Realization #002: Why do we need to read the Bible?

This has been on my thoughts lately and despite having been able to conclude everything. I still want to share it to you; my friends, relatives, and fam! XOXOXO... :D

Why do we need to read the Bible? This is quite a question we might ask ourselves. Why are some people reading it? Why do some Christians don't? Why? Why?

As far as I can see it. The Bible is the most important book. Its a guiness record holder! It is the most translated book in the world, a best - seller, and probably, "the most smuggled item in the world."

The Bible is a book that many Christians would die for. If its not that important then why do Bible Couriers risk their lives into crossing borders with a bag filled with 150-190 pieces of Bible, one single mistake and this could send him to prison, worse would be death.

As much as how my story look fictional to you, but the story is real on the other side of the world. Many Christians risk their lives for a book, because it is a book that gives hope. That is the message of Christ. Still don't believe me? Please feel free to read on his experience.

Let me ask you again, Why do we need to read the Bible? Please allow me to ask another question. Do we really know that hope we have in God or are they just flying words of preaching from someone else? They say Christians have faith, but is it a faith that reasons "I just believe it!" kinda thing? or is it a faith in line with what Romans 10:17 says?

I can conclude on this thing. We are grateful to have our own Bible with us. We can buy at least five different versions; from NIV, KJV, to NLT. The list just goes on and on... But have we ever take the time in reading it? To know God better and to know ourselves better?

We are that grateful! Because the people living in countries where Christianity is banned is aching and praying for years to have their own copy of the Bible which they often refer as the "Diary from the Lord". They tear it page by page and allow everyone in their secret church rotate each page just to know something great about their God and how He really, really, really loves us.

Our hope, is it sitting covered with dust? Let us humble ourselves and make this book worthier than what it used to be. God loves you; take time to read His diary about how fearfully and wonderfully made you are. It's your life manual.

*Oist, not in a preaching mode ha! Just got really inspired by how a friend of mine shared her life in China together with the bible couriers. She said, the youngest was a 17 year old girl, asteeeeg ang tibay ng loob!

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Holding the Tears

I DIDN'T CRY WHEN THEY LEFT.
I think. At least they didn't see me.

But after driving home, I can't escape my emotions pouring downhill. I said, "They're gone, they've left."

Dropping them off in the airport felt like saying goodbye to my mother when she left for the States. Mixed emotions stirred up within me. Some of it were the desires of my heart and some were thanksgiving for the Lord. Then I realized, this is my blessing... our blessing.

Six days (some were nights) with the Gregorio family is almost similar with the past. They are still the same; joyful, warm, loving, caring, and God-fearing. It was that first Sunday of September 2009 when we once again met. After four years, I was given by the Lord six chances of meeting them and it has been the best gift of my life this year. Its my own personal and easy reason to answer why I cry for joy today as I am writing this.

God's favor was also upon me when I was able to chauffeur them to the airport. I saw the last minutes of them entering the terminal gate. Up to now, I can still remember it fresh from my mind that farewell bon-voyage expression within us. I was really happy and I did truly want to jump for joy.

But still I really want to cry in front of them. At least because I felt that I will be truly missing them and they will be back with no definite date. But I thought it would be so much better if I didn't weep. Instead, I hugged them really hard because I truly missed it for years.

Now as I was heading home, I can't hold it in. Tears were pouring downhill on me (Sabay kanta pa ng Katinas - Someday on the background) The same spirit I have last Sunday as I cried so hard for so long. Part of those tears was my desire to spend more time with them as well as the joy that God will truly show the abundance of His grace through their lives. I can't imaging going home in Mindanao and not finding them nowhere as near as before. Despite digesting the facts that Thailand is so much nearer by plane, I can't imagine how will it fall into place. Oh! God knows... God knows... and He has better plans.

As I have said and realized, this is my blessing because God has answered their prayers for around 12 years. This is our blessing because we will see so much more Thai young people loving the Lord. There will be a day when they we will meet together with our Thai brothers!

To Momie Rya & Daddy Joey; I miss you here. Its not hard to love your family. I know all will be well for you guys in Thailand. I will always be praying for you, always!