Savitri Soogrim: September 25, 2007

Who am I Really Depending On?


Lamentations 3:25 - The Lord is good to those who depend on Him..... (NLT)

Every minute, every hour, every day: who do I really depend on? Do I really depend on God or myself? As children of God the statement comes out so easily from our mouths that we trust God, but is it really true in our lives?

When we were children we depended on our earthly parents for everything: warmth, a shelter, clothes, food: all the necessities for growing babies and children. After high school or college we become independent: our own apartments, perhaps for the first time bringing in our own paychecks. It seems as though finally; we're in control of our own lives: very exhilarating; a little bit scary too. Reality then comes knocking on our doors; spouses, children, bills, bills, bills! A hard reality, but we work hard and we make it! This is what the normal lifestyle appears to be sometimes.

We take for granted our jobs, our homes, our cars, our finances, even our families that God has blessed us with. Sometimes especially when many things are going our way we feel good in ourselves that we are handling things well, but we don't realize that we have been truly depending on ourselves and not on God. Depending on God is not just confessing "I trust or depend on God", it is our heart's attitude towards God.

In the book of Daniel (OT), Daniel's three friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were brought before King Nebuchadnezzar because they refused to bow down before a golden statue made by the king. The penalty for refusing to bow before this statue was death by being thrown into a blazing fiery furnace. As these three young men stood before the king they declared to him: "The God whom we serve is able to save us..... but even if he doesn't we want to make it clear to you, your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up". Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were then bound and thrown into the flaming fire which was made seven times hotter than normal. Because of their unwavering dependence on God they were miraculously saved and even King Nebuchadnezzar declared: "Praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in Him!".

This is the dependence that God is looking for in us. Now more than ever in this time that we are living in we need to build our faith to a level of unwavering dependence on Him and not on ourselves!


Savitri Soogrim: September 18, 2007

Speaking Words of Healing not Wounding


"Proverbs 12:18 - Thoughtless words can wound us deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal.

Have you ever been in a bad or trying situation in which you failed? Many or all of us certainly have. So it seems as if this is the ultimate test of your faith and guess what; you failed. You look around for words of hope and encouragement; yes you know you were wrong, you sinned and let God down. Instead, you hear from your loved ones and friends: "O you should know better"; "I can never do something like that"; Why didn't you do this instead?".

In the bible (OT) Job was an outstanding and upright man in the sight of God. In one day however, he lost all his possessions and most of his family. The only living member of his family was his wife who did not support him but even told him to curse God and die. Even though Job was righteous in God's sight even his friends turned around and accused him of not taking rebuke and correction from God.In the New Testament the woman caught in the act of adultery by the Pharisees when brought to Jesus was told by Him: " I do not condemn you either, go and do not sin again".

What words do we speak to others in our day to day lives: to our husbands, wives, children, parents, co-workers. Do we speak words of wounding or healing words? Correction and reproof is an important and necessary part of Christian living; we need to ask ourselves first though: Are these the right words to say at this time? Sometimes we say the right words at the wrong time and instead of bringing healing we add to the wounds of our brothers and sisters.

Let us learn to speak the right words at the right time!


Savitri Soogrim: September 11, 2007

What are You Looking For?


"Proverbs 8:35 - For whoever finds me (wisdom) finds life and shall draw forth and obtain favor of the Lord.

What exactly is wisdom? Some of the words describing wisdom in the dictionary are understanding, intelligence, insight, perception and good judgment. Some years ago I heard a great teacher of the word of God mention that "Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge correctly".

In this world today where common sense does not seem so common any more people of wisdom stand out. King Solomon as mentioned in the Old Testament was renowned for his wisdom and sought after by kings and queens and common people from all around the world. The word wisdom is mentioned over 123 times in the book of Proverbs.

The above scripture advises that the person who finds wisdom finds life; so in order to obtain wisdom we need to look for it. What are we looking for though, in our day to day lives; a better job, more money, health, social status, a new car, a bigger house? When we look for wisdom we will find life and the favor of God as well. Jesus said I am the way, the truth and the life. If we believe that He is the Life, then He is Wisdom. Why then do we have to look for wisdom if we already have him in our lives? Colossians states ". in Him all things consist/cohere or are held together". As the lover of our souls Christ wants us to pursue Him. When we look for Him with all our hearts he will fill us with his wisdom. As we become filled with his wisdom, we too will find more and more the favor of God and we too will be able to stand out in this world, to the many people who are searching for answers to the many problems of this world.


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