Show All » 2010/07 » How Old Can You Get?
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 ** NEW **How Old Can You Get?
Two weeks ago, I blogged about our awesome trip in Hawaii but I never mentioned why we went there in the first place. It's definitely not to fish! Our deep sea fishing experience was a bonus!
I went there to attend our family reunion. Four generations of laughter and fun was all over the place, it was awesome and rare! It was rare in a sense that it was the first time for me to attend a reunion where a brother and three sisters gather together at their age of 93, 88, 85 and 82 respectively.
It's amazing! I wish my three sisters and I could do the same thing when we reach that age and I hope we will.
I thought their secret was eating "malunggay" leaves (Moringa oelifera). That's only a part of it, eating healthy foods. But there is more and I will reveal to you their secrets (don't tell them I told you... it's our secret).
It's unfortunate for some people who reach their age but they never had the opportunity enjoy such gatherings with their siblings for the reason that some of them may not be in good terms while others live far away from each other or some of the siblings have died.
Although we do not have control over death, I'm sure there are ways where you could be together wherever you are. If you are not in good terms, this could be your chance to restore your relationship and that is within your control. Anything within our control can be resolved easily. But regardless of the reasons we have, we have to be sure that if we are going to live long enough; we have to love a lot to live a lot.
Henry Louis Mencken said, "You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth." The depth and width of your life is within your control.
This is a picture of me with my grandmothers and grandfather... priceless!
(From left to right - nana Maring, apo Andres, nana Consing (my grandma) and nana Allee)
Here are some of the secrets they have (not in the order of importance).
To live life to the fullest, make the most of what you have. Not what you want to have or not by what you do not have.
Our family is an average ordinary family ("average na, ordinary pa!"). I do not belong to a tycoon class or the so called don's and dona's. Whatever we have, we enjoy them to the max! I have been taught to be thankful in whatever I have and I'm grateful for it.
Another secret, don't place a timeline in your life. I have known some people who place a timeline for themselves. They say to themselves, "I'm going to live only up to the age of 60." Guess what, based on the power of their own word, that's what happens to them. They exercise the power of their words for their doom. Insane!
If you are living a full life, I have no doubt that you would want to live forever. People who are sick would give everything they have to extend their lives. I'm puzzled why some people put a timeline in their lives. I'm guessing the root cause of this behaviour is the way they perceive things. In my opinion, how you see the world has a big effect on whether you want to live more or less. (That's another future blog for me.)
Secret number three is doing what you want to do in life. It's difficult when you are doing something that you do not like. That can be a reason why you want to put a timeline in your life. Your perception becomes limited because you are not having fun. It can kill your creativity. The more you force yourself to do the things that you don't want to do, the harder life gets. I just hope you are not doing it to please other people.
Another secret of my grandmother is she never gets mad and she forgives every one, literally.
Forgiveness is a key ingredient to live a long life. If you want to commit suicide, try unforgiveness it is deadly poison that causes everything from mental depression, to health problems such as cancer. I'm not saying that in every single case of cancer, it is due to unforgiveness. What I am saying is - it can cause cancer.
Mark 11:25 says, "Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions."
Grace flows freely if you have forgiveness. It is essential for good human relationship and with God.
The weight of unforgiveness greatly drags a person down. It is a heavy load to carry. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:29-30)
When faced with decisions whether you will forgive and forget, do not let that opportunity pass you. You may say, "You did not know what this person did to me." I accept that but have you become aware of what unforgiveness is doing to you?
It does not matter what happened to you, what really matters is what is happening in you.
Unforgiveness leads to bitterness and bitterness to revenge.
Unforgiveness is always two sides, the other party always blame that the other person is at fault. It's not the forgiving part that is hard because that is only step one. The hard part is when the other party is not willing to forgive you.
This is very hard especially if you love that person so much.
Why are there people who could not forgive the one they used to love? Is it fear of being hurt the second time? The biggest dilemma they can face is they may be too late when they are ready to forgive.
If unforgiveness is a poison, envy is a disease.
I told you that I have been taught to be thankful in whatever but that doesn't mean I was exempted not to have this disease. Although I'm not immune, I thank God I outgrew this weakness and I pray it stays that way.
Remember, what happens in your life has nothing to do with what is happening in other people's lives.
It's so tempting to measure other achievements by what others have done. I learned not to measure my success by what others have or haven't done.
Many people have the mistaken idea that they can make themselves great by showing how small someone else is. The problem is, when you try to compare yourself to an average person, you're an average person yourself because in the first place, why would you compare.
Another thing, although this is not a secret, it requires the participation of the whole family - giving the respect they deserve.
Old people get neglected. But here's what the scriptures have to say. "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Timothy 5:8)
Exodus 20:12 says, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you."
"You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God; I am the Lord." (Leviticus 19:32)
"Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity." (1 Timothy 5:1-2)
"Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old." (Proverbs 23:22)
I could go on and on in quoting the scriptures but the message is the same - giving the respect they deserve.
I praise the people who lovingly took care of the elders in their family. It's hard. I personally know this because I took care of my grandmother for a while.
When they asked me to be an emcee on our reunion event, regardless of how hectic my schedule was and not to mention the money involved in bringing my family to the reunion, all I can say was yes, we will be there. Count me in!
By the way, although this one does not prolong one's life, it is essential to have a fully paid coverage before you retire - a life insurance. It's for the benefit of the people that you are going to leave behind. It's like a gift for them for taking care of you during your old age.
Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way you deal with it and the way you perceive things that makes the difference. Whether you succeed or fail in life, it's still what you do after that count. That's what prolongs your life. Remember, our failures are our temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent and that's the end of the road.
How I wish each and every one of us would also experience the joy my grandparents had that night. Cheers for a long life!
(That's me giving praises under the sunset of Napili Bay, Maui)
God is the greatest!
Posted By: Allen Espejo @ 1:40:44 AM
Go back to top to Post or View Comments
Show All » 2010/07 » Ask and Expect
Sunday, July 11, 2010Ask and Expect
Have you ever experienced deep sea fishing?
A few days ago, I went deep sea fishing with my cousins in Hawaii. We did three methods of fishing. I have learned trolling; this involves towing baited hooks through the water. We trolled at 6000 feet deep. The second method is called jigging. We did this somewhere between 350 to 400 feet deep. This is where you have to free-spool the jig and let it drop to the bottom of the sea and retrieve it with a fast motion and the last method is called popping, a fishing method that creates noise for the fish to notice.
The whole experience was awesome! A picture says a thousand words!
At the end of the day, we cruise around the coast of Honolulu viewing the Diamond Head from the ocean, what a treat! If you will ask me how much did I spend to do all these things, my answer - $0.
Before we went to Hawaii, I asked my cousin if we could go deep sea fishing. I did not know what to expect because I have no idea how it's done, however, I did expect to have a very memorable experience - I got more what I asked for!
I believe this is how we should act when we are asking something from God. We ask for God to give us provision and we expect. Our expectations may not conform to what God will give us but it is guaranteed that we will receive more than we have asked for.
Many times I have fallen short of recognizing God's answer. I always wanted His answer to be something spectacular and that led me to overlook the small miracles that happen in my daily life.
But, is it wrong to ask something spectacular from God?
Of course not! However, when your prayers are answered in a way that does not conform to your expectations, pray that you don't fail to recognize it or you'll miss out.
How do we ask God for something spectacular? In Prayer.
Remember, praying alone becomes offensive only when you have no other options and you have no choices to make and you can't do anything about your situation. For most of the time, prayer and action goes together. Faith without works is dead. (James 2:26)
The first step for an answered prayer remains the same, we have to ask. "Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full." (John 16:24)
If you are not receiving what you are asking for, try to reflect on the following questions:
First question, are you asking based on God's will? Will you be able to glorify God if he gives you what you are asking for or is it for self glorification?
Second, do you maintain a good relationship with God? Okay, there are times when this rule becomes an exception because I believe grace is available to anyone even when you are in the worst condition of your life. Just imagine the person crucified beside Jesus during his crucifixion, "today you shall be with Me in paradise" (Luke 23:43) - what grace! Regardless, maintaining a good relationship with our God gives you better assurance that your prayer will be answered.
Third, are you using the authority given to you when saying your prayers? Asking in behalf of Jesus - asking in His name.
Fourth, do you have the faith to believe that you are going to receive what you have prayed for? Expect that you will receive what you have prayed for.
The verse reference for these questions are found in my blog entitled - "What if God does not provide?"
Ask like a son or a daughter.
My son asked me, "Dad, can I enrol in an acting program?" For most parents, you would probably agree with this response, "Why don't you enrol in a university and get a degree before you go acting." Sounds familiar?
Our conversation didn't go that way. I said, "Okay, do your acting and see how it goes. If you do not see any progress after a year, go to college." I believe this is a fair decision, letting him do what he asked for. I do not want to impose something that he would not do.
Since I want him to be what he wanted to be, I will support him in every way I can even though it is a bit beyond our means to enrol him in an acting schools and because I believe in his talents, skills and capabilities and I know that he will be doing his best to be the best in what he wanted to do, I enrolled him in the program. He is my son and I trust in him.
What I'm saying is this... me, in my sinfulness, in my limited capabilities, in my insignificance knows how to give good things and support my son for him to successful in life, how much more will our heavenly Father who is omnipotent and who has everything would give us.
The problem is, we do not ask.
I can never forget the day on how God provided me a car during the time when I was at the lowest point of my life. At that time, my wife and two boys (ages 5 and 7) committed ourselves to attend our weekly prayer meeting held every Thursday. We have to commute almost two hours from our home to the venue. In God's grace, there are times when our friend would give us a ride.
One afternoon, while waiting for our friend, I asked God in prayer if He could provide us a car for our transportation.
Two days before that, one of our "tito's" (a community elder in the Philippines) bought a new car. I always wanted his old car because we used it a lot in our outreach work. That day, I never asked him if he was going to sell it because I know how he loved his old car. Also, there is no point of asking him the question because I know I would just be wasting my time asking if I have no intention of buying it or worse, I have no resources to buy it.
Two days after, I found myself asking God for a car and I specifically wanted to have his car.
While praying, I heard a very clear voice telling me, "Hindi ka kasi humihingi!" (you never asked).
(I told you a similar story about hearing the voice of God - "Lessons from my Weaknesses - Part 2 of 3". I do not hear God's voice often, but when I hear it, I know that he is the one talking to me - I still have to understand this gift.)
Anyway, I replied back saying, "Lord, I want that car."
When we arrived in our prayer meeting, I heard the news that our "tito" is selling his car for 150,000 pesos. Without being serious, I asked him that if I were to buy his car, how much he would sell it. He said, "For you, I will sell it for 100,000 pesos." What a bargain! This time, my tone changed with a little bit of expectation and a given timeline. I said, "Give me one week and if I do not call you, you can sell it."
That day, my money was enough to pay for our fare going to and back from the prayer meeting. It was fortunate that our friend picked us up, so I was able to save money for the following day to pay for my fare to go where I need to go. I ask and expect that I will have the car. I never questioned the "how."
Five days later, we bought the car in cash. As to who or where the money came from, I would hide that as a secret so our Lord would continue blessing them abundantly and continue to give them good health.
Our God goes beyond our needs. He gives not only our needs but also our wants. He is waiting for us to ask.
Remember, when we ask for something, we should be specific. Imagine a person asking you for something vague, I have no doubt that you will get a fuzzy answer.
If you say "I want money" and I give you 25 cents, I have granted your request. If you say, I want more money and I give you another 25 cents, I granted your request. If you say, I want one million dollars; I have no choice but to give you one million dollars. Do you accept cheques?
I don't have to guess how much you need because you give me a specific number. I guess this is the same thing with God.
By the way, why is it that there are times when we don't ask?
Is it because of your pride?
I know a lot of people who are trained not to ask for anything from anyone. Self reliance is strength in a person's character. However, there will be times when being self reliant is not enough to face your challenges in life. Things are done easier if you ask. Too much self-reliance can also back fire as your ego can build up which is often the source of pride.
Do you feel unworthy of asking? Are you ashamed to ask?
When I found out that my "tito" bought a new car, I did not ask if he was selling his old car. I felt unworthy to ask that question because I know I do not have the means to get them. I have the "nakakahiya" (I'm ashamed) attitude. You should never be ashamed to ask if you are asking for your own good and for the betterment of your family, your friends, and for others.
Don't you know that it is okay to ask?
A lot of people I know don't know that it is okay to ask, especially when asking God. I have said this many times before, "hindi na lang ako hihingi kasi nakakahiya kay Lord. Hindi naman nya ako pinapabayaan." (I would not bother asking from God, after all He provides for our needs). I was dead wrong! God gave us freewill to choose and ask what we want - that is a gift coming from God - free will. Ask and you shall receive.
Don't you trust the giver?
I do not need to ask because God is not giving it to me anyway. Seriously, what kind of a father who would not give his son his needs? Is God that stingy? "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?" (Matthew 6:26)
Finally, are we afraid of what other people would say?
Before, whenever I hear someone asking me for too much, you would hear me say these words - "Ang kapal naman ng mukha nito!" (How dare you ask me those things - actually this translation is a nice version). Of course I don't say it directly to the person, I just say it to myself or else I will be in trouble. Or, "napaka arrogante naman!" (such arrogance!) The best one is "ang taas ng pangarap mo boy!" (Hey kid, you dream too high).
Remember this; the people who criticise the most are the ones who really don't have anything important to say. God told me to ask for a car, I got it. I did not mind what other people would say.
If God told you to start your own business, even if you don't see a way how you are going to get the money, don't give up but keep on believing. When people say things like, "If God told you to start your own business, how come you are struggling? Where are you going to get the money?" You have to learn how to respond to them with the word; "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." (Isaiah 55:8-12)
Many people have given up on their dreams because they have tried to please everyone and it didn't work. Even if you make a mistake, don't get discourage about it, as long as you know that you are doing what God wants you to do, nothing else should matter.
As you continue pursue the things of God, you will be faced with many obstacles. Many of these obstacles will be allowed by God to see if you are more concerned about what people think you should be doing or what God say you should be doing. I have learned (and I still am) what to say to people.
When you leave all the consequences to God, He will not put you to shame. You have to understand that, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19).
This is why, do not be afraid to ask and expect that you will receive what you asked for - in Gods perfect timing.
Thank you Dado and Mary for the awesome fishing experience! Mahalo!
God is the greatest!
Go back to top to Post or View Comments
Show All » 2010/06 » Be Offensive
Tuesday, June 15, 2010Be Offensive
Imagine yourself in the middle of the sea rowing your boat in deep calm waters. Suddenly, the sky turns dark and a great storm arose on the sea. Your boat is being covered with waves; what will you do?
Start panicking and worry yourself to death or kneel down and start praying for divine intervention hoping that an angel would fly by and calm the storm or would you row your boat as fast as you can?
Let's read a similar scenario in the bible from the Gospel of Matthew - and behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing!" He said to them, "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. (Matthew 8:24-25)
From this reading, the apostles physically had Jesus in the boat. By faith, the apostles should have nothing to worry about, right? I believe that if the apostles had faith the size of a mustard seed they could have stopped the storm themselves. They could have saved themselves from being reprimanded by Jesus - but that did not happen. The apostles started to panic!
If you are one of the apostles, what would you do? Would have done the same thing?
When you analyze your situation, the storm, the waves and the fear and anxiety that torment you, the answer becomes obvious. To be on the offensive side - row, row, row your boat!
But, is that really the answer?
For me, merely rowing your boat is being defensive.
For the past few weeks, I have been very busy with a lot of things. But regardless of my enthusiasm on the things that I'm doing, I could not understand why I have to struggle every step of the way.
I have a dream, I have enthusiasm but I also have an excuse - my struggles. It's exhausting. But in spite of being worn out, the main reason why I get excited each day is because of the plans I wrote to help me achieve my objectives. In the scriptures, the Lord tells the prophet Habakkuk, "Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets that the one who reads it may run." (Habakkuk 2:2)
This is the secret to successful goal setting - documentation.
When you have a dream or a vision, it should always be written. Because a vision is not a goal; it is nothing more than a dream until you write it down and commit to it. That is your master plan.
This is probably why God gave us the bible. It's the message of God for us in written form. He also gave us the Holy Spirit to guide us every time we read the bible. He gave us the scriptures to direct us what to do. For every obstacle we face, God provides us a scripture for our needs. Sometimes the same scripture is read but it gives us different meanings based on our needs.
Just like when I was writing my blog last Easter. I always thought the reason why the stone rolled out during the resurrection of Jesus was for Him to get out. The message to me that Easter was, He really didn't need the angels to open the tomb for him to get out. The tomb was open so we could see in.
The same scripture but different meaning based on the situation we are in. That is how the Holy Spirit works in our lives.
Reading the scriptures and writing your dreams is taking offensive.
This is probably why I've been struggling lately. I am not taking offensive. Even though I pray every day, there are still times when I don't include God in my plan of action (as I have said before, I am a work in progress).
When Paul the apostle said, walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) - he is simply saying in whatever we do we have to have faith that we can succeed because by faith, God is with us. God is not a God of failure but of success.
We do not place our eyes on what we see but on what we believe that we will see.
Writing your goals and dreams keeps you in order. Our guidance from the scriptures prevents us from wasting our time and energy on anything.
Writing opens doors for bigger things. Enthusiasm builds and momentum grows. That is taking offensive.
Taking offensive is risky.
In investments, being offensive is having an aggressive portfolio. Everyone knows that an aggressive portfolio gives you the highest rate of returns; however, it also gives you the highest rate for loss. You should be prepared to take a roller coaster ride with your money. Aggressive portfolios are recommended for investors who have a long timeline for investing ask your personal financial advisor about this (your portfolio may vary based on your risk tolerance).
In the middle of a falling market, never pull out your money. That is playing defensive. You may never be able to recover from a loss when you do that. In the investment world, a crashing market is an opportunity for seasoned investors to buy more investments. Remember, great opportunities happen on where you are, even on worst times.
That's one of the most important thing in our life - what we are doing in our current situation.
Taking offensive is a decision.
You will push yourself to your limits. Your patience is tested. You will get out of your comfort zone. You will be tested again and again specially during the times when things are not going smoothly. There will be times you will question yourself - how long can I hold on?
This is so real for me... today. There are times when I want to throw the towel and go back in the defensive side and be an average person. What have I got to lose anyway? I did what I wanted to do and more. The only question that is stopping me to do it is - do I want to go back on being ordinary again?
Every decision you make is the seed that you sow and you reap according to what you sown. Doing your best at this very moment of your life will always put you in the best place tomorrow. All the fruits of your tomorrow are the seeds you plant today.
Destiny altering decisions are the make or break decisions. Marie Edgeworth said, there is no moment like the present. The man who will not execute his resolutions when they are fresh on him can have no hope from them afterwards; for they will be dissipated, lost, and perished in the hurry and scurry of the world, or sunk in the slough of indolence.
Have I made the wrong decision of not executing my dreams in life, I would not be here today... blogging.
Once you start worrying about your future, you are simply admitting that your fear is greater than your faith.
Think of what you could do rather than wonder what you could have been if you did it.
Dream big! Strive to reach the full potential of your calling!
A persons calling is not limited on the religious vocation. Your calling depends on where you are right now in your current stage in life. Your calling may be to become a skilled engineer, the good businessman, the excellent student, the hard working employee, a great boxer like Manny Pacquiao, or to be the best mom and dad.
Being the best is only one part of the chemistry. Like I said in the beginning, merely rowing is being defensive.
To be in the offensive, you row and pray at the same time.
To be an offensive engineer, be a skilled engineer and pray at the same time.
To be an offensive businessman, be the good businessman and pray at the same time.
To be an offensive student, be an excellent student and pray at the same time.
To be an offensive employee, be a hard working employee and pray at the same time.
To be an offensive boxer, be great and pray at the same time (like Manny does).
To be an offensive mom and dad, be the best mom and dad and pray with your family at the same time.
Pray while you row. If an undertaking does not include faith, it is not worthy being called God's direction. I do not believe that God would call us to do anything that would exclude him out of the picture. When you know that God is with you, who can be against you?
One last thing, have you heard about the TCP-IP concept. Don't worry; I'm not talking about Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and the Internet Protocol (IP). However, it is also a communication protocol linked directly to our father in heaven.
From my blog "What if God does not provide" I gave some questions to help you discern if our dream is aligned to God's plans for us. The TCP-IP is the shortcut.
If you have doubts about your calling, check if you hold the TRUTH.
If you have CONFIRMATION about your truth, you will find PEACE.
The Truth, Confirmation and Peace (TCP) are your paddle. If one component is missing, you have a hole in your paddle.
Your direction is given to you - In Prayer (IP).
As you pray and row away from the storm, always remember after each storm, there is a rainbow.
By the way, are you a basketball fan? Do you know which team normally makes it to the finals? Oftentimes, it's the team that plays offensive, just like the LA Lakers :)
For those of you who are not a sport fan, just cheer... go Celtics!
God is the greatest!
Go back to top to Post or View Comments
Show All » 2010/06 » Momentum
Friday, June 04, 2010Momentum
Praise God! I have been blogging for a year!
First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my readers who follow my blogs. Without your support, I couldn't have gone this far. To all of you, I pray that our Lord God will double bless your lives abundantly both spiritually and financially.
My first year blogging has been a big push on whatever I'm doing right now. It's true that I experienced a lot of struggles along the way. That is normal. Regardless of the struggles you meet in life, the important thing is - you did not stop.
Before, I never recognize small victories in my life. What's the big deal about small victories? I never realized that these small victories are giant steps in building my momentum for bigger things.
Whether small or big victories, we should acknowledge each accomplishment equally. Any kind of victory that we experience should build momentum in our lives.
For most of us, the common thing we do to kill this momentum is - we stop after a victory. Why do I know? I was one of them. I'm not talking about the after celebration; the problem is, it's more than a year and we are still celebrating. Robert Schuller says, "don't cash in; cast into deeper water." He is simply saying, do not stop after winning but keep the forward momentum.
Imagine yourself as a boulder on top of a hill. When you rock yourself back and forth and get it moving, your momentum is almost unstoppable. This is how we should move. Momentum is built inside your mind and your spirit.
Building your momentum in your mind is tricky because it involves analytical and logical thinking. When you feel something going on, you could either lose it or gain from it depending on how fast you react on the different things that are happening in your life.
Others may think they need to keep moving to build momentum. Momentum is more than just moving. You have to have a purpose or a goal on why you are moving or else you will be going in circles.
When I started blogging, my purpose is to bless other people. For the last twelve months, it has been a very gratifying experience for me. Every blog I post gives me stamina, inspiration, joy and peace! Whether someone reads my blog or not, it didn't matter because my purpose was not to get readers but to bless others. My blog has been a source of amazing and abundant force in changing my life. These rewards get doubled when someone writes back to me or calls me or put comments on my facebook or just simply commenting on the blog itself - it's simply overwhelming.
If you ask me how I inspired myself to achieve my purpose, it's really very easy - I just started doing it and keep doing it... today.
One of the key things you need to do to build momentum is to clear your space. It's not just our physical surrounding but also our inner selves. If you have been reading my blogs from the very beginning, I talked about God's provision on my second and third blog. On my fourth blog, I started talking about cleaning my inner self by looking at the man in the mirror. After that, my momentum started to flow.
Our mind can be easily distracted when we have all the unnecessary things around us like your socks hanging on the wall... okay, I'm exaggerating. In your mind, you have to clear whatever is preventing you to start moving. You don't have to remove all the mess in your entire life right now. You can begin by cleaning your room. Empty spaces give you room to breathe, think and create momentum.
If after clearing your space and you're not getting the momentum you need, try doing something different. Try waking up early on weekends or eating something new or do anything to break your daily routine.
Doing something different creates new channels and opens several windows of opportunity to discover new things in your life. When I tried a different approach in one of my routine task, during the process, I found out that a three day task can be done in a day.
Remember, momentum thrives on ease, not friction. In ease, momentum can flow. Through discovery, momentum evolves.
Finally, when you feel that you already have that momentum, push yourself to do more.
Doing your best and going the extra mile elevates your connection to those around you. Just by holding the door for someone or simply smiling at strangers are just some of the things that can make your day. Pushing yourself to do your very best and practicing simple acts of kindness with honesty and enthusiasm are the starting point of momentum building.
Let's begin to create some space, do something different and go the extra mile and you will experience a change in your life.
With regards to gathering momentum in your spiritual life, you don't have to experiment in doing new things. You just have to follow what God tells you to do because He promises us divine momentum. In Philippians 1:6 it says, "For I am confident of this very thing that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
In a book by John Mason, he wrote five ways to have divine momentum in your life.
1. We have to be fruitful. In 2 Corinthians 9:10 it says, "Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness."
Every one of us is given gifts. Let us use it so we can multiply those gifts and be fruitful. Start blessing other people with your blessings today and you will feel that momentum progress in your life.
2. We need to speak the truth. Ephesians 4:15 says, "But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head..."
We don't just speak the truth - we speak the truth in love. Sometimes, the truth hurts. Let's use the truth to uphold someone and not to hurt anybody. Let us not boast because we know the truth. Let us not be confrontational with others as we speak the truth as confrontation stops our momentum to come up with creative ideas. Rather, we speak the truth in love.
3. Let us be spiritually mature. In Hebrews 6:1 it says, "Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God..."
Being spiritually mature does not mean that you have been in the renewal for thirty years or more or you are a member of several religious organizations. Spiritual maturity is seen in the fruits (Galatians 5:22-23a) of your work. The man in the mirror should have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the foundation in building momentum to grow in your life.
4. You have to have a craving for the Word of God. "Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation" (1 Peter 2:2)
Let us not stifle our growth by being complacent in what we know. You will be amazed on what you can discover by simply reading a verse again and again.
5. Finally, we have to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus. 2 Peter 3:18 says, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
When you grow in the grace of God, you will be astonished how your life can change. It gives us forward momentum towards great things in life.
"For I am confident of this very thing that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" this is a promise from God.
Whatever your dreams, purpose and goals in life, make those small moves and start winning those small victories and build that momentum you need... today.
God is the greatest!
Go back to top to Post or View Comments
Show All » 2010/05 » Power to Change
Wednesday, May 19, 2010Power to Change
They say, you cannot teach an old dog new tricks I believe this is true. However, we're not dogs so we're exempted.
As humans, created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26), we only become old if our memories become more important than our dreams. So, when you are at the stage of sitting down and reminiscing all afternoon day by day without dreaming of what you can still do with your life, guess what you're old.
When you have dreams, you constantly adapt to change because change is the only way you can reach your dreams. There is no such thing as "it's too late for me to change" unless you are on the "reminiscing" stage of your life. God created us to be powerful - including the power to change our lives.
Change is probably one of the hardest things we need to do. It's a painful process. You will get out of your comfort zone. But, do we really have to?
Whenever we find out that we need to change something, we get excited. After a while, when things do not go our way, we end up saying, "I'm trying so hard. I'm doing my best, but nothing's changing." After all our efforts, we say, "ang hirap pala Lord, huwag na lang." (That's it Lord, I give up. I can't do this anymore; I quit.)
In my experience, there are even times where I get really dramatic - down on the floor on my knees with my head bow down, like in one of those old movies, crying, "Help me, God. I'm trying so hard but I just can't change. I give up." (Next year I will be receiving the best actor award for drama...)
Just thinking about it, since my wife and I joined in the renewal in 1993, the most common prayer that we hear (including myself) is "I can't do anything without you, Lord. I can't change myself, my wife or my kids. I can't make prosperity come to me. I can't make my ministry grow. I can't force myself to be nice. I've tried to be quiet but instead I talk more than I ever have in my life. I've tried to think positive thoughts but I have more negative thoughts instead of one."
In the midst of all the efforts we do, we forget to go back to the basics, that is to believe. We often tell God how hard we're trying when the Bible tells us if we will just believe God; He will give us His rest. (Hebrews 3:19)
If we do not change the way we think on how God works in our lives, it is going to be tough. Probably, it can be as simple as changing how we pray to experience breakthrough in our lives.
The Bible doesn't tell us to try to do everything on our own; it tells us to believe. And it tells us to wait on the Lord. Isaiah 40:31 says, "Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."
Am I making it sound easy?
My transformation story was not handed to me in a silver platter. Even today, I am still in the process of being transformed. There are days when I'm still being haunted by some of my old weaknesses. Regardless, I noticed a major change in my behaviour on how I deal with them. Every time I face these challenges, call me devout but the first thing I do is to pray to God and ask for help. Little by little, my prayer turned into a habit. With this habit, weaknesses are easier to overcome each time I face them.
Bad habits like weaknesses are also hard to remove. Bad habits can be prevented through constant prayer and keeping yourself busy in doing the right things.
The scripture says, "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8)
Be determined to change your poor ways for the best ways and removing your bad habits and turn them into good ones. Once you decide to start your journey in changing for the better, be firm in your decision.
It may sound simple but let's be realistic. There is no easy way to overcome these bad habits and weaknesses without sacrifices. Proverbs 20:30 says, "Sometimes, it takes a painful situation to change your ways."
Your lifestyle will change. Your values and attitude will change. It may also require you to change your set of friends. It is going to be tough. You will push yourself towards your limit. You will be dragged out of your comfort zone. You will experience a point where you would ask yourself, "Is it really worth it?"
It's not going to be fun!
But if you think about it, it's a lot better than keeping your bad ways and bad habits which results in ruining your life.
The common reason why we do not change is we allow our past to hold us. I'm not against remembering the good times or your past hurts but if these are the reasons why you are stuck in mediocrity, it becomes a problem. The more you look back the harder it is to move forward.
Luke 9:62 says, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
Change is not only for a person who needs to change, it's best needed by a person who thinks they don't need to change. Remember, there is always room for improvement. When you become too proud of what you have become, change is hard. You can end up justifying your faults and errors with no intention of removing them.
To end, I want you to read this radio conversation between the US naval ships off the cost of Canada with Canadian authorities. By the way, this is a joke, this never happened.
American: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the North to avoid a collision.
Canadian: Recommend you divert YOUR course 15 degrees to the South to avoid a collision.
American: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.
Canadian: This is a second class Seaman of the Canadian naval force. No. I say again, you divert YOUR course.
American: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS LINCOLN, THE SECOND LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED STATES' ATLANTIC FLEET. WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS, AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS. I AM THE ADMIRAL OF THIS FLEET! I DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH, OR COUNTER-MEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP.
Canadian: This is a lighthouse. Your call.
Friends, regardless of how powerful we have become, even if we are now an "air-craft carrier", when the voice of the Holy Spirit whispers in our hearts and tells us that we need to change, we yield to that voice, we divert our course.
Like I said, change is never easy but it can be done. That should be enought to inspire you. Without change, I would still be in the same mess I was in.
If you want progress, change is your greatest ally. When you change yourself, opportunities will change. Like a businessman, if you are still stuck in using typewriters, good luck.
One last thing, do not be discouraged if you still catch yourself doing those bad habits every once in a while.
God doesn't count those incidents, however he sees what you do after those failures.
It's what you do after failing that counts.
God is the greatest!
Posted By: Allen Espejo @ 1:53:55 AM
Go back to top to Post or View Comments
Show All » 2010/05 » Start From Where You Are
Tuesday, May 04, 2010Start From Where You Are
Have you ever heard this phrase before - "Life is hard especially when you are poor."
Being poor is not an excuse why you cannot be somebody someday.
Here are some people who made their fortunes against all odds.
Oprah Winfrey, the media maven has spent her early years living in poverty on her grandmother's farm.
Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple who also created the iPod sensation was adopted by a working class family. He dropped out of college because he couldn't pay the tuition.
Chris Gardner, the real man behind the movie "In Pursuit of Happiness" grew up without knowing his real father. His mother married a man who completely ruined his and his mother's life.
John Gokongwei, a Chinese-Filipino taipan who owns Cebu Pacific Airlines and Robinsons Galleria Malls to name a few lost all their wealth when his father died at his age of 13.
All of them have one thing in common.
They all started from nothing.
For many of us, we probably started better than these individuals. But why are they more successful than anyone of us? Is it all about luck?
I have read their biographies and I found out that regardless of the challenges they faced, they were persistent. They did not quit. They started from where they are.
In Hebrews 12:1 we read: "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Today, as we look at their achievements, I doubt if anyone of them would want to change any challenges that they have to endure in the past.
In one of the speech by John Gokongwei, he said, "Looking back, I wonder, what would have happened if my father had not left my family with nothing? Would I have become the man I am? Who knows? The important thing to know is that life will always deal us a few bad cards. But we have to play those cards the best we can. And we can play to win!"
Persistent people embark on their success when others quit.
So, wherever you are right now, I believe that that is how God wants you to start.
Our direction - start with what we have and not with what we do not have.
As you travel your path to achieve your goals and dreams in life, never worry about how much money, ability or tools you are starting with; just begin with a truck load of determination.
I have always believed in the saying - "It's not what you have, it's what you do with what you have that makes all the difference."
Consider this; David did not defeat Goliath with a 50 calibre machine gun with a matching bazooka and M1 Abrams tank. He defeated Goliath using a sling shot! He used what he had.
Shamgar in Judges 3:31, one of the most underrated heroes in the bible. He defeated 600 Philistines using an ox goad. Just in case you don't know what an ox goad is, it's like a spear but it's not. It's a tool used by farmers to goad the ox. He used what he had.
Life is what you make of it.
Utilize what you have and not with what you don't have. Start from where you are and with what you have.
I am a kind of person who expresses my feelings through the words I speak. But in writing, nah... I always considered myself poor in grammar or in English for that matter.
In college, I failed in English... twice.
Since I started writing my blogs, gifts started to manifest one by one. A month ago, when I was writing a speech for the graduating class of my high school, I suddenly remembered during my junior year, I was asked to compete to a news writing contest.
At that time, I questioned myself, who in the world would ask a happy-go-lucky person like me to join a writing contest to represent our school? That person was our head teacher and principal. I did not know what she saw in me to ask me to join such competition, but what can I do? She was our head teacher and I have to obey.
Can you guess what happened? With more than a hundred students, I won in two categories.
Opportunity is always where you are and never where you were. Although I know it's going to be a shot in the air but I took action by taking the challenge. I said to myself, "I won't know what I can do until I try."
Unfortunately for me, I neglected that gift because I always thought that writing was not for me. So I tried something doing what I thought I could do - a deejay and computer programmer.
I'm glad that God's gift for us is forever. Romans 11:29 says, "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." It's sad because our God given gifts and calling are one of the most ignored areas in our lives. It's a total waste when we don't use it. In tagalog, "Sayang!"
Today, I have chosen to do something with it and I will start with whatever I have.
I found out that the more I use it, the greater and more valuable it becomes.
The problem why we cannot accomplish anything in our life is we wait for something great to happen first before we do something great.
The Lord wants us to do the opposite. Do something with whatever you have and something great will happen.
God is the greatest!
Posted By: Allen Espejo @ 2:17:24 AM
Go back to top to Post or View Comments
Show All » 2010/04 » The Power of Giving
Wednesday, April 21, 2010The Power of Giving
What would you do if you have this view in front of you?
I am writing my blog in this awesome beach because I was invited to be the guest speaker of our high school. What a treat, right? Well, it would have been a real treat if it was an all expense paid trip but it wasn't. It was an all expense trip!
When I said yes to this invitation, I knew that I am going to be here to give and nothing else. I knew I was going to pay for my airline ticket, I was going to pay for my food during the whole trip and I am going to bring my own pocket money.
You cannot blame me if I say, "Before I came to this place I was clouded with fear and worries."
I was worried because who is going to take care of my two boys while mom and dad are away. I feared that one or more of my clients may need my assistance while I'm away. I was anxious about my work after my vacation and I was concerned about my expenses during our trip and so on.
These things are enough to spoil my trip, right?
But I could not understand myself as to why am I so worry free and relaxed while writing this blog?
Is it the beach? Is it the food that I ate or I'm just too crazy not to worry...
Whatever it is that I'm feeling, there is only one source of this wonderful experience that is the grace of God. Nothing else.
How can anyone enjoy God's gifts when your mind is clouded with things to worry about? How can you calm yourself when you know that a big wave of things to worry is right in front of you?
Giving, especially when you know that you're not going to get anything back was never easy for me. When I give, I made sure that I could get something back. That was how I understood things.
As an investor, when you invest on something you expect a return on investment. It's the same concept.
However, in our spiritual lives, the concept of giving is totally different - you give and expect nothing in return. God takes care of the returns not you. Many are scared to try this concept because the returns are not tangible.
In Malachi 3:10, God challenged the Israelites to test him on giving tithes. "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows."
In The Ultimate Gift, Red Stevens explains, "Conventional wisdom would say that the less you give, the more you have. The converse is true. The more you give, the more you have. Abundance creates the ability to give; giving creates abundance. This principle is true in every area of your life."
Earlier in my life, I had very few acts of goodness when I practiced the act of giving. That's because true giving is completely selfless. I was selfish.
True giving comes with no strings attached. Focusing on the needs of another while leaving your own goals and desires behind. For me, this was not easy or cheap.
As part of my speech during the graduation ceremony, I told the graduates that one of the secrets to be successful in life is to give back and share your success to others.
Just to give them an idea, I told them how much I spent on airline ticket, the food expense, and the gifts that we have to bring and so on. It's not about bragging how much I spent during my trip but I was bragging to them how much I'm willing to spend to be there with them so I can give back something to my beloved alumni.
To go there to be able to give back in my own little way by giving them an inspiring speech which combines personal empowerment and spiritual involvement in the community and assuring each and every one of them that there is something out there for them. Something really big!
Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. "
Giving reminds us of how blessed we are and how easily we can make a real impact on those around us.
Once you experience the gift of giving by helping someone around you with your talents, your resources or with something as beneficial as your time, you will be forever grateful to yourself that you have learned to do it. A lot of people are scared to share whatever they have because they thought they are in the losing end. Pleeease!
Scripture says, "But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed." (1 Timothy 6:6-7, 17-19)
Giving is a simple, easy gesture that can make a world of difference.
It's the giving part that produces grace. Giving even when it hurts, and yet you feel as if it costs you nothing.
By the way, a big thank you for my auntie Fely who made us feel at home during our stay in the Agua Seda Beach Resort in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.
God is the greatest!
Go back to top to Post or View Comments
Show All » 2010/04 » Don't Give Up
Thursday, April 01, 2010Don't Give Up
Have you ever experienced reading a story which you have read more than 100 times and you think you know everything what the story says and when you read it again for the 101st time then you see something so striking and new that it makes you wonder, how in the world did I miss this?
It may be you read it so fast that you've missed the message of the story. Or perhaps it's because you heard it from a speaker and he gives emphasis at a place where you normally wouldn't and BAM! It hits you.
The great thing about it is that it sheds light and leads you to discover several things on top of what you just found out.
This happened to me a couple of days ago when I was working on this blog.
For 33 years I have been reading the story of our Lord's resurrection, it was only now that I found out something new (maybe not for others) in this story.
"When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might come and anoint Him. Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. They were saying to one another, 'Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?' Looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, although it was extremely large." (Mark 16:1-4)
Did you notice something peculiar in this verse?
Before I tell you what I found out, let's examine what's happening.
First, three women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus.
Who are these three women?
They were the same women who were in Calvary during the crucifixion (Mark 15:40). They were the last to leave Calvary (Mark 15:47) and the first to arrive at the tomb.
They were there to come to anoint the dead body of Jesus and probably to say goodbye to the one man who gave reason to their hopes.
Regardless of the lost hope, what could have motivated them to wake up early in the morning to go to the tomb?
I mean, really, what's the use?
Is it duty?
Is this what they call devotion?
What can they expect from a dead person?
One thing is for sure, they were not there to ask for something or get something. They are not going to the tomb to ask for a miracle either. They are going to the tomb to give. Period.
There are times when we are called to love or to serve or to give, expecting nothing in return. There will be times when we are called to give money to people who will never say thank you, to love those who cannot love us, to forgive those who won't forgive us, to come early and stay late in our gatherings or in our church even when no one else notices.
You are willing to give everything even when it hurts.
I believe this kind of love can be achieved if you have an intimate, personal relationship with the other person. This is what our Lord Jesus expects from us. This is not a call to a program, or a system of religion, nor to a church, and certainly not to the discipler, or some human leader - it is a call to discipleship.
The three women knew a task had to be done. They did not wait for others to do it but they decided to do it.
It is easy to give up, lose hope and be grumpy if you do not love, believe or worse if you have another agenda for serving another person or even serving our God through your church or community.
If one of the three women had a shallow relationship with Jesus, probably right in the middle of their journey she would start arguing and questioning the other two by saying, "What for? Jesus will not recognize my actions anymore, He's dead. I'm tired of being the only one who cares, it's always me. I'm just wasting my time here. I'll just go home. I'm not going to get anything anyway."
Whether or not one of them or all of them thought of quitting, I'm glad they didn't.
In this story, we know something they didn't. We know they were motivated by their love that even though our Lord Jesus is already dead and would no longer recognize their actions; they still did what they had to do to anoint Him. They continued their journey even when they knew they are going to a dead end. And since we know the end of the story, we know that God was smiling at them throughout their journey and thrilled at their devotion.
Our Lord God is also smiling at us when he sees our continuous effort to keep standing even though we face discouragement in our journey through life, even though we are busy we still take time to help others, even though our financial resources are drained but we still give simply because it is the "wise" thing to do.
Secondly, the three women asked this question - "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?"
Okay, what happened here?
Maybe the three women did not plan about this. They should have contacted at least one of the disciples to help them roll away the stone.
But here's the thing - hope does not easily die especially for a person who knows Jesus. I think that's what these three women had. That's what kept them walking. Although they knew this is going to be a concern, it did not stop them in their journey. They kept walking towards the tomb.
And finally, the peculiar thing that happened in this story, "they saw that the stone had been rolled away."
Why did I say peculiar? If you read the Gospel of John after the resurrection it says, "So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." (John 20:19)
After the resurrection, Jesus can walk through walls.
So, why is the stone rolled away from the tomb? Was it for Jesus to get out of the tomb? For the past 33 years, that's what I always thought. I always assumed that the stone was rolled away for Jesus to come out.
If not for Jesus, for whom then was the stoned moved?
Going back to the concern of the three women when they were walking towards the tomb "who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?"
The stone was rolled away not for Jesus but for the women. Their concern was addressed way ahead before they reached the problem.
This is a bonus - it was not rolled away for Jesus to come out but so the women could see in!
God does that for the faithful.
God loves to awe us.
Just when the womb gets too old for babies, Sarah gets pregnant. Just when the failure is too great for grace, David is pardoned. Just when the road to the tomb brings sadness and uncertainty, Mary and Mary experienced the resurrection of Jesus Christ first hand!
The lesson? Don't give up.
Is the road long? Don't stop.
Don't quit. For if you do you may miss the answer to your prayers.
Your closed tomb could be your finances, your broken relationship, your broken spirit, your addiction, your married life, your work, your family, your son who does not behave properly, your daughter who ignores you or anything. For all we know at this moment he may be telling his angels to roll the stone.
God is smiling at you.
Advance Happy Easter to all!
Go back to top to Post or View Comments
Show All » 2010/03 » Keep Standing
Wednesday, March 17, 2010Keep Standing
When I was about to write this blog, I thought of checking my emails first to make sure that I don't have any important things to do before I start writing.
As I was browsing to open my emails, the headline news caught my attention - Nearly 15,000 jobs lost in Alberta in February.
A couple of days ago, my wife was talking to her friend about a massive layoff in their office. I thought the recession was over. I can only imagine the challenges these people have to face. I can tell because I was in that same situation last year.
In my last blog, I post this query - there will be a time in your lives when you are left alone, discouraged and everything that could go wrong has gone wrong - so, what do you do?
To properly answer this question, first, we need to understand these things that we know. Of course everyone knows about their own situation, that's obvious, but do we understand why we are in that situation?
So I don't confuse you, let me give you my example. Last year, when I lost my job, here are the things that I know.
I know that I lost my job, I know that I will no longer have a monthly income, I know I must find other means to provide for my family, I know I have a mortgage, I know I have a car payment, I know I have debts to pay, I know I have other people who rely on my help and at the same time, I know I have a big dream in life.
If I start analyzing the facts based on my logical understanding, I'm doomed! I will get scared and worried and desperate and angry and most of all, I will go crazy!
Thank God, it did not happen that way.
Let me tell you what I understand during that time.
I understand that it's not the end of the world. I understand that there are many open doors and opportunities waiting for me on the outside. I understand that God wants me to grow my career to another place. I understand that I have a great family and a loving wife to support me.
I understand that I have a God who is not worried about the outcome of my situation and trials. That's simply because he already knows the end result and what reassured me was - He can do all things but fail!
Situations happen and God allows these things to happen, for a purpose.
Don't think that I can say all these things because I have a good relationship with our Lord. Ahhhh... I wish! Once in a while I still do some stupid things.
Regardless, we need to understand that even if we make stupid mistakes in our lives, "God causes all things to work together for good." (Romans 8:28)
He does not sit in heaven and count the mistakes we do and say... strrrriiikkee three! Youre out!
If that's the way you think, you are separating yourself from a loving God. That is not the kind of relationship that God wants from you. Our God is not a tyrant!
What we think is wrong, the Lord changes for our good and His glory. There is no shortage on this goodness!
Scripture says, "The Lord's hand is not so short that it cannot save; nor is His ear so dull that it cannot hear." (Isaiah 59:1)
Having this thought, we do not stop trusting Him even when we encounter hardships; rather we need to overcome it.
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials." (James 1:2)
How can you keep standing in the midst of these trials?
1) Be teachable.
There was a time when no one can teach me. It's not that I'm stubborn - but I consider myself to be smarter than others - I was "simply" arrogant!
That is why doors of opportunity did not open in my life! Becoming teachable allows you to open a lot of channels in your life.
Moses was right on when he told the Lord:
"Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight." (Exodus 33:13)
Moses was not an uneducated person. One can only imagine the type of education he received while living in the palace of the Egyptian king. "Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds." Acts (7:22)
However, he had to spend 40 years of his life in the desert to learn the ways of God. He could not lead God's people with just the "wisdom of the Egyptians." He had to be taught by God.
If Moses did not heed through this process and rely on his own wisdom, the story of Exodus could have been different.
It was only when I started to listen to my family, friends and mentors through the word of God that I began to experience a dramatic change in my life.
If I remained stubborn and relied on my old ways, my questions in life could have not been answered and I'll still be practicing my old ways.
Being teachable is a sign of humility. "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5)
2) Stand on His word.
Quick question, where do you like to stand - would you prefer standing on God's word or mans opinion?
During the times of distress, this is the best time to learn God's word and depend on it. Capitalize on those trials by taking advantage of your situation by knowing more about God while you have these trials.
God's word is very powerful in times of trials because there is a lot of conviction while reading His words. His word becomes your foundation.
Remember, the word of God is not like the economy or stock market. It's guaranteed. If God says it, that settles it.
The scripture defines the word of God as "The Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit." (Ephesians 6:17)
The Sword of the Spirit is a powerful weapon of spiritual warfare especially when we are facing trials.
The sword is formed by speaking God's word. When we use the sword properly, God's power and resources are available to us.
Just a quick note on this - when we use the Sword of the Spirit, we need to ensure that we are using the scripture in the proper context from where it was taken. In order to understand the context, we'll need to learn the Bible. Attending daily mass or bible study or living word groups or even teachings not only familiarizes us with the word but also sharpens our discernment skills and builds our faith. Faith comes from hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17).
I also encourage you to spend time even for a few minutes by reading the daily readings and reflect on it.
There are a lot of ways to do study the bible. If you ask me where to start, I suggest you start by reading the Gospel of Mark. It's the shortest Gospel and it's full of action.
As you face daily challenges, try to recall the verses you have learned that apply to the trials and challenge. If you can't remember any, ask the Holy Spirit to help you remember them.
Scripture says, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." (John 14:26).
The Lord has provided us with spiritual armour so that we may be able to stand on the solid foundation. Start building up a good foundation and start today!
3) Keep Standing.
"Therefore, take up the full armour of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." (Ephesians 6:13)
As the saying goes, "If at first you don't succeed, try and try again?"
Persistence is the key. If you get beaten up, stand up and try again. If you get washed out, get up and try again. If someone lets you down, leave them behind and stand again.
One of the main reasons why we don't get up is fear. Fear of failing again, fear of being rejected and the worse fear is the fear of being criticized by others.
A fine opportunity given to you, then you hear your neighbours comment - "Who are you anyway to aim so high?" In one comment, your dream is gone.
The challenge is - will you retreat because of the uncalled for comment or do you keep standing?
Your next action will define your future.
No matter how upset you are, how hopeless you are, how shattered your dreams are with all the trials, sufferings, distress, oppress, depress, and all the other negative "ress" that you can think of, you are still God's champion!
Keep standing!
God is the greatest!
Go back to top to Post or View Comments
Show All » 2010/03 » Encourage Yourself
Wednesday, March 03, 2010Encourage Yourself
Have you ever had a goal in life that you wanted so bad that you will do whatever it takes to have it?
Did you ever experience the feeling that despite all your efforts in doing the right things you could not even take a step to get closer to that dream?
How do you encourage yourself if you cannot experience a breakthrough to reach your goal?
Can you quit and just try doing something else?
In my blog "When God Delays", maybe we just need to practice the virtue of patience.
But how can we practice patience when we are discouraged?
Let me borrow a parable from the Gospel of Luke. "A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any.
And he said to the vineyard-keeper, 'Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?'
And he answered and said to him, 'Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.'" (Luke 13:6-9)
Have you ever noticed when you are about to experience a pivotal moment in your life you stop and quit because of discouragement?
Let me tell you the story of the uncle of R.U. Darby? R.U. Darby is one of the most successful insurance salesmen. His uncle was caught in the "gold fever" in the gold-rush days. He was so passionate about his discovery of a shinny oar that he knew he will be able to find gold. Together, they invested heavily on machinery so they could follow the vein of gold. After all the digging and investment, something happened the vein of gold disappeared. For them it was the end of the rainbow. They tried to dig further but to no avail until they stopped.
Finally, they decided to quit. They sold the machinery to a junk man for a few hundred dollars and went home. With guidance from the experts, the junk man was able to find the vein that they were digging for just three feet from where they stopped drilling.
They were able to take millions of dollars in ore from the mine.
Like R.U. Darby, every person is guilty of this mistake one time or another. This lesson in life taught him so well that he became the best in the field of selling insurance.
Before success comes to most people, it is almost sure that the biggest challenges come into place. When we face these challenges and we think there is no way out, we get discouraged, we quit and we isolate ourselves.
We get discouraged, that's a normal thing. We isolate ourselves, that's not a bad idea too because I believe that finding yourself alone is God's doing.
Let's face it, there will be a time in our lives when we are left alone, discouraged and everything that could go wrong has gone wrong - so, what do we do?
Just like the parable says, "dig around and put fertilizer in it" and do what King David did - "But David strengthen himself in His Lord God" (1 Samuel 30:33)
God allows us to be alone so that we can turn to Him completely. A lot of us fail to understand these circumstances in our lives. We think he has forgotten us. No, He is just trying to tell us something - He is there for us. We are not alone. He wants us to be totally dependent on Him. He will show us another path to achieve our purpose.
Stop being discouraged because worse things will follow. If you become discouraged, you will only attract bad things in your life and believe me, they pile up really fast.
How do we encourage ourselves when we are left alone, depressed, discouraged and facing difficult situation?
1) Pray - "Ask and you shall receive." (Matthew 7:7-11)
I remember an old friend whose daughter was diagnosed with dengue fever. The platelet of his daughter is 10,000. (If you are wondering what platelets are - in an adult, a normal count is about 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. If platelet levels fall below 20,000 per microliter, spontaneous bleeding may occur and is considered a life-threatening risk)
When my friend heard this from the doctor, he was devastated. At that time, he confessed that he never knew how to pray but regardless, he took a chance of praying over her daughter. It was all his hope. Although the doctors were giving up, my friend never did. After praying over, her daughter had a miraculous recovery. That is the power of prayer!
A lot of us could pray like a fighter plane passing by. You can feel the ground shaking, they have words of prophesy and their praying in tongues is like singing. You can feel the presence of God in the place. I admire these people!
If you do not pray this way, welcome to my club. My prayer is more like a pin dropping on the floor. You can't hardly hear it or feel it. No one notices it. No ground shaking, no walls crumbling, no thunder roaring no nothing. No power.
Often, I don't know how to pray or how to focus my prayer; often, I do not know the root cause of the difficulty; often I do not have the right words.
Regardless, that doesn't bother me. When I pray, I know that the power of prayer is not in the prayer or how you pray. The power of prayer is in the one who hears it. That's the only thing that matters.
All we need to do after praying is to trust the one who hears our prayer and expect that it will be answered.
When I feel discouraged and I ran out of words to say while praying, instead of entertaining these thoughts in my mind, I secretly pray in tongues.
I hope that I could write more about the gift of tongues in the near future.
2. Be thankful.
When we are thankful to the many blessings that we keep receiving, that should be enough to encourage us.
Not thanking the source of all blessings is one step in the wrong direction.
Paul the apostle wrote to the Romans (1:21) "For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened."
In Ephesians 5:20 it says, "Always giving thanks for all things."
When the scripture says "all things" that means all "all things."
Is it possible to give thanks to the Lord for that person who harmed you? Who discourages you? Who tries to destroy your dreams? Who ridicules you and mocks you?
We should be able to do this through the grace of God.
In the Gospel of Mark 11:25-26 it says, "Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions."
These people will be the one who will purify you. They will be the tools so you could develop a good character. It is how you handle these adversities that results to what you can become. They will help you develop an attitude of gratitude.
3. Praise God.
The most common reaction for most people who are struggling with life and feeling discouraged in what they do is to analyze what has gone wrong.
Why am I in this situation? Why am I struggling to meet both ends need? What is the cause of my problem?
Stop analyzing and start praising! When we are hit with adversity, difficulties, discouragement, anxieties and a long delay, it's easy to lose our focus that we have a God out there who looks for us and loves us. It's sad that we prefer to look at our circumstances.
Just like prayer, there is tremendous power in praising.
What brought down the walls of Jericho? It was not the analytical warfare genius of Joshua but it was the trumpets and shouting (praising) of its people that brought the walls down. (Joshua 6)
What broke the chains of Paul and Silas when they were imprisoned? It was through praising. (Acts 16:25-30)
It is our choice to remain self-pity and be sad or to enter into His presence by praising and glorifying God.
I remember a time when I had a client that requires me to leave the house at five in the morning so I could take a two hour drive to arrive at their office. During rush hour, it would take me four hours to get back home.
One Wednesday afternoon, I planned to leave early from my client so I could make it in time for our bible study where I was the one leading it. Our group gathers in the church hall which is five minutes away from our house.
Unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to finish testing the system I made that I have to extend my working hours. I left my client at 4:30 pm and our bible study starts at 7:00 pm. There was no way for me to make it on time.
I did not analyze which route I'm going to take or how am I going to make it on time. All I did was I started praising God. I played the tapes of Steve Kuban and Don Moen and started singing inside the car while driving. Can you guess what happened?
I arrived at the church 15 minutes before 7 pm. Praise God!
No matter how strong the enemy is, the battle is not yours but God (2 Chronicles 20:15c)
4. Remember
Stop being discouraged and remind yourself of how the Lord has delivered you in the past; the same God who delivered you ten years ago, five years ago, one year ago or even yesterday, will deliver you again today.
Knowing how the Lord dealt with your problems and delivered you again and again, that should help us to remember His faithfulness to us.
We are suppose to remember all the goodness that's been done in our lives.
If you could not recall any blessing that you received throughout your life or if you think you were born to have bad luck, you are lying to yourself. God does not create junk!
The fact that you are reading this blog is a blessing in itself. I do believe that you did not read this far if this blog was not for you.
God has begun a work in your heart. And what he begins, God completes.
"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
God is the greatest!
Posted By: Allen Espejo @ 1:49:02 AM
Go back to top to Post or View Comments
Next » |
Last »» |
Records 1 to 10 of 28 |
