Brothers and sisters,
I have read the proposals some of you have sent to my inbox. My heart is heavy, because I know you mean well and you are trying to help me.
Please hear me with love. If any suggestion goes against the standard of Christian living, I cannot take part in it. I am sorry.
But to those who are encouraging me and helping me to grow in the Lord, God bless you. “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” Proverbs 27:17
My life is hard right now. I am poor. I am weary. I am frustrated. Some days I feel hopeless.
Yet in my walk with Christ, and while raising my children, the Lord has taught me that comfort cannot come before obedience. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” Matthew 4:4
This is not rejection of you. This is me clinging to Christ. I am choosing the narrow path, even when it hurts, because Jesus is worth more than ease, more than money, more than relief. “Enter by the narrow gate… For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life” Matthew 7:13-14
There are men and women God places in our lives, and your life shifts to a better dimension. Let me share 10 things I have learned from exemplary people the Lord used to shape me:
1. Righteous living pays.
Men and women do not have to compromise no matter how hard life gets. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked”. Psalm 1:1. The principles of Jesus must govern our living.
2. It is possible to live in a corrupt generation and remain genuine.
Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself Daniel 1:8. I have no excuse. Poverty must never turn me into a fraudulent person. Holiness is still possible.
3. Don’t be a noise maker with Scripture.
The world needs knowledge, truth, and life more than empty performance. “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season” 2 Timothy 4:2. Equip yourself with the Word, so as a Christian you will have life to give to men. The Word is life . John 6:63.
4. Humility is the way to the top.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” — James 4:10. God lifts those who bow low.
5. Marriage and home come before ministry.
“He must manage his own household well” 1 Timothy 3:4-5. A strong home is the foundation of faithful ministry.
6. Go after the lost, no matter their personality.
Jesus came “to seek and to save the lost” Luke 19:10. We are called to be fishers of men Matthew 4:19.
7. Be patient with people.
“The Lord is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish”. 2 Peter 3:9. Change happens over time. People are worth the wait.
8. Love people, not their gifts.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit” — Philippians 2:3. God does not show favoritism, and neither should we. Romans 2:11.
9. Don’t give up on people.
“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion”. Philippians 1:6. The ones who look broken today may become giants for God tomorrow.
10. Show men the light you have seen.
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father” Matthew 5:16. We are not meant to hide what God has taught us. We are meant to pass the torch.
By God’s grace, I choose to keep walking this way.
Please pray for me that I do not grow bitter, and that I do not grow weak.