confidence Archives - Jun P. Espina

Examining Abraham’s Faith and Livelihood Decisions

January 1, 2023 by Jun P. Espina

Abraham’s faith is a powerful example of the superiority of trusting in God over relying on human wisdom alone.

WHAT IF COVID-19 WOULD HIT AND KILL US THIS YEAR?

October 31, 2022June 22, 2021 by Jun P. Espina

What if COVID-19 would his and kill us this year? The year 2021 is riskier than other years in our lifetime. Big governments tell us that. True or not, we must prepare spiritually for any eventuality. We could be hit anytime since COVID-19 is unseen—it is unpredictable as lightning particularly in countries with poor hospital equipment and resources. Where shall we go should this virus put us to sleep forever? The first question which a sensible old person—taking maintenance drug—should ask while in the hospital bed is, “Can I get out of this place alive?”

Things You Need to Know About Finding Happiness in Life

November 19, 2022October 30, 2017 by Jun P. Espina

Jun P. Espina 2 min read

Updated on November 19th, 2022

Finding Happiness in Life as Promised by our Lord

Christian rejoicings, even in times of sorrow, are flooding the Internet through websites, social quotes, poetry, or graphic images. Genuine Christ-followers reported greater inner peace and fulfillment. Born-again Christians are finding happiness in life as promised by our Lord. It explains Paul’s cadence of the word “rejoice” in Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”

Thousands of Christ’s followers were persecuted, some even beheaded, by ISIS, for example, but the former didn’t recant or join Islam. Instead, their love for the risen Jesus grew.

Christ’s presence in the heart has made Christianity different and unparalleled. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ,” wrote the Apostle Paul, “he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Cor. 5:17)

Let unbelievers mock or cast insults upon the name of Christ by harassing and victimizing His followers. But even amidst persecution, born-again Christians increased in number, even in Middle Eastern countries where the Bible is banned.

Finding happiness in life is possible with Christianity. The Scriptures speak about higher levels of peace and happiness in the Lord. But you need to seek Christ sincerely as one seeking help in an hour of disaster. You need to search in your heart for the Spirit of the Founder of the Christian faith, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

The apostle Paul wrote, “However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” (Rom. 8:9)

Finding happiness in life is thought to correlate with marrying a lovely and wealthy wife, enjoying good health, and landing a high-paying job. But this notion does not ring true when you lose your wife, or are demoted from your job, or are diagnosed with a fatal illness. The path to finding happiness in life always turns away from the valley of worldly possessions.

Moving Forward in Life With Confidence

November 18, 2022October 28, 2017 by Jun P. Espina

Jun P. Espina 1 min read

Updated on November 18th, 2022

Have Confidence and Move Forward

THE ONLY PROVEN method to move forward in life with confidence is not the recipe for a college education, a good job, or a bountiful inheritance. Life is God-given; we cannot isolate it from God’s mysterious nature and qualities.

Our love for our family, for example, is priceless. It can neither be bought, copied, nor duplicated. In Steve Jobs’ last words [some said Jobs did not say it!], he mentioned how worthless his wealth and fame were compared to his loved ones.

God is love; He taught us to love with an intense feeling of affection that bears the mark of God’s imprimatur. Why do young kids make us happy? We see the joy in their baby talk and artless entertainment. It is because “God loves the little children.” Why are we indignant with robbers, rapists, and even the bad-mouthing of our leaders and friends? Well, it is on account of God’s hatred of what is sinful and evil.

Cruelty fills us with revulsion. We are made in God’s image, full of our maker’s fingerprints. We can feel His anger. Hence, we can move forward in life with confidence only in the mighty hand of God—only if we believe we are safe in His loving arms. The apostle Paul wrote: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom. 8:31)