The Year that Was....

Did you ever feel that 2024 slipped away from you? Like you lost precious time to struggles, disappointments and mistakes? It can be disheartening to look back and see the time which has seemingly been wasted. But take heart for our God is a restorer of time.

One of the most poignant examples of restoration is found in the book of Joel, where God promises to restore the years that the locusts have eaten: "I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts—the swarming locust, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust—My great army that I sent against you" (Joel 2:25). This promise of restoration is not merely material but also spiritual, as God calls His people to repentance and renewal. The locusts symbolize the trials and challenges that have plagued our lives devouring our joy, peace and blessings. But God in His infinite mercy declares that He will make up for the lost time.

Throughout Scripture, God is consistently revealed as the Restorer of the Broken, offering hope and healing to a world marred by sin and suffering. His restorative work is a testament to His love and faithfulness, inviting all to experience the wholeness found in Him.

In contrast, how much time do we do we spend on things that truly matter? Stress, anxieties, anger, sadness... Is this how God intended us to wisely spend our time. 

Responding to Change

Well, it's that time of the year when we all decide to bring in some change in our lives, even though that resolution may fade in a week or two.
So, we thought we should delve into the biblical perspective of change and how to respond to or react to it.
To start with, let's understand change.
Change is a transformation. Change can be internal or external. It can be good or bad. Our reaction to it can be acceptance, rejection, or (as it happens most of the time) silent condonation of it.
How does the bible view change? The Bible is very clear we need internal change. That is because God and His principles never change (even though His methods may). If we need to be more like Him, we need to change. Our old self has to die and be replaced by our new self. This new self then needs to shine so that people around us see the Goodness of our God, encouraging external change in the environment. The Bible gives enough guidelines of what is to change in ourselves and how, before we can hope to see change in our environments.
Mahatma Gandhi also said - Be the change you want to see.
The other change is external change. We know that growth requires change. Many people believe we should also change our morals, ethics, and beliefs to accommodate changes in profession, culture and lifestyles. But sometimes changes in our environment are detrimental to the Christian life, and our relationship with God - aka sin.
Sin brings about a negative change that altered not only Adam and Eve’s behavior and thinking but also their very nature. As a result, their environment changed, along with all of human history. In our sin, we lost our perfect environment and were left to wrest survival from an unforgiving planet (Genesis 3:17–19). Change had come, and it was not a good change.
As Christians our response to change, good or bad, really depends on our desire for changing ourselves, as well as our willingness. At the pool of Bethesda, Jesus found an infirm man who had suffered his condition for a long time. Interestingly, Jesus asked him, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6). A strange question with a logical purpose. Before the Lord introduced the man to lifelong change, He wanted to know: do you really want this, or are you more comfortable with your life of begging and living off the charity of others? Are you ready to change?
So how do we respond to external change?
A. What we tend to do is Rationalize or Bend Gods word to make any change suitable to ourselves. This is not a good idea.
Changeable humans do not have the power or authority to change God’s Word, and only the foolish will try. Being judgmental is a small example.
B. In continuation, we should be rejecting certain changes instead of adapting ourselves to those changes. With Gods help, and the guidance of His word, we can select what we accept, reject or condone. We should embrace change, no matter how hard it is, when it comes from God, and similarly reject it, no matter how hard it is, no matter what sacrifice we may be needed, if it is not. If we resolve not to accept or accept, the Holy Spirit will guide us through and provide the strength and protection we need to see it through. (Philippians 4:6-7)
C. All change starts in the mind. Therefore, our mind needs to know what to measure that change against. For that we need to read and internalize Gods word. Internalizing does not mean memorizing, but understanding the different aspects of the subject and its application. That scale will determine what we value enough to adopt.
D. Respond to Jesus. He was sent to change us, to lead us into a relationship with God as was originally planned. However, if we do not respond to His leading that change will never happen.
In summary, our response to change is a 4-step process:
First we must identify whether that change is in line with Gods principles.
Secondly, we must desire to accept or reject that change, want it and determine to make it.
Thirdly, realize we are not infallible. We need Gods help to cross that chasm.
Lastly be willing to be led. Trust in Him and depend on him.

A New Year Resolution

Our choices decide our relationship with God. Whether we take Him seriously or not. How involved He is in our life and how much we depend on Him.

David Bowman has this to say -

Every day, we have the choice, every moment in fact, to decide who gets to decide—us or God. This should not be a hard choice. The conclusion should be apparent. Yet somehow, I have rationalized exceptions to the rule, alternate outcomes, even truly fantastical courses of action. The one thing all of my better ideas have in common is that none of them were better ideas. (David Bowman)

As we start the new year, think about how we make choices: our choice or Gods choice. In truth, while sometimes we do decide to follow Gods will, most times it is our own human nature who gets to decid3. But, we can discipline our hearts and minds to desire to be in line with Gods choice. While it is extremely difficult, it will be worthwhile to align this year and the rest of the years we have, to God's will and His decisions.

Unseen Blessings: Thank You Lord

"One day, a very rich father took his son on a trip to the country to show him what it was like to be poor. They stayed for a few days and nights on a farm where a very poor family lived.

After they returned home, the father asked his son how he liked the trip. “It was great, Dad,” the son replied. “Did you see how poor people can be?” the father asked. “Oh yeah,” the son answered.

“So what did you learn from the trip?” asked the father. The son thought for a moment and said, “I saw that we have one dog and they have four. We have a pool that goes halfway across our garden, and they have a creek that never ends. We have fancy lanterns in our garden, and they have the stars at night. Our patio is big and reaches the front yard, but they have the whole horizon.

We have a small piece of land, but they have fields that go as far as you can see. We have servants who work for us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow their own. We have walls around our property to keep us safe, but they have friends to protect them.” The father was silent, then the son added, “It showed me just how poor we really are.”

This story makes you think: We often forget how much we have and focus on what we don’t have. What one person thinks is worthless, another person might treasure. It all depends on how you see things."

Sometimes, it takes the perspective of a child to remind us of what really matters.

That perspective was brought to us on the 25th of this month. As we close 2024 tonight, let us review our lives in the past year (s), from the perspective of the Child Jesus.

Story Source: Good Thinking

Four Years and Counting....

Dear readers,

Today it's four years that the first post on this blog was published. Through this time, we hope that our posts, curated from across the world, have brought some joy, hope, peace or security to someone out there. 

Our mission has been the revival of the fire of faith, which, naturally, can diminish over time, specially when we face hardship and tough times.

In these four years, when we look back, we see Gods hand at work. He has performed countless miracles and granted numerous blessings on our readers. He has been present in all the good times and bad. He has seen us at our best and at our worst. He has always been faithful and his unconditional love brings each of us peace and happiness. Let us boast of His love and His unfailing presence in our lives. We are ever so thankful for Jesus, His son, sent into the world for each one of us.

As we emerge from the joyous celebrations of Christmas, let us carry forward the true essence of this blessed season into the New Year. Christmas is not just a day but a reminder of the eternal hope and love that Christ brings into our lives.

Now, as the decorations come down and the holiday rush subsides, it's the perfect time for a personal and communal revival. Let us reignite our faith with renewed vigor and commitment. So let us not stop the spirit of Jesus from being born in each of us, every day, day by day.

As we head into the New Year of 2025, we remain thankful for each day we have been blessed with and wish each of our readers Gods fullest blessings every day.

Keep it Shining!

Well, Christmas is a day away. We will all be so busy with the busyness of Christmas, prepping for dinners and special cakes, cookies, gifts, travel and plans.

In this great and busy time, let us not forget the birthday boy! Jesus was born into the world to bring peace and joy and love. He wants to be born in our hearts if we let Him.

What does it mean for Jesus to be born into our hearts? For Him to shine through our lives as light for the world?

Sometime back we talked about the three dimensions of spiritual relationships - within us, with God and with fellow men. Because of Jesus we need not hide our faces and ourselves from God, like Adam and Eve, but have a bold relationship with Him and with others. Which means that because Jesus was born to sacrifice Himself for our forgiveness, we are at peace. The Billy Graham Foundation describes this very well -

"So many people strive for one thing more than any other - peace. The reason they seek it is because there’s no lasting comfort or freedom in their lives. It’s like they are always unsettled. The Bible defines peace primarily in three ways.

• Psychological peace, the comfort within.

• Relational peace, harmony among humanity.

• Spiritual peace, which is between God and man.

The Bible outlines how sin damages or wipes out all three types of peace. When God created man, he was at peace with God, himself, and everyone else. However, that peace was lost when he turned against God. Peace can be restored, but we can’t do it alone. God provided a way".

Yes, God provided the way through Jesus.

Today, we celebrate Christmas because we have the peace Jesus brought, as a gift from God.

https://peacewithgod.net/

Saturday Vespers

 

This Saturday before Christmas, we come before our God, with hearts full of gratitude for His unfailing love and mercy. We thank Him for the countless blessings He has bestowed upon us, even those we may not see or acknowledge. We especially thank Him for the Gift of Jesus Christ, and the hope, peace & joy we have through Him. 

We humbly lift up those who are in need of His divine intervention and care. For those suffering from illness, to grant them healing and strength. Comfort for those who are in pain, physically, emotionally, or spiritually, and to let them feel His presence by their side.

We pray for those who are facing difficult decisions or challenges. Lord, guide them with Your wisdom and grant them clarity and peace. May they find the courage to trust in Your plans and walk the path You have set before them.

We are grateful for our readers from around the world who pray for prayer requests and today we also ask for prayer from all our readers for - 

Ms. Jayasudha for protection and healing from her cancer. Also pray for her peace in Christ as she struggles with negative dreams and thoughts. 

For Diane that she does not have any scary symptoms and has assurance of it soon

For Jamie and Bob, and their health and wellbeing.

Dr. Moreland requests prayer for Prayers for a 2 year old girl named Isla, in the hospital and her family.

For all those who are feeling lost or alone this Christmas, we ask that You surround them with Your love and light. Send them companions who will support and uplift them, and may they always know that they are never truly alone with You in their hearts.

In our world filled with strife and division, we pray for peace and unity. Help us to be instruments of Your peace, showing love and understanding to all, regardless of our differences.

Lastly, we ask for Your continued blessings upon our families and friends. Keep them safe and healthy, and may our relationships be strengthened by Your grace.

The Old Woman and a Blanket

 

It was December and a cold one at that. An old woman worked in a home for cleaning and washing. One day she complained about the cold to the mistress, about how she could not sleep in the cold at night. The mistress, who was a very thoughtful and kind lady decided to get the old maid a blanket, for Christmas, to keep her warm and so she did.

Next day a beautiful woolen blanket was delivered, in beautiful Christmas colors of green, red and white.

As the maid was getting ready to leave, the mistress gave her the blanket, but instead of being pleased, the maid scornfully stated she did not want it. On being asked why, she said she didn't like it because it had a white color which would get dirty and she would have to wash it, so she would prefer one without white. The mistress got a bit upset because she had gone through a lot of trouble and expense to get the blanket delivered urgently. "Anyway," she said, "don't take it if you don't want. I can't force you. I will see how and when it can be exchanged".

The maid left leaving the blanket behind. That night was the coldest night of that season.

Thinking about this story, one wonders that how many times have we behaved like the maid? How many times we have rejected the warmth of Gods' blessings, which maybe long term, for our short-term demands? In our short sight we cannot see beyond the horizon, but God can and blesses us with His plans which are based on His vision, but we don't see it.

The only way our vision can be in sync with Gods plans is for us to trust Him completely, without reservation or ambiguity or conditions.

Christ Himself was part of Gods long term plan for each one of us. A gift to mankind. But, like the old maid, sometimes we reject the gift and the warmth of Jesus and His offer of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love for short term material gains and pleasures.

This Christmas, will we truly and earnestly and happily accept God's gift? 

A Christmas Story by Helen Steiner Rice

The Story of the Christmas Guest

by Helen Steiner Rice

It happened one day at December's end
Some neighbors called on an old-time friend.
And they found his shop so meager and mean,
Made gay with a thousand boughs of green.
And old Conrad was sitting with face ashine,
When he suddenly stopped as he stitched the twine.
And he said, "My friends, at dawn today,
When the cock was crowing the night away,
The Lord appeared in a dream to me.
And He said, 'I'm coming your guest to be."
So I've been busy with feet astir,
Strewing my shop with branches of fir.
The table is spread and the kettle is shined,
And over the rafters the holly is twined.
And now I'll wait for my Lord to appear;
And listen closely so I will hear,
His steps as he nears my humble place.
And I'll open the door and I'll look on his face."
Then his friends went home and left Conrad alone,
For this was the happiest day he had known.
For long since his family had passed away.
And Conrad had spent many a sad Christmas Day.
But he knew with the Lord as his Christmas guest,
This Christmas would be the dearest and best.
So he listened with only joy in his heart,
And with every sound he would rise with a start,
And look for the Lord to be at his door,
Like the vision that he had had a few hours before.
So he ran to the window after hearing a sound,
But all he could see on the snow covered ground,
Was a shabby beggar whose shoes were torn.
And all his clothes were ragged and worn.
But old Conrad was touched, and he went to the door
And he said, "Your feet must be cold and sore.
I have some shoes in my shop for you.
And I have a coat to keep you warmer, too."
So with grateful heart the man went away.
But Conrad noticed the time of day
And he wondered what made the dear Lord so late,
And how much longer he'd have to wait.
Then he heard another knock, and he ran to the door,
But it was only a stranger once more.
A bent old lady with a shawl of black,
And a bundle of kindling piled on her back.
But she asked only for a place to rest,
a place that was reserved, for Conrad's great guest.
Her voice seemed to plead, "Don't send me away,
Let me rest for awhile this Christmas Day."
So Conrad brewed her a steaming cup
And told her to sit at the table and sup.
After she had left, he was filled with dismay,
For he saw that the hours were slipping away
The Lord had not come as He said He would,
And Conrad felt sure he had misunderstood.
When out of the stillness, he heard a cry.
"Please help me and tell me - Where am I?"
So again he opened his friendly door,
And stood disappointed as twice before.
It was a child who had wandered away,
And was lost from her family on Christmas Day.
Again Conrad's heart was heavy and sad,
But he knew he could make this little girl glad.
So he called her in and he wiped her tears,
And he quieted all of her childish fears.
Then he led her back to her home once more,
And as he entered his own darkened door,
He knew that the Lord was not coming today,
For the hours of Christmas had all passed away.
So he went to his room, and he knelt down to pray.
And He said, "Lord, why did you delay?
What kept You from coming to call on me?
I wanted so much Your face to see."
Then softly, in the silence, a voice he heard.
"Lift up your head - I have kept My word.
Three times my shadow crossed your floor.
Three times I came to your lowly door.
I was the beggar with bruised, cold feet;
I was the woman you gave something to eat;
I was the child on the homeless street.
Three times I knocked, three times I came in,
And each time I found the warmth of a friend.
Of all the gifts, love is the best.
I was honored to be your Christmas guest.

Charity Wrapped in Dignity

"Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands"

Christmas is around the corner and a time of joy, love, and giving, and is often intertwined with the spirit of charity. It's a season when people are more inclined to think of others, especially those less fortunate. The story of Christmas, especially the birth of Jesus, is often associated with humility, compassion, and selfless giving. By helping others, we not only bring joy to their lives but also experience a sense of fulfillment ourselves.

But here is the thing: when we help someone with money or some material things, it often jolts their own self worth. So while we may help them temporarily, we may hurt them permanently. So, taking a cue from Christmas, we try to understand what charity should mean.

Jesus took birth to die. We all do. But He took birth to die for us. He knew from the very beginning that he was the scapegoat! He knew His fate and yet He did it and went ahead. Why?

A. God, in His compassion wanted us to attain salvation and yet, needed to follow His own rule for forgiveness of our sins: There had to be a sacrifice.

B. God understood human nature and knew that the desire to rebuild a relationship could be kindled in the human heart.

C. God in His infinite wisdom also gave us the honour to choose - a life with God or a life without God.

To be able to offer man a chance at forgiveness and to wipe the slate clean, He sent His son, with this great mission: The salvation of mankind. 

Yes, that is the story of Christmas and it is the very definition of charity as well. A charity which we need to practise through out year and throughout the time we have here on earth.

Christmas defines true charity which is not merely about giving material possessions. It is about offering compassion, understanding, and the opportunity to rebuild one's life. By treating others with dignity and respect, we can empower them to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential.

Interestingly, many , many years before Christmas, Jesus's ancestor Boaz, showcased dignified charity when he told his workmen not to glean all the corn, but to leave them for Ruth. He not only redeemed her, but he did it with love and respect. 

Similarly, when Jesus was with the Samaritan woman at the well, He did not dwell on her sin. He did not scorn. He already knew what she had done. Instead, the Lord continually focused on her salvation. 

Today, we can reflect on that great sacrifice our God made for us. Without scorning us, without counting our sin, He gave us the greatest gift mankind can ever receive, so that we can live a joyous and abundant life. Let us pass on a little of the joy and abundance we have received.