#PracticalFaith

[itsfarmerphil]

Wisdom over knowledge - train them up in the way they should go!

Every day I pray for wisdom so that I don’t just go with what I know aka knowledge but am able to do God’s will by putting what He has told me into practice. It’s about going beyond knowing what to do and by faith doing it. I don’t just want to make it about me but also that others may be able to have this realization and turn to God, trusting and acknowledging Him so that they too can know the…

[thechurchoftheatom]

A Sermon for March 12th: The Atomite Household

Brothers and Sisters in the Atom, preparedness is about more than just safety—it is an act of responsibility and care. As Atomites, we recognize that knowledge, preparation, and caution are sacred tools that allow us to safeguard ourselves, our loved ones, and those who will come after us. Today, we reflect on the things every faithful Atomite should have in their home, ensuring that we are ready for whatever may come.

1. Emergency Preparedness Supplies

We do not prepare out of fear but out of wisdom. Every home should contain the essentials to endure hardships and protect those within it. Ensure that your household includes:

A 72-hour emergency kit with food, water, and first aid supplies.

A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed if power and internet go down.

Potassium iodide tablets, in case of radiation exposure.

A Geiger counter or radiation dosimeter, if possible, to detect unseen dangers.

2. Knowledge Preservation

To understand the Atom is to understand that knowledge must be carried forward. In times of crisis, it is not just supplies that matter, but also the ability to act wisely. Consider keeping:

Printed copies of survival guides, such as radiation safety procedures and first aid manuals.

A physical map, since GPS isn’t always reliable.

A written record of nuclear waste sites that should never be approached.

A fireproof and waterproof storage container for important documents.

3. Protective and Containment Supplies

Radiation is invisible, but its dangers are real. We must be prepared not only to protect ourselves but to ensure that hazardous materials remain contained. Every home should include:

A lead-lined box with fully encapsulated lead, ensuring no direct exposure. This can be used to shield sensitive items from radiation or to safely store contaminated materials if necessary.

Duct tape and plastic sheeting, which can be used to seal windows and doors to keep radioactive particles out.

Disposable gloves and masks, to minimize contamination risks when handling potentially hazardous materials.

Thick garbage bags, useful for waste disposal and creating additional layers of protection against contamination.

A Household of Readiness and Faith

To be prepared is not simply to store supplies—it is to live with purpose. We do not know what the future holds, but we know that the path of wisdom is one of readiness. As Atomites, our homes should not only shelter us from harm but serve as sanctuaries of knowledge and protection. Let them stand as a testament to our faith in understanding, in science, and in the duty we bear to future generations.

Aspirations and a Call to Action

The path to preparedness is not about immediate consumption but about thoughtful progress. Being an Atomite does not mean rushing out to buy every item on this list. Faithfulness is not measured in possessions, but in dedication to knowledge, safety, and the preservation of wisdom. Let these recommendations serve as a guide for the future, steps to work toward rather than burdens to carry all at once.

This week, reflect on your preparedness. Ask yourself:

Do I have the means to protect myself and my loved ones in an emergency?

Have I ensured that vital knowledge will not be lost?

What small steps can I take today to be better prepared for tomorrow?

Even small actions today can make a difference in times of uncertainty. Preparedness is not fear—it is faith in action. It is the quiet strength of those who choose to be ready, who choose to carry the light of knowledge forward.

Go forth and be radiant.

[bishopwomackel]

Practical Bible Application

Practical Bible Application https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A44CDwLQc4Y Unlocking timeless wisdom: the Bible isn't just ancient scripture, it's a guide for daily life. Discover its relevance now. #Bible #PracticalFaith #DailyApplication #shorts via Bishop Shammah Womack-El https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxDNUqbWfJhATqfDA5zygeg June 12, 2024 at 07:30PM

[vmunton]

You sang the song. You know the words and you know it’s true. Life happens and you cling to those words you have known since childhood because sometimes you just need the comfort of a Father who promises peace when the difficulties of life threaten to take your breath away. “The God who made the world and everything in it —he is Lord of heaven and earth —does not live in shrines made by hands. Neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives everyone life and breath and all things.” Acts 17:24-25 #truth #promise #hope #sovereignGod #faithquotes #tellyourstory #practicalfaith (at Belleville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPPSOCcl1jz/?utm_medium=tumblr

[twistedcatmeow]

Faith is impossible only when we think about it logically. The difficulty in thinking about faith in a logical manner is that our logic sits in the same place as our ego, and the ego is invested in making sure we don’t progress along a spiritual path. So it’s going to be very difficult for us to find logic to support our faith. It just is.

 

But yes, faith is absolutely necessary. Even people who don’t believe in the Divine have faith in things. They have faith in science or scientific theorems. They have faith in the people they care about. They have faith that the world works a certain way, that the sun will always rise, that they are cat people or dog people . . .  They do have faith.

Faith is necessary because most people need a certain amount of continuity in the world. Faith gives them that, even when nothing else will. Faith is what helps most people get out of bed in the morning, even if it’s just faith in the idea that their boss will pay them for showing up and yell at them for not showing up. Faith keeps you going when everything seems all topsy-turvy. So, while faith may not be logical, it is practical.

What do you have faith in? What do you believe? What gets you out of bed in the morning? What prompts you to action when your life is in turmoil? What prompted you to read this message? How does faith get you through life?

#quote #PracticalFaith #faith #ImportantQuestions #PracticalSpirituality #PersonalGrowth #DailyMessage #365DaysToEnlightenment #Ayamanatara #NightSky

[saltandlightmag]

Get Out Of Your Hobbit Hole in 2013

by Angel Francia

This is the time of the year where most of our Facebook and Twitter feeds will be bombarded by New Year's resolutions.

My resolution: Get out of my Hobbit Hole.

Note: I've never read the Hobbit. I saw the movie and added the book to my list. I'm sure the people who read it would think I'm a silly girl for not reading such a great book. I'll get to it, I promise.

To us Christians, who have decided to follow Jesus, this is a poignant reminder. At some point in our lives we have become Bilbo Baggins--too comfortable with our house and our books, thinking about adventures but never allowing ourselves to be late for dinner. As he says:

“We don’t want any adventures here, thank you!”

Whether we like it or not, we are all chosen for this great adventure set upon us and the Bible tells us so. Matthew 28:19-20 say:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." 

So, here's another item to add to our lists! Let's challenge ourselves to get out of our Hobbit holes. Take that big leap of faith and face the Unexpected Journey with our Lord!

[twistedcatmeow]

Faith is impossible only when we think about it logically. The difficulty in thinking about faith in a logical manner is that our logic sits in the same place as our ego, and the ego is invested in making sure we don’t progress along a spiritual path. So it’s going to be very difficult for us to find logic to support our faith. It just is.

But yes, faith is absolutely necessary. Even people who don’t believe in the Divine have faith in things. They have faith in science or scientific theorems. They have faith in the people they care about. They have faith that the world works a certain way, that the sun will always rise, that they are cat people or dog people . . .  They do have faith. 

Faith is necessary because most people need a certain amount of continuity in the world. Faith gives them that, even when nothing else will. Faith is what helps most people get out of bed in the morning, even if it’s just faith in the idea that their boss will pay them for showing up and yell at them for not showing up. Faith keeps you going when everything seems all topsy-turvy. So, while faith may not be logical, it is practical.

What do you have faith in? What do you believe? What gets you out of bed in the morning? What prompts you into action when your life is in turmoil? What prompted you to read this message? How does faith get you through life? 

#quote #PracticalFaith #faith #ImportantQuestions #PracticalSpirituality #PersonalGrowth #DailyMessage #365DaysToEnlightenment #Ayamanatara #Husky #NotMyDog #FamilyDog #DogsOfInsta #TheWordOfDog

[twistedcatmeow]

Faith is impossible only when we think about it logically. The difficulty in thinking about faith in a logical manner is that our logic sits in the same place as our ego, and the ego is invested in making sure we don’t progress along a spiritual path. So it’s going to be very difficult for us to find logic to support our faith. It just is.

But yes, faith is absolutely necessary. Even people who don’t believe in the Divine have faith in things. They have faith in science or scientific theorems. They have faith in the people they care about. They have faith that the world works a certain way, that the sun will always rise, that they are cat people or dog people . . . They do have faith.

Faith is necessary because most people need a certain amount of continuity in the world. Faith gives them that, even when nothing else will. Faith is what helps most people get out of bed in the morning, even if it’s just faith in the idea that their boss will pay them for showing up and yell at them for not showing up. Faith keeps you going when everything seems all topsy-turvy. So, while faith may not be logical, it is practical.

What do you have faith in? What do you believe? What gets you out of bed in the morning? What prompts you into action when your life is in turmoil? What prompted you to read this message? How does faith get you through life?

#quote #PracticalFaith #faith #ImportantQuestions #PracticalSpirituality #PersonalGrowth #DailyMessage #365DaysToEnlightenment #Ayamanatara #Husky #NotMyDog #FamilyDog #DogsOfInsta #TheWordOfDog

[twistedcatmeow]

Faith is, at one and the same time, absolutely necessary and altogether impossible.

- Stanislaw Lem

Faith is impossible only when we think about it logically. The difficulty in thinking about faith in a logical manner is that our logic sits in the same place as our ego, and the ego is invested in making sure we don’t progress along a spiritual path. So it’s going to be very difficult for us to find logic to support our faith. It just is.

But yes, faith is absolutely necessary. Even people who don’t believe in the Divine have faith in things. They have faith in science or scientific theorems. They have faith in the people they care about. They have faith that the world works a certain way, that the sun will always rise, that they are cat people or dog people…  They do have faith.

Faith is necessary because most people need a certain amount of continuity in the world. Faith gives them that, even when nothing else will. Faith is what helps most people get out of bed in the morning, even if it’s just faith in the idea that their boss will pay them for showing up and yell at them for not showing up. Faith keeps you going when everything seems all topsy-turvy. So, while faith may not be logical, it is practical.

What do you have faith in? What do you believe? What gets you out of bed in the morning? What prompts you to action when your life is in turmoil? What prompted you to read this? How does faith get you through life?

#quote #stanislavlem #faith #practicalfaith #belief #importantquestions #practicalspirituality #affirmations #personalgrowth #selfimprovement #dailymessage #Ayamanatara #365DaysToEnlightenment #lifeguardstation #leocarillostatebeach #pacificocean #southerncalifornia

[twistedcatmeow]

Faith is impossible only when we think about it logically. The difficulty in thinking about faith in a logical manner is that our logic sits in the same place as our ego, and the ego is invested in making sure we don’t progress along a spiritual path. So it’s going to be very difficult for us to find logic to support our faith. It just is. But yes, faith is absolutely necessary. Even people who don’t believe in the Divine have faith in things. They have faith in science or scientific theorems. They have faith in the people they care about. They have faith that the world works a certain way, that the sun will always rise, that they are cat people or dog people…  They do have faith. Faith is necessary because most people need a certain amount of continuity in the world. Faith gives them that, even when nothing else will. Faith is what helps most people get out of bed in the morning, even if it’s just faith in the idea that their boss will pay them for showing up and yell at them for not showing up. Faith keeps you going when everything seems all topsy-turvy. So, while faith may not be logical, it is practical. What do you have faith in? What do you believe? What gets you out of bed in the morning? What prompts you to action when your life is in turmoil? What prompted you to pick up this book? How does faith get you through life? #quote #stanislavlem #faith #practicalfaith #belief #importantquestions #practicalspirituality #affirmations #personalgrowth #selfimprovement #dailymessage #Ayamanatara #365DaysToEnlightenment  #jellyfish #longbeachaquarium #southerncalifornia

[saltandlightmag]

“Mattering” and Our Perpetual Search for Worth

by Jess Pacis

I am a fan of John Green’s books. One common theme among his novels is the human race’s unending search for self-worth. Our thirst for relevance. Our unquenchable desire to “matter”. An Abundance of Katherines, for instance, is very--er, abundant with quotes about “mattering”.

“What is the point of being alive if you don't at least try to do something remarkable?”

“How do you just stop being terrified of getting left behind and ending up by yourself forever and not meaning anything to the world?”

“You matter as much as the things that matter to you. And I got so backwards trying to matter to him. All this time, there were real things to care about: real, good people who care about me, and this place. It's so easy to get stuck. You just get caught in being something, being special or cool or whatever, to the point where you don't even know why you need it; you just think you do.”

See what I mean?

The reason why John Green’s stories struck me so badly is because of this: I had always been insecure with my worth as a person.  This “mattering” thing had always been a struggle for me-- only that it came in different forms during different phases of my life.

When I was in high school, I wanted to matter to a boy. Yes, a boy. Well, there was this guy in my class. He was smart, and he was cute. But he paid no attention to me. So to put it simply, my entire high school life was practically an attempt at being worthy for this guy… to no avail.

When I ventured into college, I just wanted to matter, period. It sounds like a relevantly simpler goal, but it was far from easy, I tell you. In grade school and high school, academic excellence was quite achievable. College, however, is another story. All of a sudden, everyone else seemed to be smarter, more articulate, and more capable than I was. And I’m not even exaggerating. There were too many good students in my school that there was no room for mediocrity. Only two things mattered: honor and excellence. It was very frustrating for me, being ‘just okay’ in a community that values brilliance. I never knew being ordinary could hurt so much, but it did.

When I finally graduated, I wanted to matter to the world. The university I went to was very service-oriented; and after four precious years of service-oriented education, I absorbed a sense of idealism that was characteristic of most fresh graduates. I had this unwavering level of confidence that I could change the world and “defy the system”, as most would put it.

But one day, I realized that I had been searching for my worth in all the wrong places. The weird thing is that what spurred this realization is the meaning behind my name.

Jessamine.

It’s actually just an alternative spelling for jasmine, the flower; but my mother, being the creative person that she is, gave it a meaning of her own.

Jessamine = Jesus Is Mine

So one day, while I was pondering over this, a very simple truth pierced my heart for the first time in ages: Jesus Is Mine, and I am His.

That very day, the Lord spoke to me, addressing the struggle I had been fighting all my life:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”- Isaiah 43:1

I am redeemed. He has called me by name. I am His. Why should I fear? Why am I trying to earn the approval of other people, when the Lord himself has called me His precious child?

That day, I realized that my search for identity had been in vain, for my identity in Christ has and will always be enough.

The funny thing about all this self-worth searching is that it is impossible. The truth is that left to our own devices, we will never be completely worthy. Not for the people we keep trying to please. Not for this world. Not even for ourselves.

But here’s the good news. We may be the most sinful, broken, unworthy, and non-mattering creatures on this earth. But guess what? Someone chose to value us when He died on the cross two thousand years ago. We don’t even have to try to prove our worth anymore, because He already did that for us. (If you still doubt this, just look up the meaning of the word redeem) 

Why do people feel insecure? It's because we're always looking at ourselves. Are we good enough? Pretty enough? Smart enough? Relevant enough? And the list goes on. But the truth is that we will NEVER be enough. We'll ALWAYS be inadequate. Because we are humans, and we'll forever be broken. But if we look at Jesus Christ and the worth he has placed upon us when He died on the cross, we realize that it's more than enough. He's more than enough. And at the end of the day, that's the only sense of security we need.

As another quote from An Abundance of Katherines goes, “What matters to you defines your mattering.” Our value comes from who or what we value most. Jesus Christ has gifted us with an insurmountable sense of worth. The only thing left for us to do is to place Him at the highest throne in our hearts and be completely satisfied in Him, whose love is better than life itself (Psalm 63:3). 

[saltandlightmag]

Back to the Basics 

by Martin M. Valenzuela

This year, I’m going back to the basics. 

Talking about ministry is way different from doing ministry, and speaking the Christianese has nothing to do with being a real Christian. Church can easily become a cut in a pie without Jesus in the center. We can lift our hands up as we sing in church without being mindful of Jesus as the center of worship. We can give our tithes and offering without recognizing that Jesus is the giver of everything we patronize. We can even lead Bible studies or small groups without involving Jesus as the real life-changer. Church can easily be minimized to become just an event in our calendar, an activity we have to do. 

This is what happened with the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22). Their “success” has blinded them of their real condition. They see themselves as rich, successful and they don’t need a thing. But God sees them wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. Their actions speak that they don’t need God in their ministry, in their church, in their lives. Jesus even said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (v.20). Imagine Jesus outside his own church! 

We may not notice it, but we may be gradually shooing Jesus away from our lives. The moment we begin to focus on what we are doing for the kingdom, we put Jesus on the sidelines. Kingdom building is never about us – our abilities, our contributions, and our success. He is still the Chief Kingdom builder, we are just His co-workers. 

We may have had great spiritual leaps in the past. We may have taken giant strides in our respective ministries. But remember that apart from Jesus our actions are reduced to nothing but vanity and waste of time. In the end, what matters is whether we have gone closer with Jesus through our ministries. And this is what real success means. 

Thus this year, I will open wide the door of my heart and let Jesus in. 

I will again involve him in my relationships. 

I will again involve him in my career.

I will again involve him in my ministry.

I will again involve him in my every decision.

And this year, I’m going back to the basics.

(photo from Creation Swap)

[saltandlightmag]

Burn Out Solution

Ever felt like a slave? 

Ever had that burnt out feeling? 

Ever felt pushed or over used?

Ever felt that you’re the only one who serves?

Ever felt that you need to do more and more, and you do more but go back to feeling tired and frustrated?

I took part of a very blessed retreat recently and one thing that was shared was Luke 10:38-42. Jesus visiting the house of siblings Martha and Mary. 

The verse went: 

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. 

She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.

Basically, Martha, was there, busy and preoccupied in preparing for her guest. Mary on the other hand, was there, sitting close to Jesus, listening to his teachings. 

Busy and frustrated, Martha asked the Jesus:

“Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

Only for Jesus to say: 

“You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

And this was one big hit to me. 

Why? Well, being 22, I try to occupy myself with as much productive things as possible. Productivity is rewarded in corporations. 

When you are working or are a student, essentially, productivity and performance are praised and preferred. But then, this verse made me realize that-- Martha was too busy in preparing for Jesus that she neglected to spend some quality time to focus on the one she is serving.

She forgot that Jesus demands not a lot, but just enough. And what is more important is keeping and strengthening our personal relationship with Jesus. 

The way I see it is, it’s like a tree. Before a tree can share its shade to people and protect them from the burning sun, before it can share fruits to eat or leaves to heal-- it must first grow strong trunks, root its roots deeply in the ground, and ensure that it will survive tsunamis, storms, and strong winds. It must be rooted enough that though it may sway or its branches may dance to the flow of the wind, it does not fall. And as the wind tries to push it down it only pollinates and its seeds are spread out, it must only multiply with the wind and not fall when its pushed. 

We are His servants but He treats us not as slaves. Jesus is indeed a merciful Lord, for He demands not a lot but just enough and He asks us, not to forget that despite our passion to serve the Lord and do good in His name... We must not forget that to first establish, strengthen, and keep a strong relationship with Him. 

Hence, for me, in the coming weeks, my next steps are:

1. Let go of a few things and keep the bare essentials.

2. Know my priorities and ensure I still have time for God, my family, and my loved ones.

3. Serve with my heart, rooted in Jesus and grow as strong as the tree who only dances and multiplies with the wind.

I will do these in order to work for my one and primary goal: to strengthen my relationship with Jesus. :)

And remember that, God freed the slaves, He does not make slaves but asks for loyal, faithful, and genuine servants who serve from Love and not of duty, who serve freely and not out of slavery, who serve with open hearts and not frustrated minds.