Category Archives: Relationship with God

A HUGE “BUT”

Leave a reply

The word ‘but’ is such a powerful word.

It is a conjunction that is used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned.

“We were losing the game, BUT my teammate made a three point shot that won the game.”
“I was sad and lonely BUT then you came along.” (Boom!)
“My business was on a downturn BUT suddenly sales picked up because of the Christmas season.”
“I was this close to dying BUT God healed me supernaturally.”
“I was lost BUT now found.”

I remember the first time I tried to water ski on a lake.

After a few tries, I was able to successfully do it. One the 5th or 6th try, the speedboat driver told me to hold on. Before I was even able to prepare, I found myself being dragged underwater, swallowing gallons (so it seemed) of lake water.

He then told me to get onto the boat really quick.

Before I had the chance to wring his neck for almost drowning me, he explains that there was a poisonous snake crossing the lake and it was approaching the area where I was.

I was mad BUT when I understood why he did what he did, I turned thankful.

Concurrently, I was supposed to be dead due to a poison bite BUT I was rescued.

“BUT” is a powerful word.

Paul says in Ephesians 2:3-4, “we were by nature deserving of wrath. BUT because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…”

Because we of our sins, we were enemies of God, deserving punishment, hell and life eternally separated from Him.

BUT BECAUSE OF HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US….

That was the ultimate game changer.

I pray that this truth will never be less than overwhelmed with His great love for me. I pray that same thing for you too.

WHEN CLOUDS DARKEN YOUR DAY

Leave a reply

When circumstances seem ‘cloudy’, how do we respond? Because you can be certain that those days will come.

You and I may not see the sun, but we know that it’s just right behind those dark, nimbus formations.

Paul told the church in Philippi to rejoice.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:4-5)

The main reason why we can rejoice? Because the Lord is near.

Because I know He is near, there’s the quiet assurance that I am never forsaken and never abandoned. David says that because the Lord is at my right hand, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

This reminds me of a story I read that clearly illustrates the quiet confidence we have because He is near.

Buzzing through the rail tracks, a speeding train slices through the fog in the middle of the night. All the passengers were tensed as the fog becomes thicker and the train continue to whizz through the perilous mountain side.

As the passengers saw through the cabin’s window that the fog created zero visibility, all they can sense was the chugging of the engine and the sound of train whistle “signalling- “Train coming through!”  With fear and doubt in their hearts and faces everyone slowly retreated to the back-most cabin.

But there was a seven year old girl in ponytails still glued to her seat and playing with her doll. She was not troubled at all of the danger around her.  One of the passengers suggested, “Hey little girl, it is better to seat at the back of the train if in case we plow to a huge snow mass and be derailed or in case an avalanche happens. It’s dangerous there at the front near the engineer’s room.”

Without batting her eyelashes she quipped, “Don’t be silly! My dad is the engineer”  With a peaceful disposition and a steadfast mind she continued playing with her doll.

Obviously, she has full trust on her father and knows that he will keep her safe and protected despite the thick fog of uncertainty.

MY IGNITE TOP 10

1 Reply

10. OPENING NUMBER

The opening number by Judah Paolo, Quest and Yeng Constantino was one of the best I’ve seen seen in any conference. It was inspiring, explosive and anointed. It was clear that the Holy Spirit was at work through the presentation and that Jesus was glorified.

9. J.S.

The fresh preaching of the gospel of Jesus is always a highlight for me. There’s no other message will match the message of the cross. J.S. represented our delegates from different nations. Watching young people from restricted nations worship Jesus openly is an amazing sight.

8. VIDEOS

From the countdown to the session introductions, our video team poured every drop of their creative juices into these videos. The countdown videos were fun and engaging while the session videos set up the message to help both the speaker and the listener.

7. HALF TIME SHOW

This one you didn’t want to miss. Both day 2 and day 3 half time shows were out of the ball park. Rachel Ann Go, Yeng Constantino, Quest, Christian Bautista gave the students a treat as they sang. The crowd went wild when Boy Pick Up went on stage. It was such an amazing blessing to hear Ogie Alcasid share his journey of faith and walk with Jesus.
6. WORSHIP

No words here. You just have to be there. It’s just plain “whoa!”

And worshipping Jesus with 9,600 students was unbelievable.

The worship team led and God showed up in every meeting. Kudos to the team.

5. LIANE, EDREI, CJ, JIDE

Listening to a young lady preaching the Word was powerful. She was precise, clear and on point. It was inspiring to believe for more powerful preachers like her.

“The situations you are in right now are not mere coincidences; they are opportunities. And when God provides the opportunities, He will also supply the ability.” – Liane Silla

Edrei’s one point really stuck: “Resolve or dissolve? (like sugar in water)” He spoke about Daniel and how he stood for the right thing.

CJ shared a message on sexual purity. It was indeed an apt message for this generation.

“Your purpose is to glorify God with your heart, soul, mind, strength and body.” – CJ Nunag.

Pastor Jide started out the conference with a bang! “If you live a life that is consecrated and concentrated, the world will realize that you are walking with a holy God.”

4. DAN

The man was the message.

He spoke on the life of Ananias.

His one point? “To make disciples, you just have to be a disciple.”

Simple yet powerful.

He lives this one out. Seeing him from where he was before and where he is now is remarkably inspiring.

3. NATHAN

More than being his father, I see a young man who has been rescued by Jesus and now lives his life for Him.

Seeing him share his testimony on standing up for Jesus in the campus was stirring and encouraging (running out of adjectives).

I’ve been in the front row watching God work in his life. My wife and i cannot claim any credit. We’re just thankful for the grace of God.

“My relationship with God is more valuable that any of the temporary pleasures that this world has to offer.”

2. STEVE

The president and founder of Victory, Steve Murrell, shared a classic.

What kept Paul the apostle persevere through the persecutions? THE RACE, THE TASK, THE GOSPEL.

Finish the race. Complete the task. Testify to the gospel.

But more than his 30 minute message, it’s the 30 years of living this out here in Manila.

Thanks Pastor Steve.

1. JESUS!

No other name.

He is the very reason why we even have Ignite Conference.

He is the mover, supplier, influencer, provider, rescuer, the cause and the objective of all that we are and do.

You alone are worthy.

—–

How about you, what was yours? Feel free to add to this list.

For more IGNITE CONFERENCE photos, updates, blogs, podcast and audio remixes, click here.

 

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...