Hide Behind the Tree

My love story is not at all dull and boring. I had a special girl in college whom I am going to tell you about. She keeps her life private. She is the quiet type who dislikes attention to herself. when we were going steady, she even told me not to tell anybody about our relationship.

I love her so much that I wanted everyone to know that she is my girl. I used to fetch her from school almost every day. But each time I would wait for her after school, she said, her classmates would tease her and tell her that I am outside waiting underneath a tree, and even some schoolmates whom she does not know would ask her if I am her boyfriend. She told me how she was annoyed by all these, and said,

"Mahal (My love), next time, please hide behind the tree. "

I was so hurt and asked her, "Why? Are you ashamed of me?" She answered.

"No, I just want some privacy."
I was immature then, I got so upset, and thought she did not love me.


Then I fell in love again, This time with the Lord Jesus Christ, and it was so different. At times, though, when He asked me to share His love to others, I felt like ..
"hiding behind a tree" .

He asked, "Why , my son? Are you ashamed of me?" I answered,
"No, I just want to keep our relationship secret."

Regretful, I remembered that He took all the shame when He was nailed on the cross for me. Now, I am no longer ashamed to share his love to others.
And I will not hide behind the tree .. anymore .

Bible Reading 10:32-33

Matthew 10:32-33 Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

Meaning: I will acknowledge Jesus for Him to acknowledge me to His father in heaven

Application: I will start telling the love of Jesus to my family and friends

Character of Jesus: He doesn't want us to be ashamed of Him

A Very Special Gift

My uncle, who was a lawyer, received a very expensive gift from one of his clients. It was a glass horse about one foot high, so shiny and heavy. He showed it to me and as a young boy I always wanted to touch it and play with it. He placed it on top of his high cabinet.

My uncle was such a thoughtful person. He would remember everyone's birthday in the family including mine. He would always have a special birthday gift.


One time, it was my birthday and I went to his house but he was not around. Then i saw that glass horse atop. I was tempted to reach out for it. Stepping on the sofa, I stretched my short arms and small clumsy hand, held on the horse's legs, but suddenly it slipped my fingers. It fell, hit the floor so hard and was broken into pieces. My uncle was so disappointed when he found out. He did not give me a special gift for my birthday but instead gave me a scolding for what I did. I was also disappointed and I could not forgive myself.


When Jesus died on the cross He took away all our sins-- of the past and of the future. when we receive Him He will give us a special gift. It is a gift of eternal life-- our salvation. I believe that even if sometimes we fall and sin, He is always there ready to forgive and will not take away His special gift.

I love you Jesus.

Bible Reading: Matthew 9:9-13

9As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
10While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
12On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice." For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Meaning: Jesus loves a sinner who follows Him.

Application: He loves me a sinner but I have to stop sinning like Matthew

Character of Jesus: He came for a sinner like me