November 30, 2018
by Brandy Webb
Photo by Rodolfo Clix on Pexels.com
The other day, I was reading a thankfulness journal that I have. I am actually supposed to do it daily, but I forget sometimes. However, the other day, I remembered, and it asked, “When have you seen God use suffering for good?” It was in reference to Romans 8:28: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (NAS). Continue reading
November 15, 2018
by Brandy Webb
Photo by J carter on Pexels.com
When I think of leaving a legacy, I think of famous historical figures that made a splash on the world like a stone hitting the water leaving ripples that still affect societies long past their deaths. These people are the ones that we learn about in school. We read their histories, maybe even books written by them, and we think how awesome it would be to go back in time to meet them. In addition, some of us wish we could be like them, be it to imitate their bravery, intelligence, wit, or any other character trait that enthralls us. However, can we leave a “legacy” also? Maybe not one that is written in the secular books of the future, but one that still leaves ripples that last so long that generations after us do not even realize were made by our lives. Continue reading
November 9, 2018
by Jeff Reed
Photo by EVG photos on Pexels.com
Video games have been a part of my life since I was very young. I remember playing pong on a television when I was five then later playing computer games and consoles as they technologically advanced through the decades. One of my most memorable game experiences was playing the Legend of Zelda on the Nintendo NES. This was one of the first games where the player could explore an open world and interact with various characters. These non-playable characters (NPCs) would have very simple preprogrammed dialogue. If you interacted with one more than once they usually would repeat the same phrases over and over. There was one unusual character that kept repeating the phrase “I AM ERROR.” Continue reading
November 2, 2018
by Brandy Webb
Photo by Element5 Digital on Pexels.com
It is that time of year that I honestly can’t wait until it is over, election time. I am not going to go political here at all, but I do want to point out some things that happen every time it is an election year. On all sides, there is a lot of anger, name calling, lying, extreme negativity, chaos, etc. The main thing that occurs is fear. Everyone is afraid that the person they think should win may not. It is the one common denominator for people no matter what party they belong to. Fear of who is going to win the election. What is sad is I see this fear even amongst Christians.
Yet, I have to remind myself, why do we Christians become afraid during the elections? Don’t we know that God is in control? Or does our faith falter when it is election time? You may not agree with me, but in my opinion the Bible makes it clear that God is the one who allows whomever to be in power (Psalms 75:6-7 and Romans 13:1-2). All authorities that get in power are put in place because of His plan. Therefore, when we get fearful we are actually saying to God, “I’m not sure I agree with who you chose to put in power.”
Now, don’t get me wrong, I am just as guilty of being fearful. We were born with a survival instinct. We do not like to suffer. Our souls yearn for God’s Kingdom to come and peace and righteousness to reign, but we know that it is going to have to get a bit scary before the Kingdom comes. That is the part that sometimes scares us. No one likes bad things to happen. I believe that even Christ was a bit afraid of what He was about to have to endure. I am sure that the apostles had to fight back against fear also. Yet something made them all courageous. Something beat down their fears and helped them to press on, and to not worry about what human was in power.
I believe it was the Holy Spirit inside them. They had its “armor” to protect them (Ephesians 6:10-18). They had its wisdom that “told” them to remember the Messiah’s words, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow…” (Matthew 6:33-34). Plus, because of the Holy Spirit they had the best gift and fruit known to man, love, and “perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18a).
How does love drive out fear? Loving God makes us trust Him. Loving God makes us not worry what the world can do to us in this life (Psalms 56:3-4). Loving God makes us strong and courageous because we know and believe that “He will never leave [us] nor forsake [us]” (Deuteronomy 31:6). Loving God makes us realize we are His children, and He loves us and will take care of us (Romans 8:15). Loving God reminds us that this life is just temporary. The rulers of this world are temporary. Loving God reminds us that, even though life can be hard; the world can be a scary place; people can be cruel; hatred can seem to conquer the righteous; bad things happen to good people; He, the Creator of all things and everyone, is still in control. And one day, every tear, heartache, pain, sin, and death will be destroyed (Revelation 21:4). So, hold fast to your faith and your love of God, and hold onto what David stated in Psalms 37. I am including verses 1-7, but please read the whole thing.
1Do not fret because of evildoers,
Be not envious toward wrongdoers.
2 For they will wither quickly like the grass
And fade like the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light
And your judgment as the noonday.
7 Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
The Church of God International Springfield, Missouri 