“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” - James 1: 1-4 (NIV).
There is a song, going by the above title, widely sung in many Christian circles. It has some of the most beautiful lyrics, speaking of God’s good plans for us, regardless of circumstances. In some lyrics, it says, “When God’s people humble themselves and pray, He has promised all heaven..”
There has certainly been a lot around us, lately. A lot of the news have not brought good tidings, rather much has been filled with sadness, Times such as these might make some lose faith.
But something good is going to happen. This is not just wishful thinking. God’s word says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
There is another lyric to this song, which goes, “Right there in the dust, he sat by the gate, To listen to footsteps and patiently wait. The blind man just didn't dream that this was the day. That Jesus of Nazareth would pass by his way.” This refers to the blind man Jesus healed in John 9:1-7. For all the years he lived as blind, there was a day that came, when Jesus told this man, “Go!”
So, friend, “Something good is going to happen to you. For Jesus of Nazareth is passing your way.”
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I start the day afresh with a song in my heart, something good is going to happen, to me today, for you are passing by!
Related upcoming events
-
06/05/2024 - 07/05/2024 All day“Do not confirm to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2)
Almost all cultivators are aware that if soils are used perpetually without rains but constantly under work they are deprived of all nutrients. So, though once productive, they lose all power to yield fresh crops as before. But so is our Christian life when we do not regularly feed our spirit life with the Word!
In our leading verse, the Apostle Paul is urging believers to “renew” their minds rather than make them stale, lest they end up losing all power to yield fruit. But how is this done? We renew our minds by constantly reading the Word of God, for there are always insights with God speaking to us afresh. Psalm 119:104-5 says, “I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” The Apostle Peter reminds us, “Like newborn babies hungry for milk, you should want the pure teaching that feeds your spirit. With it you can grow and be saved.” It is a beautiful illustration for any who have seen a hungry baby sucking the teats of a mother.
Renewing our minds is also by reading about the lives of people of faith who have walked before us and their created works. The Christian faith started in the first century after Jesus was crucified and resurrected from the dead. Now over two millenniums it has produced giants of faith who have shared their walk with God through inspired teachings that are a treasure to dig into. By scouring the writings of the great saints before us, listening to their recorded sermons, songs and preaching, which these days can be found on virtual medial channels like Yu tube, reading their biographies, our faith is renewed.
And then we also renew our faith through fellowship. When the Apostle Paul urges us, “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” ( Hebrews 10:25), he is reminding us that our faith cannot grow in isolation. During the Covid pandemic lockdown one bitter issue was denying Believers opportunity to meet fellow followers of Christ to share testimonies showing the work of God in their lives.
So today, if your faith is on a low keel, or you want it to flower, one thing you can’t help doing without is “renewing” your mind. The blessings to unfold are endless.
Prayer for today:Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a treasure we have of your rich Word to dig into always; books around us of faith to inspire us; and believers to share our faith- may we make use of these, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
