Proverbs 31:30

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.

Day 9 of 42

1 Corinthians 10:23

"Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive.

Day 8 of 42 : Stand Firm

1 Corinthians 10:12

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall. 

Standing firm and keeping myself on track is the key. I've been fighting this battle for a week now and the more I want to have a direction in terms of relationships, the more that Satan is using my current situation to make me fall on his trap.

I don't want any romantic relationship right now. I want to develop and improve my personal relationship with the Lord first, I think that's what's lacking. But the more that I want to be aligned with what He wants, the more the tests are coming into my life.

I'm thankful I was able to achieve the victory over the works of the enemies. Not because of my own strength but because of His strength that is working in me. God is the key - remaining in His presence, spending time with Him.

I will stand firm, as my friend told me "LABAN LANG!"

Day 7 of 42 : Two Important Words

Galatians 5:1

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

An important part of standing firm in the gospel and avoiding legalism is understanding the difference between the work Christ accomplished to save us and the work of becoming holy that He enables us to participate in after we've been saved. 


JUSTIFICATION refers to your status before God.  When you placed your faith in Jesus, God the judge handed down the verdict that you are righteous.  He transferred the perfect sinless record of Jesus to you.  God completely and totally forgave you.  He not only wiped away the record of your sin;  He credited the righteousness of His Son to you.


SANCTIFICATION is a process - the process of becoming more like Christ, of growing in holiness.  This process began that instant you were converted and will not end until you meet Jesus face to face.  Through the work of His spirit, through the power of His Word, and through the fellowship with other believers, God peels away our desire for sin, renews our mind, and changes our lives.  This ongoing work is what we call being sanctified.


Too many people confuse the process of sanctification with God's declaration of justification.  In other words, they think that their work at becoming holy and fighting lust is what saves them.  No!  The process of sanctification is the result of being justified.  Nothing we do in our pursuit of holiness adds to our justification.


All the necessary and important aspects of pursuing holiness don't add to our salvation; they're the response to and the result of God's finished work of justifying us.  Christ died so that we could be freed from the hopeless task of trying to justify ourselves.  We no longer have to grovel in obedience under the rule of our human contracts, or what John Stott calls our "system of merit".


Our obedience cannot earn our forgiveness.  Our sorrow cannot pay for our sins.  Our tears cannot cover them.  No amount of self-inclined punishment can make us right before God.  Even our own death is not enough.


There is only one solution : to believe on Jesus Christ. To renounce all hope in our own ability to save ourselves and to place our faith in His ability to save us.






*Not Even A Hint (Joshua Harris)

Day 6 of 42 : Training!

1 Timothy 4:8

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

I started running last night. I thought this would be a great avenue to finish my first 5K marathon on November 6. I haven't done any formal running event and I know without proper preparation it would be really hard for me to race. I have to condition myself, set the pace, stretch those muscles. I need to set a bodily discipline  - all these in order for me to finish the race. 


But in this marathon of life, physical training is not the only thing that we need, we also need to train for godliness. Godly living helps in every way, it has value for all things. It is profitable for the life that now is and of that which is to come.


*Are you ready to train?

The Promise of Pleasure

God offers you and me hope in surprising way.  He doesn't tell us to lower our standards to a place where we think we can do it on our own strength.  He calls us to embrace the standard of His word - not even a hint of sexual immorality or impurity.  God wants us to despair in our own strength so that we have no other option but to throw ourselves on His grace.


That's the mystery of His plan. You will find His strength in your weakness. As you despair in yourself, you will find hope in Him.  As you turn your back on lust, you will discover that true pleasure is something only God can give.




*Not Even A Hint (Joshua Harris)

In Favor of Sex

LUST : Are you for it or against it?

The message of this book is not that I'm against lust, but that I'm for God's plan for sexual desire. Yes, lust is bad.  But it's bad because what it perverts is so good.

Some people have mistaken notion that God is anti-sex.  But in fact,  He's outspokenly pro-sex!  He invented it.  What an incredible thought! Passionate sex was God's idea.  He isn't embarrassed by it.  Song of Songs is an entire book in the Bible dedicated to celebrating pure sex in marriage.

Part of the challenge Christians face in a lust-filled world is remembering that neither sex nor sexuality is our enemy.  Lust is our enemy and has hijacked sexuality.  We need to keep reminding ourselves that our goal is to rescue our sexuality from lust so we can experience it the way God intended.

*Non Even a Hint (Joshua Harris)

Day 5 of 42 : Not Even A Hint

Ephesians 5:3

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.

God adds "or any kind of impurity" to acts of "sexual immorality". It's not just the sins of adultery and sex outside of marriage God wants us to be freed from. He wants us to eliminate any kind of impurity in our thoughts and actions. He wants us to dig down into our hearts and uproot sexual greediness which is always seeking a new sensual thrill.


Isn't just a little lust okay? A little lust is not okay.  That's why God calls us to be the daunting standard of non even a hint. This means there's no place for lust to exist peacefully in our lives. We're to fight in on every front.


Sounds exhausting doesn't it?  But if you're feeling like that bar is set hopelessly high, don't give up.  That's exactly what you should be feeling.




**Not Even A Hint (Joshua Harris)

Healer - Kari Jobe

Verse:

You hold my every moment

You calm my raging sea

You walk with me through fire

and heal all my disease

Pre-chorus:

I trust in You

I trust in You

Chorus:

I believe You're my healer

I believe You are all I need

I believe

I believe You're my portion

I believe You're more than enough for me

Jesus, You're all I need.

Verse

Pre-Chorus

Chorus

Bridge:

Nothing is impossible for You

Nothing is impossible

Nothing is impossible for You

You hold my world in Your hands

Nothing is impossible for You

Nothing is impossible

Nothing is impossible for You

You hold my world in Your hands

Chorus:

I believe You're my healer

I believe You are all I need

Oh yes You are, yes You are

I believe You're my portion

Lord, I believe You're more than enough for me

Jesus You're all I need

More than enough for me

Jesus You're all I need

You're my healer [You're my healer]

Day 4 of 42 : Why Jesus Came into the World

1 Timothy 1:15-16

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

*The Lord came into the world to save a sinner like me. It is not because of my own good deeds that I will be saved but because of the Lord's grace and mercy.  


*It is not too late to believe in Him... It is not too late to receive eternal life. 

Day 3 of 42 : Let me be a WOMAN

1 Timothy 2:9-15

9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

 11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

Blueprint : Man and Woman

Today is my first time to attend the Sunday Worship Service at Victory Pioneer. My friend Aris has been inviting me for the nth time but because of so many reasons I never make it. 


I woke up at 9am to attend the 11am service. Aris told me he'll be a bit late and I asked if he has friends there that will be attending the same service. "The Lord was the one who invited you, you are very much welcome there" he says- I know he has a point and it's really the Lord that I want to meet.  Actually, I was really excited. I was a bit early and waited for like 10minutes at the entrance.


...and the door opens... I sat at the back corner in between two girls. The praise and worship was amazing, I cried. I felt the presence of the Lord. Every lyrics of the songs seems to be destined for me - in my current situation. (I'm not familiar with the first 2 songs, but I was deeply touched. I can't control my tears flowing from my eyes. I felt His love, it was amazing).


I missed that feeling and I can't believe I experiencing it again. I am alive again.


The main message of the service is about BLUEPRINT : Man and Woman / Destined for Leadership. The church is actually at the end part of the series of studying BLUEPRINT - it's all about design, model, plan. And where else can we find the blueprint that the Lord has prepared for us?  - only in His Word, the BIBLE. 


Now, I would like to share with you what I have learned earlier. 


1. MAN AND WOMAN are created EQUAL


In Genesis 1:27 the Bible says...

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them;  male and female he created them.

**God created man and woman with the same value and importance. Both man and woman are important to God.

2. Though created equal, they are given unique roles and responsibilities

ROLE OF A MAN - Headship

a. Adam was created FIRST

Genesis 2:7

Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

Genesis 2:22

Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

b. Adam was given the command FIRST 

-God is expecting Adam to LEAD

-If you are a man, God is expecting you to lead

-Leading is instructing about the ways of the Lord

-It's not about personality, it's about responsibility

-God is expecting Adam to have a loving and humble leadership

Genesis 3:9

But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?”

Genesis 2:19

 Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. 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.

ROLE OF A WOMAN - suitable helper and partner

Genesis 2:18

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

*Suitable  - fitted/complimentary; never to look down as a lesser.

*Helpmeet - compliments/counterpart

*Woman should SUPPORT the man to LEAD

I thank the Lord for His Word today.I was reminded about my roles and responsibilities  as a woman. The Lord also impressed in my heart what a man should be like. A man of God should lead, that's the design that the Lord created in His blueprint. Whether married or single, it is important for a man to lead the relationship. And by saying that it means leading the family or woman to be more close to God, leading them to grow in faith. Leading them by showing how it be like Christ, imitating the mind of Christ.

My heart is rejoicing now, thank you Lord! You are the GREATEST!

Thank You Lord for a Good Friend

I never thought that having a 4-hour conversation in Starbucks would build the bridge of being connected to Him again. It was such an awesome talk, I feel that the Lord indeed moved. I felt His presence, He stirred up my heart and it was amazing. 

I'm very glad to see how He is moving in other people's lives as well. He is indeed the God of transformation, He is the only one that can change lives and I'm 100% sure of that.

It started as a mere farewell meet-up. I never imagine how the Lord will use Aris to rebuke me. His Word is indeed a double -edged sword.


We met each other 6 years ago in UP - it was very memorable. It was our Evangelism week in SVCF and I was in a waiting shed near shopping center looking for someone whom I'll share the Word of God with, and then I met him. That time, I think he was thinking that I was kinda weird, making friends with strangers and yes if there would be a Guiness Record for this I might have won the "FASTEST WAY TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH STRANGERS" award.


We became friends, but not really close at first. I usually bumped into him in UP - just saying HIs and HELLOs. After 5 years, I was really surprised to see how the Lord has moved in his life. He's completely different now, a better man. A man who fears Him, a man who loves Him. 


 Indeed God has put him in so many tests that's why his testimonies are really alive, giving much impact to me especially now that I'm experiencing the same thing.  He may never know this, but last night I was crying inside - mixed emotions actually but more of being so grateful that the Lord is moving. He doesn't want me to fall astray but instead live according to His will. It was such a great feeling. 


I thank the Lord for his life. I know he reminded me tons of times but I never listen. Instead, I keep on doing the things which I think is 'good' but not the 'best' that the Lord has prepared for me. 

I might not be able to see him for quite a while because he'll be moving to another country, but all the things that he has instilled to me will be forever cherish. 


This simple letter that I received from him made me cry again. It speaks a lot, the message is truly intended for me. 


What's more inspiring to know that as brothers and sisters in Christ, the edification is there. 


"I would be happier to see you grow in faith with God" - what an amazing encouragement from a brother. 


***Thank you for everything Aris, may the Lord continue to bless you more and use you mightily as a blessing to others. 

Day 2 of 42

Hebrews 12:1-3

 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Good morning everyone! What a great way to start my morning. 

1. The Lord reminded me today that... - v1 I am surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.  Brothers and sisters in Christ that can help me grow spiritually. People that I can account myself into. I just need a fellowship - I need to give time.

2. Things that the Lord wants me to do :

     - v1 throw off everything that hinders 

     - v1 throw off sin that easily entangles

The Lord says throw off EVERYTHING that hinders, not just SOME things. It's hard, it will be tough but I need to obey. All I need right now is complete and total surrender. I need to entrust everything to God. 

I need to throw off everything that hinders me from being close to Him, sins that hinder me from  knowing Him more. I need to let go, I need to let Him TAKE CONTROL.

     v1 let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us

I am not an athlete but I do run the race - I need to run with perseverance. I only have one goal, to reach the finish line. 

     -v2 fix our eyes on Jesus

Fixing my eyes on Jesus is the next thing. Looking at myself now, I know I have fixed my eyes on things that are not eternal. I focused more looking outwardly and not considering the things that are much more important and rewarding. Thank you Lord for this reminder. Thank you for opening my eyes again, I want to see more of You.

3. The Lord wants me to know Him more :

     - He is the pioneer and perfecter of faith

     - He  endured the cross

     - He scorned its shame

     - He sat down at the right hand of the throne of God

4. The Lord wants me to learn from others : consider him who endured such opposition from sinners.

He is faithful, He showed great faithfulness that was manifested through the lives of other people.  I know He'll do the same to me. 

5.  The Lord does not want me to : 

     - grow weary

     - lose heart

***What a beautiful Word! Have a great day everyone! :)

Day 1 of 42

1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

*I thank the Lord for His Word today. Indeed, it's a great reminder. 

 YES, I'm ready to fight the good fight of the faith!

You Are For Me

This song just moved me! Thank you Lord for the lyrics, i was deeply touched. 

YOU ARE FOR ME

So faithful, so constant and so true

So powerful in all You do

You fill me, You see me

You know my every move

You love for me to sing to You

I know that You are for me, I know that You are for me

I know that You will never forsake me in my weakness

And I know that You have come now even if to write upon my heart

To remind me who You are

So patient, so gracious, so merciful and true

So wonderful in all You do

You fill me, You see me

You know my every move

You love for me to sing to You

Lord, I know that You are for me, I know that You are for me

I know that You will never forsake me in my weakness

And I know that You have come now even if to write upon my heart

To remind me

Lord, I know that You are for me, I know that You are for me

I know that You will never forsake me in my weakness

And I know that You have come now even if to write upon my heart

To remind me who You are

To remind me

I know that You are for me, I know that You are for me

I know that You will never forsake me in my weakness

And I know that You have come now even if to write upon my heart

To remind me who You are

Palawan : Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm/Binuatan Creations

IWAHIG PRISON AND PENAL FARM

Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm is essentially a village in complete contrast of a penal establishment one would have in mind. There are about a two thousand prisoners there and in the center of all their work is the central village square. One might be surprised that the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm has no walls and almost no barriers. The only precaution that this establishment makes in terms of security is a head count 3 times a day when the prisoners are mandated to gather in the central village square. However, despite being a low security prison, no prisoners attempt to escape for a variety of reasons: first, prisoners are provided with vocational activities of their choice, transportation arrangements are almost impossible for a prisoner and if a prisoner chooses to escape through the mountains, they would face a certain death. In addition, the prisoners at Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm are allowed to live with their families during the time that they are serving their sentence.

 There is no entrance fee to see Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm but of course if one is to buy items from the souvenir shop, then this entails cost. Snacks and drinks are available at the souvenir shop and so are handcrafted items made by the prisoners. Upon entering the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm there are prisoners who already offer the items they made for sale to tourists and low security prisoners are allowed to roam freely.

BINUATAN CREATIONS


Binuatan is a Cuyonin (the native Palawan dialect) word for creation.In Puerto Princesa City, it has become synonymous with woven products made from Buntal fibers such as mangrove grass, amumuting, buri sprigs and vetiver.At Binuatan Creations, they transform Palawan local fibers and grasses into sophisticated handloom woven products. Binuatan Creations products includes handloomwoven placemats, tablerunners, bags, blinds intricately designed.

Palawan : Crocodile Farm and Nature's Park

The Palawan Crocodile Farm and Conservation Centre is also known as the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre. 

Located a half hour drive out from the centre of Puerto Princesa on the island of Palawan in the Philippines the Palawan Crocodile Farm and Conservation Centre is a popular attraction with tourists. As such it is very much a commercial venture and apart from breeding crocodiles it is doubtful whether it plays much of a conservation role...though it does educate.

Palawan : Baker's Hill and Nature's Park

There’s this small village-like place in Puerto Princesa where a lot of people, especially kids and high-school students, go to every afternoon. It’s called the Bakers Hill and it literally sits on top of a hill overlooking the city.

Baker's Hill is also famous for their delicious HOPIA!

Palawan : KaLui

Kalui is the most famous restaurant in Puerto Princesa. It is a must visit place among tourists. Your tour in Palawan wouldn't be complete if you haven't visit this place.


Kalui Restaurant is made of native wooden house. Its floor is clean and well-polished, you wouldn't mind to walk barefoot because every footwear should be left before entering the restaurant. Upon entering the small "lobby," guests are requested to remove their shoes, socks and sandals; as everyone eats barefoot. Footwear are properly laid out at the lobby like in a Japanese teahouse, while others are placed in woven baskets. The floor of the entire restaurant is made up of bamboo slats that are regularly cleaned. There are various wooden dining tables and chairs in Kalui but among its unique features are the elevated porches with low tables and pillows for sitting instead of chairs.