January 7, 2018

The Shepherd's Corner

[:en]THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

One of the things that I appreciate the most about Santy is her attention to little things such as keeping certain objects that have sentimental values. The other day when I was browsing through a book—about praying for our prodigal children—I found a wristband in one of the pages. It’s the wristband she wore when she was in the hospital during the childbirth of our youngest daughter.

On it was her name, the name of the physician, and the time and date of our daughter’s birth. Obviously she kept it all this time for its sentimental value but she put it there in that book to remind her to pray for our daughter during her time away from her faith in God. When I saw the wristband I couldn’t help but remember the time when our daughter was born and what had transpired in between the day she was born—almost 28 years ago—and the day she was born again into the family of God on October 30, 2017. In one sentence, I sum it as a journey of faith and love.

Life is many things but it is certainly a journey. We can name it a journey of finding and developing self, or a journey for a status through fame and wealth, or whatever. As children of God life is to be a journey of faith and love. From the day we were born till the day we die, we must face a host of circumstances that can try our faith and love. Painful and disappointing experiences can make us lose faith in God and humanity. And, hurt caused by others can replace love with rage and bitterness.

But, we should not let these experiences deter us from coming to God and once again place our faith in His power and goodness. And, certainly these experiences ought not contaminate our soul and stop us from forgiving and loving others—sinners such as we.

Pastor Paul[:id]THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

One of the things that I appreciate the most about Santy is her attention to little things such as keeping certain objects that have sentimental values. The other day when I was browsing through a book—about praying for our prodigal children—I found a wristband in one of the pages. It’s the wristband she wore when she was in the hospital during the childbirth of our youngest daughter.

On it was her name, the name of the physician, and the time and date of our daughter’s birth. Obviously she kept it all this time for its sentimental value but she put it there in that book to remind her to pray for our daughter during her time away from her faith in God. When I saw the wristband I couldn’t help but remember the time when our daughter was born and what had transpired in between the day she was born—almost 28 years ago—and the day she was born again into the family of God on October 30, 2017. In one sentence, I sum it as a journey of faith and love.

Life is many things but it is certainly a journey. We can name it a journey of finding and developing self, or a journey for a status through fame and wealth, or whatever. As children of God life is to be a journey of faith and love. From the day we were born till the day we die, we must face a host of circumstances that can try our faith and love. Painful and disappointing experiences can make us lose faith in God and humanity. And, hurt caused by others can replace love with rage and bitterness.

But, we should not let these experiences deter us from coming to God and once again place our faith in His power and goodness. And, certainly these experiences ought not contaminate our soul and stop us from forgiving and loving others—sinners such as we.

Pastor Paul[:]

More Shepherd's Corner Articles

The Shepherd's Corner - May 26, 2019
THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER A few days ago, a colleague of mine at the Bible school where I teach died. Lois Go was an extraordinary woman. Years ago, with only Bible school’s education she spearheaded the founding of a Christian school in Jakarta. Now the school is not only one of the finest schools ...
Read More
The Shepherd's Corner - January 7, 2024
Every year we wish each other a happy new year knowing full-well that it may not happen. In fact, we know that it will not happen.  At its best this year—like the years before—will only be a mixture of happy times and gloomy times. Nonetheless we still say it; and this shows that not only [...
Read More
The Shepherd's Corner - April 23, 2023
In his book, The Resilient Pastor, Glenn Packiam tells the story of Inigo, who lived in the 16th century Spain.  When he was young, he only cared for two things: the pleasure of the world and fame.  He went on to become a soldier but injured himself during war, which required multiple surg...
Read More