Friendship

What greater purpose does a Christian have other than to serve Christ and lead others to Him? There is none! I’m in amazement that He would use me to speak His love and grace and gospel to others and change them from the inside out.

God has done so much in my life this summer. One of the most incredible things is witnessing His work in a few of my closest friends: Donna, Javon and Jessica. Seeing Him move in their hearts and create a desire for Him has taken my breath away and left me in amazement…it’s strengthened my faith. Truly, all things are possible with Christ.

I feel so blessed to have such deep a friendship as I do with these two incredible people. I can laugh with them, cry with them, share deep thoughts with them, but most importantly share the love of Christ with them!

Von,

I love your new found hunger for Christ, all the questions you ask me about Him and the way you seek after Him so eagerly. Keep going, it’ll change your life forever. You’ve inspired and uplifted my spirits more than you’ll ever know. You’re such an amazing friend and I’m so excited for you as you embark on this incredible journey with Him. I love you!!!!

Dawn,

I can’t imagine a greater gift than seeing God save and work in my best friend since middle school. Mahal na mahal kita and I’m so overjoyed to see the change in you. You are an incredible, strong and beautiful woman and God loves you more than you'll ever know. Keep your eyes on Him.

Jess,

You’re such a beautiful woman inside and out and I knew there was something special about you when we first clicked and bonded so easily. You truly impacted my life and I’m grateful for all the special talks we’ve shared. Let God continue to steer you and keep trusting Him. He’s faithful. I love you woman!

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” - John 15:13

Abundantly blessed and joyful,

yolee

Your Luv

Wouldn’t life be great if we didn’t have to go through anything hurtful in life? Or maybe if we could just hit the fast forward button when trials come around…skip all the messy stuff, the pain, anxiety, frustration and get to the good part where everything works out and we’re all smiles.

Unfortunately, I haven’t found the fast forward remote that can do that. But praise God for the hope we can find in Him. The cross is our humbling reminder that Christ lives in the Christian and no matter what we go through, He will give us the strength to make it through. It’s through the trials that we tend to learn life’s greatest lessons and experience God’s greatest peace and joy. So instead of praying for trials to disappear, I think I’d rather embrace the moment. It’s in this moment that I feel the closest to God than ever before. It’s in this moment that I hunger for Him and chase after Him by drowning myself in His word, in prayer, in books and sermons just to learn more about His love and who He is. And in those small still moments, while I’m still in the trial, I feel His love overwhelm me to the point where I can’t do anything but cry tears of joy. He’s so amazing and there’s no greater feeling in this entire world than to be in Him and feel His all encompassing, steadfast, amazing love.

So I encourage any Christian to just take your eyes of yourself and place them on Him. Get in His word and let Him really grab a hold of you and change your world around. I also encourage anyone who doesn’t know God to surrender your life to Him, there’s no greater decision you can ever make than to follow Him. He’s all around, all knowing, loving, compassionate and eager for a deep relationship with you. Quiet your heart and get alone with Him. Get in His word and seek Him. He’ll speak volumes to you.

“What shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?....No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8:35-39

Breaking Chains

“The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.” - Acts 16: 22-26

In speaking with a good friend recently I was encouraged and reminded of the power of praise. He reminded me about Paul and Silas who were beaten and thrown in prison unjustly. They had every reason to be angry, to curse authority for their injustice and to carry on with the grumbling and complaining that engulfed their environment from prisoners around them. What did they do instead? They sang praises to God. Who in their right mind sings praises to God during times of calamity and confusion? Those who truly trust in Him and who know how big, mighty and great He is!

Our natural tendency during trials is to suffocate in them. We suffocate our thoughts, emotions, and potential by our issues, making them bigger than God. How can He draw close to us and do His work when we’re too busy swimming in our own self pity? The truth is that God cares about our trials, no matter how big or small they may appear. By praising Him with all our heart, mind and strength we acknowledge that Christ is bigger than our problems and that the purpose of our trials is not to get past them as quickly and comfortably as possible, but to trust in the Lord and praise Him through anything. He truly deserves it. Praising God leads to broken chains that hold us back from receiving his peace, joy and rest. God already knows the outcome and that it will work out for your good. He planned out your life and trials before you even stepped on the scene. More importantly, He’s already saved you from the biggest problem of them all if you’re a believer. He’s broken the chain of death and sin over your life. That alone demands praise and a contrite heart. So give God the glory and praise He truly deserves. Praise Him through worship and through the way you live your life, how you serve others and how you carry yourself at work. Praise Him with all your might and soul, and watch how He gloriously breaks the chains that have been holding you back.

<3, yolee

(Thanks for the reminder, Josh D.C.) :-)