Angelo Subida

The Disease of Self

2009-12-02T21:43:00.001-08:00

"... once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was" (James 1:24).

I was sitting in a mall coffee shop. Suddenly, a man I’d met only a few times before approached my table. Across him, I watched his face contort as we conversed. Listening to his sighs and moans, he complained about lots of people who irritated him because they won’t meet his demands or needs and expectations. The man and how he understood himself in his situation disturbed me. Feeling helpless, whatever I attempted to say to him to help sounded weak. I can only watch how he handled himself.

Perhaps you have never thought of yourself as like that man. You may have family, friends, and a life full of provision and activities. Enough things occupy your time and thought. But the truth is, there could be many things that you can discover about your self through this man. For example, like him, aren’t you also looking out for “number one?” Isn’t getting ahead, centered on your self-interest and needs, also your goal?

We all live in a “me generation” world. Selfishness is a widespread way of life. This started shortly after Creation when our first parents – Adam and Eve - elevated “self” above God (Genesis 1-3). Since then, “self” has dominated human affairs. Living for self, Lot selected the better land. Jonah fled out of preoccupation with self. Samson denied his heritage for the sake of self. James and John competed for self-promotion. Peter denied Jesus to save his self. Judas was eaten up by self.

In our modern times or recent history, the problem of self is more evident than ever. It is still the same pattern, the same “sickness,” that overcame the first couple thousands of years ago. If you want to witness examples of this problem of self today, ask any person you know or watch TV or read your newspapers. People stealing, kidnapping, or murdering. Corruption in government, business, or in any institutions. Adulterous relationships, unfaithfulness, immorality, broken families. All of these are caused by the sickness of selfishness.

While serving among “overseas foreign workers” or OFWs, I discovered one of today’s versions of this problem of self. Blinded by the deception that money can buy a better life, I saw mothers sending their newly-born babies back home in order to continue working in a foreign country. Something was basically wrong. Then, the children (who eventually become teenagers) of these OFWs suffer little opportunity to be close to their mothers due to absence. As a result, these children and teenagers frustratingly strike out on their own search and understanding of self. So, the painful cycle continues across generations.

Dr. Linus Pauling's Healing & Longevity Secret

2009-11-30T21:12:00.001-08:00

Dr. Linus Pauling was the only man in the world to have won two unshared Nobel prizes. He devoted himself to the struggle against diseases and to the benefits of vitamin C. According to him, "People who take vitamins in optimum amounts can live 25 or 35 years longer than otherwise. More than that, they will be free of disease. This optimum nutrition cuts down the probability of developing cancer, or heart disease or diabetes, or infectious diseases." He wrote the book "How to Live Longer and Feel Better" championing the role of Vitamin C in fighting cancer and other diseases in the human body. Dr. Pauling himself took megadoses of Vitamin C. He led a very fruitful and healthy life until August 19, 1994, when he died at the ripe age of 93.

Have Your Reservoir of Strength

2009-11-29T19:12:00.000-08:00

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31).

I'm blessed to work as a part time pastoral preacher, counselor, and chaplain at a wonderful government-funded hospital. There, the miraculous can be commonplace as patients come dejected and leave hopeful in the Lord. In a number of cases, cured of their cancer and other illnesses as well!

In this life blog, I believe the words I write here, my viewpoint, shaped by biblical witness, will provide significant help to you in your battle with any type of wound, sickness, trauma, hurts or habits -- physical, emotional, mental, spiritual. While I share my spiritual worldview, I sincerely believe that those who do not call themselves as Christians can also immensely benefit from the blog pages.

My goal is for us to find our reservoir of strength even in the midst of pain ... to be an advocate for life, as well as for the One who has given us life.

Is 2012 The End of The World?

2009-11-15T21:04:00.001-08:00

Last night, after church, my daughter Christine asked us to watch "2012," one of this year's most popular movies. The movie predicts end of the world or holocaust on December 12 or 21, 2012 based on astrology and the mayan calendar. Major movie studios, websites, Newsweek, books, and numerous media channels are now fanning the "2012 end of human history" craze. There goes again, like the Y2K, the end-of-the-world prediction!

It is true that the Bible is filled with prophetic statements, which includes "end of the world." You and I only have to read and understand the books of Revelation, Ezekiel, Daniel, among others, to confirm this truth. Revelation 6: 1-17, for instance, mentions judgments released upon the earth in the form of 7 trumpets, two witnesses, a dragon (the devil), a beast (the anti-Christ) and false prophet, and 7 golden bowls. The judgments passed on to the earth and its inhabitants shall be in the form of earthquakes, plague, hailstorms, fire, famine, meteor storm, lack of drinking water, and many more!

Bottomline, the biblical "end of the world" prophecy has to do with the battle between good and evil. Following the catastrophes, the bible prophecy leads us to the emergence of the anti-Christ in partnership with the devil and false prophet (unholy trinity) to rule the world for a period of time until the Battle of Armageddon. At this point, Scriptures states that Jesus Christ returns to earth and destroys the forces of the anti-Christ. Then the false prophet and the anti-Christ along with the devil are thrown down into the lake of fire.

Now regarding what the movie (or astrology or mayan calendar or even Nostradamus) predicts to be the date (December 12 or 21 of year 2012) these will begin to take place, our Lord Jesus Christ Himself made a clear statement. In the Gospels, Jesus taught His disciples and confirmed the signs of His coming and the end of the present age. While giving His disciples signs to watch for, Jesus stated clearly that no one knows the exact date except His Father.

"But of that day and hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Mark 13:32).

"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour, in which the Son of Man is coming" (Matthew 25:13).

What are we then to do amid all these 2012 predictions?

Friends, whether or not the end of the world is in 2012 or near, the question we all need to ask ourselves is, "Am I ready?" Following evil in this life leads to separation from God and His judgment. Accepting Christ as Savior and Lord and living for Him gains entry into eternal life with God. The purpose of bible prophecy is the reminder of our need to be closer to God and preparing for Christ's return and end of the world, in 2012 and in every year of our lives.

"Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Matthew 24: 44).

Preaching at Living Word

2009-11-08T22:48:00.000-08:00

Of all the riches one can possess, nothing compares with spiritual riches and doing things that last. I praise God for a high-water mark of my Sunday worship yesterday (November 8, 2009) when He gave me opportunity to serve, preach and minister in 4 services (9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 7:00 pm) in a large Filipino church (The Living Word Fellowship) here in Singapore. Pastors Jerry Madarang and his wife Gloria were so kind and brotherly during my brief journey, they graciously hosted me in their church. Lord, I pray that You'd bless and use TLWF and pastors Jerry and Gloria a lot as well as the Filipino diaspora to reach Singapore and other nations for Christ!

The Man Named Lincoln

2009-11-08T22:39:00.000-08:00

At 31, this man failed in business. At 32, he was defeated in a legislative race. At 34, he failed again in business. At 35, his girlfriend died. At 35, he had a nervous breakdown. At 38, he lost another election. At 43, 46, and 48, he lost congregational races. At 55, he lost a senatorial race. But at 60, he was elected president of the United States. He did not just become president. He became one of the most famous and well-beloved American presidents.

The Secret of Blessing (Source/Channel)

2009-11-05T19:28:00.000-08:00

Over the years, I'm continually reminded that God alone is my source and supplier. Even in times of global economic downturn such as what we're going through, it's exciting to look back and see how He has provided for all my needs through His channels of blessing.

Living and serving in a Third World country where poverty and calamities are widespread, countless people are very anxious about their needs, their jobs, and the future of their families. Oftentimes, many of us can identify with them and their never-ending struggles . But God clearly tells us not to worry and simply look up to Him as the only source (Matthew 6).

"Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness" (2 Corinthians 9: 10).

In past experiences, I confess that I found my self disturbed sometimes when I started to confuse the "channel" with the "source." When I began looking at my work or people as the source, instead of the channel, there's the obvious sign of worry or even panic! I'd to go back and look to God alone to provide. Whew!

True, some of your "channels" may close. But remember that the "Source" remains alive and active ready to bless us. God may use your paycheck or the job of your spouse as a channel to supply your children's needs. But it's just a channel for God's provision and blessing. And God can shift to another channel anytime, anywhere, He desires.

When God our true "source" turns off one "channel," He can turn on another one. A pastor-writer explains it well: "Once you know what you're lacking, you need to give God the right to choose whatever channel He decides to fulfill the need. It may be a channel different from the one you would choose; in fact, God may allow a totally different channel than you would expect, just so that you will keep looking to Him for all your needs."

That, my friend, is the secret of blessing during these trying, challenging times.

Are All Open Doors from God?

2009-11-04T06:08:00.000-08:00

"Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, but a man of understanding walks uprightly" (Proverbs 15:21).

Mario was a faithful follower of God. But one day he found himself alienated from God after walking through open doors of opportunity. He went overseas to work with a large salary and travel perks, leaving behind a family who loves him. He allowed himself to believe that God was blessing him and his family because He had opened all doors. He had an affair and lost his family along the way. Most importantly, although he got what he wanted, he lost what he needed the most -- a close, saving relationship with God.

We all need true discernment to determine which opportunities are from God. It is because evil often wears a mask. When a door of opportunity opens, we should not automatically assume that it's God's will for us to go through it. Just because He doesn't stop us doesn't mean He wants us to pursue it.

To discern which "open doors" are from the Lord, we have to seek to "approve the things that are excellent" and "to be filled with the fruits of righteousness ... to the glory and praise of God" (Scripture: Philippians 1: 10, 11).

Faces, Trees, and Seasons of Life

2009-11-02T06:32:00.000-08:00

It has been raining some days when I stopped to look closely into faces and trees along my way. Things may look fine. But still nature echoes with the rest of us in acknowledging that we have no power to resist the seasons of life. May we all learn to "plant" seeds of forgiveness, grace, love, and faith that would bring hope and healing to this broken world during the inevitable seasons of life ....

Rick Warren Urges Flock To Share Deep Secrets

2009-10-30T05:55:00.000-07:00

I recommend "Life's Healing Choices" for individuals and churches based on the 8 positive principles of Jesus' Beatitudes.

This is currently a brand new 8-week campaign series at mega Saddleback Church and hundreds of other churches that endeavour to help people seek spiritual, emotional, and relational healing.

Hear Pastor Rick Warren speak about "Life's Healing Choices."

When you feel responsible for the other person's actions

2009-10-28T23:19:00.000-07:00

It's a cool day here in Singapore as I write this. While praying and ruminating, I got to think of some I presently try to help to regain perspectives amid their pain. The following questions played in my thoughts related to the feelings of numerous individuals recovering from the pain of wrongs or sins done to them...

Is a rape victim responsible for the rape or actions of the rapist?
Is a murder victim responsible for the murder or actions of the murderer?
Is a betrayed, adultery victim responsible for the other person's adultery or his/her actions?

Of course, you know the answer. Ultimately, we are not responsible for the actions of another person.

If you love Christ, possibly you have already sought guidance and counsel. You've been faithful to God's Word, tried your best to reach out, but the other person refuses to change. What can you do?

In Psalm 55, David cried out to God. Somebody close to him, whom he loved and trusted, turned against him. David's relationship with this other person had been severed because of the other person's sinful actions toward him. In response, David sought God's strength, comfort, and sustenance.

"War is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall" (Psalm 55: 12-14, 21-22).

Perhaps some aspects of what you're going through with another person are similar with what David experienced with someone he loved and trusted. Understand always that you are not responsible for the actions of the other person.

God is sovereign and sees it all. We simply need to cast our burdens on and trust Him. He'd be the One to make things right.

2009-10-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

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Don't Just Move On, Think Moving Up!

2009-10-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

"The Lord ... heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147)

What do you do when you've been wronged?

In times of wounding, you have three choices: 1. Deny reality. 2. Revenge, by hurting the other or even yourself. 3. Move up to God with your pain, your questions, and hurts.

When you've been wronged, remind yourself that life is temporary. This too shall pass. Be reminded too that God doesn't overturn the will of the one who wronged you. Will the other get away with wrongdoing? The answer is no. God has His judgment and "payday" someday. You simply have to focus on Him and entrust the other person in His hands.

Learn to move up to God. Quickly turn your eyes up to Him and take refuge. He embraces you with His unlimited love, healing, and peace.

Come to Jesus. God sent His Son to "heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised" (Luke 4:18).

setting captives free photo image

2009-10-23T04:14:00.000-07:00

The Price of Walking Away from God

2009-10-23T02:57:00.001-07:00

I just read today Dr. Charles Stanley's article entitled "The Price of Walking Away."

He writes, "If you are carrying around sin, you are going to be weighed down. You can’t enjoy life completely, and you certainly cannot experience the full measure of God’s blessings and goodness. Jealousy and resentment will steal your joy and prevent you from reaching your potential in Christ. Greed will limit your ability to know what the Lord is calling you to do. And endless pursuit of worldly fame and wealth will harden your heart to the simple pleasures that He gives each day. Lust and immorality will deaden the heart and spirit to such a degree that hearing God becomes impossible. As believers, we cannot engage in sin and remain in close fellowship with our Father (Ps. 66:18). Over time, we will become spiritually deaf to the principles written in His Word. That leads to one wrong decision after another."

Click here -The Price of Walking Away -- to read the complete article.

photo bus npwm members korea

2009-10-23T01:55:00.000-07:00

The Heart of a Champion

2009-10-21T18:01:00.001-07:00

"I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again. And that's why I succeed."

You know who said it? The legendary basketball star himself, Michael Jordan.

The heart of a champion ... pure gold, pure desire. That's what it takes.

We will fail over and over again in life... in ministry or missions, in family, in work or business, in other areas too. There's no doubt about it. There's no way around it.

It takes just one final winning shot to make it. And then, we're over the hump. And over that hump is everything we ever hoped for and wanted in life.

Will you be like Mike?

Does Desperation Justify our Doing What God Says is Sinful or Wrong?

2009-10-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help thinking of what we and countless people are experiencing during these very trying times.

Desperation. Dead end. Pain. In your mind, there's no hope or way out.

... a family wallows in poverty, so a man chooses to steal, rob, or commit a crime in order to feed his loved ones.
... losing one's house, car, or other valuables to floods or earthquakes causes one to drink himself to oblivion or take his life
... a young person uses drugs to numb the pain of losing a close friend
... a woman excuses her adultery by saying, "But I'm lonely"

Does desperation justify our doing what God says is obviously wrong and sinful? Sadly, desperation often blocks people from seeing the ultimate consequences of sin. It focuses on the self (above God) - how you've been mistreated, how you do not deserve loss or calamity, how lonely or unhappy you are ... and so on.

There is another road out of desperation: You can find God's hope, help, and healing for your pain. In your weakness, God is your strength. The Word of God is complete with examples of men and women who cried out to God in desperation. Some of these include Daniel, David, Jeremiah, Esther, Job, Peter, Paul.

Whatever your case, there is only one way this can happen to you. Get serious with God, cry out to Him, and await His answer!

"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer" (1 Peter 3:12)

"In my anguish, I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free (Psalm 118:5).

"You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13).

Dr. Subida's Christian Psychotherapy Clinic Online Form

2009-10-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

This is an initial online inquiry form on individual and/or group Christian psychotherapy/counseling with Dr. Subida.

After you've completely filled up the form, Dr. Subida will respond to you via email as soon as possible.

Take care and God bless!

Put a website form like this on your site.

Hugging My Kids' Grand Mother and the "Secret"

2009-10-13T22:36:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, when I was with the kids, Christine accidentally saw my mother inside McDonalds. Immediately, the kids and I ran towards her. I briefly hugged her and told the kids – Christine, Paul, and Angel -- to make “mano po” to “LOLA.” The kids had a nice Mcdo merienda with Lola before going to church … a blessed moment for me as well.

My mother is about beyond her 70s. Like everybody else growing into old age, her body is in decline … her former beauty being replaced by thinning, graying, all-white hair … wrinkles … skin discoloration. She used to live an active working life. But of course, nowadays, she could no longer do things she once could. Still, my mother walks stronger than most senior citizens we see around!

God feeds me again with His precious reminders seeing my mother. It’s an illusion when we used to think we’re invincible during our 20s or 30s as if we got unlimited supply of time. Despite vitamins, workouts, organic food etc, our earthly bodies will keep ticking away in inevitable decline.

All of us will grow old (if not die earlier). Why does God let us get old and weak? Why must our body hurt and deteriorate as the years go by?

Here’s the secret.

I like how one seminary president, Dr. J. Robertson McQuilkin, put it: “I believe God has planned the strength and beauty of youth to be physical. But the strength and beauty of age is spiritual. We gradually lose the strength and beauty that is temporary so we’ll be sure to concentrate on the strength and beauty which is forever. It makes us more eager to leave behind the temporary, deteriorating part of us and be truly homesick for our eternal home. If we stayed young and strong and beautiful, we might never want to leave!”

To survive and thrive during old age, the spirit must be fed. In that way, we can break free beyond the constraints of this temporary human body. “Yet this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessing upon us forever and ever! So we do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys of heaven which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever” (2 Corinthians 4: 17-18). Believe me, while it’s true that we get worse physically as we get older, it’s possible to get better spiritually with age!

I praise God for my mother and her longevity. I also praise and thank Him for the gracious times I have had making up with her. God is good!

Breaking the Curse to Heal (Part 2)

2009-10-09T20:20:00.001-07:00

God is concerned that individual, family, national curses be broken. That's why He wiped out the Herods and dealt with the nation of Egypt again and again. But they refused to repent. So God had to judge them.

You may say, "Well, it's happening. These 'generational curses' have come down upon me and my family. How do I stop them?"

God instructed Egypt under judgment, "If you want your family to reverse the curse, you must put the blood of the lamb over the doorpost of your house. And when I see it, I will pass over you amd the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you" (Exodus 12).

Today, the blood of Jesus will reverse our individual, family, or national "generational curses!" Not psychology or psychiatry. Not money or humanism. Not powerful men or governments. It's the blood of Jesus that will save our families and nations today.

The steps to breaking the curse to heal and gain victory begin and end at the Cross.

"Jesus replied, 'I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.' " (John 8: 34-36).

"In fact the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22).

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony ..." (Revelation 12:11).

We all need to tell our children and the next gen this truth! "Hey, son/daughter, if you commit immorality or sexual sins, you're putting a curse on your self and the next generations" or "If you steal, lie, deceive or rebel against God, there's a curse that will come down upon you."

All of us don't want the curses to come down upon us, our children, our nation. We may have weaknesses in certain areas. But we can repent and stop. Allow the blood of Jesus to cleanse us and we'll be set free!

Breaking the Curse to Heal (Part 1)

2009-10-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

I believe many of the problems a nation or individual faces is because we need to deal with "generational curses." When you take a look at it closely, a number of the problems we deal with -- insecurity, anger, poverty, adultery, violence, corruption etc -- are the problems our forefathers dealt with.

Exodus 20 states, "Do not bow down to idols nor serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me" (v. 5).

I'm sure of all of us can think of families ripped apart by such problems as alcoholism, adultery, teenage delinquency, child abuse etc. You can examine your "family tree" and recognize a pattern of sin, disease, or infirmity. And think and shout, "Oh my family tree is a mess! There's a curse passed from generation to generation."

That can be true, not only of individuals, but also of nations (nations are "families" too!). I'm reminded of Egypt in the Bible, a "family" God tried to change but finally had to judge (well, it's in Exodus 11: 4-6). Moses warned Egypt and the Pharaoh of God's coming judgment for they were wallowing in sin. But inspite of that, the nation of Egypt kept hardening his heart towards God and His people. The Pharaoh continued to reject God's warnings. So finally, God said, "Now, I'm going to judge the Egyptian family." That brought all sorts of plagues and infirmities on the nation.

So what do we have -- what can save us, our families, our nations today?

Like David, strengthen yourself in the Lord

2009-10-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

I praise God for hearing His people's prayers and cries. Another expected typhoon ("Pepeng") weakened and veered course yesterday. That spared the country reeling from the destruction brought by the floods from storm "Ondoy." With or without calamity, we all need to carry each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2). At the same time, like David, we also need to learn individually to "strengthen yourself in the Lord" (1 Samuel 30:6b). And then, leave the rest to Him. In the future, God can use the strengthening and comfort you received from Him to strengthen and comfort others (2 Cor 1: 4).

Christine's Lesson on Her Flood Experience

2009-10-01T00:22:00.000-07:00

Actress Christine Reyes and members of her family who were staying with her in Provident Village, Marikina City, got stranded on the roof of their house for 12 hours during the horrific floods brought by Ondoy. Eventually, Christine and her family were rescued.

Christine, during media interviews, made a statement that reflected on the lessons of her experience. I am reprinting them below for everyone who cares to read its message and apply in their lives:

"The experience was an eye opener. I realized that material things are nothing; they have no value. You can lose them and replace them. Life is more precious. Once lost, wala na, hindi na maibalik. I used to be secretive and sensitive. After that nightmare on September 26, my outlook in life has changed. I look at life differently now. Life is short, every moment is precious. Enjoy it to the fullest with your loved ones because you can never tell kung kelan ka mawawala."

Who assesses you?

2009-09-30T01:27:00.000-07:00

On earth, our performance is often assessed by peers. But when we die and leave this temporary world, our performance will be assessed and reviewed by Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5: 10 says, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." At Christ's judgment seat, our lives will be evaluated. How did we use our time? What did we do with the gifts entrusted to us? Have we been faithful and obedient to Him during our earthly days?

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