I will give you a new heart. I will remove the stone heart from your body and I will replace it with the heart that is God willed, no longer self-willed.

Ezekiel 36:26

When we try to take control of every aspect of our lives, we push away God’s rightful presence in our hearts. The result is a soul that is no longer intimate with God. What should we do then? Here is a heart-makeover story from Bro. Edrick Mendoza as he discovered why he needed to give up being in control.

He shared that as far back as he could remember he was planning about life in the future. Even as a believer, his self worth depended on his ability to make money and provide security for his family. In 2009, he wanted to build a home for his family. During that time also, the building project of CCF was mobilized and God impressed on his heart to give. He made a commitment to do so. However, his sense of security and desire for money were slowly eating away at his heart. He was losing his temper at home towards his kids and his wife. He had moments of being down and thinking, “Is my life making any sense? Am I making enough?” For three years, he did not honor his commitment to the building fund. He thought that God would understand because he was putting the money into the house he wanted to give to his family. For three years, he did not get to build a house.

God, though, was breaking his controlling heart. In a seminar, God spoke to him, “Edrick, what are you trying to do? I am your source of security. I alone will provide for you. I alone am in control of your life. You need to let go.” Finally, he let go. In tears and on his knees, he asked for forgiveness and for God to take control of his life. From that moment, he experienced a liberating feeling that changed him. His temper began to disappear. He was less irritable at home. His decisions became clearer and he was no longer motivated by the desire to make more money. He fulfilled his pledge to the building fund with the knowledge that God will take care of his family. And God showed him that He is in control. Bro. Edrick also shared that soon he will be able to start building their home.

We often fool ourselves into believing that we can be in control of our lives. We know the truth, though. Only God is in total control of our lives. But if you ever find yourself into this folly, do not despair. God is just waiting for us to come back to Him and trust Him completely. He can change our heart so that we will once again be intimately close to Him.

What is going through the motions
if my life is still the same,
Everyday’s the same old puzzle
all the pieces re-arranged,
And I refuse your help
out of my own selfish pride,
Lord I have so many masks
to cover up and hide,

So I will pray to you right now
To take away my sin,
Come heal away my brokenness
and change this heart again.

Change This Heart by the Sidewalk Prophets

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because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

1 Thessalonians 1:5

William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, sent the following message, to a conference he couldn’t attend: “Others.” This one-word reminder is relevant to this day because we, being human, are naturally selfish.

Pastor Oli Jacobsen says our church isn’t a Golf and Country Club which exists only for the sake of its members. We must constantly remind ourselves of the cause: to reach those who have yet to hear the Gospel.

This doesn’t mean we ought to change our profession (we don’t need to all became pastors); but we ought to change our passion to share the good news with others.

Pastor Bong Saquing shares of a time he was traveling and he prayed for the Lord’s guidance on how to share the Gospel to a foreigner seatmate on a plane. He was not confident of his English speaking skills, but he put full confidence on the Holy Spirit to create the best ice breaker and give him the right words.

We are given opportunities to share the Gospel all the time. How have you been responding to these? Remember William Booth’s reminder: OTHERS.

There nothing in my hands,
But Here I am send me.
-Here I am Send Me, Delirious?

Because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. -1 Thesssalonians 1:5

Will you patronize a health food store with the following sign: “Closed due to illness”?

Or will you have something repaired at a store that claims to repair everything when it has this sign: “Knock hard – doorbell is broken”?

Often, people profess to be Christians but instead of following Christ, they act like the rest of the world, overly focused on their rights and what they think they are entitled to.

Are you loving wherever you are? Do your actions reflect your beliefs?

A life consistent with what we believe in as Christians, focused on our responsibilities to God instead of our rights—is a principle of a ministry model for missions.

When we pray for others in our Church, especially our Church leaders, let us pray that their lives manifest the change Jesus Christ is making in them.

Show me how to love like You have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for Your Kingdom’s cause
As I walk from earth into eternity
- Hosanna, Hillsong United

Jun

I am Jun Borromeo, fondly called Borro by friends. I graduated from PMA in 1989, and right after, I joined the defunct Philippine Constabulary. I was very active in our campaign against insurgency. I earned numerous military medals and commendations. I was meritoriously promoted on the spot twice. In 2004, I was awarded as one of the Country’s Outstanding Policemen in the Service (COPS) given by Metrobank Foundation and finally, in 2005, I bagged the highest individual award given by PMA to its alumni in the PNP – the PMA Cavalier Award for Police Efficiency.

I have been assigned to various positions and have experienced the perks and privileges of being in position. I have experienced many trials. but during those times, I did not come to know God. I prioritized my career more than my family. I thought that a successful career in the PNP can only be achieved through good service, reputation and connections. Power and position were my basis for security.

Joji

I am Joji Borromeo. At present, I am a municipal councilor. I have been in public service for almost 25 years. I was a devoted catholic and a devotee of the virgin mary. I had vowed to attend novenas at baclaran every first wednesday until I came to know who my real God is.

Jun

But in July 2008, I experienced the greatest trial of my life. I was charged as a protector of an illegal drug laboratory in La Union. As a result, I was relieved as Chief of Police of the Dagupan City Police Station and transferred to Camp Crame. I was suspended for three months pending the result of the initial investigation. I received humiliation both in print and broadcast media. I was rejected by some of my friends. I had no one to ask for comfort, except my wife, my children and my mistahs. During the darkest moment of my life, I contemplated committing suicide. I was full of anxiety, fear, pain and depression. I began to take anti-depressants so I could sleep. I began to lose a lot of weight.

Joji

This trial came at the time when my father suffered a mild stroke. I was then six months pregnant with our youngest child. This issue against my husband was a big blow to our family. I had to deal with my husband because I knew that he needed me the most at that time. I tried my best. I really didn’t know how to handle my husband. I prayed hard. I called my christian friend and asked for a pastor’s phone number.

Jun

In August 18, 2008, I was convinced that the only solution to my problem was suicide. But while I was looking for a place to end my life, my wife. called me up on my cellphone. She told me that suicide was a display of selfishness. She told me to just pray to God. That was the only time that God came into my mind so I asked her if she knew someone who could help bring me to God. She immediately texted me the cellphone number of a pastor.

I told the pastor about my problem, and in response, he told me about the greatness of God – that God would never let me down, that I could always count on His faithfulness. Then he shared to me the Gospel and the good news of salvation. Before the end of our conversation, he asked me if I was ready to accept Jesus in my life as my Lord and Savior, and at that very moment, I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ through the telephone. While we were praying, I cried uncontrollably and I strongly felt the presence of God in my room. And a peace that I could not explain and understand came over me. I felt that the burden in my chest had disappeared. That was my first personal encounter with God.

My anxiety, fear, and depression were all gone. I was back to normal. I could sleep soundly without taking anti-depressants and my appetite was restored. I felt an insatiable hunger to know God personally. I started to attend Bible study every week and regularly attended Sunday worship service. I spent most of my time reading the Bible and Christian books and learned to pray to God every day. In November 2008, the case against me was dismissed by the DOJ but I know that it was not the end of our trials. I learned that a Christian life is not a problem-free life. We have to carry the cross if we decide to follow Jesus.

Joji

I really praise God that Jun was enlightened by the pastor’s sharing, but. We still had to face the charges against him. one day, he related to me that he started attending Sunday services at a born again church. I wasn’t really sold on the idea. My husband never shared the gospel for fear that I might reject him but I noticed a dramatic transformation in him. He and my Christian friends stormed the heavens with prayers for me. One day, I started asking my husband about God’s word. On January 11, 2009, I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior and Lord.

We had to deal with our children who were also not inclined at the time to become born again Christians. But praise God, after attending a youth retreat conducted by ccf, they have become active members of jzone. My eldest son, darwin, conducts a bible study with his cousins and he has shared the doctrine of salvation to them. Our daughter is now acting as facilitator in youth camps, and our third son is now boldly sharing the gospel in his school. Our baby, Danielle, who is now three years old, has been dedicated to the Lord.

Jun

On February 2009, the case against me was re-filed due to religious and political pressure. In May 23, 2009, a warrant of arrest was issued against me. My wife and I prayed hard to God. God whispered to me that I must submit to authority and face the problem. We meditated on 2 Chronicles 20:15: “For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

In May 25, 2009, I surrendered myself to the PNP and I was detained at Camp Crame Detention Center. We filed a motion in court, requesting if I could remain in Camp Crame custody. and again my wife and I and our prayer warriors prayed hard for it. But after two days, I was ordered to be transferred to the La Union Provincial Jail. I was very frustrated and began to question God.

Joji

life in Christ is not a life free from trials, but a life where your faith is tested amidst the trials. My husband’s imprisonment was another blow to our family.

Jun

But God had a better plan for me. He placed me in a building where I could have quiet times with Him. I had access to the television, the DVD player, the cellphone, and the laptop computer. I was allowed to receive visitors anytime of the day. God made me His VIP in detention, praise God! I had all the time to study the Bible, watch Pastor Peter Tanchi’s sermons on DVDs, to study Christian books, and to pray. I found out that the greatest form of worship is total surrender to God’s will.

Joji

I thank god that. He gave our children the wisdom, and strength to accept the painful reality of my husband’s situation. we went to la union provincial jail. Every weekend to keep papa Jun company.

Jun

After two months, God gave me a small ministry; I was joined by 12 female inmates in the said building. God revealed to me His greater purpose in allowing me to spend my time in that particular jail. I organized prayer meetings, daily Bible studies, and Sunday worship services. All 12 female inmates surrendered their lives to Jesus. Then I began to share the gospel to the jail guards, to the warden, to other male inmates, to my visitors, to the other inmates’ visitors. Many came to know Jesus and surrendered their lives to Him.

Joji

The detention cell has become our second home and the inmates became our Christian family. We thank God that he brought papa Jun there. To know him more and to share his gospel to others.

Jun

God used me and my wife to minister to our family. Aside from my three children who surrendered their lives to Jesus, my wife has also begun to lead a Bible study in our house in Isabela and many of her relatives have come to know Jesus.

Joji

My father and mother have accepted Jesus, my siblings and other families have also joined us; some of them have made a public profession of their faith through baptism.

Jun

I developed a passion for evangelism and I spent time getting to know God more. Even while I was incarcerated, God used that time for good (Romans 8:28).

When I surrendered my case to the Lord, I could see that He was working behind the scenes. I developed perseverance (James 1:3). I also learned to forgive the people who were behind my misery. I know that in God’s perfect timing, I will gain my physical freedom. I always meditate on Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

As a result of my imprisonment. I had no income. We depended solely on my wife’s income and from the financial assistance of my PMA classmates. Truly, God provides for all our needs. We claim the promise of God in Philippians 4:19: ”But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Joji

By God’s grace, our children continued their studies. Truly, if we obey god, he will never abandon us. “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

Jun

Last February 01, 2011 at 10 o’clock in the morning, I received a call from my wife. Our prayers were answered. Our petition for bail was granted. We were crying and dancing for joy. God does work in mysterious ways. But my happiness was hampered when I learned that my bail was one million pesos. We were instructed by my lawyer to produce the amount before 1 o’clock in the afternoon. Then I told God, “If you really want me to be free, You will provide. You know that it is impossible for me to produce that amount.”

At exactly 1 o’clock in the afternoon., God provided the exact amount for my bail. My PMA classmates learned about my predicament and immediately pitched in to raise the said amount. God is amazing! Our total dependence in Him paid off. Last February 4 2011. I was ordered to report back for duty. God immediately restored my status in the PNP.

Joji

Now, although my husband only has temporary liberty, i can truly say that he is more free because. He is a child of god and has the freedom. To boldly share the gospel. Now, our family is more complete because. God is at the center. Our disappointments were turned into blessings. Thank you and to God be the glory.

Jun

Today, I am standing before you as a man with temporary liberty. But God gave me freedom to be of service to Him. I told my God to use me, according to His plans. To my Creator, I give back all the glory and honor!

PSupt Dionicio C. Borromeo is presently assigned at Police Regional Office 4A (CALABARZON) at Camp Vicente Lim, Canlubang, Calamba Laguna. He is one of the active members of the C.O.R.P.S. (Christian Officers for Reform the Police Service) movement foundation. In CCF he is under the Pastoral Care of Pastor Robby Santos. He just graduated from GLC level2 and is in charge of the nationwide showing of the film COURAGEOUS in coordination with Pastor Joby Soriano of CCF Alabang. He has also organized 3 Bible study groups in Camp Crame, Jail Ministry in PNP Detention Center and is leading a house church in Ilagan, Isabela.

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Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.

1 Corinthians 10:12

Millions of people flock to the Taj Mahal year after year, and it’s no wonder—it is an impressive structure built with love and passion and its story, not to mention its beauty, moves the hearts of people from all over the world.

But underneath the splendor and magnificence of the Taj Mahal, its foundations are in danger of collapse. Deterioration has crept in and now belies the grandeur seen from outside.

The sad truth is that the state of the Taj Mahal is also a picture of the lives of many Christians today. From outside, they seem to be right with God. Many can still see a glimpse of the passion and love they once had for Him, but underneath, what could have started as a subtle decline, is now threatening a collapse.

Was it the minutes you chose not to spend with Him? Or that questionable decision you said you’d make just one time? Was it that “white lie?” Or that thing you do when no one else is around with watchful eyes, all the while telling yourself that you are still okay?

You may not know it, but it is in these moments that being lukewarm is made. If we are not intentional in our intimacy, we can unlearn it, and might not even know it.

Jesus reminds us of such in Revelation: “you say, “I am rich, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked” (3:17)

Think of the time when you first felt a burning passion and love for God. Are you more intimate with Him today than you were at that time?

A standing invitation to unceasing intimacy is available to us – “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)

The privilege is ours to turn from our lukewarmness back into the glory of a passionate relationship with Him. Will you accept it?

Let Your presence come and saturate
Every part of me make me new
Let Your Spirit come and move within
Fill me once again cause I need more
- Like A Fire, Planetshakers

My name is Beverly Jardine Santos. I grew up in a Christian home, the eldest of 5 children. Growing up, I was exposed to bible studies, ministries and Christian music. I was even part of the kids’ choir and Sunday school. Everything looked perfectly okay, right? But to me, everything was just head knowledge.

When I was 4 years old, my sister and I were molested by a family member for about a year. That was the reason why my dad flew back from the States, left his job and his ministry. And because he blamed himself for what happened, he turned to drugs. When dad was lost, I became the man of the house. I supported my mom emotionally, took care of my siblings and managed the house while my mom was out. I felt I had to grow up faster than the others because I felt I had to be the leader. Because of this, I struggled with submitting to authority. I thought that I could manage everything by myself, even my own life. I started to rebel against my parents. I lied, disobeyed, lied, disobeyed, lied then disobeyed. When I entered high school, cutting classes was already a habit. I started to drink, got involved in a grand fraternity and sorority and in boy-girl relationships. I got so hurt in my first relationship that I started to look down on men. I shifted from one relationship to another, even having several relationships at the same time. I toyed with men as if like they deserved to be treated without respect. In church, I strove to maintain a “good girl image” by serving in ministry, but outside of church, I was a bad girl. I was afraid that my friends would think that I was not cool enough to hang out with them if I started acting like a Christian. I was a lukewarm Christian. I lived a double life.

In college, I went from bad to worse. This was the time that I lost my values, gave in to sexual immorality, experimented on some drugs, started smoking and seldom went home. I did everything without my parents’ consent. I often listened to Satan’s voice as he told me something like this, “Don’t worry Bev, you still go to church every Sunday right? The Lord is just there, ready to forgive you. Say you’re sorry, but don’t fully surrender. If you repent now, you’ll miss the fun tomorrow. You will lose your cool friends! You’re still young! You still have time to repent.” Compromising, giving in to temptation and backsliding became a normal thing for me. Because I lived a life of disobedience, I began to experience the consequences of my choices. I did something that I never thought I could do. After realizing the weight of my sin, I turned to the Lord. I started to go back to church again. In a Sunday service, the Lord spoke to me. I heard a voice inside my head that I never heard in a long time. The voice said. “Anak, alam ko pagod ka na. Let go. Let Me carry you in My arms. Let me lead you.” I cried and cried. I felt that God was calling me back to Him. I was reminded of the verse in Matthew 11:28-30 which says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” From that day forward, I decided to pursue God.

I joined a singles retreat last June 2011 where I recommitted my life to Christ and got baptized. Everything wasn’t just head knowledge anymore. The Lord gave me strength to turn away from sin. He surrounded me with Christian friends who encouraged me and helped me to be more intimate with God. I looked forward to every Dgroup meeting and the “Singles@Work” fellowship, one of the big small groups of the singles ministry.

At this time, God also started to test my faith and commitment to Him. In August 2011, the doctors discovered that I had stones in the duct of my gall bladder caused by my unhealthy lifestyle and vices. It had to be removed because it was already affecting my liver and kidneys. This condition now requires me to pursue a healthier lifestyle and yes, I am not allowed to smoke and drink anymore. Then God took away my friends who were a bad influence to me. I wasn’t invited to gatherings and parties anymore because they knew that I was committed to the Lord already and I wasn’t “cool enough” to hang out, drink or smoke with them anymore. Next, God took away my job. I was tempted to ask the Lord why. Even tempted to turn away from Him and go back to my sinful ways. But because of my family and friends’ prayers, I continued to walk by faith and not by sight.

All my life I was trying to find peace and contentment by having a perfect family, perfect set of friends and a perfect relationship. But I was wrong. I only found real peace and contentment when I fully surrendered my life to our perfect God and daily pursued an intimate relationship with Him. God also allowed me to serve in ministry again. I am now part of the “Singles@Work” team. One by one, I am also trying to reach out to my friends who need to know the Lord. I am now committed in attending my Dgroup who never stopped praying for me since I went astray. And by God’s grace, I will now start leading a group of ladies of my own.

I’m still a work in progress. Every time I sin or I am caught in a trial, I make sure to keep growing in my intimacy with God. I thank the Lord for giving me a supportive family who never stopped praying for me and loving me unconditionally. I also thank Him for my dear friends who continue to encourage me. And most of all, I thank the Lord God almighty, Jesus my Savior, for never giving up on me and saving me from my sins.

I am Bev Santos, a Jesus zone! To God be all the glory!