Pure Grace

The most enjoyable thing in life is uncertainty. We often forget that we can never control all aspects of life. We focus too much on our goals and advancement; we are but success hungry people. When something goes wrong, we overthink of so many possibilities. We tend to omit every margin of errors, hand and foot towards our goal without even minding that our days are numbered. Life can vanish in a wink of an eye. Why are we all so worked up on success? I remembered the journey to the promised land. We are eyes and ears to the "Promised Land" rather than the journey going to promised land. First, what do you refer to as the promised land? Is it the success you have been spending your whole life? If no, then why are you devoting your life to a position or a title in your career just to secure your financial position? Why is it in an early stage we are taught to educate ourselves to earn a better living? Practically speaking, we give more importance to financial stability becaus...

Should help be extended at all times? Do you get to choose whom to help? Is it a sin when we decline helping others? As a mere human being, one tends to satisfy first their needs before helping others. Usually, people act based on what is naturally innate in the flesh, a rational survival instinct of men and animals. Are you applying the same rule as a true Christian believer? Maybe your answer would be in case to case basis or you’ll say, “I would definitely help if I have the means or I have an extra.” Is it wrong to save yourself first before helping others? I am no different from you, I also ask the same questions but what guides me every time is this simple prayer, “Lord what do you want me to do?”. We should be sensitive in His leading. Because even actions in good faith or even giving out of kindness could result negatively. Why? because we do not know what’s going to happen next. We cannot read other people’s mind. We do not have control over things or situations and most espec...

  Have you ever wondered if there is life after death? Where will we go when we die? Some says, it’s the end but majority says it’s either heaven or hell. Let me share to you my experience of both places. Before you say it’s impossible or how could it be when I’m alive, I’d say, God has incomparable ways that knows no boundaries. When I was about 4 years old I had a near death experience that almost snuffed out my life. I had dengue disease and during the 90’s, hospital facilities in our small city was inadequate. To cut the story short, I had to be brought to a bigger city just to be treated and I was running out of time of which I had no memory of those incident and that I just recalled that my family were in panic and my mom was crying before I closed my eyes. However, I had vivid recollection of walking alone in a dark tunnel. First, it was terrifying. Then, I noticed a light gleaming in a distance. I followed the light and there was a beautiful garden at the end of the tunnel....

  Life has many doors, as we grow older, we pray for doors to open. And we earnestly send those requests through prayer. Lord, please send me breakthrough or Lord, please open this opportunity. We pray for success in life that we focus on those earthly things. We felt discouraged every time God says “No” or “Wait”. Even opportunities that are meant to land your hands slip in an instant. We sometimes resent God because  he made those bigots become the upper arm. But then again, you concede to God as He is the master planner of everything, and He knows what He is doing. My friend, what door are you looking for?  The doors of life’s journey have many shapes, colors and, sizes but you’ll never know what’s really inside. Then again you say, “Lord, I’m asking for this and that”. You beg, you cry but answers are still not given. You start to question yourself whether you displeased God or have you done something wrong. Anxiety runs your mind and you become helpless as if God doe...

I dreamt about day and night. The world was like divided in half but all the while I thought, it is dawn and a beautiful sunrise is just waiting at hand. I do not understand what it meant or I was just unsure maybe I knew. The hypocrites are always on top while at the bottom are those bones and legs lifting the higher ups, never recognized and were never heard. The top, middle and, bottom, these are all parts of the system created by men. I've been at the middle, they clothed me with diamonds and pearls. All eyes around me, but the burden of my garments was heavy and loaded, carrying it makes me fall to the ground. So, I wished for lesser load and come down to escape the greed of the authority.  At first, I was surprised by the lighter dense. It gave me peace for a while, what a joy in a moment. But then the mighty head swing its scepter that I fell to the ground. The water mirrored my reflection, I no longer recognize myself. My clothes were sacked and I was naked. No more diamond...

  A: You connected a lot of pipes, you learned so much. Why did you disconnect everything? B: We no longer need those, we have to learn a new. A: But it's not better than what we had. B: We cannot reconnect if our hands are full, empty the vessel to fill a new. A: Why didn't you grab those tubes? Didn't you say you need a new? B: The right fit and length and not just a new. A: Is it not better if we just try each of those? B: No, wrong choice will make you miss it. A: How long will we wait to reconnect and have a new? B: Shhh.. Soon, it'll be revealed and prepare to have a new. A: Should we still use what we learned when we have a new? B: Use it with a new and innovate to make it better.

Whenever I hear these words I’d say, “Of course! That’s what Christians would do but one must do their best, then God will do the rest.” I think many would agree to that. I’m not someone who would wait for a miracle when I can let it happen if I just act in the first place. As confident as I am, when I knew I can do it as easy as a pie. When I was a teenager, we had a 3-day youth camp in our church with series of enjoyable obstacle course on the last part of the program. One of it was so unforgettable that it made my knees shivered and my co-camper even lost her energy to stand or walk after the exercise. What was it? “Mud Walk” You had to hold and grab the rope while being blind folded, keep down and find the way to the exit with your team. The goal was the exit or, we thought so. We were eager, we had much energy, we had confidence; giving up was not part of the option. No retreat; no surrender! Well, exit is just around the corner. And we had already won other obstacles one by one. ...

Who am I that I am greatly favored? You opened the sky whenever you hear me shout your name. In times of troubles, you persistently snatched me from the evil’s hands. How could you save an unfaithful child like me with open arms and warm embrace? Why do you love me so much when I do not deserve an ounce of your grace? I am greatly favored, I am greatly favored, I am loved by an amazing grace.  He called me, my child, my child, I am always here.  I will never leave you, nor forsake you, I am here even to the ends of the earth. A sinner redeemed by a faithful Father in heaven.  Now, free from all sins; I have peace from within. Indeed, I am greatly favored,  Pure favor, pure grace.

  I remembered during my high school days, I used to love “Thalia” with a different level of admiration. I kept posters of her, watched her drama series and I even hate it when someone distracts me in the middle of watching her TV show. Worst? I ended my high school entrance exam earlier just to catch her TV series “Marimar”; I left 2 pages unanswered just not to miss any of the episodes. There’s no replay on youtube or facebook yet. Often having day dreams, making stories in my head, and her, as the main character. I’m the director and script writer of my own stories. Most of the time, I’m pre-occupied with these thoughts. Are you somewhat like me in this era? Do you prefer using your time stalking your idols on social media? Are you keeping their pictures inside your mobile phones or keeping posters of them? If that is so, then obviously, you have your idol. Idol means a person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered similar as god, hero or an icon. Maybe it’s time fo...

I don't talk about hurt, I talk about healing; I don't talk about fear, I talk about faith; I don't talk about discouragement, I talk about inspiration; But it doesn't mean I don't feel it, I just put my trust in Him. Where the mind goes, the body will follow; What the tongue speaks, becomes your declaration; Because what you perceive, becomes your reality; And you have the choice to become bitter or better, take your pick.