What God's Word Can Do to Us

The wise King Solomon said, "To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion [to them] is wearisome to the flesh." (Ecclesiastes 12:12) This is true as regards the endless publication of books today, which would sometimes wear us down when we try to read many of them.

However, there is a book that is not only delightful and refreshing to read, but can also help us in every aspect of our lives. This book contains guidance, laws and principles that are not burdensome to follow at all but are a source of pleasure if we truly endeavor to apply them in our lives. 

God's Word is as refreshing as the raindrops

"The law of Jehovah is perfect, bringing back the soul.
The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, 
making the inexperienced one wise.
The orders from Jehovah are upright, 
causing the heart to rejoice;
The commandment of Jehovah is clean, 
making the eyes shine.
The fear of Jehovah is pure, standing forever.
The judicial decisions of Jehovah are true;
they have proved altogether righteous.
They are more to be desired than gold, 
yes, than much refined gold;
And sweeter than honey and the flowing honey 
of the combs."
- Psalm 19:7-10

Yes, God's Word, the Bible, is not wearisome to read, but instead, it is a healing to the soul. Isn't it worth our time and effort to read it daily?

(NOTE: In quoting this Scripture, I employed the original rendition of the Hebrew Scriptures with regards  the use of God's personal name.)

Does God Really Care About Us?

Since we live in a world full of cruelty and injustice, many people feel that there is no God, or if there is, he doesn't care about us at all. Many religious leaders teach that the sufferings we experience are God's will, a teaching that turns people away from God and makes them more alienated from him, let alone hate him.

The truth is, God never causes wickedness and sufferings. Job 34:10 says, " Far be it from the true God to act wickedly, and the Almighty to act unjustly!" 

Actually, God has a loving purpose for humans. That is why Jesus taught us to pray: "Our Father in the heavens, let...your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth." (Matthew 6:9,10) God cares so deeply about us that he has made arrangements to provide ways in order to fulfill his purpose. "For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) The fact that Jesus has already given his life for us guarantees that soon, all wickedness and sufferings will be gone and that righteous mankind who put faith in God and Jesus will attain eternal life in the new world.

While waiting for the fulfillment of God's purpose, we can make our lives meaningful and satisfying right now, knowing that God cares about us. When we experience adversities or when the wickedness around us becomes too much to bear, this Scripture helps a lot: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;  while you throw all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6,7)

Loving Our Enemies

“I say to you who are listening, Continue to love your enemies, to do good to those hating you, to bless those cursing you, to pray for those who are insulting you.” 

- Luke 6:27,28

True followers of Jesus Christ, those who take his teachings to heart and imitate his paramount example in living a godly life, are often subject to ridicule, hatred, opposition and persecution, just as what Jesus himself experienced in the hands of his enemies. Their being set apart from worldly ways makes them "strangers" among mankind. Because of this, they are being misunderstood and misrepresented, which could eventually lead to their being hated, cursed, insulted and persecuted.

That is why their leader, Jesus Christ, told them the above statement.  He pointed out that his disciples should act lovingly toward those who show hostility to them. This includes doing good to those hating them by responding to their hostility with gracious actions, blessing those cursing them by speaking with them in a kind way, praying for those persecuting them with physical violence or other forms of insulting treatment.

By doing these things, they may be able to help their enemies or persecutors transform their hearts and attitudes to the effect that they will come to understand the standpoint and determination  of Jesus' followers and thus receive the favor and blessings of God himself. This is indeed a loving action toward one's enemies. 

Scriptural Principles to Help Reduce Stress

"Do not become righteous overmuch, nor show yourself excessively wise. Why should you cause desolation to yourself?"

 - Ecclesiastes 7:16

Application: Don't expect perfection of yourself and others.

photo by Charlene N.K.

"That YOU may make sure of the more important things, so that YOU may be flawless and not be stumbling others up to the day of Christ,  and may be filled with righteous fruit, which is through Jesus Christ, to God’s glory and praise."

 - Philippians 1:10,11

Application: Set appropriate priorities.

photo by Charlene N.K.

"For bodily training is beneficial for a little; but godly devotion is beneficial for all things, as it holds promise of the life now and that which is to come."

 - 1 Timothy 4:8

Application: Get regular exercise.

photo by Charlene N.K.

"For you have made me rejoice, O Jehovah, 

because of your activity;

Because of the works of your hands I cry out joyfully.

How great your works are, O Jehovah!

Very deep your thoughts are." 

- Psalm 92:3,5

Application: Enjoy God's creation.

photo by Charlene N.K.

"Eventually, having sent the crowds away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. Though it became late, he was there alone." 

- Matthew 14:23

Application: Make some quiet time regularly.

photo by Charlene N.K.

"Better is a handful of rest than a double handful of hard work and striving after the wind."

 - Ecclesiastes 4:6

Application: Get sufficient relaxation and sleep.

photo by Charlene N.K.

Source: Awake magazine, June 2010

Facing Trials Joyfully

"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials, knowing as you do that this tested quality of your faith works out endurance. But let endurance have its work complete, that you may be complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything."

 - James 1:2-4

Each of us is being faced with trials in one way or another. Each of us has its own way of coping.  To some, trials may seem an insurmountable obstacle that get in their way, while to others, they are obstacles that can be conquered.

Running away from trials may be detrimental to one's self-worth and integrity. It may lead one to more troubles as he tries to veer to another direction in an attempt to avoid the difficult situation, or just chickens out and cowers in a corner, refusing to do anything to correct the situation or to just bravely accept it if there's no remedy at all. Such person will never develop qualities that are vital for success and survival. He will never learn to surmount trials and difficulties that keep coming his way, which are inevitable. He remains weak and cowardly, unable to go through life's dangerous waters.

On the other hand, one who braves trials squarely will have success in traversing  life's stormy waters. It may be hard at the onset, but as he keeps doing it, he will gain mastery over difficult situations, and it will be easier for him to tackle heavier trials that would besiege him later. On top of it, he will develop priceless qualities that enable him to move on to his life's journey and achieve self-fulfillment. The quality of his faith will have been tested, which would, in turn,  yield endurance. When he is able to endure everything,  "he will become complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything."

So then, we have reasons to be joyful when we encounter trials, knowing that such trials provide us an opportunity to prove our faith and our self-worth, and to develop a wealth of good qualities that will refine us and make us complete.