What does freedom really mean?

When I was still a kid, I felt like so lazy going to school. I felt so anxious when Sunday steps in knowing that tomorrow I had to drag myself to school. Damn! That was just horrible! I would always wish that time would fly me to the time when I already become mature, independent, and most especially, free to do the things I want to do.

Now, I am already here, but it seems like nothing has changed. I feel like I still get those awkward moments when Sunday kicks in especially before the sun sets down. Also, I still get those worries about tomorrows especially in my job. I got the chance to spend time my hobbies, favorite foods and other vested interests together with my love ones, family and to myself.  I felt like I'm still inside the box unable to stretch every inch of my arms and legs. Then, every night I ask myself, "Am I really free?"

Freedom is more than the fact that you can do everything you want. It means more like being free from your sins and old habits that do not glorify God. Breaking the chain of sin is not easy to do. It takes much more courage and strong faith that in the end, God is watching your back whenever you fall from your weakness ready to pick you up in His merciful hands. I am weak and yet I believe that God will help me finish the war against myself. Truly, the toughest guy you need to face is yourself.

This situation I am facing might be the same ground where you are standing right now. And I recommend you to stay put and wear the armor and carry the sword of God through His word and grace. Let's continue to ask for His comfort and wisdom so we will be guided accordingly.

I think that is the freedom I have always wanted for my entire life. Freedom from guilt and sins of the world.

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A Total Makeover

A couple of weeks ago, I went to the motorcycle shop for my motorcycle's makeover. I had its whole body covered with film to prevent it from scratch. I had my plate number cover that matched the color of my wheel linings. I changed its  muffler into a deep bassy one that does sound like a big bike.  And I had my side mirrors changed with the smaller and cooler ones.  Luckily, it went out very well and my motorcycle has never been as new as it was before. I was so happy that I got rid of the parts that made my motorcycle look awful.

When I went back home, the night before I slept, I was thinking if God can renew me inside especially with my faith towards Him because recently, I felt like a distance away from Him. I don't do the things I ever used to before like writing my blogs, reading at least three chapters in a day, and passionately praying especially before I hit the bed. I kept on praying every night that God will do something and pull everything in my life  back where it used to be. I am guilty for what I am now and I think I really need a makeover just like what I did with my motorcycle for I am sure that He would be so happy to see me as new as I was never before.

Here are the things I would be grateful to win them back:

I want to be as productive as before especially in writing my blogs and reading His word on a daily basis.

I want to be more sensitive to the people around me especially to the ones I love.

I want to be more fond of my work regardless of the rewards.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."
                                                                                  -Psalm 51:10



I know that it would be really tough but I must believe that God will always be right here with me. I need to remember that He would be so happy if I would renew myself for his eternal glory and honor.



AMEN

Discouragements?

Discouragement!

My life in the recent days was filled with such very unpleasant word. I felt so ill each day I go to work till the night before I close my eyes. It is horrible. Yup, I understand that no matter how I shake my head from disappointment, there’s no way I could escape the horrible thing.

Every morning and night, before getting up on the bed, before laying my head on the pillow, my heart is throbbing in pain and anguish. I cry out to the Lord to comfort my weary mind, body and soul. My strength is getting weak, my joy is shrinking into vast sadness.

The pain still lingers now though I am still hoping that soon it will fade away to joy and peace of mind. My faith in Him is still on hold even though I am panting with blood sweat on my hands and body.

Every discouragement I face, I just recall how God has placed Paul into his unthinkable ministry to thousands of people. He rejoiced in the midst of rejection, punishment and even death. He rejoiced in the midst of all the discouragements from the apostles, his friends, and all the people around him.

New Year's Resolution: How to Make it Happen?

Beautiful fireworks display once again painted the night skies as we welcomed 2013 with feast and drinks together with our family and friends.

Before 2013 stepped into our calendar, many of us both young and old had already made their new year’s resolution.

But what does New Year’s resolution exactly mean? Are we able to do them successfully throughout the year?

A New Year's resolution simply means a change for better living.

 And by the way, why do we celebrate New Year on the month of January?

Julius Caesar is the one who proposed January 1 as the first day of the year because it was named after the Roman God, Janus, which is believed to be the God of doors and gates. This, then, symbolized the transition from one year to the other.


The top ten mostly overused resolutions are:

1. Save money.
2. Quit smoking.
3. Lose weight.
4. Quit drinking.
5. Get out of debt.
6. Work harder.
7. Be more patient.
8. Spend more time with family and friends.
9. Get a better job.
10. Help more.

These resolutions are frequently used by most of us and mostly we never get to fulfill them because we don’t monitor them consistently. We only have the courage to make a promise for the sake of celebrating New Year, not for our own sake. Making promises on this celebration has just become a habit not considering that it has a far greater meaning on us.

We tend to fail in accomplishing our goals because we do them alone selfishly. We need somebody to help us fulfill them accurately. We need our Lord as the center of our resolution for without Him all things are not possible. Ask Him to give us the strength that can hold us up during the painful process of changing ourselves into better people. (Philippians 4:13). Then, we ask our family and friends to help us in doing our goal for the whole year.

Making a resolution before and during the New Year doesn't end just like that. Fulfillment is the hardest process that many people fail to achieve because of several reasons. A resolution should bubble up from the heart of a true disciple of Christ, not on our selfish desires. As we embark into this New Year, let us embrace it with everlasting gladness, love, faith, hope, endurance and gentleness.(1 Timothy 6:11)

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