People Who Affected Our Life.

Aside from our family, God send people or allow them to come into our life either for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
"But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus." 2 Corinthians 7:6

Some were sent to us by God for a reason to help us, or for us to help them because support and guidance -spiritually, emotionally, or physically were needed by either them or us on that given time. Then, for some unexpected reason, they walked out of our life and faded into mystery.

Some allowed by God to come into our life for a season. They only came based on their planned agendas and their own intention. Maybe we need to share with them on growing and maturing in life. If things are good and in their favor, they may bring us peace or make us laugh. If the situation deals with changes, and stepping outside of comfort zones, they cut loose. In an inconvenient time, they walk away, uncaring and unwilling.
"For Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me (Paul) and has gone to Thessalonica…." 2 Tim 4:10
"But Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work." Acts 15:38

People come and go, and we know majority of them are just provisional people in our life. The happiness or pain they had caused enriched our character and compelled us to evaluate our life and helped us to know our self-better. If the experience brought pain, it is then in our own discretion to become bitter, or to use our experience to improve our self and become a better person. However, no matter who they were, what affects they had contributed - it might be significant or insignificant part in our life, we surely learned something from them. Consciously or unconsciously, they made us feel and think.

But God has given all of us special people to be with for a lifetime. At first, they are hard to recognize. But through the test of times, they can be revealed. They are willing to support us unreservedly. They can make us smile or sometimes make us cry. With them our life seems complete. They take us as we are, and willing to go with us through thick and thin because they believe in us. In the moment of trials, they support and help us, and they can draw strength from us as well. "A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need." Proverbs 17:17
They walked with us through the changes of the seasons. Though we are far away from them, the connections are still strong. "And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself." 1 Samuel 18:3
The unconditional love of God binds them to us through lifetime. They are great influence that shapes our life. We call them our true friends!

By Mhel P.

Keep On Singing!

Did you take time to listen to ocean waves as it hit the rocks or even as it touches the shore; the ensemble of rain and thunder; the sounds of rushing river and water falls, or the breeze as it caresses the leaves and swifts through the intricate branches of trees? Music of nature…so refreshing! God has created humanity with an inborn connection to music and singing, especially in regard to worship.

Why people sing? People sing because talking can't convey the deep emotions they feel and experience. People sing about the things that capture their hearts and things that give them joy. It is their way to express their happiness, love, or even pain and sorrow.
Singing enhances your well-being; it relaxes you and reduces your feelings of pain. It also brings physical benefits. It is good for the brain, increased immunity and greater oxygenation of the blood. It improved lung capacity, decreased blood pressure, reduced stress and even prolongs your life.

Singing is not just for those who have good voices. It is our heart's deep expression. When our heart is brimming with joy and mere talking doesn’t work - we sing!

Are you a sinner saved by God's amazing grace? Did our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ turn your sorrow into joy? Did He answer your prayer? Do you have love and peace that no one in this world can give? Then you have more reasons to sing! You really should sing more. You should sing more worship songs not just in the church. You should sing in your car, while working in the yard, and in your home. And when you sing, you should do so with more than lungs and lips. You should sing with your heart, mind, and soul - because singing is one of the highest expressions of joy.

What does it sounds like when God sings over you? God created the universe with a spoken word – just a spoken word. Imagine what happens when He sings! "He will exult over you with loud singing." Zephaniah 3:17

As we trust in our Lord Jesus Christ, as He finds us faithful in the storms of life; ...He will exult (rejoice exceeding) over you with loud singing!

No matter what you feel, no matter where you are and what kind of situation you are in…Keep on singing! "Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart," Ephesians 5:19

"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations." Psalm 89:1


By Mhel P.