Take a Leap of Faith

We serve a God who 'overanswers' our prayers and requests. 

                                                                             by Jenno Marco Misa

     All of us have dreams in life. Whether it’s buying a new house, finishing college, or getting married, we all have something in our hearts that we believe God for. We were not created to just barely get by, day in and day out, and wait for Jesus to call us home. On the contrary, we were created to be more than conquerors in Christ (Romans 8:37).

     Some of our dreams are really big that we become uncertain if it could happen or not. Oftentimes, we end up asking ourselves, “Am I asking too much from God?”, or “I think my dreams are too far out that God isn’t capable of bringing it to pass”, or “I know God could, but I do not know if He would”.

     To begin with, God created all of us. He knows everything about us. From our weakest points, strengths, thoughts, plans, and the desires of our hearts –even the bad thoughts, sinful desires, and selfish ambitions, He knows all of it and yet, He still loves us. Nothing can be hidden from the eyes of God. 

     Ephesians 3:20 tells us this “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us”. Take note of the part where it says, “exceedingly abundantly above all...” Isn’t it good news that God is able to do more than what we ask or think? So don’t worry about your dreams if they seem to be too big for you. You won’t be the one who will bring it to pass. God will. When you dream big, you are magnifying the size of your God. So go on and take a leap of faith.

     The next thing that would boggle our minds is “Is He willing to bring it to pass?” When Jesus was in one of the cities, a leper came to Him and asked if He would cleanse him. The leper didn’t doubt if Jesus could. He heard about Jesus’ power and compassion for the sick. But he doubted if Jesus would. In those times, lepers were outcasts and there was no physical contact allowed between them and the clean people, lest the clean will become unclean. This leper didn’t know any better. With all the doubt within him, he asked Jesus “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean”. And Jesus did more than what the leper could ask or think, he stretched out His hand, touched him, and said “I am willing. Be cleansed!” (Luke 5:12-13).

     Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So if you are not sure if Jesus will grant the desires of your heart, He is saying to you right now “I am willing!” We just have to ask. The scripture says in James 4:2 “You have not because you ask not.” The more we ask Him, the more we show our full dependence on Him. 

     So don’t let your flesh and wrong belief about God cage you and stop you from reaching your full potential in life. Jesus said that He came so that we might have life, and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). If Jesus has paid for it, it is yours! Go on and take a leap of faith, knowing that Jesus is with us wherever we are, He will continue to prosper whatever we touch, and that all things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28).

Peace in His Presence

In His presence, there is peace.

                                                                        - Jenno Marco Misa

     Today, if you surf around the web or watch the news, you will hear different stories of wars, nations extinguishing their own kind, and many stories of countries setting up nuclear weapons to increase military influence. When you go to work, what awaits you is a stack of papers and reports that need to be done, deadlines that need to be met, and backlogs that your boss has been asking you to expedite.

     In the midst of all these, we often make the mistake of giving out our joy and peace. Everything that surrounds us seems to be as chaotic and pressing as can be. There seems to be no room for calmness.

    The Bible talks about the Peace that surpasses all understanding in Philippians 4:7. The whole verse says “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)”

    Isn't it wonderful that in the midst of all the trouble out there in the world, there is a place where we can run unto where no evil can come close? Philippians 4:7 tells us about that so called place: in Christ Jesus.

     Basking in Jesus’ presence is not something that’s so drastic where you hear a loud voice from heaven, or a shining light radiating from afar – although these stories happened many times in the Bible. To come into Jesus’ presence is simply to call on Him, invite Him, and involve Him in your everyday life. Once you do this, you will sense a deep and contagious peace from within which then envelops your heart, guarding you from any bad news, stress, or even happenings that are detrimental to you. By just basking in His presence, you will realize that although there are storms, stress, and bad news bombarding you, you don’t get ‘bothered’ by all these. This is not slacking off. This is being enveloped by Peace.

     This effortless peace comes neither through meditating on the high mountains nor by donating certain amount to charities and orphanages. This Peace that surpasses all understanding can only come by being conscious of Jesus’ presence in your life. Once you have Him with you daily, then there is no news too bad, no stress too pressing, and no war too frightening can ever move you out of that place of peace and rest.

God’s GPS System and Traffic Light

See Jesus lead us the way the Israelites were led by the Pillar of Cloud and Fire.

                                                                             - by Jenno Marco Misa

  Knowing where to go, which directions to follow, and what means of transportation to take brings much comfort to anyone traveling. Either you’re driving your own car, taking the public vehicle, or walking down the streets, knowing which way to go is a must if you want to reach your destination without getting lost.

     Nowadays, technology has made traveling very well guided with the advent of maps on mobile phones, not to mention the GPS system that’s helping out many since it came out in the late 1980’s.

     When it comes to God’s system, many people wonder if there is also a ‘GPS’ navigation system that tells the believer where to go or which road to take. As direction really matters, a believer normally looks up to God before he or she makes a decision, especially if it is a crucial one.

     In our lives, we all face many crossroads wherein a decision can make or break the future by its outcome. Some have crossroads in their marital life - a decision where not only the couple are involved, but also the future of the children. Some have crossroads in their career - moving into another job with a better pay or staying in the same job with a better schedule. Whatever it is, all of us, believer or not, come to a point where we ask “which way should I go?”

    Back in the time when God called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, God did not just ask them to come out but personally led them on their way to the Promised Land. And it wasn’t something that’s invisible. God Himself led them in a Pillar of cloud by day, and a Pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21).

     The Pillar of Cloud kept the children of Israel shaded from the heat of the sun, while the Pillar of Fire kept them warm during the night. As they were journeying in the desert, the weather could be very playful and extreme: during a sunny day it could be scorching hot, yet can be extremely cold during the night. 

     Now, there have been many teachings and different approaches on this story. Many believe that God was demonstrating His protection wherever we go and whichever direction we take. But one important detail I would want to emphasize is that part which it says that “And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night (KJV)”.

     Simplifying the verse, we can say that God was before them, in front of them and leading the way for them. They didn’t have to worry which way to go or what route to take. This makes sense to me as Jesus Himself said that He (referring to Himself) is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). I believe that in this story of the Bible, Jesus, in His pre-incarnate appearance as being the revealed arm of the LORD, was the One leading the children of Israel. Exodus 14: 19 says “Then the Angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel's army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them”. When Jesus moved in between the Children of Israel and the Egyptian armies, He caused darkness to the latter so that they were not able to launch any attack to the Israelites all night.

     Jesus, being the Pillar of Cloud and Fire, did not only lead them where to go. He also was the ‘traffic light’ of the children of Israel. Numbers 9:17 tells us that “And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents (KJV)”. 

     The Pillar of Cloud and Fire did not only lead them, but also gave them the ‘go and stop’ signal. They were guided both on which way to go, and when to go.

    One may say that these are all good back then but what about now? What about in the present times where the Pillar of Cloud or the Pillar of Fire is unheard of? How does a believer determine his direction in life? Is there a sort of an ‘access’ to this Pillar of Cloud and Fire?

     The answer is ‘Yes’. When the Day of Pentecost was fully come, He poured His Spirit and appeared in a form of a rushing mighty wind and in ‘divided tongues as of a flame of fire”. “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them (KJV)”. Does that ring a bell to you? 

     The Pillar of Cloud and Fire was leading the Israelites on the outside because it could not rest on their inside back then because there wasn’t any sacrifice yet that could clean them perfectly so God can dwell in them. That is why you will see the cloud resting on their tabernacle – an external structure where God dwells. Now under the New Covenant established on the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God has already been slain and sacrificed. But the Lamb did not remain in the tomb as He rose up like a Lion and defeated death as He rose from the dead and sat down at the right of the Father. Now that the blood of Jesus has cleansed us perfectly, the Spirit of God (who is both the Fire and Cloud) can now dwell in us. He does not have to stay on an external tabernacle anymore, but can now dwell in our bodies, which is the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19).

     But how come we don’t see it? How come we don’t see any cloud or fire from us? Could it be that the Bible is just pacifying us, making us believe that God is here even if it is not true? 

     That’s where faith comes in. Just because you don’t see it does not mean He is not there. This event in the Bible was NOT merely written so as to pacify us during the tough times and make us believe that God is really leading us when actually He is not. No! A thousand times NO! This was placed in the Bible so that today we will all know that there is a guide within us - that still small voice on the inside. I submit to you, the more we speak in tongues, the more wisdom will flow in us enabling us to make better decisions-decisions that always lead us to green pasture and still waters. 

     How do we know that we have made the right decisions? What is the indication that the outcome was influenced by the Holy Spirit?

     It is the presence or the absence of peace and rest. The leading of the Spirit always bear peace as its fruit – still waters. The absence of peace in your situation indicates that there is something that needs to be corrected. Inorder to rectify this, tune it to Holy Spirit’s voice by speaking in tongues. When you do this, listen to that still small voice from the inside and through that, I believe, is the way to get out from a troubled situation to a place of peace and rest. When you feel that indescribable sense of peace enveloping you, you know that God was leading you. In Hebrew, it is called Shalom.

     People may talk us out of it and may even say things like Christianity is a ‘funny’ religion as we believe in things that are unseen. Yet, that is the very essence of faith. Just because we don’t see it does not mean it’s not there. The world says that ‘Unless I see it, I won’t believe’. But faith says “I believe it, therefore I see it’. The eyes of faith can see things that unbelieving eyes could not.

Above and Not Beneath

He who was on high came down to where we were and lifted us up together with Him.

                                                                                          -Jenno Marco Misa

     You wont know how high and far above God has put you in Christ until you realize how busy the devil is trying to bring and pull you down.

     Part of our inheritance in Christ is the blessing of Deuteronomy 28:13 which says "And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them."

     The next question that comes into your mind would be "How on earth can I inherit this blessing when I was not fully obedient to the commandments of God"? 

     This is the good news: God is not looking at your obedience today, but to His Son's obedience. The Holy Spirit tells us in the Book of Romans (Romans 5:19) "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous."

     Furthermore, the scripture tells us that Christ is the end of the law, fulfilled it in its pristine standard, and personally nailed it on the cross. And when He did this, He gave us His robe of righteousness the moment we receive Him as our Lord & Savior (Romans 10:4).

     Now that you understand why God is not looking at your obedience but to Jesus's obedience, the next thing you would want to know is how high and far above has God set you in Christ. Ephesians 1:21 tells us 

     "...far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come".

     When Jesus died, He did not die for Himself because He had no sin, He knew no sin, and in Him was no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). So when God raised Him and made Him sit down at His right hand far above all powers, it wasn't just to make Jesus above and Him only. He is seated there for our benefit, and not for His own. Remember that Jesus was all the while far above everything , long before He came as a man. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). This tells us that Jesus, being fully God, was already far above all powers since the beginning. 

     God made Jesus sit above everything for our sake, and not for His sake. He is there as our High Priest and Advocate. And as He is today, far above all powers and principalities, so are we in this world ( 1 John 4:17).

     So what things and powers are we above from? 

     When God sets you above, it means no evil power can dominate over you. It means there is no way Satan and all his demons can exercise authority over you. At your word, they tremble in fear. At your word, they depart. And with your position over them, they are no match against you. But what the devil does is that he makes the impression that he is bigger and more powerful than you. Don't let this lie deceive you of your position in Christ. Don't let it overthrow you from a position of victor to a position of victim. 

     Being above means that no sickness or pain has dominion over you. Jesus is not only above sickness, but He also paid the price of healing and wholeness when He allowed His body to be beaten, scourged, and broken on that scourging post. The price for healing has been paid. So everytime you feel that there is sickness in your body, command it to leave in Jesus's name. Talk to it, cast it out, and speak forth your healing and wholeness. If you think talking to sickness or any object is absurd, then consider Jesus. He talked to a tree, to the storm, and to the dead and all obeyed Him. Above all, the best way to come to your healing is by partaking the Holy Communion. When you do that, you not only cause an earthquake to Satan's headquarters, but you also remind all the dark forces (including your sickness) of the victory that Jesus gave you when He gave His life at the cross. 

     Being above also means that you are on top of your problems and storms in life, not the other way around. When the storms of life seem to overshadow you, remember your position in Christ. Take hold of your position and know that in every Valley, God always provides a door of Hope. What you need to do is to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. Standing still doesn't mean laziness, being unproductive, or escaping and running away from your crisis. It means your part is to remain in rest inwardly, and know that He is God. He knows how to solve and get you out from the pit that you are in.

     Whatever enemy that your facing, know that your enemy is your footstool. Joel Osteen likes to say it this way "If you should talk to your enemies, talk to the bottom of your shoes because that's where he is".

Heavenly Citizenship through Christ

Live a life knowing that your true identity is in Christ and your citizenship is heavenly.

                                                                                               -Jenno Marco Misa

The world says: "Be perfect, and we will listen to what you speak, then we will obey you."

Jesus says: "I have perfected you, therefore, speak, and heaven will listen and obey you."

     There are many people today who are 'qualifying' us based on our highest educational attainment, social status, number of cars and possessions we have, or by the title that's attached to our name. The way they regard us depends on 'what we have, who we are, and what we have done".

     But the problem about this is not all of us have these things altogether in the society we are living and interacting with. In fact, there might not be one who has these things altogether.

     If you have attained degrees or masters, it's easy for people around you to give their attention and listen to what you say. If you have finished your doctoral, the more they will listen to you and will even drop everything just to hear what you whisper. If you are a CEO, then multitude will follow after you and do whatever you ask them to do without even asking why.

     In a world corrupted with self-effort and abusive power, it's a question how one man can influence people and be a catalyst of change, especially if he is just a 'somebody'. Without any title attached to his name, it's a big question how this task will be accomplished.

     I am so glad that Jesus has redeemed us and has set us apart. In other words, He has sanctified us and made us holy. And that means, we need not conform on how the world operates just so we can get to where we are supposed to be.

     The Bible puts it this way in John 15:19 " If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.".

     Furthermore, the Holy Spirit expounds in the book of Romans (Romans 12:2) "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

     Our Pastor , Joseph Prince, summarizes these two verses this way : "We are in this world, but not of this world".

    When Jesus was on earth, He took on the profession as a carpenter. He obviously did not have any Degree or Masters, but when He spoke or address the crowd, people's attention were always turned to Him (Matthew 15:20, Mark 7:14, Luke 5:1). He didn't have any doctoral level of education, but when He spoke, the dead came back to life (Luke 8:40-56, John 11:38-44) . And lastly, He wasn't a CEO, yet multitudes followed Him (Matthew 8:1, Mark 5:24, Luke 14:25). He has full authority and dominion over everything, may it be a storm, hunger and lack, or even death.

     The truth is, Jesus is above any educational degree or any CEO that has lived or will ever live. Well you may say 'Of course because He is God". Yes that's true. But He is also 100 percent Man. And the good news today is this: God has put 'you' in 'Him' the moment you make Jesus both your Lord and Savior.

     That is why we can have the same authority and dominion that Jesus exercised over all the things that He encountered. We can have that Christ-conscious boldness to distinguish ourselves from the world. And lastly, we don't need to worry if the world is going 'crazy' knowing that we are not 'of the world'.

     In the world today, they will ask you to be perfect first, before they will listen to what you say,then obey you.

    On the other hand, Jesus says to you:" I have washed you and made you perfect, therefore, speak in my name (to your enemies, circumstances, problems, or mountains) and heaven will listen to you, and obey you.

     The world focuses on who you are, what you have, and what you have done. On the other hand, God's focus is on who Jesus is, what He has, and what He has done. God looks at Jesus, and blesses you.

     The world says unless you toil, labor hard, and rest less, you wont make your life prosperous. On the other hand, God leads you beside still waters and lay you down in green pastures where you wont lack nor want. He also makes your cup run over . Isn't that 'Restful Increase'?

     The world says, "Unless I see it, I wont believe it". God says that when you ask, believe that you already have what you have prayed for, then you will have it.

     The busy world teaches you that you need many things. Jesus says to you 'One thing is needful".

     There are a lot more 'benefits' and blessings that were blood-bought for us, but not to the people of the world. But all these goodness are made possible, not because we have done good, or have prayed long enough, but because 2,000 years ago, Jesus fulfilled the law, personally nailed it to the cross, and brought in the New Covenant-the covenant of grace, which is solely based on what He has done.

     Now that we are under grace, God has put us in Christ. As He is, so are we in this world. It takes the Holy Spirit to understand the righteousness that God has imputed on us. This irrevocable and irreversible righteousness empowers us to reign in life knowing that the same power that raised Christ from the dead, lives inside us. Through Christ, we now have our eternally valid Heavenly citizenship.

Jesus is Noah's Ark

Noah built an ark, but he was actually painting a portrait of Jesus who was the true Ark.

                                                                               -Jenno Marco Misa

     Noah's Ark had three basic elements: wood, nails,& hammer. In the same way, the cross of Jesus had these three elements :wood, nails, & hammer.

     Noah's ark had the entrance door on the side, and all must enter there, man and beast , clean or unclean. In the same way, Jesus' side was pierced by a Roman spear, and immediately blood and water came out. The blood and water has cleansed all of us, circumcised in the flesh (clean or the Jews or uncircumcised in the flesh (unclean or the gentiles) . Jesus has become the Savior to both Jews and non-Jews.

     Noah's ark was built so he and his family can be saved from the flood. In the same way, the cross of Jesus brought in a flood, but this time, it was a different flood. The flood during Noah's time was a flood of judgement and death. In Jesus's time, it was a flood of mercy, grace, healing, and blessings.

     The flood lasted for forty days. After Jesus's resurrection, He stayed on earth for forty more days before He finally ascended to heaven and sat down at the right hand of the Father (this was when all the saints buried in the city of David were raised from the grave) .

     Noah (whose name means rest) entered the ark and he and his family were saved. Finally, Jesus said to all those who are weary and burdened to come to Him and He will give them rest (Noah).