GLORY TO THY MAJESTY

TWELVE TIPS TO CONQUER THE NEW YEAR. Part one

2009-01-28T22:06:00.001+08:00

I am borrowing this from our Pastor in Bogota Colombia, Pastor Claudia Castellanos (wife of Pastor Cesar Castellanos, the Father of the G12 vision)

To a Year of Conquest!

TWELVE TIPS TO CONQUER THE NEW YEAR. Part one
Proverbs 1:1-5

Whatever you do in the beginning of each year will determine the way that year goes. We must visualize ourselves having the best year of our lives; we must decree that it will be a year of jubilee. When we have a feast with the Lord we will experience his blessing every day.

King Solomon, in the book of Proverbs, gives us 12 key principles to live a balanced and successful life:

1. Be a person with firm determinations (Proverbs 1:10)
The believer must remain faithful to God and to His word; not giving in to the pressure of sinners, or supporting the arguments that they have in their lives, they must only determine to serve God. Man cannot allow the contamination of the continuous attack of immoral impurity that comes through T.V., magazines, movies, etc. If sinners seek to deceive you, don’t let them. A person falls into a trap when their will gives room to the desires of the adversary. But remember that God will not allow any test that you cannot endure; He will grant you the strength that you need. Nobody can say that the temptation was greater than God’s help. Begin this year with determination and with faith.

2. Ask for intelligence (Proverbs 2: 3-5)
You must ask the Lord to grant you intelligence, creative ideas, and understanding to do many things. He has much to give you. Do not allow the circumstances to pressure you and therefore limit your actions. If you ask the Lord for intelligence, you will be surprised by the ideas that He will bring to your mind, and by the grace that He will give you to put those ideas into action. Within you lies a great treasure. If you use this wisely, you will experience the blessing of God in your life.

3. Depend completely on God (Proverbs 3:5)
Solomon’s advice is to depend completely on God. As human beings, it is difficult to depend on someone who is invisible. God allowed me to understand that another way of seeing this is that the narrow path speaks of a life of faith, and the wide path is the life based on logic. A person who walks by logic has many options without having to develop faith. On the other hand, a person who walks by faith has only one option: to depend completely on God.

4. Be generous with God (Proverbs 3:9-10)
When you go to the Lord’s house have the bet offering ready, something that truly flows from your heart. Be generous in your giving to God. God always has much more to give us than what we can possibly give Him. If you have never done so, now is the time to begin. Test yourself by increasing your tithe and your offering. Believe that God will bless your life with abundance.

5. Guard your mind (Proverbs 4:23)
You cannot contemplate any thought that does not come from God. Do not allow the enemy to speak to you through his thoughts. Silence that voice; rid yourself of it in the name of Jesus. Your mind is sacred. Satan will always try to conquer it because he knows if he succeeds he will be able to dominate the rest of your being, don’t allow this.

6. Protect your marriage (Proverbs 5:18-19)
The word of God speaks of marriage as a fountain, which flows with crystalline waters. Let us not contaminate this water by sexual impurity. God made man with sexual impulses, but these should only be brought about within marriage. A sexual life within marriage is not a sin, rather a blessing. There are many blessings in marriage and for this reason you should protect it everyday. You build or destroy your home with attitudes but we can have the best home in the world if we are determined.

(Is it) the Thought that Counts?

2009-01-16T23:32:00.001+08:00

“Oh well, it’s the thought that counts. I want to go, but I can’t.”

I heard this from an officemate just this morning.. my only reaction is..

As what one of our Pastors has shared during the “very powerful and igniting” Week of Fire”..

If you want it, no one can stop you from doing it! (well, it’s more beautiful in the Tagalog translation… “PAG GUSTO MO, WALANG MAKAKAPIGIL SA YO!”)

“I want to go to church, but I can’t..”

“I want to serve God, but I can’t.”

“I want to honor my parents, but I can’t.”

“I want to worship my Lord, but I can’t.”

“I want to obey His commands, but I can’t.”

“I want to win souls and make disciples, but I can’t.”

Besides, it’s the thought that counts..

What if God says…

“I want to save you, but I can’t.”

“I want to rescue you, but I can’t.”

“I want to heal you, but I can’t.”

“I want to forgive you, but I can’t.”

“I want to bless you, but can’t.”

Besides, IT IS THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS.

Now what? Where will you go? Where do you run to?

Yes, the “thought counts”... but only if it would move you to ACT.. Nevertheless, the “thought” counts as NOTHING!

“Faith without deeds is DEAD!”

There is no reason why we cannot do something we want to do.. Unless God tells us “No”. God even tells us “We can do everything through Christ who strengthens us.”

When we go back to the Parable of the Talents, we recall that the master gave his servants talents. The first two used theirs and eventually got more in return as their “harvest”. The last one didn’t use his. He kept it. And what did his master tell him? “Oh you wicked and lazy servant!”

Here we can say that most of the time if not always, the phrase “I want to but I can’t” is just the voice of that spirit of laziness sneaking into our lives. Let us kill it before God tells us “Oh you wicked and lazy servant.” and throws us into the pit of eternal gloom.

So this I say.. “I want to so I will...”

I am deeply

humbled by His Majesty,

haze

WOW! Let me say that again, WOW!

2009-01-16T23:26:00.003+08:00

Excerpts from "One Big, Happy Family" (Genesis 46-47)
By: Keith Krell BA Th.; M Div (Bio)

Scene 4: God provides Jacob land and food (46:31-47:12).15 Moses writes, “Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, ‘I will go up and tell Pharaoh, and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s household, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me; and the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock; and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.’ ‘When Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ that you may live in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is loathsome to the Egyptians.’” Joseph encouraged his family to be completely honest with Pharaoh (46:34). Dishonesty has long plagued Jacob’s family, but now Joseph led them out of this destructive behavior. Believers should respond to divine providence by making their decisions in response to the initiative of His wise leaders. They should do so with confidence in His promises and dependence on His continuing guidance and provision.16

Why did Joseph place such emphasis on having his family live in Goshen? Goshen had some of the best pastureland in all of Egypt. Goshen was located near to Joseph’s place of residence (45:10). Goshen would keep the Hebrews isolated and insulated from the culture and religion of Egypt since the Egyptians considered sheep unclean and Hebrews detestable (43:32). One of the greatest dangers to the covenant promises of God was intermarriage between the Hebrews and the Egyptians. Why was this a danger? Because intermarriage would inevitably lead to spiritual compromise and the worship of the false gods of the Egyptians. Hidden in this text is the wisdom of God! If God had allowed the Israelites to remain in Canaan, they would have inevitably intermarried with the Canaanites and become ethically, morally, and spiritually corrupt. So God places them in one of the most racist societies on earth at that time, thereby protecting them from spiritual adultery and allowing them the time and opportunity to multiply into the millions. (NOW WHO SAYS GOD IS UNREASONABLE? HE HAS HIS OWN REASONS. AND LOOK HIS ARE ALWAYS FOR YOUR OWN GOOD. ISN'T THIS GREAT?! ANGGALING NIYA DI BA?)

God is an amazing God! He continually reminds me that He is my protector and provider. Often, this means that He protects me and provides for me despite myself. That’s how gracious our God is. He often delivers us from our flesh and the evil one even when we desire to sin and live for ourselves. Even when He doesn’t directly deliver us Himself, He provides us with a way of escape (1 Cor 10:13)

Whispers from on High

2009-01-16T23:24:00.000+08:00

I received this while I was having my devotions this morning. I pray that it ministers to you the way it has ministered to me. May you love Him even more……

DO NOT BE AFRAID. GO! I AM WITH YOU. AM I NOT GOD? AM I NOT THE ONE WHO HAS THE LAST SAY ON YOUR LIFE? AM I NOT THE ONE WHO IS IN CONTROL? DO NOT BE AFARID FOR I AM WITH YOU. I AM GOD. I DID NOT SAY ‘I WAS GOD’. I SAID I AM GOD. I AM THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER. WHATEVER I DID TO JOSEPH IN HIS LIFETIME, I CAN STILL DO IT FOR YOU. I WILL DO IT FOR YOU. TO YOUR OWN LIFE. I WILL MAKE YOU A RULER OVER NATIONS. I WILL BRING YOU UP AGAIN. I WILL RESTORE YOU TO YOUR PAST GLORY AND EVEN MORE. I WILL PROSPER YOU AND MAKE YOU GROW AND MULTIPLY YOU EXCEEDINGLY. JUST BE NOT AFRAID. GO AND I WILL BE WITH YOU. I WILL BE YOUR GOD AND YOU WILL BE MY CHILD. THE WORLD WILL SEE THAT YOU ARE MY CHILD. I WILL NOT HIDE YOU FROM THEM. RATHER, I WILL MAKE YOUR LIGHT SHINE THROUGHOUT THE EARTH. I AM PROUD OF YOU AND I WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW THAT I AM. I KNEW YOU FROM THE VERY START. I KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS AND I KNOW EXACTLY WHEN I NEED TO LEND A HAND. YOU ARE SO PRECIOUS TO ME, A DELIGHT IN MY EYES. MY BELOVED, MY EVERLASTING LOVE. I LOVE YOU AND YOU WILL LOVE ME TOO. TRUST IN ME FOR I KNOW WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR YOU. I WILL NEVER HARM YOU, MY CHILD. I UNDERSTAND EVERY TEARDROP, EVERY SMILE. I AM YOURS AND YOU ARE MINE. YOU WILL NEVER LOSE ME. I WILL NEVER LET YOU GO. YOU MAY HURT ME BUT I WILL STAY RIGHT HERE BY YOUR SIDE. I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU. I WILL NEVER LET GO. I WILL HOLD YOU BY MY RIGHT HAND. I WILL HOLD YOU CLOSE. SO CLOSE WE COULD BE ONE. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH, I LAID DOWN MY VERY OWN LIFE FOR YOU AND IF I HAD TO DO THAT ALL OVER AGAIN, I WILL. IN A HEARTBEAT. YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYES.

THIS IS MY VOW. THIS IS MY COVENANT.

YOU ARE MY BELOVED.

Humbled by His Majesty,

haze

Then HE took them up in His arms

2009-01-07T17:38:00.004+08:00

Mark 10:13-16

Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

Miracles Happen Outside the Boat (Oh Yes, Into the Sea)

2009-01-06T17:40:00.001+08:00

It’s been a while since I’ve posted here in my blog. There are a lot that has happened and a lot more to be said. God is continually allowing things to happen in my life which are stretching out my faith to a length that it has never been before. It hurts, sometimes. But I guess this is all I have right now – the faith that God is molding my character and preparing me for the GREAT things that He has planned out for my life especially this 2009.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I KNOW the PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” And this is my confidence. That God is taking good care of my future. I may not know what tomorrow brings but God does. And HE said that tomorrow is a day of good, greater things. He said that tomorrow, He shall only bless me, and never harm me. Tomorrow, there shall only be a daylight that will shine upon the darkness that glooms over the earth.

Where is this all coming from? Hmmmm.. You might wanna read those two paragraphs again. Slowly now and you’ll realize that there is a pinch of “fear” that pushed those lines to slip through my lips. A pinch of “uncertainty” that caused for each word to be uttered. (Yes, I still have those.)

And again, Where is this all coming from?

Our company just moved to our new office. We are now located at the Global City. Oh well, a lot of you can not even begin to imagine what that has got to do with all these feelings lingering within.

Here are just some little facts, little concerns if I may say, that arose in the minds of a lot of us when moving to Global City was first envisioned.

1. Transportation. It’s far (compared to our old office). There is no public transportation that would take us directly to the new office lest we take a cab which is going to be so expensive especially for someone like me who lives in a faraway land, from a different city altogether.
2. Food. The nearest that we have is a Starbucks Coffee Shop and a 7-Eleven Store (just a block away). Hey, a month of even just a “bunch of lunch” in those stores would cost us half of our monthly net salary already.
3. Effort. The trip is really tiring. The traffic, the crowd, the pollution.
4. Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

Such a grumbler, am I not?

(Sighs)

“In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this (I have complained to Thee).” Genesis 20:5

And God said to me, “Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart. For I also withheld you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her (complain further).” Genesis 20:6

And such is what happened on my first day at work..

Do you still remember how you felt the first time you had to go to school (when you were in kindergarten) and your parents or nannies could only accompany you to the doorstep? Or the first time you moved to a new school? (when you entered grade one, or first year high school, or first year college)

Oh well, I remember I was scared. Got more scared each time I moved a level higher. Haha! Such a baby.

Yesterday (January 5, Monday), I had the same feeling. I had qualms, inhibitions, fears lingering in my heart as I took one step after the other closer to the new office (No, I did not take a walk, haha). But every beat of fear I intentionally overcame with a whisper of His name. As I stood there at the train (I took the MRT, first time since I got employed) for about twenty minutes or so, I allowed Him to take control over my thoughts. Nunka! (Never!) Did I let any negative thought/complaint/murmuring come in.

And as I wait patiently, He speaketh.

Yes, He did.

He brought to my memory the story of Peter when he walked on water.

When Peter asked Jesus to call him unto the deep, I believe he wanted it. In his heart, he wanted it. Jesus, generous and kind as He is, called him out. He said “Okay, Peter. If that is what you want, then come on over. Let those feet touch the water. C’mon Peter. Come to me.” (my version) hehe. When Peter heard these words, he couldn’t believe it. I can only imagine the look on Peter’s face. It’s as if he wanted to take his words back. I can almost hear him say “Si Jesus talaga, hindi na mabiro.” When Peter finally recognized that Jesus was far from playing games with him, and not stepping out would be a sin. He did as he was told – he stepped out of the boat. He stepped out of the comfort zone. He was able to walk on water. IT WAS ONLY WHEN HE STEPPED OUT OF HIS BOAT, HIS COMFORT ZONE, THAT THE MIRACLE HAPPENED! Yes! He was able to do it! He walked on water! A mere human walked on water! Unbelievable! Suddenly, he began to sink. Oh no! What could have happened? Did he make a wrong step? What is a wrong step on water, anyway? What did he do wrong?

Peter began to sink because he became conscious of his natural surroundings and fear began to seep through his heart. Doubt began to cloud his mind. Peter began to sink.

There was a time late last year when I uttered to God that I wanted to start all over again – at work. Didn’t know how – new work, new boss, new office – that I wasn’t sure. I just wanted to have a clean slate. I wanted to change at the place where I was but it seemed like I was really having a difficult time doing it. I was at a comfortable place. I could say I had created my own “work culture” already. But a “culture” that doesn’t really work for me. Try as I may, I could not bring myself to counter this culture that I myself have birthed.

So God had to intervene. Thank God He had to intervene.

The news came – we are going to move to a new place. Uhmmmm. Is this the take-off to a new start that I was waiting for? But then again, as everything became clear, I found out that the new place isn’t the perfect place after all. But still, “Jesus is already calling me out to walk on water.” When I finally recognized that Jesus was far from playing games with me, and not stepping out would be a sin, I just had to accept it. Take that step. Out of my boat. Out of my comfort zone.

Honestly, I still am walking on water right now. But I choose to keep the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands.

Not a word of complaint from this humble servant of yours, my Lord but only whispers of thanksgiving and praise knowing that in Your righteousness and lovingkindness, You whisper back, “Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart. For I also withheld you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her (failure).” Genesis 20:6

And when I do find myself sinking into the inevitable deep, God would gladly reach out to me saying, “Come take my hand, O child of mine. I will carry you through.” Just what Jesus did to Peter.

Humbled by His Majesty,

haze

Glimpses of You, Burn in my Eyes

2009-01-01T10:09:00.000+08:00

Come, let's worship the Lord together..

Mountain maker
Ocean tamer
Glimpses of You
Burn in my eyes
The worship of heaven
Fills up the skies

You made it all
Said, "let there be"
And there was
All that we see
The sound of Your voice
The works of Your hands
You do all things well
You do all things well
You do all things well

Star creator
Wind breather
The strokes of Your beauty
Brushed through the clouds
Light from the heavens
Touching the ground

Imagination runs wild
And breathes the breath of life
Across the fields
Across the miles

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light." Genesis 1:1-3

Today is January 1, 2009. Technically, we can say that it is "(in) the beginning." And the power that God has used to create whatever He says "let there be" is the same power He is bestowing upon us right now. It's our choice. What will our 2009 be like? Your words have the power to bring to life to whatever you say "let there be." May all we create be an extravagant display of His beauty and grace.

God said "let there be".. and everything that came to be makes us stand in awe and adoration. And at times, fall down to our knees...

Humbled by the Glory of His Majesty,

haze

HAPPY PLUNDER 2009!

2008-12-31T23:42:00.001+08:00

THIS YEAR, I'M GONNA TAKE MY PLUNDER! Everything he took from me, I'M TAKING IT BACK, AND I'M TAKING MORE THAN THIS!

C'MON! LET'S TAKE OUR PLUNDER!

WWWOOOOOHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOO! FOR THE LORD! WOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

FOR THE JOY OF MY LORD!

Humbled by his Majesty,

haze

But My Eyes Are Upon Thee

2008-12-31T08:26:00.002+08:00

2008 is almost over. And prophetic declarations are now being said of the Philippines by different people - the source of those we may never truly know. But as they become too pessimistic of what is to come, I reject the urge of believing in a single word they say. So I asked my God what He has prepared for us in 2009.

The other night, I had a dream. And in my dream He showed me a verse. I had to memorize it over and over before I woke up . Funny!

Well, actually, I did have quite a quake in my memory. I couldn't remember if it was Chapter 1, verse 8.. Or it was chapter 8 altogether.. Hahaha! Hmmm.. I had to go back to my dream (oh well, not literally). I had to play it on my mind over again just to look into the verse once more. It was Matthew 1:8.. Go ahead, turn with me to Matthew 1:8..

"Asa begot Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat begot Joram, Joram begot Uzziah."

Yes, that is Matthew 1:8..

Don't worry, we have the same initial reaction. I thought, Hmmm.. maybe I got it all mixed up. Maybe it was Matthew 8. So I looked into Matthew 8. Okay, it was a better chapter, I guess. At least, it was saying something more. But my heart wasn't at peace. I could feel my heart starting a revolution.

I went back to Matthew 1:8.. And while reading it, God impressed something on my heart. He told me to find the chapter that tells about the life of Jehoshaphat. Oooooh, interesting, isn't it?

I was led to 2 Chronicles 20.. I wouldn't be feeding you with that chapter here in my blog cause I want you to take this time to open your Bible, read it and ask the Lord to speak to you through Jehoshaphat's life.

But before I close, let me just highlight this part which I believe I (and every single follower of Christ) am called to do for the year 2009.

This is the Prayer of Jehoshaphat, and in this prayer lies the key to the peace and prosperity that not a single "prophet of the world" has ever spoken for the years to come.

5 And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, 6 And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? 7 Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? 8 And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying, 9 If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help. 10 And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not; 11 Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. 12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

May our hearts be humbled as Jehoshaphat's and may this prayer be the whisper of our lips throughout the year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! PEACE AND PROSPERITY BE TO YOU IN 2009!

GLORY TO THY MAJESTY,

haze

Will I Walk By Faith? (Even When I Cannot See)

2008-12-30T20:51:00.003+08:00

How far can you go in this race?
Until when can you run to see His face?
What if you cannot see?
Will you still walk towards Thee?

Jesus could barely walk on His way to the Cross. My imagination leads me to that humblest place and hears Him whispering "till I see your face." He didn't know the intensity of what He would have to go through but He took every single step with the faith that at the end of it all, He will see your face.. Yes.. Just to see your face..

May this song minister to you as much as it does to me.

Humbled by His Majesty,

haze

The Angel of Death Passed By and I was Spared

2008-12-27T07:53:00.003+08:00

Later this year, Kuya Carlo (our Pastor at Destiny Ministries Manila) has been sharing about the Power of the Blood of Jesus. The Power of the Blood WHEN APPLIED UPON OUR LIVES. This is based on the book of Exodus chapters 11 and 12.

Just about this time, the virus I will now call "cough and flu" has been haunting the Filipinos. In my office, my boss, the girl sitting right beside me, the girl sitting across me, the girl sitting beside that girl sitting across me, the girl on the ground floor (we are at the basement), and even the guards and our janitors have been taken hold by this virus. Home wasn't a safe place for me either. The girl who sleeps just under my part of the bed, the girl who sleeps across our bed, the girls at the other room, they were all coughing and coughing and coughing the whole day and the whole night through. Thinking about how I easily get infected by this kind of virus, I knew it won't be long before I myself get it in my system. My immune system is really a bit down even before (i was even hospitalized because of Dengue Fever).

Then came the preaching of Kuya Carlo. One early morning while I was having my personal time with my God, I asked Him to give me a revelation of the Power of His Blood. And I had the impression on my heart that I will never truly know the Power of His Blood lest I apply it over my own life. A bulb lit up. I knew where to first apply it. Upon my health. I prayed to God, "Lord, I apply Your blood upon my health, upon my nose." Yes, that specific, haha!

Every single day, I was doing this. When I hear my boss cough, I'd pray in a whisper, "Lord, I apply Your Blood upon my health, upon my nose." When my officemates sneeze, I'd pray in a whisper, "Lord, I apply Your Blood upon my health, upon my nose." When the girl sleeping just under my part of the bed cries because of the uneasiness she feels during the night, I'd pray in a whisper, "Lord, I apply Your Blood upon my health, upon my nose."

And you know what happens next.

The virus was just passing by all this time. Just passing by. As if I was invisible that it couldn't touch me. Praise the Lord! I applied the Blood of Jesus over my health and disease could not touch me.

With this, my faith has just jumped to a higher level. And I am just excited to see how the Power of the Blood of Jesus, when applied, will change every aspect of my life.

Let us go to the story when the Angel of Death passed by and the people of the Lord were spared. Exodus 12 says..

¹ While the Israelites were still in the land of Egypt, the Lord gave the following instructions to Moses and Aaron: ² “From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you. ³ Announce to the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each family must choose a lamb or a young goat for a sacrifice, one animal for each household. ⁴ If a family is too small to eat a whole animal, let them share with another family in the neighborhood. Divide the animal according to the size of each family and how much they can eat. ⁵ The animal you select must be a one-year-old male, either a sheep or a goat, with no defects.

⁶ “Take special care of this chosen animal until the evening of the fourteenth day of this first month. Then the whole assembly of the community of Israel must slaughter their lamb or young goat at twilight. ⁷ They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the door frames of the houses where they eat the animal. ⁸ That same night they must roast the meat over a fire and eat it along with bitter salad greens and bread made without yeast. ⁹ Do not eat any of the meat raw or boiled in water. The whole animal—including the head, legs, and internal organs—must be roasted over a fire. ¹⁰ Do not leave any of it until the next morning. Burn whatever is not eaten before morning.

¹¹ “These are your instructions for eating this meal: Be fully dressed,^[a] wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hand. Eat the meal with urgency, for this is the Lord’s Passover. ¹² On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord! ¹³ But the blood on your door posts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt.

Interestingly, we should take note, that the instruction was given to the Israelites, the people of the Lord. Not to strangers. Every single detail was said on how to do it, and do it right.

They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the door frames of the houses where they eat the animal.

Imagine this. One family, did everything right. From verses 1-6. But one thing they forgot to do was to apply the blood on the door frames. The pail of blood was left "unapplied" at their doorsteps. Now, the Angel of Death came. It went from one house to another and to another and to another until it reached the house of that family. In one second, the firstborn child died and a loud cry was heard.

They were God's people but they were not spared because they missed to do one thing. APPLY THE BLOOD OF JESUS.

Many Christians, I believe, are experiencing the same thing today. They have the Blood of Jesus in their lives and they know the Power of His Blood, but somehow when we look at their lives, we see otherwise. Why? Because they forget to do one last thing commanded by God. They forget to apply the Blood of Jesus upon their lives.

Apply the Blood of Jesus over your life, your heart, your thoughts, your boss, your work, your finances, your family, your ministry, your leaders, and truly, truly, you shall say..

The Angel of Death Passed By and I was spared.

humbled by Your Majesty,

haze

What I Got is What I Want

2008-12-25T23:30:00.007+08:00

I believe that long before Christmas actually arrives, we already think of the things we want to give especially to our loved ones. And sometimes, to spare us the "agony" of thinking what gifts would delight them, we would go our way of asking them their "wish list". At least that narrows down our choices when we go out on our Shopping spree. Saves time, saves effort.

And I believe that same is true with our God. Long before Christmas, He already knows what to shower us with to make our Christmas a little more extra special than the Christmas we had a year ago. And yes, like little toddlers, long before Christmas, we already prepare our cute hi's and hello's to our God just so we are sure that He misses nothing on our Christmas wish list.

But it was different for me. I didn't have a list of my own. Why?

Come with me..

Here is the list of the little treasures I received this Christmas (as of December 25, 2008). Not in chronological order (hehe).

1. Two scarfs (and cute they are, original pa.. Haha.. God must be telling me something.. Hmmm.. I'm excited!) - from Mira Barrozo at our High School Christmas party (Thank you!)

2. One pink Tomato bag - from lovely ate zha at our short yet sweet G12 Christmas party at Mocha Blends (the sweetest thing, Thank you!)

3. One small Bench Teddy Bear - from Sir Larry at our Marketing Team's Christmas party (now I call him my Matthias, inspired by Ptr. Cesar Castellanos, haha, Thank you!)

4. One bottle of Bench Cotton Candy cologne - from Sir Larry (I love the scent, Thank you!)

5. One pair of Bench boxer shorts for women - from Sir Larry (my housemates loved it, haha, Thank you! Nice choice of color, if I may add)

6. One big pillow - at the DMI Christmas party (to whoever heard the Lord and followed His still small voice, Thank you!)

7. One Pooh pillow - from Mami Jen (simply said, Thank you!)

8. One cute pair of Bench earrings - from ate gracie (stunningly dangling, haha, Thank you!)

9. One Grab Bag - from our new Marketing director, Sir Glenn (your heart is very much appreciated, Thank you!)

10. One busy bug - from Ms. Loraine Javalera (my smile was stuck to my face when I saw it, Thank you!)

11. My New Bible with Concordance (Anglicised Version) - from my dearest Mom at our family's exchange gifts (what more can I say? THANK YOU!)

12. One personalized chain (with Princess Hazel on it) - from weene (thoughtful you are, Thank you!)

13. One organizer of Post-its (baptizing it with that name) - from Yehey.com (A delight for me, Thank you!)

14. One Tweety Bird thick and soft blanket - at GCF's Christmas party (Sorry, but I believe it's for me, Thank you!)

Here are the others which may not be considered as gifts per se but gifts they still are to me because I didn't have to pay for them to have them..

15. An oven toaster - DMI's raffle prize (last year, I won a Coffee Maker, haha!)

16. Three thousand and six hundred worth of GC's - Samsung Pa-Christmas (a bulk for my family, yey! we'll go shopping today)

17. A manicure set - Marketing Team Pa-Christmas (I have seen nothing like it before, hehe)

18. Trip to DAVAO c/o Samsung and a short moment with my G12 leader ate Kim - (Thank you!)

19. A set of pink towels (so soft) - Marketing Team's raffle prize (Thank you!)

20. and FOOD, FOOD, FOOD - at all the Christmas parties I have attended (Thank you!)

(I have to recheck if there is anything I missed but to every little thing that landed under my Christmas tree - Thank you!)

You might be wondering now - are these all you wrote on your wish list? No new cellphone? No new laptop? No new house and lot?

Haha! Of course, those are there.. but not for this Christmas.. And I believe my God is nodding with a smile on His face. And in that smile lies my confidence.. =)

This Christmas was one of the most, if not the most, exciting Christmas I ever had in my 23 years. Not that this was the time when I received the most number of presents (oh well, it really was, haha) but because this Christmas, I had a "special" life-changing encounter with the Giver.

"This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him." 1 John 5:14-15

This is just one of the many verses in the Bible that assures us, His children, that whatever we ask in His name, He shall grant it to us. My God is such a generous Giver, isn't He? Generously sweet. Oh yes, if we just ask anything, He hears us and He willingly provides for us. But not too fast there, my dear! We look at the verse for the second time and see if we haven't missed anything.

"This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him." 1 John 5:14-15

Now in bold letters are your favorite words, I must believe. Let me just state it again for the third time, slowly now, IF WE ASK ANYTHING ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, HE HEARS US.

What did it say? If we ask anything according to what? (His will) To what? (His will) To what? (His will)

Excelente!

And what is His will? What is God's will?

One of the names of our God is JEHOVAH JIREH which means, He is our Provider. A Provider of our needs. Our NEEDS. It didn't say, He is the Provider of our Wants (though He also is).

Who knows that deep within our hearts, there is a struggle of the things that we need and the things that we want? And most of the time, the easier choice for us humans are those that we want. The scale is tipped in favor of our wants. When we get what we want, it is so easy to say THANK YOU LORD! But when we receive something that we know we need but somehow doesn't reconcile with what we want, we murmur for a while (oh okay, for me, that's the way it is).

When you go back to my list, you will notice some gifts that are so ordinary but this I tell you.. A month before Christmas, God was already dealing with me to buy those things for myself because truly, I NEED THEM. The Bag (you have to see my bags and you'll definitely say, OH YES! You got to buy one. NOW!). The Pillows (the only pillow I have is the pillow I had since elementary. If it's food, i'd say it's already rotten. Yulk!). The Towels (Ed Carla Mae, would you like to do the honor? haha!). The Blanket (Go ahead, Ed Carla Mae. You still have the floor. haha!).

I am so grateful that I understood what He was trying to teach me about the gifts I will be receiving for Christmas early on. And that made all the difference!

When I prayed for every gift, I prayed that God will give me that things that HE THINKS I need. I trust His heart wholly for every little gift that is on its way to my door.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

Sometimes, when we receive something that are not on our visible (take note, we do have an invisible wish list) wish list, we often ask in a murmur, "Ngek.. Bakit ito? (Why this?) Hindi naman ito hiningi ko ah (This is not what I asked.)" What a very wrong heart, isn't it? And with the wrong heart, you can never be grateful for the things that you have.

But when you trust His heart, knowing that every little thing has come to fulfill a special purpose in your life, there is no room for murmuring or grumbling of any kind. Mas magaan sa puso, di ba?

So every time I receive something, it was so easy for me to say, Thank you! Never, as in perfectly NUNKA! did my heart find a difficult time thanking Him for another gift.

"In everything, GIVE THANKS; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you!" 1 Thessalonians 5:18

So easy. So easy. And what a delight to say it over and over again.

My eyes were focused on My Giver that every time a gift touches my hands, I could only say, THANK YOU! Imagine this.. You are looking up to heaven (or to your dad) with your palms up (like in worship) and when you feel a weight on your hands, you can only say, Wow! There's another. Oh, and another. And another. And another...

And what does He has to say on this?

"Delight in the Lord, and He will give You the desires of your heart." Psalms 34:7

I can only imagine what is next in there for me.............

Now, as I open my eyes, I go back to where I first started.

I will "Trust in the Lord with all (my) heart and lean not on (my) own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

So "In everything, (I will) GIVE THANKS; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for (me)!" 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Only then will I "Delight in the Lord, and He will give (me) the desires of (my) heart." Psalms 34:7

What a precious gift I received this Christmas, ayt?

MY ALL TO YOU, LORD!

Humbled by Your Majesty,

haze

My Heart Singeth

2008-12-25T12:27:00.004+08:00

Here I am, humbled by Your majesty
Covered by Your grace so free
Here I am, knowing I'm a sinful man
Covered by the blood of the Lamb

Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine
Since You laid down Your life
The greatest sacrifice

Majesty, Majesty
Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed, but alive in Your hands
Majesty, Majesty
Forever I am changed by Your love
In the presence of Your Majesty

Here I am, humbled by the love that You five
Forgiven so that i can forgive
Here I stand, knowing that I'm Your desire
Sanctified by glory and fire

Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine
Since you laid down Your life
The greatest sacrifice

Majesty, Majesty
Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed, but alive in Your hands
Majesty, Majesty
Forever I am changed by Your love
In the presence of Your Majesty