God is my Everything

 

What is to be a Teacher?

 

We can all be teachers—

Not in a professional sense, I mean,

But in the willingness to share

What we know and what we learn.

A child, a teenager, or an adult—

Each of us can make an impact,

Wherever we may be,

Whatever we may do.

To teach is not to boast,

Nor to demean or insult.

It is to show care and kindness,

Through our words and our actions.

The greatest example of all

Is our Master Teacher in heaven.

Though we may stumble and fail,

He never has, never does, and never will.

Jesus taught us humility.

He taught us not to strike back.

Through His love, He showed us grace—

Through His justice, He showed us fairness.

~ S.M

(09.07.21)

Live with Joy, Courage and Patience

I am so thankful for God's unfailing love and His abundant mercy. I feel blessed with God's message today about being joyful in all circumstances. It can be easy to feel happy when everything is okay, yet the depth of one's maturity is tested greatly in times of difficulties.

I love these Bible verses in 

Habakkuk 3:17-19(GNT):

"Even though the fig trees have no fruit and no grapes grow on the vines, 

even though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no grain, 

even though the sheep all die and the cattle stalls are empty,

I will still be joyful and glad, because the Lord God is my savior.

The Sovereign Lord gives me strength. 

He makes me sure-footed as a deer and keeps me safe on the mountains."

Surely, God's goodness isn't dependent on us. He is good all the time. We can trust that His ways are higher than ours, and His thoughts are far greater than ours. We can't judge our lives based on just what we see and feel, and how others perceive them. I believe that it's God alone can fully know and explain the big picture.

With the rise of social media, we may feel disheartened due to toxic comparisons, and I am guilty about that. But I thank God for rebuking me each time I feel discontented, that I should focus more on what I have and who I am with, at this season of my life, instead. I thank God for having my immediate family and extended families, which include my brother and sisters' loved ones.

As we start our day, may we utter a prayer unto God, thanking Him for the good rest and for the protection of our families. May our lives be a living testament of God's grace to others - pressing on amidst sufferings. Let God handle what is to come and focus on the now - exhorting one another until Jesus comes again, putting this Scripture into heart:

"Do not lose your courage then,

because it brings with it

a great reward. 

You need to be patient

in order to do the will of God

and receive what he promises."

(Hebrews 10:35-36 GNT)

When Truth and Love Collide

 

I always believe that everything happens for a reason, and the only permanent in this world is change. Sometimes, things change due to unforeseen circumstances though other times it happens by choice. Sadly, as human as we are, we tend to choose the wrong path, whether unknowingly or intentionally. 

This is where accountability comes in since I also believe that each one of us has some blind spots that only the other person can see. That is why it's vital to have a humble and teachable heart, and learn from others' perceptions and experiences, too. On the other hand, it's better to be more understanding of other's flaws and weaknesses that instead of condemning or backbiting, we are to support each other, and help one another thrive and bloom in truth and love.

I'm sharing this because I was once stubborn to listen to others since I was blinded by my academic and career achievements that I became too focused on others' imperfections instead of allowing the Holy Spirit mature me to be more like Christ, as well. On the flip side of me being self-righteous, I also experienced being too lax in my Christian walk, and let my flesh reigned over me instead of the Spirit of God, and got stuck in sinful habits. I listened more to the lies of Satan and ignored God's truth. I allowed my insecurities and fears influenced my dealings with others, neglecting myself in the process, slowly and subtly dying inside. I was desperate for help yet running away from people who could help me rise again, and move on.

Later on, God made me realize through His Word and my fellow Christians that Christianity isn't about perfection, but it's transformation. We just keep going, and as we go, we grow. I must listen more to God's truth, and as I learn, I share. I must seek God first in every area of my life and let the love of Christ manifest through my words and actions. This is my encouragement to all believers and followers of Jesus Christ,

[12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. [15] Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. [16] Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. [17] And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossian 3:12-17 NIV)