To those who have been reading my blog posts since I started this account, you would remember how I was this angst-ridden, antsy college kid who informed everyone about what irks her and what drives her to do the things she does and most of the time, those decisions stemmed from emotions that overpowered her morals.
I just came home from Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier, where Freedom Fest 2018 was held. I met people from different VCF and CCF congregations as well as other Christian churches all over the Metro as we gathered together for a day commemorating the Philippines' 120th anniversary of independence from Spanish colonial rule. Not only was it a celebration of liberty and separation from Spain but it signifies our freedom from bondage. The freedom that Christ gives us compares to nothing we can ever get here on Earth.
Damboo Calixto, a fellow member of VCF Alabang, was surprised to find himself being with another member from his home church. I know him by face but not by name but as we spent almost eight hours together worshipping, listening and praising God, I saw how God has been faithful to him as he came to SM Aura without a ticket, He withdrew money from his account to be able to afford one but God blessed him with a free ticket, allowing him to enjoy and participate in the festivities.
As I listened to the speakers speak about veering away from the world's views on relationships, success and character, I found myself reflecting on the past 31 years of my human existence. One of the speakers said that we should reap for ourselves treasures in heaven for all the luxuries we enjoy now will remain here. We are not to take anything with us to our graves and Paradise.
Have I been reaping those heavenly treasures? For what we consider high in value is only pavement in heaven, as per the words of Pastor JP Masakayan from Christ Commission Fellowship. Marble and gold are expensive and only museums or monoliths use those for its structures. In Pyrgos, Greece, the whole village is made from marble. How awesome is that? Truly, God made wondrous things.
If God gives the flowers unique skin and color, so has he made us unique and in His image and likeness. We are God's representatives on Earth and we should reflect His love, mercy, generosity and compassion to all mankind. Whether they may be Christians, Muslims, Mormons, Jews or Atheists; we must all treat each other as we would treat ourselves. Yet, you must love your self and not degrade yourselves. God does not see us the way the world does.
The enemy time and time again has been taunting me and tempting me to go back to my disastrous past. We are no longer who we once were for we are made new in Christ. Study the Scriptures and ask the Holy Spirit to allow you to discern which messages come from the enemy or God. Not all good comes from God. Satan can lure us with promises of a better life but in exchange for our morals, our reputation and sometimes, even our lives are being held hostage by him whenever we choose to strike a deal with him in exchange for things we think we need.
31 years. In a few months, my age will no longer be found on the number of days in a month. I am no longer afraid to age because with age comes maturity and growth. Wisdom comes with it. I only pray that as that date draws close, I am one step closer to fulfilling God's plans for my life as well as the mission He called me to accomplish.
