Friday 27 February 2009

Grand Designs

There is an on-going balloting for the ten new wonders of the world. Many are casting their votes based on what they may have experienced; and for others on their perception, if not national pride. So far based on the places I’ve been to, I can count three of those wonders – the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in the Philippines, the Grand Canyon in the United States and the Cathedral Cove in Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand.

I visited the last site (also known as Te Whanganui-A-Hei) on February 2009 and found the experience exhausting, yet exhilarating. My family walked through a trail for almost an hour to reach the destination. As we slowly took the steep stairs leading to the shore, it didn’t seem exciting at first, as we saw only a narrow beach. As we touched down, we followed those in front of us as they turned towards the left where there stood a gigantic rock structure with a huge cave with high ceilings similar to those in a cathedral. We took pictures of our dwarfed selves outside and inside, awed at the majestic creation of God. We saw more people on the other side frolicking and swimming in a longer beach, where a solid rock formation dominated the waters. It was as if the lone giant rock was carved out of the cave and pushed towards the sea. (The cave and beach was used as the tunnel through which the Pevensie children first re-enter Narnia in the movie version of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.)

In today’s world where technology keeps most people inside offices or in their homes, there is need for us to go out and appreciate the masterful art in God’s unlimited canvass. Jesus Christ, during his ministry, was a traveller who often rested in the mountains and hills. "And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed."(Mark 1:35) Prior to performing his most significant miracles and just before His crucifixion, He was in the open, conversing with His Father. "And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray."" (Mark 14:32)

We do not need to spend a fortune to see the grand designs of God. Just look around you: the sun at it rises each morning, the flowers and trees bursting with mosaic colours, the sea and the sky converging in the horizon, the silvery moon and the twinkling stars scattered above our heads.The list can go on and on. These wonders of nature are meant for us to experience the omnipotence of God. We should be grateful. "O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures." (Psalm 104:24)

by Mel Libre

Friday 20 February 2009

Victory for God


Everyday we read of people dying because of violence, disease, starvation or naturally. We ask why life is nipped at the time we humanly think is too soon. This feeling becomes more intense when a loved one departs from this world. We shed tears for the deceased – or do we cry for ourselves?

To most of us the thought of death is morbid; the sight of death terrifying. But it shouldn’t be. As faith believers, we know that death is the passage that leads us to either eternal life or perpetual damnation. "I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life." (John 5:24) The ones who should be afraid are those who sin and not repent.

With death comes judgment – that is judgment for the things we have done or not done for others, for God. Horace Mann said: "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity." I would want to rephrase that to: "Be ashamed to die until you have won victory for God."

Therefore, when we come to know of death of people, be they friend or foe, famous or unknown, Christian or unbeliever – do pray for their souls to be forgiven of sins and be made worthy to face a perfect God. Pray too that as we struggle to live in this world, we will find the courage to overcome temptation and sin. Our victory is God’s victory.

by Mel Libre

Friday 13 February 2009

One Important Ingredient


New Zealand has a tiny population of 4 million. But do not let the numbers mislead you for this country down under is a sport might especially in rugby and sailing. Its rugby team – All Blacks – is a national icon and held in high esteem in the rugby world.  Auckland is known as the City of Sails and yachting is a major crowd drawer. While most of the best sailing teams that compete in America’s Cup are owned by private entities, Emirates Team New Zealand is partly funded by the government.

Sport is a significant part of the life of Kiwis and the athletes are passionate and dedicated in their chosen field. No wonder New Zealand has Olympic medallists and world champions in rowing, triathlon, athletics, basketball, golf, motor racing and others. But in the two most important sports – rugby and sailing – it is only the second best. Despite the availability of advance tools and equipment, well-financed training, modern facilities, strong mass support and high profile media coverage, the All Blacks and the Emirates Team New Zealand have failed when it counts the most.

In the 2007 Rugby World Cup, the All Blacks was favored to win, what with its string of victories in the tests and other competitions leading towards the main event. The team massacred most of its opponents until it succumbed to France, thereby failing to move forward to the finals. South Africa claimed the Cup. It has reviewed its games, coaching staff and players – and has since returned with a vengeance in 2008 with some of its finest games, but can it keep the momentum until the 2011 Rugby World Cup? Or will experience the same fate as defending champion Team New Zealand when it was humiliated right at its own backyard in Auckland during the 2003 America’s Cup by Alingi, 5-0?

On February 14, the finals of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series 2009 held in Auckland will pit Alingi against the Louis Vuitton Challenger Cup holder New Zealand. During the preliminary contests, NZ lost to lesser known teams, that there is strange déjà vu feel as the best of five finals gets on its way.

What could be missing in the two most important sports teams of New Zealand? I dare say it is lack of prayer. It does not require the flashy movements of the haka; just a simple sign of the cross and a call for guidance and strength from the Almighty.

That makes pound-for-pound boxing champion Manny Pacquiao endearing to the Filipinos and possibly to God. Prior to every fight, just before the bell rings, he kneels down in his corner, makes the sign of the cross and prays. There is no argument that he has the hardest punches, the strongest body, the longest stamina and the finest fighting style– but he knows it is God who wills a win or a lose.

So it is with the All Blacks and Emirates Team New Zealand, they are the best in their game without doubt. Though the Kiwis sing “God defend New Zealand” as its national song, its people today have not been as religious and as faithful as their pioneering ancestors. Secularism has made people timid to show openly their belief in the Lord. It is true that physical strength has much to do with sports; spiritual strength is the power that spells the difference between the victor and the vanquished.
“[Prayer for Spiritual Strength] For this reason I bow my knees before the Father.” (Ephesians 3:14) For the one who prays is certain to be heard and shall be given. “Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.”  (James 5:18)

The members of the All Blacks and Emirates Team New Zealand may not read this article, but I shall personally pray fervently for their victory. God may hear my plea and should they win, they may believe.

by Mel Libre

Friday 6 February 2009

The Harvest

With a big smile on his face, Cyril Bas, a servant leader of TawagAwit, carried with him a large plastic bag and announced in our gathering that he had fresh red tomatoes that he took from his backyard. Everyone got a share of the bountiful harvest, a culmination of the ministry’s spring project, Sow&Harvest.  From the start, Bro Cyril made sure he would obtain the most out of his efforts, by placing rich organic soil in the plots, protecting the plants by covering the whole garden with a net, selecting the best seedlings, watering these on a regular basis and routinely checking for bugs and pests. But the best part of it all was the sharing of the harvest to one’s brethren. 

As faith believers, we should be giving. “All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they...shared everything they had.” (Acts 4:323)  When we give we must do so generously. It is not so much of the amount or quantity rather it is what is in the heart. “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

During lunch the next day, I cut and ate some of the tomatoes. I thought these tasted sweeter – and I knew why –these were filled with Bro Cyril’s industry and generosity.

by Mel Libre