Faith Is the Victory

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 Jn 5:4)

Being laid off is a reality many face. The fear of losing a job is a common threat, especially for older workers. Older employees are often among the first to be downsized and tend to remain unemployed longer. After receiving my layoff notice, I prayed and felt assured that God would help me. However, God’s promise did not exempt me from putting in the effort to acquire the skills required for the job market.

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I Would Be True

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“When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.” (Acts 11:23, NIV)

The church in Jerusalem had sent Barnabas to visit the new converts in Antioch. Barnabas was perfect for this mission, as the Bible says that he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. His name, which the apostles gave him, is translated as Son of Encouragement. He was brave, for he was the only one who dared to meet Saul after his conversion, although the latter had greatly persecuted the church.

Barnabas serves as a model for us to follow. Barnabas also encouraged the believers in the church of Antioch to remain true to the Lord. The lyrics of the hymn I Would Be True provide some examples of how to be true:

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Living for Jesus

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“So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” (Col 1:10 NIV)

We are all loved by God and called to be Christians. How has that call changed our goals? Our sense of obligation to others? The way to repay Jesus Christ is to live for Him. Living for Jesus begins with learning to give. When we give ourselves fully to the Lord, He will use us to accomplish His great purpose. We will become instruments through which Christ brings His love to the world. Our lives will also have purpose and meaning.

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God Leads Us Along

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“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Ps 32:8)

Life is a long journey. Changes and difficulties are inevitable. Our life includes many changes—graduation, marriage, career, children, illness, relocations, retirement. Some changes are voluntary; others are forced by circumstances. Some changes bring joy; others, sorrow and confusion. All changes can become positive, strengthening experiences for those under God’s care.

The hymn God Leads Us Along reflects the progression of our own life-changing experiences. While change is an inevitable part of life, our sovereign and loving God is always with us in times of transition, and we can trust Him to order all the events in our lives according to His purpose (Rom 8:28).

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Too Tired to Pray

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Preacher is here!
It’s time for morning prayer.
I can’t get out of bed. Too tired!
I barely slept. I’m finally getting restful sleep after praying early in the morning.
My body needs rest to recover.
I itched all night.
My body aches and my arms are numb.
God, surely you won’t deny me a little more slumber?

I can’t face getting out of bed.
I don’t want to look in the mirror.
I don’t want to shake and vac.

Oh how I miss those days when I could just get up and go.
Wake up, pray, watch the sunrise at the beach, go for a run or swim.
Now…now… I’m a walking snowflake.

“My child, what did you promise me?”

Dear Father, please forgive my weaknesses. I am so unworthy of your love.
I desired to seek you and dwell in your house all the days of my life!
To behold the beauty of the Lord.
And to inquire in your holy temple.
I asked for the wind to blow upon me and let my fragrance flow…

Preacher‘s last visit here was 80 days ago. There are only 8 morning prayers whilst he is here.

Today I am still able to go to pray in your House Lord.
Today I still have the opportunity to offer thanksgiving in your holy temple.
Today, whilst I am still living and breathing… whilst I’m still mobile… I will seek you.

Today I will get out of my bed and come into your presence and worship YOU!