A Courageous Spirit

A Courageous Spirit

The corona virus has caused fear and panic among us. It has changed our business plans and strategies. For some, this pandemic caused their lives, liberty and employment. It has prompted businesses to close down and we were one of those who were severly affected in the business industry. It’s hard.

Today, I received an assurance and a reminder from the scripture. It says, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love, and self-control.” It was a relief from a day of thinking how to make ends meet for it is an assurance from God that we will survive. It also gave confidence and cleared my thoughts from which business strategy I should take . It was a relief!

But reading the whole chapter made me realized that this verse is not about my business and financial security. Reading further reveals that this is about the assurance of God to those who share and proclaim the gospel. It was St. Paul’s letter to Timothy reminding him that God has given not the spirit of fear but power and love, and self-control to those who serve Him.

See, we can relate verses from the bible in the way we handle business and finance. It works but the very essence of the scriptures isn’t just about money. The essence is about our Salvation and His Lordship over our lives expressed by His great Love for us. We have our jobs, businesses and whatever that’s keeping us busy to earn a living; It’s fine, but remember that we also have a responsibility mandated by God - to spread the Gospel.

A courageous spirit is assured for those who carry and share the gospel. It is not a spirit of fear that reigns in them but power, love and self-control.

Have a great morning!

—————-
#Jeflivs
#Preach2Self

Sin that Separates

We often hear from preachers saying, “sin separates man from God.” Yes, that is the truth. Another
truth is that sin separates us from people close to us too. It affects our relationships destroying memories built over the years. In a world where we are supposed to create good lasting memories, sin paints it black.

In families, children are the greatest casualties of sin - directly or indirectly. As parents, it is not the lessons we teach our kids that they learn most but from the things we do. Grown ups are role models to the younger generation whether you like it or not. Being older is a responsibility you cannot evade. It comes with your age for as long as there are people younger than you and looking up to you.

Sometimes It makes me think if theology can cease a person to sin;
Sometimes it makes me wonder if religiousity can cease a person to sin;
Sometimes it makes me doubtful if raising your hand in church and all the Halleluiahs can cease a person to sin;
But one thing l’m certain of,
play with theology...
play with religiousity...
play “churchy-churchy”...
play with Halleluiahs...
and you are playing with your salvation.

In tagalog:
Kunwakunwaring kinikilala ang Diyos
Nagsisimba-simbahan...
Nagbabait-baitan...
Ang kaligtasan mo nagkukunwari-kunwarihan din at baka naglalangit-langitan ka lang.

The enemy came to Steal (Magnakaw), Kill (Pumatay) and Destroy (Manira).

So what now can truly cease a person to sin?
It is not a question of what but who. It is through a geniune relationship with Jesus. Jesus came to restore and give us new life.

It is not enough that we read the bible and know God. It is how we apply it. Take it seriously and consistently. A relationship with Jesus is a continuous walk and not a short-time love affair. It is a non-ending journey with Him until we finally meet Him in the final judgement. These will be the only words we will be longing to hear when that time comes, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Have a blessed morning!