J I G S 2

A Farewell Letter To My Single Life!

2011-10-21T01:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Single Life,
   You may have noticed that exactly 31 days ago, I have started a count down. I was counting down to the day that I have to give you up. But it wasn't up until early morning yesterday (October 20, 2011) that the total realization of this fact sunk in. I am really going to lose you.
   Do you remember when we were young, I told you that some day I will get married. It was just a dream back then, a daydream if you may. All I did was dream of the woman that I will spend the rest of my life with. And that dream is turning into a beautiful reality. I am going to spend the rest of my life with the woman of my dreams.
   I have to be honest with you though, I may lose you after 5 pm tomorrow (October 21, 2011) but I will have gained even more. Don't get me wrong I really appreciate all the things that we had and did together. All the good and bad experiences we went through. All the troubles that you brought us when we in kindergarten. Oh and don't get me started with our elementary days! Our four year tenure as high school students was aruguaby the best life we had together. We were rock stars back then. Jocks, you and I. Man, the memories are just flooding in. Oh do you remember when we stepped into college? When we played infront of those cheering crowds? I do not even know where to begin but I'm know for sure that you remember every single one of them.
   You remember, as I, the tears that were shed because I broke someone's heart. The laughters that were shared through jokes and fun. The awards that were received for whatever reason. The pains, emotional and physical, that I suffered. The disciplinary actions that were handed down to me. The anger that I wanted to unleash to my enemies and to them that I despised. The crushes I had, and those "mutual understanding" scenarios. And don't forget them **cough-cough**. The very very late night or should I say the early, early morning parties and after parties. There are just simply too many memories to list them here one by one. But I guarantee you, I remember every single one of them and I know that you were with me the whole time.
   And because of that I want to thank you. Thank you for those wonderful 31 years that we spent together. Thank you for the lessons in and about life that you have taught me. Thank you for sticking by me (though I know you had no choice). Thank you for not letting go. And lastly I thank you for giving in so I can be with the woman of my dreams.
   So here's to you Single Life, I raise this cup to salute you and to show you that I really do appreciate everything that we did together. I will never, ever forget them. But I do need to say this my friend, farewell, for not only do I have to give you up, I also know that I will never see you again!

Godspeed!

Your Friend,
Ireneo "Jhimboe" Galera Suson II

JIGS2 with the KKB PowerZone Music Team

2011-08-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

The Message of Christmas

2010-12-29T01:36:00.000-08:00

   When Christmas season comes everyone seems to be in a happy mood. For those who are able, it is a busy time to shop. Some people are getting stressed out trying to finish their last minute shopping. Christmas carols are all over the radio and the TV. Family members coming home to spend time with their families. Friends meet up to celebrate and have fun. And everyone is just in the festive mood. But now that Christmas Day is over, let us look at the other side of the coin so to speak. There is also the other side of Christmas, as John Macarthur calls it the "Ugliness of Christmas". With every laughter, there is crying. With every singing, there is wailing. With every happiness, there is sadness. And it is the same with Christmas and that other side of Christmas or the "Ugliness of Christmas" is - sin. For if there was no sin, we have no need of redemption and since we have no need of redemption then Jesus the Christ would have not been born. And if Jesus wasn't born, there will be no Christmas.
   But it is not my intention to have you be discouraged of Christmas but for you to look at it in a different perspective. I am being called out always to what the apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:23, to preach Christ crucified and that crucifixion of Christ actuated with the birth of Christ.
   What is the message of Christmas? I pray that as we delve deeper into the word of God, we can really appreciate Christmas not because of the gifts or our friends or out time spent with our families. I pray that as we answer this question w can leave this sanctuary with the full knowledge of what is behind Christmas.
   Matt 1:20-23
   20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
NIV
    We all know the story of Christmas and what the nativity is all about but what I want us to do here is to cut through the icing and pick out the inside of the cake. Sure there was a baby. But why was He born? Because He will save His people from their sins. Why was He called Jesus? Just a bit of trivia: The name Jesus is the Greek variant of Joshua which is Hebrew. And it means "saviour". Why is a saviour needed? Because He will save His people from their sins. But mind you back in those days, there were so many Jewish boys called Joshua. Every mother during that time was hoping for their son to be the prophesied saviour as written in Genesis 3:15, Genesis 22:18, Genesis 49:10 and 2 Sam 7:12-13. But what differentiated Jesus was His title. He was called the Christ. And Christ in Greek means anointed. Jesus the Anointed and what was He anointed for? He was anointed to save His people from their sins. And anointed is the equivalent of Messiah in Hebrew. Jesus is also the Messiah or Jesus the Messiah. Which also means the anointed one. That title "The Christ" separated Jesus from the rest of the boys back in His days.
   Luke 4:18
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
NIV
   There is a reason why Jesus Christ read this specific passage. Basically the good news is that God has made a plan for his people to be redeemed. That Is the good news. And I want to point out to you a fascinating insight here. In Biblical survey, the book of Isaiah shows not only God's judgement but also His salvation. It declares a needed repentance from sin and a hopeful assurance that God will saved His people in the future. So when Jesus Christ that book, He was telling His listeners that this was being fulfilled right before your very eyes. He said it so in verse 20, "Today this scripture is being fulfilled in your hearing". So we have Jesus anointed to preach that good news; that God will send an atoning sacrifice, a messiah, as prophesied in Isaiah. And Jesus Christ in this passage is telling them, "I am that Messiah." God has sent Jesus to proclaim freedom for the prisoners. Freedom from what? SIN! God has sent Jesus to have the sight of the blind recovered for they have been blinded by SIN. God has sent Jesus to release His people from the oppression of SIN! That is the very message of Christmas. That God in His infinite glory has given us hope. And this is our hope that Jesus was born, He was crucified and He arose three days later to save us from our sins. And in that hope we should rejoice and take full joy in this knowledge. That God who transcends time and space yet so immanent, from the very start detailed His plan to redeem His people from their sins. And that redemption actuated in the birth of Christ.
    So my dear friends, let us look at Christmas in a different way. Instead of looking down towards a manger, let us look up towards the cross where the ultimate gift has been given to us. Jesus Christ was the greatest gift of all. He was born on that night sop that 33 years later He can fulfill God's ultimate plan.

Total Depravity of Man

2010-08-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

I once had a job interview with one of the big corporations here in Vancouver. They gave me a sheet with about 20 behavioural questions and left me alone to answer the questions. Out of all the questions on that sheet, there was this one question that I really had a hard time answering. The question was "Do you believe that men is naturally good?" This was a basic yes or no question but I just could not get myself to write down my answer. Maybe it was because the struggle between my secular perspective and my spiritual vantage point was intense, that I was able to draw near to the real answer. But now I have come to a conclusion. Let me just point something out. A secular answer to this question would be relative to many criterias. It can either be yes if say the one who answers get mostly good things out of people or a no say when a person is in the bad parts of the world. But a spiritual answer to this question is absolute. Meaning it will still be the same no matter where one is located or what ever one's circumstances and opinions are. And this is where I stand. I believe that MAN IS NATURALLY...

Post Script:
Thanks to Karen Santiago of KKB Cam for taking the video...
Pastor Emil and the KKB leadership for the hospitality...
Sam and Jovee Binalla for making this opportunity...

Patriotism... A different vantage point...

2010-07-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

It was I guess circa 93-94 when I first heard this song. I thought it was a love song for another person. Little did I know that it was something more. Since, I am planning on educating our young Filipinoes here in Vancouver, BC about Philippine History by posting an article or articles about our Philippine National Heroes: Heroes who laid down their lives so that the generation after may enjoy the peace and democracy that they are experiencing now, I searched the web and stumbled upon this song. Flashbacks and memories came rushing in. I googled the lyrics and I was shocked to realized that this song is not about a puppy love for someone but it's a about a young person's patriotic love for her country, The glorious Philippines. Two things. 1. I wish I paid more attention back then as I did now. I could have done something more for my country 2. Well, it's better late that never. So, in my excitement, I decided that I will start with this.

Sabi Nila
by Agaw Agimat

Sabihin man nilang ako ay bata pa
'Di ko pa raw alam kung paanong umibig sa kanya
Sa karanasan daw ako ay hilaw pa
"Mag-aral ka pa," iyan ang sabi nila

Maaring sa isang punto, sila ay tama
Maaring sa karanasan, ako ay hilaw pa nga
Dahil 'di ko pa naranasan buhay ko'y itaya
'Di ko pa naranasang sumagupa sa tingga

Maaring kulang din ang aking pagkaunawa
Sa mga suliranin ng ating bansa
Maaring kulang din ang aking kaalaman
Sa iba't ibang daing ng ating sambayanan

Ngunit dahil ba kulang pa'ng aking karanasan
At marami pa 'kong dapat pag-aralan
Ang pag-ibig ba nila'y 'di ko kayang pantayan
Para sa 'kin ito'y isang maling kaisipan

Ang pag-ibig sa bayang kinagisnan
Ay sa puso at hindi sa isip lang
Ito'y nararamdaman at hindi napag-aaralan
Ito'y walang kinikilalang edad kailanman

I Remember!

2010-07-02T01:11:00.000-07:00

I Remember
Music and Lyrics by: Jhimboe Suson

I looked up at the sky today
And all the clouds they formed your face
As if they were trying to tell me that you are watching over me
The wind blew gently on my face
It whispered to me "He can't be replaced"
As if I'll ever forget that you are watching over me

And I remember everything so clearly
Those words of wisdom you've shared with me
When I was down, you took my hand
Pulled me back on my feet
Gave me encouragements

And I will never forget that faithful day
When the world was against me
They booed me away
Through thick and thin I survived 'cause you were there by my side
You looked at me and said "Everything's gonna be alright"

You were taken from me abrubtly but I will be alright
Our ties will never be severed completely and that would be alright
Only time will tell when I'll see you (again) and should be alright

Now that you're gone and I look back
You've been a blessing to those who lacked
I'm sure they'll never forget the goodness of your heart!

I wrote this song in loving memory of my brother...
Rest In Peace Kuya Bong Suson: Brother, Cousin and Manager of Penzil Puzhers!

Prayer: Is there power in it?

2010-05-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

   Don't get me wrong, I believe in prayer. I support prayer meetings and I encourage people to pray. But I question the phrase "there is power in prayer". Is there really power in prayer? if so, where did this power came from?
   At the least, a prayer can be defined as a form of communication (to a deity). And communication by definition involves a sender (of the prayer) and a receiver (of the prayer). If that is the case, then either the sender of the prayer or the receiver of the prayer has the power to uphold the prayer.
   Here is my first point, prayer in itself has no power. Either the sender holds the power to make the receiver affirm the prayer positively or the receiver holds the power to positively affirm the prayer.
   Case #1. I was once diagnosed with Cholecystitis or an inflamed gallbladder. The severity of this inflamed gallbladder was as such that I needed an operation called cholecystectomy. They have to remove my gallbladder because it had lost its functionality and that it had already affected some of my internal organs (e.i. liver). Now being part of a church that hold prayer meetings and pray for prayer requests, I was enveloped with constant prayers from all over Canada (I do not know on the onset of the prayer request was sent worldwide). I was informed that the prayer items were 1.for my gall bladder to return to its normal state and 2. that no operation was needed. Weeks after, my doctor called me and said that my gall bladder showed some kind of recovery according to the test results that was done a few days earlier. I remember that day clearly, I was so happy that I drove around Fraser street area yelling and screaming "Thank you God". A testimony was in order and I gave one. But a few days later, I fell ill again and I went to my family doctor and he sent me to a clinic for some tests and found out, days later, that my gall bladder had shut down. My family doctor tried contacting the doctor that was in charge of my case and of course the doctor was on vacation. I guess it was urgent because my family doctor tapped into his "connections" and booked me for an operation at Mount St. Joseph in Kingsway. A few days later my gall bladder was removed.
   Case #2. A baby was born to a couple that I have strong ties with. The baby suffered major complications and had to be placed in a baby incubator in neo-natal intensive care unit. It was that bad. Once again, the whole church across Canada prayed for this baby. And to make the long story short, the baby is very active as of this moment and if you just look at the baby you won't even realized what she went through.
   Case #3. The church was praying hard for a church member that was diagnosed with cancer to have a complete recovery. This person showed signs of recuperation but in the end the cancer was too strong for her and she passed away.
   Three different cases but all three had one thing in common: prayer. If prayer has power, then all of the prayer requests in all of these cases should have been positively affirmed. That also erases the possibility that the sender has the power to make the receiver uphold the prayer. Which leaves us with this: the receiver alone has the power to make the prayers come to pass.
   Who is this receiver? In John 6:6, Jesus tells us to pray to the Father - God the Father. But we pray through the name of Jesus as commanded in John 14:13. But do realize that Jesus acknowledges that it is not His will that matters but the will of God. The Lord's prayer states that "Let your will be done..." and his prayer in Gethsemane adds "Not my will but your will be done." Additionally, I John 5:14 says that if we ask anything ACCORDING TO HIS WILL(author emphasis), then He hears us.
   Which leads me to my second point, our prayers are dependent solely on God. We have no power to dictate to God to answer our prayers according to our wishes. We may have all the faith in the world but if it is not His will then it will not happen or at least not yet. Take for instance the recent loss in the family of a very good friend and confidant of mine, the whole church prayed, both in Canada and the world, but in the end God's will still prevailed. Our assurance is not that our prayers will be met but that the will of God will come to pass for His glory in our prayers.
   And my third point is this, as we stand on the promises of God in the Bible, do make sure that we always acknowledge that God's will be done by making sure that our prayers are align with his thoughts. After all a communication can only happen if there is a "meeting of the minds". And since we DO NOT have the power to make God meet our minds, we have to meet His mind. Meaning His will is what we need to aim for in our prayers and not that our prayers are postively affirmed.
   ***As some of you may have known, I am in a journey to find truth. With this entry let me begin by declaring publicly that (I seriously believe) God is sovereign in all things***

The Philippines: White Beach, Malamawi Islands

2010-01-26T01:19:00.000-08:00

"No one really knows the beauty of this beach," uttered my cousin, JAPS, during one of our conversations in the beautiful White Beach and I would have to agree. Unless one actually steps on the warm white sands of the beach and the sole of one's feet being massaged by its grains, one will never come to know this beautiful place. So I told him I will at the least start the train by writing something on my blog and posting some pictures.
It was argued that White Beach is far more beautiful than Boracay, I would want to agree but I haven`t been to Boracay yet, so that remains to be seen. The only edge that Boracay has is the fact that it has been commercialized already. Due to the fact that the apparent peace and order in Basilan is somewhat, questionable, no investor would dare to invest both money and time in the development of this beach. One lawyer commented during an engagement party that was held for Jags and me, that unless an investor is "crazy", no investor would ever come to Basilan. Sadly, it may be true. But sa the song goes, "Habang may buhay" (Until there is life), there is hope. I hope that some investor would be crazy enough to develop this beautiful beach and turn it into a resort that the beach is destined to be. We'll never know, I could be that crazy investor... **wink, wink**

Enjoy the pictures of the beautiful White Beach below.

I will obey even if it is hard to do so! Part 1.

2009-10-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

    An old adage says that with age comes wisdom. In wisdom, I have realized that I have made many choices in the past that I would rather not have made. There were many mistakes that I would rather have not committed. There were many words that were uttered that I would rather have not said. But what transpired in the past, developed to what and who I am now.
    Admittedly, I have wasted years pursuing the wind under water hoping to hold it in the palm of my hand. I wanted to be someone that wasn't meant for me. But it was what I wanted for that time being, anyway. Without proper thought and consideration, I jumped into a muddy lake, blurring the vision that was truly intended for me in the process. And in that muddy lake I swam hard, dove deeper and surfaced once in a while just to catch some needed air. Then repeated the process all over again. All along thinking that that was the best thing for me.
    But I was wrong - dead wrong. What seemed to be the best for me was actually the worst. What I want was not nesessarily the best but I would have not known it if it weren't for the Almighty opening my eyes to the truth. Now, I will not go spiritual here although it is my intention to head that way because I want to show how important it is to obey the will of the Father no matter how hard it may seem.
    We all have bills, rents, loans and credit cards to pay and not to mention our daily necessities. And without a job, all of those would look like a goliath. Pragmatically speaking, we need an income to cover all of those holes. We rely on our jobs or our businesses to help us get through and pay the bills so we can use them again. I do have a point here, just bear with me.
    I am standing before this very giant at the moment and it is intimidating. If I am to let go of everything and plunge forward, I will definitely be "killed". But if I am to hold on to what I have now, I may never know what God has in store for me. God is telling me to let go. There are may circumstantial evidences that support this claim. I also have a biblical reference for that matter. And deep within me, I know I must obey but I cannot. Why can't I? Because I am afraid. I am afraid of the unknown. I am scared that if I let go I can fail and then I won't know what to do. I am scared that if I let go and I am not be able to accomplish what I needed to accomplish, I will be left with nothing. And that's when it struck me. I rely too much on myself. Sure I can be a lawyer, a doctor, a financial advisor, or even a pastor. I could buy a jeep or a tiburon. I could probably get a mortgage. I could get the things that I want but for what? For happiness? Will it last? For peace of mind? Will it last? In the words of the Teacher, Son of David, "Utterly meaningless! Everything is utterly meaningless!" Harsh, maybe, but definitely true. Now how does obedience comes into play here?
    As I mentioned earlier I am afraid, so that makes obeying God harder, but I do acknowledge that is is extremely important. I do want to make sure that everyone understands this, that obedience may have something to do with our living here on earth right now but it plays a big and major role on where we will be standing on the afterlife (hence the adverb "extremely"). Disobedience, after all, was the first sin Adam and Eve commited.
    But I will not go on and discuss about the afterlife. I will tackle the "here and now" (on my next writeup) but I do want to leave you with a little thought. As much as my back was hurting this morning, I forced myself to prostate before God and worship His majesty. I cried before Him like a scared child crying to His father. And one of the assurances that He gave me can be found in 2 Chronicles 7:17. Now this is an "if statement". Meaning there is/are condition(s) that must be met first and in this specific verse the conditions are 1. walk before God 2. do all what He commanded and 3. observe His laws and decrees. Easier said than done, isn't it?

The Glory is for God Alone

2009-09-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

After experiencing a nerve-wrecking accident, I realized that our time here on earth is nothing more than to glorify God in any way, shape or form. We were created for that very purpose. God said in Isaiah 43:7 those who were called by His name were created for His glory. The accident opened my eyes to a more realistic approach to life. I could have been dead or I could have had my arm broken beyond repair or could have been paralyzed but I wasn't. Though admittedly I am experiencing pains and typing this entry is a bit painful ,yet, I am still glad to be alive. The realization is simple, bring Glory to God so I can fulfill my purpose. How could I fulfill my purpose if I am dead.
The accident in itself has brought glory to God becuase I know for a fact that His hand was there protecting us (Judith and myself), though God chose not to spare the Jaasiel, the car. Like I said earlier things could have been worse. God chose to let me live, in the sense created me once again, so I choose to bring Glory to God. In whatever I do, in whatever situation, in whatever goals I set, in whatever desires I have, in whatever plans I conjure, in everything, the Glory is for GOD alone.

JIGS2 talks about Jesus' rare experience

2009-06-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

Hematidrosis (also called hematohidrosis) is a very rare condition in which a human being sweats blood. It may occur when a person is suffering extreme levels of stress, for example, facing his or her own death.^[1] Several historical references have been described; notably by Leonardo da Vinci: describing a soldier who sweated blood before battle, men unexpectedly given a death sentence, as well as descriptions in the Bible, that Jesus experienced hematidrosis when he was praying in the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22,44).
--- from wikipedia

The Seattle Vlog

2009-06-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a video log of my trip to Seattle with Miss Dean (Sis Rose E), Pastora Malou and Ate Salve.

A Musicianary to JIL Seattle!

2009-06-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

About a week's time ago, I was blessed enough to be chosen to be a musiciannary to JIL Seattle. The whole day event was simply inspiring. On the offset I did realized that JIL Seattle is a Multicultural Church/Outreach much like the JIL MC here in BC. Although JIL Seattle is a young church/outreach they are getting stronger as the Lord allows them to be. Strong leadership and supporting workers made this outreach one of the most stable outreaches I recently went to and the fondest (I guess that's because of the outlets).The people are extremely friendly and of course Filipinoes where ever they maybe will always be hospitable (check out the video of Bro John Pucci below). The Holy Spirit manifested Himself on the get-go. A comment was made that there was a strong worshipping spirit with in the people. The worship was led by Brother Andy. The preaching of Bro John Pucci was another ace. His general topic was on Spiritual Warfare and he focused on the Good Fight benig the warriors of Jesus Christ. Bro John left us with three charges based on I Timothy 1:8-18 and those are 1. Join the battle 2. Have confidence 3. Be a strong witness.
After the service, we had lunch at Bro Tim's house and boy was I in for a treat. I tasted the juiciest, sweetest and crunchies peices of fried chicken ever. (Sorry church's chicken and KFC, you have been dethroned). Unfortuantely we don't have that kind of chicken here in Canada. (1 more reason to go back to Seattle... I don't even know the name of the restaurant). Anyway, after lunch we headed out to a park (of which the name escapes my mind) and prepared a place for the Acquaintance and Fellowship service which will be held on that same afternoon. During the service a powerful testimony was given by one of the brothers, Terry, how God saved him and his daughter from the salmonella virus and how God transformed him from a drunkard to a placard of God. Another testimony was given by one of the sisters, Mildred (the wife of Bro Tim), on how God fulfilled His promises to them financially. Pastora Malou shared about God's love in John 3:16 and reitirated the importance of having Jesus Christ as the only saviour who can lead them to heaven. The children also did a special number. The best part about all of these is the fact that out of the 40 who attended that service, 19 people were first timers. Woot Woot. Glory to God. I fellowshipped with the JIL Seattle after the service and learned some pretty interesting things about the outreach and how God manifested hinself to the church as a whole. (The spaghetti by the way is fantastic...) But as with everything else, all good things must come to an end here on this earth so at around 6 pm we left JIL Seattle blessed and encouraged by what God did and what God can do. God bless JIL Seattle!

I requested Bro John Pucci (JIL Seattle's Admin Head) to share a simple message to the JIL BC Brethrens... and in turned out to be a message not just for JIL BC but to all (Born-again) Filipino and Filipino-loving nations.

Why Apologetics is important!

2009-05-27T22:59:00.000-07:00

I found a video of R.C. Sproul that answers the question "Why Apologetics?" He pretty much nailed the reason as to why Apologetics is important (and why I am adamant on becoming an apologist).

GPS Update!

2009-05-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, together with JAGS, we went to our GPS appointment and here are there v-log updates!

After 1 hour and 30 mins (also the pansit was fantastic)

I Exercised My Right!

2009-05-13T07:34:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Honorable Gordon Campbell and the Liberals for winning the majority during yesterday's BC elections. Also BC's electoral reform referandum Single Transfer Vote or BC-STV has been defeated by a wide margin. I guess most British Comlumbians feel the same way as I do. God bless the Beautiful British Columbia.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL MOMS OUT THERE!

2009-05-10T10:35:00.000-07:00

During my Butterfingers day, we wrote a song for our moms titled "Super Mom". I wanted to post the lyrics but unfortunately I don't remember except for these line...
You're the kind of lady who loves me mnre than anybody else around me
"And you do mind whenever I make terrible mistakes or yse you do mind
I love you more than anyone who ever cared for me
Who cared for me
Cause your my Super Mom Super Mom..."

SO I scoured youtube to find a poem that would at least suffice my intention of greeting all moms out there... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Why Learn the Gospel Presentation Seminar (GPS-Evangelism Explosion)

2009-05-01T17:28:00.000-07:00

"I don't know how to start. "I don't know what to say." "I'm scared of rejection." or "I don't know how to evangelize."
    These are just but some of the many reasons I have heard as to why a born-again believer will not share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Admittedly, even I myself gave out many of these said reasons. But after learning and (on the process of) mastering the GPS-EE, some of these apparently valid reasons are now deemed invalid or at the least calculated ignorance. Ok, before I go any further, let me make a caveat first. I will always and always will rely on the Holy Spirit for it is not I nor the GPS-EE that can save but God alone through His Son Jesus Christ! Ok now that I have that corralled, let's go ahead and proceed.
The GPS-EE is by far the most logical and the most articulate tool of evangelism I have ever learned. I may have not learned every evangelism tool out there but do concur with me when I say that I have learned a few of them.
    It is logical because it follows a logical order. And since it follows a logical order, it does imply comprehension. It also has illustrations (both physical and verbal) that accentuates logic. (Who says that logic (reason) and faith cannot co-exist?) The two diagnostic questions may appear blunt at first but when conveyed with a sincere heart, it does create a moment of reflection for the listener. The viability of these two diagnostic questions bridges the gap of "no care zone" or " i don't know isle" to "I care zone" or "I must know Isle". If one can read through the outline, one can come to a conclusion that the categories and the subgroups are logically placed in their most deserved orders. This will in turn make the presentation of the gospel as smooth and as easy as it could get. Given that the presenter had to memorize the outline, the outcome of the presentation satisfies the work that had to be done. I do admit that learning the GPS-EE takes time and effort but that is only at the beginning. And after memorizing, you can take the GPS-EE and add your own flavour to it. I guarantee you that.
    Now since the whole goal of the GPS-EE is to present the gospel to believers and non-believers alike, the articulative aspect of the GPS-EE relies on the fact that it is in unity with the Bible. Every subgroups and categories with the exception of the introduction has related Bible verses attached to it. And this fact, to me is very important, since I hold the Bible as the ONLY authoritative Word of God. And since the JIL Church is a Bible-based church, this too is one very important aspect of the GPS-EE. But don't get me wrong, it is not that the Bible that supports GPS-EE, it is the other way around. The GPS-EE supports the Bible. The GPS-EE statements are expressed in a manner that are very concise and expressive yet not outlandish. But the statements the presenter of the Gospel make are statements that were already written in the Bible. Once again let me make another caveat, I believe that the Scripture interprets the Scripture (Sola Scriptura). But the GPS-EE has articulated with the Bible to form a presentation that any person who is willing to hear can easily comprehend.
    By learning the GPS-EE, the reason for us not to evangelize has just been cut down to slim. There is no way that after learning one can still say that "I don't know what to say", or "I don't know how to begin", or "I don't want to be rejected" (just remember always, Don't make it personal.) Because the GPS-EE tackles and it tackles hard, all of these seemingly valid reasons.
    I chose to learn the GPS-EE not because that it is mandatory but because it is a necessity. It is not because I am capable it is because I'm unlearned. It is not because I have to but it because I am willing. I chose to learn and master GPS because I believe that this is the best tool that the Holy Spirit is guiding me to learn so I can obey the commission of Jesus Christ before He ascended to the right hand of the Father.

P.S. Click here to download the GPS outline in word.

I have decided pt2

2009-04-27T18:54:00.000-07:00

It was March 25, 2009 when I decided to take on a journey, (click here to read that post). A journey that I know will lead me to the reality of a truth or truths that may put to rest some of the questions that have made my peripherals unusable. But I think I am going the wrong way or should I say heading the wrong direction. I would not say that I had the presupposition that Arminianism is true. But I would say this though that I am at least biased towards Arminianism. Not because that it could be the truth, it's just because that I have an innate Arminian belief. Innate in the sense that I have been Arminian all my life. And I haven't really done anything about it. So here's what I am going to do. I will continue on my journey as per decided but I will try to the best of my ability to be unbiased and to look at everything right down the centre. This is my stand at this very moment. I am neither Arminian nor am I a Calvinist. I am a searcher searching out for the truth and where ever that truth is, I will find it by God's grace. So whether I become an ardent Arminian or will roll with the Calvinist, I pray that I will find the truth! As only the truth can and will set me free!

He is still God...

2009-04-18T09:26:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, the CYN BC held their quarterly youth gathering at the JIL Burnaby Worship Hall. The youth were all ecstatic about the event (although I did notice one peculiar thing). Anyway, I was struck by what the preacher, Jayson Pingol, said... "Whether you proclaim that He is great or not, He is still great."
This is to promote that God is sovereign and will not cease to exist even if we think that He is not real (I spit at relativism concept of God). When Moses asked God "Who do we say you are when people ask us about you?" God replied with a thunderous voice... I AM WHO I AM! How magisterial is that! God is God whether you agree or not!!!

Asses yourself...

2009-04-13T20:13:00.000-07:00

If you are insulted, offended, mad, angry, upset affronted or dissed by the video below then something is wrong with you ...But if you are saddened by this fact, then let's talk!
But before you react, ask yourself this question first ""When I sing a worship song, does the song reflect who God is or is it about what I can do for Him? (i.e. I love you, I need you, though my world may fall I'll never let you go and the likes)

Modern Christian Music?

2009-04-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

I have listened to my fair share of christian music both old and new, hyms and contemporary. I don't mind both but I have to draw a line.
I gew up listening to hymns being played by my grandma on her tiny cassette player. Every morning my ears were being filled with hymns like, Onward Christian Soldier, Amazing Grace, Old Rugged Cross, O hail King Jesus, Wonderful Cross, Nothing but the Blood etc... (I know you get the point). And not to mention the Hymn books used during Sunday Service back then. Oh boy, does bring back a lot of memories...
Anyway, straight to the point, christian songs nowadays are lacking in substantial theology that I believe each born-again christian believer must digest accordingly. Substantial Theology is important for every christian believer not to be deceived and for every christian not to be overrun with and by emotions. If one is to juxtapose a CCM and a Hymn, without the music/melody but only the lyrics, one can actually distinguish the superficial one from the one which has depth. To help me bring my case further, please watch the video below... (p.s. I may have different theologies with these guys, but I do agree with them on this one)

It's not about what God can do but who God is...

2009-04-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

As I was researching for the spiritual mapping of New Westminster, I stumbled upon this video of Paul Wilbur. The song tries to capture the thought of God's incomprehensible glory falling on His people. I myself would not be able to contain the thought of that let alone receiving the full weight of the Lord's glory.

How...

2009-03-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

It was in elementary when I had my first take on politics by campaigning for my depunto brother Bong Suson. I officially took interest in politics when I ran for class president during my high school days. I even ran for the student body council. And the last time I spoke with my cousin Abner Rodriguez, he mentioned of running for local political office in our hometown. My other cousin Christopher Bonoan also has some vested interest in politics. A few of my close relatives are either in politics, military, navy, army, and offices that are one way or the other connected to the government of the Philippines. I even had opportunities before I left for Canada to have lunches and dinners with political personnel and to converse with them. Ok, so at least we know that I have a slight knowledge about politics.

Politicians first and foremost and elected in a democratic country to serve the people. Politicians are servants. Whatever office one politician may hold, at the end of the day they must willfully and wholeheartedly serve the people. Their own interest must be rescinded by the interest of the nation and the people. If that is not the case, the people will lose hope, the nation's moral will plunge, political unrest follows and corruption then seeps in and just before one can say "Enough is enough", my country the Philippines has been "promoted" to the number one spot as the most corrupt nation in Asia. I want the Philippines to stand back on her feet again. I want her to be the Prowling Tiger of Asia again. I want her to be the Awakened Giant of Asia again. I want the Philippines to rise up and to live her God-given beauty out in the open. I want to go back home not for vacation but for good because Philippines is already a major economic voice of the world. I want that to happen but how? But how, how can that happen? And I think I have an answer...
... till next time.

It's Not His Leadership...

2009-03-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

Well apparently, the Fighting Irish are fighting to prevent Obama's commencement speech at Notre Dame. It's not about his leadership, it's about his stance against pro-life in which the Catholic Church is strongly in favour. I myself support pro-life... I actually commend a group of people in Commercial drive who wears plackards saying "Abortion is Murder" and it is indeed no matter how one looks at it.

I personnally believe that the end can never justify the means however "good"or "better"the end may be. To kill or destroy life just so as to ease human suffering is still killing and destroying. At the least, not that I agree, if one must destroy a life one must at least be confident enough to use the word "stop" (which in the grand scheme of life is impossible) and not ease... Human life is so precious to even think that it will only ease the pain... What if that one very life that they will destroy or had destroyed was actually the person who had or will have the God-given ability to actually yell "Eureka". What if... What if...

Birds of the same feather....

2009-03-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

I heard this once, birds of the same feather are the same birds (i think twas from a gag show called Bubble gang), though different from traditional saying it does hold a truth to it. So to begin my quest, as was aforementioned below, I began my quest by joining a facebook group called "Arminians Unite" ... of which I have chosen without coercion of any sorts... and to add with that I have found a book where I beleive will help me to stand on a firmer Arminian Ground... a book aptly titled Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities by Roger Olson... Now I hope I can get at this Pilgrim's Bible in Kingsway or at Celebration in Surrey. In addition I have began reading the works of Jacobus Arminius

(which is divided into 3 volumes... THREE VOLUMES....) and so far it has concurred with my theology... but I know there will always be something that will either make me throw away the book or stop reading but I must press on... so I may know the Truth!

I have decided...

2009-03-25T22:34:00.000-07:00

Genism, a brother in Christ, is very vocal about his theology and to that I show him respect. Though he maybe right but I doubt it(hehehe), I have decided to put down all the current books that I am reading (goodbye for now Mr. Zacharias and Mr. Strobel and yes that includes you as well Mr. Mcdowell and Mr. Bevere) with the exception of the Bible of course (Sola Scriptura) and to further my studies in Arminian Theology (to the outside world); to be specific Classical Arminian (within the Arminian society, and no this does not include those who accept Pelagianism and semi-pelagianism as their theology... sorry but beee goneeee....). I pray, that even though this study may never end, that God will allow me to move to His direction and may He allow me to step into the centre of His will. Soli Deo Gloria!

Who says that we don't believe in Grace?

2009-03-24T07:43:00.000-07:00

I (as a classical Arminan) believe that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ!!! Christian Perfection...

Publish Post

Th Courage to Stand!

2009-03-04T22:09:00.000-08:00

Ex 20:7

7 You shall not use or repeat the name of the Lord your God in vain [that is, lightly or frivolously, in false affirmations or profanely]; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
AMP

My thought exactly when I started hearing my colleagues at work using the name of Jesus as a form of "verbal expression". All I can do was to close my eyes and say a little prayer which goes something like this, "Lord, it hurts me every time I hear them use your name lightly. I esteem your name Jesus and yet they use your name as if your name has no power whatsoever. Tell me what should I do." That has been my prayer for roughly 2 months and the more I ask God every morning inside the washroom when I'm at work, the louder their voices become. Until I changed my prayer to simply "Lord, give me the discernment to know when the right time is, the wisdom to say the right words and the boldness to stand firm." I needed those since I will be talking to my superior. That was my battle cry. And then it happened. My assistant branch manager called me to her desk. She asked me if something has been bothering me lately, (the reason being - I left an important gadget unattended). We had our discussions and then she said "Please let me know if you have any more concerns." Right after that sentence I heard God said "Go Ahead". I discerned that that was the right time. So I composed myself and in my mind said "Lord wisdom please". The first words that came out of my mouth was "It hurts me every time I hear people use the name of Jesus blatantly in a form of expression." Then I continued with "I use that name every time I pray and I have a relationship with the owner of that Name. I am telling you this because as my immediate superior I should go to you first." And Praise the Living God, she responded with a smile, a nodded in agreement and said that she will try her best as it was her habit already. I gratefully thanked her for allowing me to voice out my concern. I also asked her to let the others know as well. And she said "Will do." What intense rush it was to stand firm in defending my faith in Jesus Christ and I can truly say that Jesus was there talking in my behalf.

F.R.O.G

2009-02-23T22:07:00.000-08:00

Josh 10:8
The LORD said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you."
NIV

    As I was nearing myself to that suspension bridge, my heart started to beat very fast. I’m afraid of heights, and that suspension bridge is pretty high. I encouraged myself with the words “I can do it” and “I can cross that bridge.” I eventually did but it took guts and a whole lot of courage plus a little help from my friends.
    You see our relationship with the Lord is somewhat like that. There will always be struggles that we have to face in order for us to be with the Lord our God. As we walk down that road, God is always there cheering us up, encouraging us to keep moving, just like my friends did when I crossed that bridge. He understands us because He created us. He knows our limitations. That’s why He is there rooting for us.
    After crossing the bridge, I’ve learn three things important realities.
  1. It is okay to be afraid.
    God says in Joshua 10:8 “...Do not be afraid...” But understand this; He knows that we are fearful beings. He knows that we tend to be afraid of stuff. So what He is really trying to say is “It’s okay to be afraid, my child, for if you are afraid that’s the time you will rely on me, then if you rely on me, that’s the time I can say do not be afraid because I am a powerful and one true God.” How amazing is that?
  2. Go ahead take it.
    Then God said “...I have given them into your hand...” So then if you rely on God, what else do you do but to take and possess that which is in front of you. It could be job opportunities, it could be school opportunities, and it could even be ministry related or in my case fear of heights. As long as you rely on God and take refuge in Him, it doesn’t matter what’s in front of you. Go ahead and grab that. You’ll be amaze by the wonders God can do if you fully rely on Him.
  3. God is all I need.
    Lastly God said, “...Not one of them will be able to withstand you...” Isn’t this astonishing? Rom 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us? God’s asking us, “What else do you need? Why would you need anything else if you have me already?” But don’t get me wrong God gave us wisdom, so don’t go telling people that I have God so I don’t need to eat, or I have God so I don’t need to work. We still need all these but what God is trying to tell us is this, “I can sustain all your needs and I can give you all your wants. Just fully rely on me, and then I will give you the wisdom, the strength, the determination, the courage, and the focus to do all the things that I have commanded and all the things that I have imparted to you. I want you to have a good life but you will need me in order to achieve that.”
    Fully rely on God, that phrase entered my mind as I was half way towards the end of the bridge. And as I stepped out of that bridge, it dawned on me that, if God wasn’t there for me I might not be able to walk the path that He has paved before me. I must fully rely on God in order for me not to be afraid, to go ahead and take it and know that He is all I need.

Nostalgia!

2009-02-18T23:29:00.000-08:00

Isabela, Basilan, Oh how I long to walk your streets once again... Si puede lang gane bula ya iyo ahora mismo... Nada yo con el mar... maskin kosa ya... Hayyy... Qiere ya ga yo bolbe... BOLBEE YA YYYYOO!!!!!!!!!!!

Hands down...

2008-12-26T22:53:00.000-08:00

    A few weeks ago, JAGS, GenisM and myself were privileged enough to listen to one of the top apologist and one of the most prolific speakers in theology around, Mr. Ravi Zacharias. The theme for the night was aptly called "Capture the wonder of Christmas" and the topic revolved around the question "Who is Jesus?"
    Well, who is Jesus, anyway? Sure I have received Him as my Lord and personal Saviour. I've been reading about Him in the Bible. Sure He is God but what makes Him different from all the other gods out there? What makes Jesus, well Jesus?
    Personally, this is a riveting question. I can't come up with any other question that comes close to the voluminous appeal of this question. Many a times agnostics, skeptics or straight out atheists tried answering this question by proving that Jesus was either a 1. myth or a 2. hoax; that Jesus never died on the cross or for that matter never ressurected. And every single one of them except for some, who for what ever reason found the Truth but neglected the Truth none the less, came out believing that Jesus Christ is indeed who He claimed He was and that all the miracles He did had at the very least happened.
    I will try to share with you some transciptions of Ravi Zacharias' lecture during his visit in Abbotsford in the next coming days, Deo volente.
    But before that, I pray that each and everyone of us will come to the realization of the true meaning of Christmas... That Christmas is not about giving gifts and being nice. (Although those are good thoughts). It's not even about being with families and friends, no matter how warm that makes us feel inside. Christmas is not much about the virgin birth rather it is about God who became Man so He may suffer and die on the cross for all mankind. Hallelujah!!!

Greeting of the season!

2008-12-25T10:15:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone and to everyone a Happy New Year!

In tagalog, Maligayang Pasko at naway maligo kayo sa bagong taon!!!

Super Excited!

2008-12-04T20:28:00.001-08:00

I'm going to attend this great opportunity! Anyone wants to join?

JIL ANNIVERSARY!!!

2008-11-16T23:31:00.000-08:00

     If I were to put into words the revelations I received during the month of November leading up to the Anniversary of JIL BC, it would be this "the culmination of a prophecy and a directive to a new set of orders". I don't want to go to sleep tonight without taking a time to reflect on what has occured and to what will occur.
     I would describe the proceedings of the night but I'm still dumbfounded by the glory of God that has fallen. Since fully commiting my life to God sometime in 2003, I have always been a part of the anniversary be it in the music ministry or something else. But this year I was part of something more relevant and more meaningful. I may have not hit the drums, or strum a chord or held a mic or lead a group. But what I was part of was something more personal and needed much more attention on my part and I can only give it my full attention if I'm not doing anything.
     As I was worshiping God, I was beholding the presence of the Almighty. I was being reminded by what Moses said to God "Show me your glory." And it was as if at that moment in time when Ate Edith annouced a call unto the altar, I heard God yelled at me and said " I WILL SHOW YOu MY GLORY" and indeed I saw God's glory. A glory that I have not seen before. Not even when I was part of any activities. It was the kind of the glory that could be describe in the Bible as a "consuming fire", a "pillar of cloud" or a "pillar of fire". What a magnificent sight it was. The very glory of God descended upon the people. And It was as if the very angels were singing. As a matter of fact, I believe that the very angels were singing loudly and the glory of the King reflected to His people. The Glory of God was like a river and people were jumping into the river with their cups. Now just scooping water, but jumping in the river and being swept away. The people and swept away not by emotions or any human control but the people were swept away by the glory of the livng God and King. Exactly like the vision God showed me last Tuesday November 11 during one of our Soaking in the Spirt Session (SSS) and I am one of those people. I am one of them indeed. (The rest of this entry is now personal.)

Congratulations!

2008-11-04T21:24:00.000-08:00

My felicitations to President-elect Barack Obama. A new page has turned, a new chapter will be written and a new road has been paved. As a believer of change, this is indeed a historic one. I salute Sen. John McCain for fighting a good fight. A true hero indeed. Both of these gentlemen has my utmost respect. All the best and may the face of the good Lord shine upon the new president, Barack Obama and vice president Joe Biden.

Not responding to evidences is futile...

2008-10-22T19:33:00.000-07:00

Simon Greenleaf, one of the principle founders of Harvard School of Law, sought out to prove that the resurrection of Jesus Christ and that the whole Bible in general is a complete hoax. Relying on his expertise, he famously thought that given a good amount of thorough investigation and research, resurrection can be once and for all proven as a myth. But at the end of his research and careful examinations of the Bible, especially the Gospels, he concluded that without a shadow of a doubt, the Holy Bible is infact true to the core, the witnesses during those times were indeed reliable and that the resurrection in truth happened. What was his first intention of disproving the accounts of the Gospel turned out otherwise. He came out supporting the authenticity of the Gospels based on concrete evidences. On his book, AN EXAMINATION OF THE TESTIMONY FOUR EVANGELISTS, BY THE RULES OF EVIDENCE ADMINISTERED IN COURTS OF JUSTICE, WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE TRIAL OF JESUS (boy what a mouthful) he stated, "To refuse to acquaint ourselves with the evidences of the Christian religion, or act as though, having fully examined, we lightly esteemed them, is to assume an appaling amount of responsibility."Greenleaf, AEOTTFE, v)

Christianity is not just mere feelings or religious ideologies or even spiritual experience. Christianity is based on factual faith. Clark Pinnock defines these types of facts: "The facts backing the Christian claim are not a special kind of religious facts. They are the cognitive information facts upon which all historical, legal and ordinary decisions are based." (Pinnock, SFYC, 6,7). (Pinnock is Canadian by the way).

I always ask a believer 2 questions, "Do you belive in God?" and if the answer is "yes"(hopefully since that person is a believer) I would charge again with the question "Why?". And most of the time if not all, their answers would either be emotional, experiential or of religious background. Which is all fine and dandy. No problem. But what I'm more concern is the fact that they don't want to dig deeper and find out who God really is based on factual evidences. They just won't go any further. The Bible alone has tons and tons and tons of concrete evidences that supports what the followers of Jesus Christ believes in; that Jesus Christ came to earth, was crucified and burried and on the third day He rose again. This fact is the heart of Christian faith of which the Apostle Paul agreed by stating in 1 Cor 15:14
"And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith."
NIV.

I challenge them to find out thetruth about the Truth because the Truth will set them free. (Oi that's very biblical.)
Christ has indeed risen and the Bible is indeed true and that faith in Christ Jesus in truth is not a blind leap of faith into the dark but a clear vision leap of faith into the Light because He is the light of the world and those who follow Him will never not walk in darkness(John 8:12 NIV).

An Apology!

2008-09-03T01:06:00.000-07:00

Transcript:
There comes a time in a man’s life that he must make decisions that will either break him or make him. And based upon those decisions, the consequences can either be good or bad. The apostle Paul said it well when he said in 1 Corinthians that “Everything is permissible for me but not everything is beneficial.”
Most of the choices I have made in life were based on what I thought was right. Some of them garnered me constructive consequences, others just stomped me to destruction. But one thing I know is this: I cannot blame anyone for all the choices I have made. Choices are one of the many gifts that God has bestowed upon us, and I must and need to be accountable for all the choices that I have made in life.
Some consequences lead to other people being hurt. But as a man of integrity I have to acknowledge these consequences and bear the repercussions it will bring. Many a times because of fear of all these consequences, I became a double-thinker; not sure about anything; of which, I guarantee you, I am not. But then it was still my choice and now I have to carry the consequences. All I have to do now is choose whether it be constructive or destructive.
But either way, I will still get hurt. That would still be the bottom line. If gold bars have feelings they will feel pain when they will be put through fire, just for them to become pure and to show their true worth. In the same manner, I am going through purification. God is my Maker and in order for my true worth to shine and my true calling to rise, He needs to be put me through fire so that I will be who He wants me to be; then and only then will I be able to look upon my choices and smile, for every consequences are stepping stones for me to achieve success. Sacrifice always comes before victory.
Being part of the Jesus Is Lord Pastoral Program I have to realize where I stand and what character(s) and image(s) I need to project. I need to personify the values of the Jesus Is Lord Church. I also need to live up to her standards. And I have to accept and decide where I need to stand. That means though I am in the world, I’m not of the world.
My stint as a front man of a band is not in itself a bad thing but against the fact that I am part of the JIL Pastor program, a member of the JIL British Columbia area management team, a member of the church management team of the JIL Multicultural Church, a worship leader and a praise and worship songwriter means that I carry a heavy and different standard as with the other members of the said teams. I have to choose which platform I will stand on. And I choose to stand on a JIL platform. That is my calling and that is where I want to be.
With that being said and done, I would like to apologize and ask for forgiveness to every member of the Jesus Is Lord Church who got confused, who raised questions about my integrity and who may have looked upon the JIL leadership differently. My sincere apologies also to the CYN who may think, because of my performance at a recent concert, that, it is cool to be part of the world; no it is not cool to be part of this world. To the leadership of the Jesus Is Lord Church, I ask for your forgiveness for lowering the standard of the JIL Leadership. It was never my intention to damage our reputation as leaders. To Judith, I beg for your forgiveness as you have warned me already yet I did not heed your warning. To Pastor Ben, forgive me for not thoroughly explaining the details of my band and the concert. To Pastor Aldrin and Ate Monette, I know both of you are disappointed at me for what I have done. I have broken your trust and for that I am tremendously sorry. And to God, my King, my Saviour and my Redeemer: No words can even come close in expressing the sorrow I have for breaking your heart. Forgive me Father for I have sinned.
I pray that you all will still accept me and would still regard me as your leader and confidant. I am truly humbled but this issue and moreover I have garnered great insights and mind-blowing revelations. Although music is one of my three major passions, it still cannot supersede my number one passion - God and His purpose in my life. I will leave you a verse in which God spoke to me with as I went to Him in prayer asking for forgiveness and the verse is 1 Kings 21:13. May God continually bless each and every one of you and may He listen to your every petition in prayers. Soli Deo Gloria.

I am a Filipino...

2008-06-18T10:01:00.001-07:00

AND I AM PROUD OF MY HERITAGE!!!

What a talent!!!

2008-06-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

I was blown away by this boy's vocals. Just look at the the faces of the judges especially Simon's dropped-jaw look... har har har... He has an amazing voice and and I can compare this to an angel singing if given the chance. I just couldn't get enough of this boy and the song. The song is called "Pie Jesu" The lyrics is as follows: version of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Peaceful and heavenly. (Let it be known that this is the song I'd like to played on my burial... just as my casket's being lowered.)
Pie Jesu Domine, Dona eis requiem.

(O sweet Lord Jesus, Grant them rest)

JIGS 2'S DEN: EPISODE 2 pt2

2008-06-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

JIGS 2 is back with episode number 2 and he has a special guest!!!

JIGS 2'S DEN: EPISODE 2 pt1

2008-06-07T23:10:00.000-07:00

JIGS 2 is back with episode number 2 and he has a special guest!!!

Maxima enim... Patientia virtus!!!

2008-06-07T18:49:00.000-07:00

These past few weeks, I've been dealing with so many things that had a lot to do with patience. Not to mention, I lost my sense of being patient a long time ago, if that is even possible.
Anyway, after June 6, 2008, I realized how important it is to be patient. To have that sense of being patient. Indeed, Maxima enim... patientia virtus. Patience is the greatest virtue, indeed. Those guys who came up with that stuff knew their stuff indeed. But I would gladly let them know that what they knew has been known for the longest of time already. Being patient is very Biblical... No, really it is...
The word "patience" showed up 16 times in NIV. All be it in different contexts but still the same meaning... And it is in this regard that I have to say God taught me how to be patient again.
For whatever reason, being patient for me actually means fully trusting God. Trusting God means, my hope is in Him. And having my hope in God means I have to wait on Him. Though I may have the best plans in place, yet I still have to wait on the Lord so that I will not be put to shame (Ps 25:3 KJV).
Why would I intervene with God's plan and insist that I follow my own plan, when He, God the Father, has already made wonderful plans for me? Jeremiah made it clear whan God declared, "For I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
You see, I believe that God is the God and that He created everything around me and the whole universe. He made everything and was pleased with them. If this God of all creations created everything (including you and me) and He purposely made prosperous plans for my future, then why would I, for the very being in me, think that my plans are better than His? It's like a worm bellowing to a whale, "I will squash you, big time." It's just not logically plausible.
My plans no matter how complicated and intricate cannot by any means exceed God's perfect plan. And my actions in response to my plans can never achieve anything remotely close to God's perfect will. So, after failing miserably and obtaining nothing but zilch, zero and nada. I learned what God wanted me to learn all this time. PATIENCE. I learned to wait on God and fully trust in Him. It's very freeing. Honestly, I feel brand new. Yahooooo!!! As the lazy Philosopher once said (and I am not that Philopher , wink-wink), "At least i don't get to think now: I just have to follow the best Leader of them all who has the best plans and the best mind-boggling simple responses and actions ever."

GenisM: An Invitation

2008-06-04T20:04:00.000-07:00

GenisM inviting everyone to attend the JIL Multicultural Church on July 6, 2008 at the JIL Burnaby Worship Hall... (time - TBA) For more information please call the JIL Office at 1-604-321-0158 or visit www.jilcanada.com

Video Test - Episode Number 1 of JIGS 2's Den

2008-05-28T01:15:00.000-07:00

This is not the final stuff... let me know what you think.. I'm just experimenting and I'm sure the next episodes will be better!!!

ENTER: JOHN CHAPTER 2, A CHALLENGE

2008-05-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

John 2:23-25
  23 While Jesus was in Jerusalem at the Passover festival, many people believed in him because they saw the miracles that he performed.
  24 Jesus, however, was wary of these believers. He understood people
  25 and didn't need anyone to tell him about human nature. He knew what people were really like. (He knew what was in their hearts)**

(from GOD'S WORD Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations Bible Society. All rights reserved.)
**Some translations

    These three verses, I believe, summarizes the whole of John chapter 2. It clearly says that Jesus knew everyone’s heart. From the moment the mother of Jesus ask Jesus for help, to whom he replied 4 "Dear woman, that's not our problem,"..."My time has not yet come." NLT; to the money-changers and merchants of which Jesus zealously drove them all away from God’s temple; to the very people who believed in him only because they saw the miracles He performed. He knew each and everyone of their hearts.

    Jesus knew that His mother’s heart was pure and that Jesus knew that she knew that Jesus would never say no to her! If you noticed her Mom went straight to the servers and said in John 2:5b “Do whatever he tells you." NLT. In a way this is what you call a true faith. Faith that can actually make Jesus move His hands and the result was the very first miracle of Jesus Christ and in magnificent form! Water turning into wine is not ordinary! Jesus knew that this faith was in His mother’s heart. He knew it!

    Jesus also knew what was in those traders, merchants and money-changer’s hearts! It’s not much of greediness but more of disrespect! They have no love for God at all! Those people bringing all the pooping animals into the Temple area and yelling at the top of their voices to get people’s attention to buy their products were disrespecting God’s house of worship. The very being of Jesus is respect for His Father. That’s why John 2:17 says "Passion for God's house will consume me." Passion for God is love for God and love for God is respect to God! He knew that the hearts of those people were full of disrespect which burned Jesus with Holy anger, to the point that He drove them all away. He drove them all away. Wow! What passion, what respect Jesus had for His Father which He knew none of those people in that Temple had in their being.

    Jesus knew the nature of those people who believed Him as well. Sure they believed in Him but it was superficial. Jesus knew they believed Him because they saw wonders and miracles. Human nature is to see then believe. They saw the miracles, they saw the signs so naturally they believed. But this kind of belief, as Jesus knew, is very superficial. This kind of belief relies only on solely what they can physically see and what they have seen. That’s why Jesus in John 2:24, would not entrust Himself to them, since He knew them all. He knew that the nature of those people is to betray Him into the hands of death. Jesus knew all of these.

    And Jesus knows your very nature right now. The best thing about it though is the fact that Jesus has given you an opportunity to choose as to how He would know you as. Which of these groups of people would you allow Him to know you as? Would you be the faith-filled person that will move the Hands of Jesus? Would you be the person who shows disrespect and who has no love for God? Or would you be the “since-I-don’t-see-it-I-don’t-believe-it” natured person of whom I dubbed the superficial believer?

    A prolific JIL Pastor once told me during the JIL WIN Congress last May 18, “What you choose to do today will choose what you will be tomorrow!” So I challenge you today with these 2 words: Your choice!

TheDavid is next for tomorrow’s study on John chapter 3.

Don't make me fall in love with you!

2008-05-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

Falling in love is hard to do but when you fall in love there's no way of getting out. Once you're hooked that is it! You're hooked! All you gotta do now is face the challenge and stand up to it!
It is like a majestic horse that is extremely wild. When she gallops away, she does it majestically. When she neighs, everyone stops and looks up to her. When she raises her two front hoofs, everyone bows down! She is as awe-inspiring as a setting of the sun! She is as ever beautiful as the moon on a cloudless night! But she is extremely wild. You have to break her for her to to be tamed. You have to get her good grace. You have to make sure that you know what you're doing or you will never be able to own her. Falling in love is extremely wild but when you know how to handle your heart and realize that it needs to be tamed then and only then will you achieve her full glory!

A Simple Guideline on How to Create an Exhortation v1

2008-05-12T23:12:00.000-07:00

Exhortation defined:
• To lift up
• To encourage
• To challenge
The definition of exhortation pretty much sums up the reason why we need to exhort. The best part about exhortation though is; not only is it outward (to the listener) but it is also inward (for the speaker).
Meaning, an exhortation affects both the listener and the speaker.
An exhortation (spiritually speaking) is encouraging the listener to realize the importance (and benefits) of living a Christian life based on the experiences of the speaker (or from third party experience), cemented by the foundation of the teaching of the Bible.
One thing the speaker must understand is exhortation is not a preaching but a sharing of one’s life experiences grown about from a single verse in the Bible. Similarly, an exhortation singularly focuses on one aspect, thought, idea or concern and flourishes from that one point. It is therefore like a laser beam rather that a light bulb.
(Just to be clear, this entry is not an exhortation but a teaching. Ok then let's roll!!!)
Alright then start let’s charge up and target our main point: How to create an exhortation.
There are five things I learned that helped me create an exhortation that had positive results not only on JIGS 2 but to his listeners as well.
1. PRAYER.
Prayer is as important to an exhorter as water is to a rose. For without water, a rose plant will wither and die. In the same manner an exhorter no matter how smart and talented in writing and speaking will not be effective for there will be no lasting effect on the listener and the speaker. So pray first then write and/or talk.
2. AN EXHORTATION MUST NOT BE TOO LONG NOR SHOULD IT BE TOO SHORT.
Exhortations must not be too long that the listener will either forget the main point or will be confused as to what the point is. Exhortations must not be too short either or the listener will wonder where/what the point is. My rule of thumb is basically, sharing what I have learned from that specific main point I have. For example, if I am talking about giving, then I will share the reason why I gave and how it affected me. And number three helped create a simple and no-roaming-around-the bush-direct-to-the-point type of exhortation.
3. AN EXHORTATION MUST NOT HAVE POINTS AND OR BULLETS.
Exhortations must have “point 1”, “point 2”, “point 3” and so on and so forth. An exhorter must not say “I will give you three points” or “in point one there are three aspects”. An exhorter has only one point and that point is the main point. Remember the laser beam? One point and one point only: There is only one point to relay and one point to share. No more or it will not be an exhortation and no less or there will be no point.
4. THOUGHT THE BIBLE HAS THOUSANDS OF VERSES, AN EXHORTER NEEDS ONLY ONE.
There must be no “open your Bible to this and open your Bible to that.” You reserve that for Bible studies. The Bible must be opened only to the very verse that the exhorter will use. Don’t go prancing around the Bible.
5. ONE WORD: PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. (WELL, OK TWO WORDS)
Use your personal experience (or someone else’s TRUE experience) to further your main point. What experience, you ask? Experiences in life and the lessons learned. The lessons learned will be the glue that will make an exhortation stick effectively to the minds of the listeners.
These are, JIGS2 believes, the bones that will make up the skeleton of an exhortation (it could very well be everything else). But honestly, the real secret, err secrets, to exhortation is not a secret at all. Firstly, study and learn. (Learn from the Bible, learn from experiences and learn from surroundings.) Secondly, allow the Holy Spirit to move in you always.
Alright then go on and keep on exhorting in the free world!!!

I Remember

2008-04-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

I looked up at the sky today
And all the clouds they formed your face
As if they were trying to tell me that you are watching over me
The wind blew gently on my face
It whispered to me "He can't be replaced"
As if I'll ever forget that you are watching over me

And I remember everything so clearly
Those words of wisdom you've shared with me
When I was down, you took my hand
Helped me back on my feet
Gave me encouragements

And I will never forget that faithful day
When the world was against me
They kicked me away
Through thick and thin I survived 'cause you were there by my side
You looked at me and said "Everything's gonna be alright"

You were taken from me abrubtly but I will be alright
You were taken from me abrubtly but I will be alright
You were taken from me abrubtly but I will be alright
You were taken from me abrubtly but I will be alright

Now that you're gone and I look back
You've been a blessing to those who lacked
I'm sure they will never forget the goodness of your heart!

I wrote this song in loving memory of my brother...
Rest In Peace Kuya Bong Suson: Brother, Cousin and Manager of Penzil Puzhers!

An Idea!

2008-04-22T00:27:00.000-07:00

**Mainly written for JIL people but may benefit others as well**

I have an idea. Instead of telling God about the lost, why don't we tell the lost about God! There is absolutely nothing wrong in telling (the better word is remind) God about the lost. But if you think about it, God knows about the lost already. He is God for heaven's sake. But the lost, they no nothing (or perhaps a granule) about God. God cares more if we talk to them about God than we talk to God about them. Instead ask God for the Holy Spirit to give you the right words at the right time!!!
I want to elaborate further but it seems like the point has been pointed out already!

How come you spell your name like that?

2008-04-13T17:33:00.000-07:00

Ahhh... the million dollar question... According to historians the original spelling of my nickname is J-I-M-B-O and Jimbo was my name-o. 1997 Anno Domini, it was then that the "radical" spelling of my nickname was born. I was working at a local radio station and I had to make up a new name plus a story behind the name. And this is the story (chimes...)
*** Against contrary beliefs, this name was not created because of my (proudly) Filipino heritage. If (and only if) you noticed... most Filipino nicknames have "h" and "e" somewhere on their nicknames. For example Tito Boy, must be spelled as Tito Bhoy. and Ate Baby needs to be spelled as Bhaby. Marlene's pet name is Mhar or Lhenne. So on and so fort, I'm sure you get the drift. (The name implied on this blog are purely fictional. Any resemblance to any Filipino names are purely coinncidental and intentional.)

Airdude Jhimboe was a half-French, half-Filipino. So therefore let me introduce myself. Je m'appelle Jhimboe Suson. This was used to make the morning show with my bud, Montee, a little bit fancy and fun. Then I took on the nick "Jhimboe" during my mIRC days (for those of you who where not yet born or were still young and know nothing about computers back then, IRC stands for Internet Chat Relay... do a bit of research... the "m" currently escapes my mind... I believe it stands for Mordambay or something like that).

Anyway... so after a while (like years) I kinda grew into it and up to this moment in time I still use the spelling. Plus I like it... walang kokontra!!!

J I G S 2

A Farewell Letter To My Single Life!

JIGS2 with the KKB PowerZone Music Team

The Message of Christmas

Total Depravity of Man

Patriotism... A different vantage point...

I Remember!

Prayer: Is there power in it?

The Philippines: White Beach, Malamawi Islands

I will obey even if it is hard to do so! Part 1.

The Glory is for God Alone

JIGS2 talks about Jesus' rare experience

The Seattle Vlog

A Musicianary to JIL Seattle!

Why Apologetics is important!

GPS Update!

I Exercised My Right!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL MOMS OUT THERE!

Why Learn the Gospel Presentation Seminar (GPS-Evangelism Explosion)

I have decided pt2

He is still God...

Asses yourself...

Modern Christian Music?

It's not about what God can do but who God is...

How...

It's Not His Leadership...

Birds of the same feather....

I have decided...

Who says that we don't believe in Grace?

Th Courage to Stand!

Ex 20:77 You shall not use or repeat the name of the Lord your God in vain [that is, lightly or frivolously, in false affirmations or profanely]; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. AMP

F.R.O.G

Nostalgia!

Hands down...

Greeting of the season!

Super Excited!

JIL ANNIVERSARY!!!

Congratulations!

Not responding to evidences is futile...

An Apology!

I am a Filipino...

What a talent!!!

JIGS 2'S DEN: EPISODE 2 pt2

JIGS 2'S DEN: EPISODE 2 pt1

Maxima enim... Patientia virtus!!!

GenisM: An Invitation

Video Test - Episode Number 1 of JIGS 2's Den

ENTER: JOHN CHAPTER 2, A CHALLENGE

Don't make me fall in love with you!

A Simple Guideline on How to Create an Exhortation v1

I Remember

An Idea!

How come you spell your name like that?

Ex 20:7

7 You shall not use or repeat the name of the Lord your God in vain [that is, lightly or frivolously, in false affirmations or profanely]; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
AMP