On Turning Eighty!

"The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away...So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:10,12)

I thank GOD that for the last three years that my cousin Alfonso celebrated his birthdays; he, his wife, and children, invites and allows me to share GOD's Word before everyone partook at the banqueting table. Last August 2, 2007 (Thursday), Alfonso celebrated his eightieth birthday. Relatives, brethren, and friends from as far as Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., and from the different cities of the Philippines came to greet him on that special day. I visited him a couple of days before his birthday and he solemnly told me that he praised and thanked GOD most of all that even in the lowest points of his life he felt His Presence shielding, protecting, and preserving him from emotional and physical pain. Add to that the greatest blessing of knowing JESUS CHRIST as personal Savior and Lord and the gift of everlasting life; what more can anyone ask.

GOD opened His Word in the New Testament book of Matthew, Chapter Twenty-Two and Verses One to Fourteen (The Parable of the Marriage Feast). The parable addressed to the religious leaders on the last few days remaining of JESUS public ministry focused on three things: Firstly, GOD's constant call to fallen man to get saved (..."who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:4); Secondly, Man's tendency to reject and forsake GOD and His offer of salvation (..."they were not willing to come...they made light of it and went their ways,...the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them." Matthew 22:3,5,6); Thirdly, the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven (..."Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!..." Revelation 19:9); and the lake of fire (..."take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matthew 22:13); ("And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:15).

O most holy, gracious, and merciful GOD...You are the GOD who is slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. By the power of Your Word sharper than any two-edged sword and by the convicting power of the Holy Spirt please reach out and save every relative, friend, and acquaintance of Alfonso present in this special occasion of his life, the celebration of his eightieth birthday. Please grant O most holy GOD that every member of every family present here and all the Villegas clan and extended families would know JESUS CHRIST as personal Savior and Lord. In Your most holy Name I pray, Amen.

Beyond the Golden Wedding Anniversary!

"Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth. As a loving hind and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; be exhilarated always with her love." (Proverbs 5:18,19)

I had the opportunity and privilege to travel and do ministry together with a co-worker, in the peaceful, quiet, town of Catigbian, Bohol, some thirty-four kilometers north of Tagbilaran City. We arrived in the late afternoon of July 21, 2007 (Saturday) and were given lodging in the lovely home of brethren Hermes and Ellen Lacea and experienced firsthand the hospitality, love, and care that the Boholanos are famous for. I had the privilege to witness GOD's work, ministry, and faithfulness in the lives of Pastor and Mrs. Dennis Abriol and family, and the open doors the LORD allowed them to do Bible studies in the homes of brethren and in the local government offices. The seminar/workshop schedules were from July 23-26, 2007, and from eight in the morning to about five o'clock in the afternoon.

The Christian Marriage and Family Life, and the Inductive Bible Study workshops were attended by some ninety or more pastors, leaders, ministry workers, and brethren representing some twenty or more Evangelical Churches. The highlight of the Marriage seminar/workshop were the renewal of the Wedding Vows of eighteen couples. We were so blessed and touched by the lives of couples Pedro and Bernardina Loon, and Pedro and Isidra Pongase, married for fifty-nine and fifty-eight years respectively. In the New Testament book of Mark, the LORD JESUS CHRIST, is reminding each one of us: "But from the beginning of the creation, GOD made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what GOD has joined together, let not man separate."

O most holy, sovereign, and ever loving and faithful GOD; have mercy and be gracious to me a husband and father. Be merciful and be gracious to my wife and children and allow us to grow as a family that we will love you above all else and will love each one and others as we love ourselves. If You tarry, please allow me and my wife to be able to celebrate our golden wedding anniversary and beyond together with our three children. By your mercies, graces, and sustaining love, please use our marriage and family and relationships to encourage and bring more souls into Your Kingdom. Our Heavenly Bridegroom, we long and hunger for Your coming for Your bride and may that excitement flow to other couples and families as well for Your greater honor and glory. This is my heart's desire and prayer in JESUS most Holy Name. Amen.

The Perfect FATHER!!!

I had the privilege to share GOD's Word at the Dumaguete Christian Church last June 24, 2007, (Father's Day is celebrated during this month) and the title of that message "The Perfect FATHER" was borrowed from my wife Muffet's Sunday Devotional Message published at the Negros Chronicle (one of the local newspapers of Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines). The New Testament book of Luke and Chapter Fifteen was used as the text for that message and without my knowing was the same text that DCC Deacon Peter Chuang used the previous Sunday as he shared GOD's Word. GOD in His mysterious and humorous ways used Peter and Andrew to expound on Him as the Perfect FATHER. Luke Chapter Fifteen emphasized firstly the Father's heart of GOD and His awesome love for the lost. Secondly, it emphasized man's lostness and ultimate need for GOD. The New Testament book of John, chapter three, and verse sixteen, says, "For GOD so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." In the New Testament book of Romans, chapter five, and verse eight, says, "But GOD demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Someone commented on Luke 15:11-32 (The Parable of the Prodigal Son) this way: "Of all the parables, this comes closest to giving us a glimpse of the hallowed face of God. It illustrates that God's love is beyond justice, beyond reason---that He ever hungers for the return of a sinner. The righteous are His already; they have His love. But they are not to be self-righteous, nor jealous of their position in His eyes. They are to love with His own love---to yearn as He does for the return of their wandering brothers. "The Perfect Father" might be a more descriptive title for this gem of a parable."

O Perfect Heavenly FATHER, You alone are worthy of all my worship, love, adoration, and thanksgiving. Thank you very much for sending Your only begotten Son, my LORD JESUS CHRIST, to die on the cross for my sins. Have mercy on me and make me grow and mature into the husband and father that you want me to be. Let me learn from You daily for You are gentle and humble in heart. Thank you very much for giving me the best wife and the best children; and by Your graces and mercies, teach me every moment to love them unconditionally. Thank you very much that June 29 was my 21st spiritual birthday and faithfully and patiently You have sustained me and blessed me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in CHRIST. Thank you very much for allowing us as a family to be refreshed and enjoy Your bountiful blessings last June 30 and July 1 at the Blue Moon Specials at Antulang Beach Resort. May You find us as a couple and family excited and abounding in Your work and looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great GOD and Savior, CHRIST JESUS. I offer this prayer in JESUS Most Holy Name. Amen.

For the Love of Teodolo and Matilde!

Escalante City, Negros Occidental, Philippines, lies north of Dumaguete City and you can get there via the coastal road in about five to six hours. Last June 4-7, 2007, I, together with another pastor had the privilege to conduct a four day seminar/workshop in Christian Marriage and Family Life and Inductive Bible Study Method.

Upon my arrival in the afternoon of June 2 (Saturday), GOD, in His mercies and graces, allowed me together with two brethren to share His Word and minister to a sick woman. Indeed GOD visited her with His spiritual and physical salvation. The New Testament book of James says: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

The highlight of the Christian Marriage and Family Life Seminar is the Renewal of the Wedding Vows between the Husbands and the Wives. One couple that warmed the hearts of the more than sixty brethren who joined the seminar/workshop was Teodolo and Matilde. They had been married for the last fifty-six years and GOD blessed them with long fruitful lives and radiant health and indeed their love and faithfulness toward each other was a great encouragement and inspiration for all of us. The ceremony was complete with the wedding march, bouquet of flowers for the wives/brides, and a special rendition of a wedding song. It was a solemn emotional moment for everyone of us and tears welled in our eyes. Matilde shed tears of joy the most and I recalled her husband Teodolo mentioning that he always made it a point that they eat their meals together. Psalm 128 in the Old Testament says: "Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!"

O most holy GOD hear the cries of my heart for myself, my wife, and children. Forgive us our sins as a family if we have not given you the worship, homage, and adoration that You alone deserve. Allow us to grow in our love for You and in our love toward each other. Heal and restore our family and home o merciful and gracious GOD. Teach us to read and meditate on Your Word daily and to be prayerful at all times. If You tarry o most Holy GOD, please grant us (Muffet and Andrew) together with our children (Magenta, Dan Paul, Joaquin) to be alive, healthy, and strong, and able to celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary. Use our marital union and family, our love for You and Your Word, and our love toward each other, bring more souls into Your Kingdom. In Jesus most precious Name I pray. Amen.

A Short Travel With A Man of GOD and A Humble Teacher!

"Well, I have much more to say to you, but I don't want to say it in a letter. For I hope to visit you soon and to talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete (2 John 12)." It was a great blessing, honor, and privilege for me to be the traveling companion of Pastor Dan Finfrock, the founder and Director of Intensive Care Ministries, U.S.A. and who is known as the father of the Inductive Bible Study Method here in the Philippines and in Dumaguete City particularly. He has not visited Dumaguete City for the last five years and I, my wife, children, and for sure a lot of brethren, friends, and acquaintances miss him very much. I consider him as my spiritual older brother, mentor, teacher, and one of my closest friends. It was on March 19, 1991, that he officiated our (Andrew & Muffet) renewal of marriage vows in a Christian Marriage and dedicated our whole family (Andrew, Muffet, Joaquin, Mary Antonette Magenta, Dan Paul) to the LORD. It was pastor Dan's wife, Debbie, who was used by the LORD to minister to my wife wife during her pregnancy of our youngest son (complete bed rest from the fourth to the ninth month), using the Old Testament book of Daniel for her teachings and Bible study. Out of gratitude for pastor Dan and Debbie, we named our youngest son, Dan Paul.


Pastor Dan arrived Dumaguete City on the 07:45 morning flight from Manila on May 18, 2007 (Friday), and he was housed at the Calvary Chapel Training Center. He tendered a dinner at Sta. Monica beach resort, on the evening of Saturday for his former Filipino staff and close associates at ICMA. That fellowship dinner was indeed a blessed experience for everyone present (Jing, Joy, Ayanna, Clarita, Nene, Eva, Rere, Alice, Randy, Manju, Tianing, Calix, Bobby, Noemi, Andrew, Muffet, Joaquin, Magenta). Pastor Dan had a short film documentation on the life of his adopted Filipino son, Aaron, who passed away early this year on the day before his twenty-first birthday which was shown before the dinner. On the morning of Sunday, Pastor Dan taught and preached GOD's word at NOAH Fellowship in Bacong town (the home church that I have been pastoring) using the New Testament book of 2 Peter 1:1-11. All glory and thanksgiving be to GOD for the feasting on His Word that day.


On the early morning of May 21 (Monday), on board the Ceres Bus, Pastor Dan and myself proceeded to Bacolod City wherein he wanted to accomplish at least three things before taking the five o'clock p.m. fastcraft for Iloilo City. GOD in His graciousness, honored the desires of Pastor Dan and provided three beloved brethren ('angels' in the flesh) in the persons of Pastor Chaz Yandall and wife Terry, and Pastor Mike Ramsey, who lovingly and patiently brought us around Bacolod City and helped in a tremendous way accomplish what was in the heart of Pastor Dan. Pastor Mike Ramsey traveled with us to Iloilo City and we parted ways with him at the pier after mutual introductions and greetings with those brethren who met us and him (Pastor Remo Jaco and wife Janet, and Pastor Mark Cadagat, respectively).


In Iloilo City, we stayed in the lovely home of Pastor Remo, Janet, and two darling daughters, JL and JM. It was a time of renewing friendships, rest, delighting on Ma'am Acul's delicious home cooked dishes, and indulging on Iloilo's sweet mangoes. On the evening of Tuesday, Pastor Dan Finfrock tendered a dinner for the RAYMAR Ministries Philippines Board in the persons of Pastor Remo Jaco, Janet Jaco, Pastor Godofredo Burgos, Atty. Lorna Gellada, and Mrs. Delma Logarto. Pastor Villafuerte (had Bible School graduation) and Mr. Lequillo (presently out of the country) were not present during the dinner and the ensuing meeting.


Pastor Dan Finfrock left Iloilo about 10:50 Wednesday morning for Manila and will get a connecting flight to the U.S.A. on Wednesday evening. Today, (May 28), I was inspired when I heard this poem read by Pastor Jeff Martin, present field director of Pastoral Training of Asia, during our daily morning devotions. The lines of this poem aptly describes the lifestyle of my dear brother in the LORD, teacher, and friend, Pastor Dan Finfrock.

Lord let me live from day to day in such a self- forgetful way;
That even when I kneel to pray my prayer would be for others.
Others Lord, yes others let this my motto be;
That when I've lived for others I will have lived like Thee.

GOD Loves You Mother!

The month of May is made more special because of the celebration of Mother's Day. I praise and thank GOD for my beloved mother (Gaudencia), my beloved mother-in-law (Rosita), my beloved wife (Muffet), who is also the mother of our three grown-up children, my beloved sisters (Japi, Annie, Roqueta, Victoria), my beloved sisters-in-law (Louella and Perlita), my two brothers-in-laws' wives (Brona and Rose Jean); these are all mothers of grown-up children. Add to them the countless mothers whom the LORD have used to bless and inspire me, my wife, and children, in awesome and bountiful ways.

Looking back, I have seen GOD's hand working mightily, graciously, and mercifully in the life of my mother who became a widow when I was nine years old and having a younger brother and two younger sisters. GOD enabled my mother (together with my older sister, Japi) to rear, nurture, and to take care of us all. When I reached high school and during my teen-age years, an older sister (Annie) also became a widow with three very young boys to take care of. Once again GOD manifested His might, graciousness, and mercies, enabling her to care and nurture all of them. My mother, Gaudencia and older sister, Annie never got married again and I doubly admired them for that.

In the Bible, I am blessed with the lives of two mothers (Hannah the wife of Elkanah and mother of Samuel) and (Mary the wife of Joseph and mother of Jesus). They were not exempted from trials and sufferings; nevertheless, they came into a life-changing encounter with the living GOD who hears and answers prayers and who alone does wonders in everyones lives. Both of them offered songs of praise, worship, and thanksgiving to GOD who alone is worthy of all honor and glory. Notice the similarities of the songs of Hannah and Mary: Hannah sang: "...My heart exults in the LORD; my horn (or strength) is exalted in the LORD, my mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. There is no one holy like the LORD, indeed, there is no one besides You, nor is there any rock like our God..." (1 Samuel 2:1-10), Mary sang: "...My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name..." (Luke 1:46-55).

It is my heartfelt prayer that all mothers (especially those whom I mentioned by name) would acknowledge and respond to the special touch of GOD upon their lives just like Hannah and Mary and indeed they heartily believed that GOD is their very personal Savior. This living and dynamic relationship with the GOD who alone can save overflowed in their lives, and made a lasting and fruitful impact upon their families and acquaintances. "Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the LORD, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6, 7).

O GOD confirm for us the work of our hands!

In the Old Testament book of Psalms, Chapter Ninety, the word of God says: "Let Your work appear to Your servants and Your majesty to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and confirm for us the work of our hands; yes confirm the work of our hands." Looking back at God's faithfulness, mercies, and love in the works of the ministry He has allowed His servant together with other pastors, brethren and friends, would almost simultaneously bring a smile on my lips and tears of joy in my eyes. Going back to the mid- nineties wherein God opened doors for Bible studies at the home of Mr. Baltazar Camomot, at Maslog, who then transferred his residence to Cangmating (town of Sibulan, Negros Oriental, Philippines); and at present that Bible study group became the Calvary Chapel of Cangmating, cared for by Pastor and Mrs. Randy Nellas and family. I remember Kit Elman, Francel Martinez, Pastor Arman Caballero, together with His servant pioneering the Negros Oriental Provincial Jail Bible study (Capitol Area, Dumaguete City, Philippines); and at present being handled by the Calvary Chapel Training Center students/interns.

Sometime in the year Two Thousand, God allowed His servant to do a Bible study in the town of Bacong, Negros Oriental, Philippines (seven kilometers south of Dumaguete City), in the home of a lovely Christian couple, Romulo and Divinagracia Yee, with their four grown up and married children. A family managed business is also within this compound; the nationally and internationally renowned stonecraft products and goods of NOAH (Negros Oriental Arts & Heritage). The hearts of this lovely couple wants to reach out not only to the material needs of their more than a hundred factory workers but most especially to their spiritual needs and upliftment as well. They were very willing to pay their workers an hour each week to hear and listen to God's word.

On the first Sunday of October, 2004 (Communion Sunday), the NOAH Fellowship started its regular morning worship service (10:30-12:00 noon) attended by some forty brethren. At present, the gathering is at the second floor of the Yee residence and blessed with brethren and friends eager and hungry for God's word and growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. I praise and thank GOD for allowing me, my wife, and a brother in the LORD to feed and tend His flock in this place. In the New Testament book of Acts, chapter two and verse forty-two, the word of God says, "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." In the book of Philemon verses one and two, the word of God says, "To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

May GOD bless every home and family and may it be a haven for His Word! Welcome to NOAH and feel at home.

April's Bountiful Blessings!

April 23 is a very special day for two individuals who are very close to my heart. This day are the birthdays of my beloved wife, Muffet and my beloved eldest son, Joaquin. I remember twenty-seven years ago when I started to court and dated my wife how GOD in His Holiness, Mercies and Graces protected our relationship and kept us pure (preserving us from indulging in pre-marital sex) until the day we got married. We spent our honeymoon in a beach house owned by a very close relative. In the Old Testament book of Genesis the word of God says, "...a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed." In the New Testament book of First Corinthians the word of God says, "The husband should not deprive his wife of sexual intimacy, which is her right as a married woman, nor should the wife deprive her husband. The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband also gives authority over his body to his wife. So do not deprive each other of sexual relations..." Our union was blessed by a son whom we named after my father. My wife's obstetrician and gynecologist who also assisted her in giving birth gave us a fifty percent discount on her professional fees upon learning that it was her birthday that day when she gave birth. Later on, God allowed us to have a beloved daughter whom we named Mary Antonette Magenta and another beloved son whom we named Dan Paul. Concerning children and the family, the word of God says in the book of Psalms: "Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward"..."How blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways. When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands, you will be happy and it will be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, your children like olive plants around your table. Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD."

It is my heart's desire and prayer that GOD in His lovingkindness and mercies would allow Muffet, Joaquin, Magenta, Dan Paul and myself to reach our highest potentials as husband, wife, father, mother, and children based on the New Testament book of Colossians: "You wives must submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. And you husbands must love your wives and never treat them harshly. You children must always obey your parents, for this is what pleases the Lord. Fathers, don't aggravate your children. If you do, they will become discouraged and quit trying."

Four friends walking with a FRIEND!!!

There are four of us who who live not so far from each other and just this year we developed the closeness and camaraderie because of our passion to do early morning walks. Our ages range from late- forties to mid-sixties and we come from different family backgrounds and work experiences. There's a government lawyer and fiscal, a businessman and farmer, a retired sugar milling employee and OFW, and a pastor. We usually wake up at four-thirty dawn, start walking, seeing and joining each other in about fifteen to thirty minutes later. Naturally, this kind of activity led us to become friends. The dictionary defines a friend as one attached to another by esteem, respect, and affection. This brings to mind an account in the second chapter of the gospel of Mark of some people bringing to Jesus a paralytic, carried by four men. Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, 'son, your sins are forgiven.' ..."But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins---...I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home." And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God.

This is my heart's desire and prayer for the four of us that our camaraderie and friendship would bloom and enable each one of us to be like those people who brought the paralytic to Christ who were men of God, men of faith, risk takers, real friends to those in need of healing and wholeness not only of the body but most especially of the spirit and soul as well. By the way our names are Douglas, Alexander, Primo, Andrew (Acronym: DAPA which means to lie prostrate in surrender) which reminds me of the lines of a song which goes: "O come let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD our God and maker..."

You are welcome to join and walk with us anytime but most especially to know and walk with HIM our best Friend!

Early Morning Rainbow

I had the privilege to travel to Surigao City, Mindanao, Philippines, last April 15 to 19, 2007, together with two brethren. Surigao City is the capital of the province of Surigao del Norte, and known as the entry point to Northern Mindanao. We were there for about five days and facilitated seminar workshops in Christian Marriage and Inductive Bible Study. Our very friendly and generous hosts were Pastor Herman Diaz, his wife Josephine and two very lovable darling daughters Jazzy May and Princess.

I love to do early morning walks from thirty minutes to an hour and what a blessed opportunity to welcome and savor God's goodness and mercies daily and to see the beauty of His creations in this part of the country. This particular morning of April 19 (Thursday) and the final day of our seminar workshop, I decided to extend the time and distance of my walk. I was able to walk the whole length of the boulevard and made a full round at the track and field oval at the city's sport facility. Together with the beautiful sunrise there was also a drizzle as I headed to our lodging place. Suddenly, a motorcycle passed by me and skidded in the slippery asphalted road approximately fifty yards ahead of me. I rushed to the man and both of us gave a sigh of relief seeing that he just had minor wounds and scratches on his arms. For both of us it was also a blessed time of just praising and thanking God for sparing his life, and even his motorcycle had very minor damages too.

Walking on and as I gazed at the horizon there was a very beautiful rainbow. It was God's way of reminding me first of all that His faithfulness and promises never fail. Secondly, that life is fragile and each one of us should always handle it with prayer. "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting."(Psalm 118:1)
"In the morning, O LORD, you will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to you and eagerly watch." (Psalm 5:3)

We left Surigao City that evening by slow boat for Cebu City and from Cebu City will take a five hour bus ride back to Dumaguete City the next day; but not before Pastor Herman and Josephine treated us to sumptuous "sutokil" dinner. If GOD tarries, I'm praying to be back here in Surigao City together with my wife and if possible, our three children, and the seminar team brethren to do another seminar on February, 2009, LORD willing.

Singing With Thankfulness In Your Hearts to GOD!

Its a sunny Monday morning here in Cebu City and at nine o'clock I and my wife are feeling hungry and decided to eat in a restaurant in front of a hospital where she had her checkup. I was not in a very good mood today nevertheless GOD in His mercies and graces allowed us to be refreshed with the warm and friendly welcome of the staff, the good and affordable food they served and most of all by the Inspiring Christian Music they played.

Earlier, my wife mentioned that she was amused of a child dancing in the email message she sent me days ago and she wanted so much to have this child to become a screensaver on her computer. Lo and behold inside that restaurant a child came running and stopped at our table and looked at us with mischievous eyes reminding my wife of that computer character.

What surprised us most when we paid our bills and my wife started commenting to the restaurant manager (Nadeth) that she was blessed with the music, their friendly service, good and affordable food; the manager introduced us to their cashier (Jingle) who was in fact one of the vocalists in those Christian Music they played. We later learned that she was part of the group called Lord Reigns Music Ministry. We were so grateful to them when they promised to give us a complimentary CD of their songs and music. The Lord never fails to amaze His servants of His awesome love, goodness and generosity. Indeed we are so richly blessed so that we can be channels of blessings to others.

In the book of Psalms the Word of GOD says, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases." And in the book of Colossians the Word of GOD says, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

On GOD's Gracious and Miraculous Dealings!

This morning as I read, heard, pondered and shared with my co-employees a portion of the Bible, I was so amazed with God's gracious and miraculous dealings with the nation of Israel (numbering three million more or less) during their wilderness wanderings of about forty years (please read the details in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy); and how God wanted them to respond to those dealings in accordance with His will. Here are a few of them as recorded in the Bible.

"You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years; . . . He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD. Your clothing did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years. Thus you are to know in your heart that the LORD your God was disciplining you just as a man disciplines his son. Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him. . .When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you . . . Beware that . . . your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of house of slavery . . . In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end. Otherwise, you may say in your heart, 'My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.' But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day." (Deuteronomy 8)

"Tremble, O earth, before the LORD, before the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a fountain of water." (Psalm 14)

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)

During His first advent and up to this moment (two thousand years later), JESUS wants to extend GOD's gracious and miraculous dealings to everyone. Listen to His heartbeat as you take heed to His invitation: Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

When Prayer is More than Enough!

I remember the lyrics of a song that goes like this: "Down at Your feet O LORD is the most high place. In Your Presence LORD, I seek Your Face, I seek Your Face. There is no higher calling, no greater honor, than to bow and kneel before Your Throne. I'm amazed at Your glory, embraced by Your mercy. O LORD I live to worship You." Last March 12-14, 2007, my wife and I were in Cebu City for her medical check-ups and examinations in two hospitals there (all glory and thanks be to GOD for her excellent results). During our time in a brethren's home and visit in one of the hospitals, GOD opened doors of opportunities to meet some relatives, friends, and acquaintances, who needed not only a smile, a hello, or a nod from us; but most of all love, compassion, and encouragements. Oh what a blessed privilege when GOD allows you to hear the spoken and the most often unspoken requests for prayers and intercessions, and the Holy Spirit prods you heart and leads you to pray for those people. May we have the heart of one of Jesus' disciples who said to Him, "Lord teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples." Jesus Himself on His first advent had a lifestyle of prayer. In the New Testament book of Mark, it says, "In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there." In the New Testament book of Matthew, Jesus said to his disciples, "Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." O GOD who hears and answers prayers, teach me and teach us to pray. Instill in my/our minds and hearts the commands and promises from Your Word: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God . . .The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."

Saved by a Donkey!

We had a Dalmatian Dog named Snoopy (her mother was Sasha) and what made him so special and precious to us was the fact that he was used by GOD to save the life of my daughter and all of us. One early dawn while we were all fast asleep, an object caught fire in the room of my daughter. Snoopy who used to sleep in the backyard near her window noticed the fire and the smoke filling her room did everything to wake her up and all of us as well. From excessive barking, screened window scratching, and finally showering her with sand and dust. She woke up coughing and having a hard time breathing and indeed all of us had a great scare at that time.

In the Old Testament book of Numbers we see the story of a prophet named Balaam (his name means 'Destroyer of the People') who was rescued by his donkey (GOD made his donkey talk) three times from the Angel of the LORD (Pre-Incarnate appearance of the LORD JESUS CHRIST in the Old Testament), Who was ready to strike him with His drawn sword. The Word of God says, "Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the Angel of the LORD standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand; and he bowed all the way to the ground. The Angel of the LORD said to him, "Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out as an adversary, because your way was contrary to me. But the donkey saw me and turned aside from me these three times. If she had not turned aside from me, I would surely have killed you just now, and let her live." " It's sad to note that Balaam didn't learn his lesson and continued in his way that was contrary to God's way, and we read later on in God's Word, "...They also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword...Behold, these caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, so the plague was among the congregation of the LORD."

GOD can use animals to save human lives from physical death. GOD desires to use you and me (if we allow Him) to save human lives not only from physical death but most importantly from spiritual death. In the Old Testament book of Proverbs, the Word of God says, "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls." In the book of Daniel, the Word of God says, "Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." In the New Testament book of Jude, the Word of God says, "save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh."

When was the last time you shared the Gospel with an unsaved person? When was the last time you prayed with one to receive Christ, if ever? Have you won souls to Christ lately? Oh GOD give us hearts of compassion for the lost. Be it so far away from me and from us O God to have the attitude of a Cain who said, "Am I my brother's keeper?" In Jeus' Most Holy Name I humbly pray. Amen.

A Visit From Jesus!

I praise and thank GOD for the opportunity to be invited by a group of people who loves the LORD and meets every Sunday in one of the restaurants by the boulevard of Dumaguete City, Philippines. We were looking in the New Testament book/gospel of Luke which mentioned the conversation of Jesus and Zaccheus and Jesus inviting Himself into Zaccheus' home. Being a chief tax collector for the Roman government, Zaccheus was seriously hated among the Jews and no one would want to be socially seen with him. A great pastor and teacher said that Zaccheus was short in size but big in corruption. Being GOD, Jesus knew the intentions of the heart of Zaccheus as he was trying to see who He was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature. So Zaccheus ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, for He was about to pass through that way. Oh the sweetest words that Zaccheus ever heard since he was born, "Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house." This loving concern and intimacy from the Lord Jesus Christ made a tremendous impact in the life of Zaccheus leading to repentance, and producing a radical change in his life. He said, "Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much." To which Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." It is my prayer that every nation's leader, politician, government official, and citizen would respond to Jesus' Visits in the same way Zaccheus did, when he hurried and came down and received Him gladly. By the way, Zaccheus means 'Pure' and the Word of GOD in the New Testament book/gospel of Matthew says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

On Last Wills and Testaments

One of the topics that I avoid discussing is about physical death. Having experienced the death of my father at a very tender age followed by a series of unfortunate events, fears, loneliness and trauma, and painful circumstances resulting from his demise; I will always look for means to evade or close any conversation leading to it. Last night was different as I (with so much uneasiness), my wife and two older children were able to open up in a healthy conversation in what to do when a family member passes away. Plans, details and desires were brought out and viewed with an open mind although I would admit I was not one hundred percent listening and being attentive to the things discussed. I envy one of the Old Testament characters of the Bible, who, inspite of all the trials, pains, and sufferings he encountered was able to say in all faith and honesty, "As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, And at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God; whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes will see and not another. My heart faints within me!" The selfish part of me who is very much afraid to be left alone is always longing for GOD to come back while my wife, my children, and myself are still alive. I pray to GOD that he would take years from my life and add it to the life of my wife or vice versa so that in life or in death I and my wife would always be together. Oh to have the maturity and boldness of the apostle Paul who was able to say, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." And also say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing." GOD have mercy on me and forgive me of my selfish and fearful heart. Please let me realize that the best inheritance I can leave to my children is a healthy fear and reverence of you ("The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding"). That my children would believe and know you LORD JESUS CHRIST as personal Savior and Lord of their lives. I love you GOD only because you have loved me first. Reign in me and quiet my restless heart and assure me at all times that You will never leave me nor forsake me and that goes too for my wife and children too. Thank you very much for your love, mercies, and graces. In Your most Holy Name I pray. Amen!

Oh To Be So Sure of One's Salvation!

I had the opportunity to interact with a group of young people and our conversation focused on God's love and His wonderful gift of Salvation. I urged each one of them to tell me honestly whether they had the assurance that if the Lord Jesus Christ would come this very moment that they can enter His Kingdom. Among the nine of them, only one had the assurance of salvation. We looked at the New Testament account of Jesus and Nicodemus and their conversation one evening found in the third chapter of the New Testament book/gospel of John. We reviewed this part of Scripture and I reiterated the supreme importance of the spiritual birth (being 'Born Again') which Jesus Himself repeated three times found in verses three, five, and seven. We marveled at everyone's favorite passage, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." I challenged everyone to prayerfully and heartily memorize this passage and rest in its promises, for we have a GOD, who cannot lie. The repentant robber in the account of the New Testament book/gospel of Luke, chapter twenty-three and verses thirty-three to forty-three portrays a vivid example of the assurance of salvation of someone who personally, heartily, and honestly believe JESUS CHRIST (true God and true man) as Savior and Lord. We visited also the first letter of the apostle John where it says, "...God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." My heart's desire and prayer to God for everyone is similar to what Paul said to king Agrippa in the New Testament book of Acts, "I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am."

"Father, forgive them..."

Every first Sunday of the month, we at NOAH Fellowship, Bacong, Negros Oriental, Philippines, celebrate the Lord's Table (Communion). On this particular Sunday (March 4, 2007), we were in the New Testament book of Matthew chapter 27. We were studying and looking at the unjust trial, mockings, beatings and ultimate crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Matthew 27:44 it says: "The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him...", and in the book of Mark 15:32(b) it says: "Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him." What amazed and inspired me most is the account of Luke 23:33-43 wherein we find that the criminals who were crucified on the right and left of Jesus heard His first cry on the cross, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." This cry of forgiveness that the Lord Jesus Christ uttered made an internal change for good in the heart of one of the robbers which led him to rebuke the other criminal who was insulting Jesus and ultimately led him to believe that Jesus is true GOD and true man and made him cry out himself in repentance, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" Jesus answered him, ..."Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." Oh the power of GOD's forgiving love that can melt and open up the heart of a dying criminal. I remember the lyrics of a song: "Amazing love how can it be that you my King would die for me; Amazing love I know its true!...Friend, have you honestly cried out to GOD..."Lord, save me!" Have you honestly repented of your sins and believe with all your heart that... "Christ died for your sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." Have you sincerely accepted Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord of your life? This is my heart's desire and prayer for you.

Time With the Children

Thanks be to GOD for the privilege to talk with the children in one of the public schools of the first town north of Dumaguete City, yesterday (March 3, 2007) 9:30 to 11:00 in the morning. It was on the dangers of alcoholism. Part of the lecture showed that larger quantities of alcohol taken inhibit or depress higher thought processes, bolstering self-confidence and reducing inhibition, anxiety, and guilt. As a person becomes intoxicated , painful or embarrassing situations appear less threatening and, as drinking progresses, speech may become loud and slurred. Impaired judgment may lead to incautious behavior, and physical reflexes and muscular coordination my become noticeably affected. If drinking continues, complete loss of physical control follows, ending in stupor, and possibly death. The Word of GOD in the Old Testament said: "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink, for they will drink and forget what is decreed, and pervert the rights of all the afflicted." In the New Testament the Word of GOD says: "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit..." May GOD help us parents to live godly lives and showing good moral examples to our children. As a father and head of the family I will be mainly answerable to GOD if my wife and children would not be able to enter His Kingdom. As the pastor, and provider for the home I have to rear and train up my children in "The Way" that they should go so that even when they get old they will not depart from it. JESUS sternly warns everyone: ..."But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea." Fathers, have you been a godly example to your wife and children? Have you hugged them, kissed them, and most especially prayed with them today? Have mercy on me O GOD and help me to become the kind of husband and father that you want me to be. Transform me with your renewing love and transform my household as they see You being lived out in my life daily. In Jesus Name I humbly pray. Amen.

A Romantic God Equals Romantic Couples

I had the privilege during the month of February to visit three churches/fellowships and reminded them and myself what a loving GOD we have and that He is the author of Marriage and Intimacy. Our spouses and children are GOD's gifts to us and we should value them very much. The Word of GOD says, "An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life...She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue...Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying; 'Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.' Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised." I will eternally be grateful to GOD for giving me such a wife and mother of my children. I praise and thank GOD that He allowed us to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary last year. My honest but selfish prayer is that if He tarries, will allow us, by His graces and mercies to be able to celebrate our golden wedding anniversary and to travel worldwide and to talk/encourage couples to rejoice and be exhilarated always with the love they have for each other. A writer once said, that an ideal marriage is the union of two good forgivers. The writer of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes said, "Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun." A few years back GOD allowed me and my wife together with our three children to spend one wedding anniversary weekend at a very romantic beach resort called Antulang (an hour's drive south of Dumaguete City, Philippines). It was in this resort that I was able to witness the awesome beauty of a moonrise and a sunset simultaneously in just one afternoon. But more than these, I praise and thank GOD that together with the writer of the Old Testament book of Song of Songs, I can say to my wife: "How beautiful you are, my darling, how beautiful you are! Your eyes are like doves behind your veil; ...You are altogether beautiful, my darling, and there is no blemish in you." That reminds me that I have to request my kind and lovely niece to provide me with the lyrics of the song, "I Go Crazy" because I want to serenade and sing to my wife and remind her... "that when I look in your eyes, I still go crazy." All honor, glory, praises, and thanksgiving be alone to the Romantic GOD that I, my wife, and children love and adore. We can only love Him, because He first loved us. He is my and our Heavenly Bridegroom.

A Balanced Life

February 28 is the birthday of my late father and I thank GOD that this day He had given me the privilege to encourage a group of lovely people serving in a prestigious company. They requested me to talk about: A Balanced Life, and I shared with them that a Balanced Life does not mean living a life wherein a part of you (one foot) is dancing with GOD and a part of you (the other foot) is dancing with the devil. A Balanced Life is a life having GOD at the center of everything...your personal life, home and family life, work/office life and business. It is a life totally immersed and wholly consumed by GOD, as Paul the apostle said "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." The New Testament book of Colossians Chapter Three verses twelve to seventeen illustrates a Christ-centered life; verses eighteen to twenty-one illustrates a Christ-centered home and family; verses twenty-two to twenty-five illustrates Christ at the center of one's work and employment; and Chapter Four verse one illustrates a Christ-centered business. We checked and got inspired from the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes Chapter Twelve and the New Testament Gospel writings of Luke and John. We had a wonderful time together singing songs to the Lord and enjoying a spaghetti meal. I joined my wife, daughter and very close and beloved blood relatives and friends to a sumptuous dinner at the home of a younger sister. I thank GOD that before being brought home together with my wife and daughter by my dear older sister, we passed by the home of my lovely niece and she introduced me to this "BLOG" idea and offered to start one for me. Thank you GOD for making this day very special for me.