Who God Is: The Radical Security

For the purpose of this entry, the operational definition of security is as follows

Security: /n/ the state of being free from danger and injury.

In the process of getting to know God and His wonderfully everlasting attributes, I tried reading the accounts of Jesus in the book of Mark. I thought, surely Jesus would also possess these amazing attributes (except for some differences due to Him being God incarnate). True enough, there were lots! What struck me the most that particular morning was the attribute of God being the security.

I find this subject very difficult to tackle. It took me quite a while to come up with everything that you are about to read. You see, I had a difficult time balancing the application part of this particular lesson. I did not want to sound very practical and lose the Biblical truth and be radical and sound umm... foolish.

I continued flipping through the pages of my Bible until I got to Mark 10. I was extremely surprised. And I mean e-x-t-r-e-m-e-l-y surprised for two things!:

1. Jesus was (and probably still is) too radical! When a rich young man asked Jesus "What must I do to inherit eternal life?", Jesus answered this...

"Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

You'd probably say, "Well, wait a minute! It's already a different era!" And you continue talking with your hands pointing your body, "Jesus doesn't possess a physical body that I can closely follow now. During the apostles time, it was different! They followed and witnessed Jesus firsthand as He fed the four thousand, fed the five thousand, healed the sick, raised the dead, etc.."

This is simply impractical. How can I feed my family? What do I ought to do then? Should I just give up working and follow Jesus? Where is He anyway? How can I see Him? Where do I go? To Israel? To Africa? Should I just let go of all the savings I've built up over the years? How about my son's future - he is about to turn four soon and tuition fees are rising like Tower of Babel!?? What should I do?!!?

Well, brothers and sisters, truth be told, it is definitely impractical! Not all Biblical teachings are music to the ears. But let me tell you, this statement isn't limited to the ancient Biblical times. It is still applicable today. It is still true today that the rich finds it more difficult to enter the Kingdom of heaven.

What does it imply anyway when you have plenty of money?

a. You value money. Your decisions are based on the deeply nested value of "financial independence" or "profit." Money has been placed top in your priority list. It is even higher than God. Although 1 Timothy 6:10, "money is the root of all evil," has been often misquoted, the verse teaches that it is not money that is evil but the "love of money--greed--is the sin, and an impulse that lies behind much wickedness throughout history" (Gospel.com).

b. You need more than what is necessary. You are saving for the in-case-this-or-that-will-happen situations (i.e. in case my house burns up, in case my daughter won't find a job and my SSS won't be enough to sustain me). The world has taught us this framework: based on the SWOT (or TOWS) analysis, once we have built cash as our resource strength, we will be able to exploit future opportunities and attack or avoid upcoming threats. And so we save up money in our bank account to be "free from danger and injury." In short, we need money... to be secured.

c. You trust money. I now understand why it is difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of Heaven. God entails our 100% trust and love and faith and devotion. And if the rich has plenty of strengths or resources, then they would have no reason to look for God and trust Him. Or perhaps, others may claim to know the Bible and obey it (like the rich young man), and yet has a bank account as back-up plan (in case God won't be able to provide). This definitely shows a lack of trust in God.

Remember in John 6 that there is one form of security that will last for an eternal lifetime; when Jesus said, "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." So you might be asking, how then do we work for food that endures to eternal life? The crowd (following Him) asked the same thing. The answer they got was this, to quote Jesus: "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."

To believe in Jesus. To believe that He is "the bread of life" (v. 35), whoever comes to him will never be hungry and thirsty. To believe that His grace is sufficient, His strength is made perfect in our weakness. To believe that He can sustain and rescue us. To believe that He is the ONLY way, the truth and the life. Many of us know these truths already, however it is only until we are left with nothing, that we fully believe in Him. It is only until every precious thing has been taken from us, that we fully value God as our security.

Now, I don't know what God wants you to do with your money. I suggest you reflect for a moment and ask yourself these questions:

• What is your basis for your recent big decisions? Is it to obey God or to earn money? Is it to use the gifts that God has given you or to earn money?
• Why are you keeping all those money? Is it due to the in-case situations?
• Are you being a good steward? If not, how then can you become a good steward and use them for God's glory?
• Who are you sharing your money with?
• Are you following Jesus? Or is your pursuit for money hindering you from being His good and faithful servant?

..and then show God that you don't love, need and trust your money, as much as you do Him, by sharing it with the poor!

2. It's odd that I've never heard of an advice, a sermon, or anything close to Jesus' advice to the rich young man.

The most I've heard were about budgeting and financial management. Probably people were scared of being seen as radical, or as foolish. Welcome it, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength." (1 Cor 1:15)

For those who were able to read this far, *clap clap*, you've survived hearing an inconvenient truth: a truth that is very much difficult to bear and live out. I guess, you've seen in this writing, that I've chosen to share with you the radical application. One that is against the whole world. One that will meet persecution.

Our radical God who is able to create the world and provide all our needs, love unconditionally, destroy nations, save people, move mountains and calm the raging storm deserves a radical faith, don't you think?

Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel,

you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born.
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

~ Isaiah 46:3,4

Who God Is: My Joy

While I was doing my assignment in a coffee shop awhile ago, I couldn't help but hear conversations of people seated nearby. I was surrounded by people in their early 20's, both male and female, on fire for the Lord. At my right was a group of ladies sharing their joys of how God has blessed them in their lives. I heard them sharing stories of faith and blessings. I also heard them pouring encouragements to one another. One of the girls even proclaimed that she is now going full-time for the Lord. Although she admitted that she was a little bit fearful, her face, her words, her emotions showed that she was overwhelmed with joy. It was such a delightful sight.

Behind me was a group of four young professional men with their Bibles open. I heard one of them sharing about God's love. I didn't pry anymore on the details. But I guess, he has received it and is now very happy to share it. Beautiful.

I realized that many of us have forgotten about this pure joy. We have long outgrown the exciting passion that we once had experienced when we were newly reborn. Now, this is what my detective eyes have observed over the years. One of the main reasons why many of us do not experience this anymore as the "flame dies down" is mainly because we have become burdened and tired in our Christian life. Instead of taking our rest in Jesus who offers rest for the weary, Jesus has become the reason for us to be weary.

We join the ministries because we think it's for our own "growth." We serve with all that we can because God deserves perfection, if not, excellence. We plan an activity for Thursday and hold another activity on Friday, thinking that it is all for God anyway. We prepare the food so that no one will get hungry. We invite and welcome people in the registration table. We hurriedly coordinate who's next-in-line in the program. We get so busy. There must be no dead air. If someone couldn't serve as an officer, we join the team, because they need us.

We are ending up like Martha. Living the life of Martha is tiresome. Martha was the one who prepared for the whole fellowship event in her house. She had to make food from scratch for at least 12 (probably hungry) guests. She kneaded the dough with her bare hands. She had to make trips to the well for some water. She was basically "organizing the event" on her own.

Martha called her sister to help out. When Jesus heard her, you'd probably think that he would smile courteously and say "Thank you for welcoming us into your home, Martha. Go Mary, help your sister." But no, Jesus was against that idea. He said "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42). What is better then? What is that ONE Jesus was talking about?

To choose to be with Jesus.

Mary was at the Lord's feet, listening to Him. This is more important than serving. Jesus himself said so already! If you are part of any ministry, and yet have little to zero prayer life, I suggest that you take a retreat, meaning stop first from ministry and have a moment to listen to Jesus. Those in ministry, who are not Martha, will understand.

The joy in life, or in a church dwindle away when more Martha rise in action. Going to church, serving in a church, ministering will become a burden, instead of products of abundant joy. And because most people are tired from serving, they do not have the innate contagious joy that will draw believers and nonbelievers to God. If God for them is already burdensome, won't those who do not know God see Him as such as well (or worse)?

If you are convicted by this entry, let go of everything that you are doing. There is something more important. Take this time to pause and listen to what God has to say.

May you (re)discover the Joy in God today! God bless you!

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. ~ Ecclesiastes 5:1

Who God Is: My Teacher

The term has just started and I think I'm going to like it. I enjoy learning especially if it has a great practical application or a use to it. So anyway, for this term, I have two strategy classes (Strategic Management and Technology Strategy). This excites me because strategy always comes with an action plan. It's fun to see how plans, knowledge and creativity are used for problem solving purposes.

"What is management?" This was the first question my (scary!) professor Efren Cruz asked. Nobody in the class was able to answer him correctly. Why don't you give it a try? Don't worry, my professor won't be able to embarrass you. Hint: It has two key words. No, it isn't art and science. No, it isn't PLOC (planning, leading, organizing and controlling). It is simply the process of "making decisions". Now, how do we make decisions? Through analysis, logical analysis to be exact. According to Mr. Cruz, logic doesn't necessarily give us the right or wrong action plan, it is a guide for correct manner of thinking. Logical analysis allows us to draw logical conclusion for decision making.

The next question is, what shall we analyze? FRAMEWORKS! Frameworks are basically references that a company, a government, a non-profit organization, a church, or a simple housewife follows or adheres to. Frameworks are made out of several concepts, theories or laws. Some examples are the TOWS (or SWOT), EFE Matrix, 4P's in Marketing. What I've typed here also serves as a framework already. Let me show you a concrete illustration (all --> means "leads to"):

Laws/Theories/Principles --> Concepts --> Framework --> Analysis --> Decision Making

We are all managers. We make decisions everyday. From choosing what food to eat, where to go, who to go out with, what words to speak out, to deciding on what business venture to pursue and what our personal mission-vision is, big or small, we all make decisions. There are thousands of frameworks that all of us can choose to follow, but believe it or not, there is only one best framework. Why? Because this one in particular is not manmade, its words were spewed from God's mouth, written by God-inspired people.

The Bible in itself is already a comprehensive framework. It is so comprehensive that it not only takes care of our decisions here on earth, but it also touches on eternity. Imagine that! Based on the Bible's framework, there are some decisions made today that can have long lasting, eternal value, one that you can bring to heaven! Those TOWS, EFE matrices may have allowed companies to exist for at least a hundred of years, but were William Procter & James Gamble able to enjoy the luxuries of their big company in heaven? Were they able to lead others to Jesus?

I recently realized two things:

1. If we were to take God's Word seriously, the best framework for a business is not one with the grandest mission-vision of providing highly innovative technologically driven products that aim to be the number one in the market. Nor is it simply having an intelligent strategic plan that will kill competitors. More important than knowledge, skills, or gifts, God puts highest value in love. Let love be the basis of your decisions. Without love, God says you are nothing.

2. Strategy originated from greek word strategia meaning "generalship" which was originally used in warfare. Greeks were real good with strategy. Remember the movie 300? It was a real story. About 300 men were able to combat against hundreds of thousands of Persian army by implementing strategic decisions based on their physical environment. Strategy is managing based on environment. Now, here is what OUR strategy is based on God's framework. "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength." ~ Isaiah 30:15. In short, no matter what type of physical environment we are placed in, we will only win if we depend upon the Lord.

Through the Bible, the Lord has taught us how to invest our lives here on earth. Think about this. The average life on earth is 75. Compared to eternity, of trillions and gazillions of years, it is nothing but a dot. Live your life wisely. Ask God for wisdom. My professor has taught me (and you, since I shared all these with you) the framework for decision making. However, the analysis must be based on a framework that is worthwhile. Allow God to teach you the right framework. Pray that He will open your eyes of your heart as you study your Bible today.

God bless!

P.S. Just a word of caution. There is a thin line between obedience and legalism. Do not allow pride to overrun you once you know and practice the teachings of God. Know that all is meaningless without God's grace.

Who God Is: My Provider

A year ago, there was a great number of days, weeks even, when I woke up feeling unrest and a little bit fearful. Let me swallow my pride a little bit more (hehe!), I admit that I was really worried about my future. You see, I was (and still am) in an exclusive courtship relationship with someone whose future financial capability is unlikely to support a family, our family (If we would end up together); specially if our family were to still enjoy the kind lifestlye that we have at the moment. I wondered if we would get to travel, to eat our favorite foods, to study, to buy books, to try out new activities, etc.

On one particular Sunday, I talked to God about all these, shed some tears, and gave Him the key to my future. I decided to step out of the boat, out of my comfort zone. Then, like Hezekiah and Gideon, there came a sign. I'm not sure if I was the one who asked for a sign, or if the Holy Spirit imprinted it on my heart. I myself was surprised when this became part of my prayer. "Okay, Lord, I know that if it is your will, you will provide. If it is your will, can you double the number of the people attending the cell group? Thank You."

It seemed like a very simple question at that time, but believe me, it was a very difficult task. During that time, I had been co-leading the group for 2 years and I had taken great effort to invite people to come on a Friday night. Since I couldn't ask them for their commitment, they came and went as they pleased. So I thought, 'If it's difficult to get hold of the old people, how much more the new people?' Doubling it was near impossible.

In a month's time, the number grew. People started to flock in until we reached more than twice the original size. We had the most number of attendees in years. Unlike before when I was busy creating activities, gimmicks and the like to generate people, this time, I did not do anything. It was definitely "not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of God" that people came and showed commitment. God provided and God indeed will provide. It was one of the many instances that my forgetful mind should remember whenever I feel fear and unrest, or whenever Satan attacks me with various thoughts.

Now, if you are still hesitating about God being the provider, think about this. Since God loves us so much that He was willing to send His beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins, wouldn't He be willing to give us all other things along with Jesus as well? God has everything in the palm of His hands; God has created every good thing that we see. He isn't there to hoard them all for His own use. He doesn't need them anyway. Knowing that God loves you and me, He will shower upon us what we need when we need it.

May we pray like how Jesus taught His disciples.. "to give us our daily bread." The wisdom behind it can be found in Solomon's proverbs, "But give me only my daily bread. Otherwise I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." (Prov 30:8-9)

Feel free to pray this prayer and trust that my God, our God, will provide. :)

Who God Is: Series

A very close friend of mine resolved to write the attributes of God - who He has revealed Himself to be - in her journal. I have not read what she has written yet. But I believe it's going to be encouraging, uplifting and simply wonderful. And so I have decided to do the same.

This "Who God Is" series is going to be posted for three reasons:

(1) to focus on God. It is tempting to write about you, about me, about us, about everything that is happening in this world and make them circulate around you, me and us. This only makes us forget that there's Someone more important than you and me, Someone who deserves our time and attention, Someone who deserves all the glory and all the praises that this world has to offer. Because ALL GOOD things (i.e. gifts, capabilities, physique, salaries, family) come from Him.

(2) to proclaim to the whole world who my God is. Many of us pray to God, put our faith in Him, serve him. But do we know who God is? If yes, good. Who is He then? If no, how do we serve the one whom we do not know? How do we speak to Him? And How do we expect others to know Him as well?

(3) to remind myself who He is. I realized that I can never be like God. I am forgetful. And because I'm forgetful, it is difficult for me to be faithful in word and deed. Whenever circumstances cloud my faith, many times I forget who God is. I tend to worry, when the Bible tells me not to worry for my God will provide. I tend to fear, when the Bible clearly speaks of a God who protects.

I encourage you to know my God, our God. I encourage you to list down who He is in your life and soon proclaim it out loud.

God bless you brothers and sisters!

"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." ~ Galatians 6:14