Live the Christian Life

How should we live as followers of Christ?

 

Here is a summary of what I've learned the past two months on how we should live from the

Word of God!

Must love them

When I walk these streets people look at me or even stare for a while because I'm different. They rarely see foreigners. I don't like it when they do this.

I had just reminded the kids about classroom rules and after a minute they break them. They like to play too much that they don't focus on what we are learning. "Teacher can I play?" the kids asks and when you say no they look at you like someone who doesn't like them to be happy. This tests my patience.

She said "one hour" so after an hour I went back to go out with her but I don't see her. I went to some place first while waiting and see if she's ready when I come back. I head back seeing her playing badminton as if we never talked about going somewhere. I then find out that we had misunderstood each other. This is awful. I don't like keep changing of minds and misunderstandings neither.

There are so many reasons for me to hate anybody and so many things they do that makes me turn my head in disagreement. But the Father speaks to my heart saying "love them like Jesus". He reminds me "Child, I loved you though you did not deserve it. No one deserves to be loved but everybody needs love. Love the unlovable." I look at what they do or what they did and think again. The question of the girl stroke me "Stancy, do you hate him?" I had to pause and my Father says through me, "No, I don't hate him".

I reside "I have to love these people"; it doesn't matter who they are, what they did, or what they might do. I have to love them because He wants me to.

"If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?" -Matthew 5:46-47

Leaving Again

Yesterday, October 7, 2012 I arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam for the third time. This time I came from the Philippines: my country, my home where my family belongs, and my friends' home. As I was trying to set my mind on continuing in my goals and purposes here in Hanoi I can't stop my tears from falling. I had only one week vacation with my family and it has passed; it was time for me to move forward. Leaving the second time around made it harder because it was in the middle of a family celebration. I never thought pursuing your purpose can be this hard neither did I think it would be easy. But whatever risks and sacrifices are ahead I know that I must keep on pursuing my purpose.

Some people will not understand what you are doing till they see the results.

Some people will try to stop you by putting  hindrances along the way.

Some situations may discourage you and make you doubt your purpose.

Sometimes even your personal dreams get in the way.

You have to sacrifice your pride...your personal dreams... your wants because you know there's better fulfillment when you have fulfilled your purpose.

You take risks that other people won't. You might have to go to a place they have never been. You might have to do what you didn"t dream of doing. You might get across a lot of disappointments, frustrations, and loneliness. You might not see your friends again.

But as these things come along the way of finding and pursuing your purpose be ready. Face them with courage and fight them with boldness knowing deep inside your heart these are just obstacles. You must say to yourself, "This is why I am here, I will fulfill my purpose and I will not let anything get in the way."

As my leader always tells us, "Keep on keeping on". Don't stop. Be constant. Be steadfast.

Just like "leaving again" is very hard for me but I just had to go back to why I chose to follow this road. I went back to determining my purpose.

Someday, I will see how "leaving again" will be all worth the risk because my purpose (His purpose for me) is fullfilled.

Looking Back

April 18, 2012
New York City
Wednesday, Third Day

Anxiety kept on trying to overtake my on me last few days in Upstate New York (5 hours from NYC); where I stayed most of the time. This often come as a result of being unsure of what will reallly happen next. I am a person not very fond of surprises especially when it comes to things that would require responsibility on my part. The thought of it just scares me even though I know that I will get through anyway. The afternoon I took the bus I was struggling with worry if things might not work out; taking two big suitcases in the bus and everything. But at the merge of worrying I was reminded to pray that my worries would be taken away. Sure enough everything turned out to be good and worrying did not help. The counterpart of not worrying is holding on tight to the faith I have faith knowing that God will give me favor every step of the way. Just as I declared that faith so it happened.
Days and months have gone by and I still can't believe how time flew. I find myself walking in this city, however long it took me, amazed at how God has worked in my life the past months. My adventures of job hunting, cultural adjustments, friendship building, and heart shaping in this country where I was born, is soon to end, for another journey to begin. I have become more brave and more confident to face whatever struggle and difficulties might lead me as I discover my purpose. I have known by practical experience how God reveals Himself and His love during these times that I have nothing to fear.
Things did not work out as I had planned. Nevertheless, things worked out for the better when I had let God execute His plan because I knew He has a purpose. I don't know what would have happened if I insisted to do what I want. Not going on as planned is so humbling.  Not only personally but also in front of the people around me. It's also hard to know you are doing what you have to do and but being unable to explain it to the people; many of them don't understand. In the end, it's all going to be worth it, (actually even along the process).

I had planned to get a job that will let me earn and at the same time meet people I can share my faith with. God had planned for me to be of service to different friends around the area and at the Pregnancy Care Center that ministers to young women for free.
I had planned to get the money from what I will save to support my desire for training in Asia inclusive of plain ticket and all expenses. God had planned to surprise me each time by providing different people who would just give gifts enough to provide for what I need.

I do not regret going here even if it seemed nothing for others. I wouldn't trade this experience at this point of time with anything else in the world knowing "For such a time as this..." (Esther 3) God had a plan.

Restoration: a need to keep moving

When we mess up or things in our life mess up, God is there to rescue us from going deeper in the messy life through restoration. Restoration is often defined as renewal, revival, and reestablishment (dictionary.com). When we are discouraged, pressed down, or feeling lifeless we need restoration. Restoration is like the dropping of snow that adds beauty to the trees and at the same time produces water for the earth.

Isaiah 55:10 ,  ^"For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

The best restoration we could ever receive is one that comes from God. There are different ways God restores us and believe it comes from one level to another.

How does God restore us?
1. He calls our attention.
2. He reminds us of the importance of living for him and following His directions.
3. He cleanses us from our sins and forgives us for the mistakes we have made.
4. He heals us from the hurtful experiences and words that we have encountered through our journeys.
5. He establishes us back on track with His will and provides all that we need in fulfilling His calling for us.
6. Above all, He always shows us that He is God no one else.

Restoration requires action on both God and us. We have steps to take to experience the restoration fully.
1. Admitting we messed up and that we cannot do it on our own.
2. Listening to what God has to say.
3. Be willing to face the consequences of our mistakes.
4. Walk with God into where he leads you.
5. Accept the blessings of His restoration and be thankful to Him about it.

We are responsible to keep walking with Him to keep experiencing the blessings of His restoration.
To keep on moving to the next steps of God's purposes for us we need to be restored, renewed, and reestablished. From broken to whole. From impure to pure. From darkness to light. From sadness to joy.

 These I have learned from my readings in the book of Ezekiel and personal experience.

That Little Doubt

The road to finding your purpose is not always smooth. When you face the rough roads there's that little doubt suddenly comes trying to stop you from pursuing your purpose. There are many places where that doubt can come from. You'll be surprised to find yourself considering to listen to that little doubt and maybe even believe it. If you are not careful you might do what that little doubt says.
In traveling that road to your purpose be sure you are prepared to face anything that would cause you to doubt, saying, "you can't do it". Of course you can't face it alone. But no matter what purpose God has called you to; and what purpose you are starting to discover, He is also there to help you. He is there to help you disregard those little doubts that come your way and travel through those stumbling blocks. He will help you turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones towards succeeding in your purpose. So wherever that doubt came from saying "you can't do it" just say, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13.

You may have found your purpose already or you may be still on the road trying to find it. Make sure you have the map with you--the Bible. Reading the Bible helps you realize a lot of things that you do not understand; it's God's way of helping you so you may not have to learn the hard way. One ways is by learning from the people of God who also at one point in their lives where looking for their purpose and found it when God called them. They've had their little doubts and you will see the difference between those who listened to their doubts and those who took courage from God.

As you find your purpose and as you fulfill it I pray that you do not let those little doubts stop you from moving forward and achieving what you were called to do.

There's a lake of success that awaits you just step over those stones that causes you to doubt.

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference. 

 

 

 

The Road Not Taken--is often the road that requires courage to face oppositions, strength to pull through each day. Take the road of doing the right thing, standing out instead of fitting in, road to purity, road towards excellence, road of success, road of dreams and goals, road of real friendship. Which road are you taking? The one always traveled or the one less traveled by?

Light to a Soulless Child

A baby born yet left in the shadows of cruelty
A child hard to take away form its fragility

The world had denied her existence
Her worth not known in its silence

If ever someone could put a soul
Into this being without a soul

There were no tears in her eyes
No matter how much a day she cries

Never mind whose the heartless that left
This child with no one to the right or the left

It's your chance to reach out to her and give her love
The child who had not experience the touch of love

Please before it's too late to recover
The heart that seems has nothing to uncover

Tell her about someone who cares
Be someone in her life that finally shares

Show her the love that you felt as a girl
Smile at the heart of this little girl

Affirm her with your heart the love you found
Share His love when you were found


Shed the Light into her dark world
Let her bring another smile into this world


Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. -Psalm 127:3

Poem based on true stories of children in this world who do not or have not experienced attachment and love from their parents and others. They seem to live like children without soul--without the joy and laughter a child should have.

Thank you to the Mothers who shed their light to us and gave us so much love that we could share to others.

Finding safety in the most dangerous places

On my last blog (http://foxholejanice.blogspot.com/2012/02/what-defines-your-nation.html) I talked about the book I read on the most dangerous places in the world. Since the book pretty much showed all the dangerous you could encounter in different countries, if you are not aware, it might cause you to think of different negative things and be overcome by fear. I almost did. As a traveler and missionary one of my passion is to keep learning about different nations as much as I can even if there are dangers in that nation. I believe that I have a calling for the nations and sometimes I cannot avoid thinking of the pros and cons about the nations of my interest. But whenever the negative thoughts and fears try to overtake me God reminds me about the security I have in Him. I believe that wherever God has called us and whenever He is also there to protect and guide us. If we will just keep on looking for a safe place in this world we will not succeed because the only safe place is to be in God's arms. No matter where you are if you trust in Him as the song says, "you will be safe in His arms". Many times I have heard that when you go to missions you are leaving your comfort zone and I know it's true but I'd like to add that you will be going from your personal comfort zone and making God your comfort zone.

So, if ever fear is trying to take over, remember that you will find your safety in God no matter what the situation!

What seems insignificant

I've had the book "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris for a couple of years now and I just found the time and the real motivation to finally read and finish the book. I am up to my last pages now and every time I read it I couldn't agree more. I find myself nodding in agreement to the things I've read and I've also understood and found confirmation and increased desire in doing greater things no matter how little people think of us or have classified us.

One of the things that I am very happy to have read is the entry about "small hard things". "Small Hard Things" can be defined as the little things we do whether it is a routine like making our beds or any other housekeeping responsibilities; these are the things we do that don't get noticed; these are the things that seems insignificant enough to just let it go. The little somethings that we do (http://findingpurposeinhimalways.blogspot.com/2011/11/little-somethings.html) does not always get appreciated as it is in my previous post. I find myself being corrected at this. We feel the small routines and disciplines that we do are not important because we don't get noticed. Many times we want to get noticed, praised, or appreciated for the things that we do. So we put so little value or no value at all for small things. Another reason in finding small things insignificant is that it doesn't seem to matter whether we put it off today and the example given in the book is making our beds. This happened to me while growing up. My question is, "why do I have to make my bed or fold the sheets when I am going to use them again any way?"

How then are small hard things become siginificant?
C.S. Lewis pointed out that,

“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”  Doing the small hard things even when no one is looking helps us develop integrity in our discipline. We learn from the small hard things so we can "do hard things" better and with discipline. What are the things you do when no one is watching? What are the things you can do and are willing to do even if you will not get noticed or appreciated? These are small hard things but are significant because without doing them we could have for example a cluttered house when we don't clean up our trash or wash our dishes; or we won't have proper organizations in the big hard things we want to accomplish if we don't organize our own rooms. What seems insignificant such as these small hard things are significant because we get trained, disciplined, organized because of doing them. These are significant because no matter how hidden they are these are small hard things that prepare and shape us for big hard things.

Small hard things that seems insignificant are significant!

Doing what you were told to do

Many times when God has already told us our purpose we keep on saying, "I want to do more". We feel like we did not do enough especially if we are so used to the hectic life doing this and that "for the ministry". 

In Luke 17:5 it talks about the apostles--Jesus disciples asking Jesus to "Increase our faith" if you will look at the verses before it Jesus was talking about how they should live as followers of Christ. So their remark meant they are asking Jesus to help them be able to do what they needed to do as He is instructing them. Then Jesus comes telling them if they had that small faith they will be able to achieve what they needed to,  “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you." Jesus then goes explaining through an illustration of a person commanding a servant to do something and that servant does it then definitely the master thanks the servant for doing what is asked of him to do. So Jesus is saying that as long as they do what Jesus told them to do. "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”

Relating the two passages both talks about faith in Christ. The disciples felt incapable what Jesus asked them to do but Jesus is implying "just do what I told you to do" and I will thank you. 

 

Like the disciples we need to pay attention to what Jesus--the master says on what we must do. When we follow carefully Jesus' instructions even if we have the faith like a mustard seed Jesus will be grateful that we obeyed. Do not go beyond the boundary of what Jesus told you to do just because you feel like your not doing enough. Always be in line with His will for you. He knows your capability and would not place you in a position you cannot handle. Ask Him what He wants you to do.

Before it Even Started

"Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. and in your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them." -Psalm 139:16

I used to think I didn't really matter to anyone from my experiences growing up when I found it easier to find enemies than to find friends. Dramatic as it may seem, it does happen and did happen not only to me but to a lot of people. When people seem to hate us more than anybody else because on how they treat us we feel like getting smaller and smaller and our self-esteem gets destroyed little by little. This happens especially when we find it our purpose to please people to be able to live a good life. We want people to like us that is. If then our self-esteem becomes completely destroyed we get crushed and feel that our life doesn't matter and will never matter. Some wish they weren't even born and if worst comes to worst end their lives because thye seem to be better off dead than alive. Some try even harder to do something that will please people and make themselves feel importance.

Being one of those whose self-esteem has been crushed I was one of those who tried a lot of things to please others and be commended--to "matter". But today is a totally different story because I have found my significance in God's eyes. To matter to the ruler of the Universe and creator of it all is more than enough that I do not need to get anybody's assurance or commendation.

The psalmist David shared a very good reflection on how each individual matters to God. Even before He created us He "saw my (our) substance, being yet unformed". Can you imagine before He even formed us in our mother's womb He already valued us? If you will follow through the verse, "the days were fashioned for me (us), when as yet there were none of them". God knew and fashioned (designed) our days even before it existed.

But it's not only your life that matters but every life from the very beginning. Life starts in the womb of a mother and no matter how hard it is to protect those lives we must protect them. We must not think of these lives as another "burden" or mouth to feed but view them as another wonderful gift from God--of great significance to Him.

Before it even started every life matters--our life, the lives of the people around us, and the lives of the babies in the mother's womb. Even if it was "unplanned" by the mom, God had already planned everything for the baby. Each one of us started as babies in our mothers womb--all wonderful gifts. Save a life--your life, the lives of the people around you, and your baby's life. Give life a chance to be enjoyed and lived as according to how God fashioned it.

Called to Pray

We often forget the significance of prayer in our daily activities and in fulfilling our purposes for God. As every performance needs practice and every battle needs preparation we too, as Christians need to pray. Prayer is the key to a fruitful and wonderful day. Prayer is our preparation for the battle and struggles we are to face each day. Prayer is acknowledging the need for God's covering and is dedicating the day to the Lord; it is trusting God to guide us each step of the way.

Growing up, I can remember many sleepless nights or being awakened by dreams. These were the moments I knew that God is urging me to pray for someone or something. Many if not all of the dreams that awakened me are dreams that caused great fear in my mind and the refuge I always find is to come to God in prayer for refuge and comfort that He is there with me. I wouldn't have imagined getting through my fears whether in dreams or in every trial or problem I face each day without asking for God to help me through. Having felt for myself the importance and the help of praying I have increasingly found myself in the desire to pray for others--the sick, the lonely, the lost, the leaders, and everyone else that God stirs me to pray for. I am a witness to the hundreds if not thousands of His answers and the blessings that come along with praying.

I believe that each of us are called to pray. We are to pray for one another and for every situation. As much as prayer blesses us it is also a way we could bless others beside us or from afar. Jesus has set the example for us by getting up very early in the morning to pray. He prayed not only for Himself but also for others,
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. " from John 17:20. All throughout His life on earth He has prayed for the bread to be multiplied to feed the five thousand, for the sick to be healed, and for many things.

We pray not because we are holier or more righteous than anybody but because we are in need of a Saviour. We pray because we need His grace to help us live the life He has called us to be. We pray because we are called to consider that as much as we are in need of a Saviour others also need Him. We pray that the windows of heaven will be opened and bring joy to the gloomy. We pray not because we are just following through with a routine but because we love. We love God and desire to communicate with Him continually. We love people and therefore desire to draw them closer to Him through our prayers. We pray because it is one of the most wonderful privilege we have through Jesus Christ.

We are called to pray and it is not only for those who have beautiful words but for those who communicates from the heart. Desire to pray and be passionate about it. With the desire and passion to pray God will help us wake up early and set up a perfect time of dedication to Him. We are called to pray to exercise our faith in the one and only God we serve.

Boldness to do the unpopular

You had to make a decision to choose from two things. These things will determine what happens next into your life. In making this very important decision you try to analyze the possible results from the decision you will make.

Making decisions are part of our lives. We cannot run away from it. In finding out our purpose in life we have the chance to choose between different options and in making the choice it's either we let others decide for us or we take the boldness to do the unpopular decision. When God calls you to make a certain unpopular decision--something you know the people around you won't understand; it takes boldness to do it. Sometimes it could not only be unpopular to others but also to yourself. The decision is not something you ever dreamed of doing or something you ever dared of making. But then you heard the call and you know taking the boldness to obey is better than pleasing the people around you.

I can understand that BOLDNESS means they may not understand you but you take the step anyway. Boldness is doing something with great courage no matter what happens or what people may say. No one ever said taking the step of boldness is easy but it is what you should have in order to obey God's purpose for you.

The good thing about BOLDNESS is the joy you have in your heart because you know you've made the right decision. You know when you take this step you have an advocate alongside you willing to help you, to strengthen you, to provide for you, and to protect you. God never calls us into something and then leave us behind. Oftentimes He just gives us the privilege to join Him in the work that He has already started.

Maybe the decision meant you had to let go of something, someone, or some place but it's all going to be worth it. But the bigger steps you take in following your purpose the more you see the blessings that comes with following God. He can always give you something greater than what you had before, new friendships to be blessed with, and more beautiful place to encounter. And as you continue with that mission you know God is smiling at you encouraging you to keep stepping forward until your purpose has been fulfilled.


Dare to be BOLD. Dare to do the UNPOPULAR.

(I wrote this out of my inspiration from a Minute with Maxwell's talk on BOLDNESS, http://johnmaxwellteam.com/boldness/ and experiences.)