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Probably many of us will appreciate more the need to have a close and personal relationship with God (regardless of our religion) if we realize that our birth is not an accident or mishap. Our parents may not have planned our birth. But God did. But more than this. God planned the exact time of our birth and death. All the details of our birth were planned with great precision by God for His own purpose — including our genetic make up. In other words, our God made us for a reason and our life will have meaning only when we make God the focal point in our lives.

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It is important then that we have a clear understanding about God. Many people have different concepts of God. Here is one simple concept that I read some time ago, my favorite.

One well-known English religious leader during the 17th century met one commoner in the street and engaged him in a conversation as follows:

"Where are you going?" Asked the religious leader.

"To church, sir."

"What are you going to do there?"

"To worship God, sir"

"Is your God a great or a little God?" Asked the religious leader

"He is both, Sir."

"How can He be both?"

"He is so great, sir, that the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him; and so little that He can dwell in my heart."

The religious leader later said that this simple answer had more effect on his mind that all the volumes he had ever read about God and all the lectures he had ever heard."

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It is about time we start asking ourselves two serious questions, namely: "Who am I?" and "Why am I here?" But first, we must believe that there is a God who made us for a reason. Because, if there is no God we would all be here by astronomical random chance — by accident, that is. But mind you, God is not only the beginning of our lives. He is the source of our lives. This is the reason our identity and purpose in life is found only through a relationship with God.

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Unfortunately, there are many around us who do not believe in the existence of God. One friend of mine who does not believe in the existence of God told me: "Nelly, I do not think there is a God. Because why did God who is supposed to care for us and love us create hell where people are damned for eternity? Why would a good God allow people to suffer in hell forever. How cruel this God is. So I would rather believe that there is no God." My friend is an atheist. I have been praying for this friend of mine to be enlightened and to develop the interest to read the Holy Bible. It would be futile for me to argue with him and refute him. Prayers and not arguments and discussions will bring my friend back to God.

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We all need that "Inside connection with God." To be truly children of God. It does not need a spiritual technique or discipline to attain this connection with God. Rather, it is the outgrowth of an Intimate relationship with God. Intimacy with God is not attained by going to church on Sunday; or having Bible-believing parents; or studying in a Bible school. This relationship is sustained through communication with God. We call it prayer. A channel of blessing that God has chosen. Lest we forget, there are some things that only God can do. Let us just let God take over. Let us just let God be God. Our lives will be simpler. It is like running a store, which a clerk knows nothing about. A clerk knows nothing about the management and the upkeep of the store. These are the owner’s concern. As a Christian writer once said: "This Christ is simply turning the little shop of life, so woefully perplexing over to another. Christ becomes owner, manager, overseer; his is the responsibility, the upkeep. Our part is to be like a faithful clerk, steward of the grace of God. And one day, if you have been faithful over a few things, He will give you a heavenly shop in the city of the King!"

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The message that I am trying to convey is that when life becomes a raging storm-let’s cry to our Lord God and say, "Lord, I need your help." In Matthew 11:28, we find the following reassuring promise: "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."

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This column continues to give out copies of the Holy Bible for free to those who cannot afford to buy their own copies. If Interested, please send your letter-request to Ms. Nelly Favis Villafuerte 5th Floor, Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas (BSP), Roxas Blvd., Manila Kindly mention if it is the Tagalog, English, Cebuano, or Ilocano version that is preferred.

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This column is also giving out for free a 42-page 3x5 inch booklet that briefly explains the said doctrine of salvation presented in the Holy Bible. To those who are struggling as to what the Holy Bible really says on how souls can be saved from eternal damnation, please do not hesitate to write me and ask for a copy of this booklet. Let us not forget the Biblical verse that says "What profits a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?"

Have a joyful day!