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The Power of Stillness to Refresh and Transform
Ah, the joys of automated technology and its misinterpretations! It never fails to surprise us with its unintentional comedy. The other day, I received a call on the automated announcement line from our beloved home church in South Carolina. Unfortunately, I missed the ring, and it went straight to voicemail. When I checked the message later, I laughed out loud. The visual voicemail system decided to have a little fun and mixed up "choir practice" with "quiet practice." Oh, the wonders of technology!
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.
Prisoners of Christ, Part Three: Hope in the Darkest Hour
Join me as we conclude our powerful Bible study series on Acts 16:16-34 with a story of hope and redemption. Explore the prison keeper's desperate situation as he wakes up to find the doors open and assumes the worst. Reflect on the relevance of his struggle to the prevalent issue of suicide today.
Discover the life-changing encounter between the prison keeper and Paul, where salvation takes center stage. Witness the relief and transformation that unfold when he realizes the prisoners are still there. Find inspiration in the simplicity of salvation through belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Prisoners of Hope, Part Two
Witness the power of worship even in the midst of darkness and despair. Explore the significance of Paul and Silas singing praises to God while in chains and how their act of worship impacted not only their own spirits but also the other prisoners around them. Delve into the miraculous events that unfolded when an earthquake shook the prison, causing chains to fall off and doors to open. Reflect on the unexpected response of not only Paul and Silas but also the other prisoners, as they chose to stay despite the opportunity to escape.
Prisoners of Hope, Part One
Join me in this inspiring Bible study as we delve into the captivating story of Paul and Silas from the book of Acts in the New Testament. Despite facing adversity and false accusations, Paul and Silas remained steadfast in their faith, demonstrating unwavering trust in God. Discover the lessons and insights we can uncover through a close examination of Acts 16:16-34. Gain a deeper understanding of God's faithfulness and the power of forgiveness in the face of betrayal. Be encouraged as you witness how God intervened in miraculous ways, bringing salvation and deliverance to those who put their trust in Him. Don't miss this thought-provoking and faith-building study that reveals God's unique and remarkable plans for His children.
From Music to Mayhem
Today, I'd like to take a lighthearted yet serious journey into the antics of our feathered friends in the yard. As spring arrived, we eagerly welcomed the melodious songs of grateful birds, who flocked to our yard to enjoy the birdseed and fat balls we provided. However, as time passed, their behavior took a turn for the worse.
Initially, the birds' sweet songs filled the air with joy. Their gratitude was evident as they relished the abundance of food we offered. They sang in harmony, creating a beautiful symphony all day long that brought smiles to our faces and joy to our hearts. We felt blessed to be able to provide for them and to witness their appreciation for that provision.
More Than Just a Book
Recently, Jason and I had the opportunity to meet and witness to a woman who received one of our promotion leaflets in the mail. Unfortunately, this dear lady has led a rough life and is very mixed up in what she believes. Being a self-proclaimed mystic, her behavior was peculiar and downright scary.
As she spoke of her guilt and shame, we assured her that there was no sin too great that God could not forgive it. We then went on to share some Scripture with her.