In yesterday’s Sunday School lesson, we reflected on the life of Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, a remarkable woman of faith and compassion. Dorcas was not a prophet or a prominent public figure, but her life left a memorable mark on the hearts of those she served. She loved God’s people deeply, dedicating her time to making beautiful tunics for them and feeding the poor. Her hands and heart were tools of kindness, proving her unwavering devotion to God through acts of love.   Yet, despite her faithful service, something tragic happened, Dorcas became ill and passed away. The loss was devastating, especially to the widows she had helped. These women, often overlooked by society, found in Dorcas a friend, a provider, and a source of hope. When she was gone, their grief was clear.   When Loss Feels Unbearable   How many of us can relate to this? We’ve all experienced the pain of losing someone whose life radiated goodness, someone whose presence seemed irreplaceable. Whether it was a family member, a mentor, or a friend, their absence leaves a void that feels impossible to fill.   The widows in Joppa couldn’t hold back their sorrow. They showed Peter the tunics and garments Dorcas had made, tangible reminders of her kindness and love. Their grief wasn’t just about losing a friend, it was about losing someone who embodied the heart of God in their lives.   When we lose someone of great esteem, it can be hard to wrap our minds around the reality that they will never walk this earth again. We question why God allows such loss, especially when their life seemed to bring so much good into the world.   The Legacy of a Life Well-Lived   The Bible tells us that Dorcas was well-known and deeply loved by her community because of her kindness. Her legacy was not in wealth, power, or fame, it was in the lives she touched through her faith and compassion. Dorcas reminds us that true greatness isn’t measured by the world’s standards but by how we serve others in love. Her life teaches us:    •      Kindness Leaves a Mark: The simplest acts of kindness—feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, or offering a listening ear, can change lives.    •      Faith in Action Matters: Dorcas didn’t just profess her faith; she lived it out daily through her deeds. Her life was a reflection of God’s love in action.    •      Community Is Powerful: Dorcas wasn’t isolated; she was deeply embedded in her community. Her love for others created a network of support, love, and mutual care.   God’s Power in Our Pain   Dorcas’ story doesn’t end with her passing. The disciples, recognizing the deep loss, sent for Peter, who came and prayed over her. Miraculously, God brought her back to life, restoring her not only to her community but also as a living testimony of His power and compassion.   While we don’t always experience such dramatic miracles, this story reminds us that God is present in our grief. He sees our tears, hears our prayers, and works in ways we often don’t understand. Even when the loss feels unbearable, we can trust that God is faithful. The legacy of those who pass on lives in us, in the love they gave, the lessons they taught, and the ways they reflected Christ.   Who Knows Your Name? The Father knows your name. He knew you before you were born and wrote every day of your life in His book ( Psalm 139:16 ). The Son knows your name. He laid down His life for you, calling you His friend ( John 15:13-15 ). The Holy Spirit knows your name. He intercedes for you with groans too deep for words ( Romans 8:26 ). In the story of Tabitha (Dorcas), we see the profound truth that God knows us intimately and values every act of faithfulness. You don’t have to strive for recognition or validation from the world. When the Creator of the universe knows your name, you can walk in confidence, purpose, and peace. Let Tabitha’s (Dorcas) story inspire you to live a life that matters—not because the world applauds, but because God sees, knows, and delights in you. When your life reflects His love, even in the smallest ways, you create a legacy that echoes into eternity. For more on this teaching, you may go to our Sunday School service located on our Video page.

Cuando pensamos en langostas, muchos recuerdan la devastadora plaga descrita en Éxodo 10:14. ¿Qué más pensamos cuando oímos la palabra "langosta?" ¿Rebelión o desobediencia? Ya sea que lo hayamos experimentado en carne propia o lo hayamos visto en videos, las nubes de langostas generalmente se asocian con destrucción, daños de los que puede llevar años recuperarse. Hoy quiero analizar Joel 2:25, un versículo que encierra un profundo mensaje de esperanza, renovación y restauración. Nos recuerda que, independientemente de lo que hayamos perdido o sufrido, la capacidad de restaurar supera todo lo que podamos imaginar. Veamos más de cerca el significado de este versículo y cómo puede influir en nuestro camino.   Para comprender plenamente el significado, abramos nuestras biblias en Joel 2:25, dice “Y os restituiré los años que comió la oruga, el saltón, el revoltón y la langosta, mi gran ejército que envié contra vosotros.”  El profeta Joel se dirigía al pueblo de Judá en una época en la que habían sido devastados por una plaga masiva de langostas. Este desastre simbolizaba destrucción y pérdida, describiendo no sólo su calamidad física sino también la espiritual. La nación se enfrentaba ahora a las consecuencias de su rebelión y desobediencia, pero Dios, a través de Joel, les hizo una promesa. Una promesa de restaurarlos, si volvían a Él de todo corazón. La idea de “restaurar los años” va más allá de devolver posesiones materiales o corregir problemas inmediatos. Implica una sanidad más profunda del tiempo que parece desperdiciado, de las temporadas que parecen perdidas y de las oportunidades perdidas. Las langostas de la profecía de Joel consumían todo a su paso, pero la restauración de Dios significa que incluso los años que parecían desperdiciados o marcados por el sufrimiento se transforman. Esta seguridad nos reconforta al saber que, sea cual sea la pérdida, no es definitiva cuando se pone en manos de Dios. Él no se limita a reparar, sino que renueva de tal manera que el nuevo capítulo es aún mejor que el anterior.   Veamos cómo podemos aplicar esta promesa a nuestras vidas. Los retos de la vida pueden hacer que nos sintamos rodeados por las huellas de lo que una vez fue. Relaciones dañadas, carreras que no salieron como habíamos planeado e incluso sueños pospuestos pueden dejar cicatrices que nos recuerdan lo que hemos perdido. Sin embargo, Joel 2:25 nos enseña que Dios ve cada lágrima y recuerda cada dificultad. Su promesa no es sólo restaurar lo que hemos perdido, sino redimir el tiempo que parecía infructuoso. Aplicar este versículo a nuestras vidas significa que tenemos que confiar en que, mediante la fe y la entrega, nuestro pasado no dicta nuestro futuro. Puede que la restauración de Dios no siempre coincida con nuestras expectativas, pero tiene una profundidad que aporta auténtica plenitud y paz.   Pasos Sencillos Para La Restauración Volver a Dios:  Así como el pueblo de Judá fue llamado a volver su corazón a Dios, nosotros también debemos tomar la misma decisión. A menudo es en los momentos de rendición cuando encontramos el comienzo de nuestra sanidad. Confía en el proceso:  La restauración no siempre es inmediata. Al igual que plantar semillas, el crecimiento tarda tiempo en manifestarse. Confiar en el tiempo de Dios es muy importante. Medita en la fidelidad de Dios:  Recuerda las veces que Dios ha sido fiel en el pasado. Esto fortalecerá tu confianza en Su promesa de restaurar. Busque el compañerismo:  Muchas veces, la restauración llega a través de relaciones de apoyo y de una comunidad de personas llenas de fe. No intentes hacerlo solo; rodéate de personas que te recuerden la verdad de Dios.   En momentos de pérdida o lucha, es fácil sentirse abrumado e inseguro sobre el futuro. Sin embargo, Joel 2:25 nos recuerda que, incluso en los momentos más difíciles, hay un faro de esperanza que brilla en la oscuridad. Este poderoso versículo es un testimonio de la promesa inquebrantable de Dios de restaurar lo que se ha perdido en nuestras vidas. Ya sea debido a decisiones que hemos tomado o a desafíos que no vimos venir, podemos consolarnos sabiendo que Dios siempre está trabajando entre bastidores, trayendo sanación y renovación. Aceptar esta verdad nos permite avanzar con confianza y con el corazón expectante. Al reflexionar sobre su fidelidad, abracemos los nuevos comienzos que nos tiene reservados. Puede que el camino no siempre sea fácil, pero con cada paso que demos en la fe, estaremos más cerca de experimentar una restauración más allá de nuestros sueños más descabellados. Confiar en esta promesa divina nos abre un futuro lleno de esperanza y la seguridad de que nuestros reveses no son el final, sino más bien la preparación para mayores bendiciones. La capacidad de Dios para reparar lo que antes parecía roto es ilimitada; aferrémonos firmemente a esta promesa mientras navegamos juntos por los vericuetos de la vida.   Fuentes Biblegateway.com Guía de estudio para Joel 2

When we think of locusts, many may recall the devastating plague described in Exodus 10:14. What else do we think when we hear the word? Rebellion maybe or disobedience? Whether we’ve experienced it firsthand or seen through videos, locust swarms are universally associated with destruction—damage that can take years to recover from. Today, I want to explore Joel 2:25, a verse that carries a profound message of hope, renewal, and restoration. It reminds us that no matter what we have lost or endured, the ability to restore surpasses anything we can imagine. Let’s take a closer look at the meaning of this verse and how it can influence our path forward.   To fully grasp the meaning, let us open our bibles to Joel 2:25, it says “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, my great army which I sent among you.” The prophet Joel was speaking to the people of Judah in a time when they had been devastated by a massive plague of locusts. This disaster symbolized destruction and loss, describing not just their physical calamity but also their spiritual one. The nation was now facing the consequences of their rebellion and disobedience, but God, through Joel, gave them a promise. A promise to restore them, if they returned to Him with all their hearts. The thought of “restoring the years” goes further than giving back material possessions or correcting immediate problems. It implies a more profound healing of time that feels wasted, seasons that seem lost, and lost opportunities. The locusts in Joel’s prophecy consumed everything in their path, but God’s restoration means that even the years that felt wasted or marked by suffering are transformed. This assurance brings comfort in knowing that no matter the loss, it is not final when placed in God’s hands. He doesn’t just repair; He renews in a way that makes the new chapter even better than before.   Let’s see how we can apply this promise to our lives. Life’s challenges can leave us feeling surrounded by the traces of what once was. Relationships that have been damaged, careers that didn’t turn out as planned, and even dreams that have been postponed—these can leave scars that remind us of what we have lost. Yet, Joel 2:25 teaches us that God sees every tear and remembers every hardship. His promise isn’t just to restore what we have lost but to redeem the time that seemed fruitless. To apply this verse to our lives means we have to trust that, through faith and surrender, our past does not dictate our future. God’s restoration may not always align with our expectations, but it holds a depth that brings genuine fulfillment and peace.   Simple Steps for Restoration Return to God: Just as the people of Judah were called to turn their hearts back to God, we too must make the same decision. It is often in moments of surrender that we find the start of our healing. Trust the Process: Restoration is not always immediate. Like planting seeds, it takes time for growth to show. Trusting God’s timing is very important. Meditate on God’s Faithfulness: Remind yourself of the times God has been faithful in the past. Doing this will strengthen your trust in His promise to restore. Seek to Fellowship: Many times, restoration comes through supportive relationships and a faith-filled community of people. Don’t try to do it alone; surround yourself with people who remind you of God’s truth.   In moments of loss or struggle, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. However, Joel 2:25 reminds us that even in our most trying times, there is a beacon of hope shining through the darkness. This powerful verse serves as a testament to God's unwavering promise to restore what has been lost in our lives. Whether due to choices we've made or challenges we didn't see coming, we can take comfort in knowing that God is always at work behind the scenes, bringing healing and renewal. Embracing this truth allows us to move forward with confidence and expectant hearts. As we reflect on His faithfulness, let's embrace the new beginnings He has in store for us. The journey may not always be easy, but with each step taken in faith, we draw closer to experiencing restoration beyond our wildest dreams. Trusting in this divine promise opens a future filled with hope and assurance that our setbacks are not the end but rather setups for greater blessings ahead. God’s ability to mend what once seemed broken is limitless; let’s hold on tightly to this promise as we navigate life's twists and turns together!   Sources Biblegateway.com Study Guide for Joel 2

Life is full of unexpected storms, with trials and pain arising when we least expect them. Few challenges inflict as deep a wound as betrayal, like adultery, leaving lasting scars that can feel impossible to heal. For those without Christ, finding hope can feel overwhelming, as thoughts of ‘why’ fill the mind. You may even long for forgiveness and healing but feel too afraid. With Christ, however, light shines through, bringing hope for healing and restoration.    Pain and betrayal come in many forms, but betrayal hits at the core of our being. Adultery leads to distrust, dismantles relationships, and leaves emotional wounds that feel impossible to heal. Betrayal can leave us with questions like, Why did this happen? What did I do? Can I ever trust again? For the one who has been betrayed, feelings of anger are often followed by grief and a deep sense of loss. For the one who strays, guilt, shame, and the fear of never being forgiven can take hold. While facing this, it’s normal to seek answers and wonder whether hope or reconciliation is truly possible. The healing process is personal. However, there is a perspective rooted in divine forgiveness and restoration that may be worth considering.   Forgiveness can be difficult to understand or accept when pain is fresh. The idea of forgiving someone who has caused us such deep harm might even seem unreasonable. But weren’t we once unfaithful to God even when we claimed to serve Him, and love Him? His word says in 2 Corinthians 5:19, “That God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” When we look at it this way we better understand that forgiveness is possible since Christ forgave us. This is not about ignoring the hurt or letting someone off the hook; it’s about finding inner peace and a release from the prison of anger. God’s forgiveness is limitless, and the Bible offers many examples of how mercy and second chances transform lives. Even those who have committed what may seem unforgivable are granted a fresh start. How often has God given us a second chance?   Forgiveness is not just an idea; it’s a powerful force and a transformative power. Psychologists and therapists often speak to the power of forgiveness in reducing stress, anxiety, depression and physical healing. Letting go of resentment does not mean justifying or forgetting the wrong, but rather frees oneself from the chains of bitterness. For those who have experienced betrayal, finding the strength to forgive although hard can bring closure and healing. For those who have wronged others, seeking forgiveness involves accountability and humility. In either case Christ offers restoration and it goes beyond just repairing what was broken. It’s about creating something new and potentially stronger. Ecclesiastes 4:12b tells us, “And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” This means rebuilding a relationship after betrayal with Christ at the center and keeping Him there.   In conclusion, regardless of your beliefs, the principles of forgiveness, mercy, and restoration have the same power to transform lives. Although these concepts may be challenging to embrace at first, they offer a powerful vision of life after betrayal a life where trust, love, and peace can not only return but flourish once again.   Sources Biblegateway.com

La vida está llena de tormentas inesperadas, con pruebas y dolor que surgen cuando menos lo esperamos. Pocos desafíos infligen una herida tan profunda como la traición, como el adulterio, dejando cicatrices duraderas que pueden parecer imposibles de sanar. Para aquellos sin Cristo, encontrar esperanza puede parecer abrumador, mientras pensamientos de ‘por qué’ llenan la mente. Incluso puedes anhelar el perdón y la sanidad, pero sentir demasiado miedo. Sin embargo, con Cristo, la luz brilla, trayendo esperanza de sanidad y restauración. El dolor y la traición vienen en muchas formas, pero la traición golpea en lo más profundo de nuestro ser. El adulterio conduce a la desconfianza, desmantela las relaciones y deja heridas emocionales que parecen imposibles de sanar. La traición puede dejarnos con preguntas como, ¿Por qué sucedió esto? ¿Qué hice? ¿Podré volver a confiar alguna vez? Para quien ha sido traicionado, los sentimientos de ira a menudo son seguidos por el dolor y un profundo sentido de pérdida. Para quien se desvía, la culpa, la vergüenza y el miedo a no ser perdonado pueden apoderarse de él. Al enfrentarse a esto, es normal buscar respuestas y preguntarse si la esperanza o la reconciliación son realmente posibles. El proceso de sanidad es personal. Sin embargo, existe una perspectiva basada en el perdón divino y la restauración que puede valer la pena considerar. El perdón puede ser difícil de entender o aceptar cuando el dolor es reciente. La idea de perdonar a alguien que nos ha causado un daño tan profundo podría incluso parecer irracional. Pero, ¿acaso no fuimos infieles a Dios en algún momento, incluso cuando afirmábamos servirle y amarlo? Su palabra dice en 2 Corintios 5:19: 'Que Dios estaba en Cristo reconciliando al mundo consigo mismo, no tomándoles en cuenta sus transgresiones, y nos encargó a nosotros la palabra de la reconciliación.' Cuando lo vemos de esta manera, entendemos mejor que el perdón es posible, ya que Cristo nos perdonó. No se trata de ignorar el dolor o de dejar a alguien sin consecuencias; se trata de encontrar la paz interior y liberarse de la prisión de la ira. El perdón de Dios es ilimitado, y la Biblia ofrece muchos ejemplos de cómo la misericordia y las segundas oportunidades transforman vidas. Incluso aquellos que han cometido lo que puede parecer imperdonable reciben un nuevo comienzo. ¿Cuántas veces nos ha dado Dios una segunda oportunidad? El perdón no es solo una idea; es una fuerza poderosa y un poder transformador. Los psicólogos y terapeutas a menudo hablan del poder del perdón para reducir el estrés, la ansiedad, la depresión y promover la sanidad física. Soltar el resentimiento no significa justificar u olvidar la ofensa, sino liberarse de las cadenas de la amargura. Para quienes han experimentado la traición, encontrar la fuerza para perdonar, aunque sea difícil, puede traer cierre y sanidad. Para aquellos que han hecho daño a otros, buscar el perdón implica responsabilidad y humildad. En ambos casos, Cristo ofrece restauración, y va más allá de simplemente reparar lo que se rompió. Se trata de crear algo nuevo y potencialmente más fuerte. Eclesiastés 4:12b nos dice: 'Y cordón de tres dobleces no se rompe pronto.' Esto significa reconstruir una relación después de la traición con Cristo en el centro y mantenerlo allí. En conclusión, independientemente de tus creencias, los principios del perdón, la misericordia y la restauración tienen el mismo poder de transformar vidas. Aunque estos conceptos puedan ser difíciles de aceptar al principio, ofrecen una visión poderosa de la vida después de la traición: una vida en la que la confianza, el amor y la paz no solo pueden regresar, sino florecer una vez más.

En un mundo lleno de incertidumbres, donde cada día parece traer nuevos desafíos, temores y ansiedades, el Salmo 91 es un poderoso recordatorio de la protección y el amor infalibles de Dios. Este salmo suele llamarse el “salmo del soldado” por sus poderosas imágenes de refugio divino, fortaleza y defensa contra el peligro. Nos reafirma que, independientemente de lo que tengamos que afrontar, Dios es nuestra fuente última de seguridad. Recorramos este salmo y descubramos la profundidad de sus promesas y lo que significa habitar al abrigo del Altisimo.   Hace un mes, me puse enferma y supe que no era un resfriado corriente. Decidí hacerme la prueba del Covid y, efectivamente, dio positivo. Era la tercera vez que lo contraía, así que al principio no me preocupé demasiado. Pero la segunda noche, mientras me preparaba para acostarme, me invadió una abrumadora sensación de miedo. Sentía una pesadez en el pecho, fiebre y pensamientos inquietantes del tipo “qué pasaría si...” empezaron a llenar mi mente. En ese momento, oí que el Señor me decía que me levantara y orara.   A través de mi caminar con Él, he aprendido que cuando el Señor te dice que hagas algo, siempre es mejor obedecer. Así que, a pesar de mi dolor de cabeza y malestar, me levanté y busqué un lugar tranquilo para orar. Entonces, sentí que el Señor me guiaba orar el Salmo 91 sobre mí misma. Inmediatamente, comprendí que Él me estaba guiando a una batalla espiritual. No era una oración rutinaria; era un momento de confianza activa en Sus promesas, versículo a versículo, declarando Su protección y provisión sobre mi vida. En ese momento, la confianza se convirtió en mi ancla, recordándome que incluso en el miedo, la palabra de Dios es mi refugio.        El versículo 1 comienza con una invitación a morar en el refugio de Dios. Habitar» significa más que una visita temporal; significa hacer un hogar, vivir de cerca y permanecer en la presencia de Dios. Es más que una oración ocasional o actos de fe esporádicos. Morar en Dios significa cultivar una relación profunda y duradera con Él, en la que aprendemos a vivir en su presencia y a confiar plenamente en Él. La palabra clave es confianza. Según Merriam-Webster, “confianza” se define como una seguridad en el carácter, la capacidad, la fuerza o la verdad de alguien o algo. En otras palabras, confiar significa poner nuestra confianza en una fuente que es inquebrantable, fiable y firme, alguien o algo con lo que sabemos que podemos contar. La confianza no es sólo un sentimiento; es una elección de apoyarse en esa seguridad, especialmente cuando las circunstancias parecen inciertas. Cuando estaba acostada, me preguntaba: ¿Estaré bien? Dios me estaba mostrando que mientras yo oraba y creía, Él me estaba enviando protección divina contra amenazas visibles e invisibles.   El versículo 3 dice: “Ciertamente El te librará del lazo del cazador y de la peste destructora.” Este versículo nos muestra la promesa de Dios de protección frente a peligros ocultos y situaciones que ponen en peligro la vida. El “lazo del cazador” habla de trampas y engaños que quizá no veamos venir, y la “peste destructora” simboliza peligros físicos como enfermedades o desastres. En ese momento experimenté la liberación y sentí que mi fe crecía en mi interior. Donde el miedo quería abrirse paso, la fe había establecido su presencia, y la audacia llenaba mi espíritu. Con mis armas de guerra, ahora estaba decapitando principados y potestades con mi espada del Espíritu.   En conclusión, ¡el avance había llegado! Cuando me levanté de mi tiempo de oración, estaba transformado. El dolor de cabeza que me atormentaba había desaparecido, la opresión de mi pecho se había disipado y la voz del engañador había desaparecido. Esta experiencia me enseñó que, aunque a menudo esperamos que Dios actúe en nuestro favor, Él desea nuestra participación activa en el proceso. Debemos luchar contra nuestras dudas y creer en Su poder para provocar el cambio. Mediante la fe y la perseverancia, podemos experimentar una profunda transformación y la libertad que da confiar en Él. Si habitamos al abrigo del Altísimo, moraremos bajo la sombra del Omnipotente.

In a world filled with uncertainties, where each day seems to bring new challenges, fears, and anxieties, Psalm 91 is a powerful reminder of God’s unfailing protection and love. This Psalm is often called the "Soldier’s Psalm" because of its powerful imagery of divine refuge, strength, and defense against danger. It reassures us that no matter what we face, God is our ultimate source of safety. Let’s walk through this psalm and discover the depth of its promises and what it means to dwell in the shelter of the Almighty.   A month ago, I had fallen ill and knew it wasn’t an ordinary cold. I decided to take a Covid test, and sure enough, it came out positive. This was the third time I’d contracted it, so at first, I wasn’t too worried. But on the second night, as I was preparing for bed, an overwhelming sense of fear came over me. I felt a heaviness in my chest, fever and unsettling "what if" thoughts began to fill my mind. At that moment, I heard the Lord tell me to get up and pray.   Through my walk with Him, I've learned that when the Lord tells you to do something, it’s always best to obey. So, despite my headache and discomfort, I got up and found a quiet place to pray. Then, I felt the Lord leading me to pray Psalm 91 over myself. Right away, I understood that He was guiding me into spiritual battle. This wasn’t just a routine prayer; this was a moment of actively trusting His promises, verse by verse, declaring His protection and provision over my life. In that moment, trust became my anchor, reminding me that even in fear, God’s word is my refuge.   Verse 1 begins with an invitation to dwell in God’s shelter. To “dwell” means more than a temporary visit; it means making a home, living closely, and staying in God’s presence. It’s more than occasional prayer or occasional acts of faith. Dwelling in God means cultivating a deep, lasting relationship with Him, where we learn to live in His presence and trust Him completely. The keyword here is trust. According to Merriam-Webster, “trust” is defined as an assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something. In other words, trust means placing our confidence in a source that is unwavering, reliable, and steadfast, someone or something we know we can count on. Trust is not just a feeling; it’s a choice to lean into that assurance, especially when circumstances feel uncertain. When I was lying down, I asked myself, 'Will I be okay?' God was showing me that while I prayed, and believed, He was sending divine protection from seen and unseen threats!   Verse 3 says, “Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence” This verse shows us God’s promise of protection from hidden dangers and life-threatening situations. The "fowler’s snare" speaks of traps and deceptions that we may not see coming, and "deadly pestilence" symbolizes physical dangers like illness or disasters. In that moment, I experienced liberation, and I felt my faith rise within me. Where fear wanted to make its way in, faith had established its presence, and boldness filled my spirit. With my weapons of warfare, I was now decapitating principalities and powers with my sword of the Spirit.   In conclusion, breakthrough had come! When I rose from my time of prayer, I was transformed. The headache that had plagued me was gone, the tightness in my chest had lifted, and the voice of the deceiver had vanished. This experience taught me that while we often expect God to act on our behalf, He desires our active participation in the process. We must fight against our doubts and believe in His power to bring about change. Through faith and perseverance, we can experience profound transformation and the freedom that comes from trusting in Him. If we dwell in the secret place of the Most High, we shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, we often seek stability and security. Whether it’s in our personal lives, our relationships, or our careers, our desire for a safe haven is something we all share. Proverbs 18:10 offers profound wisdom in this regard: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (NKJV) This verse captures the core idea of seeking refuge and strength in God. Let’s delve into its meaning and what it implies for our lives. The Strong Tower The imagery of a “strong tower” in this verse reveals a sense of protection and security. In ancient times, towers were built to provide safety during attacks, serving as a refuge for those inside. Similarly, the name of the Lord represents a place of safety for those who trust in Him. In our lives, we often encounter storms, whether they involve emotional turmoil, financial difficulties, health challenges, or relationship conflicts. During these times, turning to God can provide the shelter we desperately need. The name of the Lord symbolizes His character, power, and faithfulness. When we call upon Him, we tap into His strength and protection. Running to Safety The verse continues with the idea that “the righteous run to it.” This suggests an active choice on our part. In times of trouble, we are encouraged to seek God earnestly. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge His existence; we must pursue a relationship with Him. Running to God means making Him our first resort, rather than our last. It entails turning to prayer, diving into Scripture, and seeking community with fellow believers. This proactive approach is vital for nurturing a deep sense of security and peace, even when confronted with life’s challenges. The Righteous The term “the righteous” is significant. It doesn’t imply perfection, but rather refers to those who strive to live in alignment with God’s ways. Righteousness is about seeking to follow His guidance and reflecting His character in our actions. When we align ourselves with God’s values, we position ourselves to receive His protection and favor. It's important to remember that God's safety is available to all who turn to Him, regardless of their past. Regardless of where you are today, you can turn to Him for refuge and experience His grace. A Place of Safety The promise that “they are safe” is a powerful assurance. Safety in this context doesn’t necessarily mean the absence of trouble; instead, it means the presence of God during it. When we seek refuge in Him, we experience a peace that goes beyond our circumstances. This safety can manifest in various ways: emotional stability, mental clarity, renewed strength, and the assurance that we are not alone in our struggles. God’s presence offers comfort and guidance, helping us navigate life’s challenges with confidence. Proverbs 18:10, calls us to recognize the name of the Lord as our Strong Tower, encouraging us to turn to Him for refuge and safety. In a world that often feels chaotic, God provides us with a reliable source of security and peace. As you navigate life’s uncertainties, keep in mind that you have access to a protective stronghold. Prioritize turning to God during both good times and challenging moments, cultivating a relationship that enables you to approach Him with confidence. When we place our trust in His name, we discover true safety and strength, regardless of the storms we may encounter.

How often do we dread the arrival of night, and how often do we find peace in it? Our minds often become cluttered with worries, and our hearts feel weighed down by thoughts of tomorrow’s tasks. I know this struggle well, seeking clarity and peace while feeling restless.  Yet, we hear the voice of our Savior, bringing peace to our troubled hearts and lifting our spirits. Do you hear Him saying, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) The word ‘rest’ in Strongs Definitions refers to keeping quiet, embodying calm and patient expectation. Imagine the Savior inviting you to leave the chaos behind and find refuge and peace in His loving presence. In the quiet moment of reflection, we can hear the gentle, loving voice of Jesus. He brings solace to the weary and relief to the burdened, and He invites us to find rest in His presence and strength amid our struggles. His words fill our hearts with hope and peace, reminding us He’s won, He’s overcome! A promise that is vivid, and alive, “Come to Me, and I will give you rest.” The rest Jesus offers transcends a mere pause in our work; it is a deep, transformative peace that rejuvenates our spirit. It is a sacred tranquility that fills the soul, directing our trust in the One whose strength is perfected in our weakness. Jesus invites us not to a temporary refuge, but to a lasting sanctuary where fears fade and burdens ease. We cannot afford to be deceived by the illusions of rest that the temporary things of this world offer us. How many of us have gone on a vacation to rest, but have returned more tired because we couldn’t rest? True rest doesn’t come from the absence of turmoil or problems, nor from simply being in a quiet place. True rest is found in the very essence of Christ. It is a lasting peace that resonates through the storm, commanding, “Peace, BE STILL.” Hallelujah!    How many want this peace and search for it in the temporary illusions of this world? I invite you to lay your burdens at the feet of the One who can take your heavy heart and give you a peace that will, “Surpass all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). Let us find our rest not in the temporary reassurances of the world around us, which can change in an instant, but in the timeless truths of His Word.    Resting in Christ is not a passive surrender, but an active expression of faith, where each day we entrust our deepest fears and heaviest burdens to the One whose arms are always open to us. As we heed the call to rest, we can discover in Christ a rest so profound that it becomes a melody of our lives and a sweet assurance that nurtures our spirit in every waking hour and throughout every moment of rest.      Sources Key Verse: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest —Matthew 11:28 Biblegateway.com Online THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON

A falsehood is circulating, claiming that all paths lead to God, and it has led many to believe it is true. It sounds good right, after all Christians are about love and unity, but there is a danger believing this. According to John 14:6, Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Let us dissect this scripture and uncover its true meaning.   Many say they believe in God but reject Jesus Christ as the only way to the Father. Let's face it-there are thousands of religions in this world. But when Jesus said, "I am the way." He made a clear affirmation: not that He is one of many paths, but the only way to eternal life in God's presence. As true followers of Christ, we must teach the same thing to everyone. John 3:36 tells us, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life, and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” Also, Acts 4:12 says “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” This is why Jesus said, “I Am the Way.” Many people may reject this teaching of Jesus, but their rejection does not change its truth. It is to our benefit to accept and embrace it, for Jesus is the Truth and not a man who lies. He declared Himself to be the only 'door' for God's people and our only Shepherd (John 10:7-11). We should believe in Him not only because of who He is, but also because His word affirms it.   He is “The Truth,” the Lord Jesus is the embodiment of God’s truth, the incarnation of the God of truth (Ps 31:5), the “Living Word” that makes us free (John 8:32). Therefore, there is no deception, dishonesty, or darkness in Him. Lying is against His nature; He will never say something and not fulfill it. He is not like us, we sometimes put our foot in our mouth by saying something just to get out of a situation. Not Him, if He said it, He will do it.    Lastly, Jesus said He is “The Life” (John 11:25.) He is not talking about physical life; He is talking about spiritual life. He alone has the power to give eternal life to all those who believe (John 3:16). John 5:26 says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.” How many of us heard His voice calling when we were lost in our sins? How many of us heeded and obeyed? If you are a believer, you have heard His voice and are now alive in Him. Hallelujah!    By receiving the Lord Jesus into our hearts through faith, we become co-heirs with Christ. However, if we reject Him, we will never find the path to God, know the truth, or experience eternal life. Let us share this Good News with the world today.   Source Biblegateway Online