Tuesday, April 24, 2007

So Long Blacksburg, Farewell USA

As the title of my blog suggests, I am no longer a stranger in a foreign land {if you wondered US}, I am finally Home. To my parents house how I've missed home. I still have many travels before me, but for now I will be doing it from the UK. From Loved ones.

But blacksburg was really not as bad as I made it out to be. I was so upset that I was away from home that I had failed to recognise what was staring back at me, or should I say what I had in blacksburg. I had a wonderful Church, some great collegues at VT and the Lord had given me the opportunity to meet some great people whose paths were caused to cross mine to be an influnce and source of support when I needed them the most.

My last sunday in church was two days ago, and I never realised how much little o me was loved. My goodness could you believe the church were in tears that I was leaving and they all came out and gave me money - close to like 1000 dollars. Could you imagine that, I couldn't I was shocked I was wailing terribly and chocked up with tears. Gosh, the word of God is so true, He would cause people to bless you, come and see how visiting pastors were counting money to give me. I was like ooh my goodness upon all my shakara I didnt know people love me pass like this oo.

So even though I was dying to come home, I never realised I had a home away from home, and only when I was leaving did I realise how much I was loved. So if none of you wants to love me, I have so many that do. I am currently asking God what to do with this money, this is not the kind to go and buy shoe and bag and leather coat with matching trousers with. I need to go before God to ask Him what to do with this money His people have given me.

So on that note, I would like to send out a warm hearty love to everyone, and a special thank you for the concerns you gave throughout out my most difficult week. I Love you all. Stay well and I will be back with some updates on my trips to munich and verona. Take care all.

Life.

Monday, April 16, 2007

33 Dead and 18 injured on my campus

Today is a very sad day for me.

A gunman was loose on my campus today - Virginia Tech, Blacksburg - and so many students have been killed in this quiet town. 18 are wounded and some jumped off the top floor windows of their building trying to save themselves. We were on lock down in the office, and we have now been told to evacuate immediately.

Let us all pray for the families involved and pray for the youth.

Today is indeed a solmn day for us all. Lets pray that God will comfort us all.

Friday, April 13, 2007

The airports must know my Name!!!!

I'm so sure they do. So here is me going all the way to the West side to give a seminar when I got almost stranded at the Chicago O'Hare airport. And No it was of no fault of mine. It's simply not meant to be. My orriginal seattle to Dulles flight was delayed, so they bumped me off to Chicago where I spent the next 20 odd hrs wondering what manner of life this is? and why me? I had not had any sleep, was on adrenaline looking forward to my next flight out after my 5am arrival, well, suffice to tell you that I did not make it out till past 1am the next morning.

Maybe when I'm feeling alot better I might expansiate, but I just felt to let you all all know that I have still yet to arrive at my front door and have been travelling since wednesday night. It's the early hrs of friday morning and am still trying to find my way HOME.

When will I ever find people living in these cities that always love / finds ways to harrass me so?

Friday, April 06, 2007

Day 40 – Living with purpose

Living with purpose

Final Day

Finally, living on purpose is the only way to really live, as everything else just exists. And in order to find our identity (who we are), our importance (if we matter) or our place in life, we will and can only find answers in God’s five purposes for us. And when we know there is a blessing in doing the right thing to do them [John 13 vs. 17]. However it is not easy to do the right thing, and it’s so easy for us to get distracted and drift away from what matters most. Therefore, in order to prevent being easily distracted, we ought to develop a purpose statement for our life and review them regularly.

I am told that it should be a statement that:

1) summarises God’s purpose for my life [note – not a list of goals – as goals are temporary and purposes are eternal] [Psalm 33 vs.11]

2) Points the direction of my life, as this forces me to think specifically about the path of my life [Prov. 4 vs. 26]. So not only does it spell out what I intend to do with life, time and resources – it will imply what I will not be wasting them on [Prov. 17 vs. 24].

3) Defines “success” for me, which should state that what I believe is important and not what the world believes, and should clarify my values [Philippians 1 vs. 10]

4) Clarifies my role – so even though I may have different roles at different stages of my life, my purpose will and should never change.

So as I prepare the statement I need to be able to answer the following questions which include:

1) Whom am I going to live for and build my life around? I.e. what will be in the centre of my life? - It is good to centre our life on our career, family, hobby even money; however none of them is strong enough to withstand the problems faced in life. Therefore, we need to have a solid centre that is unshakable [2 Chronicles 14 vs. 4], show me who is more solid than the Great Jehovah. To also bear in mind that whatever is at the centre our life is our god [Eph. 3 vs. 17]; and only when we know that we know that we KNOW that God is our unshakable centre will we worship Him [Phil. 4 vs. 7].

2) What will be the character of my life? This question is to do with discipleship. I am told that I need to make a list of character qualities I need to work on and develop in my life, like for example, the fruit of the Spirit [Gal. 5 vs. 22 – 23]; or the beatitudes [Matt. 5 vs. 3 – 12; 2 Pet. 1 vs. 5]; And not to be discouraged when I stumble or fall through my journey [1 Tim. 4 vs. 16].

3) What will be the contributions of my life? To answer this question I need to understand that this question is to do with service; i.e. what my best role in the family of God is [2 Corinth. 9 vs. 12]; therefore, by serving others, I am acknowledging God’s goodness to me and saying thank you to Him. I also need to choose whom I can help best seeing as I have not been called to help everybody as have a specific gifting [John 15 vs. 16]

4) What will be the communication of my life? This is all about my mission to unbelievers, which is my commitment to share my testimony and good news with others; [and if a parent, then part of their mission is to raise their children to know Christ, in order to help them understand His purpose for their life [John 24 vs. 15]]. And to live credible lives that unbelievers will accept [Philip. 1 vs. 27].

5) A final question is what will be the community of my life, that is how will I fellowship with others and how will I understand my commitment to other believers and connections to family of God.

So therefore, after I have put together my statements, I am informed that it will be very good to keep them in mind [Prov. 22 vs. 18]. To also remember that God’s will for my job, marriage or where I am supposed to lived are very important but are secondary issues, and so it’s imperative I fulfil God’s eternal purposes regardless of where I live or work or whom I marry [Prov. 19 vs. 21].

As I conclude this series, I would like us to remember; Since our purpose is to please God [1 Thess. 2 vs. 4], let us therefore be like David, a man who dedicated his life to fulfilling God’s purpose on earth in his generation [Acts 13 vs. 36], since He has created us for such a time as this [Ester 4 vs. 14] and is looking for those to show Himself strong on their behalf [2 Chronicles 16 vs. 9].

Finally I pray: Dear Lord please use me for your purposes, help me to serve your purpose in my generation in Jesus Name. Amen.

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Day 39 – Balancing my life

Balancing my life

Penultimate day - Lessons learnt so far!

What have I learnt so far?

Well I have learned from the study of this book and always referring it back to the Bible that God’s five purposes for my life includes:

  1. loving God with all my heartsince I am planned for God’s pleasure, my purpose is to love God through worship
  2. loving my neighbour as myselfsince I am shaped for serving, my purpose therefore is to show love to others through my ministry
  3. to go and make disciplessince I am made for a mission; my purpose is to share God’s message though evangelism
  4. baptise them into since I am formed for God’s family, my purpose is to identify with God’s church through fellowship
  5. Teach them to do all thingssince I was created to become like Christ, my purpose is to grow to maturity through discipleship

So even though my commitment to the great commandment and great commission will make me a great Christian, this is not an easy thing to do – a balance is required. For that reason, in order to keep a balance, I need to:

· Join a small group for accountability – [Prov. 27 vs. 17; Philippians 4 vs. 9]; this includes praying, encouraging and supporting each other seeing as we are meant to grow together not separately [1 Thess.. 5 vs. 11].

· Regularly evaluate my spiritual health – [Lamentations 3 vs. 40; 1 Corinth. 11 vs. 28; 31; 31 vs. 5; Gal. 6 vs. 4; 2 Corinth. 13 vs. 5]; to do this I need to check my vital signs of: worship, fellowship, Growth in character and mission [2 Corinth. 8 vs. 11].

· Record my progress in a personal journal – I am told that this is not a diary of event, but more of a record of life’s lessons that I don’t want to forget [Heb. 2 vs. 1; Numbers 33 vs. 2]; as I journey through life [Psalm 56 vs. 8]. As every problem that I face is purpose driven as it forces me to focus on God, draw me closer to others in fellowship, build Christ like character in me, provide me with a ministry and finally give me a testimony [Psalm 102 vs. 18]. By recording my progress I preserve the testimony of God and how He came through for me and helped me fulfil my purpose.

· Pass on what I’ve learned to others – [Prov. 11 vs. 25; 2 Tim. 2 vs. 2]. It is my responsibility to carry God’s message to others [James 4 vs. 17], a privilege God has allowed me to be part of [1 Tim.4 vs. 6; John 17 vs. 6-26]

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Day 38 – How to become a world class Christian

How to become a world class Christian

Which would I prefer? To be a worldly Christian or a world class Christian?

Seeing as the great commission is my commission, it doesn’t take a genius to remind me I need to do my best in becoming a world class Christian instead of a worldly Christian. What then is a worldly Christian and who are they? Well I am told that they are Christians who look to God primarily for personal fulfilment. They are saved but self centred, their prayer focused on their own needs, blessing and happiness. They are Christians who use God for their purposes instead of being used for His purpose; however. On the other hand, world class Christians know that they are saved to serve others, and made for a mission. They are eager to receive their assignment and excited about the privilege of being used by God.

A world class Christian’s joy, confidence and enthusiasm are contagious because they know that they’re making a difference, and this affords us to experience a little of what heaven is like. But how can I become world class Christians? Today the great barriers are no longer distance or transportation, because we now have airplanes, ships, trains buses automobiles – Our great barrier is the way we think.

To think like a world class, I will need to:

Shift my thinking from self centred thinking to other-centred [1 Corinth. 14 vs. 20 - Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults; Philippians 2:4 - Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others]. Even though this may be difficult, fortunately I have the Holy Spirit [1 Corinth. 2 vs. 12 - We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us] who is more than able and eager to help. Therefore, I need to start asking the Holy Spirit to help me to think of the spiritual needs of unbelievers whenever I talk to them; to pray a silent prayer such as “Father help me to understand what is keeping this person from knowing you”, to find out where they are in their spiritual journey and then finally to do what the Holy Spirit tells me to do to bring them closer to Christ [1 Corinth. 10 vs. 33 - even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved].

Shift my thinking from local thinking to global thinking. God loves the world this is why He sent His Son [John 3 vs. 16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life]. He has always wanted family members from every nation He created [Acts. 17 vs. 26-27; Col. 1 vs. 6 - that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth]. This is why praying continually facilitates my global thinking. To pray for the nation by name [Psalm 2 vs. 8 - Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession]; for opportunities to witness [Col. 4 vs. 3 - And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains; Rom. 1 vs. 10 - in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you]; for courage to speak [Eph. 6 vs. 19 - Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel]; for those who believe [John 17 vs. 20 - My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message]; for rapid spread of the message [1 Thess. 3 vs. 1 - So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens] and for more workers [Matt. 9 vs. 38 - Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field]. By me praying this partners me with others around the world; to pray also for missionaries [2 Corinth. 1 vs. 11 - as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted us in answer to the prayers of many]; and to read and watch the news. So I pose this question to you, what type of Christian are you? Are you an Acts 1 vs. 8 [But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth] Christian?

To shift my thinking from here and now thinking to eternal thinking; to make the most of my time here on earth by having an eternal perspective [2 Corinth. 4 vs. 18 - So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal]. Not to trade my life for temporary things, but eternity [Luke 9 vs. 62 - Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God; 1 Corinth. 7 vs. 31 - those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away]; to remove whatever it is standing in place of me becoming a world class Christian [Heb. 12 vs. 1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us] and to stay focussed on Jesus [Matt. 6 vs. 20 – 21 - But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also]; to use the wealth God has given us to bring people to Christ [Luke 16 vs. 9 - I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings] which is the best financial investment I will ever make [1 Tim. 6 vs. 19 - In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life].

Finally to shift my thinking from thinking of excuses to thinking of creative ways to fulfil my commission; excuses like I don’t have anything to offer [Jer. 1 vs. 7-8 - But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD]. To remember I (and all of us) am called to fulfil God’s purposes for my life.

Lessons learnt – To pray and ask God for where He wants me to serve in the years ahead; and to do my part as the great commission is my communion and doing my part is the secret to living.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Day 37 – Sharing My Life’s Message

Sharing My Life’s Message

By becoming a believer I have become God’s messenger, and God wants to speak to the world through me [2 Corinth. 2 vs. 17 - Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God] and through my experiences to bring others into His family [1 John 5 vs. 10 - Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son].

How does He do this? Well He wants to speak to them through my testimony (the story of how I began a relationship with Jesus); through my life’s lesson (the most important lessons God has taught me); through my godly passions (the issues God shaped me to care about the most); and finally through the good news (the message of salvation).

By speaking to them through my testimony, He would like me to share with others how Christ has made a difference in my life. We have therefore been chosen to share our life’s story [1 Pet. 2 vs. 9 - But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light; Acts 1 vs. 8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth] simply as witnesses of the goodness of God, which is an essential part of (mine) our mission. Sharing my testimony is also vital as many people who won’t accept the authority of the bible will listen to a humble, personal story; this explains why Paul used his testimony to share the gospel instead of quoting scriptures [1 Pet. 3 vs. 15-16 - But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander]. We are told the best way to be ready in sharing our testimony is to write and memorise them.

By speaking to them through my life’s lesson. These lessons are the truth that God has taught me through my experiences. Such as lesson and insights that God has taught me through relationships, problems, temptations and other aspect of life [Psalm 119 vs. 33 - Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end]. Sadly the mistake I have made (and we all too) is never learning from them [Psalm 106 vs. 43 - Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin]; so while it is wise to learn from my experiences, it is even better to learn from the experiences of others [Prov. 25 vs. 12 - Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear].

By speaking to them as I share my godly passion. God is a very passionate God; and as I grow closer to Him He will give me a passion for something He cares a lot deeply; so that I can be a spokesman for Him, but I need to grow closer to Him so that he can deposit himself into me, only then will I not be able to keep my self from talking about what He cares about the most [Matt. 12 vs. 34 - You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks; Psalm 69 vs. 9 - for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me; Jeremiah 20 vs. 9 - But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot]. Only then will I be passionate about a problem, purpose or principle and champion God’s cause. But in doing so I am reminded to never belittle someone else’s godly passion [Gal. 4 vs. 18 - It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you].

Finally my life’s message includes the good news; [Rom. 1 vs. 17 - For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."; 2 Corinth. 5 vs. 19 - that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation] a message that shows that I trust God’s grace to save me through what Jesus did; my sins are forgiven; that I get a purpose for living and a promised future home in heaven. However I need also to care for unbelievers, because God has never created anyone He didn’t love and loved them to the point of turning away from His Son on the cross because of how much He hates my sins.

I therefore need to ask God to fill my heart with love for His children so that the fear of sharing His message will depart from my heart.

My fellow friends, I ask you today what are you willing to do for those around you who are not saved. [2 Corinthians 5 vs. 14 - For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died; 1 John 4 vs. 18 - There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love; 2 Pet. 3 vs. 9 - The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance; Col. 4 vs. 5 - Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity].

Monday, April 02, 2007

Day 36 – I am made for a mission

I am made for a mission

I am created for a mission. Seeing as The Lord is at work in the world, He has created me to join Him in this work and this assignment is known as my mission. From previous lessons, I have learnt that my ministry is to believers; my mission therefore is to unbelievers. Consequently, fulfilling my mission in the world is God’s fifth purpose for my life.

We as Christians are sent into the world as a representative of Jesus Christ [John 17 vs. 18 – As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world] and this is our mission. Since one of our purpose is to be like Christ, we need to remember that Christ took His mission seriously [Luke 2 vs. 49 – why were you searching for me? He asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”] and completed it well [John 19 vs. 30 – when he had received the drink, Jesus said “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit] and we ought to do the same. Christ mission is now our mission, which is introducing people to God [2 Corinth. 5 vs. 18 – All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave us a ministry of reconsilation], so that we that He has saved would fulfill the purposes He created us for, which are: to love Him; to be part of His family; to become like Him; to serve Him; and finally to tell others about Him – with the underlying factor of us getting out there and bringing others in [2 Corinth. 5 vs. 20 – we are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God].

Fulfilling my life’s mission is an essential part of living for God’s glory. This is because my mission:

Is a continuation of Jesus’ mission on earth. As a follower of Jesus I am required not just to come to Him but to go into the world for Him [Matt. 28 vs. 19 – 20 – therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of age; Mark 16 vs.15; Luke 24 vs. 47; John 20 vs. 21; Acts 1 vs. 8]. This mission is not just given to pastors or missionaries but to us all, and is a mission from Jesus Christ and so isn’t optional. And if I choose to ignore it would mean disobedience and I will be held accountable for the unbelievers that live among me [Ezekiel 3 vs. 18 – when I say to a wicked man, ‘You will surely die’, and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood]. For the reason that I am most probably the only Christians the unbelievers around me will ever get to know and my mission is to share Jesus with them.

Is a wonderful priviledge, so even though it is a big responsibility its also an incredible honour to be used by God [2 Corinth. 5 vs. 18] as I get to partner with God in building of His Kingdom [2 Corinth. 6 vs. 1 – As God’s fellow-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain] and get to represent Him to the world [2 Corinth. 5 vs. 20].

Is to tell others how to get eternal life through Christ Jesus, and this is the greatest thing I can do for them. To bear in mind that however much contented or successful people appear to be, without Christ they are lost and headed for eternal separation [Acts 4 vs. 12 – Salvation is found in non-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which they must be saved]. This is why it is important for me to tell them about Jesus.

Has eternal significance, as it impacts the eternal destiny of others and thus more important than any job, achievement or goal I could ever attain. Nothing else I do will matter as much as helping people establish an eternal relationship with God [John 9 vs. 4 – As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me]. To make sure I share the good news where I am, and to look for people God places in my path to share the good news.

Finally, Gives my life meaning, this is why I must live a purpose driven life committed to worship, fellowship, spiritual growth, ministry and fulfilling my mission here on earth [Acts. 20 vs. 24 – However I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace].

Lessons learned so far:

I have found out that God’s timetable for history’s conclusion is connected to the completion of my mission [Acts 1 vs. 7 – 8; Matt. 24 vs. 36; 24 vs. 14]; and therefore the need to stay focused on my mission and not to speculate on when Jesus returns is very vital; as this is a form of distraction and if distracted to remember what the Lord says in Luke 9 vs. 62Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the Kingdom of God”; in conclusion, to accept God’s agenda for my life and let His Will be done [Luke 22 vs. 42; Rom. 6 vs. 13; Matt. 6 vs. 33].

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Day 35 – Our weakness shows God’s power

Our weakness shows God’s power

The Lord not only wants to use our strengths to do His work, our weaknesses are just as important. Our weakness are not an accident, God deliberately allowed them in our life for the purpose of demonstrating His power through us [Isaiah 55 vs. 9 - As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts; 1 Corinth. 1 vs. 27 - But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong]. We may be tempted to conclude that God may never use us, but God is never limited by our limitations, in fact He enjoys putting His great power into ordinary containers like us [2 Corinth. 4 vs. 7 - But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us], but in order for us to allow God to use us, we must:

1) Admit our weakness, by owing up to our imperfections to stop pretending to have it all

2) To be content with our weakness, as they cause us to depend on God and is particularly useful in showing us how much we need each other. {God is in the business of transforming our weakness for the positive; there are many examples in the bible of people whom God transformed their weakness; to name a few, Moses who had a temper and God transformed him to the humblest man on earth [Numbers 12 vs. 3 - Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth] and Gideon who suffered low self esteem to a man know as a mighty man of valour [Judges 6 vs. 12 - When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior]}.

3) Honestly share our weakness, the more we let down our guard, take off our mask, share our struggle, the more God will be able to use us in serving others. Paul was a man who shared his weakness in all his letters [Rom. 7 vs. 11 - For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death]. To bear in mind that our strength creates competition, whilst our weakness creates community.

Therefore I have made up my mind to glory in my weakness as when I am weak God is Strong [2 Corinth. 12 vs. 56 - I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses]