Hdevo

[hdevo-blog1]

#2016Best16

2016 has been called so many names and I myself could hardly define it in a single word. It was never about crossing items off my #WishList of material things and not even the check-ins to achieve #TravelGoals, but more of a #BucketList of experiences and dialogues that put more meaning into life and make an impact one person at a time. As we turn the last page of this book, I couldn't help but look back and look around before I look forward to what the new year has in store. Sure #ChangeHasCome, which was true to me the moment I decided to take risks and leave my comfort zone. It was a good start getting hired for a regional post in a multinational company. It was, what I thought, all I've ever wanted: traveling overseas for work and leisure, meeting and working with people from different parts of the globe and getting a handsome pay — these gave me a more tangible grip of how it is to be globally-competitive, world class and a great contributor. Until I was confronted with the questions, "what do I want do for the rest of my life?" and "what am I doing now to contribute to that?" I've been seeking the Word and have been praying hard about it till it led me to my purpose and find out what it was that I've always wanted to do that will allow me do what I've been called to do. So I took that leap of faith and started a #PassionProject. It's not really about starting something out of scratch, but more on going back to what I've always been passionate about. I pursued public speaking, soaked myself into art, creative writing, travel and photography. I read lots of books, gone through trainings, attended workshops -- even TED talks, and joined communities of fellows that share the same passion. All these with my MBA and ministry ongoing. For the first time in a long time, I've never been more sure about what I really wanted to do. It felt like there was a link to somewhere deep within me, which--I later realized--was a childhood dream come true. That connection is from a photo from my dreambook way back when I was still a student. It's picture of a speaker, writer and a team leader — that image never left my mind and heart and it still drives me crazy and gives me goosebumps until now. It gives me that feel, every time I hit the stage, that I was born for that. It was never easy — nobody said it would be. But it's worth all the pain, struggles, lack, 'broke-ness' and brokenness I've gone through in the road to #livingthedream. It allowed me to experience God's hand of comfort and provision like never before. It has opened doors to a lot of opportunities where I found myself speaking to young minds and dreamers, juvenile delinquents, overseas workers about to leave, hopeful jobhunters, hungry church leaders, youth and professionals, and by God's grace, preaching to a congregation and leading to Christ hundreds at the altar. These were all 10 years in the making since the day I gave my life to Jesus in a cinema on the 6th floor one Friday afternoon. A decade of God's protection and preservation, through the leaders and community He has provided for my maturity in leadership and growth in faith, hope, and love. This year was also about keeping relationships, through thick and thin; sticking together and not giving up on one another no matter what; reconnecting with good old friends; staying a true son and a brother; being part of a family and being a family to others. It's about the miracle of life, not only for my niece who is not completely healed after a year in the ICU and five surgeries (PTL!), but to all of us who always find our way home and whose bond have become stronger through the years. This year did not change me. No time or year could ever make me someone I'm not. It just removed a heap of immaturities, shallowness and unnecessary stuff to reveal the person God has always wanted me to be. What a year it has been! Ready to conquer more and do exploits for God next year! Thanks to all who have been part of my 2016! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

[hdevo-blog1]

Waiting

Better to restore than replace — this is what I kept on telling myself when I was in a quest for a legit Apple store to help make my busted iPhone work again. It’s way generations old, but it is still by far my favorite due to its handy size and all-glass block design. It was on top of my list, so I secured it in my luggage before I flew out. And when I had the opportunity to visit, I made sure I dropped by to have it fixed.

Being a marketing guy has made me particular with an establishment’s look-and-feel and in-store design. The Apple store didn’t fail to impress — the fully-lit interiors, glass walls, polished wood, and lots of greens to strike a balance between nature and technology after a giant LED screen ushers you in, featuring products (that are basically in a millennial’s wish list) in sharp and focused close-ups. Not to mention the friendly and knowledgeable staff which were well-represented globally.

Not long enough, I was endorsed to a tech guy to look into my ticket. He pulled out my record from his iPad and gathered the info he needed. But before we continued, He first asked me if I was sure about having my phone restored, because what we were about to do is a make-or-break. I told myself, “I didn’t wait this long and travel this far to quit when I was almost there,” so I gave my go signal.

So he took out a cable and connected my iPhone to a Macbook. It recognized the phone and the status bar was showing progress. It looked to me like a ray of light at the end of the tunnel, but for some reason it stopped and showed an error message. Our first attempt failed. Disappointed but challenged with the result, I looked at him in the eyes and asked him to try again. He agreed and said that if it won’t work, then that’s the end of it. Deep inside I was cheering for the phone, as if interceding on its behalf. Again it recognized the phone and started filling up the progress bar. From ‘Preparing your iPhone’ it moved to 'Waiting for your iPhone’. It took more time until it disconnected once again. My iPhone was not restored. That’s when I started to accept the fact that it was time to let go.

I left the store with a heavy heart but I still managed to smile and compose myself because at the back if my head I knew I gave it my best, no regrets. I may not have gotten the results I wanted, but at least I learned the lesson I needed. It’s win or learn anyway — no room for defeat for someone who puts things in perspective.

As I take the train back home, I can’t help but think how else this principle applies to our lives. I definitely won’t compare my attachment to my gadgets to my relationships with people because we ought to 'use things’ and 'value people’ — not 'value things’ and 'use people’. But there’s something we can learn from this experience if we only open our minds and hearts to see beyond what the eye can barely see. Apple can definitely fix something they created, but no matter how powerful they are, they won’t be able to do so if the phone won’t respond.

Same thing goes for discipleship: God is all-powerful and mighty and can definitely restore anyone, but we should learn how to respond. Of course God’s power is never dependent on anyone else’s response, but truth be told: the reason we don’t have is because we don’t ASK (ask, seek, knock). The more we delay, the more we make things difficult for us. We lose by default and we lose BIG time because we don’t fight for what was already been given us. God’s love and forgiveness are always available for us, but one thing we have yet to learn is how to receive love.

We’ve accustomed ourselves to thinking that we the first thing we need to learn, as leaders, is to give love — to speak head up and stand firm to be the shoulder for someone to cry on, to appear invincible and ever great. That’s why most of us have the tendency to put up strong front, even if we know deep in us that we’re empty and crumbling from the inside. We try hard to give something we have not learned to receive and that leaves us dry and burned out.

As a leader, people see me as strong and firm, but before God I’m just a child — there’s nothing I can boast. In front of my leaders, coaches and mentors, I’m just that kid willing to listen and be corrected. I cry, I break down, I am vulnerable because I trust. And I know to myself that I can never give what I don’t have, so I stay connected and always participate to make these relationships work. Because in the end, it’s always a family affair. It’s everyone else’s responsibility because it takes two to tango, and how much more for a group dance?! I know that there are no perfect leaders, no perfect families, teams, organizations, not even the Church is perfect. And I don’t expect anyone (aside from God) to be because I, too, am not perfect.

We can have all the best in life: leaders, heads, team members, but none of it would matter if we’d stay disconnected and so full of ourselves. Let’s take responsibility rather than point fingers. Let’s ask what we can do rather than ask what others have done and have failed to do to us. Nobody can ever disqualify you other than yourself. We don’t burn bridges, but keep doors open because we’re the last to give up on people. That’s the same love we receive from God which is only what we can give others.

Good thing people are not like busted iPhones that are good for nothing when attempts to restore and reconnect don’t work. Come home. Let’s talk. Tell me what happened. Tell me where it hurts —

There’s no place like home. And it’s not traveling miles to get elsewhere, but to start reconnecting with the people who have always been there for us and to those who are not with us, but never left our hearts. Forgive one another, say “sorry”, cry together, laugh out loud, take time to talk face-to-face, look back at memories and create more.

2017 is coming in a few. We’ll start the new year with a clean slate, leaving our backlogs behind and looking forward to greater things ahead of us, growing deeper in our love for God and others.

[hdevo-blog1]

Faith. Hope. Love.

In a country where Christmas is celebrated much and long enough that it’s considered a ‘season’, Christmas parties are no new thing to us. But as we celebrate these every year, we can’t help but feel anxious and nervous despite the joy and excitement this season brings — I can tell from personal experience when I was recently invited at a Christmas party for the youth of MYRC.

My worries were due to the fact that I didn’t do my homework — that is, doing research and gathering info before getting involved into something. But at some point I believe it’s better that way since it shows the real us and keeps us from putting on an image that we’re not.

The night before the party, I was so anxious about what to wear, what to prepare, and what to share — stuff I consider 'basic’ when it comes to public speaking engagements. But the main question was: “who are the audience?”, which I later on figured out at as juvenile delinquents. Little did I know that the MYRC is that sector under DSWD which takes care of young offenders.

I knew I wasn’t prepared for that; for them, because I had no idea how to see things from where they stand and how to relate to them. I was only told, “come as you are,” so I just showed up, with no clue on what I got myself into. Lost for words, I was praying in my heart and mind for God to put the right words on my lips, because the last thing I want is to sound judgmental and self-righteous as I speak with them in small groups.

Hearing their stories overwhelmed me. Who would’ve thought that these totoys and nenengs, as young as they are, had gone through a lot in life and had committed heinous crimes such as murder, rape, robbery and drug abuse. Ten years in the campus ministry at Church has equipped me to reach out and minister to young people in our cells and church services. It’s easy to minister restoration and forgiveness to those who have responded to someone’s invitation, but speaking to the actual offenders is a different thing. While some might have learned their lesson and turned back from their old ways, some are still in denial and have repeatedly been in-and-out of the center due to recurring offenses.

I couldn’t just say, “pare, I feel you,” because I know at the back of my head and deep inside my heart that I didn’t — not even close. So I shut my mouth and kept listening until God impressed in my heart the words: FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE. After hearing them share what brought them to jail, I was led to start a conversation about their dreams. Some replied quick and knew exactly what they wanted, while others had difficulties in sharing — tells you that the dream and the dreamer in them have somewhat died.

It was the perfect time to share the real meaning of Christmas. After all, it is the greatest love story ever told and the manifestation of God’s love in John 3:16 when Christ became one like us to save us. He was born in a manger, not into kings and queens or in prestigious cities, because salvation is available to everyone who believes. Christmas is not exclusive to the few select/privileged ones. It’s the sick who need the doctor, not the healthy.

While they might have felt like it was the end for them, we shared hope the light of the Gospel, in the most practical way. Even if they’ve felt rejected and unaccepted by the society, God’s perfect love is enough for them, casting out fear and covering a multitude of sins. That even if they’ve somehow stopped conquering, there is a God who loves us, believes in us and never gives up on us.

He knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11), so does the enemy, which is to steal from them, kill and destroy them (John 10:10). But the good news is that He has come (hence, Christmas) so we may have life and have it to the full.

I knew that while we were speaking God’s word to these people, God was also busy changing our hearts, recovering that compassion which might have faded due to familiarity of the things we do. It’s that much-needed change that allows us to speak not just because we have to say something, but because we have something to say. We came to them with a desire to bless and inspire them and we left the place even more blessed and inspired.

Until then, my prayer has become: increasing faith, hope, and love. For these are what will allow us to do more, endure more, and accomplish more as we yield more work produced by faith, endurance prompted by hope and labor driven by love.

An increasing measure in these will bring us more tests to overcome, opportunities to seize, new levels to conquer, devils to defeat, and risks to take. But LOVE, which we first received from God (1 John 1:4) – and the greatest among the three – will allow us to trust and depend more on God in faith and hope.

Ang tunay na nagmamahal, mas nagtitiwala, mas umaasa.

Bring it on, 2017! #AMDG #PassionProject

[hdevo-blog1]

Get up, young man

“People think the writer’s imagination is always at work, that he’s constantly inventing an endless supply of incidents and episodes; that he simply dreams up his stories out of thin air. In point of fact, the opposite is true. Once the public knows you’re a writer, they bring the characters and events to you. And as long as you maintain your ability to look, and to carefully listen, these stories will continue…” - Author, TGBH (2014) It happens in the most unexpected places –  an event that seems to like a common thing, but has made an impact on you and you were never the same. I was taking a jeepney ride to Manila one evening, half asleep due to the rush hour traffic until this thing happened – just like any moment, a street kid climbs into the jeep and begs for money or whatever he can ask. I knew he was there singing, but I could barely hear the words, except for the last line of his song which goes like this: “Magbigay na kayo, dahil pagod na ako.” [Give me some coins. I’m already tired!]. Then he sat down at the edge of the jeep’s steps, as if taking a rest from a tiring day. I was in a state of rest until I heard people screaming, “Hoy bata, mahulog ka diyan!” [Hey kid, you might fall down!]. I was quite disturbed and surely knew that it wasn’t referring to me. But I heard the same statement at least three times from different people. Just as you’ve guessed, it was for that little boy sitting on the edge of the jeep. Even the driver got alarmed at the situation so he asked the kid to sit inside. Little did I know that God was doing something in my heart that moment – perhaps compassion creeping in. But I didn’t have food and much cash to give that time so the least I could do was tap the him on the shoulder, saying, “Bata, pasok na sa loob, libre ka na raw ng drayber.” [Hey kid, you may sit inside the jeep. The driver says he won’t charge you anything]. He did not respond at all. Maybe he was in deep slumber. After quite some time, while in the middle of traffic, he got down and left as if nothing happened – when in fact, he almost fell from a moving vehicle. That’s how we’ve parted ways, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the kid and what happened even until the next day when I was preparing to preach at our weekly marketplace ministry gathering this week. The topic was about getting out of your comfort zone. As I was meditating on some verses and reflecting on this topic, I realized that most people don’t want to get out of comfort zones because of (1) fear of the unknown, (2) trust issues, and (3) past mistakes or failures. As I came to the third point, I remembered the kid I’ve just met. And suddenly words were gushing out and I just saw myself writing a poem and finishing it in less than an hour – something I had never done before! Most of these lines were from Scriptures: from my mental repository of memory verses, which basically summarizes what I wanted to tell that child given the chance we meet again. Here it goes: Get up, young man Pick up your sword And fight again Don’t let people look down on you because you’re young It’s not what you do, but what He has done You were born for such time as this Don’t you worry, because the battle is His Put on your full armor from top to to Prepare your shield and be ready to go Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power For He is your fortress and your strong tower Rest, but don’t stop Pause, but don’t give-up Look up young man, don’t you fret Your help comes from the Lord the Maker of heaven and earth It’s not your will but His will be done You’re fighting from victory – He has overcome Success belongs to those who fight for it Fight because in the end it will all be worth it Get up, young man Pick up your sword And fight again It’s what my heart wants to tell that kid that time. But as I was working on this piece, I see my reflection on that kid and felt like God was telling me those words, lifting me up from the challenges and uncomfortable situations outside my comfort zone. That’s why those last three lines were for me. God knows whatever situation we’re going through – even the battles we fight that nobody knows. He knows when you’re broke, hungry, tired because you walked going home, or stuck in a situation you are in. There are times when He’s silent – just like a teacher who’s silent during the test, cheering for you and hoping you make it through. So in times of trouble, just keep trusting God. You don’t need to understand everything – that’s why it’s called trust, because you believe that everything’s gonna be alright as long as you’re with Him. In all things, everything works together for good for those who love him and were called according to His purpose. Spoiler as it seems, but you know you can skip the drama because in the end, everything will work together for your good.

Biblical References: 1 Timothy 4:12, 1 Samuel 17:47, Ephesians 6:10-11, Psalm 91:2, Psalm 61:3, Psalm 121:2, Luke 22:42, John 16:33

[hdevo-blog1]

Reflector

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

God created me in His image and likeness. I made mistakes, but that doesn't make me a mistake. I failed, but that doesn't mean I'm a failure. At all times and in every circumstance, we should always be able to respond well by reflecting God's image and character. See yourself the way God sees you and whenever possible, choose to do what He could've done given a particular scenario.

#iDeclare: God gave me His character, His blessing, His protection and His love.

#Hdevo Day 16/90

[hdevo-blog1]

Strength to persevere

“...he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27b)

It takes supernatural faith to persevere and wait on God's promises to become a reality in our life. We tend to be impatient and give up easily, especially when fear and doubt creep in. Our journey to seek God continuously allows us to know Him more and strengthens our trust in Him, being confident that the One who gave us His word is faithful and will do it.

‪#‎iDeclare‬: “I know the invisible God and I am confident that He is with me in each decision of my life.”

‪#‎Hdevo‬ Day 15/90

[hdevo-blog1]

Facing giants

“Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:40) God raised us up to be not just a man after His own heart, but also to be a conqueror, and even more than that. As cell leaders, we do a lot of work in smoothening rough stones as we look after and disciple the people God has entrusted us. We start conquering small battles, protecting sheep from the lion and bear – until we find ourselves in the frontline, now protecting God's people from giants. The same integrity of heart, skillful hands, passion for God and compassion for people are what we will use to defeat our nation's giants. #iDeclare: “He sought me, found me, trained me and called me. He makes me more than a conqueror.” #Hdevo Day 14/90

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Healing our self-image

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever- increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18) We are all made in the image and likeness of God, but the enemy will try to steal, kill and destroy our self-image by using failures, rejections and negative words against us. Reflect God's image in your life by responding well to these external factors that can either make or break you. Guard your mind and heart, trust God and let Him alone be your source of significance and confidence. #iDeclare: “I am the result of what God’s finger designed for my life.” #90DC2016 #Hdevo Day 13/90

[hdevo-blog1]

Unlocking miracles

“Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.” (Genesis 22:8)

Our God will always provide. There are times when God tests our faith and faithfulness to Him. The moment we pass the test, we begin to see God's miracle at work in our lives. We are tested not on the easy things , but usually on the things that require us to take risks -- such as giving up someone or something precious to God, trusting Him and waiting on His provision. Let our faith unlock God's miracles in our life.

#iDeclare: “When I give an offering that pleases God, He blesses me and multiplies my descendants just like the stars in the sky, and the grains of sand in the ocean.”

#Hdevo Day 12/90 

[hdevo-blog1]

Eternal God

“...and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God.” (Genesis 21:33)

Wherever we are, we can always call on the name of the Lord. Today He introduces Himself to us as an Eternal God who's ever-powerful and whose love lasts forever. Therefore, in everything we do should always consider its impact to eternity. We're not short-sighted, being concerned only on the things of this world -- we run the race to get a crown that will last forever.

#iDeclare: “By faith in Jesus, I met the Eternal God and He gave life to my spirit, and I know I will live with Him for eternity.”

#Hdevo Day 11/90

[hdevo-blog1]

Outflow

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.” (Genesis 17:1)

A holy and righteous life is just an outflow of our intimacy with God. It is not something imposed on us legalistically. Because we have a direct relationship with God, following His commands becomes more personal to us. Follow God wholeheartedly, not just for the sake of doing it. We must come to a point where our obedience is out of love -- our response because He first loved us.

#iDeclare: “I know the Almighty God, I walk before Him, and I strive towards perfection.”

#Hdevo Day 10/90

[hdevo-blog1]

My Provider

“With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High...” (Genesis 14:22)

Everything we have comes from the Lord. It is He who gave us the ability to produce wealth; therefore, we give honor to whom honor is due. Giving our tithes and offering faithfully is an expression of our full trust in God, acknowledging Him as the source of all the blessings we have. This will unlock blessings and cancel arguments against us, resulting in thanksgiving to God.

#iDeclare: “I give my tithes and offerings to the one who blessed me, the Most High God, Who protects and defends me.”

#Hdevo Day 9/90

[hdevo-blog1]

Journey of faith

“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:20-21)

The challenge every man of God faces, even in the old times, is to answer the question, "Do you believe?". For Christian life is a journey of faith. It's no longer about whether God can or will do it, but whether or not we have faith to believe -- even when it's beyond our timing or understanding. A man of faith knows that God's word and promises remain true even when the facts say otherwise. We can trust God, because nothing is too hard or impossible for Him.

#iDeclare: “Because I did not allow doubt or fear to enter in my mind, God was pleased with me and made me a person of multiplication.”

#Hdevo Day 8/90

[hdevo-blog1]

Friend of God

"The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. ” (Genesis 12:1-3) 

Abraham's immediate obedience and trust in God is what made him God's friend. His decision to leave His comfort zone in exchange of God's calling made a great impact not only to him, but to his descendants as well. Decide to follow God wholeheartedly and expect the blessing for the next generation in your family and ministry.

#iDeclare: "God called me, blessed me and multiplied me."

#Hdevo Day 7/90

[hdevo-blog1]

No compromise

"With men hidden in the room, she called to him, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” But he snapped the bowstrings as easily as a piece of string snaps when it comes close to a flame. So the secret of his strength was not discovered." (Judges 16:9)

The joy of the Lord is the strength of his people. We all have that secret place where we draw strength from and it cannot be compromised. We can play around a number of times and feel so strong until the tricks we play end up on us. Just like Samson, we are a Nazirite with boundaries to keep which will keep us strong against the enemy's schemes. The devil is not a friend and he's not playing games with us.

#iDeclare: "My mind is guarded by the Spirit of God because I accept God's thoughts that are given to me by the revelation of his word."

#Hdevo Day 6/90

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Fully-armored

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)

v.10 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." Christian life is not a mere walk in the park, or your usual Sunday routine. We are called for war -- that's why we need the strength that comes from God. We have both the DEFENSE: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace (as footwear), shield of faith, helmet of salvation; and the OFFENSE: sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. We have a quest to fulfill with the protection and power that comes from God.

#iDeclare: “Because I am a soldier of Jesus and His full armor protects me, I am more than a conqueror in life.”

#Hdevo Day 5/90

[hdevo-blog1]

Redeemed

"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: Cursed is everyone
who is hung on a pole.” (Galatians 3:13)

Living in sin and living apart from God has opened doors of curses in our life. That's the reason we experience poverty, barrenness illnesses, relationship problems, etc. But the Gospel tells us that there is a God who loves us and died for us -- we don't have to suffer these curses anymore because He already took them from us. Make a decision everyday to live a life that pleases God and experience a life of blessing and abundance. We are redeemed, renewed and restored -- let's continue to grow in our salvation.

‪#‎iDeclare‬: “The bad person I once was remains on the Cross with Jesus, and all His goodness comes in abundance to my life.”

#Hdevo Day 4/90