish in my life at this season?”

Seasons change; seasons are not forever. And in the same way that singleness is a season, don’t panic: it is not gonna last forever. Kaya don’t rush getting out of this season, and make the most out of it! Grow as much as you can; learn as much as you can.

Sabi nga ng DaddyPastor ko, may nakalaan ang Diyos para sa iyo para sa araw na ito. Iba naman yung bukas :) Kaya kung anumang panahon ka naroroon, dumoon ka.

When you are ready... when the season is right... and if it’s according to the will of God, the things you long for will come. They will fall into place and fit into your life just right :)

Meanwhile, wait.

Lots of love, Ate Jez

Defeating Pornography

The devil is an expert in the small things --- in setting up traps that are not obvious, those that appear as if they are not dangerous and not causing damage. The devil is also a liar --- in the Bible, he is called the father of all lies!

I am angry at this secret sin called pornography! I have seen too much of how it has strongly destroyed and damaged lives and relationships, even those of Christians. So let me expose some of the most common LIES of the enemy about pornography:

Lie#1: “It’s just for ‘educational’ purposes”
For more matured people, there may be a time to learn a few things about this area of marriage which they can acquire knowledge on from doctors, health books and wholesome readings (nevertheless, marriage is not a license to watch porn; in fact many psychological studies prove how it is very detrimental to marriages!).

Or maybe you think it will help you know what you like once you get married? LIE. It will only corrupt your understanding of Biblical marriage that instead of the goal to serve each other in marriage, you will be selfish in having your desires met. So if you’re into it for this reason, you’re building on a false foundation.

Now, let’s say your conscience is really clear when you start searching for such on the internet, or checking out videos and photos from whatever available device or media.. But how do you draw the line? Could “educational” on this thing simply be a means to sin? Could it simply be a bait and a trap? Could it be a “road that leads to death”? You bet.

Lie#2: “Well, tumitingin lang naman eh..”
“Well, I’m just looking at it, so it’s not really sin”. God says that if a man looks lustfully at a woman, it is the same as adultery.

“Well, I’m just looking, but I will never get past looking to doing”. Actually, many scientific researches proove that it often leads to acting on those impulses.

Lie#3: “Ito na ang last time.”
You believe it is your last time getting that magazine, going to the website, or downloading that movie, kaya hindi mo na kailangan pa na i-confess ito... dahil ito na ang last time. Hangang maulit ito sa susunod na araw, linggo, o buwan. It is the last time --- until the next time. What a lie.
If the enemy can convince you that “this is the last time”, you will never tell anyone and you will probably ride into the comfortable lie that it is okay, anyway last time na.

Lie#4: “Kaya ko namang itigil ito anytime”
Alam mo na ang masaklap at mapanirang bunga ng pornography sa ibang mga mag-asawa, mga pamilya, mga kaibigan mo, at sa ibang church leaders... pero hindi ka naman talaga “addicted” dito ‘di ba? Kayang-kaya mo namang itigil ito kung kailan mo gusto. Isa pa, hindi naman pareho ang epekto nito sayo sa epekto nito at ginagawa nito sa ibang tao. Iba ka sa kanila. At iba ang bunga nito sa kanila at bunga nito sayo. Hindi ito makaka-apekto sa buhay mo, sa pamilya mo, sa Christian life mo, sa relationships mo, sa simbahan mo, sa ministry mo, gaya ng ginagawa nito sa ibang tao. Ikaw ang may control sa porn, hindi ka niya kontrolado. LIE.

Lie#5: “Confessing about it is just too much!”
The devil wants you to keep your secret life and secret sins. Sa lahat ng na-counsel-an ko about their secret sins, nakita ko na hindi talaga tayo magkakaroon ng kapangyarihan para mapagtagumpayan ang kasalanan kung itatago natin ito. If you are longing for freedom, matatagpuan mo ito in confession. While it’s true that freedom and confession will cost something up front, pero hindi naman ito maikukumpara sa bigat at halaga ng pamumuhay ng may pagkakagapos ka.

Here is what I believe in: If you are struggling with this sin, God still loves you and He is fighting for you! He died on the Cross and conquered death para magkaroon ka ng katagumpayan sa bawat aspeto ng iyong buhay.

Saan ka maaaring magsimula? Paano mo maaaring mapagtagumpayan ang isang bagay na gumagapos at umaalipin sayo na mamuhay sa kahihiyan at guilt? The first place that I would suggest to anyone who is struggling with this is to start with a matured Christian counselor -- this could be your small group leader, mentor, or pastor. Sa nakaraang ilang buwan na nagsimula akong sumulat sa aking blog, may mga nag-e-email sa akin at nagpapahayag ng kanilang tunay na kalagayan tungkol sa bagay na ito. Almost all of these people would tell me they have never told anyone else but me about their porn problem. I am grateful for the trust they give me, but as I give Biblical counsel I always still encourage them to find a spiritual shepherd that could be more personally accountable to them.

To confess such sin will not be easy, but it will be worth it for it has the power to bring freedom, cleansing, and healing to your heart, soul, and spirit. I know this will sound churchy, but healing comes through confession and prayer. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

The Bible tells us in this passage that although we have to confess our sins to receive God’s forgiveness (which he freely and graciously gives!), the truth is that confession does not bring forgiveness (the blood of Jesus, and not any man, bring us freedom and forgiveness!). What confession does bring is healing. There is healing that comes to our heart as we confess our sins with one another.

The “secret sin” that you are keeping only has power and control over you as long as it remains a secret. But sin and temptation loses its grip and power when we confess.

Light will always defeat darkness! At the beginning it’s quite a challenging decision to face to let that light into the darkness, exposing the most shameful parts of our heart. But we cannot receive the healing that God offers when we refuse to bring into the light. But when we do, we can be healed.. we can overcome.

The devil is an expert in small things. He does not care if you are a "Christian", if you go to church, or even if you have a ministry.... as long as you keep this secret sin. Because then he knows that no matter how "Christian" you get, he still has control and power over you through this secret sin.

Remember today that you are a conqueror! You are an overcomer!
God is not mad at you --- He is mad at the sin that is controlling you. And He has sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to rescue you! You have been redeemed from sin with the precious blood of Jesus! You can receive freedom!

(Kindly share this article --- you might not just have an idea that some of your friends need this!)

Mahal Ko ang Pastor Ko

(PART I)
Even if my dad is a pastor, he would always tell me that being a pastor is NOT the highest and noblest calling or profession because the highest calling would be what God (uniquely) calls each to do, according to His purposes. Still and all, without forgetting that all Glory ought to be God’s, I believe our pastors-- especially our Senior Pastors, are worthy of our high esteem and respect.

A few months ago I stumbled on a blog about the 14 Things You Souldn't Say To Your Pastor. It was funny reading all of them as I can fully relate and agree, growing up as a pastor’s kid. I laughed the hardest at these items:

• I wish I had a job like yours, where I would work only one day a week.
• What do you do with all the free time you have?
• I like your preaching, pastor, but I really like ____________________________ (fill in the blank with television or podcast preacher).
• Your kids shouldn’t behave that way. After all, they are pastor’s kids.
• Your low salary is good for you. It keeps you humble and dependent on the Lord.

If you think all a Pastor does is get on the pulpit every Sunday and preach a good message (and maybe even think “ang dali ng trabaho niya, once-a-week lang! And then he gets paid!”), you are dreadfully mistaken.

See if the church is healthy and growing. See if the affairs and operations of the church are done well. See if his family is strong. See if the pastor’s spiritual life is in good shape. See if the church is progressing. See if the faith of the people are thriving. See if the number of those being saved are exploding. See if disciples are increasing. See if leaders are multiplying. And then think again. For these cannot possibly happen by just preaching a good message every sunday.

Our Senior Pastors, more than being powerful preachers, are visionaries who are always looking ahead and making sure the church is going somewhere; pioneers and trailblazers who often take the first step of faith and take unchartered paths; planners who make sure the vision will be accomplished; overseers who check if things are being implemented well; managers who are concerned about running the local church; leaders who invest in people; fathers and mothers who have families to take care of; Christians who make sure their hearts and spirit are right with God (and the list goes on...). Salamat nalang through discipleship the burden and ease of the ministry is being shared by the Body of Christ. Still the same, our pastors deserve our deep respect and honor (uhm, maybe that’s why they’re called “Reverends”?). And even if we scratch the fact that I am as pastor's kid, I would still stand by these words.

And I say honor the man of God! Bless the man of God!

And by the way, if your pastor is receiving financial support from the church, remember that this is only as “thank you” gift and a way of blessing the man of God... But there is absolutely no way for a church congregation to “pay” a pastor with a “salary” or “wage”. Because what they do is PRICELESS. *wink*

I thank God for blessing us with a loving home church that loves, honors, and respects the shepherd and pastor God has graced His church with. Soli Deo Gloria!

#MahalKoAngPastorKo

#PatutunayanKo

(Disclaimer: I wrote this not because there’s an issue in our church concerning the members, leaders and our pastor (thank God at wala!). Nor did I write this as response to an issue in another church--- well, kung meron man, wala akong alam ha. Pero kung meron nga talaga sa church mo, hawaan mo nalang sila ng pag-ibig!)

When People Leave..

I dedicate this post to every loving small group leader regardless of the number of years in leadership, and to every committed disciple (kung hindi naman committed na disciple, lalong mas dedicated sayo ‘to, tsong!). Hope you’ll read through the whole article... and maybe type in your comments so I can learn from you, too! 

Matthew 13:31-32

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

The Kingdom of God is bound to grow... no matter what (happens).

Whether you join or not, it is destined to grow. Yes, it is true that God likes using people and including them in the fulfillment of His plans and the expansion of His Kingdom, pero with or without me (you), IT WILL FLOURISH.

Here’s a little heads-up to small group leaders though. Along the way, there might be those who will desert you. Merong mga maganda naman ang dahilan, meron ding mali. May mang-iiwan, tatalikod sa pananampalataya, susukuan ang bagong buhay, at meron ding tatakbo mula sa calling nila to pursue their own ambitions and plans (uhm, ano pa ba?). As a leader, if (if nga ba or, when?) you go through these burdensome situations, remember that,

1. Your labors are not wasted because you have done them primarily as for serving the Lord  anyway (Colossians 3:23).
2. They will leave now as better persons and Christians because, by the grace of God, you have effected change in their lives by the great seeds that you’ve been able to sow in them while you’ve been allowed to lead them. Hope in the knowledge of that. 
3. There’s really a time for everything: a time to search and a time to count as lost; a time to keep and a time to throw away (Ecclesiastes 3:6). Change and the shifting of seasons, those we cannot control nor escape. (Pero sana lang ‘wag mong gamiting excuse ‘to sa pagiging unfaithful. May mga changes na God-ordained, pero may mga bagay na tayo lang naman talaga ang nagpupumilit.)
4. We do not own people. Period.
5. We cannot make choices for them. We lead but we do not dictate. We guide them in life, but we do not hold the steering wheel of their lives. Like you and me, they have been given freewill and can use it anytime. Though we mentor them, they are ultimately responsible for their own life choices. You see, in as much as they are free to choose to follow God’s plans, they are also free to choose to steer away from it. Our role is to present the choices and options, and influence them to make the best ones! But we cannot make choices for them. Remember how you can share the gospel to someone but cannot receive it for them or in behalf of them? The same principle applies here. (Pero sana piliin mo yung tama!)
6. If a warrior leaves the battle, God will always raise up another one!

In the Bible, we can find accounts after accounts of how God raises and calls other people when others quit.

• Esau traded his birth right. Jacob became the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
• Moses disobeyed and as a result didn’t enter the Promised Land. Joshua did.
• The Israelites were all afraid of Goliath. Young shepherd boy David defeated him.
• Judas betrayed Jesus. Matthias was appointed.

Even though some abandon, turn back from, or withdraw from their calling, God will always choose and raise up another one to carry on fulfilling His divine purposes. Oh no, let’s change that... God CAN always raise up another one. He is absolutely able to do that. And at all cost, for His greater purposes’ sake, He will and He can do that.

JOB 42:2 (NIV)

“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

Would God allow His plans to not succeed?

Would God allow His promises go unfulfilled?

Will God be limited by one man’s disobedience?

Will His Kingdom not thrive without you or me?

Sinuman sa atin ay hindi maaaring magmalaki sa diyos. One can simply never think that if he quits or leaves, uurong na ang Kingdom of God. God is too big, too powerful to be shaken by man. God is sovereign and He will never allow His plans go unfulfilled — not by any man's disobedience, nor by any man's disloyal or uncommitted heart. The God we serve is a God who does what He has promised... and He is the same God who will and is able to complete what He has begun!  And may we always remember that NO MAN, no matter how significant or insignificant he may see himself, can thwart God’s purposes.

On a personal note, I thank the Lord for surrounding me with people whom I know and have proven their wholehearted commitment, faithfulness, and unwavering devotion to God and to the work of His ministry. They have not only become my disciples, but life-long friends as well. And my relationship with them, I treasure with all my heart!

May I be clear though that this is not to give license and excuse on being lazy and passive in doing consolidation and our going-after’s of our disciples, or in facing our disciples’ issues and concerns. As leaders who are accountable to people, we must do everything we can by God’s grace to fight for and fight with them. But if they willingly and decisively let go, run away, and get intentionally sidetracked into disobedience or compromise, resisting your leadership, help, wisdom, and love, remember that our Master’s grand and sovereign plan will push through! His Kingdom will press on expanding because it is bound to grow... Whether you join it or get out of it, it is destined to flourish!

Whether you are a cell leader or a cell disciple, I would love to encourage you to not be afraid and to not hold back from pouring out your life for the cause of the Kingdom... because the Kingdom of God is bound to grow --- wala kang lugi dito! And when you start to do so, may you never fall into the deadlock of discouragement in continuing what you do when you see others fall back, having the faith that the Kingdom will thrive no matter what... For we are not among those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved (Hebrews 10:39).

Be strong and courageous.. Do not be discouraged. Tuloy lang ang laban! :)

Is it okay to be best friends with someone of the opposite sex?

If this generation has its Bogs and Mae (Paano Na Kaya, 2010) and Palits and Marian (Close to You, 2006), well my generation had our cute bff's Budjoy and Ned from Marvin & Jolina’s 1998 movie called “Labs Kita, Okay Lang?” (I know, throwback!). All are fictional stories of childhood best friends secretly falling in love with each other but were both reluctant to deal with and admit their feelings so as to preserve the friendship.
Ang daming madaling maka-relate sa mga ganitong movie themes since male-female best friend relationships have become not only possible, but quite common today. And I’d like to share my two cents worth on it.

So, is it okay to be best friends with someone of the opposite sex?

When I give talks about relationships I usually get this question, and my answer would always be that while I do not see cross-gender best friend relationships as morally wrong, I definitely do not encourage and advocate them. Here are some reasons why:

Sleepover with some of my girlfriends in my Baguio apt.

⚫ Our teenage and early twenty years are to be wisely used in investing in healthy same-sex friendships. While it’s true that of the most important social transitions in adolescence is the formation of other-sex peer relationships for social and emotional adjustment, this does not necessarily mean that opposite-sex best friend relationships (OSBFR) will be highly beneficial. For instance, one study found out that teens who engaged in OSBFR's had higher antisocial behaviors compared to others, especially for girls. May tendency kasi na ma-isolate na kayo kung mag-bestfriend kayo since others would normally treat you subtly as a couple. Sayang naman yung opportunity to develop many other healthy friendships with the same gender.

⚫ We need same-sex friendships to grow. I have heard many girls say, “ate, boyish lang talaga ako, kaya close ako sa boys” and while that could be partially true, I think that’s a really lazy defense. The fact is that when a girl is in the presence of his male friends (kahit pa totally unromantic at walang malisya), she is treated differently and is given unusual attention --- kahit pa one-of-the-boys siya (hello, ask the guys!). Prinsesa siya doon eh. Kasi babae. But when a girl is in the presence of her girlfriends, psychology tells us that there is this instinctive competition when girls get together (not exactly the awayan sort of competition), in that friendships with the opposite sex would mean the necessity of intentionally exerting extra effort and character stretch --- and that’s where growth happens! :)

One of my best friends, Presh. We love hugs!

⚫ Best friend relationships are too intimate by nature. To be engaged in a “best friend relationship” puts on the expectation and commitment to spend quality time with each other, to be available in times of need, to have in-depth conversations and revelations about oneself, and intense care for each other. Bottom line is, best friend relationships entail too much emotional investment and intimacy and can easily lead to romantic feelings. If you say, “hindi naman kami ganyan ka-intimate ng best friend ko kaya okay lang siguro sa case namin”, then why be best friends? I think a young man who is best friends with a young woman is in dangerous territory (unless they are married to each other) since a young woman's heart is easily won over by friendship and emotions. Her heart is vulnerable.

⚫ I’ve always believed that the “best friend” label should be reserved for your future spouse. Gentlemen, when you get married someday, would you appreciate if your wife has a male best friend? Inversely, ladies, when you get married someday, would you like the idea of your husband having a female best friend? :) Go ahead, answer these questions yourself. (itong point lang na ito, solved na 'ko, actually).

Does this mean that single women should never have guy friends? Not at all. It have the blessing of having great guy friends around. But this just means that a single woman’s meaningful relationships should come from female friendships. These are friendships that will last and encourage you in your pursuit of godliness, purity, and marriage. These are friendships that will last long after you say “I do.” <3

Now, let me talk to the guys..

You need to know what’s seriously at stake here-- her heart. But I hear many of you say, “dude, we’re just friends!”. So you really think a woman in her right mind would make such investments of her time and emotions so that one day she can be an emcee on your wedding? Give me a break.

Uhm, REALLY?.... (photo from the internet)

Guys, newsflash: chances are, your girl best friend thinks (or hopes) that something might be going on between you two. Sa tingin niya a great guy like you would not spend time with her, share his deepest feelings, and slightly flirt with her kung wala namang chance of a relationship. Pero at the same time, naguguluhan din siya --- emotionally, intimate ka sa kanya, pero physically, para mo lang siyang nakababatang kapatid. She would want confrontation but would most probably hold it back para maiwasang magmukhang assuming, so she’ll just be glad to take what you give. And while she’s confused, you’re enjoying a benefit that any man would appreciate: the feeling of being liked by a woman.

Madaling i-deny ang responsibility for your girl best friend’s decision to keep yearning for you and thinking that there is more to the friendship when you have never clearly and plainly said (in words, in a language/dialect you both understand, in front of her, with her full name) that you were interested. But that’d be really lame, immature, and very unmanly. Bro, if you’re really interested and ready for a relationship, then pursue her (with an intention of marriage). Clearly define the relationship for what it is.

Pero kung hindi ka pa ready to pursue her or anyone — after all this time — then kindly and respectfully apologize to her if you’ve done anything to give the impression of romance in the friendship, and if you’ve asked her emotional investment and intimacy when you clearly cannot match it with a relational commitment.

When the superficial friendship ends, it will definitely be painful and heartbreaking (parang isang breakup). But you will then clearly see the line that you’ve have crossed. And well, hopefully, magsisimula ka na to really treat women as sisters — physically and emotionally.

Ito naman ang third option: ‘wag mong pansinin ang advise na ito, and ituloy mong idate halfway ang kaibigan mo. But before you do that, let me make one more plea. Song of Solomon often-quoted verse says, "I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases" (Song of Solomon 8:4). This verse is usually used to counsel single women not to prematurely commit themselves romantically, but I want to use it to counsel and admonish you.
Please understand na wala nang ibang makakapag-"stir up or awaken love" in a woman's heart like emotional intimacy and spending time together. And it's the little things that open her heart that draws her heart moment by moment.

Please spare her from being, borrowing Budjoy's words, "so stupid to make the biggest mistake of falling in love with my best friend." *wink*

And although I know it feels good to receive this kind of attention, please recognize this: It's more than her attention you're getting — it's her heart, her love. And, brother, kung ang handa mo lang na ibigay sa kanya is the privilege of being your favorite girl buddy, I'm sorry, but you don't deserve it, and believe me, she deserves better.

While Yet Unmarried, Prepare

Last week my Daddy Pastor preached a message about marriage. It was intended for married couples, but I was able to take home some reflections for singles or the unmarried :)

In marriage....

• you will accept the person for who he/she is. So while yet unmarried, you have the opportunity to observe and choose! Contrary to popular advise, when you get attracted to someone, ‘wag ka agad mag-dive into a romantic relationship with him/her. If you immediately do, palalabuin lang nito ang goal mo of first getting to know the real nature of people around you bago ma mag-desisyon who to pursue (if you’re a man) or who to allow to develop a deeper friendship with (if you’re a woman). In marriage, no return, no exchange! So while unmarried, observe keenly and choose wisely... at ‘wag excited to be in a relationship agad-agad :)

• the man will be the leader of the family. The woman submits to the man’s leadership in marriage (Ephesians 5:22-23). This is not a signal of male superiority or of the greater importance of men. It is simply God's design and assignment of equally valuable roles among spiritually equal beings. So while unmarried, women, be careful and wise in choosing someone whom you will submit to. Men, WORK! :) Develop your spiritual, emotional, and intellectual muscles to be the best leader you can be to your future family, because by then you won’t be leading just yourself but a whole bunch of precious people dependent and submissive to your leadership.

Even after 29 years, Dad & Mom still HHWW (hold hands while walking) Yeehe

• the man will be the pastor of the family. Ladies, if you choose someone who is NOT a Christian (I mean a real Christian), what can you expect of him in terms of (a) raising up a “Christian & Godly family”? and (b) in terms of loving you like Christ (if he is not a lover of the presence of God?). It’s been said that you cannot give what you don’t have. If a man then does not receive the revelation of Christ’s love (Ephesians 5:25), how can he love you in the way God wants you be loved? Hindi dapat madaan sa kilig na pwede nilang idulot sayo. Do not settle for less; do not settle for someone na magaling magpa-kilig, pero hindi naman alam ang love of God. Totoong Christian dapat :) Wait for someone with strong foundations in the faith who'll be able to excellently pastor a family someday! (my edge is that I have an amazing Dad who is truly a great pastor to our family--- I kinda have an idea na of the one I'm waiting for)

• the man provides. You don’t have to be financially super rich, but you must have at least gained the integrity of someone who is financially responsible and financially dependable. Men, it is again your responsibility while waiting to work out your esteem as one who is financially able, disciplined and wise.

Marriage is sacred unto the Lord. Hindi siya bahay-bahayan lang. So while yet unmarried, as you wait, prepare. <3

The Forbidden Tree

Why do we feel that if we are not in a relationship we are unable to enjoy life to the fullest?

Genesis 3:1 (NIV) “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"

Kung naka-sentro ang isip at atensyon natin sa isang puno na hindi pa natin maaaring makamtan [at the moment], hindi na natin napagmamasdan ang lahat ng mga puno na maaarin naman nating ma-enjoy. Kaya para bang hinihinto at nilalagay natin on-hold ang iba’t-ibang bahagi ng ating buhay habang naka-tanod at naka-masid naman tayo doon sa isang puno na parang out of reach. Nai-imagine ko na biglang sisingit ang serpent para tanungin tayo ng isang very misleading question... “Ibig mong sabihin pagkakaitan ka ng Diyos na ma-enjoy mo ang buhay mo? Ang lupit naman yata ‘nun?”... But don’t fall for it! It’s a trap! God wants you to enjoy life... Pero hindi ito pwedeng mangyari kung mananatili kang naka-titig at naka-masid dyan sa isang puno na ‘yan.

Take a look around you. Breath, look, taste, enjoy, savor! Baka mag-iba na ang mga ‘yan bukas o makalawa. Do not get caught up in what you don’t have. Take another look. What do you see? Wonderful friends, new opportunities, doors for ministry, activities to try, new things to learn, experiences to gain... I dare you to enjoy what are available.

As Jim Elliot famously wrote, “Let not our longing slay the appetite of our living”. Today is today. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Do not fail to see that there are unlimited opportunities available for you today... God has amazing things prepared for us in every stage of our lives. May the joyful anticipation of what the next stage may bring NOT blanket the joys of living and embracing the stage we're in.
What to do with these longings? Throw them and lay them at God’s altar. And trust Him.


Should you put enjoying life to the fullest on hold until you change your relationship status? I think not!
Is God really telling you to not enjoy life to the fullest? I think not! <3

How do I know if I’m Ready for a Relationship?

Heart-shaped decors are everywhere! I’ll start posting articles about the ever-popular topic of the love life.

One of the most common questions I receive from young people whenever I give talks about relationships is, “what is the proper age to be in a relationship?”.

I salute people who do not get in exclusive intimate relationships even up to their early and mid-twenties, because they get to use that time with their friends, establishing careers, and investing in their own personal growth. The fact is that we have the big tendency to change so much in our twenties, at hindi natin dapat ito pigilan at all cost! At habang nagbabago tayo, nag-iiba rin ang klase ng tao na gusto nating makasama habangbuhay, ang mga standards at mindset natin, maging ang mga goals at direksyon ng ating buhay.

So what is the right age? Well, in relationships, maturity matters more than age. Handa ka nang pumasok sa isang relationship kapag handa ka na ring ikasal within a reasonable amount of time. Remember that courtship and relationships are purposed to be preparation for marriage. Therefore, if you are not yet inclined to consider marriage seriously, you should not yet be involved in a romantic relationship with the opposite sex.

1. Maturity: Marriage and relationships are for people who are mature, who have developed their character through the years (no better way than to be submitted to Christ’s Lordship!). Though maturity is both crucial for both men and women, there is a great expectation especially for men since they will be the leaders, pastors, fathers of their own kin.
In terms of maturity, age is not the prime issue at hand since there are some people in their early 20’s who are more matured than those in their 30’s! But generally, with age comes the sharpening of character and gaining of wisdom --- wisdom to make the right decisions and actions, to do the right things at the right time, to give correct guidance and counsel when it is necessary. However, even the most mature teenager will be probably be wiser by the time he/she is in the mid-twenties.

2. Emotionally ready: From a biological perspective, the human brain experiences crucial maturity and changes up to the mid to late-twenties. Studies show that it is only by one’s late twenties that our brain is best able to process emotional and social information, as well as for planning. This however does not warrant that a person is most ready for a relationship when he reaches the age of 25, because again, maturity matters more.

Here are some questions to assess your emotional maturity:

• Do you have enough self-control that you are no longer ruled by your human passions?
• Have you outgrown your selfish ways? Are you able to prioritize others before yourself? 
• Can you handle confrontations and discussions without fighting?
• Do you still argue with your friends over unimportant things?
• How to you respond when you don’t get your way?
• Are you ready to share 100% of your life with someone?
• Are you able to put up with your long-term commitments?
• Do you easily get jealous?
• Are you overly dramatic?

I am sure that all of us can still improve in all of these areas, but typically this is why teenagers are not yet ready for a lifetime commitment. Hindi rin dapat i-commit ang future to someone else while still in their teenage years (e.g., “tayo pa rin hanggang sa mag-mature na tayo”) because a lot of changing will still take place!

3. Financially ready: The Biblical blueprint of the family is that the man (father) will be the provider of the family. So men, please lang, don’t bother pursuing a romantic relationship with anyone unless you are financially ready to support a family. Women, be wise enough to not pledge yourself to someone who has not yet gained the integrity of a good provider. I know this sounds a little unromantic, even quite materialistic, but it’s a reality every person considering relationships should face. You don’t have to be extremely rich to consider a relationship, but you must at least be financially stable and financially disciplined.

4. Spiritually ready: Every relationship must be aimed to honor God. And you can honor God with your relationships when you get involved in one at the right time ---- when you are spiritually mature yourself. I always encourage our youth group to focus on their spiritual growth first before they focus on finding their mate! It is best to form strong foundations for your faith first, and not allow anyone to distract you from growing your roots deep. Practice faithfulness by being faithful in the ministry you’re involved at (bonus for this is the spirit of servanthood you get while ministering!), in your Biblical knowledge, in your love for God, in being a lover of the presence of God, and in your prayer life.
You don’t have to be some sort of a spiritual giant, but you just have to first mature in the faith.

Please know that I am not, and will never be an “anti-love”. (Promise!) :) I actually am thrilled myself just talking about relationships. Teehee! <3 However, it is my desire that we, as followers of Christ, would approach relationships and romance in a way that will be the best for us, and that would pleases Him, and that we would go against the lowering standards of this generation!

Intimacy and Commitment

The goal of any romantic relationship should be lifelong commitment in matrimony.

When I talk to the youth about relationships, I usually ask them why they enter into relationships, even at a young age. The common answer is, “mahal ko eh”. And when I ask them if they are ready for and are considering marriage, they would often be caught off guard and respond with a laugh. “Kasal agad? Hindi ba pwedeng boyfriend / girlfriend lang muna?”, they’d wittily reply.

I wonder what’s really the point of most romantic relationships? Ito ngayon ang problema -- mali ang pagtingin ng marami sa atin about intimacy and relationships. I would like to assert that the prerequisite for intimacy is commitment. Without commitment, there is no blessing for intimacy. Without commitment, there should be no intimacy. Without commitment, intimacy will be plain selfish and lust-driven.

In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus gives a parable about two builders: one built his house on the sand (man’s ways), while the other build his house on a rock (God’s ways). Let us now consider how this parable applies to establishing relationships.

Itinayo ng hangal (foolish) na tao ang kanyang bahay sa buhangin nang hindi isinasaalang-alang ang kinabukasan at ang mga panahon na darating. He has forgotten to consider that seasons change, and that sooner or later storms and strong winds will come. At nang tumama nga ito sa bahay, bumagsak ito, at tuluyang nawasak (v27). Gaya ng isang bahay na naka-tayo sa buhangin, ang isang relasyon na hindi naka-ugat sa mga prinsipyo ng Diyos, at hindi isinasaalang-alang ang darating na panahon ay maaaring mawasak pagdating ng panahon.
Ganito ang larawan ng marami sa mga relationships sa ngayon. Madalas, we are pursuing intimacy for the sake of intimacy. We are pursuing relationships for the sake of relationships. Walang layunin o purpose at malinaw na destinasyon ang mga relationships.

What if a young person becomes in love with someone, and they both wish to be lovers for the rest of their lives? Could this pass for “commitment”? Is it okay then for them to be in a relationship now?

scene from High School Musical

Uso sa mga kabatan ngayon ang tawagin ang kanilang mga boyfriend/girlfriend na “asawa ko”, “mame”, “dade” (corny-ness overload, I know! But a lot of teenagers actually are guilty with this!), sa kaisipan na panghabambuhay na ang kanilang relasyon. If that’s the case, does this mean it’s okay for them to be in a relationships since may “commitment” naman pala sila sa isip nila? Let me answer that by introducing to you the concept of “getting married within a reasonable amount of time”.... Please say that again? “getting married within a reasonable amount of time”

When I ask students about their ideal age for getting married, the average age I get is 25-27. So, let’s say if someone is only 18, does he plan to court someone for the next 7-9 years?  Kung tatanungin mo sila, most of the youth who are in relationships today ay wala pa namang balak na magpakasal within a reasonable amount of time,  (although age should not be the lone consideration). At dahil wala pa naman silang intention to get married within a reasonable amount of time, kahit na they wish to be lovers forever, I don’t think there is “real commitment” in the equation. So it’s better to not to be in a relationship first.
Perhaps they can grow as single people first until they are ready for commitment before pursuing intimacy?

Can’t we just enjoy being in a relationship with no pressures about marriage?
Being a boyfriend/girlfriend is not the end of itself. Too many young people are wasting their time and energy in relationships that aren’t going anywhere. As already mentioned, intimacy without commitment is selfish and lust-driven.
In most cases, when we’re younger and a bit immature, relationships are short-term (though we want them to last!), serving only the needs of the moment. Hence some relationships only become a selfish way of satisfying one’s desires and needs for affection and intimacy. We enter into relationships because we want to enjoy the emotional and physical benefits of intimacy, without the responsibility of real commitment.

I’m sharing a special relationship with a friend, though we don’t really have an “official” relationship. Neither is there a physical relationship and intimacy between us since we rarely see each other. Is this acceptable?
Obviously, kung lalabas tayo kasama ng isang tao, o madalas natin siyang makasama, mas bibilis mag-increase ang intimacy ng relationship. Pero hindi mo naman kailangang makipag-date or lumabas kasama ng isang tao para maging intimate kayo. You can do that over the phone (calls and countless exchange of text messages), through the internet (e.g., facebook chats, emails), paglabas niyo kasama ang grupo ng mga kaibigan, o kaya yung magkasama lang kayo palagi sa school at pagkatapos ng mga classes niyo. A guy and a girl meeting in a restaurant for a date isn’t the issue. Ang issue ay kung angkop ba ang intimacy in your relationship sa current level niyo of commitment.

Kung walang level of commitment, why be intimate?

~ ~ ~
The man who built his house on a rock was called “wise” by Jesus. Itinayo niya ang kanyang bahay to last a lifetime. Two builders: foolish and wise; two foundations: sand and rock; two outcomes: destruction and stability. Christ’s analogy applies to relationships just as much as to houses.

Please do yourself a favor -- don’t give your heart away when there is no commitment. And do your brothers and sisters a big favor -- don’t ask or try to win their affection if you’re not yet ready to match it with genuine commitment within a reasonable amount of time.

Cravings, Constraint, Control

Genesis 4:7 (MBB)

“Kung mabuti ang ginawa mo, dapat kang magsaya. Kung masama naman, ang kasalana’y tulad ng mabangis na hayop na laging nag-aabang upang lapain ka. Nais nitong pagharian ka. Kaya’t kailangang mapaglabanan mo ito.

 (NEB)“....it shall be eager for you, and you will be mastered by it.”

I was talking to a single lady a few weeks ago and she blurted out, “Ate Jez, kung hindi naman pala ibibigay ni Lord sa akin kung ano yung desire ko ngayon, pwede bang alisin nalang ni Lord yung desire?”.

I think I’ve written the same question and request on my journal a few years ago, too! :-D But let me share with you what God has taught me: No, it’s not going to happen. This revelation has set me free! Hindi aalisin ng Diyos ang desire for a man or woman, physical intimacy, chocolate cake, a new iPad, o kung anuman ‘yun that we’re craving out of our systems! It’s because God wants us to be masters over our desires. The NKJV of Genesis 4:7 says, “...but you should rule over it”. Kung aalisin ito ng Diyos, how can we learn the art of mastering over our desires, instead of being controlled by them?
You see, you have received many seeds of the Word of God, you have faith, you have the grace of God, you have the privilege of prayer. Therefore, nag-eexpect ang Diyos na gamitin natin at i-exercise natin ang ating mga “spiritual muscles” to get around life.

Is it sin to have desires?
Kasalanan ba ang mga “desires” mo na ito? Definitely not! Hindi “sin” na magkaroon ng ganitong desires. In fact, we were wired with these desires. Saan pumapasok ang either Godliness or sin? --- in our response to it. Kung may desires ka, yet your response is that you’ve chosen to honor God above all, that’s righteousness and Godliness. But if you have desires, and then these things have become idols of your heart, replacing the place of God as number one in your heart, or when it moves you to do things that do not please God, then I would dare to say you must have crossed the line. Mali na. Kasalanan na.

A God-shaped hole. Kung kakapit tayo sa mga bagay (other than God) para kumpletuhin ang ating mga sarili, then God will allow that we be consumed with our desires, kasi nga He has given us free will. Pero I tell you, we will come to the point where we will finally realize na kung anuman iyong kinakapitan natin, kailanman ay hindi nito maaaring mapunan ang puwang na ang Diyos lamang ang maaring pumuno -- a “God-shaped hole” as old preachers say.

Ever-loving Lover. Yet while we chase other “lovers”, God is watching us and waiting the whole time, jealous of our attention. And thankfully, the moment that we wake up to our mistake, He will draw us back into His loving arms, demonstrating to us that no one can love us as much as He does. ‘Wag mo munang hanapin ang satisfaction sa iba. Be spiritually full. Have a full life. Be satisfied from the inside out. It is only then that God will enable us to begin to truly love. <3

Aalisin ba Niya ang desires mo for affection and love? Hindi. Dahil nais niya na ang desires na ito ay mai-refocus natin sa Kanya (namali lang ng subject and vent sa nakaraan, eh). So let us rule over these desires and put them in the right perspective. Do not let them master nor control you.

It is the control of passions and desires that is needed, not the elimination of these. After all, how would we learn to submit and surrender to God if we had nothing to submit?  

Breaking the Silence

WHY AM I GOING BACK TO BLOGGING :)

In 1984, my father (and pastor) who was then an architecture teacher and was yet uncertain about being a pastor, received a life-changing call from God: “Roland, blow the trumpet! For if you do not, it will mean doom for my people.” These crystal-clear words have launched him into the full-time ministry, and has charged him to remain faithful in it for the past 30 years.

He has obeyed the Lord, and I for one am a result of his obedience. Yet until today, I feel that God is still looking for more men and women who will “blow the trumpet” for the generations to hear, that we might return to the Lord and His ways! This reminds me of Mordecai’s promptings to Esther,

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"” (Esther 4:14, NIV)

I believe I was born for such a time as this, when society’s values and standards are continually being divorced from the principles of the Word of God. God summons His sons and daughters to be His voice to this generation, and I’d like to respond to this call by not only preaching to the youth on Sundays and disicipling a group of young men and women, but also by publishing my God-thoughts through this blog.

It is with a passionate desire that I hope to be sharing with you priceless principles that God has taught me in the past few years about the Christian race, the ministry, faith, discipleship, relationships, romance, among others. It is my conviction that, like any other follower of Christ, I will and I ought not to remain silent!

The Basin of Grace: Washing my disciples’ feet

JOHN 13:34

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.”

breath-taking view from the Abraham Hall of Peniel Prayer Mountain, Tarlac

from my journal

January 25, 2014. Today will surely be among those that I (we) will never (and should never!) fail to remember. Because today, I washed my disciples’ feet.

Pastoring the youth ministry for about four years already and discipling many of them for about six to seven years now, I’ve always know in my heart that it will happen.. it shall come sooner or later. However, though I’ve thought of it twice or thrice, I simply have not received any clear leading to do so in the past. Ngayon lang.

God of timing. God ha set the timing perfectly as our hearts have been marinated lately as result of our two-week fast, kaya napaka-sensitive ng lahat to the promptings of God.

Tears began to flow as we talked about serving and loving our disciples unconditionally, as well as the need to ensure that our hearts are healed and healthy-- (especially even after heartbreaking experiences with disciples who left) not calloused and defensive. But they began to literally sob and weep aloud, with faces covered with their hands when I made it known that I wanted to wash their feet.

Christ in me. I sensed that it was Christ in me (He dwells in each of us, amen?) when I took off my shoes, knelt down, and started to wash their feet one by one. Kneeling down and washing their feet was a very humbling moment for me as I took the literal form of a servant, carrying their feet onto the water basin and scooping water to cleanse them.

Commitment. In my heart at the time I was telling God two things: first, I was thanking Him for the opportunity to share in His humility and be like Him. At the same time, I was asking God for grace, since washing their feet meant my commitment of love and mercy to each one, deciding to love, lead, serve, and accept them “despite of..” and "no matter what". I knew apart from Him I can only break my covenant.

Grace. Not one in the room was perfect. The years of discipleship has shown a lot of issues that need rebuke, correction, patience, love, and grace. Yet Jesus washed his disciples’ feet (a) to offer his mercy: that His love would surpass even their greatest mistakes; and (b) to offer grace: to touch the unclean and grimy parts of the people he was committed with... and to wash away their unkindness with His kindness. Oh, the basin of grace.
I told them that because of what took place on this day, wherever destiny may bring us, they will always have a part of me.

My exact words that still jerk tears in me:

“If ever you runaway, make mistakes, turn away from God, leave your spot or calling.... REMEMBER THIS DAY. Magagalit, magtatampo, malulungkot man ako, REMEMBER THIS DAY. Because on this day, by God’s grace, I have chosen to offer Christ’s mercy and grace. If ever these unfortunate things happen, balik ka lang... Committed ako sayo.” (Oh man! What’s with the tears again? I need that pack of Kleenex please!)

Today I have witness that yes, it is true -- that more often than not, when one party humbles himself and kneels down, the two parties usually end up both humbled and both on their knees. This was what happened. After washing all of their feet, everyone just bowed down before our Lord --- humbled, thankful, amazed, healed. Crying out, speaking in heavenly languages, worshipping, consecrating.

After our extensive time of prayer, worship and soaking came HUGS!!! (I love hugs!) What I have sensed and heard from them is that everyone received an overwhelming amount of love, mercy, and grace. It’s the sort that makes your heart explode! Unspeakable, uncontainable! Too good to be true --- supernatural! OH MY HEART IS FULL.

As a result, my love for them increased in so many ways as my level of commitment also increased! I didn’t realize until that day that I am capable of loving them that much (thank You Jesus for enlarging my heart!). And in the same way, it brings to much joy to my heart (and I believe to the Father’s heart) that, as a result of receiving pure grace and love, their love for one another also soared to lavish heights! I have never seen them have more love for each other before! OH MY HEART IS FULL.

To end my sharing, I will be completely open in revealing that it has always been my heart’s desire to not only have a leader’s mind, but a leader’s heart (which is, of course, a servant’s heart). I remember three years ago during our team trip to Baguio City, because of some occurrences unknown to them but known to my heart (uhm, I’m not sure if they even know this), on our way home I was crying in a dark corner of our vehicle... and I typed a short note on my phone to express my agony --- “I have the mind of a leader, but not a heart of one.” :(

Thankfully, for the past years God has changed me. And he continues to do so.
But today, I have been totally set free! Today all of these were banished by the touch and grace of God. I too was cleansed and renewed from the basin of grace. Thank You, Jesus. Thank You, Jesus. Thank You, Jesus.

Oh, the beauty of the basin of grace.