When True Love Died

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tzuAxhOSfE

2Corinthians5:21

God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Tonight, we watched The Passion of the Christ movie. It was torture to have to see what Jesus had to go through. In fact, this portrayal done by the film couldn't even be compared to what happened to Him.

Isaiah52:14b

His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and His form marred beyond human likeness

The verse says that He was beaten to the point where no one could recognize Him.

i was just so horrified, watching that i thought in my heart: God, i am not worth this effort! however, God reminded me that it was never because He thought me "worth His effort" that He went through the incredibly painful death that He did not deserve. He kept reminding me that it was because He found me so filthy in my sin that it took the merciless massacre of His body, and the continuous flowing of His blood, just to take away the sins that stained my life so that i may dwell in His presence.

Goes for all of us. He loves us so much that He was not willing to leave us in the terror of our sins. His painful journey to the cross was just enough for the salvation of all humanity. Nothing more, nothing less. The very fact that THIS was what it took to redeem us all is hard to swallow, but it is already done. Now it's up to us to be forgiven, and leave our life of sin.

John8:10-11

Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"

"No one, Sir," she said.

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

LOVE

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

-John 13:34

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."

-1John 3:16

What is love? Have you ever been asked that question? i'm pretty sure you have. When someone talks about love, the boy-girl relationship is really the first thing that crosses our mind. Not that there's anything wrong about that, but when you talk about the genuine TRUE LOVE, the love that Jesus Christ showed upon the cross, it is a much deeper, and more meaningful love to talk about. i'm going to talk about how God gave me a more genuine insight about what love really is.

Last night was a ery special night for the Core. Last night, we had movie night, and the movie was "Fireproof." It was about this man named Caleb who screwed up his marriage with his wife, Catherine, and was now trying to fix it because his dad helped him realize there was still a part of him that wanted to save their marriage because his wife had already prepared the divorce papers. His dad gave him a book entitled "The Love Dare" which was a 40-day journey that Caleb would have to take. It was written in his dad's hand, filled with Biblical teachings and suggestions what to do, like buying her flowers, or do something unexpected.

Catherine rejected every single one of Caleb's gestures. Out of hope and halfway through the 40-day journey, he had a talk with his dad that made him realize that love isn't about showing how much you care for someone, but it's this unexplainable "thing(*)" that leads you to care and do things for someone, regardless of whether or not they deserve it, or will accept it, surpassing all storms, all trials, all rejections, all fires, all hardships. In the same way, his dad made him realize that Jesus is always showing us how much He loves us, especially what He did for us on the cross to save us from all we've ever done against Him, and all we've ever done was reject Him.

Caleb (and the viewers) has now received a much more genuine insight about what love is, and is now doing what the book is leading him to, ultimately because of his love for his wife. In the end, Catherine finally realized the truth of what Caleb's been doing, and has accepted both him, and Jesus.

Caleb then goes to his dad to thank him for the faithfulness he's shown, and for not giving up on mom when he took the Love Dare. However, his dad said that although the book was written in his hand, it was his mom that took the Love Dare when he wanted to leave, and that he wrote it in his hand because he knew that Caleb would take it from him. This broke Caleb because he used to always get annoyed about how his mom acted like, like you know, mom, he realized how strong his mom was, and what her faithfulness led their family to. This part made me cry the most.

As i'm writing this (or in this case, typing), it still makes me cry about how much my mom really loves me, and that how she showed her strength to raise both me and my brother alone really made a great impact in my own life. Though she gets worried much, and tends to get all clingy, like Caleb's mom, i've always tried not to complain about that because here on earth, she's the only one i've ever got apart from my brother, and it shatters me when i make her feel like retiring from motherhood.

Up until this day, she and the rest of the family remain unbelievers, sticking to their religion. In my walk with God, there have been times when i really felt like either giving up, or just be taken away. But looking at how Jesus persevered on His excruciating journey to the cross, i want to persevere with my mission here on earth with His guidance.

Not just for my family, but for everyone, i want to continue spreading truth. i'll continue to step up in faith to show them that God does not want our sacrifices, our works, or our religion. Rather, He just wants our whole selves. i want to show them that there is nothing and no one else but Jesus that they could go to for salvation, or forgiveness, or needs; that prayers are our conversation with God, and not repeated gestures, or something given by a anybody that is to be presented to God, like it's "the right words to say"; that religion is worthless and that they should come to a church that is committed to Jesus, and nobody or nothing else; and that reading the Bible is more important than eating.

That night really gave me a new and better perspective of love. It isn't something that must be shown, rather it's something that should be given. It isn't something that requires you to make gestures to someone, rather it's something that leads you to want to do great things for someone. It isn't something that can only be shared with a "special someone", or a spouse, but even to somebody whom you just met. Most of all, it isn't something reserved to reward someone for something special that they've done, rather, true, genuine love exists unconditionally, whether or not somebody deserves it, whether or not somebody wants it, whether or not somebody asks for it.

Jesus loves you! God bless you all.

A Sweet Christmas Eve

So far, none of the holidays I've been waiting for were dull. In fact, dull was what they were anything but of! Okay, so this Christmas Eve, I've received the best gift I've ever had from (guess who?) God Himself! I just LOVE how the big GUY works! So here's what happened.

Weeks before today (December 24, 2008), we've been preparing for our Living Stone's  Christmas Outreach so we can minister to the kids in the children's ward of NOPH (Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital). The kids who were taken in were the less fortunate ones, and they came from every part of Negros just to have their precious one(s) be put in a hospital. It just breaks my heart to know that this Christmas time, which is supposed to be the most joyous part of the year because we remember the day of Jesus' birth, the kids were stuck in a crummy hospital with dextros attatched to their wrists, and I'm sure everyone who went in the outreach felt the same.

Okay, so while we were preparing, Kuya Glen said that our means of preaching would be to share the real Christmas story through a skit. The cast composed of Angel Gabriel (Cole and Miguel [who were active all throughout the outreach and didn't get a break]), Mary (Kori, Abby and Ate Rochelle), Joseph (Champy, Aaron and David), Shepherd 1 (me, Ate Carylle and Benzi [the worship leaders with their oh so trusty guitars]), Shepherd 2 (Bryna, Melanie and Karen), and last but definitely not the least, Shepherd 3 (Ate Kim and Ate Karen [who didn't get breaks as well]). The team would never be complete without the guys who took care watching over and helped with the gifts: Kuya Jerry, Kuya Glen, and Kuya Izzy. We had to practice and get our lines right, especially for the Angel Gabriels coz they had the most lines, Aaron, who struggled a bit with the lines coz it was in (medyo) heavy visayan, and the guitarists (us) weren't used to playing Christmas carols, so we had to learn three songs we were familiar with singing, but not with the guitar, and Kuya Glen and Kuya Cole were (somewhat) perfectionistic about everyone's acting skills. We had to be real kids, and flexible for the outreach, and it was fun learning to be so.

When the day finally came, we had to come to church early (at 7:00am), so we had to have a good night's rest the night before. When we all came (and almost surprisingly early), some of us were still sleepy, some tired, some restless, and some just plain excited. We then had a quick devotion led by Kuya Jerry.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And He committed to us the message of Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." 

- 2Corinthians 5:17-21

KJ inplied that you can never find it in the bible that Jesus was too tired to minister to anyone. He was always always willing to share truth to the world around Him. He preached to the sick, the blind, the crippled, the isolated, and even the thousands who were interested in listening to Him. Most of all, He did not turn His back on the children who just wanted to jump on Him! We could just imagine how many times His beard could've been pulled, or how many kids hung onto Him from each arm, nonetheless, He said, "Let the children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these (Luke 18:16)." KJ reminded us that we need to be like Jesus, who gave His undivided attention to the kids, and do the same to the children and their families and just give them Jesus! The goal wasn't to evangelize, but rather to remind the families the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate it, wherever we may be, and to just pray for the families and their precious ones.

Okay, so the mission was set, and we put on our costumes when we arrived. The gifts were brought by KJ, KG and Izzy, and we all prepared our hearts. There were only two teams of six who could do the skit to the rooms at a time, so the rest had to take a break (except for the Gabriels and Shepherd) while the skits were done. I was especially blessed by a mother and her five month-old son, John Carlo (who had pneumonia), whom was really touched by our visit when ministering time came. She cried when we shared Jesus, and cried even more when me and Abby prayed for her. She wanted us to know that she reads the bible, and that she was really blessed by our coming. PRAISE THE LORD! The child had been in and out of the hospital for a while, so they really needed prayer. I'm glad we met them. God is just sweeter than anything coz He used all of us to be a blessing to the families who were stuck there for Christmas (and imagine, on CHRISTMAS!). After all the rooms were done, one room asked if we would do some caroling in their room, so KJ and KG called me, Cole, Miguel, Izzy and Champy to sing carols in that very room and be as noisy (and in tune) as we possibly can, coz that's exactly what the people there really wanted. I tell you, being noisy carolers was AMAZINGLY FUN!!! Not only did we make as much (proper) racket as we wanted, but the guys (excluding me coz I was carrying the guitar) made a hilarious dance on the spot which made all the kids in the room laugh! It was awesome!! KJ and KG told us it wasn't over yet after we went out of the room, coz the Nurse's lounge needed some cheer as well, so we surrounded the place from all two corners and everyone sang a carol to the nurses just to make their day.

Afterwards, we got out, prayed thanks to God for using us, and decided to call it a day. Everyone was sweaty, especially the angels, who's wings were already wet with back sweat, and all of us were just blessed! We then had a few group pictures, then some of us went for lunch in the nearest kiosk, while others headed straight for home.

All I can say is that I'm blessed to be a part of something as special as this. God just continues to fill my heart to the brim. GOD BLESS THE WORLD!!! (no exceptions)

Law and Faith

"It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression."

- Romans 4: 13-15

The perspective of the world on faith and law hasn't changed much. If both aren't the same, they're two separate gears which don't mesh well together.

However, the apostle Paul never lost sight upon the difference, and the importance of both when it comes to salvation. Paul was constantly debating with the religious leaders, and most of the people during his time. People always made their forefathers Abraham and Moses as an excuse when it comes to salvation, that following the law is the gateway to heaven, and the law is faith, and the faith that Paul always talked about was void. Although it's a safe belief, it's useless, and intimacy with our Father in heaven has diminished and has been disregarded.

Paul wrote to the Romans that "it was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise... but through the righteousness that comes through faith (v.13)." Again, good works and obedience are not enough to attain salvation if you do not believe "it was through the obedience of Jesus Christ that many will be made righteous (Rom5:19b)." Remember, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom3:23)." EVERYONE has sinned, and none have even accomplished a day of perfection. Besides, "for the wages of sin is death (Rom6:23)."

Paul further explains that "if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless. (v.14)" If salvation is based only on the law, and intimacy and faith have no role to play, then God's love for us is worthless and the death of Jesus Christ on the cross was done in vain, and anyone would head straight towards hell. You see here that "law brings wrath (v15a)."

The only way to repay sin is if a sinless person offered to take your punishment, then justice would be served, and you could go free! Paul hopefully and faithfully preached this truth about salvation to the world. But Paul made it clear that just because this is the truth about salvation, it doesn't mean we should ultimately disregard the law of God. "What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? BY NO MEANS (Rom6:15)!" The law is as important as faith!

Paul then states that "where there is no law, there is no transgression (v15b)." God's wisdom and understanding is unfathomable "for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His ways higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts. (Isa55:9)." Although sin isn't God's will, He allowed for it to happen to glorify His name, and His name alone! God designed for us to have free will so that we will have the capacity to love. If we were made with no free will, then love will not exist. The only way for love to exist is if we would love, despite the fact that we could have chosen not to. Love does, in fact, bloom if we are put in a situation wherein it is tested. That's one of the reasons why we are placed in this earth.

It was man who chose sin, instead of obeying God's law. Because of sin, man has fallen into the abyss that leads to the place "where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." But because God loves us so much, He reached out His hand to us so that we could grab it, and stop our falling.

God designed everything to be so that we may see how great and powerful He really is, and so that we may enter the gates of heaven.

My First Sunday Service at Calvary

okay, i know it may seem wierd and erratic to write a blog about my first time n a place on a sunday, but still, this day was a great day for me! heheh

so, this morning, i woke up at 9am, and foud my mom here on the computer.. i asked her if i could attend the sunday service (because my mom's catholic) because a friend invited me there, and miraculously, with no arguments whatsoever, she said yes. PRAISE GOD!!

so i got ready, and got there by 10:00, which was awkward because the 2nd service didn't start until 10:30, so i was early with a near empty stomach (!!!).

some of my friends were surprised, but nonetheless, happy to see me there for the first time on a sunday.. let me tell you, although it was exactly what i thought it would be (singing praises, listening to the word while drowning out the loud cries of my rumbling stomach, as warned by Matti), i loved every moment of it..

i sat with a new friend, Joe (well actually, sarah forced me to sit with him because he was new, but we already met the friday night before and became fast friends) and ate Kim, and listened to pastor Joe as we covered one part of Rev.12..

Praise the Lord because it was at that morning that God's voice is made even more clear to me.. if we expose our sin to Him, and ask forgiveness, He will forgive us, and forget our transgressions because He knows our worth..

as it says in the Psalms 130:3-4, "If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord who could stand? But with You, there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared." for as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us (Ps 103:12) for from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear Him...(v. 17).

i learned from that service how to discern Spirit Conviction from Satanic Accusation

Spirit Conviction:

1. the Holy Spirit will not convict sin that is confessed

2. the Holy Spirit is always specific of the sins you've comitted

3. the Holy Spirit always points you to confession and solution

Satanic Accusation:

1. the Devil will remind us of our sins from the past and tries to convince us we're no forgiven

2. the Devil hardens the heart from repentance

3. the Devil makes you feel hopelessly unclean

as God continues to mold and shape us all, we continue to grow, and He will not only show more to us the truths and possibilities of His love, but He will also pour us with it, so long as we continue to open up our hearts and listen to His word

PRAISE BE ONTO THE LIVING GOD!!!

Words That Just Flew Out

I know what you’ve been through

I know your pains

I know your struggles

I remember

I remember when the enemy struck a painful blow on you

I remember when you stumbled when the wind blew

I remember when you fell when the waves crashed

I remember the moments you used to kindle the fire of pain in your heart, spending it on your own self-destruction

I remember every tear you shed for I counted them

I remember your sleepless nights

I remember when you began to lose hope

I remember when darkness consumed you

But I sought you

Why?

Because you are my flock

You are my child

You are my beloved

Though the storms begin to strike,

Though the tides begin to rise,

Though the world may crumble,

I am your only shelter.

Come hide under my wings

Come feel my warmth

Come smell my scent

Come receive my love for you

Fret not when you do so.

You continue to stray

You continue to run from me

You continue to hide from me

Still I rush to find you

For my love for you is too strong

Now that I’ve found you weary,

I invite you back to come rest in me

Every wound that causes you pain, I will heal.

Every scar that reminds you of such pain, I will take away.

Every bit of sadness, I will replace with joy.

Everything in you, I will renew.

All your cries I have heard

All your prayers I have answered

You were never abandoned

You were never forsaken.

Cast your burdens on my feet.

Look to me for strength and your eagle’s wings will span and you will soar over the ruins of the past.

Come take off your old self so I can cleanse you

Come receive your new self and put it on.

I am your savior

I am your king

I am your lover

I am your friend

Now take my hand and hold it, and together we shall walk to eternity.