Dominion: The Battle For Your Heart

What: United Evangelical Church of Malabon 10th Winter Camp


When: December 26 - 30, 2011


Where: Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary, Baguio City, Philippines


Theme: Dominion: The Battle For Your Heart

Who has dominion in your hearts? What / Who has taken a hold in your heart? This question is very important because what is inside your heart will naturally flow out in your life. If worldly things have taken up space in your heart then your focus will definitely not be on God. The Bible says we cannot serve two masters.

These other things are what we call our "idols". The definition of "idols" have changed over the years. In the days of Moses, these things refer to crafted images that were used in pagan worship. But in this age, "idols" refer to something / someone that has your priority and value. In short, these "idols" have taken up most of our time, effort, money, life to the extent that, sometimes, we sin to get it or we sin if we do not get it.

The bottom line is: Because our heart is sinful and deceitful, we cannot trust it. The mind says it is wrong, but the heart tells the mind that we should get what we want. But when we accepted Christ into our life, He gives us a renewed heart - a heart that desires after God. He also gave us the Holy Spirit and His Word to guide us in living a life that is pleasing to God.

Theme verse: James 4: 7-8 

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Theme song: Lord I Will Bow To You

Lord, I will bow to You
To no other god, but You alone.
Lord, I will worship You
Nothing hands have made, but You alone.

I will lay down my idols,
Thrones I have made,
All that has taken my heart.

Lord, I will bow to You
To no other god, but You alone.

Some pictures from the camp:

Me... giving the opening remarks

My counselling group

All of the campers, officers, counselors and speakers

My Wacky officers

Hope this inspires you to evaluate your life as well!

Some references:

UECM webite: http://uecmalabon.org/

PBTS website: http://www.pbts.net.ph/

Not I, But Christ by UECM Singers from Sola Gratia

Hello again... Ü This post is about a fabulous original song by the senior pastor's wife (Ptr. Hensie Reyes) in Church, UECM. It is aptly taken from Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." This version was arranged by another pastor's wife (Ptr. Dorie Li) so basically this is a collaboration of two great minds. :) The title of the album is Sola Gratia which means "Grace alone." On to the theme... which is clearly seen in the title. Every line speaks of this theme. The chorus resounds of the same words as the verse it was taken from. The whole song blends cohesively to come out saying that everything is because of Christ. I love the play of words in verse 1 (love - love unending, lived - life, died - dying, sinful self - save). Bottom line is salvation is God's work and so all glory belongs to Him as well.


Here are the lyrics of the song:

Verse 1:

Not I, but Christ has loved with love unending.

Not I, but Christ has lived his life to give.

Not I, but Christ has died to conquer dying.

Not I, but Christ my sinful self can save.

Chorus:

And now for me to live is none but Jesus.

No longer I, for me to live is Christ.

And now for me to live is none but Jesus.

No longer I, for me to live is Christ.

Verse 2:

Not I, but Christ has brought us full salvation.

Not I, but Christ the world's transgressions bore.

Not I, But Christ deserves our celebration.

Not I, but Christ be lifted and adored.

Chorus:

And now for me to live is none but Jesus.

No longer I, for me to live is Christ.

And now for me to live is none but Jesus.

No longer I, for me to live is Christ.

Here's the mp3 version:





I will upload any videos if I find one, but for now just listen the song. Oh by the way, this is in a capella :)