Proverbs 28:14 ... Ps 51:17

"Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble" Prov 28:14; NIV

 Last night I changed my approach of carrying out our family devotion.  I was promted to do this as I felt that I did not have enough time, nor was I fully prepared to lead the devotion after along working day. 

So it thought - hey - let everyone share with us a new verse learnt within the course of the week.  My son Victor started and as I keenly listened, I was elated at how he could explain the word of God and what it really meant to him.  I later gave my feedback emphasising on what God would really have us learn and do from the scripture.

I was yet to get excited, blessing the Lord all the more.  Shaldan, my second born shared from Proverbs 28:14 and another verse I cannot remember right now.  He read from the Good News Bible and the scripture if I could paraphrase was something like "Always obey the Lord and you will be happy but if you are stubborn your life will be ruined".  As he read that, I asked him to repeat twice so I could be sure that it was actually the bible, and not his own words.  I even read it thro just to confirm.

After reading, he also explained what he understood it to mean and what God would want us to learn and do.  As I share this msg, I am more that excited to see that God has put it so explicitly that obedience to God (and all that he has given authority over our lives) is the underlying factor for joy, happiness and all that we look for in life.  When we obey our rulers, parents, bosses, teachers, pastors - the end result is happiness.  When the fear of God trembles our hearts, causes us to be fragile before God, then we are trully blessed.    And this reminded According to verse 14, the contrary is also true - when we are stubborn, strong willed, cannot and do not want to listen to what others have to say, then we are destined for destruction.  This struck me especially when as a parent, I have to tell the same boys who shared these verses to do something over and over again.  Sometimes, they are stubborn, other times, pretty good.  But besides, us - the grown ups - how many times are we stubborn with God.  We want things done our way and not Gods way.  And we stick on that.  We are doomed to fail.  

I was so humbled and really taught as Shaldan shared on that scripture, and this further reminded me of what the bible says in Ps 51:17 thus: "My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise".  If we always allow ourselves to have this kind of spirit, then, we are assured of Victory in our christian lives.  So obedience, brokenness are key... Be broken today before God, pour yourself out.  Let him search you in and out as you surrender totally to him.  Blessings.

Rose Kainda

BEYOND THE STORM

It was evening as I climbed aboard the jumbo jet. I was tired.

It had been a hectic, emotionally stormy week. I had endured more than the usual schedule changes, telephone calls, interruptions, children's activities, and arguments.

I settled into my seat, relieved to see the plane was nearly empty.

Maybe I could get some much needed rest. The giant plane took off and climbed up over the condominium complexes hugging the white stretch of beach bordering the deep blue sea of the Atlantic Ocean.

I settled down, grateful for the quiet. Suddenly I noticed dark, ominous clouds off the left side of the wing. Soon, bolts of lightning began to streak across the dark clouds.

I sat mesmerized by this vicious storm only a few miles away.  It was frightening, yet fascinating. It brought to mind many of the tempests I had experienced in my life. Financial storms, physical storms, emotional storms, relational storms, So many different types of storms with varying degrees of intensity.  Some had been as fearful and terrifying as this large thunderhead, others had been sudden. Some storms had resembled a weather front that moves in and won't go away.

As I sat there contemplating the severity of the weather outside the window, and the storm that had raged within my own life, I suddenly saw beyond the storm.

There, along the horizon, was one of the most magnificent sunsets I had ever been privileged to witness.  Brilliant gold, blending with deep crimson, fading into multiple shades of yellow, peach, apricot, and rose. What absolute, breathtaking beauty.  I watched with wonder and awe.

From the vantage point of 42,000 feet up, I knew that at any moment this formidable thunderstorm would probably hit our home. But I could also see beyond the storm, and knew that in just a short space of time, those who would be hit by the storm, would also experience incredible beauty.

I was suddenly aware of how God must look upon the storms that hit our lives.

Often I have been in the midst of a fearful squall, and like the disciples, cried out, "Lord don't you care? Don't you see that I can't take any more?"  Of course He cares. In 1Peter, He reminds us that He cares for us, that we are His personal concern.  But, from His vantage point, He also sees the glory that is to follow.

His message?

Don't be discouraged in the midst of life's storms.

Be assured that God cares and that His plans for us include a future and a hope.
--author unknown