TODRAWNEARGOD

WHEN LIFE IS HARD ON YOU: "DON'T QUIT"

2017-09-16T00:39:00.000+08:00

I was on the verge of giving up. I kept telling myself "Just let go!" When things around me is not right and I feel helpless and powerless to correct or oppose the wrong, I told my self, convincingly, to just quit.

It started with disappointments which became frustrations then anger and then everything burnt to nothingness. No passion, no motivation, uninspired, depressed. Everything looked bleak to me. Everything became unappealing. Satisfaction guaranteed. Not. I was either doing things halfheartedly or doing nothing at all. Just getting by. And surprisingly, I cared less.

Apathy.

Regret.

Negative emotions clouded over me.

I was like a vessel of water with holes.

Drip.

I was almost empty.

Just hanging by a thread.

Holding a match, ready to strike and burn bridges and get burnt in the process.

I began to question my purpose. I asked so many "Why?" Said so many "what if" , "Should have" or "shouldn't have".

I realized I was already moving towards self-destruction when things became more chaotic and this time, I was partly to blame. I have let the circumstances overpower me. I have lead my self into ruin when I should have been fighting against the enemy, the wrongdoings that is all around me, things that I have witnessed to be unjust. But instead, I was already fighting against me.

Then I am reminded of this movie. "Facing the giants."

It reminded me that God expect me to GIVE HIM MY VERY BEST, not give up. Not to quit. Not to give in. It reminded me that God is always before me, just like the coach, encouraging and telling me that He is with me all throughout my journey, all throughout my circumstances, all throughout my struggles, my despair, my needs. He is always ever before me, guiding, leading the way. And sometimes, I just have to close my eyes and stop looking at how big are my opponents, my problems. Instead, God wants me to LISTEN to His voice. That is all that matter. Just listen to Him when He is speaking and just shut all the noise that surrounds me. He wants me to FOCUS only on Him. That He is faithful. He is God. He never change and that HE LOVES ME.

Rizeru :)

THE IRONY OF PEOPLE BASHING MANNY PACQUIAO FOR HIS STATEMENT ON LGBT BEING WORSE THAN ANIMALS

2016-02-18T12:09:00.000+08:00

THE IRONY OF IT ALL:

1. People are angry at Manny Pacquiao for comparing or calling them worse than animal but these very same people are reacting harshly by bashing and cursing Manny. What they're doing and how they are behaving actually proves Manny, not disprove him.

2. They are angry at Manny for "condemning" them but they are also condemning him. What makes them any different?

3. They are angry at Manny for thinking he is comparing them to animals and call him "bobo" and "IGNORANT" for not knowing that there are around 430 species of animals actually doing homosexual acts but they are JUSTIFYING their own deeds by that very same fact. Are they now admitting they are animals? If that is so, why are they angry in the first place? Oh yeah, "WORSE than animal" is different from "they are like animals."

If the question weren't about same sex marriage but about sin in general and Manny would still say that a man (or woman, straight or of different sexual preference/orientation) who continue to live in sin - not limited to sexual immorality but includes fornication, murder, lying, adultery and all the acts detestable in the sight of God and the acts of NOT doing what is good - despite of all the rebukes, will there be this same kind of UPROAR? I BELIEVE Manny's statement is not exclusively for the LGBT, for if we would ask him today, he will probably answer that it is applicable to ALL who sin especially to those who CONTINUALLY AND INTENTIONALLY sin.

What's more ironic is that MOST of the people who felt offended by Manny's unintentional derogatory comment ARE ALSO GUILTY OF CALLING ANOTHER HUMAN BEING AS "BUANG (Fool)!", "ANIMAL KA!", "YAWA/DEMONYO KA!" "PUT*NG INA MO" :-D By the way I am not cussing, just PLAINLY citing a few examples. There are still plenty but I will not write them down here.

I BELIEVE NO ONE DESERVES TO BE CALLED OR TREATED AS SUCH whether he/she is guilty of doing the same thing. And NO ONE has the right to condemn anyone who sins; THEIR SINS HAVE ALREADY CONDEMNED THEM. Unless we want to replace Satan from his JOB OF ENTICING MAN TO TAKE THE BAIT OF SIN AND THEN CONDEMNING MAN ONCE HE IS HANGING BY THE HOOK, we should not condemn.

BY SAYING NOT CONDEMNING, I AM NOT SAYING WE MUST CONDONE THE SIN. Hate the sin but do not hate the sinner. Love the sinner but do not love their sin. Is this possible? YES. If you would not believe that we are capable of this, then are you doubting that GOD HATES YOUR SIN YET HE LOVES US? Compared to men, GOD HAS EVERY RIGHT TO CONDEMN BECAUSE HE IS HOLY AND PERFECT but HE CHOSE TO GIVE US GRACE! LET US NOT ABUSE IT!

WE ARE ALL SINNERS. We have defiled ourselves in one way or another. Our sin may be different from the sins of others but it is sin all the same. SOME (not all) LGBT are committing sexual impurity, defiling their body w/c is supposedly the temple of God BUT HAVE WE NOT DEFILED OURSELVES too with just another type of sin? CURSING, GOSSIPING, BACKSTABBING, WATCHING PORNOGRAPHY, LYING, GAMBLING, ENVY, just naming a few. DOES THIS MEAN WE SHALL CONTINUE SINNING BECAUSE WE ARE ALL GUILTY OF IT OR THAT EVERYBODY'S DOING IT? BY ALL MEANS NO! We are still ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD and will someday face His judgment. BUT GRACE, MERCY AND HIS SALVATION THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL. REPENT, TURN AWAY FROM SIN AND THEN ACCEPT THE SAVIOUR!

BECAUSE WE ALL HAVE SINNED, SHALL WE SAY THEN THAT WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO REBUKE SOMEONE SIMPLY BECAUSE WE TOO HAVE SINNED?

Boy Abunda said in response to Manny's statement, "WHO ARE YOU? WHO ARE YOU MANNY PACQUIAO TO CALL THE LGBT WORSE THAN AN ANIMAL?" Who is Manny Pacquiao? Manny Pacquiao has never denied who he was and what kind of man he was before he came to know God. Though he must have been ashamed of who he was, he is now open in telling what sin he has committed in order to show the people the power of God, how God is able to forgive and change him. He WAS an ADULTERER, a womanizer, committed sexual immorality with women, a GAMBLER, IDOLATER, he CURSED. But he is a changed man now.

Anyone who is STILL GUILTY of sin has no right to rebuke another person. In fact, he has to remove first the plank in his own eyes before he can remove the plank of dirt in his brother's eye. In other words, a person who is still continually living in sin. With Manny Pacquiao, he has already surrendered his life to the Lord and his sins has been forgiven. Therefore he is no longer guilty of sin, Christ has become his righteousness. Manny Pacquiao is only confident to speak God's word because he has been set free and Satan can no longer condemn him of his past sins because THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION IN CHRIST. If he is still hiding any sin in his life, then he is a hypocrite and he will be accountable to God. Since Manny Pacquiao is now a change man and a follower of Christ, he is ALREADY AT PEACE WITH GOD AND WITH HIMSELF.

Now, who is he again and BY WHAT AUTHORITY IS MANNY DOING THIS THING? JESUS was asked the same question. (Just read Matthew 21:23, 24, 27; Matthew 28:18; Mark 6:7; Luke 10:19). By whose authority? BY GOD! Obviously it is from God. Why would many people who are guilty of the said sin get BURNED by the Word of God spoken by Manny if it is not from GOD. Take Vice Ganda for instance! He calls Manny a false prophet. Well, let me educate you MISTER Vice Ganda, False prophets are those who SUGARCOAT the word of God and TAILOR-FIT it to your liking by telling you lies and WHITEWASH your sins. Obviously, Manny Pacquaio is not a false prophet since you got HAMMERED AND SCALDED by the word of God he spoke.

To the LGBT community, telling you the truth is not condemnation. IT IS AN ACT OF LOVE. It is time that you should be reminded of your sins because maybe you have already thought to yourselves that you are doing just fine BECAUSE NOBODY IS BRAVE ENOUGH TO TELL YOU GOD'S TRUTH. That's the problem. Only very few are standing up for what is right. That's why you became so confident and bold and excited with the idea that you can marry the same sex. If NON-DISCRIMINATION to LGBTs means approving of same sex marriage and the act of men having sex with men/women to women and DISCRIMINATING GOD and His law, then I would rather discriminate you.

SORRY.

HUMANS ARE NOT ANIMALS BUT SOMETIMES WE ACT AND BEHAVE FAR WORSE THAN AN ANIMAL. Do you think the fact that the existence of 430 more or less animal specie in animalandia justify your actions? Having sex with your own specie is DETESTABLE in God's sight. It is no different from CANNIBALISM. YOU ARE NOT AN ANIMAL FOR CHRIST'S SAKE! After defiling your body which is the temple of God by having sex with the same sex, now you want to DEFILE MARRIAGE too? DON'T YOU KNOW THAT IT IS GOD WHO INSTITUTED MARRIAGE? DO NOT EXPECT US CHRISTIANS TO BE SILENT AND CONTINUE TO KEEP A BLIND EYE. If we will keep silent, DONKEY WILL SPEAK IN BEHALF OF GOD!

We all want to be respected, yes? BUT WHY CAN'T WE RESPECT GOD?

ANIMALS ARE NOT ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD, HUMANS ARE. For whom the Law given to Moses is for? Is it for animals to follow? Is it not for men/women? YES, VICE GANDA. NO ONE, NOT EVEN ONE HAS STRICTLY AND PERFECTLY OBEYED THE LAW OF GOD WHICH ARE MANY OR THE 10 COMMANDMENTS BUT THIS FACT DOES NOT GIVE US ANY LICENSE TO SIN!

AGAIN, I'M SORRY. I AM SORRY IF YOU ARE HURT BY WHAT I WROTE. BUT I WILL NEVER BE SORRY FOR STANDING UP FOR GOD.

As I've said earlier in my post, I AM NOT CONDEMNING YOU. I do not have the right. Because I too have sinned. We don't nee more hypocrites and self-righteous people in the world, right? I AM ONLY STANDING ON GOD'S GRACE. But I will rebuke you if I have to. I RESPECT YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE BUT I JUST CANNOT TOLERATE THE ACT OF SEX WITH THE SAME SEX AND SAME SEX MARRIAGE. IF GOD SAYS IT IS SIN, THEN IT IS SIN.

OPEN REBUKE IS BETTER THAN HIDDEN LOVE. Should you rather keep quiet, watch your love ones committing SUICIDE and "respect" that love one's actions? TO EACH HIS OWN? It's up to you. YES, SUICIDE. SINNING CONTINUALLY IS SUICIDE. SIN KILLS US and we NEED GOD to rescue us.

Vice Ganda, Boy Abunda, and the rest of the LGBT Community, this is how I see and look at you:

YOU ARE NOT WHAT YOUR ACTIONS ARE. You are more than what your actions are. You are beautiful as a person regardless of your sexual orientation or preference. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THOUGH THAT YOU WON'T BE HELD LIABLE WITH YOUR ACTIONS.

YOU ARE NOT SIN BUT A PERSON WHO HAS THE FREE WILL TO COMMIT OR NOT TO COMMIT SIN. So don't feel hopeless or rejected whenever you commit one, JUST RISE ABOVE IT!

YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOUR EMOTIONS. Yes, dear, you may feel attracted to the same sex and we "straight" can never truly understand your struggles but you have the power to NOT ALLOW YOUR HEART TO DECEIVE YOU. YOUR FEELINGS ARE NEVER YOUR MASTER. YOU CAN KEEP YOUR SELF FROM SINNING OR PUT YOURSELF IN BONDAGE WITH SIN. YOU HOLD THE KEY.

YOUR SUCCESS AND YOUR FAILURE HAS VERY LITTLE TO DO WITH YOUR SEXUAL ORIENTATION. Nobody should see you as a failure because of your sexual preference.

You say you never wish to be a gay or lesbian or bisexual. You just woke up to be like that ,with having both X and Y chromosomes. I don't believe that. But I do believe that there are female/male whose body which produces more male/female hormones. IF THAT IS SO, ISN'T IT AN OPPORTUNITY TO GLORIFY GOD MORE INSTEAD OF JUST GIVING IN TO YOUR HORMONES?

GOD LOVES YOU.

L')
02/18/2016; 4:46 P.M.

Life and Death

2013-11-11T15:52:00.000+08:00

People die.
All will.
Though different in ways
But life, as surely as it has a start, has also an end.

War, Famine, Calamities, Accidents
These are just some of the few ways of dying
Aside from illness and old age.

Is death something to be feared?
Could anyone possibly be ready?

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 says,

“ 'Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?'
The sting of death is sin,
and the power of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God!
He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

So, if you are in Christ, what can death do to you?
For in Christ, death is just a door to eternity.

Here's the catch though:
Eternity is a coin with two sides
-Heaven or Hell-

But unlike tossing a coin in the air
Our eternity does not depend by chance
So decide Today.
Choose Jesus and you will be secure eternally.

GOD BLESS PHILIPPINES!
GOD BLESS ISRAEL!

-L;) 11/11/13

A SORRY AND THANK YOU POST

2012-09-06T17:22:00.000+08:00

I feel sorry for not being able to update and post more entry in this blog.

I know I have been very busy with my previous work in the fieldwork (Community Organization) thus I have not much time to be in front of a computer and write. Though it's not much of an excuse. So, sorry.

I miss the friends I have made in the blog world. Hope you are all well. Thank you for the time you spent in reading and commenting on my posts. I'll try to do my best to update again especially now that I have a laptop.. Meet my baby...

And oh, I just want to clarify something. I AM NOT YET MARRIED! hahaha Sorry about that post. It was a mistake. I mean, I was supposed to edit that post (since I copied that blog award post) and put my own detail. I did not intentionally post it. I just saved it and scheduled it to be posted in the future months since I tried to composed it. Obviously, the scheduled date finally came. It automatically submitted that post without me editing it yet. (MY BAD!)

GOD bless!

The Difference

2012-08-04T14:53:00.000+08:00

There is a BIG difference between a "man who is still trying to be saved by doing good works" and "the man who is saved by grace through faith in Christ and is doing good works".

The difference is their hearts.

One still has selfish motive and the other has a grateful heart whose only desire is to GLORIFY GOD through his deeds hoping that their lives will point people to JESUS!!!

YOUR LOVE IS BEAUTIFUL Cover

2012-01-16T18:35:00.000+08:00

I COULD SING OF YOUR LOVE FOREVER (Cover)

2012-01-05T15:48:00.000+08:00

Another song cover by TYG (Eunice and me) of the song I Could Sing of Your Love.

I'll type the lyrics below. You may want to sing along. Here's the lyrics. Enjoy worshiping GOD:

I COULD SING OF YOUR LOVE FOREVER

Over the mountains and the seas

Your river runs with love for me

And I will open up my heart

And let the healer set me free

I'm happy to be in the Truth

And I will daily lift my hands

For I will always sing of

When Your love came down

Chorus:

I could sing of Your love forever

Bridge:

Oh I feel like dancing

It's foolishness I know

But when the world has seen the Light

They will dance with joy

Like we're dancing now

ALL FOR LOVE (cover)

2012-01-03T18:09:00.003+08:00

Happy New Year to everyone! How are you? How did you celebrate CHRISTmas and New Year? God is really good and faithful, right? He deserves to be thanked for for all the things He has done for the past year and for the things He is doing and will continue to do for our good future because that is His plan for us. (Remember Jeremiah 29:11) It's been a while since I posted my last blog entry. Glad to post again something this year. I hope I'll be able to post more this year.

This time, I'll be posting some song covers we've made. My church-mate Eunice (guitarist, drummer, keyboardist in the Worship Team) and I have this idea to make cover for songs. It was just this January 2, 2011 that it was materialized. ^___^

Here's a cover of the song "All For Love" by Hillsong. That's me singing and the girl playing guitar is my church-mate Eunice. God bless everyone! A worshipful year to all!

ALL FOR LOVE

All for love the Father fave

For only Love could make a way

All for love heavens cried

For love was crucified

Oh how many times have I broken Your heart

But still You forgive

If only I ask

Lord how many times have You heard me pray

Draw near to me

Chorus:

Everything I need is YOU

My beginning, my forever

Everything I need is YOU

Is YOU

Let me sing all for love

I will join the angels song

Ever holy is the Lord

King of glory

King of All

(^___^ we were not able to include this in the song cover)

All for love the Savior prayed

"Abba Father have Your way

Though they know not what they do

Let the cross draw men to You."

ANOTHER DOOR AWAITS

2011-08-03T20:36:00.004+08:00

ANOTHER DOOR AWAITS

July 30, 2011 was my last day of work. Somehow, it was sad because I will surely miss the people I work with for two years. We know we must leave and go on separate ways. It was a hard decision for us. For me. I don't know where to look for a job.

One thing amazes me is that I never worried. I felt peace writing my resignation letter. If this happened a year ago, I know my reaction would be different. Well, it was the right time. I have prayed about it for a year and had asked advice from my church mates and trusted friends, they all advised me to wait for the right time. AND this is it.

I know something beautiful is waiting for me as I move forward. I believe God is opening another door for me. I don't know where God will put me next but as long as God is in the lead, I will surely be okay.

I always declare and claim that "Greater things are yet to come. Greater things are yet to be done!" When one door closes, another will be opened: much bigger and much greater opportunity.

God is good. He never leave me empty-handed. Although I don't have a work as of the moment, I still have an income and times two compared to my honorarium! Indeed, in God I LACK NOTHING...

WALL YOUR HEART: The Awakening

2011-07-26T14:02:00.001+08:00

WALL YOUR HEART

(Part 1: The Awakening)

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

AWAKE OR SLEEPWALKING:

“Oh God, what shall I do with this heart? I think I’m finally inlove... Am I???”

I whispered that simple prayer to God one night. I’ve been struggling with the strange feeling in my heart for weeks now. I never felt this way before.Love caught me off guard. One morning, I just woke up somehow shocked with what I discovered and then slowly accepted and admitted that I have finally fallen in love.

When I wrote “SINGLE BLESSEDNESS” and “FRESHLY-BAKED HEART” about three years ago, I was honestly speaking that I was truly contented being single. I was 23 that time and falling in love never did enter my mind. I even said that it’s ok for me to remain single and never marry when once asked by my sister if I have plans to get married someday.

But almost three years later, I don’t feel the same way anymore. I never thought that I would come to the point that I would long for someone to love me in a romantic way. :p Of course, I’m still holding on to my convictions e.g. God is writing my love story, waiting for the right one, etc. I will never let go of that. But what should you do if your heart has finally awakened? What should you do every time your heart beats faster than normal whenever you think of that someone who always put a smile on your face?

I confessI’d been proud- proud that I have never experienced heartbreak. I’ve been living so carefree and have never bothered myself with the mushy stuff. I used to laugh at my sister every time she talks about being in love. But look what love has done to me? I now sound like her:PATHETIC.But in a good way. At least she would never again call me “abnormal.” “You’re more human now. You now feel what a normal person usually feels. Being in love.”I think she would say that.

What shall I do, Lord?

“Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.” Songs of Songs 2:7

For years, I’ve been holding on to that verse which God has commanded. But now what??? Is this verse still applicable to my life now? My heart has finally awakened! It desires to love and be loved! Or is it? What if it’s just sleepwalking? Will I ever know? Should I sing a lullaby to send my heart back to its deep slumber? DoI know the tune?

These questions fill my head. I’m confused. I’m not really sure if what I feel is love. I can’t truly be certain. All I know is these feelings I have inside my heart are so new that it scares me.

What shall I do, Father?

RUCKUS IN MY HEART:

The realization struck me. I found out that it’s obviously a lot harder now guarding a heart that wants to break out from the fence than a heart seated still inside, sleeping.

For years, I never worried about guarding my heart. I could do many things without my heart jumping, leaping and popping around even inside my head.But now, it hasbecome a distraction. I can no longer concentrate. I lost focus.I keep thinking of HIM! He’s haunting me even in my sleep!It feels good to be in love, I realize, but I guess it was too much. Oh my! Am I going crazy?

I became aware that it is no longer healthy because he is stealing my heart from my First Love (though he doesn’t know that he is guilty ^__^). I became so desperate that I even thought of and wanted to pacifymy heart or worse, bind it and pin it against the wall.

So I prayed. That’s when God reminded me of this one great wall in the Bible.

WHAT??? Are You serious, Lord? (I know, of course, God is serious!) A WALL! What kind of wall and how?Could I really possibly put my heart inside a wall???

It does sound absurd, right? How can anyone guard their heart by “putting” it inside a wall? Could we be like Davie Jones in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean who took his heart out and put it inside a chest? Well, yes and no. Yes, we can guard our heart inside a wall but no, not literally of course.

I have learned something from God about this Wall which I’d like to share with you. Maybe you or someone you knowis in the same situation where I am at so I’m inviting you to take this journey with me as I take the process of ‘Walling” my heart while waiting for my right one. Will you?

BORN TO WORSHIP: PRIVILEGED TO LEAD

2011-06-21T17:41:00.008+08:00

BORN TO WORSHIP: PRIVILEGED TO LEAD

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD." (Isaiah 55:8)

June 20, 2011, 11:56 PM
Some of the books fell from the shelf. Maybe one of my beloved cats saw some lizards near the shelf. I picked the books and put them back in their place. As I picked the books, I saw an old notebook where I wrote some of my conversation and text messages from my friends. I usually write down in a notebook or a paper the messages from my cellphone that I like or those which are helpful to me before deleting them in my inbox.

I started reading.

I smiled while I scanned the pages. The messages were almost three years old. I came into the page where I wrote down my churchmate/friend's text messages. It was his response to my text. Dated October 19, 2009 Time: 10:55Pm-12:05 AM. It was Monday. Prior to that day was the Sunday that I first lead the Praise and Worship.

I FELT I WAS SETUP!

Let me explain. But first, let's go back and start from the beginning. The very beginning of my journey of becoming a worship leader. So where should I begin?

SINGER IN THE MAKING(?):

I love singing. Our father used to let us (siblings) sing when we were still children. He was an Amateur singer and we were told that he used to be a champion in the Amateur Singing Contest in our town when he was still in his teens. Our bonding time at home was when he let us his three daughters sing as if we're in a contest and to be fair and to avoid jealousy between siblings, he let us won. Sometimes, he would pick my older sister to be the winner and the next day, my other older sister and of course on the next next day, well ,obviously me.. ^___^ I believe my father is a frustrated singer and he wanted to pass his dream to us.

I know I can sing. They told me so! When I was a toddler, maybe one or two years old, I sang along with my father and it was recorded on a tape! (Too bad the tape no longer exist now). I sang "lalala", still unable to say the words of the songs yet I was in tune!

Okay, so was I born a singer??? Haha!

Grade 6, My teacher "discovered" I can sing and so she always let me sing during our class program almost every week. And during high school, I also sang with a friend on a duet almost every month during our monthly birthday program in our class. Take note: I AM the shy type! Imagine that! And almost every month, I bought songhits. I really love music that much, ne?

I was not a Christian then. I didn't know that God has called me for a higher task. I still didn't know the purpose of the voice I have. All I know was that I inherit my voice from my father. AND I DON'T REMEMBER I THANK THE LORD FOR THAT!

MY JOURNEY OF BECOMING A WORSHIP LEADER:

When I became a Christian during College, I go to the church where my sister also fellowship with. And I love the Praise and Worship. I also admire the beautiful voices of the Worship leaders. I really wanted to sing for the Lord but I hesitated. There was a voice in my head that spoke and told me "What if I only want to sing to perform? So that people will hear my voice?" I feared that I might end up performing and stealing the glory from God instead of worshiping God in spirit and in truth. I was afraid I might focus on my self. So I never joined the Music team even though my sister and my roommates were in the music ministry. I was also young spiritually. IT'S NOT YET THE RIGHT TIME.

After college, I found a church in my hometown. The first time I sang at Church was really a disaster. I sang "No You" while playing the guitar. STAGE FRIGHT! I was too nervous I played the guitar badly. It was one of my most embarrassing moment. I thought I would never sing again in the church! But all things work together for good to those who love God. The music team let me sing as one of the back ups. I'm so thankful to God for that. Finally, I'm part of the music team! It has always been my desire since I became a Christian - that I would serve the Lord through the voice He gives me!

I was able to lead during Wednesday or midweek service. PROMOTION! Praise God. It was scary of course and I was really trembling. Haha... and I thought that was already it! I never expected I'd be promoted again and never thought that it would be too SOON!!!

OCTOBER 17, 2009, I went inside the church. It was Saturday. Every Saturday, 5PM, the young people in our church gather together to share the Word of God and worship Him. We call it Sundown Worship and Thanksgiving or S.W.A.T. We actually call ourselves the SWAT Team!

The youth pastor and one of the worship leader told me that I will teach in the Sunday School that Sunday. ME??? Actually, they let me chose either I lead in the Praise and Worship or teach the Sunday School. Were they really serious? Do I really have a choice?! They added, "YOU SHOULD NEVER SAY NO TO GOD!"

I was really struggling that time. I'm not eloquent! I don't know how to teach! I don't think I have the gift. And worship lead? Equally a hard and scary task. I was really nervous! And to think, I'll be leading the following day! What songs should I sing??? Am I prepared? Spiritually? Emotionally? Is it the right time? I'm still new in the music team!

I chose Worship leading!

I no longer remember the line up that Sunday. I also don't remember what happened. What I remembered was that I was really nervous. I was fighting hard stage fright! I went to the restroom many times! It felt there were many butterflies in my stomach and many rats were running in my chest! I was sweating and trembling... BUT I DID IT!!! GLORY TO GOD!

THE SET UP:

Okay, now we're back on the set up thing.

That Monday, I sent Rodgie -a worship leader and now a Pastor- a text message. "Did you purposely do that? So I can lead in the P&W?" I mean, he's a worship leader and there are many worship leaders in the church, HOW COME THEY'RE ALL UNAVAILABLE DURING THAT TIME?!

He replied:

"It was my schedule to lead the praise and worship but Pastor Boyet assigned me to preach the Word. I also asked Pastor Jun but I did not expect he's also not available. And I also asked Pastor 9 but he's also not available too because he'll be teaching the Sunday school... SO IT WAS PERFECT TIME, REALLY. DON'T ASK WHY YOU BUT THANK GOD BECAUSE HE'S STARTING TO GIVE YOU A HIGHER TASK. DON'T PUT GOD IN A BOX... Romans 8:28... That's why you need to start.. You can fly as you keep on trying. We also started from the beginning Pastora Zel.. Anyway, God will never leave you.. we just have to obey and believe and He'll use us beyond our horizon to reveal His glory. Sometimes, we have to encounter surprises, challenges to test our trust in God.. Zel, we can only know how sharp a sword is unless you'll try to cut/slash a tree with it! Put this in mind, don't depend on your abilities.. that's why you need to trust God.. BECAUSE IF YOU'LL RELY/DEPEND ON YOUR ABILITIES, FOR SURE, YOU'LL NEVER GROW. If only we'll trust Him, He'll add more great things unto us.. faith matters.. It is God Who'll add the gifts.. That's already His job!.. He wants to display His splendor through you.. that's why we should never limit Him.. Let's allow Him to move mightily in our lives. THE GOD WE SERVE IS GREAT! Actually, you have a nice voice.. You only lack confidence.. Pray to God about that.. and then use that for Him..."

Well, AMEN!

And so, I found out that IT WAS GOD WHO SET ME UP!!!

God is really Omnipotent. Many times, we could not understand His ways but they are good. It was a great surprise, though at first I was reluctant but now I understand. The Lord says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD." (Isaiah 55:8) We should never limit God or put Him in a box. That's what I've learned from that experience. God works in mysterious ways.

And the voice which keeps discouraging me??? I've learned to ignore it! I realized those were just lame excuses used by Satan to keep me from doing what GOD has called me to do.

I am born to be a worshiper! I live to worship God!

Dear God,

I wouldn't mind to be setup again, LORD! Thank You for the people who played their part in Your set up. I am so blessed to have them. Thank You so much for the privilege to lead Your people in worship. I know I am never deserving but You still use me. Thank You so much for Your amazing grace!!! Amen.

Well, brethren, who's up for a surprise??? ^__^

To my Great God who never fails to surprise me be the glory!!!

Your sister through the blood of Christ,

Rizeru

THE FRIEND I ALWAYS WANTED ALL ALONG

2011-06-20T17:44:00.002+08:00

THE FRIEND I ALWAYS WANTED ALL ALONG

You know, I've always wanted to have a friend who shares same interest with mine. Someone who loves to read the books I love to read. Someone who loves to draw better than I so I can learn a lot from him and maybe he can learn something, even a little, from an amateur like me. Then we will watch anime together 24/7, laugh together, and cry together. We will stroll, look up at the full moon, gaze at the stars, catch a falling star, watch the sun rises and sets, point our fingers on a rainbow without caring if our fingers will disappear with it (this is an old saying by old people by the way), sing in the rain, dance with the fireflies, play with fire (no other meaning, take it literally), run with the wind, swim against the current (actually, I cant swim. He'll have to teach me), plant a flower, watch it grows and blooms, eat ice cream (About food, I don't think I want to share it with anyone. Eww! What a selfish glutton am I! hehehe Ube Ice Cream! Gimme ube ice cream! *drool*) and the list goes on and on.

When I was younger (a child), I often play alone. My sisters and brother were already in school. Since I was too young for school (I'm actually the youngest in the family), I'm left at home. Sometimes, I went to my grandma's house to play with my cousin who happens to be a boy. I also stalked my brother (he's 10 years older and the eldest) wherever he went then later got annoyed and told me I'm like a puppy tailing behind him. (Ouch! That hurt me that I stopped doing it). But what I've always wanted to do is play with my sisters butut they're so busy and serious with their studies and with the house chores and when they have time to play, they seldom let me play with them.

I was in already in high school when my brother then my sisters went to college and I'm left alone again with my parents. I do have plenty of so-called friends but none really know the real me. They're busy talking about their crushes. Hehehe

Then came college, I went to the same university where all my siblings studied. The busier they were they have less time for me. In one of my outburst I told my sister, *drama atmosphere* "You have no time for me. I actually went to this school even though I'm a scholar in another university because you're here but it seems you're not even here at all." *ends drama atmosphere*

Yes, I do have friends in college. Close friends. Some even likes anime and appreciates my drawings and do the things I love. I thought that if I could find that friend who shares the same interest with mine, I would be contented. But I was mistaken. Something's still missing.

Then a friend of mine introduced me to him. His name is Jireh. Strange name but it sounds cute. I found out he'd known me for way back then, since I was young, and had always wanted to be my friend but I was too busy feeling all alone. Looking back, I realized that indeed he tried to catch my attention but I was so wrapped up in my world of solitude that I did not notice him. Eventually, we became friends and I'm so glad I finally meet him because he's the best of friend I'd ever had. He showed me his craft. Oh! He's really good! What amazing talents he has. He's good at everything. Drawing, sculpture, music and even in dancing. And we did everything I wrote on that list. It's a whole lot different experience dancing under the stars with him than dancing alone. It's really fun that I laughed my heart out. I really love it when he smiles.

Well, we do have some quarrels but all of them were my fault. But he understand still. Sometimes he would give me time to be alone again to think things over. Sometimes it was me who left and avoided him and return to my world of solitude. But when my world gets darker and I can no longer take it, he would come *popped out somewhere* and rescue me. Telling me, "I am always here for you."

What a great friend he is!

I know I fail as a perfect friend. I wont even pass as a good friend. But he said it doesnt matter. He would still be the best friend i could ever have. The Greates Artist and Sculpture. The Greates Musician. The Lord of the Dance. Author of Life. Alpha nad Omega. Lion and the Lamb. Redeemer. Saviour and Friend. Father. Prince of Peace. Counselor. The Greates Lover. Jesus Christ.

Originally posted year 2004

WE BEAR HIS NAME

2011-06-01T17:47:00.004+08:00

"WE BEAR HIS NAME"

Message:

"We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God."
2 Corinthians 5:20

PERSONAL TESTIMONY AND A CHALLENGE:

For 25 years, by the grace of God, I have kept my father's family name clean even though he himself has brought on it much shame. What's ironic is people know and associate me more with him. Why not just know me as my mother's daughter?! (Don't get me wrong, I don't hate him.)

Oh well, life.

But in spite of all the pain, I am still determine not to throw mud on the already muddy name.

HOW MUCH MORE NOW, that I am not just my earthy father's daughter! I am a child of God. All the more I will strive, by God's help and grace, to do my best to live a life in holiness.

FOR THE NAME I BEAR. FOR MY HEAVENLY FATHER'S GLORIOUS NAME! FOR HIS RENOWN, GLORY AND PRAISE!

To the sons and daughters of the living God, will you do the same???

CHILD OF GOD/AMBASSADOR:

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:12-13) So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith (Galatians 3:26) So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. (Galatians 4:7) See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (1 John 3:1)

If you believe through faith and receive Jesus as your Personal Lord and Savior, then you are a child of God. But your role does not end there. As a child of God, He has also called you to be His representative. This is the work God has prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

An ambassador is "a diplomatic official of the highest rank sent by one country as its long-term representative to another." Microsoft® Encarta® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.)

We Christians are Christ's ambassadors. We are God's representative here on earth. We are not of this world for our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20) but we are still living in this world.

When we say we live in this world, it doesn't mean that we should live by the standards of the world. We adhere a higher standard-the Standard of the Holy God. The Lord wants us to "live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." (1 Peter 2:12)

In order to be effective ambassadors, we should have the qualities of the One we represent. Because God is holy, then we should be holy.

This is what the Word of the Lord commands us:

"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." (Ephesians 5:1; Philippians 2:15; 1 John 2:28; 1 John 3:2)

"Do not profane my holy name, for I must be acknowledged as holy by the Israelites. I am the LORD, who made you holy. Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the LORD, who makes you holy. You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own. (Leviticus 20:7-8, 26; Leviticus 22:32)

Why is it important to walk a blameless life??? Because we are no longer living for ourselves. We are living for God who has bought us through the death of Christ- His very life as the ransom.

When we say we are Christians, it's as if God's name is written over our head!

WE ARE BRINGING THE HOLY NAME OF THE LORD.

What we do will affect God's reputation. People(unbelievers) will judge God through us so we must be careful in every step that we take. One wrong move and people will associate and accuse falsely the God we serve with the deed. Be and ambassador of Christ who has integrity, whose walk is blameless. Therefore, we must live a life in holiness so that we will not bring shame unto the LORD.

People have great expectations from us. But what matters most is NOT DISAPPOINTING GOD. We don't want God to say what He says about Saul, "I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” (1 Samuel 15:11)

Does it really matter how people view God? Is God subject to judgment?

The answer is NO.

WILL GOD REMAIN HOLY NO MATTER HOW UNHOLY WE LIVE OUR LIVES; NO MATTER HOW AWFULLY AND POORLY WE REPRESENT HIM? YES. OF COURSE.

God is still holy and God will remain faithful. No matter how people perceive or see Him, it will not change who He is or how great He is. But if we do care for the people who do not yet know God, for we are our brother's keeper, then we should live a life that will POINT PEOPLE TO JESUS.

NOT EASY??? Well, it is never easy and it will never be easy to live a blameless life-on our own. But by the grace of God, WE CAN DO IT!!!

"Heavenly Father, forgive me for the countless times that I have brought shame unto Your Name. Forgive me for poorly representing You when all I ever wanted to do is please You. I'm very sorry Father for the times that I have hurt You. Thank You so much for being patient with me. Thank You so much for remaining faithful in spite of all the things I've done. Thank You for loving me for being me. Lord, I know You are not yet done with me. Continue to mold me, use me. Help me live a life that will point people to You and not a life that will cause people to reject You. I want them to see how great You are through and in my life. I can't do this on my own. I need You. Always. In Jesus Name, Amen."

To the God who is not yet done with us; Who will continue and never get tired in molding us; and will remain IN LOVE with us in spite of our failures and shortcomings BE THE GLORY FOREVER!

Your sister (still under-construction) through the blood of Christ,

Rizeru

JCGIA 9th Anniversary

2011-05-20T13:52:00.001+08:00

JESUS CHRIST the Great I Am (JCGIA) Church
9th Anniversary and Thanksgiving

Theme:

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10

It was a joyful day! A day of celebration of God's faithfulness.

I went to the church at 8:00 A.M. and then we, the SWAT and Music Team, prayed. An Elder Sister prayed for us together with the two Pastors.

The Devotional started at 8:30 A.M. We sang songs and prayed for that Sunday Service,, for the people who will stand in front, for every part of that service. And then we are asked to look for a partner and pray for him/her.

I then went in the front and sang a fellowship song. The people went around to shake hands to the visitors and brethren.

I thought I was shaking. Two days before Sunday, when I and the tambourine girls went to the venue for the final practice, I felt really scared. I went in the altar and said to Jovey, "At least there is a lectern. Without it, I will really melt while standing in front of many people." But by God's grace, that Sunday, the fear was gone. Thanks be to the Lord in the highest!

I thank the Lord for the great privilege He gave me for letting me lead the Praise and Worship. For the favor and for promoting me in a higher level. I know I don't deserve it. Thank You God. I also thank Him for the lives of each member of the Sundown Worship and Thanksgiving (SWAT) team.

After singing songs of praise and worshiping God was the testimony of the pastors.

Everything went well. The Word of God that day was brought by a Reverend. He was really used mightily by God.

The Word was about the Joy of the Lord:

1. Living Holy Lives

2. Obeying the will of God

3. Unity

4. Living in Truth (3 John 1:4)

I'm so blessed! Thank You LORD for Your Word!

After God's Word was acknowledgement and then we had our lunch. The SWAT Team help in giving the food.

During the afternoon, there were dance presentations and then the emcee started calling those who will sing. Impromptu. Including my name. ^___^ I was shy (I'm the timid and shy type) and yet if it's for God's glory I will not refuse. I sang "Here In My Life" of Hillsong. It was really fun. Many other sisters and brothers sang for the Lord. It was really good.

Here are some of the photos taken on that day:

Eunice, one of our guitarist. She can play the piano, bass, and the drums as well.

During the Praise and Worship.

Chairman of the Music team, John and Eunice. On projector is Kristal.

The Back Up singers: Jovelyn, Karen and Paulo

The tasty food. Thanks to the lives of our brethren (including the boys of the SWAT team), who in unity and love, cooked the food.

Tambourine Girls: Jovelyn, Mikaela, Jasmin, Marivic

The Girls and I (photographer).

Lovely faces.

To God be the Glory. Apart from God we can do nothing.

CRY OF MY HEART

2011-05-18T13:47:00.003+08:00

Cry of My Heart

October 12, 2008

2:39 in the morning

[Just being real. A prayer to God. Without any pretense. An old post I decided to share. During those hard times.]

O God, You know me. You created me. I know You can see past the wall I have created around me. You know the face behind the mask and see each tear that glistens in the dark. Every heartbeat and the rushing of my blood. My hair, of course You can count them. You hold every atom in my body to keep me whole but why do I feel broken?

I want to be like You Father. Not that I want to be God. Power is not what I long nor majesty. being love by You is grander than the great canyon and I know I am rich because of that love. Even all the treasures and wealth in this world will never equal Your love. No, I certainly don't need them. I just want You. I hope I have Your attitude. I want to have Your patience. You know what, I really admire you on how You deal with those people who falsely accuse, insult and hurt You. You are full of love. If I were in Your place, I could have easily take a gun and shot them or hire others to do the work. It's easier to get mad and take revenge than to do the things You do. And I'm GLAD. So glad that You are not and never will be like me. No man would be alive to this day if You are like me. Everyone, even including myself, seems to have something that could annoy or trigger my wrath especially on days I feel so gloomy.

I've read about what You did when the people were about to stone the woman caught in adultery. You never condemned her unlike what those people did. Instead, You even gave her another chance to live and change her wrong ways. And here I am, often condemning just like those people. But who am I to condemn others? What rights do I have? I am like that woman. I am adulterous myself. How many times that I have been unfaithful to You. Many times I forgot to pray. I read other books (though Christian but have little time to read Your Word which You have written for me. I have many time to spare in things that are not really necessary and to people who I doubt truly care for me but only have few minutes to give You. You who never left me, whose love, there is no room for doubt.

I'M SORRY.

THANK YOU for forgiving me after what I've done. After so many times that I cause a tear to drop from Your eye. Oh please tell me how You do it. Don't You find it hard to forgive people like me who keep on sinning even right after You have forgiven me? Don't You get tired of forgiving the people who keep on hurting You? 'Cause I do. I'm tired of them and of myself too. But am I greater than You to not be able to forgive them and myself too? No, I am just a dust compared to You. So God, teach me how.

I want to have a heart like Yours. Only a heart like Yours can love the unlovable. Teach me to love them and myself too. Cause I'm sick of this heart of mine. It seems dead. It's color has turned to black. It's disfigured. It is full of rage. I can no longer take the foul smell that comes from it. I don't want my heart to destroy my mind and affect what comes out in my mouth and what I do. I can feel that it's slowly eating every part of me. Like a cancer cell, I don't want it to reproduce until it takes over all of me. I need You to change me desperately. Change my heart. Mold me into the likeness of You. Change my heart. I need a transplant. Give me Yours....

Before I sink into the dark ocean of sin, come and rescue me. Give me Your hand. Reach for me. Never, never let go of me. I need You God. Desperately. Thank You for Your faithfulness. I am awestruck with Your amazing grace...

DEAR GOD

2011-05-18T13:35:00.001+08:00

DEAR GOD

[I wrote this on

April 9, 2009 at 1:07 AM. I decided to post this here just to share... I usually write my prayers to God on a paper especially when I feel heaviness in my heart or whenever I have a problem. I can express better and I can pour my heart out to God. Of course, with tears in my eyes and my heart crying out to God.]

Dear God,

I feel sad again today Lord. I don't know why. Maybe it’s because I have nothing to do or maybe it’s the silence that makes me feel this way. Waves of depression have got me again and it drags me to the depth of loneliness and almost made me drown. I know I sound crazy but you know how my mind works.

I tried curing my loneliness. I went to the mall today but I still feel alone. Even though I was with the crowd it still felt like I’m in the middle of a room with no doors and window. I have tried others means before like going to the internet cafe to checked my friendster, yahoomail and deviantart and answered if there was any email or comment but whenever I logged out, loneliness still lingers. As I walked away from that place the cloud still loomed over me and not a single pleasure I receive from what it promised to give. I don’t get happiness and satisfaction in drawing anymore. You know that I used this hobby to shut the world around me. But this scapegoat has no longer any effect on me. It's making things even worse because whenever I picked up a pencil, I get frustrated.

Tonight, I wanted to talk with my sister but she's reading a book. With her back towards me and her eyes on the book, I was envious. The little noise made whenever she flip a page really ticks me off. When she's not reading or at her friends, she is sleeping. How exasperating! She has never changed. She is just like when we were in college. I remembered one time I confronted her that she has no time for me and our roommates heard me that they kept me teasing with that line for years....

My sister is still reading a book and i can no longer tolerate the silence so i left the room to have a good cry in the sala. I wanted to watch a movie but the dvd player is no longer there and its late so there's no more program on tv.

Urrgh! What a boring life. Everybody in this part of the world is already asleep and yet I am not sleepy. I was curious what my housemate was writing earlier this evening so I scanned the notes on the table. I still haven’t read her writings (things she jut down during Sunday service) when i spotted a book "Encouragement for Women." Guess, that's what I needed. I picked and opened it and found the chapter about DEPRESSION.

Why, Lord, You're actually talking to me through that book.

Thank You God for talking to me through your Word in the book. Thank You that you answer my desperate call. Thank You for always listening and understanding me.

I’m so sorry that I get so easily depressed when in fact there are so many reasons that I should be rejoicing. The fact that I am alive and breathing is enough reason to be happy. But it seems that I always forget that. Thank You for always reminding me.

I’m sorry for using other means in curing my loneliness. I’m sorry that at times I tried finding happiness from people and other things when You are the only One who can really give me true joy. You are the source of Joy. I should never forget that.

I relied too much on my feelings. Thank You for telling me that I should never depend on them because the heart could be deceived.

"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? "Jeremiah 17:9

It's a shame to admit but yes I was deceived. I let my guard down. The enemy had used my feelings and way of thinking to pull me away from you and I'm so thankful that You are always never late to rescue me. Thank You Jesus for loving me so much you will never let me go.

Thank You also for the silence for it draws me to You. You must have called me and wanted my attention before but I was always busy doing other things like watching a movie and drawing. I have spent mostly of my time on those things that are not important and have spent less with You. They had become my idol because I had given them more importance than You and it shows on how i spent my time. I am really sorry. Thank You for using silence as a wake up call.

You must have felt the same way I felt towards my sister when she has given me less time to talk. I felt ignored, neglected and jealous that she has time reading her book for a million times than reading me, of what i feels and think. I am really sorry Lord. 'll make it up to You this time.

I will never let myself be BUSY again.

B-Eing

U-nder

S-atan's

Y-oke

I will and should give and spend more of my time with You in prayer and in reading Your word. I will go and talk to You whenever I feel sad/down and encounter a problem cause I know You always listen and I will never be ignored. Whenever I wanted to talk to someone about my problems or about what I feel, I will talk to You first in prayer. And whenever I feel down or depressed Lord I will remember what you say in Your Word:

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you. See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands..." Isaiah 49:15-16

You are the lifter of my soul.

"Why are you downcast, O, my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:5

Artwork: Reminiscence

2011-05-10T18:12:00.002+08:00

REMINISCENCE

I drew this 2 years ago and posted it originally on my deviantart account. This is, well, a reminiscence of my childhood. I live in the province and I remember my grandparents harvesting coconut . I love riding in the cart carried by a carabao. But I never tried riding in the carabao itself. The buko is delicious even without sugar. And it's much better to eat the buko using the part of the coconut as a spoon. The buko juice is also delicious. I miss my late grandparents.

Just some ramdom blog post...

WORSHIP LEADING ON THE 9TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY

2011-05-10T14:19:00.001+08:00

WORSHIP LEADING ON THE 9TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY

The Holy Spirit spoke in my heart that I will lead this year's anniversary. For some, they would call it a "hunch" or merely a gut feeling but I believe it was the Lord who told me.

I really desired to worship lead on that day but I never asked or prayed to God to give me the privilege to serve Him through worship leading on that day because I don't think I am ready for a higher task yet. I'm still a new worship leader. It was still one year since the day I stood in the front to lead. I have so many apprehensions. "I'm not deserving Lord." "Lord, this is already a big task You are giving me. I don't think I can stand there in front of so many people. I'm scared." I mean, that day is different. It's a big day and surely many people will come--including pre/unbelievers we are inviting.

It was still April when I heard our Chairman in the Music Team and our youth pastor talking. And they're talking about the Praise and Worship. Our chairman just said "Hey pastor, you'll play the guitar for Rizeru." And the pastor said, "NO! My hands will 'nosebleed' with her songs." ^___^ It was not official yet.

The following week, I continue to pray that God will prepare me for that day; that my heart and not just my voice is in tune. I want to glorify and magnify Him. I want myself and the people to worship God in spirit and in truth. I want the people to hear not just my voice but God's response -in a gentle voice and lovingly whisper -to their hearts as they worship Him.

Because it was not official, I told our chairman that he should lead that day since he is more anointed than I. And then he said, "I already told father that he will lead the worship and he agreed." When I heard that, I felt disappointed and yet relieved. ^____^ Relieve because I'll still be one of back up singers but the great responsibility has been lifted on my shoulders.

The next Sunday, our chairman's father declined and told us (music team) that he was already assigned in another task. He said, "It is now your time, you younger ones, to lead. I have other task to do." We worship leaders looked at each other. We kept on saying and pushing the task on each other.

"Lord, what's this? But no, Lord, I will wait. I want but I also don't want to." I said to my self.

That afternoon, the guitarist in the daughter church went to the main church to watch the tambourine dance practice. And she told me, "It is you Ate Rizeru. You should be the worship leader on that day. Include 'Your Love Is Beautiful' in your line up." I just smiled and said, "It should be Chairman. Because he is the chairman." That night, one of my church mate called me. We talked and then she gave the phone to Chairman. John told me on the phone that I should be the one to lead. He said he is not comfortable to lead without playing guitar at the same time. So I responded, "Then, lead while playing guitar." But he said no. So I told him, "Please wait until Wednesday for my answer. I still need to pray for this."

I cried to the Lord that night. In my heart, I already have the answer.

Monday afternoon, we (me and my 3 other girl church mates) went to the beach. It was our first prayer session in that area. One of the girls called for it. She said, "We need to pray." So, off we go and prayed. I also asked them to pray for me. I did not told them that I already have made a decision on the matter. They said, "No problem! We will support you Ate!" And so we prayed for the anniversary, our leaders, the Word, and for everyone who will stand in the front on that day.

When I came home, I sent them a message through their cellphones and told them about my answer. The Pastor's daughter replied, "Hehehehe! Tell Chairman. He might be very thin now since he said he will really pray and fast that YOU WILL LISTEN to God's voice."

He knows that if I decline, he will have no choice but to take the responsibility because he is the chairman of the Music Team. I know he's also struggling.

But I decided to prolong his agony. ^___^

Tuesday morning, I finally sent a message to John and he was very happy for my response. That was April 27, 2011.

From that day until May 5, I spent time praying for the songs for the Line up. I really don't know what songs to sing. So I asked people and at the same time asked God to tell me what songs will He use to usher His people into worship. I end up having two line up. One is in our own dialect: Visaya/Cebuano and the other is in English.

Before going to our first practice, I prayed to God: "Lord, I will show the English line up to the chairman. If John will say no to the songs and say I should choose Visayan songs, then it means I will sing the Visayan line up I prepared." When I showed it to him, he just said to rearrange the songs but he did not oppose that the songs are English.

Hallelujah!

These are the songs in the line up:

Praise Him in the Sanctuary (Let Everything that has Breath)
Your Love is Beautiful
Shout of the King
Now That You're Near
With All I Am
At The Cross
Amazing Love
Through It All
How Great Is Our God

Friday, May 6, 2011, was our first practice. May 7th was the second, and May 8th was our third. Our last final practice will be this Saturday May 14, 2011, the day before the Anniversary.

Please do pray for me, for the songs to usher people to worship God, the instrumentalist, the back-ups, the speaker who will bring God's Word, for everyone who will stand in front, those assigned in the Tithes and Offerings, those who will dance, and for the anniversary. That God will really be glorified and exalted on that day.

Apart from God we can really do nothing!

It's all for God and not for men!

DETERMINED IN PURPOSE

2011-04-27T13:29:00.005+08:00

DETERMINED IN PURPOSE

Daniel 1

Message:

"But Daniel RESOLVED not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way."

v.8

Resolve, according to Encarta Dictionaries, means "to come to a firm decision about something, or cause somebody to do this". It is a strong conviction. While the word resolved means "determined in purpose". So Daniel has a strong conviction or firm decision. He was determined in purpose. What purpose? The purpose of not to defile himself with the royal food and wine. Why? What about the royal food and wine? What's wrong with it?

Before answering these questions, let's have a little background about Daniel Chapter 1. What happened here?

"In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the LORD delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand..." (Daniel 1:1-2) "The king Nebuchadnezzar then ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility--- young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve the king's palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king's table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king's service. Among these were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. " (Daniel 1:3-6) "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. " (v.8)

APPLICATION:

Imagine all the expensive food in the world served in front of you; food cooked only for a king. It must be very tempting- the color, how it was prepared and set on the table, the smell. Even the plates, spoons or fork, it must be made of gold and silver. Who would want to refuse such privilege? To eat what the king eat, the very same food only fit to be eaten by the highest ruler in the kingdom, could make you feel you are the king himself or equal to the king when it comes to food at least. Maybe the other young men thought that way. Did it not ever occur to Daniel to taste the food by dipping his finger in order to know how delicious it was? Maybe those thoughts did enter their minds but Daniel and his friends did not compromise.

Daniel resolved. It was not just any ordinary or simple decision but a firm decision -a difficult decision to come up with and that cannot be broken.

If you were in Daniel’s shoes, will you decline? Will you refuse the offer? Think about it. You are from the noble family. You are used to eat delicious food. You are used to fine dining with chandelier above your head. But not this grand. Not the food for the king, the food at the king’s table. It’s a great privilege.

But look what Daniel and his friends did! They exchange such privilege for vegetable and water! The food for the poor! The food for the servants and the slaves! So ordinary.

I remember when my older sister Jovy was still a child and I was only eight (if I’m not mistaken), our mother cooked “guinisang kangkong.” It was our first time to eat kangkong. My sister asked our mother what will be our viand and when she heard Mama’s answer, she was astonished and somehow a bit disgusted. “Kangkong? Isn’t that food for pigs?!” I no longer remember if my sister ate that “ginisang kangkong” or not. She really thought that kangkong are only for pigs and not for humans. We had pigs and we fed them kangkong from Lolo’s (Grandpa’s) “kangkongan” –a marsh or something where kangkong are planted- so we cannot blame her for thinking that way.

Well, maybe you think the same way. “Eww! Green leafy vegetable? Am I a goat?!” I know many people who do not eat vegetable. When I was a child, the only vegetable I was able to put inside my mouth was squash. So I believe most if not all of us can relate to this story. You know how difficult it was for Daniel to decide to eat the grass called vegetable and the tasteless and colorless liquid called water.

Some of you may be thinking, “Why not eat BOTH the ‘vegetable and water’ and ‘the royal food and wine’? You can eat the delicious royal food, drink the wine, and eat the vegetable (as a side dish) to keep you healthy. Why not indeed!

Daniel DID NOT compromise. He knew what the royal food and wine can do to him. It will defile him. It will make him unclean.

Unclean food in the Old Testament:

· Food sacrificed to idols

· Foods written in Leviticus 11

I cannot be certain what food exactly is the royal food. I am not a historian. ^__^ All I am certain of is that it will surely make them unclean and eating such food that could make them unclean is a violation to the Law of God- the Law Daniel so determined not to violate! He is an Israelite, the chosen people of God. He is from a royal/noble family. He was one of the young men chosen to serve the king Nebuchadnezzar. He passed all the qualifications e.g. without physical defect, handsome, etc. And he wants to keep that! He did not want to degrade himself. He knows the law and he abides in it. He knows what pleases God. He knows the heart of God. In fact, Daniel had a very close relationship with God and is even called today as the most prayerful man. Again, he didn’t want to defile himself.

So what does this chapter has to do with us?

Just like Daniel, we Christians are part of a royal/noble family- the family of God. God is our Heavenly Father and we are His children. Though we were imperfect because of SIN, He restored us and healed all our defects. We are now beautiful in His eyes because we are now cloth in Christ's righteousness and God who fearfully and wonderfully made us (Psalm 139:14) has wash away the mud that clung to us through the blood of Christ. And because we are God's children, we are meant to excel(show aptitude).

You are no ordinary man or woman. You are above average for you are a child of God. Therefore, just like Daniel and his friends, we must also resolve not to defile ourselves, who we are, by what we do or eat (not just literally). We should not feed our mind or soul things that could make us unclean by what we read, hear or see.

GOD doesn't want us to be like Jehoiakim, king of Judah who "...did evil in the eyes of the LORD, just as his fathers had done." (2 Kings 23:37). God does not want to deliver us into the hands of the enemy just like what He did to Jehoiakim. For three years, Jehoiakim became Nebuchadnezzar's vassal. Jehoiakim who was king became a vassal or a slave, a bondman. He was king but he became subordinate to king Nebuchadnezzar. He used to be the superior or the boss but became lower than somebody in rank or status. All because of SIN.

(We've come to the end of part 1 of this two-part blog post. In the next part, we'll be studying further the ROYAL FOOD of today, the devil's tactic called deception, what the Vegetable and Water symbolizes, compromising/conforming to the world and holiness. By the way, I don't own the picture. No copyright infringement intended. God bless! )

HANANIAH OR JEREMIAH?

2011-04-15T13:13:00.006+08:00

COUNSEL: HANANIAH OR JEREMIAH?

Jeremiah 28

MESSAGE:

"Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, 'Listen, Hananiah! The LORD has not sent you, yet you have persuaded this nation to trust in lies...' "

Jeremiah 28:15

You have a problem. You are in a difficult situation. You don't know what to do. You need some advice. But from whom will you seek some counsel?

Or maybe it is not you who need advice. Instead you are the one being asked for advice. What will you say? Do you have the right words to give?

Judah and Jerusalem were undergoing a hard time. They were being attacked by Babylon- a very powerful kingdom. The people sought advice . They asked prophets to inquire what the LORD would do or tell them- prophets like Hananiah and Jeremiah.

Prophet Hananiah son of Azzur, prophesied about freedom from Babylon and of peace. He said to Jeremiah in the house of the LORD in the presence of the priests and all the people:

"This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, the God of Israel, says, 'I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon. Within two years I will bring back to this place all the articles of the LORD's house that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon removed from here. I will also bring back to this place Jehoiachin... for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.' (v.2-4)

Now, who would not want to believe what Hananiah prophesied? Who would not want to hear they'll be freed from Babylon and there will be peace in the land?

And who in the world would even want to listen to Jeremiah who prophesied war, famine and death? Who on earth want to die in such kind of death?

No one. Not even I. Most if not all of us only want to hear all the positive things that could and would happen to us. We always want to hear positive comments but shove aside criticism. We only want to accept and see the brighter side of every picture but disregard the dark and gloomy part of it.

During times of difficulty, when I realize I could no longer handle the situation on my own, I look for advice from people - a friend, family - I know. Oftentimes I get two opposite advice or opinion, adding another burden on my part.

There are those people who would tell me that I'm doing just fine. They speak to me reassuringly to make me feel better. I admit, it's what I long to hear.

On the other hand, there are those who tell me the "right thing'"to do. They tell me I should do something better or I'm better that what I've become. To hear words like that is painful and sometimes I tried to disregard what they say. Maybe they only see my wrong? Are they trying to pull me down? I want them to encourage me and make me feel better but they are actually making me feel worse.

Which advice should I follow?

If I would base my choice from my feelings and what I want to hear, I would certainly believe the type of person like Hananiah. But whether I'm certain they are speaking the truth, I don't know.

Sometimes, the greatest advice could be the most painful truth. Sometimes, it is better to listen to criticism or rebuke than all praise. "It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools." (Ecclesiastes 7:5) It is also said that "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." (Proverbs 27:6)

If you are facing a great problem and you no longer know what to do in your situation just like Judah and Jerusalem:

Inquire of the Lord. Pray. Pray for His guidance. He is the greatest counselor and He can give you the best solution and advice for everything. Go to God first!

Read the Bible. It is God's word. He will speak to you through His Word.

Go to the right person for advice. Go to someone who is mature in the faith. God will speak in many ways, through reading His word, through events, and through someone He will use. Do not listen to wrong prophecy or advice from fake prophets or friends. Always test every spirit.

If someone is asking for your advice or counsel:

Pray. Ask God to guide and help you. Ask that He will put the right words in your mouth.

Do not prophesy lies or give wrong advice. Speak words to build up and not to break. No matter how painful, speak the words if it is the truth. Do not twist it. Don't say anything just to make the person better and let the person believe the wrong idea. If it is bitter, don't add flavors just to make it sweet. It will only lead to destruction.

If the LORD did not send you, don't pretend He did. I don't know about Hananiah's motive, maybe he just wanted to be famous and please the people. But don't be like him. If you don't know the answer, send that person to someone who has wise answers.

To my Wonderful Counselor be the glory!

Your sister through the blood of Christ,

Rizeru

ROBOTS AND THEIR ETERNAL SECURITY Part 2

2011-04-14T19:29:00.003+08:00

ROBOTS AND THEIR ETERNAL SECURITY

Part 2

Note: This is the second part of this blog series. It is helpful to you if you'll read first Robots and Their Eternal Security Part 1 if you haven't read it yet.

So where were we? Well, we already know in what manner we approach the Word of God- that is with a humble and expectant heart. The Word of God already disprove what their pastor said. We should not be selective with the Word.

Now, let's tackle about Backsliding. According to the pastor I talked with and I quote, "There is no such thing as backsliding. Anyone who could not stand firm to the very end has, in the first place, never truly accepted Christ in his/her life."

So, what does the Word says? Is there really no such thing called backsliding? What does it mean to backslide?

BACKSLIDING

-What is backsliding

Encarta Dictionary defines the word "backslide" as a 'relapse into bad habit; to fall back into wrongdoing or a bad habit after an attempt to act in a better way. Its synonyms are 'relapse, go back to your old ways, lapse, revert, regress, slip back.'

-What God's Word say about it:

Jeremiah 2:19
"Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you. Consider then and realize how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the LORD your God and have no awe of me,” declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty."

Jeremiah 3:22
“Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.” “Yes, we will come to you, for you are the LORD our God.

Jeremiah 5:6

Therefore a lion from the forest will attack them, a wolf from the desert will ravage them, a leopard will lie in wait near their towns to tear to pieces any who venture out, for their rebellion is great and their backslidings many.

Jeremiah 5:19
And when the people ask, ‘Why has the LORD our God done all this to us?’ you will tell them, ‘As you have forsaken me and served foreign gods in your own land, so now you will serve foreigners in a land not your own.’

Jeremiah 9:13
The LORD said, “It is because they have forsaken my law, which I set before them; they have not obeyed me or followed my law.

Jeremiah 15:6
You have rejected me,” declares the LORD. “You keep on backsliding. So I will reach out and destroy you; I am tired of holding back.

Jeremiah 22:9
And the answer will be: ‘Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God and have worshiped and served other gods.

Joshua 24:20

If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you.”

Judges 10:13

But you have forsaken me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you.

1 Samuel 12:10

They cried out to the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned; we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and the Ashtoreths. But now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, and we will serve you.’

2 Chronicles 24:20

Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you disobey the LORD’s commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.’”

Jeremiah 17:13

LORD, you are the hope of Israel; all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the LORD, the spring of living water.

Isaiah 17:10

You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress.

According to the Word of God, to backslide is:

To forsake the LORD or to turn away from God.
To rebel against God.
Rejecting God.
Forsaking God's law in disobedience.
Serving other gods or idols.
Forsaking God's covenant or promises.
Forgetting or not remembering GOD.

Point: A person can never backslide if he is not Christian or a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. You cannot forsake, reject, leave or abandon the LORD if in the first place you have never believe in the LORD. Just like you can never left America if in the first place you've never been in America. You can never rebel against a God whom you did not serve. You cannot forget someone you did not know.

Is it really possible for someone who accepted Christ as his/her Lord and Savior to forsake Him who saves him/her?

Well, yes! Because we still have our free will. (Let's talk about this later in Part 3)

If you read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, there are so many instances that the people of God, the people He so dearly loved, the people He saved, still turned away and forsake Him. This is frustrating, right?

People in the Bible who turned away from God:

Israel, God's chosen people. They kept on turning away from God whenever they don't have a king or leader who is strong in the faith. After God so miraculously saved them and delivered them from the slavery of Egypt, and after how God so miraculously provided them with food(manna), they easily forgot God.

King Saul

“I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the LORD all that night.

1 Samuel 15:11

King Joash

"He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years of Jehoiada the priest. He restored the temple of the Lord.

After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them. They abandoned the temple of the LORD, the God of their ancestors, and worshiped Asherah poles and idols. Because of their guilt, God’s anger came on Judah and Jerusalem. Although the LORD sent prophets to the people to bring them back to him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen."

2 Chronicles 24:2,4, 17-19

Some Christians in Galatia.

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—" Galatians 1:6

"But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you."

Galatians 4:9-11

Some widows Paul talk about in 1 Timothy 5:11-15 who turned away to follow Satan.

"As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan."

Those who shipwrecked their faith because they did not hold on to their faith and a good conscience.

".. holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith."

1 Timothy 1:19

There are still so many examples in the Bible of people who forsake the Lord. Read the book of Jeremiah and Hosea. Both speak about the unfaithfulness of God's people.

What makes a Christian or a born again turn away or forsake God:

Different Gospel

Many believers will be deceived by a different gospel or false doctrine. God warns us about this.

"As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father."

1 John 2:24

I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

1 John 2:26-27

There are those who are trying to lead you astray! Remain in the straight path!

"Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet and STAY ON THE SAFE PATH."

Proverbs 4:25-26

Love of this world and love of money.

We must always check our hearts everyday. Our hearts can be easily deceived. Whatever or whoever owns your hearts is your god. "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first." Revelation 2:4 Therefore, return to your first love -God!

Compromising and then being entangled back by sin.

"As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance."1 Peter 1:14

Ignorance of the scripture.

If you do not read the Word of God, you will be easily deceived. Reading the Bible will make you strong in your faith in God, it will teach you, rebuke you and give you wisdom so you won't be deceived by false teaching or doctrines that contradicts what God says.

How to keep your self from backsliding:

Read the Bible
Pray without ceasing
Have a Christian friend
Fellowship with the church

If you have forsaken the Lord, always remember that as long as you are still alive, God is giving you a chance to repent and return to Him. But don't wait for tomorrow because tomorrow might not come. The Lord is calling you now...

“Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.”

Respond to God's call for repentance. Do not hardened your heart.

Say, “Yes, we will come to you, for you are the LORD our God.

ROBOTS AND THEIR ETERNAL SECURITY Part 1

2011-04-13T13:06:00.004+08:00

ROBOTS AND THEIR ETERNAL SECURITY
Part 1

The words I heard from him was deeply disturbing. At 3 A.M., I still could not sleep no matter how hard I tried. I can feel that the spirit within me is groaning and crying. I prayed and cried to God.

What was that all about? Certainly, what he told me is false and contrary to what the Bible says. My God, the God I am serving, the Savior who saves me is not like that. Are we really serving the same God? Or is he a slave of a cold-hearted tyrant who imposes or forces his will on him?

It was the 7^th day of April and was my co-worker’s birthday. At 6:45 PM, I went to her house to join the celebration. It was fun being with them at first. We sang songs about the faithfulness of God and they even let me speak and give a birthday wish for my officemate and friend.

After dinner, about 8:30 P.M., I am already thinking of going home because there no longer any tricycle in the terminal by 9 P.M. That is when their pastor sat beside me. (My officemate/friend and I do not go to the same church and we do not have the same doctrine.) We chatted a little. He asked me why I did not bring our common friend who is a pastor in my church that night. Then he asked me about the church I fellowship with and its history. Is it evangelical or Pentecostal? He also asked me about how I became a Christian. That is how it all started. However, I never really expected what happened next. Well, I do have a hunch but not exactly, what I expected.

I told him I accepted Jesus Christ when I was in my first year of College but during those periods, I did not serve God yet. I was not yet spiritually mature. So during my journey, there were times, I went back to the old self, I started not going to church and separated myself from my Christian friends. I added that it was only during my last year in college when I finally recommit myself to the Lord after 2 years or so of backsliding…

These are the things he told me after that:

There is no such thing as backsliding. Anyone who could not stand firm to the very end has, in the first place, never truly accepted Christ in his/her life.

It’s just apostacy or being partakers but never really a part of the Vine. Those who will be cut off are simply like Judas who never truly understands and accepted Jesus in his life. They are those who will be cut off from the Vine and will be thrown out into the fire.

After receiving Christ, you are already born again and no one who is born of God will continue sinning (1 Joh 3:9). You could no longer continue to sin because GOD CONTROLS YOU. Just like how a demon possessed a person, the Holy Spirit is now in control of you.

Your free will is only DURING ACCEPTING CHRIST, that is if you will accept the gift or reject it. When you accept Christ in your life, IT IS NO LONGER YOUR FREE WILL BUT GOD’S WILL. Your free will stops/ends after you become born again.

Read the Bible in a positive approach. (He cited some verses and said, “Read it in a positive approach.”)

During that time, I only gave him back questions. I asked him about the Vine, the Ingrafted Branches, the Prodigal Son and the Ten Virgins. Well, he never really talked about the Ten Virgins but focused more on the Prodigal Son , the Vine (John 15) and the Parable of the Sower.

I don’t really have chance to speak because most of the time, he did all the talking. So, I decided to listen because I also want to hear and know their side and what they believe. I don’t want to argue because the Bible said,

“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to knowledge of the Truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”

2 Timothy 2:23

I felt very uncomfortable. I wanted to go home so badly. I started sending text messages to my church-mates asking them to bring me home. It was already 9:45 P.M. The other people which are also member of their church already gathered around us. The wife of the pastor also confirms whatever her husband tell me. I felt I was trapped! I wasn’t use to that kind of way of teaching people. Our Pastor in our church never does that. I used to o with our Pastor whenever he conducts a Bible Study with Roman Catholics and other (non)pre-believers and most of the time, he gave those people the time to talk. He(our pastor) told us that “the people you ministered to needs time, needs people to listen. You will never win them to God if you does all the talking and try to impose on them God’s truth.”

I already know about their faith of Once Save Always Save doctrine. I respect that though I don’t agree with them. My officemate already tried to argue it with me before but we came up with the agreement to just respect each other, besides we both desire to please and glorify God with our lives. But now? What’s happening? I really wanted to cry but I tried to control my emotions.

Thank God, I was finally able to go home by 10 P.M. My heart was very heavy so I directly went to my room and prayed. I was gravely alarmed by what I heard. Born Again Christians no longer have free will? What? So am I a robot?

I told my friend/pastor about what happened. He replied, “Palaaway (what he calls me) please???... 1 John 2:26-27… Be firm in your faith.. God is with you. It is better that you will try to avoid them so that you will not stumble and be deceived. Be on guard. Let’s continue to pray for them and show them God’s love.”

I also told another youth pastor in our church and he told me, “You know your doctrine. Receive what is according to GOD’s Word. Reject what is not.” I also asked him, “When reading the Word, we should not read it in a positive approach, right? There are God’s warning in the Bible, we should not set aside those warnings and read or focus only on those positive or nice verses, right? Because if we read and approach God’s Word that way, it’s like we are ONLY READING WHAT WE WANT TO READ OR HEAR, right? The Word of God said in Jeremiah to just speak or proclaim His word. We should not add flavor or spices so that those who hears will be please.” And he replied and affirmed, “Yes, you should not. WE SHOULD NOT BE SELECTIVE WITH THE WORD.” The Word of God will speak to you if you humble your self before God. Read the Word with a humble and expectant heart. It could be a painful rebuke or comforting and encouraging words, but do not try to CUSTOMIZE IT TO SUIT YOU.

The Bible speaks of people like that in 2 Timothy 4:3-4.

"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."

So, I am writing this blog in response to what their pastor told me since I was not given a chance to speak. I don't know if they will come across this blog but in God's time, God will lead them to this blog.

I will not speak for God. God does not need an Attorney. Instead, in these series of blog post, I WILL LET GOD SPEAK FOR HIMSELF. God challenges you this,

"...know WHOSE WORD WILL STAND ---MINE OR THEIRS." (Jeremiah 44:28)

FOLLOWING FOLLOWERS

2011-04-02T17:12:00.003+08:00

FOLLOWING FOLLOWERS

It's been two months now (and turning three this April) since I first joined the blogging world here at Blogger.com. I'm a newbie! Weeeh! ^_^ I am so happy to be a part of it and to meet new friends. It's been a great experience for me meeting all of you and gaining some friends. Reading your comments in every post I submitted make me happy that I and the message I want to share has reach you somehow even though we are far from each other and have not known each other personally. Least I am blogging in vain.

I want to thank you for making my stay here light and enjoyable therefore I created this post. I want you to be known also by other followers. Aside from promoting your blogs, this is a good way of organizing the blogs and the links of my followers so that I can easily find them instead of going through the great number of blogs I'm following in my dashboard. ^___^ (I am following many blogs and I really want and love to read all of them but I could not. As much as I want to, my time in the internet cafe is limited. In other words, I don't have a personal computer or a laptop. T____T Help me pray to have a laptop! ^___^ I still don't have enough savings... T_T )

Okay! Enough. :) The long wait is over. So here they are:

ACCORDING TO THE BOOK - A blog with verses and it's meaning, well, according to the Bible.

PRAISE PRAY PROSPER - This blog have videos and songs of praise and tackles about praise, prayer and prosperity.

FAITH IN ACTION - Bible verses? Faithinaction5 loves sharing Bible verses in her blog.

WHAT THEN IS THIS CHILD GOING TO BE? - Steve Hawley is a Christian and a Bible Teacher. Go visit his blog and maybe you will find in there the answer to the question of what you will become.

LIFE AS I KNOW IT - Well, how do you know life? If you want to know, why not visit this great blog of Laura Lee.

BESIDE THE STILL WATERS -...with Jesus... ^___^

HEARTFELT BALANCE - LOVE is in the air of this blog (look at the Header!). Love for family and love for the Lord.

CERTAINTY OF DRAWINGS - "This blog is for anyone who does not have time for much reading, but doesn't mind looking at a few pictures; let the pictures do most of the talking. The medium I use for my artwork is pastel. Whatever gifts God has given me, I hope to use it in a way to honor, glorify and worship Him. " -welcome note ... I think we have the same mission; that is to honor and glorify God through the gift He has given me...

A MEANING OF AN OPTIMIST. Amie is one of the first follower of this blog and is very kind to me. Her blog will give you encouragement and enlightenment. I hope we will finally resolve the problem in following my blog... ^___^

GIRL TALK - Aimee, the author of this blog, is also a Filipino and she features bizarre food like "Balut." Wanna try some? Yum Yum!

PJ'S PRAYER LINE - Read her blog series about "Christ-likeness of Character."
COMING ALIVE IN CHRIST - Check out this blog of Nicole, the King's daughter and princess! You'll find posts for devotional and Bible study...

A MOMENT WITH GOD - "I started A Moment with God as a way to share truths from God's Word. I love reading the Bible and I want to encourage others with the things I am discovering. I don't claim to know it all - we are on this journey together." -Lisa

ANOTHER DROP IN THE COFFEE CUP -Ideas about Life, Art, Music, Truth by Champion.

THE SPIRITUAL SOAKING -Read this blog if you want to be spiritually soaking... Dive into the Word with Pamela.

THOUGHTS FOR THE ROAD...LESS TRAVELED - Angie writes about her journey in this life and her application of the Word in her life... She is certainly taking the road less traveled (the narrow road)... Want to join her?

SOLID ROCK OR SINKING SAND? -Lloyd's blog mostly talk about certain issues in a Christian life and some doctrines that are still a hot topics for "debates" (for some people) until now. Want to know what are these? We may not agree on some part, but I admire him for being respectful and hearing each side...

WORDS FROM THE HEART - Read words from the heart of Anthony and most especially Words from the Heart of God...

A LOOK AT LIFE FROM A DEERSTAND - Another Christian blog with devotional and bible study written by a 17 year old guy named "Dakota". Check out his photography blog. It's amazing too.

PRAYER NOTES BY CYNTHIA -

Done! There are still, 6 followers not included here. Sorry about that. I couldn't find the links to your blog in your profile. Just comment or send me a message with the link of your blog so I can include it here, okay? Thank you very much!

ME? A PASTOR?

2011-03-30T18:02:00.001+08:00

ME? A PASTOR?

I never wished to be a pastor. I don't think it is my calling. Being a pastor is hard. I think it is the hardest "job" in the planet. ^__^ Oh well, if God says I will be a pastor, what else can I do but obey?

So, you might be thinking and asking yourself why I am writing this blog. Here it goes. Just read the following...

*Start Narration* Last Sunday, March 27, 2011, the guest speaker or the pastor assigned to bring the Good News or the Word that day told us, before sharing the Word, that he is glad to see John, the new chairman in the music ministry in our church, leading the Praise and Worship. It was Ptr. Jun's first time to see John lead the Praise and Worship since Ptr. Jun is assigned in one of the daughter churches.

He said, "God has raised up another Pastor. Most of the Worship Leaders become pastors." And then he cited examples of Pastors who were Worship Leaders- including our Administrative Pastor Ptr. Alonde and John's father who was the previous Chairman in the music ministry and now the Associate Pastor in the main church.

"God usually raise up pastors from those who stand in the front (the worship leaders)", he continued, "because Worship Leaders always seek God. They, supposedly, should/could not stand in the front unprepared SPIRITUALLY. They seek God in prayer and they pray for the songs in the Line Up so that the people will really be ushered into God's presence."

On our seats, we look at John and the other members of the Music Team.

The Worship Leaders (four including myself) said, "So am I going to be a pastor?!"

The back up singers asked, "How about us?"

I told them, "You'll be promoted to be a Worship Leader so eventually you will also become a pastor." They smiled. *End narration*

Hmm... So, really? Am I going to be a pastor? Do I have the qualities? Well, I don't know. But this is what I know, that God will choose/elect me and you, yes, dear you, to serve Him without basing on your standard but on His. You don't have to be a Ph. D, you don't have to be a Suma Cum Laude in order to be a pastor, a minister, a missionary or an evangelist. Just have a heart willing to serve God.

Most of the time, we hesitate to obey the call. Why? Because we look at ourselves most of the time. "I'm not qualified LORD. I'm not eloquent... " " I'm not ready LORD. I'm still young. " "LORD, I'm too old for this." These are Moses', Jeremiah's, and Abraham's excuses. I have used this excuses myself. Haven't you? Me, myself and I. We focus too much on our abilities, on what we can and cannot do. We forget that the One who called us is able to equipped us for the work He has prepared for us.

"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, ²⁹ so that no one may boast before him. ³⁰ It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. ³¹ Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

1 Cor. 1:27-31

To God be the glory!

Your sister through the blood of Christ,

Rizeru

Unafraid Although Insulted and Reproached

2011-03-22T15:16:00.007+08:00

UNAFRAID ALTHOUGH INSULTED AND REPROACHED

Jeremiah 20

Message:

"Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the LORD has brought me insult and reproach all day long." v.8

O LORD, you deceived (persuaded) me , and I was deceived (persuaded); you overpowered me and prevailed. I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me. Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the LORD has brought me insult and reproach all day long. I hear many whispering, "Terror on every side! Report him! Let's report him!" All my friends are waiting for me to slip, saying, "Perhaps he will be deceived; then we will prevail over him and take our revenge on him."

The preceding paragraph was Jeremiah's complaint written from v. 7 to 18 of this chapter. During the time of Jeremiah the prophet, Israel was being attacked by Babylon. Jeremiah was used by God to speak to His people. Surely, Jeremiah was obedient enough, even to the point of death. Because of the word of God that Jeremiah prophesied, the priest Pashhur had Jeremiah beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin at the LORD's temple. In another chapter of this book, Jeremiah was even threatened with death. And so he complained to the Lord.

Are you a Jeremiah of these present days? Have you ever been insulted and persecuted by speaking the truth? Especially by speaking about the Truth?

As a Christian, just like Jeremiah, I've been criticized because of my faith and there was a point when I also asked God the big question "WHY?" I have lost friends because of it. They begun avoiding me. They said my life is boring because I am active in the church but most of the time no longer associate or get involved with their activities (especially when I know there will be bottles of wine involved) to avoid compromising. Therefore, I've been labeled a fanatic or a freak. I have received mockery from them. One of my classmate in High school said I was just looking for a "sense of belongingness." Well, maybe he was right. I really felt I need to belong somewhere else and not of the world. Thankfully, I now belong to God.

I realized it is hard to be a Christian. You will surely face many persecutions and many people will try to make your following of Christ Jesus difficult. But don't give up 'cause I won't. I know life is much harder without Christ. So stand firm to the very end!

Speak what God has commanded you to say. Do not hold it in. Because you can't! His word, as Jeremiah described it, will be like a fire in your heart, a fire shut up in your bones. You will only be weary holding it in. (v.9)

To those who are not willing to repent and obey God, the words you will say will be like "proclaiming violence and destruction" to them. They will find it hard to accept. They don't want their sins to be destroyed. That is why many will persecute you. They are hostile to God and they will be hostile to you too.

If you have been threatened or been hurt not just physically but emotionally with the people's insult and criticism, do not be afraid of them. Jesus has told us: "Do not be afraid of those who can only kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both the soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28) So do not be afraid of what people can do to you or what they will say against you. What God says about you is what matters. Better to hear criticism from the people than to hear it from God Himself.

Do not be afraid of proclaiming the Gospel or be ashamed to declare that you are a Christian. It will be hard, yeah I know. Jeremiah, the apostle Paul, Peter too and all the disciples know. They'd been there. They understand. But most of all, GOD KNOWS. He understands. He'd been there. Jesus was mocked and been insulted but He did not retaliate; when He suffered, he made no threats. Instead, He entrusted himself to him who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23). Entrust everything to God. Just commit your cause to the Lord. Sing to the LORD and give praise to Him in your circumstances for He will surely rescue you from the hands of the wicked. (v.13)

"But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior;

so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.

They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced;

their dishonor will never be forgotten.

LORD Almighty, you who examine the righteous

and probe the heart and mind,

let me see your vengeance on them,

for to you I have committed my cause."

v.11-12

It was hard for me when some of my friends started to put a distance between us because of my faith but I don't really care now as long as the distance between me and God is not too wide, as long as I am not far away from my God and as long as I have God in my life. I don't know how many so-called 'friends" I will lose along the way but as long as I have God and never be forsaken by Him-my Best friend, I know I will be okay.

(My heart still cries out for them. I will try to win them by love and continue to pray for them too... Someday, they will understand me and my faith. Someday, they will join me in praising God- together, in unity- with the Body of Christ).

To my Mighty warrior -the One who understands me be the glory!

Your sister through the blood of Christ,

Rizeru