Living on the Edge

What makes life interesting and purposeful? I believe it is the daily encounters that put us always on the edge of exhilarating excitement and endless adventure. What am I talking about? Am I a crazy person just mumbling on something that I do not understand or on the verge of an amazing discovery to self-fulfillment? Hmnnn….

Just allow me for the moment to lead you to a journey of unearthing the road leading to new things of great joy in life. Jesus said in John 16:33, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV) Jesus has declared what many people do not want to happen, i.e. to have troubles in life. But if you notice, he has assured us of His peace to become available to us. And much more, He also encouraged us that He has overcome all troubles as well. This is what I call a “Tribulation Sandwich.” It is the troubles of life sandwiched between peace and encouragement of cheer from Jesus. Whenever we eat this sandwich, there are excellent nutrients and blessings in it that awaits every time we take a bite. So don’t be afraid and take a bite out of the many troubles facing you today.

Actually, trouble, trials, tribulations, challenges and whatever we may call any negative things that occur in our daily life are necessary to make our life on the edge. They are vitamins and minerals that add vitality to our daily grind. Although there are people who snort against it yet many have risen above it that made them a better person in the process of time. Let me illustrate it with this story: A daughter complained to her father about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed that as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In one he placed carrots, in the second he placed eggs, and the last he placed ground coffee beans. He let them sit and boil, without saying a word. The daughter sucked her teeth and waited impatiently, wondering what he was doing. In about 20 minutes he turned off the burners. He fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in another bowl. Then he ladled the coffee out and placed it in a mug. Turning to her he asked, "Darling, what do you see?" "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. He brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. She smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. She humbly asked, "What does it mean Father?" He explained that each of them had faced the same adversity: Boiling water but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. But after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. "Which are you," he asked his daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"

How about you? Are you the carrot that seems hard, but with pain and adversity do wilt and become soft, lose your strength? Are you like the egg, which starts off with a malleable heart? Are you fluid spirits, but after a death, a breakup, business bankruptcy, or a layoff have become hardened and stiff? The shell looks the same, but have you become bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and heart? Or are we like the coffee bean? The bean changes the hot water, the thing that is bringing the pain, to its peak flavor when it reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water gets the hottest, it just tastes better. If we are like the bean, when things are at their worst, we get better and make things better around us.

In living your life today, how do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?

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THE BLESSING OF DELAY

Somebody said, “God’s delay is not God’s denial.” We are a generation that has everything around us all in the fast mode. Most of us do not want to be delayed in any way shape or form. As a matter of fact, we are always in a hurry.

Looking at some bible illustrations, we will notice that all of them took time before they were fulfilled. Although God told Noah that there will be a flood yet he gave 120 years before it happened; Moses took on the role of being Israel’s deliverer only after 80 years; Caleb, one of the member of the 12 spies sent out to Canaan achieved his share of the land only after 45 years; Joseph was given a dream when he was young that he will be somebody and became the Prime Minister of Egypt after 17 years. I could go on and on and there is one common aspect from these examples – time factor. Most importantly, the coming of Jesus was also dependent upon this very important factor of time as recorded in Galatians 4:4, “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son…” (NIV)

You might say would that apply today? Yes! You see God is in the habit of making sure that His plan will be fulfilled according to His timetable not ours. One of these examples is found in Exodus 13:17-18, “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.” (NIV)

Actually, there were two ways from Egypt to Canaan. One was a short cut from the north of Egypt to the south of Canaan, perhaps about four or five days' journey; the other was much further about, through the wilderness, and that was the way in which God chose to lead his people Israel. Why did God choose the longer route instead of the shorter one? He has His reasons and let me give you some of them,(1) The Israelites were to be humbled and proved in the wilderness; (2) Because they were not as yet fit for war. Remember their spirits were broken with slavery; it was not easy for them to turn their hands of a sudden from the trowel to the sword after 430 years.

What could we learn from this scenario more than 4,000 years ago? First, God's way is always the right way, though it seems not evident at the moment. Secondly, God proportions his people's trials to their strength (1 Corinthians 10:13). Lastly, judge nothing before the time. Habakkuk 2:3 declares, “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

Delay is never part of God’s vocabulary but man’s alone; God does not delay anything that pertains to His plan and purposes for humanity but prepares what He will provide in the most excellent way. He will package it not just for attractiveness sake but will make sure it is complete and He will make sure that when you receive it, you will be amazed because it will be more than you expected. It is exactly what the Scriptures declare that “No eye has seen no ear has heard what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

When you are going a lengthy road in life, remember that the Lord leads us to receive the best not the least. Just walk with him and he will see you through. Keep your focus on what is ahead not what you see along the way. Never allow anything or anyone to distract you from receiving God’s best or you will miss it. Many did but you must not. Therefore, keep your cool at all times.

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Under Fire

Watching any war movie, one will not miss hearing the soldiers of being “under enemy fire.” During this time, they kept their heads down as bullets pass by. Imagine being hit by a flying bullet meant death. What a nerve-wracking moment to be in! But how does it compare to everyday life being “under fire” by constant barrage of concerns, worries, fears and all other related things? Does keeping your head down at all times the only means possible? Or giving up is also an option? No matter what kinds of circumstances surrounding you today, the only option is to know that in spite of all these things, you must be at perfect peace in God even “under fire.”

The pages of the Bible are filled with real stories of men and women who went through the fiery storms of life and became overcomers through their faith in God. Although there are those who gave up their life in the end but they remained faithful and steadfast up to their last breath. Therefore, never think that you are alone in your struggles in life. Each and every day, people go through situations that show what they are made of. The reaction not the action makes a huge distinction. Our reaction to the present situation will always determine our character in the process. Remember that God will never allow anything to happen to us without His permission especially to those whose life is in His hands.

Look at it this way, when you say that your life is in His hands, it is clearly understood that He has all the right to do anything that pleases Him for you to become a better person. However, if you say, He is not in control of your life, then who is? Who’s protecting you during your seasons of being “under fire?”

Malachi 3:3 says: "He (God) will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. ‘One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it”’

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. This very moment, you need to know that God is watching over you. And, whatever you’re going through, you'll be a better person in the end. As long as God is with you, “under fire” will be the best place you will ever be. Wherever God brings you, just have faith that He will never leave you nor forsake and it is a solemn promise that He intends to keep.

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Expressions of Love

When you mention the word “love” what’s the first thing that comes into your mind? I believe that it all depends on what perspective you are looking at. In 1976, researcher John Lee conducted extensive interviews with people to discover what the word "love" meant to them. He learned, of course, that love means different things to different people. Lee concluded that humans think of love in six separate ways. He labeled these love forms with Greek nouns. Eros Love: Eros refers to the romantic love that has tremendous passion, physical longing, deep intensity, and intimacy. Ludas Love: Ludas is called game-playing love. It is like the love of a knight for a princess. There are playful interactions here but little intimacy or deep intensity. Storge Love: Storge exemplifies friendship-based love. There is strong companionship and shared values here but little physical intimacy. Pragma Love: Pragma, a combination of storge and ludus love, refers to practical or logical love in which someone actively searches for a partner with certain characteristics. Mania Love: Mania is a combination of eros and ludus love. It is also known as the troubled love. This love has jealousy and dependence (often called co-dependency), great intensity, some intimacy, and many psychological symptoms related to the relationship. Agape Love: Agape is also a blend of two other types of love, eros and storge. This is the love of altruism, of giving without asking anything in return, and of sacrificing oneself for one's partner. Many would consider it to be the purest form of love.

In the New Testament, God’s expression of love is “agape”. It is described in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV) Jesus Christ exemplified it when he died on the cross to manifest God’s love for humanity. It is also best illustrated in this story of a boy and his mother’s exchange of letters, “Our little boy came up to his mother in the kitchen one evening while she was fixing supper, and he handed her a piece of paper that he had been writing on. After his mom dried her hands on an apron, she read it, and this is what it said: For cutting the grass $5.00; for cleaning up my room this week $1.00; for going to the store for you $.50; baby-sitting my kid brother while you went shopping $.25; taking out the garbage $1.00; for getting a good report card $5.00; for cleaning up and raking the yard $2.00; total owed: $14.75. Well, I'll tell you, his mother looked at him standing there expectantly, and boy, could I see the memories flashing through her mind. So she picked up the pen, turned over the paper he'd written on, and this is what she wrote: for the nine months I carried you while you were growing inside me, No Charge. For all the nights that I've sat up with you, doctored and prayed for you, No Charge. For all the trying times, and all the tears that you've caused through the years, there's No Charge. When you add it all up, the cost of my love is No Charge. For all the nights that were filled with dread, and for the worries I knew were ahead, No Charge. For the toys, food, clothes, and even wiping your nose, there's No Charge, Son. And when you add it all up, the full cost of real love is No Charge. Well, friends, when our son finished reading what his mother had written, there were great big old tears in his eyes, and he looked straight up at his mother and said, "Mom, I sure do love you." And then he took the pen and in great big letters he wrote: "PAID IN FULL."

Therefore, when you feel that love is lacking in your life, always remember what God has done and I guarantee that you will feel alright. He loved us with an everlasting love without any charge except on His account. It is an immeasurable love that keeps on loving even when we don’t deserve it yet God showed it through His Son. When you want to understand God’s love for us, just look at the cross and remember that Jesus died because we are loved. As the song says, “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so...”

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Treasures of the Heart

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21, NIV) What the hearts beats is the direction of one’s life. Just look at someone who falls madly in love, how all of their breathing moments is spent on sighing and looking forward to seeing their special someone. There is a sense of excitement in every task done and anticipation of an upcoming meeting. It is a great feeling. All of us had it. They are like treasures of gold and diamonds that no one could steal away. Love is one of those treasures that keep any man or woman going. It is love that inspires and motivates anyone to pursue a task even with great sacrifices on their part; to make a person smile and provide comfort during a difficult situation is truly an evidence of love at work.

What we keep in our heart is what defines us today, tomorrow and into eternity. We are measured by them for by it we are inspired to achieve our dreams and goals. But anything done without love is stressful. That is what causes our physical heart to fail and our body to experience fatigue. Actually, doing any given task whether small or huge done with love causes anyone to do anything cheerfully and with extraordinary joy. This is what many of our Overseas Filipino workers have. They have sacrificed leaving their family to provide better life in another country because of love. Family is their treasure to be taken care of. That is why we have to evaluate what is in our heart that we treasure. We need to check what we consider as our treasure(s). I believe that when we do, our priorities will be renewed over again.

Let me illustrate with this story I came across, “Knowing he would die soon, a rich man had all his assets converted into gold bars, put them in a big bag on his bed, draped his body over the bag of gold, and breathed his last. When he woke up, he was at the gate of Heaven. Saint Peter met him at the gate and with a concerned look on his face said, "Well, I see you actually managed to get here with something from earth! But unfortunately, you can't bring that in." "Oh please, sir," said the man. "I must have it. It means everything to me." "Sorry, my friend," said Saint Peter. "If you want to keep that bag, then I'm afraid you'll have to go to, you know, the other place. You don't want to go there, believe me." "Well, I won't part with this bag." "Have it your way," returned Peter. "But before you go, would you mind if I looked in the bag to see what it is that you're willing to trade eternal life for?" "Sure," said the man. "You'll see. I could never part with this." Saint Peter looked in the bag and with a puzzled look on his face said to the man, "You're willing to go to hell for... pavement?"

What a funny story, yet it speaks truth. Remember that the greatest treasure to keep that will only last forever is our relationship with God. It must stand the test of time and any difficult circumstances. This should be the only motivation in all our endeavors: to please God. When we do, everything else follows.

What's coming between you and God? Your money? Your possessions? Your status? Your friends? Your fun? You may be sure that none of it can compare with what God has prepared for you as stated in 1 Corinthians 2:9, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" (NIV). To sum it all up: loving God and loving others fulfills the greatest commandment of the Scriptures. This must be the treasures of our heart and everything else will follow.

One last thing, if you must know what God treasures in his heart since the creation of the world and up to the present time even to eternity, it is simply stated in John 3:16a, “For God so loved the world…”

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