"in love, faith, purity"

CRC SOULΔiers is God’s young ambassadors in campuses, equipped with the knowledge of the Word of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit with a vision to see young people reflect the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ.

[souldiers]

FTD: What Makes You Beautiful

This catchy song by One Direction is stuck in my head. And because of that, I think this is a great time to post something about what makes a girl so beautiful.

One way to do that is to look at the stories of some of the women of the Bible:  There's Rahab who knew that salvation was only through the God of Israel.  There's Deborah who never doubted that God would save the day. There was Ruth who was the exemplar of loyalty. Esther was the woman who was willing to die for the cause she was put in her position for. There was Mary the Mother of Jesus who willingly submitted to the will of the Lord without any question. Mary Magdalene gave up everything that she practically had to show that Jesus was worth of our everything.

You can also consider what Paul said in 1 Timothy 2:9-10: "likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,"

But right now, I'll be sharing what I THINK makes a girl beautiful. But first, words of caution:

For the men, I'm not limiting what God can do in your life through this list. The Lord may have for you a woman better than what I've posted here. I'm just sharing what I think so far are minimum standards to define beauty in the eyes of a Christian under God's grace.

For the women, I pray that while this list is not exhaustive, you would grow into the women that God wants you to be and not just what I've posted you here to be. I am imperfect and I may overlook a lot of things that I should actually consider.

The goal is always to become Christ-like, to become like Him in thought, words and deed. If Jesus is not our ultimate standard, I believe we are always settling for something less. ;) 

HERE'S THE LIST:

She should be a Christian. Not a church-goer, but a Christian. A Christian follows hard after Christ. A girl hungry for more of Jesus. The Lord should forever be first in her priority list. She ignores you outright when it comes to choosing between Christ and you. She puts down everything for Jesus. If she loves Jesus more than anything else, that's nothing short of beautiful. 

She has a humble heart. Humility with everything that God has given her makes her stand a level higher than most women in this day and age. A humble person always stands out. 

She has definite, Bible-based standards and sticks to them whatever happens. You know she will guard her heart well when she has drawn the line and never steps out of it. She knows when to go and when to stop. 

She makes you want to know Jesus more. She's the type of girl that makes you a bit ashamed you are not as intimate with Jesus as she is. 

She always knows what she has to do next. 

She prays and reads the Bible regularly. 

She smiles. In real life and not just in text messaging. 

She understands how important both TIME and TIMING are. 

She speaks out her mind and she knows what she's talking about. 

She knows how to defend herself. 

She knows how to fix herself. For me, this is more of being able to always look presentable than being able to put on make-up. Please hear me: I don't hate make-up.

P.S. I believe everything aesthetically will follow when what's inside is beautiful.

That's all for now. Now, for you dear SOULΔier, what makes a girl beautiful?

[souldiers]

The Dog Tag: Christine Bendana

I've always believed that being raised in a Christian family has been an advantage for me. I learned all about Jesus and faith and such at an early age for I grew up attending Sunday School. It was fun being there but somehow I did not take everything seriously. Maybe because I was very young and I failed to understand its importance. I was just a kid taking what they want to feed me with.

Technically, I may have a "Christian" background but in the real spiritual sense, I didn't have a clue what it really meant. Before, I thought being a Christian was all about listening to hour-long Sunday preachings, attending the weekly cellgroup or Bible Study, and perhaps make "Christian" friends and that was it. I thought that made me a qualified Believer but in reality, it was more that that and I was far from it.

But everything changed when I personally experienced and literally felt the power of God over me. I was 9 back then and our church held a camp somewhere in Laguna. As I was praying together with everyone, I felt something supernatural touch my head and poured liquid over me, making me quiver. That time, I knew in my heart that it was God -- and I was experiencing His very presence! It was one scary and overwhelming experience I must say. He wanted me to feel that He was true and alive in me. That was the time I started to truly believe and learned to trust him for He is the One True God. My God. 

Years went by and I get more amazed by the day just to receive revelation after revelation of His Word through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and even found the ministry I fit in so perfectly. I became a part of CRC's music ministry where I play the piano. Everytime I play music to the Lord, I find peace and security. I just try to give Him my all for I know He's also the source of it all. I always give Him my best performance, my best worship, for that is what He deserves.

But as we all know, the world is one of our most dangerous enemies - its ways to be specific. I know I'll be lying if I tell you I didn't fall for the many distractions the world has to offer. There were also times when I forget what my real priorities are and even forget talking to Him. I tend to put my focus on things that will not be permanent and will most probably result to my harm.

Having friends and family who are also faithful Christians helped me avoid all of these at this time. They remind me constantly of what I should prioritize to get me back on track. I am very grateful because God has given me such good friends who truly love Him and are devoted to Him as much as I am.

Jesus changed my heart and became the center of my life. He gave me unconditional love, which I yearned for so long. His love for me never changed even if I failed Him so many times. I thank God for everything He has done for me. He completes me. He is my all in all. 

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Christine Bendana, or Tin as we fondly call her, is a 2nd year Cruise Line Operation in Culinary Arts student at the Lyceum of the Philippines University. She hopes to one day make it big in the culinary industry and we believe that she will. But you all should know that cooking is only one of her many talents; she also great at playing the piano, singing, and dancing -- all for the glory of God! 

It's so amazing just to hear how God has made Himself known to Tin, and our prayer is that you'll also personally experience the presence and the power of the Living God. Until our next story. God bless you!

[souldiers]

FTD: Hating hating.

Hello! A new week means a new FTD post!

This week, we'll look at hating hating. You read that right. We'll talk about HATING the act of hating. If I'm still confusing you, then let's just get on with it and you'll see what I'm talking about. 

Back in grade school, what really made me feel bad was people talking, (actually whispering) about me and in front of me(note: not on my back) and then giggling afterwards. It just felt so wrong to be laughed at and about plus not being able to do anything about it since they're whispering. I hated it. I hated them.

So my goal then was to prove how inferior they were. I was on the lookout on everything I'm better at compared to them: grammar, test scores and even Pokemon stickers. My hate was satisfied with being better with all those small things. I turned out bitter though. You can guess that I didn't have any close friends until I discovered that nobody really cared then. And that I was a total prick. 

All that because I hated them.

In Luke 6:27-28, we read Jesus saying:

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you."

LOVE YOU ENEMIES. What was He even talking about? They're called enemies for a reason. Souldiers have to go and fight enemies right? They always have to win the day!

Well, here's our Commander-In-Chief, giving His commands. (You) love your enemies. (You) do good things to those who hate you. (You) speak blessing to those who curse you incessantly. Pray for them that I bless them even. 

And that's hard. REAL HARD. BRUTALLY HARD.

But that's where the Holy Spirit comes in. That's where we need Him the most. Because in Galatians 5, the Fruits of the Holy Spirit are the following: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. You see the connection?

Only when we have the Holy Spirit can we start hating hate. The only way we can follow what Commander-In-Chief Jesus tells us is when we take the Holy Spirit as an ally because that's the Fruit of the Spirit. Everything mentioned above is what having the Holy Spirit empowers us to do, even if it's hard. We don't dare go to battles alone without the Holy Spirit having our backs.

I can't say I've got this right already. We are all works in progress. But imagine that day when we can really say we have total dependence on the Holy Spirit in all matters of life? How victorious that life can be!

PUTTING IT IN PRACTICE: No real easy way to do this though. Other people can really make you want to abandon Christianity altogether because of how they treat you. Just remember the command and remember that a command is imperative. Ask help from God every time you have trouble loving somebody. It will take time. But let the the fact that Jesus' love changed you excite you with how your persistent love can change others too. :)

[souldiers]

From The Desk Episode 1

Hi! This is Kuya BJ, SOULΔiers' Youth Pastor. 

From The Desk (henceforth shall be known as #FTD) is where we tackle about small issues as well as big ones in the light of being a SOULΔier of Jesus Christ. To jump start, I want to talk about something that I learned these past few days. 

In this day and age, anyone can call him/herself a CONSUMER. We practically take in everything fed us: Facebook statuses, Twitter updates, Tumblr posts, really catchy music and trends. Never in the history of man have we had such enormous access to information, detail and entertainment. There is so much to read, to say and to watch even 3 year old kids sleep late at night these days. I slept at around 9 PM when I was young. That was mandatory and I didn't have any trouble with that. Today, everyone has trouble sleeping because of the smorgasbord of information that's almost always delivered to us in very alluring ways we just can't resist them anymore.

The big question: Aren't we supposed to shun everything that this world offers us?

The answer: No and Yes.

No, we can't shun everything that this world offers us because that's practically impossible. To be able to avoid being exposed to any form of media is a feat only the dead people can perform. It's inevitable. It's everywhere.

And that's where the Yes comes in. We are supposed to shun all these things. One way I can think of how to illustrate this is when I had the opportunity to go outside my country and temporarily live in another. I never enjoyed watching local television in those parts. I didn't pay attention to the billboards. I stopped trying to listen to local radio. It was because I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND A THING. If we treat everything that does not speak of Christ in the world as something totally foreign to our nature as citizens of the Kingdom (Eph. 2:19), we won't have trouble getting distracted at all. If we resolve to filter everything that does not help us in our goal of becoming like Christ, we will discover how simple our lives were meant to be. 

As His ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20) here on earth, we were never called to become citizens of this world. No ambassador in his right mind would change his citizenship to that of the country to which he was assigned because that would cost him his job. If a Philippine ambassador to the US is sent to the US, he stays Filipino even if he was living in United States soil. In the same way, we are called to be IN this world and NOT OF this world. We are Christ's ambassadors, called to tell the world about His love and encourage others to become His beloved ambassadors too. 

PUTTING IT IN PRACTICE: List everything that you follow, watch and listen to, may they be on the internet or in local TV and radio channels. Prayerfully assess if each item on your list helps you or even hinders you in your walk with the Lord. Trim your list accordingly.  :)

[souldiers]

SOULΔiers presents: In a Relationship With...?

Here are some of the photos from Last Saturday's event! They're arranged according to the actual program proper, so if you missed it, then here's a chance to see what went down in In a Relationship With...?

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The set-up: Underground garage style

Kenneth and his friends performed three songs as the opening act of the event.

Hosts Johnmer Adajar and Kenneth Acain with the first guest, Ione Soriano, who shared her past relationship with studies. She already shared her life testimony here!

The audience were given the opportunity to ask their questions to the guests. 

The next guest was David Adajar, who admitted to being in a relationship with technology. You can read his testimony here!

The game master/In a Relationship With organizer Kate Falcutila lead the audience to a fun group game! Look at all those smiles!

The third guest was Diego Soriano, who was also in a relationship with music. Read about that here.

Last (but definitely not the least) guest was Dwight Avila, who was in a relationship with love.

SOULΔiers Youth Pastor BJ Geronimo spoke to the audience about choosing the best Person to be in a relationship with: Jesus.

He asked them to personally talk to the Lord and choosing for themselves the relationship that lasts forever. 

Christian Bendana, with the rest of the worship team, lead everybody to praise and worship that capped the night. 

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Liked what you saw? Then definitely watch out for what SOULΔiers have in store for you next! 

If you want to ask about this event, future events, or if you just want someone to talk to and to pray for you, don't hesitate to leave us a message in our ask box.

To God be the glory!

[souldiers]

The Dog Tag: Johnmer Adajar

I grew up with so many blessings in life. Maybe it’s because of my parents’ close relationship with God that He has provided me with everything I need or maybe because it’s all part of God’s plan for my life. It is never because I deserve it - far from it!

I was born and raised in a Christian family. My dad is a seaman so I get to enjoy a decent home, I get good education, nice clothes, delicious food – the works! I do not intend to brag about that but instead, to acknowledge God as the source of everything I have. As I’ve said before, it has nothing to do with me. Actually, I deserve life in the opposite.

I was a very mischievous kid - almost everyone I knew avoided me because I wasn’t likeable at all. Maybe it’s because I always seemed distant - I was a bit of a loner. I never knew what it was to have a social life. That was my biggest failure in life. You can call that normal if you’re about four, but I never seemed to shake that “loner vibe” off. Wherever I go, whoever I deal with and whatever I do, I’ve always had a hard time interacting with people. I think it was because I never experienced the “troubles of growing up” that it made me immature and insensitive to other people’s feelings. I thought to myself, “I have everything I need. God is so good to me! But why is it that I am not still satisfied with my life?”

At that point in my life, God made me realize that a truly happy life cannot be found in this world or anything that is in it - no matter how rich you are, how good-looking you are, how many friends you have etc etc. because real joy can only be found in Him. As Jesus said,

“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?”

This passage spoke to me personally, and very strongly at that. On the outside, people will see how blessed I am but on the inside, I am poor, empty and lost. Not until Jesus found a place in my heart. From the moment I realized that I need Him, my perspective in life has changed dramatically.

God has His own ways of dealing with people so that there will come a point in their lives that they will cry to God, “Lord, save me from this mess. I need you!” Until that time happens, they will never come to know their own Creator, the One who gave His life for them so that they can have a joyful relationship with Him. I thank God for putting me in a church where His presence is really manifested and where families and friends unite. In our church, we are one. Together, we help each other grow more deeply in our personal relationship with God.

It is true that one’s family will be his/her biggest life influence but in my experience, your affinity will not guarantee your devotion to God. Or just because you were raised from a less-than- ideal home, you can never draw near to God. It is our personal choice whether we will let Jesus come into our hearts or not.

We as individuals need to decide whether to accept Christ as our Lord and Savior or remain fascinated with all things in this world that will never satisfy us. As for me, I learned to be grateful in the small things that God has given me and be more determined to follow His ways. I owe Him my life.

As of now, I’m a graduating student in the University of Santo Tomas and I thank God because He is my source of strength and wisdom. He also keeps me from falling in love at an early age, which could have easily distracted me from my priorities. Hehe. I’ve never had a girlfriend and I do not regret that. I know that when the right time comes, God will lead me to the woman meant for me! I just have to trust Him with whatever comes my way and let Him make the seemingly impossible things possible! To God be the glory!

I am Johnmer Adajar and this is my testimony of God's great love for me and how I came to be “In A Relationship With” HIM. 

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The SOULΔiers' future accountant, Johnmer Adajar, may tower over the rest at 6' but he is still the most quiet, most reserved person we know. But not for the Lord, of course! Conquering his stage fright, Johnmer did very well on his first hosting assignment for the SOULΔiers' recently concluded youth gathering, "In A Relationship With..?" And we think we know why - Johnmer lives by the following verse:

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Thank you for taking time to read this week's The Dog Tag! If you've missed any of the other issues, you can find all of them HERE.

Onward, SOULΔier! Until next week.

[souldiers]

The Dog Tag: Ione Soriano

At first glance, I'd look just like your average kid - playful and easy-going.

Unless, we're talking about my studies.

I like studying. I find great satisfaction in getting a perfect score on all my exams. I was only in pre-school when my mom took notice of my potential. I graduated as class Valedictorian that year and every year since then. Consistent Top 1 student. Beat that!

I don't know what it is in me that finds studying so addictive. I am a Study Addict, if there is such a thing. And yeah, I can get all the honor and recognition from school but deep down, I know something's still missing. 

To be honest, the expectation to stay on top of my game put so much pressure on me. It's exhausting and it makes me forget about the other things that truly need my effort and attention. My studies are important but never as much as my relationship with God.

I was born into a Catholic family and I thought it was enough to know that there was a God. Well, I was wrong. I thought my religion made me closer to Him - failed on that one too. 

One day, a family friend who is a Christian invited us to join them at church. We attended there for a long time, but I've never felt myself grow. I kept relying on my own strength that I barely made it through each semester. The pressure to be Top 1 was still there. I've made Studying my whole world and those times when it was being extra tough on me made me wish I would die. 

After some time, my family and I stopped going to church. I wasted a lot of time doing nothing Sunday after Sunday when I should have been spending time to know more about God. But He had a great plan for my family, and me in particular, because God led us to a new household of faith. I resented that new church for awhile and took me sometime to get used to this new "family". But I've really felt the Lord's presence here, He was so real to me that eventually, I had a change of heart.  

And then, I became a SOULΔier of Jesus Christ. I got to know the God I serve better. And I've been changed. I can't say it was the church or the people I've met that brought about the difference - maybe those were just factors that led me to Him. But I know it was truly God's hand and He was the reason for my transformation. 

I've learned to trust in Him and to never worry about anything because He'll always be there for me. From then on, I stopped relying on my own strength but instead find it in the Lord. I've learned to ask Him for the wisdom I need and I've started to cultivate a desire to always experience His goodness and love for me. He's the reason I'll never grow tired or pressured from studying again. This, I could say, is my true happiness. It's a different kind of joy! 

I was a nobody before I came to know Jesus Christ. But now He lives in me and He is with me.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

A good question to ask would be "What's my true purpose for being here?" I never knew the answer to that until now... I am standing here, in front of my Father as His SOULΔier. 

I thank God for everything. I've failed Him so many times but He never stopped loving me. I am grateful for this Love. And I pray that everyone who reads this will also experience this liberating, life-changing love that can only come from knowing Jesus Christ. 

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Ione Soriano is studying at Charis School of Marikina City and will be graduating from Elementary March of next year with the highest honors of course (by God's grace)! She is also CRC's youngest worship leader ever at only 12 years old. Ione loves singing so much and it is so inspiring that at such a tender age, she understands she must use her talents for God's glory alone. 

We hope Ione's story was a blessing to you as it was for us. Until next week!

[souldiers]

The Dog Tag: Diego Soriano

Music means a lot to me. I get so attached to every sound or melody I hear. My interest started when I was quite young. I started playing the piano at the age of 10 and picked up the guitar when I was in High-school. I thought music was addictive and being able to play was even more; it made you popular. 

I wanted to be known as "the cool guy with the guitar" so badly and worked so hard so I could play any and every song anyone could think of. That was music's effect on me. 

There was a point when I totally lost control; songs from known anti-Christ bands found their way into my playlist. Everytime I listen to that type of music, everything around me just feels so dark and ominous, I wanted to punch someone in the face. My mind was so tormented. I'd like to point out that the whole time, my family and I were already members of a Christian church in Quezon City. 

But something in me disliked "church people", I don't know why. I met a few people who like the same music and style as I do, but I never felt any real connection with the other young people there. 

My skill landed me a spot in the Worship Team where I get to play every Sunday. I thought being up on stage was cool but that was all there is to it for me. I was a pretend worshipper. I played music only for myself. 

I was in the Worship Team for almost a year but character-wise, nothing has changed. I was really self-centered whilst hoping nobody would notice. I guess you could call me unforgivingly perfectionist because I'd get so cranky when the other members would mess up during practice. 

I was in 3rd year High-school at that time and well, let's just say my life was troublesome. That same year I got kicked out of school; I've accumulated several minor offenses and failed most of my subjects. I was almost sure I couldn't get another school to accept me but a Christian academy did. The people were cool and accepted me for who I am - no condemnation. 

It was a year later when I've come to the realization that I was wrong and I've really messed up. I started taking my relationship with God seriously. My life did get better after that - my grades never went below 80 (I was Top 11 in class!), I was awarded Best in Music and voted Class President! Those were fun times and I've truly felt like the dark cloud over me was finally lifted. 

I believe with all my heart that I owe all this to God. I wouldn't have "turned around" if it wasn't for Him. I'm so thankful for everything He has done for me - he turned my ruined life into a better life. There were a lot of times when I felt like a lost cause but I've learned that God has great things in store for me.

I am grateful for everything He has given me, especially my musical talents, which I now realize I have to use to give Him glory. Being a Christian is an adventure - fun and full of mysteries. Just put all your trust in Him, follow Him, obey Him, and everything will fall right in place.

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Diego Soriano is the SOULΔiers' very own Funny Man. He brightens the room with his crazy antics and witty banter. Aside from his very inspiring testimony, we think these qualities are what makes him a great (and fun!) cell leader. Diego is also a very active member of CRC's Worship Team and is in charge of four-twelve's music section that we of course have yet to hear from. Stay tuned for his first cover right here on Tumblr! Have a great week everybody!

[souldiers]

"Lord we have seen the rising sun, awakening the early dawn, and we're rising up to give You praise."

Shine, Matt Redman

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This is actually a sunset taken from a rooftop in Tagaytay. All it took was a minute or two for the sun to quickly disappear from the sky, and yet it was already breathtaking just to behold its beauty in that short span of time. Imagine beholding God's beauty? A beauty a million times better than the most beautiful sunset! A beauty we can behold longer than a minute or two--as long as we want to!

Can you imagine? <3

[souldiers]

The Dog Tag: Hannah Rivera

As far as I can remember, people have always dubbed me as the "Little Church Girl." And I don't blame them; I am the Life-of-the-Party-that-is-Sunday-School type. I'd religiously memorize the Bible Verse of the Week. I'd never miss Prayer Meetings on Fridays (though somehow I end up sleeping through it). But eventually I did grow past that...I matured as a Christian. I began to understand the things of God more clearly. I also became a member of our church youth group (SOULdiers). It was then I understood what it truly means to be a Christian. Or so I thought.

There was this other thing that really caught my eye: the World of K-Pop (Korean Pop Music). Yes, I got hooked on songs with lyrics I didn't even understand. I had put so much time learning the songs or chasing after Korean boybands that my Bible had become alien to me. I was no different from any crazed K-Pop fan; I've set my eyes on K-Pop like it was life that I totally forgot about God. I began to drift away from my First Love in favor of the flurry romance brought by K-Pop.

It was not the same on God's end though - He always had ways to win me back. He sought after me and showed me He loved me especially on that one time I got into trouble at school. At that low point in my life, I've realized K-Pop could never bring the same joy and peace in my heart than being with God. It had always been God. My happiness is Him. 

So if you're still wondering...yes, I did come running back, with renewed faith, to the arms of my Father. I am His after all. I admit to being fond of K-Pop still, but here's the difference: I've realized that my relationship with God is much more important than K-Pop and it deserved more of my time and effort than anything else. 

I know He's more SUPER than Super Junior. He is BIGGER than BigBang. He is many times more INFINITE than Infinite. He is my Super Hero. His name is Jesus Christ.

I now serve God as His SOULdier. I am happy here and it is my joy to serve the God of Angel-Armies. With the help of my fellow SOULdiers, I got to know Him a lot better each day. I learned how important it is to be faithful to the cause God has called me for.

James 4:7-10 says, 

7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, Mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. 

This is how I intend to live. 

So maybe I look at K-Pop as a source of inspiration. But my only true source of love, happiness and life is God and Him alone. 

I am Hannah Rivera - a SOULdier of Jesus Christ forever and ever.

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Hannah Rivera is a freshman at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila taking up BS Architecture. Aside from anything K-Pop, she's also into arts & crafts and loves to make cute little notes & bookmarks for everyone. Consequently, Hannah is the person to thank for our awesome Tumblr layout. Thank you, Hannah! And thanks everybody for reading this week's issue of The Dog Tag. Until next week! God bless you!

[souldiers]

The Dog Tag: David Adajar

I was born in a Christian family, which is why since I was young, I was already soaked in the Word of God. I grew up with discipline and the fear of the Lord. But because I was still young and innocent, the world had so much up its sleeves to take me from Him.

In my case, I was pulled by technology. 

I was tremendously caught up with watching the television and playing the computer when I was in grade school, and while those two reasons may not be a big deal to many, they still were able to cast my attention away from God. Eventually, I became a Sunday Christian. What's worst was that sometimes, my only reason for going to church was my friends, and not my God. 

Don't get me wrong, I did not become a rebel. It's just that, I lost my focus on the only One I should look at, which is God. But I acknowledged the fact that it's never enough to be 'not a rebel'; the aim of a true Christian should be to grow, mature, and go deeper in his relationship with God. And that's exactly what was lacking in me during the time when I was so immersed in technology: I stopped knowing my God more.

I became part of our church's youth ministry after entering high school, and it was during that time when the Lord made me realize my purpose for living, which is to glorify Him. I can say that it was during those years when I started digging deeper into the Word. He reminded me that all my efforts to be able to live victoriously will only be in vain if I do not have Him. Since then, my faith has been growing stronger, and it has been tested time and again. Even those I call friends tested my new-found hunger for the Lord. But because I already have Him, He took me away from people, to be set apart just for Himself. 

Life is really a constant struggle against the enemy, and the evil things that has corrupted and continues to corrupt this world. What's worst is that without God, it's impossible to win this struggle. You may fool yourself by believing that you can solve your problems on your own, but there will come that one day when you'd find yourself on your knees, saying: "I give up. I can't do this on my own after all. Lord, I need You in my life."

That one day changed my life. Here I am now, studying in a prestigious university here in the Philippines, living a life worth telling about, and I can never say I reached this far by my own strength and ability. This is all the Lord's doing! I know that even all these He can take away from me in a blink of an eye, which is why I have decided not to set my eyes on what this world can offer. 

My desire is to look only at the glory of God, and to influence other people to look at Him as well.

All glory to God!

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David Adajar is an Electronics and Communication Engineer student of the University of Sto. Tomas. He loves playing the computer, but he knows more than to let technology get to him again. Which is why his favorite verse is the famous Proverbs 3:5-6:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart     and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways submit to him,     and he will make your paths straight.

[souldiers]

The Dog Tag: An Introduction

Good news! We're starting a weekly series called The Dog Tag, in which we will be introducing one member of SOULΔiers per week. We will be sharing our life stories as well: how we were before, how we experienced God in the most intimate and personal way, and how we have been changed by a Love so strong. 

But you all might wonder: why The Dog Tag? Well, we like playing around with soldier metaphors--this one included. Whenever soldiers go to battle, their identities fade behind the uniforms, the weapons, and the battle plan. Once they step into the battlefield, they're no longer fathers, sons, husbands, or fiances; they become soldiers.

Still, there is one item that a soldier carries around with him, and it sets him apart from the rest: his dog tag. 

As we mentioned in a previous post, we call ourselves SOULΔiers  because we see ourselves as set-apart young people who are fighting the good fight of faith. But before we even thought of fighting for the Lord, the better news already reached us: we have already won because of what Jesus did at Calvary. What we have now before us is a world that must know of this victory. They must know Jesus.

As we begin this series, we hope that you don't remember our names, but the Name to whom we all want to point to. We are insignificant, after all, but the Commander we serve is far greater than what anyone can hope or imagine. Our testimonies are part of His story, and we're here just to tell you, simply, that our lives have never been the same since we met Jesus.

And through our stories, we want you to meet Him too. :)

Watch out for the first The Dog Tag tomorrow night! We're excited to share to you the story of a young man who was able to overcome the hold of technology over him, and how it was only made possible through the Lord!

[souldiers]

SoulΔiers

It was in December 2010 when we decided to call ourselves SoulΔiers. We had almost 20 names to choose from, all very catchy, relevant and interesting. But if there’s one thing we remember during that camp, it was that there was a great need for this generation to change.

The lesson was on the life of Daniel.  For three days, we studied the first six chapters of Daniel, meditating and re-meditating on how Daniel lived, hoping to follow his example. All throughout the camp, the cry was that we, as a youth group and representatives of this generation, start drawing the line.

As Daniel thought it best and wise to draw the line between him and his fellow Jews who ate the king’s food, we also think it best to draw the line in what Who we choose to believe in and stop compromising.

As he never budged when the king asked him to never again bow down to the Lord, we will not bow down to the pulls of materialism and all other things that seem right to men but in the end they lead to death.

As Daniel did not stop holding on to the promise of the Lord to redeem His people, we will not stop until this generation is convinced that what we need is no other than Jesus because for Him, through Him and to Him are all things.

Delta is the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet and is used in mathematics to denote change.  We in SoulΔiers believe that it is high time for the winds of change to blow on this generation. So we decided to start a Tumblr page to make even the tiniest ripples of change, all for the glory of Jesus, the King of Glory.

We do not claim that we already know all the answers to all the questions in the world. But may this tiny offering point you, dear reader, to Him who Himself is The Answer.

We call ourselves SoulΔiers not to sound cool or catchy or anything of that sort. We appropriate what the Lord has called us to do – take the whole armor of God and stop just being on the defensive. Jesus didn’t wait for the world to come to Him.

He came to it and told everyone that the Kingdom of God is at hand and was in fact with them already.

So will we.

[souldiers]

SOUL-delta-iers

Wrong spelling? Watch this space 'til September 23 to know why! 

and we'd love it if you'd spread the Word :>