Shut Up or Shout Out?

Nehemiah 2:12
I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on.

I had the task last weekend to organize Windsong’s training seminar for Metro Cebu. Two days before the event, we were still short of seventy one registrants and the equivalent fees.  My heart was racing at every thought of the teachers’ housing, lovegifts, and gastronomical needs. I considered a handful of options but somehow nothing seemed to fit. Nearing desperation, I was ready for a shout-out. A ‘help me, anyone?’ And I did. To Him who best could. And the verse above were His words to me.

Nehemiah told NO ONE what God had put in his heart. He arrived in Jerusalem three days already and he still hasn’t made himself known to everyone. Very opposite from our political figures who instagram their every provincial visit and brag about their golden eggs even before the chickens meet. Nehemiah’s discreetness was evident in the descriptions ‘he set out during the night’, brought with him ‘a few others’, ‘told no one’ and had ‘only the donkey he was riding on’. He purposefully allowed no one to distract and discourage God’s will through him. I imagine his conversations with God as he inspected every crack and rubble: ‘Lord, will the resources suffice?’ ‘Will the people of Judah’s support this?’ ‘Can I really lead this humongous task?’. His fears were real. But greater was his faith. Not even that did he broadcast. Not until the appropriate time.

And so I sat in my corner resolved to shut my mouth. To those who know me, that’s an effort. But His word was clear. I promised God I will step aside and allow Him to do the talking.  He will move people’s hearts to Himself and for His glory. What He had put in my heart to do was to continue the preps. I did. I’m glad I did. For exactly the same day, I received a text from my pastor approving the check for the sponsored meals I requested, even doubling the amount! That afternoon too, we receive an email from Manila asking for our bank account and the amount was enough to cover the lodging and the remaining meals. And although the Walk-In registrants did not reach the target number, it was the amount we need to bless our teachers with lovegifts. And all I did was to zip my mouth! Guess I should do that more often : ) But not for praise. Not today. For today's the time to shout-out-loud: PRAISE GOD!

Bad Mix

2 Chronicles 25:9

Amaziah asked the man of God, "But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?" The man of God replied, "The LORD can give you much more than that."

Baking is one skill which requires precision. From pans to measuring cups, it has to be as the recipe instructed. One ingredient more, or less, will definitely have an effect on the pastry.  Unless you’re a pro, or you’re family’s so forgiving, improvisation is not an option. And for everyone’s sake, check the quality of e-v-e-r-y additive before the mix. A rotten egg cracked into your batter, no matter how fine and fresh the others eggs are, should definitely be trashed. It may cost you time and dimes to restart, but compared to the health risks, would anyone choose otherwise?

When King Amaziah had a headcount of his fighting men who’d go against the Edomites, he found it necessary to recruit a hundred thousand more from their northern brothers. By recruit, that meant hiring them for ten thousand dollars each in today’s currency. After the mix, a man of God told him that the one-fourth additive were idolatrous, rotten eggs and should not march with them to battle or they’d all be overthrown by the enemy. ‘But I paid a billion for these eggs?’ was this baker’s concern. If I’m one from Judah, I’d blurt out, ‘So we’d rather lose our lives to make you feel good about your investment?’ But instead of rebuke, God patiently and gently assured him with these words, ‘I can give you much more than that!’

Logically, obeying God is everyone’s wisest choice. ‘Leave everything behind and follow Me.’  In Him, we are assured of help in troubled times, of joy amidst life’s pain, of hope when everything else fails. But because our eyes are on what we’re leaving behind, we’re missing out on the riches of Christ. When our hearts are foolishly fixed on the emotions we have invested with that ungodly man, or the tenure we’re eyeing regardless of the corrupt system we’re in - - we’ll soon be rotting as well.  In time, God will have to trash out the bad eggs, and unless you call on Jesus’ name to cleanse you, you’re going down with the mix.   So stop calculating your cash in and trust God’s gracious offer of life anew. For surely, He can give you much more than what the world can give.   

As Parent-Coach

2 Chronicles 24:2

Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years of Jehoiada the priest.

Almost around the corner is the 2012 London Olympics. I may have zero athletic blood in me, but this is something I always look forward to. With the social networking sites providing links to updates and inside stories, even fans can prepare for the competitions. I especially like checking profiles. My latest read was about Anna Li, a Chinese-America gymnast who, although a hundred percent Chinese, is playing for the US team. Her parents were both Olympics medalists and coaches who initially do not want her this dream because they knew how hard it will be.  Li said: ‘It's me who wants it, no one has to force me to push for my dream. They just support me.’

Reading the first paragraphs of chapter twenty four, you’ll have the impression that King Joash himself loved the Lord. He initiated the temple restoration project, proclaimed the required tax for its completion, even questioned the high priest when he saw the work wasn’t progressing. He supported all religious concepts, even attended to it - - for as long as his mentor was around. When Jehoiada died, so did Joash’ piety. The idolatry his mentor smashed, he welded. The very son of the one who raised him up, he ordered stoned. As a result, God sent judgment via the king of Aram. All his good works plundered, leaving him severely wounded and helpless against his official’s conspiracy. Unlike his mentor, his body was not buried in the tombs of the kings. For unlike his mentor, his heart wasn’t after God’s own.

As a parent, this story scares me. For like Jehoiada, I made sure God’s word is in my kids' hands. My goal is to raise them up loving God and His work, as my own parents did to me. That means being a godly example too. But if Judah’s high priest wasn’t able to do it, what’s my guarantee? It’s a heartbreaking thought that when I die, so will their compliance to the things of God. What would bridge the gap so they’d be like Li and say ‘It’s me who want it!’  Paul prayed the same for Timothy when he said, ‘Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of’.  As parents, the most we can do is to provide the ‘learning’ and pave the way for them to know Christ. The second half is a really personal decision.  As coaches, we can give them winning tips on running, but the choice to run is theirs. We can’t force it on them.  As young as they are, let them know that their obedience is not to us, but to God’s. That mindset would at least provide us a clue when it’s time to pray harder.  As we always should.

Even With Good Intentions

1 Chronicles 13:3

Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it during the reign of Saul.

My 5 year old boy is a dino-fanatic. Bring him to a toystore and he’ll surely go straight to that rack of miniatures.  Bring him to a bookstore, like last weekend at MV Logos, and he’ll choose anything –saurus to take home. But if you don’t bring him out of the house, he still has his day full with dino-activities. From K’nex to clay to straws to crackers - - all are dino-shaped here. Those DVDS really stretched his imagination. His latest fave was the Jurassic trilogy. He knows each scene and line by heart. I watch with him every so often, and yes, I found a favorite too. It was that conversation in the third instalment when Dr. Grant discovered that Billy stole two raptor eggs. Billy said, ‘You have to believe me, this was a stupid decision but I did it with the best intentions’. And Dr. Grant answered, ‘With the best intentions? Some of the worst things imaginable have been done with the best intentions.’ And in anger, those eggs nearly went into the river.

 It was with the best intentions that David plotted out the Ark of the Covenant’s return to Jerusalem. It has long been in Abinadab’s house on the hill since the time of Samuel. The ark symbolizes the presence of God and in it, the tablets given to Moses. As newly appointed king over Israel, and with a heart after God’s own, he knew that Israel’s stability is dependent solely on God’s favour. He wanted to give God the centerstage. He wanted it to be the best celebration ever. He sent word far and wide to all Israel and everyone came with shouts of praise. As the cart carrying the ark came to the threshing floor in Kidon, the oxen stumbled and a man reached out his hand to steady the ark. God saw Uzzah as irreverent and His wrath struck him down dead. I can imagine the sudden silence of everyone there. David was initially angry, maybe from not understanding the rebuke of God amidst this worship time. It’s like how we become angry at God for our sufferings when we’ve been trying to serve Him all our lives.  Next we see David shifting from anger to fear. He realized God was serious in keeping His holiness; that He is set apart from His creation. The ark was then set aside in the house of the Gittites for three months. David used that time to thoroughly check what really went wrong. He soon realized that his good intentions lacked God’s right instructions. Or in our words, the end nor the intent, doesn’t justify the means. 

Again, the context of Chronicles was for the remnants to learn from their past and move on to a future of being God’s nation again. Given the go signal by the Persian king to rebuild the Temple, their eyes were hopeful and their hearts burning to see the worship of God restored in Israel. God chose this portion of history to remind them that although it is for His honor, it shouldn’t be unaccompanied by holy fear.  It’s ironic how the verse above spoke of Saul not inquiring of God, but David missing the mark too. It’s us trying to reach the godless or doing pious projects, without soaking it first in prayer, or worse, with sins unconfessed. If His instruction was to circle the answer and you underlined it, will you call Him unfair for your failing grade? As a relational God, do you think He’s more impressed with your bright answers than you following His instructions?  So, have you asked Him today for His latest direction? His words may be unchangeable, but the verses there are not meant to be templates for your choosing. He chooses His words for you. Imagine what you’re missing out when you’re still holding on to last year’s ‘wait’ because you failed to hear His GO this morning. What more the disaster every time we GO without first waiting on Him. Gandhi once said: ‘Before the throne of the Almighty, man will be judged not by his acts but by his intentions. For God alone reads our hearts’. Now we know God judges both.  

Action Words

2 Kings 4:2a, 14

Elisha replied to her, "How can I help you?”; ”What can be done for her?”

In our Couple’s bible study last Monday, we started a new series called Life Apps. It was authored by Jeff Henderson and Charles Stanley’s son, Andy. All six-sessions center around the idea that the truths we find in the Scriptures are to be applied.  That it’s not enough to read and know His words (or memorize, exegete, or blog about it!). Not even our feelings of guilt or joyous singing or our being overly motivated can bring about change. Obedience to God is not a noun, nor an adjective, it has always been a verb.

When the widow of one of the prophets in Israel came to Elisha for help, we did not find him just offering a listening ear or a tap in the back, like we usually do in wakes. It’s a good thing though. But not enough when she had creditors at the door seeking her two boys to serve as slaves. Fast forward to verse 10, and we read of a well-to-do Shunammite woman providing Elisha with a room so that he could have a place whenever he’s in town. We know a thank you would suffice, but he thought there’s more to be done. Two women, one in grief, the other, generous. Shall a prophet see his ministry only for those in need? Or be a blessing only to those treating them kindly? Moreover, Elisha knew better than leave them with words of promises or refreshed spirits. He took time to hear their lives to know their deepest needs. It is God-ordained that He alone can fill those voids. To the widow, a means of livelihood, and to the wife, a life on her womb.  Elisha did not leave their homes without God changing their lives.

God orchestrated that this is my devotion today and last Monday’s topic was all about application. A very good friend mirrored those two women mentioned above. She has been a generous supporter years back and now she’s in her pits with all their belongings washed away by the recent flood. I did encourage her with  text messages and kept myself updated of their howabouts. But that was the LEAST that I could do. Obviously not the MOST. So while I’m mentally listing how I could best extend God’s help to them, I hope you too would prayerfully consider how God wants you to be His blessing to another. Everybody has a need you know. Now GO!

No Crown, But Not a Coward

1 Kings 20:42

He said to the king, This is what the LORD says: 'You have set free a man I had determined should die. Therefore it is your life for his life, your people for his people.'

Around this time yesterday, the web walls flooded with Miss U posts. It may be Miss Angola who bagged the crown, but our very own Shamcey Supsup definitely did not lag behind. Malacanang had three words for her: humility, intellect and grace. The Q&A portion displayed an admirable fourth one: faith. When asked if she would change her religion to marry the one she loves, she answered, ‘If I would have to change my religious beliefs, I would not marry the person that I love. Because the first person that I love is God, who created me. I have my faith and my principles, and this is what makes me who I am. If the person loves me, he’ll love my God, too’. Some found her last sentence fatal in a competition where mutual respect is highly observed. But who says it was her personal principles? It was God’s in the first place and she merely acted in obedience. And that, for us, is her winning crown.

Many would give up everything for the crown. Five chapters back, we read of Judah’s King Asa bribing Ben-Hadad to break treaty with Israel and side with him instead. That same king of Aram reappears here and besieged Samaria. His pride and malice called out King Ahab to surrender everything under his feet. If not for God’s hand, there was no way Israel’s flock could fight against this vast army – twice! The win was for both Israel and Aram to know that He is God, the Gracious and Just. But when Ben-Hadad pleaded for mercy, Ahab gave him full pardon. He even called him a brother and made a treaty with him. He sure could win a title for this world peace act. But was it for him to give? As ultimate judge, we find God’s verdict to Ahab’s seemingly humanitarian answer: ‘You have set free a man I had determined should die. Therefore it is your life for his life, your people for his people.’ Woew! I guess not even God’s answer could win by popular vote. Play-rewind to verse 36 and you’ll find a prophet killed by a lion for refusing to strike a fellow prophet as commanded by God. It was an object lesson for Ahab for putting his personal convictions ahead of God’s. He thought giving mercy was better than God’s justice. And for that, the crown was taken away from him.

It is God’s rule above all. His mercy above ours, His love above ours. Many were offended by Shamcey’s insisting her faith on someone (although it shouldn’t be out of love for her). But reflecting on Elijah’s fight against the Baal prophets, God was not calling Israel to respect other beliefs. He wants us to act in obedience and declare there is only ONE God. He is the jealous One who demands man's exclusive devotion, like a husband who has every right and reason for his wife’s full affection.  Christianity’s voice on society has long been muted because of crown-compromises. We’d rather win than win them over. We easily let go for respect’s sake. Jesus didn’t. The crown of thorns was proof to that.

A Soldier’s Call

1 Kings 13:1

By the word of the LORD a man of God came from Judah to Bethel, as Jeroboam was standing by the altar to make an offering.

My husband recently browsed through Discovery Channel’s World Ward 2 series in full color. He said it was amusing to watch war documentaries like it happened just a few years past. I sat down with him one night, and although I prefer war dramas than the narrative clips, I’d say they did a good job in making this part of our history come alive. What caught my thoughts was the sight of so many soldiers, lined up, marching, and ready to receive orders - - difficult orders. Whether forcibly recruited or at will,  the call was towards all dangers and even death. They were soldiers of their nation. ‘Twas their identity, not their names nor their faces. And once dropped in the field, there was no turning back.

A man of God was called from out of Judah to deliver a hard message to Israel’s king up north. It was a difficult, dangerous call. Possibly on foot, he traveled towards the high place in Bethel. Add to the perilous journey was the order to not eat or drink anything while he’s there.  As if on cue, he arrives while Jeroboam, not a priest, was burning incense at the altar. If it was me, I think this part was the most difficult. Shall I do a bit of coughing at least, or look around for an easy face for some rapport? This is the king and this is his homecourt! But the man was direct. And God merciful. The message of destruction was for the altar. The sin. God was opening a door for Israel to repent of this idolatry. Next  scenes were action-packed: Jeroboam stretched out his hand with orders to seize the man; instantly his hand became paralyzed in that position; he asked the man to intercede for his healing; the man prayed; the hand was restored; the king invited the man to eat with him; the man refused and left.  Just in case you missed two difficult struggles there, let me zoom in again: (1) praying for someone who seconds ago threatened to harm him, and (2) saying No to dining with the king when his tummy was shouting a big YES. That forgiveness was not mentioned in his sign up sheet. Food looks trivial compared to the big message already delivered. But the man of God faithfully kept his call, even exceeded his JD. At least up to verse 10. We don’t know his name, but we know who he works for. He was a good soldier.

It’s a delight reading verses about love, blessings, joy, promise, hope, rewards. It makes life sun shiny-ish and warm and singable. I have a good friend who recently asked for prayers in deciding whether or not to accept a humongous job. God gave her Isaiah 51:3 ‘The LORD will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the LORD..’ Comfort, compassion, Eden and garden all looks appealing. But note that achieving those means working alongside words like ruins, deserts, wastelands. Quite a call for second thoughts right? Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel, Peter, Paul - - big names with big achievements for God. But we’re they called for comfortable tasks? Was the end goal for their comforts either? Life is hard because we’re against the world’s high walls of sin. Doing right means going against that flow. That’s our call. To stand up for what is God’s, even if it means standing up alone. Our identity now is in Christ, not our names nor you faces. We’re His soldiers now.

Affixed on God

1 Kings 9:6-7

“But if you or your sons turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples.”

We got our iPad last July when Tris’ resigned from work. It was one of the fruits of his 15 year service in the company. He needed it as sketchbook for his next employment. Timing that I saw someone twitted selling her few-months used iPad, it was the moviestar Rica Peralejo actually, and she offered it to us in a much lower price because of some slight dent. It was the first time for me to own something that is still so fresh and hot in the market. It wasn’t even in the malls yet when we got it. We were so blessed. It became the family’s new bonding. However, it soon became the object of my jealousy. It angered Tris that I called it his mistress, and I knew that was foul. When his office prohibited him from bringing it in, I became hooked with Plants vs Zombies which later resulted to my son’s nightmare. So we had to delete the app. Now it’s the kids fighting over it, every so often. They alternately outwit each other for the first or the longer grab. But ey, don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t all bad, and definitely not the iPad’s fault. As with all other gadgets and pleasures, it’s not  in itself sinful. We just have to be mindful of the affixes that turn ‘use’ to words like overuse, abuse and misuse. 

As early as chapter 9, Solomon had everything a king could ask for. Verse one says he achieved all he had desired to do. It was all great because God has been graciously good to him. He was so blessed and so was the whole land. It was a time of peace and prosperity. Nothing left but to enjoy it. God saw it fit to appear to him a second time, but with the same message: promised reward for obedience, punishment for disobedience. For us, it’s our fourth read in this book - - all in the occasion of Solomon’s milestones: when David charged him the throne, when God granted his request for wisdom, at the dedication the temple, and here when he had everything in his hands. Power, Prudence, Presence, Pleasure - - more than enough blessings to keep you praising. But we know the end of his story. Solomon allowed the affixes to overpower, caused him to act in imprudence, ignore God’s presence thus inviting displeasure in the land. God saw Israel's exile in eternity past and so in faithfulness,  His infinity stepped in time to warn His child again. 

For two days I’ve been pondering on this chapter, hoping to write something new to blog. Now I know why. As early as Eden, it was still the same message for stewardship: promised reward for obedience, punishment for disobedience. God wants us to enjoy His blessings within the confinement of His will. Is that limiting? No, it’s actually is freedom from sin. Obedience to His rule is the only way we can fully live life. He blessed us with relationships but we have to mind our character and unconditionally love and forgive. He gave us work but we need to uphold His excellence and disciplines, and exercise diligence. He provides us with income but the tithes are His, the needy is to be cared for, and we should be debt free. These are all His gifts. But its overuse, abuse or misuse leads us elsewhere. The Bible might sound like our mom sounding like a record player, giving us dos and don’ts daily and repeatedly, but it’s all because He cares so much about us. He wants His blessing to bring wealth for He adds no sorrow to it. We can choose Him as our affix by making our days, God-days; our relationships, God-honoring; our work, God-glorifying; and our finances, God-directed. It's our best our God-app today :>

What Is Important?

1 Kings 6:12-13

“As for this temple you are building, if you follow my decrees, carry out my regulations and keep all my commands and obey them, I will fulfill through you the promise I gave to David your father. And I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel."

On June 17, Christians around Mega Manila will surely cluster around Ortigas Center for a taste of beautiful music and have a touch of Prasia’s newest album “What is Important’! Yes, it’s their much awaited 8^th album launch! As a group, their focus is to minister to the Filipino diaspora through concert tours, trainings, and missions. Now as individuals, they are the faith-living, fun-loving bunch whom I can so relate to, and regard as friends. Kuya Daniel (we call him Kuya Pong) years back was singing with Windsong, so it’s kinda like our two singing groups were relatives, hehe :> Reading their FB posts today, all the pressures and paraphernalias of preparation, brings back memories of what I went through a decade ago. Although it was far from iTouch on the left and laptop on the right, that time was more like PCs and inkjet printers :>  But beyond the workload is the struggle to keep your heart right - - to choose to be overwhelmed by His gracious hand, not the giant task at hand; and to never allow worry to rob me of my worship. For in the end, when the lights and claps are gone, when attendance and sales have been accounted for, when your friends already said their ‘well done’ and your group have called it ‘success’ - - God is there to ask you if you did ‘what is important’. I didn’t score well back then.

On the fourth year of Solomon’s reign, after the transition phase of Israel’s government was settled, the Temple building project commenced. Verse 7 writes that the blocks were already dressed, meaning, the king had pre-project constructions supervised. Another reason is that so no hammer, chisel and iron tool was heard on the building site. It’s the good leader in our time doing research, meeting people, making powerpoints, and ready with a couple of options before calling everyone for a planning meeting. With that, we can somehow expect a peaceful time for everyone, right? Seven years was spent building God's house. In the middle of the chapter, His word came to Solomon to encourage him of the promise, and to remind of what is important. ‘Follow my decrees, carry out my regulations, keep all my commands - -and I will not abandon you’. Abandon?!! You mean disregarding the whole project even if it’s shining gold, and artistically excellent, and by far, high end? Not to mention all the many sacrifices and funding and time used up, seriously? God will just put all those aside if He is not pleased with the people’s hearts? Uhm, yes. He made it clear as early as Samuel’s time: “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” The temple is to bring us closer to Him, and if in doing so our hearts went farther from Him, it defeats His purpose.

Our projects on hand may not be comparable to Prasia’s concert production, but we share in their full schedules and demands here and there. Our days are spent working on a relationship, or making ends meet, finishing our studies or attending to our family’s needs. All are worthwhile and God-glorifying tasks. But again, God is pro-process and not merely product-oriented. His eye is on our hearts, more than what our hands can do. He called Mary’s sitting as better than Martha’s busyness. He chose David's psalms over Saul's height and outward appearance. He desires worship, not our work.  Us not our gifts. In two weeks time, Prasia will be singing ‘What is Important'. I pray that each us will choose with them, and please the One most important. Mark it on your every sched :>

At All Cost

2 Samuel 15:21

“But Ittai replied to the king, ‘as surely as the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servants be.”

It was God-orchestrated that my week would center on one word: sacrifice. Holy week was a given. The whole world took time to observe the passion of the Christ. TV channels, FB links, text messages - - all revolved around His willful, obedient death on the cross. Hosting three guests in our home was no exception to deviate from the theme. Right after we brought them to Magellan’s cross, we witnessed hundreds of devotees lined up for a long walk ahead. Seeing parents with their small kids, pregnant women, even old men in wheelchairs reiterated the sacrificial journey they intend to take part in. God continued to speak. A glimpse of sacrifice here and there. ‘To death’ was Buck’s line in Ice Age 3 that my kids were watching. First chapter of Ambrose’ Band of Brothers highlighted on total comradeship. In Enemy at the Gates, one Russian baited himself to expose the position of his sniper-friend’s target. In our holiday-spent-at-the-pool, one cousin gave up her swimsuit for the other to make a pass. Then yesterday, we had to miss Sunday service in consideration to other kids who might get infected with Kjaran’s might-be-measles, and to attend to her of course. Thank God for livestream we’re still able to hear an Easter message.

And now I’m reading about Ittai. He’s one of the Gittites who were foreigners in Israel, exiles from their homeland. David took them in just one day (or a few years maybe) before Absalom’s conspiracy. It’s understandable for them to promise allegiance to the king when he’s still firmly holding the scepter. But now that he’s dethroned, benefit level crashed below zero level. The Gittites had a choice. Exactly why their action belongs to this category. David made it clear it’s a wander-ful journey ahead. But once more, they declared loyalty. We expect that with David’s household. ‘Til death do us part’ was their vow. We’re glad the priests and his officials sided with him. It was in gratefulness and for good old times sake for sure. But from strangers? No one would count it against new employees if they wouldn’t show up for work in the heat of labor unions or bankruptcy. It’s not their fight. So why did Ittai stayed? Read again: “As surely as the Lord lives”.  It was an oath of faith to God Himself. Ittai believed in God’s sovereignty and eternity. He believed not just in David. He trusted in David’s God.

Today, loyalty comes with an x-deal. I’ll stay in the company if I’m well compensated. I’ll retain church membership if I’m well attended (or if it’s still well attended :<). I’ll keep this relationship as long as I’m well treated. Where has the phrase ‘I’ll be here because God wants me here’ gone to? No wonder only a few embrace sacrifice because they felt it wasn’t part of the deal. Jesus submitted to the call of suffering in obedience to the Father’s will. If we believe God placed us in that company for a reason greater than financial security, we won’t mind giving more hours without pay. If we believe it’s the church God wants us to belong, we’d continue to serve even if we feel it’s more convenient and they’re more creative there in the bigger churches. If we believe God ordained our relationship with this person, we won’t untie the knot because of character flaws or communication issues. The Lord lives! We say yes to sacrifice not just because there is hope and joy ahead, but because He is calling us to obedience here and now. Yes we have to count the cost, but with Him on our side, we can go at all cost!