Unbelief

"21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”  “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”. 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”. 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:21-24)

All my life the Lord has been showing marvelous things that only He can do.  He has blessed me and has lead me every step of the way until i reached the place where I am right now.   He's shown me how much He loves me and how much he cares for me and my family.  

But still, I often end up doubting if He'll see me through the situation I am facing.  And I still question whether He will provide for my future.  I still doubt whether He has plans for me and my family. Is it because I still think that everything I have right now are results of all the efforts I have exerted?  Is it because I still believe that I am the reason for who and what I am right now? Have I not learned anything from all the studies I have attended? Have I not learned from my own life as it has unfolded before my very own eyes.

Heavenly Father, dear Lord Jesus, forgive your son for his pride.  Allow your son to realize that nothing he has achieved was from his own effort.  Let him realize that his strength will not allow him to reach even a step into where he is now.  That he is who he is because you made him that way. I do believe, Lord.  I do believe.  Help me overcome my unbelief.

Running for strength....

Almost a year ago, I started to run. I began to go for short distances - 2 kilometers then moved to 5...then 8...then 10.., then 16. I interspersed my run with walks as I...well sometimes, back then,  I just literally walked as my knees couldn't take my weight.

I realized that in order for me to progress in my runs, I should practice constantly...continuously. Not only that, I should also prepare my body if I want to increase the length of my run.

I started to look into and change my diet to food that will not only give me enough strength but will also help me shed the extra kilogram I am carrying. It was a long, arduous year but, by the grace of God, it paid off!

I can now run for 10-12 kilometers straight withoutmy knees feeling any pain...and without any shortness of breath. And I am lighter now by almost 17 kilograms from the time I started to run.

But the year wasn't all positive...I had bouts of laziness...especially when the weight loss plateau-ed. I went back to eating food I should be reducing the intakes of. It didn't help that we spent Christmas back home in the Philippines...the lechon...leche flan, longganisa, tocino...those dishes added up kilos to my body.

But I a man with goal...and my heart is set to achieve my end goal.

It is the same with my Christian walk. Oftentimes I put aside what I have set to do. At times,I feel tired, exhausted even, that I opted to "take a rest". I looked for some diversion...something to temporarily change my routine. But deep inside I keep praying to the Lord to give me back the strength....the focus...the joy that I can only find in seeking Him through the study ofHis written words...through the tasks that He's set for me....through the communion and fellowship with my brothers and sisters in faith.

The daily routine of reading His words is like the daily runs I take...His words constantly build my strength to face the day's activities. It gives me the hope of being able to connect with Him. It gives the push to always do my best...and do better each time.  It also helps that I have friends - good friends (pastors, office friend, church friends - all of whom support me with encouragement to persevere.  They share words from devotions, most of the time from their personal devotions.  And they share their lives with me - lives from whom I pick up lessons.

I am very blessed that He has led me back to Him because I know that is the only place where I could feel real joy..only in His presence.

To God be the glory.

Give Me a Man of God (by George Liddell)

Give me a man of God - one man,

 Whose faith is master of his mind,

And I will right all wrongs

And bless the name of all mankind.

Give me a man of God - one man,

Whose tongue is touched in heaven's fire,

And I will flame the darkest hearts

With high resolve and clean desire.

Give me a man of God - one man,

One mighty prophet of the Lord,

And I will give you peace on earth,

Bought with a prayer and not a sword.

Give me a man of God - one man,

True to the vision that he sees,

And I will build your broken shires

And bring the nations to their knees. 

Homecoming

Sometimes one has to stop for a while and take stock of what transpired during a day...a week...a month...a year..or some years. We are overwhelmed by how fast life has been that we have to get away from it all and see life from a slower pace devoid of any pressures to conform.

It is during those times we learn more about ourselves...when we learn why things happen, who and why are. This is a phase that we go through over and over again.

Call it a phase of maturing. Call it a phase of realization. Call it anything.

But I am glad that I go through this period as it always allowed me to go back again to what is important in my life. Through a very unusual place i have learned to come home again.

How wonderful His grace that has led me back home again! Praise be His name.

Pray, Pray by Lizzie de Armind

Pray, pray, when things go wrong,
And gloomy fears around you throng;
The loving God your voice will hear,
Look up to Him, He’s always near.

Refrain
Pray, pray though your eyes grow dim,
Go with your troubles straight to Him;
Pray, pray, for God understands;
Have faith, leaving all in His dear

hands.

Pray, pray, be calm and still,
Whatever comes must be His will;
His promises like buds unfold,
Naught that is good will He withhold.

Pray, pray till faith grows strong,
And in your heart rings Heaven’s song;
Till self shall die in pure desire,
And every thought to Him aspire.