The Bible contains a lot of concepts and truths which are hard to swallow for many. Topics such as murder, sexuality, stealing etc. strikes a nerve with a people who just refuse to believe that a supreme God would just make laws that would rain on their parade. Even people who claims to be Christians are saying that not everything in the Bible is meant to be taken literally. However, it has been my observation that these people would only listen to what they want to hear. They filter the scriptures according to their own liking. God is a God of love, that is very true but God also hates sin. No where in the bible where you would find a passage that says that we must tolerate sin. No! Romans 12:9 says to "Hate is is evil; cling to what is good". This passage already tells us that God hates sin but he loves the sinner. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. In no way God is saying that we should tolerate sin in any form. Just like Christ, I love the sinner but I hate the sin. when somebody heard me say that, she said that I can't have the sinner without the sin nor sin without the sinner. She even went further by saying that even Jesus taught tolerance and acceptance. In one way she is true but Christ never said that we should love sin. I guess some people just can't handle the truth.
I have also heard from others that we should be bearer of good news as they quoted from the book of Isaiah 52:7 "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who brings tidings, who proclaim salvation. They are right about that. But, we also have a duty to tell others about God's wrath against sin and those who commit them and that they are to repent just as God has called the prophets as his ambassadors to warn people. As I've mentioned earlier; people only hear what they want to hear. They only want to hear of God's love and not his wrath. This can be very dangerous because they shun the gospel and doesn't want to be told to changed their ways. Scripture says that satan is like a roaring lion seeking someone whom he can devoir. The enemy is desparate to bring us down with him and will try just about every tactic to accomplish this. Including manipulating and twisting the true message of the gospel.
It is a sad fact that so many individuals are corrupted in their ways and doesn't want to see the truth because they want to do things their own way without God. The question is; are you going to be like those people or are you gonna turn from yourself to Christ? The choice is your my friend. You can turn to God by asking Him to come into your hearts and take control of your life. Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into him. - Revelations 3:20 Accepting Him into your life is a matter of choice and of course, trust.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
For the love of biking
It has already been more than a year since I took my interest in cycling to the next level. I have ridden in trails, went for long distance rides but more importantly, my bike became my preferred mode of transport. Yes, I am a bike commuter and I love every minute of it. Some of you may wonder why I would be willing to risk life and limb by hitting the perilous streets of Metro Manila, the answer is fairly simple really; it is cost efficient, it gets me to where I'm going and believe it or not; it is a lot safer than any motorized transport. There are a lot more accidents out there involving, cars, truck, motorcycles and what not.
I have saved a lot of money ever since I started riding my mountain bike to work and everywhere I go. Not to mention of course the fact that I always beat traffic. I lost a lot of weight as well; because it is a good form of exercise. Biking in the city still has some setbacks unfortunately. Lack of bike lanes and proper bike parking facilities are just two problems that we have to deal with. Since I love riding my bike so much, I don't let these set backs deter me from riding. If there's a will, there is always a way.
In today's society, a lot of people tend to look down upon people who commutes by bike. They think that it is unglamorous and not practical. They would think that you don't have money. If only more white collared people would ride their bikes to work everyday then the negative image that people have of bike commuters would drastically change and make a bigger impact. Don't get me wrong though; I have nothing against cars, and in some ways it is necessary for people to drive them. As for me though, I do what I can to promote clean air by saying that I am one less car. It is my dream that the Philippines would become a bike crazy country and have clean, breathable air for the generations to come. I can only hope for the better. So why do I ride my bike? Because I LOVE IT!
I have saved a lot of money ever since I started riding my mountain bike to work and everywhere I go. Not to mention of course the fact that I always beat traffic. I lost a lot of weight as well; because it is a good form of exercise. Biking in the city still has some setbacks unfortunately. Lack of bike lanes and proper bike parking facilities are just two problems that we have to deal with. Since I love riding my bike so much, I don't let these set backs deter me from riding. If there's a will, there is always a way.
In today's society, a lot of people tend to look down upon people who commutes by bike. They think that it is unglamorous and not practical. They would think that you don't have money. If only more white collared people would ride their bikes to work everyday then the negative image that people have of bike commuters would drastically change and make a bigger impact. Don't get me wrong though; I have nothing against cars, and in some ways it is necessary for people to drive them. As for me though, I do what I can to promote clean air by saying that I am one less car. It is my dream that the Philippines would become a bike crazy country and have clean, breathable air for the generations to come. I can only hope for the better. So why do I ride my bike? Because I LOVE IT!
Where do you draw the line between judging others and exposing sin? This is a question which I have been asking my self for quite some time now. People always quote Matthew 7:1-5 where it says "Do not judge". This has got to be one of the most misused bible scriptures. people throw this passage a lot when they would hear somebody say something against someone or what that someone did. People like these only see one part of that bible passage. Verse 5 says "Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye: then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye." What this means is that we should not judge other people when we our selves are doing the same thing. Let me give a clear example: Let's say I saw someone who has stolen and I say to that person, Your a thief! It is wrong to steal but yet, I my self is doing the same thing. Now that is hypocritical! The bible says that we should judge our selves by God's standard first and repent from our sins before we can help others in dealing with their own sin.
There is a fine line between exposing and judging. Ephesians 5:11 says this: "Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead EXPOSE them." How can people be aware of what they are doing is wrong if we don't tell them? Take a parent for example; if a child does something wrong a Parent would always tell that child that what he or she did was wrong so that they won't make the same mistake again. A child wouldn't know the difference between right and wrong unless we tell them. People would rather hear about God's love rather than his wrath against sin. If this is the case then we would be liable to God him self because we didn't tell others about the curse of sin. Issues like homosexuality, adultery, coveting etc. are topics that would offend people when they hear some preach against these things. They would say, "who do you think you are to tell me that I am wrong or how dare you judge me". The truth hurts but the truth will set them free if they listen to it. have you heard of the saying "the slap of a friend is sweeter than the kiss of an enemy."?
God called us into this world to be his light, and light exposes darkness. As Christians, we have a duty to Christ to be bearers of good news but we must also expose the works of satan in this world. Judging is not a sin if we judge ourselves first according to God's standard.
There is a fine line between exposing and judging. Ephesians 5:11 says this: "Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead EXPOSE them." How can people be aware of what they are doing is wrong if we don't tell them? Take a parent for example; if a child does something wrong a Parent would always tell that child that what he or she did was wrong so that they won't make the same mistake again. A child wouldn't know the difference between right and wrong unless we tell them. People would rather hear about God's love rather than his wrath against sin. If this is the case then we would be liable to God him self because we didn't tell others about the curse of sin. Issues like homosexuality, adultery, coveting etc. are topics that would offend people when they hear some preach against these things. They would say, "who do you think you are to tell me that I am wrong or how dare you judge me". The truth hurts but the truth will set them free if they listen to it. have you heard of the saying "the slap of a friend is sweeter than the kiss of an enemy."?
God called us into this world to be his light, and light exposes darkness. As Christians, we have a duty to Christ to be bearers of good news but we must also expose the works of satan in this world. Judging is not a sin if we judge ourselves first according to God's standard.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Aiming to run.
Running was the very first sport that I was introduced to by my Dad when I was a child. Unfortunately, I wasn't the athletic type back then and I was to lazy. I easily got tired and could barely run even just a kilometer. I am now an adult and because of my fondness for sports, I am willing to give running another shot. This time though, I am determined to succeed. A good friend from church gave me a pair of Asics running shoes which I intend on using to get me started. I am just so fascinated by people who could run long distances and I often imagine my self doing that someday, Of course I really have to train and have the discipline and will power to do it. I am a cyclists and I can ride my bike in long distances. I figure that if I can do that on a bike, then I can also do it on foot.
I wish that my Dad was still alive and give me pointers now that I am determined to do it. My Dad was a runner and became a coach as well back in the 80's. I remember him joining a lot of marathons back in those days and would always finish it. My Dad was already old then but what admired me most was his ability to finish no matter how long it takes despite of his age. I want to become like him. I may not become a famous runner by finishing first, second or third, but my goal is to conquer my self and finish the race.
I wish that my Dad was still alive and give me pointers now that I am determined to do it. My Dad was a runner and became a coach as well back in the 80's. I remember him joining a lot of marathons back in those days and would always finish it. My Dad was already old then but what admired me most was his ability to finish no matter how long it takes despite of his age. I want to become like him. I may not become a famous runner by finishing first, second or third, but my goal is to conquer my self and finish the race.
Monday, November 15, 2010
It's Monday again and the start of another week and an opportunity to minister to the national karatedo team. Today, the team learned the value of prayer in for their personal life and how to make it effective. Kuya Totie facilitated the discussions with supporting bible verses. It was such a joy to see a group of karate athletes pray for them selves as well as for their team.
The team also shared things on what they are thankful for in their lives. The Bible says to give thanks for everything, and that is exactly what these athletes did. They shared their joys and their set backs. Coach David Lay also mentioned the challenges that he is facing this year as a coach and as a son to his Mom who has stage four cancer. Despite of the predicaments that he is facing, He is still able to give thanks to Jesus and continue to put his faith in Him. Coach Maricar also shared some of her thoughts and feelings as a female coach which led her to tears. It is so amazing that athletes such as them are able to express what is in their hearts. Trully, the Lord works in ways you can never know and you will just be in awe at how He works in the lives of people, and that includes the national Karatedo Team.
The team also shared things on what they are thankful for in their lives. The Bible says to give thanks for everything, and that is exactly what these athletes did. They shared their joys and their set backs. Coach David Lay also mentioned the challenges that he is facing this year as a coach and as a son to his Mom who has stage four cancer. Despite of the predicaments that he is facing, He is still able to give thanks to Jesus and continue to put his faith in Him. Coach Maricar also shared some of her thoughts and feelings as a female coach which led her to tears. It is so amazing that athletes such as them are able to express what is in their hearts. Trully, the Lord works in ways you can never know and you will just be in awe at how He works in the lives of people, and that includes the national Karatedo Team.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
The Pastor Steve Ruetschle Chocolate Bar
I was so delighted yesterday when someone handed me a chocolate bar with pastor Steve's picture on the wrapper. This is actually a token of appreciation to the people who ushered during the Songs for Steve Concert last October 25, 2010 at Onstage Greenbelt One.
It's another wild Sunday for most Filipinos as they watch and scream over the fight of the year. As I am writing this blog, the world outside is going crazy over Manny Paquiao's fight against Margarito. Whoops! I just got a skype chat from my friend Craig who told me that Manny won. The crowd who was watching the match in out neighbor's house is starting to disperse already which signifies the end of the bout. I guess you're wondering why I am not one of the many who is watching. I'm not really sure why. maybe I'm just tired of all the hype that people like Manny gets. Don't get me wrong though, I'm always happy every time a Filipino makes it big and brings honor to the country.
I'm an athlete my self and I love sports. Boxing is just not my cup of tea. I don't like the attitude that goes with the sport. Call me whatever you like but I am not one who would go crazy and be amused at people who mocks each other in pre-fight interviews. I guess I'm just so hooked on the respect that comes with traditional fighting arts like my sport Judo. My sport is so much different from boxing and mixed martial arts. It's probably the reason why I am not a boxing fan. It could also be my up bringing as a person. My parents always taught me the value of respect and honor as a child and that is something that I have always valued. Or there could be other reasons which I just can't point my finger to. Oh well. Congratulations, Manny Paquiao! You did it again! Now back to earth.
I'm an athlete my self and I love sports. Boxing is just not my cup of tea. I don't like the attitude that goes with the sport. Call me whatever you like but I am not one who would go crazy and be amused at people who mocks each other in pre-fight interviews. I guess I'm just so hooked on the respect that comes with traditional fighting arts like my sport Judo. My sport is so much different from boxing and mixed martial arts. It's probably the reason why I am not a boxing fan. It could also be my up bringing as a person. My parents always taught me the value of respect and honor as a child and that is something that I have always valued. Or there could be other reasons which I just can't point my finger to. Oh well. Congratulations, Manny Paquiao! You did it again! Now back to earth.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
I had the opportunity yesterday to visit the American Memorial Cemetery with my friend Arthur Duffy from who is here in the country from the United States. Arthur or Arty as we call him wanted to go there to visit the grave of his great uncle who fought for and died for his country during world war II. I don't really like going to cemeteries or any places that has to do with the departed but there was something different in that place compared to other grave yards. The American Cemetery is a memorial to soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country the United States of America. The place was actually beautiful even from the outside, It has a lot of white crosses on the grounds with the names of soldiers who were layed to rest there a long time ago.The cross includes their name and service number. In the heart of the cemetery is a memorial wall which contains the names of thousands of American soldiers who were missing in action. The wall states their branch of service in the military with their names and ranks. Certain names would be highlighted in gold which means that they have won the distinguished medal of valor which is the highest honor that a soldier could receive.
This is my friend Arty with his great uncle's tomb stone. Arty really looks proud of his uncle and I can understand why. He has never met his great uncle of course since he was killed way before Arty was even born, nevertheless, Arty was able to get close to a family member.
This is my friend Arty with his great uncle's tomb stone. Arty really looks proud of his uncle and I can understand why. He has never met his great uncle of course since he was killed way before Arty was even born, nevertheless, Arty was able to get close to a family member.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
This is one unforgettable highlight from my experience as a volunteer for the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).
http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=4617&pst=228749
http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=4617&pst=228749
Today officially marks my fifth day of being stranded at home because of an irritated eye that really got me paralyzed and unable to do things that I would normally do. However, I am happy to announce that my eyes are better now and things will be going back to normal starting tomorrow. First thing on my agenda is to get back on my bicycle saddle and enjoy a ride and go to the gym to pump some iron. I was unable to function properly not just because my eyes were red and hurting but also because I couldn't wear my "expired" contact lenses and unable to see clearly. My contacts by the way were the reason why my eyes got infected in the first place (my bad).
My eyes are well now and I am so thankful for my friend Jennifer who was kind enough by buying me new lenses and dropping it off at my house. I feel so blessed to have friends like her who would go out of their way to help someone in need. Jennifer is one of the kindest people that you will ever meet. I feel like I'm starting the week late because of my temporary set back but you know what they say; Better late than never. Watch out, world! I'm back!
My eyes are well now and I am so thankful for my friend Jennifer who was kind enough by buying me new lenses and dropping it off at my house. I feel so blessed to have friends like her who would go out of their way to help someone in need. Jennifer is one of the kindest people that you will ever meet. I feel like I'm starting the week late because of my temporary set back but you know what they say; Better late than never. Watch out, world! I'm back!
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