If what we do is not driven by love, it's useless

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

- 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

To the future

10.30 pm. I was so tired. So hungry. Just got back from practice and I can't believe I couldn't even muster the strength to eat in alumni anymore (or was it because eating on a plate does not seem appealing to me at the moment?) despite desperately craving for food+cold juice for hours now. So it was with a heavy heart that I trudged to main gate to wait for a jeepney home.

Aside from the frequent buses and trucks racing their way to and fro, there's no jeepney in sight so while I was waiting I had no choice but to do the next best thing: ponder about life. XD

No seriously. As I looked around the lifeless space around me, I can't help but think how this will be a far cry from the life that I will have once I start studying abroad. I'm guessing I won't have the liberty to linger outdoors this late in the night as I'd be busy doing schoolwork/part-time job by then. I don't think I'll get as much alone time there either. So even when I was really tired (and hungry), I just tried to savor the moment of peace and alone time while I still can.

In that day you will say:

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name;

make known among the nations what He has done,

and proclaim that His name is exalted..." 

- Isaiah 12:4

Soon, I'll be in a foreign land surrounded by unknown people from all walks of life. I know God is preparing me for the things I will face once I'm out of this comfort zone and thrown in the reality of a vast world. Just a few hours ago, I can still recall what my follow-ups shared about the persecutions that Christians experience in their country on a daily basis.  

Am I ready to face all those and more? Can I still share about who God is in my life once I'm out there? In the midst of my success, can I still remember to give back all the honor to Him?

Well, that depends on the foundation that I need to strengthen before I go. I need to make wise decisions about deepening my roots in the faith and relying on God for everything. Talk about prayer and quiet time and true worship.

Once in a while, the fingers on my right hand will bring me back to reality as they are still smarting from being stuck in a car door a while ago. [Funny story: I was totally not aware that I was holding on to the part of the car that will get my fingers crushed once the door is closed. That's why it's not a good idea to skip meals/water for long stretches of time especially when you're tired. It messes up the brain. Anyway, they all fussed when they realized my fingers got stuck for real. (Because, you know, they didn't think I was serious when I said "Ouch" as I didn't sound hysterical enough. The thing is, I never panic.) *shrugs* Let's pray it won't affect my ability to play the piano tomorrow and on Wednesday. Besides, I still need to do my laundry tomorrow.]

Two "Saving Grace" (extended version) and one "Always" after, I finally caught sight of a jeepney.
よし！

Btw, I think some of the passengers were also Christians as I heard one of them singing along to "The Anthem" which I was playing on loudspeakers XD

Went straight to 7eleven and sat down with a cold juice and sandwich. Dinner at 11pm? Why not.

As I started to eat, I was still not in a bright mood though. Then right on cue, a friend called and shared some good news. Hey, God really knows the exact time when we need some encouragement.

Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; 

let this be known to all the world.

- Isaiah 12:5

Is it still called "faith"?

Will you still say "faith" is at work when you are asking for all sorts of signs and evidences that your prayer is going to get answered just as you want it? I wonder.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, certain of what we do not see.

I know God has given me several promises about my studies abroad. But as things go rocky one after another, I found myself asking God for assurance time and again. God can You please give me another word from You that this is going to push through? Can You please let me know if I should take this step or not?

If I have faith God will come through, why all these questions that seem to imply doubt? Is it not enough for me that God said it will happen that I need to be assured every step of the way? Turns out, I still have a lot to learn about stepping out in faith.

Woe to those who draw sin along with cords of deceit, and wickedness as with cart ropes, 19 to those who say, "Let God hurry, let him hasten his work so we may see it. Let it approach, let the plan of the Holy One of Israel come, so we may know it." - Isaiah 5:18-19

What use is my so-called faith if it needs to be supported by something tangible every time. As I understand it, 2 Corinthians 5:7 basically says that living by faith is the opposite of living by sight.

God increase my faith and make it steadfast til the time comes when I could say, as king Ahaz did: "... I will not put the Lord to the test."

... If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all. - Isaiah 7:9

See ME in the Little things

Keep your eyes open, and see how God answers your prayers.

Looking back a few days ago, I have realized how active my God is in answering my prayers. This may seem so shallow, but I really praise Him for what I have expereinced from Him. He is faithful and there's no doubt about it.

One night, after our daily evangelism in CLSU, we (Ronnie, Samuel, ate Marife) have gathered to share something about or encounters and experiences with the people whom we have shared the Gospel to. Then, we had our prayer chain (where we take turns in saying a prayer as the Holy Spirit leads), declaring that the Lord will protect the seeds planted to the hearts of those souls.

When it came to my turn as the last one to pray, the Spirit led me to pray for specific needs for our ministry -- provision of Gospel tracts, Bibles and Bible study contacts. My faith was challenged after declaring that this prayer will be answered with a YES the following week.

Today, I have remembered that prayer. Last Friday afternoon, my Bible study leader gave me 14 Gideon's New Testament. Then last Thursday 4 new members were added in our Cell Group (Bible Study Group). And finally, last Wednesday I received a text message from the head of the Evangelism team of the ministry:

"Hi Dan! Nakabili na kami ng tracts. PtL!"

Are these just coincidences? Absolutely not. But these are proofs that the God I serve is living and active, just as His Word is.

I don't know if this story sounds so interesting for you. My purpose in writing this is to remind all those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ that there is an assurance of answered prayers. God cannot be contained in a box. We cannot limit His greatness and ability to answer every prayer that we have. If He is faithful in answering these small prayers, I strongly believe that He is also able to answer even the most impossible prayer you have. He never forgets every prayer you make -- including the brand, the quantity, the date and even the most complicated description you prayed for. He honors every detail of your prayers. He may not give it to you the way you want it to be, but one thing is for sure: When He gives it to you, it is at its best.

 "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" (Jer 32:27) 

"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (John16:24) NIV

The Perks of Being a CG Leader

1 Peter 1:6-7 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

It is very challenging as a soon-to-be leader of cell leaders to experience a very great leap of faith. These past few days, my emotion was stirred up after knowing the situations of my follow ups. I felt so bad after being disappointed with their present situation and not knowing their situation until now. I really felt as if I am no longer a leader to them. Well, I know it’s wrong. After all, I am just an instrument for their spiritual growth and maturity. It’s just hard for me to witness that those God have entrusted me are experiencing trials or will experience trials because of their disobedience. I am crying to the Lord every night and asking for His help. And He is faithful. He never failed me.

These verses served as my comfort. Rejoicing in times of trouble is not a normal attitude of a normal person. But God, through Peter, really encourages us not just to rejoice but to do it with greatness.

The Lord knows that following Him is not easy, but it is always worth it. He has already warned us that we may suffer grief in all kinds of trials, but the comfort is there. He assured us that it will just be for a little while because His coming is at hand.

Right now, I am so thankful that I have experienced and still experiencing all these things. I realized that I am in the process of refining my faith to Him who is worthy of my all. I have to go through this like a gold passing through fire to prove its genuineness. Indeed, the Lord is faithful. He never let me give up to the trials but to surrender my life to Him amidst them.

The coming of the Lord is near. His rescue is at hand! He is going to do something great in my life and ministry for His glory. I am so excited to experience how He will work in me, for me and through me.

Lord, You always thrill me. Enable me to see things the way you see them. I will greatly rejoice because my Redeemer lives and He lives in me!