X-Deal

(image from crystalinks website)




Christmas is dreadful.

Imagine the Father trading his One and Only for you and I. Heaven’s light becoming our light. The Creator leaving His glorious position in heaven to be among the created.

Because God so loved us, He gave. His only begotten became THE ransom for all.
Declaring those who put their faith in Jesus SAVED.

He thus became our wonderful Counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of peace.

Savior, Lord, Healer, King of Kings. Rock, Refuge, Security, Provider. Bread from heaven. Word of life. The list goes on and on.

He ’s our everything!

God’s beloved Son came down from heaven and became man. His loss—but only for a while. Until He could put death and sin under His feet to win us back to the Father.

So he was born that Christmas day. And a people living in darkness saw a great light.

The babe in a manger was the opening scene. The final scene had Him hanging on the cross and crying out to the Father, “Into Your hands I commit my Spirit. It is finished.”

That’s the total picture. He finished the work. Exchange deal complete.

The trimmings of Christmas are just that—trimmings. Nice to have. Nice to look at. Nice to receive. But they do not define or dictate the climate of Christmas.

So it’s a pity if we have all the trimmings but miss the vine.

Jesus is the VINE. And how He'd love us to become His branch.

Have a Christ-filled life!

TEXT PRAYER

My niece Bambi recently ordered 12 copies of my book, “Sorry to Burst Your Bubble,” and asked for dedications for each recipient.

She picked up the books last night and texted her thanks, with this remark:

“I just can’t believe your message is right smack to what is actually going on in their lives and what they do or who they are. May prophetic gifting ka ba?”

Made me wonder too.

But all I did was ask, “Please give me the exact words fit for the recipient.” And He did. Here and there prayers—God listens to them all, big and small, even prayers sent like a text message.

He’s really not concerned with our words or the length of the prayer, but our heart.

By the way, if you’re still thinking of Christmas gifts, you may want to consider “Sorry.” (P190/copy at National Book Store and Powerbooks; or you can call or text me.)

Seminar for the Young and Not so Young

This has been quite a hectic but incredible week of blessings.

Held a Life Leadership seminar this Sunday for Jesus is Lord Church (JIL) in Sucat. It had been a life altering experience, both for me and the participants. And it’s all because God graciously enabled and intervened!

“I’m so thankful for what you’ve done. Glory to God! We’re so blessed and learned a lot. I pray that you will inspire more people, especially kabataan. God really anointed you,” texts Brian Bagol—my new-found young friend who coordinates JIL’s youth sector in this part of Metro Manila—after the seminar.

The motivation had always been His. He gave me the desire to reach out to young people. That’s the reason I wrote “Sorry.” I’m doubly blessed today to be able to share the book’s message via its sister tool, a three to four hour seminar knitting purpose, dream, gift and character as a package deal from God.

I thank Him for my partners in this endeavor: my family; Jun Manzano and his lovely wife Ate Norma whom God gave the burden to see this seminar through in JIL Sucat; our bible study group; JIL Sucat Pastors Gary Castillo and Viviane Corsame, Brian, the JIL Sucat praise and worship team whose anointed worship ushered in God’s presence; and prayer partners led by Carol Roa from City Gate Christian Ministry and other churches.

Special thanks to Bobot Tarre who so graciously agreed to do—even at the very last minute— the musical scoring of the seminar theme song, “Higher and Higher.”

I praise God for all of you! He alone deserves the glory!