Tag: Jesus

Death: A New Beginning

The year has barely began and here I am talking about endings. In particular, a very permanent ending – at least here, on this planet.

I do not mean to sound morbid but I am talking about death – the cessation of life. When one’s heart stops beating and the brain stops functioning. When all body systems simply stop functioning. Death.

2015 ended with the father of a close friend dying unexpectedly. 2016 opened with a close friend dying peacefully. And the month will close with another friend dying bravely.

It seems death has been all around me recently but it’s not the kind of deaths that will leave you depressed. Yes, death, being so final, is sad. Yes, there’s grief and I join the families and friends of these people whom I know in their grief. Yet, behind the grief, there’s hope that these people are in a better place.

I have never shied away from the topic of death. I believe this blog has so many posts concerning the topic. For me, death is not the end but just the beginning. The beginning of something greater. Something bigger. Something better.

The life we live on earth is only temporary. But no matter how temporary, it is meant to be lived to the fullest. These people who died all lived their lives to the full and I am blessed to have witnessed their lives and somehow been a part of it.

It’s inspiring to see how these people – Sir D, Tita Eva and Scud – have lived their lives to such a full that when they died, people flocked to them remembering everything they have accomplished. People shared stories of how they have been touched one way or another by the acts of these wonderful persons. And everyone, despite the sadness and pain of loss, had peace in their hearts because they knew and are confident that these three are now reaping their rewards in Heaven.

Someone recently shared to me her fears of death – about what lies ahead and what she’ll face when she dies. If there’s something we shouldn’t have to fear – that’s death. Death is not something we should be afraid of. We can be afraid of what will happen to our dependents when we die (hence we should be serious about our financial plans) but we should not be afraid of our deaths. Not if we know where we are going when we die and what lies ahead for us.

Not sure what happens after you die? The Bible is very clear that because we are sinners, when we die, we are destined for only one place – Hell. That’s the bad news. But it doesn’t end there. The good news is, because God loves us so much, He can’t take it that we would spend eternity in Hell. So He sent His Son, Jesus, to redeem us from our sins. Jesus paid the price for our sins. Hell, which is supposed to be our eternal punishment for every wrong thing we did here on earth, is no longer our destination. When we die, we can now go to Heaven and receive eternal life.

I said “we CAN” because there’s still something required of us. We are required to accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. It’s a personal thing only we can do. It’s not something we inherit from our parents, it’s not something our religion can do for us, it’s not a decision someone else can impose on us. It’s a choice we have to make and a personal relationship we have to cultivate with our Maker.

So you see, Death is not the end. It’s the beginning. It’s the time when we will reunite with our Father in Heaven.

As Paul said, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

It was my first time in Mindanao. It was supposed to be a business trip mixed with some personal R&R but it turned out to be a personal journey witnessing a life-changing event for a friend.

We knew his father was in the hospital but we pushed on with our agenda. When we emerged successful, we were ecstatic and grateful although a bit sad that he couldn’t be with us. He was our key. As it turned out, he has secured our future.

In the middle of dinner, we were told there was an emergency. And in the dead of the night we rushed to his side. We were literally flying at speeds of almost 160kph, traversing dark roads to get to the hospital in time.

Along the way, I learned that he was gone but I dare not tell it to my friend who was driving for fear of upsetting him. When we arrived, I prepared myself to be strong for what I knew lies ahead.

It was an unexpected death- one no one saw coming. We knew he was sick but there were so many plans that we made involving him, it was hard to imagine.

While it was hard for me to swallow, I can’t begin to imagine how it must be for my friend who never really saw it coming. I can’t begin to imagine how it must be for my friend’s mother who loved Tito so much, her life was literally intertwined with his.

I have only witnessed two deaths – my lola and my friend’s father. All the other deaths I’ve seen are when the body is already in the casket.

The sadness was in the air. It was past midnight yet there were a lot of people by the hospital’s crying room. Everyone was recounting the last moments with Tito. I looked at my friend. Despite the tears in his eyes, I saw the determination – the determination to continue his father’s legacy.

LEGACY

Sir Daniel Ines is known for being a hard working man. At age 60, he still took the bar exam and most probably would pass when the results are released later this year. This was his second time to take the exam. Having failed his first attempt at the Bar did not deter him from taking it again in order to become a lawyer. This is despite having an already successful CPA practice both as a private auditor and a COA auditor.

I learned that he has served in 10 municipalities and cities around Sultan Kudarat as a COA (Commission on Audit) Auditor. He also teaches at a local college and is active in the church leadership. He has raised a family of 7 with 5 kids, three of whom are boys. One has become a CPA just like him.

We spent days planning our itinerary but at the last minute it turned out to be something we didn’t expect nor hoped for. We spent the time helping our friend prepare for the wake that would definitely be jampacked with people – people he has touched and helped throughout the years.

As I assisted in the preparations and watched the people around me, the stories I heard about him made me admire Tito for the man he really is. The short time I have spent with him, I was already amazed by his wisdom and the dedication he displayed. I had looked forward to learning more from him but God had other plans. Now, all I can do was listen to others stories about him.

Yet, even in his death, he has taught me a very valuable lesson. A life that is lived excellently, working tirelessly and dedicatedly, without looking at what others would say or seeking the applause of men, will earn you the greatest reward of all.

Every person I spoke with will tell me that Tito is now in a better place. And they say it with conviction. Behind the pain and sadness in their eyes, there is peace in their spirit that their loved one, is enjoying his just reward in Heaven.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3:23-24

And that is the kind of life I want to live.

A Good Life, A Good Death

I’ve always believed that there’s a good way to die. You can die by an accident or by a disease or illness but there’s always a better way. And that is to die in your sleep.

And then there’s a great way to be buried. I’ve encountered many deaths in the family – of aunts and uncles- and the state of the wake and burial has always been the same. There’s the casket, the wake and the traditions around it and then the mass before the burial.

Witnessing all this time and time again made me think — I want something different. Even in death I wanted something else.

I don’t want people to see me in a casket. I don’t want their last memory of me to be a dead body in a box. I want them to remember how I looked when I was fully alive. I also want a memorial service where people would speak about me – tell their personal stories of our encounters and remember me with songs and eulogies.

I envision my wake and burial to be a series of nights, with the people I know and loved present, gazing at my many photos and speaking (hopefully good) things about me. Of course no casket should be present for my remains are now in an urn.

Most of all, though there is grief and sadness because I won’t be with them anymore, I hope there will be joy that I am now where I’ve always longed to be – heaven.

Last week, I had the chance to witness the kind of death and burial I wanted. The person also lived a life worth emulating. She died in her sleep, fully prepared to meet her Maker and Savior. When she left earth she was able to lead a well-lived life having inspired hundreds, probably thousands, of people.

Dr. Eva Villanueva, known to me as Tita Eva, was a kind, old lady I met when I was in 4th year college. She was the CRL Council Chair and I was a student elder. For one year, we worked together in the council bringing about change in the church.

She was the one who taught me how to take down minutes of a meeting properly along the way inculcating in my mind the value of excellence at work. She taught me how to aim for perfection but be gracious when mistakes are made. She taught me that in my quest for excellence, I am allowed to make mistakes but I must learn from them.

She was the proponent of UPCYM’s Buffet Ministry. A food feeding program which gives free lunch and dinner to qualified students. I remember clearly during one council meeting, she announced that she was shocked that there are students who ate only one meal a day – those meals being only bread and instant noodles. I told her how true it was – me being one of those students. She was aghast and unable to believe the fact. Promptly she committed to sending me nutritious and well-prepared food every day until I graduated. Ate Mara, her maid, would bring me food every other day that are balanced and would last me for two days. I had breakfast, lunch and dinner – occasionally snacks and even dessert.

Her meals helped me get by through the most tedious moments of my college life. It was my final year and times were tought. When I asked her how I can ever repay her, she said — don’t pay me. Pay it forward. 

Tita Eva has taught me the value of generosity. She taught me how pay it forward works and how to give without expecting anything in return. In a world where people are more concerned about their own welfare, she showed me how to be genuinely concerned for others.

As Carissa, her granddaughter said, Tita Eva showed us how simplicity and humility goes a long way. Tta Eva could buy anything she wants. She’s a rich lady. But she was always frugal and bought only simple things. She did not spend frivolously.

And because of these, she has learned to be generous. To put others before her needs.

Until the end, Tita Eva served the Lord. Her pastor shared how committed she was to teach the Senior Citizen Bible Study even after having been advised by her doctor to take it easy.

Tita Eva led a life well-lived. And until the end, people remembered her for the kind of lady she was – generous, loving, simple, elegant and God-fearing.

I can imagine God telling her, “well done my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

Our High Priest

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weakness but we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we are – yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:15-16

Jesus understands what we went through and what we are going through. He became fully human so that we may be able to relate to Him and see how it is possible to overcome our obstacles through his grace and power.

Because of Jesus we can approach God’s presence with confidence and know that He can use our mistakes in the past for good and be assured that our future is secure in His hands.

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The Greatest Decision

Everyday we make decisions: Minor ones like where to eat, what to wear, etc. and major ones concerning our careers, relationships, etc.

Do you know what the greatest decision you can make? It is regarding your faith — believing and accepting Jesus as personal Lord and Savior.

Joel 2:32 says “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”

And who is this Lord?

Romans 10:9 — If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead then you will be saved.

Happy and blessed Monday ahead!

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Eyes on Jesus

Let us “fix our thoughts on Jesus”

Hebrews 3:1

In the face of trials and challenges, despite the myriad of national issues and political uncertainties, there is a truth we can cling to — the promises of Jesus as is written in the Bible. It is the source of our hope and peace that everything is in control – not ours, but His.

Reflections on an Alabaster Jar

Perhaps the most poignant message I would always hear from church is about God’s grace and how I am no longer to live in shame. Such messages would always speak so closely to my heart and is something I love to hear again and again. It refreshes my spirit who at times is tempted to listen to the lies of the enemy concerning my guilt. 
You see, I have experienced what it’s like to be saved and absolved from the guilt and shame of my past sins. Sins that have consequences which I would always encounter and battle. Consequences that are a constant reminder of the wrongs I’ve committed against my family, my self and God. 

But last Sunday’s message revealed once again how I am no longer to live in that shame. That I am now forgiven and are called to live in victory. 

Luke 7:36 – 48

The message about the immoral woman who wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair and tears annointing Him with alabster jar of expensive perfume is a story on what it means to be forgiven and be redeemed from your shame. 

The Sinful Woman and the Self-Righteous Pharisee

Here was a woman, considered sinful by society annointing Jesus’ feet. Jesus was at the home of Simon the Pharisee who he has cured of leprosy. Simon was indignant that Jesus would let a sinful woman touch him. He had forgotten that he too was once ostracized by society for his disease (leprosy was considered an unclean disease and the result of sin) and now he was cured and accepted. Simon, although cleansed still lacked the revelation that he was also forgiven for his sins. 

Yet the woman, clearly aware of her immense transgressions felt in every fiber of her body the forgiveness Jesus offered. 

Tears. Hair. Kiss. Perfume. 

Tears – Let the tears flow and let the hurts go. 

She wept and let her tears flow releasing all the hurt she felt from her years of wallowing in her sin. Her years of bondage were over and she was letting go of all the hurt by crying it all out to Him. 

Psalm 56:8 says: 

You keep track of all my sorrows.You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.

God cares for each of our troubles. He has seen each tear we wept and hears each cry we raise up. 

It is alright to cry and call out to Him. Nothing is in vain. In time, He will answer and make things clear. 

Hair – Leave your pride and see that God’s on your side. 

As she wept, she let her hair wipe Jesus’ feet. Jesus’ feet was probably dirty and crusty – full of mud and dust from the unpaved roads outside. Yet here she was washing Jesus’ feet with her tears and wiping it with her hair. Her hair which was her crowning glory – the one that defines her beauty. Now forgotten. Used like a rag cloth. 

Hair symbolizes her pride. Her pride which she now laid humbly at Jesus’ feet. The source of her beauty now offered for Him. 

When we let go of our pride, we realize that we need a God who is bigger than us to solve our issues in life. We also recognize that we have a God who has forgiven and forgives our sins. And armed with this humbling knowledge we are able to draw near to Him. 

Kiss – God’s love is felt when you have no room for guilt

As she wept and wiped His feet she kissed it repeatedly. Kissed it with the lips that had probably kissed a dozen more and been the source of her sins. Doing so symbolizes her confidence of her forgiveness. She now has peace that her spirit was restored. Her lips which caused her sin before now bring forth her healing and restoration. 

What comes out of our lips? Are they words that encourage and uplift or are they words thag cause strife and depression? Are we sources of positivity or sources of negativity?

Perfume – The best you give becomes the legacy you leave

And the alabaster jar of expensive perfume she gave? It was worth a year’s wages. It was the tool of her trade. For her to give it up to Jesus showed she wanted him to have her very best. She came prepared to offer Him not just something but her everything. 

It also showed she was unwilling to go back to her former trade and she is giving up her last remaining link to her trade. 

She gave her best. She gave her all. There was no turning back. Her life was now Jesus’. 

What she did left a legacy. The gospels recorded that Jesus ordered for her story to be told throughout history. And now we know of her feat. 

Life Application 

I too have been forgiven. From a sin so great and shameful. Now I live my life, free of guilt; full of peace; full of love. 

You can live yours this way too. Just call Jesus. He is ready to forgive no matter how seemingly big our sins are. 

Week 5: Planetshakers Live in Manila

Who are the Planetshakers? They are simply the best worship band from Australia. Back in my college days, I was only aware of Hillsong as the famous band from down under. But ever since I started attending Jesus Rocks (the church I belong to right now) I have been exposed to a lot of contemporary worship Christian music and by contemporary I mean those that can make you sing, dance, and even headbang!

Listening to their music over the last months has definitely empowered me and helped me draw closer to Jesus. When there are times I feel down – wondering if all His promises are really true and if I am indeed headed to my great destiny – I just pop in a song from the band – Limitless, Turn It Up, Nothing is Impossible or any other song form their albums – and my spirit is immediately boosted up.

There’s a definite sense of confidence and faith building whenever I am led to worship through their songs.

I am writing this blog down – way before my other week entries because I just have to convey to words how great the concert was. It was more than just a concert. It was a glimpse of how amazing heaven would be when we would have unlimited time to worship God – worship Him using the kind of music that speaks to us.

You see, worship is not about the songs really. It’s not about the music even. You can have a solemn worship with hymns. You can have a loud worship with rock songs and fast songs. You can have reggae songs as worship songs. You can have country music.

What is important is your heart – a heart that just bursts out of joy and desire to give praise to the One who saved you from your sins; the One who directs your future; the One who has loved you and continues to love you no matter what you do.

Remembering all that Jesus have done for me and all that He continues to do for my life brought out the desire in me to give Him the best worship possible. I jumped. I screamed. I shouted. I hooted. I sang. I headbangged. I was all out.

And I am so proud that it’s not just during big worship concerts I can do this type of worship. I can do it every week. At our church.

Create Momentum

If there was one thing I would keep from the concert – it’s what they shared. About how we ought to aspire to have that great moment with God and use that to create momentum. As they said, we can create good memories about the awesome night, the awesome worship, the wonderful band, the great place, the great company but what they wanted us to have is that one great encounter with God – that encounter that would create a momentum. A momentum that would start to impact a lot of people.

I have always wanted God to use me – use me for a great purpose.

And tonight, I asked for that momentum to begin. And never stop.

All Access Pass

I liked the story about the All Access Pass. One of the worship leader shared how he had to work his way up the ranks. He started by setting up chairs, arranging instruments and practicing until he became a great musician. And he did all of those to have the All Access Pass during the Planetshakers concert and to eventually be playing on the stage.

However, his friend, who was six years old didn’t have to do any of what he did – and one day just had that all-access pass. Why? Because the kid was the son of the boss.

Just like the kid, we have an all-access pass too. An all access pass to our God – our Father who has given us such wonderful promises contained in the Bible. And we don’t need to work for it. Not for a single bit.

The MRT mishap and the Friday rush hour couldn’t stop me from going to this momentous occasion which was a glimpse of heaven here on earth.

The Garden

The first instance where Jesus shed his precious blood for us was at the Garden of Gethsemane. This was where he went to pray on the night he was betrayed and captured. 
Read the account of Luke (Chapter 22:39-46). 

Luke, a medical doctor, recorded how Jesus shed drops of blood while he was praying in deep agony. If you think this is impossible, think again. There is a medical condition called hematohidrosis which is the sweating of blood in moments of deep pain and agony. 

Why was Jesus in pain? 

Jesus knew that he would soon be crucified. He knew the fulfilment of his mission on earth was drawing near. It’s like a convicted felon knowing that his death sentence would soon be carried out. 

But unlike any other criminal, Jesus was innocent. 

Jesus knew that before his crucifixion, he would be tortured, whipped and mocked. He knew he will suffer. 
And to top it off, he knew he would suffer alone. His disciples, whom he called friends would desert him. Even at the last hour, when his body is broken, his Father in heaven would turn His back on him. 

It was too much to bear for any man.  Jesus was both man and God. He can identify with human emotions. 


Jesus Prayer

When Jesus prayed, he said, “Father, if you are willing take this cup away from me. Yet not my will but your will be done.” 

Knowing all he knew, was Jesus looking for a way out? Certainly not!
Jesus was asking that God the Father took away fear from Him. He was asking that God strengthen him for the task that lays ahead. That’s why after the prayer an angel came to strengthen him. 

Jesus acknowledged that God was supreme and no matter how difficult it was, he still wanted to obey God’s will. 


The first shedding of blood at the garden was to free us from our disobedience. 

The first sin happened at the garden of Eden. Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit. They obeyed their own will and disobeyed God’s will. 

Now Jesus, who is also called the second Adam will correct that wrong. He obeyed God’s will and disregarded his own. 

What a fitting scene that it too shall happen in a garden! 

And now we are called to do the same. 

Having been freed from disobedience, we are called to obey God’s will for us. 
We need to resist temptation- the serpent who whispers in our ears to stop believing; to disobey. 

In Matthew 27, Jesus told his disciples to pray so that they won’t fall prey to temptation. 

Oftentimes it is hard to obey God because we cannot believe His plans. We have difficulties believing He can prosper us. We find it hard to let go of certain things because our trust in Him fails us. 

Yet we know we need to increase our faith. How do we  do it? We start killing our fears. We need to let go of our fear of not being able to survive or let go of our doubts if indeed the impossible is possible. 

Fear terminated  is faith activated.

And when we feel as if the burden is too heavy for us; when we feel we are weak and struggling; then it’s simply time we cast it all upon God.

A practical way to do this is by becoming a true disciple. Read the Bible daily. Pray. Seek God. Glorify and worship Him. Honor Him with our time, money and talents. 

Jesus has saves us from the consequences of our disobedience. It’s time we live a life of obedience.