From 2021 to 2022

Once again, we have arrived the end of the year and the New Year 2022 is just around the corner. 2021 has been the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic and it has been the year of vaccination for many. Personally, I had gone through three shots of COVID-19 vaccines (two standard shots with one booster shot). Even so, in all honesty, I still do not feel that I am not going to be infected with COVID-19 virus although I have to admit that the risk of dying from COVID-19 has been mitigated effectively, at least from the surface.

Time is life and it goes on with or without this pandemic that is looming over all of us. Thinking through how my life has been in 2021, I must say that I have to give thanks to the LORD for watching over me and my family, seeing us through each day of our lives. It is all by the grace of GOD which gives me the hope to face the challenges of my life. The struggles of walking in the flesh versus walking in the Spirit tarries on but one thing that I know I can hold on to is GOD’s forgiveness, love and mercy towards me. Not that I should take His grace for granted but I am becoming more aware of how weak I am and truly how much I am in desperate need of His grace demonstrated in Christ to be able to come before His presence.

Though He slay me,

I will hope in Him.

Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him.

This also will be my salvation,

For a godless person cannot come before His presence.

- Job 13:15-16

Only by Christ can I enter into GOD’s presence. Apart from Christ, I can do nothing because I am nothing but dust who is not even worthy to come before GOD. And dust will I return (Job 34:14-15, Ecclesiastes 3:20). In Christ, I now am able to come before GOD but on this side of heaven, my struggles of walking rightly with GOD are still very much alive. This is why I need to continue to practise penitence and obedience to GOD’s word daily as mentioned by Zophar the Naamathite:

If wrongdoing is in your hand, put it far away,

And do not let malice dwell in your tents;

Then, indeed, you could lift up your face without moral blemish,

And you would be firmly established and not fear.

For you would forget your trouble;

Like waters that have passed by, you would remember it.

Your life would be brighter than noonday;

Darkness would be like the morning.

Then you would trust, because there is hope;

And you would look around and rest securely.

-          Job 11:14-18

This is the area I would need to focus on not just in 2021 but also in 2022 and beyond, depending on the number of days that GOD has ordained me to live. In the coming New Year, there is the need for continued focus on the sanctification process in my Christian living before GOD (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8). This is truly what GOD’s will is and I need to understand it (Ephesians 5:15-17).

Granted, GOD is never obligated to bless anyone even if one stays true to penitence and obedience to Him a hundred percent (not that anyone can be so perfect in doing so in the first place!) because we all have fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Therefore, there are definitely opportunities for GOD to pronounce sufferings on me which may or may not due to my disobedience. My response would have to be one that echoes Job 13:15, Though He slays me, I will hope in Him because He is my Only Hope.

As I approach 2022, I would like to be arriving with the constant meditation of the Gospel. Let’s remind ourselves once again the What, Who, When, Where, Why, How of this Good News:

What?

The Good News is about Jesus Christ. Christmas Day commemorates His Life, Good Friday commemorates His Death and Easter Day commemorates His Resurrection. This is like a 3-part trilogy series and all three events come together to tell the complete story of why only Jesus Christ is the spiritual vaccine approved and endorsed by GOD. 100% effective and proven over a long history of at least 2000 years. He is Our Only Hope.

Who?

Jesus Christ is the main character in the Good News because He is the Son of GOD (Luke 1:35) and the Son of Man (Mark 10:45). These dual identities prove that Jesus is fully GOD and fully Man at the same instance. Because of these dual identities that Jesus is, He is the Only person to be able to fulfil the role of atonement for all of us. Being fully GOD, Jesus is sinless and being fully man, He represents all of us before GOD. When Jesus lived out a sinless life and yet died on the Cross for our sins as punished by GOD, He atoned for all of us and saved our souls from GOD’s judgement on us.

When?

The happening of this good news segregated our human history to two different distinct eras – Before Christ (BC) and Anno Domini (AD) which means in the year of the LORD. My view is that this shows us that GOD is highlighting the importance of the person of Jesus in history. No other prominent human figure had been noted to split human history to different eras. A special time destined by GOD as spelt out by the Bible in Galatians 4:4-5.

Where?

Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem, located in Palestine in His day. This is also mentioned in the word of GOD, Micah 5:2.

Why?

GOD is Holy and the Righteous Judge and He is angry with the wicked (all of us) everyday (Psalm 7:11). We as humans have sinned and fallen short of GOD’s glory (Romans 3:23). Because GOD made us, He own us and when we rebel (spiritual pandemic), we would bear the consequences that GOD has in place for us. GOD is impartial and so we are sure that we are going to be punished by Him for our rebelliousness. That punishment is the decimation of our souls in the lake of fire (Revelations 20:14-15). There is no escape route for all of us until GOD destined Jesus Christ, His Son to be the Only Hope of Salvation (1 Timothy 2:5) for us. Because of GOD’s love, grace is now extended to those of us who put our faith in Christ.

How?

How is the good news possible? The good news exists because of GOD’s love for all of us. Even though, GOD being Holy and the Righteous Judge cannot leave sin unpunished but GOD being love provided the only way for all of us to be pardoned and to be reconciled in our relationship with Him. The scene of Jesus being crucified at the cross had shown to all of us that GOD is the Righteous Judge who punishes sin and also that GOD is love by sacrificing His Only Son so that His Grace can be extended to all who believe in Jesus to be adopted as His children. Christians (the followers of Christ) are always thankful to GOD that He has provided all of us a way to salvation although it would have been much easier for GOD to just pronounce judgement directly instead. We are amazed that GOD could provide even this one and only way and it satisfied all of his characters – being Holy & Righteous and also being a GOD of love and mercy all at the same time.

A simple quote about our human life in general:

Life is Short,

Death is Sure.

Sin the Cause,

Christ the Cure.

Everyone needs Christ. As Christians, we need Christ to be the model of our lives so that we can strive to be like Him in how we behave towards others. To do so, we all need to preach the Gospel to ourselves afresh daily. The goal of Christian Living is to see GOD face to face and hear His praise that we are His good and faithful servants. Let’s press on in living out this goal in 2022.

Have a Blessed New Year.

Learning to be Content

When Anxious, Pray...

To Know Christ

Prove to be children of GOD

Consider Others Above Myself

Live & Suffer for Christ

Blameless before GOD

The King of Heaven

Even if He does not...

The Kingdom of GOD

Be Undefiled

 

Remember

Transiting from 2020 to 2021

As we come to the end of 2020, we attest to the fact that 2020 is a pandemic year. The global pandemic of COVID-19 has definitely thrown everyone off this year. However as a Christian, I truly believe that GOD has ordained COVID-19 to serve His Purpose. Therefore, Christians should not despair because of the sufferings or inconvenience that come about with COVID-19. The simple reason is GOD is Sovereign (Job 42:2, Psalm 115:3, Isaiah 45:7-9, Matthew 19:26) and so even if COVID-19 makes you sick and weak and / or it render you unemployed becoming poor and hungry, Christians have to trust GOD (Matthew 6:25-34). Many times, Christians worry just like the others of this world and this type of modus operandi is one used by our enemy, the devil. He seeks to cause doubt in our GOD (Genesis 3:1) and the fear of death in our hearts (Philippians 1:21). Just as when Christ, the Son of GOD was revealed, the devil sought to incite doubts through temptations (Matthew 4:1-11) and eventually to kill Him on the Cross (John 19:17-18).

 

But this verse which recorded what Christ had said is apt:

 

"Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

- Matthew 10:28

 

Yes, we are going through hard times but remember that GOD is in full control because through Christ's Work on the Cross, He has already proven that He is able to redeem us from the most dire situations ever. In my humble opinion, GOD ordained COVID-19 to come to pass because He wants all of us as the people of His Kingdom to refocus upon Him. The question remains if we truly believe that GOD is Sovereign over all matters under the sun (Ecclesiastes 6:1-2).

In this pandemic year, I faced with many challenges and by the Grace of GOD, He has seen my family and I through the year. Giving thanks to the LORD is the posture I undertake for the most part of this year. In expressing my gratitude to my LORD, I soon realized that I have absolutely no control over the situations of my life at all but GOD does (Proverbs 19:21). GOD calls the shot, not me and this is my learning point for 2020. Accepting this point reveals to me the need to deny myself, take up the Cross daily and follow Christ (Luke 9:23). This sums up the meditation of my life in 2020 as I handle work and family, playing the roles of a counsellor, a husband and a father. The challenges are immense but I now came to the realization that if I look beyond myself, my own needs under the sun, then I would be able to seek GOD’s Kingdom and Righteousness (Matthew 6:33) first Where He exists beyond the sun (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). This thus would be the moment when I am truly living out the Purpose of GOD which is to shape me to be more Christlike and, in this regard, to put others’ interests above my own (Philippians 2:3-5) - the goal of Christian living.

O Christians, may we learn how to seek first GOD’s Kingdom and Righteousness always in 2021 and remember that we are Heaven’s Citizens passing through this earth for a limited period of time. Let our time on earth be spent fulfilling the Will of our Abba Father by echoing what Jesus said (John 4:34). Have a Blessed New Year ahead. 🙏🏽

Change of Heart Needed

 

Finally...

 

Walk Wisely

 

Thinking about the Christian life

Intimate Christ

Speaking the Truth in LOVE

The POWER within us

Christ's Workmanship

Saved in CHRIST!

Keep Doing Good for All

Be There for One Another

Freed from Slavery

One in Christ Jesus

Live to CHRIST

Closure of 2019 Chapter

As we approach the closure of another year, the last twelve months of my life was spent across my family, my studies and my work. There were challenges along the way but through GOD’s Grace, I managed to overcome them. There were moments of sadness and regrets because one of my pastors passed on suddenly but yet again, these moments highlight the fact that I do not have control over anything and I can only look to GOD. The only true GOD and Jesus Christ Whom He has sent (John 17:3).

My second daughter came in April and I am now a father of two. With prior experience, my wife and I do realize that it was easier on us as we brought her home from the hospital to start caring for her well-being. Personally, parenthood is an advanced moulding and training of my soul compared to marriage which serves as a basic level, now that I looked back on my journey so far. Kids bring joy to the family but they also reveal my own sins greatly. The fathering experience allows me to realize how rebellious I can be spiritually to my Father in heaven. Being a father brings to my mind in practice how it is like for my Father to sacrifice His Only Son. Fathering is not a job for the faint-hearted. I can only learn as I go along, concurring with the fact that I am never perfect and would definitely make grave mistakes but I have to learn from them to improve on my fathering role.

My studies in counselling would come to an end in March, 2020. It had been a challenging journey not because of the course work but the sacrifices which I would have to make in order to attain this degree. At this juncture, I am glad that I am completing my studies soon and made the right choice to upgrade myself. I thank GOD for opening the door for me to become a counsellor and how the counselling journey has been a fruitful one for me. Discovering my own interest in counselling has been a wonderful experience that widens my perspective in how one crafts out a career path. My heart is grateful to GOD who answers my prayers when I pray for a new direction in my career.

With my completion of my studies, I am excited to apply what I have learnt to my work as a counsellor. I hope to improve on my counselling skills continually as I work with more clients. As I dedicate the remaining time of my career journey to counselling, I would like to make impact in people’s lives. Consequently, I hope my children will be inspired as I share my career journey with them in the coming years.

2019 had been a year where I felt split across different roles, as a father, a husband, a student and a counsellor. It was busy for me and I also learnt that in the midst of busyness, I can trust in GOD who has a much clearer direction and plan for me. In this coming New Year, I pray that I can spend time to focus on my church in building up the church body and encouraging fellow brothers in their walk with our LORD. I wish all a Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year ahead.

What is Eternal Life?

Spirit of Truth

Vine and Branches

Love GOD

Love One Another

Abundant Life

The Truth

Living Water

The Harvest

My Food

Born Again

Children of GOD

2018 Recall

Yet another year of 365 days had come to past. I thank GOD for blessing me with a good wife and a cute daughter. We had a blessed year where we are provided for and GOD has granted me a stable job. In addition, my wife and I also thank GOD for giving us another child who will be arriving in Apr / May next year. We look forward to how GOD would see us through the upcoming challenges for us in 2019…

Engage Minds by Reason

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 

- 1 Peter 3:15

Give Thanks to the LORD

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

- 2 Corinthians 9:15

Our Awesome GOD

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
    or who has been his counselor?”

“Or who has given a gift to him
    that he might be repaid?”

For from him and through him and to him are all things. 
To him be glory forever. Amen.

- Romans 11:33-36

Cheerful & Joyful Heart

A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

- Proverbs 17:22

Hearts are Tested...

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
    but the Lord tests the heart.

- Proverbs 17:3

Seek God Always

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

- Jeremiah 29:13

Drink Fresh Water

Drink water from your own cistern

And fresh water from your own well.

Should your springs be dispersed abroad,

Streams of water in the streets?

Let them be yours alone

And not for strangers with you.

Let your fountain be blessed,

And rejoice in the wife of your youth.

As a loving hind and a graceful doe,

Let her breasts satisfy you at all times;

Be exhilarated always with her love.

For why should you, my son, be exhilarated with an adulteress

And embrace the bosom of a foreigner?

For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord,

And He watches all his paths.

- Proverbs 5:15-21

Know the Will of GOD

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

- 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8