How Can I trust God?

We often hear these buzz words - "Trust in God". We hear it sermons and most of all we hear it from well-wishers when we are in some trouble or a possible rock bottom. Its even printed on currency as - "In God we Trust". 

It's easy to say; easy to hear; but very difficult to listen and do. Often this line becomes "jargon".

So how can we actually develop trust in God?

First let's get it clear: Building trust is an ongoing process. It's not overnight and instantaneous. It requires faith, patience, and a willingness to surrender control. It's about believing in His plan and timing, even when life is uncertain. Here are a few things we can do:

Get to Know God

Every time I read the Bible, I learn something new about God. Charles Spurgeon, a renowned preacher, once said, "Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years." This emphasizes the idea that the Bible is an ever-deepening source of wisdom and revelation. The Bible is God's Word and the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance. Reading and meditating on scripture helps you understand His promises and character. Verses like Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding," provide reassurance and encouragement. Furthermore, sharing your hopes, dreams and problems is essential. Regular communication with God through prayer is essential. Share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with Him. Prayer is not just about asking for help but also about building a connection and seeking His presence. How many times have we prayed - "Hi God, how are you today?"

Understand that trusting God is a journey. Embrace the process and be patient with yourself as you grow in faith.

Learn to recognize God’s Faithfulness- Recall times when God has been faithful and answered your prayers. Reflecting on past blessings can strengthen your trust in His ability to provide and guide you. Also get inspired by other's stories and testimonies.

Surrender Control - again, easier said than done. Trusting God involves surrendering control and letting go. This can be challenging, especially when facing difficult situations, but it's a crucial step in developing trust.

Recognize FEAR for what it is (FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL. Remember, Satan is a deceiver). Let Faith replace fear. Faith is hope and belief that God will do us no harm. He wishes the best for us. Find His assurances in His word. Find His promises. Without knowing what He can and will do, how can anyone build trust and faith?

Trust often involves waiting for God's timing, which may not align with our own. Patience is key to trusting that God is working behind the scenes and that His timing is perfect.

Practice Inclusive Decision making - every day, every minute we are taking a decision. The choice is do we decide with our own will or God's? Involve God in all your decisions. He will guide through His word and through various circumstances, opportunities and/or failures. Yes, failures too guide us on the right track.

Finally - and we have said this before - cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Thankfulness helps shift your focus from what you lack to what you have, deepening your trust in God's provision. Become thankful and dependable. Become trustworthy to God as well. Do what you promise to do or do not make any promises. For example, we may recite the Lord's Prayer every day, but do we do what we say we will do? 

As we become trustworthy to God, we will build our own trust as well. 

Where is God?

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Captain Tom Moore, a 99-year-old war veteran, set out to raise funds for the UK's National Health Service by walking 100 laps around his garden. His initial goal was to raise £1,000, but his effort resonated with people worldwide, and he ultimately raised over £32 million. Captain Tom's determination and generosity inspired millions and provided much-needed support to healthcare workers.

The Spanish Flue was another large scale disaster. The pandemic, which occurred from 1918 to 1920, was one of the deadliest in history, infecting around 500 million people and claiming at least 50 million lives worldwide. During this time, many nurses stepped up to provide palliative care, despite the high risk of infection. They worked tirelessly to ventilate rooms, administer remedies, and ensure patients were warm, nourished, and hydrated. Their efforts were crucial in alleviating the suffering of those affected by the flu.

One notable example is the story of Nurse Clara Maass, who had previously contracted and survived yellow fever while working as a nurse. During the Spanish Flu, she volunteered to participate in an experiment to find a cure for the disease and ultimately succumbed to it, sacrificing her life in the hope of helping others

There is a lot of good work being done in the world and we saw the human side of humans coming out in empathy, for the affected people. Whether covid time or not, many, many people across the world need financial support, recognition and moral support. The latest tragedy we are seeing is in California, where it has been challenging for firefighters and residents alike, with mandatory evacuations in place for many communities. The fires have highlighted the need for better community planning and infrastructure to prevent such devastating events in the future.

In all these disasters and pandemics, we may well ask "where is God?'

During challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, many people turned to their faith for comfort, hope, and understanding. Believers found solace in knowing that God was present with them, even amidst the trials and uncertainties. Here's a perspective on where God was during the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. In the Hearts of Healthcare Workers:- Many healthcare workers displayed incredible bravery, compassion, and dedication. Their selfless acts of caring for the sick and vulnerable reflected God's love and mercy.

2. In the Acts of Kindness: - People around the world came together to help one another, whether by delivering groceries to neighbors, donating to food banks, or supporting frontline workers. These acts of kindness and generosity were seen as expressions of God's grace.

3. In the Strength of Communities:- Communities united to support each other, showing resilience and solidarity. Virtual worship services, prayer groups, and community initiatives helped people stay connected and find strength in their faith.

4. In the Moments of Reflection:- The pandemic provided an opportunity for many to pause, reflect, and deepen their spiritual practices. People found comfort in prayer, meditation, and reading scripture, drawing closer to God.

5. In the Comfort of Prayer:- For many, prayer became a source of solace and strength. Seeking God's presence and guidance through prayer provided peace and reassurance during uncertain times.

6. In the Healing and Recovery:- Stories of recovery and healing offered hope and a reminder of God's power to restore and renew. Medical advancements and the efforts of researchers and scientists were seen as blessings and answers to prayers.

7. In the Hope for the Future:- Faith provided hope for a better future and the belief that God was working through the situation to bring about good. Trust in God's plan helped many navigate the challenges with hope and resilience.

While the pandemics brought immense pain and loss, many found comfort in their faith and the belief that God was with them, providing strength, guidance, and love. Today, whatever our situation - God is there for us to find. Within us and around us. 

Saturday Vespers

We thank You, Lord, for Your abundant grace, mercy, and the countless ways You have sustained us. As we embark on the journey ahead, we seek Your guidance and wisdom. May Your light illuminate our path, helping us navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie before us. Grant us the courage to pursue our dreams and the strength to overcome any obstacles we encounter.

Fill our hearts with love, kindness, and compassion, so that we may extend these gifts to those around us. Help us to be instruments of Your peace, spreading hope and joy in a world that often needs it. We pray for Your protection over our loved ones and ourselves, keeping us safe and healthy throughout the year. May Your presence be a constant source of comfort and encouragement.

We humbly ask for Your mercy and guidance for those in need:

For the sick and suffering, may Your healing hand rest upon them, bringing comfort and restoration.

For those burdened with worries and anxieties, grant them peace and the assurance of Your presence.

For the lonely and isolated, surround them with Your love and bring kind companions into their lives.

For families facing challenges, may Your wisdom and strength uphold them, fostering unity and understanding.

For our leaders and those in positions of authority, guide them with Your wisdom to make decisions that promote justice and compassion.

As we rest this evening, we ask for Your protection over us. May our hearts and minds be filled with Your peace, and may we awaken refreshed and ready to serve You anew.

Today, we also ask for Your miracles, our Miracle Maker. We pray for the Pastor's wife who is suffering from stage 4 cancer. We have been praying for her for some time, and today, as this new year begins, we bring her to You for Your healing hand.

We also ask for healing and pain relief for a senior lady in the Delhi area of India, who is suffering from back pain. In the extreme cold, we ask for Your healing touch and protection. May Your healing touch rest upon them both.

Annie1 requests prayer for moving to another town on her own.

Miranda asks for healing

Tanu requests for prayers for resources and money to build her family home

Thank You, Lord, for the promise of new beginnings. We trust in Your plan for our lives and look forward to the blessings that await us.

Be Prepared - Based on a KJV Devotional

The scout's motto in America is "Be Prepared". It is well known that Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.

This is also echoed throughout the Bible - Be prepared.

"So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that everyone put them off for washing". Nehemiah 4:23 KJV

Just as Nehemiah and his men were always prepared to defend the walls of Jerusalem, fully armoured, we too need to be prepared with the Armour of God, at all times, to defend ourselves spiritually.

I did not take this seriously till I realized mistakes I was making, in my attitude, my behavior and my habits. When I tried to stop them, they kept coming back till I started putting on the Armour one by one.

Our shield and weapons are the word of God and our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! The more we meditate and study the word, the more we can overcome. The the enemy cannot penetrate our minds and hearts. This is time tested and proven.

Let not the armor and the sword get rusted. Always be prepared.

He is the Way

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 KJV

Sometimes, no matter how hard we think about our situation, there seems to be no way out and no hope. The choice is either giving up, ending things, or letting go. But deep down, you know you are not ready for any of this. Have you been in this situation? Does this resonate with you?
Friends, we may run out of options, but God doesn’t! There’s always a way for Him because He is able to make all things possible! Remember, God is not just making a way in the wilderness. He is the Way! 

(Based on a KJV Devotional post)

Don't Give me what I deserve: Short Story

A man used to give a beggar $1000 every month. The man continued in this state for a period of time. One day, he gave the beggar only $750. The beggar was surprised by that, but he said to himself, $750 is better than nothing. He left. After a month, he gave the beggar only $500. The beggar was surprised! He said to the man, “You used to give me $1000, then it decreased and became $750. Now, $500, why?” May I know the reason? The man replied, “In the past, all my children were young and I was well-off, so I would give you $1000. Then my daughter grew up and entered university, and the university expenses were high, so I started giving you $750. Now, my second son entered university, and the expenses increased, so I gave you $500.” The beggar asked him, “How many children do you have?” The man replied, “Four.” The beggar asked, “And will you educate them all at my expense?!”

Like the beggar in the story, Sometimes, we consider kindness and goodness of God as our right and not as unearned blessings. We can never ever earn any, but it is His love and grace that we enjoy them.

Take, for example, a promotion in a job or a new car etc. While we do seek the Lord's blessings, deep in our hearts many of us feel we "earned it".

Ephesians 2:8 says: "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God".

I sure am glad God doesn't give me what I deserve.

Don't Crowd Out Jesus!

Would you like to live in a crowded house, with people you may not like, who are Loud, abusive and arrogant and maybe bullies? No?

Well, neither does Jesus.

Philippians 4:8 tells us how to clean out the temple of God - our minds and our bodies. 

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things".

The verse is a powerful reminder to keep our faith clear and focused, avoiding the distractions and negativities that can cloud our spiritual journey. Just as we wouldn't want to live in a chaotic and unhealthy environment, we should ensure that our minds and hearts remain pure and centered on Christ. This means intentionally choosing what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, as Philippians 4:8 advises. By doing so, we create a welcoming space for Jesus within us, allowing His presence to shine brightly in our lives and guiding us with His love and wisdom. Let's not let the noise and turmoil of the world crowd out our connection with Him; instead, let's nurture our relationship with Christ, keeping Him at the forefront of our thoughts and actions.

Sunday Quotes: God Calling

Todays' quotes are taken from a book called "God Calling", authored by two ladies called "the listeners" and edited by A.J. Russel. The two ladies seek no praise and choose to remain anonymous. But their claim that their messages came from the living Christ Himself! Whether one chooses to believe or not, what we cannot but realize is that their messages are deep in spiritualty and wisdom and (as A.J. Russel says) spirit led, because the Holy Spirit is not a silent spirit. We also know that if we do take the trouble to quieten our minds and hearts and God will speak to us as well, as He does to many. Not as in an event, but as a day to day conversation - guiding, sharing His peace and encouraging every day.  While we would have liked to tell you more about these ladies, today we will only quote from their book - God Calling - 

"Each word or thought of yours can be like a pearl that you drop into the secret place of another heart, and in some hour of need, lo! the recipient finds the treasure and realizes for the first time it's value."

"Life with me is not an immunity from difficulties, but peace in difficulties". 

"Joy is the result of faithful trusting acceptance of my will, when it seems not joyous."

"Hope with certainty". 

"You cannot escape discipline". 

Saturday Vespers

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, we pause to reflect on the blessings and lessons of the past. We thank You for Your grace, mercy, and the countless ways You have sustained us.

Lord, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom as we embark on the journey ahead. May Your light shine upon our path, illuminating our way and helping us navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie before us. Grant us the courage to pursue our dreams and the strength to overcome any obstacles.

Fill our hearts with love, kindness, and compassion, so that we may extend these gifts to those around us. Help us to be instruments of Your peace, spreading hope and joy in a world that often needs it.

We pray for Your protection over our loved ones and ourselves, keeping us safe and healthy throughout the year. May Your presence be a constant source of comfort and encouragement. We ask for Your mercy and guidance for those in need:

For the sick and suffering, may Your healing hand rest upon them, bringing comfort and restoration. For those burdened with worries and anxieties, grant them peace and the assurance of Your presence. For the lonely and isolated, surround them with Your love and bring kind companions into their lives. For families facing challenges, may Your wisdom and strength uphold them, fostering unity and understanding. For our leaders and those in positions of authority, guide them with Your wisdom to make decisions that promote justice and compassion. As we rest this evening, we ask for Your protection over us. May our hearts and minds be filled with Your peace, and may we awaken refreshed and ready to serve You anew.

Today we also ask for your miracles, our Miracle Maker. We ask for a miracle for the Pastor's wife who is suffering from 4th stage of cancer. We have been praying for her for some time and today, as this new year begins we bring her to you for you healing hand.

We want to ask once again, for healing and pain relief for a senior lady in the Delhi area of India, as she is suffering too, from back pain. In the extreme cold we ask for your healing touch and protection. we also pray for another senior lady in the same area who has slipped and fallen and hurt her head and is currently in hospital. May your healing touch rest on them both.

Please pray for residents, law enforcement, firefighters, and government officials in the midst of the disaster in southern California and Los Angeles area. Ask God to protect those who are in harm’s way, comfort those who are mourning, and strengthen families who have lost everything.

Lyne requests you to pray for her sister Dee, who has a heart catherization procedure today that nothing goes wrong and that she can go home after the procedure.

AR asks for prayers for his daughter as he has been having some negative dreams about her safety. Please ask for God's hedge of protection around her.

Thank You, Lord, for the promise of new beginnings. We trust in Your plan for our lives and look forward to the blessings that await us.

Thy Will be Done

 

Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. I am sure we repeat this line daily if not more. We repeat it without meaning though. Honestly, do we really do anything, or even want to do anything, to bring about Gods will on Earth? Or the prayer is just words we have memorized and recite. Do we even know Gods will?

Rev Francis Taylor has this to say -

"When we pray the Lord's Prayer, we say "thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." In the Psalm 40:6-9, we pray that we delight to do God's will. I wonder if we really mean what we pray, or if we just say the words. First, we need to think about what God's will really is. When we read the Scriptures we see certain themes – justice, peace, and especially, love. These themes run through the Old Testament as well as the New. We are told to take care of the poor, the most vulnerable in our society. We are asked to remember that we were once strangers in the lands we now occupy. We are told to treat others the way we want to be treated, to forgive. These are not easy tasks and sometimes we do not "delight" in doing them. We want justice but not if it interferes with our comfort. We want peace, but our speech is often loaded with violence. We say we want to be forgiven but find it hard to forgive. We don't always welcome the stranger, and we sometimes suspect the poor of being responsible for their situation. When we continue to read this psalm, we read a confession of sorts admitting that we often fail in doing the will of God. We also hear the author asking for God's mercy and faithfulness. We need to look at ourselves with honesty and see how we can work better to bring about God's will on earth as it is in heaven."