Through prayer and worship God enters our lives. What happens next is up to us. Our faith is such that we can call on God for comfort, hope and strength. Sharing that faith ensures that others may also find what we find. May God guide us in this effort.
David stood before Goliath. He spoke the words, “I come to you in the name of the Lord…” As we journey we meet giant obstacles that appear in the path before us. They frighten us and we wish they weren’t there. But faith gave him strength to meet Goliath and overcome. Faith will also give us what we need to meet the challenges and overcome them. Let us ask God to help us find the courage and strength for what we need toady, this day.
Our church does many kind deeds and acts of love. We do this for others as a reminder of God’s love for us. Paul remarked how we see through a glass dimly. As we journey in life, we won’t understand everything including God’s ways. But this we do know, God will never forsake us or leave us comfortless. God’s love is sure, this we can know in our hearts when our head wonders.
How horrified the church leaders must have felt to have Jesus tell them that the dregs of society would enter the kingdom first. Jesus didn’t ask followers to become saints, only to believe in him. This is the good news, no matter what our situation, in Christ we can enter into the deepest relationship with God.
We aren’t always in control of life. Yet as a Christian we should know that life can still be good. Life can be worth living even when we are barely making it. God has promised love at all times. We learn to be patient even in long suffering because of God. We can be perplexed about life but not despairing if we really believe what Jesus says about God’s love and his.
Many are familiar with the phrase, “a heavy heart”. It can be a physical reality today. When we sense this mood, we need to know that it is normal and we are normal. We also need to know that it will pass. We can try to determine what is causing the heaviness of heart but we may not find the answer. Rather than be tormented, we should be reassured. God has not given us this feeling, God wishes us to have a blessed life in communion with Christ. Not matter what your heart condition ask God with whatever shred of faith you have and God will provide.
Gratitude is good for you. Studies show those who are thankful have more social connections, are happier, sleep better and exercise more. So, thank those around you and you may find a new pep in your step.
Source: Wall Street Journal, “Thank You. No, Thank You”; online. wsj.com/public/page/news-health-industry.html
A new study shows it’s not only the social aspect of church or only spirituality that increases happiness, but the combination of the two. Church goers are happier when they become friends with fellow church goers who also have a strong religious identity.
“It is neither faith nor communities, per se, that are important, but communities of faith,” the report states. “For life satisfaction, praying together seems to be better than either bowling together or praying alone.”
Source: American Sociological Review, “Religion, Social Networks, and Life Satisfaction,” December 2010
Tim Pawlenty has withdrawn from the presidential race. He looked around at what he was facing and called it quits. Jesus Christ was often overtaken by crowds. I’m sure he felt dread and frustration for all his efforts. He perhaps had not gotten through to as many as he wanted. Even his disciples didn’t quite grasp what was going on. But with everything, Jesus knew the nature of struggle. He continued until he laid his life on the line for all. May you find comfort to know that he has walked where you walk? Let us pray for a deeper understanding of what this can mean for all people.
We see in the news so many places involved in power struggles. In fact, the news records the worst. It is everyone who does wish to wield power and so many are engaged in its pursuit. Power in the hands of some is extremely dangerous because it distorts ones view and corrupts. The world is in the midst of so many power struggles that the world is rampant with tension. Indiscriminate destruction is the result of the struggle. Yet, the means are always in struggle with the end result. Only when we surrender to God’s power can we make sense of the senseless indiscriminate destruction of human lives and their surrounding habitat. Let us pray for peace where there is no peace.
