Change this heart

In my life and thoughts

There are so many things

That need to change and only your love can bring

All I need to be transformed into your likeness

Oh Lord

Change this heart inside of me!

God knows everything! I am messy, sinner, broken, imperfect but still He likes me, choose me and wants me because He loves me. He had promised that everything will be okay in His hands. So, let go of EVERYTHING that HINDERS us in serving the Lord. Our chains are already broken, we are free, the cross declares it is done! Finish the race and run to win!

“Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly. I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize’’ – 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

-Jennifer Kate Samar-Leyte

*Reflection time

Why are we facing mild and severe suffering?

For me, it is to test my faith and increase it and to humble me. The lesson this week made my heart cry and it felt so heavy. I had a feeling that I didn’t want to stop crying because I’m being broken but Jesus makes me whole again. He dragged me out of the darkness, molded me and renewed my perspective and beliefs. I learned that in every trial, there is a reason behind it and a solution as well. I understand that He is everything even when I don’t have anything. Just like what Job said, I was born with nothing and I will die with nothing. Therefore, I decided that I would make my big U turn and follow Him again. I would believe what Jesus said, not what I thought He should say. And I would live each day as if everything I do that day will matter forever. Glory and Honor belong to God.

- David Jude - Samar-Leyte

Do you TRUST me enough to OBEY me?

Honestly speaking, trusting God is easy to say and do when we have an abundance. But when testing of faith comes and struggles, trials, problems, and hardships strike us, our faith and trust in the Lord are shaken and sometimes become questionable. Week 4 brings a lot of memories about struggles and trials which made me question God and why He let me experience those things. I complained and questioned Him a lot. But He is not a deaf God. He answered me through His Word in James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produce perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you maybe mature and complete not lacking anything.” This led me to question myself, if I really do trust God no matter what the outcome may be. It’s hard to say yes when I’m not in a hard situation, but I know God is not done with me yet. I am still a work in progress. Every day God is working in me.

Jhing--  Samar-Leyte

 “Men who go after the Sauls among us often crucify

The Davids among us.”

We were born with these two characters which leaves us with a choice to either be a Saul or a David. These two great kings were both anointed by God  but with the choices they made left two different trails for the new generation to choose from. 
There is Saul, who once submitted to God’s authority but later on was eaten by greed, pride, and jealousy. 
 And there is David who chose to rely on God rather than on himself. He chose not to be blinded by power, fame, pride, greatness, nor pain etc. He chose not be Saul even though many times he was tempted.
 These 2 characters create a big impact in our lives. Obedience requires a choice. Let's not  allow the Sauls among us crucify the Davids among us.
 Don’t let power, fame, success, pride  or hurt overpower you. Always remember that in every CHOICE there comes a consequence. The choice is YOURS, so choose wisely.
 I too have a choice to make. 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your path straight.” –Proverbs 3:5-6

-Jeniffer Kate 23- Samar-Leyte

Consider it pure joy…

  Being a servant of Christ is not easy. There’s a lot of persecution, frustration, and temptation but the Scripture says “Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3NIV). These words give strength to people who face a lot of trials -- this is what the believers in the small village we are reaching out are going through. Sometimes in our Bible studies, they just smile at us and give no answer to the questions we ask about the Bible stories. Their smiles seemed to hide the pain from the trials they are going through. My team continues to encourage them with scriptures and remind them of God’s goodness and faithfulness. Let’s Keep Advancing for the Kingdom!  Glory and Honor belong to our God!

-David Jude 20- Samar-Leyte

Finish the Race

Original Language

Ang aking karanasan

Nung nakaraang linggo, pumunta kami sa isang barangay para magbahagi ng Magandang Balita at mag-encourage sa mga mananampalataya. Ang paglalakad ay mahirap pero ako’y nasisiyahan hanggang sa punto na kami ay naligaw at hindi na naming alam kung anong daan ang aming tatahakin. Naisip ko na bumalik nalang ng camp site pero ang Panginoon ay nangusap sa aking puso at ako ay napaalalahanan  na hindi Nya ipinangako sa mga taong pumiling sumunod sa kanya ang madaling daan sa halip sinabi niya na asahan na ito’y magkakaroon ng pag-uusig at pagkabigo. At ako’y  nagpatuloy sa paglalakad kasama ang aking groupo at nakarating din kami sa aming distinasyon .Nakita ko kung paano ang Diyos kumikilos kahit sa konting tao na nadoon.

TRANSLATION

“I consider my life worth nothing to me if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me -the task of testifying to the Gospel of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24

We went out to the community this weekend to share the Gospel and encourage believers. The hike was tough but I enjoyed it until we got lost and had no idea which path to take. I thought of just going back to the camp but the Lord spoke into my heart and I was reminded that He did not promise an easy road to those who obey Him rather, He told them to expect a jungle filled with danger (persecutions & probably frustrations). So I continued to walk with the team and reached our destination and saw how God is at work even in the very few people that we found there.

                                                                                                                   -DJ, 20 Samar-Leyte

I can do all things through Christ....

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13

This verse still echoes in my mind. Looking back on my experiences last year in the field during Filipino& American NT, I thought I’d already reached my limit, that I couldn’t do more. But God reminded me with that verse I wrote above. We have been here at AOT for a week now and the first day of ministry has started.  We walked 18km to visit the contacts in different barangays and to do courtesy calls with the Brgy. Captain. The best part of this experience is not only walking that far but also walking under heavy rains up and down the hills from the camp to the village and then back to camp again. I never imagined I could do it because I know it is impossible. Yes, I am weak, my ability and capacity has limitations but God’s power has no limitations and I should have never underestimated Him. I learned to trust Him more, depend on Him and rely on Him for His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in my weakness.

                                                                                                                                -Jhing, 23 Samar-Leyte