eternal life – 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

Remembering Miss Daisy

Posted on June 11, 2013June 11, 2013 by Jonan Castillon

“Amo na abilidad mo sa rural church ka lang naga-pastor?” was Miss Daisy’s statement I can’t forget when we met in May 2002 at La Carlota Evangelical Church.

We were attending the annual assembly (now biennial) of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC).

The statement means “With all your abilities you are pastor of a rural church only?”

If you don’t know Miss Daisy Basiliano, you certainly will have a lot of negative things going in your heart and mind.

I’ve known her as a brazen woman. She says what she thinks is true about you.

She could be “rough” at times but she had the best intentions for you. The tenderness and kindness are always there.

I met her when I was a teenager going with my father who was pastor of Astorga Baptist Church, Dumarao, Capiz. That was in the 80s.

All I know that her family supports the church and the pastoral work as well.

I learned through the CPBC community that Miss Daisy became a pastor, chaplain and teacher. She trained for Clinical Pastoral Education in the US.

We never had any close encounter until that day in May 2002.

After telling me that statement, Miss Daisy didn’t stop.

A few months later, I got a message from her that she had recommended me to speak at New Testament Baptist Church, Iloilo City in September 2002. This preaching assignment developed further.

On 20 October 2002, I started my work as interim pastor of New Testament Baptist Church, a city church.

Miss Daisy had a way of making people think outside of the box. Her statement to me made me think, “Why not?”

Actually, after that meeting in May 2002, I opened myself to working with city churches.

In fact, I got a call as associate pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Manila starting December 2002. I was already committed to work in Manila that’s why my interim appointment.

When my father suffered stroke on 16 November 2002, I decided to stay and continue working with New Testament Baptist Church for three years.

Our family and Miss Daisy became closer because we found ourselves pursuing together what is right, just and pleasing before the Lord God.

While teaching at the College of Theology, she came to live with us at CPU Campus for almost two years.

Those were blissful moments of hearing God’s miracle and goodness to her like her victory over cancer, near-death experiences and other life-changing experiences.

Finally, on 6 June 2012, she laid to rest her earthly body and be with the Lord Jesus Christ, her master and friend.