Manna for the Soul

" Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus ." (Philippians 3:13-14 KJV) I believe this scripture succinctly captures how I am entering 2019! If you are like me, you may have mixed feelings about how 2018 ends because some things must have gone well and others not as expected. But no matter how 2018 went for you, let's be reminded of Paul's words in the above scripture as we prepare to enter 2019. As is customary for me and my family, I always see the need to be at Church every Sunday, and more so on the last Sunday of the year. But on Sunday, December 30, 2018, there were at least three reasons why I felt the need to skip Church. First, and probably the most logical reason, I had a mysterious swollen right hallux (that is the big toe) and for which reason,...

“I am broken and helpless, and want to give up on life.” If this is you then I want you to know this: I hear you and I get it. I’ve been there and I’ve been close to doubting the very purpose of my life. If you are alive right now then hear me out, God never fails, so I want you to keep hope alive and wait for Him. Before I begin, let's read the scripture from Lamentations 3. Lam 3:18-26 KJV And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD:  (19)  Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.  (20)  My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.  (21)  This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.  (22)  It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  (23)  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.  (24)  The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.  (25)  The LORD is ...

How do you feel when you are acquainted with a person of influence and power? Your answer will probably be similar to many others who believe, it makes them feel "important". But what if I told you that the level of importance one feels by knowing a person of influence and power cannot be compared to that of knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. Let's read what the Apostle Paul says on this: "7  But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life]. 8  But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ," Philippi...

Are you tired and weary? I hear God saying "lean on me". God wants you to bring all the hurts, pains, tears, burdens, worries, difficulties, and the cross you are bearing, and cast it all on Him. Jesus said he carried all these to the cross upon which he was crucified and so there is no reason whatsoever for you to continue bearing them. In Matthew 11:28-30 we read: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 KJV Whether you are a believer in Christ or not, you are not exempt from life struggles. Often times, in the midst of life difficulties we groan wishing those moments quickly pass by. For the believer, we have hope. As we read above, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ says, " come unto me, ....and I will give you rest ". He d...