Reaping the Fruits

Two weeks ago, I started asking students in our Bible Study Group  to lead devotions during our meetings. This is my way of helping them apply our lessons on interpretation. At the same time, I believe that the exercise will give them the opportunity to practice speaking in a small group. Afterall, they will soon be the kuyas of DCF so I'm giving them all the help I can give while my time and work still permit.

JD was the first one to lead the devotions. He spoke on Psalm 23, a very beautiful Psalm on assurance and peace. When he began speaking, I can't help but smile because I witnessed tremendous growth in him. It was just my second time to hear JD speak, the first was during a core meeting of the Ipil Christian Fellowship. Comparing the way he spoke then and now leads me to but one conclusion-- the Lord is preparing and molding him for greater things.

On that night, I remembered the words of Kuya Caloy. He told me one time, "The greatest joy I have in this ministry is not the financial gain or the fame. I don't have any of these. My greatest joy is when I witness change in the lives of the people God gave me to disciple."

This, to me, is my first time to experience the "joy" Kuya Caloy was talking about. It feels very fulfilling, a kind of joy that lasts. Somehow you know deep inside that you've given God glory because of the accomplished work.

Of course, I am only His instrument. It is because I obeyed the Lord and allowed Him to use me that such change came to be.

I am excited to hear Bible-study fellows speak. I am also excited to see them grow in their walk with the Lord. I know that I may not be able to disciple them forever, but while I can, I will treasure the moment.

My prayer request for these young men? Pray with me that they will really grow up living Christian and Godly lives. May they walk with the Lord in everything they do, always remembering the cross and the life that was sacrificed for their salvation.

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12)

Thank you Lord for using me and for giving me this Bible Study group. Help me walk in Your ways day after day until Jesus Christ comes again.