NEVER ALONE WHEN ALONE WITH CHRIST

In today’s world of inexpensive, high-tech spy gadgetry, total privacy has become a bygone word of yesterday. So rare it has become a rare and precious longing to many. Innovative cameras are used to record and monitor people’s movement in public as in an ATM booth, malls, banks, watch shops, goldsmiths and traffic intersection. 

In one of my walkabouts along the streets of Jalan Pasar, Pudu, I was astonished to learn of the tiny wireless recording video gadgets retailing for less than RM100.00. 

Accounts of these being used indiscriminately by some irresponsible quarters for purpose of entrapment and exploitation is common news. Less than honorable I’d say.

But King David in Psalms 139 contrast all of the above depiction on the subject of privacy so much longed for. There is a mood of revelry learning that his every movement is monitored.

After all the One who keeps watch over him is the Almighty God who neither sleep nor slumber.Verse 6 speaks how God knows every thought, word and deed, even before they take place, prompting him to declare gladly; “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it”.

Did you think there was this place so dark, remote and deep that is beyond the presence, guidance and protection of the Almighty God? Did you entertain thoughts  you will walk  the remaining years of your life in solitude, inconspicuous, devoid of love, attention, then think again.  Verse 2 proclaims He has you in mind, when you sit down, and when you rise up, He discerns your every thought from afar. 

Grasp this truth, your fortunes are about to change, even as you let belief flood your heart, like that of a little child. 

Consider the Psalmist’s declaration in verses 7-10. No darkness could withstand the overpowering light that radiates from the Almighty. 

Just as the Almighty God knew every thing about King David, likewise every hair on your head, thought, desire, longings, difficulties you can possibly think of is known to Him. Yes, even the habitual mistakes that often gets you in trouble, to the point you stop trying to make amends, thinking all is lost.

It is recorded in verses 17 & 18, the number of times God thought of David could not be counted, for it is far more vast than the sand.

It is to your advantage to know you will never ever walk alone again, for Christ walks beside you. Such a dear Friend you will ever know and cherish, ever willing to guide and comfort you all the days of your life

No walking alone, you never will again, for He is with you from the womb to the tomb, and thereafter in eternity.


He possesses your innermost parts and did weave you in your mother’s womb.


You are never alone, when alone with Christ!

SOAR LIKE AN EAGLE

" For as he thinks within himself, so he is" Proverbs 23:7

The first principle for success is to begin to soar in your thinking. The keynote scripture Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as you think within yourself, so you are."

There is an imminent link between how you think in your mind and how you perform as a person. As you see and perceive yourself, so you become the person that you see yourself to be.

People with low self image, people who continually put themselves down, rarely achieve anything great in life because they have deemed themselves unworthy and have robbed themselves of the crative capacity to see themselves as God does.

True humility is not putting yourself down, but seeing yourself from God's perspective, His Word. As Christians, you've been bought with a price, you have been justified, you've been made in right standing with God. 

Therefore, you are in a position to think about yourself in a correct manner, as an achiever, as one with potential, as one who is able to do all things.

The bible in Ephesians 3:20 says that God wants "to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think."

What a dynamic thought! God wants to do in and through us even more than we can think or comprehend! Therefore, think about what can be, not what cannot be. Major on the possibility, not on the impossibility.

When you were born again as a new christian, you were born into a land of opportunity.

New frontiers of aplenty is now your playing field. It is exciting to be a Christian because you can realise your desire. You can do anything and be anything. 

Many, because of confusion and being misinformed, vacillate between two possibilities, not knowing which one is God's will. But regardless of how spiritual either possibility is, if you're not sure which one is God's will, you're not doing anything thus resulting in stagnancy.

The bible has something to say about people who are torn between choices; 

"UNSTABLE IN ALL YOUR WAYS AND ARE DOUBLE MINDED". James 1:8God's will is what you want to do. This sounds shocking at first; it does not sound spiritual enough, nor does it sound tangible enough to possibly be God's will. 

But the bible explicitly says in Philippians 2:13 that "It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." There it is. God Himself is working in you to will. As you pray, read His Word, fellowship with His people, and are open to His counsel, He is working in you to will. 

His will is entwined with yours in tandem, and your will is becoming His. So taking this verse' mystery aspect out of the equation, one should now confidently embark wholeheartedly on the will and desires of the heart that was placed there by God, in the process seeking to please Him always.

Yes you can do anything and be anything. Grasp it in your spirit as you soar. Begin to see yourself as God does. And catch the vision of a life of fulfillment. Begin to soar in you mind right now. Allow God to drop that vision in you and give you a goal, a dream, a new desire. Your vision, dream, goal and desire evolves into reality when you begin to SOAR, when you begin to think "I don't have to be sick," "I don't have to fall into bankruptcy," I don't have to be depressed," and "they're not God's plan for me." It's a simple act of faith; yes simple as a toddler's early steps, faith of a mustard seed.

SOAR like an eagle on the wind of God's Spirit, wherewith from the heights you get a clear perpective.

"A man's worth is no greater than the worth of his ambitions." Marcus Aurelius

"To break the stalemates in our lives and begin to think and act creatively, we must first recognize that although the body is doomed to decay, this is not so with the mind. 

Your mind and thoughts are capable of infinite growth and development. Right up to the moment you die, your thoughts can be alert and growing." Selwyn Hughes

"SHUT THE DOOR WHEN PRAYING"

A visitor to London entered a phone booth in Central London to make a call. This was round about dusk and he was obviously having difficulty finding the digits on the dial. There was a light in the booth but he didn't know how to turn it on. 

A passer-by noticed his predicament and stopped to say, "Sir, if you want the lights on, you need to shut the door". I am sure you know how this works.

The embarrassed visitor was however delighted to find the booth filled with light and the call was made.

Similarly, when we come before the throne of grace to pray, we need to 'shut the door'. This is to block out the hustle and bustle of the busy world that could hamper our thoughts and emphasis to pray diligently.This act of shutting out the trappings of a busy world, turns on the light of His wisdom as we withdraw to our closet and pray in solitude.

Jesus often withdrew to be alone with the heavenly Father for strength and guidance, sometimes at the end of a busy day (Luke 5:12-16), or prior to making an important decision (Luke 6:12-13).

1 John 5:14 assures us that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us and answers us., but we must remember to "SHUT THE DOOR", by getting alone with the Lord.

Matthew 6:6

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.


'SECRET OF AN EFFECTIVE PRAYER IS TO PRAY IN SECRET'.


Other scripture reference:


Luke 5:12-16

12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.[a] When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.

14 Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.



Luke 6:12-13

12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.


13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.


1 John 5:14

14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

Growing Old

June 8 often gets me thinking the inevitable- Growing Old.

Dissappointed wth a Harley Cake.
Should've been a Bike

Recently, a  friend in a similar situation, was relating of the time spent dividing between visiting children abroad or awaiting for that call from a loved one for that annual travel companionship. 

Another I know of, is often in despair, putting up with the belated financial support from his now grown up independent children, all of whom live  comfortable lives with families of their own. 

Yet another widowed, is resigned to an old folks home, having endless days fighting loneliness in a crowded home. 

One or all of the above could be a reality and its nightmarish in the case of a widow, widower, bachelor, spinster or a divorcee in the twilight of their years.

Psalm 71:17-21: 

17 God, You have taught me from my youth, And I still declare Your wondrous deeds. 18 And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to thisgeneration, Your power to all who are to come. 

19 For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to theheavens, You who have done great things ; O God, who is like You? 20 You who have shown memany troubles and distresses Will revive me again, And will bring me up again from the depths of the earth. 21 May You increase my greatness And turn to comfort me. 
Our senior years can be viewed as a pleasantly hapless era when we qualify for retirement benefits,

exhaust our EPF savings, senior discounts, hopeful for that invite from our children for visits, or frantically pre-plan travel itenary to suit another's and have a lot of time doing little. 

Or we can see them as a time of great opportunity to be used for God. There's so much left to do.

We can serve as mentors, teaching wisdom and virtue. Seniors can point to the ancient paths of holy living, okay lets not term it as that, perhaps the lessons learnt used to encourage young believers  (Psalm 71:18 & Jeremiah 6:16)

There is power in the example of an ordinary life lived with an awareness of God's presence - seeing Him in everything and doing all things for Him, in Him and through Him. 

This is the mark of the mature soul, quietly and humbly going about ordinary tasks, living in joy, and leaving behind the fragrance of Jesus' love.

Should our journey lead to illness and weakness, and we're confined to a wheelchair, our homes and eventually our beds, our years of fruitful service need not end here. We can still PRAY which is one of the special privileges of infirmity, or may be its greatest benefit.

Above all else, we can LOVE, our last and best gift to God and to humanity.

Mentoring, being a godly example, praying and loving are the opportunities of growing old with God.

A new found friend does just that with prayer texts at the crack of dawn. I am delighted. Time to pass the torch.

"We never retire from being useful to God"!

IN MEMORIAM - JENNY YAP

 

It has been four years today since you left us and 

is hard on us to let go physically. 

But we carry you with us each and everyday in our 

hearts and our thoughts. 

The sun rising will remind us of the warmth of your love. Flowers blooming will remind us of your love for life. Our trials and tribulations will remind us of how strong 

willed you were.

You gave the children all the stepping stones in life to become the people we are today, and through it all you stood proud of us all. 

You loved us from our first breath, held our hands through the years, guided us along the paths that our lives took, taught us that there is nothing we can't make it through to hold our faith and follow our hearts. 


You gave us your all and asked nothing in return.

A woman of extreme strength, courage and love, who was beautiful, soft and now peaceful and free as a dove.

Someone on whom our admiration was built around, for your motherhood, as a spouse, friend and grandmother since you were brought into this world. 

Your ability to hold yourself with such dignity and pride in all your days, Your beauty shines in us all who were blessed to be a part of you.

We will carry you in our eyes, minds, and hearts. Your family; husband, children and grandson, meant everything in the world to you.

You took a little part of us with you as you follow your angels who will guide you to your precious place.

May you look down on us with pride on what you imparted with your guidance in which you are now truly our angel of grace.

As you dwell in heaven's abode, may you rest in peace for which you truly deserve. For you will be truly missed and remembered for your love and honor in which we will preserve.

There's a part of you in each and every person that hears or reads this and we can all be so honored that you were a part of our lives.

We love you always and forever and may God be with you. Now this we dedicate to you;

If tears could build a stairway 

And memories were a lane

We would walk right up to heaven where you are, 
to bring you home again

No farewell words were spoken

No time to say goodbye

You were gone before we knew it

And only God knows why

Our hearts still aches in sadness

And secret tears still flow

What it meant to lose you

No one will ever know

You and angels around God's happy throne

We would have held you closer had we 

ever known

You to us was a wonderful mother and wife 

Heavens abode your well deserved 

resting place!

COPING WITH GRIEF

TO THE ONE IN SORROW:

by Grace Noll Crowell

"Let me come in where you are weeping, friend,

And let me take your hand.

I, who have known sorrow such as yours, can understand.

Let me come in, I would be very still beside you in your grief,

I would not bid you cease your weeping, friend.

Tear bring relief, let me come in and in and hold your hand,

I have known and understand a sorrow such as yours". 

GRIEF AS A PROCESS OF HEALING AND COPING WITH IT.

Grief is a natural reaction to loss of something or someone close. Acceptance of this is an essential part of the healing process.

It is important to note that the grief process should not be suppressed but allowed as a process of healing in itself. All kind of mixed emotions like numbness, condemnation, shock, irrational or disjointed  thought patterns or process, anger,  are experienced as a result of this significant loss.

Grief  is a culmination of 'emotional suffering' associated not only  with loss of lives, but covers the following;

-Health affliction and loss of limbs of self or 

  someone close

-Loss of job and income, business failure
-Inability to conceive and miscarriage

-Breakup in relationship of couples, friends and 

  family

-Failure to achieve set targets, goals and 

  objectives.
-To some, even the death of a pet.
-Trauma or tragic occurrence, for instance rape, 

  torture
-Loss of security, after a 

  traumatic ordeal

Some have the benefit of a strong and mature character, family support, counselling and encouragement and hence enjoy an early rebound. 

The one particular sharing that stood out was how an ailing spouse prepares the distraught other half to prepare for the inevitable, which is to lookput for signs and symptons that preceeds death.

Others adopt other routes, by engaging in social activities, exercising, eating healthy, reading,  finding avenues to relax, pursuit of a hobby or interest, joining support group and listening to music. 


One widower, adjudged, it was better he endures the grieving process rather than his spouse, and that acceptance fast-forwarded the healing process.

And yet there are a smaller group who have the ability to be patient with self and allow to feel the grief.


A profound observation is that, in all of the above, there is no specific time-frame, since the grief process is not linear, but more often is experienced in cycles. 

Its akin to climbing a spiral staircase, thinking one is going nowhere but in circles, when in actual fact progress is made.

A good measure to take is for the individual to attach to a support group or talk to counsellors as this would be beneficial to forward the healing process.

NORMAL GRIEF REACTIONS:

-Feel like going crazy: At times shouting at self, saying things like, 'wake up, he or she is gone". Wanting to get out of the house to escape familiarity. Letting out a deep groan in utter frustration, first thing when awake.

-Unable to concentrate: Going blank, being absent minded, staring into space for extended period of time, in the process neglecting responsibilities, meal times and caring for the ones under one's care. Missing a turn countless times, when driving appear to be popular one.

-Sad or depressed: Profound sadness is probably the most universally experienced symptom of grief leading one to experiencing feelings of emptiness, despair, yearning, or deep loneliness or the tendency  to  cry a lot or feel emotionally unstable. Feeling that life is empty or meaningless.

-Irritable/angry:  One may be angry at self, God, the doctors, or even the deceased for abandoning. There is this need to blame someone for the injustice that was done

-Anxious, nervous, fearful: Loss can trigger a host of worries and fears. One may feel anxious, helpless,  insecure or may even experience panic attacks. It even trigger fears about one's own mortality, of facing life without that person, or the tasks to be faced alone. 

-Desperate for some form of escapism: Avoiding things that remind of the loved one. Denial of the death or sense of disbelief.

-Guilty, remorseful: Regret or guilty about things not expressed or done. One may also feel guilty about certain feelings (e.g. with all good intent, feeling relieved when the person died after a long and difficult illness). After a death, one may even feel guilty for not doing something to prevent the death, even if there was nothing more to be done. An actual account of one who refused to bury the deceased spouse a week after death, is another example of trying to reverse the process.


-Lack of energy and motivation: Grief involves physical problems, including fatigue, nausea, lowered immunity, weight loss/gain, aches and pains, and insomnia. 

-Numb: Right after a loss, it can be hard to accept what happened. You may feel numb, have trouble believing that the loss really happened, or even deny the truth. In some extreme case, people have been known to go to places frequented together, with the hope of finding them there. 


COMPLICATED GRIEF OR DEPRESSION


If the pain of the loss is so constant and severe that it prevents from resuming a normal life, one may be suffering from a condition known as "complicated grief". Complicated grief (or depression) is like being stuck in an intense state of mourning, while having trouble accepting the death long after it has occurred or be so preoccupied with the person who died that it disrupts the daily routine and undermines  other relationships. There is also the following:-

-Intense longing and yearning for the deceased.
-Intrusive thoughts or images of loved one
-Imagining that the loved one is alive.

-Searching for the person in familiar places.

Its important to differentiate between grief and depression, since both share many similar symptoms. 

Grief as said earlier, can be a roller coaster experience, involving a variety of emotions and a mix of good and bad days. Even in the middle of the grieving process, one can have moments of pleasure or happiness. With depression, on the other hand, the feelings of emptiness and despair are constant. 

Other symptoms that suggest depression, not just grief:

Intense, pervasive sense of guilt.
Thoughts of suicide or a preoccupation with dying.
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
Slow speech and body movements.
Inability to function at work, home, and/or school.
Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.

The same relives or happens in dreams. 

Left untreated, complicated grief and depression can lead to significant emotional damage, life-threatening health problems, and even suicide. But treatment can help get better. Clinical treatment is not an option.

FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF:


An expert in this area, Dr Elisabeth Kubler, in 1969, based on her study of the feelings of terminally ill patients, introduced the  "five stages of grief," encompassing:-

-Denial: “This can’t be happening to me.”

-Anger: “Why is this happening? Who is to -

  blame?”

-Bargaining: “Make this not happen, and in 

  return I will ____.”

-Depression: “I’m too sad to do anything.”

-Acceptance: “I’m at peace with what 

 happened.”

It is not a prerequisite to go through each of the above phase in order to heal, and if one does, it is not  will not be in a neat and sequential format. Dr Kubler prior to her death in 2004, clarified her findings were never  intended to suppress the roller coaster emotions into an orderly and neat package.

Depending on the individual, grief after-all can be a roller coaster process.

Having the support of others is the a priority in healing from loss. To convey to others the grieving, to accept help and support, even if one is not comfortable with it, makes the burden of grief easier to bear. 

Just do not grieve in solitude. Stay connected by:

Draw comfort from your faith: The measure of one's walk with the Lord, will dictate the pace recovery. If you’re questioning your faith in the wake of the loss, talk to an elder or pastor.

Join a support group:   Sharing one's sorrow with others who have experienced similar losses can help. Therefore,  find a bereavement local support group.

 
Talk to a therapist or grief counselor:  Do not sweep aside mental health professionals with experience in grief counseling. An experienced therapist can help one work through intense emotions and overcome obstacles to grieving. Once considered taboo, the church is now more equipped in this aspect.

Turn to friends and family members: A good time to close ranks with family.  Oftentimes, people want to help but don’t know how, so tell them what is needed,  whether it’s a shoulder to cry on or help with funeral arrangements.

Face your feelings. You can try to suppress your grief, but you can’t avoid it forever. In order to heal, you have to acknowledge the pain. Trying to avoid feelings of sadness and loss only prolongs the grieving process. Unresolved grief can also lead to complications such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and health problems.

Express your feelings: Keep a journal about the loss. Write a letter to the loved one saying the things you never got to say; make a scrapbook or photo album celebrating the person’s life; or get involved in a cause or organization that was important to him or her. Expressing  in a tangible or creative way helps.

Maintain good physical health: The mind and body are connected, so it is with feeling good physically and emotionally. Combat stress and fatigue by getting enough sleep, eating right, and exercising. Do not suppress the grief or lift the mood artificially by turning to substance or alcohol abuse.

Don’t let anyone tell you how to feel: Grief is personal, and no one else can tell when it’s time to “move on” or “get over it.Feel whatever without embarrassment or judgment. It’s okay to be angry, to yell at the heavens, to cry or not to cry. It’s also okay to laugh, to find moments of joy, and to let go when ready.

Plan ahead for grief “triggers” : Anniversaries, holidays, and milestones can reawaken memories and feelings. Be prepared for an emotional wallop, and know that it’s completely normal. When sharing a holiday or lifecycle event with other relatives, talk to them ahead of time about their expectations and agree on strategies to honor the deceased.

SUPPORTING THOSE IN GRIEF:

-Ask about their feelings: Ask how he or she feels, and don't assume you know how the bereaved person feels on any given day.

-Sit down with them: Don’t press if the grieving person doesn’t feel like talking. You can offer comfort and support with your silent presence. If you can’t think of something to say, just offer eye contact, a squeeze of the hand, or a reassuring hug.

-Share your feelings: Be genuine in your communication and don't hide your feelings. Example: "I’m not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care."

-Ask about their loss/Listen: People who are grieving may need to tell the story over and over again, sometimes in minute detail. Be patient. Repeating the story is a way of processing and accepting the death. With each retelling, the pain lessens.


-Remember the loss:Certain times and days of the year will be particularly hard for your grieving friend or family member. Holidays, family milestones, birthdays, and anniversaries often reawaken grief. Be sensitive on these occasions. Let the bereaved person know that you’re there for whatever he or she needs.

-Stay in touch/Call often:Stay in touch with the grieving person, periodically checking in, dropping by, or sending letters or cards. Your support is more valuable than ever once the funeral is over, the other mourners are gone, and the initial shock of the loss has worn off.

-Acknowledge pain:Acknowledge the situation. Example: "I heard that your_____ died." Use the word "died" That will show that you are more open to talk about how the person really feels.

-Allow those in grief to feel sad: Let the grieving person know that it’s okay to cry in front of you, to get angry, or to break down. Don’t try to reason with them over how they should or shouldn’t feel. The bereaved should feel free to express their feelings, without fear of judgment, argument, or criticism.

-Be available whenever possible: Offer your support. Example: "Tell me what I can do for you."

-Do not minimize grief: Tell the bereaved that what they’re feeling is okay. If you’ve gone through a similar loss, share your own experience if you think it would help. However, don’t give unsolicited advice, claim to “know” what the person is feeling, or compare your grief to theirs.

- Advance Preparation: During an open discussion with participants of the GWM (Grief Walk Ministry, FGA), it dawned through one sharing, the need to prepare for death. In this case a dying spouse prepares the other half to face reality and speaks of the tell tale signs of the final moments. This account related by the surviving half does point to the need for preparation. 


It was noted, the church conducts various marriage class activities for newly wed couples and  marriage renewal vows at various stages of the marriage. 


The preparation aspects could look into the need for preparedness of death as a prerequisite and acceptance.


At some point the resource material tabulated in the GWM need to be wisely incorporated with courses related to marriage and family life.

John 10:1-18 is mindful of God's nature. Jesus likens Himself to the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and is known by them.

At a time of grief, it is best we come to grips with this truth about Jesus the Good Shepherd who tends to, and nurture our needs.




Extracting from resource materials and the input from participants in the GWM. Latest update Sunday 6th May 2012

Other resource materials:

Coping with a Loved One’s Terminal Illness by Harvard Health Publications

WINDOW TO THE WORLD

WINDOW TO THE WORLD

LOVE, FORGIVENESS, MERCY, GRACE, GOODNESS, COMPASSION, KINDNESS, GENEROSITY, TRUTHFULNESS

Who in the world would be against these characteristics? Who could oppose such positive forces in a person’s life, or a christian’s life for that matter?

The plain truth, MANY PEOPLE. But why? Closest answer is that the Christians they already know, do not observe all or most of these attributes. What they the christians profess vastly differs from their daily lives. When interacting with such christians, attributes other than what is proclaimed on a Sunday or in christian gatherings is evident.

Because of self serving agenda or cause, these christians prevent others from seeing the Christ in them. Instead they see hate, grudges, indifference, harshness, anger and lies.

If Christianity is about Christ, anything other than His love, forgiveness and compassionate gift of eternal life, that we display sends the wrong message.

Our lives need to be consistent with the underlining message in 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-12

What is it that stands in your way in being that channel or vessel for Christ? Spiritual dryness, double standards, defeated walk?

Just as physical drought teaches us that there is no substitute for rain, a time of spiritual dryness burns into us the truth that we cannot live without God’s renewing Spirit. He is faithful to declare, His mercies are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23

At times it mandates measures like identifying and dealing with an unrepentant and ungrateful heart, our past sins and hurts which constantly prevents us from a spiritual breakthrough.

Failure or delaying to address this quickly again demonstrates the adversary’s grip or influence in a believer’s life which often results in breakdown in relationships and communication. This ultimately sends the wrong message to others. What devastation christians foster by being that window of hopelessness and despair to an already lost world?

Take the necessary steps of consulting with your counselors or leaders with urgency.

Instead of being the light placed on a hilltop, we douse that light so others won’t see.

Sadly this is the honest truth. Being caught in a vicious cycle of a defeated life, and repeated sins, causes no alarm or urgency to go on the mend (damage control mode) for many believers. In such instances, nothing much can be done, except the individual concerned takes the initiative. Time to say enough is enough. Time to decide the vicious cycle of repeated sin and error riddled living is broken by the power of the cross. Its time to decide.

For the Word is clear, unless you open the door of your heart, the Savior will remain at the doorstep of one’s life. Jesus says, “Behold I stand at the door of your heart and knock, if anyone hears and opens the door, then I will come in and dine with him.” Rev 3:20

This clearly typifies a case of respecting one’s will or decision. So today decide the type of vessel you wish to be and the type of message you choose to send. Reach out in the words of the Psalmist “Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?”Psalm 85:6

Again the Word of God declares, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippinas 4:13.


There are many such promises in the bible which is just not a book of wishful thinking; but is a book of well-founded confidence in God’s purpose and plan for believers.


Let Him shine through your life so others can see Him. Live so that others will want to know your Savior.

Stand up and be counted so that on the day of recognition you will be justly rewarded. It is only Christ who can quench the world’s spiritual thirst.

Be that window of opportunity to others.