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.