The Well that Never Runs Dry

CORE-RELATE!

YouTube video courtesy of 60minutes2relax

"Water covers 71% of the Earth's surface. It is vital for all known forms of life...Only 2.5% of the Earth's water is freshwater, and 98.8% of that water is in ice (excepting ice in clouds) and groundwater. Less than 0.3% of all freshwater is in rivers, lakes, and the atmosphere, and an even smaller amount of the Earth's freshwater (0.003%) is contained within biological bodies and manufactured products." - Wikipedia

The importance of water is as real as the air we breathe. I do not have to look very far to attest to this.

The apartment I grew up in had its own electric water pump but with limited operating hours. There were many times when it got broken and no water would come out of the pump. When water was scarce in the village, I had to (as a young girl) walk with either my aunt or my mom to the nearest water source about 500 meters from our house. We would go back and forth with buckets in our hands until the container in our house was filled with enough water for the following day. To have drinking water, we boiled some of the water we collected and let it cool. Whenever I took a bath, I would stand inside a "catch basin" so that the soapy water can be used to flush the toilet and clean the bathroom.

Through the years as our village's water supply improved, I've never really given much thought about water supply. Wherever I go, be it in a neighbor's house or in the mall, all I need to do is to turn a faucet and water would come out. These days, there are even instances when I do not have to turn a faucet - I simply put my hands under the faucet and water comes out. After I use the toilet, the flush would automatically turn on or I'll just press a tiny button.

Drinking water isn't a problem these days either. Even when many of the natural bodies of water (rivers, lakes and beaches) in my country have fallen prey to the effects of modernization and overpopulation, a good number of our entrepreneurial 'kababayans' (fellow citizens) are making a living with their neighborhood bottled water business.

What about the rest of the world - or Asia? Being a voice for the voiceless, I am prompted to look beyond the coastlines of my own country and take a look at the bigger picture.

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNESDA)'s global project "International Decade for Action - 'Water for Life' 2005-2015' - officially drew to a close last March 22nd. With the goal of stopping the abuse of water resources so that access to safe drinking water and sanitation can be improved all over the world, the UNESDA reported a notable increase in the improvement of water sources since 1990. Still, UNESDA's 2014 report indicated that "28% of the global population that remains unserved," are from the countries of China and India alone.

You'll find it refreshing to know that there are mission-oriented groups who remain passionate in not only providing clean and potable water to communities but also in helping improve the quality of life in the areas they serve. One such group is Gospel for Asia whose initiative, "Jesus Wells" is making a lasting impact in the lives of the families in Asia who have access to, well, a Jesus Well. Consider this infograph:

The UNESDA's decade-long  #WorldWaterDay project may have already been concluded but the mission is far from over. The good news is you and I CAN do something to help the 748 million people gain access to safe and clean water sources. Not only that. Beyond physical wells, Jesus Wells are providing water for the soul from the Well that never runs dry. A proof to this is the story of Karishma and Nirdhar, whose lives were dramatically changed by a Jesus Well.

Imagine how difficult it must be to live a life without access to clean water - without clean water to drink nor bathe with.

Imagine how awful it must be to live in an area without a toilet or not even a latrine.

Imagine the life of a little child who's dying at this very minute because of poor sanitation.

Imagine doing something to help. Well? You CAN do something; you can help save lives with a Jesus Well.

When God Works

CORE-RELATE! The facebook message from my friend Mel A. came in at 10:55pm of February 24. When I've read it, unfortunately, I was too sleepy to understand.

The following morning, I read the message from Mel A. again and found out it was about our friend Mel Z. (whom I call Momsie). I prayerfully sent a reply. Today I found out that my reply was sent on "25 Feb at 06:33."

633. The numbers are so familiar to me. It has been a constant reminder for me on how I should live my life each day: without superstition nor religiosity but only expectant faith.

It has become a habit for me that when I notice these things, I pause for a heart check and see what I've been doing. That day, as I look back, I am humbled to be able to understand 633 a little bit more.

I associate 633 with this verse:

Matthew 6:33New International Version (NIV) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Other versions read "Seek first the kingdom of God..."

God's kingdom. What does God's kingdom look like? What does it mean to seek it first? What does it mean to seek first His righteousness?

It means just that. God's kingdom - God first. And God "who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands." (Acts 17:23-25, in context)

God is knowable. He is reachable. He listens. He speaks. And I can only be thankful that before I've read Mel A.'s facebook message that morning, I've already been with God in prayer. I was able to respond, not react. You see, I'm an emotional person who has a tendency to express, not suppress, whatever emotions I have at the moment. I'm still learning that even when all emotions are alright, "what feels right," isn't necessarily right all the time. Have I not met the LORD in prayer first, I would've panicked even before I finished reading the words "emergency," "operation" and "can't breathe" in context.

But God is good. God is able. And He works in and through us whenever we purposely keep ourselves attuned with Him. I can never over-emphasize the importance of quiet times alone with God each day. When we allow Him to take control - even of our emotions - He works in ways which is for the best of everyone - for His glory - turning what initially looks like bad news into good news, our negative reactions into encouraging responses.

I cannot be more thankful to be affirmed that God, our Faithful Father, "the Alpha and the Omega," "the Beginning and the End," is at work in the lives of my friends from Mel A. to Mel Z., and even before and beyond.

Alice Cooper: The Dichotomy of a Rock Icon

CORE-RELATE!

"Surprise! Alice Cooper is a Christian" read the title of a YouTube video. Frankly, I was not surprised that I was not surprised. Before I saw that video, I've watched heavy metal band Korn's lead guitarist Brian Welch aka "Head" leaving Korn for Jesus. Hey, nothing is impossible!

Let's rewind a little. I woke up one morning, poked on the little brown YouVersion Holy Bible icon on my tablet and read the day's verse: "She bound the scarlet line in the window." (Joshua 2:21). It referred to Rahab, the prostitute, and her red-ribbon agreement with 2 spies so she and her family can be spared. (Read the full story here.)

As I read through Charles Spurgeon's insight on the verse, I was moved to tweet "Let men or devils gaze if they will, the blood is my boast and my song." As if on cue, "Nothing but the blood... nothing but the blood of Jesus..." played on loop in my head. I was reminded of my ardent lover, Jesus Christ, the Lamb who shed his blood and was slain to save me from the guilt of all my sins... for without the shedding of blood, there can be no forgiveness. Jesus, the Lover of my soul. Jesus, my Savior, my Lord, my All.

Radical. I feel a certain angst and excruciating pain mixed with unexplainable gratitude whenever I think of Jesus' blood being shed for me. Its cleansing power... the power to make everything new.

While I waited for "Nothing but the blood" to come 'full stream ahead' I watched Brian "Head" Welch's story and watched his interviews with the 700 Club and CBN. Then it came. Alice Cooper. The shock rock icon.

photo courtesy of Ostlendingen.no

I thought the name "Alice Cooper" was just a fictional character, a cast in a horror movie and nothing more. Well, he's quite a character but I am now convinced that he's for real. In fact, Alice Cooper - the artist, the person - turned 65 last February 5. Today I think of him as a living paradox, a dichotomy that speaks of a power that with man is impossible yet possible with God!

Alice decided not to copy what his mentors did. Though he was an alcoholic for many years and have lived the rock lifestyle day in and day out, he discovered that he didn't have to actually live his act. "I'm the perfect example of the prodigal son," FoxNews quotes him as having said in an  interview. Alice Cooper's faith in Jesus moved him to abandon alcoholism and to be who he is today: a devoted father by "day" and a 'helluva' rock icon at night. Well-meaning people (Christians or otherwise) may find this dichotomy questionable but who are we to judge?

Alice 'prostituted' himself with alcohol, Brian 'prostituted' himself with drugs and I, myself, have 'prostituted' with other worldly loves. But just like Rahab, we have bound the scarlet line on the windows of our house so that not only us, but our entire household, will be saved. Our guarantee is found not in the words of 2 spies but in the words of 2 prisoners - Paul and Silas: "Believe in the LORD JESUS and you will be saved; you and your household." (Acts 16:31).

my fave pic of Alice from bloguez.com

Alice's music bespeak of the issues that most (young) people would rather just hold bottled up in favor of a "nice" reputation. But his words are poignant: "Alice is a character. And between me and the LORD, the LORD knows that." Alice also co-founded a non-profit organization called the Solid Rock for troubled teens in his community in Arizona.

Please pray with me that for as long as God lets him live, Alice Cooper will courageously, steadfastly, faithfully build his house upon Jesus Christ, the true Rock of Ages. Rock on, Alice Cooper!

The Pursuit of Holiness

CORE-RELATE!
Here's a summary of our small group's key learnings from the book by Jerry Bridges .

Holiness is the BIRTHRIGHT of the children of God and is the PERFECTION of all of their Heavenly Father's attributes. Holiness, then, is not an option but a NECESSITY for every follower of Christ. Though God has made provisions through Christ, it is a child of God's RESPONSIBILITY to let his/her heart be held captive by the HOLY SPIRIT - for holiness is not a matter or self-victory but of OBEDIENCE unto the expressed will of God; obedience that is built upon CONVICTION and COMMITMENT to DISCIPLINE one's body not as his/her own but as God's TEMPLE.As a child of God exercises due DILIGENCE to bear over the desires that influence his/her will, the Christian, by God's grace, forms the HABIT of daily, moment by moment dependence upon and cooperation with the HOLY SPIRIT. By FAITH, a child of God is able to draw CONFIDENCE from the Word of God - the BIBLE. Every DECISION that a child of God makes to follow God's Word instead of the world, brings him/her onto PROGRESS in the pursuit of holiness, giving him/her an abundance of joy that only a lifestyle of obedience to God can give.It is only by the grace of God, by faith, that we, the LOVELYs are called children of God. We cannot boast of anything because God's gift of salvation unto us - and for everyone who believes - is free. Individually, we have made a decision to have JESUS CHRIST as our Savior and LORD. We meet every Tuesday nights to know about God, His design, His plan, for His children. Our goal is not just to know 'about' God but to know Him personally thru the Bible, prayer and thru one another's lives. We are not perfect, not yet, but as we have experienced God's love personally, we endeavor to live out and share that love, based on His Word, and pursue a holy life because He who has called us is holy. Life, after all, is not about us but all about God because only in God can we live, and move and have our being and He alone deserves all the glory, honor and praise!! :')) 

Tribal Girl Delivered

CORE-RELATE! I just want to share this eye-opening article from my Inbox courtesy of Gospel for Asia..

http://www.gfa.org/news/articles/tribal-girl-delivered/?cm_mmc=GFA-_-Email-_-377991-_-110118-digest-41

Punchinello Inspiration

CORE-RELATE! Punchinello is a wooden Wemmick who lives in Wemmickville. He's full of gray dot stickers 'awarded' to him by all the folks in their town. Punchinello is what our world today might commonly refer to as a poor, clumsy, good-for-nothing fellow; an outcast, a persona non grata.

The Festival of Stickers in Wemmickville is coming up and two trophies are up for grabs: the shining Star trophy for the Wemmick with the most number of star stickers, and the trophy with the big, gray dot for the one with the most number of, you know it, gray dots. Wemmicktown knows that laughingstock Punchinello will undoubtedly win the hideous trophy.

In Wemmickville, we can also find Lucia, a Wemmick who has no stars nor gray dots. Punchinello is amazed and asks about her. Rumor has it, Lucia goes to see Eli everyday. For most of Wemmickville, Eli is a scary, giant woodcarver. Punchinello didn't know that Lucia knew all about him and wanted him to get to know Eli.

One day, Lucia visits Punchinello at his house and shares with her the secret why stars and gray dots don't stick on her and she tells him about who Eli was. The following day, however, Punchinello forgets about it when he is challenged by the person who has the shiniest coat because of his many stars. The proud character - who, by the way, claims to be humble, tells Punchinello, "Just reach for the star and it's yours." He ties the star to the end of a stick like a bait to a fishing pole, stands at the balcony of the Wemmickville Townhall and beckons Punchinello to come.

Desperate to have that one star, Punchinello climbs up, one box after the other for all of Wemmickville to see. Box after box after box he climbs and just when he was about a pinky finger away from getting hold of the star, his foot slips, he falls, with the boxes toppling after him and pinning him to the ground. The rest of the Wemmicks, true to tradition and culture, sticks gray dots all over poor Punchinello instead of helping him stand up.

That evening, Punchinello throws away all the gray dots and stars he has gathered in two boxes and decides to go see Eli. Punchinello was scared and wanted to back out but just when he was about to turn, he hears a voice gently calling out his name, "Punchinello."

Next is the conversation that ensues:

ELI: Come and let me have a good look at you.
PUNCHINELLO: You know my name.
ELI: Of course I do, I made you. (seats Punchinello on a wooden block) Hmm.. looks like you've been given some bad marks.
PUNCHINELLO (frantic): I didn't mean to, Eli. I really tried hard.
ELI: You don't have to defend yourself to Me, child. I don't care what the other Wemmicks think.
PUNCHINELLO: You don't?
ELI: No, and you shouldn't either. Who are they to get stars or dots? They're Wemmicks, just like you. What they think doesn't matter, Punchinello. All that matters is what I think. And I think, you are pretty special.
PUNCHINELLO: Me, special, why? (bashful) I can't climb very high, I can't skip stones, my paint is peeling, why would I matter to you?
ELI: Because you're Mine. That's why you matter to Me.
PUNCHINELLO: I don't know what to say.
ELI: Everyday I've been hoping you'd come.
PUNCHINELLO: I came because I met someone who had no marks.
ELI: I know. She told me all about you.
PUNCHINELLO: Why don't stickers stay on her?
ELI: Because she has decided that what I think is more important than what they think. The stickers only stick if you let them.
PUNCHINELLO: Why?
ELI: The stickers only stick if they matter to you. The more you trust My love, the less you care about the stickers.
PUNCHINELLO: I'm not sure I understand.
ELI: You will but it will take time - you've got lots of marks. For now, just come to see me everyday and let Me remind you how much I care.
PUNCHINELLO: Thanks, Eli. (prepares to leave)
ELI: Remember you are special because I made you. And I don't make mistakes.
PUNCHINELLO (outside Eli's house): I think he really means it. (a gray dot falls off Punchinello's clothing.)

I can't help but liken the world today to Wemmickville. How many of us think of God as a scary, giant woodcarver whom we cannot personally talk to, whose house is beyond reach, up there on the hill? How many of us are so preoccupied with gathering the stars that our fellow Wemmicks will stick onto us, and be so downhearted when we get gray dots instead? Does what "the others" say matter to us?

When we see a badly fallen Punchinello in the tiny four corners of the world we call school, office, home or church, how quick are we to give out gray dots and condemn instead of lending out a hand to help him up?

How many of us -- especially those amongst us who "proudly" call themselves Christians -- are willing to be a Lucia and reach out and share our Creator's love with those who need it most? How many of us are willing to sacrifice our own comfort zones, to "risk" our reputation and not care about what "the others" might think just so we can genuinely (and without expecting anything in return) make someone feel valued and special?

Our Creator knows each and everyone of us by name. He knows our minds. He knows our hearts. He is not affected by other people's view of us; He knows everything about us and even the very hairs on our head are numbered. He always knows what is best for us.

I, too, have been guilty of either being too preoccupied about my stars that I failed to recognize other people have their own stars too. What's worse is, at one point or another, I, too, have been guilty of sticking gray dots on someone else.

The good news is, the mistakes we've done to ourselves and the mistakes done to us by others do not affect the Best Plan that God has carved for us. Yes, we are all Wemmicks to the eyes of the Master Woodcarver yet for each of us He has tailor-fitted a story entirely and uniquely our own. It is only when we learn to trust His love that we are set free from the 'pressure' of what the world thinks about us. It is only when what God thinks of us matters most to us that people's opinion of us won't hold water.

"The stickers only stick if you let them...And I don't make mistakes." Two important statements from the Woodcarver. I also take those as two loving reminders from my Creator and Loving Father. You can make them yours, too.

WANTED: KAPAYAPAAN

CORE-RELATE!

If you think that because I am a committed follower of Jesus Christ and madly, deeply, passionately in love with the Lover of my souls, I will be "spared" from any kind of physical or even emotional discomfort, think again.

I want to shoot this arrow straight to the heart of every person who's reading this: YOU are NOT immune from disappointment, discouragement, pain, hardships and trials if you become a Christian (if you're not one yet). BUT the difference would be borne out of this one thing: YOUR HEART. "Surrendering" to Jesus, contrary to popular opinion, is not a passive choice. It is an active, willful decision (heart AND mind) to put everything in the hands of a Sovereign, Omnipotent God who KNOWS all things and is NOT surprised at the choices we make.

"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure, who can understand it?"

True, we can never fully understand "matters of the heart," simply because we are sinful beings since birth. We are "wired" to be connected to the Vine so we can "successfully" go through (and enjoy) our earthly existence. Otherwise, we rot into insignificance.

A few months ago, we transferred to a house located in Novaliches. I was "in denial" to say that it's in Quezon City (gives me the illusion of nearness) when geographically, it is in Caloocan. I used to 'live' about 15minutes (30minutes the most) from my workplace before the transfer but nowadays, I have to give at least 3 hours allowance so I can get pressureless-ly to Eastwood City.

A minute of tardiness for me these days would merit termination because I am (still) employed by the company on a 'mercy' note. I could have been sacked last month but instead of termination, they gave me "stern final warning. Talk about "pressure."

I must confess that since I entered the call centre industry, I've been angry more frequently. I tried to analyze the source and it boils down to one reason: control. To say that I am not concerned about my AHT (average handling time) is hypocrisy. I am thankful that the "anger" is confined within the corners of my workstation and that my team manager is supportive and understanding of my struggle.

(This has gone far longer than the original transcript, but anyhow, if you'd still allow me to be with you in the next few minutes, thank you. ^_^)

The moment I recognized the source of my anger, I made a conscious effort to be on guard for "warning signals." I mind my tone, the heat in my earlobes and the palpitation of my heart. I wrote words in my Notepad to help me counter this "vicious" emotion.

I put words like: "Forsake anger in favor of forgiveness," as I've learned from Charles Stanley, and verses like "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry." "Anger resides in the laps of fools." "In your anger, do not sin.."

From time to time, I am also reminded of this square sticker I see whenever I traverse the public market on the way home. Such sticker has letters big enough for a person with 150/150 myopic vision to see from afar: "WANTED:KAPAYAPAAN."

What really is KAPAYAPAAN (PEACE)?

Let's play word association and perhaps the following would come up: SILENCE. QUIETNESS. SOLITUDE. CEASEFIRE. DOWNTIME. CHILLAX. VACATION. ME-TIME. PEACE OF MIND. Perhaps you may even visualize the spectrum of DUSK and DAWN.

But how about "A heart at peace"? Have you imagined what that looks like?

"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Proverbs 14:30

"A heart at peace gives LIFE to the body," because a heart at peace DOES NOT ENVY. A heart at peace is confident of its identity and it actually REJOICES with the success of others, not threatened by them.

A heart at peace is optimistic. It does not bank on a false sense of hope but on the UNSHAKABLE TRUTH of the sovereignty of a prayer-hearing, prayer-answering God who knows what's best for it.

A heart at peace isn't lonely. A person can be in the midst of friends and loved ones yet still feel lost and lonely but a heart at peace is comfortable in solitude, communing with its Maker moment by moment each day, walking by faith and not by sight.

A heart at peace knows to Whom it belongs. At the end of the day, a heart at peace may have had to deal with some discouragement and disappointment but its firm resolve drives it to continue doing what it ought to do: to supply blood and oxygen to the rest of the Body.

A heart at peace is generous with forgiveness. It chooses not to be bitter but to be gracious in defeat and humble in victory. It turns foes into allies because a heart at peace quiets itself even when it wants so much to speak up and defend itself.

A heart at peace is not afraid. It steps out of the boat and walks on water, knowing fully well that arm-in-arm with its Creator, it can never sink in the waters of failure.

A heart at peace does not grumble or complain.

A heart at peace waits. For it recognizes that God's timing is always perfect though man might think otherwise.

A heart at peace overflows with joy. It acknowledges the reality around it -- all the pain and suffering and injustice and immorality prevalent in the world -- and chooses not to wallow in them but to take action through prayer for a heart at peace knows fully well that the very reason it exists is to stay connected with the Vine.

A heart at peace is radiant with Love for it has been washed clean by the precious blood of its Lover.

A heart at peace is after the heart of God -- and is unashamed to let the world around it know. For a heart at peace, though a work in progress, knows fully well that there is NO OTHER way to live a truly purposeful, meaningful life than to stay connected with the Vine. (Haven't I already said that?)

Oh, my dear heart, are you at peace?

Belting It Out

CORE-RELATE!

I'm not a "belter" in terms of vocal range, nor do I hold a "belt" in Taekwondo. I live, however, in a country that's near the "earthquake belt," and whether I'm thankful, happy, frustrated, overwhelmed, disappointed, or even confused, I belt out everything through prayer.

Incidentally, I also need a new belt. I've been using a belt that's been "handed down" to me and it's already worn out around the holes and the edges. I've been meaning to buy one for the last couple of months but for some reason, I tend to forget.

What are belts made for? They're created for the purpose of binding something or preventing something from falling off, right? With the exception of the huge 'fashionista' belts we have these days which are used as ornaments (or at times, to hide bulging bellies), the word "belt" is usually associated with the waist, right?

God really has His own unique way of communicating with His children and He knows that I need a belt. And since He wants me to know that He knows that, He wanted me to see a belt beyond what it's truly worth and taught me a valuable object lesson in Jeremiah 13:1-11.

John Maxwell says Jeremiah was considered "a meddler and a traitor" by the people in his time. Well, what response can you give to a man who speaks of 'critical evaluation' but not salvation? It's usually easy to point out other people's faults, but to be told to look inwardly and make a self-evaluation? I will most likely get a response like "Back off, Ancore," or "Let's not get personal."

Anyway. Jeremiah was "called" by God at a young age and is known today in Christian circles as the weeping prophet because of the many times he cried out to God due to the stubbornness of the people in his time - and the judgment that awaited them because of their hardened hearts.

One time, God instructed Jeremiah to buy a linen belt (or sash/waistband/shorts in other versions), use it, but to make sure it doesn't get wet. Jeremiah, being obedient, did as the Lord directed him and put the belt around his waist.

Now, on Jeremiah 13:3, we see Jeremiah obeying the Lord's instruction the second time regarding the belt - but it was kinda ridiculous: he took the belt he bought (and was wearing around his waist) and went to Perath and "hid it in a crevice in the rocks."

These days, if God were to tell me, "Ancore, go and buy yourself a new belt." Of course, I'd be happy to do that - because God knows I really, really need a new belt. It doesn't have to be expensive, and it doesn't have to be linen -- but I want it to be at least functional and fashionable. But if He tells me, alright take off that belt and hide it under the rocks, geez, in all honesty, I would ask God for a confirmation if that really came from Him. I am still a masterpiece-in-progress and I'm still in the process of learning to fully trust God and not to doubt His instructions for me.

So, on with the story. So Jeremiah hides the linen belt under the rock, and many days after, he gets another instruction from God: go back to Perath and dig up the belt He told him to hide there.

Jeremiah, of course, obeys and guess what he finds? He found the belt, alright, just where he hid it but then "it was ruined and completely useless." (Jeremiah 13:7)

Through the belt, God taught Jeremiah about pride and disobedience - especially of the people in Judah and Jerusalem. In verses 10-11 of Jeremiah 13, we read God's object lesson using the ruined belt: "In the same way I will ruin the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem. These wicked people, who refuse to listen to My words, who follow the stubbornness of their hearts and go after other gods to serve and worship them, will be like this belt - completely useless! For as a belt is bound around a man's waist, so I bound the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to Me...to be My people for My renown and praise and honor. But they have not listened."

How is the belt lesson relevant to us today? Simple. We were created by God for Himself, His glory, His "renown and praise and honor." If we choose to live our lives without Him (or 'hiding' ourselves under the rocks), not listening to His instructions - and not heeding them - we would live utterly purposeless, useless lives that seem to be going nowhere and most probably lead to our eternal destruction. All the pleasures we will "enjoy" will only be temporary and we will never be truly, fully satisfied.

God's love is like the belt, suspender, or seat belt that would keep us from harm. He will hold us through the most trying times - even through temptation and He has shown us that it is actually possible for us to overcome temptation - and even death - through sending us JESUS, His Son, to die for us and our sins. I don't know with you, but for me, JESUS is not just the most important in my life; HE IS my life. Without Christ, my "life" was mediocre, pointless and filled with an endless 'longing' for approval. When I made my commitment unto Him and willingly decided that there is no turning back, I've seen that this is the only life that leaves no room for regrets but only joyful expectation. I find my identity, my sustenance and my security in Him. He's got me fully covered.

Why don't you claim your salvation belt in Jesus today? Satisfaction definitely (and infinitely) guaranteed.

Don't Mind the (Political) Ads

CORE-RELATE!

Geez. I have a 'problem' with ads on my blog. I don't mind ads per se. I just don't like those "candidate" ads. Don't mind them, please. I am not in the least endorsing any presidential candidate. I am praying for a president-to-be but I am not campaigning for any one of them.

Anyway, none of us is spared from problems and I've learned the hard way. But God is so good, for these days, I don't even know what it "feels" to be problematic. There are bills and debts to be paid, our rent payment is only up until April so we have to transfer before May, my mom has a myriad of sicknesses, I have mitral valve prolapse, my uncle has myeloma, I don't have my own room, my nephew doesn't have a nanny... If I think of all these things (and countless other 'small' stuff) and burden myself with them, I probably won't be able to smile. But what's amazing is, I am able to encourage and comfort those who need to be encouraged and comforted. I am able to provide 'help' to those who need some kind of 'help' and most of all, I am able to laugh a hearty laugh in the midst of everything. I am able, not on my own, but only with Him and through Him who enables me.

Contrary to skeptics, I am not in denial. My eyes are very much open to the realities all around me -- even the earthquakes that have been happening around the globe, and the incessant corruption and mudslinging that some politicians resort to just to lift themselves up. I am aware of the high rate of AIDS in BPOs in the Philippines, particularly call centers, the very industry I'm involved in. I see the increasing rate of gays, lesbians and transgendered people all over the metro. I see non-married individuals dating married people. Expletives are considered part of the language, drinking and smoking is the norm. Telling a lie is acceptable.

I know all these, yet there's still much more that I do not know. But I choose not to fret over what I don't know and choose not to sweat over what I do know.

I am a CHRISTian. Although this puts me in a 'position' to rebuke those who also call themselves Christians, this doesn't put me in a position to condemn nor judge anyone. My "human job description," as Max Lucado puts it, is to "reflect God's glory," and is, to usher people - souls - to Heaven through two simple rules: to Love God above all and to love others as I love myself. Loving others as myself is quite difficult, I admit, but as I learn to love God more each day, the more I learn how to love others as He loves me.

I am in an Open Relationship with JESUS and this, I'd like to clarify, not for my sake but for the sake of my God who forgave me, healed me, and released me from my self-made prison of sin: God sent His only Son, JESUS CHRIST, as atoning sacrifice for ALL the sins I've committed. He covered me with His precious blood and when I called out to Him for forgiveness and help, He welcomed me with open arms, washed me clean and gave me a new heart. He loves my soul and He renews me everyday. He hears my prayers and though He doesn't always answer them the way I want, He enables me to trust Him without a shadow of doubt that He knows a lot better than I do and that He is in control. He continues to assure me that the Father's faithfulness never fails and His mercies are new every morning. What He says, He does. What He promises, He fulfills.

GOD wants YOU to have a meaningful and abundant life in Him as well! He has a wonderful plan for YOUR life, and He wants to have a relationship with YOU, through His Son, JESUS Christ, who is The Way, The Truth and the Life, for no one comes to God except through Him.

More to welcoming ANYone in this Open Relationship, my deepest desire is for YOU, if you're not in a relationship with JESUS yet, to get up close and personal with JESUS as well. It's as simple as ABC: Admit that you've messed up your life - that you're a sinner and you can't save yourself. Believe that God's Son, JESUS, died for YOU because He loves you and you need Him to save you. Choose and claim God's forgiveness and His gift of eternal life and walk closely with Him, obeying Him, from this day forward.

Your prayer can be something like this:
"Dear Jesus, You know all things and You know me a lot better than I know myself. I believe I've messed up so many times and right now, I ask You to forgive me for my doubts, my worries and fears and for doing things my way instead of Your way. I am a loser without You and so I now turn away from my sins. I cannot do this alone. Thank You for dying on the Cross for me, for shedding your blood for my sins, for showing me there is life after death. I now receive You into my heart as my LORD and Savior and claim Your gift of eternal life. Help me to be the kind of person that You want me to be."

GOD knows your heart. The 'secret' is not in the prayer itself but is in you - in your faith that God has, indeed, forgiven you and has given you a new slate TODAY. It all starts from there. What to do next? Tell someone about it and let's celebrate!

"If anyone is in CHRIST, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

As for all the politicians and candidates for government offices out there, let me exhort you with the words of the Teacher in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."

My Why

CORE-RELATE!

Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." In Hindi: रोमांस ६:२३ "फॉर थे वागेस ऑफ़ सिं इस देअथ बुत थे गिफ्ट ऑफ़ गोद इस एतेर्नल लाइफ इन च्रिस्ट जेसुस ओउर लोर्ड."


The basic difference between 'wages' and 'gift' pretty much relies on how it is obtained or granted. Wages are paid for work done. A gift, on the other hand, is something that is freely given not necessarily because it is deserved but because the giver wants to express love and make the recipient feel that he/she is valued; the recipient doesn't have to pay for the gift to have it - the giver has already paid for that gift.

This is the basic "Why" for almost everything that I do. "Almost" because I'm not yet perfected and sometimes I falter and tend to do the right things for the wrong reasons. For some people, it may seem that I do things for myself; yet little do they know that - most of the time - I do it just to share my love for someone who's very dear to my heart - someone whom I really love more than anything else. Everyday, I want that person to know how much I value him in my life and how much I desire for people to meet him and know him through me.

I cannot see myself living without him. Since the day I've made a commitment that I will never ever turn my back on him, I knew that it was for keeps.

He has shown me how faithful he is in keeping his promises and he has never failed to remind me to just relax and be thankful for everything that comes my way - whether negative or positive.

Things sometimes seem to get a little out of hand but knowing that he loves me makes me ease up and look forward to the moment when I can be totally alone with him again.

My day isn't complete without him. We get to talk a lot. Even during my busiest hours, being reminded of him or something that he said gives me the assurance that everything will be alright.

He never fails to surprise me. He really knows me - even my weaknesses and my darkest secrets, he knows all of them. Yet he never condemned me for even one of my frailties and shortcomings.

Not so long ago, we - rather, I - fell apart and I decided to do things on my own. I told him I didn't need him, that I can survive without him. It's not that I'm better off without him; I just wanted to do things my way. Well, I thought I was doing fine until I realized how lonely, ostracized, seduced and terminal I was.

I found no one else to turn to. Yes, there were people, things, activities which helped me to some extent, made me feel a little better, but none of them can match the serenity I had when I found him again. Or rather, he found me.

He found me and I was never the same. People didn't notice it at first, but I knew that something has happened in my heart when I held his hand again after a long time. My hand perfectly fit in his and I just couldn't imagine ever letting go again.

As I walk through each day of what remains of my life here on earth, I must say he has taught me how to be content in any and every situation. In his absence, he has made me experience what it was to be in need, and what it is to have plenty with him. He has taught me the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. He has made me see that I can do everything through him who gives me strength; whose strength is made perfect in my weakness; whose foolishness is wiser than my wisdom, whose weakness is stronger than my strength.

He endured hardship and pain and laid down his life for me so I can be where I am right now. Would you believe me when I tell you that he died for me? He did. I don't think anyone in this lifetime can do that for me, a sinner who doesn't even deserve to be alive. But he healed me by his wounds, redeemed me, restored me, cleansed me with his blood and made me come alive with his unconditional love.

My words can never be enough to tell you everything I know about him and what I experience with him. Knowing him intimately is the best thing that has happened in my life and it is my desire that you get to know him, too.

You see, though outwardly I'm wasting away, inwardly he is renewing me day by day. His love sustains me and I can't imagine going through a minute without him. He isn't a crutch, as some would say he is. He is my all in all. And he has made me his. He knows me from the inside out and there is nothing I can hide from him. Even without my asking, he knows what I need. He provides - and with him I never lack any good thing.

JESUS CHRIST. That's who He is. My Lord and Savior. The Lover of my soul. My Bridegroom. My Prince of peace. My Healer. My Redeemer. My Forever Friend. My Comfort. My Shelter. My Refuge. My Shield. My Strong Tower. My Hope. My Life. My God. My King. My Everything. My Why. जेसुस च्रिस्ट. ठाट'स व्हो हे इस. माय लोर्ड एंड सविओर. थे लोवर ऑफ़ माय सौल. माय ब्रिदेग्रूम. माय प्रिंस ऑफ़ पास. माय हेअलेर. माय रेदीमेर. माय फोरेवर फ्रेंड. माय कोम्फोर्ट. माय शेल्टर. माय रेफुगे. माय शिएल्ड. माय स्ट्रोंग तोवेर. माय होप. माय लाइफ. माय गोद. माय किंग. माय एवेर्य्थिंग. माय वही.

His love is the most wonderful gift I've ever received and I live my life each day with the goal of sharing that gift to anyone who's willing to listen. No strings attached, absolutely no fees to be collected. Totally free. But it doesn't come cheap. It all starts from there.

Getting Better

CORE-RELATE!

Recovery is for everybody.. but it is not easy. We all have addictions of some sort. "We are powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable." We think we're OK but the truth is, we all need help in order to become the people that we were made to be. The question is, do we recognize and accept the FACT that we are powerless without GOD, without CHRIST at the center of our lives?

This is not about religion. Admit it, we all know there is a God out there. Not all of us just want to believe that Truth; somehow most of us would say we actually know Him.

When we say we know Him, how well do we really know Him? Do we know Him personally to know exactly what pleases Him and what doesn't? When we say we love Him, do we live our lives in a way that reflects His unconditional love, His mercy, His grace? How much time in our 24hours in a day do we spend getting to know Him, conversing with Him, or even consulting Him for the decisions we have to make? Is He even part of our plans for today? This week? Next week? Next month? Next year?

When we know for certain that it is Him who is tugging at our hearts, what steps do we take? Do we just pretend as if nothing's happening, that we don't - in the least - even feel the slightest tinge of 'conscience' telling us to go the other way instead of the way we 'badly' want to pursue?

We all have addictions of some sort that hinder us from becoming the people that God has designed us to be and from doing the exact purpose He has sent us on earth for. It is only when we accept that there is indeed a problem that needs to be solved, a sickness that needs to be cured, a hurt that has to be healed, a habit that has to be stopped or a hang-up that needs to be thrown away - that recovery can begin.

I have taken that initial step.

And I know - and believe - I will just keep getting better.

"What does it actually mean to take up the cross?"

The last thing I would want to do is play a game of dice or hide-and-seek Christianity and be mediocre all my life, living a life of compromise. God has called me to do something else and I know by heart that no other power can be stronger than the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the life of every true believer. (At this point I ask myself: Am I true believer, dear God?)

I must confess that there were moments when I doubted if God really existed - if He, indeed, doesn't show favoritism but I would wake up 'each new day' thankful that He gave me another chance to submit to Him and walk with Him every step along the way.

I am not my own, God bought me for a price. He would always remind me of this, especially on those days when I felt like disappearing into thin air, like never having been born would be a whole lot better than 'pressing on.' Tsk, tsk.

The price that God "paid" for my salvation comes easy to everyone yet it is never cheap. I know, by faith, He doesn't want any distractions - and neither do I. As I am a WIP (work-in-progress), I endeavor to cut off any and all things, activities or relationships which may hinder me from moving forward with Jesus, the Lover of my soul.

Luke 14:27 reads, "²⁷And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple." (NKJV). Now, what does it actually mean to bear one's cross"? The way I undertand it, taking up the cross is dying to oneself and putting God's purpose ahead of everything else -- even when it hurts. It's actually a question that's been on my mind for quite some time and just a few minutes ago, I 'stumbled' upon the answer in Part Ten of 'A Comprehensive Course in Effective Counseling' from the Advanced Training Institute International. Believe it or not, I found such material in the NXTGen stockroom when I did some cleaning a few months back, and it was included in the many bunches of paper for disposal. Truly, nothing is ever wasted in God's Kingdom -- He made sure that one of His children finds it and makes good use of it. So, here, I am sharing it with anyone who may have been wondering if he/she has been taking up his/her cross the way God has intended it to be:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TAKING UP THE CROSS MEANS...
... to shoulder a burden that will be the means of our death
... expending energy that we know is not sufficient for the task
... full submission to the human authorities our Heavenly Father places over us
... following directions given to us, rather than choosing our own way
... unavoidable exposure to public ridicule and mocking
... misunderstanding and rejection by those we love and serve
... quiet endurance of false accusations
... the pain of hunger and thirst in place of self-indulgence
... intense grief and sorrow for those who reject God and His ways
... carrying the responsibility of our aging parents until their death
... having our personal possessions taken from us and given to others
... crying out to God in personal agony
... having our words distorted and thrown back at us in derision
... loss of our privacy and having our lives open before a scrutinizing world
... being associated with people who are despised by the world
... going through experiences in which we feel that God has forsaken us
... looking beyond present circumstances to future rewards
... having our most trusted friends join with our enemies
... having our appearances damaged by cruel abuse
... providing an example that will impact the city, nation and world

There comes a point in every believer's life when he must choose to die to himself and take up his 'cross,' or else he will not be able to withstand the pressures and temptations that will certainly come into his life. This point of no return, this embracing of a 'productive death,' is a prerequisite to understanding our life calling. It not only provides the power of God but is also the basis of conquering Satan. 'And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.' (Revelation 12:11)"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"And He said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23

The true cost of discipleship is the message of the cross. Do you serve to be served in return or for recognition and appreciation or because you love the only One who makes every serving opportunity possible? God knows the motives behind each and every act of kindness, good deed and 'obedience.' At the end of your life, when He examines your heart, would He be telling you without a doubt, "Well done, my good and faithful servant," or would He be telling you, "I do not know you"?

I still have a looong way to go to be assured of a "Well done..." but one thing I'm sure of is this: a true Christian loves UNCONDITIONALLY, seeks to serve and not to be served and thinks of OTHERS FIRST rather than oneself.

Challenged? Don't be. I challenge no one but myself.

catch me if you can?

on my way home from a few hours of 'promisedland' moments a couple of nights ago, i had the rare privilege of learning something about leadership.

we were on a convoy, heading out from the 'recesses' of campo trexo to manila..

the lead car's driver was driving so fast, we almost lost him twice. we tried to catch up with him and it is on one of the last few left turns that we almost got hit by a speeding car. right at that moment, i muttered in my breath, "thank God!"

saying that we missed death by a thin hairline could be an understatement, but i don't want to dwell so much on the mishap that could have ensued -- if our driver was so intent on following the lead driver's pace.

i was reminded of John Maxwell's words in 'The Maxwell Leadership Bible': "If you call yourself a Christian, you are called to lead others."

i am not so much of a leader, i am still growing on the area of self-leadership. i was given, however, the task of shepherding my family -- including my mom -- into a growing relationship with Jesus. i also take it as part of my 'responsibility' as a Christian to share Jesus with my closest friends. as i have learned that God is after not my religion but my intimate, personal relationship with Him, i have learned that leading others to a knowledge of His merciful love and never-ending grace entails one big C: COMPASSION.

the way i understand things, pretty much in the same way that it isn't healthy to dwell on the hurts of our past, it is also not that helpful to rest on the laurels of our spiritual victories.

it is a privilege to have been "saved by grace, by faith.." and as i "lead" others to Christ, i am always reminded to pace WITH them and not let them put up with me. i am guilty of sometimes being too deep to be grasped, sometimes so self-righteous and when that happens, i am grateful to be reminded to humble myself in God's eyes.

the Christian's race "against" the world, though an endurance race, is not about who finishes first. it is a lifestyle of training and pacing with siblings in the faith, helping one another up and encouraging one another: not one of comparison, competition or "catch me if you can" spirituality.

what i really loved learning that night was the fact that it also helps to know CLEARLY who we are following. we were following the right car just before that nearly-fatal-left turn but at some point during the long drive, for some unknown reason, we lost track of him and followed the wrong one!

in my walk with God, He has blessed me with people who pray for me, pray with me and tell me up front when i seem so frazzled and need to loosen up. when i lose my focus and tend to be looking at the wrong picture (or model) of leadership, i am reminded:

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2-3)

JESUS gave out the invitation, "Come, follow Me." but never did He say.. "catch Me if you can," did He?

JESUS became man Himself yet, when He was here, He "did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant," (Philippians 2:6-7).

with these, i rest.

not so serious..

i do not consider myself witty and neither do i consider myself as someone who can move you to tears over a coreny yet well-delivered joke. nope. i'm just not it.

but i can be really talkative. and i can really be very serious when i talk about my passion, my "what drives me."

my passion drives me to excel. it drives me to perform. it drives me to go the extra mile. it drives me to extend a helping hand, to provide a comforting nudge, to give out a hint of acknowledgment, to... love.

i love. perhaps the word that has been closest to my heart since i knew how to read and write was love. i knew it even way before i myself have been 'asked' to define it. i have been blessed with love ALL my life yet sadly there were times when my view of love was distorted. i became selfish and... self-vindictive at the same time. i took pride in "getting" a fair share. i wallowed in an unseemingly unquenchable thirst for fulfillment. i lived a lie.

but now no more. i must say that it really feels GREAT to be free. i am not happy, i am GLAD to be free.. to be controlled yet not strangled, to be accountable yet not surveilled.

serious? i can't believe what i've just written but i guess, that's everything there is in my heart at this very moment.

i'm dumbfounded yet rattling, babbling at the same time.

must be love... made anew.

thank you, lee layson, for being God's instrument. i will forever be grateful to the Father for you, my beloved friend.

thank you, momsie melanie, for covering me with your prayers, your love and your godly counsel.

thank You, Dear God, for my family, and for guiding me, protecting me and sending me people with whom i can share Your most wondrous, merciful, "pure, holy and blameless" kind of love.

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
-2 Corinthians 5:17

Queer Eye for the Gay Straight

CORE-RELATE!

A few hours ago, I had the privilege of joining my D-group (discipleship group) in visiting an event organized by our church's Living Free Ministry. The event, "Taking the Straight Journey," was a retreat for people with homosexual tendencies. I was truly blessed by the good number of gay and lesbian people who went to the retreat. Whatever reason they had for joining, I just knew in my heart that such an event was a milestone for humble souls.

Let me make it clear that I am not "anti-gay" or "anti-lesbianism," but I DO NOT condone the indiscretions that bespeak of homosexuality. I think that most of you will agree with me that even if not all same-sex relationships are of the sexual kind, most of them are interlaced with sexual practices that are "beyond normal."

You might say, hey wake up, its 2008 and things have changed. Same-sex marriage (and divorce) is already a widely-exercised legal privilege in California and only God knows which states (or countries) will follow suit.

Yeah, you're right. Things have changed. Global warming is a continuing issue that's as hot as the next celebrity who's "coming out of the closet." Even "tough guys" wear pink nowadays and it's really to one's own disadvantage if he doesn't know how to think out of the box.

"Out of the box." Inasmuch as we can't put God inside a box when we pray, we also cannot think "out of the box," when it comes to obeying His commandments. Sin is a sin when it comes to God and even if He isn't a cosmic kill-joy nor legalistic, He makes it very clear that He "disciplines those he loves." (Proverbs 3:12) And God's design for sex or copulation is between a male and a female.

As I grow deeper in my faith walk, knowing more about God, His nature, His love and His promises, I learn to appreciate the Ten Commandments more. It seems much easier nowadays to consider that they aren't really so difficult to follow. Of course, I still have the tendency to sin but obeying God's commands now is more exciting and much doable for me because I know that the "rod of correction," is actually a blessing in disguise if I ever give in to sin. But, of course, I choose to avoid sin at all costs, knowing that God's discipline (although borne out of His love), is something not to be taken lightly. The penalty for sin is death and the salvation of one's soul is a free gift that doesn't come cheap because innocent Life has been shed for it.

I am honored - blessed - to see transformed people in the retreat, knowing that not only have they chosen the "road less-traveled," but they are also sharing the kind of peace and satisfaction that they received when they came to know -- and accepted -- their own sinfulness and surrendered their lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Sure, they may be a little more in touch with their hearts than your "average joe," or may be a little tougher than the "next-door girl," but as they have decided to "take the straight journey" of living a purposeful, Christ-centered life, they are now living their lives, not being the kind of gay that most people in this world perceive, but a human being who's gay in the Lord because he has Jesus in his heart, looking forward to a promising future that God has planned for His children.

"Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." -- Hebrews 12:9-11

Now here's a question you may want to 'research' on: "Can a person who calls himself a Christian remain homosexual?" You may be surprised to find that the answer, the Truth, has been there all along.

a movie quote

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." -- Marianne Williamson as quoted by Timo Cruz (Rick Gonzalez) in "Coach Carter"

To all of my siblings in Christ, may the Power in us always be so strong that it overflows and becomes contagious... may the Light of God's love always move us to bless others with our gifts... may we always be confident in what He can do through our heartfelt obedience! Spread the Good News! Do not quench the Holy Spirit's fire!!

"7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

 8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time," -

2 Timothy 1:7-9

a reminder to share...

thank God for copy-paste...


Undiscerned Spiritual Pride
by Jonathan Edwards
(from SermonIndex.net)

The first and worst cause of error that prevails in our day is spiritual pride. This is the main door by which the devil comes into the hearts of those who are zealous for the advancement of Christ. It is the chief inlet of smoke from the bottomless pit to darken the mind and mislead the judgment, and the main handle by which Satan takes hold of Christians to hinder a work of God. Until this disease is cured, medicines are applied in vain to heal all other diseases.

Pride is much more difficult to discern than any other corruption because, by nature, pride is a person having too high a thought of himself. Is it any surprise, then, that a person who has too high a thought of himself is unaware of it? He thinks the opinion he has of himself has just grounds and therefore is not too high. As a result, there is no other matter in which the heart is more deceitful and unsearchable. The very nature of it is to work self-confidence and drive away any suspicion of evil respecting itself.

Pride takes many forms and shapes and encompasses the heart like the layers of an onion- when you pull off one layer, there is another underneath. Therefore, we need to have the greatest watch imaginable over our hearts with respect to this matter and to cry most earnestly to the great searcher of hearts for His help. He who trusts his own heart is a fool.

Since spiritual pride in its own nature is secretive, it cannot be well discerned by immediate intuition of the thing itself. It is best identified by its fruits and effects, some of which I will mention together with the contrary fruits of Christian humility.

The spiritually proud person is full of light already and feels that he does not need instruction, so he is ready to despise the offer of it. On the other hand, the humble person is like a little child who easily receives instruction. He is cautious in his estimate of himself, sensitive as to how liable he is to go astray. If it is suggested to him that he does go astray, he is most ready to inquire into the matter.

Proud people tend to speak of other’s sins--the miserable delusion of hypocrites, the deadness of some saints with bitterness, or the opposition to holiness of many believers. Pure Christian humility, however, is silent about the sins of others or speaks of them with grief and pity. The spiritually proud person finds fault with other saints for their lack of progress in grace, while the humble Christian sees so much evil in his own heart, and is so concerned about it, that he is not apt to be very busy with other hearts. He complains most of himself and his own spiritual coldness and readily hopes that most everybody has more love and thankfulness to God than he.

Spiritually proud people often speak of almost everything they see in others in the harshest, most severe language. They frequently say of an other’s opinion, conduct, or coldness that it is from the devil or from hell. Commonly, their criticism is directed against not only wicked men but also toward true children of God and those who are their superiors. The humble, however, even when they have extraordinary discoveries of God’s glory, are overwhelmed with their own vileness and sinfulness. Their exhortations to fellow Christians are given in a loving and humble manner, and they treat others with as much humility and gentleness as Christ, who is infinitely above them, treats them.

Spiritual pride often disposes persons to act different in external appearance, to assume a different way of speaking, countenance, or behavior. However, the humble Christian, though he will be firm in his duty--going the way of heaven alone even if all the world forsake him- yet he does not delight in being different for difference’s sake. He does not try to set himself up to be viewed and observed as one distinguished, but on the contrary, is disposed to become all things to all men, to yield to others, to conform to them, and to please them in all but sin.

Proud people take great notice of opposition and injuries, and are prone to speak often about them with an air of bitterness or contempt. Christian humility, on the other hand, disposes a person to be more like his blessed Lord, who when reviled did not open His mouth but committed Himself in silence to Him who judges righteously. For the humble Christian, the more clamorous and furious the world is against him, the more silent and still he will be, unless it is in his prayer closet, and there he will not be still.

Another pattern of spiritually proud people is to behave in ways that make them the focus of others. It is natural for a person under the influence of pride to take all the respect that is paid to him. If others show a disposition to submit to him and yield in deference to him, he is open to it and freely receives it. In fact, they come to expect such treatment and to form an ill opinion of those who do not give them what they feel they deserve.

One under the influence of spiritual pride is more apt to instruct others than to ask questions. Such a person naturally puts on the airs of a master. The eminently humble Christian thinks he needs help from everybody, whereas the spiritually proud person thinks everybody needs his help. Christian humility, under a sense of others’ misery, entreats and beseeches, but spiritual pride commands and warns with authority.

As spiritual pride disposes people to assume much to themselves, so it disposes to treat others with neglect. On the contrary, pure Christian humility disposes persons to honor all men. To enter into disputes about Christianity is sometimes unseasonable, yet we ought to be very careful that we do not refuse to discourse with carnal men because we count them unworthy to be regarded. Instead, we should condescend to carnal men as Christ has condescended to us--condescended to be present with us in our unteachableness and stupidity.

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Love never fails.