I am humbled by the outpouring of greetings and encouragements I received during my birthday last Friday through text messages, phone calls and facebook! I thank the Lord for the family of believers and friends He has given me! I turned 43 last July 23 and the best gift I ever received from the Lord happened 27 years ago, the same day (July 23, 1983), and that is His salvation, His Son Jesus Christ! Yes it’s the same month and day as my physical birth.

I was on a bus on the way to Cubao in Quezon City, when I finally gave my life to Jesus.

It’s still so vivid to my mind the time, the situation, the feelings that surrounded my conversion. I was on a bus on the way to Cubao in Quezon City, when I finally gave my life to Jesus. This was after many years and hours of prayer (specifically by my Grandmother), and months of sharing the gospel to me by my Christian classmates. Their prayers were answered as the Holy Spirit opened my spiritual eyes to the truth of Christ! And I’ve never been the same again!

My passion then up to now remains: To know Christ and to make Him known to a world that is lost in sin! To me (like Paul the apostle), there’s no greater desire, lone pursuit, ultimate passion and supreme goal than TO KNOW HIM and to be LIKE HIM! There’s no greater thing than this. This is the greatest prayer a child of God could ever ask God. This is the supreme desire a Christian could ever have. This is the ultimate purpose of living. This is the greatest ambition a Christian can ever hope to achieve. This is what defines our lives. This is why we were created, this is why we were born, this is why we were saved!

It’s been an exciting journey, a never ending adventure with Jesus…

It’s been an exciting journey, a never ending adventure with Jesus. Oh yes, there are high and low moments. There are mountaintop experiences and there are valley-below seasons too! But in and through all these, Jesus’ love never fails! And these are all necessary for maturity. There are valuable lessons in our experiences that shape, mold and make us the kind of people He intends us to be. Listen to what He’s saying in those seasons of trials and submit fully. And when we do, we shall come forth as gold! Purified and tested – proven to be genuine!

…then why not yield to Him and let Him fulfill His purpose in your life?

But He’s not yet done. There is still a lot of work He needs to do in my life and greater works He wants to do through me. And I’m here… by His grace, always available for the Master’s use! How about you? Are you available? Have you given up the right to yourself and let Christ rule? If not, why not? As I always say: Don’t underestimate what God can do to a surrendered life! Never underestimate what the Spirit does to a surrendered will! Jesus prayed, “Not My will, but Your will be done!” God’s will is the best! It’s ultimately for His glory and for our best! God never commits mistakes. He always makes the right choices. He’s wise. He’s smarter than us - and He loves us. Because He loves us, He wants the best for us!

Now if He’s the All-Wise God, the All-Powerful God, and the All-Loving God, then why not yield to Him and let Him fulfill His purpose in your life? Yes…you never lose but gain even more…Him!