Sublime Paradigm

Great Preacher-Master Ever!

2010-09-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

What is it that enlightens your mind, comforts your soul, and brings forth healing to your body?

To me, it is by transcending to see through the “Eyes of Faith”, and listening in earnest to hear Master Jesus’ preaching and teaching the ever living “Sermon on the Mount”, the substance of which embodies the principle defining the way of righteous and holy living.

Listen & hear now with a docile and humble heart the Great Preacher-Master Ever delivering the reassuring Message of Hope, Comfort, and Healing:

“Blessed are the POOR IN SPIRIT, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those WHO MOURN, for they shall be comforted.
“Blessed are the GENTLE (humble, meek), for they shall inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those WHO HUNGER & THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS, for
they shall be satisfied.
“Blessed are the MERCIFUL, for they shall receive mercy.
“Blessed are the PURE IN HEART, for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the PEACEMAKERS, for they shall be called the sons of God.
“Blessed are those WHO HAVE BEEN PERSECUTED FOR THE SAKE OF
RIGHTEOUSNESS, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are YOU when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all
kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me.
Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted
the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:3-12, NASB

"Success Is A Journey...!"

2010-08-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

The meaning and sense of the word, "SUCCESS", is as many as there are individuals or group of persons vying to "Be It" or "Have It" as the case may be.

The American Heritage Dictionary, 3rd Edition of 1994, defines Success as the achievement of something attempted; the gaining of fame and prosperity.

Following my 2-year sabbatical (1986-1988) in the home town of my wife and in-laws in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines, I decided to make a come-back and re-entered the world of commercial & trading business by working as a buddy of the owner-manager of a medium-scale garment manufacturing firm in San Juan City, NCR.

Virtually playing the role of an "Alter Ego" of the General Manager-Proprietor, not only was I put at a privileged pedestal in the hierarchy of the organization, but I have had the ease of access to the inner sanctuary of the boss' thoughts, feelings, sentiments & temperaments.

Manager July, as his workers would address him, is a phenomenal success in his own right. From a mere technician-employee of a garment manufacturing firm in Mandaluyong City in the late 1960s to early 1970s, he eventually ventured into an enterprise of his own.

His case is a typical "Rags-to-riches" success story. For, within one turbulent decade since its inception in the early 1970s, Manager July's business progressively grew and expanded despite the socio-economic-political quake that rocked and virtually devastated the fledgling Philippine Republic, during and after Martial Law was declared by then President & Commander-in-chief Ferdinand E. Marcos in September 21, 1972.

In his high-spirited speech before the general assembly of all company workers in March 27, 1991, Manager July delivered his fresh and new insight on the meaning of Success as he actually enjoyed it, lived with it, and learned the depth & breadth of its practical sense. He confessed that at first, particularly at the height of his rising socio-economic stature & power of influence that he thought he already made a real success in life. But this time in his speech, Manager July painted a rather mystical portrait of what success is, after all.

In a nutshell, he said, "SUCCESS IS A JOURNEY...". Being a man of few words, he didn't elaborate further on what he said. I discerned though that success is not something that stops and ends when and where economic wealth or material possessions are acquired & possessed to bolster a person's pride of life. Rather, Success is something that continually grows, bears plentiful fruits, and progressively prospering from glory to glory in an endless enjoyment of inner rewards & fulfilment, not only for one's own satisfaction and contentment, but even so for the well-being and enjoyment of those who painstakingly work and stick it out with him through thick & thin in the journey-through-entrepreneurial life.

Sounds profound and lofty, but a wonderful picture of real success. Don't you agree?

Come on, Friends, let's go for success in Peace, Joy, Love, Goodwill, Good Health, and Wisdom which no amount of silver or gold can buy!

By the way, Manager July is just around in low-profile enjoying the prime of his life while staying close to nature in his 25-hectare orchard & integrated farm in the province of Rizal.

The DOOR to LIFE in ABUNDANCE!

2009-09-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!

Hasn't someone ever promised you something of value but after some time of waiting and expecting, not even a shadow of the promised thing is on sight at the date specified? Doubtlessly, that fellow isn't real though he sounded ideal.

But who can distinguish and determine definitively "Who" and "What" is Ideal and Real, indeed?

Acknowledging in good faith, only The All-Knowing God holds anything pertaining to matters yet to come - be it a promise, a significant turn of event & development, or whatever beneficial and rewarding is in stored for you and me.

Believe it or not, The Same All-Knowing Being made a promise of Holistic Blessing and same said Promise stands as ever (Galatians 3:25-29, NASB). And, if you care to believe it, many are already enjoying in real terms the fulfillment of the promised blessings.

Friends, here's one Real Thing: To him who has had his share of life's "Sweaty-Teary-Bloody” downside and now, by grace, emerged justified, purged, purified, and uplifted to a refreshing hill of victory, cherished liberty, relief & restored vigor, the blessed promise of "Life in Abundance" now appears closest to Real Terms than when it once seemed illusive at the time it was first heard as a mere promise.

The Key Factor lies in establishing, building, strengthening and enhancing intimate personal relationship with Him Who holds the future – The King & Lord of All.

The DOOR is open and inside is the inscription which reads,"...I CAME THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE LIFE, AND MIGHT HAVE IT ABUNDANTLY!"(John 10:10, NASB).

Enter by The DOOR. He is within the range of sight and reach through the Eyes of the same Faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3).

May The Grace & Truth of God in Christ Jesus abound in us NOW and FOREVER! Amen.

Are you MADE FOR NOTHING?

2009-08-11T15:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!

Perhaps, you are one of those fortunate few who at an early age already came to a vivid realization of who you really are as meant to be. And since then, your life headed the path as defined and directed by such realization.

Little wonder, you are now making great difference in your vocation & avocation in life. Little wonder, many are looking up to you as their inspiration. Little wonder, you are enjoying life and living it to the full. Yours must be one of exceptional kind!

My personal case came a little later, that is, shortly after experiencing a crisis of faith in my latter 30s. My earlier vision then was not as vivid as when I was finally led to an in-depth and intense contemplation and introspection from my early forties to early fifties about who I really am, and what my “post-ordeal” self is meant to be.

By way of meditative prayer, I am pleased to share my vision with you, my friends, and with everyone who may relate to it and be blest, too:

“I believe, dear Lord, You didn't make me for nothing. Yes, I fell short of Your Glory because of my transgressions.

“But, by Your Mercy and Grace, You intervened and restored in me Your Light and Life that make my being whole again.

“With Your Light and Life, You made me able to visualize and cherish the vastness of Your Glory.

“Within the vastness of Your Glory, You made me foresee the limitless possibilities of my becoming-to-be.

“Given now this unmerited Gift & Power of Faith, Certainty of Hope, & Greatness of Love at my disposal,

“I commit to embark on a decisive come-back to share Your Mercy & Love with as many as can be reached and touched for Your Honor, Praise, and Glory.

"For, indeed, right from the beginning You didn't make me for nothing.

"To You, dear Lord, be the Glory forever and ever, in Christ Jesus’ Name. Amen & Amen!"

Thoughts & Feelings for the day!

2009-07-21T14:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!

This is just to share with every friendly buddy around my "Thoughts & Feelings for the day!":

"AS FAR AS THE MEMORABLE PAST IS CONCERN, THE PRECIOUS MOMENTS OF TODAY may either be 'Morning of the Dream New Day' or 'Midway toward Full Light of that Dream Day, if not already the FULL LIGHT of the D-NEW-DAY!...". Proverbs 4:18 states, "...the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn shinning brighter and brighter until the Full Day".

May The Good Lord be honored and glorified in our thoughts, words, and deeds today!

Glory be to God in the Highest, and on earth Peace amongst men with whom He is pleased!!!

Unmerited Gift!

2009-05-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!

A good and Godly TODAY makes the lessons and learning of YESTERDAY some real reasons to be happy. And, the bright prospect of TOMORROW is a vision to pursue, in light of the blessed promises of Father God Almighty to His ever faithful trustees...!

Rejoice & be glad faithful trustees of the unmerited gift of Eternal Life!

The merciful and gracious Lord is faithful all the time...

Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice!

Taking A STEP back to BASIC!

2009-02-17T13:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!

Are you the Performer who desires the best & finest outcome in any given task? I mean, not just any performer, but One who acts in the name of and for the sake of Uprightness, Truth, & Beauty.

In moments when you find yourself at the crossroad, or at the thick or thin, or even at a plateau in your career life, what do you usually do?

Haven't you noticed someone who can't seem to tackle the load of works and complex tasks confronting him even when all material supports are at his disposal?

What of the still able-bodied performer who already made some good marks & impressive breakthroughs, yet at some point in his career life such a one seemed dried up and therefore wanting the fervor to sustain a disciplined focus, much less a zealous drive consistent with previously expressed commitment & purpose in life? Is it because he is not that equipped to become equal to the task which is unlikely? Or, is it because he is no longer in sound condition (psychologically & morally) as he used to be?

In the devotional book, "Into His Presence" authored by Rev. Charles Stanley, I came across an insight that remained hidden in my heart for quite some time until it came out at a time when this blog post is developing. Paraphrasing a portion of that devotional, it is said that a person dries up due to lack of Righteous Spirit. He blows up due to lack of The Word of Life. But when same said person is filled & equipped with The Spirit & The Word, he grows up. Thanks, Rev. Charles Stanley for that! It works in my case!

But the one practical thing that really works day-in & day-out is Taking A STEP back to BASIC when things get rough & tough in the journey-through-life. Translated & placed within its scriptural context, I find the Apostle Paul's exhortartion very basic, it applies to every believer. Here's what Apostle Paul said, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7, NASB,1971).

Amen!

Touching COMMENTS do motivate!

2009-01-22T14:21:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!

What keeps a Writer keep writing or for that matter, a Blogger keep blogging? What perks him up?

To each is his own motivation, of course, depending on his genre.

When I started blogging in June 2008 (My maiden blog: "Cherished Liberty in a Sublime Paradigm", posted on 30th June 2008 at Breakthroughs in Life - http://www.apmreconciliation.blogspot.com/), it was kind of exciting as it still is, that at last a venue would be provided me to express myself with the hope of sharing my stories, testimonies, insights, etc. with as many as can be reached and touched for good. To me, the provision is one of many opportunities to do ministerial endeavor in an open-mission field via the internet.

Truly, it worked so amazingly and it perked me when my 3rd published blog post entitled, "A Sojourner's Perspective" posted on 4th July 2008 at Sublime Paradigm - http://www.apmrecon.blogspot.com/), received a VERY TOUCHING COMMENT from a blest visitor.

To give special recognition as well as accord due justice to my special guest, I'm reproducing herein a true copy of his wonderful and touching comments:

"timberlake.ephisian said...'i was lonely and frustrated in a minute because of life's struggles but i was surprised with your powerful words! do you know that you can bless people in this way? bless you brother in Jesus Christ. life is tough, really tough and sad for me. sometimes i feel so hopeless but i think of him and that keeps me from turning back. most of the time i feel so unlucky of having a hard life and i feel like dying but i stay fighting for my loved ones. you are too blessed to be stressed! let's cheer, let's not stop believing and trusting God. God can still perform miracles, let's not forget it. God bless you blogger and may He answer all your prayer and concerns! likewise'...August 1, 2008, 8:48 AM"

To you my friend in the blogosphere, timberlake.ephisian, I gratefully and humbly say, "COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!"

BE OF GOOD COURAGE!

Was PARADISE really LOST?

2008-09-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!

At first, my naive mind thought that Paradise really got lost. But thank Good Grace, a new realization came clearing off the scales that blurred my vision - that it wasn't Paradise that got lost. For, Paradise never got lost and never will it get lost. As it was in the beginning, so IT IS and WILL EVER BE forever.

What got lost though was the yielding victims of the tricky tempter - the archenemy of Truth, the serpent of old, Satan The Devil, whose fate is doomed to eternal damnation.

Today, the good news is: The enlightened contemporary mind knows better that more than a millennium and a half before John Milton's 17th century PARADISE LOST, the veil of the temple in Jerusalem was already torn signifying the breaking down of the barrier that separated the earth from Heaven, or for that matter, the fallen man from the Holy, Righteous & Glorious God. All because of the ONCE AND FOR ALL Supreme Sacrifice of the Lamb of God - Jesus, The WORD INCARNATE - whose precious blood cleansed the iniquities of the believing humankind.

Believers, ARISE!...look and see Paradise so close right under the nose!

GOOD CHEERS!

Beyond the COMFORT ZONE of "Good Life"

2008-09-05T14:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!

For almost a decade (1997-2006), me and my nuclear family have had our share of life's ebb and flow through "Sweat-tears-blood" in our ancestral farm in Southern Mindanao, Philippines.

For the most part, the decision to move out of the relatively "Good Life" we, as a family, used to enjoy in the metropolis during the late 1980s to early 1990s was solely based on my convicted personal discretion. In a nutshell, my decision was predetermined and predisposed by a persistent moral prodding to attend to the "Unfinished Business" among other unresolved side issues involving the orphaned ancestral family, following the demise of my old man on 5th August 1990.

At first, my wife had a hard time getting into the "Why" and core of what I was up to in my leaving behind the privileged post I was holding in a corporate business establishment in San Juan, Metro Manila. Furthermore, my wife (Bless her) couldn't figure out how things would turn out after leaving behind our COMFORT ZONE in the metropolis to tread into a far flung and underdeveloped territory, not to mention the probable "Culture Shock" our young family might encounter in a indigenous socio-cultural tribal milieu.

Well, those hard and trying episode of our life is, of course, behind us now. As I write, we are back to where we, as a family, started off some two and a half decades ago in the 1980s. Indeed, life's journey has turned full circle as I see it. Only this time, ours has stepped up to a fulfilling and promising dimension.

Friend in the blogosphere, life is, indeed, dynamic. It's a journey. And, in our moving on, we can't do away with making major decisions as circumstances, situations and conditions within and without summon our will to follow and obey as convicted.

Whatever it is that we are up to, believe and trust, we are not alone. Someone Bigger and Higher in the Great Somewhere without and within knows best.

Love, Joy, Peace, Wisdom, Good Health, Prosperity be with you also!

GOOD CHEERS!

The Power of DIVINITY WITHIN

2008-08-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!

Call it culture, lifestyle, tradition or whatever, it is observable amongst carefree cliques to welcome with gaiety amidst boisterous revelry a new arrival of one of them who have gone away for some time for an overseas employment.

A bachelor brother-in-law of mine who just arrived from the middle east came home for a brief vacation following some two to three years of hard work abroad. Upon learning of his presence around, his circle of friends came the following day and presto! the tranquil environ and atmosphere of my family's abode turned messy somehow as unrestrained worldliness compromised our culture of serenity in the house.

What made the moment even more unsettling was the group's insistent that I join the round table ritual of drunken revelry where only one intoxicant-filled glass would be passed around for everyone to sip a shot.

Conscientious that the group's taste and liking isn't my type, much less my nurtured lifestyle, I tried at first to shy away from their runaway indulgence. But coming to think of it, how can I keep my domain, especially my 3 little girls then in their young and tender age (7, 2, & newly-born babe) set apart and be isolated from possible inimical influence of an uncontrolled spree.

Well, thank good grace, I finally arrived at a firm resolve to occupy the reserved seat at the round table, not to get carried away but to make a difference for good.

Armed with the belief and conviction that "TRUTH CAN SET ONE FREE", I asked permission from the group that I be allowed to share some human interest stories to begin with.

As though a SUPERVENING RAY OF LIGHT came shinning in the midst, dissipating the staggering gloomy spirits of almost everyone in the group, I continued on and on. Surprisingly, I noticed that one by one just stood up and left the round table, then went his way off the scene without any bidding of some sort.

Only one guy stayed put to continue listening to the parables I learned from the Hebrew-Christian Scriptures which I would re-echo again and again to anyone willing to lend his ears.

Oh, what the Power of Divinity ("Word of Truth") within can do to make a difference!

Friend, it really pays to exercise the gift and power of FAITH, uphold the certainty of HOPE, and behold the greatness of LOVE.

This blogger is hopeful, YOU, TOO, ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR GOOD WHERE YOU ARE!

Graduating to a HIGHER DIMENSION

2008-08-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!

During one of my visits to his clinic to see our family physician, Dr. Lorie E, in Gensan City, not only was I impressed but greatly blessed by his confession and testimony.

He would share with me some revealing stories of what it really takes to live up to his calling as a committed medical professional.

Humbly admitting that he would feel overwhelmed at times particularly in moments when patients with varied illnesses come for consultations bearing heavy heart, understandably due to their unpleasant conditions.

Seeing and interacting uninterruptedly with long line of sickly persons would make the Doctor, human as he is, feel virtually sick and drained to a point of almost losing professional composure.

At times, Dr. Lorie would be tempted to get impatient with patients who kept coming back uttering the same complaint if not bearing already a worsening health problem. When asked whether or not the patient religiously followed the prescriptions and advises previously given, almost always the answer would be negative.

But what makes my friend, Dr. Lorie, remain wholesome still and always on-the-go a jolly-good-fellow is his conviction. He believes that he has no choice but "TO LOVE THE UNLOVABLE".

That's right. Loving only those who love us is relatively good. But to go the extra-mile by loving even those who care less, for they couldn't even care for themselves is SUPERLATIVE. Surely, this latter kind of love characterizes the One who has graduated to a higher dimension in his spirituality as a God-fearing person.

To my friend, Dr. Lorie..the sickly world needs more of your kind. KEEP IT UP!

Living a LIFE IN FULL

2008-07-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!

If you appreciate the goodness, truth, and beauty you find in your environ;
And you add to them the gifts, talents, and skills endowed in your person;

If you enjoy the good company others can give you;
And yet you love to have quiet moments alone;

If you respect other's views which differ from your own;
And yet you remain firm with what you stand on;

If you admire the good accomplishments others have made;
And feel fulfilled with what you yourself achieved;

If you are grateful with what you already have;
And yet inspired to press on toward perfection;

If you bless even those who persecute you;
And forgive those who hurt you;

If your soul is peaceful and graceful;
Then, you are, indeed, living a life in full.

Feelings and ABSOLUTE TRUTH

2008-07-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!

Feelings and moods change. They are affected and conditioned by momentary situations and circumstances.

Moreover, feelings and moods are emotions and passions that are natural. They are usually relative to the twists and turns, rough and tumble, thick and thin encounters and experiences in the passages of time and events unfolding every now and then in the course of life's journey in the now and the here.

Feelings and moods are variable and vulnerable. But, FACTS AND ABSOLUTE TRUTH remain the same. They are constant.

Here are some Facts and Absolute Truth we can behold and fix our EYES OF FAITH:

THE GOD OF GOODNESS, TRUTH AND BEAUTY IS EVER "IS". HE IS ON TOP AND IN CONTROL OF EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE. AND, ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM WHO LOVE HIM;

IMMANUEL, THE "GOD WITH US" IN JESUS, THE NAZARENE, IS RISEN. HE IS THE LIVING "WORD-MADE-FLESH" THAT REMAINS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER AND EVER. AND, ALL AUTHORITIES IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH ARE GRANTED UNTO HIM. HE IS KING AND LORD OF ALL.

All Believers are exhorted to "Go-Grow-Glow" in the Grace and Knowledge of Him.

Isn't The LIVING WORD made alive in your person and make you a NEW MAN yet?

Friend, you and me are made TO LIVE, not to perish...CHOOSE AND LOVE LIFE!

Praise Goodness! Glory be to The Highest!

A Sojourner's Perspective

2008-07-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Sublime Paradigm!

In your journey through life in the now and the here, it's great to be guided by the following lines:

TO ENDURE AND MERELY HOLD THE LINE IS TELLING ONLY HALF OF LIFE'S STORY.

TO PRESS ON, OVERCOME, AND ACHIEVE VICTORY OVER THE BATTLES IN LIFE IS THE BETTER HALF.

Friend, you may have your own life story of struggles and triumps, press on and continue to fight the good fight of faith.

Meantime, keep posted for more testimonials to ensue!

Be our guest!