deeperthanyesterday

     I am halfway through my final semester for the final year of my studies. I still have 6 weeks left to prepare 4 research papers for the 4 courses that I'm taking this semester. Prior to my studying, I considered becoming a research associate even after my studies. Then I realized the main task of a researcher is to research and read articles and books. For the past several weeks I was slowly discovering that I have to learn a lot for research and I have to improve my reading and writing skills, especially in academic types. I think this is a problem in my life. God is the answer. If you have obstacles in life, "don't face your problem by your own strength" 1 and lay it down everything to God. I should've approached God first at the very first moment I realized this problem of mine months ago.      "Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish." 2 - John 6:11...

     If one likes a woman, people will often tell that person to immediately make a "move" even from the group of believers. Those people are not necessarily wrong. But rarely they will say, "Hear God's voice first". We are in a culture where "moving", especially on getting to know a woman is always in a proactive state, especially if the person is already in his 30s. Sometimes "moving" is best practice in "not-moving" and letting God do his work. God through the Holy Spirit will tell the person specifically what to do and when to do it. The problem is if we intervene in God's timing, we might be diverting his way and going against his plan. The key is to totally trust him. Don't let the voices around you pressure you on what to do, and "don't allow man and culture to tell you how to live" 1 . Stick with what the word of God says and his promises.   "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and al...

     Last night I had a decent conversation with my sisters in Christ and one of the topics that we touched on is associated with the concerns in life in our season. I paradigm of approaching this model is always bible based with added insights from the core leaders of the church who had gone before us. It is true that their methodology before may or may not be applied in our present context today. I'm a firm believer that the wisdom from previous generations speak significantly with volumes on how we can run our lives today. The downside is, if we take it to the extreme we might not leave room to the movement of the Holy Spirit which is unique to each person's narrative.       "God is building your character... Waiting will develop your character". 1 The scriptures are not explicit when it comes to the age of transitioning from one season to the next. The crucial part is inquiring about the word of the Lord. Before hearing his voice, we ought to come...

     This question from Matthew 19:16, "Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 1 has the potential for a new reader of the gospel to focus on getting to heaven or being saved. In  After you believe by N.T. Wright 2 , explains the nature of Jesus' response to this man that we are to live communally with the believers. He didn't just save us and take our lives to be with him in paradise, rather than emphasizing its benefits, there's also a mission to do here in our earthly life which is associated with our calling.      "We want to enjoy his presence here on earth, not just acquire the benefits of forgiveness and being part of his family." 3 Living communally with the people of God entails the joyful part of living ourselves for God here on earth. As we truly enjoy the God-given gift of grace, we ought to share his love and extend his forgiveness to others. The benefits that we obtained fro...

     People today are living in accordance with how the world works. Study hard, finish high school, then choose if you want to proceed with college or just figure out what you want to do next and get a full-time job. Why do we need to go to college or get a full-time job? To establish a career. Why do we need a career? To have money to survive and provide for the future if you want to have a family or just enjoy life. It does not necessarily wrong or bad with this paradigm but without hearing what the scriptures say on this matter we might have limited thinking.     "Sometimes God will ask you to do the  ridiculous  before he brings about the  miraculous ." 1 Rarely, do people tell you, "Take your time", "Just contemplate", "Give your savings to the poor", "Abide in the word of God", and "Relax, and volunteer at the non-profit organization"? Oftentimes the voice of the world is in rush mode, "Go! Go! Go!", "Ho...