Only In Jesus

I bowed my head and closed my eyes as our church family sang in chorus yesterday. I wanted to savor every word as we sang “In Christ Alone”. Wishing I could freeze time, as I fell down at His feet and my heart, absorbing the truth in each lyrics.

“You are indeed good to us Father,” I softly whispered.

“Forgive me for those times when I forget that when I worry, that means I don’t trust You. Thank You Lord for Your love, Your mercy and grace.”

Illness? Financial difficulties? At the verge of losing a precious relationship? Trapped in destructive habits? Taking pleasure from things that do not satisfy?

What is each of us facing now? Do you truly know Jesus?

Let us go to Him and truly surrender. Not just once but every day. If Jesus placed the sins of the world on Him, what else could He not take away from us?

Let us “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” ~Psalm 34:8

Infected Dough

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

“So how do you like your new schedule now?” asked this one co-worker.

“Awesome,” I replied but at the same time with doubts brewing in my mind. This was not the first time she asked me. I was careful ever since changes were made in the night nurses’ schedule, being told that someone didn’t like the way it was before. So change was a must.

There was silence as she listened to the rest of my reply.

“I love it that I’m off now on weekends than working. I get to go with my family to our fellowship on Sundays and then, for some quality time, go out for brunch.” I continued. I wasn’t trying to brag. I intentionally gave that same reply because there were many who had asked me and it was a part of my discerning their intentions or motives.

The silence remained. I stopped talking because only then I realized that if someone had asked and became silent after hearing an honest reply, then, that person must not be truly happy for others nor truly cared for someone else.

I was happy then, working on my own in another facility for maybe almost two years. Then, some nights, I ended up working with another nurse they gossiped about that he was not a great nurse but I didn’t listen to that. We ended up getting along well, divided the work amongst ourselves. Our work completed by morning and we both grew compromising, helping each other, not complaining and doing our work cheerfully. Until….changes occurred and they wanted me back at the main prison. That was in 2003. I was hired in 2000. I went through so much pain and fear because I got so comfortable in that facility and working with that nurse the others despised. Too much grapevine just kept going on to the main facility. I wasn’t afraid of the people. I just didn’t want the atmosphere. I found my comfort the usual way. That was to seek the Lord for I knew that when change came, He would be there with me anyway. So, fear vanished and I had been working at the main prison for many years again, overcoming whatever came my way because of the strength He gave and continues to give.

That person who asked me professed that she was a Christian during those early days we met. And I remembered how many times I struggled to question God why couldn’t be everyone be just called Christians, instead of different denominations people follow?

With this battle I’m in, I’m thanking the Lord for giving me a part of His answer as I go through this battle at work. Not everyone can be called “Christians”. Only those who follow Christ’s steps are the “true Christians.” For it is easy to claim someone is a Christian, yet does not realize their motives are still selfish.

Paul asked, “You were getting along so well. Who has interfered with you to hold you back from following the truth? It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who had called you to freedom. But it takes only one wrong person among you to infect all the others – a little yeast spreads quickly through the whole batch of dough! I am trusting the Lord to bring you back to believing as I do about these things. God will judge that person, whoever it is, who has been troubling and confusing you.” – Galatians 5:7-9 (LAB)

I am beginning to see the roots of this battle I am facing. One’s false perception became a huge desire to hurt someone’s joyful life. That someone is me. But what they don’t understand, if that person knows their true identity in Christ, even if changes come, that person’s stability comes from knowing God Who doesn’t change!

And as I recalled those pain and fear back in 2003 when I was being transferred to the main facility and with this huge battle I’m in now, I have no fear because I know how important it is to only please God not men.  Why? As a child of God and wanting to be His true follower, I know that truth that we are called to live in freedom. Not the kind that satisfies my desires but the kind of freedom where He is calling His followers to serve another in love.  I never desired to be a part of that batch of dough, infected with yeast. 

"Stop putting your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. How can they be of help to anyone?" (Isaiah 2:22-LAB)

They accused me. They had said lies about me. But I wouldn't face them and make them hear what they want to hear. What they would hear would hurt. Because His Word is like a double-edged sword. The sWORD that can remove that yeast infecting the dough.

"As the Scriptures say, 'He will be proved right in what he says, and he will win his case in court." - Romans 3:4 (LAB)

I yanked out one of my guitars off the wall where it was hanging. I haven’t played it in a while. Remembering all the songs He gave me, I wanted to offer it back to Him. Stretching the strings of my guitar, I patiently compared it with the guitar tuner. The tighter the strings got, the better tune. Oh, how my life right now is being stretched by His hands. I just pray that I will bring my best tune to His ears.

The Lord gave this song into my heart during that time of pain and fear in August of 2003:

Spirit of Lord

Lord, how can I go on?

How can I do Your will

Without backing down on my own?

It’s hard, oh Lord,

I cry for everyone

Who does not follow Your plans

Chorus:

Spirit of Lord, come and fill our hearts

Let Your love overflow and guide us

Spirit of Lord, come and live in us

Let Your works shine, glory is Yours always

Spirit of Lord…

Lord, sometimes I don’t understand

But I want Your will

So, give me the strength

It’s hard, oh Lord

But I want to be

A servant to Your plans

(Repeat Chorus)

Facing The Battle Is A Must

“I don’t understand…” a friend uttered.

“Why do bad people seem to be having the best life here?”

“It’s hard to explain with my limited knowledge. But God wants us to know that bad things or trials happen to either good or bad people. Just because you’re going through a tough time doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. We’re only here temporarily.”

“We just have to trust in God because He is the One Who knows everything…”

And through the moment of silence between us, we shared tears. We shared each other’s pain. We shared each other’s grief.

Yesterday, my tears flowed, too. Quietly. In front of someone who was willing to help me with my battle. It wouldn’t be an easy one. It just started but it would still be a long way to go. There would be lots of changes. But I would remain trusting on God’s Word, His faithful promises of being there for those who love Him. Knowing that He is the only One Who doesn’t change.

We wear His Armor the moment we make that important decision to be on Christ’s side.

The sturdy belt of truth.

The body armor of God’s righteousness.

The shoes with peace that comes from the Good News.

Faith as our shield.

The helmet of salvation.

The sWORD of the Spirit.

It is real that we have a vicious enemy. And Paul did not make it an option to turn back when we are facing a battle. For going through trials is a must in our Christian journeys. It is essential for our spiritual growth.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” ~ James 1:2-4 (NIV)

And I would like to keep that in mind as I face a battle at this time. I know it will be uncomfortable at times. Maybe numerous times. But I trust in His promises, His Word, that I know in my heart will give me the spiritual victory. I know I have His victory no matter what comes my way. I may not know what to do at times. I may not see where it’s leading. But He does. His Word is truly a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).

I got some hope from that person. But nothing will compare to the hope I have been given by Jesus Christ. I am taking up this battle so I can hold fast to the future and hope He promised to those who believe.

“We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap. The trap is broken, and we are free! Our help is from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth.”  ~ Psalm 124:7,8 (LAB)

“On the very day I call to you for help, my enemies will retreat. This I know: God is on my side. O God, I praise your word. Yes, Lord, I praise your word. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” ~ Psalm 56:9-11 (LAB)

The Shepherd

“You didn’t say that…..” (Accusing)

“No! We only need this number of work hours…” (Lying)

“Think about other options…” (Tempting)

Glances…Smirks…Glad about crashing people under them… (Power)

Yes…I faced all those…I discerned all those characteristics as we met face to face. (Glory be to God for His gift of discernment!). But I won’t be afraid. These are the same characteristics that our spiritual enemy and his followers possess...

Like what our pastor said last Sunday during our early morning fellowship, the devil is not omnipresent. He is not omniscient. He is not omnipotent. Never will he be equal to the ONE and ONLY GOD ALMIGHTY!

God Who has a hold on me! I will not be afraid no matter what comes my way! Do you feel His hold on you?

The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid,

For you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.

You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,

And I will live in the house of the Lord forever. ~ Psalm 23:1-6 (LAB) 

I wrote this song on July 29, 2003, asking myself, “When is the right time for us to get together with God?”

Jesus Is The Shepherd

I was once lost like you, not knowing Christ

Every struggle means pain and I get deeply hurt

But please listen to me and to all the things I’ll say

Jesus is the only life, the truth and the way

How long are you gonna’ be lost like a sheep?

For when Christ finds you, you just have to believe

Oh, Jesus is the Shepherd Who will lead us all

Salvation comes from Him and from Him alone

Chorus:

Oh Jesus has so much love

All you need to do is open up your hearts

Turn away from all of your sins

And love and joy will grow within.

If your life is ever found, don’t let it go

Stop your wandering, let your faith grow

For Jesus is the Shepherd Who will guide your way

Nothing will go wrong, in your hearts He’ll stay

(Repeat Chorus)…

“All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God’s path to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the guilt and sins of us all.” – Isaiah 53:6