I’m as close to God as I choose to be.

God always acts in your best interest, even when it is painful and you don't understand it.

Trust is truly an important component of a relationship.  It is one of the foundations of a healthy relationship.  Without which relationship won’t last.  It’s easy to tell God that I trust Him, but it’s difficulty to prove and show it.  My family and I have gone through a lot of trials and challenges in life.  There was a point in my life when I was to give up and question God for the all the bad things that happened in my life.  One of the sources of my hope and strength during those times was my parents.  I have not seen nor heard them complaining to God even though everything we had was lost.  We had a painful and unforgettable past.  I had difficulty understanding the reason behind that tragedy, and so I began to lose my confidence in God.  Thank God that He did not give up on me!  Thank God that He did not leave me alone.  Thank God that my family and I survived.  It’s only now that I discovered the very purpose and reason behind everything that happened to us.  I won’t be the successful, stronger, God-fearing and super blessed person I am now without the sad, unpleasant, hopeless and tragic past that I had.  Everything happens for a reason.  God knows and desires what’s best for me even though it’s painful and I cannot understand it.  Now, I completely trust God, my BestFriend.

Lord, I pray that You always call my name so that I won’t leave your side.  Remind me that You’re a good friend of mine who won’t give up on me.  Thanks for the trust!  Thanks for the love!  Thanks for the friendship. I love you my Friend. Amen.

Gifts with Extraordinary Wrappings and Trappings

God puts difficult people in our midst for both their benefit and ours.  They are an opportunity for growth and a test of fellowship.

God has always good reasons and purpose why He permits unpleasant things to happen in our lives, and why He allows difficult people to cross our paths.  Some may view this as a punishment from God.  In truth, they are blessings in disguise.  I firmly believe that because of God’s love, care and concern for us, He has been showering upon us blessings and sending us gifts.  Although these gifts may be wrapped or packaged in different ways, and sometimes in the least we expect it, we need to view problems, trials and even difficulty people that God is sending us gifts as well.  They may not be wrapped in the way we want and expect it, but behind the wrappings and trappings are blessings and gifts that God wants us to receive.  I must admit that it is not easy for me to deal with difficult people.  I easily lose my patience and give up on them.  But, I need to consider them as opportunities for growth.  God is sending me these difficult people because He wants to mold and form my character.  He wants me to grow and become more mature, stronger, more loving and more understanding.  In doing so, I am shaped and molded into the person He wants me to be.

Worship is a lifestyle ;-)

Worship is far more than music and prayers. It is a lifestyle. Every activity can be transformed into an act of worship when you do it for the praise, glory and pleasure of God.

I entered the seminary at a very young age.  After graduating from grade school, I made a decision to start my journey towards the fulfillment of my dream to become a pastor.  I spent 8 years of my life in the seminary.  I grew in my knowledge and my relationship with God in the seminary.  We studied the Bible, Theology, had prayer services every day, interceded for people, meditated on the Word of God every day, had our small groups every week, and learned a lot in our monthly formations.  I thought that only by doing these religious activities that I would become holy and closer to God.  I thought that this is the only path to holiness, and the only venue where I can encounter God.  

But, all these misconceptions changed when I read the story of St. Therese, who was known for her Little Way, and the Purpose-Driven Life book.  I realized that I can be holy and have an encounter with God in the ordinary things that I do.  Holiness can be attained and worship can be done by doing ordinary things extraordinarily, that is, when I give my best and offer to God everything little thing that I do.  From then on, I start, spend and end my day with God.  I offer everything I do to Him, become aware of His presence and have a personal conversation with Him every second, every moment of my life.

Lord, I pray that everything I do begin with You, find its origin in You, and reach completion through You.  May all things I say and do be pleasing to You.  May my life be a great offering to You. May my life be a sweet song to Your ears. Amen.