I Saw Jesus on Earth

 You fought a good fight and you ran the race well. You showed strength in meekness, and grace in power. You stood your ground against every trial without ever compromising your integrity. You showed that there can be joy despite sorrow. For every tear that fell from your eyes, you raised your hands to praise your God. You showed that one can have perfect peace in the midst of chaos. You showed compassion, kindness, and goodness not just to people who were good to you, but also to those who were rude to you. You demonstrated how one should be patient when times for you were tough. And when God's promises were taking too long to fulfill, you still trusted in the Lord. You forgave even when the people who have wronged and hurt you had not asked for your forgiveness. You loved genuinely even when others were putting knives at your back. Your smile exudes from inside out. That's how genuine of a person you were. And at times when everything for you was so overwhelming, you never gave up. You persevered. You kept going. Since what kept you going was the hope you had in the Lord. You were a soldier. A tough one. Always ready to fight. Engaging in long battles. Never backing down.

I was watching you while I was growing. You were the closest person I ever had in my life. And your life created a great impact on me. I thank God for giving me a blessing and an opportunity by having a wonderful person in my life. As I look back seven years ago, I can say that you lived a full life under God's sustaining grace and divine power.

Well yeah. I saw Jesus on earth. I saw Jesus in you. "More of Christ Jesus and less of me," was what you always said. And sure thing, you walked your talk. You left me a precious legacy. Your life was a witness for Christ not only to me but also to people who you have touched.
Indeed, your name "Eudoxia" speaks of yourself. "Eu" in Greek means "good" and "Doxa" means "fame, glory." You demonstrated Jesus' good glory in your life.

Mama, it's been seven years. Seven years of death here on earth, but seven years of your birth in heaven. Time indeed flies so fast. I am happy for you that you are now enjoying your harvest in heaven. Love you so much! And I know we'll see each other at the Grand Reunion.

Has God Ever Failed You?

⁶ “Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. ⁷ Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. ⁸ But you are to hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have until now.

⁹ “The Lord has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. ¹⁰ One of you routs a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised. ¹¹ So be very careful to love the Lord your God.

Joshua 23: 6 -11 (NIV)

¹⁴ “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.

 Joshua 23:14

¹⁴ “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness...  But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24: 14-15

Has God every failed me? NEVER
Has God ever broken one of His promises to me? NOT ONE.
Has God ever failed to fight for me? NOT AT ALL. 

The Lord God is faithful to fulfill His promises.



[Journal entry: January 28, 2014]

Waiting Lounge 5

As I was waiting for my flight, I am observing people going to and fro in the predeparture area.  They have gone from somewhere and will be going to their respective destinations.  I don't know how far or where they have traveled.  I may not know their purpose of travel.  I may not know what struggle they have gone through from places to places.  I may not know the people they have been with during their travel.  I don't know the people they have encountered during their travel.  I don't know how long they have waited at the waiting lounge when their flights were delayed.  I may not know what kind of people they are.  Their flights, their baggage, their choice of destination.  Their life stories... All I see is them being busy coming and going.

Say This Prayer

Photo credit: freevector.com

Colossians 1:10-14

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way:

• bearing fruit in every good work,
• growing in the knowledge of God,
• being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might
• so that you may have great endurance and patience,
• and joyfully giving thanks to the Father,
• who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.



[Journal entry: January 18, 2013]

A Journal is a Journey

Journal writing is therapeutic to the soul. I encourage anyone reading this to create a habit of journaling. Invest in a good notebook (or in your tablet/computer if you like it paperless), choose a theme and start writing. Now.
 
What do I mean about theme?

Simple.

Art journal, travel journal, gratitude journal, child raising journal, life lessons journal, health journal, spiritual journal, or anything under the sun journal. Whatever you like. It is really up to you.
 
I keep a spiritual journal and have been doing it for 7 years now (on and off). And I must say, in my own experience, I have benefited a lot from it.
 

What to me are the benefits?

Sowing

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.  The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

- Galatians 6: 7-8 -

Father God,

Help me to sow good seeds today so that I may reap good harvest that is glorifying to You. Amen.

Photo credit: http://ponderingprinciples.com

[Journal entry: February 4, 2013]

My Dear Cross-eyed Child, You Keep Missing the Mark

Photo credit: http://www.wakeupbro.com

Have you ever tried playing darts? You know, those small missiles you throw at a circular target called dartboard.  The aim is to hit the red circle at the center of the board.  The nearer you  hit from the center, the higher your score.

I have tried playing darts with some friends when I was in grade school. It was a lot of fun. At first, I did not know how to aim, throw and hit the target.  Many times, I threw darts way over the dartboard.  I could not seem to hit the target.  And sometimes my exerted force was not enough to even reach the board.  I was really bad at it like I was some cross-eyed kid who could not see the target clearly.  When I got lucky, I hit the target bulls eye.  But when I ran out of luck, darts were nowhere near the read dot.  I just keep missing the mark.

To Call, Dial 1T-4312

 

We often wonder and wander for God's will in our lives.  We often pray and ask God, "What is Your will for my life, Lord?" You think maybe this or that is His will for me.  Sometimes we are unsure of where we are called and of what we are called to do. Then, we ask Him. Then we discern. "Is it God's will for me to marry this person? Is it God's will for me to migrate? Is it His will for me to pursue this career?" And the list goes on.  So many things we ask about 'His will' which, often times, are self-centered and we don't even realize that, do we?

But the Bible tells us about God's will for us.  He did not give us clues to tell us, "Go figure out what My will for your life is."  Rather, He has spread out His perfect and pleasing will and spoke about it loud and clear in the Bible.

Storms Today. So, Sleep.

Remember the story in the Bible when Jesus calmed the storm?

(Reference: Matthew 8:23-27)

Photo credit: deandeguara.com

Jesus got into the boat with His disciples and when suddenly a violent storm came up on the lake. Imagine the big waves swept over the boat. Imagine the splashes of water which got into the boat. Imagine the boat rocked so hard it had a big possibility to capsize. Imagine the anxiety the disciples felt during that frightening condition. Imagine the storm and the boat with YOU in it. How would you feel? Now, imagine that. :-)

I've Got This!

"Do not sweat it out.  I've got this, remember?"
- God -


NOTE TO SELF:

God is sovereign.  God has dominion over all the earth.  God hasn't overlooked the affairs of this world.  And definitely He hasn't taken for granted the things that are happening to His children.

When has God failed you? 
Has God broken His promises to You?
Has He forgotten about you?
NEVER.

God's got this, remember? Trust in His perfect timing for He got everything under His control.

Remember that this is not about you.  This is about Him.  And the battle belongs to the Lord.

So keep calm and carry on glorifying God.

[Journal entry: April 7, 2014]

Jesus' Words

Photo credit: kimadamsmorgan.com

⁴⁹ The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”
⁵⁰ “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”
The man took Jesus at his word and departed. ⁵¹ While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. ⁵² When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.”
⁵³ Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed.

John 4: 49-53, NIV

Faith in Jesus' words is important. When He says He will, He will.
BELIEVE.

Everything Jesus says is true.
BELIEVE.


[Journal entry: February 20, 2012]

A Record in Eternity

¹⁸ He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ¹⁹ I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. ²⁰ However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Luke 10:18-20 (NIV)

Being saved more than anything else is worthy of celebration.

Rejoice!

I remind myself today that my name is written in heaven.  In the Book of Life. For eternity! 

I can't sink in myself to what God calls eternity.  But I only have to believe that eternity is real.  That eternity with God is worth more than anything.  I was once a sinner and Jesus saved me.  He has given me life in eternity.

Thank You, Jesus!


[Journal entry: September 10, 2013]

Slice the Cake

Back in college, my ultimate dream job was to be a cake slicer. You know, someone who slices cakes at a pastry or coffee shop. NO KIDDING. you could ask some of my friends about it. :-)

Ten years later, never in my wildest dreams that I would be slicing cakes (to think that I had zero skills in cooking and baking). And to add to that, I am making the cakes myself! :-) I never kept my hopes high in chasing my dreams.  After all, I was only in college taking up Information Technology (IT) and I was just only dreaming for that job.  How would an IT student like me be slicing cakes as a profession?  That would be silly.  Except, that is, slicing a cake on a birthday is fairly reasonable. :-)

A Letter to Daddy God

Photo credit: http://bradleystevenson.com

Dear Father God in heaven,

How are You today? Have You been waiting for my letter? Are You excited to read my letter? I bet You are! :-)

How am I lately? Well, not okay, to tell You frankly. There's something in my heart that is bothering me.  You know, a lot of things. And most of them, I just keep them to myself.  Nobody understands I guess except You. I don't understand it myself either. LOL!

Father God, I need to ask You a favor. Could You help me take my focus away from me, and put my focus onto Jesus? You know, I've decided it the other day, but I cannot do it on my own. I badly, desperately need Your help!

And oh! It's been days since the Holy Spirit is prompting me to write a letter to daddy 'coz He said I might need it later. I guess I should take time to do that as soon as possible, don't You think?

Father God, You know that I am down to nothing. I don't know what You're up to, but I know You are up to something. This must be good. :-)

And one more thing Father God: please don't let me miss what You're up to.  Please don't let me miss out Your movement for the "coming event" soon. Please don't let me miss out the spectacular events that will be happening before the King's Coming.  And please include my earthly father in Your plans.

Love truly,

Your going-through-something child

P.S.

I have a question, but I cannot identify it yet in my heart.  I'll get back to it really soon.  Thanks for the grace and mercy You're giving me up to this day.

[Journal entry: February 9, 2013]

When P&G Branded Its Shampoo, Rejoice

Photo credit: pinoyexchange.com

Just to give you a brief background on Rejoice shampoo... [from www.reference.com]

The Procter and Gamble Company is the manufacturer of Rejoice shampoo that is distributed throughout Asia and India. Rejoice is considered a top-rated brand among Asian hair stylists and consumers in 85 countries. Over the years, the All India Beauticians and Hairdressers Association (AIBHA) has endorsed Rejoice shampoo as a leading hair care brand. Rejoice shampoo is also known as Pert Shampoo in the United States where Proctor and Gamble has received the Gold Medal award for innovative technology in the past. The shampoo is highly regarded for its proprietary high-tech suspension system that tames the harsh effects of surfactants. Rejoice shampoo is free of parabens, formaldehyde and sulfates. Suitable for normal to dry hair, the shampoo is fortified with polypeptides and amino acids. The pH is balanced in order to preserve hair beauty and strength.Rejoice shampoo is available in several different varieties. One formulation is for persons who are experiencing hair loss. The product is supposed to repair split ends and take away dryness, leaving hair silkier and healthier. Rejoice Anti-Frizz Shampoo was developed to help make hair smoother and more manageable. It is recommended that the persons using the anti-frizz shampoo should it in conjunction with the Rejoice Anti-Frizz Conditioner.Anyone who likes to have full hair care in one bottle can try the Rejoice Complete or Three-in-One shampoo. The makers of the shampoo advertise that the shampoo, with Micro-Silicone technology, cleans, fights dandruff and conditions the hair without making it dry. Rejoice Rich shampoo was meant to moisturize the hair and scalp as a creamy bubble bath for the hair while eliminating dryness and frizz. The Rejoice Hot Oil shampoo leaves a lot of shine and promises not to weigh down on hair or make hair sticky.The makers advise that all types of Rejoice shampoo are scented with a floral fragrance. The shampoo is mild enough for use every day.

My Life, His Story

Photo courtesy: www.whatsmypart.com

My life is a testimony to the world. My life is not my story, but it's God's story.

Yes. It's His story, not mine.

Everything in my life that has happened, that is happening, and that will happen is not centered on me. It's God's story intended for His glory.

The Lord God blesses us with good things not because we deserve them. The Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins not because we deserve it. Because we never deserved it in the first place. But because of His great love and mercy for us. That out of our own wretchedness, He took us and saved us and loved us!

You see, when God blesses us, it is not because of our own goodness and faithfulness. God blesses us out of His goodness and faithfulness into our lives. When He prospers us, it's not about us and for us. It is about HIM and for Him to display His glory over our lives that other people would see how good and faithful He is. When God provides for us, it is not about us that we deserve it. It is about how faithful God is in providing for His children. It is how God takes care of His children. It is how God provides so that others may see His divine providence working out in our lives.

When God grants healing upon us, it is not only because we have faith in Him that He can heal us. He grants healing upon us to show to all peoples of the world that He is the Great Healer. You see, everything that is happening to us is not only about us. It's not only about our lives. We have a story to tell to the world how great, faithful, powerful, mighty, awesome, loving, and merciful our GOD is.

Our life stories are a testimony to the world of who GOD is. Our lives are His story.

It's not about me. It's not about us. It's about Him. All for His glory and honor so that the world may know that HE IS THE ONE TRUE LIVING GOD.

[Journal entry: April 7, 2014]

New Attitude

My mentor, Paul, is reminding me today:

Do 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.
- Ephesians 4:29

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
- Ephesians 4:30

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
- Ephesians 4:31

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
- Ephesians 4:32

[Journal entry: February 11, 2013]

Stand with Israel

Photo credit: www.jewsforjesus.org

"Wherever I stand, I stand with Israel."

PRAY for Israel

Psalm 122
A song of ascents. Of David.

1 I rejoiced with those who said to me,
    “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
2 Our feet are standing
    in your gates, Jerusalem.

3 Jerusalem is built like a city
    that is closely compacted together.
4 That is where the tribes go up—
    the tribes of the Lord—
to praise the name of the Lord
    according to the statute given to Israel.
5 There stand the thrones for judgment,
    the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
    “May those who love you be secure.
7 May there be peace within your walls
    and security within your citadels.”
8 For the sake of my family and friends,
    I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
    I will seek your prosperity.

Know God, Know Love

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

- Ephesians 3: 17-19 -

"It is your birthright to know God personally. Use it."

 [shared by a guest speaker at the seminar at His Life]

Know GOD

Know CHRIST

Know LOVE

When you understand God's love for you, it is easy to love others.


Father God, please help me understand the kind of love You have lavished on me. Open the eyes of my heart. In Jesus' name. Amen.


[Journal entry: February 9, 2013]