WHAT IF WE ARE HIT TO THE CORE?

Very recently we witnessed 2 of our own public figures seemed to "fail" from their expected performances. Regine Velasquez who lost her voice on the concert day itself and Manny Pacquaio who was knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez in their 4th encounter.

We can say, they were hit to the core. Two things they have in common: (1) they failed on what they do best, singing and boxing respectively, (2) and these happening after they publicly professed their personal relationship with the Lord and striving to live Christian lives.

Some people ask why these things happen to them just when they tell the world about their renewed faith. They are supposed to be more successful because they are "nearer" to God. But God has a different meaning of success. To Him it means when you have shifted your focus from material things and worldly success to things of God and heaven.

Who said that with our relationship with Jesus everything will go as the world sees it? There will be testing of faith and usually they are the things/ people we value which may be involved. It's part of developing our character that will ultimately bring glory to God. I'm sure Regine and Manny cried and got scared at the moment but they showed that they put their hopes in Jesus and believed that there's a greater purpose why things happen.

I admire these 2 people for not giving up their faith despite the painful events that happened to them. And I pray that they remain steadfast and perseverant for they will bring many to the God's kingdom.

I just remembered a verse in Philippians 3:14, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

God is not done with us. And just like Abraham, when he believed God, it was credited to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3).

It's not easy when our faith is tested. But for sure if we pass it God will remember us. And this is more important. (Courtesy: Written by by Judith Atienza-Cinco)

Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain - Antipolo

An answer from God. Prayer should have a degree of being desperate; meaning, you must believe that only God and no one else can answer your prayer. Hebrews 11:6 teaches us that "...it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Sabel and I were so excited in having a special date with the Lord before she goes to Thailand. We would visit Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain in Antipolo to be refreshed and ask God for guidance, personal breakthrough and provision. We have never been to the place. According to my research, we have to take an FX from LRT Santolan Station going to Cogeo Gate 2, and then ride a jeepney going to Paenaan.

Touch of glory Prayer Mountain is a protestant evangelical Christian retreat center operated by bread of life ministries, located in Sitio Calumpang, Antipolo City. It is the first prayer mountain facility in Southeast Asia. Inspired by the prayer mountains of south Korea that brought about the spread of Christianity in that country, bread of life's senior pastor Butch Conde and the leadership of bread of life set out to build the prayer mountain to provide a place of solitude for Filipino evangelicals of different denominations (Wikipilipinas, 2012)

After 10-12 km drive, we arrived at the Prayer Mountain site. We walked from the highway to the site, the road was dark... no street lights but we’re totally excited.  After registering, the guard led us to our dorm site (attic). Entrance fee is only P50.00, for an overnight stay, P100 for the deck and P200 for the dorm. You can also ask for reservation specially if you're coming in a group. I took the 1st bed near the door. There was only one guy in the boy’s room who fasted for about 7 days, we talked for a while about our faith and encourage each other.

Dorm Beddings

We decided to eat dinner in the highway area; we eat Beef bulalo and went back to the site. We have fruitful sharing time together. Sabel shared a lot about her experiences as a teacher and I also shared mine. We also talked about our faith and our future.  After talking and sharing for a couple of hours, we decided to rest at 11:30pm.

Prayer Cell

Dormitories

Mini Park

Activity Course

Rock Bench

In terms of facilities, the Prayer Mountain is suitable for large groups; there is a big chapel where services and fellowships can be done. This center also has prayer cells - these are small rooms with a table inside where you can rest your elbows while you are praying on your knees. A pillow, light and a fan are also provided. These cells are perfect for self-reflection and personal encounter with God. For those who want to stay overnight, there are also dorms and rooms available.

Veranda

Stairway to Prayer Huts

Early in the morning, we attended the sunrise service (5am ever Saturday) and then have our breakfast (my favorite dried fish, rice and egg - available in the Cafeteria). We proceeded directly to prayer huts and park, roamed around and took some pictures, shared some stories and then we devoted our 30 minutes in prayer rooms. It is a perfect place for prayer and reflection. When I entered my prayer cell, I know I’ll be talking to Him personally. cried my heart out to God. Wrote to my journal, read the Bible. Pray even more.

Feeling inspired today..

I get very excited about the possibilities, and where life will take me and where others can go with their life also. It is a dream come true for me that I am actually able to have the opportunity to help others realize that the sayings are true, nothing is impossible. If you can dream it, you can achieve it. People need to give themselves a better chance at achieving what they really long for. All they need to do is believe it can happen.

What did you want to be when you were younger? I always fantasized of moving to the US and being a doctor or doing something really big with my life. Being able to help the world. Make a difference. But I grew up in a small country town and it just seemed like it was only meant for ‘the lucky ones’ or the people who were already rich. This isn’t actually true. Success in any area, of any industry, comes down to your imagination and your willingness to believe that you can actually make it happen. It’s start with you, why you want to do it, believing it can happen and then making it happen. These are simple questions I have asked myself previously, How do you feel today about where you are, where do you want to be? Where would you prefer to be? Who do you want to be spending time with at this very moment? What would you prefer to be doing today if what you are doing is not your ideal day? What is your family doing? Are they going about their days in their ideal way? If they weren't, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to change that for them if it was possible? Well, it is.

I am not exactly where I want to be right now, but I’m taking steps each day towards bigger goals than what’s happening in the present. It is important to still enjoy the present, but if nothing changes in your day to day life, nothing will change in the future. In 5 years time, do you want to be where you are now? Do you think you will have made progress?

Courtesy: http://kate-martin.tumblr.com/