Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Spiritual Vitamins A to Z

Anxious? Take Vitamin A. All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28)
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Blue? Take Vitamin B. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. (Ps 103:1)
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Crushed? Take Vitamin C. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. (1 Pet 5:7) ******************************

Depressed? Take Vitamin D. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (Jas 4:8) ******************************

Empty? Take Vitamin E. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. (Ps 100:4)
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Fearful? Take Vitamin F. Fear not, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God. (Isa 41:10)
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Greedy? Take Vitamin G. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put unto your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back. (Lk 6:38)
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Hesitant? Take Vitamin H. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." (Isa 52:7)
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Insecure? Take Vitamin I. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13) ******************************

Jittery? Take Vitamin J. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Heb 13:8) ******************************

Know nothing? Take Vitamin K. Know this that the Lord is God, it is He that made us and not we ourselves. (Ps 100:3)
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Lonely? Take Vitamin L. Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Mt 28:20) ******************************

Mortgaged? Take Vitamin M. My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor 12:9) ******************************

Nervous? Take Vitamin N. Never, no never will I leave you nor forsake you. (Heb 13:5) ******************************

Overwhelmed? Take Vitamin O. Overcome evil with good. (Rom 12:21) ******************************

Perplexed or puzzled? Take Vitamin P. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (Jn 14:27) ******************************

Quitting? Take Vitamin Q. Quit you like men and women, be strong. (1 Cor 16:13) ******************************

Restless? Take Vitamin R. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him. (Ps 37:7) ******************************

Scared? Take Vitamin S. Stay with me, and do not be afraid; for the one who seeks my life seeks your life; you will be safe with me. (1 Sam 22:23)
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Tired? Take Vitamin T. Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isa 40:31)
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Uncertain? Take Vitamin U. Understand that I am (the Lord). Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. (Isa 43:10)
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Vain? Take Vitamin V. Vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. (Acts 5:16) ******************************

Wondering what to do? Take Vitamin W. What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Mic 6:8) ******************************

eXhausted? Take Vitamin X. Exercise thyself rather unto godliness. (1 Tim 4:7) ******************************

Yearning for hope? Take Vitamin Y. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you art with me; your rod and your staff-they comfort me. (Ps 23:4)
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Zapped? Take Vitamin Z. Zealous for good deeds. (Titus 2:14)

Friday, November 25, 2005

God said, Let there be light; and there was light

The entire universe was created by the spoken Word of God (Heb 11:3). When God said, "Let there be light," there was light. When God said, "Let there be trees," so it was. God's Word is still the same. Its power has not changed. "The Word of the Lord endures forever" even if all creation vanishes away (1 Pet 1:24,25).
The power of God's Word is illustrated in various ways in the Scriptures. God Himself challenges His people, "Is not My Word like a fire, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" (Jer 23:29). Prophet Jeremiah testified, "His Word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones" (Jer 20:9). The fire of God's Word burns up the rubbish in our life and refines us as pure gold. What the best of human argument cannot do, the Word of God can accomplish in us if only we would allow it to work freely in us.
The stunted growth of many a Christian is primarily due to insufficient intake of the Word of God. Just like babies we are to be craving for the milk of God's Word. Growth is not possible otherwise (1 Pet 2:2). If we thus meditate the Bible with hunger and thirst, its God-intended purpose shall be fully accomplished in us. God says, "My Word shall not return to Me without fruit" (Isa 55:10,11).
In this age of hectic activity, whether spiritual or secular, we must guard ourselves of the danger of becoming too busy to spend unhurried time in Bible meditation. We may build massive structures or launch mammoth projects. They will impress God the least. But He is attracted towards the one who "trembles at His Word" (Isa 66:1,2). Which means, God honours those who honour His Word. He prospers the work of their hands (Psa 1:2,3). Our mental strength and physical stamina cannot sustain us too long without the spiritual power that comes from God's Word. That is why David prayed frequently, "Strengthen me according to Your Word" (Psa 119:28).
Bodily sickness is common to all. Praise God for all the medical help available today, but we are well aware of its limitations. The miracle healing power of God can be experienced by those who believe it. With reference to the wilderness journey of the Israelites we read, "God sent His Word and healed them" (Psa 107:20). "Jesus cast out the demons with a Word, and healed all who were sick" (Mt 8:16). Those who are regular in Bible meditation will experience both spiritual and physical health (Prov 4:20-22). Bless God for the Bible!