Hands to Heaven

  photo c/o Victory Caloocan In these swiftly passing days, this beloved verse left a trace.  "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth  of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." Philippians 3:8 It doesn't entail forgetting of good things arrived,  but an art of picking what is better than life.  For nothing else mattered in comparison to Christ.  If losing someone is a way  of making room for the new,  I reckon death is a hope  for a soul that is true If grieving caused me to cry my heart out and utter no words but Christ,  then I consider grief is better  than a beautiful sunrise If feeling lost or rejected may brought us to God's embrace,  truly sitting alone in His presence is the same  as a sweet look on His face If ungentle mourning  can be a form of praise,  then lemme wail at your feet  just to master your Grace!  If my heart had to go through war  when I deny myself,...

Sea of Galilee O pinions on fake news is getting worse, misinformation in social media rapidly circulates.  People are excessively concern of themselves and malicious comments are trending online. I've sensed so much hate, I've heard a lot of demands. This brought me to pause and dropped my phone and shut it off. I'm done praying when I grabbed my Bible to read.  The Holy Spirit took me to 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 and it recites the verses of love. I can always read this passage again and again because the word love is so rich and true. Words can't express enough, totally powerful, ineffable. He illuminates verse 7, "Love never gives up, and its faith, hope and patience never fail." Love perfectly describes as eternal. Spurgeon once preached, "God is a sun that never sets." Indeed, the picture of the Cross is the best demonstration of love and truth, because it is love, not nails, what held Jesus on that cross and His love surpassed death because it doe...

I don't know but I feel giddy writing '22 above my journal. Well, Happy New Year! I'm claiming a very God-filled & hopeful 2022 for me and to all the people I love! I am a person who loves planning especially if it is for the family. I had spent months searching for the perfect, budget-friendly hotel to celebrate New Year together with Mom and sister, feast in a sumptuous eat-all-you can buffet while waiting for the New Year's countdown,  all wrapped in the warmth of holiday music and the comfort of each other’s company . Few minutes before midnight, we run outside, and shout into the night  joining the symphony of fireworks that would mark the beginning of the new year ! Each moment sweetly rehearsed in my heart, even now as I savor these first few hours of year 2022.  The Lord intervenes as I wake up in a sudden train of thoughts, "welcoming New Year doesn't have to be loud, flashy, and have all-figured out like where you'll get a good lighting for ph...

( Note Before You Read.  This reflection was born out of a quiet, painful season in my past where God asks me to let go a person, I never thought I’d release.  Here's my reflection, written as if God is speaking to me  in a gentle, heartfelt, and deeply personal tone. For those who are in the season of letting go, I hope you find something here that encourages you .) A long time ago, the revelation and Word I gave you about your situation with that person still echoes your heart. In that moment I brought John 11 to your attention, and as you read, I highlighted verse 44 from the story of Lazarus: “Untie him and let him go.”  I tend to give you this, for I know it was what you needed to hear then. It was a season of release, of surrender, even if it didn’t make complete sense to you. And it is only now, in silence, as you drifted back to this passage, I dropped four- and made your eyes fixed to see only verse 4: “This sickness will not end in death; no, it is fo...

Trying to take my mind off any racing thoughts. But it doesn't work, still wide awake. I realized it's already midnight, so I tend to pray again a little, return to bed. Staring at the dark ceiling, toss and turn, then noticed it's been already an hour since I last checked the time.       Thinking of something deep, seeking God for clear answers about matters of heart.  Asking him like, "really Lord, you said yes, and this is for real?.... But why it seemed I don't see any signs?", "Did I heard you right ?"  or "Am I only getting impatient?" Then it is even getting harder to catch a sleep.  There are times that I sincerely prayed for something, committing all my strength to wait on it, believing  that I heard the Lord clearly with the confirmation of the Scripture. But there were days that doubts start rising, and not always in the mood to praise. Times when all of the sudden, I simply want to stop and tell God, " Did you...

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 powerful declaration presupposes that God can control everything. Nothing in this world happens beyond the reach of His sovereign hands. 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...

The birth of Christianity was a resounding phenomenon because it totally impacts the ancient world. In connection, the gospel turned out to be more essential when it stimulates and motivates the thinking of the readers about the teachings and commands of Christ. The book of Matthew is universally acknowledged as the first book among the synoptic gospels. Probably, because Matthew’s gospel has brilliantly echoed what is acknowledged to be the heart of Christ; making disciples. In association, this passage (Matt 28:16-20) is purposed to proclaim the greatest command of Christ to the believers. The commands (word) of Christ were powerfully spoken to the disciples and to those who come with him in his journey as he walked in the flesh. Since it is known to be written through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, it is apparent to consider that what is spoken must have to be heard, and what is heard must have to be performed. In this sense, each word shall become alive and active. ...

Acts 8:26-40  credit to MJ young cartoons I love how Philip obeyed & hear the Holy Spirit. In verse 26 the instruction from the Holy Spirit is very precise and how I wish that whenever I hear from him, I will be able to catch every detailed instruction.  Philip saw the Ethiopian Official reading the scripture while on transit. Then Philip went close to him as he was told by the Spirit. He asked, “ do you understand what you are reading?” My realization here is that  sometimes when we read there are passages that is hard to understand. Hence, these are the moments we can ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom for us to understand. The official answered, “ How can I understand unless someone explains it to me?” So, Philip explained the passage in Isaiah and intentionally share the Word. Then when he saw body of water down the road the official asked Philip to baptize him. And after he got up from the water, the spirit of the Lord took away Philip. The o...