I’m almost finished reading Rick Warren’s famous book, “The Purpose Driven Life: What on earth am I here for?”. In chapter 39, he gives you a guideline on how to stay in faith and diligently keep growing. One suggestion is to keep a personal journal to chronicle what God is teaching you and doing in your life so that you will not forget, and to have a place to look back at his faithfulness and goodness. This blogging is my personal journal and I do go back to read my old ones to help me remember and encourage myself back to faith. The only difference is I’m called to share my personal journal with you. I wonder how much I would rant on and on about various people in my life if I didn’t have you reading my personal journal. 😁

It took many steps of faith and courage for me to get here and obey the Lord in sharing my stories. You see, I’m more like a Gideon than David from the Old Testament. However, God always calls out people by what they can become in him rather than what they are currently. Gideon was called mighty warrior when he was still hiding from his enemies. Peter was called the rock when he was still a hot-tempered follower of Jesus. 

Perhaps it is because I’m more reluctant to God’s call to ministry that I try only to be supportive and encouraging to those that serve the Lord. I’m not blind to their flaws, but rather I pray earnestly for them in private because if they are like me they serve despite their doubts, questions and insecurities. They serve despite the extra attention from the enemy. I believe they do the best that they can and serve because the Lord asked them to. As for the flaws and errors, I believe the Holy Spirit will bring these to their attention at the right time. Sometimes I’m wrong or too harsh in my assessment, and then I’m so glad I didn’t vocalize my thoughts to anyone other than God through prayer. 

For the past month the Lord has impressed on my heart with many confirmations to invite my former friends to this blog. Before this official blogging I used to write and share with friends and acquaintances about my thoughts and experiences in the Lord. I used to be more bold and probably naive too. A special grace must’ve been on me to be very bold for the Lord for that season in order to develop my writing. Friends, I need your prayers so I can obey Jesus; not out of dreadful fear but because I desire to please him. Couple of days ago when I was wrestling my doubts and fears on this assignment, the Holy Spirit said this to me, “Doubt Less.” I smiled when I heard this. It seems doable. But still, I’m hesitant. So please pray for me. Pray that my heart will be moved to help others by compassion, mercy and love. Thank you so much for your prayers! I’ll be praying for you too. -From the heart with love. 

Here are bible verses a new church friend wrote in an index card for me over four years. They still give me strength.

2 Timothy 1:7(NLT)
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Joshua 1:9(NLT)
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Isaiah 41:10(NLT)
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 44:8 (NLT)
Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one!