Simplicity of Faith

“Who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?” (I Corinthians 2:16)

How does faith works? To find out how simple it is, let me share you a story I came across: “Dining out one day, the late William Jennings Bryan, an American politician in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, so enjoyed a slice of watermelon that he asked the waiter for some more of the seeds. He weighed them and found that about 5,000 seeds weighed a pound. Estimating the melon at about 40 pounds, he figured that one seed had grown to 200,000 times its own size. It had forced that enormous weight through a tiny stem and formed a watermelon. On the outside it had put a covering of green, within that a rind of white, and within that a core of red. Then it had scattered seeds throughout, each one capable of doing the same work over again. What architect drew the plan? Bryan questioned. Where did the tiny watermelon seed get its tremendous strength, its flavor, and its coloring? How did it grow into a huge watermelon? Bryan concluded that until we can explain a watermelon, we couldn’t doubt God’s existence or set limits to His power.”

The most learned man cannot explain a watermelon, but anyone can eat and enjoy one. In the same way, we do not have to understand everything about God. We only have to believe in Him and trust Him to enjoy the benefits and blessings of His love for us. With this in mind we can exclaim, “What a wonderful God we have!”

Jesus likened the simplicity of faith as that of a child. A child does not minced words when wanting something that they like. They blurt it out as bold as they can without any thought of negativity or apprehension. Filled with courage, they know full well that they can have it when they ask anything. Plainly speaking, they are free from inhibitions that many adults have. Thus, they clearly amplify their desires with simple language from their heart and mind without restraint.

Here is where the dividing line between child-like faith and the adult-kind of faith. Faith is a simple act complicated by the adult faith filled with skepticism and excuse. There are many hindrances that cause them to withdraw even before they utter any word. The heart believes but the rational mind process it too much bordering on unbelief. Having this situation triggers total abandon until the last moment of helplessness and despair. This is where child-like faith differs greatly. There is total abandonment of logic and just simply state their needs and wants at any given moment. No rules or boundaries, just speaking from their heart.

That is what is missing to many of us, we need to go back simply to the attitude of being a child, not childish, when we approach God as our Father. He is concern with everything that concerns us. Allowing Him to know our deepest need should be simple like that of a child. No complications whatsoever of being aware of what other people will say or how the “adult” mentality inside of us will react.

With this point of view, Jesus provided a clear illustration of how God desires to hear a simple prayer with a simple faith as stated in Matthew 7:7-8,11, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened…“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

Having proved that it takes a simple act of faith to approach God, what then are you waiting for? Never doubt but only believe. He is waiting to hear from you and let Him know like a child what is in your heart today for He is a Father to those that considers themselves His children through faith in Jesus Christ. (John 1:12)

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CREATING PERFECT RELATIONSHIPS?

A person visited the government matchmaker for marriage, SDU, and requested "I am looking for a spouse. Please help me to find a suitable one." The SDU officer said, "Your requirements, please." "Oh, good looking, polite, humorous , sporty, knowledgeable, good in singing and dancing. Willing to accompany me the whole day at home during my leisure hour, if I don't go out. Telling me interesting stories when I need companion for conversation and be silent when I want to rest." The officer listened carefully and replied, "I understand you need television."

There is a saying that a perfect match can only be found between a blind wife and a deaf husband because the blind wife cannot see the faults of the husband and the deaf husband cannot hear the nagging of the wife. Many couples are blind and deaf at the courting stage and dream of perpetual perfect relationship. Unfortunately, when the excitement of love wears off, they wake up and discover that marriage is not a bed of roses. The nightmare begins.

What does the Bible say about a right but not a perfect relationship? Proverbs 21:21 states it clearly, “He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” (NIV) Every relationship must be based on righteousness and love to receive the intended desire and when it is achieved, the result is absolutely certain: success attained. However, one must be ready to face the reality of differences in many areas between the male and female consciousness. There is a tremendous distinction in all aspects. Even the command for husbands and wives written in the Bible speaks volume as stated in Colossians 3:18-19, “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” (NIV)

It is very interesting to see how each has received such commands. There is always a reason behind it and it is related to the configuration of each others’ brain and emotional composition. Everybody can testify to it especially from both men and women. That’s why; no one must come to a relationship with an intention to change the other person because that is a mission impossible. If God created them distinct from each other, then why would anyone dare to change another to their own likeness?

Keep in mind that the best person to provide the bridge towards a perfect relationship is God Himself being the Creator of such a relationship. He was the one who met the need of Adam and provided Eve for himself. Here’s the biblical story: “The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.” (Genesis 2:18-22, NIV) Thus, the first garden wedding was held: “The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:23-24, NIV)

We can never live our life without any relationship for we were created to be in one. While we might not be in a perfect relationship now, take a deep breath and believe that with God all things are possible! God will make a way where there seems to be no way and he will do so again and again. Don’t give up and give in but continue to believe.

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JIL Canada Region 3 and 4 Cell Leaders' Conference

God is good! It is a declaration of joy after seeing what transpired in the recent Cell Leaders' Conference in JIL Canada Region 3 and 4. The atmosphere was dynamic as the JIL Life Group Leaders in attendance of more or less 350 showed it. Everyone was filled with expectation for what God is going to do. Even if the weather forecast was snow, it was not a reason to miss such a great event. From the beginning towards the end, it was clearly seen that God was at work in all of the participants including the pastors and coordinators. God never lets you down when He shows up!

A big congratulations to the Regional Pastors, Ptr Bong Gonzales and Ptr Imelda Cari and all the Staff, Pastors and Coordinators including the Life Group Leaders for the success of the conference. Everyone came with a huge excitement. Ptr Monette and I were there to serve as one of the conference speakers and we were indeed blessed with all the participants. Having the 2-day conference held in Niagara Falls was an added bonus. Seeing the majestic falls reminds us all of the wonder of God's creation. It was indeed a grand day!

Pastor Monette and I are truly grateful for the fellowship and the opportunity to serve God and His people in this conference. We were inspired to see that the greater things are indeed possible with those that believe. And we truly believe! The JIL Milestones is indeed a source of challenge but also a great opportunity to see God at work. Get ready to soar like eagles and to seize the day as God's Champions!

Thus, I encourage all to pursue our calling with all diligence and perseverance because our labor will never be in vain. Moreover, it will yield the desired fruit as we release our faith in doing them wholeheartedly. We are in this together and with God, everything is possible!

2011: "Raising Up Champions"

How would 2011 become different from 2010? The Scriptures provide an answer for all of us found in Lamentations 3: 22-23, "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." What a great promise that brings hope for this year. God will never runs out of many great things to offer to those that looks forward to it.

I am excited to see what He is preparing for those that loves Him. When a life is turned over to Him, he will assume full responsibility for it. The past year was filled with both exciting and challenging times but they were all necessary to make me what I am today. I look forward again to what 2011 will bring to myself and my family. Together we will face them with faith and hope in God's promises.

I choose to believe that God will raise up champions this year including myself and many others that has the same faith. Life has many things to offer but God provides the best of it.

God bless to all as we begin another journey in 2011!

In Fulfilling the Great Commission

I began to become an official "Church-Planter" when I started the JIL Church in White Rock, BC. It was 1990 with a start-up group of 8 willing and passionate JIL workers. Since then, God has placed upon my heart to plant as many JIL congregations as possible to fulfill the Great Commission through many willing and able-bodied God's servants. The desire was deeply planted being a JIL Worker since 1985 and personally witnessed and experienced it.

My encounter with "church-planting"began as a JIL Church worker handling a small cell group in the JIL Community Outreach Ministry in Marulas, Valenzuela. I was also involved in the JIL School Outreach Ministry in MCU Caloocan, though unofficially but officially involved in UE, Recto. And these are the two major places that I've receive unintentional training program in handling a small group of people. Everything starts small as this was God's principle as well. Be faithful with what one has received and it will grow eventually with God's favor.

I want to share what I have learned and experienced for anyone who is interested in knowing what was involved in the process. I can tell you now, it is not easy because nothing is done without enough ammunition to sustain oneself. It needs to be done with a view for the long haul. This year, I just celebrated my 20 years of being a JIL Pastor in Canada and I am still looking forward for more great adventures with God.

At the moment, I have the privilege of being instrumental in assisting other JIL Churches see their potential as well in the area of Church-Planting ever since I was given the opportunity to do so. But this was the result of a journey taken earlier that gave me the opportunity to see things happen in this regard.

Until next time....