Sunday Meditation

FAITH

     "Faith, too, is being refined right now. It is during times of panic and crisis that we can discern whether churches and individuals are practicing what they preach. And we can also better notice what they preach. Helping those in need is another way to discern the heart of the church. 

     "This is not the first time in history that believers and humanity as a whole have gone through trials. It will not be the last. But it is our turn to determine whether we will live through faith or not. While many of us were taking everything for granted a few days ago, today we are praying for “our daily bread” in a very different tone. Prayer has a new and revitalized focus.

     "This is not the first time the church and its stewards are experiencing illness and need. And while empires and countries have disappeared off the face of the earth as a result of crises, the church is still standing!

     "This is also not the first time that the world looks to the church, waiting for a message of hope delivered not just with words, but mostly with deeds. What is truly essential? 

     "This is not the first time that humanity has gone through something like this. The question is: how do we wade through what's next? What I can say for sure is that this seems to be the right time to listen very closely. Because, as C.S. Lewis once said, God whispers to us in our pleasures and speaks to us in our conscience. But God shouts to us in our pain."   Vlad Criznic, Slice of Infinity

ACCEPTANCE

     "Being nice translates to accepting each person for his or her individual worth . . . These under-recognized people can teach us, encourage us, &even be important allies for us."  Ben Carson, Men's Devotional Bible