Encouraging, analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent member relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact organization's advancement. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance members engagement and boost performance based upon biblical worldview.
Familiar with Fine-Art Photography, Fashion Photography, Lifestyle Photography, Portrait Photography, and Aerial Videography. Able and learning to use software for photo editing such as Adobe Lightroom Classic and Adobe Photoshop.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
"In everything, give thanks. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
This was a bible verse I held onto ever since we came back to America in 2018. It was the main passage of the sermon that still remains in my heart today although it was preached about 6 years ago. Just from this passage, I found much comfort. I hope you do too.
'In everything give thanks.' It is in everything, not just certain things. No matter how the situation is to have the heart of thanksgiving. How? Where should the heart of thanksgiving come from when the situation is bad? When it is something good to me it is easy to be thankful, but how about when it isn't? 'For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.' When we believe in this we find peace and can be grateful. God is concerned for us; why? Because he loves us. The God who so loved us that he even gave his one and only son- it is the concern of this God. Not only this, it is his perfect will of the foreknowing and predestination of what is best for us. So even when the situation feels difficult we can trust that even when it is because of my sinfulness or other people's sinfulness meaning evil, God can turn this into good. And that we can overcome when we are fully reliant on God.
Joshua 1:6-8
"6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
Among many bible verses in the bible, these verses give us very practical wisdom on how we should be in the walk of our path of faith. First, to be strong and courageous, this encouragement gives us strength to persevere, because it is not just words without base, but. because there is the meaning and promise of God behind this encouragement- that it is to participate in the fulfillment of God's promise. It repeats to be strong and courageous and this time guides us in more detail in how we should go- to not sway right or left; to not lose direction, with the focus on the word of God and meditate on it day and night, and to live accordingly. Then he reminds us of the promise once more. We can see how the instructions of God are so detailed and carefully gives us his word and guides us with love.
Psalms 73:26
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength[a] of my heart and my portion forever."
In times of struggle, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of where our true strength lies. It acknowledges the frailty of our human condition—our bodies and hearts may falter, but it emphasizes the unwavering constancy of God's strength.
Our bodies are finite, subject to weariness, sickness, and limitations. Our hearts, burdened by worries and doubts, can waver in their faith. At times, we might feel overwhelmed by our weaknesses and the challenges that life presents. Yet, it's precisely in acknowledging this frailty that we find a crucial pivot toward God's enduring strength.
The verse beautifully contrasts our temporary weaknesses with God's eternal strength. When our own strength fails, God becomes our refuge. He is not just a temporary source of strength but an everlasting, unchanging anchor. In our most vulnerable moments, He is the rock upon which we can lean, finding assurance and steadiness. This verse also declares God as our portion forever. In a world where everything is transient, God remains constant. He is not just a temporary fix or a passing phase but an eternal inheritance—an unending source of strength and sustenance for our souls.
Isaiah 41:10
"10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
"Do not fear, for I am with you": This phrase sets the tone for the entire verse. It's a divine invitation to relinquish fear because of God's personal, unwavering presence. The Almighty Creator of the universe assures us of His nearness, a comforting reality that transcends our anxieties. "Do not be dismayed, for I am your God": Here, God emphasizes His relationship with us. He doesn’t merely watch from a distance; He identifies Himself as our God, intimately involved in our lives. This declaration calls us to shift our focus from our troubles to the immense reality of having God as our own. "I will strengthen you and help you": Amidst our weaknesses and struggles, God offers His strength. He doesn’t just sympathize; He actively strengthens and aids us. This promise isn’t contingent upon our abilities but on His unwavering commitment to support us in our journey. "I will uphold you with my righteous right hand": God doesn’t just offer fleeting help but unwavering support. His righteous right hand signifies His power, reliability, and justice. It’s a reminder that He won’t let us fall. He holds us securely in His grip.
Romans 8:28
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.
"And we know": This phrase begins with confidence. It's a declaration of certainty, a firm belief that stems from a deep understanding of God's character and His promises. This knowledge isn’t just intellectual but born from experience and a relationship with Him. "In all things God works for the good": This statement is a profound reassurance that God doesn’t just work in some things or during certain times but in all things. It encompasses every circumstance, trial, joy, or sorrow. Even in situations that seem bleak or inexplicable, God is actively at work for our ultimate good. "Of those who love him": The promise in this verse is for those in a relationship with God, those who love Him sincerely. It highlights the intimacy and depth of our connection with Him. This love isn’t merely emotional but is expressed through obedience and devotion. "Called according to his purpose": This phrase highlights that those who experience God’s work for good are aligned with His purpose. It's a reminder that our lives are not random; we are part of a divine plan orchestrated by God Himself.
Ephesians 1:15-23
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Paul begins by expressing his gratitude for the Ephesian believers' faith in the Lord Jesus and their love for all the saints. Their faith wasn't merely a passive belief but a vibrant, transformative force in their lives. Their love extended beyond words, embracing the entire community of believers. Paul’s prayer is profound. He desires the Ephesians to receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation to know God better. This prayer isn’t just for head knowledge but for a deep, intimate understanding of God, His character, and His purposes.
The hope to which God calls us is rooted in Christ. It's not a vague wish but a confident expectation. It’s a hope that transcends circumstances, grounded in the assurance of God’s promises. As believers, we're heirs of a glorious inheritance. It's not merely material but spiritual—a share in God's kingdom, His promises, and His presence. This inheritance is a testament to His abundant grace poured out on His children. Paul vividly describes the immense power of God—a power demonstrated in raising Christ from the dead, seating Him in heavenly places, and establishing Him as the ultimate authority. This same power is available to every believer.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened": Jesus extends an open invitation, calling out to those who are tired, burdened, or weighed down by the struggles of life. This invitation isn’t exclusive—it’s for everyone, regardless of their background, circumstances, or past. "And I will give you rest": It’s not just a promise of physical rest but a deeper, soul-level rest that Jesus offers. This rest isn’t a fleeting escape from difficulties but a profound inner peace and comfort found in His presence.
Jesus doesn’t demand that we figure everything out before coming to Him. Instead, He welcomes us as we are, burdened and tired, urging us to unload our worries, fears, and troubles onto Him. The rest Jesus offers goes beyond the physical realm. It encompasses the weariness of the soul—the fatigue from striving, worrying, and carrying heavy emotional loads.
Galatians 1:6-10
"6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse! 10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Paul’s distress was evident as he saw the Galatians swayed by false teachings. These teachings sought to dilute and distort the essence of the gospel they had received. He recognized the danger of veering away from the foundational truth of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. His concern wasn’t merely about doctrinal correctness but about safeguarding the very core of their faith.
We can see here Paul's unwavering devotion to the gospel stemmed from his firm stance on serving God, not seeking human approval. His commitment to the truth of the gospel wasn't swayed by the opinions or accolades of others. He emphasized the importance of pleasing God rather than conforming to societal or cultural pressures. His ultimate loyalty was to the Lord, aligning his actions and teachings with God’s unchanging truth. In stressing the exclusivity of the true gospel, Galatians vehemently asserts that there is no other gospel. It was that Apostle Paul understood that any deviation, regardless of its source, led to distortion and misinterpretation. This wasn’t about personal opinions or interpretations; it was about preserving the fundamental truth of salvation in Christ alone.
Paul's messages to the Galatians resounded with the urgency of aligning with God’s truth. Seeking God’s approval took precedence over seeking affirmation from people. His focus was unwaveringly fixed on upholding the integrity of the gospel message, even if it meant facing opposition or rejection from society. His impassioned plea to the Galatians serves as a timeless reminder for believers today. It urges us to vigilantly guard the purity of the gospel, staying anchored in the truth of Christ despite the pressures or influences around us. His example challenges us to prioritize God’s approval above human validation, remaining steadfast in upholding the authentic message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone. In our pursuit of faithfulness, may we emulate Paul’s unwavering commitment to the gospel, seeking to please God above all and guarding against any distortion or compromise of the foundational truths of our faith.
Philippians 3:7-11
"7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead."
"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." Paul, the author, had an impressive background and accomplishments according to societal standards. Yet, he considered all those achievements as insignificant compared to the immeasurable value of knowing Christ. He shifted his perspective, recognizing that all worldly achievements pale in comparison to the depth and richness of a relationship with Jesus. "What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." Paul emphasizes the supreme worth of knowing Jesus. He isn't merely talking about knowing about Christ but experiencing an intimate, transformative relationship with Him. Everything else—status, possessions, accomplishments—fades in comparison to the immense treasure found in Christ. "For whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ." Paul willingly forfeited everything that the world held valuable in order to gain Christ. He views his past achievements and earthly possessions as worthless compared to the immeasurable gain of having a personal relationship with Jesus. "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." Paul’s desire isn’t merely for head knowledge but for an experiential, intimate knowledge of Christ. He seeks to intimately connect with Jesus in every aspect, sharing both in the power of His resurrection and in the fellowship of His sufferings.
Philippians 3:7-11 serves as a powerful call to reorient our priorities and value system. It urges us to consider everything as loss compared to the surpassing worth of intimately knowing Christ. May this passage inspire a profound shift in our hearts, leading us to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else and to find immeasurable joy and fulfillment in the richness of knowing Him intimately.
Deuteronomy 7:6-10
"6 For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. 7 The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. 8 But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. 10 But those who hate him he will repay to their face by destruction; he will not be slow to repay to their face those who hate him."
"For you are a people holy to the Lord your God." Here, God reminds the Israelites of their distinctiveness—set apart as His treasured possession. It speaks of their consecration to God, and their belonging to Him in a unique and special way. "The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession." God’s choice wasn’t arbitrary; it was deliberate and purposeful. He selected them from among all nations to be His own, not because of their greatness but because of His love and faithfulness. "The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples." God’s love isn’t based on merit or numbers. He didn’t choose them because of their size or power but out of His sheer love and faithfulness to His promises. "But it was because the Lord loved you." The essence of God’s choice and commitment to His people is rooted in His boundless love. It's a love that goes beyond human understanding—a love that remains steadfast despite human frailty and shortcomings.
"He is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments." God’s faithfulness isn’t a fleeting sentiment but a covenantal commitment. His promise spans generations, extending His love and blessings to those who remain devoted to Him. "He repays those who hate him to their face." God’s justice complements His love. He doesn’t ignore disobedience but deals justly with those who reject Him. Yet, His mercy and love prevail for those who honor Him.
Deuteronomy 7:6-10 portrays God’s unwavering love, His deliberate choice of His people, and His faithfulness in keeping His covenant. It’s a passage that invites us into a deep relationship with God—a relationship built on His enduring love, our consecration to Him, and our commitment to obedience. As you reflect on these verses, may you embrace your identity as God’s treasured possession, experience His faithful love, and respond with wholehearted devotion to Him.