WHEN DISCIPLE-SHIP SINKS

Discipleship is literally a "ship" for me.

A big ship that can accommodate as much people.

A ship that can give protection.

A ship that sails through ups and downs.

A ship that journeys until the end is reached.

A ship held firmly on the water ground by a strong anchor.

But, one way or another, a ship can sink no matter how much you've come prepared.

Like when discipleship sinks...

Maybe one of the saddest things that had happened in my discipleship life was when someone chose to give up suddenly on God after months of amazing changes from within. I cannot explain how painful it was. All I knew was, I ended up shedding the biggest tears.

Discipleship is a relationship. A relationship supplied with love, understanding and time. It is a three-way walk. And to tell you courageously, it is something I do, not out of law and obedience but more of love and generosity. I would like to share Jesus' love with everyone until the very last person on Earth receives Him.

As I was trying to accept the truth, I knew right then that giving up wasn't the end of everything. Through love, faith, prayers and the gospel, I was more than sure that God will do something.

It's not me, it's still Jesus.

Discipleship rages through both stillness and storm. It has glory days much as it has giving up days. It cannot always promise a steady travel but it can assure security at the end of the sail. 

Discipleship is like a ship...

Where the ship is the sanctuary of the people being discipled. It is their vessel of sanctification that will bring them to God.

Where the captain, as the outlook and the steward of the ship, is the mentor who is present to guide, assist and be on guard. The mentor is there to help in holding the rope, in throwing the floaters and life jackets to those drowning in fear. We are just here to plant and water, but the power to make things grow is done by God alone.

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Where the anchor, that stabilizes the entire ship, is GOD. The author and finisher of this race. The one who can calm the stormy sea and bring back its stillness safe and sound.

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary. Hebrews 6:19

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author 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. Hebrews 12:12

Do not lose faith when the ship sinks. Because God is there to orchestrate everything and bring them back to where He wants it to be. Like how He restored a desperate heart in 24 hours. Imagine how God can do it even after a whisper. Nothing is impossible with Him.

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:29

Do not lose the heart when discipleship sinks. Continue to work in harmony with God for He promised us that He will be with us in this process till the very end of age.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. 
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. 
Matthew 28: 18-20

Sealing this with love,

Diane

DON'T CHASE, PACE. GOD HAD ALREADY FINISHED THE RACE.

Trust me, I'm a die-hard believer of love.

I love everything about LOVE. 

Why am I talking about love anyway? Because THE STORY started with love.

I believe, most of us if not all, give much meaning to love in all aspects. 

It's everywhere. Intangible yet seen (ironic). Felt and expressed. 

It's given to everyone: families, friends and even foes.

But what kind of love am I going to discuss today? 

One sunny afternoon in school while waiting for our class to start, my childhood bestfriend (I guess) and I came across a good guy buddy who happens to be our old classmate. We were just plainly catching up at first until our conversation started to sound serious. From academics, to maturity then to love. 

Everyone was discussing their thoughts on love. We were boldly expressing what we feel. We were making a point that by now, with our age off the teenage bracket, we should be considering love in another level.

Another level: which means not getting into any petty relationship because we're all preparing ourselves...for the right one. Not that we were severely injected with pain from our previous relationships. But because we know our purposes in life at present.

What am I talking about? Well, that's not my biggest point. Here it is.

My childhood bestfriend and I: No matter how much you like someone we still believe that the first move should be done by men. It is never appropriate for a woman to make the initial step in blossoming a relationship to a deeper level.

Good guy buddy: Well, that's right. No one should be in a hurry after love. Women SHOULDN'T CHASE (NOT AT ALL). They SHOULD PACE. 

To tell you honestly, I was moved with what my good guy buddy said. And from his phrase that made an impact on me, I have further understood what love between a man and a woman is. 

Here is my own version of what women should hold onto when it comes to love:

"Don't chase, pace. God had already finished the race."

Love is a very beautiful thing that we shouldn't neglect rather give value to. I believe that love is a gift, a blessing, a treasure we can keep close into our hearts anytime, anywhere. I'm totally sad how the world uses love in destroying, deceiving and degrading. That's not what real love is about.

1 Corinthians 13:13

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest is love.

Look at how God placed emphasis on love. That it is the greatest. Therefore as stewards of His teachings, we must also put great importance on love. 

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love gives something to nothing. And, gives meaning to everything. 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Love is selfless. Love points towards goodness and purity in motives. Love never fails.

So why then we, as women, should not chase and  just pace? 

Because God had already finished the race.

Women of God, do not worry on finding the partner of your lives. Do not even worry about your future life for God had already planned what's best for you. Rather, wait patiently with joy in your hearts, because above all He knows who's meant for each one of us. 

In the books I Kissed Dating Goodbye and Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris, I've learned how to handle singleness and commitment better. Simply by having faith in God..believing that He is the one who orchestrates my singleness and my future. 

In singleness, we must not see it as a curse but rather a blessing. Singleness isn't about a displeasing physical appearance, an unruly character, a stage of doom or a phase of being unloved. But, it's the best time to know God's purpose in your life, to serve those who are to be served, to build friendships and to prepare in purity and blamelessness.

In singleness, we must also check the motive of our hearts when we think of going into a deeper level of love. We must not settle on what this world offers. Getting into a relationship one after the other, or trying on dating from time to time, even summer flings cannot give you the love you're expecting to have. Rather than to build you, it will destroy you. We must know that love comes with intimacy and commitment. And if you're not ready at all, don't dare jump onto it.

In singleness, we can still exercise love. 

John 13:34

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 

Romans 12:20

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 

"The joy of intimacy is the reward of commitment."

(I Kissed Dating Goodbye)

We may not all end up happily married because some were blessed with a better perspective of singleness. But I think we must also know that getting into a relationship is a spiritual decision.

Do not fear that you may not find love. 

"The right things at the wrong time are still the wrong things."

(I Kissed Dating Goodbye)

God's timing is always perfect. Let it be. Do not come earlier, do not be late. PACE. God will surely give you the wisdom and the discernment you need when it's time to pace. 

Do not chase because as women we are the ones to be chased. We are the ones to be pursued. Our duty is to submit. Let's not take the roles of men for the moment we do so, we defeat their purpose of authority and leadership here on Earth. When we submit with our will, we allow the men to lead with their full will as well. 

Genesis 29:20

So Jacob worked seven years to pay for Rachel. But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but a few days.

Song of Solomon 4:10

How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than any spice!

Ephesians 5:25

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

Ephesians 5:33

However, each one of you must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. 

Colossians 3:18

Wives, submit to your husbands because it is fitting in the Lord.

I encourage every woman not to chase. It is not your role. It is not what you're made to do. It is not what you deserve.

Chasing is used by the evil to ruin God's plan for you. It will snatch away your joy from within. It will give you a mark of worthlessness, self-pity and insecurity. It will belittle your totality and will leave you hanging in space like you're less of a person.

THESE ARE NOT WHAT YOU DESERVE.

You are a beautiful creation of God. 

Set your standards high. Godly standards that will boost not perfection but true love, wisdom and purity. 

DO NOT FEAR LOVE JUST BECAUSE YOU WERE ONCE BROKEN. In Jesus, you can find healing and comfort. 

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Isaiah 41:10

Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

1:John 4-8

"Anyone who does not love, does not know God. Because God is love."

Draw your image of love from the One who has given it in its best, unconditional, unwavering form which is Jesus Christ. Let us fall in love (first) with Him more and more each day. The one who can sustain us; The only one who can complete us.

We can love. We are loved. We are to be loved. Because Jesus Christ had loved us first.

Don't chase, pace. God had already finished the race for you!

Sealing this with love,

Diane

THE POWER OF PRAYER

"Prayer is the most often talked about concept among Christians. But, it is the least practiced." -Ethel Magalong (TFV Class)

When I heard Ate Ethel say this in our Training for Victory class last Wednesday, my ears wrinkled in sadness. I was surprised and asked "Why?" 

Prayer had been my bread and butter for years. Prior to me being a Christian, I already loved praying. I believe in its power; every single thing about it, I want to digest. 

Prayer is more powerful than how we see it. We often associate the greatness of prayer on how many times God answered them or on the degree of value our prayer stands for. Our misconceptions about prayer had blinded our relationship with God. It has placed a wall rather than a way.

As a product of an answered prayer from my Papa and Mama, I was brought out into this world. The same thing may not work for everyone, but I'm more than sure that prayer is for everyone.  

"Each of us in an answered prayer to another person's prayer." -Ethel Magalong (TFV Class)

I want to encourage everyone to pray through this blog post. To do so, I'm sharing with you the backbone of my prayer life. 

For me...

1. Prayer is a tool for communication.

I've always believed that through prayer I can commune with the Lord and just say whatever I want to say. I talk to God as if we're physically facing each other. I do not hold lies, doubts and pretensions. I just want Him to know what happened to me throughout the day, how I thank Him for everything, how I long to be secured in His love always, how I feel about certain worries and how I strive to savor more of Him in my life. Pray like you're conversing casually, face to face with the One. 

2. Know who you are praying to.

When praying, I always keep in mind that I have a big God. An all-knowing and all-powerful living God who can hear, accommodate, teach, provide, heal, rebuke, direct and uplift in every way possible. When we trust that our God is above all things both in heaven and on earth our faith is strengthened. We do not expect our prayers to happen. We claim them. 

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him" (1 John 5:14-15)

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

3. Pray like a child.

Some may find it hilarious or foolish when they hear the words "Pray like a child." But, to tell you honestly, this had helped me be myself when coming before the throne of God. I learned to be naive and persistent with my prayers just like how a child is. Believe me, it's easier to pray like a child and just glorify God with anything and everything in your life than to approach the Lord as a matured individual restraining ourselves from what we want to say, to thank for or to ask for because we have imbibed pride and hypocrisy within us. 

"When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. (mark 10:13-16)

4. Have faith even into the simplest things.

This is one of the points I exercise regularly in my life. When you learn to be faithful into the smallest things: like getting a cab during rush hour; you'll be able to trust God with bigger things in no time. If we find it silly to come before the Lord for our little requests then how can we gain confidence that the Lord can do more amazing things in our lives? Remember, faith can move mountains!

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

5. Pray specifically.

I have underestimated praying in specific for years until I learned for myself how powerful it is to do so. I have a simple illustration regarding this point. I hope that the students, like me, will be more encouraged with this.

During the first shifting NeuroAnatomy examinations, I came to school prepared by studying vigorously throughout the week. As I was taking the test, I took note of the items I wasn't 100% sure of. I counted them and found out that they totaled at 17. I told the Lord to help me not fail the exam by giving me 17 items or less as my number of mistakes.

After a week, the paper was evaluated and returned, I got 17 items off my final mark. I passed. God worked. He worked amazingly. He worked for that specified number I asked for.

On the second shifting NeuroAnatomy examinations, I didn't study as much as I did during the first. My laziness triggered nothing but a bucket of worries for my grade. I know I didn't do my best and I was ready to face a lower grade. But, I told the Lord that I still want an exemplary grade for His glory and not for me, so I asked Him to give me the passing mark. At that moment, I didn't compute for the passing mark so I had no idea at all what was it. But when the paper was given back, I saw a grade of 53. I computed immediately and saw for myself that 53 was the exact passing mark. I shouted because I saw the Lord moved once more. 

Lesson: Pray specifically. Not just specifically. But, settle for the bigger things that are to be specified in your prayers. Because the Lord gives it without bargaining! If I asked for an "Uno" grade, I'm sure the Lord would have provided. 

"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matthew 6:7)

6. Jot down prayer points.

Write down your prayers so that you have something visible to hold onto. My prayer points helped me to pray for more people because I've took note of their requests. Through this, I was also able to exercise specification of prayers. And the best part of it was, I saw how God worked tremendously in my prayers. I can cancel out what were answered, what were declined and what were channeled and directed into a better motive.  

7. Pray when needed and not needed.  Pray within a fixed and unfixed schedule.

Prayer shouldn't only be done when we have something to ask for. Prayer for me is more than for provision's sake but for thanksgiving and worshiping God because of His goodness, mercy and grace in me. Pray within a fixed and unfixed schedule. What do I mean by this? It's good that we have a specific time and place for our quietness with the Lord but I also encourage everyone to pray even in an unfixed schedule for it helps us grow more in love and security. I pray when I walk going to school, I pray when riding a public transportation, I pray when I feel like bursting anytime with emotions, I pray when I'm about to take a test and right after it. 

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matthew 6:5-8)

8. Share your prayers.

There are some prayers that we are bound to share. Yes, we have our personal prayers. But sharing some to others can make it extra powerful. I believe that if there are more people praying for a certain cause, the more that it will become firm with its rock and foundation and that is Jesus Christ. The Lord does not neglect the call of a community of praying people. Praying with others is a form of blessing. A blessing for ourselves, the people we're praying with, the people we're praying for and most especially the person we're praying to, which is God. 

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:19-20)

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (James 5:16)

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

9. Pray to bless others.

Pray to bless others and this means checking the motives of our hearts. We cannot pray to curse, even if we were mistreated. Let the Lord cast vindication and revenge. We are here to speak blessing whether for our loved ones or enemies.

"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures" (James 4:3)

10. Just pray. 

Just pray even if it feels nothing but a collection of words for you. I believe that this may not be special for everyone at first but I'm assured that a seed will be planted into your heart and will spring forth through the leading of the Holy Spirit.

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express" (Romans 8:26)

He told another parable to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and planted in his field. It's the smallest of all seeds. But when it's grown, it's the largest of all vegetable plants. It becomes a tree so that the birds in the sky come and nest in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32)

Prayer is powerful. Do not underestimate it.

Faith can move mountains and so are prayers.

Pray fervently. God hears.

Sealing this with love,

Diane

ALWAYS VS. ALREADY

One of my favorite things to do is to play with words and pair them up together. I find it so fun and I really can't directly tell why. Maybe because when I do, I remember them more and they leave a stronger impact in my heart. 

Today, I'm going to share my first word team-up which is Always and Already. To put a remarkable highlight on it I placed the word versus in between. Sounds interesting and challenging right? It's because it gives contrast. To know why, read further.

/Always/ adv. without exception, on every occasion, every time, at all times, continually, repeatedly, forever.

/Already/ adv. by this or a specified time, so soon, a time earlier than is expected.

I made an effort to write down this entry because I want to disclose my simplest principle on how I want my relationship with God to be. 

I would never want to feel that I'm already okay with God. I seek that our relationship grows and grows each day as if there's no tomorrow. I don't like to settle for what I've gained with my faith because I know that apart from Him, I'll end up as a weak slave of sin again. I'm not after satisfaction or satiety. I don't need multiple doses of spiritual pride or a big chunk of self-righteousness. 

What I long for is to be always hungry, clingy and needy of God. I want a burning day to day desire for Him. I don't want to stop. I feel like running after Him. I want His love to cover me. I want Him always more than anyone and anything.

We may not agree on the same concept but the Lord calls us in unison to

BE HUNGRY. BE VERY HUNGRY FOR HIS WORD.

A psalm of David: When he was in the Desert of Judah. 

"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." -Psalm 63:1

Only Jesus can satisfy us always and forever.

Sealing this with love,

Diane

SPIRITUAL BARRACKS

Was there ever a time in your life that you didn't like the words “break”, “rest” or “timeout?” These are what most of us long for after a tiring day in school or at work. Well, everybody deserves a time to rest. Even God called the Sabbath day holy: free from work.

But why am I blogging about this? To tell you honestly, these three beautiful words were the ones I was afraid of six months prior to this day. Last year was my third year as BS Occupational Therapy student in the College of Rehabilitation Sciences of the University of Santo Tomas. My course runs for five long years and apart from that requires a lot of time, patience and love for craft. For the first three years, I've already sacrificed an uncountable number of sleepless days and nights and even shed a bucket of sweat and tears. Summarizing all these adjectives and metaphorical descriptions, my course was no joke.

I was really excited in making it throughout my third year because that was one of the hardest years of being an Occupational Therapy student. Not until I flunk one prerequisite subject for second semester and the years ahead. My eyes shuttered off, ears closed, mouth sealed, dreams shattered and heart broken. It was my first academic failure. It pierced me right through my chest.

To cut the story short, that event led me to another year in school, making me a third year student again, technically. On second semester of last year, I didn't feel that I was an irregular student yet because I had six subjects to take. What ran after me during those days was my status right now, and that is, I'm only taking one subject for six months.

I may not be the best student in class but education for me is of big value. I'm a lover of knowledge and wisdom. I plainly like being in the classroom.

Yet again, this isn't about me. This is HIS story.

In our Victory group, sometime during summer break, we were catching up with one another. And, as the baton was passed onto me, I felt a big stir in my heart that I needed to vent out. I told everyone, that I hated the fact that I'm only going to take a subject as June comes by. I was bombarded from within on what to do with those six months. I don't wanna end up cranky, stupid or worthless. I felt that I needed to immerse myself into something to be productive. I don't like being idle and I have issues on school failures. But on that same day, that I acted stubbornly, was the day I learned my purpose in life.

I'm a Christian for four years now and I've never mentored anyone in that span of time. And then I always ask myself, “How come others from church, even the new Christians get to disciple?” I would always answer myself back with this: “I'm not fit to do so. I'm not yet spiritually prepared and I'm busier than everyone else.”

Going back to the previous story, as we close our fellowship, my mentor, Ronna Bonifacio prayed for me (not the exact words but the thought counts)

Ronna: Lord, I pray for Diane that she finds peace in her heart and that you would use her as an instrument of your Word. Lord, I know that she'll be in this “spiritual barracks” for the next six months. (She suddenly paused) And said, “Oh wait, do you know what barracks means?”

Diane: Ahh yeah. (In my mind I had the image of a place full of soldiers)

Ronna: (continues) And that you would use this time for breakthroughs and discipleship...In Christ's name, we pray..

Together: Amen, amen.

As we wrapped up with an Amen, I instantly felt peace within me. It's like the issues on failure were suddenly buried. And the six months of nothingness became fruitful and promising. Jesus Christ was really the answer. I should have not relied in my own strength, my own deceiving strength. I was a complete weakling without Him. I, MYSELF, WAS THE FAILURE WITHOUT HIM.

At present, I'm down to the last three weeks of my “off-from-school” state. And, this “spiritual barracks” opened the doors for me. I have finished 121 with an older girl and now she's off to Victory Weekend, currently doing the same discipleship process with another woman and we're on our second chapter this Sunday, and will start with a colleague later this evening. I'm also handling my own group now. As for myself, I've given more time to Bible reading, ministry and even got the chance to enroll in Training for Victory (batch 7).

What a journey! My fear for this long break led to the biggest breakthrough in my life.

I'm grateful that He called me into this “Spiritual Barracks” that made me a soldier of His life. Everything about me was cancelled, and everything about Him was credited.

Do not be afraid if God called you to disciple and serve.

WE ARE GENERALS OF GOD.

Do not think that you are not credible to disciple.

IT IS NOT ABOUT YOU BUT OF JESUS CHRIST.

EVERYONE IS CALLED TO DISCIPLE.

When is the right time to disciple?

IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

COME EARLIER BEFORE THE CLOCK STOPS RUNNING.

Let God lock you into your own spiritual barracks.

“All authority on heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. And teaching them to obey the things I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always to the very end of age.” -Matthew 28:18-20

Sealing this with love,

Diane