Hands to Heaven

( 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...

"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 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...

Look down the road. There are too many smart and gorgeous people who can catch one’s attention. But what if, out of seven billion people in the whole world today, you can now bravely say: ‘this one is for me’. Indeed, it is an ultimate point where reality is finally better than any wildest dream! Unfortunately, waiting is not a game as some people think. It is a serious pause. It is real. For it is incorporated by our precious time. It is embedded that before someone joyfully receives something he or she must wait patiently. The longer the time we endure, the more we value the day it arrives. We just must switch our mind from being rush and hurry to being still and silent so to consider that our time is in His hands. The joy of receiving depends on one’s patience. The amount of joy that will occur in our receiving can be measured by the height of trust we invest in our waiting. One very good professor and an author of the book “True Love Weds”, Prof. GraceGaston-Dousel ...

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. ...