Authority

“…for I have passed on to them the words You gave Me; and they accepted them and know that I came from You, and they believe You sent Me…” – John 17:8 (NLT)

In my email to one supervisor, I demanded to know why my claim for 8 hours from my holiday account was not approved and not paid. The rest of the hours were without pay as they had put me on a forced leave.

“I’m sorry…It was a mistake on our part…”

I read again and let it sank in. I could not believe that excuse. I knew it was intentional as their intimidation has not ceased at all. A part of a choreographed performance to make me miss my step and cause me to fall except I had discerned their steps way even before they performed some of them.

I carefully pulled the badge I was given 11 years ago and I stared at this golden emblem behind the rays of light penetrating the window covering. I pondered at the thought of how this perceived “authority” could change someone a great deal if not careful. The problem was not having this piece of shining metal with the word “Sheriff’s” embossed with a nice blue color and some also golden.

The problem was having empty minds, they let pride crept in and filled them like a dry well in desperate need of water. They also let evil intentions that arose from sinful nature to fill their empty hearts. I knew it too well as I lived that life before I came to the realization that nothing in this world can ever satisfy the needs of our hearts or minds except God’s love.

“Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.” – Romans 8:5-8 (NLT)

“It’s only a badge…” I thought to myself.

“The authority it gives someone from work or myself can be taken away at any point. It just doesn’t last…”

glancing at my badge...

“Lord, I know where I stand. I know my true self-worth because of You.” I prayed as I felt some warm tears on my cheeks. Tears from mixed emotions. Tears of gratitude and tears of being tired of these people’s evil intentions. Though I was never afraid.

Holding my Bible close to my heart, I softly talked with Him in the stillness of the night, as my husband and son had been both asleep for a while.  

It’s during quiet time like this, when I am chasing good-quality sleep and peaceful rest that I know the truth that an infinite, powerful Authority up above backs me up and strengthens me. The world declares I’m a loser. He says otherwise: “You’re a winner!” My Authority? His Name is Jesus…

 ^"12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? ¹³ You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. ¹⁴ And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. ¹⁵ I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. ¹⁶ I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. ¹⁷ Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them." - John13:12-17 (NLT)

His authority did not tell me to sit up high on a pedestal and enjoy that kind of power. His authority tells me to put myself in the least position. He tells me to serve. He wants me to not promote myself but instead, has given me His authority to imitate Him in all ways. Knowing that His kind of authority is everlasting, I must choose to obey.

The Grasp

"Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand." - Psalm 20:6 (NIV)

I couldn’t sleep last night. It was just like some other nights since I had this battle at work. The intimidation has not stopped. All of the people in power’s efforts were so evident trying to force me to resign on my own. There were times I wanted to quit. There were times I wanted everything to end by turning over my badge and electronic key from work. A quick way to drop this matter. But I never did. That would be a defeat when I had not done anything wrong.

The monitor shone its light on my insomnious face with my eyes just glued on the picture right below my posts. I had been staring at Peter who by faith asked Jesus if he could also walk on the water to approach Jesus who he and the other disciples saw walking despite the winds getting stronger and the waves becoming heavier, as their boat was crossing the lake. (Matthew 14:22-33)

“Why did you doubt, you of little faith?” Jesus asked that to Peter as he reached out his hand and grabbed him…

As I thought about my situation, I asked myself.

“Did I ever at one point doubt You Lord?”

(I know I never did…).

“Did I take my eyes of You Lord?”

(I know it had been fixed at the only Source of strength, courage, wisdom and discernment as the battle started heating up knowing how very limited and inadequate I was against my opponents)…

I know that I may never walk in water like Peter but I surely am aware that I am also walking through a tough situation. I know difficult circumstances surround me but never I once doubted that He is going through this with me. My problem?

Patience…I want all of my evidences thrown back at them. I want to end all of their accusations and stop them with the truth. I want to show them how wrong they are and that they are breaking the law. Like…Right now!!!

But that’s not what He wants. He is telling me to “wait…”

“Wait some more…”He always tells me whenever I ask Him, “When? I waited already…”

“Then, keep waiting and trusting in Me…”

Waiting is tough. But through this period, God is teaching me to trust even more in His perfect timing. He is drawing me nearer. His timetable is different from what I know. I’m thankful His ways are higher than mine.

I focused on Peter’s hand holding tight to Jesus’ grasp…He shouted, “Save me Lord!” as he started sinking. The Bible says Jesus “instantly,” “immediately,” “at once” or “straight away” reached out His hand and grabbed Peter. That is the truth that penetrated my heart. As a believer, being in a battle comes as no surprise. To know that He is the “ever present help” in times of danger, should replace any growing doubt or lessening faith…Because it’s only by belief that we come to God.

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” –Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)

“Ho…hum”... I yawned almost breaking my jaw. Sleep that eluded me finally came as my heart rested in His faithful promises. I glanced at the time illuminated by the tiny, soft glow of amber light and could not believe it was almost morning...Just like the dark nights, sleepless nights, another bright day would come...Each day that He has made...

I looked once more on the picture. It was not Peter’s grasp that saved him. It was Jesus’ tight grasp. Same hold He has on me. And you who believe! Storms would come and go. No matter what...He is always faithful to reach out His hand to save those who call on Him. And believe...

Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him (Peter)...

Matthew 14:31

I Lift My Friend To You

“He spread out the earth on the seas. His love continues forever. “ – Psalm 136:6

“C’mon, just come with me,” I invited my friend as I planned to park in a favorite spot my family had enjoyed, too occasionally whenever we wanted to take a break.

I took the tong and started picking up some chicken wings from a nearby grocery store. Being kept hot inside the warming bins, I asked my friend to tell me what flavor she wanted. We decided to share and ended up stashing some in a bucket: honey flavored, teriyaki, buffalo and some plain ones.

Finding the perfect spot which thankfully was empty as the whole row was already crowded with a mixture of cars and RV’s, some late afternoon surfers and swimmers were enjoying the warm day in the cold water down below and others were taking a stroll on the sandy shore. The sun’s glow was so beautiful and calming as the rays kissed the oceans and our surroundings.

“Talk!” I commanded to my friend after we devoured the chicken wings.

“That’s the reason I invited you. I just wanted you to get out of your house and be able to vent out. I know how much suffering you are going through. I am stressed out, too, you know that…from my work.”

Silence…Her smile vanished. She let out a deep sigh and started letting go of the heaviness residing at the core of her heart. Tears flowed as she related, my eyes taking turns to stare at the ocean and look at my friend.

“Sometimes…I just want to go to that ocean and just not swim…”

My heart was pierced with the familiar desire. Once, I thought of ending my life, too when I thought I faced the “dead end” on a road I was walking on.

Clearing the lump in my throat that formed, I looked at her and said, “I know how you feel. I know you believe in God. I know you may doubt Him at times because of a tragedy. You know how I thought of ending my life once. But instead, He gave me that strength to end my life doing everything on my own. He led my steps to go near Him.”

“Okay, you tell me, too if you had anything to say,” she requested.

Despite the building up frustrations on what was going on from my workplace, I felt it was not the right time to say anything but…

“I love you. You know that. And I had already offered many times that if I could be of any help, please call me. I want you to know that you’re not alone. If I love you, God loves you much more.”

“Thank you…”she wiped the last bead of tear that fell and a faint glow of smile started appearing again on her face, wearied with everyday’s battles. She is a good person who believes in God and I know that cord that links her to Him always makes her feel she cannot wander away without feeling that thug…Thug of life. Thug of love. Thug of grace.

“Thank You, God for this,” I heard her soft whisper. I couldn’t help but paint a smile on my face, too and prayed quietly, “Lord, I lift my friend to You…”

view from inside my car yesterday

I glanced to the ocean which was right behind my friend’s face and the horizon truly was endless. Like God’s love and mercy. Cars and bikers passed by on my driver’s side so fast. I wondered if they enjoyed the scenic spot and what a blessing it was to souls hungry for peace. Like the ocean, God’s love had been revealed already and His grace made available to all. And it is sad when no one takes notice and does not see what was already done for all…

Hands

“The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God”

- John Fitzgerald Kennedy

I’ve seen those hands…Hands that killed…Hands that abused spouses and children…
Hands that stole…Hands upon the heart’s being bathed with grace, were folded and prayed often in darkness…Hands that were idle…

Hands that opened doors they were not supposed to…Hands begging for mercy…Hands that wove with pride…Hands that were rejected…Hands that were humiliated…
Hands that did not extend to forgive…Hands that were quick to accomplish evil intentions and thoughts…

Photo Credit

But I was also touched by those Hands…   

Hands that created everything…
Hands that turned water into wine…
Hands that delivered a man in the synagogue from demonic spirits…
Hands that cleansed a leper…Casted out a dumb and blind spirit…Fed 5,000 with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish…Made a blind man see in Bethsaida…Healed a woman with an 18 year infirmity…Calmed a storm…

Hands who served and willfully obeyed what His Father wanted…Who died and was raised up and now is sitting at the Right Hand of God…

Hands that were pierced and wounded by nails and because of that, we are healed…Hands that are faithful to complete the plans He promised…Hands that shield the poor from the storms…Hands that saves anyone willing to surrender…

The hands which choose to receive His gift of life and hope, will in turn raise their hands to heavens and with thankful hearts praise His Holy Name…

After all, one’s life rests on His hands…

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
- 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)