Hard Times

Many things happen in our lives and many more will continue to happen. Sometimes it can be difficult going through hard times, and sometimes we may not understand why, but one thing is sure, all things work together for good, according to God's purpose in our lives (Romans 8:28).

If you ask God to answer a need, you can be sure He will answer your prayer, but sometimes the answer can be immediate, sometimes longer, or sometimes you may have to go through it. All prayers are answered, whether now or later, yes or no. All you need to do is trust Him and give your heart to Him (Proverbs 3:5-6). Lay your worries and troubles at His feet and worry no more, for God is with you, He will help you and take care of you (Isaiah 41:10).

Therefore ...
'Do not fear, for I (God) am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' (Isaiah 41:10 NAS)

Remember what Jesus says ...
... ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (Luke 11:9 NAS)

Sometimes ...
You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, (James 4:2b-3a NAS)

Therefore ...
... seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33 NAS)

Do not worry then, saying, `What will we eat?' or `What will we drink?' or `What will we wear for clothing?' ... for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. (Matthew 6:31-32 NAS)

So ...
... do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34 NAS)

A Day of Celebration

After twenty years of on and off attending classes, writing assignments, and sitting for tests, I am finally attending the last class for a certificate course in religious studies this evening.

The course which is conducted at a Bible College for the School of Theology consists of sixteen units, broken down into the following subjects:

• Old Testament (4 units)
• New Testament (4 units)
• Doctrine (2 units)
• Missions (2 units)
• Christian Education (2 units)
• Electives (2 units)

At this end of the course, students will obtain the Certificate in Christian Studies.

Some people has asked me why I have taken up this course, since it does not add up to provide any transferable credits for a degree or higher course in any theological seminary, nor am I planning to become a lay leader, pastoral or full-time church staff. After all, it does not provide credits to greater spirituality or entry to heaven.

Well, don't ask me why. I take it because as a young Christian years back, that was my interest, and I don't like to do things half way or leave it uncompleted. It's a promise I want to keep with God, after completing my academic studies.

Just last year, after six years of anxiety, stuggle and many sleepless nights, I have finally completed my degree in media studies. Now is the time to 'pay back' what I have started to do a long time ago, and although there have been much inconveniences weekly in getting to the classes, it is all well worth it. My academic study is not wasted too, as it helped me hone my skills in preparing for the assignments in this course, and to obtain better grades.

This is a day for celebration!