matthias & davina: God's grace is always so abundant :)

It has been a while since i last blogged, and many things have happened over the week, some good, some bad. Nonetheless, God's grace has always been sufficient for us to tide through any trial. My other half, who seldom blogged, suddenly put up 4 posts in a row haha :) And personally, his posts have left me thinking about certain issues, about friendships, about God...and it's really something that makes me smile, because this blog is not just a pitstop for rants or pictures, but more so, for our growth in the Lord, and for others to be ministered and encouraged by it as well.

Well, dear has gone through quite a bit the past few days, and it pains me really, to know that his course environment is getting more tense day by day and to see people straying further and further from God. Today, during service, i was reminded about 'Suffering for Righetousness'. Christianity is never meant to be smooth-sailing. Our walk with God will definitely be filled with trials and tribulations, and there'll be people who will turn their backs against us and hurl insults at us. It will be very painful, but "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of God" (Matthew 5:11). It's always hard to be in the world, but not of the world, because the currents of the world are often so strong, and without a strong foundation of faith, we can be easily swept away, conforming ourselves to the pleasures of this earth.

Today's sermon's passage was taken from 1 Peter. And this passage of the bible stroke me:

"For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth". When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." 1 Peter 2:19-23

and Peter continued to talk about Suffering for Doing Good. After all that has happened to my darling, it really reminded me abt the importance of suffering for righteousness. Suffering from rebellion is against God; but suffering from righteouness favours God. We should not run away from God to avoid the pain that comes from doing good. For eg, if someone cheated in a test and a teacher asked you abt it, we, as christians, should stand up and be honest and not deny it because he or she is your friend. It can be painful, and you may lose this friendship, but it has to be done for love and out of love for that friend. When anti-christ comes, there'll be much tribulations and we need to stand strong for our faith.

Anyway! i really want to commend my darling for being righteous and standing up for God. Even if the whole world turns against you, i'll be there for you and with you :) and God will be our anchor in the midst of the storm. Above all, i am really so proud of you for always having such a positive attitude to change whenever God reminded you of your weaknesses/flaws...it encourages me to see your love for our Father in heaven :)

It's always important to stay humble, and recognise that without God, we are nothing. So, take your pride away, and be God's beloved sheep. Anyhow, this's my darling whom i'm so proud of :)

On a side note, it was my mom's bday last saturday... and my brother and i (more so my brother) arranged a little bday surprise for her. her future daughter and son-in-laws were arnd too :) and jess, i sent ur bday regards to her as well :)