In the Presence of the Ultimate by Barbara Brown

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CopyrightÂŠ 2011 Cover Design: Barbara Marie Perkins Sabillo In photograph: Geobarly Mar Perkins Sabillo

All scriptures are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher.

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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For My Mother

Vivencia A. Perkins For My Children

Christian, Geb, Marie, & Jerrelline For my Baby Brother

Bobby Lord A. Hawkins (R.I.P) For

George, Berlyn, & Brill For My Father

Bobby E. Perkins THANK YOU FOR ADDING LIFE TO MY LIFE... You all have inspired me to teach that I may also lead in Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name! Lord, I may not be perfect in so many ways, But I know Your love for me is as perfect as always... -THE AUTHOR-

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CONTENTS INTRODUCTION CHAPTER ONE Wrapped in Humility .......................................9 CHAPTER TWO Under the Blood ...............................................12 CHAPTER THREE Life through Repentance ................................15 CHAPTER FOUR Giving Honor and Praise ...............................19 CHAPTER FIVE Surrendering without Reservations ............24 CHAPTER SIX Rejoice with Anticipation .............................30 CHAPTER SEVEN Faith and Trust ................................................33

CLOSING THOUGHTS POEM

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INTROD UCTION Our journey in life is not absolutely physiological. We are pilgrims in search of the essence of our existence. We are in spiritual quest. We need God! God has wired us to seek Him; however, we tend to look the other way and search for something else without realizing that we are trying to fill in the gap with the wrong pieces of the puzzle. Sometimes, we are adrift in time and we are afloat in space with our faith. We need to settle down to have a firm grip of the truth. This book is prepared as a guide to strengthen your faith if you believe in God. If you are just curious about Him, this book, to some extent, will also satisfy your curiosity. It is not written to argue the existence of God because the ultimate answer lies within your being and in your own spiritual journey— whether you are a believer or not. This book has seven chapters, which are filled with Biblical passages to help you realize that God’s Word is alive in each life’s situation. Each chapter stands independently, yet together, they represent something fuller and more significant. To develop a personal and meaningful connection, this book directly addresses YOU—the reader— in a casual conversational tone. This didactic guide, though it will help you grow in your spiritual journey, is not a substitute for the Bible; it will rather prompt you to approach the Scripture and to have a first-hand encounter with God through His Word. May this book lead you in the Holy Presence of the Ultimate. Dr. Barbara Elleng A. Perkins-Brown, Ed.D Montgomery, Alabama, USA Email: dr.barbarabrown@yahoo.com -7-

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CHAPTER ONE Wrapped in Humility “And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). The sign “a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths” was revealed. What a humble presentation of the only begotten Son given by God the Father who loves the world so much (see John 3:16)! It is quite incomprehensible that the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings, was born in an animal stable and was lain in an open box from which animals eat. This is contrary to the expectation of the world. But God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty (see 1Corinthians 1:27). Although the Lord Jesus Christ is wrapped in humility, He is filled with glory and majesty, “And suddenly there [is] with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” (Luke 2:13-14). From His birth to His ministry, Jesus’ life has been the epitomized evidence of consistent humility—the state of being humble—and humble means not arrogant or prideful; low in rank; marked by meekness. The Scripture confirms, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1Peter 5:5). We are also reminded that the meek shall inherit the earth (see Matthew 5:5). Jesus’ teachings on humility are shrouded around the concept of being a servant, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). He uses parables with the stories of master and servants to vividly relate His Father’s kingdom. Despite His divine identity, Jesus has shown the world the true essence of a servant, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). What is a servant? In layman’s term, servant is considered as a base and non-dignified status. Conversely, servant is also defined as one who expresses submission, recognizance, or debt to another (The American Heritage College Dictionary). This definition concurs with that of the Scripture’s. The word servant, -9-

as it pertains to the Messiah, is a noble position. To be called a servant of the Most High is of exalted stature, a calling that is of great magnitude. When God commissions someone, he becomes a servant: one who expresses submission to His will, one who is recognizant of His commandments, and one who is indebted to Him who owns all the earth, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). And the ultimate servant of all is Christ, who has “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant” (Philippians 2:7). Oftentimes, we wonder how it is to be a person of high stature. Rationally speaking, we least desire or dream about being a servant or becoming less significant in our status in life. We want to be celebrated, well-known, and looked up to in whatever capacity. Furthermore, popular individuals (celebrities, politicians, and social figures) are not that much different from any ordinary people, except these high-profiled individuals are bestowed with authority, attention, fame, money, and power. However, like you and me, they also need a savior. Not a bodyguard, who is paid to risk his or her life to protect someone else’s life, but a spiritual bodyguard, who expects no compensation at all in risking his or her life to save the lives of others. The profound truth and a mystical part of our existence is that we need a Savior—and it’s Jesus! It is common knowledge among believers that Jesus Christ came down from heaven to serve and save the very essence of God’s creation—humankind. The focus of this book is plainly to introduce one’s soul to Jesus, as well as to exalt Him as our King with utmost respect. Although His kingly status is unmatched by any monarchies, Jesus’ divine persona is simply wrapped in humility. Whether we believe or not, we can analyze our heart and recognize what or who defines our faith in life, leading to a possible realization. Jesus’ coming as a child in a manger is a grace in disguise. Many cannot comprehend or accept the idea that the Messiah, born in a lowly stable, has been presented among His people in such a humble manner. In the same way, His chosen people (the Hebrews are God’s chosen and from them shall come the Messiah according to the Book of Exodus), were expecting their savior, a descendant of King David, to be a royalty. But who can read the minds of God? “‘For My thoughts are -10-

not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8). But the Scripture is clear on its descriptions of the Messiah, “He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2). Yes, Jesus may not have the worldly beauty; thus, many are seemingly not attracted to see and acknowledge His countenance and teachings because He is simply wrapped in humility, which has blinded the world from seeing His worth, “Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” (1Corinthians 1:20). In the very core of our being, we do reach out—consciously or unconsciously—for something divine to be our solace on this earth. God has wired our conscience to experience Him. Whether we are pagans or not, His law is written in every heart; God declares, “I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (Hebrews 8:10). We are sojourners, yet we are promised to be eternal through Christ, the humble Son of God. Jesus Himself pronounces His humility by inviting us to come to Him, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart [humble], and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30). From the humble manger to the humiliating crucifixion, Jesus has remained an obedient servant to His Father; even though He is who He is, “He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him. He was despised, and we did not esteem Him” (Isaiah 53:3). In the presence of the Ultimate, one will experience a spiritual awe, “For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth” (Psalm 47:2). It is also in His presence that a person can only recognize that he or she is a mere mortal and a sinner. Without Jesus as a mediator and intercessor, no one will be able to approach God’s holiness; thus, one has to accept the reality of sin and the need of a personal savior, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1John 1:8). We need to be clothed with humility like Christ, as we submit unto His will (see 1Peter 5:55). It is with a humble heart that repentance is possible. Remember Jesus preaches, “Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching” (Luke 12:37). -11-

CHAPTER TWO Under the Blood “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:14).

We are created to serve the living God; however, sin prevents us from glorifying the Creator. Our good works and great attempts to please God are all nonsense to Him; they are like filthy rags and are considered as dead works. The Scripture informs us that we are not made righteous through our works, “Lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:9). We cannot earn our salvation through human means and ways, and “with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Thus, amid our helplessness and limitations, God Himself has made the plan of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. Christ’s blood on the cross ultimately marks the significant hope to reconcile man with God; consequently, to be cleansed by His blood is the greatest assurance of the cross. The blood is not a metaphor but a sign presented at the Calvary. The blood, which has been shed for the world, is the sign of the new covenant (see Luke 22:20). Under the blood, there is a newly established relationship that exists between humanity and God. For once, we who “were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). Jesus has shared with His disciples that His blood is drink indeed (see John 6:55). It is a drink intended to satisfy our spiritual thirst, reviving and healing our soul’s ache. It is a drink that transforms lives, for whosoever drinks Christ’s blood has eternal life (see John 6:54). To drink the blood is to drink the truth about the Son’s divine purpose. The Father in Heaven is holy, and to enter in His presence, we need to be covered by the blood of Jesus; otherwise, we will be repelled from His holy presence. Without the blanket of Christ’s blood over us, God sees our sinfulness, which He cannot stand. Therefore, God’s wrath is satisfied by the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemishes and -12-

without spot (see 1Peter 1:19). Once we are cleansed, we can serve the living God in a manner pleasing and acceptable to Him, “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him” (Romans 5:9). There would be no outpouring of Christ’s blood if He were not crucified. The Scripture tells us that Jesus will sanctify us with His own blood (see Hebrews 13:12). His death, therefore, has made the crimson blood oozing from His once-nailed hands and feet to pour upon us that we may be purged from our sins. When we are pleasing in the sight of God, we are walking in the light, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1John 1:7). To further, there is only one Christ; however, our religious community is gradually shifting to advocating pluralistic beliefs, which means that Jesus is just one of the gods and that there are several ways to earn eternal life. And yet, Jesus Himself sets His identity apart by claiming that He is the way, the truth, and the life—He is the ONLY hope humanity has, for there is no other man appointed from above who can come to the Father except the distinctively incomparable Jesus. Evangelist Billy Graham preaches that we are sinners by birth (we are the seed of Adam), by choice (we have the free will to choose evil), and by practice (we are accountable for our actions: the sins of omission and commission). Paul writes to the saints in Ephesus that by nature, we were children of wrath (see Ephesians 2:3). In other words, we are by nature corruptible; however, under the blood, we see the light of salvation, making our relationship with God possible. We may be sinful, but just like what a popular Christian song “Beautiful Things” (by Gungor) melodiously declares, “[God] make[s] beautiful things out of us…” And one of those beautiful things is our ability to have a metanoia—a Greek term that means to transform one’s heart; repentance. From our sinfulness, we have been freed; we have been purchased with Christ’s blood, and we could never repay this priceless and ultimate redemption. Gladly, we can make an atonement, “For sin shall not have dominion over [us], for [we] are not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:14). Apparently, only Jesus’ blood can conquer and wash away any amount of sin and any form of sin. -13-

It has been prophesied by the prophets, spoken by Christ Himself, and preached by the disciples that Jesus is the Messiah “who will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Under the blood, we are encouraged to claim the grace of salvation; we are commanded to serve the living God with cleansed conscience and renewed spirit. Finally, the Apostle Paul rivetingly proclaims, “We were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:10). Will you accept this truth and be saved? Search your heart!

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CHAPTER THREE Life through Repentance “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Why repent? The answer is simple: to have life. It sounds absurd because if we breathe and exist, then we certainly have life. The morbid reality is that the earthly life we have right now is simply temporal and short. Conversely, there is another dimension, where we can live eternally. Where? In the Kingdom of Heaven. Heaven is more desirable than earth (see Psalm 73:25). If we repent, then we will go to heaven. Sounds simple? Now let us reverse the question: what if we do not repent? There is also a place called hell. Many reject the idea of hell; however, Jesus Himself has given us parables and imageries that clearly represent hell; therefore, if Jesus preaches about it, who are we to contradict Him? If one is not a believer, obviously he or she is not a friend of God, and The Book of Revelation gives us an astounding picture of God’s enemies who “were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone” (Revelation 19:20). It is not easy to believe in the paradoxical doctrine of life after death because both our eyes and hearts are obsessively fixated on the many spectacular pleasures the world has to offer, which is a typical human nature. One may logically argue this pragmatic idea: to see is to believe. However, the Apostle Paul teaches us this: “For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2Corinthians 4:18). Even our sorrows and pains are just temporary. Only the things that are meant for God’s kingdom will remain forever. In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells Thomas, one of His twelve disciples, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Therefore, for the believers to believe is to see; likewise, to die for Jesus is to live forever! When we repent, we come humbly to God; we acknowledge our guilt as a sinner. We do not have to be a very bad element of society to claim that we have sinned. Sin is sin, great or small. God guarantees no sin shall enter in His kingdom (see Revelations 21:27 and 1Corinthians 6:9), and that is why -15-

repentance is a spiritual requirement. Whoever and whatever we are—rich or poor, weak or strong, young or old, black or white, yellow or brown—the Bible proclaims to command all men everywhere to repent (see Acts 17:30). Are we self-righteous? Worship is what we are to God and not what we do. We can be an upright person, who morally follows every law. We can be a conscientious individual, who desires good and positive things in life. We can be an avid churchgoer, who enjoys serving the congregation. We can be an ideal family figure, who provides the best for the family. All of these acts of goodness that we profess are nonsense to God if we do not have Christ in the center of our lives; they will not earn us a place in heaven. There is no back entrance in God’s kingdom, where one can slip in on his or her own way of righteousness. We need Jesus as our escort, guide, and shepherd, for He is the way, the truth, and the life (see John 14:6). And there is no other way to get out of this life alive eternally and uncondemned but the way that Jesus has shown us: the way of the cross. He died to redeem the sins of the world—a hard truth for the unbelievers, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1Corinthians 1:18). The Word is out, commencing from Galilee, and now it is preached unto us (see Acts 10:37). It is a simple yet relevant reminder: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Similarly, to believe in the message of the cross is not optional! With Jesus, one can discover a whole different self—transformed and saved! It is not about who we are, but it is about who God is. It is not about the details of our past, but it is about the results of God’s grace that can transform lives, so that the world will know who He is—powerful and sovereign—and that He will be glorified through His Son Jesus Christ. What is the truth about Jesus? He is the source of everlasting life, which abounds through the forgiveness of sins and faith in the cross. How can one experience Jesus? When one experiences an extreme and unexplainable yet pure joy in one’s heart, it is a soul-searching connection leading to the source of life; and when one experiences a feeling of humility in the presence of an unseen yet

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powerful force overwhelming one’s heart, it is the spiritual magnification of the source, unveiling the truth and pointing towards the ever-ultimate Jesus! The words of the Prophet Ezekiel are clearly echoing at this very moment, “Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that inequity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit” (Ezekiel 18:30-31). God knows us well from the womb that formed us to the complex nature of our being. He is an audience of one. His Word pronounces, “All the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works” (Revelation 2:23). Again, why repent? Same answer: to have life. To fulfill the plan of salvation, the Father God in heaven did not spare His own Son from dying a humiliating death on the cross. He wants me and you to have eternal life. We are created for His love and glory, and He wants us to turn away from evil that prevents us from having a relationship with Him; otherwise, we will be cast into hell, which is an eternal death. And God does not desire that at all. Never! He has given us the chance through Christ and the choice to believe. For why should we die? “‘For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,’ says the Lord God, ‘therefore turn and live!’” (Ezekiel 18:32). Repent means to turn from evil and wickedness, which is something every individual is capable of doing on one’s own. We need to go back and try again and do better. However, we need to turn around completely, not partially. Do not play safe; try not to fit in between two opposing standards. Proverbs 14:12 states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” It is not enough that we do not smoke, drink, gamble, cheat, curse, gossip, and lust; still, we are commanded to follow the teachings of the Bible, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). Do we have enough faith? We cannot be lukewarm in terms of our faith. The Word of God conveys, “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16). We cannot serve God and at the same time do some abominable things in private. It is clearly written, “For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has -17-

anything been kept secret but that it should come to light” (Mark 4:22). Do not do things for the convenience of the flesh or yield to the things that will corrupt the body. We cannot lead two lives or serve two masters. It is not desirable to go to the lake of fire when Christ has already prepared a mansion for us at His Father’s place. Jesus challenges His disciples with these perplexing questions, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Evil begets evil; goodness begets goodness; in addition, we reap what we sow. Be on fire for Jesus; experience the joys of serving Him. We cannot linger on our wicked ways because time is running out. We do not have much time in our palms, for any moment could be our last; it is written, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2Corintinas 6:2). God will no longer force Himself on us. When He sent Jesus Christ, that was it—our fate was finally sealed! God has given us His very own and very best. His spirit shall not strive with us forever (see Genesis 6:3). He will not struggle to win us over again because the work Christ has done on the cross is already completed for God’s victory. Let it be emphasized that God is not going to force Himself on us—not at all! We have a choice: the way of the cross, which leads to eternal life; or the way of the world, which leads to the destruction of our soul. God has given Christ the authority to forgive sins. He is the source of God’s loving mercy and abundant grace. Our salvation is a gift; all we need to do is accept this gift and receive life, “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion” (Hebrews 3:15).

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CHAPTER FOUR Giving Honor and Praise “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6). When I was a teenager, I had a personalized verse that I always kept in my notebook. It goes, God loves you, that’s why He gave you life, and you’re very precious in His sight. As I wrote those words, I felt very religious. Nowadays, as I remember my little poem, I ponder on it and see my worth and purpose as a Christian. Truly, I am precious in God’s sight, and that is why He sent Jesus Christ for my salvation and deliverance from eternal damnation. I am too precious to be cast into hell. However, not just me… you, too, are also precious in God’s sight, for we are all fearfully and wonderfully created in God’s likeness (see Psalm 139:14). God has given us life to experience the joy of loving and serving Him. We are created for His glory and in His image. Our physical characteristics as humans are designed to make a significant identification and special connection with our Creator. We have eyes that we may appreciate the beauty of His creations, including ourselves; we have ears that we may hear His voice, as He speaks in us and through us. We have mouth and lips that we may praise and converse with Him in various languages. We are given a heart that we may fall in love with Him, as He has been with us since the days of creation. And when our physical body atrophies, God has given us a soul that we may have communion with Him in spirit and eternity. With all of the wonderful things God has done for us, is He not worth honoring and praising? Let our hearts resonate as one, “Sing out the honor of His name; make His praise glorious. Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your works!’” (Psalm 66:2-3). When we praise God, we acknowledge Him for who He is. It is just not about the blessing, the favor, the healing, or the overflow that our testimonies should focus on, but it is more about the living God, who is able to make all things possible. When we testify, the credit does not belong to us; it belongs to God, “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, -19-

because of Your mercy, because of Your truth” (Psalm 115:1). God alone deserves the highest praise—hallelujah. Jesus has commanded us to love the Lord God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind, which is the first and greatest commandment (see Matthew 22:37-38). Many people have erroneous ideas about Christianity. Christianity is not a church membership or a religious activity amid our hectic schedules in the corporate world. It is rather a Christ-like way of life—the lifestyle of the believers. It is more than a religion, for it is an intimate relationship with God. Christianity is “Christ in me.” People are not reformed but are transformed because of their relationships with Christ. Our relationship with Him is strengthened and deepened whenever we place our trust in Him and establish a habit of devotion, acknowledgement, and thanksgiving, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). In our personal and professional endeavors, we do like to receive feedback on our performance and progress; we like to get noticed, recognized, or commended on our accomplishments regardless of how big or small they are. Receiving feedback is healthy for our total growth and motivation. Compliments and praises energize us physically and mentally and fuel our spirits to strive for the best. Similarly, we can apply this simple concept parallel to our Christian walk. God delights in the feedback of His people through worship and devotion, “Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments” (Psalm 119:164). God wants us to appreciate Him. Communication is important in every relationship; thus, it is highly important with God. We need to be prayerful, and there is no way that we could be praying too much. We can neither do less nor do more for God. Again, we can never repay, which is not required of us anyway, what Christ has done for us; however, we can honor and praise Him. The Bible reveals, “Every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). All beings, spiritual and human, are destined to recognize who Jesus is and the One who sent Him.

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A former pastor of mine always says that when the praises go up, the blessing comes down. When God is receiving our feedback, He is pleased with us. We miraculously activate His grace and mercy in the areas of our life that require His special attention. God cannot wait to hear from us even though He already knows what we are about to say, “Let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). We must tell and ask the Father what we need, for the Scripture instructs us that we have not because we ask not (see James 4:2). However, when we speak to God we “do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do” (Matthew 6:7). We are also warned by the Apostle Paul to “shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness” (2Timothy 2:16). Our daily life should be a testimony in itself. In all conditions and circumstances, we must present ourselves as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1). In our daily conversations, we must honor God by “laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking” (1Peter 2:1). In addition, we are taught to “let no corrupt word proceed out of [our] mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). When we speak, God is also our listener, “For He looked down from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven the Lord viewed the earth” (Psalm 102:19). He knows everything about us either privately or publicly. If we want to honor God through our words, then we need to be cognizant to the quality and type of words we use. Remember, we use our mouth to give God praises and honor, and the abundance of our heart is revealed by our mouth (see Luke 6:45). God is delighted in us if we seek His godly counsel, “Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; and let those who love Your salvation say continually, ‘Let God be magnified!’” (Psalm 70:4). It is too easy in life to take matters in our own hands. Many people often take the most extreme and most dangerous route to tackle their issues. But the Word of God commands us this: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). If we obey this, then we are magnifying God’s sovereignty over all things; likewise, we acknowledge that He is bigger than anything else that we can possibly imagine. Hence, to remain still is another way of honoring God, believing that He is always in control. Our -21-

troubles are temporary, but God’s mercy and grace endures forever. Under God’s guidance and intended purpose, nothing could harm nor defeat us; not even a “weapon formed against [us] shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17). How can we serve the Father? Jesus explains to the Woman at the Well, “The true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him” (John 4:23). As Christians, one of our many challenges is professing and adhering to the truth. How do we know that we adhere to the truth? The answer is to know God’s Word—the Bible. Jesus Himself has talked about the fulfillment of the Scriptures and how the writings of the prophets concerning about Him have come to pass. To worship God in spirit is to know that His existence is not as obvious as the world’s; it is a total paradox. The truth itself is sometimes not obvious to neither one’s sight nor one’s understanding, and yet as we believe, marvelous things are inconceivably revealed to us, as Jesus clarifies to His followers, “For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17). Our society has shifted into cultural Christianity, where many people have chosen to believe certain parts of the Bible and dismiss the rest. I call this practice selective conviction. The Bible itself has been constantly on trial because many have challenged its credibility; however, with 66 renowned books and over 40 writers from different time periods and locations, prophesying and testifying the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, the Bible ought to be authentic and true. The Bible is cohesive and congruent in its thematic message, not to mention its endurance to withstand the changing world with its unchanging truth regardless of its various translations and several versions. I would rather be Biblically accurate in honoring God than to be politically correct in the eyes of this slumberous generation that does not acknowledge the whole truth, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). Obedience to the Word of God is better than sacrifice; still, sacrifice, in its sacred sense, is another profound way of showing honor to God. When we pick up our own cross, crucify our flesh, and deny ourselves with the things we gravely desire, we are making an act of sacrifice. We need to keep our heart and mind from the things that make us wander away from God. I used to hear from -22-

many elderly Christians that the God we serve will never bless a mess because He is the God of order, which I considerably perceive is an insightful observation and an accurate quality of God. Thus, to receive God’s approval and blessing, we need to get rid of our filthiness, as well as our sinfulness. How? By claiming the blood of Jesus: the only powerful source that provides ultimate cleansing and eternal healing. Sacrifice is both offering and surrendering. It is not always easy, but we need to “press on, that [we] may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of [us]” (Philippians 3:12). In surrendering, we turn away from our old nature, and we put on the image and likeness of Christ, “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-16). Nevertheless, we do not desire to do good to push for rewards. God knows our intentions; therefore, we must exercise and maintain purity in the depth of our hearts. We do good things out of love, and that pleases God. Have you ever wondered why that when you do an act of kindness, you feel good inside you, and it seems like you are not alone, but someone else delights with you? Do you know that you are connecting with God who is also delighted, as well as pleased, in your goodness? Nowadays, many Christian churches have adopted some Biblical expressions of praise and worship to render honor to God, such as clapping and lifting of hands, dancing and stomping of feet, kneeling and bowing, singing and making joyful noise, and playing of musical instruments. No matter how we approach God’s presence, solemn or loud, as long as we are pure and sincere, we are like a sweet-smelling aroma to Him (see Ephesians 5:2). Our life itself must render honor and praises to God. Our Christian walk must become a solid demonstration of God’s love and truth because we are His ambassadors, who ought to proclaim both in words and actions that we are in communion with our Heavenly Father. Our heart must always be filled with praises and thanksgiving to our Creator, “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable” (Psalm 145:3).

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CHAPTER FIVE Surrendering without Reservations “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Who does not face any tribulations in this world? Of course, from the least to the greatest, no one is exempt; we all have our share of troubles and problems. Everyday, the media deliver us some crushing news about crimes, disasters, and injustices. Both Christians and non-Christians are wondering and are asking questions. What is going on around us? Where is God amid all these horrible situations? Jesus has warned us that we will go through some tough times and trials; however, He also has given us the best strategic defense on how to confront them: be of good cheer—do not be moved! Jesus is in control because He has overcome the world, and in Him, we have peace. Jesus is able to still the raging storm. God consoles, “Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). These words are strong and powerful because they are spoken forth by God Himself, and the Scripture confirms that His words will not come back to Him void but will complete their purpose (see Isaiah 55:11). So what is the reason to be shaken up and worried when God is our mighty fortress? When we think about tribulations, pain is in the picture. We can all relate to pain even though it may have been caused by either different or parallel situations. Pain is pain; it is universal because it involves feelings and emotions, which is a part of being human. It requires no further elaboration. Pain is devastating, heart-breaking, and life-threatening. We cannot handle pain on our own because we are too broken to console ourselves; we need an expert to attend to our pain. We need a counselor and a healer. We need Jesus! There is no one else from heaven who knows how we feel but Jesus. The angels can see our sufferings and our tears but cannot empathize with us because they do not know how we feel. Although angels can take a human form, their -24-

bodies are not made of flesh and blood but of spirits. Only Jesus knows how we feel because from the spirit world, He came down and became flesh and blood. The Gospel of John declares this truth about Jesus, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Jesus has experienced brokenness and pain beyond human endurance; He has been mocked and rejected by the very people He loves, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him” (John 1:11). Furthermore, from His generation to our present generation, the mocking and the rejection continue. Nevertheless, the good news is that Jesus is victorious over the world of tribulations. The Bible teaches us to depend on Jesus for He will help us overcome our own personal pain. He has absolutely done it for me. We cannot separate our personal problems from our relationship with God; they are designed to make connections with Him. It is a test of trust and faith. As a Christian, the worst part of my personal tribulations was establishing an attitude of complete surrendering to God. Before, I used to seek help and answers somewhere else without coming first to God. And there were times when my family and friends failed me miserably, adding more distress to my burden. But God chastised me to turn to Him, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19). I had to repent to get right with God. I had learned to ask Him first, to seek His godly counsel, and to pray for His wisdom before taking a step. In my heart, this echoed, “You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory” (Psalm 73:24). The Word of God also imparts, “Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength” (Proverbs 8:14). Consequently, His mighty words have continuously assured me that He will direct my life to recovery and healing. Moreover, the pain I have gone through is not meant for me to merely experience its hurtful impact, but it is meant to completely strengthen me as a person, as a Christian and to prepare me for my testimony. Hence, there is no testimony without a test. During my trying times, I shed tears while nursing my broken heart in bed, yet I was consoled to know that “weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Finally, one day, I received my healing amid sordid realizations of my shortcomings and constant prayers for God’s wisdom -25-

and companionship. A sudden epiphany enveloped my heart. I was no longer broken! As I looked at my old self, it was like as if I was in coma for a while. I thought it would take me forever to get out of the twirl of pain; however, it was on God’s designated time that He upheld me with His righteous hand. God spoke through the Prophet Isaiah, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:1-2). These words are worth holding on to. Many times, I asked God to use all of my sufferings and brokenness to become more like Christ—an overcomer. The Scripture reminds us, “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). My healing was neither a short process nor an overnight event. The process itself was quite painful. I would ask God to do things for me, and then behind His back, I would sneak around to resolve the matters on my own because I had no patience. The Bible assures us, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Because I had no patience, I got weary and fainted. I messed up! I was also nonsensically scheming my way out, thinking I could run away from my pain. Thus, I was delaying God’s answer because I was in His way. I was prayerful, but at the same time, I was unstable and impatient. I was stubborn and defiant to good advice. I had no clear perspectives. So many times, I heard people say that we walk by faith and not by sight (see 2Corinthians 5:7). But it seemed like it was not working for me. What could be wrong? Undeniably, I was not operating under faith until I became physically and spiritually exhausted. Desperately, I thought about Jesus when Jesus was all I got. I realized I was trying to manipulate God to do my will instead of me doing His will. I had not totally surrendered to Him all my cares. I had some reservations in the corner of my heart that I had not yet entrusted at the foot of the cross. And my reservations were wearing me down and burning me out. I -26-

was hindering God’s grace to miraculously work in my situation, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care[s] upon Him, for He cares for you” (1Peter 5:6-7). Finally, I was on my knees sobbing and repenting, and when I gave up everything to Him, which was not so easy to do, only then I had peace, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). I have never mastered the intricacy of pain (which no one could), but I have perfectly learned how to face it and what to gain from it: God’s love and mercy! In fact, the darkest hour of my life was the most intimate moment I had in God’s presence. As I share my personal struggle with pain, in which I do not need to elaborately chronicle its minute details, I am addressing the relevance of my experience not in hypothetical terms but in general applications. There are more stories behind a story, and many times I have tried my best to make sense out of these happenings. But then, I have learned to acknowledge that there is a greater force than my own, which can immensely overcome my trespasses. Our tribulations, of course, happen for a reason because there is a greater force behind them, and that is why things take place and become an event in our lives, and if we acknowledge the power of this force and surrender to it, we will then learn that a purpose is set before us, and the fulfillment of this purpose will not be delayed if we respond to it accordingly; however, if our response is in contrary, then our purpose, as well as our understanding, is incomplete. In one way or another, some of us, at this very hour, are facing hardships and tribulations, such as rejection, divorce, failure, death, false accusations, betrayal, humiliation, depression, afflictions, unfaithfulness, addiction, and immorality (or you can fill in the blank); however, the bottom line is that at times we all have felt helpless, broken, and confused. But with God’s AGAPE LOVE nothing is impossible; likewise, the Holy Spirit is always present to help us and strengthen us in our weaknesses (see Romans 8:26-27). The Scripture encourages us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (see Philippians 4:13). In addition, Jesus promises us, “My peace I give to you; … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). -27-

God is real, and our problems are real; thus, we need to be real in our prayers, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:40). I have learned from one of the biggest churches in my city, which I have regularly visited, a teaching on how God talks to His people. Accordingly, we communicate with God through prayers, and He answers us through the following: (1) life’s circumstances, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4); (2) our conscience, “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21); (3) other believers, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2Corinthinas 5:20); (4) and the Bible, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2Timothy 3:16). As we earnestly seek for an answer, be still and listen on how God speaks, and when these four things are aligned, we know it is the will of God. Beloved, I want to encourage you to surrender to God without reservations. Jesus will not fail you. God does not change; He is faithful forever even though we are not. The Apostle Paul delightfully brags about the love of God in his epistle to the Romans, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ...Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35, 37-39).

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When we surrender to God, we learn and experience the following: SURRENDER-

sacrifice & obedience unconditional love rejoice in tribulations remission of sins eternal truth new heart, fresh spirit deliverance essence of life rebirth; being born again

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you… (James 4:8) “BELOVED, TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION… LET IT BE YOURS!”

Accept JESUS as your personal LORD and SAVIOR.

Beloved, you are almost through reading this guide. I encourage you to pause for a moment of prayer. Give God honor and praises for the opportunity of searching and finding Him in your spiritual quest. Ask the Holy Spirit to touch your heart as you seek the truth, and may the Lord Jesus Christ order your steps to your intended destination—in the Presence of the Ultimate.

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CHAPTER SIX Rejoice with Anticipation “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:24). When we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we become born again; however, it does not stop there. We are commanded to live according to His Father’s will, “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him” (1John 2:5). Our work follows our faith. We will go through tribulations, and they may be painful, scary, and difficult. Yet, we are told to be of good courage. As Christians, we still have to strive from glory to glory to become Christ-like. We are encouraged to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (see Philippians 2:12). We should always be hopeful. Do you remember how God divided the Red Sea for Moses and the Israelites to make a way for their exodus? What about the story of Daniel in the lion’s den? There is no such thing as a hopeless case under God’s watchful eyes and caring hands, for only God can make a way out of no way. Our ways of looking at things change when we become saved. When we know who we are under God’s grace, we learn to see that God always intends something good even in a bad situation (see Genesis 50:20). Whatever the consequence may be, something we desire or not, God does not make mistakes. Likewise, we learn, “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Thus, we must place our full trust in God’s hands to design our future, for we can boldly concur with the Apostle Paul in uttering, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2Timothy 4:7). We rejoice in tribulations and anticipate our triumph in God, “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word” (Psalm 119:114). Keeping His Word in our heart makes it possible to live a life pleasing and acceptable in God’s sight, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the

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simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Psalm 19:7-8). We are Christ’s and not our own—this is the motto of my high school Alma Mater, which until now, I strongly uphold. No wonder Christ died for us because He is our destiny, and for the mean time, while we are awaiting to see His glory, we must continue to abound in God’s knowledge and grow in His wisdom, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope” (Psalm 16:9). We need to be optimistic and anticipate that life can still resurrect in a seemingly dead situation, for God can supply our needs, including a new life, through His Son Jesus (see Philippians 4:19). However, not everything we desire will be provided for us by our Father in Heaven, and the Apostle Paul has given us a compelling reason, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1Corinthians 6:12). Just because we want something earnestly, it does not mean we ought to have it; we still need to seek God’s will in pursuing the things that we want for ourselves. Remember, God is in control, and He knows what is best for us. If it is something that will interfere in our relationship with Him, He will certainly not allow it. At one point in my life, I considered myself empty handed. By being obedient to God’s Word, however, I have experienced an overflow because “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound” (Philippians 4:11-12). In Christ, we learn to enjoy the little and simple things in life without being entangled with materialism. King David proclaims that he has never seen the righteous forsaken nor begging bread (see Psalm 37:25). He also testifies that since the Lord is his Shepherd, he shall not want (see Psalm 23). Rejoicing in the Lord always helps us discipline ourselves, believing that in God we will never lack. Thus, we become unselfish, content, generous, and sensitive to the needs of others. Jesus commands us to love outside ourselves, “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High” (Luke 6:35). There are times when we are too hard on ourselves, and at the same time, we are not easy to please with whatever comes in our way, -31-

whether it is favorable or not. But God’s grace is sufficient enough to comfort us, freeing us from worldliness. One morning, I heard Dr. Charles Stanley, a Bible preacher on a Christian radio, challenging the believers that if we could only see what God has in store for us in our future, we would stop complaining and would just tell Him to do His will; I agree with Dr. Stanley. It is surely a waste of time to worry about the past and the future—either one, we have no control of—one is done and gone, and one is yet to come, however, is not promised. A psalmist asks God to put in perspective how to view one’s life here on earth: “Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am” (Psalm 39:4). Yes, we are mortals; our days are numbered; therefore, we must align our temporary life in this fleeting world with God’s plan—to be with Him in eternity. Sometimes, we find ourselves in a situation when it is quite hard to let go and let God because we are spiritually shortsighted, failing to anticipate God’s sovereignty and power above all things. Certainly, we are in spiritual quest, yet the Holy Spirit comes to our aid to equip us with whatever it is we are in need of. One thing that we need is patience because God operates according to His timetable and not ours, “But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance” (Romans 8:25). If we expect God to do something for us, then we need to wait patiently and not rush Him. As Christians, knowing God is at our right side, we shall not be moved but always be filled with joy and hope (see Psalm 16:8). Sin leads to spiritual death, which disconnects us from God forever. We used to be hopeless in the face of eternity because of our sinfulness. But thanks be to God, who authored the Book of Life, for He has sent a Messiah to save us from the bondage of sin. Just knowing what God has done for us is a good reason to rejoice and be jubilant: “Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You” (Psalm 40:16). The second coming of Christ is an anticipation of His glorious reign and our eternal salvation. My naked eyes may have neither seen Christ in flesh nor have witnessed His earthly miracles, but my elated heart holds a promise: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). -32-

CHAPTER SEVEN Faith and Trust “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Too often people are skeptical to hear the Gospel. The reason: they think they already know the things they need to know about God, specifically about Jesus. The Scripture is very clear on God’s warning, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). So why not take a chance with Jesus? I once had a conversation with a very dear friend who claimed that he had already changed his formerly questionable lifestyle. He bragged that he is a better person now. I asked him, “Have you come to Christ?” He answered, “Oh, yeah. I go to church.” My next question was, “Are you reading the Bible?” His response was a little elusive, but he honestly said that he seemed to have a hard time understanding it. I got his point, and maybe the same point that others may have—they don’t want to read something they don’t understand. Well, a lot of us, even believers, struggle in comprehending the message of the Scripture. When we read God’s Word, we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to impact our hearts and minds. Likewise, we need to get extra resources to supplement our scarce minds. We need to take advantage of the messages imparted in Sunday school lessons and Bible study sessions. We can also do some personal research or participate in small group teachings. In addition, there are a lot of devotional and spiritual literatures available in audio and print that elaborate and explain the Scripture in order to help us draw nearer to God, and they provide some new and fresh life-changing ideas we possibly crave for. Many people do not believe in going to church for whatever reasons. But God has commanded us this, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). Nevertheless, attending service on Sundays is not enough to give us some theological understanding about the Bible. We cannot nourish our spirit and soul with small chunks and tidbits of doctrinal understanding; there is no shortcut in maintaining one’s spiritual health. Sometimes, a little knowledge is -33-

dangerous. That is why we need revivals, workshops, seminars, and conferences to rejuvenate our spirits. The Apostle Peter writes, “No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation” (2Peter 1:20); thus, understanding the Bible on one’s own may not suffice one’s spiritual needs. The Holy Spirit provides guidance, understanding, and clarification about the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit’s presence must be invoked before approaching the Scripture to make every single word come alive and powerful in witness and discernment. Is Christ worth dying for? Is He still alive among Christians as He was more than two-thousand years ago? Would you give up your home, family, career, and even your life for Him? If you could affirmatively answer these somewhat extreme questions, then why is going to church becomes such a big deal and a debatable issue to many professing Christians? It is confirmed that many followers of Jesus in more than 50 countries are being persecuted because of their faith in Him. However, no government could totally eradicate the growing proliferation of underground churches and secret movements that glorify the Lord Jesus even though dangers and risks are expected to come down at any given moment to these oppressed Christians. Why are these people risking their lives for Jesus? Why are they holding on to Him? To His promises? Why are they faithful to Him? Why do they trust Jesus? Is there power in His name? Jesus, the name above all names, declares, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it” (Luke 9:24). Although faith is personal, it is not solitary; one has to be in a community of the faithful to uplift one another in the Spirit of God and to collectively exalts His name as a family, as a church. Our faith matures in the company of other believers. We need to fellowship with one another. We are wired by God as relational beings; and a famous quote upholds this truth, “No man is an island.” Our praise reports and testimonies will encourage one another, and at the same time, as we come together, we magnify God for all His works. Our faith is strengthened by hearing and knowing that our God is at work, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the [Word] of God” (Roman 10:17). There is no substitute or replacement for a sound doctrine; thus, do not forsake yourself to fellowship. King David proudly announces his delight in worshipping God, “I -34-

was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord’” (Psalm 122:1). May we possess the enthusiasm to come together as a church family that loves God more than our comfort zone, skepticism, and rationale. We need continuous spiritual refilling because our human nature tends to leak in from time to time. The more things we learn about God, the deeper our relationship develops with Him. Just because we have finally found Jesus in our spiritual quest, we can then stop seeking Him. Sometimes, we find but never accept; we receive but never believe; we admit but never submit. It is not enough to know that Christ died on the cross and resurrected. What about His teachings and revelations? We need to turn to the Bible to know God completely. The Bible outlines God’s promises, precepts, commandments, laws, teachings, warnings, revelations, guidelines, covenants, prophesies, miracles, instructions, provisions, and plans. God’s wisdom is too vast and infinite; we should explore more about Him, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it” (Psalm 139:6). Yes, we cannot grasp all of God’s thoughts because they are just too lofty and great; however, we can learn His wisdom and experience His provisions if we do not limit our spiritual inquiry, “I meditate within my heart, and my spirit makes diligent search” (Psalm 77:6). We are not just a mere vessel but a spiritual temple that cannot remain empty and unoccupied. Someone has to reign in it; it is either Christ or Satan. Jesus has to be the king of our temple unless we want hell for eternity. Thus, God alone has to be entrusted with our whole being. The Apostle Paul gives us this profound question: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are” (1Corinthians 3:16-17). Beloved, at this very hour, do you know where you stand in God’s eyes? How can we have faith? It is written, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). Once we learn to know God for who He is, our eyes will open wide in the face of truth, “That [we] may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). Through faith, our heart desires to communicate with God in prayers and -35-

worship, and our deeds become commendable in His sight. Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (see Hebrews 12:2), is the subject of our salvation. He is God’s grace, whom we do not deserve yet is given unto us that we should not perish. For by grace we have been saved through faith and that not of ourselves; it is the gift of God (see Ephesians 2:8). We receive faith when we receive the Holy Spirit; we grow in faith when we walk in God’s righteousness. We live in this generation where materialism tends to be the religion of many. We cannot have something without putting up some type of collateral, such as personal property and cherished possessions, and even our good name and our reputation are used in exchange for a line of credit; sadly, it is a worldly trade-off. But God requires nothing of us but to have faith in His Son’s ultimate accomplishment on the cross. The Apostle Paul warns us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). Jesus has made it clear to His hearers that He comes not for the righteous—those who believe only the Law of Moses but reject the Gospel. In spite of man’s hardheartedness, Jesus has come to save the whole world; no soul should be left behind. The Scripture proclaims that God will make Himself available to anybody, “I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me” (Romans 10:20). We easily trust our family and friends even though they hurt our feelings numerous times. We still give them chances after chances because we do love them. God has done the same way for us! Has not our Father in Heaven already proven to us how much He loves us in Christ Jesus? This is Agape, unconditional love. God has declared through the Prophet Jeremiah His love for us, “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you” (Jeremiah 31:3). Sometimes in our faith walk, we still slip into making wrong choices in life; yet, God is the God of many chances. However, God’s enemy, the devil, wants us to become blind and ignorant of the goodness of God. The devil’s purpose is to steal, to kill, and to destroy our destiny with God (see John 10:10). Are you familiar on how God proposed His judgment to the people of Nineveh unless repentance would take place in the story of Prophet -36-

Jonah, who ended up in the belly of the fish? God is quick to forgive if we repent within our hearts, “For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:11-12). Jesus is inviting YOU right now to come to Him as you are. Let Jesus become your reality TODAY. You do not need to depend on your own strength to take care of whatever predicament or dilemma you are wrestling with; He will heal your spirits of rebellion, addiction, immorality, affliction, brokenness, or whatever it is, name it to Him, and He can handle it for you as long as you surrender all your burdens at the foot of the cross. Whether you have failed and stumbled over and over again, remember, He is the God of endless possibilities, and the next time you fall, do not get up anymore on your own, but lift up your hands and reach out to Jesus, for He will give you a firm grip of eternity—just believe, trust, and have faith. Jesus has already chosen you, the very reason for His coming. It is good news to learn that Jesus is close to those “poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

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CLOSING THOUGHTS After reading this book, I urge you to pray to God through His Son, Jesus Christ. As you enter in His Holy Presence, remember to humble yourself; plead with the blood of Jesus; repent all your sins; always give God the highest honor and praises; surrender all your cares unto Him without reservations; then always rejoice & anticipate with patience His answers and provisions. As you continue your spiritual journey into Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kingdom, keep your faith and trust in Christ. Finally, your intimate relationship with God will guarantee you to be In His Holy Presence throughout your eternal life! This is the promise of salvation!

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Personal Notes _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________

“I don’t represent Christ; He is way too perfect to be represented by a sinner like me. Christ represents me!” -Dr. Brown-39-

POEM Lord, let your spirits work in us and through us... Not just in health but in healing Not just in leading but in serving Not just in forgetting but in forgiving Not just in silence but in peace Not just in height but in elevation Not just in discovery but in revelation Not just in appointment but in confirmation Not just in memory but in remembrance Not just in comfort but in endurance Not just in wealth but in abundance Not just in growth but in maturity Not just in beauty but in quality Not just in power but in strength Not just in satisfaction but in fulfillment Not just in confidence but in faith Not just in togetherness but in wholeness Not just in traits but in character Not just in being what we are but in being WHO YOU ARE!

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Dr. Brown â&#x20AC;&#x201C;