Worn Out?

7 ways to increase energy

1. Eat breakfast. Studies show that people who eat breakfast are more likely to report being in a good mood and having plenty of energy throughout the day than those who don’t. Researchers at Cardiff University also found that eating a bowl of nutrition-rich breakfast cereal every morning leads to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. As always, avoid health-zapping, highly processed food, which includes most boxed cereals.

2. Drink water. Sometimes even slight dehydration can leave you feeling tired and lethargic. Blood and other bodily fluids are mostly water. Even mild dehydration can cause blood to thicken, forcing the heart to pump harder to carry blood to cells and organs, resulting in fatigue. The solution is simple: a tall glass of water. In addition to drinking more water, consume foods that are high in water content, such as carrots, watermelons, and oranges, and other juicy fruits and vegetables.

3. Walk around the block. It may seem that physical activity when you feel tired is likely to make you even more tired, but the opposite is true. Moderate physical activity such as walking increases energy. In experiments conducted at California State University, not only did a brisk 10-minute walk increase energy, but the effects lasted up to two hours. And when daily 10-minute walks continued for three weeks, the walkers reported increased overall energy level and improved mood.

4. Eat a power snack. A treat that combines protein, a little fat, and some fiber—like peanut butter on a whole-wheat cracker, or some unsweetened yogurt with a handful of nuts—does the trick. The carbohydrates offer a quick pick-me-up, the protein keeps your energy up, and the fat makes the energy last. Try to eat every three to four hours. Having three smallish meals and two snacks can keep your blood sugar and energy levels stable all day long. Note the word “smallish.” Supersized meals demand more energy to digest, which can leave you feeling lethargic. Sweet foods cause a spike in blood sugar, which gives you an initial burst of energy. But that high is followed by a rapid drop in blood sugar, which can leave you feeling wiped out. Fiber has a time-release effect on carbohydrates, so the glucose released by high-fiber foods enters your bloodstream at a slow and steady pace—energy with staying power. Some suggestions of fiber-filled options are a bowl of bran cereal, black beans and cheese wrapped in a multigrain tortilla, air-popped popcorn or an apple.

5. Make it a latte. If you drink coffee, try pairing that quick caffeine boost with the sustaining power of protein by making it a latte. All that milk turns your java into a protein drink, which gives you extra energy. Also, the extra calcium is good for your bones, provided you don’t negate that benefit with lots of sugar. Combine it with an ounce of almonds, and the healthy fat will really tide you over, while making you feel like you’re spoiling yourself!

6. Reduce stress. One of the biggest energy zappers is stress. Chronic stress, even at low levels, will erode your energy level. Over time you will find yourself doing less and feeling it more. Whatever is relaxing to you will reduce tension, and that will help increase energy. Take belly breaths. When you breathe in, your belly should round and fill like a balloon; when you exhale, your belly should deflate. Of course, remembering to practice deep breathing isn’t the first thing on your mind when you’re under the gun, so as a reminder, try posting a tranquil picture with the word “breathe” next to your computer or wherever you tend to get stressed. Let go of grudges. Nursing a grudge prompts your mind and body to react as if they’re under chronic stress, resulting in an impaired immune system and exhaustion over time. On the other hand, practicing empathy and forgiveness keeps the body’s stress responses in check.

7. Energize your spirit. Life happens. Emotionally difficult situations are inevitable, but if you react wisely—prayer and positiveness help—then your brain and body will rebound, along with your vim and vigor. Splash some water on your face or take a shower. Studies report that a little H2O refresher can increase energy and take the edge off when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Listening to music is one of the most effective ways to counter a bad mood, decrease tension, and increase energy. Research suggests that music effectively distracts you from feeling fatigue. Play a CD of your favorite songs when you need a pick-me-up. Do some good. A study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that acts of altruism can boost six areas that affect energy levels: life satisfaction, self-esteem, sense of control over life, physical health, mood, and overall happiness.

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Isaiah 40:29 NIV – He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Colossians 1:29 ESV – For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

Psalm 22:19 NIV – But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.

Healthy Eating – The power of two

I woke up feeling exhausted, even though I’d just slept for over an hour in the middle of the day—something I rarely do.

What’s wrong with me? I wondered. Am I getting sick? I checked my temperature. That wasn’t it.

I had work to do, but couldn’t focus. Then it came to me, “Do a diet recall.”

It was easy to remember what I’d eaten that day—half a piece of toast and a cup of tea in the morning. I glanced at my watch. It was 4 pm.

I had been busy, I told myself. How was I supposed to fit in eating on top of everything else I had to do?

I’m one of those “lucky” people with a fast metabolism. It’s always been harder for me to gain weight than to lose it. I needed to eat frequently to keep up my energy and weight, but rarely ate very much at one time. And if a meal didn’t suit my taste buds or I was going through an emotional ordeal, I would skip it altogether. My “normal” small meals and snacks gradually tapered off until I was eating almost nothing.

As a result, my energy level was always low, I got sick frequently, and had a hard time recovering. I was finding it harder and harder to exercise, or even to get up in the morning. I had a problem, and it was getting worse.

The solution was obvious—I needed to eat better—but I was bound by bad habits. I prayed about the situation, and God showed me to ask for help from a friend.

At first, I was irritated by the “intrusive” phone calls and text messages from the friend that I had taken into my confidence. I had to keep telling myself that she was only concerned and that I needed her to check on me. I grew to appreciate hearing from her frequently, inquiring what I’d eaten that day.

Whether or not you have a friend or family member to help you, there is someone who is always there, who knows your body better than you do, and who will give you ideas and tips that will help. Whether it’s a matter of losing weight, gaining weight, exercising more, or simply eating better, God will help you find and do whatever it is you need to do to live a healthy lifestyle.

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Genesis 1:29 ESV – And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.

3 John 1:2 ESV – Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

Proverbs 25:27 ESV – It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.

Quality of Life

If you want to enjoy a good quality of life in years to come, you have to invest in your health today.

Sickness and accidents are a part of life, and sometimes you don’t have much control over what you come in contact with or what happens to you. On the other hand, how your body reacts initially to these things and how quickly it recovers or heals is something that you do have some control over, because your body’s resistance and resilience are in great part the result of choices you make every day in caring for your health—what you eat, how you exercise, how you manage stress, your sleep and recreation habits, and other lifestyle choices.

There are many practical points that can be beneficial when trying to determine how to stay in good health or get back to good health if you’re not, but the best advice you will ever get will come from God. No one understands your body and its needs as He does, so the smartest thing you can do is ask Him to show you what changes you need to make in order to be in peak health.

God can even use health problems to better your quality of life in the long run, believe it or not. No one enjoys being sick, but if you will make an extra effort to keep Him as your ever-close consultant and companion during such times, your relationship with Him will deepen. And if you ask Him to teach you something or bring about some other good through those physical problems, He will. You will also find that you have greater faith, peace of mind, and the comfort of knowing that He is in control—all of which will make those times of difficulty easier, and the wisdom gained will stick with you once you’re better.

The next time you’re faced with a storm of health problems, remember that every dark cloud has a silver lining and that sunshine will break through in God’s time, transforming even the blackest skies. The beauties of spirit that come through such trying times are grander than the rainbow after the storm and more valuable than any “pot of gold” at the rainbow’s end. It doesn’t matter what health problem you experience, how minor or how debilitating. Whatever it is, God can use it in your life for good.

Do what you can to live a healthy lifestyle. Give your body the good things it needs, and avoid toxins, stress, and other things that weaken it. Also do what you can to strengthen your spirit by living close to God, reading and absorbing God’s Word, and avoiding things that disturb, weaken, and drain you spiritually. Do what you can, and be assured that God will do what you can’t do. You’re His forever, and He loves you more than words can say!

Natural laws vs. miracles

While God operates in the realm of the miraculous and can do whatever He deems necessary to fulfill His will, we also need to accept the fact that most of the time God chooses to work within the natural order that He has set up. That means that you are responsible to do what you can to care for your body by following God’s laws for healthy living—eating properly, exercising appropriately and consistently, getting enough sleep, minimizing stress, being attentive to hygiene, taking precautions to prevent accidents, etc.—and when you do get sick or have an accident, taking practical steps to help your body heal. God will rarely override His natural laws to do something for you that you could have done for yourself. When it comes to health, doing your part includes taking good care of your body and spirit through a healthy diet and appropriate exercise, sufficient physical and spiritual rest, and getting medical help when necessary.

Mental and emotional well-being

The ways in which our body’s physiology interacts with our mental and emotional behavior is a vast subject. There are many causes of mental illness, ranging from past experiences and hurts that one has not come to grips with, to physical imbalances that affect one’s reasoning and emotions, to feelings of extreme fear or guilt or negativity or depression, or addictions, or intense physical pain, or stress, or even simply a lack of sleep over a period of time. How an individual is affected by those causes and for how long also vary greatly, depending on how that person deals with them and whether or not the cause can be eliminated.

More and more medical professionals are recognizing the benefit of faith in overcoming mental and emotional problems, especially those brought on by trauma. Patients who turn to God for comfort and help tend to recover more quickly.

Stress

Stress undermines health, in part by weakening your nervous system and in part by undermining whatever steps you are taking to improve your health. Reducing stress often involves reassessing your priorities and lifestyle choices. What do you need to start doing differently in order to bring your life into better balance? What will it cost you? What is your health worth?

Healing takes time

Be leery of products, methods, and treatments that claim to give instant results. Most systems in the body take time to regulate. While a certain pharmaceutical product, dietary supplement, or exercise gadget might relieve one symptom or help you overcome one problem, it may have side effects that could cause worse damage. Others are simply a waste of time and money.

As you consider the options for healing and health, it’s good to remember that healing of all kinds—physical, mental, spiritual, emotional—usually takes time. That’s the way God designed it. While He might sometimes choose to restore us to full health miraculously and speedily, for the most part it takes time for our bodies and spirits to be renewed or repaired. This is the way He’s made our bodies and how they function. It’s also one of the ways in which He deepens our spirit and perspective on life, and helps us to learn lessons and gain valuable experience and maturity.

Healing just takes time. It’s a process. If something is out of balance in your body, work on getting it back in balance through healthy living choices, through steady improvement, through incremental changes. Give your body time to heal from the inside out, to be strengthened, and to repair itself. And during that time, let Jesus work in your spirit and bring about beautiful and worthwhile changes and results that will stick with you for a lifetime. “Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

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1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV – So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 3:17 ESV – If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV – But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Rose’s Curly Toes

My friend Rose has been going through a difficult time. Her knees and toes are swollen and inflamed, and sharp pains in her legs keep her awake at night. She has had these problems off and on since she was a teenager, but it was only recently that a series of tests at a rheumatology clinic revealed that she suffers from a particularly debilitating type of inflammatory arthritis. Rose is normally an energetic person, living a busy and full life. Naturally she wondered why she was afflicted with this incurable disease, so she did some research.

When we met up over coffee, I was rather mystified by her initial exclamation. “It’s all due to my curly toes.” Then she told me what her research had yielded. Her condition was primarily genetic. Like the unusually curly toes that ran in her family, Rose had inherited a susceptibility to this disease. Something environmental—probably an infection—had triggered her first episode.

“Doesn’t that make you feel down?” I asked.

“I’ll live with it,” she replied. “Just because my toes are curly doesn’t mean I have to curl up in a corner. I may have a predisposition to this disease, but I don’t have to let it ruin my life. God has been good to me!”

X-rays had revealed that despite the many years she had been battling arthritis, she had minimal damage in her joints, which surprised the doctors. No doubt her active lifestyle, determination to stay mobile, and positive outlook had all contributed to her being in relatively good shape.

After Rose had hobbled off with a mix of grins and grimaces, I thought about this long and hard. It’s true we can’t choose our genetic makeup, and not all of the physical traits we inherit are positive, but we can choose what we do with what we are given. The Bible describes our body as the temple for our spirits, and admonishes us to take care of it. My temple may be imperfect; like Rose, I have flaws that I have inherited and other conditions I have acquired. However, none of that changes my duty to “take care of my temple” by keeping up good living habits. By giving God my cooperation, He can help me make the best of things.

Enough sitting at this keyboard! The sunshine is beckoning me outside.

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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV – Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Philippians 4:8 ESV – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Psalm 37:5 ESV – Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

Caring for Our Bodies

Once there was a rich man who had two sons whom he loved dearly and showered with good things. When his sons were grown, he gave them the deeds to houses he had put in their names the day they were born. Besides being amazingly well designed and constructed, the two houses had another thing in common: they needed regular upkeep. One son kept on top of repairs and even made a few improvements, but the other son let his house go to rack and ruin. Which do you think could expect more good things from his father?—Yes, the one who showed gratitude by taking care of his gift.

That’s not one of the parables Jesus told, but I think it could have been. (He would have told it better, of course.) Or maybe it would have gone like this:

Once there was a rich man who gave each of his two sons a house. One son took good care of his house, and the other didn’t. And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on the houses. The house that had been cared for made it through the storm, but the house that had been neglected collapsed.

Then I think Jesus would have explained the parable like this:

The rich man is our heavenly Father, we are His sons (and daughters), and the houses are our bodies. They are amazing—“fearfully and wonderfully made,” as the Bible puts it—but they require upkeep, especially if they’re going to withstand the storms of life. One way we can show God how grateful we are for our bodies is by taking care of them. When we do, we win in two ways: We are better prepared for life’s troubles, and we can better enjoy all of the other good things our Father showers on us.

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1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV – Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

3 John 1:2 ESV – Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV – Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?

Listen

“The heavens declare the glory of God,” the Psalmist wrote. “The skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.”1 The Creator speaks through His creation.

You can hear Him too, if you’ll stop what you’re doing and listen.

A quiet spot in nature is best, but if that’s not possible, a view of a tree, a few plants, or even a patch of sky will do.

Switch off your phone. Forget your work. Forget the mess. Put all other thoughts aside, and give God your full attention. Block out everything in your vision that is manmade, and concentrate on something that God made—a flower, a tree, a bird, a butterfly, a cloud, a pond or stream, the breeze. …

Imagine the love and care that God put into creating that single thing. Then multiply that by all the others like it in the world. What does that tell you about God’s love and care for you? Doesn’t that give you a sense of peace and well-being?

Take a few long, deep breaths. Relax, soak in God’s love, take in the view, and listen as God reveals more of His truths.

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Romans 1:20 ESV – For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Psalm 46:10 ESV – “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Job 37:5 ESV – God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend.

Angels

Angels are mentioned hundreds of times in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, in a variety of settings and with diverse roles. Here are answers from the Bible to some of the most frequently asked questions about angels.

Where did angels come from?

Angels were created by God.

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.—Colossians 1:16

Angels have been around since before the world was made.

The Lord answered Job. … “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? While the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?”—Job 38:1–7 NIV

What are angels like?

Angels are wise.

The word of my lord the king will now be comforting; for as the angel of God, so is my lord the king in discerning good and evil. —2 Samuel 14:17

[Archangel] Gabriel … said, “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand.”—Daniel 9:21–22

Angels are innumerable.

A thousand thousands ministered to Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him.—Daniel 7:10

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels. —Hebrews 12:22

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.—Revelation 5:11

Angels are immortal.

Nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels. —Luke 20:36

Some angels have wings.

Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.—Isaiah 6:2

Some angels appear as humans.

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.—Hebrews 13:2 (See also Genesis 18:1–2; 19:1–3; Daniel 10:18; Zechariah 2:1)

What do angels do?

Angels are protectors and deliverers.

He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.—Psalm 91:11

My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me.—Daniel 6:22

Peter was sleeping [in prison], bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him; and he raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. Then the angel said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” So he went out and followed him. When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.—Acts 12:6–10

Angels are providers.

Suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. —1 Kings 19:5–6

Angels are God’s messengers.

And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Indeed now, you are barren and have borne no children, but you shall conceive and bear a son.”—Judges 13:3

And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.”—Luke 1:19

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”— Luke 2:10–11

Angels fight the Devil and his demons for us.

Then [the angel] said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me.”—Daniel 10:12–13

And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought.—Revelation 12:7

Angels praise God and rejoice in His work.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”—Luke 2:13–14

Let all the angels of God worship Him.—Hebrews 1:6

Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.—Luke 15:10

Spiritual Power

Power from God makes possible things that are beyond our human capabilities. This power can manifest itself in many ways: a miraculous healing; an easing of stress and emotional pressure; a change in circumstances that couldn’t be brought about through human effort; insight that transcends earthly wisdom, knowledge, and experience; the capacity to love sacrificially and unconditionally, as God loves us. From simple solutions to outright miracles, all come from a force outside of us. It is the power of God.

• There is tremendous power in God’s love. It forgives sins, changes hearts, renews spirits, restores health, gives hope to the despairing and strength to the weary, and brings sunshine where there is darkness.

• God is all-powerful, and all things are possible for those who tap into His power through faith and prayer. With faith no bigger than a mustard seed, anyone can cast mountains into the sea, (Matthew 21:21) heal the sick, raise the dead, and give new life to the desperate and needy (Matthew 10:8).

• Do you think millions of people throughout the ages would have believed in prayer if it didn’t work? Discover the power of prayer for yourself. It’s no secret.

• God knows each person’s heart and innermost needs, feelings, and fears, and it’s in His power to give each person exactly what he or she needs.

• The secret of spiritual power and victory and overcoming and fruitfulness and fire and life and light—the secret to everything good—is found in God’s Word!

• God has unlimited power, but to tap in to that power you need a conduit, a line. Faith is like a cord that carries God’s power from the source to the appliance.

• We’ve all seen superhero comic books and movies like Superman where people had supernatural powers. Though they lived in the physical world, they had powers that enabled them to defy its limitations and to do things that were impossible for mere humans. That’s how it is in the spirit. God’s Spirit in you gives you power to break out of the problems and despair of life by bringing you happiness, hope, courage, and new strength that is unquenchable and unstoppable.

• Including God in everything adds a whole new dimension to life. It’s like stepping into a new world where even things that used to be mundane can become extraordinary.

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1 Chronicles 29:11 ESV – Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.

Colossians 1:16 KJV – For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.

The Phone Call

Laurita had only been home for a few minutes after visiting me when she realized she needed bread for dinner.

She grabbed her car keys and headed for the store, but as she was closing the door behind her, she heard her phone ring inside the house and went back in to answer it. At the same moment, my home phone rang. It was in another room, so it took me a few rings to get to it. When I answered with “Hello,” so did Laurita. There was a long moment of silence as we each waited for the other to say why she had called. I hadn’t phoned her, I said, and she said she hadn’t phoned me either. I asked where she was, and she said she was at home and everything was okay. Then we both hung up.

At that instant, Laurita heard a commotion in the street and went to see what had happened. Arriving at her front gate, she saw that someone had sideswiped her car, which she had parked in front of her house, and several people lay injured in the street. A drunk driver had hit her car and careened into some pedestrians. It had all happened in those few moments when she had stepped back inside to answer her phone and talk with me.

I hadn’t called Laurita and she hadn’t called me, so how did both of our phones ring at the same time and connect us? Whoever made that call had saved her from an awful accident, as she would have been getting into her car when that drunk driver hit it and the pedestrians. Can you explain it? I can’t, but I know Laurita was miraculously protected. Whatever rational or technical explanation anyone may try to offer, I’m certain that God used that call to rescue her from harm. Someone called it mysterious. I call it miraculous. What do you call it?

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Romans 15:19 ESV – By the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ;

John 2:11 ESV – This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

John 20:30 ESV – Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;

Announcement

1. Helping Hand Project
Details: Once again on behalf of the Women's Ministry team, thank you to all who participate in this fruitful event.

2. 80th Anniversary Charity Dinner & Celebration
Date: 18-19th 2018 (Sat-Sun)
Theme: Amazing Grace
Details: Those who are interested to attend this celebration, please submit your form to Capt Fiona before 29 July 2018.

3. Reminder: Explorer Weekend
Date: 28-29th July (Sat-Sun)
Venue: Village Hotel Changi, Singapore
Details: Please contact Capt Andrew/Fiona for more information.

4. Penang Open Day Coupons
Date: 29th Sept 2018 (Sat)
Time: 9am - 2pm
Venue: Penang Children's Home
Details: Your help, support and assistant are needed to sell the coupons.
Please see Capt. Fiona for the coupons. Thank you.

Narrow Escape

Hot air whipped through the open windows as we drove north along a narrow Mexican highway toward Monterrey. There was a stark beauty in the expanses of dry fields on either side of the road, broken only by an occasional tree or house, but the sweltering summer heat and the hum of our van’s motor were beginning to take their toll. My son Shawn and I fought drowsiness. Four fellow volunteers were already asleep in the back of the Volkswagen van. The back highways in Mexico are notoriously narrow, and this long stretch had no lighting or firm shoulders, making night driving even more unsafe than under more “normal” conditions. We were anxious to reach our destination before dark.

Suddenly the intense heat and humidity gave way with a loud crack of thunder, and there was a torrential downpour. Sheets of rain pummeled the windshield, obstructing our vision. In one frightful split second the van was skidding out of control across the highway and into the approaching lane. Shawn gripped the steering wheel for dear life. Another split second and we were directly in the path of a speeding semi truck.

The terrifying scene seemed to shift to slow motion, and I felt a strange, overwhelming urge to thank God for His love and goodness. Just as we were about to collide head-on with the semi, I mouthed what was probably the shortest prayer I had ever prayed—“Thank You.” Instantly, all fear left me.

Then, instead of colliding with the truck, our van swung abruptly off the highway, into a field, and back onto the road behind the truck, where Shawn was able to regain control. We had escaped death by the narrowest margin.

As unexpectedly as the summer storm had begun, it passed, and we found ourselves driving peacefully down the road as though nothing had happened. When I looked to see how our co-workers in the back had fared, to my amazement they were all still asleep. God had spared them the whole ordeal.

I’ve often thought about that incident and wondered what it would be like if we could see behind the scenes, into the spiritual dimension. Miracles like the one Shawn and I witnessed on that Mexican highway are unmistakable, but how many others do we “sleep through”?

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Psalm 91:1-6 ESV – He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

Psalm 17:8 ESV – Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wing.

Psalm 34:7 ESV – The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

The Miraculous

It takes only two elements for a miracle to take place: God’s power and our faith. Whenever the faith of some humble believer meets the power of God, a miracle can happen. Genuine faith results in genuine miracles.

Faith that miracles can happen to you begins with faith in the Bible. The Bible is a supernatural book. It has transforming power. Read, study, and absorb it, and your faith will grow. Faith in the Bible creates faith in the miraculous.

Why does it seem strange to expect God to perform miracles today in answer to our prayers? Not only can He work miracles today, but miracles are necessary to accomplish all He has promised and all He has planned for us. Jesus said, “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” (John 14:12). He also said that anything is possible if we have faith. (Mark 9:23).

Christians today are the custodians of the same divine power with which Jesus’ original followers “turned the world upside down.” (Acts 17:6). Those humble, formerly unheard-of men and women had such confidence that God’s supernatural power was at their command that they even dared to challenge the Roman Empire—and they shook it to its very foundation. If miracles are less prevalent today, it is not because God’s power or promises have changed, but because fewer people believe those promises.

If you will take in God’s Word, trust Him to keep the promises you find there, and give Him a chance to work, you will see things come to pass that are beyond the realm of the natural; you will see God work in the supernatural realm; you will see miracles.

The Bible says, “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9). That is as true today as it was when it was written.

Put your faith in Him. Claim His promises with full confidence—promises like this one: “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). God’s love, power, and promises haven’t changed. God is still on His throne, and prayer changes things.

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Acts 4:30 ESV – While you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Mark 16:20 ESV – And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 ESV – Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

Something from Nothing

While visiting my dad for his 85th birthday, we watched some of our old family movies. It was funny to see my brother as a one-year-old, crawling around, playing with the puppies, and eating from the dog’s food dish. To think that this cute little baby would grow up to be a distinguished college professor and international lecturer! It got me thinking about how God makes special people out of nobodies. We come into this world naked and helpless, and God transforms us into the unique people we each are through our experiences and choices.

It’s been said that God delights in making something out of nothing, and I believe it. In fact, I believe that God madeeverything out of nothing.

Skeptics ask, “How could the universe have been created from nothing? The laws of science say that nothing can ever be created or destroyed—only rearranged. You have to have something to start with.” Perhaps the clearest and most compelling answer I’ve found to that argument is put forth by James Perloff in Tornado in a Junkyard.

The most widely accepted theory of the universe’s origin says that, at one time, all mass and energy were compressed in a tiny “cosmic egg.” Then the egg exploded, creating the universe in the Big Bang. …

But the Big Bang itself violates natural law. The laws of physics state that matter and energy can neither be created nor destroyed. This is the First Law of Thermodynamics, the law of conservation of energy. As the well-known physicist Paul Davies wrote in his book The Edge of Infinity, the Big Bang “represents the instantaneous suspension of physical laws that allowed something to come out of nothing. It represents a true miracle.”

If one allows for an event beyond natural law—a “true miracle,” as Davies put it—then it is logically inconsistent to exclude other events, such as creation by God. If there was a “cosmic egg,” who put it there? The cosmic chicken? Scientists have always agreed that there is a cause for every effect. How then can the greatest effect of all—the universe itself—have arisen without a cause?

That cause, I believe, was God’s command. God spoke and—BANG!—the universe was created.

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Hebrews 11:3 ESV – By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

Colossians 1:16 ESV – For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

Revelation 4:11 ESV – “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”