Preaching at Living Word

Of all the riches one can possess, nothing compares with spiritual riches and doing things that last. I praise God for a high-water mark of my Sunday worship yesterday (November 8, 2009) when He gave me opportunity to serve, preach and minister in 4 services (9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 7:00 pm) in a large Filipino church (The Living Word Fellowship) here in Singapore. Pastors Jerry Madarang and his wife Gloria were so kind and brotherly during my brief journey, they graciously hosted me in their church. Lord, I pray that You'd bless and use TLWF and pastors Jerry and Gloria a lot as well as the Filipino diaspora to reach Singapore and other nations for Christ!

The Man Named Lincoln

At 31, this man failed in business. At 32, he was defeated in a legislative race. At 34, he failed again in business. At 35, his girlfriend died. At 35, he had a nervous breakdown. At 38, he lost another election. At 43, 46, and 48, he lost congregational races. At 55, he lost a senatorial race. But at 60, he was elected president of the United States. He did not just become president. He became one of the most famous and well-beloved American presidents.

The Secret of Blessing (Source/Channel)

Over the years, I'm continually reminded that God alone is my source and supplier. Even in times of global economic downturn such as what we're going through, it's exciting to look back and see how He has provided for all my needs through His channels of blessing.

Living and serving in a Third World country where poverty and calamities are widespread, countless people are very anxious about their needs, their jobs, and the future of their families. Oftentimes, many of us can identify with them and their never-ending struggles . But God clearly tells us not to worry and simply look up to Him as the only source (Matthew 6).

"Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness" (2 Corinthians 9: 10).

In past experiences, I confess that I found my self disturbed sometimes when I started to confuse the "channel" with the "source." When I began looking at my work or people as the source, instead of the channel, there's the obvious sign of worry or even panic! I'd to go back and look to God alone to provide. Whew!

True, some of your "channels" may close. But remember that the "Source" remains alive and active ready to bless us. God may use your paycheck or the job of your spouse as a channel to supply your children's needs. But it's just a channel for God's provision and blessing. And God can shift to another channel anytime, anywhere, He desires.

When God our true "source" turns off one "channel," He can turn on another one. A pastor-writer explains it well: "Once you know what you're lacking, you need to give God the right to choose whatever channel He decides to fulfill the need. It may be a channel different from the one you would choose; in fact, God may allow a totally different channel than you would expect, just so that you will keep looking to Him for all your needs."

That, my friend, is the secret of blessing during these trying, challenging times.

Are All Open Doors from God?

"Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, but a man of understanding walks uprightly" (Proverbs 15:21).

Mario was a faithful follower of God. But one day he found himself alienated from God after walking through open doors of opportunity. He went overseas to work with a large salary and travel perks, leaving behind a family who loves him. He allowed himself to believe that God was blessing him and his family because He had opened all doors. He had an affair and lost his family along the way. Most importantly, although he got what he wanted, he lost what he needed the most -- a close, saving relationship with God.

We all need true discernment to determine which opportunities are from God. It is because evil often wears a mask. When a door of opportunity opens, we should not automatically assume that it's God's will for us to go through it. Just because He doesn't stop us doesn't mean He wants us to pursue it.

To discern which "open doors" are from the Lord, we have to seek to "approve the things that are excellent" and "to be filled with the fruits of righteousness ... to the glory and praise of God" (Scripture: Philippians 1: 10, 11).

Faces, Trees, and Seasons of Life

It has been raining some days when I stopped to look closely into faces and trees along my way. Things may look fine. But still nature echoes with the rest of us in acknowledging that we have no power to resist the seasons of life. May we all learn to "plant" seeds of forgiveness, grace, love, and faith that would bring hope and healing to this broken world during the inevitable seasons of life ....

Rick Warren Urges Flock To Share Deep Secrets

I recommend "Life's Healing Choices" for individuals and churches based on the 8 positive principles of Jesus' Beatitudes.

This is currently a brand new 8-week campaign series at mega Saddleback Church and hundreds of other churches that endeavour to help people seek spiritual, emotional, and relational healing.

Hear Pastor Rick Warren speak about "Life's Healing Choices."

When you feel responsible for the other person's actions

It's a cool day here in Singapore as I write this. While praying and ruminating, I got to think of some I presently try to help to regain perspectives amid their pain. The following questions played in my thoughts related to the feelings of numerous individuals recovering from the pain of wrongs or sins done to them...

Is a rape victim responsible for the rape or actions of the rapist?
Is a murder victim responsible for the murder or actions of the murderer?
Is a betrayed, adultery victim responsible for the other person's adultery or his/her actions?

Of course, you know the answer. Ultimately, we are not responsible for the actions of another person.

If you love Christ, possibly you have already sought guidance and counsel. You've been faithful to God's Word, tried your best to reach out, but the other person refuses to change. What can you do?

In Psalm 55, David cried out to God. Somebody close to him, whom he loved and trusted, turned against him. David's relationship with this other person had been severed because of the other person's sinful actions toward him. In response, David sought God's strength, comfort, and sustenance.

"War is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall" (Psalm 55: 12-14, 21-22).

Perhaps some aspects of what you're going through with another person are similar with what David experienced with someone he loved and trusted. Understand always that you are not responsible for the actions of the other person.

God is sovereign and sees it all. We simply need to cast our burdens on and trust Him. He'd be the One to make things right.

Don't Just Move On, Think Moving Up!

"The Lord ... heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147)

What do you do when you've been wronged?

In times of wounding, you have three choices: 1. Deny reality. 2. Revenge, by hurting the other or even yourself. 3. Move up to God with your pain, your questions, and hurts.

When you've been wronged, remind yourself that life is temporary. This too shall pass. Be reminded too that God doesn't overturn the will of the one who wronged you. Will the other get away with wrongdoing? The answer is no. God has His judgment and "payday" someday. You simply have to focus on Him and entrust the other person in His hands.

Learn to move up to God. Quickly turn your eyes up to Him and take refuge. He embraces you with His unlimited love, healing, and peace.

Come to Jesus. God sent His Son to "heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised" (Luke 4:18).