In reviewing my life, prayer and faith illuminated my journey. There were many times when my faith was smaller than a mustard seed, and the hurdles insurmountable, but He who promised to be with me, strengthened my little faith, which kept me moving past the unexpected gigantic problems (Philippians 4:13). At least that was what … Continue reading How Did I Keep Believing #29
Elementary Faith is Basic #28
Elementary Faith was/is Basic in My Life: #28 For me, "faith" began as a mustard seed, which I had to put into the ground (into my heart), then I had to care for it so that God’s Spirit could make it grow. Growth, itself, requires constant attention to keep faith on track. We must partner … Continue reading Elementary Faith is Basic #28
Losing Confidence in Faith:#27
Losing Confidence in Faith: #27 The writer of the Hebrew Christians, in Chapter 11, verse 6, made this statement: “And without faith it is impossible to please Him (God). For whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” It is not just the invisible, … Continue reading Losing Confidence in Faith:#27
What has Self-Confidence done for me? #26
What Has Self-Confidence Done for Me? #26 In the previous chapter, I shared how my self-confidence resembled a thermometer. Accidents, mistakes, unpleasant surprises, health problems, and many other troubling things dropped and raised my confidence. However, my confidence never fell below a level where I could not come back and rebuild it. In retrospect, I … Continue reading What has Self-Confidence done for me? #26
My Loss of Self-confidence #25
In seconds, I had become physically and mentally helpless, useless, and confined to seclusion. I also came from a background that regarded my accident as a “divine act of correction and punishment.” My conscience agreed with that belief and it kept plaguing me for years to come. Nevertheless, it revived my faith! I began to … Continue reading My Loss of Self-confidence #25
Why am I in this world? #24
Why am I still in this world? The reason for me being here is you! I cannot get into Christ’s Kingdom without making things right with you. God made us “keepers of each other” and we are responsible for each other’s salvation (Genesis 4:9-11; Ezekiel 3:17-21; John 20:22-23;Matthew 6:14-15; James 5:19-20). All these references have … Continue reading Why am I in this world? #24
How do I stay saved? #23
For me to stay saved means to stay and live in “grace” and practice “grace” in my daily living. It also means to live in Christ and do what He has commanded. One of Christ’s Commands was that if I do not forgive I forfeit my right to be forgiven. Forgiveness itself is a life-long … Continue reading How do I stay saved? #23
Has “Grace” freed me from sinning? #22
Has Grace set me free from sinning? Oh, how I wished that it were so! However, I am in a body of flesh and blood that does not stop craving for things that are harmful. I can and do taste what is harmful, but if I swallow it, I end up with indigestion. Then, if … Continue reading Has “Grace” freed me from sinning? #22
Practice made Grace Real #21
Practice makes Grace Real #21 I was born into a multicultural environment where we exchanged favors without having anything in common. In school, I was able to do favors for my classmates who pretended to be my friends, but when rumors of war came, my friends became my enemies. Their parents were in power, and … Continue reading Practice made Grace Real #21
How is Grace back to God? #20
To me, “God and Grace” are one and the same. Without Grace, the world would have fallen apart long ago. But --- how then --- does the “Grace of God” work? How does “Grace” keep the world running? Like God, who is Spirit, Grace needs a body to live in. The world itself is a … Continue reading How is Grace back to God? #20