Batteries Not Sufficient

I had some problems with the car this week. Right in front of a friend's house, the car 'cried out' and refused to be pacified until the battery was disconnected! In a way I am thankful that this did not take place in some unknown place or right in the middle of traffic! The cause of the problem was the alternator. It was not doing its work to charge up the batteries. There was just not enough power for the car to function fully as it should. Also I had not noticed the symptoms over the last few days. I thought with a new set of battery I would not have any problems. But I was wrong!

Isn't this true sometimes in our life when we ignore the signs that show our lack? We live our lives as if we are on our own. The truth is that we are designed not to operate on our own. We need fellowship with God more than we realise. To live our lives independent of Him would be like the car that only operates on its own batteries. Be careful and watch out for the symptoms of living such a life. The 'I' problem can be fatal. It is no wonder then that we are commanded by Scripture to be filled with the Spirit of God. Not just once but be continually filled. Only He can give us life.

Pr. Ben

It's Only Words

There's an old Bee Gees song that has these lyrics: "It's only words, and words are all I have to take your heart away" Can words have a way to move people, even their hearts? Most certainly! Just take a look at all the songs that people listen to. One must be careful of one's words, even casual remarks. Once it leaves our lips, it cannot be taken back no matter how we offer a thousand apologies and regrets. The Bible tells us to "Let our conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know to answer everyone." (Col. 4:6)

I was reminded recently of how one's words can affect a person's decision in the future. I had once made some remarks on being 'unequally yoked' in our relationships. It was just a casual conversation. Words that I have now virtually forgotten. But more than three years later these words were remembered by someone who had faced an important decision in her life. Wow! God can use our ordinary conversations to affect lives! I wonder how many more such words that I have said that may have affected other lives? Yes, I am fully conscious also of the times when I had said things that I did not really mean to say. Worse still the unconscious ones.

My wish and prayer is that my speech may be full of grace and flavour. Not filled with loose and empty words that will do more damage than good especially for eternity. May this be true in your life too as you celebrate this New Year with your family and friends.

Pr. Ben