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Is God Calling You?

Is God Calling You?

Worthless, reject, loser, hopeless … the words played over and over in her head. She tried to ignore them but they had awakened something deep inside her. An overwhelming sense of inadequacy and despair washed over her. These were words she had heard many times before. She felt trapped by them. No matter how hard she tried to escape them they sat there deep inside like an anchor. They weighed heavily on her. The truth was, somewhere along the line she started to believe them.

Words have tremendous power. We can use them to call out the best and inspire strength. Alternately, we can use them to plant distortion, limitation and shroud others with a crippling sense of incapacity. Before Jesus was crucified and his disciples were tested he choose to call something out of them. He called out hope, restoration, purpose, identity and promise. His exact words were:

“…You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.”

“You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil.” (John 15:15-16, The Message Bible)

Jesus removed the labels that limited and restricted. He uproots them and plants life. He secures what he seeds in their hearts and minds with a reminder. “You didn’t choose me, I chose you,” he said. These words remind them that there is no dependency on them. Who they were or what they did had no influence on his choice. Their identity was solely dependent on him. The fact is nothing they would or could ever do had the power to uproot what he established in them. He called them his friends. That declaration inspires awe, humility and deep gratitude.

What are you letting others call you? What identity have you adopted that is not your own? Let it go and let God’s declaration take root in your heart. He calls you chosen. He calls you friend.

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How to Stand With God Through the Storms of Life

How to Stand With God Through the Storms of Life

A lady was driving along with her father. They came upon a storm, and the young lady asked her father, what should we do? He said to keep driving. Cars began pulling over to the side of the road as the storm was getting worse. What should I do, the young lady asked? Keep driving, her father replied.

On up a few feet, she noticed that eighteen wheeler lorries were also pulling over to the side of the road. She said I must pull over as I can hardly see ahead. It’s terrible, and everyone else is pulling over. Her father told her not to give up, just keep driving!

Now the storm was horrendous, but she never stopped driving, and soon she could see a little more clearly. After a couple of miles, she was again on dry land, and the sun eventually came out.

Her father said, now you can pull over and get out. She said but why now father? He said because when you get out, you’ll be able to  see that all the people that gave up are still in the storm and because you never gave up, your storm is now over.

Have you ever been in a serious thunderstorm or maybe even a hurricane or tornado? This is a testimony for anyone who is going through “hard times” right now. Just because everyone else, even the strongest, gives up. Doesn’t  mean you have to. If you keep going, soon your storm will be over too and the sun will shine upon your face again.

This story touched us! We hope it touched you too and feel free to pass it on to people you know and tell them the following:

  1. “Dig deep & pull the roots of confidence from the ground of your being, standing firm in the raging storm until sunlight blossoms inside you.” ’- Curtis Tyrone Jones
  2. In our own strength, we lack sufficient resources and abilities to meet life’s challenges. so God provides what we need. ’- Unknown
  3. “I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.” –Emma Watson
  4. Do not fear when the waves are dashing high against your soul, simply say, “Devil, if my ship goes down, I’ll just walk on the water.” ’- Unknown
  5. “Faith can keep you alive in any storm.” ’- Lailah Gifty Akita, Think Great: Be Great!
  6. To never give up, because God will never give up on them.  ’- Unknown
  7. There are times when God will not get you out of the fiery furnace, but like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, God will keep the fire from burning you. ’- Daniel 3.16:27*
  8. That there are times when you will end up in the lion’s den, but, like *Daniel*, He will shut the mouths of the lions for your sake. ’- Daniel 6:16-23
  9. Still, there are times when He will not keep you out of prison, but, like *Joseph*, He will shower you with immeasurable favour in the prison walls.  ’- Genesis 39:20-23.
  10. And there are times when He will not take the cup away but, like *Jesus*, God will give you the strength to drink from the cup.  ’- Unknown
  11. “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain. ~Vivian Greene” ’- Sandra Kopp, A Dark Moon Rises
  12. “There are some things we learn on stormy seas that we never learn on calm smooth waters. We don’t look for storms but they will surely find us. The “God of the Storm” has something to teach us, and His love always drives His actions.” ’- Danny L Deaub
  13. But in all these situations, there’s a *calm assurance* as Jesus said, “l am with you always, even to the very end”. ’- Matt 28:20.
  14. “You cannot forever escape from the storm; you must learn to stand up to it!” ’- Mehmet Murat ildan
  15. “I have both the violent turbulence of the storm and the quiet promises of God in the storm. And what I must work to remember is that something is not necessarily stronger simply because it’s louder.” ’- Craig D. Lounsbrough

 

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Is a Thorough Knowledge of the Bible Really worth More than a College Education?

A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education. - Theodore Roosevelt

“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.”
– George Washington

No other study will so ennoble every thought, feeling, and aspiration as the study of the Scriptures. No other book can satisfy the questionings of the mind and the craving of the heart. By obtaining a knowledge of God’s Word men may rise from the lowest depths of ignorance and degradation to become the sons of God, the associates of sinless angels.

“Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.”
– Charles Haddon Spurgeon

As an educating power, the Bible is without a rival. Nothing will so impart vigour to all the faculties as an effort to grasp the stupendous truths of revelation. The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell. If occupied with commonplace matters only, it will become dwarfed and enfeebled.

“Reading through the entire Bible provides an opportunity to better understand Scripture’s “big picture.”

In its wide range of style and subjects, the Bible has something to interest every mind and appeal to every heart. In it the most simply stated truths are involved – principles that are as high as heaven and that encompass eternity.

There is no position in life, no phase of human experience, for which the Bible does not contain valuable instruction. Ruler and subject, master and servant, buyer and seller, borrower and lender, parent and child, teacher and student – all may here find lessons of priceless worth.

“The first and almost the only Book deserving of universal attention is the Bible.”
– John Quincy Adams

But above all else, the Word of God sets forth the plan of salvation: shows how sinful man may be reconciled to God, lays down the great principles of truth and duty which should govern our lives, and promises us divine aid in their observance. It reaches beyond this fleeting life, beyond the brief and troubled history of our race. It opens to our view the long vista of eternal ages – ages undarkened by sin, undimmed by sorrow.

“The American nation from its first settlement at Jamestown to this hour is based upon and permeated by the principles of the Bible.”
– Justice David Joseph Brewer, Supreme Court Justice

Don’t forget to spend time in prayer. Thank God for giving you eternal life and His Word. Ask Him to teach and guide you so that you will become even more faithful in following Him.

If you have questions about the Bible, we would love to talk to you about this book, and what it can mean as a part of your life.

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Let’s Talk About “Biblical” Discipline

Let’s Talk About “Biblical" Discipline

The Bible calls it discipline, sometimes chastening. Society calls it hitting, spanking, and by its legal term, corporal punishment. As of Time Magazine’s 2014 tally, 43 countries have now declared child corporal punishment illegal. Worldwide, the debate goes on about the rightness of spanking one’s child.

Biblical Discipline is not about inflicting pain.

While biblical discipline may necessitate spanking, it is a temporary measure to instil discipline and learning. Proverbs 13:24 says, “He who spares his rod of discipline hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines diligently and punishes him early.” Proverbs 22:15 says, “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.“

Spanking is needed when a child is too young to understand his wrongdoing  and when no length of explanation will cause him to understand or remember that his act is wrong. Remember the saying, “No pain; no gain“? People learn more from painful experiences. Experiences and learning accompanied by pain have a more lasting impact and effect.

From the verses just quoted, we learn that discipline must be gentle. The goal is not to inflict pain but for the child to understand and refrain from his wrong behaviour. It goes without saying that as the child gets older, talk must always precede physical punishment. Once your child can be reasoned with, physical punishment may be suspended. Godly discipline will take fruit in due time and you may happily find your child at age 6 (or younger) easy to talk with about correct behaviour.

Biblical discipline is not about releasing anger.

Discipline is not hitting. Discipline is not verbal abuse. A parent should take no satisfaction from physical punishment and nagging or shaming  of a child. That is not loving; that is revenge. Biblical discipline is about what’s best for your child, not what would appease you. The focus is not on how embarrassed or upset you are with the misbehaviour, the focus is on how your child will develop good values and habits.

Biblical discipline is not about having your way.

During the formative years, children are dependent on you for life and direction. They need to learn trustful obedience. As a child grows older, he begins to gain maturity. His mental, spiritual, social, and financial capacities get stronger. He must then gain the freedom to make decisions and to act independently. When it is about right or wrong, as parents you may intervene. But don’t discipline just because your advice was not followed. Don’t say, “I gave you this car and I’ll take it back if you don’t do what I say.” Remember, alternative actions are not necessarily wrong. Let children make poor choices and learn on their own.

Biblical Discipline is about clarity.

Biblical discipline does not hurt the innocent. It corrects the erring. Parents must establish a clear offence. Sometimes, we mistakenly discipline our child for an offence that somebody else committed.

Biblical discipline does not punish the unaware or ignorant. Children need to have a clear understanding of the offence. Take time to explain. Don’t lazily resort to “Just because I said so.“ statements.

Biblical discipline deals with current offences. It does not rehash old ones. Physical or verbal discipline should be appropriate and sufficient for the offence presently committed. Don’t perform a monologue or nag your child over past wrongdoings.

Correction and rebuke is a blessing. Discipline can be beautiful if you do it right.

Scriptures say, “Blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he binds up; he shatters, but his hands heal.” When God disciplines us, He blesses us with growth. When the discipline causes pain and wounding, God Himself brings healing. Let us learn from His example and start disciplining our children rightly. May we never leave a child broken and shattered. May we actively bring healing and growth. And may we always assure them of our unconditional love.

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Everyday Miracles

Everyday Miracles

Many, if not most, of Jesus’ miracles, were ordinary things done for ordinary people in very ordinary ways. There was no lightning bolt, no visible sign of angels flying around in the sky, no long speech preceding the miracle, no singing from heavenly hosts.   Instead, there was a quick prayer, conversation, mud, spittle, touch or a breath.

Jesus showed extraordinary love in very ordinary ways. Someone needed healing and Jesus healed them. They asked; they got.

In the Gospel of John   (Chapter 14) Jesus tells his apostles, essentially, “you’ve seen, what I’ve done, you can do this yourself.   In fact, you can do even more because from now on, you’ll be asking me and then I’ll go to my Dad (he’s awesome, by the way) to make sure it happens.”

Yet still, offering miracles seems a tall task for us non-apostles. Unless, perhaps, we consider the ordinariness of the miracles.

When we do things in Jesus’ name, we heal others: We heal when we reach out to someone who’s hurting. We give sight to the blind when we use scripture to teach. We help the lame walk when we walk with them in the ways of Christ. We talk, we touch, we breathe, we pray, we love.

And others offer miracles for us as well.

The key is, as is so often the key to Jesus’ teaching, to recognize the miracles – those we perform and those that are performed for us. We need to take care not to miss the miracle while looking for the “sign.”

Then say “thanks!”

Here’s the kicker. It’s up to us to know when people need (and when we need) a miracle – the ask part.   It’s not always concretely evident. And it takes faith. And courage.

We need to be sensitive to our opportunities to heal, to give sight, to help walk. Thanks be to God!

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The Key to Breaking Habitual Sin

The Key to Breaking Habitual Sin

It is impossible for any human mind to exhaust one truth or promise of the Bible. One catches the glory from one point of view, another from another point; yet we can discern only gleamings. The full radiance is beyond our vision. As we contemplate the great things of God’s Word, we look into a fountain that broadens and deepens beneath our gaze. Its breadth and depth pass our knowledge. As we gaze, the vision widens; stretched out before us, we behold a boundless, shoreless sea. Such study has vivifying power.

The mind and heart acquire new strength and new life.

This experience is the highest evidence of the divine authorship of the Bible. We receive God’s Word as food for the soul through the same evidence by which we receive bread as food for the body. Bread supplies the need of our nature; we know by experience that it produces blood, bone, and brain.

Apply the same test to the Bible; when its principles have actually become the elements of character, what has been the result? what changes have been made in the life? —

“Old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

In its power men and women have broken the chains of sinful habit. They have renounced selfishness. The profane have become reverent, the drunken sober, the profligate pure. Souls that have borne the likeness of Satan have been transformed into the image of God. The change is itself the miracle of miracles. A change wrought by the Word, it is one of the deepest mysteries of the Word.

We cannot understand it; we can only believe, that, as declared by the Scriptures, it is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

A knowledge of this mystery furnishes a key to every other. It opens to the soul the treasures of the universe, the possibilities of infinite development.

As we pursue freedom from the entanglements of sin, here are a few practical, plain-folk strategies that can help us get there.

1. Be willing to take radical steps.

Maybe you’re not as free as you thought. Recognise the behaviour as a problem that needs to be dealt with.

2. Recognize your triggers.

There are particular life events and circumstances that trigger your problem. The time, the way and the place are all to be cautiously considered and avoided if they lead to sinning.    State the behaviour as wrong. Consciously label it “wrong” in your mind

3. Believe you can change. We mean, really believe.

This is probably the most important point. If you don’t believe you are capable of change, you won’t change. Refuse to entertain – consciously decide not to give it any room in your thoughts any longer.

4. Take care of your body.

Stop watching Netflix until  2 am in the morning. It’s remarkable how much exercising, sleeping, and eating right affect your perception of the world. Fasting and abstinence are also important disciplines that train the will to say no to the body and yes to God.

Take care of your body. You will need it to break your habit.

5. Re-define normal”¦right now.  

“I must re-define normal.” The word “sin” is out of fashion these days. However, realise how this behaviour makes the heart of God sad and furious.  That’s powerful.  Bad habits, just like good ones, enjoy normalcy.  Your ultimate goal is to stop dipping out of the same toxic well.

We love you all. To God be the glory forever. Amen!

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The Greatest Christian Actors Aren’t Necessarily the Ones We See on TV

The Greatest Christian Actors Aren’t Necessarily the Ones We See on TV

She had many friends.   Many Facebook friends, too.   She had joined the biggest church and volunteered wherever they needed extra help.   Her family loved her cheerfulness and her grades were flawless!

However, for months, for years, she was only able to face things after her knees hit the bathroom floor.   This woman put on the mask, every day.   The mask so many of us wear,   consciously or subconsciously.   No one had any idea.   In fact, she was the one most came to for sound, biblical advice.  Inside, though, her Lord knew her ache.   He saw her pain. So, why the mask?

Can I   transparently come to you, confessing that I am giving up on my marriage and do not want another prayer to convince me otherwise, yet still  receive the same love and attention from you?

If I told you I struggled with abusing drugs, would you still want me to come to you and your family?  If I confessed to cheating, would the downfall of the relationship automatically become my fault?   If I confessed to beating on my wife and did not appear to seriously want any help, would I be rejected after a couple of attempts?

Would you see me in a different light?   Would you no longer see Jesus?   Would you no longer see my knees hitting the ground, asking for release?   Would a mask you can control, a mask that can be taken off at the end of the day, be a lot easier to wear than dealing with reactions you cannot control?

Sadly, masks are everywhere nowadays.   Photo filters, sound effects, therapy sessions, medicines, and vacations (just to name a few).   They can be anything.   But, if we are told to come as we are, what are we missing?

That woman could be missing a Friend. She needs to hear that she is not the only one struggling.   She needs to hear that some days you think about tossing the dirty dishes out the window, instead of washing them.   She needs to hear that you are on your last dollar and have no idea where your next meal is going to come from. She needs to hear that she is not alone. That the expectation is not for her to be perfect. That the expectation is to fall, knowing that the strength of the One who is perfect will catch her each time, even when we fail to.

Maybe, just maybe, she needs One that stands closer than a brother.   Maybe One that can bring her to the place where she can see the light; the huge dream that she let go of years ago.   That One Friend alone has the power to do so much more.

Are you wearing a spiritual mask? Understand that your masks prevent you from experiencing intimacy with God. Know that your masks prevent you from pleasing God. If we truly want the character of Christ, we must expose our weaknesses, shed our hypocrisy and stop pretending. God calls us to BE TRANSPARENT.    Now is the time to take off your mask and let the love of the Lord shine through.

 

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Dear God, Why Me?

Dear God, Why Me?

“Why Me?” is the first question we ask when tragedy strikes and I have struggled with this question a lot throughout my life.

Why did I have to have parents that were abusive in every sense of the word?

Why did I have to be born into a dysfunctional family?

Why did I have to spend most of my childhood in foster care?

Why did I have to get sick?  Did I do something wrong?

Why did I have to lose my job?

Why can’t I go and do as I please like so many other people do in this world?

Dear God, Why Me?

Life is not always fair but I do believe that everything happens for a reason and God always has a plan, even if I don’t see it. I know He did not cause me to have the past that I have had and He did not cause me get sick. That is just a product of living in a fallen world.

Where Does God Fit into the Grander Scheme of life?

He is my source, my rescuer, my comforter and healer. God heals in many ways, that is something that I have come to realize. Not so long ago, I had been going through a particularly tough day and I had come to a breaking point. It felt like an avalanche was coming down on me since I had found out that I was sick with Lupus. It was one thing after the other and the bad news wasn’t letting up. I was tired of the unfairness of life in itself.

Why the Answer to “Why Me?” is Not Satisfying

That day, I asked, “Dear God, Why Me?” What did I do to deserve this? and didn’t expect the answer that I got back, “Why not me?”  I had been so wrapped up in the unfairness of life, that I had forgotten that God can use every situation in my life to show His power.  When I asked the question, “Why me?” there was an assumption that suffering was not supposed to affect me, that it was not appropriate or fair.

Paul states in 2 Corinthians 12: 7-9 ESV,

“A thorn was given to me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Paul wanted this torment to end but Jesus told Him “My power is made perfect in weakness.” Then Paul says something very strange and foreign to our intellect, “Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12: 9 ESV) Paul actually considered himself to be in the right place at the right time with an infirmity that was going to make him stronger. In fact, Paul goes on to say,

“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12: 10 ESV)

Although I cannot equate everyone’s situation and illnesses to mine, I can say for me that God’s grace is sufficient for my needs.

When I am faced with the “Dear God, Why Me?” I will now stop and ask; Why not me?

How far would I be willing to go, to share Jesus with others? I could choose to stay in the why me? or I could move forward and be in the, why  not me?  I am not signing up to be sick, but since these things are a part of my life, I am willing to use my weaknesses as a testimony to share my heavenly father’s love with the world.

I am willing to be open and real about my life experiences and share my daily struggles as I go through this life journey. I am far from perfect, I stumble and I fall just like everyone else, but at the end of the day, I remember that I have a Savior no matter what I am facing.

Every day is a huge cross to bear for me, but I can either ask  “Dear God, Why Me?” or I can take up my cross and follow Jesus. And that is the song I will sing until I go to meet my Father in a perfect place, where there is no sickness or death. His grace is sufficient for me, for His power is made perfect in my weakness.

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Who’s Pimping Who…?

Who’s Pimping Who…?

A man and a woman coo over each other. A bystander turns to another and says, “What does she see in him?” Or, conversely, “What does he see in her?”

She’s tall, he’s short, shes from the city, his from the country, she  talks a lot, he’s quiet, he likes Australia, but she likes New York, he’s a Hill-song gospel music fan, she’s a Marilyn Manson fan. She also loves the bright lights and big options, shes unholy, she’s not righteous, she’s impure, she’s been around the block. People know her by what she does, not by her name. There the ‘odd couple’.

Now it’s been said that “Men marry women  with the  hope they will never change. but that “Women marry men  with the  hope they will  change.”

But not in this case. God has told this holy man to marry an unholy woman, a woman which will not be faithful, a woman by her wicked nature is sure to commit adultery, a woman that will cause endless frustration and monumental grief.   Hosea is a prophet, his wife is a prostitute. He’s a man of God, she’s a woman of the night, he is faithful, she is unfaithful, he peaches the power of the living God, she provides ungodly considerations for cash. The story of Hosea puzzles even the devout and zealous Christian. There an ‘odd couple’.

Why did God ask his own prophet to marry a prostitute?

An immense allegory can be interpreted from the depths of Hosea’s life.  The prophet Hosea was commanded to marry an unfaithful wife, and this set up a model of our broken relationship with God.

Hosea’s wife: an allegory of God’s undying  love

The LORD is the husband of Israel, and Israel’s passionate, chronic attraction for idols was like the lust of an adulterer. His people were as unfaithful as a prostitute.  For the land had committed great whoredom by forsaking the LORD.

Could you imagine Hosea’s, groomsman – you’re respected, a wise man, but your decision making is in question? Your wife is a disgrace. Why on earth are you married to a woman like that?

The reply, why on earth is such an awesome, good and powerful God married to a people like you?

Young people and self-esteem

Self-respect is perhaps the most essential quality for young women, especially in our generation.

We live in an era where girls as young as middle school are posting provocative things online. It’s a cry for attention being sought from boys or anyone else who will listen.  The story is told of a young girl who had a male friend who came to her with an article  in the classified section of a newspaper. The proposal was, if you have sexual relations with a stranger for 1 million dollars there are three things you are guaranteed:

  1. Nobody will ever know
  2. No disease
  3. No baby

1 million dollars, no questions asked, out the door, he asked her, would you do it? She thought about it, like some people reading this article.

The girl the said, are you kidding me, nobody will ever know, no disease, no baby, sure i’ll do it. Well then he said, would you do the same for $10?

She replied, “What, do you think I’m a prostitute?” To which he replies,  “We’ve already established that — I’m just haggling over the price.”

However, young ladies, you don’t have to lower your standards or provide ungodly considerations for cash. Tell that young man, I’m not for sale and because you’re not for sale, take off all those for sale and on sale signs.  Hug appropriately, speak appropriately.  Text appropriately, stop posting  barely-clothed photos, sexual innuendos, and explicit language. Be honest in your motivations for being  in a relationship.

Young ladies, if he can’t take care of himself now,  how is he going to take care of you later.

So the question today is who’s Pimping you?

Sorry boo-boo”¦ hate to burst your bubble, but you have been bamboozled, conned, led astray , run amok, dupe, tricked, fooled, swindle, hoodwink; you have been deceived”¦

You see, Satan has been pimping from the third chapter of the Bible onward and is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. The pimp of all pimps and you want to hang out with him!

But he has no power in the life of a believer unless we give it to him. That’s right! Regardless of how you’ve been thrown out to the trash,  we want you to know that Jesus loves you.  Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free, and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Gal. 5:1) Refuse to make deals with Satan, no matter how attractive the trinkets. Refuse to be a commodity that is for sale to the highest bidder.

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Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

I decided to guest post for this publication, as I wanted to gain more of an audience to share my work with. I spent hours and hours brainstorming and praying for something exciting to tell you! After much thought, I decided to give it a break since I could not come up with anything that hasn’t already been told.

When I woke up this morning, the verse Deuteronomy 4:9 came to me. I immediately realized that I was neglecting the greatest piece of news ever told. It may have been told before, but it was like God was saying, “Tell it again!”

Whenever you have good news, the first thing you want to do is share it with someone.

Why is it that when it comes to the things of God, we hold back?

Are we embarrassed by our faith? There might be that one person that God is trying to reach out to, and if we aren’t receptive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, God has to find someone else to do His work. The bible says that if we don’t worship God even the rocks will cry out. (Luke 19:28-40) The bible says to always be ready to give an account to anyone who asks you to explain your faith:

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer  to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,  keeping a clear conscience,  so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”  1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)

If you are a newer Christian, you may feel that God hasn’t done anything significant in your life thus far, so you have nothing to share with others. I am here to tell you that we all have something to share. You may still be waiting for that monster of a miracle that says, “Yes, this is God!” I have news for you: God has done more for you and I before we were even born, and because of that we all have a responsibility to preach the good news.

“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15 (NIV)

Jesus died on the cross so that you and I could live our lives in abundance. (John 10:10) He conquered death so that we might have eternal life! (John 3:16)

If you had something good in your life, wouldn’t you want to share that with the ones you love?  

Sometimes we get tired of hearing about the Gospels. It becomes all too familiar with a nursery rhyme. But until we get the message deep down into our spirit, we will never be in line with God’s purpose or realize the urgency of the times. It is the most powerful message we hold as Christians; the whole foundation for our faith. One way or another, everyone has the opportunity to hear the message, but not all will accept it.

We all need Jesus. Look at the big-time celebrities who claim to have everything, only to turn on the news and see one of them overdosed on drugs, in rehab, or worse. What was missing? Did no one tell them about the Love of God?

“Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6

Unless we have the revelation of the Love of God down in our souls, which is what the Gospel message, we will always have that God-shaped hole waiting to be filled. Only He can fill the void in our hearts. We need the Love of our Creator. We can search the whole world for riches, but it will leave us empty. We go searching in all the wrong places and listen to all of the wrong people. But what good is it to gain the world, if we lose our soul? (Mark 8:36)

Deuteronomy 4:9 says that we should be careful not to forget the things that God has done for us or others so that we might use them as a testimony to others.

“However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived,” the things God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

If you read a good book and decide it is amazing but never talk about it with anyone, that book may never get read by another person and sit somewhere collecting dust. The media is full of reviews about movies, books, and even people! Why do we keep Jesus quiet?

When you share your testimony with someone, it builds their faith. As faith comes by hearing the word. But we cannot only be hearers of the word, we need to be doers. (Romans 10:17)

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17

For those who do not know Jesus: I can testify that Jesus can save the chief of sinners because He chose to save me. None of us are without sin (Ecclesiastes 7:20), but because of LOVE, God robed himself in flesh and died on a cross; taking on all the sin and shame that none of us could bear, and saving us from destruction. (John 3:16) Death is not a permanent thing for us anymore, because of Jesus. His name is the most uttered name on this earth today, in forms of blessings and curses. His name is the most controversial name on the planet. But, it is also the only name by which men can be saved. (Acts 4:12)

If you have tried everything else, and nothing has worked in your life thus far, what do you have to lose? Give Jesus a place in your life today, and watch miracles unfold. It doesn’t matter what you have done, or how bad the things are that you have done, He chooses you.  The good news of the day is, “Jesus Loves You.” That’s worth shouting from the rooftops!

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

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7 Ways Meditative Prayer Can Benefit Your Health

7 Ways Meditative Prayer Can Benefit Your Health

A friend and I recently started a women’s circle in our town, inviting friends and fellow church-goers. We told everyone it would be a time of guided meditation, solitude, and spiritual connection with God. A time to be mindful and present. We knew this might be a new concept to some women so we explained it through written communication and face-to-face.

Very quickly we realized that a lot of confusion exists around meditation. Or at least in our little evangelical Christian corner of the western world. And I’m guessing we are not alone.

Some women thought we were planning to do yoga. Others were uncertain whether meditation is even appropriate for Christians.

Thankfully, we weren’t calling our sisters to do anything unbiblical. In fact, David, the “man after God’s own heart” wrote about his heart’s meditation in the Psalms.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”   Psalm 19:14

So what is meditation?

More than those quick prayers we say while driving or just before a big meeting. Different than the times we spend in corporate prayer. Not quite the same as worship—although the two are related.

Meditation is about taking a dedicated time to stop, contemplate, and consider. It doesn’t happen on the fly.

According to the Cambridge English Dictionary, meditation is “the act of giving your attention to only one thing”.

Focus. Fixate. Concentrate.

Consider. Reflect. Contemplate.

Ponder. Ruminate. Deliberate. Speculate.

In an age where people are constantly busy and value is placed on activity or productivity, the idea of sitting still, thinking or pondering scripture seems foreign. But could this be the very reason that anxiety, stress, and chronic illness are so pervasive? Could it be that putting our lives on pause to meditate has the power to change things?

We are instructed by the author of Hebrews to “fix our eyes on Jesus“. (Heb 12:2)

As we fix our eyes and hearts on Jesus through meditation, we gain innumerable benefits. Of course, the spiritual benefits are obvious. Deepening our relationship with the Father. Keeping us in step with the Spirit.

Certainly, emotional benefits come from spending time communing with God. And these can extend into our personal relationships with family and friends.

But what about physical benefits? Is it possible that God created our bodies in a way that we are physically healthier when we spend time communing with him?

The answer is yes. Emphatically, yes.

Our brilliant Creator made our bodies to respond to meditation, contemplation, stillness and focus in a way that offers a myriad of benefits. And while scientists can’t quite understand why research shows that times of meditation are healthy for the human body.

While the details vary depending on the specific study, the basic concept remains the same. Research shows that, on the whole, people who meditate have better health in specific areas as well as overall.

Here are some of the ways studies have shown meditation benefits the health:

  1. Lowers Blood Pressure. Young people were found to have significantly lower blood pressure rates after mediation when compared to a control group.
  2. Reduced Heart Rate. When compared with people who were simply resting during the same amount of time, people who meditated had significant decreases in their heart rate and blood pressure levels. And the longer the meditation lasts, the lower the heart rate.
  3. Serotonin Levels. Critical in relationship to mood, bone health, digestion, and wound healing, people who meditate have higher levels of this critical neurotransmitter.  
  4. Melatonin Levels. Vital for proper sleeping rhythms, people who meditate have higher levels of melatonin.
  5. Immune System. After eight weeks of meditation training, study participants were found to have much higher functioning immune system response than a control group.
  6. Reduced Chronic Illness Symptoms. In various studies, people who meditate have shown significant improvement in symptoms of chronic illness such as fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, psoriasis, and even cancer.
  7. Overall Sense of Health and Well-Being. As extra dopamine is released during meditation, our overall feelings of pleasure and joy are triggered. Dopamine is useful in balancing blood pressure as well as fighting against depression and anxiety.

It is important to note that meditation can be physically beneficial whether practiced with or without religious beliefs. But, as Christians, we understand that the only true self-reflection and enlightenment we can find comes from the God of the Universe. As we commit to meditate and commune with God, we are rewarded with a deepening eternal relationship as well as health for our temporal bodies.

It seems that God has thought of everything.

If you aren’t sure how you feel about meditation, why not try it? Tell us about your experience.

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The Pain of a Prodigal: Why Children of Christian Parents Abandon the Faith?

Statistics show a rise in the number of people who hold no religion.   For Australia, an official tally shows a steady rise every 10 years.

Nat Geo reports that “the religiously unaffiliated, called “nones,” are now”¦ the second largest group in North America and most of Europe.” They make up about 25% of the US population. As of 2016, the “nones” have overtaken Catholics, Protestants, and non-Christian faiths.

Where did these “nones” come from? Didn’t they come from family lines that had religion before, a Christian one possibly? History shows us that from ancient times people practiced their own kind of worship. Inside every heart has always been a realization of a being that is above and beyond us, whose very nature summons our recognition and adoration. Fast forward to the present though and we find in many people the spirit of atheism if not indifference towards God.

LifeWay research warns that Christianity may be losing its “Millennials”. “A survey conducted on adults born from 1980 indicate that “religion and its practices are decreasing and becoming increasingly privatized among the Millennial generation.”

This means fewer people now observe the faith and fewer join communal worship, fellowship, and prayer. Children are abandoning the faith.

How are Christian families dealing with this? Every member is responsible for keeping the Faith and passing it on to “their” next generation. These sad reports should move us to understand the reasons why children abandon the faith so that we can act accordingly.

Lack of In-house Teaching

Children are to grow up learning about God and experiencing Him primarily in the home. Parents should not expect the church to do all the teaching and rearing for them. Deuteronomy chapter 6:7 commands parents to “teach  and  impress them diligently upon the [minds and] hearts of your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise up.” Children must grow up in a home where God and His Words are naturally part of the conversations that take place.

Lack of Modeling

Modeling is essential. Learning impact is high when someone demonstrates the lessons for us. Children need to see evidence of truth and effectiveness. They must witness that God’s Word is indeed reliable and relevant. They must witness that God is real, that He is at work. They must sense that God is not just in the Book, but that He translates into everyday life. Parents can never be perfect. But, they can be perfect examples of how God and His grace can sustain and bless a child that is passionate about Him. There is no expectation to be right all the time. But there is every expectation to be authentic. The goal is to pave and demonstrate the path to genuine godly living so our children will have a definite route to follow.

Lack of Love

The home should always be a place of acceptance and support. It is where 1 Corinthians 13 must be practiced at all times. Family members must learn to be loving and patient with one another. The home should always be a place of honesty and training for righteousness. Judging wrong deeds and correcting errors are a must.   Sin must never be tolerated nor encouraged.   Forgiveness must come easy and resentment should never have a place in the home. Families must learn to deal with wrongdoing and be done with it. Parents should never over-expect from their children and children should never over-expect from their parents. We all make mistakes. We are all in need of God’s grace. We are all dependent on Christ to transform us on a daily basis.

Let God and His Words be in our daily conversations. Let our home be the place where Biblical principles are learned and practiced. And let “right” love be shared unconditionally. When God is relevant and when children realize that He matters, they will understand the reason and need for faith. And, we may yet see God-seekers in generations to come.

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Prayer: Are We Doing It Right?

Prayer: Are We Doing It Right?

Do you know that you can talk to God and not actually pray? You can ask God for things and not really pray. You can “tap into the spiritual” and be religious or pious yet not be in prayer. So what is right prayer?

For John Bunyan, notable author of “The Pilgrim’s Progress”, prayer is more than talking. He said, “When thou prayest, rather let thy heart be without words than thy words without a heart.” He realized that in praying, we can go past the words and converse with God directly from our silent hearts.

Right prayer is like love.

As the Bible moves us to love in deed and to love God with our whole hearts so should we pray. Prayer is to be an act of submission and dependence upon God and a heart’s resolve to keep God in one’s life.

Right prayer is continual.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 instructs us to pray “without ceasing”, rendered in the original to mean “without interval”. It is continuous. It means our prayers are to go beyond talk. It means our hearts are to be in a posture of prayer continually.

Right prayer is easy.

It does away with much talk, empty words, and senseless utterances. It seeks to express oneself to God frankly. With friends, peers, and family we still need to be careful with our words. We have to watch that we don’t get misinterpreted. We have to speak elaborately at times so that people understand what we mean to communicate. But with God, communication is never hard work. God knows what is in our hearts before we express it. We come to a Father that discerns us wholly. There is no need to explain nor defend ourselves. There is no need to be careful with our words. We can come and talk with Him plainly. We can approach God in reverent submission and stillness knowing that He accepts and understands us. He will respond rightly. We will never be rejected or refused. We will find the forgiveness and direction we need.

Prayer Is More Than Asking.

Mahatma Gandhi, an iconic Indian nationalist, articulated his view of prayer this way, “Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is a daily admission of one’s weakness.

Indeed prayer brings to God all our needs and worrying. Philippians 4:6 tells us not to be anxious about anything but to present our requests to God. But if that is the only time you pray, if making petitions is the only kind of prayer you make, then that is wrong. That is not all there is to it.

Right prayer is an act of trust.

God has promised to meet our needs. In Matthew 4:6 God tells us to do away with unnecessary babbling because God knows what we need before we even ask. Knowing these truths doesn’t mean we don’t need to talk with God about our daily needs and struggles. We are most welcome to do that. For sure, God loves hearing about our day.   But we must stay conscious of this, that when we pray, we entrust all our lacking to God, trusting that He will provide.

Right prayer is an act of yielding.

We can pray for anything and ask God for anything we desire. But we must understand that God is not bound to respond the way we always want Him to. Right prayer seeks God’s desires not our own. Right prayer seeks His direction, not our own way. From Jeremiah 29:11 we know that God’s plans are for our best. He knows how to work things out for our good. Right prayer causes us to lean less on our limited minds and to learn more on an all-wise and all-loving God. Right prayer yields itself into the hands of Someone Greater and Wiser.

Religious prayer is automatic or routine.

The religious prayer says grace before every meal. Religious prayer happens during prayer fellowships. Religious prayer is public prayer. Religious prayer is scheduled prayer. Religious prayer is required or “expected” prayer. Religious prayer is hurried prayer.

Right prayer is more.

Right prayer is thankfulness and appreciation for God’s provision. Right prayer meets with the unseen God in the secret place. Right prayer is worshipful communication that approaches the Father in reverent and joy-filled adoration. Right prayer does not leave until it has stilled its heart in the presence of God. And when the heart is finally stilled, the seeker is blessed with communion with an ever-present, all-abiding God.

God delights for us “to seek Him, to feel after Him and find Him, because He is not far from each one of us.” Let right prayer lead us to Him and His heart.

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Would You Kill A Child? The Folly and Hypocrisy of Subjective Truth

Would You Kill A Child?

Something is either true or it isn’t. There is no third option.

This can get dicey and offend people very quickly, but that doesn’t change the truth. Subjective truth is a lie that people cling to, covering their eyes, declaring they are fine as they walk off a cliff.

How can I write something so bold? How can I tell you that any notion of “relative truth” is nonsense?

A simple thought experiment will help explain this. Let’s say that you are a believer in “subjective truth”, that something can be true for you, but not true for me. In essence, we make our truth. Truth can be this way one day, and change the next. What you believe is good for you, and what I believe is for me, and we should just let that be. These are your beliefs.

Let’s also say that I am not a believer in “subjective truth” and oppose you. I maintain that truth is consistent. That the truth is unchanging, regardless of time, space, cultural differences, and such things. What is true, is true.

To stir up trouble, a third individual enters and holds the same views as you. She is a believer in “subjective truth”. Then she says, “Killing children is okay.”

For me, hearing “killing children is okay” immediately strikes me as wrong. Jesus taught that all killing was wrong, even going so far as to say that hatred of a brother was sin (Matthew 5). The very idea that killing kids would ever be okay is such a bad, wrong, evil idea, that it is just a lie to suggest otherwise.

But now, you, as the believer in subjective truth, must decide. Is killing children okay?

Is that a truth that can exist alongside other truths like, killing children is always wrong?

Would you allow such an idea, something that churns and turns your stomach, something you know to be wrong, to be called truth?

It would take a very sick individual to say that it is subjectively true that killing children is okay. We would call them a monster, a person that is in need of serious help. We all know that killing children is wrong. We know it in our gut. Some things are wrong. Some things are the truth, regardless.

If you believe in subjective truth, try telling yourself that it is fine if someone in the world thinks that killing kids is okay. And then sit comfortably with that idea, that someone is out there, killing kids, believing that they are doing nothing wrong.

You can’t, can you?

This is where subjective truth falls apart. This is where the hypocrisy lies. Because no one in their right mind would be okay with the killing of children. No one would say that is acceptable to anyone. Subjective truth cannot bear the weight of such an idea.

The truth is that no one should ever kill children. It is wrong. Across time, space, cultural differences. It is wrong, evil, satanic, whatever other words you would use. Killing kids is absolutely wrong. And that is an absolute, unchangeable truth.

That is the folly of subjective truth. Here comes the hypocrisy.

As you think about how to decide about this third individual claim that killing children is okay, you actually are facing a much bigger dilemma.

Because if you say that their subjective truth is wrong, you are saying that all subjective truth is wrong. You are asserting that they are wrong in their notion of a truth that is only applicable to them. You are asserting that there may be rules that are true no matter what.

But, if you say that some subjective truths are wrong…could yours be wrong too?

Asserting that any subjective truth is wrong puts your own ideas of truth under the microscope. Suddenly all the ideas of truth that you were holding onto start crumbling. The whole notion that you can believe something and someone else believe something different and be equally right suddenly doesn’t hold.

Will you assert the absolute truth that killing kids is wrong? Or go against what you say you believe. Can it be okay for some people and wrong for others?

Consider these things, and consider this the end of the thought experiment.

The Bible tells us that God has written his Law in our hearts. Even people that have never read the words of Jesus still have an understanding because God hasn’t hidden this away from them. God has inscribed it on their hearts; some things are wrong, some things are right, some are true, and some are lies.

“For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (Indeed, when Gentiles (non-Jews), who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)” – Romans 2:13-15

There are absolute truths that do not change, regardless of time and space or cultural differences. There are some truths that are bigger than you and me and our opinion of things. To say that all truth is subjective is to stand on the very shaky ground. The hypocrisy, the inability to hold it’s self up to a simple test, shows just how weak and feeble this idea is.

We shouldn’t settle for a truth that changes with the wind. We shouldn’t be okay with a truth that is relative to who we are, where we are, or when we are. We should build our lives on nothing than absolute truth. We should anchor our lives to the truth that doesn’t depend on us. The best place to start doing that is found in the person of Jesus.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

Cling to Him, the unchanging Truth, and abandon the hypocrisy of subjective truth.

This blog first appeared on Christian Thought Sandbox.

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Luck is The Religion of The Lazy

Luck Is The Religion Of The Lazy

Some people would do almost anything to ward off ‘bad luck’ and bring themselves a little good fortune. There was a time in my life that I believed when things happened in my life it was either “lucky,” or “unlucky.”

As I have become a more mature Christian I have realized that there is truly no such thing as luck, luck is just a religion of the lazy and disillusioned.  Here’s why.

A psychologist Richard Wiseman surveyed a bunch of people who considered themselves lucky or unlucky, then performed a very interesting test:

“[Wiseman] gave both the “lucky” and the “unlucky” people a newspaper and asked them to look through it and tell him how many photographs were inside. He found that on average the unlucky people took two minutes to count all the photographs, whereas the lucky ones determined the number in a few seconds.”

“How did the “lucky” people do this? Because they found a message on the second page that read, “Stop counting. There are 43 photographs in this newspaper.” So why didn’t the so called unlucky people see it? Because they were so intent on counting all the photographs that they missed the message.”

So what does this mean?

People who we often consider themselves lucky are more relaxed and open to what’s going on around them. Many people either do not see the open doors that God has provided for them or do not even believe that God will ever open a door for them. God is gracious and gives us blessings. I have learned if I can look beyond the raging storm, I can see where God is constantly blessing me and moving in my life.

This week, my primary doctor told me he was moving to another city. I will not deny that I was really sad as a unique doctor/patient relationship had formed. He has been the only doctor so far that has truly kicked open doors for me, validated me, listened to me, and truly cared for me. It is extremely hard to find a great doctor when you have chronic and rare illnesses. I can’t say enough about how much my now old primary doctor has been a blessing to me and my husband. It wasn’t by chance or luck that I got this doctor that only worked in my area for one-year. God placed him in my path. God used him to change every single one of my other doctors and now I have a great team. God used him for a short while to put some pieces together for me. God sent him to help in my journey but as life has it, God changes things up and that’s ok. I haven’t met my new doctor yet but I am very confident that God has once again moved in my best interest and is sending another person to help me get me to another point.

I had a choice this week. I could have had a meltdown and worried about the unknowns of my doctor’s replacement or I could have scurried to find someone else. Instead, I chose to find peace and solitude in my Father. I can trust that he is moving and I am not relying on luck or chance. The biggest part of trusting God is not knowing all of the answers but placing the unknowns directly in his hands and allowing him to move and bless me.

 

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What Is The The Holy Spirit?

What Is The The Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the most highlighted and the most overlooked (and misunderstood) Person of the Trinity in our churches today. Often, how Christians perceive the Holy Spirit influences the way they do life and ministry. You may have had the experience of visiting one church for Sunday worship and it felt like the atmosphere was so serious that you had no clue if the people were sad, in mourning, tired or just plain bored. Likewise, you may have had another experience of visiting one church where it felt as if everything was out of control; the preacher was short of shouting in your ears and the people around you couldn’t stay still and silent for a minute. In the first, you see powerlessness; in the second, chaos.

I heard one pastor say that “The Holy Spirit is not a showman or an out of mess force that brings craze into meetings”. That is so true. Scriptures tell us that the Holy Spirit is in us, working alongside us, guiding us into all truth and into all that God has for us. He is God, bringing order and direction into our lives. He is also:

1. Our Most Competent Prayer Partner.

It’s a great blessing to have a buddy you can count on to pray for you and with you, to have someone you can text or call for a quick prayer item. But at times there are things happening in our lives that are difficult to share.

Do you know that the Holy Spirit is there for us instantly and at all times?   And even when we couldn’t find the exact words to explain how we feel, when we’ve lost all sense of praying and seeking God as we should, He knows exactly what’s going on and what we truly need? The Bible assures us that the Holy Spirit “comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness. And when we do not know what to pray for, He makes right prayers for us.

“He pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.”

We can count on the Holy Spirit to offer intelligent prayers to God the Father for us.

2. Our Life Aide.

Successful politicians or public servants will always have the best political aides behind them. A political aide works full time. He helps his boss navigate his political duties.   He makes the speeches and issues press releases. He conducts informational research vital to strategy and decision-making.   He prepares his boss for debates and other issues and defends him in times of criticism. He is essential to the politician’s career and overall job performance. The political aide is always at the politician’s side.

Do you know that the Holy Spirit is exactly like that and more? He is our Life Aide. He helps us navigate our life and duties.   Scriptures call Him “parakltos“ meaning, “called to one’s aid”. From John 14:26 we know that He teaches and reminds us of all things God has revealed to us from His Word. In Luke 12:11-12 we learn that in times of conflict, the Holy Spirit will teach us what we ought to say. He is ever at our side.

3. Our Champion Who Never Disappoints.

While we have special people we can lean on for forever, like us, they have limits. They aren’t always able to carry our burden with us or for us. But the Holy Spirit is our constant and consistent champion. Like the character of Achilles in the film, Troy, we can count on Him to do and win battles with us and for us.

Acts 1:8 teaches us that the Holy Spirit is our power, our enabler. He is our efficiency and might. He sustains us for everything God has called us to do and accomplish. From 2 Timothy 1:7 we understand that “God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but of power and of love and of sound mind”. He gave us His very self in the person of the Holy Spirit and He will never disappoint.

In the American medical drama TV series titled, “Grey’s Anatomy”, a character named Dr Cristina Yang introduces us to the term, “My Person”. One of her explanations about the meaning of this term (and I quote) is, “She’s my person. If I murdered someone, she’s the person I’d call to help me drag the corpse across the living room floor. She’s my person.”

“My person” is the one you straightway go to for anything and everything; the person that enables and sustains you for everything you do. “My Person” is always there for you, with you, for life.

The Holy Spirit is “Your Person”. He brings certainty, He brings steadiness. He is Power who is reliably at work. He is The One who’s forever got your back and much more!  

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