From Scratch to Glory

Our team went for a mission and partnered with the workers of Arise and Shine Community Church in Hinapolan-Alangalang, Leyte. I got really blessed on how the hand of God moves in the lives of the people there, especially in the life of their pastor, Rey C. Entana. The said church has existed for 4 years now. It was built after super typhoon Yolanda, international code name Haiyan, made landfall in the central Philippine islands region which brought widespread devastation that costs thousands of lives and left thousands of families homeless.

I can't help but share the inspiring story on how Ptr. Rey responded to God's calling by committing his life in reaching out to the people of Leyte. It's surprising to know that he was originally from Calamba-Laguna, miles away where God has placed him right now. The Lord brought him to Leyte for a relief operation after the devastation. When he saw the situation of the people there, he had compassion for them and decided to stay. God instilled in his heart what seemed to be impossible to attain by a stranger like him, to start a ministry in unfamiliar place all by himself. However, God never sends someone out alone, for He already arranged things ahead of time in line with His purpose and plan. Ptr. Rey stayed in barangay hall until such time that one family hosted him, and the rest was history! The obedience and dedication of one man made it possible to build a church that now gives light to Hinapolan community.

Pictures of the church development during some period of time.

2014- Picture of the church after super typhoon Yolanda.

2015 - Funded by generous individuals, church expansion was made possible.

2017 - The church is continuously growing and transforming 
into a better place of worship.

This church is not only active in reaching out to other communities, but also supports 5 students with their education. 

                                                          The scholars of  Arise & Shine Community Church

Jeffrey Avila, ALS secondary student, dreams to be a Mechanical Engineer.
Ricky Escarda, ALS secondary student, wants to be a professional electrician.
Jonalyn Poblete, 1st year college Bachelor of Secondary Education, aiming to use her skills in teaching to administer to the youth.
Alden Jay Centino, Grade 10, dreaming to be a pastor in the near future.
Aljon Orbeso, ALS student, newly added scholar of Arise & Shine Community Church

These students have their own stories and struggles which almost made them want to give up on life and their dreams, but everything has changed when they encounter Jesus Christ. He instilled in their hearts the hope of a better future and brought it to fruition with the help of some generous individuals. You could also help them reach their dreams through giving and praying. For those who want to be a blessing to these students, please refer to the information below.

You can deposit your financial aid to BDO, Western Union, Cebuana, Mhuillier & Palawan REY C. ENTANA BDO CABUYAO BRANCH BDO # 005130107307. CONTACT #: 09213244552 09155682170

"You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion,

and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."

2 Corinthians 9:11

Nagmahal, Nasaktan, Nagtagumpay

Sino nga ba ang hindi nagmahal? At sino din ba ang hindi nasaktan? Ngunit ilan lang ba ang nagtagumpay?

Sabi nila, ang pag-ibig ay parang sugal... May nananalo, may natatalo. Kaya bago mo ipusta ang iyong puso sa pag-ibig, dapat kang maging handa sa posibilidad na pwede kang masaktan!

Nabubuhay tayo sa panahon na kung saan namamayagpag ang Korean-dramas, which usually gives us a picture of love as mere emotion. Please don't get me wrong, I'm also watching K-dramas and let myself feel "kilig." But at the end of the day, life will bring us back to the reality that love is not all about that. Certainly, romance, marriage, and even physical intimacy between spouses are a part of love, but they are not the full expression of love that's essential to God's nature.

God's love includes sacrifice; in fact, love and sacrifice cannot be separated (1 John 4:10).

Marahil naiisip ninyo ang inyong mga magulang kapag nababanggit ang "sacrificial love." That's true, our parents have sacrificed so many things for our sake because we are their children. But what about to other people? Do they have the same level of compassion to them?

We cannot deny the truth that there's love not based on mere emotions and unconditional as well, just freely given, though undeserved. The greatest love has ever told --The love of God for mankind, also known as "Agape Love."

What is agape love? It is beautifully described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

(Agape) Love is patient, (agape) love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. (Agape) Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Ito ang uri ng pag-big na nagbigay daan sa ating kaligtasan at patuloy na nagbabago sa ating pamumuhay.

Jesus died in the lowest form of death, after being humiliated and tortured mercilessly. What's the reason behind this? Simply because He loves us! He loves us so deeply to the extent of sacrificing His own life so that He may take us to be with Him forever. So ayon, meron po talagang forever! Jesus has made true love possible.

"God's love cannot be stopped by death; in fact, it is in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we see the power of His love." -Ed Stetzer

As we receive the love of Christ in our lives, we'll willingly let it change the way we live. His love becomes our way of life. Our highest purpose in life is to love God and others (1 John 4:21).

Ang Panginoong Hesus ay nagmahal...

At sa ating kasalanan Siya ay nasaktan...

Ngunit Siya'y muling nabuhay at nagtagumpay!  

 "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ."

-Ephesians 3:17-18

WHY?

"I deserve an explanation! I need an acceptable reason!" This is one of the famous lines from a movie. And I suppose, this is what most people believe in as well. 

Have you experienced being turned down by the company you applied to and they didn't disclose the reasons? Well, this just shows a contradiction to what we assume we deserve. It's just work anyway. You still have many chances for employment.

But what if something happens beyond human control? Have you come to a point in your life when you asked God WHY?

It is not wrong to seek for answers as long as we do it from pure hearts. Yet, we ask God this heavy question "WHY?" with blame, as if He was the One induced our sufferings. 

Suffering can afflict anyone, even those who are favored by God. We might have suffered or are still suffering from various situations. We might even wonder why one person suffers more than another. 

It's very clear in the Bible that suffering is not part of God's purpose for mankind (James 1:13). Sin carries punishment and consequences. Humanity experiences the effects of sin from the first couple to generations afterwards.

When things fall apart, we even try to perceive the mind of God on our own in order to give us some relief. But is that what God really wants from us? God doesn't think the way human thinks (Isaiah 55:8).

In order to live in peace, we need to give an end with the presumption that we need to know everything. It's okay not to know all the answers yet. If everything was spelled out, who would need to walk by faith? What we really need is to trust God in everything and believe that all things work together for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). We may not get the answers directly, but by reverence to The Word of God, we can gain wisdom. Wisdom that enables us to think His thoughts. Such wisdom comes from His Spirit, who alone can search the depths and reveal His mind. Moreover, heaven is part of the timeline of our life, and when we meet God face to face, we can finally get all the answers to our questions. 

Here's what we can know for now:

God is Holy and Good.
God is just.
God is in control.
God is everything and the Only thing we need.
God's grace is enough to cover all our pain.
God loves us so much!

The next time something painful happens, instead of asking God the big question "WHY?" It is well to declare this, "Lord, I may not understand why this is happening to me, but I want you to know that I chose to put my trust in You." Putting our circumstances in the hand of the Lord is like trading the pain, confusion, and anxieties into joy.

"Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,

whose confidence is in Him.

They will be like a tree planted by the water 

that sends out its roots by the stream

It does not fear when heat comes;

its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

and never fails to bear fruit."

(Jeremiah 17:7-8)

When I am Weak, Then I am Strong

Hi guys, it's been a long time. Sorry for my inconsistent blogging. Anyway, I praise the Lord for touching my heart and inspiring me to write another blog that has to do with "me"... Please don't get me wrong. I believe some of you could relate to this refining process that I've been going through. Yes, you've read it right, the Lord isn't finish with me yet. And for those who wouldn't be able to relate at this moment, I hope it'll give you additional weapons for future battles. So, let's begin.

Here I am, patiently waiting on the Lord for spiritual breakthrough. I can say that I'm on the "rest" stage of my faith journey where I'm not visible to pulpit and not busy in church ministries. And this is the kind of rest that is exhausting. This is the time of refining and replenishment. For you to better understand this stage, I will share my personal experience about it. 

Have you ever been in a position where you want to do many things for the Lord? Because of that desire, you're getting tempted to take shortcuts and do things on your own way. And when you get so frustrated, there comes a strong urge to run away from the Lord. (Please don't ever do that no matter how hard this process might be).

Many of us get so focused on our kingdom-call that we miss our daily call. Sometimes, we are so focused on the big-picture that we miss the importance of the present moment. I am not ashamed to admit that I once became a victim of that. Hence, turned me into a self-focused, jealous, impatient, and disobedient servant of God. I marveled at my own abilities, made it about me, craved being impressive, and thought I was something apart from God. But God's grace is beyond measure. He rescued me from that situation. I began to understand the truth that my life's value was not based on my great work for Jesus, but on Jesus' great work for me. He has reminded me that I should love my story. I need not to look at my left and right, I just need to look up and put my trust in Him with every detail of my life. 

Don't you know that those unfulfilled desires are God's passions beating in your heart? The reason why you are a big threat to the enemies. This stage is not just about God's plan in your life for the enemies have plan, too. Yes, both have plans. Be careful not to allow the enemies to take advantage of this process because this is the time the enemies would likely go to harass you and leave you bruised and wounded. But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now the question is, what are we going to do to silence the enemies? This time, I'm talking about the enemies within us. First thing we need to do is to get on our knees, repent, and ask the Lord for deliverance. View the weaknesses within us as an opportunity to experience God's strong hand at work in our lives. And when the Lord calms the storm within us, this is the time to hold on to God's promises. Believe that you're called and He has a plan in your life. As you wait on it, be patient and obedient. I know it's not easy, this is the time that you're most likely be tempted to fast-track everything. But if you follow His lead, trust Him in every way, and endure times of testings, you will eventually see breakthrough and enjoy the gifts He entrusted you.

To last long and finish strong, we must believe with all our hearts that we can possess and produce no good things apart from God, "the Source of every good thing." We're not necessarily called to be successful, but we're most definitely called to be constant, devoted, and true.

The truth is, because I put my faith on the cross, I am fully approved by God.

I'd like to share this song entitled "Grace" by Laura Story. This song just really summed up this blog post. Of course, it's all about God's grace!

  

Also, I'd like to recommend this book entitled "Your Beautiful Purpose" by Susie Larson. This book piece me together for God's one beautiful purpose. I believe it'd help you, as well.

(If you find this blog helpful in your faith journey with Jesus, reach others by sharing this blog post on your account.) 

BEN-WHO?

I've just watched Ben-Hur, and I guarantee that it's a must-see movie. I was in awe of how the story embraced the life of Jesus Christ, especially the "big event" in the history, the crucifixion of our Saviour that paved the way to our salvation.  At first, I have no  idea what the movie was all about. It was my fiance who asked me to see this movie together. I even remembered asking him this... "Ano ba yang Ben-Hur na yan?" But after watching it, I felt like it was God who really led us there. 

Since I got so curious on how did they (people behind the scenes) end up with the idea of incorporating Jesus in the story, I did some research, and guess what? I found out that it was a novel book written long time ago by Lew Wallace and was published on November 12, 1880 with its original title "Ben-Hur: A Tale of Christ."

Let's go into some details of the story (hope it won't spoil your appetite in watching this great film). The story reflects themes of betrayal, conviction, revenge, and redemption, but I got more than these. I also saw reflections of patience, endurance, healing, and blessings. The main character named Judah Ben-Hur (just a fictional character), came from a respected family in Jerusalem and was falsely accused of treason. Unfortunately, he was separated from his family and lined up as Roman's slave. In spite of what happened, it didn't stop him from believing that he will be reunited with them once again. I saw his hardships, being a slave, as a refining process which is vital to faith. Then, after some time, Judah was able to forgive when he experienced the love of Christ himself. All the pain in his heart were healed, and blessings came upon him.

For those who are hungry to watch great stories about Christian faith, I recommend this movie to you. Don't miss the chance to watch Ben-hur in cinemas, it's worth your time and money. Enjoy watching! God bless!

Romans 5: 1-6 (ESV)

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 

Ben-Hur (2016) Trailer

It's Your Choice

Have you ever experienced ordering in a restaurant and after the waiter delivered the food, you've said to yourself that you should have ordered the other one? In life, we always have to make choices. As others say, "Life is a choice."

You've made wrong choices in life that you regretted, right? From simple choices of the scent of the perfume that you're going to purchase way up to choosing whether you're going to leave your family for a living or not. Our choices will definitely make a difference.

All italics that you are about to read came from the book "He Chose the Nails" by Max Lucado. I've been blessed and inspired by this book and all I can say is that you are missing something if you haven't read it yet.

From the start, God has designed humans with free will. Our freedom to choose is one of the greatest gift from the Father. Adam and Eve chooses to eat the forbidden fruit. And that's the start of many choices laid in the Bible.

Abel and Cain, both sons of Adam. Abel chooses God. Cain chooses murder. And God lets him.

Abraham and Lot, both pilgrims in Canaan. Abraham chooses God. Lot chooses Sodom. And God lets him.

David and Saul, both kings of Israel. David chooses God. Saul chooses power. And God lets him.

Peter and Judas, both deny their Lord. Peter seeks mercy. Judas seeks death. And God lets him.

In every age of history, on every page of Scripture, the truth is revealed: God allows us to make our own choices. And no one delineates this more clearly than Jesus. According to him, we can choose:

a narrow gate or a wide gate (Matt. 7:13–14)

We can choose to:

build on rock or sand (Matt. 7:24–27)

serve God or riches (Matt. 6:24)

be numbered among the sheep or the goats (Matt. 25:32–33)

What really amazed me was the scene in the Calvary's hill. Have you ever wondered why there were two crosses next to Christ? And why Jesus was in the center? 

The two criminals have so much in common. Convicted by the same system. Condemned to the same death. Surrounded by the same crowd. Equally close to the same Jesus. In fact, they begin with the same sarcasm: “The two criminals also said cruel things to Jesus” (Matt. 27:44 cev).

But one changed.

One of the criminals on a cross began to shout insults at Jesus: “Aren’t you the Christ? Then save yourself and us.” But the other criminal stopped him and said, “You should fear God! You are getting the same punishment he is. We are punished justly, getting what we deserve for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39–43)

The other criminal chose to repent and put his faith on Jesus. While the other chose to mock Him. Though the changed criminal has made bad choices in life, he was able to make a good one at the end. What's more important is our choice when it comes to life after death. Eternal life or eternal punishment? Heaven or hell? Jesus or ourselves?

Jesus chose to redeem you from the debt of sins and nailed it to the cross. How about you? Will you choose the One that laid His life for you?

The choice is yours.

The ABC's of Salvation

Kapag ikaw ay namatay ngayon, saan ka mapupunta? Ito ay isang katanungan na pwede kang matigilan at mapaisip. Saan nga ba?

Sabi nang iba, wala daw makapagsasabi kung ang isang tao ay ligtas, at hindi mo rin daw ito masasabi sa iyong sarili. Ang masasabi ko naman patungkol sa kaligtasan (Eternal Life) ay malinaw na inilahad sa Biblia kung paano maliligtas ang tao.

To make things easier, let's discuss salvation as simple as A-B-C.

Admit that you are a sinner and in need of forgiveness. 

Romans 3:23 - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Sa ayaw at sa gusto natin, we are all sinners. Wala ni isang tao [bukod kay Hesus na nagkatawang tao] ang hindi nagkasala. At ang kamatayan ay pumasok sa sangkatauhan gawa ng kasalanan.

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Lord is willing to purify and give us new life if only we will let Him change us. We just need to recognize our sins in able to repent and be connected to God.

Believe in Jesus Christ.

John 3:16 - For God so love the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (See John 14:6)

Maraming tao kabisado ang bible verse na ito, kahit ang mga bata. Kaso parang na-take na for granted. Do we really believe in our hearts that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Or it's only in our mind? Walang pinagkaiba iyan sa tubig na nasa baso, naniniwala kang mapapatid nun ang uhaw mo ngunit hindi mo naman ito iniinom. Naniniwala ka lang, pero kung hindi mo naman ito iinumin, ito'y walang silbi! To believe means to believe His word, what He has done on the cross, that He was resurrected from the dead and He will come back again.  The said bible verse clearly stated that Jesus is the only way to salvation.

Revelation 3:20 - "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.

Kung merong taong kumakatok sa pintuan ng bahay niyo, sino ba dapat ang magbukas nito? Yung taong kumakatok ba? O yung may-ari ng bahay? Jesus is knocking into your heart using His word. The door represents your life, and He is just standing outside, waiting for you to let Him come in. Anyayahan natin ang Panginoon sa ating buhay upang mapagtagumpayan natin ang kamatayang dulot ng kasalanan at mapalitan ito ng walang hanggang buhay sa piling Niya.

John 1:12 - "To all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

Confess that Jesus is your Lord and Saviour.

Romans 10:9 - If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Ang ating salvation ay hindi natatapos kapag ikaw ay naligtas na, everyone who accepted Jesus ought to share the good news. Hindi lamang pansariling kaligtasan ang nakasalalay dito kundi pati nang iyong pamilya at iba pang mahal sa buhay. Huwag na tayong mag-antay pa ng pastor, you can also share it using the A-B-C to eternal life. Those who confess with their mouth, should also confess with their lives. Hindi sapat na binabahagi lang natin ang mabuting balita galing sa Diyos, dapat kalakip nito ang pamumuhay ayon sa kalooban Niya. Our lives should stand as a living testimony to others to make our confessions more effective. Those who accepted Jesus Christ no longer live in darkness.

I hope this short film clip will help you understand more about salvation.

Ephesians 2:8-10 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Good works cannot save us, only Christ alone. NOW is the time to be SAVED! This is the perfect time to invite Jesus Christ in your life. 

Hebrews 3:7,8 - "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."

Personal Acceptance Prayer:

(Pray with all your heart and soul)

Dear Lord Jesus, I confess that I have sinned against You and need Your forgiveness. Thank You for dying on the cross in our place. I receive you into my life and trust in You alone as my God and Savior. In Your name I pray. Amen!