Showing posts with label #brokenhearted. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #brokenhearted. Show all posts

Monday, March 10, 2025

Monday Quotes

 

"Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come" - Rabindranath Tagore
"When I fall sick, I am taken to a hospital where I surrender to the nurses, attendants and doctors. They put me in a wheelchair and take me where I do not know, put me on machines I do not recognize and do tests which the doctors have ordered. I am completely in their hands. Then I wonder, when I can trust the doctors, nurses and attendants for my well being, and surrender myself, why do I have a problem surrendering to God? Why cant I let God push my wheelchair?" - Pastor Jolly Raj, Bethel Methodist Church, India.
" Faith is the bird that feels the light, when the dawn is still dark". - Rabindranath Tagore
"Pray; and as you pray, surrender; and as you surrender, believe". - Aiden Wilson Tozer
It is not our business to make the message acceptable, but to make it available. We are not to see that they like it, but that they get it. - Vance Havner
You will never be saved against your will; God drags nobody to heaven by the ears. - Charles Spurgeon
Too many Christians live their Christian lives inside their heads; it never gets out through hands and feet and lips. - Vance Havner
"Don't ever come to church without coming as though it were the first time, as though it could be the best time, and as though it could be the last time." ~ Vance Havner
"When the Lord's white sheep become dirty gray, all black sheep feel more comfortable." ~ Vance Havner
"Fundamentally, our Lord's message was Himself. He did not come merely to preach a Gospel; He himself is that Gospel. He did not come merely to give bread; He said, "I am the bread." He did not come merely to shed light; He said, "I am the light." He did not come merely to show the door; He said, "I am the door." He did not come merely to name a shepherd; He said, "I am the shepherd." He did not come merely to point the way; He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."" ~ J. Sidlow Baxter
"Real true faith is man's weakness leaning on God's strength." ~ Dwight L. Moody
"There is more grace in God's heart than there is sin in your past." ~ Erwin W. Lutzer
"Love the sinner, hate the sin? How about: Love the sinner, hate your own sin! I don't have time to hate your sin. There are too many of you! Hating my sin is a full-time job. How about you hate your sin, I'll hate my sin and let's just love each other!" ~ Mark Lowry
"Because with every action, comment, conversation, we have the choice to invite Heaven or Hell to Earth." ~ Rob Bell
"Every day we live is a priceless gift of God, loaded with possibilities to learn something new, to gain fresh insights." ~ Dale Evans
"God doesn't break things so He can fix them; He fixes broken things so He can use them." ~ Bob Goff










Sunday, March 2, 2025

Sunday Quotes

                 

You will never be saved against your will; God drags nobody to heaven by the ears. Charles Spurgeon

This life is the only hell believers will ever know. But for those who die in their sins, this is their only heaven - Ray Comfort

Let me remind you that this is God's universe, and He is doing things His way. You may think you have a better way, but you don't have a universe to rule - J. Vernon McGee

When we share Christ, the Truth behind our transformation, we are offering people an opportunity to be transformed - David Jeremiah

Too many Christians live their Christian lives inside their heads; it never gets out through hands and feet and lips - Vance Havner

When the Lord's white sheep become dirty gray, all black sheep feel more comfortable - Vance Havner

If you see a Bible that is falling apart, it probably belongs to someone who isn't! Vance Havner

God often hides His blessing in trouble or trial, which makes it all the sweeter when it comes our way. - Aiden Wilson Tozer

Peace comes not from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of God.  Alexander MacLaren

We should not pray for God to be on our side, but pray that we may be on God's side. Billy Graham

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

The Peace of Christmas

Peace is a word most sought after, most misunderstood and most misinterpreted. We are in the second week of advent, with the theme of peace, and yet According to recent data, there are currently around 56 ongoing conflicts worldwide, with some sources stating this is the highest number since World War II, involving numerous countries engaged in conflicts outside their borders.
So then, what is this peace? What does it look like? What does it mean? What is the peace of God? 
In the Bible, the word Jesus uses for peace in most of these passages comes from the Greek word eiréné, which means harmony, tranquility, and reconciliation. It’s the concept of being in perfect unity and accord with the Lord, living in tune with his commands and ways.
It is a deep, inner peace that surpasses human comprehension, a calmness and serenity that can be experienced even amidst difficult circumstances, and is considered a gift from God that guards one's heart and mind through faith in Christ Jesus. This peace may not be logically understood but is visible in anyone who has experienced it. Visible in thier faces, ther manner, their talks and their behaviour, specially under extreme stress, because that stress or situation is passed onto Jesus in the full belief that He will carry that burden.
Jessica Brodie goes on to say that "in the short term, the peace of God doesn’t always look like world peace. But in the long-term, it is. For the peace of God comes when we know the God of peace". Jesus. Name above all names.
Which essentially means that till we as individuals experience God, believe in salvation, want salvation and believe that the way to salvation is through Jesus, the world cannot experience eiréné, the peace that Jesus talked about.
In fact, The "peace of God" can be considered a direct result of salvation, meaning that when a person accepts Jesus Christ and is saved, they receive a sense of peace and tranquility with God that comes from the forgiveness of their sins and the knowledge of their secure relationship with Him. They are no longer tormented souls on earth but, tranquil and peaceful beings.
This peace isn't just the absence of conflict, but a deep sense of security, contentment, and trust in God's plan, even amidst life's challenges.
John Blanchard made it quite simple when he commented there that the peace of God is being grateful for past mercy, conscious of present mercy, and certain of future mercy.
It is the peace from knowing God is with us. Emmanuel.
When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.” (Proverbs 16:7)

Monday, December 9, 2024

Unseen Anguish - II

While the world celebrates Christmas with merriment & laughter, there are many whose hearts are filled with anguish. Unseen and unknown. Beneath the façade of smiles and laughter, a silent storm often rages within the them. Unseen anguish can manifest in various forms. It may be the quiet desperation of a person grappling with a chronic illness, the silent suffering of a victim of abuse, or the internal turmoil of someone struggling with mental health issues. It can be the gnawing loneliness of an isolated soul or the profound grief of a bereaved heart.
The world often overlooks these silent struggles, dismissing them as mere fleeting moments of sadness or temporary setbacks. However, for those who endure them, unseen anguish can be a relentless force, consuming their thoughts and emotions. It can lead to feelings of isolation, worthlessness, and hopelessness.
Yet, even in the darkest depths of despair, there is a flicker of hope. Jesus Christ: offering a lifeline, offering understanding, empathy, and a life of His peace, if we so want.
What can we, as Christians do to help? Share Christmas! 
By fostering empathy and compassion, we can create a more supportive and understanding world. We can offer a listening ear, a comforting word, or a helping hand to those who are struggling silently. Above all, we can provide reassurances of Gods help in any situation, may it seem ever so hopeless and Jesus's birth in our lives. We can share and offer Jesus's peace.  
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.





Sunday, December 8, 2024

Sunday Quotes

                      

“Here lies the tremendous mystery: that God should be all-powerful, yet refuse to coerce. He summons us to cooperation. We are honored in being given the opportunity to participate in his good deeds. Remember how He asked for help in performing his miracles: Fill the water pots, stretch out your hand, distribute the loaves.”(Elisabeth Elliot)
“The terrible, tragic fallacy of the last hundred years has been to think that all man's troubles are due to his environment, and that to change the man you have nothing to do but change his environment. That is a tragic fallacy. It overlooks the fact that it was in Paradise that man fell.” (Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
“For God to reveal His Son in us is not the result of research or searching; it is entirely a matter of mercy and revelation. It is an inward seeing, an inner knowing.” (Watchman Nee)
“You cannot go outside of A and Z in the realm of literature; likewise Christ Jesus is First and Last of God's new creation, and all that is in between; you cannot get outside of that.” (T. Austin-Sparks)
“Be still, and know that I am God. We must not interpret that ‘Be still’ in a sentimental manner. Some regard it as a kind of exhortation to us to be silent; but it is nothing of the sort. It means, ‘Give up (or ‘Give in’ and admit I am God’. God is addressing people who are opposed to Him.” (Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
“We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.” (Oswald Chambers)
“I have heard of some good old woman in a cottage, who had nothing but a piece of bread and a little water, and lifting up her hands, she said, as a blessing, “What! all this, and Christ too?” (Charles Haddon Spurgeon)
“To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.” (Timothy Keller)
“Tears shed for self are tears of weakness, but tears shed for others are a sign of strength.”
(Billy Graham)
“Only one life, 'Twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last.” (C.T. Studd)
“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its strength.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.” (Robert H. Schuller)



Friday, December 6, 2024

Revive Your Spirit!

Revivals have been a part of Christian history for centuries, and they continue to occur today. Once such annual revival concert called "Revive", happens in India, every year in November, at the Bethel Methodist Church in a Place called NOIDA, bringing in the Christmas. Today we bring you a short glimpse of this years' concert. 

 

Thursday, December 5, 2024

The Toothpaste Experiment

 
"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips" , Psalm 141:3
There is a super power given to us and that is the tongue. It produces words and Words have power. They can heal or they can destroy. They can also make you a laughing stock.
God's Word mentions the tongue in over 120 passages, and many of those are cautions about using it wisely. Learning to control how we speak – to the Lord and to others – is one of the vital parts of our growth as Christians. The tongue reveals our hearts. It is a window.
If you want to see the effect of your tongue, take a tube of Toothpaste and squeeze some onto your hand. Now try putting all that you squeezed back into the tube. Impossible right? Trying to put it back in the tube will further mess your hand.
The tongue is like the tube. Once it has spoken words, you cannot put them back in your mouth. They will leave a mark. If they are good, kind words, you will leave a good kind mark. If they are harsh and or filthy words they will leave a filthy mark. They can never be taken back.
Kind words come from kind thoughts, and through Gods words.
Evil words come from our ego, jealousy, hate, and all those negative emotions which are not part of Christian thoughts.
Most of us suffer from this (what I call) silent sin. And like all sin, God is happy to help us overcome it. We need but ask.
Controlling the tongue is a basic part of living a Godly life. As Peter says in 1 Peter 3:10
For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech” .



Monday, December 2, 2024

Monday Quotes

 

“No one sets out to become an apostate—it's never the result of one abrupt, drastic turn away from the Lord. Instead, apostasy is most often the product of a pattern of sinful compromises that harden and gradually steer a professing believer away from the truth.” - 
(John MacArthur)
“True weanedness from the world does not consist in being beat off from the world by the affliction of it, but a being drawn off by the sight of something better.” - (Jonathan Edwards)
“Discipline is not inconsistent with love. It is lack of discipline, in fact, that is inconsistent with love. The Lord disciplines His children because He loves them, and we will discipline our brothers and sisters in the Lord if we truly love Him and truly love them.” - (John MacArthur)
“The Christian is not superficial in any sense, but is fundamentally serious and fundamentally happy. You see, the joy of the Christian is a holy joy; the happiness of the Christian is a serious happiness. ... it is a solemn joy, it is a holy joy, it is a serious happiness; so that, though he is grave and sober-minded and serious, he is never cold and prohibitive.”
(Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
“Every temptation, directly or indirectly, is the temptation to doubt and distrust God.” - 
(John MacArthur)
“If God is the Creator of the entire universe, then it must follow that He is the Lord of the whole universe. No part of the world is outside of His lordship. That means that no part of my life must be outside of His lordship.” - 
(R.C.Sproul)
“The issue of faith is not so much whether we believe in God, but whether we believe the God we believe in.” - (R.C.Sproul)
“To see lonely, selfish, empty individuals transformed slowly but surely into warm, loving, wholesome, and happy people is to become aware of why Paul describes Christ as ‘unsearchable riches’.” - (Ray Stedman)
“Seek to have your life in God, not in things, not in people, not in places, not in circumstances, not in arguments, not in human intelligence, but in God.” - (T. Austin-Sparks)
“The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.” - (C.S.Lewis)



Saturday, November 30, 2024

Saturday Vespers

 
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. You come to us through other people and their love and concern for us. You come to us through men and women who need our help. You come to us as we worship you with your people. We remember your presence with the pastors wife with stage 4 cancer and the hope you bring this advent to all those who call upon you for a miracle. We remember a lady in India suffering from back and hip pain and who needs the relief you can give.
Mr. Crane says - Today I would like to have a prayer request for the health of the father of one of my co-workers who is very dear to me. He has problems with his lungs and is in the ICU being treated. He has been with this problem since he had his accident at the age of 42. He is now 57 and still fighting...
Stephanie prays for God to repair, restore, connect, and heal in every way her relationship if it’s in His will and He will show them how to put Him in the center.
A lady in the USA needs prayer as she tries to free herself from a marriage full of domestic abuse. She needs your prayers and a lawyer as well as a strong will not to back slide. She needs her job as well as she is on hard times, even without electricity this winter.
Richin asks for a prayer for a Third Great Awakening in the US

May the Holy and blessed occasion of Advent bring peace, joy, love and hope to all.

















Friday, November 29, 2024

The Day After....

 

We have just finished Thanksgiving yesterday with a lot of celebrations possibly all over the world, even though it is more of an American tradition. In reference to our giving thanks to God, recently Pastor David Jacobs wrote -
"A common misconception among young people.... is that we pray to God to ask for something. Perhaps there have been times when you yourself have prayed for good and righteous things. But we shouldn't forget thanking Him for what has already been provided. God is not our concierge: in fact, we serve God.
Trust in Him, for God gives us what He deems is necessary for His children, and for this, we should continually show our gratitude".
While Thanksgiving is a day dedicated once a year to give thanks, we have received so much that once a year may not suffice. Instead of asking for more, will it not be a good thing to dedicate a Friday or a Saturday or any one day in the week, (or maybe everyday) to give ONLY thanks for what we have received during the week gone by?
We, for one, give Him thanks for ALL our readers, and pray for each one to be blessed. You give us the encouragement to go forward everyday with an inspired message which we hope reaches someone who needs to hear it.  God Bless you all. 




Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Too Many Miracles

 

           “I’ve Seen Too Many Miracles to Doubt God’s Existence”
Miracles happen around us everyday, we only need to open our eyes to them. In our own family, we realized our blessings in a hospital.
Standing there at the foot of her bed in the emergency room, all one could was pray as the Doctors and nurses tried to find the cause of her illness. And then you see the miracle happen as your prayer gets answered.
(If you have a healthy family, you are blessed; count the blessings you usually take for granted).
Since some time now I have noticed prayers being answered and realized they always had been. We were too busy in the business of life to notice. Covid also brought a realisation that He was looking out for us, everyday, in every way. We never felt a days want for food or any necessity. It was always provided in some way.
Each day we lived, and live, is a miracle. Whether it was health, sickness, finances, jobs, business, relationships - you name it. We are grateful and thankful for each one because in retrospect, when we look back we realize what a blessing it has been.
In truth, we should not be celebrating thanksgiving once a year but everyday, because each day He blesses us with Miracles. Small or big does not matter.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Please pray with us for those who need it at:  
https://thisweekwithjesus.blogspot.com/p/prayer-requests.html






Monday, November 25, 2024

Monday Quotes : Integrity is keeping a commitment even after circumstances have changed

 

“How strange this fear of death is! We are never frightened at a sunset.” (George MacDonald)
“When all is said and done, the life of faith is nothing if not an unending struggle of the spirit with every available weapon against the flesh.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
“Since God knows our future, our personalities, and our capacity to listen, He isn't ever going to say more to us than we can deal with at the moment.” (Charles Stanley)
“If your friend is sick and dying, the most important thing he wants is not an explanation; he wants you to sit with him. He's terrified of being alone more than anything else. So, God has not left us alone.” (Lee Strobel)
“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God; those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it.” (Brother Lawrence)
“A little lifting up of the heart suffices; a little remembrance of God, an interior act of adoration, even though made on the march and with sword in hand, are prayers which, short though they may be, are nevertheless very pleasing to God, and far from making a soldier lose his courage on the most dangerous occasions, bolster it. Let him then think of God as much as possible so that he will gradually become accustomed to this little but holy exercise; no one will notice it and nothing is easier than to repeat often during the day these little acts of interior adoration.” (Brother Lawrence)
“King David, after all the things he done wrong, is still mentioned in Acts 13:22 as a man after God’s own heart. That stands, it wasn’t left out in the New Testament because David had failed to live up to God’s standards; God saw the man who, in spite of all his weakness, That stands, it wasn’t left out in the New Testament because David had failed to live up to God’s standards; God saw the man who, in spite of all his weakness, , kept seeking him and longed to become what God already saw in him: a man of God!” (Eleonore van Haaften)
“No matter how just your words may be you ruin everything when you speak with anger.” (John Chrysostom)
“Correct him, but not as a foe, nor as an adversary exacting a penalty, but as a physician providing medicines.” (Martin Luther King)
“Faith makes all things possible…love makes all things easy.” (Dwight L. Moody)
“Integrity is keeping a commitment even after circumstances have changed.” (David Jeremiah)
“You were made by God and for God and until you understand that, life will never make sense.” (Rick Warren)
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” (Mother Teresa)
“Afflictions are but the shadows of God's wings.” (George MacDonald)
“Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.” (St. Francis of Assisi)
“The holier a man becomes, the more he mourns over the unholiness which remains in him.” (Charles Haddon Spurgeon)

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Saturday Vespers: Care for Each Other

                                           

Just as Adam was made responsible for the care of the garden, God commits some special responsibilities to us as well. It could be the care of our children and bringing them to God, it could be caring for the sick, or caring for some elderly people, or maybe helping someone financially broken, or the elders in our circle and our parents. How we deal with what has been committed to us as responsibility is what will determine our success in Gods world. That will determine whether, at the end of it all, Christ will say - "well done my good and faithful servant..." . Let us therefore pray for discernment to see our responsibilities and strength and mind to fulfill them.
This week we pray once again for the Pastor in India and his wife who is suffering from Stage 4 cancer. We pray for a miracle of Jesus to heal her.
we pray for a senior lady in India for relief from back pain which she is suffering from.
For a senior gentleman in India who is suffering form cancer and in great pain, undergoing start of dementia. We pray for your peace and relief
MJ Gates requests - Dear family in Christ; please pray with me for my friends May and Vincent. They're marriage is suffering from many choices that have caused them to separate
Anon requests praying saying - My husband is generally unhappy & has been since I met him over 30 years ago. He needs Jesus. He's been coming to church with me, but it's hard for him to open his heart. Please pray for him
Emily praises God for giving her direction
Tanu says - I continue committing my mum, sons Michael & Shawn, daughters Emmy & Tiffany, my wife Joyce in prayer, protect my father remember the rest of my family I also pray for complete healing of my children keep us safe forgive us of our sins for it’s in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ




















Saturday, September 21, 2024

Prayer is Where the Action is : Saturday Vespers

                                                    

Prayer is Where the Action is - John Wesley
Does God see? Does God care? Scripture calls us to believe that God really does see, know, and hear. The question is do we call? 
Today, we thank God for the recovery of your servant in Australia, in India and those who were sick and needed your intervention. 
Today we request you, our readers, for prayers for all these people. We do not know them nor they us. Yet we believe, your prayers will help them and give them hope: 
Brandi says -
Can you please pray for God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, Mother Mary, The Angelic Hierarchy, The Saints, all those that help us, me (Brandi), my family and my friends. WE are going through a very challenging time right now and could really use your prayers. Thank you!
Tanu Prays - 
Heavenly Father I come before you praying for resources and money to build our family home, I pray for your blessings and favor, remember me and my family in a special and mighty way, for it’s in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ that I do pray believing and trusting Amen.
We pray for the wellness of the senior citizens in India -One with a severe back problem to give her strength and patience as well as relief from the pain; we also pray for a lady suffering from Parkinsons for relief as well as strength and patience to her caregiver daughter,
We pray for retired Pastor Benjamin in India for support as he and his daughter go through a very challenging time with his home breaking down and no finance to repair. We pray that efforts to organize financial support for them bears fruit.
We Pray for a Pastor's wife - diagnosed with stage IV cancer, she is in great pain and the family is heartbroken. We pray for relief from her pain, strength for the family and the greatest healer to visit her. 
Anna Prays
Divine peace for Renzo and Robin. The attack is from the pits of hell and I bind it in the Name of Jesus. Divine intervention and peace and love . Amen and Amen
Dr. Moreland requests prayer for Mike who is facing cancer surgery. 
We pray for Aaliyah who says
I just started university three weeks ago. I've been struggling mentally being away from home and feeling overwhelmed with the people I'm around. I've been disconnected from god for a while now and want to change that. I've had depression before, and I feel it coming back. I just want my semester to be filled with happy moments and not let my depression win.
Jason asks "Please pray for my Daughter who either has the Stomach virus or food poisoning".
Someone asksPlease storm heaven's gates for complete healing for my husband, father, and mother! Please pray for protection and Godly friends for my children. I pray all petitions on this board are heard and answered by God. I also pray especially for those struggling with mental illness and their families. May they have peace.
Please pray for all these and other needs you may know of. 
 










Saturday, September 7, 2024

God of Small Things: Saturday Vespers

 

In our world of immediate gratification, success is measured by grandiose achievements. Yet, God delights in small, everyday acts and things, as He does in those grandiose achievements. For Him, it's the heart of the matter, not the outcome. So today we pray -
Heavenly Father, help us to see the value and significance of the small tasks we do every day. May we find joy in the ordinary and the mundane, knowing that you are present in every moment. Give us the strength to be faithful in small things trusting that you can use them in your Glory.
We thank you for the recovery of your servant in Australia and those who were sick and needed your intervention.
Today DeeSki asks for Gods help and says -
"Please god do not let her give up on me and this relationship. I am completely lost knowing I could losing her and my children. I’m asking for all of the prayers I can get and for somehow someway god to help me keep this relationship and family together."
David thanks God for His providence.
Esetarosa requests prayer for her "daughter Fu’a for a miracle in her life as she is now at home under Hospice care. We serve a loving God who hears our prayers. Thank you and God Bless!"
We pray for the wellness of the senior citizens in India - one with a severe back problem to give her strength and patience as well as relief from the pain; we also pray for a lady suffering from Parkinsons for relief as well as strength and patience to her caregiver daughter,
We pray for retired Pastor Benjamin in India for support as he and his daughter go through a very challenging time with his home breaking down and no finance to repair. We pray that efforts to organize financial support for them bears fruit.
Please pray for all these and other needs you may know of. In Jesus' mighty name. 










Friday, July 5, 2024

Stale Food and Soiled Currency

                                           

"Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts". Malachi 1 

When we have esteemed visitors over for a visit, we try and offer the best we can. Best crockery and cutlery, the best of foods, the best seat in the house and the best comforts.
When God knocks, in the form of a hungry person, what do we offer? Stale food? When asked by beggars -do we give soiled or unusable currency and keep the crisp notes for ourselves?
It's not what we give. It's how we give. Let's not put terms and conditions to our giving. Recognize the need and give honorably, thereby honoring God for there is God in each human. 
Give more or give less, but give with honor, not in boasting but in humility.

Friday, June 28, 2024

God's Case Study


Remember Job? A character of much importance in the Bible. Some people joke and say that he innocently became the subject of a bet between God and Satan. Except that God does not gamble. 
God also does not need to give points, but He did point Job to His truths. Yet, even today, we humans want proof points. Proof of His creation, proof of His presence, proof of His love for us. We sure know about Him, but do we really believe in Him until he shows His presence?
Humanity needs case studies like that of Job to show others of things like faith, Gods love, Divine intervention etc. If you look at it, Job is a typical human and, in the story, God lists out all the proof points you and I need that He exists, and He is God the Creator. He also gives proof points that He is the nurturer and the provider; that he is the protector of His creation and finally that He is the power that keeps the balance in His creation.
The Story of Job is an important one for us. Not because it teaches us how to suffer (nobody wants that anyway) and sustain but more importantly how and why to trust in God. It also explains the greatest mystery of life: why do bad things happen to good people.
At different times Jobs story can message different things. But perhaps the most important messaging is in Chapter 38 and 39 where God challenges man. At the end of it we realize we are not the mighty tower of knowledge we thought we are or think we are we are merely ants. We are still debating if there are aliens; or that who we think are aliens are angels; we still try to figure out nature and creation; we still even haven't been able to get the timeline right! Thus, if we know nothing, are powerless by ourselves, who are we to question God?




This Week

The Flight from God

                            ​ “I fled Him, down the nights and down the days; I fled Him, down the arches of the years; I fled Him, down the...