INSIDE-OUT MENTALITY

True conversion begins in the heart. Like a domino, the conversion will trickle down to all the veins, permeating the bloodstream and ultimately transforming one's personality, attitude and behavior to something that is contagiously cheerful, positive and loving.

The genuine Christian's light shines from within. It radiates in such a manner that people who come into contact with him or her will feel the lifting of a burden, see the silver lining behind clouds of doubt or simply just be thankful for the life that they have been given.

God is strong enough, pure enough, brave enough to let us start over again each time we commit a mistake. He knows everything and expects us to stumble from time to time but as He loves us, He has given us Jesus Christ to cleanse us of ALL sin. No more murky or naughty pasts to speak of, no more inclination to sin but only self-control and discipline rooted in reverence to God and love for Him.

We may have toed the line or even crossed over the borders for far too many times in the past, but -- again -- what matters most is what we are in Christ NOW. What, as Christians, are we doing with our lives right at this very moment? Are the thoughts in our minds glorifying to Him? Will we be able to say, if God were to come tonight, in full confidence and conviction, "Father, I have waited so long for You!" If, by tomorrow, somebody checks up on our life's fingerprints, will the Investigator see our prints scattered all over things that we never shouldn't have held in the first place?

Our God is a God of second chances but that doesn't mean we have the 'license' to sin. What we have, rather, is the license to perfection. Yes, no human being is perfect. But as we consistently walk with our Dad daily, He shows us things we can improve on, positive and life-changing ideas we can put into action and people we can learn from and be accountable to.

Being a Christian is impossible for those who rely on outside forces to change them. But for those who, in the inner corners of their hearts can say that" without Christ, I AM NOTHING," living the difficult Christian lifestyle is a joyful adventure.

I couldn't be more thankful for what God has been teaching me these past months. And it reinforces the idea that, indeed, there is nothing else to look forward to except the FULFILLMENT of His wonderful plan for my life.

Whether or not marriage is in the picture, I know -- I am CONVINCED -- that the marriage that each and everyone of us should really look forward to is our eternal marriage, our rock-solid relationship, with our Maker Who has always been patient and loving towards us. He has lavished His mercy on us with His Son's blood on the Cross and is continuously on the lookout for those of His creations who are on the seemingly endless cycle of falling and rising up again.

I am missing someone as I'm writing this. It is a wonder that I don't know EXACTLY who he is and it is my prayer that God keeps him -- and myself -- centered only on God's will, safe and secure and humble enough to listen and just abide in love. For God's eternal glory.
 
"It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." --Romans 9:16

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NU-Joy!

Initially, the band was named 'N-Joy' but Wendell, our leader, discovered that it was the name of a dance group something-something in Czechoslovakia. So he changed it to NU-Joy (which kinda reminds me of a cosmetics line). Suffice it to say, both N-Joy and NU-Joy (or even NU-Skin) embody newness. And core-relating it to the Christian's spiritual walk, I must say that it bespeaks of the joy that we gained the very first time we encountered Christ in our lives; the joy that we gained when we re-committed or re-dedicated our lives to Him; the joy that we gain everytime we serve Him wholeheartedly, knowing fully well that it is only when we let ourselves be stripped to the barest minimum that He can fully use us in whatever way He sees fit for His name to be glorified.

I have no formal training in voice nor music and there were times when I felt that perhaps it's 'premature' to be up there on stage with the band when there are other Christians in CCF who are more spiritually mature and more talented and equipped in that area of giftedness. I had my fears, I had my own "What ifs" and "I am not worthy" moments but through prayer and the encouragement of my Christian friends, it dawned on me once again that "There is no turning back." When I got hold of the shaker, the tambourine and the microphone, I knew it wasn't me anymore but the power of the Holy Spirit moving me to make a joyful noise and sing. It isn't about me nor the band but all about God and I knew - I KNOW - and I am convinced, that it is my heaven-bound duty to fulfill His call to be committed in the mission He has set before me by using the gifts He has given me.

Perhaps you might agree with me in saying, "There is no such thing as a shy Christian"? that we cultivate not self-confidence but God-confidence, knowing fully well that there is new joy to be found, waking up to a new day, each day, serving Him and walking with Him.

 "21 Yet this I call to mind
       and therefore I have hope:

 22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
       for his compassions never fail.

 23 They are new every morning;
       great is Your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:21-23

Christ's Commission Fellowship

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