Youth United in Christ

LCD 1 Youth in Mt. Talamitam, Nasugbu, Batangas

When you hear the word 'climb', it's usually acquainted with the act of "going up". But in our district youth's recently-held hiking-retreat event, it's not just about climbing the mountain itself, but reaching a different kind of summit deep within our hearts. It's more of climbing the highest peak of one's faith.

In 1 Timothy 4:12, it is written, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity".

Our district pastor always emphasized the power of youth, how much influence one youth can do to another. What's more when one youth is powerfully converted and started speaking about Christ, can't you imagine how many young lives will be inspired? Youth nowadays are presented with the same conflict - peer pressure. Either they are the ones pressuring, or they're the ones being pressured. But when we turn the tables over and started applying this 'peer pressure' in a different light, in a positive way, we can't measure how many lives will be influenced to take the right path.

All throughout our hiking-retreat event, there is so many lessons learnt, realizations we were in denial for so long... and unfolding the truth of true discovery to be closer with Christ. It has always been with us, that key of becoming closer with Him, but we're either too busy with other stuff or too lazy to take time in even looking for that 'key'. When in fact, two simple actions need to be done to unlock that door - reading the Scriptures and praying unceasingly.

The Holy Scriptures are God-breathed, as Paul emphasized in the second book of Timothy. They are from God, meaning, reading them will lead us to know so much more about Him. And if we learn more about Him, we will realize His true character and understand His plans for us. It takes time to get to know someone, right... it's the same with Jesus Christ. Reading the Bible is not an overnight thing to do, it's an everyday habit, something we must do genuinely. I know we're very curious, we're somehow clueless, but opening that special book and digesting each word carefully and wholeheartedly, we will know. And He will make Himself known.

Unity is much needed in youth todays. You can see that differences and personal insecurities put up barriers in between youth, that they tend not to reach out to others and stay in their own comfort zone. Or at times, unfortunately do things to bring other youth down. How can youth achieve unity? Just by simply tending to a relationship with each other?

The answer is simply No. It's not enough. Before one can build a strong relationship with other youth, one must be ONE with God. Unity with Christ is the first and most important starter for everything that follows next. When youth are united in Christ, they will shed off their differences and team up to do God's work. They will use any differences as strength to compliment one another... to be able to accomplish something for God. It's not about recognition nor personal achievement, it's all for the glory of God.

We are God's chosen people, His elect, His very own peculiar people. Should we wait when Satan pours out his wrath and sly tricks to destroy us... to use us, youth, against each other.. and sadly, against our church and our own families? 

"The storm is coming, the storm that will try every man's faith of what sort it is. Believers must now be firmly rooted in Christ or else they will be led astray by some phase of error." Evangelism, pp. 361, 362 (1905).

If we're weak, we will be easily tossed by winds of false doctrines, coming from multitude of false preachers who will lead us into the wrong path. The enemy will use us, dear youth, to lead others to the pit of sin, to the pit of destruction. Will we wait for that day before we regret not reading the Bible? regret not praying steadfastly to the Lord? regret not abiding by His words?

Time is short. Our life here on earth is short, for we excitedly await for His soon return.

Perilous times are coming sooner than we expected.

Let us be united in Christ, just like the body parts are united for one purpose, one goal.

We can't live without God in our lives.

Prayer is like air that we need 24/7.

God's words, the Holy Scriptures is like proper nutrition that will quench our hunger and thirst for good life.. that will empower us not only physically, but spiritually.

Dear youth, let us be ONE with God.. and we can build strong relationships and be empowered for His ministry here on earth... before His second coming.

My Guardian Angel I

I believe in angels. I already wrote about this in my personal blog. I know they exist and I have my own personal guardian angel. Since childhood, I have been fascinated by stories of these exquisite creatures that I always dream of meeting them one day. Although that fateful day hasn't come yet, revelations of their existence unfold with each passing day. I have been a witness, no,to be more precise, I have been a victim of the wonderful deeds these angels do for us. And of course, how my own personal guardian angel unfailingly saved and protected my life. I know God has sent them to be with us, guiding us, watching faithfully over us.

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It was a cool afternoon. I was still young at that time, in my elementary years when our church decided to join the district-wide hiking in Silang, Cavite. Back then, I've been always excited and ready to go, so I prepared for the trip, along with my family, churchmates and other fellow members of the other churches. I remember clearly the trail we took towards our destination - Japanese cave - believed to be used as hideout of the Japanese soldiers during the period of war against the Americans. We have to climb over a wall, towering over my petite size, trudge against the direct flow of the narrow river, tread down the slippery and winding road, and swim inside the dark and eerie cave. Of course, before anything else, the huge group prayed for the safety of everyone and the success of the trip.

Young as I am, I eagerly press on the first stop towards the destination, not thinking about putting myself in trouble. To climb the wall, a nearby tree is used to edge carefully on the not-so-wide length of the wall. I climbed and waited for my turn to sit on the railing and let myself be caught by another person on the other side. As I was standing on the branch of the tree, I suddenly slipped one foot and the next thing I knew, I was facing the wall already! People near me were already swarming, asking if I was okay. Actually, I was unhurt. My father slowly took me out and as I looked back, I realized something. The space between the tree and the wall is so narrow that a chubby girl like me, who will fall in between will hit my face real hard against the wall. But, they didn't see any scratches nor trace of blood on my face, let alone my whole body. There was just a faint line in my elbow, and nothing more. Funny, I remained unscathed. It was impossible, I kept on looking at my father and back to the accident spot.

Then slowly, as if they're being pulled back by my sensitive brain, I remembered feeling 'someone', yes, someone protecting me. I mean, I felt I was wrapped by someone (since I felt warmth) that protected me from hitting the wall and the tree with a bigger impact. That 's when I decided I have been saved by my GUARDIAN ANGEL.

Since then, I never fail to whisper thanks to my angel for saving me that day. If not for what he/she did, I could have gotten inevitable scars on my face, and my arms, and even hurting my back.

It was an experience I'll never forget for the rest of my life. It was a special event that my guardian angel showed me how compassionate my God is, and that my angel really do exist.

How about you? Did you ever hear the faint swish of your angel's wings? Or felt the soft touch of the hands that will keep you safe?

God never forget. He will always keep us safe, and what more special way to do that but through these ANGELS sent from above.

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"For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone."
Proverbs 91:11-12
NRSV

be watchful and wait!

"But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
Matthew 24:36
NRSV

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Have you ever waited for someone, perhaps a loved one at the airport? Do you remember the feeling of excitement for that momentous event that you will see that person again? Do you keep on looking at your wristwatch, counting the minutes till he arrives? Then at last, the long wait is over, you saw him, baggages in tow, walking towards you, smiling. And you were already running over to welcome him with open arms.

Will it be the same scene when Jesus come? Will His children be waiting faithfully for Him with open arms? Or will we be busy with our own chores that we fail to see the signs of the times appearing before us? Jesus has left a message to His disciples before He ascended back to heaven. He promised that He will return and take the righteous back to that eternal home He will prepare for us. It was a wonderful promise and the disciples held steadfast to His word.

How about us? Are we still reminded by that promise? Or have we been too busy going with the fast lane of life, we even can't take time to sit and read God's word? Jesus is coming soon, very soon. Many who have encountered the wonderful message and have been waiting until now are slowly doubting the relevance of the news. They seemed to lose their belief, tired of waiting Jesus' return. They've been asking "when" and "how long". I personally still believe He is coming. But the real question is not the time nor the manner, since it is already written in the Holy Book that "he comes as a thief in the night". The question lies if we are ready for His return. Are we prepared? Are we watchful of the signs He has given us to look forward for?

Let us keep on believing and wait. Soon, very soon, the gates of heaven will open and we will witness the coming of our Lord. How beautiful it will be if we are one of those righteous children, patiently waiting, ready to welcome Him with open arms!

That day will soon come. Let us be watchful and wait!