For me, the new semester has begun with a slight bang. On Thursday, I had my first class, even though I had a Winter Session Final on Tuesday. Classes-wise, I feel as if I am getting more closer to the core of the things I can learn at WTS. Last semester was all introduction courses; This semester we zoom into the heart of the matter, or at least, the breach the outer shell of Theological academics.

But I stand, as a guy humbled by the toughness of the rigorous studies and countless readings. This has opened my eyes, once again, to the difficulties of becoming a shepherd of a flock. There are known cases of people becoming a pastor just because, “there is nothing else for me to do or be.” To those who think that, to be a pastor is not a walk in the park; there are only so much you can learn in a 4-year course (some people do it in 3 years, I respect that also), and you must devote the rest of your short life yearning to understand more and more about God’s plans for me, you, us, and them.

Last year was tough, but as many know, it only gets tougher from here on out. I am not talking about my studies, this relates to everyone’s life, whether it be school, work, relationships, etc. We have (for the lack of better analogies) touched only the tip of the iceberg. In faith, we trust God, not that He will solve all our problems, but that He will walk along-side us as we tackle each problems one-by-one. And He will never abandon us, as long as we put our hope in the One who gave us life. That much, I am convinced of, and I trust and believe that God will use me to further spread the Gospel and to reach out to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who may be strugglin’, scratchin’, and just plain ol’ survivin’. Whatever the case, God loves us. We must love one another because that is the command He has given us(John 13:34). New semester, new year (even though it’s already February!). Same old changing world. Same old unchanging God. To everyone, I pray that God blesses you and reveals His mighty works through you all : )