God's Purpose and Our Own Desires

We seem to have the habit of claiming that we know what is best for us. We try to convince our self that what we desire is always right. The fact is, we don't always know what is best and right for us. Our selfishness and sinful nature make demands for God to bend His purposes to suit our own desires.

When we push our way, God sometimes grant what we desire although it's never His will. He may allow us the things we desire in order to realize that these are not for our own ultimate good. God always seek our obedience and free choice.

Things we desire and receive can go sour. As it happens, God pursues us. He helps us to better discover and follow His purposes and ways. And when we do, we learn the lesson of valuing of what is truly important and eternal in this life.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1)

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- His good, pleasing, and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)

Straight Paths for Our Feet with Dr. Ringma

" 'Make level paths for your feet,' so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed."(Hebrews 12:13) Dr. Charles Ringma was my personal mentor when I was at Asian Theological Seminary. After many years since my graduation, I still receive spiritual nourishment from him through his books and devotional writings. This morning, I read the following from Dr. Ringma as part of my devotion:

"... we do sometimes run the race of life with unnecessary handicaps or traverse over especially difficult terrain. The writer to the Hebrews suggests that we need to throw off needless burdens (Hebrews 12:1) and make paths level especially for the lame among us ... We need to learn from God's dealings in our lives and to lay things aside, otherwise we have to go over the same ground again and again. Moreover, we must cultivate a life free from impurity (12:14). This has to do with maintaining and developing godly values, not only in our thought life and our relationships but also in our work and business. A life without holiness and moral integrity will only burden us down. It will also sidetrack us. And sadly it will repay us doubly in disappointment. The writer furthermore challenges us to live free from bitterness (12:15). This aids our progress in the present and makes us open to the future. Bitterness only binds us to the past with its hurts and disappointments. Not only does it destroy relationships, it also poisons the well of our own being. ... a level path is secured when we take to our hearts whatever blessing God has given us. We dare not reject the grace of God (12:16-17). What this means is that we learn to embrace thankfully what God has given us .... "

God Speaks Again

God speaks again last night. He has been so close these past few days. Simple message from an African preacher pastoring in Australia. But the timing is awesome, no way to explain it but God's. Things to Learn from the Example of Daniel, Mischach, Abednego. Avoid things that defile. Connect to the source of Purpose. Don't give in to pressure .... "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9).

Joy and Recovery

This time is difficult for me. So when I write this, I harvest my life. Hope it's food for you too. Not everything is sweet. Some have bitter taste, like lemon. But it's good food for the soul to grow and deepen.

When recovering from inner pain, you long for joy to return. Forgiving proves to be the most difficult part of recovery. But it is critical to move on with joy in life. I knew that if God
could forgive me and all of us, then I must also forgive.

"Your heavenly Father will forgive you if you forgive those who sin against you. But if you refuse to forgive them, He will not forgive you." (Matthew 6:14, 15)

Love and forgiveness is not primarily something I feel. It is first and foremost a choice I make before God and men. I choose to be free and stay on.

I believe recovery and its accompanying joy can be summed up in the Word from Ephesians 4:31-32, which says, 'Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

I realize I'm not perfect. However, when I turn to God and ask Him to control the situation, His perfect love and forgiveness pave the way for recovery.

Yes, recovery from life's pains and disappointments is possible. Joy is possible again. If you are willing to forgive and love unconditionally, what is broken can truly be restored -- for a lifetime.

Seasons

I'm taking a hike. My friend who hikes with me says, "Great view!" I look. What do I see? Not the same thing as my friend. Sure, I see the sky, the mountain tops, even the lone bird between 2 clouds. But what strikes me is the deep green in the trees and lakes. And what makes my friend gasp is the sunlight. Some things scream louder than what is obvious.

Maintaining Freedom in Christ

I'm reading the following biblical steps from Dr. Neil Anderson who writes about how to maintain freedom in Christ:
" 1.) Be involved in a loving, caring church where you can be open and honest with others and where God's truth is taught with grace;
2.) Read and meditate on the Bible daily.
3.) Learn to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Assume responsibility for your thought life. Don't let your mind become passive. Reject all lies, choose to focus on the truth, and stand firm in your true identity as a child of God in Christ;
4.) Don't drift back to old patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting. This can happen very easily if you become spiritually and mentally lazy. If you are struggling with walking in the truth, share your battles openly with a trusted friend who will pray for you and encourage you to stand firm;
5.) Don't expect other people to fight your battles for you, however. They can help you, but they can't think, pray, read the Bible, or choose the truth for you;
6.) Commit yourself to daily prayer. Prayer demonstates a life trusting in and depending on God. "

Here's a suggested DAILY PRAYER to say to maintain freedom in Christ, also from Dr. Anderson:

"DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER, I PRAISE YOU AND HONOR YOU AS MY LORD. YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF ALL THINGS. I THANK YOU THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS WITH ME AND WILL NEVER LEAVE ME NOR FORSAKE ME. YOU ARE THE ONLY ALL-POWERFUL AND ONLY WISE GOD. YOU ARE KIND AND LOVING IN ALL YOUR WAYS. I LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU THAT I AM UNITED WITH CHRIST AND SPIRITUALLY ALIVE IN HIM. I CHOOSE NOT TO LOVE THE WORLD OR THE THINGS IN THE WORLD, AND I CRUCIFY THE FLESH AND ALL ITS PASSIONS. THANK YOU FOR THE LIFE I NOW HAVE IN CHRIST. I ASK YOU TO FILL ME WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT SO I MAY SAY NO TO SIN AND YES TO YOU. I DECLARE MY TOTAL DEPENDENCE UPON YOU AND TAKE MY STAND AGAINST SATAN AND ALL HIS LYING WAYS. I CHOOSE TO BELIEVE THE TRUTH OF GOD'S WORD DESPITE WHAT MY FEELINGS MAY SAY. I REFUSE TO BE DISCOURAGED; YOU ARE THE GOD OF ALL HOPE. NOTHING IS TOO DIFFICULT FOR YOU. I THANK YOU THAT I CAN LIVE A RESPONSIBLE, VICTORIOUS LIFE THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME."

Crowne Plaza and God

Crowne Plaza. I went there the other night. A way to picking out the path. Arrest of attention. I fought myself there. I grieved a lot. Over the pain and wounds of sin. Death and vengeance, as the law requires. But I plead God for mercy. I ask God to spare us and our children. God is anywhere. I know. But I didn't see it in the hotel room until He showed Himself in various ways. Gideon Bible. Worship.net television messages. God's messages were right there. Exactly for us. Not another ounce of strength i had but I was filled. Saved from violence, destruction. Replaced with peace, forgiveness, grace. God was there in Crowne Plaza.

"For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight ... Surely you desire truth in the inner parts, you teach me wisdom in the inmost place ... Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." (Psalm 51: 3, 4, 6, 10-12)

Dr. Chapman's Five Love Languages

I've heard of Dr. Gary Chapman, but I only "met" him now. I discovered his gems a few days ago. The following is one of his great biblically informative teaching videos on marriage enrichment.
Couples should never miss seeing and learning from Dr.Chapman as he expounds the Bible for married couples and also create some fun along the way! I like what he says about "tingles," among many other things, in this video. Really, don't miss it!
Watch video.
www.garychapman.org
www.fivelovelanguages.com

What To Watch For

"All sin begins with lies told to one's self." This was the experience of downfall of some biblical characters who suffered a lot because of it. David and his wandering eyes. Solomon with his addiction to wives and wealth. Uriah with his boredom. And many others. Fruit? Regret, loss, destruction. Just thinking of this can really make the Lord and every devoted Christian weep.

"Lord and Father, How sad you must be when you see the most powerful and the weakest of your children fall prey to the energy of sin and evil. There is nothing any one has ever done that we –each of us—is not capable of doing. We pray not out of pity or self-righteousness but with a humble spirit because we stand with him on level ground before the cross. Father, give us the gift of your grace. Protect us from the constant accusations of the evil one who will seek to deny us sleep, tempt us to talk too much, arouse conflict between couple and with their children. Send the right people into our lives who can provide the correct mixture of hope and healing love. Deliver us from people who will curry favor by telling us things we should not hear. Restrain us from making poor judgments in our most fearful moments. Lord, be present to our family. And to the others who has to live with the side effects of this tragedy. And to those who are wondering today who they can trust. What more can we pray for? You know all things. We, so very little. Amen." (G. Macdonald)

Dark, Repulsive Side

These past few days, my heart is breaking over the personal and public realities of a "dark and repulsive side" in each one of us. The newest gay sexual immorality scandal in the U.S. involving a Christian leader is shocking millions all over the world. People are looking at those who profess to be Christians. They're looking to see if we're real, if our walk matches our talk. If our walk does not match the talk, we bring disgrace to the name of Christ and destruction to our personal lives. We do need to be completely honest about it if we are to get over it, plea for forgiveness and healing.... Such recent events also prod me much to search my own heart. I too have a dark side. It reminds me as well to turn my eyes on Christ alone (for men will fail you) in developing spiritual integrity, honesty, and faithfulness.

God Of All Comfort

Tears flowed from my eyes when I watched this flash movie here.
Don't forget to watch it with the soundtrack.

Tears

With time, tears always pass. They turn into either hope or depression. If the tears are focused on today's negatives, the tears would become depression. If, instead, we focus on future glory, God would transform tears into hope and blessing. God blesses us with hope that could see farther through our tears.

Faith looks beyond tears. Faith looks toward future promise. "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain" (Rev. 21: 4).

Windows Admit Light

Windows admit light. They symbolize spaces between the inside and outside worlds. Light brings life. Our soul needs open windows where God's light and life can enter in.

Recently,I've been experiencing a dream of "I'm trapped!" in my mind. There's darkness, a mess. This sort of thing is not supposed to happen. But it happened. And it's because the window of the soul has been closed to God's light and life. The way to light and life then is to open the window.

God's light to the windows of our soul is primarily the revelation of His truth. God's Word is truth. And it also involves truth in the inner self. "Surely You desire truth in the inner parts, You teach me wisdom in the inmost place" (Psalm 51:6). "How blessed is the man ... in whose spirit there is no deceit" (Psalm 32:2).

Self deception is a most subtle of all satanic strongholds that turn a person away from God. It closes the window of light that eventually results in darkness and death. Have you noticed many people in bondage or sin always lie to themselves? The alcoholic lies about his drinking. The anorexic lies about her eating. The philandering husband lies about his adultery. The cheating businessman lies about his practices.

Lying is an evil weapon that originates from the father of lies, Satan. John 8:44 says, "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.... he is a liar and the father of lies." Satan kills, steals, and destroys with the evil weapon of lies.

I have another dream. I saw a character as seen through an open window. The view from the said window is full of another sort of beautiful light moving in. It's called Faith. Faith is believing the truth of God. Faith is something "you choose to do," not something "you feel like doing." Faith destroys Satan's deception and lies in our soul.

Today you can choose to open the window of your soul to God's truth. Relinquish and flee from Satan's lies and destruction with His life-giving Word. You can choose faith. And it's not merely the idea of faith that counts. It's what or who you believe in that counts.

Be free! Simply open the window to Him.

Beauty and Growth from the Ashes

A crisis can become a means to achieve personal and spiritual growth. The Chinese picture for crisis indicates both danger and opportunity. The danger of loss and hurt. The opportunity for gain and health. Our God of hope always encourages us to choose opportunity. The possibility exists for creating something new and better. Out of crisis can come a new and better order. Beauty and growth can rise from the ashes.

Remembering Why I'm Doing What I'm Doing

Sadly, a lot of pastors deal with financial concerns. Even though the economics of ministry has evolved in some places, still majority of pastors today struggle in this area. As world-renowned researcher George Barna noted, pastors remain "the most underpaid professionals in the world."

Before and when Imelda and I got married, I made a conscious choice many years ago. It was to follow God's call for me to serve Him as pastor in His church. I knew it would pay nothing or little in terms of material resources. But I chose it, because God led me to it.

These past two years or so, I had to struggle with this issue in my heart. When we were just starting our family, Imelda and I were able to live with whatever I had in my modest pastoral salary. But now, needs tend to escalate as our three children -- Christine, Paul, and Angel -- have been fast growing up and going to school. What am I suppose to do?

Businessmen and economists talk about "opportunity cost" of money. It means that when you choose to spend money for one thing, part of the total cost is missing the opportunity to use that money for other things. That's also true of time and energies. By choosing to devote my time and energies in pastoring and full time church ministry, I gave up the opportunities to apply them somewhere in more "profitable" occupations.

Some time ago, I had a reunion with my high school classmates. We went to an expensive restaurant. As I talked with some of my classmates who have become wealthy, I found myself thinking, "I was smarter than these guys, got better grades, more recognized on campus ... and now they're making all these money!"

Fortunately, the Lord wasted no time in teaching me a valuable lesson. In terms of dealing with financial frustrations and possible resentment in my heart in the ministry, I know God is showing me something essential. When I remind myself of why I made the choices I did, it becomes easier to accept what God has given me in material resources. When I remind myself that I followed His call and whom am I serving, I feel much happier now.

Today, after almost 15 years of full time ministry in pastoring and teaching, the Lord has again helped me worked through my calling and situation. Actually, I'm getting more excited now as the days go by! I still have a heart of a pastor even though the Lord has been changing the forms of my ministry. God is also blessing our family in far greater ways nowadays.

I tell this testimony because there's a crucial spiritual lesson for all of us in the ministry. Indeed, we have to remind ourselves periodically of "why I'm doing what I'm doing." There is also a valuable reminder that ultimately, money is not the answer to the quest for the deepest, true meaning of and satisfaction in life.