2012 Holy Land Bible Study Tour

Early this year, God invited me to ask for what I sincerely wanted but was ashamed to ask for. 

"I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." John 16:23-24 (Also in John 14:13-14; 15:7; 15:16)

I had been too embarrassed to ask God for things—extravagant or insignificant, having lived my life in the simplest way possible. Soon I discovered the beautiful things God has carefully and lovingly prepared for me. He enjoys lavishing me with things I never deserved. Hay, grace.

One week before the tour, I contracted dengue. My doctor said I can only be discharged if my platelet count would shoot up three consecutive times. I thought that should be easy. After drinking a hundred gallons of water and papaya leaves tea (which my boss sent me), the count still dropped to 70 by Wednesday, five days before the trip. By Thursday, it went up a bit and then dropped again. Someone was plainly keeping me by the thread so I would learn dependence!

Apparently, God wanted me to pull up a quiet confidence in His character and promises. After all, He was the One who provided for and enlisted me in the tour.

"So keep up your courage...for I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me." Acts 27:25
"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised." Romans 4:20-21

God did just as He told me. 

It must have delighted Him to send me to the Promised Land that I got discharged Friday afternoon. In a haze, I packed my things up the next day and flew the following Sunday night! Not a second late! Plus, the adrenaline rush lasted for two weeks in what was supposed to be a recovery period for someone who just had dengue. 

With Angel at Mt. Carmel, Israel 

Ancient portable toilet hehe

At the Coliseum, Israel

Garden Tomb, Israel

At the Sea of Galilee, Israel

Petra, Jordan (where I got my allergies hehe)

Red Sea sunset @ Movenpick, Jordan

Praise God for underserved gifts! Life-changing indeed :)

After the tour, I got confined again for one week due to urticaria. Nobody knows what triggered it. I had no food allergies in the past. Although...I might have gone overboard in the buffets. Parang bibitayin ang peg.

It could be the change in weather, too. But oh well, forced rest days in the hospital were with free food and lodging hehe!

Here's the complete Holy Land Album

More Than I Expected

Surprises make life more exciting and answered prayers remind us that there is a God who is in full control.

I remember crying so hard yesterday morning that my eyes wanted to resign already. I only have 15 bucks in my wallet, 3 days before the next pay day. (Here's the whole story)

This morning, God assured me that He will be true to His promises. But I had no idea what He planned to do.

Not one of all the LORD's good promises [to the house of Israel] failed; every one was fulfilled. Joshua 21:45

My boss called me into his office and handed me a piece of paper that looked familiar.
It was a payslip, of all things! What melted my heart was what my boss told me: "You'll be blessed more than you expected."

My, I hear God in that statement.

He went on to explain what it was. It was a performance bonus!
My first bonus ever! Talk about answered prayer and surprises! This is WAY beyond me!

My God, I don't deserve this. I initially doubted You. But You've proven Yourself faithful and able to provide for me. You surely know better than I!

Cooperating with God

A friend just told me how much he's earning.

How my heart cried at the uncalled for info. I was perfectly okay before this conversation!
When comparison came into the picture, discontent set in and I started to doubt the heart of a well-meaning God.

I used to not care about how much money I am making. Payslips matter less in eternity anyway. And God never failed in providing for what we need on a daily basis. But last night, I felt an air of entitlement, which God corrected by using the story of Joseph (Genesis 30-50).

Joseph used to be an overconfident youth. His self-confidence, backed up by being his father's favorite and knowing God's design for his life early on was unbearable to his 10 older brothers. Thus, his brothers conspired against him. They nearly killed him, but at his eldest brother's intervention, they ended up selling him to Egyptian traders. He was exposed to sexual temptation and was punished for doing the right thing. He endured long imprisonment and was forgotten by those he helped.

In all these, Joseph responded positively. His response transformed each setback into a step forward. He didn't spend much time asking why. His approach was "What will I do now?"

Joseph's actions and words showed his unwavering trust in the heart of God. He was confident that God wants what is best for him and his situation doesn't cancel that fact. No wonder, he excelled wherever God appointed him. He had been a slave and a prisoner and he glorified God wherever he was.

Now his master saw that the LORD was with him and how the LORD caused all that he did to prosper in his hand. Genesis 39:3

Joseph was actively involved in all these. I don't think it was a passive thing.
He cooperated and worked hard. He did his part. And God did His as well.

The LORD caused...The LORD blessed...The LORD made...

As Joseph did things beyond what was required, more important things were entrusted to his care. With him in charge, his masters did not concern themselves with anything (Gen 39:6, Gen 39:23).

Joseph wasn't ashamed of the nature of his job/s and he did not fret about his payslip. He owned his job and did his part diligently, knowing that he was ultimately serving God's purpose. Not only was he excellent in work, but he was also blameless--a man of integrity. This just shows that Joseph didn't despise God or rebel against Him no matter how lowly his circumstances were.

By the time Joseph reached age 30, he was appointed Prime Minister of Egypt--the most powerful nation at that time. Through him, God provided for and preserved the whole Israelite community, His chosen people.

I have 15 pesos left to spend till this weekend. And it's just Thursday. This isn't because of improper stewardship of money. I had been very diligent in monitoring my cash flow and did not really spend much for myself.

Early this week, God called me to spend His money where He wanted me to spend it. Just as I have feared, I'm down to my last cent. But I'm banking on His promise that He would take charge if I obey Him. He will bless me and provide for me.

So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you...Genesis 50:21
God will surely take care of you...Genesis 50:24, 25

God, give me the strength to persist in being excellent even in disappointing times like this and not to go against You when I feel that the waves are against me. You are on my side and You purposed to bless me and give me the best, as a Father would. Please help me believe this.

(Click on this link to see how God surprised me)