Embracing Storms With Jesus
I want to dive into one of my favourite stories from the Gospel of Matthew, when Jesus walked on the water, and Peter took a bold step of faith to join Him. It's a story full of awe, wonder, and valuable lessons.
Daring To Hope Again
Today, I want to discuss something close to my heart - hope. You know, that beautiful thing that sometimes slips through our fingers, leaving us feeling lost and unsure. But fear not, because just like the theme of the book I’m currently working on suggests, we can dare to hope again!
Life can be challenging, and we all face our share of ups and downs. There are moments when hope seems like a distant memory, fading away with every passing trial. But let me tell you a little secret: hope is not lost forever. It may be buried deep within, waiting for the right moment to burst forth like a radiant sunrise.
Battles Lost and Victories Won
In the book of Ezra, the rebuilding of the temple faced opposition from both within and without. Countless attacks and attempts to infiltrate the workforce eventually led the enemy to approach the king, arguing that the temple's reconstruction would be detrimental to business. Their persuasive argument resulted in a government decree to cease, bringing the work to a standstill for over 15 years.
I can relate to how the Israelites felt during that time. Since we received news about the government questioning the validity of our sponsorship and the pending outcome of our appeal, our ministry here in Wales has had to pause temporarily.
Embracing Life’s Mix of Good and Bad
Life is a fascinating journey, isn't it? It's a blend of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, blessings, and challenges. As Christians, we may sometimes find ourselves longing for a perfect life, free from difficulties and setbacks. However, the reality is that life, even for the believer, is a beautiful medley of good and bad.
This summer in Wales, the weather has been an apt metaphor for life's unpredictable nature. We've experienced days of cool rain, perfect for cozy indoor activities like reading and writing. But alongside those rainy days, we've also had moments of warm sunshine that beckon us to venture outdoors and soak up its rays.
Hungering for Peace
I don't know about you, but I'm not a big fan of peas. Unfortunately, they are a staple here in Wales, as they are all over Great Britain. Yes, the main food groups in Wales are meat, potatoes, and peas. I'm fine with the first two, but I could do without the latter, especially when served in their "mushy" form. Yuck!
Why is it that peace often seems like a distant dream or fateful mishap, like a plateful of peas, when we were hoping for something more appetizing? Let's take a quick look at some of the reasons why peace can feel so elusive.
The Ultimate Showdown
Lately, I’ve been exploring various AI (artificial intelligence) software to evaluate the possibility of using certain programs within our ministry, and what I’ve discovered has blown my mind. Did you know you can create realistic photographic images with just a few words on a computer? Not only that, you can now make music and videos from a few words of text. That’s it! No other skills are needed. Just wow!
Yes, AI has made jaw-dropping advancements that have left us in awe. But let me ask you: has it reached “God mode,” as some claim? Can AI truly compete with the divine? Let's dig into the topic to find out.
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
Tess is undeniably adorable, but she's got a bit of a disobedience problem. She can't resist the urge to find a way out of our yard and into the sheep pasture behind us. Despite our best efforts to contain her, our mutt just can't help herself. Sound familiar? Observing Tess's behavior can give us valuable insights and lessons from a biblical perspective.
First and foremost, Tess's antics remind me of our human tendencies to wander from God's plan for our lives. Just like my pup can't resist the allure of exploring beyond her boundaries, we often find ourselves tempted by worldly distractions that lead us astray from God's intended path.
If It Please the King
We live in an age where the main focus is pleasing oneself. Slogans abound, encouraging people everywhere to do what makes them feel good, follow their hearts, and live on their own terms. Most people live this life looking out for number one, and as a result, many are miserable.
What if, instead, we lived our lives to please the Lord? What if we followed His leading and searched out His desires? What if we sought His will in each situation? Nehemiah, one of my favorite Bible characters, could help answer these questions.
How Do You Deal With Life’s Interruptions?
I stared at the question on my computer screen and laughed out loud. Since I sat down to prepare for my Bible study lesson, I have had numerous phone calls, text messages, and other disturbances. How do I deal with interruptions? If my growing annoyance and frustration with others are any indication, not very well, it would seem.
How about you? How do you handle rained-out picnics, canceled vacations due to family illness, or guests showing up on your one quiet night, surprising you with their impromptu visit and expectations of dinner? How do you react when the dog doesn’t quit barking, the kids won’t quit fighting, the boss won’t quit complaining, and the world around you won’t stop asking for more of you?
Don’t Despise the Small Things, Part One
Recently, I’ve had the honor of being invited to teach two 30-minute lessons each month to be viewed in India. This is a real privilege, but at first, I was a little concerned about how I would fit it into my already-full schedule. After much prayer, the Lord opened my eyes to the fact that these videos could be used in many ways, including blog posts. So, I’ve broken the videos down into small pieces and plan to share them with you over the coming weeks. Don’t worry, there were still be traditional devotional posts as well. But this will allow me to share the truth of God’s Word with many more people without much extra time. I’m excited, and I hope you are as well. So, let’s get started. Shall we?