First and foremost, I'd like to honor my parents before I start this post. Because of them, I learned who God is and why do I need to pray and what praying can do for me.
Ephesians 6:1-4 "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
I will always have high respect for my parents, as a child growing up I can count (in one hand) how many times I had a major fight with my Mom. As a result for this reason, I am a bad little kiddo growing-up. I even remeber an instance that I did talk back to my Mama and she cried. I was in gradeschool back then and that incident etched in my brain. I realized that I shouldn't do it and promised myself that I will never or at least try not to talk back to my parents. We don't have the perfect relationship that it's all about fun and laughter, but we should not lose and know what respect is all about. I can call my Mama my all-in-one (my bestfriend, my older sister, my kumare, my laughing buddy, my stylist, my cheerer, my adviser). By the end of the day, we must learn to obey our parents and make sure we have to keep the RESPECT due to them. They sacrifice so many things for us, for the betterment of our lives. Gave up their own happiness, their dreams even swallowed the fact that they will missed seeing their children's growing-up years, missing our school activities because they need to work away from us in exchange of a life they've always dream for us. They were able to send us to school, give us a comfortable way of living, though we don't ask for anything more than what we have now. Actually, we are more than grateful of the house we have - this gives us comfort during the rainy and summer season. For the clothes I wear, I have more than enough pieces and even if I declutter my cabinets, still there were enough clothes to wear that will last for a month or two. The food that my Mom always cooks, this is more than a blessing on a daily basis as things go, it also means I have something to eat at work since she always prepares my packed lunch.
Ephesians 6:1-4 "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
I will always have high respect for my parents, as a child growing up I can count (in one hand) how many times I had a major fight with my Mom. As a result for this reason, I am a bad little kiddo growing-up. I even remeber an instance that I did talk back to my Mama and she cried. I was in gradeschool back then and that incident etched in my brain. I realized that I shouldn't do it and promised myself that I will never or at least try not to talk back to my parents. We don't have the perfect relationship that it's all about fun and laughter, but we should not lose and know what respect is all about. I can call my Mama my all-in-one (my bestfriend, my older sister, my kumare, my laughing buddy, my stylist, my cheerer, my adviser). By the end of the day, we must learn to obey our parents and make sure we have to keep the RESPECT due to them. They sacrifice so many things for us, for the betterment of our lives. Gave up their own happiness, their dreams even swallowed the fact that they will missed seeing their children's growing-up years, missing our school activities because they need to work away from us in exchange of a life they've always dream for us. They were able to send us to school, give us a comfortable way of living, though we don't ask for anything more than what we have now. Actually, we are more than grateful of the house we have - this gives us comfort during the rainy and summer season. For the clothes I wear, I have more than enough pieces and even if I declutter my cabinets, still there were enough clothes to wear that will last for a month or two. The food that my Mom always cooks, this is more than a blessing on a daily basis as things go, it also means I have something to eat at work since she always prepares my packed lunch.
At a young age, I would say I am lucky that both of my parents are God-fearing. They say that you attract the same kind for your partner in life to be, and I guess that's visible to my Dad and Mom. They are [both] trustworthy, servant, loving, caring, polite and most of all they have faith in Him. [Read Ephesians 5 and Proverbs 31 in one page HERE]
I honor my Dad and my Mom for being the first Husband and Wife I know of that I'll describe as Ephesians 5 and Proverbs 31 couple :)
I honor my Dad and my Mom for being the first Husband and Wife I know of that I'll describe as Ephesians 5 and Proverbs 31 couple :)
My parents will be considered as my first disciples. Disciple is defined as A) One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another. B) A follower of the doctrines of a teacher or a school of thought.
When I accepted Jesus in my life, never I get ashamed of being a Christian. Though I am not living a perfect life either as what you can call Christlike. Throughout the week, I have episodes of being a not-so-Christian kind of living. Trying to be cool from Monday to Saturday and come Sunday, I'll wear my "Christian Hat" on by virtue of I'll go to church. Don't get me wrong that I'm living a double-standard kind of life, no. It's more of the awareness in me which I lack badly. Living in the "standard of the world" is what I thought was the right way of dealing with my life. Achievements academically and on my career is where I put my focus on. What people might say of my performance matters a lot to me, and I mean a LOT. I even remembered a suitor once told me when I said I cannot be in a relationship now (during that time, say 6 years ago) was "Marry your so-called work, I love you pa naman sana but I can't compete with your WORK!" Ouch! That's like a slap on my face! Hello?! I worked hard due to the fact I have responsibilities, I have dreams to achieve. I'm just an ambituous lady back then. Probably for one reason - I focus on achieveing something. Not knowing that I'm not practising a Christian living considering the mindset is not on glorifying God, it's more of submitting to my own will. Neglecting if this will be something that He wants or leading my life to. There is not much of a heart that was put on it, my goal is simply a goal to achieve.
My Dad always listen to Christian songs every morning and he listen to Mr. Ed Lapiz' preachings during 5PM. At first, I don't have interest to sit down with him and join him on his Quiet Time. But later as I get used to it, I find listening to these songs during my QT sesh and not only on Sundays anymore. The lyrics of the songs, the way it was sang, naman! Tagos sa aorta talaga! Parang "Wow! That affect me so much!". Some of the Christian rock band that influenced me big time are Hillsong, Citipointe Live, Kutless and Planetshakers.
When I started attending CLP (Christian Life Program) I admit that I am not easy to deal with for the reason of my schedule, I'm sure my faci back then was having a hard time on me. Thankful to these people who didn't give up one me. To me, they are God's gift, with their patience, perseverance and hardwork poured to me in the interest of I want to make a change in my life, 80% of where I am now is owing it from their help.
To Doctora Gae, thank you for being there when I was about to give up, for pushing me, for letting me know how must a princess of God must act. For the sweet reminders to "Sit pretty and let him do the works" kind of advice, our non-stop conversations (text, BBM) I really am honored for having you. Thank you.
To Chesca who were my faci back then, I would never be able to finish it if you were not eager to let me attend make-up sessions. For understanding how I was battling with my schedule to make it work with CLP schedule, thank you.
To Karen, those talks we had - I am so glad that you lend me your listening ears. It helped me a lot that you were there when I was having struggles in my service. For praying with me after you drove me home as late as 3 in the morning, thank you.
To Glory, your pieces of advice when I was becoming cold and has too many questions, your words helped me realized a lot in my growth spiritually.
If these people gave up on me, I wouldn't be here where I am right now. They didn't complain a bit, they were all focus in their service in evangelizing and on discipleship. To be discipled, always, by someone older and wiser in the Lord, and to disciple others to be followers of Jesus!
Meeting an RS (Random Stranger) may seem scary, right? But these people, I was happy that my fear of talking to someone I don't know didn't kick-in at all. Contradicting to many, I am a shy person. I don't like striking up a conversationalways but it's not a problem doing it either. Maybe, it's more of timing and what the situation is all about. I met people from all walks of life, a pretty girl that used to worked in a bar, a man who has an addiction that he can't overcome with, a single mom who has struggling getting her trust back to the Lord and a man who was crushed by his long time girlfriend and can't move on. These people, I am always been thankful for that I get to meet them in an unexpected place. Some were from a fastfood chain, the others are just a typical stranger seated next to me. Yes, there were times I want to give up because I'm starting to get tired physically. No sleep yet from my duty and they will send me text "Saan ka? Kita tayo, need ko ng kausap. Pls.." (Where are you? Let's meet, please. I need someone to talk to)
Many times I was really, really tempted on ignoring their message or answer them with "Sorry I can't" but if I can make time, I should right? Simply I want to give up on them, like hello??!! I've been telling you this and this for the nth time yet you want to do what you think is right. How selfish of me, how blah my service is.
Service is not limited to attending activities that will help you strengthen your faith more. Service to other people outside your community needs attention too. Have we thought why we met them? Have we thought why they were comfortable with you when you first met them? Asking these and reminding myself shifts the whole mood. Knowing that these people are serious in wanting to go back to the cross, why will I be so selfish of not helping? In the first place, I was helped by people selflessly so it's about time to give back the blessing I've got.
On Discipleship
My Dad always listen to Christian songs every morning and he listen to Mr. Ed Lapiz' preachings during 5PM. At first, I don't have interest to sit down with him and join him on his Quiet Time. But later as I get used to it, I find listening to these songs during my QT sesh and not only on Sundays anymore. The lyrics of the songs, the way it was sang, naman! Tagos sa aorta talaga! Parang "Wow! That affect me so much!". Some of the Christian rock band that influenced me big time are Hillsong, Citipointe Live, Kutless and Planetshakers.
When I started attending CLP (Christian Life Program) I admit that I am not easy to deal with for the reason of my schedule, I'm sure my faci back then was having a hard time on me. Thankful to these people who didn't give up one me. To me, they are God's gift, with their patience, perseverance and hardwork poured to me in the interest of I want to make a change in my life, 80% of where I am now is owing it from their help.
To Doctora Gae, thank you for being there when I was about to give up, for pushing me, for letting me know how must a princess of God must act. For the sweet reminders to "Sit pretty and let him do the works" kind of advice, our non-stop conversations (text, BBM) I really am honored for having you. Thank you.
To Chesca who were my faci back then, I would never be able to finish it if you were not eager to let me attend make-up sessions. For understanding how I was battling with my schedule to make it work with CLP schedule, thank you.
To Karen, those talks we had - I am so glad that you lend me your listening ears. It helped me a lot that you were there when I was having struggles in my service. For praying with me after you drove me home as late as 3 in the morning, thank you.
To Glory, your pieces of advice when I was becoming cold and has too many questions, your words helped me realized a lot in my growth spiritually.
If these people gave up on me, I wouldn't be here where I am right now. They didn't complain a bit, they were all focus in their service in evangelizing and on discipleship. To be discipled, always, by someone older and wiser in the Lord, and to disciple others to be followers of Jesus!
Meeting an RS (Random Stranger) may seem scary, right? But these people, I was happy that my fear of talking to someone I don't know didn't kick-in at all. Contradicting to many, I am a shy person. I don't like striking up a conversation
Many times I was really, really tempted on ignoring their message or answer them with "Sorry I can't" but if I can make time, I should right? Simply I want to give up on them, like hello??!! I've been telling you this and this for the nth time yet you want to do what you think is right. How selfish of me, how blah my service is.
Service is not limited to attending activities that will help you strengthen your faith more. Service to other people outside your community needs attention too. Have we thought why we met them? Have we thought why they were comfortable with you when you first met them? Asking these and reminding myself shifts the whole mood. Knowing that these people are serious in wanting to go back to the cross, why will I be so selfish of not helping? In the first place, I was helped by people selflessly so it's about time to give back the blessing I've got.
On Discipleship
Putting Jesus first in all things (Mark 8:34-38). The disciple of Christ needs to be set apart from the world. Our focus should be on our Lord and pleasing Him in every area of our lives. We must put off self-centeredness and put on Christ-centeredness.
Following Jesus' teachings (John 8:31-32). We must be obedient children and doers of the Word. Obedience is the supreme test of faith in God (1 Samuel 28:18), and Jesus is the perfect example of obedience as He lived a life on earth of complete obedience to the Father even to the point of death (Philippians 3:6-8).
Fruitfulness (John 15:5-8). Our job is not producing fruit. Our job is to abide in Christ, and if we do, the Holy Spirit will produce the fruit, and this fruit is the result of our obedience. As we become more obedient to the Lord and learn to walk in His ways, our lives will change. The biggest change will take place in our hearts, and the overflow of this will be new conduct (thoughts, words and actions) representative of that change. The change we seek is done from the inside out, through the power of the Holy Spirit. It isn’t something we can conjure up on our own.
Love for other disciples (John 13:34-35). We are told that love of other believers is the evidence of our being a member of God's family (1 John 3:10). Love is defined and elaborated on in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. These verses show us that love is not an emotion; it is action. We must be doing something and involved in the process. Furthermore, we are told to think more highly of others than of ourselves and to look out for their interests (Philippians 2:3-4). The next verse in Philippians (verse 5) really sums up what we are to do when it comes to everything in life: "our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." What a perfect example He is to us for everything we are to do in our Christian walk.
Evangelism - Making disciples of others (Matthew 28:18-20). We are to share our faith and tell nonbelievers about the wonderful changes Jesus Christ has made in our lives. No matter what our maturity level in the Christian life, we have something to offer. Too often, we believe the lie from Satan that we don't really know enough or haven't been a Christian long enough to make a difference. Not true! Some of the most enthusiastic representatives of the Christian life are new believers who have just discovered the awesome love of God. They may not know a lot of Bible verses or the "accepted" way of saying things, but they have experienced the love of the living God, and that is exactly what we are to share.
Following Jesus' teachings (John 8:31-32). We must be obedient children and doers of the Word. Obedience is the supreme test of faith in God (1 Samuel 28:18), and Jesus is the perfect example of obedience as He lived a life on earth of complete obedience to the Father even to the point of death (Philippians 3:6-8).
Fruitfulness (John 15:5-8). Our job is not producing fruit. Our job is to abide in Christ, and if we do, the Holy Spirit will produce the fruit, and this fruit is the result of our obedience. As we become more obedient to the Lord and learn to walk in His ways, our lives will change. The biggest change will take place in our hearts, and the overflow of this will be new conduct (thoughts, words and actions) representative of that change. The change we seek is done from the inside out, through the power of the Holy Spirit. It isn’t something we can conjure up on our own.
Love for other disciples (John 13:34-35). We are told that love of other believers is the evidence of our being a member of God's family (1 John 3:10). Love is defined and elaborated on in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. These verses show us that love is not an emotion; it is action. We must be doing something and involved in the process. Furthermore, we are told to think more highly of others than of ourselves and to look out for their interests (Philippians 2:3-4). The next verse in Philippians (verse 5) really sums up what we are to do when it comes to everything in life: "our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." What a perfect example He is to us for everything we are to do in our Christian walk.
Evangelism - Making disciples of others (Matthew 28:18-20). We are to share our faith and tell nonbelievers about the wonderful changes Jesus Christ has made in our lives. No matter what our maturity level in the Christian life, we have something to offer. Too often, we believe the lie from Satan that we don't really know enough or haven't been a Christian long enough to make a difference. Not true! Some of the most enthusiastic representatives of the Christian life are new believers who have just discovered the awesome love of God. They may not know a lot of Bible verses or the "accepted" way of saying things, but they have experienced the love of the living God, and that is exactly what we are to share.
Which chuch do you go to?
ReplyDeleteNice post Lexi Lorenzana :) -- Patrick
ReplyDelete