A HIGHER STANDARD

John Waterhouse

Spring Spreads One Green Lap of Flowers

There is a higher standard that all can reach. What do you do with failure? Do you become despondent? Do you give up? Or do you simply just try again? 

Failure has the ability to show us our weakness, and our strengths; from your particular failure there is wisdom that is gained that would otherwise not have been. None could have led you to this wisdom but the experience you gained through your failure. Every mistake you make, every fall you encounter, there is a lesson of vital import if you will but look for it. Utilize your failure as precious lessons that will lead you to ultimately succeed.

A PRAYER FOR ALL

Windswept John William Waterhouse
1849-1917

O God and Father of mankind

We thank you for life, for you are good.

And it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour,

Who desires all people to be saved and to come

To the knowledge of the truth.

We thank thee that thy dear Son

Who gave himself a ransom for all,

Overcame the enemy, and has given

Us the power to be victors.

O God I know that you made us

And we are from God, and the whole

World lies in the power of the evil one

So protect us now we pray.

THE GARDEN OF THE HEART

Restr: Miranda - The Tempest

Our heart is the most wonderful organ that has been given to man, it has the ability to love; a truly rewarding experience. It also has the ability to be broken; therefore we ought to cultivate carefully the soil of our heart.

RESTLESS HEART

This famous quote comes from St. Augustine of Hippo, found in his work Confessions. The full passage states:

"You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you."

St. Augustine’s words reflect the deep longing of the human soul for divine connection, emphasizing that true fulfillment is only found in God. His Confessions is a profound exploration of faith, self-discovery, and the journey toward spiritual peace.

Understanding the Meaning of the Quote

Augustine, one of Christianity’s most influential theologians, recognized that people often search for meaning in external things—success, relationships, wealth, or personal achievements. However, he argues that no earthly pursuit can truly satisfy the soul, because we were created for something greater—for communion with God. Until we find that divine relationship, we remain spiritually restless, always seeking but never fully content.

This idea is echoed in Psalm 42:1:
"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God."
The human soul naturally longs for its Creator, and true peace is only found in surrendering to Him.

Relevance in Today’s World

This timeless truth remains relevant today. Many people feel restless, constantly searching for fulfillment in careers, material possessions, or social status. Yet, even after achieving success, they often find themselves longing for something deeper. Augustine’s words remind us that true contentment does not come from external achievements but from a relationship with God.

Applications of This Truth

• Finding Inner Peace – Instead of chasing fleeting satisfaction, we can focus on deepening our faith.
• Redirecting Priorities – Recognizing that material success is temporary and placing greater value on spiritual growth.
• Overcoming Anxiety – Understanding that fulfillment is not in external things but in resting in God’s presence.

How to Cultivate Gratitude Daily

• Start Each Day with Thankfulness – Reflect on at least one thing to be grateful for.
• Speak Words of Appreciation – Express gratitude in conversations to uplift others.
• Shift Perspective in Challenges – Instead of focusing on difficulties, seek the hidden blessings within them.
• Keep a Gratitude Journal – Writing down daily blessings helps reinforce a thankful mindset.

Final Reflection

Augustine’s insight challenges us to examine where we seek fulfillment. Are we looking in temporary things, or are we pursuing a deeper connection with God? By recognizing that only He can truly satisfy, we open ourselves to lasting peace and purpose.

A Life Enriched by Gratitude

Gratitude transforms our hearts, strengthens our relationships, and renews our perspective. It is not dependent on perfect circumstances but is a conscious choice to recognize the goodness already present. As we practice gratitude, we not only enrich our own lives but also inspire and uplift those around us.

QUOTES ON GOD

 

"The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin.

Exodus 34:6

God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfillment?

Numbers 23:19

  "O Sovereign LORD, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do? 

Deuteronomy 3:24

DISCOVER THE POWER OF LOVE QUOTES

"It is love that asks, that seeks, that knocks, that finds, and that is faithful to what it finds."

"What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.!

Augustine

PRAYER QUOTES

"The men who have done the most for God in this world have been early on their knees. He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness, in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking Him the rest of the day. If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in the last place the remainder of the day."

Author: E.M. Bounds

"No man - I don't care how colossal his intellect - No man is greater than his prayer life."

Author: Leonard Ravenhill

"No man is greater than his prayer life. The pastor who is not praying is playing; the people who are not praying are straying. The pulpit can be a shop window to display one's talents; the prayer closet allows no showing off."

Author: Leonard Ravenhill

FOUR TYPES OF HUSBAND YOU DON'T WANT TO BE

We fall in love, then we get married and we are told we live happily ever after. That is what we read when we were young and foolish to believe that happiness is automatic once you are married. 

Marriage is a beautiful institution, designed by God for the happiness of the two; however as love is a tender plant it has to be nourished and watered to grow into a strong tree. Happiness, therefore, is the fruit of this beautiful tree can be achieved only as each work to the good of the other.

BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE

He was at the lowest point of his life; he could not see where it was all heading. The years just seem to drag on slowly like a snail. Was this a blessing in disguise? He thought of his life and wondered, the point of living was? He had never felt so discouraged. Life seems to be passing him by, some reckon he was doubting Thomas, howbeit a believer, one at the end of his tether.

Have you ever been at that place? Where everyone seems to be having a good time, getting exciting breaks and nothing seems to go right for you? Some will tell you the pressures of life you're experiencing will yield a rich harvest for you; a double portion of blessings in your life.  Often he wondered if he was a soft touch, always bending over backwards for everyone.

FEAR

Fear has torment, fear is bondage,

Resist it, be of good courage;

Refuse to be afraid,

Fear is a snare.

Fear is the thief of joy

Fear is the thief of time

Fear is the thief of opportunity

Fear is the thief of creativity

Do not be afraid,

Everything is subject to change.

Do not be intimidated by change.

Without change there can be no progress;

Refuse to be afraid,

Resist fear and it will flee.

Perfect love cast out fear.