Archives July 2024

The Burning Bush

In the midst of the burning desert, a strange and wondrous sight appeared to Moses, a bush that was ablaze, yet remained unscathed by the flames. This enigmatic event, known as the Burning Bush, has captivated the imagination of people for centuries, inspiring countless works of art, literature, and spiritual reflection. But what is the significance of this symbolic event, and how can it inspire us today?

The Burning Bush is often seen as a symbol of hope and redemption. In a desolate and barren landscape, God’s presence is revealed in a seemingly impossible way – a bush that is both consumed by fire and preserved by it. This paradox speaks to the human experience of feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, yet finding a sense of hope and renewal in the midst of adversity.

The Burning Bush represents the possibility that even in the darkest moments, there is always the potential for transformation and redemption. It reminds us that God is present in every situation, working to bring about good even when all seems lost.

The Burning Bush also serves as a symbol of God’s presence in our lives. In Exodus 3:2-4, Moses encounters the burning bush while tending his father-in-law’s flocks. God speaks to him from within the flames, commissioning him to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. This event marks the beginning of a profound relationship between Moses and God, one that would shape the course of history.

The Burning Bush reminds us that God is always present, even when we are unaware or uncertain about our circumstances. It is a reminder that we are never alone, and that God’s guidance and direction are always available to us.

Moses’ response to the burning bush also serves as a powerful example of obedience and trust. Despite being instructed to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:5), Moses hesitated initially. However, he eventually obeyed God’s command to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery.

The Burning Bush reminds us that obedience to God requires trust and faith. It encourages us to surrender our own desires and fears, choosing instead to follow God’s leading even when it seems impossible or uncertain.

Finally, the Burning Bush is a symbol of transformation and spiritual growth. Just as the bush was transformed by fire without being consumed by it, so too can we experience transformation through our encounters with God.

The Burning Bush reminds us that spiritual growth often involves being refined and purified by fire – not destroyed by it. It encourages us to surrender our old selves, embracing new life and purpose as we respond to God’s calling.

The Burning Bush is more than just an ancient biblical event – it is a powerful symbol of hope, redemption, divine presence, obedience, and transformation. As we reflect on this enigmatic occurrence, may we be inspired to deepen our faith and trust in God’s goodness and guidance. May we find courage to obey His call, even when it seems impossible or uncertain.

May we too experience the transformative power of God’s presence in our lives, just as Moses did at the Burning Bush – and may we emerge from our own “fires” renewed, revitalized, and ready for whatever lies ahead.

 

Apostle Shelia

SBI Ministries

C.B. Helping Hands Ministries

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Finding Faith in the Everyday

Faith is not just about the big, flashy moments; it’s about finding God in the everyday, ordinary moments of life. It’s about trusting in His goodness and provision even when things seem dull and uneventful.

As we go about our daily routines, we often overlook the small, seemingly insignificant moments that are actually filled with potential for spiritual growth and connection with God. 

Finding faith in the everyday doesn’t require grand gestures or spectacular events. It’s about being present in the moment, trusting in God’s sovereignty, and seeking Him in every aspect of life. By doing so, we can turn ordinary moments into opportunities for spiritual growth, connection with God, and miracles.

Apostle Shelia

SBI Ministries

C.B. Helping Hands Ministries

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The Role of Forgiveness in Building Stronger Faith

Forgiveness is essential for building stronger faith because it allows us to release the weight of hurt and anger that can weigh us down. When we hold onto grudges, it can lead to bitterness, resentment, and even hatred. This can damage our relationships with others and prevent us from experiencing the fullness of God’s love. Forgiveness, on the other hand, sets us free from the emotional burden of resentment and allows us to move forward with a clear conscience.

In the Bible, forgiveness is a central theme that is emphasized throughout the Old and New Testaments. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus teaches us to “forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors” (NIV). This passage highlights the importance of forgiveness in our relationships with others and with God. Similarly, in Colossians 3:13, Paul writes, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (NIV). These verses demonstrate that forgiveness is not just a human virtue, but also a divine command.

Forgiveness is an essential element in building stronger faith. When we choose to forgive others, we release emotional baggage, cultivate gratitude, foster spiritual growth, and heal relationships. By recognizing the hurt, letting go of anger, seeking God’s help, practicing self-care, and seeking support, we can cultivate a culture of forgiveness in our lives.

Remember that forgiveness is not always easy, but it is always worth it. As we choose to forgive others, we open ourselves up to greater intimacy with God and experience His love more fully.

 

Apostle Shelia

SBI Ministries

C.B. Helping Hands Ministries

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Finding Faith in the Midst of Suffering

 

Suffering is a universal human experience. It can strike at any moment, without warning, and can be incredibly painful and overwhelming. Yet, it is in these moments of darkness that we are often forced to confront our deepest fears, doubts, and insecurities. For many of us, suffering can lead to feelings of hopelessness, despair, and a sense of abandonment by a loving God.

But what if I told you that it’s precisely in these moments of suffering that we have the opportunity to discover faith? Not a superficial, Pollyannaish faith that denies the existence of pain, but a deep, transformative faith that emerges from the ashes of our brokenness.

The Bible is replete with stories of people who suffered greatly, yet remained faithful to God. Job, who lost everything he had, including his family and his health. Joseph, who was sold into slavery and spent years in prison. Each of these individuals faced unimaginable suffering, yet their faith remained unwavering.

So why do we struggle to find faith in the midst of suffering? Perhaps it’s because we have an unrealistic expectation of how God should work in our lives. We expect Him to prevent or remove all pain and suffering, rather than using it as a means to draw us closer to Him.

Prayer is often the first thing that suffers when we’re going through a difficult time. But it’s precisely in these moments that we need to pray most. Prayer is not about changing God’s mind or asking Him to fix our problems; it’s about surrendering ourselves to His will and trusting in His goodness.

When we pray during times of suffering, we’re not trying to control the outcome; we’re simply seeking to know God more deeply and trust Him more fully. As we pray, we begin to see that God is not absent; He is actively working behind the scenes to bring about good even from evil.

Finding faith in the midst of suffering is not easy. It requires surrender, perseverance, and trust. But it’s precisely in these moments that we have the opportunity to discover a deeper level of faith – one that is not based on circumstances but on the character of God Himself.

Remember that suffering is not a sign of God’s abandonment; it’s an opportunity for us to draw closer to Him. And even when the road ahead seems uncertain and dark, remember that God is always working behind the scenes, using our suffering for good and bringing about redemption.

Apostle Shelia

SBI Ministries

C.B. Helping Hands Ministries

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The Gift of Forgiveness

As followers of Christ, we are called to forgive others as God forgives us (Ephesians 4:32). But what does that mean? How can we forgive others when they’ve hurt us so deeply?

The answer lies in understanding God’s love. God’s love is not just a feeling or an emotion; it’s a choice He makes every moment. He chooses to love us unconditionally, despite our failures and shortcomings. He chooses to forgive us time and time again.

When we experience God’s love and forgiveness, it changes everything. It gives us a new perspective on life, a new sense of purpose and direction. It helps us see that our worth and value come not from our accomplishments or achievements, but from being loved by God.

Forgiveness is a powerful tool that can change everything. When we choose to forgive others as God forgives us, we open ourselves up to a world of freedom, peace, and joy. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

As you journey towards forgiveness, remember that God is with you every step of the way. He loves you unconditionally and wants to help you experience the transformative power of forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not just about letting go of past hurts; it’s about embracing God’s love and allowing it to transform our lives. It’s about choosing freedom over bitterness, peace over resentment, and joy over sorrow.

Remember that forgiveness is a process, but with God’s help, you can overcome even the deepest wounds. Don’t give up – keep seeking Him and asking for His guidance.

Take one step today towards forgiveness. Reach out to someone who has hurt you in the past and offer them an olive branch. Write down three things you’re grateful for today related to your faith journey. Share this article with someone who could use encouragement on their own path towards forgiveness.

Remember – forgiveness is a gift from God that can change everything.

Apostle Shelia

SBI Ministries

C.B. Helping Hands Ministries

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This website is a treasure trove of valuable information, and we’re committed to keeping it free for everyone. If our content has made a positive impact on your life, consider supporting us with a donation to help us continue sharing knowledge freely.

God’s Sovereignty

The Bible teaches us that God is sovereign over all things (Isaiah 46:10-11), but it also teaches us that humans have a responsibility to make choices (Deuteronomy 30:19). In fact, the Bible says that “what may be known about God is plain from what God has made” (Romans 1:19), implying that humans have the ability to seek after God and respond to Him.

The apostle John wrote that “whoever lives by the truth comes into light” (1 John 1:6), indicating that humans have the capacity to make choices based on truth and morality.

So how do we reconcile God’s sovereignty with human free will? The answer lies in understanding that our free will is not absolute, but it is still real. While our choices are influenced by various factors, they are not entirely determined by those factors.

God’s sovereignty does not cancel out our responsibility to make choices. Rather, it highlights His graciousness in giving us the capacity to respond to Him and live according to His will.

Ultimately, this paradox can only be understood through faith. We must trust that God is sovereign over all things and yet still believe that He has given us the gift of free will.

Apostle Shelia

Apostle Shelia

SBI Ministries

C.B. Helping Hands Ministries

Follow Us

Stay up-to-date with our latest articles and insights by following us on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/CBHelpingHands

This website is a treasure trove of valuable information, and we’re committed to keeping it free for everyone. If our content has made a positive impact on your life, consider supporting us with a donation to help us continue sharing knowledge freely.

C.B. Helping Hands

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