His Plans are Good

God is Faithful

Truly, God is faithful in His promises. He said that He has plans for us, plans not to harm us, but to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). This reminds me of His faithfulness, knowing that His promises are true. But sometimes, when troubles come, my heart seems to fail in trusting Him. Anxiety would grip me and make me grieve for myself. But because "nothing can separate us from the love of Christ," I am assured that He is always there for me; will "never leave" me "nor forsake" me. It is a great joy for the people who has known that there's a Savior in their lives. 

A Beautiful Purpose

Regarding with the plans of the Lord, another event happened, showing His purpose in our lives. During Wednesday night, a family friend brought a teenage girl into our house, who was from Laguna. Our friend told us that there's no place for her to stay here in Manila for a few days, and we are the only ones whom she can entrust her with. She came here for domestic reasons, and yet we welcomed her like she had been part of the family. The next morning when Rhea came, dad shared to her the Gospel, and afterwards, led her to a prayer of repentance and acceptance of Jesus as personal Lord and Savior. She honestly told about her side, the things that had been a lie when she came. She sincerely confessed, but of course, we didn't bother her to bring up her past anymore. Whatever wrong thing she did, the Lord has forgiven her when she sincerely confessed it to Him and let Him enter into her heart. 

Blessed to be Blessed

During Friday, February 15, Rhea agreed to come with me to our Bible study with junior high school students. Afterwards, we were welcomed to take a ride with the pastor and my co-leaders to church to attend the River Night (Worship) Service later. During the ride, Rhea told me how blessed she is during her few days stay in our house. "Marami akong natutunan kahit ilang araw lang ako sa inyo..." she gently declared. My heart melted when she said that she wanted to be changed, and not to do anymore what she had done before. She had conflict with her siblings when she went away, and now she was able to apologize and reunite with them. I reminded her that God made a great purpose for her life, so that she may learn to know Him and to seek Him. It might be hard for her to let go some of the things. But I know that God will not let her go astray now that she is in His hands. His mercy and grace will keep her to the right path, and someday, she will see the great destiny God has prepared for her.

National Museum

We came early at 3 PM, so we decided to go to the National Museum at Taft Avenue. We enjoyed our small tour around the museum, taking pictures and expressing wonder on how beautiful the species were. The plant and animal structures, even the land and water forms declare how beautifully our Creator made them.

At the National Museum; some of the photos I have taken

Worship and Fellowship

At 7 pm, we were at church for the Worship Service. Our spirits were lifted up as we prayed and sing praises to the Lord. With the sermon about seeking God, I realized seeking Him first is not about bringing request to Him for blessings, but about just wanting to be with Him, and to be satisfied in His presence. I thanked God for the amazing things that happened, things that are more than what I could have imagined. So wonderful... I stand amazed as the beautiful song was repeatedly sang (Goodness of God - Song by Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson):

"And all my life You have been faithful 

And all my life You have been so, so good 

With every breath that I am able 

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God"

God, You have done so much good in my life, and I will praise You 'til my last breath...