I am specifically intrigued about this idea of an offering, I suppose since I have been out shopping and heard / seen all the advertising about Christmas. However, the commercialization of the holidays over the years has really transformed the whole idea of giving into getting or even more blatantly about purchasing for ones’ self rather than about giving to someone else. I think this is quite sad as both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays have always stood as a message of offering and as something more reverent and special than a simple shopping extravaganza. After all, the word holiday is derived from the combination of two words: holy + day but are we keeping it such (just think about it).

Thanksgiving has been about offering thanks; thanks for our loved ones, our family, our friends, our country, our homes, our communities, our leaders and especially for our God. But, Thanksgiving has been transformed by modern materialism into a day of gluttony rather than one focused on offering. Our pastor started a sermon series this past week and called the holiday Thanks-living instead, which I love because our offering of thanks should be more than a single day in a year. I also appreciate the reminder that this is truly what Thanksgiving is all about; living in a state of thanks.

Christmas too has always been about the offering that God made to the world of His only begotten son for our redemption and about how that precious gift to mankind should spark the same generosity in us as we offer gifts to each other as a reminder of our love. However, retailers have managed to flip the switch on giving to getting and as a result, many have forgotten the true meaning of offering. There is a ray of hope, however, that I find as I listen to Christmas music and especially the one regarding the little drummer boy who offers to the Christ child his simple talent of beating a drum. That is what I hope to accomplish today – to simply beat my drum of awareness and help us get back to the idea of offering.

The word offering means to present a contribution, a sacrifice of something desirable or useful for acceptance or rejection by the one to whom the offering is made. What’s interesting is that the Bible is full of the concept of offering. In fact, the Old Testament centers around the very description of what was to be offered, how often it was to be offered and in what manner it was to be offered and by whom it was to be offered. It talks about offerings mostly in terms of sacrifice and includes oil, wine, spices, jewels, money, livestock and even linens.

In other words, it is made up of the very fabric of our lives, the things we value, the things we use to live by, the things we wrap ourselves in. It is meant to be a picture of our giving from our hearts, minds, souls, and personalities to God for Him to use however He sees fit. This picture was then demonstrated in the New Testament when God wrapped Himself in flesh and came to offer His earthly life as a sacrifice for our selfishness and pride. Finally, every offering referred to in scripture was always for the attention of God. In other words, it was God who would accept or reject our offerings. On the other hand, the benefit or betterment was always for the person presenting the offering because they were either blessed, forgiven, reconciled or prospered in some fashion.

Sometimes we get it, we understand and we are willing to sacrifice our wants and desires for the good of others but sometimes, unfortunately more often than not lately we don’t. So the question is what makes us forget? I believe that it might be the speed of life. We get so involved with work, hobbies, and other responsibilities we may forget how fleeting time is. Since we don’t see time even as a precious offering we can give to others we let it slip away so quickly. Therefore, we conclude one holiday season to simply turn around and feel like another is upon us.

I also believe that since we are not required to take physical offerings (lambs & goats for example) to our places of worship anymore (outside of our money), we also forget that we have other things to offer that may not be tangible. God is wanting us to be living sacrifices or offerings for Him. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1 (KJV) This simply means that as we live each day we should subject our will, our ways, our words and our thoughts to the will of God to accomplish His desire and not only our own.

Lastly, I believe that perhaps we don’t make this offering to God because we might think we don’t have much if anything at all to offer to Him. This is where the lesson of the little drummer boy should resound in our hearts and make us realize that we all have something, some talent or ability to offer. Even if it is a simple smile and good attitude that we can present to some frazzled holiday shopper, it is better than nothing at all. (Remember even that offered smile is for the attention of God since man is made in His image, when you smile at someone you have the attention of God and the betterment is for ourselves since we feel good whether the other person does or doesn’t.) However, even these simple offerings must come from a sincere and understanding heart otherwise they are worthless. God even addressed in scripture that only going through the motions of offerings was sickening to Him “And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? Saith the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 1:8 (KJV)

I would encourage you today as the holidays approach steadily upon us that you would offer some time to think deeply about these things and that you would break out your best thanks and present it to God. Then go out and from a genuine heart offer a true sacrifice of time to a fellow human being to show them the love of God. Thank you for reading this! I am honestly appreciative of your time!

Staff Writer; Rick S.

One may contact this man of God at: RS@ThyBlackMan.com.

As we reflect on this very important subject, bearing in mind that a single article like this can barely scratch the surface, we do so not in the spirit of condemnation or censure of anyones belief but to understand and ascertain some essential truths that are vital for our spiritual edification. The aim here is for us to look at this subject and see what the Bible says and bring our thinking in line with the inspired and inerrant Word of God. We need to grasp the indispensable truth that every truly born again Christian has experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit and by that process is a child of God.

Let us begin our reflection, then, by looking at three aspects of this baptism.

First we examine the range of this baptism

Baptism of the Holy Spirit was never intended for some believers and not others, nor was it intended for a select few like pastors, deacons, missionaries and the like but not the ordinary layman. This thinking is erroneous and springs from those who want to claim some exclusivity, pretending that they are special, they have something that you, the average believer do not have and moreover they are hence superior. Some people in the church have always been inclined to set themselves apart and become exclusive and then lord it over the membership based on that exclusivity. The early church, and especially the Apostle Paul, fought against such teaching, one such was known then as Gnosticism, and today we must fight against this exclusivity based on wrongly interpreting baptism of the Holy Spirit. The range of this baptism is enormous as we shall see.

It was promised to all believers

John the Baptist while he was baptizing in the River Jordan told his listeners, I indeed baptize you with waterbut he that cometh after mehe shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. (Matthew 3:11) John was setting the stage for all believers, not just a select few and Jesus Christ himself knowing how vital the baptism of the Holy Spirit was, promised all his disciples they would have this experience, For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (Acts 1:5)

Of course because Christ was not yet glorified, the baptism of the Holy Ghost was a future event at the time Christ spoke. But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified. (John 7:39)

The church at Corinth, though faced with many internal challenges, was assured by Paul that they too were baptized with the Holy Spirit as this text shows, For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body (1Corinthians 12:13a.) This baptism was not for some select people under some special circumstances, but for all believers and Paul put it succinctly and clearly that all those in Christ are baptized by the Holy Spirit.

We see its purpose for all believers

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is about enablement. It enables the believer at the time of conversion, upon surrendering himself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ to become a born again Christian. Remember what Jesus said to Nicodemus, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5) This Spirit baptism is universal to all Gods children and Paul affirms it, But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9) All believers have this experience since this is the evidence that we truly belong to Jesus Christ, The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. (Romans 8:16)

To reinforce this point and to reassure all those who are saved and have this blessed experience, Paul asserts, For as many are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14) In essence, for believers in todays church, if we have not experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit we have not been converted.

We note its performance in all believers

The early church disciples were saved prior to Pentecost, but they were baptized with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, And they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4) This event gave birth to the church and was what Jesus Christ promised to his disciples and it had some spectacular results.

The disciples who hitherto were cowed and secretive became outgoing and bold and assertive in Christian ministry.

The inspired Peter took up his leadership mantle and preached one of historys outstandingly effective sermons winning three thousand souls into Gods kingdom. This is what ministry performance is all about.

All the Apostles and disciples were energized with power and primed for service as promised, But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
We perceive the root of this baptism

Many believers, who are not knowledgeable with regards to Spirit baptism, allow others to hoodwink them into believing that Spirit baptism is some special extra that is added on to a fully fledged born again Christian. This is not so and we need to get to the bottom of this so that believers can know the truth of the matter. We must not confuse special anointing with baptism of the Holy Spirit because the two things are different and for clarification we need to examine the root of this baptism and note the following.

It is given on being saved

We are either in the world or we are in Christ. The act of contrition, confession and surrender to God is by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, but it is the baptism of the Holy Spirit that takes us out of the world and puts us in Christ, Verily, verily I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5) To enter into the kingdom of God is the same as being in Christ. The Apostle Paul affirmed this when he wrote, In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. (Ephesians 1:13) When you are saved you are baptized with the Holy Spirit and when you are baptized with the Holy Spirit you are saved and to God be the glory.

It is given by the sovereign will

When we are saved, at the moment of our conversion, God by his sovereign will, and not by any pleadings of believers, pours out his Holy Spirit upon us. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 10:45) These Gentiles were converted and baptized with the Holy Spirit and forthwith Peter took steps to have them baptized with water and the Bible states it like this: Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we. (Acts 10:47)

There is no mention here of asking for this experience, just amazement and joy that God had baptized them at their conversion with the Holy Spirit as he had done to the Jews.

It is given to embolden and affirm

Jesus knew the challenges which would face all disciples and the pressing need to stand up under fire and present the gospel, But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8) All believers everywhere were to be witnesses, often at great peril, and undertake their own ministry since that all believers in being converted become part of the priesthood of believers. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthoodthat ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1Peter 2:9)

Jesus told the disciples not to bother themselves with premeditated speeches and the like for the Holy Spirit has a marvelous work to do with affirming the gospel, for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. (Mark 13:11c)

Every born again Christian can testify with confidence to the empowering and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul very soon after his conversion began to preach the gospel and three years later when he met the other apostles found that he was preaching the very same thing as they were. This is the consequence of being baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Next we investigate the results of this baptism

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the mighty work of God, which brings in its wake a complete and blessed newness. Every born-again believer knows the deep satisfaction and profound joy experienced at conversion and that burning desire to throw off the past and henceforth to do Gods will. This baptism does some significant things and some of them are as follows.

It gives us a new location

Before this baptism of the Holy Spirit and adoption by God, every human being is in Adam both by choice and by nature, Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. (Romans 5:12) When a believer is baptized with the Holy Spirit, he no longer lives in and for the world because he has a new location in Christ, For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:22) Jesus confirmed this when he said, At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (John 14:20)

This new location in Christ is conducive to godly living and kills off our worldliness while sustaining a vigorous spiritual life centred on our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Bible puts it like this, For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3)

When all is said and done, the life we live now and the character we display is testimony to our inner life. No one can partner Jesus Christ and not exhibit true godliness.

It gives us new identity

Before we were saved and baptized with the Holy Spirit not only were we Adamic by nature we were also identified with Satan and all he stood for but now we have a new identity with Christ, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17) God sees us now as being fully in Christ and as a result identified with Christ in all aspects of his life past, present and future.

We identify with Christs righteousness and not that of the law, for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (Galatians 2:21)

We identify with Christs death in water baptism. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death (Romans 6:4)

We identify with Christs resurrection. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept. (1 Corinthians 15:20)

We identify with Christ in glory now, and even more so later, When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)

It gives us new meaning

All believers because of the baptism of the Holy Spirit are now partakers of the life of Christ and are become important members of the body of Christ, I am the vine, ye are the branches (John 15:5) I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast love them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:23) It is a mighty and wonderful privilege for sinful mankind to be baptized with the Holy Ghost!

If you have any doubts that you are baptized with the Holy Spirit, then free yourself from them by making sure you are saved and your life committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is willing and able to save you and he will make you truly his by baptizing you with the Holy Spirit. If you know that you are baptized with the Holy Spirit, then rejoice in the God of your salvation and share your testimony with others in renewed self-assurance.

Staff Writer; Henderson W.

You can contact this Christian brother at: HWard@ThyBlackMan.com.

Fulton Sheen possessed a rare gift: He could bring the richness, beauty and intellectual depth of traditional Catholicism into the homes of ordinary Americans. Through his Emmy Award-winning, half-hour weekly television program in the 1950s, “Life Is Worth Living,” he introduced millions of viewers to traditional Roman Catholicism. He did not dilute the faith to make it acceptable to the times. He presented it with clarity, conviction, humor, warmth and a deep love for Jesus Christ.

For those of us who cherish the traditional Catholic faith, Sheen remains a particularly compelling figure. His Catholicism was rooted in the Eucharist, the priesthood, the sacramental life, the spiritual disciplines that had nourished the faithful for centuries, the need to evangelize, and a public recognition of the unique role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in human salvation.

The Catholic faith that Sheen proclaimed fostered the traditional pre-Vatican II practices that shaped centuries of Catholics. The Latin Mass, with its reverence, mystery and transcendent orientation, expressed a vision of worship in which the human person was drawn beyond the distractions of the world and into a unique space, reserved for Christ’s re-sacrifice of himself.

Sheen also understood the importance of the seemingly ordinary disciplines of Catholic life: meatless Fridays, weekly confession, personal prayer, the daily recitation of the Rosary, and personal self-denial. These practices were not empty rules or burdens imposed for their own sake. Properly understood, they were instruments of spiritual formation.

Sheen’s genius was to explain truths and regimens in ways that ordinary people could understand. He could speak about theology without making it lifeless, about sin without making it condemnatory, and about holiness without presenting it as something reserved for monks and nuns. He understood that every person, regardless of education, wealth or social position, was created for communion with God.

Here is how Fulton Sheen touched my life. Shortly after I graduated from law school, a friend gave me a Miraculous Medal as a gift. It was a beautiful, traditional, 24-karat gold image of the Blessed Virgin Mary that Catholics often wear on a chain suspended from our necks. I wrote to Archbishop Sheen and asked him to bless it for me.

He wrote back quickly. In his letter, he asked me to meet him during Holy Week at 12:30 in the afternoon at Marble Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, where he was preaching.

I arrived in time to hear his traditional Catholic sermon. Then, I stood in a line of people waiting to meet him. When I reached the head of the line, he floored me.

He looked directly into my eyes and said: “You must be Andrew. Show me the medal!”

I was shaking as I loosened my necktie, unbuttoned the top two buttons of my shirt, removed the medal, and handed it to him. He held the medal in one hand. With the other, he touched my eyes, my ears and my lips. He blessed and kissed the medal, then placed it over my head and around my neck.

Then he embraced my entire head in his hands.

This was a profoundly personal encounter. Here was a holy churchman, a public figure known to millions, yet in those moments his attention was directed entirely toward God and the sacramental significance of the medal and wishes of a supplicant stranger. I asked him why we were in a Protestant church.

He said, in substance: “These folks need to know that in Catholic churches all over the world, Jesus Christ is physically present under the appearance of bread and wine; and He wants to be present in their hearts.”

That answer revealed something essential about Sheen’s ministry. His love for Catholicism did not lead him to withdraw from the world. It impelled him to bring the Catholic message to people who might never enter a Catholic church. He understood that evangelization required meeting people where they were, speaking to their questions, and inviting them toward the fullness of the truth.

What is the purpose of life? What is the meaning of suffering? How should we confront sin? What does it mean to love God? Where can we find truth, forgiveness and lasting hope? Why is there war and genocide? No question escaped him.

Sheen’s answers always led back to Christ through Mary.

The traditional Catholic practices he cherished offered a practical response to spiritual poverty. The Latin Mass directed the soul toward the mystery of transubstantiation. Confession restored the relationship between the sinner and God. The Rosary brought the mysteries of Christ and Mary into daily life. Fasting and self-denial weakened the grip of selfishness and cupidity. Personal prayer opened hearts to divine grace.

These practices did not promise an easy life. They called for discipline, humility and perseverance. But Sheen understood that holiness is not produced by convenience. It requires the daily decision to place God above self.

This week, the Church is beatifying Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Beatification is a formal declaration that a person may be publicly honored as Blessed according to the Church’s norms. It is a significant step toward canonization.

For those who have long admired Sheen, his beatification is an opportunity not merely to celebrate his accomplishments but to reflect upon his holiness. For me, Archbishop Sheen will always be more than a figure in the history of American Catholicism. He is the man who didn’t know me, looked into my eyes and mysteriously said my name, and drew me to his heart.

That encounter remains in my heart as an unmerited gift from a future saint. Blessed Fulton J. Sheen, pray for us.

Written by Judge Andrew P. Napolitano

Official website; https://twitter.com/Judgenap

In this article we are centering our thoughts on a man, Ananias, whose name does not quickly spring to mind partly because there is little written about him in the Bible. However we are introduced to him in a powerful passage of sublime scripture Acts 9: 10-18. It would seem he came from nowhere, made a quick appearance and then disappeared back into oblivion. In todays colloquialism we would say that he had his fifteen minutes of fame. But that flippant characterization would be particularly misleading for this old and gracious disciple has something commendable to teach us all.

The early Church had countless problems to deal with and one of the biggest was a fanatically religious Jew named Saul. He persecuted the Church relentlessly, even to the extent of having Christians killed. During a journey north to Damascus, to continue his mischief, Jesus met him on the way and he was miraculously converted. During that encounter Saul lost his sight and it was Ananias whom God selected to go and see Saul and help him. In spite of the apparent dangers and understandable natural fear and reluctance, Ananias went on his way as instructed. This is courage personified and a whole lot more so let us calmly examine what is involved here in this example-for-the-age of true discipleship.

First we should note that true discipleship must involve commitment

True discipleship is somewhat like marriage in that without commitment it will surely fail; although it needs much more than simply commitment. By commitment in this context, we mean the acceptance of responsibility as a disciple, loyalty to God and the household of faith and steadfastness as you progress, knowing that the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8) Ananias was extremely committed and it could be seen in several ways.

He was committed in his living

The Bible leaves us in no doubt that Ananias was living a proper Christian life, he had accepted Jesus Christ, was saved and baptized and was a committed follower, and the Bible rightly describes him as a disciple, And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias (Acts 9: 10) Unlike the situation we have today, where freedom of worship is a human right, at that time in Palestine being a disciple of Jesus Christ was extremely risky and many believers were abused, tortured or executed.

This unsung hero is the kind of person God uses for his honor and glory; saved, sanctified and ready for service. God called him in an emergency and Ananias made no excuses in spite of the horrendous potential for harm. If you think things were easy, just remember the afflictions Paul himself suffered a little later, Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned (2 Corinthians 24-25)

Ananias knew that, all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12) and he was fully prepared and willing to go the extra mile because he was fully committed to Jesus Christ.

He was committed in his listening

Ananias was not only diligent in his living; he was also attentive in his listening. We know this because as soon as the Lord spoke to him in the vision he immediately responded, Behold, I am here… (Acts 9: 10b) You notice that there were no questions like Who are you? or gasp of surprise because Ananias was accustomed to Gods voice.

How many of us, I wonder, can recognize Gods still, and calm voice amid the hurly burly of our existence. It pays to be listening. Remember Elijah managed to hear because he was listening and the Bible puts it like this, And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out (1 Kings 19: 12-13)

He was committed in his labour

Ananias was a committed labourer in Gods vineyard and knew whom he was working for and recognized him forthwith, here Lord. (Acts 9: 10c) Alas there are many who do not see beyond their immediate supervisor or pastor or bishop and fail to see the real boss. Jesus is Lord!

The modern church sadly has a long history of followers committing to the wrong people rather than to Christ. Remember Jim Jones of Guyanese-massacre notoriety? Let Jesus be Lord and surrender to him control of your life and he will use you for his honour and glory just like he did Ananias.

Next we should mention that true discipleship may involve concerns

It is true that some divine commissions are very demanding and may involve huge risks for the sake of the gospel. Many believers have perished over the centuries and are now with Christ, having paid the ultimate price for their discipleship. God does not call us to easy discipleship or hard discipleship, but sincere discipleship and that means to simply take up our cross and follow him, whatever that entails. In all of this, whatever our concerns, we must remember that God will see us through.

We notice Gods command

Ananias, a man accustomed to hearing and doing Gods command must be in shock at hearing this latest, unequivocal command, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he prayeth and hath seen in a vision a man called Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight (Acts 9:11-12)

At face value this command to Ananias made no sense. Why give assistance to the enemy of the Church? Saul has killed Christians. Many would wish that Saul stayed blind forever, but often we do not see the bigger picture as God does. Gods commands may not always make sense to us, but they are always correct.

Remember Gods command to Jonah did not make immediate sense either, but it saved a nation. And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not (Jonah 3: 10)

Equally Gods command to Philip seemed rather far-fetched but it saved an entire continent, And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert (Acts 8: 26).

Finally remember Gods command to Noah to build the ark in that location was baffling but it saved mankind. And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark (Genesis 7:23)

We note the disciples concern

Ananias is not only shocked at the Lords command, he is initially reluctant to carry it out and sets out to convince God that in this case it is better to exclude him, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem. And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. (Acts 9:13-14)

This is an unpleasant and dangerous task, as far as Ananias is concerned, and he simply wants to avoid it. Having a healthy regard for your safety is not in itself displeasing to God.

Remember Moses response to God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? (Exodus 3:11) This was different in that Moses was telling God that he was not capable of doing what God asked as if God do not know our capabilities.

Concerns are fine, we may have them at times, but disobedience is not. You do it in Jesus name because God says do it! Never forget this powerful reminder that in the end it is God himself doing it through you. (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – Philippians 4:13)

We note the disciples consolation

God listened to Ananias complaint with patience and compassion and then in an act of love to this frightened disciple gives him a worthy, magnificent consolation, But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. (Acts 9:15)

Ananias must have been overjoyed at this great news. What a consolation to be told that you are taking part in helping God to evangelize the whole world!

God does not always let you know what or why he is doing something, but in the end you are always glad that you participated. Remember we can see only a small part, but God sees the whole!

Finally we should observe that true discipleship must involve obedience

True discipleship and obedience go hand in hand for it is a measure of how meaningful the relationship really is. Jesus once said to his disciples, Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you (John 15:14) and on the other hand, he reminded them that obedience is a vital part of that relationship, And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46) Here is how Ananias demonstrated his obedience.

We see his immediate response

For all his misgivings and initial reluctance once God tells him how it is, even if he does not know what is going to be the outcome, Ananias without hesitation starts out on his journey, And Ananias went his way (Acts 9:17a.) This is mighty pleasing to the Lord and sets an example to believers for all time.

He was not prepared to be argumentative and stubborn, but submissive and humble acting in faith and trusting the Lord. It would have been nice to witness his body language, but I believe his demeanour was saying Yes Lord, lets do it!

We see his instant reaction

Ananias, in obedience to the command of the Lord, goes to the house on Straight street, enters, approaches the blind Saul and says, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 9:17 b)

Saul wouldve been in a quandary not knowing what would happen next and in particular how he would be received by the believers he had persecuted. When Ananias arrived and spoke this must have been like sweet music to the ears of Saul, who in all likelihood probably expected resentment from the Christians.

Ananias remark to Saul was the first contact he had with a Christian since his conversion and the first word he heard was the word brother. How deeply touching! May God help us to emulate this godly example?

We see his immense reward

Saul, who later became the Apostle Paul, was the greatest evangelist-missionary in the history of the church and this same Ananias set the whole thing in motion when he did as God commanded and laid his hands on Saul, And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith and arose, and was baptized. (Acts 9:18)

God rewarded Ananias during his lifetime when he saw and heard of the immense contribution Paul was making to the life and ministry of the church but Ananias greater reward will come when God rewards the faithful. We do not know exactly what forms the crowns will take but we know that God will reward crowns to deserving believers crowns of rejoicing, incorruptable crowns, crowns of glory, crowns of righteousness and crowns of life.

You may never know the results of your obedience to God here and now but heaven knows it. As Christians, we must take risks for God; the rewards are well worth it!

So here we have it, a supreme example of true discipleship and we need to praise God for Brother Ananias who has shown us how we can live our lives in service to our Lord. This beautiful example, especially now at this time should make us examine ourselves and ask some important questions. Am I a good example to believers and my neighbours? Can God count on me to do his bidding? Am I letting pride and selfishness impede my Christian ministry? I pray God will help us to make matters right as we seek to become examples of true discipleship.

Staff Writer; Henderson W.

You can contact this Christian brother at: HWard@ThyBlackMan.com.

To be clear, Jesus did not campaign for political office, propose an economic system, or write a government budget. Modern political ideologies such as capitalism and socialism did not exist in first-century Palestine. But if Christians, particularly Christian politicians, insist on measuring public policy by the teachings of Christ, they must wrestle honestly with a simple truth: Jesus spoke far more about caring for the poor than protecting wealth.  Nowhere is that more evident than in Matthew 25.

In describing the final judgment, Jesus does not ask about political affiliation, economic theory, or national identity. Instead, He asks how we treated society’s most vulnerable. He says in Matthew 25:35–36 (KJV): “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”

Then Jesus delivers one of the most profound statements in all of Scripture. In Matthew 25:40, He declares: “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Notice what Jesus does NOT ask:

1. He does not ask whether the hungry earned their meal.
2. He does not ask whether the sick purchased health insurance.
3. He does not ask whether the stranger crossed a border legally.
4. He does not ask whether the prisoner deserved compassion.

He asks only one question: Did you care for them?

That standard should unsettle anyone whose politics prioritize economic ideology over human suffering.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly acted to meet people’s basic needs before discussing theology. When thousands gathered to hear him teach and grew hungry, the disciples suggested sending them away. Jesus rejected the idea. Instead, he said in Matthew 14:16: “They need not depart; give ye them to eat.” He did not organize a committee to determine who deserved assistance. He did not require applications or proof of need. He simply fed people.

His ministry was marked by healing those whom society had forgotten. Matthew 4:23 summarizes his work: “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.”

The poor, the blind, the lame, the lepers, widows, children, and social outcasts were never a photo op or a publicity stunt to Jesus’ mission. They were the very center and essence of it.

His teachings about wealth are equally striking. In Matthew 19:21, Jesus tells a wealthy young ruler: “Go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” Moments later, He warns in Matthew 19:24: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” These are hardly the words of someone preoccupied with protecting wealth or celebrating economic accumulation. Rather, they reveal a teacher deeply concerned that riches often blind people to the needs of others.

Earliest Christians and the Teaching of Jesus

The earliest Christians took these teachings of Jesus seriously. The Book of Acts describes a community that voluntarily pooled resources so that no one lacked life’s necessities. Acts 2:44–45 records: “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” Later, Acts 4:34–35 adds: “Neither was there any among them that lacked… distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.”

Some readers will argue that this was voluntary charity, not government policy. Fair enough. Scripture does not prescribe a modern welfare state, nor does it endorse any particular economic system. But that observation misses the larger point.

The defining moral principle of Jesus’ ministry was not the protection of private wealth. It was the relentless obligation to meet human need. Whether assistance comes through churches, charities, families, civic organizations, or government is a legitimate subject for democratic debate. Christians can reasonably disagree about the most effective means.

What they cannot honestly do is pretend that concern for the hungry, the sick, the homeless, the stranger, and the imprisoned occupies only a minor place in the teachings of Christ. It occupies the very center. That reality creates an uncomfortable tension within much of modern American Christianity.

Some politicians enthusiastically quote the Ten Commandments while voting to reduce food assistance. Others praise the sanctity of life while opposing efforts to expand access to health care for struggling families. Still others proclaim America a “Christian nation” while treating immigrants, prisoners, and the poor primarily as political problems rather than neighbors worthy of compassion. Whatever one’s political views, Matthew 25 stands as a sobering corrective.

To Care for Other Is to Care for Jesus

Jesus identifies Himself with those in need. To feed the hungry is to feed Jesus. To care for the sick is to care for Jesus. To welcome the stranger is to welcome Jesus. To visit the prisoner is to visit Jesus. This is not a metaphor. It is Jesus’ own standard of judgment as he stated in Matthew 25:35–40. Does this make Jesus a socialist?

Modern political labels cannot be neatly imposed on a first-century Jewish rabbi. Jesus transcends every contemporary ideology. Yet if socialism is broadly understood as the conviction that a society has a moral obligation to ensure that people’s basic needs are met, then Christians should at least acknowledge that Jesus consistently taught principles many today would recognize as moving in that direction.

What is undeniable is this: Jesus never condemned people for being too generous for feeding  poor people, healing sick people, or sharing with those in need. His strongest condemnations were reserved for religious leaders who displayed public piety while neglecting justice, mercy, and compassion. Perhaps that is the lesson today’s Christians need most.

Before condemning socialism as incompatible with Christianity, we should first ask whether our own politics reflect the values Jesus declared essential to the Kingdom of God. Because according to Matthew 25, history’s final judgment will not be based on how loudly we defended capitalism or denounced socialism. It will be based on whether we loved “the least of these.”

Staff Writer; Dr. Robert J. Walker

All clamouring for our attention, whether they are spoken, sung or written. And, truth be told, so much of it is mindless, infantile, non-sensical chaff that we are the poorer for it, and deeply regret having wasted our time listening or reading the stuff.

But this is not always so.

The right words can make a huge difference. If you pay close attention to the words that truly matter, the words that carry weighty meaning and eternal significance, the words that are crucial to your development and destiny, the words that can impact your very soul and give meaning to your mortal existence, then you are near to acquiring true wisdom.

True wisdom is, in part, the ability to distinguish words that convey thought that transends the fog that surrounds us and enable enlightenment.

Understanding eternal things, appreciating things beyond mortal grasp, things outside our frame of reference calls for enlightenment.

The fool is not enlightened, so he can glibly declare his lack of understanding, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” (Psalm 14:1)

The pseudo-wise who have acquired a smattering of worldly wisdom, but have fallen short of true wisdom, failed to acknowledge God when they saw him, and so like fools became unenlightened, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Romans 1:21)

But the wisest person ever to walk this earth, the most enlightened entity that ever existed, and the only person to reside in eternity before his earthly sojourn said this, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

Living, full wholesome living, living to our highest potential both physical and spiritual, living transcendent and eternal comes by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

No one with a sense of balance, no prudent person with sense and understanding, with a sense of spiritual awareness, a yearning for and a relish of truth can read the Holy Bible and not find it touched with a sense of divine contribution.

That is why, throughout the ages, the Holy Bile has been the most popular book bought and read throughout the whole world.

It is because the right words make the difference that enemies of God have relentlessly attacked the Bible to destroy it, have tried where that failed to restrict its use, and where that failed to water it down and try to make it ineffective.

The attacks on the Bible are continuing up to this day.

But here is something quite amazing. God has determined that his words will go forth and reach all those who are called to salvation, all those who will accept Jesus Christ, and this will carry on until all the saints are gathered in, i.e., until God calls time on this earth.

It is not a matter of opinion, it is not a matter of speculation, it has been amply demonstrated that what matters for eternal life, what hope there is for immortality, what prospects there are to live with God in eternity, lies in the words of Jesus Christ.

Let there be no doubt that the words spoken by Jesus Christ are the right words that make the difference, and we should take heed of their importance:

Paul encourages the saints, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16)

John warned believers, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” (1 John 1:9)

Jesus directed the church to teach like this, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20)

Jesus spelled out what his words will mean in the judgement, “…the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48)

John declared the importance of the words of Christ, even with the reception of the Holy Spirit, like this, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26)

Jesus affirmed, for the saints of all ages, the importance of his words like this, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)

There is a song that expresses well the life-saving words of Jesus Christ:

Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life,
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty
Teach me faith and duty.

Refrain:
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.

Christ, the blessed One, gives to all
Wonderful words of life;
Sinner, list to the loving call,
Wonderful words of life;
All so freely given,
Wooing us to heaven. [Refrain]

Sweetly echo the Gospel call,
Wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all,
Wonderful words of life;
Jesus, only Savior,
Sanctify us forever. [Refrain]

It is still true what Solomon said, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11) Only Jesus has total command of all these words and he will speak them to every needed heart; regardless of circumstances.

If you are grieving, then turn to Jesus Christ, and let him do what he can do better than any one on earth; speak words of comfort and consolation to you in just the right tone you need.

If you are discouraged because so much seems to be going wrong in your life, you seem to reach the end of your limit, can’t take any more, then embrace Jesus and let his healing words wash over your soul.

If you are sick, discomforted, miserable and unsettled and seem unable to get a grip on things, then know that Jesus Christ has just the right, uplifting, comforting words for you.

If you are sick letting Satan beat you up, had enough of sinning, don’t want to carry on as you are because you know there is something better, then know that you can turn to Jesus Christ and find hope, and salvation, in the majestic words of Jesus Christ.

Always remember that Jesus promised, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)

Staff Writer; Henderson W.

You can contact this Christian brother at: HWard@ThyBlackMan.com.

In a court of law, the burden of proof is defined as the duty placed upon a party to prove or disprove a disputed fact. In criminal cases, the burden of proof is placed on the prosecution, who must demonstrate that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt before a jury may convict him or her..

Judges explain the reasonable doubt standard to jurors in a number of ways. Often jury instructions provide that proof beyond a reasonable doubt is proof of such a convincing character that a reasonable person would not hesitate to act upon it in the most important of their own affairs. Reasonable doubt is the highest standard of proof used in any judicial proceeding.

As a believer in Christ should there be a burden of proof upon others to prove that we are what we say we are: Christians (which by the way means Christ like or like Christ). Rather, shouldn’t the burden of proof be upon us? In other words, we should not let there be a reasonable doubt in the minds of those observing us that we are anything but Christ like. Since Christ represents the truth couldn’t it be better said that we have a burden of truth. That means we have a responsibility to the truth, to live it, to speak it and to demonstrate it in everything connected to us.

You see for those who are not concerned with truth but practice to deceive in order to get what they want, it can be hard work and exhausting because one lie leads to another and yet another. Then they must track what lie was spun and make sure that subsequent lies coincide with the first and that they agree. If this lying gets out of hand it can be quite complicated. No wonder Sir Walter Scott said “Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” We can get caught up and weighed down in a web of lies if we’re not careful. Before you know it, you can forget about truth altogether and think that the lie you’re living is the truth but yet you feel heavy, entangled or entrapped and can’t seem to get ahead.

Jesus said “…the truth shall make you free,” which definitely sounds good to those of us who desire freedom, but what was He really talking about? This quote comes from the Gospel of John, Chapter 8, and verse 32 of King James Version of the Bible. The entire quote is “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Notice the beginning word in the quote is the word “And” which tells us this is connected to what was said previously. Therefore we need to back up and understand the earlier conversation of Jesus. As you read through Chapter 8 of the Gospel of John, it becomes clear that Jesus has identified that the source of truth is God (see verse 26) and if we believe in Him, and that He dwelt bodily in Jesus, we too can experience truth.

Therefore, to have a burden of truth must mean that we have a compulsion as believers to live as God would have us to live and to follow the example of Jesus. If we don’t, then as John also said in his epistle: “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” (1-John 2:4 KJV)

I know at first glance this can seem like quite a burden to carry but in reality it is a much lighter burden than living any other way (and in fact the only other way there must be to living in truth is living in deception or lies and we’ve already talked about the weight of that life). This is why Jesus was also prompted to say: “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30 KJV)

A yoke was used to place a pair of oxen in and have them plow the field. So what Jesus was saying is essentially this: when you pair up and work with Him, He illuminates the areas in your life that need work and since you’re not able to do it alone, He will help you out and as a result you will begin to experience and understand truth, thereby becoming free of your old patterns and ways.

Sounds pretty good wouldn’t you agree? So now what do you think of the burden of truth?

Staff Writer; Rick S.

One may contact this man of God at: RS@ThyBlackMan.com.

All people, everywhere, have notions of God, and those notions are colored by what is acceptable or normal for that society. Often what is acceptable and practiced are a mish-mash of beliefs and practices, that have their roots in mysticism, ignorance, history and superstition.

Sometimes, sadly, some people live and die and never experienced anything other than their ethnic religion, and never have considered God in the true and the wider context of religious faith.

I say sad, because some ethnic religions are so mind-boggling, and silly, that it is hard to see how intelligent people can adhere to such nonsense. It beggars belief that anyone can believe that you can carve out an image with your own hands from a block of wood, and then bow down, and worship it as your God.

It is equally hard to understand how any people can believe in Hinduism, an ethnic religion of Asia, and the third largest religion in the world, with a billion followers, mainly Indians, that allow their group to have many gods, no god, or one god, and to Hinduism it makes no difference.

With a world full of gods, how do we as Christians present Almighty God, maker of Heaven and earth, and all things seen and unseen, so that thinking people can examine for themselves whether He is worthy of being accepted as their only God and Saviour.

True religion must surely be more than cultural assimilation, something you born into, practice, and die in, and Christianity has shown that it is the true religion because God sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ, and by a number of infallible proofs demonstrated that God Almighty is the one and only true God.

All religions have some good things about them, Hinduism of the Indians, Judaism of the Jews, Shenism of the Han Chinese, Shinto of the Japanese, and Candombl of the Brazilians, to name but a few, but they all fall short in having a living God able to prove his existence with miracles and other flawless proofs.

And that is why Almighty God is so special, and for good reasons we should love him, do him justice by having faith in him, and let his grace impact our life.

Some additional reasons for loving God are:

1. God’s willingness to show himself real to us. Whenever we are dealing with God, we are dealing with faith, abstraction, things unseen and ill-defined. A lot of people don’t bother with religious matters, because to them, God is wrapped up in complex ideas, deep concepts, spiritual obscurity, and even elusiveness. This is understandable. None of us has seen God at any time and the Bible tells us, “God is a Spirit…” (John 4:24). People are uneasy venturing into the realm of spirituality, where it is all about beliefs, opinions, theology, and nothing firm and solid to get hold of and observe.

God understands this predicament concerning our cognitive limitation, our inability to perceive Him as He is, and helps us to overcome this deficiency in a way that leaves no doubt that He is real.

Take the case of Elijah on Mount Carmel as recorded in I Kings 18: 1- 40.

On Mount Carmel the prophet Elijah wanted Israel to choose between Almighty God and the false prophets of Baal, and so a confrontation was arranged. Notice Elijah’s proposal and their agreement, “And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.” (I Kings 18:24.)

The false prophets of Baal prayed, shouted, cut themselves, balled all day and yet there was no answer from Baal, how could there be, Baal was just that; false. But when Elijah had his sacrifice drenched with water to make sure no one could accuse him of trickery, and he prayed to Almighty God, then fire ignited the wet sacrifice and consumed it, and licked up the water that gathered in the trenches.

Almighty God, in consequence, demonstrated his reality for all to see.

Take the case of Daniel in the lions’ den as recorded in Daniel 6:16. Notice well the key words from the King, “Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.” (Daniel 6:16b) Here again Almighty God powerfully demonstrated his reality for all to see.

Let me give you one more example. Take the case of the crippled man as recorded in John 5:1-8. This man was crippled for 38 years, and all the people knew it. Jesus healed him and the people saw it. Remember what Nicodemus said, “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” (John 3:2) Sure enough, we see yet again Almighty God demonstrating his reality, through Christ, for all to see.

This is one of the great reasons we love God, because God comes to us, personally, according to our individual need, to convince us of his reality. For some it is through a vision, for some it is by answered prayer, for some it is in a dream, for some it’s a chilling, unmistakable presence, for some it’s a voice, and for some it’s a miracle of some sort. Once we are sincere, God never leaves us hanging. “For every one that asketh receiveth.” (Matthew 7:8)

2. God’s assured presence in times of crisis. Nearly everyone passing through this life will, sooner or later, experience a crisis that may be life changing. For many it would seem that their life is crisis-ridden; crisis after crisis and scarcely any fault of their own. The truth is that no one can predict what anyone will go through in this life, and all the talk cannot prevent you from the storms that surely will come.

Because believers are spiritual, we rely more on God than any other, because we are so acutely conscious of other people’s, and our own, inadequacies.

Believers’ battles are mostly spiritual, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12) and as a consequence supernatural powers are lined up against us. Demons and Satan are supernatural beings, although they can appear in physical forms, God permitting.

Even when the crisis is caused by something physical, for example the death of your young son or daughter, there are still spiritual undertones. When the agony is so deep, and the loss so great, that you need support to endure, then whom can you turn to. Friends at times will let you down, even your very parents can fail you in crisis situations. It is then only one person who you can depend on and he never fails. Hear what He says:

When parents fail, God is still there standing with you, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.” (Psalm 27:10). God provides an impregnable shelter always, and especially, in times of crisis, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)

When God promised that he will never leave you nor forsake you, (Hebrews 13:5), he was affirming to us his presence in any, and every, crisis; and this is yet another great reason for loving God.

3. God’s ability to transition our soul beyond the grave. It matters not what religion you are aligned with, or your own beliefs, the truth is that at some time you are going to die. It is Almighty God, and him alone, who has the ability to take you to his heavenly home. And none can stop him. “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:29)

This assurance is summed up in verse by James M Black, 1893:

When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,
And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Refrain:

When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Don’t you just love it that when all is said and done, when the last battle has been fought, when all the confusion and uncertainties are over, when you enter your eternal rest, that the God who loves us, and whom we dearly love, gives us another great reason, like this, for loving him?

Staff Writer; Henderson W.

You can contact this Christian brother at: HWard@ThyBlackMan.com.

Table Of Contents

1. Why Overwhelm Feels So Heavy
2. Start With A Pause
3. Build A Simple Scripture Routine
4. Choose Passages For The Moment
5. Turn Worry Into Action
6. Set Healthier News Boundaries
7. Use Prayer And Journaling
8. Stay Connected To Others
9. Know When To Seek Extra Help
10. Questions Readers May Have

There are seasons when ordinary responsibilities feel heavier than usual. Difficult news, financial pressure, health concerns, grief, relationship strain, and a constant stream of notifications can leave little room to think clearly. In those moments, practical rhythms of faith, rest, and connection can help. Some people also benefit from faith-based online pastoral counseling when they need a caring space to talk through spiritual and personal concerns.

Feeling overwhelmed is not proof of weak faith or poor character. It is a human response to carrying too much for too long. Groundedness does not mean pretending life is easy. It means responding to what is real with honesty, wise limits, prayer, and appropriate support. It may also mean accepting that not every question can be answered today. When life feels unsteady, the goal is not perfect calm; it is finding a faithful, workable way to take the next step.

Why Overwhelm Feels So Heavy

Overwhelm often builds gradually. A demanding week becomes a demanding month, then attention becomes scattered, and small decisions begin to feel exhausting. Stress may pass after a difficult event, but ongoing distress that affects sleep, work, relationships, or basic routines deserves closer attention. A 2018 study on Bible reading, religious coping, stress, and hope suggests that spiritual practices can be meaningful resources, though personal circumstances and support systems matter too.

Sometimes the weight comes from one clear crisis. At other times, it comes from many ordinary demands arriving without enough recovery between them: unanswered messages, caregiving, deadlines, household tasks, and worries about people you love. The body and mind can respond as though every concern requires an immediate answer. Recognizing this pattern can reduce shame and make it easier to choose a calmer response. You may not be able to remove the pressure at once, but you can begin to separate urgent needs from concerns that can wait.

Start With A Pause

When your mind is racing, begin with a short pause rather than trying to solve everything at once. Put your phone down, lower your shoulders, and take a moment to identify what is happening inside you. A pause creates a small gap between the feeling of panic and the decision you make next. It can be especially useful before replying to a stressful message, making a major choice, or continuing a difficult conversation.

A Three-Minute Reset

1. Take five slow breaths.
2. Name the feeling, such as fear, sadness, anger, or fatigue.
3. State the concern in plain language.
4. Ask what needs attention right now.
5. Choose one small next step.

This reset is not meant to erase a serious problem in three minutes. It is a way to return to the present moment. If it helps, place both feet on the floor, notice a few things around you, and remind yourself that you only need to decide what comes next. The broader context can be revisited once your thoughts are less scattered.

Build A Simple Scripture Routine

A hard season is rarely the right time to create an elaborate routine that adds pressure. A short, repeatable Scripture practice can offer a steady point of return without becoming another task to complete perfectly. Keeping a Bible, a devotional book, or a written passage in an easy-to-reach place can reduce the effort needed to begin.

• Morning: Read a short passage before checking messages.
• Midday: Repeat one sentence that speaks to your present concern.
• Evening: Write down one burden and one reason for gratitude.

Five to ten minutes is enough to begin. Consistency matters more than length, especially when energy is limited. Missing a day does not mean the routine has failed. Simply return when you can. Some people find it helpful to read the same brief passage for several days, allowing its words to become more familiar instead of rushing to cover more material.

Choose Passages For The Moment

You do not need to find one perfect verse for every problem. Instead, choose passages that meet the need in front of you. Reading slowly can be more helpful than reading a large amount while distracted. Notice a word, image, question, or promise that stands out, and consider why it feels important today.

• For fear: Read passages about God’s presence, then ask, “What would change if I faced this moment less alone?”
• For grief: Read a psalm of lament and name the part of the loss that hurts most.
• For confusion: Read passages about wisdom, then consider which decision can wait for greater clarity.
• For exhaustion: Read passages about rest and ask what responsibilities can be shared, delayed, or returned. Also, help to resist the temptation to use Scripture as a quick way to silence difficult feelings. The Bible includes prayers of praise, questions, grief, fear, repentance, and hope. Bringing your actual experience to the passage can make the practice more honest. If a particular text feels difficult or confusing, choose a shorter passage or discuss it with a trusted pastor, mentor, or mature friend.

Turn Worry Into Action

Prayer and practical action belong together. Faith does not require ignoring a difficult problem. It can help you approach the problem with a clearer mind and a steadier pace. A concern about finances may call for reviewing bills or asking about available assistance. A concern about health may call for making an appointment. A conflict may call for an honest, respectful conversation rather than repeated private worry.

The Name, Give, Do Method

1. Name: Describe the concern without assuming the worst outcome.
2. Give: Bring it to God through direct, honest prayer.
3. Do: Take one useful step, such as making a call, sending an email, scheduling an appointment, or asking for help.

One action will solve every situation, but it can interrupt helplessness. If a task is too large, break it down into the next manageable step. For example, instead of deciding that you must solve an entire financial problem today, gather the relevant documents or contact one organization. Instead of trying to repair every part of a strained relationship at once, ask whether a brief check-in or sincere apology is the next right step.

Set Healthier News Boundaries

Staying informed is different from absorbing every health concern each day. You can care deeply about the world while protecting your attention and rest. Constant exposure to upsetting headlines can make distant events feel relentlessly immediate, particularly when reports are repeated across multiple apps and platforms.

• Check reliable news sources at set times.
• Turn off alerts that repeatedly trigger panic or distraction.
• Avoid scrolling in bed or immediately after waking.
• Pause before sharing emotionally charged content.
• Choose one meaningful response, such as prayer, donating, volunteering, or contacting a representative, instead of endless checking.

News boundaries are not indifferent. They are a way to remain compassionate without letting every alert dictate the day’s emotional tone. Consider choosing a defined window for updates and then returning to work, family, rest, or prayer. If a major event affects you personally, it may be wise to seek trustworthy information while also taking breaks from commentary and speculation.

Use Prayer And Journaling

Prayer does not need polished language. You can offer one honest sentence, sit quietly, repeat a short passage, or write down concerns you cannot solve today. Journaling is not a demand to feel positive. It is a way to slow racing thoughts and notice what is true. A written prayer can be especially helpful when you find yourself repeating the same concern without knowing how to put it into words.

• What feels heaviest today?
• What is within my control?
• What needs to be released?
• Who could offer wise support?
• What small sign of goodness appeared today?

You do not need to keep a detailed journal for the practice to be useful. A few lines, a list of prayers, or a single sentence at the end of the day can be enough. Over time, looking back may help you notice patterns: situations that repeatedly drain you, supports that bring relief, or prayers that have changed how you see a problem.

Stay Connected To Others

Isolation can make a hard situation feel even larger. Trusted people may offer prayer, practical assistance, a listening ear, or simply calm company. Send a direct message rather than waiting for perfect wording. Ask for something specific, such as a phone call, help with a meal, or someone to sit with you during a difficult evening.

Connection does not require sharing everything with everyone. Choose people who are trustworthy, respectful, and able to listen without rushing to judgment. If you do not know what to ask for, begin simply: “I am having a hard week and could use someone to talk to.” A church community, small group, family member, neighbor, or longtime friend may be able to offer support that is both practical and personal.

Know When To Seek Extra Help

Spiritual practices can support emotional well-being, but they do not replace medical or mental health care. Contact a qualified professional when anxiety, depression, grief, or fear persist, worsen, or interfere with daily life. Prompt support is especially important when sleep, eating, work, relationships, or safety are seriously affected.

Seeking help is not a failure to pray hard enough or trust deeply enough. A doctor, licensed mental health professional, pastor, or other qualified support person can help you assess what is happening and identify appropriate next steps. If you are supporting someone else, take their distress seriously, listen without minimizing it, and encourage them to seek professional care when needed.

If you are in the United States and feel unsafe or have thoughts of self-harm, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support by call, text, or chat at any time. Call emergency services if there is immediate danger.

Questions Readers May Have

Does Feeling Anxious Mean Faith Is Failing?

No. Anxiety and sadness are human experiences. Faith can shape how you respond, but it does not remove every difficult emotion. Honest prayer, wise boundaries, supportive relationships, and professional help when appropriate can all be part of a faithful response.

What If Prayer Feels Empty?

Begin with honesty. Pray a single sentence, read a lament, sit in silence, or ask someone you trust to pray with you. It is okay if prayer feels simple or unfinished; returning to God with what you have is still a meaningful practice.

Can Scripture Replace Counseling Or Treatment?

Scripture can provide spiritual comfort and direction, while counseling and treatment can address mental health needs. Both forms of support can be valuable. When symptoms are persistent or daily functioning is affected, professional assessment and care can be an important part of the healing and stability process.

Conclusion

Staying grounded is usually built through small choices repeated over time. A brief pause, a focused passage, an honest prayer, a news boundary, and a trusted conversation can create steadiness in a difficult day. The goal is not to deny the weight of life, but to meet each moment with faith, wisdom, care, and support. Even when circumstances do not change quickly, these practices can help create room to breathe, receive help, and take the next faithful step.

Staff Writer; Quincy Parker

We resign ourselves to the ideal that if God wants us be [ or our loved] to be healed he will make it happen…and he doesn’t need our assistance. Because remember, “he will never put more on us than we can bare”; the problem may have begun with a gross misreading and misunderstanding of scripture. There is a big difference between not putting more on us than we can handle, and not allowing us to be tempted beyond what we can handle. One implies God is applying the pressure, and the other implies he is not the cause of the pressure. This misunderstanding can affect how we pray our understanding of what we need to do to assist our wellness.

I can remember the accident that began the journey that has been repeated health challenges. There have been so many limits given my life I’ve lost count. There were times where I felt God was testing me, so I kept praying to show myself worthy of living…basically begging for life. Then came the why me Lord phase…that saw me angry with God and questioning why I must go through such unspeakable pain. This eventually led to the thought that if I’m going through it that must be because I can bare it. All of these phases caused an inconsistency in what I was praying for verses what I wanted from God.

Furthermore, in the midst of all the “tarrying” I wasn’t putting for the maximum effort to care for myself. Basically, it was prayer or nothing. I had no concept of working with God. Basically, if God wants to fix it he will, and it it’s not fixed this is what he has assigned to me to carry as my burden or “cross” per se. Granted today I am able to say that a lack of understanding about God, faith, healing and prayer led to me almost giving up my faith in the midst of my health crisis, as my original mindset led to despair and depression.

Healing is something that, in most cases, doesn’t occur overnight. It is a combination of faith, work, and in many cases following medical direction. Having an understanding that this doesn’t work like magic, God is not afflicting us, and that we must put work with our prayer can mentally prepare us for the journey that is healing. This journey is not always a matter of physical illness, but where there is a need for healing there will need to be prayer and work. Training our mind to speak spiritual healing to the body is one area that requires time in God’s Word, and plenty of mouth control discipline. Yes, discipline has to become your new best friend as it helps us work past what we feel, and what we see.

Taking time to do a biblical study on healing will aid your discipline, and help you understand healing from God’s perspective verses what you’ve been told by others. It was a game changing revelation the day I was able to understand God won’t allow the enemy to tempt me beyond what I could handle, a price was already paid for my healing, and there is a connection between my physical health and the health of my Spirit. Granted it has to be understood that this is a position on healing from a Christian perspective, so if the believe system is different of course what is required is different.

However, regardless of one’s spiritual belief, or lack thereof, the person seeking healing will have to find a way to engage with the issue, the health issue they are facing with positive words/meditation/prayer and be willing to do the work required. This is not a journey built for perfection, but one built for consistency and discipline. Showing up for oneself becomes a crucial necessity on the road called healing.

Staff Writer; Chelle’ St James

May also connect with this sister via Twitter; ChelleStJames.