I guess it’s basic human need to be assured and reassured. Even couples who have been married for 30 plus years would still appreciate a word or a gesture of assurance from each other. Every relationship will surely blossom if the parties involved feel secured by the love of the other. We, who are believers of Christ, have every reason to celebrate. Why? Because our Lord promises us several times in the Scripture that He will be with us until the end of age. And as if His words are not enough, He even gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us. Enjoy this wonderful truth that we have a Lover, Friend, and Brother who will stick with us through thick and thin.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
A Gesture of Assurance by Sis. Ardis Sola
Every time our family goes out for an outing, the first thing I pack is the medicine bag. I make a mental list of each body part and the possible sicknesses that can occur. I carry a paracetamol for headache, an eye drop for itchy eyes, an ear drop for painful ears, a nasal spray for rhinitis, a lip balm for windburn, tablets for upset stomach, diarrhea, allergies, nausea, tooth ache, back pain, etc. How about some ointment for burns and wounds? And different plastic strips and gauzes. Don’t forget the nebulizer and the nebules. I stop only when I am satisfied that I have covered every possibility. But my greatest assurance comes from prayer. After packing everything, I go to my room and pray with confidence to our Lord who sits at the right side of the Father interceding for all those who believe in Him.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Faithful Servant by Sis. Ardis Sola
The corporate world does not have any room for weaklings. In fact, if you want to climb the ladder of corporate success, you should always show your strengths. One must be careful not to show any sign of weakness, so it is not surprising anymore that a lot of our corporate men and women suffer from stress and hypertension.
I remember that night in 1994 when I talked with my parents about my decision to leave my secular job at a government agency. I assured them that my new job as a missionary is the happiest job on earth. My Boss loves me and is crazy about me, including all my weaknesses. In fact, my Boss says, “It is when you are weak that I am strong.” This means that He uses my weaknesses to make things great. Besides, I do not have to kill myself trying to climb the ladder of success. Why? Because my Boss does not care about success. What is important to Him is my faithfulness. He says, “Well done, good and FAITHFUL servant.”
I will be on my 15th year of working for this great BOSS. And each day of these 15 years has been a day of learning and listening to His voice.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Potter and Clay by Sis. Ardis Sola
“I am the potter, and you are the clay.”
My family and I visited Ilocos Sur almost 10 years ago. We went to a pottery shop where we saw how a clay jar was made. Most of the shops were situated in the backyard. Nothing fancy except for the potter’s stool and a basin of clay. In fact, there were quite a few farm animals playing in the mud beside the workplace. The potter began by getting a handful of clay. He molded the clay firmly, but gently, in his hands. His every move was so exact. His eyes were glued to his work that he did not even look up when we greeted him. When it finally looked perfect to him, he put his masterpiece down and stared at it. We moved to another shop next door which was more “high standard.” It had a well-defined workplace, display shelves, and a reception area. Then there was the potter busy with his clay in one corner. I saw the same passion and intensity in the eyes and hands of the second potter which was present in the first potter. I realized then that the most important for the potter was the clay in his hands. It did not matter to both potters what kind of physical environment they were in.
Having seen and experienced the relationship between the potter and the clay, this verse has become one of my favorites. Jesus works exactly the same way. He molds us with utmost care and gentleness. He does not give us an anything which will break us apart. He has a pretty good idea what He wants us to become. He works in our lives no matter what our life situation is. We might be in a mess or doing okay. He loves us 100%. Nothing can distract Him from pursuing His plans for us.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
God Changed the OC in Me by Sis. Ardis Sola
I was a control freak during my high school and college days. Back then, it was called “being organized.” I remember having a huge manila paper posted on my wall with my sched on it. I made sure that no detail was left unattended. Every single day, I put a check mark on the completed tasks and an x mark for those I didn’t accomplish. On top of this, I also kept a small notebook where I wrote down my dreams and ambitions for the future. You can just imagine how stressed I was trying to do everything and see check marks on my wallpaper sched. Not only did I experience tremendous stress, but I also became anti-social and depressed. All that mattered to me was getting things done as per sched!
Everything changed when I encountered Jesus and slowly learned to relax and rest on Him. Did He not promise great peace and pure joy to those who believe that He actually controls all things? Wow! I ripped the manila paper on my wall and felt so relieved. I have a God who has a great plan for my life so might as well let Him take over.
“One day, when He shows Himself in full splendor to men, you will be filled with the most tremendous joy… You can be sure that God’s Spirit of glory… is resting upon you. “ (1 Peter 4: 13-14)
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