While the world gropes in the dark for significance: God has told us how to live the worthy life

By Tina Y. Gerber

A follow up for my required reading of 2018, The Bible.


The Bible is unlike any other book you may read. It is our owner's manual for life. It is only through the message of scripture, in the gospel that we come to experience the transforming power of God's grace, in a relationship through Christ. We need to know God better for our relationship to grow, and scripture makes this happen.


For myself, it produces many emotional and social feelings, about how I choose to live my life, directing me, and providing lasting change. I am more aware than ever that the Bible penetrates deep within and judges our hearts and motivations. When God makes our hearts his own, he removes our sin and gives us the joy that never ends.


James 1:2 - 4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”


We make our plans and God directs our steps, he shapes and moulds us, but it is our personal response and attitude that defines us.


I had lost sight of the reality that both trials and triumphs are part of the good story God is writing through me. We are currently half way through our corporate bible study. I have had many questions, which leads to more and more searching and discovery of who I am, and how I got here? When facing the storms of life, understanding the sovereignty of our amazing God is essential.


Many non-believing people refer to the Ten Commandments, as a guideline for life, I disagree!!


As a believing Christian, the judgment seat of Christ in Romans 14:10 does not determine if we go to heaven, but whether or not we receive any rewards for our Christian service.


Being part of a Bible based community is one of the best decisions of my entire life. I know I am certainly growing, growing in love, as He strengthens me as I walk in faith with my brothers and sisters. I understand I am a great sinner but He is a great saviour. God is faithful even when we don't see it, even when we are not faithful to Him!


Jesus never softened the truth, and the truth is that following Him leads to difficult choices. To truly follow Christ means we do not follow anything else and we do make Jesus Lord of our life, Romans 10:9. That every decisions, dream, vision, must be filtered through His word with the goal of glorifying Him in everything we do.
I know I am not saved by the things I do for Christ but by what He has done for me. Ephesians 2:8 - 9 Because of His grace we desire please Him in everything we do, and we must allow the Holly Spirit to have complete control of every area of our lives.
Ephesians 5:18 Our God does everything he promises, in every circumstance, at all times. When life gets hard, he is calling us to lean harder on his word.


I often wondered about seniors and their experiences as they age. A recent study found that people tend to pray more as they age, yet, research shows that the spiritual culture of the time in which a person was raised is related to their present religious activity.
In spite of changes, loss, and health conditions seniors can continue to cultivate a relationship with God, the body may breakdown, but the spirit is capable of growth and renewal.


All Christians, including seniors, need fellowship and the encouragement of other believers. Your sensitivity to a loved one's spiritual needs can comfort and provide stability in a time of change. Even in the midst of trials, God stands ready to lead us out of our suffering into His wonderful presence.


For a non believer, I pray God will give you peace, in knowing your eternal life does not rest on your shoulders, that was taken care of by Jesus on the cross. You are either saved or lost, there is no in-between. Salvation is through repentance and faith in Jesus alone. He paid the price for ALL to be saved, including you if you so choose. So choose Christ and you will spend eternity with Him and all believers.


May God Bless you and use you for His Honour and Glory.