Hands to Heaven

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over." Psalm 23:5  NKJV Psalm 23 is a comforting psalm which is the reason many Christians cherish it. As we go through each verses, we’ve seen how the Lord is our Good Shepherd, our Protector, our Peace, our daily Provider, and Rest, and our Guide through every circumstance. We reminded of God’s faithfulness, that He leads us through dark valleys while watching over us with His rod and staff. All of that is amazing enough to prompt us to praise Him, but we may wonder what happens after we pass through the valley? What does the Lord do then? I remember visiting my Aunt Carol’s house it was during Christmas that every member of my family come altogether to feast and celebrate. She and my Dad were the main crew in the kitchen. They always think of the best menu and cook with complete ingredients, lavished with love and serve in appetizing look. My other cousins ...

Everyone commit mistakes. Nobody is perfect. Everyone has their own weaknesses. No one is strong all the time. Everybody can be tired, worried & frustrated. Yet it is not for us to stop, because the process is not yet over. Perhaps the block that makes us stumble is the key to wake us up from a long time sleep. I am weak, I do admit. I am not perfect but striving the way to it. At times, I’m shaken with fear but I try my best to shake it off my head. Life is full of surprises. Time is unpredictable. People change no matter what. Opportunities may come and go. No one can ever help you best unless you stand on your feet and take the first brave step. After all, the most faithful that ever left is the One with outstretched arms. He alone is great. He alone is strong. He never commits mistake. Never abandon the call. He alone is gracious; no one can question His love. He can make all things new, even a stone steeled heart can be renewed. He is good. His promise never fail. No on...

The tension at the issue is:  Do our faith, traditions and creeds serve to interpret our experience of this pandemic? Or does our experience serve to challenge, redefine and refine our creeds, traditions, faith, songs?   The Church historic confession begins with “I believe in God the Father Almighty” . This presupposes that God can control everything. Nothing in the world could ever happen without his hands on them. The creed continues, “ And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord ... suffered... crucified... died.” This also illustrates how great Christ’s love is! He suffered and died for no other reason but love. This creed has become widely accepted in the 4th century and until now we use it for liturgical   and   catechetical   purposes. The Bible also reveals an all-powerful omnipotent God. More than 300 times in the Old and New Testaments God was mentioned as Almighty. Many times, God’s continuing love and care is attested (Psalms 104:27-3...

Me at the Prayer Mountain   I felt guilty because before I read my Bible, I grabbed my phone to check e-mails and messages. Honestly, I will never do this again in the morning all I want is God’s word that came in first to my head. Since yesterday, I felt so worried with a lot of things, anxious about what is happening around. But when I opened chapter 14 of John, Jesus said  “Do not be worried & upset, believe in God & also believe in Me.”  After speaking these words silently, I felt sudden comfort like he immediately pacified my wandering heart. Then after, a thought of assurance in my spirit says, “ I will come back to take you with me where there will be no sorrow and pain, you and all things new .” Jesus even said the word  prepare  in verse 2; I became curious how does Jesus prepares room  for us  there? The disciples sensed both peace and power when Jesus stated verse 10, “ I am the Way the Truth and & the Life, no one ...

I usually heard this song in weddings and romantic films. But when I first heard it, I suddenly thought of the LORD JESUS. It is beautifully composed and ought to be sang by someone who gave it all for those he loves. The one who is brave enough and willing to die for those he value so much. The perfect demonstrator of love. In my senses, I heard the Lord singing this to me in his own melody, while me here under the starry night.  Heart beats fast Colors and promises How to be brave How can I love when I'm afraid to fall But watching you stand alone All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow One step closer [Chorus:] I have died everyday waiting for you Darling don't be afraid I have loved you For a thousand years I'll love you for a thousand more Time stands still Beauty in all she is  I will be brave I will not let anything take away What's standing in front of me Every breath Every hour has come t...

You search me You know me You see my every move There's nothing I could ever do To hide myself from You You know my thoughts My fears and hurts My weaknesses and pride You know what I am going through  And how I feel inside But even though You know You will always love me Even though You know  You'll never let me go  I don't deserve Your love But you give it freely You will always love me Even though You know You search me You know me You see my every move There's nothing I could ever do To hide myself from You You know my thoughts  My fears and hurts My weaknesses and my pride You know what I am going through  And how I feel inside But even though You know You will always love me Even though You know You'll never let me go I don't deserve Your love But you give it freely,  You will always love me Even though You know You will always love me Even though you know

I was captured how the author of this narrative presents the history of ancient Israel and Judah from the death of David to the release of one of his successors Jehoiachin from imprisonment. It also gives a powerful view about the greatest contribution for the building of the temple. The lists of kings who reigned in Israel diverge on what they did; its either they obeyed or did not obey the Lord. I was saddened that several passages shown more of disobedience and wrong veneration to God. However, the Lord of heaven and earth did not allow Himself to be overwhelmed by these earthly authority and power. In this juncture, I admire how the Lord constantly proves himself to his people despite of their frequent noncompliance to the law.             The book brought out the significance of having God as the head of land. It is not how skilled or intelligent the one that is in the authority. The abundance and prosperity of p...