The power is yours!

Have you ever looked with awe and wonder at the amazing and seemingly invincible leaders of the Bible? Of course we know they are not invincible since they are dead, but it can be easy to think that when we read the accounts of how Saul killed thousands and David his ten thousands. (How is it that David was never killed in all those battles?)

The good news is that regardless if it is someone you admired from centuries ago or someone even now in the present day, the same power that rested or rests on them can be yours!

When the mantle of leading the Israelites was placed on Joshua, he was anxious and self-distrustful (Patriarchs and Prophets). But, God gave him this assurance: "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."

The next words God says are, "Be strong and courageous!" (exclamation mark, all mine) 

Therefore, there is no need for fear or anxiety because the same God that was with the leaders of the past assures you that He can and will be with you, too. Be strong! and courageous! 

It's too much.

As I was preparing to leave Chestnut Hill Church today, Sister Laura (the Administrative Assistant) and I heard a knock. It was a delivery of 2,000 pounds of books.

Since I was not expecting this delivery, I was completely unprepared for this, and there was no one around to help us carry in and stack all those books.

As we began our daunting task in the sultry afternoon, two young friendly guys came over and offered to help us. How quickly the boxes were put away! We were eternally grateful for the gift of help.

It reminded me of the experience in the Bible where Abraham was visited by the Lord and two angels in Genesis 18. In this visit, He posed the question, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (v.14).

Perhaps you're feeling like me today, that there are things too hard--or are at least completely overwhelming. Take courage, my friend. God sees your struggle and stress. And whether or not He sends two angels or two men--or even what appears to be nothing at all, know that He sees, He cares and He is sending relief to you.

But just in case you do have a couple of guys come to help you out, be sure to be very nice to them, because--
"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2

God hears West Oak Lane

I was recently most encouraged last week when I gathered together with hundreds of other people from the surrounding neighborhoods and listened to the earnest prayer of the one who began the meeting.

He  prayed for our streets, our children and schools and for the restoration of brotherly love in Philadelphia. It is only God who awakens within us a hatred for sin and a yearning for a complete transformation of heart, mind and soul in His people.

At that moment, I sensed a unity with my neighbors in the desire for change...and the hope that change can and will come because God has heard the cry from the multitude of voices in West Oak Lane.

He hears the cry of the many.
He hears the cry of a few.
He hears the cry of--you.

"I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry." Psalm 40:1

Theophania in Philadelphia--why the name?

You may be wondering about those Greek words in the title. One of which should be pretty familiar.

Philadelphia, φιλαδελφία in Greek , means to love (phileo) a brother (adelphos). A lot of us know already know: "The City of Brotherly Love."

Theophania, θεοφάνεια, is a Greek female name--which is translated to Tiffany in English. Theophania means "God's appearance" or "God's manifestation."

Therefore, as I, Tiffany spend my time here in Philadelphia as a Ministry Intern, I look forward to sharing ways of how God manifests Himself in Philadelphia.

God's Manifestations (Theophania) in the city of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia)!

God is manifesting Himself in Philadelphia, and I look forward to seeing more and more!!

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God...This is how God showed his love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him." I John 4:7, 9