Words! Words! Words!

November 13, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 15:7-11

Freddie, a young man in love, woos his girl with songs declaring his undying love, the passion of a love lasting through time, the dreams he has filled with desire, that set his heart on fire. In exasperation Eliza Doolittle responds to Freddie:

Words! Words! Words! I’m so sick of words! I get words all day through;
Don’t talk of stars burning above; If you’re in love, Show me! If you’re on fire, show me!

Don’t talk of love lasting through time. Make me no undying vow. Show me now!

Don’t talk at all! Show me!

Sometimes I think God must have the same complaint! Several hundred years ago God noted “These people come near to Me with their mouth and honour Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me” (Isaiah 29:13). How sad it is that hundreds of years later, Jesus quoted this verse because it was still applicable. Has anything changed today?

How do we prove our love to God? He knows everything. Surely He knows we love Him! Does He require a practical demonstration like spending our money to feed the poor, taking time to pray for leaders around the world, or do we need to become martyrs in the cause of Christ? Might God be able to say of us “They worship me in vain”? For many years I attended a large church. On Sundays hundreds of people swayed to the rhythm of loud drums, while clapping and raising their hands. It looked like they are totally engaged in worship. Is it possible anyone is worshiping in vain? How about those of us who can pray like Peter and preach like Paul? “Show Me!”

Jesus cautioned against vain repetition in our words, since even the heathen “think they will be heard because of their many words” (Matthew 6:7). He gives us an example of a short prayer that covers it all. “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” That’s it? Is that enough to qualify as worship? No – it will not do, unless our heart is right with God. Like Eliza Doolittle, Jesus goes on to say “Show me”….by forgiving others (Matthew 6:14-15), by selling all that you have to feed the poor (Mark 10:21).

Indeed, God doesn’t want an external show of love, of intimacy with Him. Even in the act of fasting we must appear as normal so that we will receive our reward in heaven, rather than through the commendation of men. We must pray in secret (Matthew 6:16-18). That doesn’t mean we never pray together out loud. There is a time and place for both (Acts 1:14). Do we worship God by listening for His voice?

Words often blot out the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. If we are never silent before Him, how will we ever listen to what God wants us to hear from Him? Habakkuk, Isaiah and Zechariah recommend silence before God. Oh! …the beauty of silence! What peace! Is this worship too? Worship without words?

Reflection:

Why do people seem to feel long prayers are necessary in order to reach God?

Describe the greatest joy you have experienced in prayer. Were you speaking of listening?

How many words does it take to convince someone you love them? Compare with actions.

Devotional

For I Know!

November 5, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

2 Timothy 1 – 4

In Scotland in the mid 1700’s Adam Smith introduced a new wave of thought where the study of man’s character began a trend which gradually replaced man’s interest in God. “His friend David Hume conceived of philosophy as the inductive, experimental science of human nature. Taking the scientific method of the English physicist Sir Isaac Newton as his model and building on the epistemology [philosophy] of the English philosopher John Locke, Hume tried to describe how the mind works in acquiring what is called knowledge. He concluded that no theory of reality is possible; there can be no knowledge of anything beyond experience” (Google). Slowly as shipping and other industry provided new-found wealth, the study of man took a new turn. Self-interest became the god of the rich, while ethics gradually faded into the distance.

I remember when on the verge of a major life change many years ago, quoting Paul’s words to Timothy “For I know in whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed, unto Him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12). For me at that time, the security provided by this Biblical truth was the strength that enabled me to go forward according to God’s call on my life. That call did not permit self-interest or wealth, but demanded surrender and sacrifice. What sacrifice is there in knowing that God has a plan for one’s life? My experience taught me that faith in God gives power and light, peace and joy in spite of circumstances.

Reading in 2 Timothy we find Paul asserting he was not ashamed of the gospel which he recognized had been planned from before the beginning of time. God had abolished death [separation from Himself] by bringing life and immortality to light, through the person and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The basis of Paul’s confidence was knowledge and experience. These enabled him to write to Timothy from prison in Rome: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind!” (2 Timothy 1:7).

At that time Paul felt forsaken by all his friends as he faced the court alone. But – not alone, for he tells us he knew the Lord’s presence was there, strengthening him as he preached the gospel from that unusual platform, to everyone in the court (2 Timothy 4:16-17).

How many times might we feel alone and yet the inner presence of God the Holy Spirit sustains us? The assimilation of scripture into Paul’s life gave him courage – “Equipped [him] for every good work” (3:17). Paul warned Timothy against those having a form of godliness, but who by their choices, deny the power of God; “turn away from them” (3:5). They creep into the lives of gullible people. To the Colossian church Paul wrote a warning against hollow or deceptive philosophy, which depended on human tradition and the basic principles of this world, rather than Christ (2:8)

What protects us from such danger? Paul’s answer is to “flee the evil desires of youth and to pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace“ (2 Timothy 2:22). Our focus must be on what pleases God so that He will see in us workmen who do not need to be ashamed, people who correctly understand the Bible in contrast to the inane analysis and presentation made by false teachers (2:22-23). What joy and privilege we have in knowing God personally through His Word! The Holy Scriptures…are able to make each one of us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (3:15).

I know that I have eternal life, now and for all eternity (1 John 5:13) because I believe in the inerrancy of scripture, by which I know/recognize that Jesus is the Way and the Truth (1 John 2:20). The Holy Spirit witnesses with my spirit that Jesus is righteous and by their righteous deeds I can know [recognize] fellow believers (1 John 2:29). Praise God for the assurance that He wants us to know.

For I Know!

Reflection:

On what do you base your eternal security?

Do you see yourself as a workman who isn’t ashamed? Why or why not?

Would you recognize false teaching if you were faced with it? How?

Devotional

If I Go to Prepare

October 26, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

John 14

Have you ever considered that God’s work is not done? Because He rested on the 7^th day we sometimes imagine God is sitting on His throne, still resting. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Throughout the history of mankind He has been actively engaged with the human beings He created. But what of the universe and beyond, where we cannot see? What is God doing there? Our finite minds find such thoughts hard to grasp.

The Apostle Paul suggests that Jesus, as our High Priest, is on the alert to interceded for the children of God. Consider the number of people you and I know need prayer and we might think of how this occupies our Lord day and night.

“Therefore, He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.” – Hebrews 7:25

John records Jesus’ teaching at the last supper. He was gentle as He washed His disciples’ feet. He was direct as He countered their bold declarations of loyalty. He knew them so well! He would not be with them much longer (John 13:33). So… Jesus gave His disciples a little glimpse into what He would be doing when He left them.

Within His forecast of heaven was the promise of His return “I will come back and take you to be with me, that you may also be where I am!”. Heaven isn’t just a generic ending of all life, but Jesus made it personal. He wants his followers to be where He is. “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:3).

“If”! That little word which means so much. Conditioned on Jesus leaving this earth is His promise to prepare a place where we may enjoy being with Him forever. “If I go” – God Himself is preparing a place. Think how precious we must be to God’s own heart, that He would take such care of His children!

Reflection:

Jesus who is Immanuel – God with us, plans for our eternal relationship with Him. After all He paid the fare at great personal cost, so our place in heaven could be secured. On our journey through life will we honour His sacrifice? What work is there to be done in heavenly realms? Might God have plans for us to really come alongside Him in these endeavours? One thing we do know is that Jesus had to leave earth to prepare a place for His followers, those who trust Him to lead and guide them here on earth.

Meanwhile He is preparing a place.

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And He Will Make it Again!

October 21, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Jeremiah 18:1-10

When something we treasure is broken we will go to any lengths to fix it, won’t we? My mother had a dainty needle-point chair with a fragile back that broke every time a heavy man sat on it and tilted back. When I inherited it, the same thing happened. Although it is mended, one can still see the line in the wood where it was repaired. It would be impossible to make it new again.

However, there is an account in scripture that tells us when the clay pot broke, the potter threw the clay back on the wheel and made it again – new! This is used as an illustration of what God wants to do with our lives. He tells us through the Apostle Paul that in Christ we are made into new creatures – that the old has passed away and we have been remade (2 Corinthians 5:17) – “born again” if we use Jesus’ own words! (John 3:3).

Think of all the people in this world who want another go at life. Feeling inadequate or like utter failures, feeling broken – how many long for a second chance? Here in God’s Word is the offer of a life-time. Just imagine, offered by Almighty God, the One who so many fear will judge us for all the wrong choices we have made, or the mess we have made out of circumstances.

However, there are some people who don’t know that their lives are cracked, who won’t admit it anyway. We cannot be healed if we don’t face the fact that our wounds need treatment. Perhaps some are hairline fractures in the clay of our lives – those secret sins we have been able to hide from everyone (but God). The Potter needs/wants to fix these. He isn’t asking us to fix ourselves, but rather to let Him do it, as Lord of our lives.

What a glorious hope! I do not have to renew my own spirit, but it is done by the Master. Only the power of God is adequate to renew a right spirit according to the Psalmist (51:10). He is petitioned by many to renew their strength. This renewal is absolutely transforming! (Romans 12:2) Broken minds, broken hearts – nothing is beyond the scope of God Almighty to make new. What a mighty God we serve!

The pot was marred, so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.

Jeremiah 18:4

Reflection:

The Lord Jesus came to earth as a baby with the specific purpose of sacrificing Himself as the Lamb of God, once for all our sins (Hebrews 10:14, 18).

Did you ever experience failure feelings? Have you ever wanted a fresh start?

How might you encourage someone else who needs renewal, physically, emotionally or spiritually?

Devotional

Difficult Questions For Today

October 12, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 5:29-30

The Pastor’s sermon was right on! Temptation…there isn’t anything that tempts one of us that isn’t common to man. I might be tempted to cheat, to deceive, to indulge in aberrant sexual fantasies through pornography, or I may just not do what God is calling me to do with my time or my money. I could cover all of that up, just as David tried to do with Uriah, by murder, or lying – adding sin upon sin. I am personally accountable to God for whichever of these sins I commit, not to mention the sins of the tongue with which reputations are destroyed, or God Himself is blasphemed.

Certainly there is the tragic danger of passing these attitudes and worldviews on to my children and grandchildren, but it’s not quite the same thing working with a society which endorses murder as an option for people with bad tempers and ill health. In the heat of the moment Cain killed Abel. His punishment was greater than he could bear. He was cast out of fellowship, from the Garden of Eden. Did he blame God for not controlling his temper, for making him vulnerable to the sin of an angry response, for murdering his innocent brother? What made him aware of the guilt of having broken God’s command when as yet that command had not been written?

The point of these fragmented thoughts is that God does not leave any man without excuse. He had already warned Cain that he must master the tendency he had shown by offering the wrong sacrifice (Genesis 4:7). The worst possible punishment was banishment from God’s presence (:13)!

In Romans 1 the same warning is given re another type of sin…this time not murder. And the punishment will be the same – banishment from God’s presence. Death – separation from God! (Romans 1:32). Why does this excite our interest? Because the laws of our country are giving license to the very thing that will separate us from God.

Our children and grandchildren are being offered options by the laws of the land, that are tempting them to believe that God does not mean what He says. Well-meaning Christians are confused and torn, fearful. Which voice should they listen to? Are we ready to give an answer for the reason of the hope that is within us?

It’s hugely important for us to love everyone if we are to follow our Saviour. But love doesn’t give in to what is wrong, what contravenes God’s holy law. How can we truly love our child, or brother, our neighbour, our friend who is going to commit a crime? God showed us the way – He lovingly warns against specific sins so that we will not trespass His standards in ignorance. We are not responsible for the choice that is then made, any more than God was responsible for Cain’s sin and subsequent punishment.

Reflection:

This will not win popularity with the masses, but how broad is the way that leads to destruction? Jesus’ sermon is recorded by Matthew (7:13). How, as Christ-followers do we love the sinner, but hate the sin? How do we protect future generations from being separated from the God we love, who is longing, yearning to have fellowship with mankind? He only requires we do so on His terms of holiness. Will anyone hear us if we stand against the sin, but say we love the sinner? How do we demonstrate that love? How do we encourage people to be responsible followers of the Christ who said some very difficult things?….such as – If your eye or your hand causes you to sin, get rid of them to avoid hell fire (Matthew 5:29-30).

Christians today are faced with a crisis – not just a social crisis, but a crisis of belief. An unnamed man cried out to Jesus: “I do believe; help me to overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). Jesus had just assured him that “everything is possible for him who believes” (:23). Do we believe?

Devotional

Valley of Vision

October 6, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 22:1

Vision is what enables man to see things from God’s perspective. Jerusalem was known as the “Valley of Vision” the valley created by mountains encircling the site of this world-renowned city. It was chosen by Jehovah God where, among all the tribes of Israel, He would put His name (1 Kings 14: 21). Known also as the Royal City, it is the capital of God’s only kingdom on earth. Even today religious groups fight for supremacy, because it is recognized as the Holy City (Nehemiah 11:1). In all of human history God’s greatest act, by which redemption was accomplished, has made Jerusalem the most significant site on earth.

Looking at the ruins of many ancient cities, it is remarkable that Jerusalem still stands today. Many battles have been fought, the temple was razed more than once, yet ”Zion” a New Testament name, remains awaiting the promise of Messiah’s return.

God’s vision for this city has endured through thousands of years of human history. The first record of a Godly presence in Jerusalem was Melchizedek. He was recognized by Abraham as King of Salem, one who lived before the nation of Israel was founded and at least 800 years before King David. Note that Abraham took Isaac to Mount Moriah, the exact site of the Temple of Solomon, to be offered to God, when God Himself intervened. Under God’s specific direction, David and Solomon made the city famous through their architectural design.

Jerusalem today belies the ancient meaning of its name. “U-ru-sa-lim” means peace. Haggai gives us the Lord’s promise of peace: “….and in this place I will grant peace” (2:9). Arabs call it Al-Kuds al-Sharif, meaning Sanctuary. Their greeting “Salam”, and the Jewish greeting “Shalom” both meaning peace, derived from the root word Salem.

Valley of Vision? Entrusted with the Oracles of God, Jerusalem is the seat of many prophetic utterances and/or promises. Jewish worship centered on the temple which housed the ethereal presence of God. In contrast Babylon is called “The desert of the sea” (Isaiah 21:1, 9). God’s Vision was for a kingdom of people who would worship Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). So the knowledge of God given to the Israelites, comes with a great burden of responsibility – to respond to God’s laws and precepts according to His conditions, to see the world through His eyes!

The Psalmist instructs us to pray for peace in Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6). What a great need exists for that peace in our day, with so much territorial fighting taking place between Jews and Arabs. However, we know from Prophecy that peace will only come when the Prince of Peace returns to this world.

Reflection:

God’s vision of holiness challenges us to personal peace – the peace Jesus recommended through loving our brother, our neighbour and our enemy. Surely by applying this to our lives we can share this vision given by God to the ancients of how life in the valley of His promise would be. Are you living in the valley of vision?

Devotional

Presenting a Prophet

September 30, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Isaiah 21

Many jobs seem to be glamorous to the human mind. Flight attendants, for example, get to travel the world. No one sees the sleeplessness caused by perpetual time zone changes. Nor do the passengers care if the person serving them has needs as simple as eating or washroom breaks…after all the passenger comes first….. and so health issues evolve from job-related limitations.

In years gone by a prophet was someone of status. After all they were connected with God. Even today people want to be known for their ability to prophesy, but I wonder if they are willing to pay the price?

It would take a book to comprehensively study the lives of more than one prophet, so let’s just glimpse into Isaiah’s life for the moment. My morning devotions came from Isaiah 21 where he records a vision that staggered and bewildered him (21:3). Reaction set in – even his body was racked with pain. His heart faltered and fear made him tremble (:4).

Isaiah had just come through three years of going barefoot, stripped of warm garments in order to play out the coming judgment against Egypt, in the dress of a prisoner of war. His entire life, committed to serving God, required that he even name his children according to the word of the Lord. Isaiah 7:3 – Shear-Jashub means “a remnant shall return”. His second son was Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, meaning “quick to plunder, swift to the spoil ”(8:3).

Now God was giving Isaiah words of prophecy against Babylon, Edom and Arabia. “The Lord God of Israel has spoken” (:17). However, God’s judgement doesn’t end there. Jerusalem also falls under God’s condemnation. Why? They had ignored God (22:11). This is an unforgivable sin, then and now. Those that joy in revelry, eating and drinking and making merry without thought for tomorrow (22:12-13) will be judged (22:14).

Imagine the response to such a prophecy, from the people of God. The Israelites were not impressed. Prophets did not hold an enviable position. They were ridiculed, ignored and persecuted for giving unfavourable messages from God. Then as now, people chose to hear what they wanted to hear.

Paul warned Timothy “I give you this charge”. That sounds terribly important! “Preach the Word! Be prepared in season and out of season;, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Prophets today remind us that Jesus is coming again, but how many want to get ready for that great event? Sadly the church is even lukewarm to the message that instructs us to be vigilant. Resting on wealth and comfort as our “right” we fail to realize that we may be among those who are “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” Those are the words of Jesus as He prophesied about end times (Revelation 3:17).

Reflection:

What is it you want to hear from God, if you are honest?

What words of prophecy are most often taught by the church today?

Are we listening to the words of our Prophet, Priest and King?

Is your heart lukewarm?

Devotional

How Should I Pray?

September 21, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Proverbs 12:18

Recently I learned a dear old friend has stage 2 Parkinson’s Disease. This man is a servant of God, having been in ministry from his youth. I know God’s children are not immune, but he has suffered so much down through years of time. How can I pray? What prayer will be pleasing to God? What does the heart of God feel at this time?

Within the past two weeks it happens I had been exploring a book on prayer. Under three major headings the author discusses “Moving Inward”…seeking the transformation we need, “Moving Upward”…seeking the intimacy we need and “Moving Outward….seeking the ministry we need. Those titles may seem either heavy, or very sublime, depending upon where we are in our journey with God. However, Richard Foster begins by saying that “God is big enough to receive us with all our mixture“ of tangled motives for praying. We come to Him sometimes with selfish or merciful, hateful or loving, bitter or altruistic motives hoping our prayers might play a part in unravelling the good from the bad, the pure from the impure.

Now I would pray for healing for my friend. Why? I do not want him to suffer anymore. Then I remember when my father was terminally ill. At eighty-three God healed him in the best way possible. He put him in a place where there is no more pain or sorrow; He took him home to heaven. Again, as human beings we wrestle with mixed feelings – loss, sorrow, thankfulness, and even joy, when our loved ones are relieved of earthly struggles. We come to God acknowledging that His ways are best, though left to our own devices we would often “fix things” by delaying the wonderful home-going that all Christians must look forward to. Why?

Shouldn’t we pray for healing? Let’s not forget healing takes shape on many levels. Our finite minds can hardly take in the possibilities under the care of an infinite God. The Book of Proverbs tells us “The tongue of the wise brings healing” (12:18). Solomon knew that hasty words and lies demonstrate the weakness of a man’s understanding. A prudent man overlooks insult, knowing there is joy for those who promote peace. The first form of healing comes to each of us from within, as we find our lives being transformed by the Holy Spirit. Perhaps this is why Foster puts “Moving Inward” as number one.

Painful as physical ills may be, there is a wounding of the heart that requires supernatural power and so we seek for healing as we attempt to forgive others. After all we are taught by Jesus’ words and example to forgive others in order for us to receive the exquisite forgiveness of God when we pray (Matthew 6:12). Intimacy with God fixes our minds and hearts on “what would Jesus do” in every situation.

We worship Jesus for the miracles of healing which He performed. This gives us the courage to pray for physical healing today. The testimonies of many attest to the power of God to perform the impossible; Jesus Himself declared that with God anything is possible (Matthew 19:26). Do we believe it?

The critical thing is for us to know the mind of God – His desires for those for whom we pray. As we rush into the presence of God, breathless with anxiety, do we ever pause to embrace the fact His ways are beyond understanding, and that He is perfect in all His ways?

Reflection:

In this generation, when the immediate is primary, how often do we reflect on God’s will and ways. Do our past experiences with God bring delight to our quiet hours of meditation? What do we hang our hopes on? When we pray do we truly know the greatness of our God? Do we desire His pure and holy will be done? We are all familiar with Jesus’ words “Ask, seek, knock”, but the asking becomes more difficult when it requires us to spend time getting to know God’s ways. Only then can we pray in Jesus’ name. Only then can we enter into the reality God’s work, instead of relying on our own narrow hopes and dreams. The greatest prayer we can pray for another is that they might know the delight of God’s presence and peace in the midst of whatever He allows to come into their lives.

Devotional

The Ant

September 15, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Romans 6

The ant is often used as an illustration in the Bible, of an industrious disposition. “Go to the ant thou sluggard” the King of Israel wrote (Proverbs 6:6-8). From the ant, Solomon suggests, one can learn much about a strong work ethic.

Having had the privilege of working in some tropical and sub-tropical countries and with a keen interest in nature, I’ve had the opportunity to observe several species of ants. I quickly learned to cover a glass of water at my bedside in Guyana, unless I wanted a little protein in my drink! Tiny, light brown ants locally called “fine ants” are drawn to water in any container. This is not the time and place to do a study on the size and habits of these fascinating insects, much as I am tempted.

However, the ant makes a great illustration. Imagine a Guyanese “fine ant” on a tennis ball. You are holding that tennis ball in your hand watching this tiny creature struggle. What are you going to do with it? It’s caught in the hairs of that ball. Can you free it? You actually might smush it in the attempt.

When God holds our earth in His great and mighty hands, we probably look like the ant on the tennis ball. He sees us struggling to be free. What does He do? What can He do? What will He do? All very good questions. The Bible gives us some answers.

Tiny in comparison to our great God, we often find ourselves caught in threads that bind us. These threads are called sin. God’s Word tells us we are actually enslaved by sin. The Apostle Paul is encouraging. All that a person has done, all that you and I are before salvation, is made “old” by comparison to the new life we have in Christ Jesus. “Our old self was crucified with Him, so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin” (Romans 6:6).

We may not realize how enslaved we are to the sin nature with which we are all born, thanks to father Adam. But what excites our anticipation is the changes our heavenly Father has made possible through the gift of faith, through Jesus Christ our Lord (Ephesians 2:8-9). All those who receive Him, His sacrifice for sin, have been tenderly lifted out of the tendrils of the tennis ball which entwined us. God has given us a new nature, a new purpose and a new hope!

Now, like the ant, we are free and the benefit we reap, from God’s amazing grace, leads us to holy living! Jesus died to give us salvation, “saving grace” and the result is eternal life! (Romans 6:22)

Reflection:

We each have a choice…will we remain in the grasp of Satan encumbered by sin, or do we choose life with God’s dearly beloved Son? The choice is ours.

Devotional

Then Sings My Soul

September 10, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Hebrews 12:1-4

Have you ever watched a bubbling brook? How picturesque the tiny rainbows glistening in the spray! What causes the water to bounce and froth? The water is hitting some obstacle. When your life has hit against some rocks does the reaction causes a thousand little rainbows to impact your world with beauty. The hymnist wrote “Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee – How great Thou art!”

When life is hard, and disappointment turns into pain, does the joy of Jesus fill your soul with song? The Bible tells us that the author and finisher [completer] of our faith endured the greatest public shame with joy, because what He went through offered hope to everyone on the planet, then as well as two thousand years later (Hebrews 12:2).

It’s interesting the words the author of Hebrews uses. Not many of us would consider taking up our cross and scorning its shame as joyous, but that is just what Jesus did for you and me. We are called to be like Him in our response to those difficulties which life so often throws at us. Most of us have not resisted trouble to the point of shedding our blood (12:4). We are called to look at hardship as a discipline, not punishment, but rather training in righteous living.

The rainbows resulting make our world a better place. We all know those whose attitude destroys the small graces often found in the midst of trouble. How much sweeter does the love of Jesus make our choices in such moments? And it is a choice. Jesus made the will of His father the goal of His life. He found joy in pleasing His Father. There is no greater thing than that, as we know, who have experienced His peace in the center of our earthly storms.

Joy comes from looking outward; how sad it is to see people who function happily, only in the moment of self-indulgence. …Or self-gratification. That sort of feeling is so very fleeting. It is never enough, but basking in the opportunities to please God by helping others brings a song to our lips! This is when we really “taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8)

And that song brings glory to our Creator, Redeemer and friend! Immediately our hearts unite because it is the will of God, our Father, to provide for the needs of others through the riches we have experienced of grace, mercy and forgiveness. Then our souls are free to worship in the spirit of holiness, clothed in the righteousness of Christ’s abiding love! Then sings my soul!

Reflection:

How often do we look for externals to create a spirit of happiness? If I only had….? If I were just a bit older? Younger? If I had health and strength think what service I could offer to God. Many years ago I learned that God Himself equips us to do His will. Therefore circumstances don’t need to alter in order for me to have a joyful song, to celebrate love, peace and hope. I worship God by grasping the opportunities of this moment, today. How sad and actually wasteful it is to live life expecting changes that we think will equip us for acts of mercy, in a spirit of encouragement.

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Psalm 95:7b, 8a). Then sings my soul!