Align with the Divine

Lately, I've been thinking about Judas.  Here is man who followed Jesus for 3 years, lived with him, heard his teachings, and witnessed His miracles.  Yet, his claim to fame is his betrayal of our Saviour.  How is it possible, being exposed to Jesus' divine light, that he could turn away and ultimately betray Him.  Was it fear? Was it the influence of Satan?  Or was it his love for money and power.  Most puzzling is that he betrayed Jesus with a kiss, which at that time was sign of deep respect and brotherly love.  How hurtful it must have been for Jesus to be betrayed in this way by a loving member of his Inner Circle.  The Bible accounts that Satan entered Judas at the Last Supper (Luke 22:3).  Afterwards, Judas was "seized with remorse" (Matthew 27:3) when he realized that Jesus would be crucified.  Overcome with guilt, he gave the money back to the temple authorities and hanged himself.  A tragic ending filled with hopelessness....

Perhaps you are facing a storm right now in your life and you are feeling hopeless.  Maybe this challenge is too much to handle and you can't see a way out.  I know.  I understand.  I have been in the midst of many storms and have felt this burden and hopelessness.  As the storm is raging, this feeling of defeat looms. We all face challenges in our lives.  Losing a spouse, a child, a parent, a sibling, the ending of a marriage, being a victim of abuse, struggling with mental health or addiction.  Whatever your challenge, whatever your storm, God is near.  In fact, the bible states: The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged .”  Deuteronomy 31:8 It is in the eye of the storm that we must lean into God, remembering His goodness and His light.  When we are facing a storm, there are three things we can do to help us through it.  In time, the pa...

 I am a BIG fan of the docuseries The Chosen.  It is my favourite depiction of the life of Jesus.  Throughout the episodes an underlying theme of LOVE transcends.  After being a Christian for decades, I finally understand the true purpose of our lives here on earth.  Here it is.  Our only purpose as a Christian is To Love.  Yes, so simple.  Yet for many of us, so difficult.  In my personal experience, whenever you sit in the power of love: loving people, loving yourself, loving your work, loving your life.  Then and only then, will God's power transcend.  Love is the only answer.  It is the only way to heal a broken heart, to mend a broken relationship,  and to heal yourself.  In fact, it is the only way to bring miracles, God's miracles, into your life. People underestimate the power of LOVE.  Love is by far the most powerful way of creating change in your life and the lives of those you love.  Often, our f...