| |
|
TRUST IN GOD
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited
island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day
he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted,
he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to
protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to
find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky.
The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with
grief and anger. "God how could you do this to me!" he
cried.
Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship
that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How
did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.
"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we
shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even
in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little
hut is burning to the ground it just may be a smoke signal that
summons the grace of God. For all the negative things we have to
say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it :
| YOU
SAY |
GOD
SAYS |
BIBLE
VERSE |
| You say: "It's impossible" |
God says: All things are possible |
(Luke 18:27) |
| You say: "I'm too tired" |
God says: I will give you rest |
(Matthew 11:28-30) |
| You say: "Nobody really loves me" |
God says: I love you |
(John 3:16 & John 3:34) |
| You say: "I can't go on" |
God says: My grace is sufficient |
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15) |
| You say: "I can't figure things out" |
God says: I will direct your steps |
(Proverbs 3:5-6) |
| You say: "I can't do it" |
God says: You can do all things |
(Philippians 4:13) |
| You say: "I'm not able" |
God says: I am able |
(II Corinthians 9:8) |
| You say: "It's not worth it" |
God says: It will be worth it |
(Roman 8:28) |
| You say: "I can't forgive myself" |
God says: I Forgive you |
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1) |
| You say: "I can't manage" |
God says: I will supply all your needs |
(Philippians 4:19) |
| You say: "I'm afraid" |
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear |
(II Timothy 1:7) |
| You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" |
God says: Cast all your cares on ME |
(I Peter 5:7) |
| You say: "I don't have enough faith" |
God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith |
(Romans 12:3) |
| You say: "I'm not smart enough" |
God says: I give you wisdom |
(I Corinthians :30) |
| You say: "I feel all alone" |
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you |
(Hebrews 13:5) |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
PHOTO OF THE MONTH |
Tour
of the Relics of the Passion
(International Center
for Holy Relics)
www.HolyRelics.org
|
|
| |
| REFLECTIONS |
 “Jesus’
Baptism”
Why did Jesus, the sinless one sent from the Father in heaven,
submit himself to John’s baptism? John preached a
baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke
3:3). In this humble submission we see a foreshadowing of
the “baptism” of Jesus bloody death upon the
cross. Jesus’ baptism is the acceptance and the beginning
of his mission as God’s suffering Servant (Isaiah
52:13-15; 53:1-12). He allowed himself to be numbered among
sinners. Jesus submitted himself entirely to his Father’s
will. Out of love he consented to this baptism of death
for the remission of our sins. Do you know the joy of trust
and submission to God? 
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
