In the beauty of His presence

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In The Beauty Of His Presence...
My fears fade into insignificance...
My insecurities melt like wax before fire...
My sins are washed away...
My hurts are soothed...
My heart is strengthened...
My spirit is renewed...
My failing hope is restored...
My trust in Him is deepened...
My faith takes wings and soars with eagles...
My mind gains new insight...

Why do people SHOUT when praying?!

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I woke in the middle of the night one Friday and heard some church in my new neighbourhood (yeah, we recently moved) praying and shouting (things like "Holy Ghoooooost fireeeee!" over and over); and the thought that hit me was, why do people shout at the top of their voices when praying?

I mean, it's not like you're talking to someone in a crowded noisy place that you need to raise our voices so loud for the person to hear you, right? Neither are you having an argument or shouting match with God that you need to "OUTSHOUT" Him!

God's not deaf, is He? Then why shout at the top of your voice in the name of praying? Or do louder prayers mean God will hear more clearly and answer more speedily? Why then do we fall for the temptation to shout our prayers, especially at vigils?!

It could have been worse... but for His grace

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It could have been worse...
You hear of the legalisation of same sex marriage and transsexuals being celebrated and honoured as heroes for "coming out" and you lament.

It could have been worse...
You read of how IS, Boko Haram, Al Shabab, Al Qaeda and the likes mercilessly kill thousands and render millions orphan, homeless and widowed on a regular basis and shiver.

It could have been worse...
You see government officials take oath in public glare to uphold the constitution and defend the people, yet when they get hold of power, they do everything but that, and you curse at them.

Rest

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"Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" - Matthew 11:28-30.

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Soon after she was born, Maggie's dad leaves without a trace. No messages. No letters. No calls. Nothing. One day became two, then rolled into weeks. The months and the years went by, and it became obvious he was never returning!

Maggie's mom was left to cater for her new born alone. Without help, she was lost for ideas. Where does she start? She had no proper education. No skills. Not formal. Not vocational. Her family, you say? She's an only child! And here she is, in her early twenty-somethings, a mother with no one to turn to!

But despite the odds, she manages to raise Maggie. Wow! But the story is only just beginning...

#SSVBlogNuggets: Whatever you face, Our God is able

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Hi, you're good? Welcome to a beautiful new week! I believe it's one that holds much promise of great things for me and you! Do you believe that? Remember, you become what you believe!

I pray that this week God will reveal Himself afresh to you and grant you grace for ah-mazing exploits! You will soar with the eagles in the skies, not creep on your belly and feed on crumbs! Believe it, for we indeed become what we believe!

As you step out this week and beyond, whatever you face, know that our God is able. He's able. Able to do, not what I ask or think - or what you ask or think - but exceedingly and abundantly more than what we ask and think!

His word reassures us...