You’re not alone

 

The right relationships in our lives can certainly encourage and empower us. For example, when a trustworthy friend says to you, “I am with you”, it could mean a lot of things like, their physical presence, to be on the same page with you, taking a step along with you, giving you their undivided attention, fully supporting what you are doing, honest correction, or loving counsel, etc.

Whenever God called people out with a mission, the promise He always gave was.. “I am with you”.

Whether it was Abraham with whom God made a covenant, Moses who lead a great multitude on an adventurous journey from Egypt through wilderness, Joshua His successor who continued the mission to the promised land or David or great prophets, and the apostles in the Bible, the first thing God promised was that His presence will be with them. 

When Jesus came into this world, another name that was given Him is Immanuel, which is translated, “God with us”, making this special promise true for anyone who would choose to follow Him.

Imagine the God who made this entire universe coming down to this earth as a little helpless baby to be with His creation, identifying as one of them. He chose to be with us, to redeem us and to make sure that we have the blessed hope of spending eternity with Him. 

Jesus coming and being with us is not just a past event or a futuristic hope, but a present day experiential reality while we live our lives on the earth. His promise remains the same, as He remains the same, yesterday, today and forever. He told His disciples, “..lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭20‬ b).. 

We see this confirmed in another passage, “For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 b). That takes the promise a step further, in saying, He will NEVER leave you, NOR forsake you. What a firm proclamation, and a guaranteed promise of His presence and support. 

No other friend, fellow human beings, or any world systems can ever give you such an assurance, but only the Lord Jesus Christ. Not just during the good times, but even when you pass through valleys and adversities, yes, in all seasons of our lives, He walks closely with us, speaks to us, and provides help in all our needs. He is still Immanuel - God with us!

As you draw near to Him today, may you be enveloped in His sweet presence, and may your heart overflow with joy and comfort which only He is able to provide, and may He bless you abundantly!

Father’s Care

“Martin Luther, when he walked in the woods, used to raise his hat to the birds and say, ‘Good morning, theologians — you wake and sing, but I old fool, know less than you and worry over everything, instead of simply trusting in the Heavenly Father’s care.” - Richard Wurmbrand.

It’s wonderful to wake up to the sound of birds singing their happy songs. As we transition out of winter, we hear them sing louder and more cheerful. Even before the sprouting of the first leaf of spring, we can see them sitting on barren tree branches and singing beautifully.

All creation praises God in their own ways, but birds definitely do an excellent job at it by their worry-free sweet singing. In contrast to that, sometimes we could find ourselves having a difficult time keeping up our melodies, especially in times of undesirable circumstances.

In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 10, we see Jesus talking about the two sparrows that were sold for a copper coin.

“29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” - Matthew 10:29-31

The sparrow that fell to the ground, though it is of little value, and may be insignificant to it’s human owner, it’s path is also not hidden from the Almighty God. Jesus used the example of this sparrow to explain the Heavenly Father’s care. Also He explained that the hairs of your head are all numbered, and for one of them to fall off your head, it need to get permission from the Heavenly Father first. We have a Father who is interested in every minute detail of our life and nothing that we face today is hidden from His eyes.

How blessed it is to know that you are being not only thought about, but also cared for by this loving Heavenly Father. He is the source and the sustainer of everything that is good in our lives. He is very compassionate and merciful that He gave His only begotten Son in your place on the cross of Calvary. Jesus made a way possible through His death that you can draw near to this ever-faithful, gracious Heavenly Father. Therefore commit your ways into His mighty hands, and sing out loud the sweet melodies and songs of hope and the anthem of trust, may the Lord God bless you abundantly!

 

True Rest

 

“Our rest lies in looking to the Lord, not to ourselves.” - Watchman Nee

In the midst of a busy and productive life, rest is sometimes frowned upon and often considered an unaffordable luxury.  However, rest is important for the proper function of a person. After daily toils and stress, we need rest to repair and rebuild ourselves.  Rest enables the body to be refreshed and rejuvenated. It also helps the mind to focus and to have more clarity in thinking which is important for cognitive decision making.

Rest usually is associated with the limited hours of sleep. Though sleeping is a part of rest, it only plays a small role.  Rest has a more deeper meaning that it’s a point we can reach where all internal (and external) conflicts are placed under subjection, bringing in a peaceful quietness.

 The concept of work and rest was introduced by God himself, as He rested from all His works on the seventh day of creation.  The fullness of rest can only come with enjoying the presence of God.  Only there your mind and spirit can find the stillness and serenity which brings in a more peaceful  rest.

Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬)

One of the many blessings Jesus offers is true rest to whosoever that comes to him. All our labors and heavy loads will only intensify despondency and unrest.  However, in coming to Jesus a divine exchange is made possible. There you can leave your burdens down and take upon His yoke which is easy and His burden which is light. He promises a rest that is unique and fulfilling that you can take upon.

On the cross of calvary, Jesus took upon Himself our pain and burden of sin.  He offered us salvation and His shed blood cleansed us from all unrighteousness. Whenever you feel heavy and burdened in your soul, gaze your eyes upon the Lord and Master.  Draw near to Him, run into His embracing arms, and as you make that choice today to come to Him, may you find this true rest for your body and soul. God bless you!