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Praise God for Our Differences

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  What makes you marvel at the wonders of God’s creation? Consider the breathtaking beauty of a sunrise or sunset, with its vibrant colors painting the sky. Nature’s incredible variety is awe-inspiring. Every living thing is unique and special. Did you know that no two snowflakes are alike? Even the slightest differences make them distinct. Some frogs, like the “Poison Dart,” take exceptional care of their tadpoles. They transport them to small bodies of water and even lay unfertilized eggs to feed them! There’s a wildflower called the “Snowdrop” that has an antifreeze protein inside to prevent it from freezing. It’s one of the first flowers to emerge from the snow, signaling the arrival of spring. And let’s not forget the Clown spider! You’ll have to search online to find them; they’re a bit creepy, but who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor? I could go on and on about the trees, flowers, animals, and birds, each with its own unique song to sing, except perhaps the Mockingbird...
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Learn to Suffer Well

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  Learn to endure suffering gracefully. This phrase occasionally crosses my mind, but how can I learn to endure suffering well? What does that even mean? Jesus experienced rejection, mockery, laughter, and being called insane. Despite these hardships, He refrained from retaliation or self-defense when falsely accused. If I aspire to be like Jesus, shouldn’t I anticipate facing rejection, criticism, and belittling? Why do I believe I shouldn’t encounter trials and struggles in my own life if Jesus did? While I may never endure suffering to the extent of Jesus, can I learn to “count it all joy”? James 1:2 (ESV) states, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” This can indeed be challenging and not always easy. The verse assures us that trials and challenges will come, as it says, “when” or “whenever.” The key lies in our choice of response. We can try to avoid or take the easy way out, but Jesus’ way is always through. Isaiah 43:2-3 says, “when you pass...
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Jars of Clay

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  “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”  ‭‭2Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Today, I discovered an interesting fact about clay that I had never known. Did you know that clay possesses a unique form of memory? Unlike our human memory, this clay memory is not about recalling past events but rather about retaining the impressions left behind during the shaping process. As a result, clay tends to revert to its original shape, which can lead to twisting and warping during the drying or firing stages. Interestingly, we share a similar trait with clay—we too have memories. Our past experiences, whether positive or negative, can leave lasting impressions on us. Hurtful words, regrets, rejections, and painful experiences can all contribute to our identity and shape our character. However, it’s important to remember that we also have positive memories that play a significant role in our development. Isaiah 64:8(ESV) expr...
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God’s Right Hand

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  “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.””‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬ I’ve read this verse numerous times, but this time, I couldn’t help but wonder why God holds my right hand. Couldn’t He just as well hold my left? What significance does it hold to hold my right hand? So, I “Googled” it and found this definition among many: “The significance of God holding your right hand is a symbolic promise of strength, guidance, protection, and constant presence.” Exodus 15:6(ESV) exemplifies God’s power and strength, stating, “Your right hand, O Lord, glorious in power, your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy.” Psalm 139:10(ESV) is a remarkable example of His guidance and protection, saying, “even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” Notice that God holds my hand, not the other way around. His grip is stronger, and He won’t let go. In contrast, if I hold His hand, I’m prone to let go and...
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Like An Olive Tree

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  “But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.”  Psalm‬ ‭52‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ ‭‭  Hmm, am I like a green olive tree? What exactly does that mean? I recently learned some interesting facts about olive trees. Their root system is incredibly robust, capable of regenerating from its roots even after being destroyed by fire, frost, or disease. They have a long lifespan and are known for their resilience. As a generous tree, they produce olives, olive oils, and their wood can be used for construction. It’s their resilience that truly strikes me. I’m not sure I possess the same level of resilience as an olive tree. Resiliency is defined as “the ability to adapt, cope, and recover from difficulties, stress, and trauma.” Proverbs 24:16(ESV) states, “For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.” It’s not always easy to get back up after being knocked down for various reas...
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Forgiveness

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  The theme of forgiveness has been on my mind lately so if I may I will share some thoughts  But please know I have not perfected this in any way, it is truly a struggle for me to forgive not only others for the hurt and rejection I have felt but to forgive myself for the hurts I’ve caused in the choices I’ve made, but Paul encourages me by reminding me in Philippians 3:13-14(ESV), “Brothers, (and sisters:))I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” I admire the life of Joseph. Here was a young man, rejected by his brothers, stripped of his clothing and thrown into a dry well, only to be brought out and sold to Midianite traders who in turn sold him to Potiphar in Egypt. Then    Portiphar’s wife accused him of making unwanted advances upon her and he was thrown into prison, he was innocent, ...
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