Nothing Much, Just Reading... Harold Sala's Winning Your Inner Struggles

Two of the things I did with in the last seven days: 1) Finish reading Winning Your Inner Struggles, 2) Watched Street Fighter: Legend Of Chun Li. OK, so I don't recommend #2. My expectation was really low, around 3 out of 10 (10 being the highest); but it was way lower than that. I did get a good laugh about the experience though.

Anyway, we all know that Harold and Darlene Sala are in the country for a month now. I attended one of their seminars on singleness in CBCP (Christian Bible Church of the Philippines) a few weeks ago. During that time, I bought a book (Winning Your Inner Struggles) with the thought that this might help me with some of my struggles with regards to temptations. But, it wasn't what I expected; it was better. It tackles almost every part of our self.... fear, emotion, anger, burn out, disappointments, worries, stress, etc. I've learned a lot that I've been praying to God to help me apply. 

One of the things I picked up is the line "you can let your emotions control your mind, or let your mind control your emotions." (This isn't the exact line, but it's more or less the same). If you're sad, depressed, emotional, tired - you'll really feel it once you let those feelings take over your mind and convince you. But we can do it the other way around... If you think you're happy, you will eventually be happy. Just let your mind do the controlling; don't let your emotions dictate how good or bad your day will be.

Also, as I was reading, some people came to my mind whom I wanted to recommend the book to. Friends of mine whom, I believe, can also learn from it. The further I read, more friends I thought of. So I was at a point where I thought this book could help all of us. The good thing about it is that Dr. Sala goes back to the Bible as one of his main reference which is very important. Before we apply what we read, we should always make sure that the author is not making up what he writes. So I recommend buying this book. Hey, it's P170. It's light and easy to read.

Results: Garage Sale For Summer Con

I'm not too keen on the details regarding the garage sale yesterday, since I wasn't there. But I heard that they were able to make p30,000. That's a pretty good amount, and only happened through God's grace. The money raised will be used to subsidize the summer con amount for those who can't really afford the full p8000. I think priority will be given to students.

Anyway, up next is tomorrow (this Sunday). There will be a food booth that will sell, uhm...Shabu shabu., I think.hehe... Anyway, it's gonna be delicious, so don't forget to bring your wallets. Here's your chance to help out once again. Who said you can't help others by eating? God bless all of you.

Garage Sale For Summer Con

"First of all, sorry folks for not being able to blog this past couple of weeks. I've been having a dry spell lately. Anyway, I'm back, and I'm no longer dry. Thank God."

In the spirit of raising money for our Family Conference in Ilocos, we will be having a Garage Sale this Friday (Feb 27, 2009). It will be a whole day event starting @ 9am in our church (Grace Christian Church). If you have anything worth selling that you probably don't need, here's your chance to get rid of it. You will be helping our church also. It's killing two birds with one stone. Just just pass by the church any reasonable time tomorrow to drop your stuff.

And... if you're wondering whether our church has a garage or not... you are not alone, I'm still wondering about it myself. Anyway, it will probably in the fellowship hall or just the open area where they park all the vans. So drop by this Friday and check out the all the stuff that's for sale.

Or if you have nothing to do... you can also volunteer to help out, just text Glenn 09228425075. (And don't forget to state who you are.)

(Image taken from: http://codes.ci.lubbock.tx.us/images/garageSaleSmall.jpg)

2009 DVBS - Son Rock

GCC's 2009 Daily Vacation Bible School will be entitled Son Rock. The theme concentrates on how our kids can build their lives upon Jesus Christ, the ROCK. It will be held on April 21 to 27. Like each year, there will be something special planned for the kids. There would be a limit of 90 slots for kids going to Kinder 2 to Grade 6/HS. There would be exceptions for 3 years old and below, but only for a limited 20. For p700 each, this is a bargain. So register now, until April 11, while slots last. 

You may register at the church office, or inquire at the DVBS booth every Sunday (there should be one soon). You can also call 3641415 / 3641977 for more inquiries. You may also visit Gospel Light's official Son Rock website for more details on the materials and lessons.

Let us help our kids be wise by building their lives on Jesus. Just like the song... 

The Wise man builds his house upon the Rock!!!

Supersize Me

Summer is the time to breakaway from school and all the responsibilities that are tangled up with it. It's the one time in the year where you can glaze your eyes on the television set or the computer without being yelled at for ignoring your homework. But we still get badgered about not spending our time as wisely. So this year, Grace Christian Church is sponsoring a Summer Youth Camp charged with activities, messages, and a week with your friends!

Last year, Grace's Summer Camp (Unmasked!) was held at the Asian Theological Seminary in Baguio. The theme revolved around our personal identity under who we are in God. A video message was played zeroing on the spiritual warfare that is continually going on around us. Personally, these messages helped me get a better grasp of who I am and the world that revolves around me. I needn't be ashamed of who I am in Christ, nor should I fear the things of this world. With this in mind, I look forward to the things I'll learn this coming summer at the Youth Camp.

The Grace Summer Youth Camp will be held at the Graceland Estates and Country Club in Tayabas, Quezon, during May 13-16. Early registration is advised, starting at P2,800 till Feb. 28; P3,300 from March 1 to May 3. There are limited slots, so apply now!

Joshua Back in School!!!

So last Sunday, I was able to talk to Reuben hia (Joshua's Dad). Not only is Joshua back in Junior Church, but he's also back to school (SSHS) until lunch time. It's a really great news.

So MRI results showed that his tumor, on January 3, 2009, had a dimension of  4.2 * 5.7 * 3.5. Compared to the results last September 7, 2008 of 5.7 * 7 * 4.8, this seems to be more or less 40% of what it used to be. Though, I really don't know how it is computed; his dad said that it only shrunk a little. Anyway, a little can go along way. 

God is really amazing. Let us always remember to thank him and to "pray unceasingly" 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Summer Conference 09'

Our church's family summer conference will held during [no surprise] Holy Week. It will be from Tuesday, April 7, to Saturday, April 11 (most probably). It will MOST PROBABLY be held at Ilocos. Estimates mention that it will cost around p8000 per person. So start saving now!!!

As for the theme and whatever we are going to do there.. I'll post them later on after I get the details.

Building Bridges to Reach the Non-Christians

This entry is targeted for Believers, feel free to read.

Last Friday, January 9 at Grace Christian Church, Ptr. Jeanette Yu was invited to speak about the theme "What Can I Do For You Lord?" She talked about reaching out to non-Christians and spreading the Gospel to them. It was time for soul harvesting! She challenged everyone to spread the Gospel in our own families. It's a small step that can have a big impact! We love our families right? So we ought to share to them the truth! For those who fear rejection, Ptr. Jeanette said that being ridiculed is but a small sacrifice. What if the person dies and you know that he has not accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior? Then it's a big burden that you'll have to carry. There will be a lot of "What IFs" on your part and maybe regrets. After all, it is not us who will convince them to accept Christ; it is the Holy Spirit's work. We are just instruments of God who will convey the message for Him. So before we do, we must pray to God for wisdom and strength to be able to say the right words.

I, for one, have a big fear of rejection and fear of not being able to answer their questions. I feel inadequate and fear that I don't have the right amount of wisdom to share the Gospel. SO what needs to be done? Then study God's word. Read the Bible everyday and meditate on it. Memorize the verses. In that way, we'll be able to prepare ourselves. If we love God, we'll give time to Him. We love spending a lot of time with people we love, so why not spend time with God Who created us?

There was this article in A Beka book Bible Doctrines For Today that I have read. It has a great impact on me and convicted me that in ancient times, people were on fire for God. They spread the Gospel even if it meant risking their lives. Nowadays, people are free to spread the Gospel in most places, but still we don't share the Gospel because we fear rejection. What an irony that people were more passionate in sharing the Gospel when their lives are in danger that people who can freely evangelize but chooses not to because of fear of ridicule or rejection. Think about the souls you can save and the joy of the angels and God Himself when one soul accepts Christ. One can have a lot of impact. That "one" can change a lot of lives and influence a lot of people. In the parable, The Lost Sheep and The Lost Coin, people were looking for that lost sheep/coin even if they have 99 of them already. Just like in the souls of the people, even if 99 were saved already, God will rejoice for that 1 mere soul who was lost and is now found!

So I encourage you to pray to God to give you strength, wisdom and courage to reach out to people. One person can make a difference and that's you! Go out and make disciples of all nations! Let us fulfill the Great Commission.

Here's the outline of Ptr. Jeannette Yu's Building Bridges to Reach the Non-Christians:

A. See people from God's perspective

- they are lost without Christ and will end up in hell.

- overcome your fear of rejection or ridicule.

B. Pray that God will open their minds and hearts with the gospel

FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM

* attend social functions

* greet during birthday and special occassions

* text inspirational quotes once a week

* listen and encourage them when they have problems

* comfort them if their loved one died

* invite them to the fellowship

* treat them out

* share your testimony to them

* live an exemplary Christian life

- pray and read God's Word everyday

- strive to live a happy life

- memorize verses

EVANGELIZING PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT FAITH

* don't attack their religion outright

* chair illustration

* appreciate good things about their religion

* talk about common points of their faith and Christianity

* discuss but do not debate differences

* don't force or make them guilty

* don't get discouraged or be makulit if the person rejects the gospel

* keep praying with him/her

EVANGELIZING PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT PERSONALITY

* emotional vampires

* keep in mind that God has accepted us in spite of our weaknesses

* ask God to grant us unconditional love for the unlovable

* look beyond mere appearances

* focus on their positive traits

EVANGELIZING PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT CULTURE

* avoid racial discrimination and generalization

* befriend them

* take time out to spend with them

* appreciate the good things about their culture

* learn their language

EVANGELIZING PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT SEXUAL ORIENTATION

* don't ostracize or make fun of them

* understand why one becomes homosexual

-abusive/absentee father

-domineering mom

-influenced by media and friends

-for fame or money

-molested/raped by the same sex

-cheated by a boyfriend

HOW I REACH OUT TO MY GAY/LESBIAN FRIENDS

* treat them with respect

* accept them for who they are although they know I don't condone homosexuality

* use biology to convince them that no one is born homosexual

source pix: http://livethered.blogspot.com/2007/06/building-bridges.html\