Know Your Identity in Christ

There will be moments that those people around you will compare their lives with you or vice versa.

But I want to remind you that You are not what they are. You have your own identity in Christ.

Hindi porket nangyari sa kanila ay mangyayari na rin sa iyo. Huwag mo sanang hayaan na diktahan ng ibang tao kung sino at ano ka dapat.

Do not allow them to control your life. Kung ano ang nangyari sa kanila, hindi noon ma didiktahan kung sino ka.

Do not believe in the lies of their tongues. It is not worth believing for. Mapapagod ka lang pakinggan at sundin ang mga sinasabi nila, hindi ka pa masaya.

Just follow God’s purpose for your life. You have your own identity in Him.

Kung makikita at malalaman mo lang sana kung gaano ka kaganda, ka importante at kamahal mahal sa paningin ni Lord, hindi mo na kakailanganin ma stress at ma down sa pakikinig sa sinasabi ng iba tungkol sa kung sino ka.

“She is far more precious than jewels

Proverbs 31:10

Let God remind you for who you are in Him by reading His word everyday, meditating it day and night, and doing His Word.

Perks of a Closed Door

Proverbs 19:21 New International Version (NIV)
21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

God will sometimes close the door that no one can open because He will also open a new door that no one can close.

Maaaring isinara Niya ang isang pintong hindi mo naman nais o inaasahang isara. Nakalulungkot, nakapanghihinayang, nakakawalang gana. Tila napag bagsakan ka ng langit at lupa. Ang pintong ito ay maaaring pangarap mo na hindi pa sa ngayon hinahayaan ni Lord na mangayari kasi hindi ka pa fully ready, pwedeng trabaho, lovelife at kung ano pa.

Nakakalungkot man isipin na may mga bagay na gusto nating mangyari pero hindi naman gusto ni Lord.

Ngunit kapatid, always remember and consider na yung saradong pinto na iyan ay hindi katapusan ngunit isang mumunting simula palang sa masaya mong journey kasama si Lord.

Marahil isinara ni Lord ang pintuan kasi hindi ka pa nga handa. Maaaring pinlano mo lang mag isa at alam Niyang hindi mo kakayanin kapag ibinigay Niya agad.

Tandaan mong maaari tayong mag plano dahil bingiyan tayo ng pagkakataong mag desisyon. Ngunit hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay iyon ang magaganap. Will pa rin ni Lord ang masusunod.

Closed doors are okay if ito naman ang simula ng pagbubukas ng new opportunities na galing kay Lord patungo sa landas na inihanda Niya para sa’yo

She is far more precious than jewels

Written by: LeAl

Seeking for personal worth in a world where there is no commonly accepted standard of value is such a hard quest. Searching for the significance of a person in a place where society and social media trends set the benchmark of truth is a hit or miss process. These things lead to a question whether there could be a universally effective method of determining someone’s worth or not.

Women in majority of the patriarchal societies are often regarded as second-class citizens. They were even deprived of acceptance and contribution to the society’s growth particularly in education and suffrage. Some would even see them as lesser beings than men. Sexism, violence, abuse, catcalling and various forms of harassment towards women are still prevalent today. However, here is a good call for everyone to understand the significance of appreciating value of women.

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” —Genesis 2:18

Over the course of the creation of the world, God spoke blessings to every creation He made as ‘good’. For every creation He uttered benedictions saying ‘it is good’ but there is a particular instance where God articulated a malediction as opposed to benediction where in the stated passages was delivered.

            ‘It is not good for man to be alone’ sends a powerful message. It could be just men and the creatures and having a helper is actually a little thing compared to the extent of creation. However, God recognized the necessity of man having a partner is as important as the scale and magnitude of His work. God knew in His mind that the man alone cannot reach his full potential. The physical existence of man and his life work as the steward of God’s work does not suffice the completeness he needs. The word ‘alone’ in the passage does not just fall in the physical aspect but ultimately in the context of mental, emotional and spiritual loneliness or isolation. God intelligently designed a companion that could satisfy the needs of the man holistically by creating a woman.

            As God has given the leadership of man a perfect helper for him, the designation of a woman is somehow misunderstood. The usage of ‘helper’ does not denote inferiority to man. God exactly created woman by the design of man anthropomorphically but complementary to their necessities. There is not even a single hint where in there was a set of standards or qualifications of a leader or even a helper. Therefore, a helper is basically a complement for a leader. A leader is just a better representation of a single united body which is marriage in their context. The purpose of the partnership of man and a woman is to mutually satisfy the needs of each other not just physically but also in the concept of companionship and intimacy in order to fulfill the stewardship of God’s creation.

            “An excellent wife who can find?
                        She is far more precious than jewels.” —Proverbs 31:10

            The idea of a God fearing woman is found in the book of Proverbs. It is interestingly created as an acrostic poetry where each verse begins with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet successively. The masterful delivery of these verses and its inclusion to a book of wisdom speaks of a high regard for women. It takes a wise man of God to recognize and appreciate the value of a woman.

            “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
                        but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” —Proverbs 31:30

            More than its inclusion in the Scriptures of wisdom. It also explains that beauty goes beyond the aesthetic qualities that could be perceived by the human senses. Beauty is not just a descriptive word for physical qualities collectively but also a benchmark of intrinsic value. It is not just a way of expressing splendor but also a design and wisdom of God Himself.

            The point of view of society especially men revolves around physical values and sexual compatibility. The social media trends almost dictate how women must be appreciated especially by men. Some could possibly speak of the truth and the right perspective but most of it depicts an unworkable and unrealistic standard that could lead to the pursuit of emptiness and frustration. The faulty judgement and expectations of men could ruin a woman’s perception of beauty. The mistreatment of women could lead into the errors of questioning themselves and their worth. However, God provides us the timeless truth of what speaks the perfect idea of a person’s worth.

            For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. —John 3:16

            Jesus Himself as the perfect personification of salvation made His love and grace available to the world. It is for all the people, nations, tribes and tongues. It is for all people regardless of them being men and women. In biblical accounts, Jesus is an exemplar on how to treat women with respect. In the wedding of Cana, Jesus even addressed His mother respectfully as ‘dear woman’. He even talked to Samaritan woman and other women as well regardless of their sins and backgrounds, He showed compassion to widows and He confronted their sins and made them decide to repent and become daughters of God. Jesus did not regard women more or less of men in their sins or in their faith and He held them equally accountable to how they live and believe. Jesus actually went against the norm and culture that no standard of people is greater than the identity that God instituted.

            “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” —Ephesians 2:10

            There is no greater value than what Jesus provided for people. Value is said to be the extent of what a person or an entity could provide in exchange for something. God even went to the expense of His only and precious Son. Hence, everyone is all worth of Christ dying on the cross. There must be no compromise for it. By His grace and His blood, He made His people as His masterpiece.

Finish the Race; Fight the Good Fight of Faith

To you who are in the midst of chaos. Standing firm on the narrow road at nahihirapan, pause for a while.

If feeling mo para ka nalang tumatakbo paikot ikot at hinahabol ang isang bagay na hindi mo maabot abot, baka time na for you to stop. Stop chasing your dreams on your own capacity.

Stop chasing those things na hindi meant for you. Stop visiting the picture of your past. Wag na nating balikan pa ang nakaraan. Don’t go back to the place where God freed you from. Wag mo nang balik balikan pa dahil mas masasaktan ka lang.

Inalis ka na ni Lord jan kapatid. Wag ka nang mag pumilit balikan pa ang mga bagay kung saan kana unang nasaktan. You’ll trap yourself.

Alis na kapag sinabi ni Lord na alis. Dahil kapag nag pumilit ka pang balikan at suuingin ang bagay kung saan ka nasaktan at ipag pilitan ang mga bagay na nais mo lang, patuloy kang masasaktan hanggang sa matuto ka na. If you will not free yourself sa ganung sitwasyon, dear torture na yon. Pinalaya ka na, wag ka nang bumalik pa dahil mas maganda ang plano Niya.

Stop running away from God. Instead run straight to Him.

Tama na sis. Wag mo nang takbuhan papalayo yung kung ano yung nakalaan at inilaan para sayo ni Lord.

Putulin ang dapat putulin, tapusin ang dapat tapusin. Stand firm. This time, gawin mo naman yung gusto ni Lord for you. Run straight to Him. Ilalaban Niya para sayo yung mga bagay na hindi mo maipaglaban sa sarili mo.

Wag mo nang takbuhan ang tinakda at plano ni Lord for you.

Kung ngayon ay tumatakbo ka papalayo, tigil ka muna sandali. Huminga ng malalim. Kumalma. Handa ka na ba?

Ngayon, simulan mong lumakad paunti unti. Hindi papalayo kundi palalapit sa Kaniya. This time, isama mo Siya sa laban. Laban nyo itong dalawa ni Lord. It’s a matter of faith.

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

– 1 Timothy 6:12

Kapag alam mong nasa presenya ka na Niya at hindi mo na ipinipilit yung gusto mo lang na hindi mo naman kailangan at hindi naman para sa’yo, kapag alam mo na na ang laban na ito ay hindi lang ikaw kundi laban ninyo ni Lord, jan ka na mag start na tumakbong muli. Tumakbo dahil alam mong yung race na ito ay laban na ng faith mo.

Tumakbo ka dahil alam mong sa panahong ito ay kasama mo na Siya. Oh wag mo na muling iwanan si Lord ha? Tumakbo ka habang naka kapit ang kamay sa Kaniya. Tumakbo ka hanggang sa matapos ang karera. Lumaban ka gamit ang matatag na pananampalataya hanggang sa maabot mo ang dulo at sabihin Niyang

“Well done, my good and faithful servant”

Dahil sa karera ng buhay, hindi ka mananalo kung patuloy kang lalaban gamit lang ang buong lakas mo. Isama mo si Lord sa laban. Dapat lagi Siya ang nasa sentro.

Be Faithful in the Little Things

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven
– Matthew 5:16

“We may not always have highly visible roles, yet we know that God is pleased when we obediently play our essential part in His plan”

Hindi mahalaga kung ano yung role mo. What matters the most ay yung faithfulness mo sa role mo kahit gano pa iyan kaliit or kalaki. If God entrusted you sa isang maliit na bagay, be faithful enough. Be contented on what you have right now while working for something that God wants to give you. Pagkatiwalaan ka muna sa maliit bago sa malaki.

“The secret of true service is absolute faithfulness wherever God places you”

Saving Grace

Do you belive in the Cross of Christ?

That question hits me hard. Yep, it made me re-visit about the power and the importance of the cross; repentance.

As I woke up early today, I asked God for His direction. “Father, what do you want me to do today?” I’ve been searching for an answer for such a time. Until I’ve read this post about sharing the gospel. The writer said that “We’re not just called to preach on grace; we’re also called to preach on the necessity of repentance…” Indeed. It moved me.

That kind of question and motivation keeps me fascinated. Infact, our DG leader challenged us last week about soul winning. I’m getting the point this time.

As I spent my whole entire day searching for an answer about what did God wants me to do, not just today but for the rest of my life, I went to church and was challenged by the same question I had after watching a movie entitled “Do You Believe” (Try to watch it if you want.)

The movie talks about the power of the Cross and how amazing our God is. He can transform lives.

It is written that we all have sinned.

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
– Romans 3:23

No one could ever reach God’s standard. We are all sinners. We are all lost souls who are searching for the same cross.

Personally, I commit sins everyday. No one is perfect and I am not perfect. I know it’s hard, but what drives me to avoid committing any sin as much as I can is the fact that it is written in Romans 6:23

“For the wages of sin is death;”

Not the literal death. But going to the lakes of fire and damnation.

But there is a good news, the verse did not end there; it is not yet over, God made a way.

“but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

That’s it. Romans 6:23 ended there. No one could ever reach God’s standard for we all have sinned. The wages of sin is death but God made a way out from the gates of hell. He made a way out through the cross. Trough Jesus.

He gave us a free gift; Gift of Salvation through Jesus’ blood. Come to think of it, what kind of person who are willing to sacrifice himself for us to be saved? No one. But Jesus did, because of love. He loves us unconditionally that we are all saved by God’s grace. He has a soft spot for a sinner like me. And it cost the blood of Jesus for us to be saved. Our debt was paid by the blood.

The thing is, God gave us the choice if we will accept that gift. He’s always been there waiting for us and we have to choose to take the first step to change our life.

I know that I am a sinner. I was supposed to die. Supposed to go to hell. But I thank God for saving me. He saved me from being devastated. And as I wholeheartedly accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and saviour, He transformed me. He made me new. His love for me endures the cross and shed His blood for the redemption if my sin. He freed me for my sins.

I once was lost, but now I am found
Was blind but now I see.

I hope you feel the same way too.

Personal Journey

Today, another featured site (chenes di ko alam tawag don) followed me on twitter. Last few months, yung mga writer, inspirational and motivational speaker yung nag follow sakin.

Last year, I once had a dream to be a catalyst for change and be an ambassadress for Christ as it is written in His word in
2 Corinthians 5:20 “We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God”

That dream became a goal. And it will remain only a goal if walang steps na gagawin. So I put my best foot forward to accomplish that goal.

Sabi ko noon, I will use a platform to share The Good news. At ang naiisip ko noon ay Youtube. Kaso I had a problem with that since I have low quality cam and lowkey editing skills. Tho I had uploaded a video sa channel ko about God’s goodness in my life. But that’s not enough for me. So I used my Blogsite na syang ginamit ko noong SHS ako sa isang project sa MIL.

Since hindi ko naman afford to buy a new phone to fulfill that goal sa youtube, umisip ako ng other way to share God’s love. (Syempre kala siguro ng kaaway mapipigilan nya ako. Opppffff sorry. I just bowed my head and he thought that he can beat me until I said AMEN as I ended up my prayer). And as a former HUMSS student who studied how to write (don’t judge me hak. Sa creative writing yun) ginamit ko na rin sya. Hindi man ganun ka technichal, but sabi nga ng fellow writers ko “Don’t stop sharing your heart. Even may isa ka lang taga pakinig or taga basa. Because we are not doing this for ourselves but for the Lord.” tama naman. The main goal is to make Jesus famous.

And to be honest, hindi rin madaling sumulat. Because there are times na hindi mo alam kung anong content ba ang gagawin mo. The revisions, frustrations, guri, bura, at pagod will hinder me. But you know what keeps me going? It is the fact that I am not alone in this journey. I know that God is with me. He called me here, I know that He will equip me and will finish what We have started here. Well I know That all those sacrifices will pay off someday. Hindi man maappreciate ng mga tao, I know that God is very proud of me.

What really makes it hard ay yung fact na “WALK THE TALK” syempre challenging. Pero nasa proseso yon. I’m still in the process of making myself become who God wants me to be. I’m not perfect. Just forgiven. I’m not that righteous but God saved me from being wicked. I’m so thankful on that day that I knew and accepted Him as my personal Lord and saviour.

And now, I know that aside from writing, I know someday God will be able to call me naman as a speaker. And nag sstart na iyon as I became a Sunday School teacher and leader. That’s my dream. My goal. To speak and share how amazing my life became when God showed me the right way sa big crowd. Still looking forward for it.

That’s it. Focus on serving God. Empowering the youth to make them experience the unconditional love of God. That’s my goal. And I know, someday, God will give me a partner na sasamahan ako sa goal na ito. But this time, I will be faithful sa pinagkatiwala Niya habang nag hihintay sa oras na iyon.

And to you who patiently read until here, please do pray for me as I am willing to commit my whole life and service to God.

To All the Single Girls (Keep Waiting)

To all the single girls out there who are still waiting for their God given partner, mag hintay ka lang hanggang kaya mo. Dahil may mga magandang naibubunga ang paghihintay. Mas matagal, mas worth it. Mas mapahahalagahan mo.

I know that there are times that you’ll be impatient kasi feeling mo sobrang tagal mo nang nag hihintay at pinag ppray pero wala pa rin. But dear, be patient. Just keep waiting, keep trusting, keep the faith. Wait for the Lord.

“I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding His face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in Him”

– Isaiah 8:17

Kung natatagalan ka na, mag hintay ka pa rin. Wag mong madaliin. God’s delay is not a denial kapatid. His timing is always perfect. Wait patiently for God, trust Him kapatid. Alam Niya ang ginagawa Niya.

Darating din yung taong pinag ppray mo at the exact tine kung kailan hindi mo inaasahan. Yung panahong handa na kayong dalawa.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
– Ecclesiastes 3:11

He is true to His promise kapatid. (Read https://secretwayofawarrior.wordpress.com/2019/07/12/god-is-a-promise-keeper/) Hinding hindi ka Niya bibiguin. Mag hintay, maniwala at mag tiwala ka lang.

At habang nag hihintay ka, I want you to embrace the season of singleness. You’ve never walk alone kapatid. Hindi ka nag iisa sa season na ito. This season is your Father and daughter bonding. Just you and God.

Gamitin mo itong season na ito with God para ma-equip ka pa. Galingan mo munang maging single. Make yourself “the one” aside for praying for your only one.

Self worth muna Kapatid. Self love, and self care. Be a Proverbs 31 woman muna bago mo hanapin si Ephesians 5 man.

Being single doesn’t mean that there’s something wrong in you. Being single for a while is just a gift from God. Be in His arms. This is the one gift that you don’t wanna miss. Because forever you will look back and realize that singleness is a gift from God.

Just keep trusting. Keep waiting.

While you are waiting, God is working.

Why Read the Bible

Why do we need to read the Bible?

2 Timothy 3:16 New International Version (NIV)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

It is alive

From my very own experience as a bookish/reader, all I can say is that among all the novels/books that I’ve read, the Bible is the only book that is alive.

It is because whenever I’ve finished a good book and tried to re-read it again; the context, story, and lesson will be always the same no matter how many times I tried to re-read it. But when it comes to the Bible, no matter how many times I read it (it can be a verse, or chapter) over and over again, I will still get different realization and lesson.

Thus, I can say that it is really God-breathed.

It is useful

When you are fully equipped with the Word of God, then you will be able to use it for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

It is guaranteed, the word of God is one of the most powerful weapon that we can use in every circumstances.

Try to memorize a verse. Maybe you may not be able to use it for now, but later on, you will be able to experience the real meaning of that verse.

The Bible is the most powerful weapon that you can have most especially in a crucial time.

Remember when Jesus was tempted? What are His response to the devil? “It is written” those times that He is being tempted, He said that it is written and the enemy has been slain.

what does it mean? I means that if we are fully equipped by the Word of God, we will be able to combat the trials and temptation.

There are many reasons why we should read the Bible.

It gives us comfort and wisdom that we can use in our daily living. So we must meditate it day and night.

It’s Okay not to be Okay Sometimes

To you who are fighting silent battles, I know there are times that you may feel tired and weary.

I know minsan pasuko ka na. Sometimes you feel like you don’t want to do it anymore.

Yung pagod, lungkot, sakit at kung ano ano pa may lead you to feel anxious. But that’s fine dear.

Okay lang hindi maging okay minsan. Hindi mo kailangang mag pangap na kaya mo, masaya ka or ayos ka kahit ang katotohanan ay hindi na.

Kung iniisip mo na ayaw mong ipakita na mahina ka, naiintindihan kita. Pero minsan ayos lang ipakita ang kahinaan mo para naman hindi ka matake for granted ng ibang tao. Dahil hindi naman sa lahat ng oras ay ayos ka. Because sometimes, yung mga malalakas na tao ay nang hihina rin, yung mga masasayahin ay nalulungkot rin, yung mga laging nakikinig ay nangangailangan rin ng makikinig sa kanila at yung mga palaging nakatawa ay umiiyak rin pala. Daraan at daraan talaga tayo sa bagyo ng emosyon at ayos laang iyon.

It’s okay not to be okay. You don’t have to pretend that you are fine all the time. You don’t need to be happy all the time. Hindi mo kailangan maging okay palagi dahil hindi naman iyon ang realidad. The truth is, there are time for everything.

Ecclesiastes 3:4

a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

Hindi all the time okay ka. Kung narararamdaman mo yung lungkot, so be it. If you feel like crying, cry it out to the Lord. Don’t pretend my dear.

May benefits rin ang grievance minsan. Shed your tears, cry it all out. Feel the pain and agony. Iiyak mo lang lahat ng sakit sa Lord hanggang mabawasan yung pain. Cast it all unto Him for He cares for you. He is close to the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Cry it dear. Pagkatapos mong umiyak, laban ka ulet.

Tandaan mo, iiyak saglet, pero lalaban ulet.