Light of The World

  Image by Freepik Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." Reflection: Encouragement is a powerful gift we can give to one another. In a world where criticism and negativity often dominate, offering words of hope and affirmation can make a significant difference in someone's life. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, urges us to encourage and build each other up. This command is as relevant today as it was in the early church. Think about the times when someone’s kind words have uplifted you, giving you the strength to carry on. Encouragement has the power to renew our spirits, to remind us of our worth, and to affirm our efforts and abilities. It can provide the motivation we need to overcome challenges and to keep moving forward. As Christians, we are called to be bearers of encouragement. This means actively looking for opportunities to uplift those around us—our f...

  Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Reflection: Today’s verse reminds us of a fundamental truth: God has a perfect timing for everything in our lives. This can be both comforting and challenging. Comforting because it reassures us that our lives are in God’s hands, and challenging because we often want things to happen on our own schedule. In our fast-paced world, waiting can be incredibly difficult. We are used to instant gratification—immediate answers to our questions, quick results from our efforts. But God's timing doesn't always align with our desire for speed. Sometimes, He asks us to wait, to trust, and to be patient. Waiting on God requires faith. It means believing that He knows what is best for us, even when we can't see the full picture. It means trusting that His plans are for our good, to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). During these waiting periods, God i...

  Scripture: Proverbs 31:25-31 (NIV) "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.' Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."   Reflection: Today, as we celebrate Mother's Day, we honor the women in our lives who have embodied strength, love, and sacrifice. The passage from Proverbs paints a vivid picture of a woman of honor, a mother who is clothed with strength and dignity. She is not merely defined by her external beauty or charm, but by her reverence for the Lord and her dedication to her family. Moth...

Scripture: "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV) Reflection: Encouragement is a powerful gift that we can offer to others, yet it's often underestimated in its impact. In a world where negativity and discouragement abound, choosing to be a source of encouragement can make a profound difference in someone's life. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of encouraging one another. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, we are instructed to "encourage one another and build one another up." Encouragement not only lifts the spirits of those who receive it but also strengthens their faith and resilience. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate the example of Jesus, who consistently offered words of hope and affirmation to those around Him. Whether through a kind gesture, a thoughtful word, or a listening ear, we have the opportunity to be instruments of God's encouragement in the l...

Scripture: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) Reflection: Change is a constant part of life. Sometimes it brings joy and new opportunities, while at other times, it brings challenges and uncertainties. Regardless of its nature, change is an inevitable aspect of our journey. However, as followers of Christ, we can take comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over all circumstances, and He has a purpose for every season of our lives. In times of change, it's natural to feel anxious or apprehensive about the unknown. Yet, God assures us in Jeremiah 29:11 that His plans for us are good. Even when we can't see the bigger picture, we can trust that God is working all things together for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28). Instead of resisting change out of fear or doubt, let us approach it with faith and surrender. Embracing change with f...

“No one patches up an old coat with a piece of new cloth, for the new patch will shrink and make an even bigger hole in the coat. Nor does anyone pour new wine into used wineskins, for the skins will burst, the wine will pour out, and the skins will be ruined. Instead, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins, and both will keep in good condition.” Matthew 9: 16-17; The Scripture presents to us two parables; A New Cloth and A New Wine. They can also be found in Mark 2: 21, 22 and Luke 5:36-39. In order to understand this parables, we have to understand why Jesus said them. First let’s establish the context. In the preceding verses, Matthew 9: 14-15 says; Then John’s (the Baptist) disciples came and asked him,” How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered,” How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. ...