By Lina Bernardino-Cristobal

“But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. “(John 6:20-21)

A Young Professional in the church delivered a powerful message on the book of John, about the disciples and the storm. One of the points he mentioned is the Title of this article. The Sky Will Clear. Yes it hit me like a lightning. It created a fire in my heart.

It was evening. A great Preaching has just been completed. The people were still in awe, the Lord Jesus did not just satisfy their spiritual needs. He also fed them, 5,000 people as the Bible recorded. And as common to men, they adored the hands that fed them. They wanted to make Him King, thinking if they have Him for a King they will no longer be hungry. After all, wasn’t this the man who preached the great sermon that we ought not to worry about food and clothing?

Our Lord Jesus Christ decided to move away from the crowd, to have quality time with His Father in Heaven. He sent his disciples ahead to the other side of the mountain, using a boat. In the olden times, Israelites were said to be afraid of water. Perhaps, many people have died on sea that they fear there were ghosts hovering over it. They were cruising. Suddenly, there was a change of weather. Strong winds came, the boat were swaying. The already afraid disciples feared even more. They did not know what to do. Just like we are when we are undergoing storms in our life. We fear the unknown. We do not know when it will end.

In September 2009, heavy rain poured down in Manila. Major cities were flooded. It was seemingly a steady Saturday morning, there was no strong wind. The sound of the rain, though heavy, was even relaxing and would put you to sleep. And it did, we were so much in deep sleep when we remember that we live near the creek. We looked out the window and realized that we would not be able to bring the car to a high place. The street was flooded. “But it will be safe”, or so we thought. The next minute we saw the water rising, eating up the view of the car. First, the step board, then the whole tires, then the hood, the headlight can be seen because of flashing light, the alarm was activated, until it died, the battery run out. We saw neighbors moving from a bungalow to a 2 storey neighbor house. We adopted 2 women and a child in our home. The worst thing was we did not have enough food. Saturday was our grocery day and we consumed all our stock the day before. The kid was asking for rice, all we had were crackers and Vienna sausage in can. I love Vienna sausage but after eating it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, I would not want to have it for a year. Oh well, maybe for 3 months. We did not know when it would end.

It was getting dark. There was no television, our radio battery has run out and we had to preserve the candles should the rain persist in the next hours. Phone calls. A niece wanted to come home from the hospital. I told her to just stay there. It was safer there than to travel. The whole Metro Manila stood still. The Lord may not have heard as much prayers uttered on that gloomy day.

The water subsided but the stench persists. There was Clay mud all over. I had wanted to clean our Kitchen flooring for a long time but I did not mean it this way. But I would take in the clay mud than stay looking at a sea of water in the middle of the metropolis. We were cheering as we see the water level going down little by little. Our neighbor, whose gas range was saved, offered us hot water for coffee. Oh the taste of warm water and coffee in the midst of mud can be so refreshing. I had wanted to ask for more but that would be selfish of me.

Looking back, I realized that the storm did not persist. The sky cleared. We were able to clean up. We even had the kitchen renovated. The car came out of the Dealer, looking brand new, all parts replaced – for free! We learned lessons on dealing with calamity.

Going back to the disciples, they almost gave up. They were almost resigned to be eaten up by water. Then they saw an image in the midst of water. They had even mistaken Him for a Ghost. But it was the Lord Jesus Christ. He saw their struggles. He saw their fears. He knew they were giving up. And so He came. And the moment they took Him in the boat, the sky cleared, the storm stopped and they reached the shore.

Are you in the midst of a storm? Ask the Lord Jesus to ride the boat with you. Soon enough, you will be led to a peaceful landing.

“So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.” (1Peter 1:6)

(abcristobal@hotmail.com)

(The Pinoy Weekly, 1011 E. Edna Place Covina Ca 91724

By: Lina Bernardino-Cristobal

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2Chronicles 7:14)

For several weeks now, I have been writing light articles. I hope I had made you laugh in my own little way. I guess that, somehow revealed the condition of my heart. The Lord has blessed us with a peaceful 2nd semester, personally, that is.

But one piece of news after another, struck my heart. It feels as though a spear had cut my flesh. In a span of one week, five countries issued a travel warning about our beloved country. They declared that the Philippines is not a safe place to travel to. I am not someone you could label a true blooded nationalistic. 90% of the books I read are written by foreign authors, the songs I listen to are performed by foreign artists, even the clothes I wear are cosmopolitan. I speak 90% English and 10% Taglish. But these advisories made me realize: what have I been doing about our country? It is one thing to be hurt about other nations declaring ugly truths about your nation but it should lead us to one better thing: Do something about these ugly truths.

“They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” Nehemiah 1:3-4

“They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”

Nehemiah 1:10-11 Nehemiah did. He was in a far away land, an Overseas Worker. When he heard that the walls of his beloved country was broken down and that Israel was exposed to the enemies, he wept, he lamented too much that the King whom he was serving could not help but notice. He asked the King to give him a vacation so he could take on the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He boldly asked for help. Nehemiah did not do it because he had no shame, like a self entitled person demanding people for help. He was able to because first, he knew that before he had asked for favor, he asked favor from the Father in Heaven first. He also knew that in the years that he has served the King, he served him so well, to the best of his ability that has pleased the King. Long story short, the King endorsed Nehemiah to his diplomatic circle and Nehemiah received the things he needed and boldly completed the Walls of Jerusalem.

What does that have to do with our country, the Philippines? My dear fellowmen, no, I am not asking you to leave your work as you have been doing well working in other places so you can take care of us, your loved ones back here in the Philippines. You have been our source of livelihood, you pump financial lifeblood in this anemic but slowly building up economic situation. Your contribution, while you are there, is a good source so we can rebuild the wall that will protect our country from this so called ‘terrorist fears’.

I am simply asking you and all of us back here that this is a time when we can be one nation again. That we should bow down before our Father in Heaven for the protection of our country, Philippines. While we are doing our various tasks to help improve our financial situation, we are to take up a sword in one hand to weave against the enemies. No, it does not mean we will put up a fight, literally. We have paid soldiers to do that. Let us take up that sword – the Word of God – again and be reminded of how the Lord rescues and heal the land of His people who bow down before Him. The people who humble themselves; we, who would pray; we, who would seek His face; we, who would turn from our wicked ways, the Father will hear us. He will forgive the sins of our country. He will heal our land.

Like what he did in Nehemiah’s time. He heard Nehemiah and the wall of Jerusalem had been restored.

Our country needs our prayers, our country needs healing. We can be instruments of that. The Lord wants to hear our voices. And when the enemy will see that our country is SO protected, that the Lord’s Hand is upon us – they will flee. And then they will see that the Philippines is a safe place to visit, not only once, but again and again. Mabuhay! Salamat sa inyong Pagdating sa Pilipinas!

(This article appeared at The Pinoy Weekly newspaper in US)

By: Lina Bernardino-Cristobal

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.” (1Peter 5:8-9a⁾

Oops it is almost 8:30.  Why did I let myself get late today?  I usually come to office at 7:00 am.  The reason, aside from joining an office car pool is this:  The elevator rush.  I dread this experience.  I have never seen so many employees swarming the lobby.  Only in the morning as it gets near the office hour.  I also noticed that there are no friends in the morning. Bump into the person any time of the day, except morning, and you will be chummy with one another, even exchanging your favorite gum, but no, not in the morning.  Maybe there will be a short smile, more of a smirk, while waiting for the elevator to open.  More often, friends avoid each other’s eyes. It is actually a defense to remove the guilt of the ensuing activity.   Because…

You have to learn the art of riding the elevator.  Let me give you some tips:

1.         Do not get too close to the door, as you will get swamped to the wall as latecomers beat the others to the door.  You will be surprised that you are not able to ride at all and you were the first to be there, how sad huh?

2.         Do not be deceived by the look of a jam-packed elevator.  There is still space, even if the riders would pretend that there is no space for you. Squeeze yourself in and you will see that a whole row at the back is available.  Riders are just too lazy to move back.

3.         Wear sneakers, flat shoes, anything comfortable that will allow you to run and jump right in as the door is closing.  Believe me no one (oh well maybe a few gentlemen) will hold that door open for you.  Heels pose the danger of getting stuck to the railing too.

4.         Practice those elbows.  Aside from not getting too close to the door and the wall, you cannot be sure that no one will try to box you out as you head for the door.  Those elbows, yes basketball defense like mode, can prevent them from getting your space – unless they know judo and can turn you around.  Thus, footwork is also important – put one foot ready to get in while the one is planted on the ground.

Sounds like a sports event, right?  All for the objective of Going Up to the workplace and making it on time, and in one piece.  This had me thinking.  This is just an elevator ride and the competitors are even friends and colleagues.  How much worse can it get in our daily struggle to move up in our faith? The struggles could be greater.  The enemy shall be doubly ready to push us to the wall so he can take an upper hand and we will not be able to do our work on time.  It will squeeze us out of our senses so we cannot think well and fail.  It will shut the door slamming on our face as we try hard to do well and excel.  He will trample upon our faith to weaken our knees and fall.  That is why the Apostle Peter warned us to be always alert.  Do not give the enemy even a centimeter for before you know it, it has occupied an inch and if not kicked out at once, it will conquer the whole nine yards.

We are called to stay focused on our daily spiritual climb to stand on His holy place, to maintain a pure heart and to trust on our Lord, Jesus Christ alone.  We are called to press on, stayed focused on the goal as we respond to His upward call.

“Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?  The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.^” (Psalm 24:3-4)

“ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

As we take the ride, we ought to ensure that we are on the right destination, we are moving up.  Although we will be pushed we will not allow that we are so hard pressed and not able to do our Spiritual tasks.  We ought to stay focused on our destination that we will not be tempted to alight with others who no longer want the ride – even if it comes to the point – that we are left alone in the carriage.  There are times that it will malfunction, even stall, and you are alone.  It will be tempting to panic, to stomp, to shout.  But just stay composed and focus on the destination, ring the bell and soon the help will come.  And before you know, you have finished the ride.

(This Article appeared at The Pinoy Weekly newspaper in US.)

By Lina Bernardino-Cristobal

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

So goes the 1st 2 stanzas of this famous Josh Groban song. This reminded me of the verses in the Bible that speak of the many times the Lord Jesus Christ has lifted up the face of many who mourn because of varied circumstances in life.

There was one time, when a woman was brought to Him, for judgment. The men and women around her were hurling insults, narrating her faults, ready to stone her.

The woman cannot defend herself; no word or explanation could exculpate her from her fault. The accusations were true: she was a home wrecker, a paid woman. She was sinful. She was just waiting for her death.

Her own guilt did not even bring her there – she was driven to Him by the very people who were accusing her. Her tears may not fully be tears of lament but tears for fear of her life. She was down on her face at the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom the people were asking to be the judge of her fate. Her ears may have been deaf to words around her, her body just waiting for stones thrown.

Then she heard ‘thud’, ‘thud, ‘thud’, dropping stones after another, not on her body, but on the ground. “What is happening? Why am I not hurt?”

She lifted her head and she saw no one. The people were moving; the mad men were slowly walking away. Quiet faces, solemn faces. He, whom they called to judge her, did not judge her. They were judged first.

Then she saw Him, His savior, telling her that she was not to be judged on that day, encouraging her to make a fresh start – to celebrate a new life – to go and sin no more. When the Lord Jesus raises us up – He raises us up to turn away from a sinful life.

Peter was in distress. He has just betrayed the Lord. He ran away while the Lord Jesus Christ was undergoing trial. Oh yes, he was there, listening to the questions of the High Priests, he was eavesdropping, he was hiding among the crowd, pretending to warm his hands. He was torn between his promise to defend Him, over his dead body, and fearing for his life.

One question from a woman and it had revealed his fear. “I do not know Him, “he declared not once but three times at the Lord Jesus’ hearing distance.

Luke 22:60-62 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62And he went outside and wept bitterly.

It may have been easier to receive reports that someone has disowned you for you can still give him the benefit of the doubt. You can even tell the reporter that he may have heard wrong.

But not this scene, the Lord Jesus heard pointblank Peter’s denial and if you are at the lowest point of your life, your pain could multiply. Peter saw it, the Lord’s eyes, seeing Peter’s weaknesses, his eyes telling Peter, “I did warn you.”

Eyes locked, before the Lord turned towards his accusers, he also saw how Peter wept bitterly. His staunch disciple, the one whom he renamed as ‘rock’ was weeping bitterly.

Repentance moves the Lord Jesus Christ into action. Had he not been in trial, he would have run after Peter there and then. But He would handle Peter’s restoration at a later time. That moment, He had to attend to the salvation of mankind.

Are we not glad that we have a God who does not bear grudges? Who understands (yet rebuke) our weaknesses? Fast forward to 3 days, Mary Magdalene, Mary the Mother of James and Salome were to anoint the body of the Lord when they saw the tomb was open, a man telling them not to be alarmed for Jesus has risen and that they are to tell the disciples and Peter to meet Him in Galilee. Peter was especially mentioned.

“Mark 16:7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”(ESV)

Fast forward to few days later, the Lord appeared to the disciples and had dinner with them. The disciples may have been surprised that the Lord even had a one to one fellowship with Peter. He discussed how Peter would take care of the sheep and the lambs.

What? The weak traitor, commissioned to take care of the Lord’s flock? But that is how the Lord restores. They no longer discussed what happened. They no longer opened the wounds of the betrayal.

Peter wept bitterly after the betrayal – that was enough for the Lord to lift Peter up again. He raised Peter up to forget old wounds and to begin saving souls zealously.

John 21:15 “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these? Yes, Lord, he said, you know that I love you. Jesus said, Feed my lambs.”

The story of the adulteress and the story of Peter, these are just poignant stories of two people whom the Lord raised up.

There are more to discuss in our future articles. We have our story too, a moment in our lives, when He has raised us up.

It may be that moment a loved one was lost and the emptiness it left was too much to bear. Or that time when all possessions were lost and there was no one to bail out. That time when a business partner cheated and dragged that name in the courtroom. That moment when someone tarnished a reputation and it can no longer be regained. Or a doctor’s appointment that declared a dreaded disease.

All of these bring you to the floor face down, in total surrender. Just wait there a moment. Empty yourself to Him. Declare He is your advocate. He will come. He will be there when you call on Him. He will raise you up. Our Lord is in the business of raising us up. And how He loves that business.

(This Article appeared in THE PINOY WEEKLY newspaper in LA)

By Johans Bill Marva

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No Fear. Labeling oneself as such is not as easy as Pepsi claiming to have no sugar. Fearless. It sure doesn’t sound easier than giving in to a dare of removing your top.

Happiness is a state of mind. Fear is another thing.

You might be able to smile by reminiscing happy thoughts, but can you experience something scary and get over it by just thinking “not” fearful thoughts? Jesus’ disciples don’t think so. Special mention, Peter.

The disciple, who have been a fisherman half his life, couldn’t describe it  to his editor any better. Mark used the term “furious squall”.  A squall is a “brief sudden violent windstorm”(The American Heritage® Dictionary). Mark’s gospel adding “furious” before it, takes violent to an even higher level. More like: Ready-to-eat-you violent and sudden kind of wind storm. I can imagine the disciples shaking in their wits when Jesus asked them the magic question.

How can we not be afraid?

The world is filled with things our minds may not even be prepared for. Dark alleys and skeletons in the closets that has been left in obscurity. Some  you already experience firsthand, others by people close to you. Some appear in the news every once in a while, others get a chance to reach newspaper headlines.

Everyone’s question is what makes us different from other people as to not experience the same rejection, pain, suffering and chastity that they have experienced? It seems even unfair to not fret experiencing it yourself. It makes you want to ask the same question the disciples asked Jesus, “God, don’t you care..”.

He does care.

Let us read again what happened before Jesus asked his disciples why they are afraid; “He (Jesus)got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”

Don’t you see it possible that Jesus can create a complete calm within our fearful hearts, the same way he calmed that storm? Can’t this wind of financial storm die down with Jesus’ snap.

But then again, you may ask an unselfish question, how can it be possible if other people experienced the same tribulation and suffered. What makes any of us any better?

Well buddy, I’m sure other fishermen had experienced the same “violent wind storm” which the disciple experienced and didn’t make it. Others may have failed to have their storms calmed down, but the oldest historical book also claims that a few did.  Okay, let us say it’s just the disciples. Wouldn’t you want to know their side of difference? Doesn’t it make you want to check who’s sleeping on your boat?

Invite Jesus in your heart now and live to see the difference.

By Lina Bernardino-Cristobal

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19:5)

“Passport and Ticket please”, the guards say as you enter the main gate. “Place your luggage in the rolling counter, including hand bags. Belts, shoes, mobile phones and wallets should be on this tray,” the next guard commands. “Pass through the sensor, hands up,” another guard declares as he/she points a hand sensor on key parts of your body and brush hands across your tummy and hips. As you step down the ledge you need to hurriedly pick up your belt to prevent your pants from falling down, grab your shoes, mobile phones and wallet with one hand while the other hand is grabbing your rolling luggage. You need to hurry because if you fail to do it in an instant, dagger looks shall be thrown upon you by the next person on queue or worse, someone else would be too willing to pick up your valuables.

Limping from being barefoot, you scurry to the next available chair so you can wear your shoes or put back your belt, depending on which needs to be attended to first: your falling pants or your cold feet. I have seen some who has learned the art of doing both, looks like a new dance craze. In any case, you have to watch those bags and ensure that you are still holding your ticket, your passport and other valuables as you walk toward the Immigration Office. You carefully fix your shirt, pull back those shoulders, run your fingers in your hair and put those bangs away, lift your head up high, ready to face the unsmiling Officer, as if nothing demeaning has happened. He looks at you, looks at your passport, and looks at you again, wondering the difference. For fear of irritating the Officer you control yourself from saying: “Officer that is me. That photo was just taken 4 years and 15 pounds ago.” You heave a sigh of relief, once he hands you back your passport and ticket and points you to the boarding area.

You are right! I am talking about airport check in (and out). And yes, I have not fully gotten the hang of it, especially when an attendant carelessly lifted my rolling heaaavy bag and placed it on his shoulders. He did not even hear my “Noooo”, too excited to find someone who will tip him $1. True enough, the bag handle tore off and that one is a borrowed bag from my sister. I just do not know if she has already forgiven me for it, or have I confessed? Nonetheless, the bag is under my bed, I made an art out of the glue on the handle. I just hope she would not notice, but whom am I kidding?

Please do not get me wrong. I love to travel, especially when you walk towards a huge and clean airport. It is just this activity of proving your identity and declaring yourself through x-ray cameras, visual checking and sniffing dogs that you are ‘clean’ that wearies me down. But who can blame this system? The presence of the counterfeit affects the authentic so this process has to be done.

Waiting at the lounge made me reflect. I am glad I have a Father in Heaven and a Lord and Savior who do not need gadgets to check if you are real. One look at Zaccheus and the Lord Jesus Christ knew that he eagerly climbed the Sycamore tree to take a look at and to listen to Him. This prompted Him to eat dinner at Zaccheus house.

One look at Nathanael and He knew that Nathanael is a true Israelite who is not deceitful as his ancestor Jacob.

John 1:47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.”

John 1:48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”

One look at Simon and he changed his name to Peter (or Cephas). He knew even then that Simon Peter would be rocklike in his faith and will preach about Him and 3000 will be saved. True, He also knew then that Peter would abandon Him for fear of his life. But He also knew early on that He would repent and serve Him zealously.

John 1:41-42” The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).”

With just one look, the Lord can tell who we really are. No need to produce documents after documents to prove how authentic we are. No need for modern gadgets or cameras all over. I am just sure that as we approach him, unlike those serious looking Immigration Officers, He will welcome us with a Smile. He just has to take one look at us and He knows what to say. Oh, how I long to hear what He will say.

This Article appeared at The Pinoy Weekly Newspaper in the US

By Lina Bernardino-Cristobal

Job 11:16 “You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that have passed away.”

“This too shall pass.”  How often have we heard and said those words?  I have heard these phrases repeated time and time again – by Preachers, by Counselors, by Friends.  Frankly speaking, I would not want to utter these words because they are mostly attributed to problems, trials and difficulties and I do not want to be in a situation where I will have to utter it.  But I was not spared.  We also had our share of trying times in our lives and saying this phrase, helped relieve my pain, my doubts, my fears, knowing that truly, whatever it is we are facing – it shall truly pass.

I remember that time when my husband lost weight, would collapse, was hospitalized four times, lost his job and had to undergo colonoscopy for internal bleeding, we suffered. Doctors could not find what was wrong, they were zeroing on the head for neurological problems, on the heart for tachycardia, places that were too far from where the problem really was; at his legs, where a tiny vein blocks the flow of blood up his heart.  Then at the other time when I could still recall the 6 hours wait at the colonoscopy room, waiting for the results. Fear gripped me every time the Doctor would call on a fellow company in the waiting room, advising them of how grave the situation being faced by the patient.  I was relieved, when I was not called in the 1^st 3 hours.  I knew it had passed.  God’s grace has arrived the trial on his health has passed.

In December 2009, we faced another trial, as an effect of the business slowdown and poor health, our payables outweighed our receivables.  The scale was turned.  Seven months has passed and we are still here, the ordeal almost over.  We survived – through friends, through relatives, – money was coming in. I did not know where it had come from.  There was a friend who owed us in year 2000, we lost touch. Suddenly she resurfaced, we renewed our ties, she remembered what she owed us, and started paying.  Another friend offered to pay off a loan, at no interest – now I can already pay her.  God’s mercy came, the financial trial has passed

While in both situations, we felt we were in a fiery furnace, in a lion’s den, facing the red sea, altogether.  Yet we survived; we did not get burn, we were not bitten, we were not beaten and the red sea parted.   Now, I know what St. Paul meant when he said these words:

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

“This too shall Pass,” these words are true.  Whatever difficulty we are going through, it will end someday.  If you will browse through the previous articles written in this column, you would have read that it speaks of surviving, of getting through, of passing the test, of hope when there seem to be none.  For that is how God is. That is how He loves us.  He is a God of rescue, He is a God who guides us and leads us as we pass through.

And may I make a request? When you have crossed over from a dry land to a threshing floor, please do write us so we can rejoice with your victory?  That will strengthen us more.

Note: (This article appeared in The Pinoy Weekly newspaper in the US)

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”(Luke 4: 18-19)

I have just returned from touring the Philippines. Oh how I wished it were for pleasure and solely to enjoy all the tourist destinations! But, no, it was not a trip for pleasure. It was a trip for work. We developed a new system and we had to teach people, hands-on, on the use of the system that could help improve their day-to-day work. It also enables opportunity for the Main Office to monitor the turnaround time and volume of transactions of all its sub-offices as well.

People’s reactions vary. Some received the change with enthusiasm; excited to apply the changes in their lives, oh how I love them! Some are reluctant, unwilling to even give the system a try. I am not a mind reader but at that very moment, I was. I could almost hear them through their looks: “This won’t work.” “Why rock the boat?”, “Who is this person who thinks she can really make our lives better?”, “Things are good now, the last thing we need is change.” This reminds me of how our Lord Jesus Christ must have felt when He personally came here on earth. He traveled too. He took boats, camels, and moved mostly by foot at different places to bring good news. Less comfortable than the plane rides I took.

Luke 4: 18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.

There were various kinds of people who met Him. There were the immediate believers, who in their zealousness, had wanted to make Him the leader in their rebellion. There were those who had followed and later on asked to crucify Him. Another set were the disciples who followed, stayed, learned from Him, yet denied him and feared for His life during trial. Only 3 stayed at the Foot of the Cross-, two women and a Disciple. No wonder the Lord entrusted His earthly mother to this disciple. He was the only one who did not let Him down. There was a Pharisee, Nicodemus, who observed Him, heard Him speak and met with Him at night and it brought the most beautiful declaration of the Lord about Salvation:

John 3:3: Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, [a] you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

John 3: 16-17 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

These words stirred something great in Nicodemus’ heart for after He went to see Jesus at night, he came out into the light after that. He did not hide his love for the Lord in the dark anymore. In fact, he brought the myrrh and the aloes to anoint Jesus before his burial.

I had traveled to bring a change in some working style. I brought it and shared it with pride. If there are those who rejected it, I have no right to complain, big time. For it is just a tiny bit of change compared to what our Lord Jesus was bringing: Good News of Hope, Sight, Release from Captivity, and Freedom from Oppression, Endless Favor. Yet people rejected and still reject His gifts. Who am I to complain?

But I thank the Lord that I had also met some Nicodemuses, Johns, Peters, Andrews, Nathaniels, Zacheuses, Marys, Marthas, and many others who heard, learned, believed, held on, holding on and stayed. They are the ones who will benefit a lot, much like us who said yes to the Lord and are reaping the favors.

I was reluctant to go around at the start. I dread the airport check ins and outs. But I am glad I did. I thought I was bringing a Change, but I was the one changed. Not by the system I was introducing, but by the realization that for change to happen, people need to bring and introduce it. So next time they ask, my response would be: “Surely, I would.” Rejection would not stop me. And next time, I will bring the Lord’s message as well, for after all His message is greater and has long time effects, in fact, beyond life, eternal life effects.

Care to travel with me?

(This article appeared in The Pinoy Weekly Newspaper in LA)

By Lina Bernardino-Cristobal

Psalm 63-6-8 “If I’m sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection. Because you’ve always stood up for me, I’m free to run and play. I hold on to you for dear life, and you hold me steady as a post”

Oh how we value sleep.  Our sleeping habits will tell us the kind of situation we are in.  Look at the babies, especially the newly born ones.  They are not controlled by time.  Time does not dictate when they will go to bed. Anytime, they can forget about the things around them, put their tiny thumb in their mouth, assume the fetal position and soon you will see their even breathing, serene and so peaceful.  At times, a smile appears on their tiny lips making us smile too, perhaps with envy, for how long ago have we had that spontaneous quiescence?

We wake up to a load of things to attend to, especially mothers who need to wake up ahead of others to prepare the food for breakfast – and if she is a working mother, food for the whole day.  She then moves to waking up everyone, sees to it that they are moving to the bathroom until the members of the family are ready for work or school and activity for the day  as she prepares herself too.  With breakfast done, they all move to their destination.  As she steps to the door, she picks up one or two bills, shows them to her husband, who takes a quick look at it, puts it on his pocket as he urges his children to get in the car to drive them to school on his way to work.  The wife goes to her own car.  She meditates on how to meet this payment on her way to work.  Reaching her destination, she looks around – looking for someone to help her.  But she finds no one.  For each face carries the same load she is carrying.

She performs her tasks in her work, picks up the kids and goes home tired.  Not because of the work but because of the burden.  What is to become of her family’s future?  The husband arrives, just as worn out.  They exchanged their usual hug and kiss, each one returning to their burdens.  The family dinner was dominated by the kids chatting about school work, in between bickering.  The parents will constantly look at each other then go back to their thoughts; the worries for the day.  They may not be saying anything to each other but they are connected.  They are being connected with their various concerns.

At bedtime, they close their eyes.  Without telling each other, both their eyes swell up with tears.  What is to become of their future and their kids future?  From where will rescue come?  Both of them pretend to be sleeping but sleep hardly visits them.  Well, maybe for an hour or two but they wake up at the middle of the night, haunted by their fears and worries.  We all can relate to this story for at one point in our lives we have experienced this.

David was no exception.  But he has found a cure.  No, it is not a miracle sleeping pill nor an herbal medicine.  It is found in the verses he wrote in the book of Psalms.  Do you want to know his cure for insomnia?  “If I’m sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection”.  He did not take a warm bath or a glass of warm milk, though that works at times.  He spent his hours reflecting on the Lord’s goodness in his life, in reminding himself of how the Lord has been good to his life.  His life was not easy but he did not make it worse by worrying about his misfortunes.  He reminded himself that many times during the battles he faced in his life, “the LORD stood up for him”. And that if he did in the past, there is no doubt that He will stand up for him again in whatever struggle he is facing at the moment.  And this is true in our lives too, right?  If we look back on the roadmap we have taken until we reach the stage  we are in now, we would realize that all along the LORD’s hands are upon us. He removes the stones as we trek that rocky road.  He calms the water and silences the wind as we travel by sea.  If we fall, He lifts us up from the miry clay and cleanses us as he places us in the stream of water.  He sends the check on the last day the bill is due.  He sends an angel of a friend to issue the check for a long time debt.  He orders his angels to pool together and bring us food on the table or heal us from our ailments.

“You have always stood up for me, LORD”, David declared every night before he sleeps.  No wonder David fought like a true warrior.  No wonder David was able to sleep well wherever and whenever – in the pastureland, in the cave, in the battlefield, in the King’s court.   He did not have to care if the AC is on, or if it was steaming hot.  He could put his head on his soft pillow or a rocky stone.  And when he was awake, he could run free and play.   David was fearless and fierce in his battles because he is strengthened by the fact that “He continued to hold on to the LORD for his dear life, the LORD who had held him steadily as a post”

When I read these verses, it had brought a turn-around in my sleeping lifestyle.  I am no longer fretting at night.  Tears may still flow but only for a few minutes and most of the time in remembrance of the LORD’s goodness in my life.  On how he has rescued me in the past and on how He will continue to rescue me in the future.  Just like a darling baby who can forget about the world to replenish and build his body up for the adult life ahead, we too can be like spiritual babies in the arms of our Father in Heaven, we can replenish our souls and let him nourish our bodies as we take that precious slumber.

Have a daily peaceful night, my dear ones.

(This article appeared in The Pinoy Weekly newspaper in the US)

By Lina Bernardino-Cristobal

“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.” (Proverbs 12:25)

Each one of us has experienced having a bad dream at least once in our lives. We would dream of running from someone or something that meant to bring us harm. In our slumber, we pant, we run, we are filled with grief. The moment we wake up, though the dream was not real, we wake up so tired. You feel that a lot of energy was lost from the almost real experience. Oddly, it is just a bad dream. It is not real. And yet, we feel it to the core of our senses.

But then we do not have to encounter bad dream to experience this. In our waking hours, we allow ourselves to be consumed by this unpleasant feeling. How? In a simple activity called worrying.

Our Lord Jesus Christ in a powerful message in the Gospel realized that one of the reasons why people get weary and tired is because of thinking ahead, of magnifying events, of going beyond what we should only focus on. In the Gospel, He emphasized that worry will bring us more harm than good. Worrying does not add a single moment in our life. Walk in a hospital and the department that will have long line of people would be the Cardiologist, Gastro Enterologist and Dermatologist; the first two due to outcome of worries. The latter because of future worries. This only shows that worry helps deteriorate our physical bodies.

What then should we do? We should listen to our Lord.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?’” (Luke 12:22-26, NIV).

Why worry about food? When things were better economically, you had a chance to have the refrigerator loaded with untouched food, of vegetables that turned yellow, of butter that hardened, of milk that got spoiled, of boxes of cake, neither the kids nor you would be able to consume.

Why can we not let this moment be? Moment when what is left inside the ref is a pitcher of cold water. Perhaps, the Lord is teaching us to appreciate food better. And that next time, when things get better again, we will be frugal in our spending for food. Perhaps the Lord was thinking of women, when he spoke the verses about clothes. How many times have we (women) complained about not having anything to wear when our closets are bursting on pants, skirts, dresses, some of which we have never worn more than or not even once? We are not to worry about our outward appearance, about the clothes we will wear. We need not wear Designer Clothes to be acceptable to God. We just have to be as trusting as the lilies of the field.

Why worry when we cannot even add a single hour in our life? Not even a minute, not even a second. We do not have control over that. We are just to be grateful that we woke up this morning, we are breathing at this moment and have this chance to read this article. Because honestly, we do not have any control over that. And He who has control over our lives is so concerned about our health, about our physical bodies that he instructs us to get rid of what wears us down and to share hope to others who are worrying so we can cheer them up. So the next time that we begin to worry, why not look for someone who is also carrying a worried look, not to lament with him, not to go into a pity party. But to bring cheer in his life and as we cheer him, we get cheered ourselves.

For the Lord puts a high measure not only on what we worship about but also on what we worry about. And if he is to put both on a scale, which one will have more weight? Will it be our Worship or our Worries?

Have a worry free life, my dear brothers

(This article was published in The Pinoy Weekly newspaper in LA, USA)