Look at Me

Men can wear masks to conceal who they really are.  Like a person who portrays a popular character, man has the capacity to treat the world as a big stage.  He can pretend to be someone else as long as he likes without the knowledge of the next person. Although people around him can be fooled, he cannot deceive himself.  He can be a charlatan and suggest to people proposals but not do the same thing. At the end of the day, both he and God know what the veracity inside him is.

            One saying goes like this, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” We can also say that our action is the translation of what we truly feel inside.  An individual is familiar with his own deeds and thinking.  Even if he tries to hide his true being, it just comes out in a very unexpected manner.  It is safe to say that a person’s character is then distinguished when no one is looking at him.  The things that he commits secretly is what defines him.  Whether good or awful and even without anyone noticing, what a person carries out naturally constitutes his true self. 

            Many deem that an alteration of one’s self is somewhat unfeasible especially when you have had such attitude or way of life since then.  Truthful to say, our conscience has an impeccable role in forming our character.  If we listen to that still and small voice within us that tells us pertinent things given the different stressful seasons in our lives, we can win the battle between just acting as a righteous person and being someone who is innately righteous.  To give a concrete example, if you truly follow Jesus Christ, God’s endowment, the Holy Spirit who is our conscience, will guide you in your daily life.  If we trust our own will, we immensely find it hard to do good works. But because of grace and the Holy Spirit who works as our guide and conscience, we can overcome the thought and do things that we initially deemed we could never do.

            Who would not want his character to be one that is filled by conscience?  Is it not glorious on our end to have good works exemplified, at the same time, be true to ourselves?  It then has become a challenge posed to each of us to leave hypocrisy and practice what we preach.  After all, who covets to live a life that is full of lies and foolish? The ideal answer is “no one.” In reality, it is sad to say that many people fall short.  Some people do what is unethical just to have gains.

            It is amusing to think that we give it our best just to pose as someone who, in the first place, is not us.  We hide in sheepskins even though we are considered as wolves.  Are we pursuing to be like one until we die? We have one life to live, are we not supposed to make it count?  This is a challenge and I hope that we will not take it lightly. God rewards those that are righteous in His sight, not the self-righteous.

Our Awful Mess

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24, NIV

In reality, we clutter. Do you believe that we are faultless? No, for nobody is perfect. Although we persistently discover truths from what had happened to us in the past, we still are attracted to the act as if sin is embedded on us. Even though we strive to modify our actions, we fail. At the end of our own strength, we become frustrated, tired, and unresponsive to what life has in store for us.

The one mentioned above is the manifestation of the devil’s tainting of our goodness. We often ask why we, humans, still sin when it could have been prevented. Philosophers uttered several theories that could explain a person’s attitude, way of life and thinking. Many who were deemed to be logical had opposed the suppositions of others. Religions were attacked and false beliefs were tried to be altered. Moreover, arguments and sound discussions had taken place and it seemed endless to some. But after all of these, the truth prevailed.How was it judged? Which is valid?

In the attempt to distinguish the superiority and veracity of one belief to the other, a watchful exploration must be conducted. In line with this, I included a summary of each notion in this post. The first view, Personalism, tries to explain to us how unique an individual is and proves to us that each person has free will and value. Subjectivity is the staple of this view. This means that the experience of a person shapes him/her personhood. While the other, Relativism, tells us that all points of view are equally valid, and all truth is relative to the individual.

Relativism approves that no system of truth is superior to another one, and that there is no objective standard of truth. It would, basically, deny that there is a God of absolute truth. The goal of relativism is to avoid the idea that there is actually right and wrong. The effect of this is that people will continue to sin against a Holy God without them knowing that they are really sinning. All of these being said, in relativism, we are tolerating what is evil. A dose of Personalism or human encounter or experience with the truthfulness of God will change our lives significantly.

To be righteous, not declared by self, we have to experience the grace of God. The Scripture clearly tells us that all men have fallen short of the glory of God. By admitting that we are a sinner followed by the acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are saved and can see God face to face when we finally perish. In the aftermath, you will notice that there is no more condemnation and you are sinning less. The Holy Spirit is our conscience. By His work, we will never be the same again and we can say no to sin.

The Sims Comes to Life

I've been an aficionado of The Sims ever since Will Wright launched the game in the souk. I can put in the picture the stories of Goths and Bella’s whereabouts, the Pleasant family, the Landgraab, etc. I know how the game works, the expansion packs, the cheats, and all the related stuff. Evidently, through Sims, I release my obsession for architecture and interior-design.

To make the daily living of my sims impressive, I cheated the game using the “rosebud” or “motherlode” code. Doing so raised my purchasing power to buy back the downloaded pieces of furniture from the internet. To get the beautiful and exceptional items, a simmer needs an account in PayPal or, for direct purchases, credit card. If you don't go to the download sites that I just mentioned above then you really don't have a clue of how favored you are when that plastic money is on-hand.

Prodigious items equal real money. Free items mostly have flaws. They crash your game, or sometimes they don't fit. You have to wallow in your success if you got an item that works! To be honest, downloading a nice simpack won't be like a piece of cake.. Accept it without reserve. There is a demand; these makers come profitable because we pay. Like it or not, we are expected to purchase for a fee.

Sims comes to life. A month or so, my family and I will be moving into a new home. My mom and I are doing most of the planning. In reality, it's never easy. At first, I thought you just have to bring-in furnitures and you're done. But it is truly stressful! Think about getting the contractors and workers, choosing which furnitures match and what doesn't, the expenses (I am dead serious about this!), unending errands, application for telephone, cable, etc.

There are tons of things to do! It's not like the Sims where you just create and play. Considering the "now", we are faced with the real the-pre-moving-to-a-new-house thing. It's easier if only I can use "rosebud" or "motherlode". Obviously, it's impossible. Ideally, we have to work hard to earn money! And budgeting is necessary to keep things up. But I am really thankful. Despite these fun challenges, I am thankful because God blessed our family with a new home. I can see His promises being fulfilled. When He makes a promise, He will make it come to life for He is constant. Truly, God will unfold a new life chapter in 2011!

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!