Today, as we commemorate Nelson Mandela Day, we not only honor the incredible life of a remarkable leader but also embrace the teachings of the Bible that inspire us to love, serve, and bring positive change to the world. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 (NIV) Nelson Mandela’s journey was a testament to the endurance and unwavering spirit of doing good. In the face of adversity, he tirelessly fought for justice, equality, and reconciliation. And in our own ...
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In the pages of the Bible, we encounter numerous accounts of Jesus’ miracles, each serving as a testament to His power and compassion. One such extraordinary event is found in Matthew 9:18-26, where we witness the awe-inspiring miracles of healing and restoration. Let us delve deeper into these remarkable stories and discover the profound lessons they hold for us today. The Desperate Father’s Faith: In this passage, a desperate father approaches Jesus, kneeling before Him and pleading for help. His daughter had tragically passed away, but the father’s faith remained steadfast. Despite the seemingly irreversible circumstances, he ...
read moreJoin us as we celebrate the Season of Creation.
read moreWhen Jesus says that those who obey won’t die, he is talking about spiritual death, not physical death. Even physical death will eventually be overcome. Those who follow Jesus will be raised to live eternally with him. The great “I am” statement is one of the most powerful statements uttered by Jesus. When he said that he existed before Abraham was born, he was undeniably proclaiming his divinity. Not only did Jesus say that he existed before Abraham, but he also applied God’s holy name to him self. This claim demands a response. It cannot be ignored. The ...
read moreJesus himself is the truth that’s sets us free. He is the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right. He frees us from continued slavery to sin, from deception, and from deception by Satan. He shows us clearly the way to eternal life with God. Thus; Jesus does not give us freedom to pursue harmful actions or dangerous beliefs but freedom, to have new and overflowing life as we follow him. As we seek to serve God, Jesus’ perfect truth frees us to be all that he created us to be. Sin has a way of ...
read moreJourneying through the Psalms Psalm 62:1-8 Trust God. David offers a supreme description of pure trust in God. The Psalm has three parts, the first part confesses reliance on God, the second part speaks of trust and hope, and the last part explains why this is possible. This is such a beautiful declaration of David’s total dependence upon God. And David speaks to the righteous, encouraging them to rely on God. What is true of the king, is expanded to include the whole family of God. David expressed his feelings to God and then reaffirmed his faith. Prayer ...
read moreJourneying through the Psalms Psalm 19:1-4 Both God’s creation and his Word reveals his greatness! In this Psalm, David’s steps of meditation take him from creation, through God’s Word, through David’s own sinfulness, to salvation. We are surrounded by fantastic displays of God’s craftmanship. The heavens give dramatic evidence of his existence, his power, his love, his care. To say that the universe happened by chance is absurd. It’s design, intricacy, and orderliness point to a personally involved Creator. As you look at God’s handiwork in nature and the heavens, thank him ...
read moreThis week we begin a new series of reflections, focused on the Psalms. I encourage you to continue with your Journalling, as we grow in our faith. Psalm 32 In Psalm 32, we read how David expresses the joy of forgiveness. God had forgiven him for the sins he had committed against Bathsheba and Uriah. The message that we are receiving today is that God wants to forgive sinners. Forgiveness has always been part of his loving nature. He announced this to Moses, he revealed it to David, and he dramatically showed it to the world through Jesus Christ. These ...
read moreSECOND SUNDAY OF LENT Listening to the Beloved Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” —Mark 9:7 In the Transfiguration story, God speaks to Jesus’ apostles with words that are still directed to us today. God did not threaten them with punishment or try to enforce obedience as to a military commander. God invited them to listen to one called the “Beloved.” If you think of someone “beloved” in your life, aren’t you more willing to listen to them, watch how they act ...
read moreTHURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY Unexpected Graces What does it profit them if they gain the whole world but lose or forfeit themselves? —Luke 9:25 Even though this past year has been difficult, it has also offered many graces. One grace I’ve noticed is how the pandemic has reminded us what is most important in life. I know of one couple who, before the pandemic, worked more than full-time jobs making big money. Each of them had a two+ hour round trip commute to the office. Typically, they only saw their children for about 30 minutes of waking time ...
read moreWelcome to our Lenten reflections for the weary and tired. We are embracing the Lenten Season after a challenging Pandemic Year. FEBRUARY 17 ASH WEDNESDAY A Year Later Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. —Joel 2:12-13 During Lent, many people decide to give something up that they love – perhaps chocolate, sweets or even using social media. Others might decide to take up something, like helping out more at home or making an effort to be nicer to their brother or sister. This may not ...
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