He is greater than I

The 3:30 Living is a declaration made by the Apostle John in John 3:30. This blog seeks to speak life and give light. To knowing Christ, and to making Him known. 

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My Brother’s Keeper

Afterward the Lord asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?”

     “I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” -Genesis 4:9

Cain and Abel were sons of Adam and Eve who fell into sin and had a broken relationship with each other. As a result, their sons suffered the same fate: a broken relationship with each other. Cain became so angry with his brother which led God to question his anger towards Abel: ‘Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it’ (4:6–7).

Cain chose to let his anger get the best of him. His sin became his master which led to the ultimate killing of Abel. In verse 8, it was written that he killed his brother. God asked him a question: “Where is your brother Abel?” but instead of answering God, he immediately answered back with a question: “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

I really hated Cain and Abel’s story growing up- not because it was a horrible story, but because I couldn’t believe that Cain could actually kill his own brother! I grew up having an older sister, and I can’t really imagine that my sister could do such thing. This story made me completely upset.

What’s more upsetting is Cain’s answer when God asked him where was Abel: “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

It was a completely selfish and self-centered answer! It was as if Cain was saying, “Why should I care about him?”

Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

We are completely accountable with one another! In a generation where we are completely caught up with our individual goals and needs, let us not forget that we are also accountable to the people around us. It is easy to get completely drowned with what’s happening in our personal lives, but it is also important to always speak blessing and encouragement to the people closest in our lives!

To answer Cain’s question, YES! We are our brother’s keeper! It is both a responsibility and privilege to be able to care for the people around us. Let us find ways on how we can speak life and blessing to others!

To add: Cain and Abel’s story may have ended on a very sad note, but God’s grace and mercy can still be seen throughout the story. We can still witness how God’s protection towered over Cain in the midst of his struggle. God did not let anyone touch and kill Cain. That was purely grace in action!

[threethirtyliving]

Give Life

“The Word gave life to everything that was created    and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness,    and the darkness can never extinguish it.”

-John 1:4-5

As I meditate on God’s word, I am reminded of a popular line: “Words can either make or break.” I know for a fact that this is true, but I know little about the extent of this fact until I experienced it myself.

When I was little I was a bit tactless to be honest. I would say whatever I want to say without caring how others would feel. I was frequently reprimanded for it, but I never cared. “I was just joking” or “I didn’t mean it” was an often excuse I utter. Growing up, I realized the consequences of my actions. 

When I became friends with one of the people I had arguments with, I remember her telling me how much my words hurt her, and it was kind of insensitive for me to insult her so much. I was taken aback at first, but I realized how she got hurt by my words and I immediately apologized. It was a tough journey, but since then I started being mindful of the words that come out of my mouth. 

I’ve also seen how words foster a relationship between people. How kind words affect a person’s whole mood. I remember overhearing a conversation where the person told her friend how “her words comforted her.” On the other hand, I’ve also witnessed how words ended relationships. 

Words can really either make or break something or someone. 

As I ponder on this, I am reminded of the Word that became flesh and made His dwelling among us. The world may be cruel. People may say a lot of things about us. People may shatter us with their words, but God’s words will always give life. 

There is something about God’s word that gives us comfort and peace. Reading and knowing his promises brings joy and light. In my darkest days, I find comfort in knowing that my God gives life. At the saddest days, His words bring hope. 

What’s great about this is His words are for everyone! He does not care if you’re a sinner, he does not care if you do not believe. He extends His grace to everybody, and He speaks life to everyone!

I am always amazed by the promises of Christ. Whatever challenges I might face, I am secured by His word that He has already won the battle for me. No matter what happens, he gives me life. 

In his promises I stand secure for in him there is no darkness at all. 

Take the time to read and meditate on God’s word today.

Challenge: Speak life and blessing to a someone who needs it today.

[threethirtyliving]

Something New

“For I am about to do something new.    See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness.    I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” -Isaiah 43:19 (NLT)

As I reflect on the past year, I couldn’t help but thank God for without His mercy and grace, I wouldn’t be able to write and talk about His faithfulness in my life. Truly looking back, God has sustained me all throughout. The past year has brought brokenness, betrayal, and burn out among other things which ultimately tested my faith and relationship with Him. To wrap up the past year, I can definitely say that 2019 has shattered and emptied me. It led me to question my purpose and doubt His plans for me.

But above all these trials, my God truly delivered. During the darkest moments of my life, He gave me peace which passes all understanding. He gave me the people I need to support me and give me strength. He affirmed my works through people who appreciate what I do, and He gave me the things I need to push through. I may have been emptied, only to become full again. I may have been shattered, only to be made whole in Him again. Just when I needed it the most, He proved to be faithful. Just as I thought that I was walking with no direction, He showed me the way. All the challenges I have faced led me to the road I am headed for the new year. Just when I thought I was ending this year full of disappointments, he opened new opportunities for me to grow and mature. He opened my heart to forgiveness and understanding, and I am grateful that God has sustained me all throughout. 

As we enter the year 2020, let this be a reminder that God extends to us His grace through giving us a new year. A fresh start. My prayer to each and everyone of us is that we hold on to His words that He is about to do something new in our lives. 

The new year brings us a new hope. A chance to start over again and set goals that we hope and pray to achieve. As 2020 starts, let me share the faith goals I am praying and will be working on this year:

1. Spiritual Growth: I look forward to growing and learning more about God this year. I pray that I continue to know Him deeper and to strengthen my faith in Him. In everything I do, I pray that God be glorified and magnified- the embodiment of the 3:30 Living.

2. Relationships: I pray that God continues to nurture my relationships with my friends and loved ones. May He be the center of all my relationships, and may everything we do bring glory to His name. I also pray that through me, may my friends see and feel the love of Christ. 

3. Ministry: As a leader, I pray that God continuously anoint and empower me with the Holy Spirit to be able to lead the young people into worshiping Him. May I be able to face the challenges as I move to a higher level of service and ministry and may God use me mightily in the new position I am in. 

4. Personal Breakthroughs: May I always be reminded to rest and take the time to take care of myself. I pray to graduate this year and be able to finish my thesis with good feedback.

Final words: Our God is moving. He is already at work in our lives. Life may have knocked us down and shattered us, but our God is an ever faithful God who never fails. As we reflect on the past year, may we always be reminded on the goodness and faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

From the words of a favorite song of mine: Clarity- For All Seasons 

“If it’s not good, You’re not finished with me yet.”