The Wonder of God’s Love

Coming out from an important celebration for all Christians everywhere, i.e., the Easter season, it was important to take some time to reflect on its significance to all of us. John 3:16 clearly stated the reason for this season:

"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’ coming was an undeniable evidence of God’s love manifested towards humanity. The greatest love story ever told was fulfilled not just in words but also when Jesus came on earth from heaven.

Jesus’ coming was foretold after Adam and Eve sinned through disobedience of God’s command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil at the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15). For it to happen, God waited for the right time to send Jesus as the fulfillment of this promise (Galatians 4:4). It is also because; God could not bear to lose the crown jewel of His creation to the enemy, the devil (Luke 4:5-6) that He fashioned by His own hands (Psalms 139:13-14). And though He could have forsaken man because of its offense against Him and leave them to its consequences, He could not and instead send His one and only begotten Son. Thus, God sent Jesus from Heaven to earth to become like one of us not just to show the way back but to become the “…only Way, the Truth, and the Life towards God.”

This was agape love in action and God's manifestation of love. What does agape love means? It is seeking the welfare and betterment of another regardless of how we feel but most importantly, agape does not have the primary meaning of feelings or affection. To understand it clearly, somebody said, 

“Love ever gives, forgives, outlives; And ever stands with open hands; And while it lives, it gives, For this is love's prerogative
 To give, and give, and give.”

That’s why, when you ask God how much He loves us, He will stretch out His hands and show us the prints of His crucifixion as a proof of His eternal love for us.

Here’s a story to illustrate God’s amazing love for us as observed by a father: 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."

The wonder of God’s love was summarized in this: 

"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool (Isaiah 1:8 ESV). 

In this season, let’s seek God and reflect on His love manifested through Jesus Christ at the cross of Calvary. Always remember that when He was hanging on the cross, He was thinking about our freedom and redemption from the power of sin, satan and death. Thank God for His wonderful love for us!

Let’s talk again!

Encouragement Booster

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Here’s a story that I came across about “The Two Frogs” to clearly illustrate the power of encouragement towards progression or regression: A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

Two important lessons to derived from this story: (1) That the tongue holds the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). Remember that a word of encouragement to someone who is already down can boost him or her up and support him or her to make it through the day. (2) That a disparaging word to someone who is down can be the trigger to kill him or her. Therefore, be careful of what you declare and speak at any given moment.

Always aspire to always speak life to those in your path because words spoken can become a powerful ally or a worst enemy. It is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way towards betterment or tragedy. Keep in mind that anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times. That is why; special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another to do greater things rather than the opposite.

William Arthur Ward, one of America's most quoted writers of inspirational maxims shared, “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”  Unquestionably, a wholesome word of encouragement can transform an unlikely individual to do grander things beyond their capabilities. On the other hand, nobody wants to be discouraged and to find himself or herself alone without anyone to boost them up. That’s why, while it is true that the concept of just “being there” can provide comfort initially however, a specific word of assurance and support goes a long way in instilling strength for the person to move forward confidently.

What are the necessary steps to do to encourage another positively? Here are some specific things to practice and apply another person anytime: “A compliment can be a great motivator, particularly if you put a little thought into the why, when, and how of delivering it. Be sure to comment whenever someone on your staff keeps working in the face of rejection, handles a difficult situation well, catches an error, given another employee a helping hand, sells a particular product for the first time, or gives you a lead that proves fruitful. Most of the time, a compliment should be given in public, either at a meeting or on the company bulletin board. If the situation is delicate, convey your praise through a personal note that the employee can share with his family. As with all rewards, praise should be given immediately after good performance to provide the greatest reinforcement.”~ Bits & Pieces, May 27, 1993, p. 12. With this in mind, we need to become fully responsible to whatever will come out from our mouth as the Scriptures gave a stern warning about it: “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36 NIV).

Lastly, never forget that we have God to encourage us when all other else cannot. When Joshua was discouraged, God spoke to him these words: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 ESV). Through God’s words, Joshua was able to do what God wanted Him to do with much success. When we turn to God’s Word for encouragement, we will surely be transformed as a brand new person.

Let’s talk again!

Ministry Updates Part 2: JRAM Southern Alberta and Red Deer

JRAM Lethbridge

JRAM Lethbridge Core Team

The second half of our ministry visit included JRAM Lethbridge, Banff and Red Deer. Our visit to Lethbridge last Wednesday was a two-hour trip from Calgary (one-way), together with Pastor Edith Catayong, was filled with expectation of a wonderful time and indeed it was a great time! We had a jolly introduction with one another before a special dinner fellowship with great food prepared by the brethren. Afterwards, an informal mini-service was done complete with an exhortation and an update meeting about JRAM’s status. Over all, everyone, including Monette, and myself were truly encouraged with their excitement and partnership towards JRAM’s mandate. Thanks JRAM Lethbridge for the fellowship we had, the excellent dinner and the amazing on-the-spot song number of “The Prayer” by Dione and Tess Cabrisus.

JRAM Banff

JRAM Banff

The following day, we drove to Banff with our Coordinator Mafe Galao to meet our JRAM brethren there. Coming from Calgary that day was very sunny but along the way there was snow flurries but the trip was smooth and enjoyable. We appreciated seeing Banff covered in snow and it was such an awe-inspiring sight! On arrival, Mafe, Monette and I met with our brethren waiting with a pleasing hotpot (shabu-shabu) dinner treat. It was perfect meal for a cold day to warm our palate. After introduction, we ate and had a buffet of biblical topics to the delight of all those who were there. I believe that everyone went home carrying new insights from our informal bible study with much gladness. Thanks JRAM Banff for the dinner treat and your warm welcome to us.

JRAM Red Deer

From Banff, we drove straight to Red Deer on a sunny Friday but with low temperature, it was really freezing cold. The next day, we met with the JRAM Red Deer Core Team waiting with a dinner treat as part of our fellowship before a formal meeting to update them about JRAM events and direction. Truly, any meal is a good way to start a great conversation between church families. Afterwards, the meeting started to inform them of the latest happenings in JRAM. I was given an opportunity to preach on their Worship Service the following day to encouraged them to adopt an “Outlook of Great Expectation.” Afterwards, a dinner fellowship was provided before a short meeting was done for the information of the JRAM members as well. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and I believed that everyone was truly informed and ready to move onwards as partners together for the harvest. Thank you JRAM Red Deer for the special gifts you’ve given us and the fellowship we have shared even for a short time.

Special gifts from JRAM Red Deer with Pastor Edna Solaina

Overall, each ministry trip that we had this year gave us many learning experiences that would only contribute in making sure that JRAM would be fulfilling the mandate received from the Lord. We are indeed blessed with people that partners with us in moving towards greater things. There’s more to come and the excitement is building up to see greater things ahead. Thank God for His favor to all of us and all glory belongs to Him alone!

Ministry Updates Part 1: JRAM Southern Alberta Visit

Joint Prayer Gathering - JRAM Southern Alberta

JRAM Strathmore

The first half of our ministry visit for Southern Alberta is done with activities completed this past weekend. It was indeed a great opportunity and a privilege for us to serve God’s agenda for JRAM as a whole. The prayer gathering we had last Friday with JRAM Southern Alberta Churches was an awesome night as God honored our praise, prayer and worship with His presence. God never fails to show up when His people raises their voice in unison to lift up His Holy Name.

JRAM High River

Saturday and Sunday was concentrated on two JRAM locations, namely, Strathmore and High River. Meeting them for the first time was such a mighty blessing for us as we discuss important matters that JRAM is pursuing and have done in the past eight months. Altogether, I believe that the discussion will bear fruit that can only result in pursuing the Great Commission together as partners in God’s Vineyard. Having the occasion to preach in their respective Sunday Worship Services allowed us to serve God’s Word to strengthen all of us to continue with an “Outlook of Great Expectations.”

No one can miss the atmosphere of joyous celebration that can be felt during our times together. It was like a family reunion to say the least complete with sharing meals together and it will not be complete without it. What a great time indeed! I got a boost of encouragement just being with them and I know that Monette felt the same way. Seeing each one with a smile in their faces and deep commitment with excitement in serving God was deeply contagious.

JRAM Strathmore Children's Special Number

JRAM High River Gesture of Appreciation

A huge “Thank You” to all our brethren in JRAM High River headed by Jhon and Elvie Bautista for their warm welcome, fellowship with a gift and gesture of appreciation. Also, to our brethren in JRAM Strathmore headed by Cely and Rene Esteban for such a wonderful time of fellowship for two days complete with meals shared and a great time. In both locations, we felt God’s love and presence among them, our beloved brethren in Christ. Let us continue to do God’s great work with great expectations for “Greater Things Have Yet to Come!”

Right Way

An individual without direction is like Alice in the fairy tale Alice in Wonderland. In a conversation between her and the Cheshire Cat, Alice asked, "Would you tell me please, which way I ought to go from here?" "That depends a good deal on where you want to get to," said the cat. "I don't much care where," said Alice. "Then it doesn't matter which way you go," said the cat.

Many have been trying to search diligently and seeking patiently the right direction for their life. There is an intense desire to having an better-quality life as days and years pass by yet the “how” still seems unknown to many. How does one know if you are traversing in the right direction? Is being married with this person the right choice?  Is this course the right way? These are all valid questions that need valid answers.

There are those who trust their instincts in regards to making choices. Yet many is stuck and surrendered to whatever comes their way. Though, there is a bit discomfort at first but for lack of a better option, they’ve just decided to just give in. Both of these actions are extremes that need to be evaluated and applied on a case-to-case basis. Also, because of the many choices presented to us, conflict within us arises. Thus, we become unstable and double-minded especially true when we allow other people to give opinions, the choice becomes even more difficult. Remember that every situation we are in will contribute or confuse any right decision made.

Proverbs 3:5-6 provides a clear glimpse of what should we do especially if you will seek God’s help in this regard. It goes like this: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (NIV)

You see, only God knows the future and He is the only one that could provide the necessary guidance towards it. Let’s look at the example in the life of Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3, “The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (NIV)

Looking at this example, observe that God did not tell him where he will go but only mentioned that He will show the way towards it. Then the promises of blessing were added to emphasize God’s intentions. There was a specific direction from point A to point B yet no mention to what will happen along the way was missing. Abraham’s response was critical to the fulfillment of God’s plan and he needed to have faith in God’s plan. Unreserved faith in God’s promises kicks in a high gear for those who trust God’s way unquestionably.  God has a clear direction towards the way we need to go and a guaranteed result when we completely obey resolutely.

Unfortunately, this is where many are stumped at the idea of putting everything in God’s hands. They shudder at the thought of not knowing the specific details of any venture. This is due to the fact that we were taught not to do it this way. Furthermore, when we let go of something, we think that everything must go our way or no way. Besides, one might say, “Trusting other than my own instinct even God Himself is a red flag and a “no-no”.

Well, it is a choice that each one must make. We could continue to do what we think is and receive unsatisfactory results as a hit and miss style or through God’s way that is already proven as tried, tested and true. Remember that with God, it is always a sure thing!  We know that God fulfilled His promise to Abraham because even after more than 4,000 years, Abraham is still a very important figure to three major religions in the world: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. What more do you need to be assured that God knows what He is doing?

Let’s talk again!