Kindlings from 2006

HOW DO I LOVE THEE, GOD?

Kindling from the Year, 2006

When she was fifteen years old, Elizabeth Barrett suffered a debilitating spinal injury and became partially disabled. Forced to spend much of her time indoors, she read voraciously and grew to become a brilliant scholar and author. When poet Robert Browning wrote to express his admiration for her poems, she began exchanging letters to him. The couple fell in love and married in 1846. Four years later, Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote one of the exquisite and well-known love poems in the English language. “Sonnet 43” begins:

How do I love thee? Let me count me the ways.

I love to the depth and breath and height

My soul can reach …

Psalm 116 is an extraordinary expression of love – addressed to God. “How do I love Thee, God?” And I find several magnificent truths about God’s goodness and deliverance in my life this 2006.

“I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my supplications, because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.” (Psalm 116:1-2) I love the Lord because He bends an ear when I call on Him. I cannot count the ways God has answered my prayers – He has helped a whole lot when I was entrusted to be the team leader of the International Chrysalis Institute – Asia in August, 2006 where there were 40 young leaders came for 5 days in Subic for leadership development. Despite the rains, these leaders still decided to troop to Subic to network and learn from each other. 2006 did not start off the way I envisioned it to be yet the Lord gave me several opportunities to be consultant for several companies and ministries – Nutrinova, Philippines, Inc, ICI Ministries, Asian Theological Seminary-MBA program – as I even continue to be part-time faculty of Alliance Graduate School and mentor for the managers of Seaoil Philippines, Inc. Being part of these companies was a way wherein I can show others that it is possible to be true to God’s principles in doing business and at the same profit. It was also an opportunity to serve the Lord through the workplace ministry of Greenhills Christian Fellowship in Makati. This is also the year where I became involved with the International Christian Chamber of Commerce. The workplace ministry is also my own contribution to national transformation.

“The cords of death encompassed me and the terrors of Sheol came upon me; I found distress and sorrow. Then I called upon the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I beseech You, save my life! Gracious is the Lord and righteous; yes, our God is compassionate. The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low and He saved me.” (Psalm 116:3-6) Being a consultant, I don’t have a permanent office of my own and I am thankful that every time I travel the Lord has been my source of safety and security. This year, Mindanao has been a hub for me. I made several trips to Davao City to attend/ speak in seminars. The most significant trip was my visit to a plantation in the middle of Lanao del Sur for exploratory talks for Organization Development of the company. It was one of the interesting travels I had. We flew in from Cotobato and flew out of Cagayan de Oro. Other out of town trips were courtesy of the Assemblies of God denomination which invited me to speak before their pastors in Bacolod City and to the denomination young professionals’ fellowship in Baguio City.

“What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” (Psalm 116:12)

“I shall lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 116:13) Why do I lift my cup on high? In order to publicly praise God and announce His anointing. In 2007, I shall be involved with the ministry called Christ@Work, a ministry dedicated to share Christ among business owners and executives. I am committing myself to continually share my faith with those in the workplace and the value of imploring biblical principles in their work practices.

“I shall pay my vows to the Lord, oh may it be in the presence of all His people.” (Psalm 116:14) I pray that every time I meet people they see Christ in me – a life living in praise and thanksgiving to Him whether in times of pain or joy. Evangelism has been a passion for me and I have placed it as one of my core values. May God find me faithful as I desire to be a witness for Him both in practice and in proclamation through the days of my life.

“To You I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and call upon the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 116:17) In all these, I want to let you know how thankful I am to the Lord for all His provisions and the many, many ways He has been good to me. He has provided for all my needs especially spiritually and emotionally. I cannot repay God enough for what He did in my life whoever I am right now is because of His grace. What can I do to show my love for Him? By sharing His goodness with others. I am praying that the year 2007 will be a year wherein I will be given the opportunity, the courage and the strength to share blessings with others especially those in the workplace.

Please pray for me as I continue to carry out God’s purposes in my life – teaching, leading and networking with people. May I always live a life of worship and thanksgiving to the Lord.

All because of God’s grace,