Perfect and Complete - Lacking Nothing!

In the midst of affliction, it's easy for any of us to fall in desolation. But remember; when things get tough…Stay the Course! Even in the midst of affliction and desolation, God is with us and He has given us sufficient grace to endure. "And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-12 For affliction grinds the complacency of our standard concept of reality. It forces us to awaken our good judgment to feel deeply, to see differently, and to think creatively. It is nearly a time of rejoicing for by faith, the perfect work of patience will again add virtue in our stature -"Perfect and complete, lacking nothing." "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4 By MhelP. ________________

Changes and Life

Why are we having a hard time to accept changes? Is it because it interrupts our peace and comfort; fear of the unknown or of not being in-control?
The thought of pain, hard work and not be able to adjust make us resist the unpredictable changes in our life. But the more we fight and oppose the change, the more painful and frightening it will be.

Life is continually changing whether we like it or not. As long as there is life, there's movement and transformation. Change is constant. It's either we accept it and by the help of God, use it in our advantage; or it will make us fearful, and miserable.
There were changes that at first frightened me. But through God's help with faith and determination, with my husband besides me, we were able to blaze the uncharted trail that was set before us. Whenever I look back, despite uncertainty, thorns and rugged terrains, it reminds me that we were blessed to embrace the challenge.

Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 3 that there was a "time" for everything under the sun and all have to do with change - birth, death, sowing and reaping, building and tearing down, weep and laugh, war and peace. However, it is refreshing to know that from the beginning to end, God made everything beautiful in His time.

If we understand that everything around us is temporary and change is a part of our life; and we know that God holds the future, then we can easily accept what our tomorrow brings. Yes, it's not easy and sometimes it's painful. But our Great God and Savior promised us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 He will guide us and will be with us even unto the end of the world. -Matthew 28:20 Cast all your cares upon Him. Nothing is too difficult for God. He is aware of every changes in our life and how it affects us. Trust in Him for He is in control.
Remember, if we are in Christ, we are not of this world, we are just passing by. Through our life’s journey -from birth to eternity, changes are certain. Face it with steadfast faith and great courage -for God is making us ready and worthy for a great and absolute change (1 John 3:2-3) - to be like Him. "… we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." Thessalonians 4:17- Our mortal bodies will be transformed into glorious ones. We will be with our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ forever. …And then no more change. -By MhelP.

Remember Jesus' Last Words

When I was young, this time of the year impacted my life deeply. I had no bible before, and I only knew little of my Savior Jesus Christ. Most of my knowledge about Him I learned through watching movies about His life and death, His suffering and His resurrection. But in my young heart, it was just enough to awaken the longing of my soul to know Him more. If we are really seeking for the truth, our God will guide us to the right path. God knows my heart and he led me to the path He wanted me to be. I was 17 years old when I accepted Him in my heart. I was baptized in His wonderful name and was filled with His Spirit (Acts 2:38). It was a grand day when He saved me by His grace. It's a wonderful life to have a personal relationship with our Great God. Since then, I learned more about Him and still learning through His divine words. "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4
Although the Holy Scriptures were written more than two thousand years ago, there's always a fresh revelation for us whenever we read the Holy Bible. The proceeding words of God are our daily eye opener to direct us and guide us to what He wanted us to be. He never stops speaking to us.
Christ's resurrection means that we have a living God who, by dying on the cross, has washed our sins by His blood. He became the perfect sacrifice and whosoever believes in Him will have everlasting life.
Jesus' last words are not "Father, into Thy hands I commit my spirit." His death is just the beginning of the greatest redemption of humanity. He overcame the grave and the thick veil from the Holy of the Holiest was torn apart - giving all the humanity the greatest privilege to access the throne of Grace whenever our desperate soul needs it.
Jesus' last words: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight." Acts 1:8-9
Believers, remember Jesus' last words…"You shall be my witnesses…to the end of the world."
It's because of this joyous message our lives and ministries were transformed and directed by our Savior's last words. Tell the world He is Risen! He is alive forevermore! -By Mhel P.