Just Because I am active on Facebook Does not mean I am Inactive in His Book

For several years, I have been reading the Bible through, from Genesis to Revelation, once a year. Every year, I read different Bibles and versions. I read the KJV,  NKJV, NIV, NASV, etc. There were times when I finished reading the entire Bible days before the year ends and there were time when I had to speed up my reading hours before the New Year begins. It's been fun, informing, enlightening and transforming. At times it's tough to read the Old Testament Laws in  Leviticus-Deuteronomy. And reading the list of names or places in Numbers and Chronicles were not entertaining. The oracle and prophecy found in Major and Minor Prophets are also boring to read. It's the Word of God, nonetheless.

Now that Bible apps are available electronically, I do most of my Bible reading in my Kindle Fire and currently reading the ESV.

Pastors and ministers are criticized for being active on social media. I believe that being active on social media does not make one less spiritual, although I have to admit that FB is time-consuming and emotionally draining at times. But just because I am active on Facebook does not mean I am inactive in His Book. Being active on Facebook does not make one lazy reading the Book. Having Facebook account, allows me to connect with people at the same time it makes me real person.

It's an undeniable reality that Facebook reinforces one's narcissistic nature. Have you forgotten that we are by nature selfish? For many the desire to go to heaven bears narcissistic tendency. People want to go there because they don't want to go to hell. They do good things not because it feels good to help others but also to earn eternal reward. 

Looking for a Job in Phnom Penh

I totally understand the feeling this photo evokes. Before I become 'tentmaker' missionary, I don't have a clue regarding job-hunting. You see, in the denomination I come from, Bible college graduates don't look for a job or a church to serve; they are hired and employed immediately after graduation--job guaranteed with free housing (parsonage), to say in a secular term. But to use the spiritual lingo, they are called not simply employed.

What a privilege these graduates has; not for the employment per se, but for the opportunity to serve and lead people, young and inexperienced as they are. 

I have a Bachelor of Theology degree (Bth), and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from a Philippine-government recognized institution. I have many years of leadership and teaching experiences. But my credentials and experience are largely in the religious industry. Looking for an employment in a secular environment would be challenging; not because I lack experience and education, but because hiring managers in a secular environment cannot identify with my educational background. While I have not given out my CV yet, I had already convinced myself that my educational background might be an obstacle. 

What Good Does a Title Provides?

Recently, I attended the International Council for Higher Education (ICHE) annual conference held at the Green Palace Hotel in Phnom Penh. The title "Dr." and "Rev Dr appear" beside each delegate's name listed in the program looks intimidating at first glance. Well, I also have doctor of theology but it's a non-formal one, from The Open Seminary. Although some of my friends are using it, I never used did because it's not academic and does not seem real. The Open Seminary (TOS) is a non-formal,interfaith,and inter-disciplinary continuing education program that awards bachelor, master and doctoral degree by acknowledging the years of service of the individual applicants.

Perhaps it's time to pursue my doctorate. But pursuing a doctoral studies for title sake is worthless and futile. The motivation must be higher, and that is for advance learning.

Let us not forget also that one of the prevalent reasons people study or pursue a degree is for career opportunity. Jobs available are geared to one's specialty or mastery. One cannot be hired as surgeon if he does not have education in that field. Thus, pursuing education is also motivated by career dream and ambition.

To be honest, I would like to take up my doctorate for credentials, future ministry and personal development.