Seeking Shelter in the Storm
Last night, our beloved terrier, Tess, encountered her first thunderstorm with us. As the thunder roared and lightning flashed, our pup’s tiny frame quivered with fear. The once adventurous and lively terrier now sought comfort and protection in our arms. In her vulnerability, she reminded us of our own moments of fear and anxiety. We, too, face storms that shake us to our core—uncertainty, loss, and overwhelming circumstances. Just as Tess instinctively sought shelter, we can turn to our heavenly Father for refuge.
I Know Thy Works
Today, we will dive into the book of Revelation and explore the significance of the phrase "I know thy works" repeatedly mentioned throughout the book. This phrase is a powerful reminder that God sees and understands every aspect of our lives, both the good and the bad.
First, let's take a look at what the phrase actually means. "I know thy works" is a statement that appears in each letter written to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3.
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.
The Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool that Christians have been using for centuries to connect with God. In Matthew 21:22, Jesus says, "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." This shows the power of prayer and the importance of having faith in what we ask for.
James 5:16 also emphasizes the effectiveness of prayer, stating, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." This means that when we pray with sincerity and righteousness, our prayers can have a significant impact.
Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
Some days I want to withdraw from social media altogether. One would think my aversion and distress would be due to worldly influences, and while there is a degree of that, my current frustration with social media lies primarily with Christians using it to attack one another. What’s up with that?
Like most things in life, social media has the potential for both good and evil.