" It's Time to move by Faith "
Matthew 2:19-21 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said,
'Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead.'
So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. (NIVUK)
Egypt was not to be Jesus' home.
It was a temporary refuge, as it had been for the children of Israel over 1800 years previously -
until it was God’s time for them to move.
We do not know how long Joseph had been looking after his family in exile when God spoke to him in another dream.
King Herod and his court had gone, and with them the immediate threat to Jesus' life; it was time to leave Egypt.
Joseph knew that God was speaking to him, and so he moved quickly in obedience;
leading his family back to Israel with the confidence that God would open up the next chapter for them.
Moving, is the repeated narrative of the Bible: God's people kept on moving at His command –
from Canaan to Egypt, out of Egypt, through the wilderness, into the Promised Land,
into exile, and back from exile to await the Messiah.
It is also the story of the Early Church: always on the move, seeking openings for the gospel or scattered through persecution.
They were like Abraham:
"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went,
even though he did not know where he was going.
By faith he made his home in the Promised Land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents,
as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." (Hebrews 11:8-10)
Instinctively, we want to make a home and stay there.
Often God uses that desire to enable us to be useful to Him in the place He chooses for us, as long as He wants us to be there.
However, every earthly circumstance is only temporary.
There is a time to stay and a time to move.
Only God knows when the time is right.
Because He fits everything into the pattern of His purposes,
He has the right to command His people to stay put until the time to move on.
So we should call no place 'home' except the place which He assigns to us, and then only for as long as He allows.
So when God says, "Stay!", we should not move:
when He says, "Move!", we should not stay.
That is faith.
Prayer for the day : -Great God of time and space.
Thank You that my times are in Your hands and that You know the right time and
place for everything and everybody.
Forgive me when I hold my home too tightly;
when I stay for my own comfort when You have told me to move;
when I move on my own impulse without Your command.
Please help me to be content in every circumstance and change which You allow,
to only push on doors in peace and never in panic,
and to learn practical faith as I obey Your commands.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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" Life After 60 "
�
An interesting article from The Hindu.
Life can begin at 60, it is all in your hands! Many people feel unhappy, health-wise and security-wise, after 60 years of age, owing to the diminishing importance given to them and their opinions. But, it need not be so, if only we understand the basic principles of life and follow them scrupulously. Here are ten mantras to age gracefully and make life after retirement pleasant.
1. Never say I am aged' :�
There are three ages, chronological, biological, and psychological. The first is calculated based on our date of birth; the second is determined by the health conditions; the third is how old we feel we are. While we don't have control over the first, we can take care of our health with good diet, exercise and a cheerful attitude. A positive attitude and optimistic thinking can reverse the third age.
2. Health is wealth:�
If you really love your kit and kin, taking care of your health should be your priority. Thus, you will not be a burden to them. Have an annual health check-up and take the prescribed medicines regularly. Do take health insurance coverage.
3. Money is important:�
Money is essential for meeting the basic necessities of life, keeping good health and earning family respect and security. Don't spend beyond your means even for your children. You have lived for them all through and it is time you enjoyed a harmonious life with your spouse. If your children are grateful and they take care of you, you are blessed. But, never take it for granted.
4. Relaxation and recreation:�
The most relaxing and recreating forces are a healthy religious attitude, good sleep, music and laughter. Have faith in God, learn to sleep well, love good music and see the funny side of life.
5. Time is precious:�
It is almost like holding a horses' reins. When they are in your hands, you can control them. Imagine that everyday you are born again. Yesterday is a cancelled cheque. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is ready cash - use it profitably. Live this moment; live it fully, now, in the present time.
6. Change is the only permanent thing: We should accept change - it is inevitable. The only way to make sense out of change is to join in the dance. Change has brought about many pleasant things. We should be happy that our children are blessed.
7. Enlightened selfishness:�
All of us are basically selfish. Whatever we do, we expect something in return. We should definitely be grateful to those who stood by us. But, our focus should be on the internal satisfaction and the happiness we derive by doing good for others, without expecting anything in return. Perform a random act of kindness daily.
8. Forget and forgive:�
Don't be bothered too much about others' mistakes. We are not spiritual enough to show our other cheek when we are slapped in one. But for the sake of our own health and happiness, let us forgive and forget them. Otherwise, we will be only increasing our blood pressure.
9. Everything has a purpose:�
Take life as it comes. Accept yourself as you are and also accept others for what they are. Everybody is unique and is right in his own way.
10. Overcome the fear of death:�
We all know that one day we have to leave this world. Still we are afraid of death. We think that our spouse and children will be unable to withstand our loss. But the truth is no one is going to die for you; they may be depressed for some time. Time heals everything and they will go on. �
Secrets of Old Age.
If you have time for one very special email today this is it.
Take the time and accept the secrets of old age.
An interesting article from The Hindu.
Life can begin at 60, it is all in your hands! Many people feel unhappy, health-wise and security-wise, after 60 years of age, owing to the diminishing importance given to them and their opinions. But, it need not be so, if only we understand the basic principles of life and follow them scrupulously. Here are ten mantras to age gracefully and make life after retirement pleasant.
1. Never say I am aged' :�
There are three ages, chronological, biological, and psychological. The first is calculated based on our date of birth; the second is determined by the health conditions; the third is how old we feel we are. While we don't have control over the first, we can take care of our health with good diet, exercise and a cheerful attitude. A positive attitude and optimistic thinking can reverse the third age.
2. Health is wealth:�
If you really love your kit and kin, taking care of your health should be your priority. Thus, you will not be a burden to them. Have an annual health check-up and take the prescribed medicines regularly. Do take health insurance coverage.
3. Money is important:�
Money is essential for meeting the basic necessities of life, keeping good health and earning family respect and security. Don't spend beyond your means even for your children. You have lived for them all through and it is time you enjoyed a harmonious life with your spouse. If your children are grateful and they take care of you, you are blessed. But, never take it for granted.
4. Relaxation and recreation:�
The most relaxing and recreating forces are a healthy religious attitude, good sleep, music and laughter. Have faith in God, learn to sleep well, love good music and see the funny side of life.
5. Time is precious:�
It is almost like holding a horses' reins. When they are in your hands, you can control them. Imagine that everyday you are born again. Yesterday is a cancelled cheque. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is ready cash - use it profitably. Live this moment; live it fully, now, in the present time.
6. Change is the only permanent thing: We should accept change - it is inevitable. The only way to make sense out of change is to join in the dance. Change has brought about many pleasant things. We should be happy that our children are blessed.
7. Enlightened selfishness:�
All of us are basically selfish. Whatever we do, we expect something in return. We should definitely be grateful to those who stood by us. But, our focus should be on the internal satisfaction and the happiness we derive by doing good for others, without expecting anything in return. Perform a random act of kindness daily.
8. Forget and forgive:�
Don't be bothered too much about others' mistakes. We are not spiritual enough to show our other cheek when we are slapped in one. But for the sake of our own health and happiness, let us forgive and forget them. Otherwise, we will be only increasing our blood pressure.
9. Everything has a purpose:�
Take life as it comes. Accept yourself as you are and also accept others for what they are. Everybody is unique and is right in his own way.
10. Overcome the fear of death:�
We all know that one day we have to leave this world. Still we are afraid of death. We think that our spouse and children will be unable to withstand our loss. But the truth is no one is going to die for you; they may be depressed for some time. Time heals everything and they will go on. �
Secrets of Old Age.
If you have time for one very special email today this is it.
Take the time and accept the secrets of old age.
===========================================================
" Be Encouraged, Remain Blessed "
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