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Showing posts from July, 2024

My focus is eternity

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  My focus is eternity Anxiety is a powerful force that ties us to the future, diverting our attention from the present and stealing our peace. Jesus calls us to live one day at a time, trusting that He will take care of us. When we focus on eternity, we find peace and purpose in the present. The Traps of Anxiety Anxiety makes us constantly think about the "what ifs." What if we lose our job? What if we get sick? What if something happens to our loved ones? These thoughts paralyze us, preventing us from enjoying the present moment and fully trusting in God's provision. Jesus instructed us not to worry about tomorrow, for each day has its own challenges (Matthew 6:34). He invites us to live in the present, to focus on His presence, and to trust that He will meet all our needs. Identifying the Source of Anxiety To deal with anxiety, it's essential to identify the areas where it is stealing our peace. It could be at work, in the family, with health, or finances. By rec

The Call to Generate Spiritual Children

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The story of Onan, found in the book of Genesis, serves as a profound lesson for us about the importance of generating spiritual children and not just seeking our own pleasure. Onan, son of Judah, was instructed to fulfill the law of levirate marriage by marrying his older brother Er's widow to raise offspring for him. However, Onan, despite having sexual relations with Tamar, spilled his semen on the ground to avoid generating children for his brother. This selfish and disobedient act brought God's wrath upon him, resulting in his premature death. This story leads us to reflect on our role as followers of Christ. Jesus, our elder brother, calls us to be fruitful and to make disciples of all nations, according to the Great Commission. We are not here just to seek personal or spiritual pleasure without responsibility. We are called to generate spiritual children, to share the gospel, to disciple, and to help others grow in faith. The Call for Spiritual Fruitfulness Jesus, in var

Pain Promotes Maturity

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  Pain is a universal experience that everyone, at some point in their lives, encounters. Although often avoided and feared, pain plays a crucial role in human maturity. It challenges us, shapes us, and eventually transforms us into more resilient and understanding versions of ourselves. In this article, we will explore how pain can be a catalyst for growth and personal maturity. The Inevitable Nature of Pain Pain, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is an inevitable part of human existence. From small frustrations to significant losses, everyone faces some form of suffering. This universal aspect of pain means it is a common denominator among all people, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. The inevitability of pain forces us to confront our vulnerabilities and find ways to cope with suffering. In John 16:33, Jesus assures us: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome t

The Heart in the Bible

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The Bible frequently uses the metaphor of the heart to represent the center of human emotions, thoughts, and will. This article explores the symbolism of the heart in the Bible, addressing its transformation, guarding, contrition, purity, and love as described in the Scriptures. The Heart of Stone and the Heart of Flesh (Lev, לב) Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV) tells us: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Here, the Hebrew word for heart is "Lev" (לב), symbolizing the center of the human being. God promises to replace a heart of stone, insensitive and hardened, with a heart of flesh, sensitive and receptive to His will. A heart of stone represents a life distant from God, marked by resistance to His word and change. People with hearts of stone can be trapped in sin, bitterness, or pride, becoming insensitive to God's voice. The promise of a heart of flesh reflects God's desi

Hands in the Bible

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The Bible, in its vast wealth of symbolism and narratives, frequently uses hands as a powerful symbol of action, blessing, healing, and authority. Through various stories and characters, we see how God uses human hands to fulfill His divine purposes. This article will explore some of these passages, highlighting the importance of hands and their symbolism in the Bible. One of the most emblematic stories is the healing of the man with the withered right hand. Jesus performed this healing on a Sabbath, challenging the religious norms of the time that prohibited any kind of work on that day. He questioned the religious leaders about what was permissible on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save a life or to destroy it. He then ordered the man to stretch out his hand, and as he did so, the hand was restored. This healing transcends physical restoration; hands represent action and capability. By healing the withered hand, Jesus restored the man's ability to work, serve, and bles

Laziness is a serious matter

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Matthew 7:13-14  "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Jesus presents us with a clear choice between two paths: one leading to life and the other to destruction. The wide gate and broad road represent easy and popular choices that often seem attractive because they require little effort and sacrifice. However, this path leads to destruction. In contrast, the small gate and narrow road represent the commitment and dedication required to follow Christ, a path that few choose because it is difficult and demanding. The metaphor of the narrow gate is a call to serious and deep commitment to God. Jesus challenges us not to follow the crowd that opts for the easy path, but to choose the path that leads to life, even though it is harder. This path requires us to leave behind our comforts and face challenges.