No Room for Selfishness

READ: Isaiah 49

Motherhood unveils the best that resides in each of our hearts—that of our selfless, compassionate nature. As a young new wife working among an indigent community, I experienced serving snacks for mothers and children visiting in our house. One time I saw a five-year-old boy who got his mother’s portion and the extra ones on the plate. Instead of scolding him or refusing to give in, the mother willingly gave her share plus the extra pieces of cake.

Hmmm… maybe she needed some tips on discipline. What caught my attention, though, at that moment was the simple sacrifice of the mother for her child.

Now that I myself am a mother, I can understand better that poor mom’s sacrifice. Although I try to restrain my child’s appetite by teaching her to be satisfied with her share, there are times that I still give her that last bite of chocolates or chicken nuggets, or last scoop of ice cream, or whatever it is that’s really her favorite. Yes, even if it’s also mom’s favorite.

While we hear of hurting mothers who neglect their children, leaving them to the care of someone else, or much worse, mothers physically abusing their sons or daughters—I believe there are more heroic moms out there who will give up almost everything for their kids. I know of a friend who has given up her career for her to take care of her children. One mom featured in the Reader’s Digest had opted to lose one breast through mastectomy instead of a lumpectomy, in order for her to save the life of the baby in her womb. The list can go on and on….

What about you? What are you willing to give up for your children?

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?” – Isaiah 49:15a

His Mighty Servant

READ: James 3:13-18

She has been one of our most awaited guest speakers in our Family Ministry School (FMS) in Baguio and Taipei for the last few years. God has been using her in the area of healing and prophetic ministries. She’s a rather soft spoken lady with her British accent and probably in her 50′s.

Serving as speaker for the week, Diane joined in one of our FMS staff meetings in Taipei in 2006, for her to minister to each of us staff members. As she started to pray and speak prophetic words for each one, I must admit that I was guilty of not being quite awestruck. Perhaps I had just gotten used to hearing “anointed prophets” who would come on so strong with their prophecies that you could right away fall spellbound with their sharpness and accuracy.

With Diane, I felt what she was speaking to each one (at that time in Taipei) was far too generalized. . . . I had to repent for my bias, though, when my turn came. As I closed my eyes and raised my hands, it surprised me to hear something different. What I had expected to sound imprecise—simply came too specific and sharp!

We were not able to voice-record the prophecies. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t forget these words that brought me to tears:

You have dreams. . . . God gave you dreams. . . . People may have asked, “Who are you?” But the Lord says, “Keep on dreaming . . . Going through various tests doesn’t mean you’re not on the right track. . . . Others think you’re not, but you cannot please everybody. . . . Seek to please God, not people. . . .”

Being in Taipei for a few months sort of marked the end (or long delay) of a dream to officially publish my book, Rediscovering Your Intelligence. Despite the very good feedback on a number of copies we had printed out through desktop publishing, I felt helpless and discouraged with my laptop that crashed without remedy and files that couldn’t be retrieved.

At the height of enjoying a new culture and environment during our Taiwan FMS, I was at the back of my mind grieving the loss of a big dream. There were times when I thought, “If only I could have my book published. . . . But what am I doing in this expensive city of Taipei?” A little depression crept in as I listened to the voice of disappointment. All the while, I was moving on with my responsibilities in the school, despite my struggles.

Thank God that He met me at the point of my need through the low-profile yet spiritually remarkable woman prophet named Diane Pearce! Along with her timely prophetic words, Diane also prayed for the joy of my salvation to be restored.

It was such a valuable lesson that I should be humble enough to receive and not quick to judge. While Diane is well-known in Australia and Korea, God doesn’t speak only through people with big names or those with big eloquent voices. He can speak through the soft-spoken Diane Pearce, the forceful Cindy Jacobs, Benny Hinn and the like–or anyone He chooses to meet us at the greatest point of our need.

“But there will be glory, honor, and peace for every person who does what is good. . . . God does not play favorites.” – Romans 2:10-12 (GW)

Love to the Next Level

READ: 1 John 4:7-21

Who wouldn’t be interested when we talk about love? Love makes it as the trending topic this week among the leading social networks and search engines online.

If you are a young adult or already in your 30’s or 40’s like me, I’m sure that at some point in your life, you’ve experienced how it is to fall in love.

It’s a wonderful feeling to love someone and be loved in return. There you get nervous and start to blush…. You stammer and you couldn’t speak a word…. You feel like you would melt as that special someone fixes his or her eyes on you…. It’s crazy…. You find it awkward, and yet, it’s a dreamlike moment…. Those mixed emotions simply take your breath away until you find yourself floating on Cloud 9.

Then, what’s next? How long will the pleasant emotional mode last? For a week? A few months? Or several years?

Unfortunately, human love is neither permanent nor long lasting.That’s why we hear of sentimental love songs depicting heartaches and painful separation. A popular song I used to abhor and recoil from goes, “Please release me, let me go…. For I don’t love you anymore.”

Why such momentary highs and sad endings?

Well, maybe because feelings change as you wake up to reality and see a close-up view of the other person’s flaws. You discover you can’t tolerate mistakes and differences. Now you look around and you get to know someone better. There you see somebody more good-looking, wittier, dependable.

Here is where relationships and marriages break up. You hear a story of relational problems and divorce everywhere. It happens to adults—whether young or old, rich or poor. All because they are human beings with emotions—with hang-ups, prejudices, lusts and idiosyncrasies.

No one  is perfect. Each one of us has his own weaknesses. Everybody is bound to fail. But those who have received the unconditional love of God will be able to extend the love that lasts a lifetime.This God kind of love is a decision, a choice and not based on feelings. I may not constantly feel like loving my husband, as at times he disappoints me and gets into my nerves. A “bed of roses with thorns” invites in our room, as we disagree and clash…. But we can always choose to stay sober. We can choose to be patient and kind…. We can always decide to protect, trust, hope and persevere (1 Corinthians 13:4,7).

The love of God that’s in us and working through us transcends personality differences; language, cultural, intellectual and educational barriers; shortcomings and imperfections…. 

Who could resist this kind of love? 

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness.” – Jeremiah 31:3

Pacman is a Fertile Soil

READ: Matthew 13:1-23

Who doesn’t know Manny Pacquiao (aka Pacman)? Not only that he’s every Filipino’s pride, even Hollywood celebrities and NBA stars would take a break just to meet the World’s Greatest Boxer.

I am not exactly a big fan of boxing, but I see Manny’s life as an inspiration. My book Rediscovering Your Intelligence highlights in Chapter 6, “The Real Thing that Counts”:

. . . There’s something about the phenomenal boxing champion that really draws my attention. . . .

When asked how he managed to come out victorious in 2008 over another boxing legend, Oscar dela Hoya, Pacquiao shared one thing he had learned that applies to everyday life: “Don’t tell God how big is your problem. Instead, tell your problem how big is your God.”

Although it sounds like the boxer got the quote from a Christian book, a preacher or a spiritual adviser, the statement goes to unveil his heart. Making it a point to pray before and after every fight and to acknowledge God on worldwide television for every victory—is more than just being religious. I believe Manny Pacquiao has a heart that seeks and reveres his God.

When a pastor had left this comment (on my post “Lesson from Pacquiao and Marquez”) that Manny is the humblest boxer hes’ ever known, even though he doesn’t share the “same faith” with him, I replied: “I believe it won’t be long and he will soon be one of us.” Although honestly speaking, I was inclined to assume then that he was already a believer. But thank God that while I was wrong with my presumption, my words that he will soon become a Christian have been fulfilled! Online news and social media updates reveal that the Pound for Pound King has just recently met the King of All Kings.

The boxing icon is not someone who could forever be overwhelmed with what the world has to offer. While some extremely popular and wealthy personalities do not see their need for God, Pacman now confesses, “Without Christ, I am nothing.” A video circulating through Facebook even speaks of the champ quitting his vices and now getting addicted to Bible studies.

Fame and the deceitfulness of wealth are still out to choke anyone to death and destruction. A genuine seeker of the truth, nonetheless, will be free from those thorns.

“But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they  hear. . . . But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

– Matthew 13:16, 23

 

You Have A Future

READ: Jeremiah 29:11-13

Becoming a stay-at-home mom for about two years seems to be the longest and most difficult stage I have gone through. Don’t get me wrong. Being a full-time mom is a wonderful 24/7 job. What made me struggle was the absence of my husband (who worked abroad during those years) and my “leave of absence” from work or ministry.

I am not a plain housewife material, but I survived doing household chores by myself (except for marketing and cooking which were my eldest sister’s work duty). My life was still convenient with an automatic washing machine and an electric sterilizer. No amount of technology, however, could ease the depression that was slowly creeping in. How I missed those times when my family was complete and we were active in mission work.

We went out of YWAM (Youth With A Mission), hoping to embrace a new role as a sender or financial supporter to missionary friends. But I guess no transition stage is easy. And here is where people either move forward or retreat.

Whatever happened to God-given gifts and dreams?

I moved back by starting a habit of recalling the place and season where I was most dynamic and effective. If only I could relive those moments. . . . If only . . . but all I could do was go back to the past until a still small voice put me off. It gently whispered, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” In the spur of the moment, the all-too-familiar Jeremiah 29:11 resonated a special promise. 

The well-known verse has brought a new revelation that enabled me to stop a counter-productive habit. It spoke to my heart and lifted up my downcast spirit.

Disappointed with your present situation? You need not be tempted to dwell in the past. . . . God knows what He’s doing. He has greater plans for you and me.

“I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. You will turn back to me and ask for help and I will answer your prayers.” –Jeremiah 29:11-12 (CEV)

If God is For You

READ: Zephaniah 3:14-20

My first formal book launch on Friday afternoon (December 2nd) in a technological college made me a bit anxious. The librarian who coordinated the event with us reminded that the school could only provide the venue and that the program should run for an hour and extend for another 30 minutes for a question and answer portion and book-signing.

With all the preparations and details to be finalized, my heart pounded and my mind started entertaining these thoughts: “What if no one will show up? What if only five or ten students will make it to attend the launching program?”

All I could do was ask, “Wait Lord, did I make a mistake here?” I knew it that God normally answers through His Word when our minds are flooded with questions or doubts. So I grabbed my devotional guide and Bible. The passage for that day goes: “He will rejoice over you. You will rest in his love; he will sing and be joyful about you” (Zephaniah 3:17). The verse simply came to life and silenced all anxieties. It assured me that while the number of my audience may not reach 100, I have One who is more than enough. My Facebook page fans (or likes) may not increase dramatically, but I can take joy from the Greatest Cheer Leader one could ever have. He is worth more than a million fans. His commendation is priceless!

Turn to the sidelines; that’s God cheering your run. Look past the finish line; that’s God applauding your steps. Listen for him in the bleachers, shouting your name. Too tired to continue? He’ll carry you. Too discouraged to fight? He’s picking you up. God is for you. –Max Lucado

Lesson from Pacquiao and Marquez

READ: Psalm 147

Watching the Pacquiao versus Marquez third match yesterday made me a little anxious of Pacman being outsmarted. Just like almost everybody else watching from television, I thought Marquez was so good that he was landing real solid punches. Thanks to my hubby who knows better than I do when it comes to boxing. He was also more focused as we were watching, so he explained that our champion actually outpunched the Mexican challenger (as proven by the CompuBox stats).

But wait, there was Marquez raising his clenched fists at the end of the 12th round!   He simply looked like he was declaring his victory! How could he presume he just won without hearing the final decision of the judges? Isn’t it a boxing protocol to do your best on the ring and leave the results to the assigned pundits?

On the opposite end of the ring was the humble Manny Pacquiao, probably nervous of the soon to be announced verdict. Aware of his limitations and knowing that he had to wait for the announcement, he resorted to his habit of going to his corner to bow down and pray after each fight.

Some critics and viewers may justify that Juan Manuel displayed rightful confidence. In the spiritual realm, however, I saw two opposing spirits: Pride versus Humility. Pride exudes haughtiness, not being able to submit to authorities or accept defeat. Humility does have uncertainties . . . although trusting in the greater power of his Creator.

In the end Humility wins. He and his supporters do not even have to celebrate or defend themselves. . . . Pride and his camp continue ranting. With this, they go on to prove who the real losers are. . . . I hope you’re not one of them.

“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” –Matthew 23:12

Get Rid of those Remnants

READ: Isaiah 43:18-19

Every intimate and serious involvement with another person creates soul ties that cannot be easily broken by time, distance or mere physical separation. My previous post entitled “Moving On” brought up this issue on soul ties. But just what are soul ties and how are they formed?

Stephen Gola, in his site Divorce Hope, describes that soul ties are like connections or bridges in relationships; they are formed many different ways as by willing or forced sexual relations, by speaking words of commitment or vows like “I will always love you,” “I will never forget,” and by accepting things that may be symbols of a covenant, commitment or a love relationship.

Speaking confessions and prayers from the heart are not the only essential steps in breaking soul ties. The same site above stresses the need to get rid of the things that remind you of the person and the broken relationship. While I had already returned (fourteen years ago) the engagement ring from my ex-fiancé only a week after our breakup, I must admit that several months back when I wrote my previous post, I still had a few small things kept somewhere.

So I resolved to take off a few leaves (with written notes related to my ex) from an old notebook…. I also pulled out a leftover picture from an old photo album…. What else? Some more post cards…. They all deserved to vanish, so I threw them into the fireplace. They are “to remain a ruin forever, never to be rebuilt” (Deut. 13:16). The emotions they tried to rekindle have been ushered to death, never to resurrect or bother once again.

Moving on necessitates a symbolic and decisive act. Isn’t it a lot easier to move on without any visible baggage from the past?

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” – Isaiah 43:18, 19a

Moving On

READ: Philippians 3:12-16

Marrying your first boyfriend or girlfriend is quite romantic. Having an ex, though, or a number of them gives you experiences to learn from.

To think and say that “Past is past…” sounds appropriate. But believe me, sometimes it’s nothing more than a cliché—overused and abused—while it doesn’t really speak of the truth inside your heart. If you have an ex, chances are, you might have had a few recurring dreams about the unforgettable guy or lady from your past. You may have wondered how it would feel to see him or her again, now that you are happily married.

Guess what…. The real test whether you have moved on or not doesn’t actually lie on having a new partner or a spouse. An unplanned personal encounter will reveal the real score.

Six years ago, I happened to meet my Korean ex-boyfriend in Baguio City where my family and I were supposed to attend a three-month training school. He was not one of our fellow students, but unfortunately, he served as interpreter for a Korean couple who were our classmates. Somehow, I knew it that I would see him there, but I wasn’t expecting he would be a part of the school.

My husband was even teasing me as to how my reaction and feelings would be. We had gotten married a year after the breakup. My ex did three or four years later…. I was just curious how it would feel, since our relationship was ended only through a series of communication by phone calls and letters. As far as my knowledge, I had completely released forgiveness and let bygones be bygones despite the lack of a formal breakup.

The first time I saw him in eight years, I just couldn’t explain how awkward and uncomfortable it was. I must admit having mixed feelings…. Angry? Yes, for finally seeing the coward—the man who did not have the guts to break up with me in person. Ecstatic? Yes, sort of, because there was still a soft spot in my heart for him.

Thank God that my hubby has been blessed with security and understanding! He knew it that I struggled for days and weeks with my mixed emotions. There were also times when I would get to see the wife of my ex. With a bit of jealousy, I thought, “Good for them! They want to have a baby, but until now they are childless….” All the while I was so proud then of having a lovely four-year-old daughter.

Guilty of all my negative thoughts, I consulted a professional counselor who was also our speaker in the school during that week. I went on with my confession about my ex … that it was a relationship that was hoped to end up in marriage eight years ago…. The third party was no one but God … and that I couldn’t help but still be resentful … and yet at the same time it’s crazy that I would often catch myself secretly staring at him….

The counselor smiled and assured me that what I was going through was normal, considering the lack of a proper closure in my previous relationship. Also, it became clear to me that every intimate and serious involvement with the opposite sex creates soul ties that cannot be easily broken by time, distance or mere physical separation.

So we did cut off my soul ties with my ex verbally and spiritually in prayer. I wanted to settle things out with a formal heart to heart talk and tell him right on his face, “I’m releasing you…. I’m moving on with my life… I speak blessings to you and your wife….” I was told, however, that it was unnecessary. But even if I wasn’t able to do things as I wanted, I thank God that He has brought real healing in my heart through bumping into the man who caused my heartbreak.

I can only look back and smile at the past for all the precious lessons it has blessed me with. With no bitterness and regrets, I can say that I have moved on. Like the Apostle Paul I declare, “the one thing I do…is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead” (Phil. 3:13).

What Really Matters

READ: Romans 9:14-18

 

Who do you think you are? A brilliant scientist? A multi-awarded teacher or researcher? A popular pastor and speaker? A successful businessman or a self-made entrepreneur?

As for me, I am nobody to the world. But the truth is—in the eyes of my Father–I’m not a nameless, insignificant person with an equally insignificant message.

Even as I’m trying to promote my first book as a newly published author, there are friends and acquaintances who are happy for me. I’m grateful to them for being there to cheer and share the joy of attaining the first step to a big dream. I feel honored that they wouldn’t mind spending a few minutes to take a look at my book page, click LIKE or even write some encouraging notes.

I also thank God for those friends and acquaintances who simply shrugged off their shoulders or even raised their brows…. That’s part of life. You can’t please everyone and you can’t expect one and all to share in your joy, or much more, support your endeavor.

While I am not hurt or offended by those who ignore my book campaign, I just couldn’t help but wonder what’s causing their indifference…. Maybe people change. They are too busy…. They have their own lives to live. I could be right or wrong with the answers I have in mind….

I am only sure of this: I am His daughter. My joy and success do not depend on the approval of men. What is most important in every pursuit I take is the endorsement and favor of my Father God, the King of All Kings. I can hear him say, “Your hard work is meaningless…. Everything is useless if I AM not with you, more so if I AM not for you.”

So then, everything depends, not on what we humans want or do, but only on God’s mercy. For the scripture says to the king of Egypt, “I made you king in order to use you to show my power and to spread my fame over the whole world.”

–Romans 9:16-17 (GNB)