Swing God

Then will the LORD create, over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her place of assembly, A smoking cloud by day and a light of flaming fire by night. Isaiah 4:5

The swing bus. In my profession, it is a generation source that adjusts its output for the system to keep its balance. The balance is between the output of generation sources and consumption of load sinks. When power is more than the demand, the swing bus adjust its supply to keep the system balance. When there is an imbalance due to the fact that load consumption is greater than the generation, the swing bus boosts its provision to bring the system into equilibrium.

The logic is simple yet significant. The swing bus adjusts itself to create balance. Give more when there is less, give less when there is more.

Is God a swing God? He knows when to give more when there is less. He knows when to give less when there is more.

The verse above proves this - Then will the LORD create, over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her place of assembly, a smoking cloud by day and a light of flaming fire by night.

When there is more sunlight, he gives a shade. When there is darkness around us, he gives light.

No. He is not a God whose like an automatic dispenser.

He is a God who knows what is our need - a smoking cloud or a flaming fire. He is a God who knows when is our need - day or night. He is a God who knows how much we need - over the whole site, over the assembly.

When there is too much sun burning our hearts with pride, he gives us humility. When there is too much light in us stealing his glory, he sends shadows. When we take control of the day and not him, he provides smoking clouds so we know he drives our lives.

When there is weakness, he provides strength to overcome. In our dimmed hospital rooms, he sends fire of healing. To the gloomy alleys of the homeless and forgotten, he gives refuge and stronghold. To the shady place of the alone and lonely, he makes his presence felt. Look into your night, wait for the light of flaming fire he holds.

All from God for us to keep us in balance.

God knows our needs. What it is, when we need it, how much we need it. And he dances swing.

Simple Prayer, Great Answer

Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Luke 23:42-43

It was a simple prayer, "Remember me...."

You do this, you keep calling cards. You bookmark the webpage. You allow a space in your brain for that specific name, time of meeting, place of meeting, event of meeting and all. You remember the face and the faces associated with that face. You remember the name and the names related to that name. You take notice of what he or she wears. You mark those facial markers. You high light the body built and maybe the mannerisms.

Yet you do further than that. Before you were stepping into the airport, you heard them tell you, " when you get there, remember me, remember us." You don't only keep them in your mind, you give them what's in their mind. You send them gifts, you give them what you have. When you remember, you extend something. You have something, you remembered he needed that something. You got something, you remembered he ain't got that something.

Jesus remembers. The man beside him prayed, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." You see, Jesus can remember him when Jesus reigns in his kingdom. Remember the way he spoke. Remember the way he made a case for Jesus. Remember he was crucified at the same time he was. Remember he was deserving of the cross and he was not. Remember he was the last one who prayed to him before he died on that tree. Well, Jesus did not. But Jesus did. He does further than keeping him in his head. He gave him what he does not have. He handed to him what he ain't got. Jesus gave him salvation.

When God remembers, he extends his hands. When he remembers we are in need, he provides. When he remembers we are unhealthy, he heals. When he remembers we are jobless, he promotes us. When he remembers we are weak, he strengthen us. When he remembers we are in doubt, he gives us faith.

We give him a simple prayer, Jesus gives us a great answer.

Studying His Word

Rather, the law of the LORD is their joy; God's law they study day and night. Psalm 1:2

You thought you must be a bible-toting person to do this.

You carry the Word everywhere you go. You have it in your back pack. You have it in your home desk, in your office cubicle. You look at those missionary guy with their handbag armed with the Word as your model.  You thought the pastor passes this verse. You thought that would be it. Carry it. Read it. Have it in your bag. Have it whenever, wherever you might be.

As you reflect about it further, it convinces you there's more than that.

Do you experience joy when you follow the Lord's law? When you are up to something yet you know you will violate his Word, do you have joy or sadness since you did not attain what you should have achieved? Are you joyful when you follow him or do you feel this great depression since you think you are not free to do or say what you want to?

This is God's law as your study all day and all night. You don't keep it in your bag, you keep it in your heart. You just don't carry it, you carry it on the way you live, the way you speak or the way you accomplish things. Those things above will surely help, yet what matters is you put his Word into action.

In your day or night, do you study his Word? No, I'm not saying you keep on reading the Bible, which surely is good, but in your every gesture or each of your spoken word, do you consider his laws? Wait, I know what you are thinking. You think it's like tip-toeing in life. Maybe. However, consider his Word before you do something or say something. This is studying his Word day and night. Yes, it is possible to study his laws day in and day out. It is like shaping a sculpture according to his Word. Step by step. Word after word. Action after action. Your life being shape by God's Word.

Consider this. We sin, most of the time, because at that instant we let go of our study of his Word.

The psalmist encourages us, may God's Word be our joy and when we follow it may it produce joy in us. The psalmist calls us, may we study God's law day and night, keeping it in our hearts and in our minds.

Perseverance

By your perseverance you will secure your lives. Luke 21:19

41-0.

This was the final score in my very first basketball game in a formal league. Impressive right? Yes, our opponents are. We were crushed, to the very meaning of the word. We were shattered into pieces. Imagine, playing 40 minutes without a single basket. We know how to make a play yet did not make a shot.

If you think that have ended my unheralded basketball career, you're wrong. I still played games. I still was shooting hoops. I still love the feel of the ball on my hands. I still desire the thug of a dribbling ball on a hardwood. Sometimes, my team wins. Most of the time, my heart is broken. If I add up my victories in playing this game, it won't just compare to the mountain of defeats I have to face at the sound of the buzzer. Up until now, I play the game. Yeah, I know I suck in this game. But I still come into the rectangular court with two vertical holes at the end and play.

If my Christian life has a score board, I would be surely at the cellar in this game. If you compare my victories over sin to my succumbing to temptations, you are looking at a dwarf compared to a giant. I know, I suck in living as a Christian. I still sin. I still am tactless and would hurt someone with my insensitive words and selfish actions. I am vulnerable with difficulties. A little hump in my journey, becomes a hill in my heart. My faith always is shaken, my loyalty always at check. My temper is still a suspect. The lust in my heart is still my first challenge.

However, this does not stop me from living for God. I still follow him. I still pray. I still pray for forgiveness. I still come to him and ask for grace and strength.  I still read the Bible. I still serve. I still go for counsel among brothers and sisters. I still attend church. I still participate in community.  I still drink from Jesus' cup and share his meal. I still want to love others. My heart regains joy in being with him. The touch of his book gives me peace as I roll my eyes on its pages. My soul pounds when I hear someone preaches with fire in his Spirit. I know, it won't be easy. It's hard. It's difficult. It's a daily struggle. But I still come into his heavenly court where a perfect God meets his imperfect follower. 

This is perseverance. And this is what secures our lives.

Eighteen

They shall never be shaken; the just shall be remembered forever.  Psalms 112:6

CYA. Graduation. Danny. Joseph. Jazmin. Emmaruth. Young Professionals for Christ. Saturday nights. Old Holy Angel Chapel. Kamayan. Christ's Tenants in the Vineyard. Ilo-ilo. Lingkod-Angeles. Ming. Francis. Michelle. Emy. Jazmin again. Branch. Unity Games. Holy Family. CLP. Carmelite. Women for Christ. Jocas. Herman. Carlos. Ding. Ecs. Chas. Natna. Glo. Rhods. Sassie. April. Sto. Rosario Elementary School. Outreach. Olongapo. Dennis. Joseph. Chas. John. Office at Sto. Entierro. National Leaders' Training Conference. Fontana. Dexter. Mayona. Beng. Office at L&S. Romin. Gagay. Outreach. San Fernando. Nars. Mitz. Jun. Eighteen.

God. Call. Workplace. Single. Working. Conversion. Commitment. Community. Culture. Commission. Vision. Mission. Brothers. Sisters. Servanthood. Yesteryears. Present. Future. Grace. Strength. Mercy. Courage. Confidence. Consistency. Faithfulness. Holiness. Refuge. Stronghold. Loyalty. Passion. Love. Service. Ability. Availability. Of God. From God. For God. Never shaken. Never forgotten.

You Can Do Something

Secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free; the LORD gives sight to the blind. The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD protects the stranger, sustains the orphan and the widow, but thwarts the way of the wicked. Psalm 146:7-9 

Today, I read a line from Max Lucado’s book “Outlive Your Life” which is “One cannot do everything, but one can do something”.

As Christians, we are one with the Lord in looking after his children. The psalmist echoes God’s heart for the poor. God’s eyes are big on the small. He longs for us to take our place in his work among the unfortunate. Look at those statements:

• Secures justice for the oppressed
• Providing food to the hungry
• Giving prisoners their freedom
• Enabling the disabled
• Raising up those who are lowly
• Welcoming unfamiliar faces
• Spending time with the parent-less and spouse-less

Someone will say, “How can I help when my family needs more help.” Well, everybody needs help. It’s just a matter of managing your resources.

Another will comment, “Others are already doing that, I have my family to feed.” If we are always looking internal and not external of us, we are missing the point. You always have a place to occupy in the scheme of things.

“It’s not my type of ministry, I am busy with other services.” Wrong. We are all called to respond to the needy. Every follower of Christ should put their hearts and hands on this ministry.

“Let the rich do just that, we are not rich.” There is no mention in the verses above that only the rich should do something for the poor and needy.

One can do something. You can. May I suggest the following?

• Pray for the poor.
• Don’t buy a new shirt or clothes once in a month and allot those funds for the poor.
• Give up your trip to Starbucks, enable a poor child to reach his dreams.
• Buy energy efficient appliances, the money you save in energy can energize the weak.
• Turn off electric devices in your home when not in use, the money you save can turn on somebody's life.
• Cancel your late night strolls to bars, provide for those who have no bed at night.
• Give up your I-Phone plan and settle for a low tech phone, the savings you get can empower a child's education plan.
• Post actions for the poor in your Facebook wall or Twitter account.
• Volunteer for inner city mission.
• Participate in your church’ social action ministry.

Yes, you cannot do everything but you can do something. So, do something!

Missionaries

Finally, brothers, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may speed forward and be glorified, as it did among you,and that we may be delivered from perverse and wicked people, for not all have faith. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

Alan was part of a student missionary group tasked to nourish the planted college movement in one university in Central Luzon. The group started their journey by taking a bus from one province to another. Alan fell asleep as he was seated at the back of the vehicle. He was known to have that infamous skill. Along the way, the bus swayed and fell on the lower romp of the road. The abrupt stoppage gave Alan a flight from the back to the front of the bus. He was brought to a village clinic that had no facilities to give him emergency health care.

A contingent from where the missionary students came went to get Alan for medical purposes. Fortunately, the top-down car was to used as a emergency vehicle due to lack of funds. Alan, in the midst of pain in his head, had to face the dark starry sky during the transport for about three hours. At the hospital, doctors diagnosed him to have cut lip, broken nose and teeth loss. For this, he stayed at the hospital for weeks.

This is one among what missionaries face everyday. To bring the word of the Lord speed forward, they risk their lives on the line. If we look into this, more than  physical harm, the rejection of their work is the most lethal. When they deliver the word of God or the work of God to a hostile place or people, they are abused verbally or mocked publicly by perverse and wicked people. Not all will like what they do. Not all will appreciate what they do. Yet, they respond to their call. They go ahead. They speed forward.

Paul is directing us that we can share in their work by praying for them. Spreading the word of God is all our responsibility. When God asks who can do it to this unfamiliar place or to that a non-Christian territory, missionaries raise their hands without thinking twice and with fiery fervor. As they go ahead to answer God's call, we bend our knees for God's grace to be upon them. As they open their mouths to proclaim God's word, we open our mouths to plead for God's blessings for them. As they come face to face with challenges, we come face to face with God on their behalf.

And Alan? Please pray for him, he speeds forward the word of God as an SVD missionary priest out in East Timor, Indonesia.  Please pray for missionaries.

Level Ground

And he came down with them and stood on a stretch of level ground. Luke 6:17a

The doctor of psychology went into the interrogation room. His friend-policeman asked him to inquire about a man who was suspected of a wrongdoing. The lawmen tried to talk the suspect out but to no avail. The suspect was shaking as he bended his head and his knees on the floor, as he closed the door. He stole a glimpse at the new room mate. For about five minutes, the professional only got nods and ah-ams. If there was conversation , it was one way. The doctor inquired more and the suspect replied less.

The communication changed when the doctor decided to sit just like the suspect. He put his butt on the cold floor inches away from the suspect. The suspect lifted his head and from then on, he elaborated his problems, issues and what he has done. The doctor leveled with him. And this made the difference.

I've been there. You've been there. We've been all there.

You feel no one understands. Your parents can't relate to what you're undergoing. Your older siblings do not sympathize with you. The younger blood can't help you out. Your friends are busy in their own concerns. Your co-workers' motto is mind your own business. Your classmates are not your mates. Even your dog, miscommunicates with you. You feel you are all alone in what is happening in your life. No one is in place in your place. Nobody gets in what your are getting at. No one gets to your level.

Jesus stood in level with his disciples. Who is Jesus? He is the Son of God. Who are his disciples? Ordinary men. At this time, they stood on the same level. No. God did not put himself above them. He stands where they stand. He puts himself to their place. God meeting ordinary men. Heaven in level with the  earth.

Whatever you are undergoing nowadays, Jesus stands with you closer than ever. You are not alone if you think you are. Jesus stands where we stand to understand us. Talk to him. Speak with him, take your time. Be open and confess what you have done or what you want to do. Give him your burdens.

Lift up your heads now. He is with you, in level on your ground.

Be A Tree

So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. Luke 19:4

1995. World Youth Day in Manila. We were camped near Roxas Boulevard when sirens came aloud signaling that Pope John Paul II is about to pass. We ran and took our chances into the thick population trying to catch a glimpse of the man. Nina, a petite sister with a big heart in Christ, was obviously vertically challenged and was having difficulty with the people pushing and pulling off the road. So, Nina climbed a human tree who allowed her to sit on his shoulders for her to take a wide peek at the Pope. As the Catholic church head passed by, Nina enjoyed the good scene. Maybe he waved at her but surely she waved at him.

Jesus did not only wave at him, Jesus asked Zacchaeus for him to be invited to his home.

Before that, Zacchaeus had to climb a tree. He, too, was vertically challenged. He, too, was having hard time with the thick crowd. However, he did not want for this opportunity to pass by to see Jesus who was passing by. So, he looked around. He looked around and thought what can I do to see him? He saw a tree standing by, which he quickly climbed. Zacchaeus stayed there for some time, until Jesus looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house." (v. 5). And the rest is history.

It was a cameo role in a movie. In layman's term, the tree was an extra, a bit player. What we usually remember about this story from Luke are Jesus, Zacchaeus and the Pharisees who questioned the Jesus' visitation at Zacchaeus' home. Yet, Jesus would not have looked up at Zacchaeus if not for the tree and Zacchaeus would not have seen Jesus if not for the tree. The tree was the bridge for Jesus to meet Zacchaeus. The tree was a channel for the Son to meet the sinner. The tree was a vessel of grace for the Giver and the receiver.

Can you be a tree?

• A visible tree who people will always see and climb for them to grab the chance to see Jesus.
• A humble tree who will allow others to be above himself for them to see the grace of God.
• A constant tree who will be ready and be dependable for sinners to see salvation.
• A hospitable tree who will welcome anyone who wants to take shelter and refuge in Christ.
• An encouraging tree who will lift up the spirits of the small and the fervor of the forgotten.
• A tree who will stand day by day for Jesus and for somebody to stand for Jesus.
• A tree whose strength is from Jesus so he can able to carry the weight and burden of others.
• A tree who will stay at the background so Jesus may take the center stage of the story.

The world is full of small people trying to see our big God. Be a tree.