Some thoughts from Barbara at Vision Ministries for whom we are filling Smartie tubes with 20p’s to help bring clean water to the people living in the slums of Kibera, Nairobi.
Are we or are we not blessed people!! Statement rather than a question. – There have been some amazing biblical people who have gone before us, their testimonies shout and scream for us to stay strong. God commends them and through them encourages us to live lives of faith as they lived.
Hebrews 11 is their written witness for all to read and take hope from.
We all have questions and face trials – but these men and women were just amazing, pointing us to stay the course. To put our trust and hope in the One who led them through the fires of life and who is the same Today for us.
It is a chapter of hope and encouragement; it doesn’t stop there it continues in Hebrews 12…… Therefore ……………………….
Therefore, let us follow suit – our faith and trust in the author and finisher of our faith – Jesus Christ.
Living our daily lives that we too might receive words of commendation from God – we are aiming for the ‘Well done, My good and faithful servant’.
Recently I was in a somewhat tightfitting shop (little bit narrow in the aisles) – browsing some items – when a group of people with a dog entered and stood just behind me – not a problem – except the dog kept wagging its tail which was whipping into my leg – of course the people chatting away were oblivious to this.
Choices, every day we have choices, we cannot allow ourselves to operate in a retaliatory manner when we are faced with intentional or thoughtless behaviour from others.
Hebrews 12:14 – ‘Pursue peace with all men and holiness without which no one will see the Lord, watching diligently so that no one falls short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness spring up to cause trouble……’ I could have made some ‘nippy’ comment …….but ……..
Scripture is not just to read – it is to learn from and live – ‘I am a Christian’ is not just a declaration, it is an action to be lived every day of our lives. No, many situations we face are not always as relatively unimportant as a dog’s tail, but every action we take, every choice we make determines who we are – and THAT IS important.
So, here’s a thought for September – what will we do when a ‘dog’s tail’ confronts us today, tomorrow, this month. Let’s not let the little foxes destroy the vine, because God’s grace IS sufficient.
Make Today and everyday Count, have a beautiful September.Love Barbara
Scripture reading – Hebrews 11, 12, Song of Solomon 2:15
Vision Ministries Scottish Charity SC 035235
Scottish Charitable Independent Organisation
