New Year Fail?

Ezra 4:24

Thus the work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

We spent New Year’s Eve with my side of the family in a private resort in Antipolo City. The panoramic view overlooking the city was superb during the countdown. Add to that the warmth of being with my favorite clan again. It was everything I planned and prayed for. My heart was just so full and rejoicing. Until that Magic Sing took over the scene. Being a musician, I really have very low tolerance for out-of-tune singing. Please understand that it’s because my ears weren’t wired for such. Plus I’m worrying about the owner’s reminder of the anti-noise ordinance. It was a hard struggle. And definitely not my ideal first, few hours of 2013.

 In this chapter, we see the tribes of Judah and Benjamin embarking on their task of rebuilding God’s temple. It was their first endeavor as a returning nation. Sadly, they were welcomed with much opposition. And by welcome, it meant the struggle came from within. Their monotheistic faith threatened the idolatrous and immoral ways of the Samaritans squatting in the land. These pagans employed deception, discouragement and detraction to stop the work. And for sixteen years, they were seemingly successful in their slander.

It’s only the fourth of January and some of us are already struggling to overcome discouragements. The indulgence of the season may have left our purses almost empty; or maybe the holiday cheers faded at the sight of your gloomy workplace (and officemate!); or maybe we already failed in our set-resolutions. It may seem that these attempts to put us down are beyond our control, but truth is, the decision to respond parallel to the enemy’s lies is up to us. Being halted for a moment is far different from not trying again. We have the Resurrected Christ in our lives. His light can shine amidst any darkness, even death. With Him, we can move from striving to actually thriving. That’s our hope this new year!

January Jitters

1 Chronicles 11:10

These were the chiefs of David's mighty men--they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the LORD had promised.

We’re just on the third week of this new year and it seems some have already lost the glitz and joy of the season.  Highlighted by the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Corona, which started Monday, lawyers fear that this scrutiny, implying an undermining of the judiciary system, is endangering the country’s democracy. The back-fence talk that the president is shifting to dictatorship brings much distress especially because we feel we’ve just been there. Ironically though, such proceeding also surfaces the fact that the people’s power will make sure freedom and justice is kept. The Senate president promised that. They knew we will be watchful. We have our history to back us up.

From seventy years of exile to claiming back their homeland, we can imagine the hopes of the remnants. They probably can’t stop praising God for how He worked in the heart of King Cyrus to make them free. When they reached Zion, after settling in the towns, first on their list was what they long ago neglected: the Temple of God. Upon laying its foundations, it is said that there was mix of joyful shouts and loud weeping. The crying was from those old people who’ve seen its former glory. They knew it will take a lot of hard work to build their nation anew. With the Samaritans also occupying the land, oppositions were expected. God’s grace moved the chronicler to write chapter eleven at this time. It was the account of how the mighty David rose to power because of Israel’s support and his mighty men behind him, fighting alongside him. It features impossible exploits of individuals and God’s victory through them. Verse 9 wrote: ‘David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him’. The remnants needed to hear that part of history to strengthen their hopes and hold on to their faith. They needed to realize that the city of David became great not because of one bold man but because the people stood united and strong behind him, and foremost because God was with them.

How was your first three weeks so far?  Are you already tired, discouraged and overwhelmed? Is the thought that there’s eleven more months to your rough routine and with that difficult person enough for you to shout out that life sucks?  Well, it isn’t the first time, and you’re not the only one that road. Last year may have hit you hard and seeing January not promising either doesn’t mean it couldn’t go better. David is proof that God can raise one mere shepherd to the throne. Israel’s history is witness that battles can be won even against giants and empires. Our country survived despite leadership flaws and amidst crisis and floods. Romans 15:4 says: ‘For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.’ If we choose to put our trust in Him, He can fill us with joy and peace each day this year. We can have His strength to pursue impossible exploits and be one with our leaders in winning them. There is so much to look forward to this year. And God will make sure it will all end in praise. Happy 2012!

Right Start

2 Kings 25:9

He set fire to the temple of the LORD, the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem. Every important building he burned down.

In five hours, our side of the world will welcome the new year with a bang. For most Pinoys, it will be loud countdowns followed by a sumptuous meal with their families and friends. To some, although prohibited, it will be with firecrackers, even guns. With my kids, we announced we’re having a ‘Noisy Night!’ We told them it will be a time to shout and jump and run around, and that mom will not stop them. Rilian’s eyes grew big in excitement, maybe in disbelief, with that last one, haha! Everyone’s idea is to face the new year joyous and with high hopes. A time to seal one’s past as done and gone, and a time to look and move ahead and start all over again.

The sky was also fiery that time in Judah. But not in celebration, or hope. Jerusalem was literally burning. God’s temple included. It was their darkest hour. Like their northern brothers, they were taken captives. The noise all around signaled that what they had was past, and what’s ahead is gone. The Babylonians divided them in two: the strong and skillful were dragged as slaves, the poorest were left behind. I don’t know If I’d rather be rich or poor that time. With the temple burned down, even their last resort to return to God seemed gone. Who else can save them now?

With 2011 almost behind us, we wish all bad things will die with it. A strip-down of all negative vibes so we could inhale some positive karma. Some think loud noises will drive away those bad spirits or round fruits and pocketful of coins can bring in abundance. Traditions cannot ensure a good future, nor will religion. For why would a God of hope allow His temple to be desecrated if it was the main thing? God is the main thing! Turning back from Him was the sin that caused Judah’s future to grow dim. Fireworks can’t cover sins’ tracks. It will be a dim future - a dark 2012 – if we’ll continue to deceive ourselves that we can do life without God; that we can bury those sins underground so that no consequence will haunt us back; that we can restart anew without repentance and His forgiveness. Judah was given nth chances to come to terms with God. But they resisted 'til t’was forfeited. We have a chance here to make it right this time. Be right with Him and rest assured, 2012 will be more than just alright. With God, it will be your best year ever!

'Spring' Cleaning in December

2 Kings 23:26

Nevertheless, the LORD did not turn away from the heat of his fierce anger, which burned against Judah because of all that Manasseh had done to provoke him to anger.

In between Christmas and New Year, homemakers everywhere unite in one more major event in their calendars: 'Spring' Cleaning! (for lack of a better term, haha :>) Wikipedia notes that this practice originated in Persia, calling it ‘khooneh tekouni’ or literally, ‘shaking the house’ before the new year. Another possible origin was no less than the Jews’ preparation for Passover where they strictly had to make sure no yeast will be found in their homes. I sincerely wish they had vacuum cleaners before. Turning our homes upside down is no easy task. The fun part is when everyone shares in the work. The fulfilling part is when we can finally breathe in fresh air to our hearts’ content.  Of course we know the family will sure mess it all up again in no time. But still we vainly hope for the shine to last and be kept all year. *We Wish! :>

When the pious Hezekiah died, chapter twenty one gave us two kings of Judah who were his complete opposite: Manasseh, Judah’s longest reigning, most evil king and Amon, whose two years echoed his father’s detestable walk. They rebuilt all that Hezekiah’s zeal destroyed. They even surpassed the sins the pagan nations the Lord destroyed before them. It was in Manasseh’s term that God finally gave up Judah because of the innocent blood that filled Jerusalem from end to end. It was a miracle that their bloodline would produce the reformer Josiah. In his spring cleaning of the whole land from idolatry, the book of the Law was found and he readily ordered everyone, from the greatest to the least, to come to terms with the covenant. His leadership brought them back to temple worship, but God knew the pretense in the people’s hearts. As long as he lived, they did not fail to follow the Lord. When he died, so did their devotion. No wonder the Lord was not willing to forgive. No genuine repentance happened in the first place.

Imagine the hardwork of Josiah’s spring cleaning: burning all carved idols, smashing down altars, slaughtering pagan priests. It was a national thing, extending even to Samaria. He passionately want it all gone for the land to breathe anew. He prayed it will be clean living for all henceforth. With the Bible on his hand, he was hopeful. But still his people failed him. Yesterday, I went to church to clean the kids Sunday School area. God called me to head this ministry for 2012 and with His Word to lead us, I am hopeful. The vision is to see the kids and teachers alike growing in their faith.  Today, God reminded me I can’t. Not even with good leadership, nor thoughtful plans, not even with Bible on hand (I was surprised and shaken with that last part).  I suddenly felt helpless and discouraged. I realized that not even godly efforts or sincere hearts can guarantee success. It was so humbling. But to trust Him is to hope in Him. Our God is a gracious God. He will not force men to respond to Him, but His love is sooo patient to willingly wait. As parents and teachers, that’s where we come in. The most we can do is to direct our children towards a direction and pray they’d take that step. Let’s pray they’d take that step. It may mean calling for regular clean ups and an all-year round bible reading. Then let’s hope that in time, they’d really see the Cross and accept His cleansing power. Only then they’d really be white as snow :>

Surviving 2011

2 Kings 19:31

For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

One week before Christmas, tropical storm Sendong swept Southern Philippines leaving 1,236 dead and and still 1,079 missing. In Antipolo City, three days before Christmas, an 18-wheeler truck plowed a row of houses, leaving 8 people dead, including a 1 year old boy. On Christmas morning in Connecticut U.S.A., CNN reported a housefire trapping two adults and three children inside. These are tragic stories, highlighted by the fact that it all happened in what we call ‘the most wonderful time of the year’. We can’t help but grieve and question why. But what we often fail to see is heaven’s grace on the far end of the stats: 69,287 in evacuation centers, 12 injuries treated in hospitals, and 2 people who came out of the house alive. Makes me think: shouldn’t survivors be the headliners instead?

With the fall of northern Israel in Assyrian hands, Judah, at the time of Hezekiah faced the same threat – EXILE. Phase one, in the form of a siege, was operational here. Their water supply was already cut and with no way in or out, famine was sure next. In prolonged sieges, many would rather die than being eaten alive. Sennacherib’s arrogant offer was an easy surrender. An admittance that Assyria was more powerful than God Himself. Despite all pressures, Hezekiah never lost his faith. And God honored him with a sign of deliverance: REMNANTS. It was Israel’s hope in Assyria, and soon, Judah’s in Babylon. A time where God will gather a band of survivors back to Himself. With God’s zeal sealing it, t’was their only light in darkness, the good news amidst the bad.

It is again the time of the year when we all look back twelve months past and rate it as good or bad. Emotional quotients, trending news and support groups do have a great deal of influence on our tally sheets. The sum total will definitely dictate our attitudes in facing the new year. But given the facts and figures of the hardships we’ve had - in bold prints - the tendency is for us to headline 2012 as another cycle of rocks. But aren’t we all still breathing, at least?  We’ve always been proud to have been tagged as the smiling nation amidst fire and floods. We’re seasoned survivors! God may have allowed tragedies to happen, but are we even aware how many did He withhold in mercy? He may have taken lives from us, but have we considered they were first and foremost given? Choose to count those blessings. And believe there’s more to come. Say it with me: I’m a 2011 survivor! I have reasons to praise. More reasons to hope :>

HOPE-y New Year

2 Kings 19:14

Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD.

If there is one thing we’re so proud about our mother, it’s her devotion to the Lord. Her consistency in waking up very early in the morning for her bible reading and prayer time is admirable. Do you know that she keeps an accounting of our finances and brings it to her ‘meetings with God’? She would literally do the math in His presence and point out the imbalance in her sheets.  There and there she’d cry out her worries and her hopes for His miracle. Then God would remind her to flip back those pages and see His unfailing provisions in the past. As the sun rises anew, so will her faith. The resources may still be on the way, but the miracle already happened in her heart. She knew that today will be tomorrow’s past and her prayers now will be her next morning’s praise!

Hezekiah was introduced in this chapter as one who walked with God as David did. He devoted his first years in office to spiritual reforms – smashing idolatry and reestablishing temple worship. We’d expect rewards to flow and follow that rally for righteousness. But in the middle of his reign, Assyria marched against Judah and stopped that flow to the city. First their treasuries, then the water, then their morale. Sennacherib was taunting everything they could possibly hold on to. Through his messengers, he belittled their army, laughed at their allegiance with Egypt, questioned Hezekiah’s leadership and mocked their dependence on God. He even sent the king a letter to formalize his call to compromise. Hezekiah was here again pushed to wall, hardly breathing. But he did not call-a-friend or asked the audience or independently sorted if there’s still some 50/50 chance. He ran to his only lifeline and there laid the letter open, asking God to read every word and respond from heaven. He probably entered the temple still lame and feeble, but he sure left there strengthened and not a bit insecure. Now I know where my mom got that concept :>

We all want to end our year with books cleared and hearts at peace. But with ten days left, it’s a panic to meet that work quota, or pay our debts, or restore those broken relationships. For how can we even begin to restart life aright if we’d be carrying that weight over? We hate the thought that while others are celebrating Christmas, we’re down with workload, and long faces too. That while others are enjoying their friends and families, were skipping ours because of they can’t forgive us or the other way around. Your list may have more to it and you feel so pinned down. But truth says, there’s no such thing as unbearable. God made sure there’s a way of escape for everything.  Now, if we could all just jot down our cries, spread it out before the Lord and have the faith of Hezekiah (and my mom too!), then instead of still-dark dawn, it’d be the beauty of sunrise that will greet us in the morning. Hope-y New Year Everyone!

Rewiring and Resolutions

2 Kings 18:4

He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (It was called Nehushtan.)

When the Romans named the first month of the calendar after the mythical, two-faced Janus, they marked new year’s eve to be the time where they too could look backward and forward at the same time. Since then, it has become a ritual, pagans and Christians alike, to reflect on the flaws of the past year and resolve to change it on the coming year. According to an innovation specialist, of those making lists, 34% set resolutions related to money, 38% to weight, 47% on self improvement, and 31% on relationships.  Sadly, achievement rate is only 8%. Three out of four people never succeeded. Psychology Today explains, ‘Trying to change that default thinking by ‘not trying to do it,’ in effect just strengthens it. Change requires creating new neural pathways from new thinking.’ In short, we have to rewire our brains.

Of the twenty kings of Judah, eight were mentioned good, but only three had the description: ‘He did what was pleasing in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David had done’. The other five may have ruled right, but only Asa, Hezekiah, and Josiah chose to be men after God’s own heart. What’s the difference? The verse above serves as our best clue. The good kings made efforts to get rid of the idolatry in the land. They actually did well in starting the resolution list.  Then somewhere along the line, instead of stepping further, they stopped. They became settled. Unlike the three godly kings whose zeal were unstoppable until the idols were marked removed, smashed, and cut down. But those were just the observable, behavioral results. What really happened was the rewiring of their brains. They first made sure theirs were connected and in tune with God’s heartbeat.  With their devotion in place, they have no need for positive thinking or willpower. They succeeded because it was all His thoughts, His will, and His power at work.

It’s fifteen days to new year and usually, our heading writes, ‘My Resolution For 2012’. With that, I could easily jot down healthier meals, earlier mornings and happier kids to my list. But should it really be MY name on that paper? What if for once we follow the three kings’ template and put God’s Name and His will on top? Do we have the feeling He’ll say: ‘Read your bible, pray everyday’?  Or are we more afraid He’ll say ‘Take up your cross and follow Me’? Making Him the Lord of our 2012 implies our resignation as life managers. But haven’t we been failing on this duty for many years now? Let go and let God! Change happens not in doing things but by trusting in Him. If we really want freedom from our past and have a promising future ahead - - begin with God. He’s the only way to a really happy new year.