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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!