April 14 thoughts

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains.” C. S. Lewis

• God’s with you. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed,” Psalm 34:18
• God listens and responds. “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
• Acting like suffering isn’t happening does not represent Jesus. Lamenting pain, being honest about what we want to see change does represent Jesus. John 11:33-35

Where does your spiritual strength come from? Even on our darkest days, spiritual strength and life-changing joy are available. Here’s suggestions on how to grow stronger: https://bit.ly/3e7GYCX

Just in case it’s helpful I’ve posted encouragement, some book recommendations, and thoughts on lessons learned in our current situation at: https://www.youtube.com/user/benmalmin/

Things to consider with suggested follow up action: https://bit.ly/34y9wkU

Our church videos and more: https://www.facebook.com/CityHarborChurch/

Additional worship songs with lyric videos: https://bit.ly/2RCYsh5

Daily posts: BenMalmin.com

Volunteering Opportunities near you (be sure to check the google document listed): https://bit.ly/3cdcmy8

Sure seems like it’s a good idea to pray for and say Thank You to every first responder, medical professional, caregiver, and the brave people cleaning these facilities.

Much love to you all. May God give you grace and peace today.

– Pastor Ben

Source your spiritual strength

Where does your spiritual strength come from? Even on our darkest days, spiritual strength and life-changing joy are available through Jesus. True staying power can be found in our God.

God is our source of strength, both natural and spiritual. When we need energy and endurance our God supplies it. Our God does not have a limited supply. Our God is not weak. We can draw from Him every day. We can rely on our Father God without fail. When we are weak He is strong.

It can be very helpful to use Scripture in prayer. This is a way to draw spiritual strength from your relationship with God.

• Isaiah 40:29-31 God gives strength to the powerless. Those who trust God will find new strength.
• Isaiah 41:10 God will strengthen and help you.
• Isaiah 45:24 God is the source of my strength.
• Isaiah 58:11 God will guide you and restore your strength.
• Psalm 138:3 God encourages me by giving me strength.
• Psalm 29:11 God gives His people strength. He blesses them with peace.
• Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So I will not fear.
• Psalm 73:26 My health may fail, and my spirit grows weak, but God remains the strength of my heart.
• Psalm 105:4 Search for the Lord and for His strength continually seek Him.
• Nehemiah 8:10 The joy of the Lord is my strength.
• 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.
• Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
• 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 When I am weak, then I am strong.

lessons learned

Just in case it’s helpful I’ve posted some book recommendations, and momentarily will be posting some thoughts on lessons learned in our current situation at:  https://www.youtube.com/user/benmalmin/

In every situation, it is good to consider lessons learned and what we can thank God for.

Lately, I’ve been reading the words of David, Moses, the disciples of Jesus, and Paul. Over and over I see them doing two things when they are coming out of hard times: considering the lessons learned and thanking God.

Lessons we can learn from this current situation:

• The human race is more connected than we may have previously thought.
• We are facing challenges that are beyond our ultimate control.
• We have opportunities to bring change.
• God allows suffering until Jesus Christ returns.
• God is our source of life, resources, relationships, and opportunities.
• God has a redemptive purpose every day, in every situation.

There’s a lot of varied opinions flying around right now. Let’s be clear on this, Jesus did say that good things and bad things would happen before he returns to earth. He also said that no one would be able to accurately predict when that would be.

It’s always a good idea to do the following things:

• Confess and Turn from Sin
• Worship
• Thank God
• Pray for Miracles
• Fast with Prayer

Here’s a suggested gratitude list for us to pray to God:

• Thank you, God, that you are my Creator, Provider, Protector, and Redeemer.
• Thank you, God, for my salvation, cleansing me, taking away my guilt, giving me new life, and making me right in your sight.
• Thank you, God, for giving me life for today and hope for tomorrow.
• Thank you, God, for giving me value, identity, and purpose.
• Thank you, God, for giving me relationships.

Say “Thank You” to the people in your life. Just because.

Also, sure seems like it’s a good idea to pray for and say “Thank You” to every first responder, medical professional, caregiver, and the brave people cleaning these facilities.