Something to Chew On.

So you know how some people say that it's really boring to read the Bible? Well... I'm betting some of those people haven't read the Old Testament. Though I have friends who say that the Old Testament isn't encouraging to read - and most of the time it's not - I have to admit that it's pretty interesting. 

See, I've already said how I was reading Joshua right, and a couple of days ago, I've started on Judges. I've only started and I'm not feeling any remote encouragement from it at all. But it's like reading the script of a big-budget action film - like Saving Private Ryan, the first 15 minutes of the movie at least. Ok, so far it hasn't been that gory yet. Just that the first 4 chapters include someone getting hammered on the head with a tent peg or someone doing the sepuku on another person. I don't know. I mean I knew the Old Testament included plenty of wars, I just never thought that there would be actual violence, explicit violence. Eh. I even thought maybe the Bible needed like a disclaimer or a warning or something. :|

I was reading Judges chapter 4 and it had the header Deborah on top. She's kind of like the first female Justice in the Bible. She was one of the judges God gave to the Israelites when they were misbehaving, kind of like a babysitter to spoiled kids. I don't exactly know what God is telling me through this passage. I suppose in a way it's as though He's giving me examples of women who can lead, women of faith and women who are driven and with goals. I mean she's not mentioned a lot in this chapter, even though it is her name as a header, but she was the one that delivered Israel from more misdemeanor, or stalled it at least. 

I don't know. But I'm going to go ahead and take it as God telling me that I can do anything I set my mind to, and with His help, I can accomplish them. God has been faithful to me this past semester, and I know He will be again not just for the next semester but forever. 

Next stop, Dean's List. 

My Girlfriends :)

All the girls at Gio's 18th. :)
"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel" Proverbs 27:9 (NIV)

Hi friends :) We so pretty :") I love you guys! I really had so much fun that night. OP. Wala ng kokontra. =)) You guys are the best. I really am so blessed to have met you guys. Grabe lang talaga ang pagkakaibigan natin. Ibang klase. :))

Love you girls! :)

You are Faithful

"Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled" 

Joshua 21:45 (NIV)

The past couple of days, the country has been hit by a super typhoon called Juan and it just left today. Plenty of families and provinces have been devastated. Although for most of us here in Manila, the only thing Juan ruined for us is our plans and it's really not a big deal. But for the people who were directly hit by the typhoon, it cost them their homes, their livelihoods and some their lives.

Having typhoon's is nothing new for our country. But somehow, it always hits us hard when a super typhoon comes. I guess it shows how despite being in the typhoon belt since forever, the country's still not prepared for most of the calamities that come its way.

I don't want to say I'm not troubled by this because those who are living in the city are not directly affected. But it's because I know that God will pull everyone in Isabela, Pangasinan, Benguet, etc though. He has never failed us and the passage is just really timely as an encouragement for everyone. I know that God won't leave and forget about us. I just wish that people won't forget about it just because they're experiencing tough times now.

Encouragement from God

"...Then they are to admit him into their city and give him a place to live with them. If the avenger of blood pursues him, they must not surrender the one accused, because he killed his neighbor unintentionally and without malice aforethought." Joshua 20:4-5 (NIV)

See, I've been reading the book of Joshua and around a month ago I was reading how the Israelites took over and conquered a lot of cities. I mean, a LOT of cities and killed even more people. And I remember feeling uncomfortable reading it and asking God why it was necessary to have all those people killed. I asked my discipler, Ate Rhods, about this and she told me to just keep on reading the book of Joshua because she's sure that one of the later chapters will help me understand my question. She also told me to remember that no matter what happens God is a holy God.

Although God has somehow answered my question as to why He has to eliminate a lot of people, a lot of innocent people too, He has further answered me through this chapter. 

I was reminded of just how many  the Israelites were. I mean, there were 12  tribes. Of course God would have to get the lands of other people for them. Each tribe has plenty of families, and each of that family has a family of its own and so forth. I kind of understood that. But then in chapter 20, the lands were also used to keep refugees safe. Those who committed crimes unintentionally would be taken in in those nations until those who are seeking vengeance would leave or until the high priest who took them in at that time would pass on. 

And I was just reminded that though God is a holy God, He is also a merciful God. Yes we are sinners, there's no doubt about that. But here's what He's telling us - what He's telling me: I know you've done plenty of wrong things in your life, but you can turn to Me. You don't have to go through this alone. It's just so encouraging for me since I feel like I'm doing something wrong and I feel guilty about it. This just assured me that God is not only my Lord, He is also my Heavenly Father and He will do everything to protect me because He loves me and wants only the best for me.

I just wanted to share this with everyone out there who feel like their mistakes are unforgivable. There's hope. There is a God. 

Impatient Me

October 17, can you not come any faster? Please. I'm so tired, I don't know if I could handle anymore puyatan nights. My eyes are already small as it is. If I lack anymore sleep, I'm afraid I'll be squinting forever. ,_,

October 25 and 26 please come soon too. I need a break. I need to rejuvenate myself both physically and spiritually.

The Lord replied, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14 (NIV)