Even though others will fail us at times, and we are sometimes not always trustworthy, we can and should still trust people to some degree. Without trust, true relationship is impossible. It is because we know that God will never fail us that we can trust others. Our ultimate security is in Him, so we are free to trust others.

There are several people that I trust well enough to put my life in their hands. Even if the results did not come out favorably, it would not have been because of malice. The sad thing is that there is not a single male in this group. Trusting others is almost inseparable from loving others. True intimacy can only be achieved through honesty and trust.

It requires trust to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and “spur one another toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). It takes trust to confess our sins to one another (James 5:16) and share about our needs (James 5:14; Romans 12:15). Trust is necessary in any number of human relationships, and especially for the healthy functioning of the family of Christ.

King David said, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man/woman. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes” (Psalm 118:8-9). From King David’s experience, came the same warning (Psalm 41:19).

Instead of becoming bitter or regarding all people as inherently untrustworthy and not worth his time, he learned and taught a simple truth: sinful people will fail us, but we can always trust in God. David’s son, King Solomon, learned that lesson well and added to it, saying that it’s better to trust God than to trust our own minds (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Jesus was adamant about His followers keeping their word (Matthew 5:37). James repeated the command, “But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation (James 5:12).   

Speaking of, “In God we Trust” on our money, whether to keep it on there or not, I suggest we keep it on there. It is about time that we admit that is what we have trusted all along. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (Timothy 6:10).

According to the Hebrew/Old Testament Bible, there were many gods worshipped, however, many acknowledged that there was only one God. The concept of who God is is a complex theological question that still varies across different beliefs and cultures. Here’s some information about God in Christian thought:

In Western Christian thought, God is often described as having three essential qualities: omniscience (all-knowing), omnipotence (all-powerful), and omnibenevolence (supremely good).

In Christian thought, God is seen as the creator and overseer of life, who saves, sustains, guides, provides for, calls, and cares for people. Additionally, the Bible describes God as everlasting, spirit, love, truth, and the Creator of the ends of earth.

In the Old Testament story of Jonah, “The Word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me but Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of God (Jonah 1:1-2).”

The sailors threw the ship’s cargo into the sea to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down to the lowest part of the vessel, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. Jonah was running away from the task that God had given him. Over the years, we too have had many messages of a need to change.  Unlike the Ninevites who immediately repented and changed, we seem to have gotten worse.,

The sailors on the ship, during a violent storm, were afraid and each cried out to his own god. They urged Jonah to pray to “his God” (meaning the God of the Hebrews) to calm the sea, as they believed Jonah’s disobedience was the cause of the storm; the captain specifically told Jonah to “get up and call on your God!”

What is the moral of the story of Jonah? The moral of the story of Jonah isn’t just about the consequences of showing disobedience to God, as Jonah did initially. The story shows us that God’s love, grace, and compassion extend to everyone—even the wicked Ninevites who Jonah doesn’t believe are worthy of salvation.

If you are deeply concerned about how you and your loved ones are going to cope in the year 2025, may I suggest that you pray to Jonah’s God?

Instant (or immediate) gratification is a term that refers to the temptation, and resulting tendency, to forego a future benefit to obtain a less rewarding but more immediate benefit.

Most successful people that I have talked to over the years, mentioned that they always had long-term thoughts. This is why in an interview, the interviewer will ask, “Where do you see yourself five years from now, ten years from now?

Financial planners, who have your best interest will admonish you from investing for the short term. The reason why, a comment, change of leaders, shortage of supplies, anything, can make your investments go up and down.

I have a brother-in-law who goes to the bank at least twice per week to check on his savings account. He only has a couple of hundred dollars.  One day I asked him why he checks so often. He said every time he goes it is never the same. I asked if he could afford to lose it. He said no. I told him he should go get it. He took my advice.

It’s a natural human urge to want good things and to want them NOW. It has almost certainly provided an evolutionary advantage for humans and their ancestors, as life for pre-modern humans hinged on decisions made and actions taken in the immediate far more than those intended for long-term gain.

“For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight, though a man’s/woman’s trouble is heavy upon him/her” (Eccles 8:6). Even in the stresses of life, delayed gratification must be practiced to remain under God’s authority. God wants us to do His will in His way in His timing. We seem to have a problem with that.

Why is God making me wait so long? First, He uses waiting to increase our trust in Him and loosen our perceived control. Waiting reminds us we are at the mercy of God’s timing, and we crave control, yet waiting pulls that from our grasp.

Perhaps you or someone you know are going through a crisis and you do not know who to turn to for solace. You have never relied on a particular church except on certain occasions back home, but it is miles away and you do not feel as if the Pastor at church anywhere/USA will understand your plight. Or you may have never gone to church.

Perhaps you have heard of chaplains but you are not sure whether he or she understands your denomination, beliefs, or you profess to have no faith at all. Then doubt chimes in and you hear, “What can a chaplain do for me? Let’s explore the possibilities.

Whether you are in the hospital, a nursing home, or other long-term facilities, a hospice, the military, a mental health center, a prison, or even the workplace, a chaplain can provide compassionate listening and nonjudgmental guidance at a time of physical or emotional stress. He or she can lead you to the peace and comfort that come from turning to your own traditions and reflecting on your own spirituality.

Listening is one of the most precious gifts a chaplain can offer. You may not know where to begin to comprehend the events happening in your life. You have grown used to being taken care of and now it is your turn to take care of someone. This can lead to many uncomfortable feelings. Helplessness comes to mind. The appearance of being insensitive and non-caring follows closely.

A chaplain can give you space to express whatever feelings you are experiencing. Having someone to lean on to relieve you of your worries or even whine to because you feel the least equipped to make a critical decision helps. Voicing your concerns may help you to see them realistically rather than allowing the emotions of the moment to blow things out of proportion.

A well-trained chaplain listens with her/his heart to your greatest concerns of the moment. This kind of compassionate listening keeps them from making mental judgments about you or what you are saying. They will keep the confidences you share right where they hear them–in their heart. Unless you have threatened to do harm to yourself or someone else.

As humans, the relationships we form with other people are vital to our mental and emotional well-being and even our survival. Having a circle of friends can provide a feeling of inclusion and acceptance. However, not every relationship is healthy. One must be able to discern the difference.

For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up (Ecclesiastes 4:10). Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm (Proverbs 13:20).

Making new friends can be challenging, however—particularly for those of us who are introverted, or as we get older, not so easy. I know a lot of people would not categorize me as an introvert because of my demeanor. It just happens that I have to work hard at not being so. “You can’t stay in the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” A.A. Milne, author

For instance, I do not believe that one can be a Christian by themselves. Being a Christian commands one to spread the good news. There are some warnings: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness (Corinthians 6:14).”

A toxic relationship is one that consistently undermines your sense of well-being, happiness, and at times safety. Occasional disagreements or conflicts are normal in any relationship, but a continual pattern of emotional harm, disrespect, and manipulation can lead to deterioration in mental and emotional health.

Some further warnings are mentioned. With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:2).

I trust my wife with my life. An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain (Proverbs 31:10-11).

Prayer is how we communicate with God and something we’re told to do continually (Thessalonians 5:17).

Many scriptures offer many insights into the nature of prayer. Talking with God reminds us that He is with us through (thick and thin), good and bad. We have peace awaiting us when we turn to God.

There are many daily tasks that we attempt that are challenging. We might be afraid of the outcome. I have found that praying before the start is more reassuring than waiting to pray after I have gotten started and met some challenges.

God can hear your thoughts. You can pray silently. But nothing in the world works more effectively than speaking out loud so that you can hear yourself asking for help. God knows that you need help but the whole purpose of prayer is so that you acknowledge the fact that you need help.

One might say, “If He knows everything why do I have to tell Him?” Sharing our news with God, even though He already knows all about us, is helpful as it shifts our focus and helps us think about Him.

Prayer is a conversation with God: Jesus taught that prayer should be a private conversation with God, not a public display.

Prayer should be offered regularly: The Bible encourages people to pray without ceasing, in every situation, and without giving up.

Prayer should be offered in faith: James 1:6.

Prayer should be offered in the name of Jesus: John 16:23.

Prayer should be offered in the power of the Holy Spirit: Romans 8:26

Prayer can bring many benefits: Prayer can help people get closer to God, improve their relationship with God, and receive guidance. It can also help people accept God’s will and keep them from temptation.

Prayer can be audible or silent: Prayer can be private or public, formal or informal.

The wicked have no desire to pray: Psalm 10:4.

The children of God have a natural desire to pray: Luke 11:1.

For some people, prayer is simply a religious ritual. However, prayer can be much more than that – it’s a way to get closer to God.

you are having fun. Our perception of time is not static. We have a selective perception of how time is passing based on circumstances and how we are emotionally affected by them. At certain times, such as when we are hungry, and waiting in the checkout line, time will seem to pass by more slowly, while at other times, more quickly.

This is the subject of the idiom ‘time flies when you’re having fun,’ which is also an English proverb. However, both time flies and time flies when you’re having fun are English idioms with slightly different meanings.

We all have accepted as fact that there are twenty-four hours in a day, sixty minutes in an hour, and sixty seconds in a minute. Time knows no respective person. Elon Musk does not get any more time than the common man or woman who only has a nickel in their pocket. The difference is how you use it.

Bible verses about time reveal God’s perspective on time and empower us to make the most of the time we have available each day. The Bible emphasizes that God works with time from an eternal perspective. Unlike us, God can clearly see how everything fits together for all time. Below are some scriptures that are often quoted.

1. Psalm 90:12 – “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

2. James 4:14 – “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeared for a little time, and then vanished away.”

3. Matthew 6:34 – “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

4. Psalm 31:15 – “My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.”

5. Ecclesiastes 8:6 – “Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.”

6. Psalm 39:4 – “Lord, make me know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.”

7. Psalm 37:23 – “The steps of a good man/woman are ordered by the Lord: and he/she delighted in His way.”

Sticks and Stones is an English-language children’s rhyme.  “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words shall never hurt me.” The rhyme is used as a defense against name-calling and verbal bullying, intended to increase resiliency, avoid physical retaliation, and/or to help one remain calm.

Never before, since I have been an adult, have I seen and heard daily, the mean and cruel things that adults have said to and about each other without provocation.  It is encouraged, and endless. The sad part of it is that our laws that have been around since the 1800’s, called slander if spoken, and libel if written do not seem to help prevent it.  Every now and then the the law helps.

Michael Mann, a professor of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of PA, has been awarded more than 1 million in damages after a trial in D.C. court. Michae Mann, among the world’s renowned climate scientists, won a defamation case in the D.C. Superior Court against two conservative writers. Feb 8, 2024.

Yet, for the most part, little is done to decrease it. Perhaps when this rhyme was conceived it was meant for children and not adults. It was once thought that children had the inner strength to ward off any hurt that was not physical. Now we know better.  

Several scriptures warn against such behavior. The Galatian believers had fallen into the habit of hurting one another with unkind words, so Paul warns, “If you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another” Galatians 5:15).

In the book of Proverbs, we are taught to never take the impact of words lightly, “For the tongue has the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). What we say can either lift up or crush another. At its worst, cruel words can be a factor contributing to death. More especially if they are lies.

James describes how all types of animals have been tamed, but the tongue has never been tamed (3:6). It is uncontrollable apart from God. Then, he calls it a “restless evil” and a “deadly poison.” When calling it a “restless evil,” James is saying that the tongue never sleeps, and therefore, we must always be on guard with it.

In the third Gospel, Luke in the New Testament, it is clear that Luke had a particular concern for the little people, for the so-called no bodies in the world. Those who are hardly mentioned positively. The beloved physician records Jesus’s love for those who are neglected by the rich and the powerful.

The influential are identified by C.S. Lewis as the “inner ring—those who walk in the halls of power. But Jesus was particularly concerned about the outer ring, those who lack social prestige and influence. We by way of contrast, are inclined to give our attention to and serve those with influence and power, to praise those who have influence in the world, those who are celebrated in society; sometimes to our demise.  

They are spoken of as almost a nuisance. They are in the way of the other’s agenda. If we can step back and take notice, those who do not stand out are oftentimes, the ones who make society click. They are the ones who serve, also the ones who are more apt to be charitable toward the last the least, and the lost

The Stead Family Children’s Hospital sits next to the University of Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium. The children’s hospital, which includes a 12th-floor observation deck overlooking Kinnick Stadium, has also gained national attention for a tradition known as “The Hawkeyes Wave”, in which football players, officials, and fans wave to hospital patients en masse at the end of the first quarter of each home football game.

Krista Young and Levi Thompson inspired the tradition. Krista said the Children’s Hospital overlooking the stadium is such a great view. “The patients can see everyone in the stands and wave to them. So why not have the fans wave back. The wave of a hand is a simple gesture, often overlooked. Multiply it by 70,000 and you can warm the heart of an ailing child, bring a tear to the eye of a nation.”

Your compassion shown will not be in vain. Scripture makes it clear. The King will answer and say to them, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of these brothers/sisters of Mine, even the least of them, you did it for Me’ (Matthew 25:40).