Hi Pastor John,
I pondered these recently and I thought to share them. John 10:14 – I am the good shepherd, and I know My sheep and am known by My own. I know that I am young, but I am serious about my faith. I even left my church family for truth because Christianity is not from God. God is not three in one. The wrong doctrines of Christianity have. We need to be baptized with the Holy Ghost to be born again and not in water. All of those are the reasons why I left the church. It took a lot of courage to do that, but God has been faithful. Along the way was not easy but I kept on.
I met different people and opened my eyes to the reality of life that I never learned before. One of those was when I was a teacher. How other nationalities view Filipino people. One of my students said that Filipinos are easy to get because they are poor, and they go to other countries to make money. They do anything for money. I even encountered students who were very difficult to deal with having different personalities with no knowledge of God. Instead of being mean to them, I treated them right. As Corinthians 16:14 – Let all you do be done in love. Romans 12:17-18: Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Those experiences deepen my relationship and total reliance on God. The more I know who He is and understand His word. I believe it’s not just me but also those who are his sheep. Our experiences shape us into who we are now. The Bible tells us in John 16:33 In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” It’s normal for believers to experience suffering and hardship. James 1:12 says: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
It’s clear to me now, It’s not about the church or group you belong but the question is. Does God know you? Do you know God? It’s about the person who experienced Ezekiel 36:26-27. We didn’t choose God, but God chose us (John 15:16). In the judgment day in Matthew 7:21-23:
“Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. “
I remember this verse in 1 Timothy 4:12 – Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
Thank you for your kindness.
Leika
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Beautiful, Leika.
A person who walks uprightly in integrity and godliness never has to demand respect from others. One will have the respect of others when genuine integrity is there. And you have ours, dear Leika.
Thank you for writing.
Pastor John