Freshmen Festival

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. -Proverbs3:5-6

It has been a spectacular, and not to mention exciting couple of weeks lately. A test of trust and faith is great every now and then.

So here's what happened since the school year began: my friend, Patrik, probed me to join RLC [Religious Life Committee], the organization that collaborates with all other Christian organizations in campus. Drowned it in prayer, and found myself being called to do it.

So for the first activity, we were planning a Freshmen Festival, aiming to welcome freshies in school and share the Gospel to them. I'm blessed to see that majority of the core members of RLC really are believers with the intent to make Jesus renown.

Since me and kuya Dex were like the only two from CCC during the meeting, Patrik told us that we would have to prepare stuff like gimmicks and the like for the festival, under our organization, as did PSALMS and CYF. We were also told to prepare presentations for the event. Kuya Dex assigned me to get anyone for presentation. I would've gotten a friend's band, or even our church's drama team for it, but they all had to be in Ozamis for an outreach during that time, which meant extra testing for us [whew! ~]. Anyway, God was pretty clear about doing two skits, Need You to Love Me, and Lucy. God was awesome providing the people i needed for it. We practiced enough, and usually, because guys are [well,] GUYS, i also did only a bit of extra lecturing [you gotta love 'em for that].

June 26, 2010 finally came, and even though i've been shaking in my boots for weeks already, this time, not to mention having made a complete fool of myself the night before [another story which i intend not to share], i'd say i was quaking. Had to be constantly reminded that where faith starts, fear ends. Still not quite sure what i would say after the presentations, and it was raining, which meant we weren't going to do it in the venue we selected [ampi]. It was already 4pm, and everyone was supposed to show up by this time, but i only had three people and that concerned me a lot. Most of them went over to a friend's house for lunch and fellowship, but turns out, rain was pouring like crazy where they were at! Prayer was all it took. A little while later, one of them showed up. Then another two. Then just as we were about to start, the last three arrived, and i could finally breathe easily.

Presentations started, and we had to adjust to a lot of things, but all went well. We did the skits, and i did some talking. Though a lot of them really weren't listening, i knew God was still at work, and that it was far from over. After of which, more presentations continued. I then met up with Eli, Angelo, Abby, Kirsty, Greena and Cazel, and gave them a bit of an overview of how things will turn out next. When Kuya Noel arrived to do the message, i gathered them to help out in the follow ups, and more prayer.

The message was being delivered. You could literally sense the battle raging inside the crammed chapel. By the time he gave out the opportunity, i called the six of them to be at the ready and do some more intercession. Everyone's heads were bowed down, and the opportunity was given out. A minute had passed, and no one budged. Suddenly, a few people from the far end of the room stood up, then everyone in the room stood up all at once to receive Christ. We were moved to tears by what God just did. Worship went on, and we did the follow ups. I got acquainted to a group of seven guys. Prayed for them and told them more about Jesus. One of them turned out to be a Muslim, and it was actually my first time sharing to one. Same thing happened to three other guys a while later. We all just came out blessed to be part of a miracle. Went out with them a bit for more fellowship.

Things may look dysfunctional, but when you know God called for it, He always knows what He's doing. <><

dust

How do we really treat our existence here on earth? Only but so many have uncovered the very essence of existence. Too many take the time they breathe in for granted, but still for many of us, we are left to ponder on a number of things people disregard.

After watching the movie "Amazing Grace," it's really breaking how too many people confuse humanity with savagery. How simple movements to save lives can be viewed as rebellion against the government; how simple acts of grace can be viewed as strategies to exalt oneself; how so many people stand firm in an idea they believe in, and end up contradicting themselves time and time again.

This brought me to the reminder that the human race is bound on pride and evil. Few have really noticed how much this world has fallen. For most, it's no longer surprising to see anyone lie, cheat, steal, crave, and connive for the lusts of their hearts, and in addition, opposing such practices becomes wrong! For this reason, countless people have dubbed themselves numb to the pains brought about by the corruption of such acts and practices, and end up tearing down one another.

It is very painful how people grow comfortable with contradicting themselves with aid of the pride they harbor in their hearts just to get their way.

This further brings me to a self-discovery: i claim to be one of integrity, yet i still manage to find myself sinning against the God who breathed in me the very life i've destroyed. I've come to see that i'm a being not fit to be called a man for man was created in God's image, and God does not sin! What i am is a repulsive crerature transformed into the rightful image, which i have for so long been running away from, by the blood of the Son of God. i am a servant made capable to serve the Creator of the universe. Unless i daily let this take full effect on me, i will end up facing the wrath the God who went through incredibility just to set me free. It is never a case of self-exaltation or self-strengthening, rather self-realization that i am nothing without Jesus.

It has become clear that there are only two things i can, and will ever know: i am a great sinner, and Christ is the great Savior.

"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered."
~Psalm32:1

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."

When You Sin, Where/Who Do You Turn To?

1Samuel 12:20-25 "Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. For the sake of His great Name the Lord will not reject His people because the Lord was pleased to make you His own. As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away."

Who ever said that the Christian Walk was going to be easy? I mean, we were even promised that it was going to be difficult. One of the things that's so evident in our life that makes our Walk so difficult is the struggle with sin. It is the very thing that placed the Son of God on the Cross to take our place in death just to set us free. You see, the more we take in to understand the reality of the danger of sin, the more we really struggle against it, and all the more we should allow what Jesus did on the Cross to take effect on us. This brings me to the verses God’s led me to.

(verse 20)
One of the things I remember most when I was real fresh in my Walk, and I am still very young in Christ, is that I can really tend to overestimate my capabilities as a believer, and underestimate the grace of God. When the Israelites realized the danger their sins could cause them, they practically panicked. However, Samuel encouraged them all the more not to turn from the Lord. I can honestly tell you that the devastation I felt when I stumbled actually caused me to worsen my relationship with Him the more I focused on it. Living with and for Jesus is not based on our emotions, I can tell you that. We serve Christ regardless, because He loves us regardless.

One of the real beautiful things about living with Christ in us is that even though we still sin, so long as we keep coming back to Jesus, we no longer live for sin; we're no longer dead in it, but we’re dead to it, and alive in Christ.

(verse 21)
One of the things that's so evident when it comes to us human beings is that we're really drawn and made to worship something. Things that are other than God come in the form of money, a job, a person, a figure, nature, a gadget, a celebrity, artists, musicians, makeup, computer games, pornography, computer fads, drugs, liquor, self, relationships, etc. But I tell you that anything we turn to which isn't God (even if we think that it is God) is an idol. All idols are worthless and incomparable to the Creator of all you know and see.

(verse 22)
It is really amazing how God is still faithful whichever point we've reached in our life. If you read 2Timothy2:11-13, it says in the first two parts that if we die and endure with Him, He will reward us greatly; if we disown Him, He will also disown us; but the thing in this verse that really captures me most is the fact that He will remain faithful even in our faithlessness. But that's just who God is. He's the Author and Finisher of our faith. He won't stop pursuing us just because we've stop our pursuit of Him. He's the God who won't give up! As unfathomable as it may be, He chose to create us for His purpose, and continues to love us unendingly, immeasurably, and unchangingly.

Before any of us came to know Christ, He wanted us to start a relationship with Him. Once the starting's done, He wants us to keep going, despite the fact that we keep on stumbling. Wherever we are in our relationship with Him, He still wants to meet us right where we're at and to keep pushing forward.

(verse 23)
This one goes out to those who have accountability to someone you're discipling, or even to the friends you have around you. You won't always be in good weather when it comes to leading and guiding people in their life as believers. Even the friends we have who talk to us about their concerns. It could come as a challenge to lead them in the way that is good and right. It shouldn't be our own perspective of what is good and right that we teach, but God's. If you read the whole Psalm119, you can really see how powerful God's Precepts are. His Word declares His sovereignty over all which is created, so there's no one else we should really point anyone to except God.

(verse 24)
God's grace, faithfulness and mercy should cause us to respond to Him with fear and service. Now, fear and service really go hand in hand. There is no service when that righteous fear and recognition of One Who's in authority is absent. If the fear is absent, it's most likely that God's not the One the service is rendered to. Furthermore, fear of the Most High can't really be called "fear" if it does not cause you to serve. If you read Hebrews12:3, it tells us of Jesus' zeal for the glory of God by bringing man back to Himself even if it meant opposition from the ones He came to save.

(verse 25)
Samuel here cautioned the Israelites of God's wrath against sin. Here in the old testament, disobedience to God meant quick deaths to many. But all the time, when God spoke of His wrath and anger against His people, Israel, He's always extending mercy to them, and opening up a door for them to repent. God also extends mercy to us at this very moment. Sadly, a lot of people take God's grace as a licence to sin. They tell themselves it's okay to sin because God's already forgiven, and that nothing really "bad" has happened to them, and God hasn't punished them yet, so it's still okay. It is never for our own selfish pleasure that God had to free us from sin. In fact, sin is so filthy that it took the merciless slaughter of the Son of God just to take it away from us so that we will be cleansed of it, and be made pure to enter His presence.


So do not turn from the Lord, even when you think yourself too unworthy. Fact is, you were never even worthy to begin with. Do not replace God with anything in your life. Idols are worthless. Keep going back to the Cross, because although God knows everything about us, He is still pleased to make us His own. Let's lead each other back to Christ with prayer and encouragement. Lastly, everything about God should cause us to fear and serve Him.

Christmas Outreach 2009

Here it is again! Livingstones Youth Christmas outreach. It was only my second time this year, and this year, we were doing the skit again! My only dilemma this time was that i was casted off as the character, Angel Gabriel, who sort of narrated the story, and acted along with it. To tell you the truth, i was real scared with my role. I'll leave the reasons for your witty imagination.

So weeks before the day we would reach out, we practiced long and hard for it, and prayed for it as well. Good thing too, because everyone helped each other out. Bloopers here and there always cheer everyone up.

Finally, the day came when we would go over to NOPH to reach out to the sick kids and their families stranded there in the hospital for the holidays. Sad to know that people get stuck in the hospital for Christmas huh? Spreading the joy and the real reason for the season was our mission that day.

So there we were, propped up and ready, just about to visit the wards. However, even though we were there to carry out our mission for God, it's quite unfortunate that the enemy never sleeps. i got attacked the very moment we started. The right part of my chest cringed with the greatest pain i've ever experienced in that area. It was so distracting that i really hesitated during our first visit to the first ward. Struggling to keep with the outreach, i did my best, messed up a few of the lines, but whispered a few prayers every time i didn't appear in a scene. i needed God's help that very moment. Ministering to the families and telling them about Jesus comforted me a bit.

Right after we got out, i had to tell KG that i needed prayer. He reminded me that i shouldn't let this distract me, especially since at that moment, we were all on a mission. He prayed over me, and had our group rest up a bit.

God gave me so much strength after that. The pain never left, but it didn't distract me when our group got to the other wards. "Trust, trust," was what rang in my mind while doing the skit. "It's hard, but keep fighting. Jesus never leaves." He kept me going.

Being a little kid myself and ministering to the patients really blessed me to be used as a blessing along with all my other teammates. God is awesome!!!

By the time we finished, i couldn't believe it was over. Honestly, i was still hoping to do a little more visiting to the patients, but we all had to call it a day.

An awesome start to an awesome Christmas eve! The Lord is the ONLY source of our strength in the real battlefield! Can't believe i had to go through all that to be reminded. Jesus loves you!!! <><

Dear Jesus,

It's Christmas again. i mean, You for One should know it, though. Not that it actually is Your birthday, but just because most of the world celebrates Christmas.

i just decided to write You a letter this Christmas. i thought, maybe You'd like something different from me this year, compared to years of just whispering in Your ear, turning away from You, and well, You know the rest. So let me start.

Happy Birthday! You know what i mean. More and more people are celebrating this year, and You know it. Parties are being thrown everywhere, gifts are being given, decorations are put up the whole season, i mean, it's just grand! But it's also sad for me to know that You're the One who's supposed to be the reason we're all celebrating, and You're the One being shut out of all of it. Nobody knows the reason we're singing anymore. There's less and less talk about You every year. Everything's becoming more and more about the presents, the tree, the parties, the food, the games, the booze, and Santa. Even Your Name in Christmas has been replaced with a big X. i can't imagine how that must be for You. i mean, You came to forgive, and You're the One forgotten. But i guess You're not surprised.

As for me, i choose to remember the real reason for celebrating. Jesus, there's not much i can give to You, but i do want You to take my time and turn it into moments of glorifying You. You know i can't love the way You do, or comfort the way You can, or forgive, or provide, or do anything You can, but that's the reason why i've turned my life to You. It's all i can give.

Jesus, You know my heart and You know how it loves to ask. But this year, i'd like to add others in my wishlist this year. i'm not a child anymore, so You won't see any toys down below. The wants of a teen are much different from what a little young one asks for. So here it goes. Just a few things i want to have.

1 First and foremost, my family (the one at home) really misses me. School really keeps me out of the house, not to mention the things i love doing in church. i'd really like You to bring us closer this time. They would like that.

2 Peace within the household. i'm not asking for a perfect Christmas, just one where people aren't all at one another would be enough.

3 If You plan for me to reach out to people in need, please do. Especially to the ones forgotten.

4 You're the great Healer. Thanks for restoring me back from my sickness. For Christmas, i also wish for You to help me mend the friendships i might have messed up. You know how i am in need of coaching when it comes to friends.

5 i know i'm not the most [let's say] charming guy in the world, nor the most easy to be with, nor the one who knows what to do, nor the least annoying. i can never take back the things i have said or done to the people i hurt, so please give me the heart to ask for forgiveness, and for them [and me] to be able to forgive me.

6 For all the people i dearly love, if it is possible that You would give them a better Christmas than me, please do. That would quite honestly make my world.

7 For all the people i care for, mend and build them up in their relationship with You. Count me in this one.

8 For all the people i've met who don't have a relationship with You yet, open doors to let them enter one with You. Show them that now is the perfect time to start.

9 You've blessed me with so much. More than most of the world, in fact! So this one goes out to everyone who might not make it this year. Be with them, provide for them, and let them know the true meaning of Christmas. You know what to do.

10 For me to be able to bless You.

11 Most important, if You could use me to make Your Name shine brighter and brighter to the world, and not only for this Christmas, but for the rest of my life, don't hesitate to show me Your plans.

This is my letter to You, Jesus. Just hope these words from a just turned seventeen-year-old are enough for You.

Your beloved,

Matt

Matt and Raina Adventures

[okay, so this one happened last month, October24, 2009.. after this Raina said that this was her first ever embarrassing moment]

good swimming with kuya Izzy, followed by a really awkward surprise visit to RJ's, then an awesome time sharing before a great breakfast at ChowKing.

okay, so here's what happened.. me and kuya Izzy decided to go swimming today at 6am, and then go out and share Christ to random people right afterwards. our friend, Raina, told us that she also wanted to come along, so since her house was near by the pool, we both decided to pay her a visit. out of her bedroom window came the sleepiest, groggiest face you could get from her. she told us she would just go right after.

so kuya Izzy and i went swimming for a while, and Raina came by with a Bible and a hard boiled egg to eat. since Raina arrived, Izzy and i decided to take our showers to start the day. only problem is, that Izzy forgot his underwear, and decided to go home.

SO, Raina and i decided to pay RJ a visit since his house was really near. it was 7:10am. Raina and i argued a few times over the route to his house, until we finally arrived. we saw our friend, Jobert there, and he told us RJ was still sleeping, and asked if we wanted him to wake RJ up. i told him we would rather have the pleasure of doing so. we went inside the gate, and after a few wet-nosed greetings from their dogs (and having Raina almost jump on my back because of that, if i might add), we came inside the house and found a sleeping RJ resting in their livingroom bed. Raina and i approached the side nearest to him, and then Raina whispered to RJ's ear, "i am your conscience." this got us both laughing for a very short while, but NOTHING could prepare us for what happened next. right after she whispered in RJ's ear, and having him toss and turn after that, one head popped out from right beside RJ, and asked, "huh?"

the sleepy head of RJ's mom looked at both of us straight in the eye from under the covers. Raina and i FROZE in embarrassment, and (after a long pause, so to say,) then explained we came for RJ to have him team up with us for sharing. his mom shook him, and when he woke up, he realized it all wasn't a dream.

Raina and i collapsed, laughing on their sofa, recalling what just happened. after RJ brushed his teeth, we went out and strolled in the park. we were all able to share to a couple of people right before Izzy came back, fresh and ready (if you know what i mean). after sharing to the two people, the four of us split up into two groups, Izzy and RJ composing the first, then me and Raina the second. Raina and i were able to share to four guys from Mabinay, and were just filled to the brim! PTL for this morning! one of them asked us exactly how to receive Jesus, so we led him in prayer.

we then went to ChowKing for breakfast and fellowship and recalled how really great and funny today was.

Raina's perspective:
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=299122380583