Lent – From Worry To Glory

The Power of the Last Words

Posted on April 19, 2014March 26, 2016 by Jonan Castillon

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”
When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46

Of the seven sayings of Jesus Christ on the cross, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” is considered as his last words. After saying this he then breathed his last according to Luke.

Take note that Jesus “called out with a loud voice”. Everyone around the area with eyes focused on the bodies hanging on the cross must have heard him.

The power of Jesus’ last words proves that he is the extra-ordinary person, God’s only Son whom He sent to redeem us.

In saying his last words, Jesus Christ submitted and committed his spirit to His Father, trusting and empowering Him to carry out His work beyond physical death.

The last words of Jesus make me think about the conversations I had with friends who have gone ahead.

Please allow me to share a couple of them. I got their last words from our conversation through Facebook.

Maricar was a classmate in high school. A year before her passing in July 2013, I got in touch with her and ministered through prayers. Here’s her last words:

Please pray for my total healing. I surrender everything to the Lord and I know my faith will heal me. thank you so much classmate. I really appreciate all your concern and prayers….

I met Brutus at Faith Baptist Church in Manila. His real name is Ephraim Jacildo. In March 2013, I learned of his condition so I got in touch via FB to encourage him. He rested peacefully on 12 April 2014. His last words:

God has been manifesting His sovereignty in my condition in so many different ways. Yes I still have many questions but I trust the Lord will carry me when I need Him.

Surely, we are saddened when friends and loved ones leave but their last words bring comfort and hope, isn’t it?

The greatest comfort and hope that we have is in Jesus Christ who conquered death through his resurrection.

My friends, if you were to die today, what will be your last words?

As you end your life on earth, will you bless or curse? Will you surrender humbly or struggle in pride?

In the event of sudden death, some might have ready their last will and testament already. I wonder if they have included their faith testament?

To whom are you giving your spirit? Make sure you are ready and willing to commit your spirit to God.

The power of the last words transcends this world as we trust God to raise us from the dead and to go on living eternally in our new glorified bodies.

Think about firming up your last words now.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sunset at Fakaofa Atoll, Tokelau by Ross-Waugh

Celebrating the “Goodness” of Good Friday

Posted on April 18, 2014March 25, 2016 by Jonan Castillon

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

On Good Friday, we come before the Lord in worship and faithful remembrance of His death on the cross.

Most of us probably grew up celebrating Good Friday with the “seven sayings” or the last statements of Jesus when He hung dying on the cross.

I’m sure traditional Good Friday services are best remembered for its length because you will hear seven short sermons by seven speakers.

You probably have experienced a Good Friday service where some speakers were carried away, forgot about the time limit and just talked on and on.

There was one Good Friday worship I can’t forget because one speaker took it as an opportunity to make an evangelistic invitation while the rest of the speakers waited for their turn.

For the clergy and the church, the Holy Week celebration is the busiest event in the life of the church. Unlike Christmas, which is only one day, Holy Week is a series of celebrations from the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, Crucifixion on Good Friday and Resurrection on Sunday.

I have experienced participating and preparing for special programs, like a play on Thursday and Friday and Easter Cantata on Sunday. Oh, how tiring things could be but then we were happy to have engaged in such activities, making the celebration memorable each year.

Today, Christian churches are holding joint Good Friday and Resurrection Day celebrations, concerting one big event for several churches and denominations.

Interestingly, there are those who don’t mind lengthy Good Friday worship-services because they only come to church twice a year, Good Friday and Christmas.

If you’re in the Philippines, you might hear some people recommend you not to get wounded on Good Friday or Black Saturday because it won’t heal. Their explanation was God was dead when you got wounded so you won’t heal. Of course, this could either be a superstition or a joke.

Isaiah 53:5 says, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (emphasis mine)

The very good thing about Good Friday is that the “goodness” isn’t limited on a specific day.

The atonement we gained from the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is one great miracle that time, place, or religion could not confine.

It is a serious relationship with the Saviour Jesus. His goodness and mercy we ought to prove and celebrate on a day-to-day basis.

And we pray, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of life. And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord, forever” (Psalm 23:6).

PHOTO CREDIT: “Rusty Bolt” by Ross Waugh

Lent

Cancelled Without Prejudice – A Lenten Season Reflection

Posted on March 8, 2014March 27, 2016 by Jonan Castillon

The phrase “Cancelled Without Prejudice” is used in embassy or consulate decision to changed the current visa for correction or change of status.

For migrants or those travelling abroad, having the phrase stamped on your passport means that your other visas in the passport remains valid and does not prejudice future visa applications.

“Cancelled Without Prejudice” signifies that you have gotten a new visa that might be better than the preceding one.

In this season of Lent, I see Jesus Christ, his suffering, death and resurrection as God’s living “Cancelled Without Prejudice” stamp for us.

If receiving a visa that would make sure indefinite stay on our chosen foreign land brings much joy, how much more when we’re getting a “Cancelled Without Prejudice” status from God and having the great assurance of infinite stay with Him in Heaven.

Yes, there’s more to life than just getting an earthly visa and probably, travelling round and round the world until you wear out and die.

As Buzz Lightyear of Toy Story would say, “To infinity and beyond”, let us take the chance to really travel to infinity and beyond with God.

While embassies need lots of documents and fees, God requires a contrite heart and commitment to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

It is free. No fees required for Jesus Christ has paid the price.

This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:22-24)

Come in humility before the Lord, confess your sin and express your need of the Redeemer, accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord.

Let your sinful life be “Cancelled Without Prejudice” before God and become an eternal citizen of heaven.

Faith, Inspirational, Lent, Living in New Zealand Now, Living in Timaru, South Canterbury living

Relevance of Jesus Christ in my Life

Posted on April 14, 2013March 25, 2016 by Jonan Castillon

Recognising my sinfulness and the fact that I cannot do anything on my will and effort to cleanse me from all unrighteousness make Jesus Christ relevant and important.

As if my spirit was an old rusty and squeaky wheel in need of repair and replacement. And through the cleansing blood of Jesus, I am now redeemed, renewed and truly living.

Acknowledging my need for a Saviour, I found the answer to the question “How can the death of Jesus Christ be ransom for all?“

The lyrics of “He Look Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need” express my sentiments so well that I’m always touched listening and singing this song.

Amazing grace shall always be my song of praise,
for it was grace that brought my liberty;
I do not know just why He came to love me so,
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

Chorus

I shall forever life mine eyes to Calvary,
to view the cross where Jesus died for me,
how marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul;
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.