“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV
In the end, just as the oyster coats an intrusive speck of sand with a smooth substance until it becomes a pearl of great value, God layers our difficulties with His greatness and glory until we develop our own pearl of great price – strength of character. (Jeremiah Study Bible)
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.”
“I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].” Philippians 1:6 AMP
Bible Hub: In times of difficulty, remembering that God is at work can provide comfort and strength, knowing that He is using all circumstances for our growth and His glory.
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.”
January 27, 2025, is Holocaust Memorial Day. It marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex.
The Holocaust was the attempt by the Nazis and their collaborators to destroy all Jewish people in Europe. It took place across 22 different countries with the active participation of some of the citizens of those countries. Building upon centuries of antisemitism (anti-Jewish hatred), persecution of Jewish people began as soon as the Nazis came to power in Germany in 1933. Classification, dividing people into ‘us’ and ‘them’ followed with the Nuremberg laws which discriminated against Jews, stripping them of their German citizenship. They were forced to wear yellow stars, a visual manifestation of the hatred which escalated to dehumanisation, polarisation, persecution. Ultimately it led to the extermination of 6 million Jewish people.
Today, antisemitism (anti-Jewish hatred) has increased significantly in the UK and globally following the vicious and barbaric attacks on Israel by the terrorist group Hamas. (from The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust)
We must never forget!
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom is a book every Christian must read.
Corrie ten Boom was the first licensed female watchmaker in the Netherlands who became a heroine of the Resistance, a survivor of Hitler’s concentration camps, and one of the most remarkable ministers of hope in the twentieth century.
In World War II she and her family risked their lives to help Jews and underground workers escape from the Nazis. In 1944 their lives were forever altered when they were betrayed, arrested, and thrown into the infamous Nazi death camps. Only Corrie among her family survived.
This is her incredible true story–and ultimately the story of how faith, hope, and forgiveness triumphed over unthinkable evil.
“But he (Jesus) said to me (Paul), “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
“Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious and merciful to me, For my soul finds shelter and safety in You, And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge and be confidently secure Until destruction passes by. I will cry to God Most High, Who accomplishes all things on my behalf [for He completes my purpose in His plan].” Psalm 57:1-2 AMP
Note: This is a psalm of David when he fled for his life from King Saul and hid in a cave. Read about how David spared Saul’s life and went on to become king, as God planned all along. 1 Samuel 24
Trust in God. He will fulfill His purpose for you, too!
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.”
It is in dark times that faith often becomes stronger. Just ask Elijah when he fled from Jezebel or Paul when he was locked in a Roman prison. If there is nothing left but to trust God, then there is nothing you can do except – you guessed it – to trust God. When you do, it is one hundred percent guaranteed that He will show Himself faithful and your dependence on Him will grow.
“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” Matthew 6:9 AKJV
The meaning of this petition (Matthew 6:9) is, “Let thy name be celebrated, venerated, and esteemed as holy everywhere, and receive from all people proper honour.” It is thus the expression of a wish or desire, on the part of the worshipper, that the name of God, or that God himself, should be held everywhere in proper veneration. Albert Barnes.
“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him:Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:3-6 NIV Read full chapter
Note: There is only one way of proving to ourselves that we know God, and that is by loving obedience to His will. (Cambridge Bible)
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.”
“Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor, Obtain justice for the orphan, Plead for the widow’s case.” Isaiah 1:17 NASB Read full chapter
Note: Justice for the orphan (Cheyne); see that he is not wronged – be his champion. Plead for the widow; i.e. plead her cause in the courts… lean towards her, as if her advocate. The widow and the orphan were taken under God’s special protection from the time of Moses, and constantly commended to the tender care of the righteous (Pulpit Commentary)
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.”
If you’re a caregiver, the following post by Patty, at Hesaidwhat?! is just what you need! Being a caregiver can be difficult, but Patty’s insights and wisdom will encourage you as you care for someone you love.
Real Christian Women 