UNSEEN POWER

To see is to believe. To believe is to see. On which side are you?

Did you shake hands with Wind today, or rub elbows with Thrust as it propelled a 560 ton plane forward? In your dream, perhaps.

"An airplane in flight is the center of a continuous tug of war between four forces: lift, gravity force or weight, thrust, and drag," says the Aeronautics Learning Laboratory for Science, Technology and Research Network, Florida International University.

Unseen winds and other atmospheric elements power typhoons and tornadoes. These and other natural disasters occuring in greater numbers have a lot to do with the thinning of the earth's ozone layer— invisible, yet there to protect us from the sun's powerful rays.

Forces—they're mostly unseen. Yet they're real, and oftentimes destructive.  They're in between, above, below or around those we see or touch.

Even light is unseen. But we know it's there when, in the morning, darkness retreats to make us see things clearly.

Many insist, "To see is to believe." But it is obvious even from our everyday experience that the obvious is but a fraction, perhaps just a tinge, of reality.

That's why Jesus told Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,” John 20:29.

Believing in Jesus makes it possible to behold and even appreciate the significance of the unseen.

Jesus, the Son of God, created the heavens and the earth—all things visible and invisible, including thrones and dominions and rulers and authorities. He is before all things and all things hold together because of Him! (Colossians 1:16-17)

Well, with scientists discovering more about the earth and our entire universe, the reality of intelligent design by our powerful, though unseen God, has become more compelling.

But you and I believe, not because we've seen first. God declared in the Bible everything He has done and will do; that's why we believe.

Our Creator knows His business! Exhibit numero uno? Our changed lives.

Having been transferred from the dominion of darkness to light, we are changed, not necessarily in the way we look, but inwardly—manifesting in our character.

That's the essence of faith—an inner assurance that in spite of physical circumstance, His promise will come to pass; and that we can count on Him to:

Heal our broken hearts and relationships, and all kinds of disease.

Provide, not just for our survival—but so that we can bless others.

Embrace us with His peace, grace and favor—even as the devil daily tempts us with fears, worries, doubts and the occasional slanders against us.

That's a lot of the unseen working behind the scenes in our favor.

Add to these His angels guarding us day and night so we can sleep or go about our day without fear of disaster.

So the next time you look up to heaven or hear the ocean roar or admire the mountains around you, watch out for unwatchables.

They're unseen, yet powerful; and they happen to be there because our Creator—who breathed His invisible Spirit into mortal man's body—wants to demonstrate His power in your behalf.

That's what the psalmist saw:

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."  (Psalm 19:1-4)

Originally published at: http://cbnasia.org/home/2013/08/unseen-power/

DON'T DISS YOUR COURAGE

Webster defines courage as the quality of being brave.

It's not about being boastful or cocky, or maangas, in colorful Pinoy. Angas is hollow and intended for show.

Genuine courage compels one to risk his life and convenience, and to stand strong in spite of opposition.

It may be best to demonstrate the concept through characters familiar to us.

Ninoy Aquino manifested courage. He came back to his beloved Philippines—and from a life of comfort in his country of exile—though assassination and imprisonment loomed; as an autocratic regime shamelessly held on to power even if its mandate from the people had clearly expired.

Moses braved imprisonment and rejection by his own people. Notwithstanding his initial hesitation and inability to speak well, he squared off with Pharaoh as he demanded freedom for the Israelites.

In both of these cases, courage gave birth to both nations freeing themselves from abusive regimes.

But we realize too from these stories that the courage of one could not by itself carry a nation to total freedom.

You know the text:

The Philippines todate continues to grapple with corruption—in grander proportions, with the money trail being traced back to the highest corridors of power, Congress.

Moses’ Israel plunged even deeper, with idolatrous practices prevailing and the Jews yearning for the comforts of Egypt even if the land of milk and honey awaited them—guaranteed by the powerful God who protected and provided for them in spite of their insolence.

Euphoria led to discouragement to disillusionment. Back to square one.

Because courage is not for heroes alone. It’s part of God’s armor we individually clothe ourselves with daily.

If the devil could not scare us with diseases, loneliness or lack, he will attack us and will mostly be successful with keeping us discouraged, Pastor Robert Solijon taught us recently.

It is easy to be discouraged and fearful when the media daily dumps on us corruption, crime and calamity stories.

It is easy to come unhinged when you realize that because of your inadequate earnings, your daughter could not be enrolled next term; or when, in spite of your having taught him well, your son chooses to live with another guy.

But we know of no other option: To turn to the One who has won the victory for us more than  two thousand years ago.

Paul encourages us in Hebrews 12:2 to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Jesus intercedes for us day and night, 24/7.

“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart,” Hebrews 12:3.

“Pray and obey for there’s no other way,” should continue to resonate in our hearts. Pray and obey and see the impossible turn possible.

For our nation, it all comes down to this:

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2Chronicles 7:14)

Originally published at: http://cbnasia.org/home/2013/08/dont-diss-your-courage/

DESPICABLE LATENESS

"Let's meet at 2 pm," you suggest to your friend. 

Oh yes, he gets all enthusiastic and agrees, "OK, see you at 2 pm!"

An hour passes; and still, no shadow of your friend.

Sounds familiar? One sets a meeting at a certain time. It's quite normal that at the appointed time, no one, not even the one who called for it, is present. 

It's prevalent---no, it's a norm in the Philippines. That's why it's called Filipino time. 

I'm pretty sure you're familiar with this: Your receive a formal invitation to a wedding. Clearly printed are the  date, time and place for the ceremony and reception. Whew, you make it exactly on time in spite of the traffic. Inside the church, you see just a handful of souls, so you ask yourself, "Did I get the date or time wrong?"

No, you didn't! You're in the Philippines! Where three o'clock may mean 3:15 or 4:00 pm. 

Volumes of articles must have been written about Filipino time and its negative effects; yet everyone seems to have cuddled it like some valuable heirloom. Pamana by our Spanish colonizers---but haven't we beaten the passed-on-by-our-colonial-masters excuse to death?   

Today's more convenient excuse? Ay, sobrang traffic! But how come others make it on time anyway? Many have plainly treated lateness as a cute Filipino thing. You can't lose your temper because of it, so why not just embrace it?

But doesn't lateness mirror character? Isn't punctuality synonymous with commitment and discipline? 

"I respect and esteem you, that's why I take the extra effort to make it on time." That's what we're really saying to someone if we come for an appointment on time. 

It goes back to character building 101: 

"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share in your master's happiness!" Matthew 25:21

Time is precious commodity. We've got only twelve hours in a day. No more, no less.

If you're an office worker: four hours more or less to commute to and from work (with traffic factored in); then eight hours to work plus a one-hour lunch break.

At home and elsewhere: seven hours for sleep;  two hours to bond with loved ones over breakfast and dinner; and maybe two hours for either household chores, exercise, shopping, or once in a while socializing with friends and other relatives.

That's why we can't squander time. Like seed or talent or any other object, time is a resource, and must be managed wisely. No wonder Jesus taught us to make use of our resources wisely. 

Whatever time spent must yield something. In modern or industrial parlance, that's productivity. 

Companies value their workers' ability to come to work on time and meet deadlines, along with their commitment to deliver excellent results. Promotions and salary increases are bundled with productivity, or producing more at the time allotted.

But more than solely aiming for promotion or hefty financial rewards, shouldn't we, being Christians, aim for His approval first and foremost? Don't forget your testimony! You are salt and light, even when it comes to time management.

Promotion comes from the Lord---He uses your boss to show you favor. 

Be on time, pretty please?

Originally published at: http://cbnasia.org/home/2013/08/despicable-lateness/

BEAUTIFUL FEAR

"Huwag!" "Bawal!" "Don’t to that!” 

Are your kids used to hearing these from you? How do they respond?

Two ways, probably: they'll obey; or do the exact opposite to test how far they could push their boundaries.

One school of thought cautions against too much "don'ts". Its proponents believe that imposing too much don'ts reinforces a fearful and over-cautious attitude, rendering a child averse to risk-taking and thinking outside the box. 

But good don'ts are necessary. We certainly don’t want our kids driving off the cliff just because we didn't warn them about the dangers of overspeeding or drunk driving. 

"Don't engage in promiscuity," should be said even if we encourage them to enjoy their youth. Because they should be aware of the boundaries.

Curiously, even God’s first ever written training manual highlighted eight don’ts. The only two affirmatives dealt with keeping the Sabbath holy and honoring one’s father and mother. 

A “don’t!" packs a wallop, doesn't it? "Don't play in the mud," certainly sounds more imposing than, "Keep off the mud and stay clean." 

When God says, "Don't," the red light flashes. He doesn’t mince words to make sure we don't veer to the left or to the right.

Consider His first and second commandments: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.”

But He right away explains why...

“For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me…” 

And finishes off with a revelation of His heart and His grace:

“… and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” Those who heed His warnings get to experience His mercy and love! 

He has set the example. By all means warn, forbid. But don't end with that. Explain the consequence. Use the warning as an opportunity to reaffirm your love for your child, as well as the rewards that follow as a result of obedience. Fear will have no place in a home dwelt in by God's love and grace.  

A beautiful kind of fear will instead guide them:

"Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. The FEAR of the LORD is the beginning of WISDOM, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:9-10

Originally published at: http://cbnasia.org/home/2013/08/beautiful-fear/

WORRY CHAMP

Register for the worry marathon!

Venue: your bed. When: all night. What to wear: your fears, concerns. Whoever misses sleep the entire night wins.

İ bet many will win the gold---not because they'd love to, but because they could not help it. That's the anatomy of worry: You hate it but you're trapped in it.

İ used to wear worry like second skin. As if a full day were not enough, İ'd set my worry button to max come bedtime---my mind click-clicking about a myriad things:

Wrong decisions at work, things to do tomorrow, money concerns, my son's health. Those who've offended or angered me. Fears galore!

Worse, my mind's clicker never came off  auto-replay---until the cock crowed reminding me of a new day of toil and worries. Then İ'd have migraine.

What terrible joyless life.

Then Jesus changed my heart.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Matthew 6:25-27

İ held on to these words like a lifeline.

"İ will never exchange the peace that Jesus has given me for anything in the world," İ vowed. With my heart changed and my mind renewed by His Word, İ started to view things with new lens.

İt's a day to day trust walk. Neglect His Word and His presence and you go back to square one---being in control again.

Because worry is about our proud self asserting control over our lives. But we simply could not.  Our finances are limited so we fret. Your boss is an utter slave driver but you can't fight back---you need the job. Sickness? İt just happens.

But God is in control, and He is for us, not against us!

Jesus commands, "DO NOT worry;" and notes the birds---small, seemingly insignificant creatures. Yet He feeds them even if they don't get a salary or withdraw from the ATM.

Flowers don't shop for clothes, "Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these," Matthew 6:2.

The Lord is my Shepherd. İ shall not be in want! He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, Psalm 23:1-3a. Jesus is Jehovah Jireh, my Provider.

We're more precious than birds and flowers. Jesus dying for us is proof. İf God gave us His best, wouldn't He graciously provide too our daily provisions? 

Originally published at: http://cbnasia.org/home/2013/07/worry-champ/

PEERENTING OR PARENTING

Do you know your teenage kid’s whereabouts—this very moment?

Is he in his room, in your house, or out in the company of friends?

And if with friends, where do they hang out? What stuff do they indulge in? It’s hard to know, isn’t it?

Frankly, even if you think he’s safe in the confines of your house—within your gated and guarded community, he may in fact be partying with his barkada or peer group.

Either he’s chatting, uploading and downloading  “stuff” via Facebook , Myspace, Tweeter, YouTube, gaming sites;  just plain surfing; or glued to gruesome scenes and dark alleys as he mercilessly slays ghouls and zombies through his game apps.

“I’m at a loss. My son is on the computer all day so we hardly talk,” complains Jim.

“E’s room is off limits to me. I still need to knock to be let in. She’s always just on her iphone,” shares A.

“Today’s kids are differently wired,”  we’re often reminded in the university where I teach—suggesting that we baby boomer teachers better discover the way to  a millenial’s mind.

It’s harder for parents. A parent desires nothing less than to bring his kid up in the fear and instruction of the Lord—so he pursues real success, not disaster.

Younger generation parents have resorted to peerenting—portraying themselves as their kids’ best buddy to encourage them to not hide anything from them.   

A peer is an equal—not here to judge you, knows what you’re going through, a shoulder to cry on. And kids gravitate towards groups they share common things with.  While many peer groups positively influence their own, some have lured the unsuspecting to drugs, pornography and a life of crime.

Kids turn to their friends for belongingness and validation, especially nowadays that they have greater access to social media; and the nuclear family has disintegrated either because their members have  physically separated (parents working overseas) or their parents have broken up.   

Wouldn’t it be nice if our kids ran to us for answers if they mess up? We can be their best friend.

But a parent must parent. Oftentimes, it means disapproving some of our kids’ choices. They might throw a tantrum, even rebel. But they will not forever be babies. They need to mature and be responsible; and God’s way is the only way.

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord,” Ephesians 6:4.

A child needs to know a full life awaits him IF he honors his parents  (Exodus 20:12); or IF he listens to the father who gave him life, and does not despise his mother (Proverbs 23:22). 

Parenting is taxing. One needs to discipline, correct, constantly remind (but not nag), and walk the talk. 

Now, that’s completely way above peerenting.

Parenting is also about unconditional love, forgiveness, fairness, kindness and patience.

Exercise all these and your kid will be smart enough to run to you—not his peer —for guidance. Still the best way to mold smart, wise, confident and success-bound children. 

Originally publishes at CBNAsia.org:                                                            http://cbnasia.org/home/2013/07/peerenting-or-parenting/

BREAKTHROUGH

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Have you given up waiting for your blessing or big break?

Let's learn from Joseph in Genesis.  God gave him a dream, remember? Jacob's favorite son, Joseph knew from the start his heavenly Tatay had a wonderful plan for him. So he waited. And waited.

But he kept getting enmeshed in troubles not his making.

Envious half-brothers threw him into a well. Kapamilya pa mandin! One of them  took pity and suggested he be traded as a slave.

This Jewish slave proved ultra dependable nonetheless. His master Potiphar trusted him entirely---saw God was with him---so Joseph soon became manager of  The P Enterprise.

Pero natipuhan siya ni Mrs. P! She was so attracted to him, she seduced him like a constant song refrain, but to no avail. Because Joseph took to heart his heavenly Master's verse:

"My purpose will prevail. Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy."

Yet here we go again. Disgusted that Joseph refused her amorous advances, Mrs. P cried "Rape!" So to prison Joseph went. How could life be so unfair?

Joseph could by this time have suffered a meltdown, throwing up his his arms in surrender:

"Righteous me gets the bad hand again, what else is new?"

"Why insist on taking the narrow road when my obeying seems to just suck me into the gutter?"

Yet Joseph remained steadfast. Earning the respect of his fellow prisoners, it didn't take long for the warden to appoint him prison OİC (officer-in-charge).

But it was in that despicable place where Joseph met his big breakthrough, leading  him to Pharaoh who at that perfect moment desperately needed someone to interpret his weird dream.

That dream interpretation turned out to be Joseph's elevator to the penthouse office. Not only did Pharaoh appoint him Egypt İnc.'s chief operating officer (COO); he also steered Egypt to an era of agricultural productivity, thus saving his family and the world from severe famine.

Almost ready to call it quits? Sure that your longed-for promotion will never come despite your best efforts? Stuck in the basement of hopelessness though you've persevered?

The well. Slavery. Prison. Joseph proved these were not dead ends but God's means to His end. And because His route is still the best there is, we can be sure of this: He will direct it to the best possible ending, no matter the momentary tear, gashing or fracture we experience.

Joseph says in Genesis 45: 7-8, "But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant here on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So it was not you who sent me here but God. He made me shepherd to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of Egypt."

Don't miss your victory breakdance because you've been debilitated by some fractures. Remember, it's all by His grace.

(For more lessons on the life of the Joseph, check out the author's book, "Sorry to Burst Your Bubble: Life Leadership Lessons from the Greatest Dreamer, published by NewDay Publishers. Available at National Bookstores and Power Books, and soon in e-book format at Vibe Bookstore.)

Originally published at CBNAsia.org: http://cbnasia.org/home/2013/07/breakthrough/