#Humanity & Computers

                         
Computers and computing are integral to our lives. But how do computers operate? In simple terms, computers require an input, which is processed by the computer's brain, known as the processor, resulting in an output. It goes without saying that the quality of the output depends on the quality of the input.

Computers are like humans. Our output largely depends on our input, and our brain acts as the processor.

This is why it's crucial to be conscious of what we feed our minds. Our thoughts and beliefs are shaped by these inputs. If we consume negative content, it can lead to harmful behavior towards others. Conversely, if we nourish our minds with positive, life-affirming material, we will likely express life-giving words to those we meet.

However, dwelling on unproductive things like gossip and foul language leads to words that are not beneficial to anyone, including ourselves. Allowing foolishness to guide our lives can result in many adverse situations.

This is why many #Bible figures prayed and meditated daily, some multiple times a day. It kept them focused on #God, provided vision, and enabled them to impart wisdom that is still followed today. They could comprehend God, follow God, and guide others towards God.

We too can achieve this today if we choose to. It requires dedicating time and adhering to discipline. Establishing a routine of #dailydevotions or #meditation can be beneficial. With the vast number of resources available for our daily study, including the knowledge found within and beyond the Bible, there is more than enough for a lifetime. 

Regular devotions can help us control the input to our minds, allowing us to produce high-quality output that aligns with God's expectations. It helps us to understand Him, and His will for us, and work according to that will and not our own. 

Most importantly, it enhances our own peace through a deeper understanding of His word and His will.  

The Audacity of #Divine Interventions

                                                        
Droughts are the second most devastating and costly weather events, after hurricanes.

Lack of sufficient precipitation, whether rain or snow, can result in lessened stream flow, crop damage, decreased soil moisture or groundwater, as well as general water scarcity.

Today's post is about this miracle mentioned in 2 Kings and is based on the KJV #Biblestudy, and teaches us an important truth: What do we need to do to receive a blessing of a miracle. 

The verse says, "Thus saith the Lord, Make this valley full of ditches. For thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye and your cattle, and your beasts". — 2 Kings 3:16,17. Can you imagine such a scenario, where out of nothing, water will magically fill the trenches? 

The armies of the three kings were famishing for want of water: #God was about to send it, and in these words the prophet announced the coming blessing. Here was complete human helplessness: not a drop of water could all the valiant men procure from the skies or find in the wells of earth. Still the people were to make a believing preparation for the divine blessing; there was no sign of water, but they were to dig the trenches for the water! What audacity!

They needed to get "ready" to be blessed. A similar miracle is recorded in 2 Kings 4, Ver 1-7, about Elisha and the oil jars of the widow. 

In both examples, while God would perform the miracle the beneficiaries needed to do things to receive them. If water could be produced out of nothing, so could the ditches and trenches. If Oil had to magically appear, why could not the oil jars? But they people needed to demonstrate their own #Faith. 

We must, by our varied agencies, efforts, and #prayers, make ourselves ready to be blessed; In an outward expression of faith, we must make the pools, and the Lord will fill them. This must be done in the full assurance that the blessing is about to descend. The problem is when we ask for a cure (of a problem) we do not leave the solution to God. 

The #Lord has his own sovereign modes of action: he is not tied to manner and time as we are but does as he pleases among us. It is ours thankfully to receive from him, and not to dictate to him the form, manner and time. In the quoted verse, we must also notice the remarkable abundance of the supply—there was enough for the need of all. 

If you are waiting for a blessing today, stop telling God what to do but   ask Him: What are the trenches He wants you to dig? 

#CountYourBlessings

All too often, in this great world, we seem to lapse into a state of ingratitude, taking for granted all of the blessings and comforts we enjoy or have enjoyed. We either revert into an attitude of self-satisfaction, expecting that peace and bliss will always follow us, or, become despondent and depressed and totally hopeless when face with adversity and think that our desperate situation is forever.

During these times we should, with sincerity of heart, count our blessings! Maybe even write them down to keep reminding us.

There is a song too, by the same name which has a history which demonstrates the reality and truth of this song. We may have heard this song in school or #Sundayschool, because maybe adults think it is childish to thank #God so simply. 

Gipsy Smith, a famous evangelist of yesteryear, said of this song, "Men sing it, boys whistle it and women rock their babies to sleep to it."

How did this song come about? 

Johnson Oatman, Jr., born April 21, 1856, was a citizen of Lumberton, N.J. His dad was a local merchant and just happened to be the best singer in town, with a rich, powerful voice. Young Johnson could not sing as well as his father, yet he grew up wanting to make some musical contributions of his own. However, for a time he worked in the family business, but soon gave up those opportunities and began to study for the ministry. After finishing school and ministering in the Methodist Episcopal churches for a time, Johnson continued to hope that life surely held some other plans for him.

At 36, he realized that he did, without question, have a musical talent after all. While he could not sing, he could write songs for other Christians to sing. So, every year some 200 songs flowed from his pen. He eventually had written 5,000 songs and was happy that in his musical compositions he had found a way to "preach the Gospel."

"Count Your Blessings," was written in 1897. Almost immediately it began its meteoric journey.

Like Johnson, each one of us too is blessed with something which can be used for Gods message of hope, love and peace to the world. We need to find it and use it.  

Listen to this great song once again and get inspired. For old times' sake.

Count Your Blessings sung by Guy Penrod

#graceupongrace

#Praying with Power: Pastor Rajiv's Mid-week message

 

The 19th century evangelist and pastor R. A. Torrey wrote, “We should never utter one syllable of #prayer, either in public or in private, until we are definitely conscious that we have come into the presence of #God, and we are really speaking to Him.” Today, Pastor Rajiv on his series on prayers with this powerful topic - Praying with Power.

Our Legacy

                

I cannot forget a Book by Robin Sharma called "Who will cry when you die". The title inspired me to think, and often I ask myself the same question: who will cry when I die? Maybe not literally, but who will genuinely grieve? 

Apart from my family and a couple of friends, I really can't count any. We are so involved with self and careers and God knows what else, we forget to carve out a legacy of good which can live on after us. But why should we? 

Because "Life" is not a career; life is not about just us. There is nothing wrong about doing things for us but that is not the end. Life is the means to the end but life is living in harmony with the world around us. Taking care of the world and people around us. Using our talents wisely for the benefit of others. Thats how we can create a legacy. 

Creating a legacy is about making a lasting impact that transcends your lifetime. It involves living with intention and purpose, and making contributions that benefit others

Hebrews 13:16 says "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased".

Everything we have comes from above. Do we even stop to give thanks? Do we share it with others? Do we become a channel of His blessing and grace to others? Do we even want anyone to remember us?  

Note the word "sacrifices" and "sharing" in the verse.  

Pastor Rajiv has already talked about sacrificial giving or sharing in earlier posts and clearly defined what it means to give and more so, what is sacrificial giving. 

Careers and material things will end one day as will life itself. What will last will be the legacy we leave. Can we start creating it today? 

In Case You Missed : All Things Bright & Beautiful

 

Today we take a trip down memory lane with two posts we thought you may like.
All things Bright and Beautiful
This post aims to underscore humanity's greatest shortcoming, which lies in our inability to adhere to God's initial directive to mankind as stated in Genesis 2:15: "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." We have indeed created a disaster of the #environment and #nature.
The Hypocritical Tree
A notable post from the past depicts Jesus showing an unusual response to a barren fig tree. Even with the assurance that #Jesuslovesyou, the implications and lessons from this event are indeed frightening.

Have a Great Week.