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Back to the Basics
January 30, 2012 
In school, whenever a complex problem is thrown to us by our professor, whether it’s in math or science or social science, the first words of encouragement you could hear from him is ‘i know you know this, just go back to the basics’. And there you are, recalling what you’ve learned some years ago, digging up the foundations and slowly getting the solution to the problem.
In life, the same is true. When life-changing decisions come and life-threatening problems arise, the steps to gettting the solution is simple. We just need to pause and get back to the basics. For Christians, it’s the popular yet mostly forgotten verse in Matthew 6.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
Why do I say it’s mostly forgotten? Well, it’s not because it’s too hard to memorize or it’s irrelevant but because tendencies are, people won’t really remember to practice it because it’s too simple and cliched. The verse tells you to just seek God and then you will be given every thing! The problem with us sometimes is that we tend to look for complex answers to complex problems even when in fact, the right answer is just simple.. We love the idea of solving puzzles and mysteries. In our christian walk, we focus more on the heavy stuff, those that concern apologetics, evangelism, and the like, which can cause us to overlook the basics of Christianity. Now for some who do remember and practice this verse, problems may arise when they concentrate on the last part of the message, rather than focusing on the first which is essentially the highlight and gist of the verse. Instead, they concentrate on what they’d get in doing so rather than the act of seeking God itself, which is actuallly the opposite of what the verse is trying to convey. They’re missing the point. They’re missing a lot. They’re missing everything. 
Now what does it mean to seek God? The word seek comes from the greek word ‘zeteo’ which means in order to find; require, demand, crave, demand something. Seeking God means craving for His presence. We demand , we require to get to experience Him. Moreover, seeking God is more than a feeling, it is a responsibility.
The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
Psalms 14:2
God wants us to seek Him. He wants us to put Him first in every thing that we do, in every decision, in every struggle and suffering. Why? Because we cannot thrive without Him. God as the God of the universe has an active rule over His creation, over us. He has His way of doing and being right. With Him, nothing could go wrong. He wants to help us. He wants to lead us. But He can only do all these things if we allow Him to.
Next question, how do we seek him?
- 1. We must look with all our heart and soul
But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Deuteronomy 4:29
We must declutter your lives. The enemy uses distractions and makes us busy so we may forget to prioritize God over all things. This is his way of deceiving us. Once we give in, sooner or later you’ll realize you’ve gone far from God’s will for you.
- 2. We must declutter your lives. The enemy uses distractions and makes us busy so we may forget to prioritize God over all things. This is his way of deceiving us. Once we give in, sooner or later you’ll realize you’ve gone far from God’s will for you.
- 3. Read your bible. This is one practical step that we must never ever forget. The bible gives us the ability to hear from God through His words. The bible is our weapon and we must not lose sight of it.
- 4. Pray consistently. Prayer changes things for God’s words are powerful.
Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. [Or swear falsely]. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Saviour.Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. [Two Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac (see also Septuagint); most Hebrew manuscripts face, Jacob] Selah
Psalm 24:3-6
So whenever we are in a challenging situation and the problem’s too complex to comprehend, the default protocol should be to go back to the basics. Go back and seek God and ask for His help knowing full well that He is willing and able to give you the answers and put an end to your every suffering. Be blessed!
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Photo credits: (1) Jonnecker Kingsu
When God Came through for me (2011 highlights)
January 7, 20122012. New Year. New Beginning. Fresh start.
What can we expect from God this year? A lot. Expect things you have never imagined. Step back. Allow Him to take control and work in your life. Wait patiently and while waiting, rejoice. 
I will never get tired of doing all these things year in and year out for God has been faithful to me ever since I accepted Him as my Lord and savior. There were times when I felt unworthy of His love but He always assures me that what He’s doing in my life- the blessings, the good things, the changes- are not dependent on how much I love him but is entirely dependent on how much He loves me.
2011 was a tough year for me and to kick the year off, I am sharing some excerpts from my journal. I am sharing one major trial I’ve encountered last year and how God made the seemingly impossible, possible. It’s really amazing how God answered my questions during my quiet time and I appreciate them more as I was reading them prior to this post. This is the proof of how great and mighty the Lord is and how powerful He is in turning things around. This is one of the highlights of my 2011, the testimony of how God came through for me.
When God came through for me
I really wanted to become a doctor. My parents supported me with my decision. I took a pre-med course and in my senior year, while I was busy with my thesis, the whole medical application made things complicated. Things really got in the way. Decision-making was really tough and the only right thing to do, as far as my faith is concerned, is to rely on God.
Jan. 13: It was the first day of the final stretch of med school applications and I still didn’t know where to apply.
“Father you have promised that you will respond when we call. That as soon as you hear, you will answer. I declare this father over my life. Though people may put boundaries as to what you can do for your children, I declare your mighty hands to work on the seemingly impossible. Where do you want to go, O Lord?”
Isaiah 32:8,17 But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands. The fruit of righteousness will be peace. The effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.
I applied in three schools. One with the lowest tuition fee and great reputation as far as history is concerned, one with generous scholarships but with poor reviews and one that is new, promising which eventually became my first choice.
Jan 22: I didn’t pass the first one. It could have been a lot of help to my parents since it’s a public school (lowest tuition fee) and it’s reputation is really good.
“I am not bothered for I know O Lord, You direct my path and you’ll put me to where you want me to be. I thank you for giving me this attitude of not relying on my own but trusting You and Your ways always”
Psalms 86:7, 11-13 In the day of my trouble, I will call to you, for you will answer me. Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth, give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart. I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me. You have delivered me from the depths of the grave.
Jan25 : “Today was my interview. Father it was like a test when a sat there. It was a moment of shame that I wasn’t able to defend You and your plans for me. I know I could have done better. I failed you and I am sorry. I was persecuted. Father, can you comfort me right now? I need you. I even forgot it’s my mom’s birthday becau se I w
as thinking about this for too long. “
Isaiah 43:2,4-5 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. The flames will not set you ablaze. Since you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
March 9: I got into the other two medical schools. I was torn between where I really want to go and where would our financial capabilities fit since I wasn’t able to apply for any scholarship. I decided to fast for it.
Ecclesiastes 8: 1,3,5, Do not be in a hurry to leave the king’s presence. Do not stand up for a bad cause for he will do whatever he pleases. Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure.
March 23. I knew the answer. My parents did not agree. We couldn’t afford it. They want me to go back to the province and attend elsewhere. I felt enraged. I wanted to argue with them but I knew I have no right since they will be the one paying for my education. I was disheartened yet hopeful for a miracle.
“Why Lord? What’s the plan? You promised to send me to the best if not, the most apt school for me. You promised provision, Lord. Didn’t you?”
There was a period of silence. My quiet time was vague. I was not getting an answer. I gave up. I finally decided to obey my parents and give up what I wanted. I was prepared to leave the city and I already bid goodbye to my friends. It was really hard. Leaving the city for another means starting from scratch : new environment, new friends, new church. I was having a hard time preparing myself for changes yet I was ready to leave. I knew there’s no turning back until….
April 5: I was in a sleepover at one of my friends. I woke up and while still groggy I received a message from my mom asking me to give the route towards the school from where I am staying. I replied. To my surprise, her next message was an errand I never expected to be doing. She told me to call the school and ask If I could still confirm since she’s already transferring the fees to my account at the moment. I was blown away. It was life-changing. I called up the school and told me they could reconsider. I jumped In awe. I thought God was being silent because all was final. Truth is, he was silent because He wanted me to honor my parents by obeying them first and that obedience allowed Him to work over my life and turn things around. It was a huge turning point in my life. He was faithful to His promise. He did what He said He would do. I rejoiced and I repent of the time I doubted Him.
Psalms 37:4-7 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
Best part: God is constantly providing for my needs in med school: tuition fees, books, allowances, etc. He is really a great and awesome Father! I will never get tired of worshipping Him!
Happy New Year Everyone!
December 31, 2011I wasn’t able to post a Christmas greeting but allow me to greet every one of you a very Happy and prosperous New Year!!!
I know for the past year, GOD has been so good and faithful to all of us. Let us continue to believe and keep on putting our trust in the Holy and Mighty One! Let us all hold on to His promises and wait until each has been fulfilled.
UP NEXT… My 2011 highlights! Excited!
Typoglycemia
December 12, 2011
n. 
the ability to read jumbled words for as long as you retain the first and last letters; contraction of the words ‘typographical error’ and glycemia which is totally not related to any medical condition such as hypoglycemia. For example:
Hlleo. Tahnk you for tkaing the tmie to vsiit tihs bolg. I cshoe to wtrie tihs psot rtehar tahn sudty for my fnail eamxs . I bielvee God is strirng stmoenihg in my hraet and He is tehcaing me a graet leossn. I wnat to srahe it wtih you. The qesuotin for tihs psot is ‘why do bad thgnis hpepan?’
years now and I know God is really good. In fact, He’s not just good but great! Despite the years and the blessings I have received, sometimes I still lose hold of this truth especially when I am in a bad shape. God is good all the time- when we’re in a good season, when we get what we want. But just as any other person, when I lose money, when I fail an exam, when I do not get what I want, I have the tendency to ask why especially if the turnover is fast e.g. on a Sunday I am so blessed with the praise and worship and the preaching and days after a series of misfortunate events happen or one minute I am reminded of God’s love and how He loves me, a minute after someone yells at me and speak curses. And maybe some may even ask ‘if God is good, why does he allow bankruptcy? Accidents? death?’. I remember back in 2005 when we lost my uncle in cancer. He was 35, a very successful radiologist. His death got the whole family praying. We prayed not for comfort, but we nagged God on why did He have to take him. As a young Christian back then, I told myself ‘it’s God’s plan. There’s a reason. The question should be ‘what’ instead’. It was the right attitude. I thought it was that easy. Years passed and sometimes I still catch myself talking to God about the what-ifs.
Emotions blind us and put us to a test. We may not like what’s happening to us but as Christians we must have the right attitude in dealing with mishaps. These may push us to the limit, cause us pain and even test our faith but we must never lose hold of the promises of God written in His word.
A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet. On shigionoth. [Probably a literary or musical term]
LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.
Habakkuk 3:1-2
Habakkuk was a prophet of Judah and at this time, God’s wrath was upon them for all the evil they did- cruelty to Lebanon and even idolatry. At this bad time, what did Habakkuk did? What are his responses?
1. He prayed. Prayer is the measure of true Christianity. Being a Christian does
n’t mean belonging to a religion or a certain group of people. It is having a relationship with Christ. Prayer is our way of communicating with God and cultivating our relationship with him. Just like any other relationship, it needs communication. We need to talk to Him. The problem with us sometimes is we totally separate Christianity from our lifestyle. We live a double life. We act as Christians by religion but atheist by work. The proof? Why do we have prayer as our last resort especially when it comes to finances? When we are disappointed, instead of running towards the comfort of God, why do we choose to get detached and divert our attention to other things i.e. comfort food, online gaming, retail therapies etc. Learning from Habakkuk, we know now that the proper response is to pray.
Prayer of Habakkuk: I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known;
The word ‘prayer’ comes from the word ‘tefilia’ which means to apply to a judge for a favorable decision. Habakkuk was appealing to the God of the heavens and the earth, to the ultimate judge and ruler of the universe. If he is asking favor from the God of possibilities and God of all things great and new, what more can go wrong?
(Poetic and song-like form: what God did for Israel)
God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah [A word of uncertain meaning; possibly a musical term; also in verses 9 and 13] His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth.
His splendour was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden.
Plague went before him; pestilence followed his steps.
He stood, and shook the earth; he looked, and made the nations tremble. The ancient mountains crumbled and the age-old hills collapsed. His ways are eternal.
I saw the tents of Cushan in distress, the dwellings of Midian in anguish.
Were you angry with the rivers, O LORD? Was your wrath against the streams? Did you rage against the sea when you rode with your horses and your victorious chariots?
You uncovered your bow, you called for many arrows. Selah You split the earth with rivers;
the mountains saw you and writhed. Torrents of water swept by; the deep roared and lifted its waves on high.
Sun and moon stood still in the heavens at the glint of your flying arrows, at the lightning of your flashing spear.
In wrath you strode through the earth and in anger you threshed the nations.
You came out to deliver your people, to save your anointed one. You crushed the leader of the land of wickedness, you stripped him from head to foot. Selah
With his own spear you pierced his head when his warriors stormed out to scatter us, gloating as though about to devour the wretched who were in hiding.
You trampled the sea with your horses, churning the great waters.
Habakkuk 3:3-15
2. 
He pondered on the good things the Lord has done. From the verses above, Habakkuk remembered God’s miracles. He was not there in the parting of the Red sea, he wasn’t there either when God had the sun and the moon stand still for Joshua and the Israelites but he believed that God will deliver them just as how God delivered the Israelites from Egypt. As Christians, we must hold on to His promises. Remember my last post, ‘when it takes too long‘? God wants us to wait for His proper timing just as how Habakkuk waited for the fulfillment of God’s promises. The good thing about waiting on God is that you are ensured that it would not be put into vain. God is faithful and our waiting is always worth it. Remember what God has done in your life and you will be reminded of His great love and faithfulness.
3. Habakkuk praised God. The bad times didn’t hinder him from praising and worshipping God. In fact, he prayed:
I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us.
Though the fig-tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
How can you praise God when you’re losing all you have? Your savings, your family, your life, your integrity? This maybe hard but it’s the right thing to do. When we are in a dark pit and we can’t find the way through, no one can rescue us other than God. The best part? He will not just rescue us and take us out of the dark but He will strengthen us and will turn every sorrow into dancing and every weeping into joy. One of the best examples is Raisa Laurel. She was one of the victims of the DLSU Bar Exams bombing and the moment she gained her consciousness and saw she lost both of her legs, she sang praises and worshipped God as she was brought to the hospital and every day since then. Another, a pastor’s wife battled against cancer, but instead of whining and weeping, she honored and praised God. Her last tweet before she died was …
“There are things I don’t understand, questions I want to raise, but I should know my place and praise You instead”
God is faithful and we Christians must be typoglycemic (if there’s such a word). Why? Because in reality, the most relevant part of God’s every promise is the start,where He makes a covenant with you and the last , where He fulfills each of them. Never mind what’s in between. We must always remember: God is faithful since the beginning and will still be faithful in the end. Right now, if you are faced with a circumstance which you think is pushing you to the limits, or huge problem that you don’t even know how to start solving, run to GOD for He has promised:
And we konw taht in all thnigs God wkors for the good to tohse who love God , who hvae been cllaed adcoirncg to his pruospe.
Romans 8:28
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This post is based on the preaching of Ptr. Christian Flores of Victory Quezon City
From Ordinary to Special
October 3, 2011
A lot of people are aware of Saul and how he became Paul the apostle who has written almost two-thirds of the New Testament. But only a few know about the person who was instrumental to Saul’s conversion as a Christian. He was Ananias, a follower of Christ. Ananias is an ordinary person, not a royalty nor a priest. In fact the bible doesn’t speak much of him. It was only in Acts 22:12 that you’d see his background when Saul described him.
He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there.
Despite the minimal description of his background, Ananias played a crucial role in the advancement of God’s kingdom in the New testament. He was the man God used to restore Saul’s sight, to baptize him. As a result, many Jews and Gentiles came to know Jesus and believed in the Christian faith through Paul, Ananias’ mentee.
In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered.
The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.
In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.
And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.
I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord — Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here — has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptised, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.
Acts 9:10-19
You see, God does not favor any one. He uses people based on His will and not based on the worldly standards. If God has a bias, he should have sent kings or priests to fulfill the purpose. Instead, he used an ordinary man for an extraordinary purpose. Ananias became Paul’s mentor, his spiritual guardian. This title may not be popular today because in fact there are only few Christians who are Spiritual guardians. Most of the Christians nowadays are babies, entirely dependent and not growing. Why is that so? Because being a spiritual guardian is a burden. It is a huge role to play and a huge responsibility. But at the same time, it is a privilege and the rewards it brings are unimaginable. (Question for you: Are you a spiritual baby or a spiritual guardian?)
You might ask, if God doesn’t have bias and he chooses different kinds of people to fulfill His plans, how does He select them? Does he randomly select people? Or is it based on certain criteria?
First, we must understand that it is not enough to have a divine encounter from heaven in order to be called ‘special’. This is more than those which happen in the movies where there is an instant transformation. You need to be in Christ and being a Christian is not as easy as 1-2-3. It means accepting Christ and carrying your own cross. Next, although it sounds a cliché’, all children of God is special. The only thing that makes us different from one another is our purpose and the 3Ds which is discussed below.
Destiny. Every person , every Christian has a destiny in God. We are not just born. We are born to fulfill a purpose and whatever our race, age, gender, color is, we are subject to this destiny that God has prepared for us.
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children for ever, that we may follow all the words of this law.
Deut. 29:29
God’s sovereign will is so overwhelming that we just have to accept and understand it. The secrets belong to him and we have to ask Him for all these to be revealed. Now, there are two wills of God that He has prepared for us. First is the Standard Will of God which is for us to accept Him and believe in Him. This includes belonging to a church and fellowshipping with your brothers and sisters in Christ. The second one is the Special Will of God which is concerned mainly on the direction of one’s life which is either to get married, to enter into missions, what ministry one should belong to , what job one will have and the like. This is what makes every person different and special. It is where our purposes differ although we all unite to fulfill one common goal which is to advance God’s Kingdom to the ends of the earth and to be Christ-like.
Definition. It is important to note that in verse 17, Ananias called Saul as ‘Brother’. In these days you would always here this word in church. The sad thing is, people sometimes do not mean it. In fact it has been the default name you’d call a person in church if you cannot remember his name. Calling someone a ‘brother’ or a ‘sister’ must be practiced as a confirmation of your belongingness to a spiritual family; that since we all believed in the one true God and we’d accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we belong in the same spiritual family and we all play a part in the Church , the body of Christ.
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow-citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household,
Eph. 2:19
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God —
John 1:12
Development or Growth. As mentioned earlier, Christianity doesn’t stop in accepting Christ as Savior and reading the bible and attending church.
..and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.
Acts 9:19
Saul spent time with the disciples. This is a proof that it is not enough that you are saved . You must spend time with other disciples too for it is in fellowship that we grow. It is in fellowshipping with other disciples that we get refreshed and that keeps our coal on fire and burning for God.
When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.
Acts 9:26-27
When we want to grow in faith, we should have multiple anchors. This is also the reason why every disciple must make a disciple. It is not enough that a group of people who believe in Chirst exists , that we exist. We must aim to get every group of people believe until no one is left in the shadows and no one is left wondering who Jesus Christ is. The important thing here is, we can do this goal – to disciple people , no matter what our job or situation is. Whether you’re a royalty, a leader, a businessman, a student, a teacher, a driver, a salesperson or whatever your job description or financial status is; no matter how old or young you are you can be an Ananias to people. You can be an Ananias to another Saul who will be one of the great evangelists or great leaders of the history. To end, I just want to impart this important message:
We are ordinary , yet when we surrender our lives to an extraordinary God, we become extraordinary. Ordinary as we are, we can influence people who will become extraordinary just as Ananias to Saul.
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This post is based on the preaching of Ptr. Ferdie Cabiling at Victory Quezon City