April 6, 2024

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

At the time of writing, my left cheek is swollen. I got three of my wisdom teeth removed on Wednesday. Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure many people receive these days but I was nervous. The thought of forcing three of my teeth out didn’t sit well with me. I have received surgeries (like my clavicle surgery last year!) and other procedures on my body in the past, but I don’t think I was ever this nervous. In fact, because I didn’t want to do this so much that I actually postponed this procedure once. Time passed by and at last I found myself lying in the oral surgeon’s room. I was anxious.

Immediately, the friendly assistant kindly explained to me what was going to take place, and that everything should be fine. I don’t think it helped. Within a couple of minutes the oral surgeon came in, and the procedure started. I clinched my fists, both the oral surgeon and the assistant assured me, “You are going to be fine, I will take good care of you.” They were right. Once the local anesthesia kicked in, my mouth didn’t feel much. The oral surgeon did his magical hand moves in my mouth and in a few moments the assistant said, “Your teeth are out.” Really? I didn’t even feel them come out! The team knew exactly what they were doing and had complete control over everything. It was all done.

We have our Master Surgeon, Jesus. He is able to do take care of our problems in life. We are not just talking about our physical issues, but spiritual matters as well. His promises never fail us and will guide us to the truth that only He can provide. We just need to let Him do it, and trust Him.

#pastorsblog #waukeshachurch

March 30, 2024

This past Tuesday morning, Singapore based cargo ship Dali lost power and collided into a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, MD. The bridge collapsed instantly, with multiple vehicles falling into the body of water, and 6 people losing their lives. I watched the video of the bridge collapsing over and over again, in disbelief. When the 984 feet long ship had contact with the pillar, the massive 1.6 mile long bridge crumbled like nothing. It was truly shocking and tragic.

I am not sure if this is appropriate to use this tragic incident as an illustration to share my thoughts, but two things came into my mind as I saw the video footage of this tragedy. First, nothing lasts forever. The mighty kingdoms mentioned in Daniel 2 conquered the world, but they all fell at the rise of the next kingdom, inferior to the previous ones. There is only one kingdom that will last forever. “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed… and it shall last forever.” Daniel 2:44.

Secondly, be prepared and be on the watch. When the ship crew realized that they lost power and the ship was drifting, they immediately issued a “mayday,” in which the port authorities took action to stop incoming traffic onto the bridge. This prevented from more people losing their lives that morning. Everyone responded swiftly and immediately. “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” Matthew 25:13.

This world will not last, and Jesus is coming soon. Let us be ready.

#pastorsblog #waukeshachurch

March 23, 2024

“For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, that they all may call on the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one accord.” Zephaniah 3:9

Our true characters emerge on the road while driving. One afternoon, I was waiting for my turn to get on the highway during rush hour. When my lane light turned green, I gently stepped on the gas pedal to enter the highway, when suddenly the car on my right lane accelerated and cut in front of me. It was close and I lost it. I honked at the car and I almost would have said some not-so-nice words, only to remember that my daughters were sitting in the back.

Sebin asked why I sounded the horn, as it surprised both of the girls. I tried to explain what just happened but  I was mad at that moment so I couldn’t properly speak my words. I came back to my senses shortly after.

I am so glad I didn’t say those words out loud. Even though I was not at fault, I know I could have handled it better by not sounding the horn. I would like to pray that God will always restore a pure language (lips) to my mouth and that I will only use it to call on God and praise His name. And I want to become a good example to my family and those around me. I pray that God will restore to each one of our church family pure lips, that will glorify and honor His name.

#pastorsblog #waukeshachurch