Faith

April 4, 2026

We are at the Waldensian valley in northern Italy, right below the Alps in a small town named Torre Pellice. It’s absolutely beautiful and is surrounded by beautiful mountains where you can still see the tops covered in snow. This town is nothing like the big, touristy cities of Europe we visited this past week.

This area is where a group of Christians fled as they were being persecuted for their faith. They followed Peter Waldo, a French merchant and preacher, and his followers were called Waldensians. The other day, we visited the home of Josue Janavel, who led the group during the persecutions from 1655 to 1663. His home was deep in the mountains, and there was a tiny cave within it where he and his family could hide if soldiers came. It is said that his motto was, “Let nothing be stronger than your faith.”

That is a powerful statement. Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:8, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Faith is the expression of your desire to accept the gift of salvation, and that is what the Waldensians held on to. Faith grows through your relationship with Jesus. It wasn’t the prize of avoiding death that they were focused on, but the joy of walking closely with Jesus, which helped them withstand the persecutions. 

Have a wonderful Sabbath, and see you next week!

Lead

March 28, 2026

One of the top sites to visit in Florence, Italy is “the Duomo.” It’s a massive dome sitting on top of the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, which is located in the center of the city. On top of the dome, you can observe the panoramic view of the whole city of Firenze (Florence). It’s absolutely amazing to climb up there. The last time I went up there was with my brother and two cousins about 20 years ago, and I was excited to go up there again with my daughter. 

There are 463 steps to climb up to the Duomo, and the stairway is narrow. You have to check in your luggages and backpacks to go up there. When we were checking in the bags, the staff recommended that I take my water bottle with me because it would be a long climb. What I didn’t account for was that I was climbing up the stairs with my young daughter.

We started walking up the stairs, and for me it was no big deal, and I was walking up at a faster pace. Soon, I could hear Sebin slowing down because I was going too fast. I slowed down for her. Behind us was a young mother with a 2-year old son. Clearly, I knew it would take a longer time for her. Half the way, she carried him up the stairs. When we finally arrived at the top, we knew it was worth the climb, the view was amazing. The pictures and the videos I took didn’t do any justice to it.

I wonder if that is what God did for us. Apparently, God would patiently wait for us to walk with us. Isaiah 40:11 writes, “He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young.” The journey we are on is not an easy one. Our Father in heaven is willing to slow down for us, and even carry us in our difficulties and trials. May we put our faith in Him today and let Him guide and lead us.

Believe

March 21, 2026

"Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

"Do not be unbelieving, but believing." John 20:22,23,27

These are what Jesus said to the disciples when Jesus showed up to the disciples after the resurrection. The disciples just heard from Mary that Jesus was resurrected. Peter and John witnessed the empty tomb. And so the disciples were wondering where Jesus was. Maybe they were worried.

Then Jesus shows up to them! All were there but Thomas. Jesus told them to "receive the Holy Spirit." Isn't that powerful? Jesus has promised the Holy Spirit to us. He is wanting to come into our hearts. We should be open and be able to welcome Him to our hearts. He is knocking at your heart. Please remember to welcome Him.

When Thomas heard about Jesus, he did not believe. He needed solid proof and evidence. When Jesus appeared in front of Thomas for real, Jesus told Thomas "to believe."

Oh how many times we doubt. We don't need to. What the Bible says, we must believe. This is the basis of faith. We must believe.