by Monica Hernandez
Do you have problems in letting go the issues that trouble you? I have discovered that one of the biggest challenges we face after we have sought God’s counsel for solving a problem is to let go that issue to Him. However, I have also discovered there is a fine art in letting go and was blessed to learn the secret.
When we are troubled, our human nature tends to hold on to that problem, running negative scenarios over and over in our minds, and though we might pray, we have the tendency to dictate to God the way the solution should come. However, regardless of how we think, God will answer, in any of His manifold ways and in His own timing. I have found that what we need to do after seeking His counsel in a matter is to let it go and let Him perform His wonders for us.
What is it that makes us hold on to a problem after we have sought God about it? It is anxiety and the human need to be always in control. Yet, holding on to the problem causes not only anxiety but fear, and it encourages doubt. That pesky situation seems to keep us tied as though to a stake and we often do not remember that not only we ought to let it go but that we have the capacity to do it.
Letting go to God is not a passive occurrence as some people might think, but a positive choice after one has obeyed the Scripture: “Ask, seek and knock...” This does not mean that we are to live aimlessly, but it means that because we have asked, we are to know we will receive, and because we know we will receive, we can afford to let go the problem. It means that instead of inventing our own solutions, we ask, seek and knock, and make ourselves ready to receive God’s best: His solution and insights from His Spirit to our inner-spirit.
When we do not let go to God we are saying in essence that He does not know our needs and desires, and that He does not know how to fulfil them, even if we told Him. To sum it all up, it means that we are doubting the power of God.
Letting go a problem might be easier said than done, except you know the secret
of the art of letting go. And the secret is to treat the pesky situation like you treat a letter that you put into the mailbox—just let it go!
Think for a moment. When you go to the mailbox to send a letter, do you hold on to it? You cannot mail the letter, yet hold on to it. You just have to let it go! Just the same, when you send a request to God, instead of holding on to it and trying to fix the problem yourself, you can refrain from holding on to it, and thinking how it will be solved.
The Scriptures say: "Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered..." (Psalm 68:1). You can let go your problem and let God arise into the situation and work through it for you.
There is a fine art in letting go our concerns to God and it is three-fold: (1) ask, seek and knock on God’s door about the problem, (2) speak a word of release of the problem, and (3) surrender the solution to the wisdom of God.
In this moment, you can resolve to let go and let God perform His perfect work in your life and affairs, knowing that all things work together for good to them that love Him. You can trust Him to uphold you, making your way safe and successful. You can rest in God for underneath are His everlasting arms.
What problems in your life are you holding on to, trying to fix them in your own strength? The following poem by an unknown author tells it all:
Let Go and Let God
As children bring their broken toys, with tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God, but then...
Instead of leaving Him in peace to work alone,
I came around and tried to help with ways that were my own.
At last I snatched them back again and cried:
“How could you be so slow!”
“My child” He said: “What could I do, you never did let go...”
—Author unknown
Suggested Readings: Deuteronomy 33:27, Psalm 37:3-8, Proverbs 3:5.
***************
Ask about the workbook: “Breaking Through the Barriers” by Dr. Hernandez. This book can be a helpful resource to you in overcoming fear, worry and anxiety, guilt and other negative emotions. Telephone (416) 744-9745 or send an email to drmhernandez@newvisionministry.org.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Create Balance In Your Life This Year
by Monica Hernandez
Is your life hectic? Are you overwhelmed by obligations, keeping abreast with career and the changing times, juggling priorities, and striving to honour appointments? Whatever your occupation, this busyness is the nature of current times in this society and we all fall prey to it.
Yet, as we begin to think carefully, we see that our busyness all stems from a sense of being in control of our lives, rather than from an understanding that we are owned by God (Psalm 100) and He will lead us into more harmonious ways to fulfill His plans.
However, it is not too late in the new year to make resolution to create balance in your life by savouring God’s presence and the soundness of His leading. Trust me, this counsel is not only for you but for me as well, because I too, am guilty of multi-tasking and being overwhelmed.
Though we might seem overwhelmed by our activities and each one seems just as important as the other, and we want to do them all, we can bring order out of chaos and balance into our every day affairs. We can bring balance into our lives when we recognize that we are creatures not only of body, but of soul (mind, will and emotions) and spirit as well, and need to give attention to all aspects of our being.
In the latter part of last year, I found myself being very busy in the outer realm of life, with writing projects, counselling people, and teaching classes, among other tasks—far too busy and not maintaining my devotional life like I am used to. My sense of connection with God was brittle. I would lie awake at nights, feeling tense, irritable and being flooded with past memories that were not at all pleasant. In other words, my life was not in balance. I was not at peace.
One night, as I lay awake in bed, I was reminded of Jesus’ teaching on the true value of life versus the possessing of an abundance of things in the natural realm (I believe this includes overworking too). He was teaching about the need to recognize our spiritual lives and maintain a balance between that and our natural lives. This indicates that there is more to life that ordinarily meets the eye.
It was not long before my thoughts shifted to Psalm 100 which says that we did not make ourselves and belong to God, and I began to take stock of my devotional life. When last did I meditate in the Word? When last did I spend quality time in the Word and speak it into my life and affairs? And I recognized that it was longer than was good for me.
We hear a lot these days about maintaining a balanced diet—don’t we? But not much about doing the same with our spiritual diet, for example, partaking of the nature of Christ through His words, and appropriating them into our lives so that our spiritual immune system can be strong, and avoid the attacks of destructive forces.
When we maintain a balanced diet and physical fitness, we develop strong bodies and an immune system that wards off illness. Just the same, when we maintain a balanced spiritual diet and spiritual fitness, we develop a strong immunity that wards off many troubles and nuisances in our lives. How do we maintain a balanced spiritual diet? By appropriating spiritual truths into our being, in faith. This practice is very similar to the eating of food.
In balancing our lives, four important principles stand out: (1) time management, (2) re-thinking our priorities, (3) nurturing spiritual values, and (4) building spiritual discipline to follow through.
King Solomon taught that “there is a time for every purpose: a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to break down and a time to build up; a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones; a time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silence and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3). And these are just a few of the examples he gave.
I will add this one: there is a time for busyness and there is a time for relaxation and smelling the roses.
Take time to pause and reflect on the following words of an anonymous writer who took time to give us “Take Time...”
“Take Time...”
Take time to work...It is the price of success.
Take time to think...It is the source of power.
Take time to play...It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read...It is the fountain of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly...It is the road to happiness.
Take time to laugh...It is the music of the heart.
Take time to love and be loved...It is a God-given privilege.
Take time to share...It is too short a life to be selfish.
Take time to dream...It is hitching your wagon to a star.
Take time to pray...It is the greatest power on earth
—Author unknown
And may I add my two cents’ worth? Take time to talk with God often, and when you do, take time to listen; He has much to say. Also, take time to create balance in your life this year.
Suggested Readings: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; Psalm 127:1; Luke 12:15; Ephesians 5:18-19.
Is your life hectic? Are you overwhelmed by obligations, keeping abreast with career and the changing times, juggling priorities, and striving to honour appointments? Whatever your occupation, this busyness is the nature of current times in this society and we all fall prey to it.
Yet, as we begin to think carefully, we see that our busyness all stems from a sense of being in control of our lives, rather than from an understanding that we are owned by God (Psalm 100) and He will lead us into more harmonious ways to fulfill His plans.
However, it is not too late in the new year to make resolution to create balance in your life by savouring God’s presence and the soundness of His leading. Trust me, this counsel is not only for you but for me as well, because I too, am guilty of multi-tasking and being overwhelmed.
Though we might seem overwhelmed by our activities and each one seems just as important as the other, and we want to do them all, we can bring order out of chaos and balance into our every day affairs. We can bring balance into our lives when we recognize that we are creatures not only of body, but of soul (mind, will and emotions) and spirit as well, and need to give attention to all aspects of our being.
In the latter part of last year, I found myself being very busy in the outer realm of life, with writing projects, counselling people, and teaching classes, among other tasks—far too busy and not maintaining my devotional life like I am used to. My sense of connection with God was brittle. I would lie awake at nights, feeling tense, irritable and being flooded with past memories that were not at all pleasant. In other words, my life was not in balance. I was not at peace.
One night, as I lay awake in bed, I was reminded of Jesus’ teaching on the true value of life versus the possessing of an abundance of things in the natural realm (I believe this includes overworking too). He was teaching about the need to recognize our spiritual lives and maintain a balance between that and our natural lives. This indicates that there is more to life that ordinarily meets the eye.
It was not long before my thoughts shifted to Psalm 100 which says that we did not make ourselves and belong to God, and I began to take stock of my devotional life. When last did I meditate in the Word? When last did I spend quality time in the Word and speak it into my life and affairs? And I recognized that it was longer than was good for me.
We hear a lot these days about maintaining a balanced diet—don’t we? But not much about doing the same with our spiritual diet, for example, partaking of the nature of Christ through His words, and appropriating them into our lives so that our spiritual immune system can be strong, and avoid the attacks of destructive forces.
When we maintain a balanced diet and physical fitness, we develop strong bodies and an immune system that wards off illness. Just the same, when we maintain a balanced spiritual diet and spiritual fitness, we develop a strong immunity that wards off many troubles and nuisances in our lives. How do we maintain a balanced spiritual diet? By appropriating spiritual truths into our being, in faith. This practice is very similar to the eating of food.
In balancing our lives, four important principles stand out: (1) time management, (2) re-thinking our priorities, (3) nurturing spiritual values, and (4) building spiritual discipline to follow through.
King Solomon taught that “there is a time for every purpose: a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to break down and a time to build up; a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones; a time to rend and a time to sew; a time to keep silence and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3). And these are just a few of the examples he gave.
I will add this one: there is a time for busyness and there is a time for relaxation and smelling the roses.
Take time to pause and reflect on the following words of an anonymous writer who took time to give us “Take Time...”
“Take Time...”
Take time to work...It is the price of success.
Take time to think...It is the source of power.
Take time to play...It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read...It is the fountain of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly...It is the road to happiness.
Take time to laugh...It is the music of the heart.
Take time to love and be loved...It is a God-given privilege.
Take time to share...It is too short a life to be selfish.
Take time to dream...It is hitching your wagon to a star.
Take time to pray...It is the greatest power on earth
—Author unknown
And may I add my two cents’ worth? Take time to talk with God often, and when you do, take time to listen; He has much to say. Also, take time to create balance in your life this year.
Suggested Readings: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; Psalm 127:1; Luke 12:15; Ephesians 5:18-19.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Are Resolutions Worthwhile?
Did you ever notice that for a few years now, each year seems to go faster that the one before? And this makes 2008 seem to be the fastest one ever.
And here we are at New Year resolution time again---for 2009.
Last week, I did a survey with more than a dozen persons, mostly family and friends, about the value of making new year resolutions, and gleaned some interesting responses. A few persons claimed making resolutions is a waste of time because we soon forget them and go back to our old ways; others felt making resolutions helped steer their thoughts and actions. Some were mildly interested in the idea and a young man in the entertainment business was sure that God would do whatever He wants to do, so why bother about resolutions.
Despite the fact that many people consider new year resolutions to be a waste of time and effort, I do believe resolutions (whether at the new year or any other time) ought not to be considered frivolous, but as necessary tools for exploring our potentials and “the great things that God has prepared for us.”
I am one for making resolutions, not only at the beginning of a new year, but at other times, as well. I believe resolutions are worthwhile because they do three things: (1) they encourage vision, (2) they encourage hope, and (3) they encourage enthusiasm. However, in the midst of making resolutions, it is wise that we recognize that God has a plan for each of us and if we trust Him, He would orchestrate the workings of our desires according to His plans.
Thank God, He does not discredit our human needs and desires, however, He requires that we delight ourselves in Him for their fulfillment (Psalm 37:4). And in all our resolutions for positive change, be they at the new year or at any other time, it is wise for us to remember it is the Spirit of God working His desires for our good through us, not only for ourselves but to make this place a better world.
Only God knows the route to the fulfillment of our resolutions and will lead us there if only we submit our ideas to Him, release them and allow Him to lead us in this dance of life. Our expected goals become more meaningful and fulfilling when we allow God to lead us to them.
Yes, New Year resolutions are worthwhile. Write a list of all the things you would like to accomplish in this new year, pray about them often in firm belief; speak positive words about them and wait to see the goodness of God with whom “nothing is impossible.”
This year, examine your resolutions, and ask yourself: Are they morally right, legally right, spiritually right? Can they be of benefit to your community and the world at large? If you can answer yes to these questions, then reach out for fulfillment of those resolutions, but only in alliance with your heavenly Father who sees and knows all things that are best for us.
And above all, let us all make resolution for becoming peacemakers and to take part in the bringing forth of God's kingdom of peace, love and goodwill.
May the Lord richly bless you with His peace, love and prosperity throughout this coming New Year and always.
Suggested Readings: Psalm 37:4, 145:16, Proverbs 29:18, Jeremiah 29:11.
And here we are at New Year resolution time again---for 2009.
Last week, I did a survey with more than a dozen persons, mostly family and friends, about the value of making new year resolutions, and gleaned some interesting responses. A few persons claimed making resolutions is a waste of time because we soon forget them and go back to our old ways; others felt making resolutions helped steer their thoughts and actions. Some were mildly interested in the idea and a young man in the entertainment business was sure that God would do whatever He wants to do, so why bother about resolutions.
Despite the fact that many people consider new year resolutions to be a waste of time and effort, I do believe resolutions (whether at the new year or any other time) ought not to be considered frivolous, but as necessary tools for exploring our potentials and “the great things that God has prepared for us.”
I am one for making resolutions, not only at the beginning of a new year, but at other times, as well. I believe resolutions are worthwhile because they do three things: (1) they encourage vision, (2) they encourage hope, and (3) they encourage enthusiasm. However, in the midst of making resolutions, it is wise that we recognize that God has a plan for each of us and if we trust Him, He would orchestrate the workings of our desires according to His plans.
Thank God, He does not discredit our human needs and desires, however, He requires that we delight ourselves in Him for their fulfillment (Psalm 37:4). And in all our resolutions for positive change, be they at the new year or at any other time, it is wise for us to remember it is the Spirit of God working His desires for our good through us, not only for ourselves but to make this place a better world.
Only God knows the route to the fulfillment of our resolutions and will lead us there if only we submit our ideas to Him, release them and allow Him to lead us in this dance of life. Our expected goals become more meaningful and fulfilling when we allow God to lead us to them.
Yes, New Year resolutions are worthwhile. Write a list of all the things you would like to accomplish in this new year, pray about them often in firm belief; speak positive words about them and wait to see the goodness of God with whom “nothing is impossible.”
This year, examine your resolutions, and ask yourself: Are they morally right, legally right, spiritually right? Can they be of benefit to your community and the world at large? If you can answer yes to these questions, then reach out for fulfillment of those resolutions, but only in alliance with your heavenly Father who sees and knows all things that are best for us.
And above all, let us all make resolution for becoming peacemakers and to take part in the bringing forth of God's kingdom of peace, love and goodwill.
May the Lord richly bless you with His peace, love and prosperity throughout this coming New Year and always.
Suggested Readings: Psalm 37:4, 145:16, Proverbs 29:18, Jeremiah 29:11.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Don't Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won if he'd stuck it out.
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow;
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are;
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit;
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.
---Author Unknown
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
---The Bible
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won if he'd stuck it out.
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow;
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are;
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit;
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.
---Author Unknown
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
---The Bible
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Dealing With Decisions
When faced with tough decisions to be made, how do you deal with it? Do you seek the answers from friends and relatives? Do you allow confusion to fill your mind? Do you wring your hands in despair when the answer is slow in coming?
Decision making is a big part of successful living, and every right thinking person is concerned with making right decisions. Every day we are faced with this challenge and there are always various options to each decision we face. Two or more courses of action may seem to be right but we know we can only choose one and face the consequences. How can we know which one is right for us, regardless of whether it is right or wrong for someone else?
It takes wisdom and good judgment to make right decisions and that can only come by being in tune with the Spirit of God. When we are in tune with the Spirit of God, we have the Spirit of Wisdom dwelling within us to guide and direct us into the right paths for our highest benefit. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us: “Trust in the Lord—lean not to your own understanding—in all your ways, acknowledge the Lord and He will direct your paths.” This message is vital, timeless and clear.
At 1 Samuel 30, the Scriptures tell us that David faced a traumatic situation at Ziklag when the Amalekites burned it and took the women captive. David was greatly distressed but in the midst of his sorrow, wisdom came shining through. He did not take matters into his own hands but sought direction from the Lord and he was specific.
At verse eight, David inquired of the Lord, saying: “Shall I pursue after this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And the Lord answered: “Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail, recover all.” Here we see humility and a willingness to be directed. What can we glean from David’s attitude? We can glean the importance of going first to God in all our affairs, seeking His guidance and direction in all things, great and small, and allowing Him as the Divine Director. But we can only do this successfully when we live in covenant relationship with God as David did.
As we walk in attunement with the Spirit of God within us He envelops our thinking and feeling and brings them in accordance with whatever is highest and best for us. And it is always right. The quality and depth of our attunement with God determines the quality of our ability to act out our parts on the stage of life.
God guides and directs us only when we willingly let go our concerns to Him in deep trust, but only after we have sought His guidance and direction. Psalm 46, verse 10 says: “Be still, and know that I am God.” The word “still” in the Hebrew in that text means, to “let go” or “cause to fall.” When we need God's direction in our affairs we are to become “still,” meaning we are to let go our problems to Him. In other words, we are to allow Him to direct our paths.
One of humanity’s main problems in trusting God is that we somehow think that God does not know our needs and far less knows how to fulfill them; isn't that foolish on our part? In order to successfully trust God and “let go” our burdens and concerns, we must first have a profound faith in Him and confidence in ourselves as His children. Then will He reveal Himself to us as discernment, guidance and direction.
Is there some issue you are facing at this time that is distressing in that you cannot choose which way to go? Lean not to your own understanding but acknowledge God's all-knowing power and He will direct your paths. Bring that issue to God in prayer and in quietness and confidence, ask for His direction and willingly place yourself and your affairs into God's directing hands. Be specific about what you should do concerning your challenges. God will not fail to answer and you should not fail to follow through with whatever He commands. Then let go that issue. Release it unto God.
Back to David. Despite some foolish choices he had made in his time, yet David lived in covenant relationship with God and the Scriptures tell us that “David was a man after God’s own heart” (1Sam. 13:14). His loyalty to God is a good example for each of us to follow.
Decision making is a big part of successful living, and every right thinking person is concerned with making right decisions. Every day we are faced with this challenge and there are always various options to each decision we face. Two or more courses of action may seem to be right but we know we can only choose one and face the consequences. How can we know which one is right for us, regardless of whether it is right or wrong for someone else?
It takes wisdom and good judgment to make right decisions and that can only come by being in tune with the Spirit of God. When we are in tune with the Spirit of God, we have the Spirit of Wisdom dwelling within us to guide and direct us into the right paths for our highest benefit. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us: “Trust in the Lord—lean not to your own understanding—in all your ways, acknowledge the Lord and He will direct your paths.” This message is vital, timeless and clear.
At 1 Samuel 30, the Scriptures tell us that David faced a traumatic situation at Ziklag when the Amalekites burned it and took the women captive. David was greatly distressed but in the midst of his sorrow, wisdom came shining through. He did not take matters into his own hands but sought direction from the Lord and he was specific.
At verse eight, David inquired of the Lord, saying: “Shall I pursue after this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And the Lord answered: “Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail, recover all.” Here we see humility and a willingness to be directed. What can we glean from David’s attitude? We can glean the importance of going first to God in all our affairs, seeking His guidance and direction in all things, great and small, and allowing Him as the Divine Director. But we can only do this successfully when we live in covenant relationship with God as David did.
As we walk in attunement with the Spirit of God within us He envelops our thinking and feeling and brings them in accordance with whatever is highest and best for us. And it is always right. The quality and depth of our attunement with God determines the quality of our ability to act out our parts on the stage of life.
God guides and directs us only when we willingly let go our concerns to Him in deep trust, but only after we have sought His guidance and direction. Psalm 46, verse 10 says: “Be still, and know that I am God.” The word “still” in the Hebrew in that text means, to “let go” or “cause to fall.” When we need God's direction in our affairs we are to become “still,” meaning we are to let go our problems to Him. In other words, we are to allow Him to direct our paths.
One of humanity’s main problems in trusting God is that we somehow think that God does not know our needs and far less knows how to fulfill them; isn't that foolish on our part? In order to successfully trust God and “let go” our burdens and concerns, we must first have a profound faith in Him and confidence in ourselves as His children. Then will He reveal Himself to us as discernment, guidance and direction.
Is there some issue you are facing at this time that is distressing in that you cannot choose which way to go? Lean not to your own understanding but acknowledge God's all-knowing power and He will direct your paths. Bring that issue to God in prayer and in quietness and confidence, ask for His direction and willingly place yourself and your affairs into God's directing hands. Be specific about what you should do concerning your challenges. God will not fail to answer and you should not fail to follow through with whatever He commands. Then let go that issue. Release it unto God.
Back to David. Despite some foolish choices he had made in his time, yet David lived in covenant relationship with God and the Scriptures tell us that “David was a man after God’s own heart” (1Sam. 13:14). His loyalty to God is a good example for each of us to follow.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
The Book Of Life
This morning, as part of my devotions, I was led to Philippians 4:3, and Revelation 21:27 which says: “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth...or maketh a lie...but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” and on my way home from church, I heard a sermon on the radio that dealt with that same Scripture.
At last, during the day, I found time for further Scripture reading and went back to the above mentioned verses and others that dealt with the same theme.
The Scriptures speak of those who reject the book of life as being “dull of hearing” and “hard of heart.” However, Jesus shows that He will confess the names of those who follow His way to the Father and have their names written in the book of life.
When we realize the value of the book of life, it is not easy for us to understand why some people would reject having their names written in the book of life, yet the answer is simple: lack of understanding, stubbornness and going their own way, however the Scriptures reveal that the way of transgressors is hard and keeps them out of the book of life...so really, it is a vicious cycle of choices and consequences.
To have your name written in the book of life is to be in good standing with Jesus who says He is the way, the truth and the life. He also taught that His words are life and if we abide in Him and have His words abide in us, we will maintain that good standing.
On the other hand, we each have our own personal book. Your life and mine are books into which we write every day, hour by hour, and minute by minute. We write into our books with our thoughts, words, deeds and beliefs. And even when, by God’s grace, we make changes in our ways, we are yet writing into our personal book.
When our personal books please God the Father, He writes our names into His book. And His book is for life eternal, not merely a matter of length of days but of a quality of existence that is abundant and divine.
What does it take to have your name in the book of life? The Scriptures teach that we are to “labour not for the meat that perishes” and also that our labour for Christ is not in vain for such acts afford us to have our names written in His great book: the Lamb’s book of life.
Is your name written in the Lamb’s book of life? Are you labouring for Christ in any way that you can? When we work for Him, it is a labour of love that does not go unrewarded (Philippians 4:3).
SCRIPTURE HELPS: John 14:6; Colossians 3:3; Revelation 21:27.
PRAYER: “Almighty God, grant me grace to have my name written in your book and not ever have my name to be blotted out of that book. Amen”
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Our names are written in the book of life when we labour for Christ.
At last, during the day, I found time for further Scripture reading and went back to the above mentioned verses and others that dealt with the same theme.
The Scriptures speak of those who reject the book of life as being “dull of hearing” and “hard of heart.” However, Jesus shows that He will confess the names of those who follow His way to the Father and have their names written in the book of life.
When we realize the value of the book of life, it is not easy for us to understand why some people would reject having their names written in the book of life, yet the answer is simple: lack of understanding, stubbornness and going their own way, however the Scriptures reveal that the way of transgressors is hard and keeps them out of the book of life...so really, it is a vicious cycle of choices and consequences.
To have your name written in the book of life is to be in good standing with Jesus who says He is the way, the truth and the life. He also taught that His words are life and if we abide in Him and have His words abide in us, we will maintain that good standing.
On the other hand, we each have our own personal book. Your life and mine are books into which we write every day, hour by hour, and minute by minute. We write into our books with our thoughts, words, deeds and beliefs. And even when, by God’s grace, we make changes in our ways, we are yet writing into our personal book.
When our personal books please God the Father, He writes our names into His book. And His book is for life eternal, not merely a matter of length of days but of a quality of existence that is abundant and divine.
What does it take to have your name in the book of life? The Scriptures teach that we are to “labour not for the meat that perishes” and also that our labour for Christ is not in vain for such acts afford us to have our names written in His great book: the Lamb’s book of life.
Is your name written in the Lamb’s book of life? Are you labouring for Christ in any way that you can? When we work for Him, it is a labour of love that does not go unrewarded (Philippians 4:3).
SCRIPTURE HELPS: John 14:6; Colossians 3:3; Revelation 21:27.
PRAYER: “Almighty God, grant me grace to have my name written in your book and not ever have my name to be blotted out of that book. Amen”
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Our names are written in the book of life when we labour for Christ.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
On Being In The Right Place
Do you remember that little ditty: “In fourteen hundred ninety two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue...”?
History tells us that Christopher Columbus left Spain in search of a route to Asia and was disappointed because he did not find what he was looking for, but somehow in his journey, he discovered a whole new world: the Americas. Was it an accident that Columbus did not find what he was looking for? It was no accident that Columbus discovered the Americas; it was by God’s will and design, and God’s timing is always right. It turned out that Columbus was in the right place at the right time, under God’s direction for a mighty revelation from Him.
Like Columbus, we might begin a journey with a certain destination in mind and find ourselves way off course. But you and I can be assured that wherever we are, it is always in the right place God wants us to be, even if it is for the sake of learning one of life’s many lessons.
Sometimes, we do not understand but God sees the big picture and either directs or permits us to be exactly where we are, though at the time it might not be pleasant for us.
Once I was driving in a strange area, looking for an address and things just did not seem right. I thought I had made all the right turns but eventually, I did not see landmarks I was told I would see and realized I was not in the place I should be. It was scary. I actually had to pull to the side of the road, become very quiet and seek God for a leading to find my way.
When I started on my way again, it was not long before I gained a sense of direction and was able to find the place of my destination. Not only that. Imagine my great surprise when, because of driving round and round in that area, I discovered a new and shorter route to get to another place that I travelled to very often. That was helpful because I had reason to be going to that other place very soon.
Did you ever wonder whether you are in the right place? Maybe this concerns your career, your place of residence, or maybe you are in a strange situation: one you are not at all accustomed to. You can be assured that God knows where you are and you can know the reason for being in that place if you would pause and seek an answer from God.
Scripture Help
“Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk...” (Psalm 143:8).
Dear God, help me to know I am in the right place for a revelation from you and help me to hear your voice as you speak to me. Amen.
History tells us that Christopher Columbus left Spain in search of a route to Asia and was disappointed because he did not find what he was looking for, but somehow in his journey, he discovered a whole new world: the Americas. Was it an accident that Columbus did not find what he was looking for? It was no accident that Columbus discovered the Americas; it was by God’s will and design, and God’s timing is always right. It turned out that Columbus was in the right place at the right time, under God’s direction for a mighty revelation from Him.
Like Columbus, we might begin a journey with a certain destination in mind and find ourselves way off course. But you and I can be assured that wherever we are, it is always in the right place God wants us to be, even if it is for the sake of learning one of life’s many lessons.
Sometimes, we do not understand but God sees the big picture and either directs or permits us to be exactly where we are, though at the time it might not be pleasant for us.
Once I was driving in a strange area, looking for an address and things just did not seem right. I thought I had made all the right turns but eventually, I did not see landmarks I was told I would see and realized I was not in the place I should be. It was scary. I actually had to pull to the side of the road, become very quiet and seek God for a leading to find my way.
When I started on my way again, it was not long before I gained a sense of direction and was able to find the place of my destination. Not only that. Imagine my great surprise when, because of driving round and round in that area, I discovered a new and shorter route to get to another place that I travelled to very often. That was helpful because I had reason to be going to that other place very soon.
Did you ever wonder whether you are in the right place? Maybe this concerns your career, your place of residence, or maybe you are in a strange situation: one you are not at all accustomed to. You can be assured that God knows where you are and you can know the reason for being in that place if you would pause and seek an answer from God.
Scripture Help
“Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk...” (Psalm 143:8).
Dear God, help me to know I am in the right place for a revelation from you and help me to hear your voice as you speak to me. Amen.
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