Favor With People

Wow, haven't been updating this blog for ages. Sorry guys! hehe. Anyhow, we just finished the South Pacific Conference in our fellowship. It was awesome. I could write a novel. lol.

This was the sermon on August 21st, Friday and was first written on my Facebook as a note. Just thought I'd share it here on my Blogspot. hehe. :p

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Ok, I'm just aimless now. lol. I'm writing this because of Pastor Walsh's sermon entitled 'Favor with People'.

He tells about a man he carefully observed. A man who prays and reads the Bible. He does the things of God. He is basically a man of God. But when he goes home, he is friendless. He don't have the favor with people.

I guess I'm like that. No, it's not a guess. It's a fact. Here in Fiji, at least. I go to church 3 times a week. I'm always present in church activities. Haven't been in outreaches lately though. I love the church. It's been our 'family' here in Fiji.

But reality strikes... I have few friends. Friends that I could say I'm really *close* with. Like close, close. Thank God I have a sister I'm always with. If not for her, I could say I'm always ALL BY MYSELF. lol.

Ahhh. It's frustrating! haha.

I'm shy and quiet. I know.. That's the first impression my friends say. But there's a reason for that... I had no childhood friends aside from my siblings and classmates in school. I mean, you know. In the Phil, at least, you have some playmates and friends in the neighborhood. I got none. I play with my sibs, and sometimes, with our yaya's or nannies. But I don't treat them like that. They are like a family. They took care of us when our parents were not there for us. **hint hint** Guess, you now get it why I'm shy and quiet... Yes, it has something to do with the past. I'll tell it all next time. It's another novel. I mean, story... lol

I hate rejection. I guess, not being able to be close with my rents when I was young somewhat made me feel rejected.

Going back to the story, I'm like that man. I believe I do the things of God yet I don't find the favor with people. lol. Haha. Okay, enough for the emo-ness... I'm not saying I dont have friends. I have few *close* friends that I would really miss when I leave Fiji. I guess, the others cant catch up with me. I'm the person that doesn't talk much when I'm not that close to someone. But I must tell you, I'm easy to get along with. I suck at starting a conversation. It's hard for me to make new friends. Coz in the Phil, they make friends with me. lol. So I thank those friends who took the initiative. lmao. haha.

To my future friends, I'm not that hard to be friends with. I guess, one of the reasons people don't want to be that close to me is because they think the only way to get connected with me is Starbucks, and other some-what expensive places I go to hang out. I thought of that reason because someone has told me once that 'I have expensive taste'... I'm not choosy with those kinds of stuffs. I can eat street foods too, for crying out loud! haha. XD I might be a big spender at times but I also know how to save money.

Ok, whatever.. I just wanna let my future friends know that I wanna be friends with them. It's easy but it's hard. lol. It's easy to be friends with me but it's hard to keep up with me. I'm introvert. Someone must *trigger* that friendliness in me. lol

Favor with People. Why is it so hard to get? Sigh......

3 reasons Pastor Walsh pointed out:

1. Busy-ness --- I'm too busy with nothing. lol. I mean, they are busy with something. Probably, with their own circle of friends.
2. Selfishness --- Okay, I'm not selfish. But maybe somehow. Ahh yeahh... When I have a friend, I want all of their attention,,,in some ways.. lol :p
3. Laziness --- I'm too lazy to make friends... specially if I know that it wont last that long. What do I mean by this? As I've said, I'm easy to be friends with but it's hard to keep up with me. If I think that you're not the type of person who is like my best friend who is talkative (thank goodness she's not on Facebook), I mean hyper friendly not talkative, I'm lazy to make the effort. I know it's demonic. I should get rid of that motto and start to reach out and make friends. Ahh. I hate rejection. lol.

Ok... I dunno why I shared this out. Less than 4 months to stay in Fiji. I guess, I'm still hoping to make some more friends before I leave. I mean, *close* friends. Or maybe not. At least, the fewer close friends I have, the fewer people I would miss when I go home. *emo* lol lol lol.


Toodles,

Don't Get 'Hooked' By Your Teenager

Be clear minded and self-controlled. 1 Peter 4:7 NIV

Teenagers can test your sanity. They're neither adult nor child, and can become either without notice. Flooding hormones and exploding neurons spark biochemical reactions in their heads and bodies. Words like, 'What in the world were you thinking?' form involuntarily on your lips. In response come sullen teenage shrugs, followed by the incomprehensible, 'I don't know.' And they don't! What can you do? 'Lock them up?' Sorry, that's illegal. But here are two things that will help.

1) Back off and slow down. 'Be clear minded and self-controlled.' One of the biggest mistakes parents make is overreacting, which triggers an escalating battle of wills you're unlikely to win. Decibel levels rise, wisdom fails, your teen concludes you're the crazy one, and suddenly there's no adult present and nobody's 'minding the store.' You've become part of the problem, leaving your child angry and insecure, without a rational role model. Pray, breathe deeply and count to ten! For your child's sake, it's time for the clear minded and self-controlled parent to prevail.

2) Remember, anger begets anger. 'An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin' (Proverbs 29:22 NLT). No one can infuriate you like a teenager trying to grow up. A look, a word, an attitude, and you're 'hooked;' you're in a shouting match with your own child. How crazy is that? Emotionally charged exchanges hard wire your teenager's brain for automatic, long-term anger reactions. What's the answer? Use the carrot and stick approach of Scripture: 'Provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture [love and encouragement] and admonition [character building discipline] of the Lord' (Ephesians 6:4).

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I so agree with these two points. Specially the second one. I myself, hate to be shouted at and when my parents do that, they will get what they want. lol. I know it's wrong but it's reality, even the Bible says that. hehe. Peace out! XD

The Resume of Jesus Christ

Address: Ephesians 1:20
Phone: Romans 10:13
Website: The Bible. Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus

Hello. My name is Jesus -The Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.

Qualifications

• I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)
• I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)
• I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)
• I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)
• The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)

Occupational Background

• I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).
• I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.
• My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)

Skills Work Experiences

• Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).
• I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).
• Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)

Educational Background

• I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).
• In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).
• My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a lamp unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).
• I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).

Major Accomplishments

• I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).
• I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).
• I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15).
• I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
• There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.

References

• Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance

In Summation

Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15).

Is Being A Christian Hard?

I got saved when I was like 6 years old. I knew I was a sinner so I repented and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. So that makes me a Christian since then. I grew up in Sunday School and went to a Christian School. It's actually a Baptist denomination so it has been a strong Christian background, plus it's kinda old school. No loud music, no raising of hands, no clapping, no dancing and your clothes should be really conservative. By the way, I'm now a Born Again Christian but I don't mock the Baptists. I believe that religion will never save us from Hell and get us to Heaven because the only way is through Jesus Christ. By repentance and acceptance of Him, we will be saved. A real Christian is have a personal relationship with God.

Being a Christian is definitely NOT the end of all the problems you have. Some people think that when you become a Christian, God will make your life perfect. He can do that but not too fast. Christianity is a journey. You will still encounter difficulties in life but of course, God will help you all the way as long as you rely on Him and keep the faith. This is how He tells us that we obviously need Him and He is the source of everything. He is the answer.

Another reason why we still struggle in life is because being a Christian makes Satan mad. He doesn't want us to follow God because all Satan wants is for us to commit sin and live with it. Being a Christian is hard because our enemy is Satan.

As a Christian, we must always try to endure all the pains. Believe in God always and keep the faith because one day, all of these will be gone.

Being a Christian might be hard but remember that with God, nothing is impossible! He is always there for us so we should always rely on Him.

Toodles,

Why Did You Send Me?

Then Moses went back to the LORD and protested, “Why have you brought all this trouble on your own people, Lord? Why did you send me? Ever since I came to Pharaoh as your spokesman, he has been even more brutal to your people. And you have done nothing to rescue them!” [Exodus 5:22-23]

In Exodus 5, Moses and Aaron approached Pharaoh, asking that he give the Israelites a short reprieve from their work so that they might hold a festival to honor the Lord. Predictably, Pharaoh responded negatively. In fact, he punished the Israelites because of what Moses and Aaron had done, which angered the Israelites. So Moses, no doubt feeling confused and betrayed by the Lord, complained to him, asking “Why did you send me?” (v. 22).

What Moses and Aaron experienced as leaders is quite common, actually. Though the details may differ, leaders of change almost always confront negative reactions. I experienced this time and again in the church. I remember one time when, in order to improve the flow of a worship service, I moved the offering from its usual place. One man was furious with me. “You prohibited me from worshiping God through my offering,” he insisted. Even such a relatively small change was traumatic for him. I felt disheartened, even though I believed I had done the right thing.

Even when, like Moses, we’re doing God’s will in bringing about change, we shouldn’t be surprised when people become angry with us. We may very well echo Moses’ complaint to God: “Why did you send me?” In situations like this, turning to God in honest prayer restores our confidence. It reminds us that transformational leadership is never easy, and that we cannot do it alone. But if we seek to please God above all, and if we rely on his strength, then God will use and bless our efforts, even if they don’t turn out how we had hoped.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Have you ever experienced a reaction to your leadership similar to what we read in Exodus 5? What did you do? What enables you to remain steadfast in the face of complaint and criticism?


PRAYER: Dear Lord, you know how discouraging it can be when our leadership begets negativity. Sometimes the very people we’re trying to help are the most critical of our efforts. This is hard, Lord. You know that, of course, because you’ve experienced this very sort of thing from your people for centuries.

Help us, Lord, when our leadership is poorly received. Give us the humility to examine what we’re doing, to make sure we’re pursuing the right course. Give us wisdom to make any changes that are warranted. And then, give us confidence in you, so that we might continue to be faithful as leaders, for your sake, no matter how people might be unhappy with us. Amen.

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Hey guys!

Mahn, if you guys didn't know, I've been here in Fiji for more than 2 years. Yes that's right. Wow, it's been 2 years! haha. And counting... lol.

Anyways, I want to write something about how I lived here in Fiji for 2 years now. Hmmm. I was supposed to write it on our "second year anniversary" here in Fiji last May 29th. But apparently, I was kinda busy with some school stuffs. We just finished this school term, by the way. What a relief! haha.

So before I write a novel for my 2 years of my Fiji life, I wanted to post this stuff first! YAY. Why Did You Send Me? Why did God send me here in Fiji? I'll write some stuffs on what I've learned here and how did it change me in some ways. Well, it's been a blessing in disguise. God sent us here for a reason. It's His will.

Ahhh.. The next blog post will be a long one. I hope... haha. I hope my laziness won't strike me so I can share some wonderful stuffs with y'all!

Toodles,

Meditation On Facets Of Joy

Like a diamond, joy has many facets that can be seen only by examining its many sides. Joy, according to C.S. Lewis, is quite opaque to evil and the evil one, because all evil is baffled and offended by the essence of joy.

Joy is the result of truth. Joy is the “gigantic secret” of God (G.K. Chesterton) that the world could never have expected, but it clears the air so that we see things as they really are.

Joy causes celebration. Gladness and song go with joy; the slightest witticisms cause laughter when joy is present. There’s energy in joy that cures fatigue and discouragement. This is what James says in his letter to churches that face persecution: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2)

Joy has a rhythm. Jesus unites peace with joy in his Thursday night discourse. Joy is a quietness as much as an exuberance. Together the two create a fundamental rhythm.

Joy is presence. It describes our relationship with God. Joy comes from knowing the Lord and knowing that the Lord is nearby. In the New Testament, joy is related to prayer and friendship with God. Jesus invites his disciples to pray so their joy might be full (John 15:11–17).

Joy is a protection. Laughter can be a sign of the dignity and resilience of brave hearts in the face of danger.

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s story The Lord of the Rings, Frodo and his friend Sam Gamgee laugh out loud high on the dangerous reaches of the dark tower where laughter had never been heard. Their laughter causes quakes on the mountain that had so long been under the oppressive control of evil. Their laughter was defiant, innocent, and profoundly good at the same moment. It was good because it had its source in joy, and that made it powerful as well as destructive against the powers of evil.

Evil cannot understand joy. The devil is more austere and serious than God is, which makes us stop and think that if we are to feel at home in heaven, we will need to enjoy joy because “joy is the serious business of heaven” (G.K. Chesterton).

Credits: www.CurrentIssuesBibleStudy.com

Celebrating my 20th with 20 Random Thoughts

So, I just turned 20 years old. YAY. I'll just write 20 random things.

5 people I love and thank God for:

1. God - of course, he's the Creator of everything and my Heavenly Dad. I thank Him for everything, for giving me another year. I love God more than anything else and I will keep on serving Him as long as I live.

2. Family - I couldn't ask for more. When I was younger and when my parents are almost separating, I thought it was the end coz it was really hopeless. But God helped us and He really moved and blessed our family. Dad, Mom, Kuya Wendz, Kuya Mark and April. I super love you all! To Kuya Wendz, who is in Pinas, I so miss you! I thank my rents for everything. My sibz, for giving the support and all.

3. Tita Ling, Tito John, and Marvin (he's like my lil bro) - They're like my second family. They are always there when my family was breaking apart. I miss you guys.

4. My friends - from different parts of the world. Special mention to my closest and great friends who are keeping in touch. I love you guys. Thanks for always being there for me.

5. Fiji - my second home in this earth. lol. I thank God for bringing me here.

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5 blessings: (actually, I have more than 5. lol)

1. Family - this is the best time we have. Although Kuya Wendz is not here, this is the greatest blessing God gave me.

2. Fiji friends - I'll never forget the friendship we have here. Jenni, Siale, Zee, Rusila, Tara, Tori, and everyone else! God brought me here to meet you guys.

3. Fiji - Fiji itself. Again, He really brought us for a reason. This is one of the best blessings God has given me and my family. It's a real blessing!

4. Friends - all of you guys. Not because you are 4th, you're not important to me anymore. I super love you guys and y'all have always been a blessings to me. Thanks for being a part of my life!

5. Everything - love, life, friendships, money -- everything. Every aspect of my life is a blessing!

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5 promises:

Hmm, this is hard.. lol.

1. God - I will serve Him all the days of my life and live the life He wants me to have. Whether to live here, in Pinas, or wherever, I will follow Him. He knows what is best for me and He will use me according to His pupose.

2. Family - I will never waste this time God healed the wounds that almost broke us apart. I will try not to be a spoiled brat anymore. lol. Be responsible. Be a good daughter and a sister.

3. Friends - I'll always be there for you all and will never lose touch. haha. As much as possible, I try to keep in touch with you guys. God knows. hehe.

4. I will always have that 'grande passion to live a purpose driven life' (taken from 2 of my fave books) for God.

5. I can't think of another promise anymore. lol. haha. Ok here, I promise everybody that I will always be the same Fei you guys know. (and better) lmao. Ang labo. haha.

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5 Prayers:

1. I pray that God will continue to take control of my life and always keep me grounded according to His standards. And always give me strength for 'I can do all things through Christ'...

2. I pray that God will always be there for my family. I pray for mom and dad. To my Kuya's and to April. And to the extended family I always love.

3. I pray for my friends. I always pray for you all, wherever you are right now. That God will guide you always and help you in times of troubles. (let me know if you need prayers, that's prolly the least I can do)

4. I pray for this world and the lost souls. May God have mercy to those who are suffering and spare them from Hell. I pray that God will save the people from bondages of sin. I pray to touch their hearts that He alone satisfies.

5. I pray for my future. I pray for what God wants me to be. He always knows what's best for me. I pray for my dreams and ambition in life -- to help people and serve Him. harhar. And uhh, since I'm 20, maybe I should start praying for the future husband, a man of God -- God's best. LOL. hahaha. And well yeah, I want to build my business in the future - a business according to Christian principles and something that could help the people. lmao. I pray for my future family, friends, and people I will meet on the way to this journey called life. I'm 20 now, and I'm not getting any younger. lol

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Ok, I think I didn't construct this well. lol. Ugh, whatever. haha. It supposed to be 20 on every thoughts or whatever but it's like too many so I have broken them down into pieces. lol. HAHAHA.

Toodles,

The Gathering of Israel, One by One

Yet the time will come when the LORD will gather them together like handpicked grain. One by one he will gather them—from the Euphrates River in the east to the Brook of Egypt in the west. [Isaiah 27:12]

Isaiah 27 foresees the exile of Israel and, beyond that, the time in which God will gather his people once again. Though they have been scattered throughout the world, the Lord will bring them back to their land and to himself.

Isaiah 27:12 employs a harvesting image. The Hebrew literally speaks of God as threshing and gleaning the grain, using a process that allowed the farmer to distinguish the grain from the chaff. The addition of the phrase “one by one” emphasizes God’s personal attention to each one of his children.

Most of us have not experienced literal exile in our lives. We live in the country of our birth and/or of our choosing. Yet the image of exile gives expression to our sense of not quite belonging to this world as it is. We yearn for the Lord and the fullness of his kingdom. We look ahead to the day when God will gather all of us into his new creation, a day when we will be truly at home with the Lord and truly united to his people.

Yet, in anticipation of that future gathering, God seeks us and brings us to himself “one by one.” God isn’t just in the business of “saving the world.” He seeks us out individually, inviting us to know him and to be part of his work of putting the world back together.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Have you ever experienced some sort of exile? When? How did it feel? Do you ever feel as if you don’t quite belong to this world? When? What difference does this make in your life?


PRAYER: Dear Lord, I’m struck by this image of you gathering your people “one by one.” Though you are the Creator and Sovereign of the universe, and though your plans encompass the whole earth, nevertheless you care about each individual person . . . including me.

Thank you, gracious God, for gathering me to yourself. Thank you for caring about me personally. Thank you for inviting me to have an intimate relationship with you. Thank you for the many times when you have sought me out when I was lost.

Dear Lord, may I live this day as one who has been gathered by you. May I continue in fellowship with you throughout the day, and live each moment for your kingdom and glory. Amen.


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This was one of the Daily Reflection sent out from http://www.thehighcalling.org/ to my Inbox. I subscribed to it 2 months ago if I'm not mistaken. Anyways, I suggest you also subscribe to they Daily Reflection, I love it. It's always encouraging and inspiring. Maybe I should blog about it when I get a really powerful message. Or maybe a Daily Reflection here to my blog! lol

Most of us have not experienced literal exile in our lives. We live in the country of our birth and/or of our choosing. Yet the image of exile gives expression to our sense of not quite belonging to this world as it is. We yearn for the Lord and the fullness of his kingdom. We look ahead to the day when God will gather all of us into his new creation, a day when we will be truly at home with the Lord and truly united to his people.

God seeks us and brings us to himself “one by one.” God isn’t just in the business of “saving the world.” He seeks us out individually, inviting us to know him and to be part of his work of putting the world back together.

That was how I felt the moment we left the Philippines and moved here to Fiji. Even until now, I feel like an exile. I so miss my friends and my home country, the Philippines is way more 'civilized' than here in Fiji. I hope I won't be like a person who came from the mountains when I get back to Philippines. Oh, the techonology. lol! And I feel like an exile because, I sometimes feel I just couldn't mix with the people. I feel like I don't belong. But not in church, I like the people in church! Hehe. They are God's family so I love them. But aside from the church people? Nah, I'm like a total stranger here.

Speaking of exile, we all are. WE ARE PRISONERS OF SIN.

Anyways, we are citizens of Heaven, this world is just a temporary place for us. So whether I'm in the greatest nation or in Pinas, I am still a stranger. I will never be at home in this world.

We yearn for the Lord and the fullness of his kingdom. We look ahead to the day when God will gather all of us into his new creation, a day when we will be truly at home with the Lord and truly united to his people. In the end, we would all be ONE. No Americans, no British, no Fijians, no Chinese, no Filipinos, no whatever race in the world. Remember, we were separated by culture differences because people attempted to build the tower of Babylon to reach Heaven? No one can ever reach Heaven except through Jesus Christ. The hope that there will be a day when we will be truly at home with the Lord is everyone's hope dream. No more pain, sufferings, etc. We would finally be at peace. Let us all keep the faith.

The most powerful sentence I loved here in this reflection was 'He seeks us out individually, inviting us to know him and to be part of his work of putting the world back together.' Yes, as Christians, He want us to be in a relationship with our Heavenly Father. That's why He gave Jesus Christ to save us. While in other religions, people try to reach God through their rituals. Isn't it amazing that it is our God who wants to reach out for us? That's the one thing that is unique in Christianity!

And now, as the Word is being heard by more people, more and more people also become lovers of this world. People seeks security through money, earthly love, and other things that don't belong to the Lord. They can't see the real meaning of life.

I don't wanna talk about the End Times here, but Jesus Christ is really coming back soon. We'll never know when, but He will. He is now gathering Israel, one by one. Look at the world around us, it's time to wake up.

Well, it's also time for me to accept that I'm staying here in Fiji till my visa expires.... lol. I believe God put us here with a reason, and it's is His Will for us to be in this nation. I often ask 'why Fiji?'. Fiji has changed my life A LOT. And I know, I still need to learn MORE.

Till next time,