Thoughts

Praise you, O Lord, for you are worthy of all praises. You fill my mouth with songs of joy, and my lips with praises that people will hear me sing of your goodness and love. My heart leaps for joy whenever I hear of you and witnessed of what you have done. You are pleasing O Lord my God.  Many times I stumble and fall, but you are merciful—you lift up a fallen soul. You sustain me with your healing grace; you lift me up with your righteous right hand. Your rebuke is like music to my ears; your discipline is hard, but good and fruitful. Your eyes behold how I depart from your law, yet you remain compassionate to a wretched man like me. Who are we that you take care of?  What is man that you are mindful of? We are nothing! I am nothing!  But it is by your great love that you show mercy upon a wicked man like me. Praise looks good on you; you hear the cries of your servant.  You saw me slowly walking astray, but you showed the right path to me so that I’ll be back to you. Your Word is the lamp unto my feet, the light unto my path. You are just and righteous, yet gentle and loving.  Now my heart is full of joy that you have heard my cries for mercy, let my walk be always pleasing on your eyes that I may declare by faith that you are my God—ever righteous and merciful loving Father!

This is how the Bible describes about hell:

1. A place of blackness forever. (2Pet. 2:17)

2. A constant stench that permeates everything.  (Is. 34:3)

3. Dismal scenes of unending sorrow.  (Psalm 78:66)

4. Fire that is never quenched.  (Mark 9:43)

5. Abandoned to the love of sin.  (John 3:36)

6. The living dead: unending, excruciating pain. (Rev. 14:10)

7. Lost to the presence of God forever.  (Matt. 7:23)

8. Loss of heaven.  (Jud. 1:6)

9. Loss of all pity.  (Ezek. 8:18)

10. Unspeakable torment.  (Luke 16:28)

11. Simultaneous torment (all parts of the body are tormented at the same time) (Jer. 8:21)

12. Extreme torment.  (Luke 16:24)

13. Perpetual torment that never ends. (Mark 9:43; Rev. 14:11)

14. Everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:41)

15. Place of torment: dungeon, prison, bottomless pit, furnace of fire. (Matt. 13:42)

16. Tormentors are cruel. (Prov. 17:11)

17. There is greater torment for false witnesses and false preachers. (2Pet. 2:1)

18. There is weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matt. 13:42, 13:50)

This will not just last for a minute, nor a day, nor a year, nor 10 years, but for eternity.  Would we want our fellow people suffer forever?  Brothers, it’s our responsibility to "go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation" (Mark 16:15).  There would be no greater joy than to see our fellow men be in the loving presence of the Father forever.

(Source:  www.purposedrivenlife.com)

The difference between judgment and accountability
by John Fischer

Jesus was very clear on judging another person. He said not to do it. (Matthew 7:1) But what about holding one another accountable to the truth? Don’t we bear some responsibility for each other? And if we are to do this for someone, doesn’t that involve judging them at some point?

Accountability is an important part of any relationship, especially one with a shared purpose in following Christ. We need each other in order to stay on the right track. The lures and temptations of this life are too great to handle alone. Paul writes, "If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore that person gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." (Galatians 6:1)

What’s the difference between judging and confronting? Confronting involves doing something. Judging is all in your head. Confronting has an element of humility involved, because you know your own susceptibility to the same temptations. Judging always makes you better than someone in your own mind. And confronting always means direct contact. Judging is an evil little secret you keep to yourself or share with others in the form of gossip.

Years ago, a friend of mine was struggling over doing the right thing in an important decision he had to make. Another friend and I got the idea to go surprise him and help provide support for his decision. It didn’t matter that it was a 10- hour drive to get to him (that was the surprise part) we wanted to show up as an act of loving confrontation to help him face the truth.

Now had we not made that trip, and had I used his moral failure as a means of making me seem better in my own eyes, and had I talked to others in ways that might demean him (even asking others to pray - a favorite evangelical form of acceptable gossip) that would have been judging him. But instead we told no one, but went directly to him with our concern for him and the result was a big boost for all three of us.

I can’t even tell you now what the issue was, or what he did about it — it’s been too long now — but what I do remember is how blown away he was that we would care enough to go see him in person. And I know I still have a friend today.

If you ever catch yourself putting down someone in your mind, stop and realize you are judging that person, and then consider if you might be the one to go confront him or her in love. Put your information into action, or put it away and leave it with God. To harbor something in your heart about someone and not confront that person is to be a private judge, and the only one that really hurts is you.

We love our parents, right?  Nobody in his or her lucid mind would hate his or her parents.

But if wanted to be a good Christian, Jesus said, "If anyone comes to me and does not HATE his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26).

How could that be?

You see, Jesus is fond of using hyperbole to catch one’s attention.  Jesus was simply saying that we, Christians, should LOVE Him very much to the point that we seem to hate everything or everyone else.  In other words, He should be on the top of our "love list".

Jesus Christ our Savior demands our love and our all. =)

Cross Bearers A.D. 2006.  This was the title of the youth summer camp I joined last April 12-15, 2006 in Tagaytay.  God has been (and will continue to be) very good to us for His continuous provisions and blessings to many people (300+) through this camp.

Of course, the work of God is not without bumpy roads–not caused by Him of course, but by our adversary.  Very evident to that, in my very humble opinion, was what had transpired during the camp.  Several brothers and sisters in Christ were afflicted or inflicted with pain.  Some sprained their ankle, one person I know got dizzy, one got attacked by asthma, one had her escoliosis on a bad mood that she needs to be rushed to the hospital, and one of my friends got hypertensive.

Funny as some of you might think as this was suppose to be a Christian youth camp.  I guess many were expecting that it will be blessing-filled and full of joy.  Well, it is actually, depending on your perspective.  Anyway, our adversary DESPISES people worshipping, praising, knowing, following, thanking, acknowledging, and all other things that blesses the true and living God.  The former will do anything to stop these things from happening as much as possible.  Like what happened, he afflicts God’s people; he accuses them in front of God!  But be not afraid, for we have Jesus Christ in our defense.  The adversary cannot win against the King of kings and Lord of lords.

It was the last night of the camp, yet I believe many were distracted with what has transpired like that of the above.  The adversary was happy I believe.  But like what the psalmist said despite all his troubles in Psalm 43:4-5, "Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight.  I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.  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."  We, God’s children, still continued to flock together, and corporately sing praise, thanksgiving and worship songs to our Father as if nothing happened.  Our eyes were just solely focused on the Lord.  People were shouting praises; our hearts were leaping with joy; some eyes were teary upon the Holy Spirit’s conviction of sins.  A memorable experience indeed!  People were shouting on top of their voices, yet I believe no one got hoarse voice the following day.  God provided indeed!

During the last day of the camp, all seems well though.  Many had recovered.  Every spirit is filled with joy to experience God in a personal way, and personally witness God’s marvel and deliverance of His afflicted people.

This has been a great reminder for me (or perhaps for some others also) that as we continue to grow in Christ and as we get more intimate with God, the more the adversary will let you feel his presence, combating with the work of God in us and through us.  Silent as it may seem, yet fatal if unprepared.  The apostle Paul said to "put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:11-12).

Be not afraid, for we have the King with us always in battle.  Be not afraid, for the days of our adversary is already numbered.  Be not afraid and put on the full armor of God!  =)

I would not be surprised if you have a complain (or even lots of it) against your boss in work.

Imagine you are busy working and doing your required duties, then all of the sudden your boss called you up on the phone, assigned new tasks to you that really belong to him/her because he/she can’t report to work because he/she’s not feeling well, but not so in reality.

Imagine that he/she does not really review your work because he/she has no passion for the company.

Imagine that most of his/her phone calls during office hours are not really business-related.

Imagine that he/she takes credit for the things he/she didn’t do, yet passes the blame to others if work result is unsatisfactory.

Imagine that he/she goes to gym during office hours.

Imagine that he/she takes his/her lunch breaks for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Imagine that he/she requires you to report to office very early on the premise that there will be a meeting with management, yet you realize later that there is none.

Imagine that he/she reports to office very late in the morning or afternoon, yet requires you to accompany him/her late in the night to finish the assigned work.

Imagine that he/she goes to Boracay to have a vacation during the height of audit season or during peak season.

Here’s the clincher.  Imagine he/she does occupy a private cubicle inside the office, receives triple your salary, yet virtually do half of his/her required tasks.

WOW!!!!

Well, that person complaining is… me.  This is my experience.

Our human instincts find pleasure in taking revenge or complaining on one’s back.  Well, I do them sometimes out of frustration.  Yet, the Lord has impressed on me what is written in the Scriptures that I should not repay evil with evil but with good.  Furthermore, the apostle Paul said,

"²⁹Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³²Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:29-32).

Let’s face the music.  In this world (workplace included), injustice is as frequent as one goes to the comfort room.  But we have this blessed hope in the Lord that His justice and truth will one day prevail.  Evil will no longer be present, and there will be no more tears, hurts, problems, sorrow, injustice for those who put their trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. It’s a good thing that I have God on my side.  He is a just and righteous God; He will not let the enemies of His children prevail.

I was privileged to personally witness the account on how God had moved thousands of people to come to Jesus Christ at the just-concluded Metro Manila Franklin Graham Festival (MMFGF).  It was like a huge flock of lost sheep running towards the loving arms and presence of the Shepherd!

Praise God for this event!  Praise Him for blessing Franklin Graham to preach the good news!  Praise Him for using throngs of Christian brothers and sisters to help in the event as counselors and as helpers in the kingdom of God!  To Him be all the praises and glory!

It’s a worthwhile experience.  This joy can never be replaced by any other than to witness our prayers answered, to behold and to be amazed by God’s wonders, and to bring people to Christ!

In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10 NIV).

So much more if thousands! =)

Three days ago, I blogged about blessings.  Have you ever thought about the opposite?

Unfortunate events, negative news, hardships, burdens, and sufferings.

Yes, this is the fallen world.  It seems like blessings are hard to unearth, yet difficulties sprout out into the open as frequent as your boss calls you up for your report.

Have we ever wondered how we cope with the difficulties we face?  I confess that sometimes I grumble when I get frustrated, or my temper flares up when pressured with problems.

Yes, I’m human too; prone to mistakes and not infallible.

But, as I was having my quiet time with the Lord yesterday and today, He reminded me of the integrity of a man of old, a blameless and upright man–Job.  He feared God and shunned evil (Job 1:1).  He was well blessed and was the greatest man among all the people of the East (1:2).  He may be the Donald Trump in contemporary times.  Yet, God permitted Satan to inflict suffering on Job by taking away his possessions, land, children, and afflicting his whole body with painful sores.

Imagine yourself in the shoes of Job–from riches to rags, from peaceful life to suffering, from abundance to drought, from well-loved to scourned (Job’s wife scourned him after being afflicted with sores (2:9)).  How will we cope with these?  (Uh oh).

Sometimes, we already get very frustrated even with the slightest problem–your boss called you up at the middle of the night; your car broken down on a busy street; your boyfriend or girlfriend dumped you; your cellphone was stolen while texting inside the jeepney.  All these will frustrate us indeed.  But can we compare these to the gargantuan problems suffered by Job?  It’s like comparing a multi-billion dollar business empire went bankrupt to a lost cellphone!

Nevertheless, what really struck me here is how Job maintained his integrity despite all these things that happened to him.  Job speaking of these, "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.  The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised" (1:21).  Furthermore, with a nagging spouse right beside him, Job said, "You are talking like a foolish woman.  Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble" (2:10a)?

With these, God didn’t take any to his account (1:22, 2:10b).

I just can’t imagine myself maintaining this integrity despite all the troubles.  But Job, through the grace of God, made it possible.  God said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9a).  "Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18).

Let us (including me) be like Job.

Let’s take some time to reflect on how we handle our life and all its problems.  Let’s open our lips and cry out to the Lord for forgiveness for what we have wrongly accused Him.  Let’s ask God to correct our perspective and let it be aligned in accordance with His plan and purpose for us.

And lastly, let’s praise God for our sufferings! =)

Have you ever counted your blessings?

You may have this kind of a list:

1.  Riding a brand new sports car

2.  Winning the P140 million superlotto jackpot

3.  Having a wonderful and loving spouse

4.  Owning a thriving business

But as for me, this one tops the list:  To have known and be known by Jesus Christ.

I would like to add to the sheer number of God’s blessings to me this:  To be able to lead people to Christ.  As Franklin Graham said, "Telling someone else the Good News of Jesus Christ is one of the greatest privileges I know…"  Hope it can be yours too.  Christians out there!  It’s not enough that we merely accept the blessings.  Share them to others!

Now, the opportunity is here.  There is hope!  The buzzword here is MMFGF. (ano kamo?)

Invite your friends to experience God’s wonderful blessings through the hearing of the Good News (not gossip) of Jesus Christ.  Bring them to the Metro Manila Franklin Graham Festivals.

When:  February 2 to 5, 2006

Where:  Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park

Time:  Thursday to Saturday 6:30pm; Sunday 5:00pm

http://www.mmfgf.org/

Let us be like Andrew.  "The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon…And he brought him to Jesus" (John 1:41-42).

Kindly include this activity to your prayer list.  Let us fervently pray for this and just watch how the marvelous works of God unfold in our very eyes!

Thanks and hope to see you there!  J

A French existentialist summarized each century with one word:

• 17^th century à mathematics
• 18^th century à natural sciences
• 19^th century à biology
• 20^th century à FEAR

Strange, but true.  Who would have not feared after the world was hit twice by world wars; weapons of mass destruction were used and tested; continued armed conflicts among nations; increasing worldwide terrorism, etc.?

Some fears may be legitimate (that is, with valid grounds of possible vulnerability), but some may not be (that is, psychological).  We face our fears every now and then in work, at home, in school, with friends, or just merely crossing the road or eating in a restaurant.  Even during Biblical times, men and women faced fear and were overcome by it.  Like Adam and Eve, we hide when confronted (Genesis 3:8).  Like Abraham, we lie (20:2).  Like Aaron, we compromise our convictions (Exodus 32:1-6).

However, fear has met its match — the F-A-I-T-H factor:

F – Fix your eyes on Jesus, not on fear.  Allow the character of God—not your senses—to define life.  He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

A – Ask God for strength.  Call unto Him when you are afraid.  He answers by refreshing your soul (Psalm 138:3).

I – Invite others to help you manage your fears to provide reassurance and encouragement (2 Corinthians 7:5-7).

T – Trust God even though you cannot see Him.  Your leaps of faith define your level of trust to God (Psalm 56:3-4).

H – Help others too as they walk through their fears.  God wants you to share the comfort you receive from Him (2 Corinthians 1:4).

“Fear is a normal emotion.  Faith should be just as normal.  Next time your fear puts you on the run, make sure you run straight to the arms of God.” –Marvin Williams

*Adopted from Our Daily Journey, volume 11.  © 2003 RBC Ministries.