No More Shadows- Stop Living in darkness!

 

Hebrews 10:1 The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason, it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.

Shadows are ubiquitous, being an intrinsic part of the natural order. They serve a useful purpose by providing a distorted image of what formed them. Overall, shadows have no power to change things; they only project a distorted and negative representation of the image they attempt to emulate.

A more excellent perspective, Hebrews 10:1 explores the significance of the law of sacrificial giving and the repetitive rituals, symbolically foreshadowing future blessings and positive outcomes.

In essence, shadows foreshadow what is to come, the real deal. However, according to God's Word, while shadows are inevitable, our purpose does not solely revolve around living in their presence.

We do not dwell in the obscure and uncertain realms of shadows, but instead, we bask in the unwavering faith of God's boundless love. Choosing to reside in the shadows constrains our ability to have faith in God. As the text reflects, repeated actions have no substance but futile attempts to produce a positive outcome from distorted realities.

The undeniable truth is that God's Word eternally surpasses a mere semblance or shadow. 

                  

What shadow has limited your faith in God?

A shadow aims to reveal what it sees rather than an actual image of what is portrayed, even in distortion. 

Christ has come; there is no need to live in the shadows of life.

Remember, the law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves Hebrews 10:1.

No Shadow Living,

Minister Sylvia Joyner

Believing is Seeing Faith Friday!

The phrase 'Believing is seeing' presents a counterpoint to the famous adage 'Seeing is believing,' highlighting that belief can foster a profound comprehension or revelation that surpasses the confines of physical evidence or empirical proof. 

Some individuals think they would believe in Jesus if they could see a definitive sign or miracle. But Jesus, in John 20:18-29, emphasizes the belief that we are blessed if we can believe without seeing. We have all the proof we need in the Bible's words and believers' testimony. A physical appearance would not make Jesus more real to us than he is now. 

The message of Believing and seeing emphasizes the importance of faith and belief in the context of religious conviction. It posits that belief should not be hinged on tangible proof or signs but rather on an innate reliance on the promises of God. This principle resonates across various religious teachings, which consistently extol the virtue of faith.

The message also highlights the belief in Jesus as God's son, a central Christian tenet. Hopefully, this message will encourage more people to embrace this belief, suggesting faith is more important than seeking empirical proof of Jesus's divinity.

Finally, my reference to "Faith Friday" suggests a specific day dedicated to celebrating or contemplating faith, which is a beautiful practice.

Faith Friday!

Minister Sylvia Joyner

Under Pressure Don't Crack!

Greetings!

Let me share a story that holds a valuable lesson. I recently cooked some ramen noodles in a glass soup mug and added them to a cup of chicken noodle soup. While transferring the hot mug to the sink, I realized I wasn't being careful and put it under cold water instead of letting it cool off first. As a result, I heard a crackling sound, and the mug broke. 

Well, surprise, surprise, crack, crack, crack was the sound I heard. Oh dear, I exclaimed. I should've let the soup mug cool off; instead, I was running cold water instead of hot water, which would have matched the intensity of the present heat. 

Lesson to learn: When we are under pressure, we must allow ample time to cool off; otherwise, we will crack under pressure, just like the glass mug I used for the ramen noodles. It was a lesson to learn that we must always take the necessary precautions when handling hot items, especially when in a hurry or distracted. We need to give ourselves ample time to cool off, or we might end up making mistakes that we'll regret later.

So, it's always better to be cautious and attentive while dealing with hot objects.

When we're in a rush, we must be patient and give ourselves time to cool off before making any decisions. This story helps us to learn from our mistakes and avoid repeating them in the future.

Under Pressure but Not Defeated,

Minister Sylvia Joyner

Salt and Sugar Matthew 5:13

 Greetings,

Today, we will examine the differences between sugar and salt. Although they look similar, each function independently and creates different outcomes. However, my focus is not just on their similarities but on a fascinating metaphor from the Bible that emphasizes their distinct roles in the believer's life. We all know salt is a common household ingredient used to season and preserve food taste. But have you ever considered its use to depict Christians and their role? 

The Biblical metaphor in Matthew 5:13 gives us a clue. Jesus describes his disciples as the salt of the earth. This metaphor suggests that, just like salt, disciples have a responsibility to flavor and enrich the lives of others. 

However, sugar has been part of the diet for centuries, serving as an energy source and sweetener. But here's the fascinating part about sugar: considered an exclusive part only available to kings in ancient times. These monarchs viewed sugar as a symbol of power, status, and wealth. Something they were only able to enjoy. So, the next time you reach for the salt or sugar shaker, remember this lesson from history and scripture.

Both ingredients seem alike at face value, but they teach us about a disciple's roles in life and how we can bring sweetness and flavor to other's lives.

Remember this: let's not be unbalanced Christians who only display sweetness to others and are not the salt of the earth that God has called us to be. As it is said, "You are the salt of the earth. But how can the salt be made salty again if it loses its saltiness? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot" (Matthew 5:13). 

So, learn how to be wise in saving souls. A little sweetness goes a long way in bringing individuals to Christ.

Salt of the Earth,

Minister Sylvia Joyner