Someone Knows and Plans

I used to do stuff that are not agreeable to the eyes of the Lord. Name it! I bet you got 6 out of 10 correctly. It was only in college when I learned the terrible stuff that could have funneled me to spiritual death if I did not relinquish. Put the blame to curiosity! That’s kind of different to the attitude that I had. When I was in high school, I was the buster not really for jejemons but those who flick a pointless life.

Though I spared much of my time for study, I rarely missed a night-out since I started doing it. I can sense what you are thinking. Like you are saying “who the hell is this guy to bash my most coveted thing to do?” Hey! Don’t get me wrong. Partying is just so fine as long as you will not fall short of God’s standards like getting drunk, doing meet-up-hook-up after, etc. Just have fun with your friends without defiling yourself! Check your intentions and let God set your boundaries!

All those fun stuff, as you have named it, that I carried out weren’t anymore fun during my most dry days. I started seeking for a way to fill a hole that kept on budding in my heart. It felt like all those nights were in a pattern. Repeating, repeating, again, again… then turned boring. Finally, I realized it is only God who can fill that up. It is akin to the vampire who has lived for 400 years who cannot find another activity for himself that would bestow him gratification… then found God. Only in fiction, I infer.

Enough said. Those bad stuff took place because I trusted my own decisions. When I plan for myself using my own understanding, it sucks big time. When I fully-surrendered my life to Jesus, I learned what God wants for my life. I learned that God’s plans are perfect in every way! One of his plans is to give us wisdom which really helped me weigh the boons and banes of my every step. Before, I just accomplish whatever spells fun. I didn’t know. If I only I knew it will not give me future benefit.

The Scripture tells us in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” In here, God tells us the He “knew” Jeremiah even before he was born. He knows what Jeremiah’s life would be and what he is going to become. Like Jeremiah, God knows each and everyone of us by name. Isn’t that great? He knows your strengths and weaknesses; and He’s more than willing to strengthen that weak part as you please.

His plans are for our welfare as well. It says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Does it denote all the right things in life? Exactly! Now I am sure you want to have that. How? Trust the Lord and follow Jesus! How do I know? The Bible tells us so!

Greatest plan He has for us? In Romans 8:29, it is written, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” God prearranged us to become like Jesus as we follow His steps. For Jesus is the truth and the way to the Father in Heaven. No one else can compare to that. It is up to you as to whether you will accept God’s call or not. If you will accept it, I tell you, it’s the best thing to have in life!

God has visions for you. He has instilled a purpose for you. He offers all of these to you. Trust Him and not your own understanding and you will notice how your life changes to something dull to colorful. What happened to me can happen to you as well.

Politics?

Observing the throng watching President Noynoy Aquino’s speech, I felt the sensation and the optimism in the clamouring hearts of the nation. So to speak, I consider Aquino’s reign and bureaucracy as a potential turning point for our nation. Since this time is of the new appointees, perhaps change that Aquino promised can take place. My parents, as murmured to me, were able to evoke the epoch of the late President Cory Aquino with the yellow crowd and banners.

I heeded a lot of promises from P-noy. Now that I am politically aware, I just can’t stop myself from thinking of the unending possibilities and uncertain events that can occur without the nation’s knowledge. Is he only excellent in the beginning? What will be the situation after 3 years? 6 years? Can he put rapid actions in his words?

In my modest opinion, the undertakings were satisfying. Though I have heard a lot of it from other leaders who declared only what people desire to hear, I am still positioning high with this diminutive hope inside me. The whole Philippines is here to watch his every move. The public will be able to tell apart when his actions are not anymore aligned with his promises.

Noynoy has not proven his aptitude in leading the nation. Within 6 years, I hope he would be able to keep up those assurances. I wish he will not limit himself with what he had sworn in his inauguration speech. I also anticipate his other plans that are not wicked for the betterment of the country.

At the end of the day, people, with the help of God, will have the final say in their lives. One must use the God-given wisdom in deciding for themselves. Since this is a new chapter for all of us, then why not instil for change? The country’s success does not depend on P-noy’s hands alone but also from us and from our Creator who has full control over us.

Will Never Forsake Me

"Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious
ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord." Psalms 25:7 (NIV)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

How many times have I marred your heart? Tons, is it not? What were your verdicts that moment, Lord? Did you endeavor to leave me behind? Did you pronounce you were under par and consider necessary to let go of me? There was no denunciation, was it not? Who am I, Lord? You think I ought to have this? I have upset you a lot, haven’t I? Why did you conceal me in your wings?

Love. Simply love. It is all because of Your love for me, for us, for all you have breathed upon. Who else can offer that kind of love? None. You had the choice to abscond but you are not wicked. It is not in Your nature, Lord. You are more than keen to scamper behind us if we feel like running away. You are good and upright; You instruct sinners in Your ways. You are never failing to forgive. Tons for marring your heart… One mercy erases it all.

This is the type of love I have been probing for. I thought I would be able to find it in earthly possessions but you proved me wide of the mark, Lord. I thought every deed that I had done was not a big deal to every person who truly loves me. If only I listened to Your factual whispers. I am secured now, Father, for You incessantly screen my life from the fiery arrows of the enemies. My hope is in You. I will not get tired of following You.

U-Turn

February 23, 2002. William Cruzana received Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior.

"Something's missing! Why am I drifting?" William inquired as he felt coldness in his heart.

"I'll do the things that will give me bliss!" He supposed. Confused, he tried doing every act on his own. He doggedly decided for himself without asking God to show him His will. He chose not to listen.

For years, he had become a witness of a life spiritually and emotionally drowning. I needed to be rescued, he thought. He knew it was not too late to start things up again. It would be hard to leave his past behind but he deliberated that nothing is unattainable with God. Blinded by the world and without him knowing, God had taken him for a personal encounter.

Finally after hurtful years he finally got back to his senses.. to Abba.

"Not 360° nor 90°. Take a 180° you hypocrite! You lack obedience!," he muttered to his entirety when he finally got dead beat of his life.

"I'm done with this! I will never come back to this kind of mess ever again!" he noted in his very aggravated manner. He gripped his old iPod and rummaged around to look for a song apt for the moment. He scrolled down and ticked on Rescue by Michael Gungor. Desperate for forgiveness, he started to shed tears to God as he felt the Holy Spirit setting his heart on fire.

"Forgive me, Father. I have hurt you. I never realized that I was no longer paying attention. I drifted away..." Tears surged like river as he spoke one by one the peccadillo he had committed. He asked God to absolve him as he repented. He knew then that He was forgiven because God is truly merciful.

God instructed him to read his Word. In book of Psalms, he found God's message.

Days have gone by.. He felt peace. Real love. He saw the colors of life. Then on, he witnessed the beauty of God's creation.

Months have passed.. He served God with all his heart. He declared that he is God's servant. He let God cover him as the enemy attacks him.

And now....

Refurbishment of This

This blog had turned out to be a means for me to release angst, wrath, depression, depression, depression, more depression, and mendacity brought by the foe. I am opting to update this site not to impress everybody or to lift up my name anymore. If you would look back and read my old posts, one will be able to notice the murky heart that I once had. I decided not to erase these absurd posts for I believe that those mark my past... a past that will not ruin me any longer. I am 98% sure that it will not revisit! The chains on my wrists had been unlocked by Jesus. I am free! Let's share God's faithfulness through this site!This is not ABOUT ME anymore, it is about God's name and fame...

A Letter For A Sick Great Man

"Jesus is our Lord and Savior; the One who values us that no man can ever be compared at. How? He died on the cross to save us from sins. Without that love, we will have eternal death. "

-----------------------------------------------------------

Dear Otosan,

First of all, I want to tell you that I've been praying for you. The whole Ortigas family is praying for your quick recovery. I'm praying for your physical health and spiritual health. Tomorrow, we will fast and pray for the start of our Sunday service. I'll make it sure that we will include you and all those who are suffering from pain in our prayers. At first, I thought of praying only for your physical health but God told me through His Word to pray for your spiritual health as well. Spiritual and physical health both come from God's healing touch. He is my healer; He is your healer too! Whether it is sickness or spiritual, God is always there to show His plans, offer forgiveness and healing to us. We just always have to be in faith in order to receive that healing.

Remember that God is our rock that can't be moved by any who would harm us. God is also our fortress or place of safety where our enemies can't follow. He is our shield, strength of our salvation, and our stronghold. Whenever you would feel the pain, just look up to our God for He suffers with us. He has been with you since then. You know His promise? He will never leave you nor forsake you! In your sickbed, he sits beside you. He's actually everywhere. You can talk to Him if you want to. He's more than willing to hear you and speak with you. You have to willingly open your heart for Him to come in so that you can hear Him! I've always told myself to encourage those who are sick physically and spiritually to have faith in God. Moreover, if that person does not know Jesus yet, I will have him know Him. Jesus is our Lord and Savior; the One who values us that no man can ever be compared at. How? He died on the cross to save us from sins. Without that love, we will have eternal death. Consider these verses: "For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, Our Lord." Romans 6:23. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life" John 3:16.

Jesus is offering you a new life and a new beginning. He does not only give us an exciting life here on earth, but also one day he'll take us to heaven to be with him forever. You can receive Christ's payment for your sins. Then you will be forgiven and made right with God. It's not complicated at all. First, accept that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. We should admit that we are a sinner who needs God's forgiveness. Next, repent of our sin, then trust God to give you a new heart and eternal life. If you've done that, you are spiritually healed. As for your physical sickness, trust and trust and trust God that you will be well soon... Just as we believe that God will deliver you and support you in the fight against Cancer. We love you Otosan! We are so much delighted with your family.

- William Cruzana, Jr.

A Prologue for My Future Baby

My angel, the one that I have waited for; I want to tell you how gratified I am to finally have you. My eagerness to do well in work and studies would not have been fully rewarded without you. I have worked stiff enough for you my little seraph. I would go home immediately from work excited because I truly love to be with you and your stunning mother.

I made this one a long time ago when I was still praying for a wife and whilst listening to my favorite piano track which is entitled Memories in My Eyes and by Yiruma. What joy and excitement did it bring when I started to think of you and your mom! I told myself then, in the future, what will the world mean to me without a wife and our cherub cuddling beside me?

Please take note of what I am going to utter. I only have one penchant for you, my child. You should trust and obey the Lord in everything you do. Why only that? I know once you have entirely understood what I said, every superior thing will tag along naturally. I believe that you would be the sweetest kid, one that is responsible in her studies, and obeying child because you are devoted to our God.

Even though I am your father, do not imitate my life before I wholly surrendered my life to the Lord. Your daddy, regrettably, was enticed by the world before and I do not want you to experience such gruesome incident in your being. Live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. Fix your eyes on Jesus Christ. Obey us for we know what is best for you. I promise that your mother and I will always be there for you. I will prove to everyone that you deserve to be in this loving family. As your father, I will surely provide your every need whether financially, emotionally, just everything you want my dear, for I know God will justly bless us. You are the most precious gift man could ever receive. I thank God for granting such an adorable baby. Obey God and you will have a very pleasing life.

P.S. Your mom and I really love you with all our heart and soul. Be a good person and enjoy your stay in the world!