SMTI’s Post

📚 Discover the Gift of Life in 'Take me out of thy head' and 'Frustrations of Hope' 📚 In the words of Jenni Young, "Life is a precious gift. Use your days wisely." This sentiment echoes deeply in the hearts of many, reminding us of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of making the most of every moment. Drawing inspiration from the Bible, the Psalmist's plea to God to "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12) serves as a profound reminder for us all. It urges us to reflect on our own lives, to cherish the time we have, and to use it purposefully. In 'Take me out of thy head,' I explore the idea that some paths can't be discovered without getting lost first. This book is a beacon of hope, guiding readers through the maze of life's challenges with confidence and trust in God. It emphasizes the importance of passion, discipline, and the unwavering belief that we are all endowed with unique gifts, waiting to be discovered. 'Frustrations of Hope' draws inspiration from Maya Angelou's concept that God puts rainbows in the clouds so that each of us, in our dearest and most dreaded moments, can see the possibility of hope. This book delves into the notion that tough times are part of a greater plan that God has for us. It encourages readers to embrace life's trials as stepping stones to a brighter future, filled with purpose and fulfillment. Both books are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith. They serve as a fountain of wisdom, especially for young people, reminding them to seize the day and embrace the journey of self-discovery and growth.

Place your hand on your heart. Feel its steady rhythm—a reminder of life, a pulse of connection. With each beat, imagine a wave of compassion radiating from you, expanding into the universe like ripples on water. Inhale deeply, envisioning the warmth of empathy growing within, then exhale, releasing it into the world. With every thump, send love to those who suffer, to those who feel alone in crowded rooms. Picture it wrapping around the weary, the lost, the broken-hearted. Let your heart's cadence be a beacon, illuminating dark corners of despair with the light of understanding. As you continue this cycle, let the beat resonate with the heartbeat of nature. Feel compassion flow to the forests, the oceans, the creatures that dwell within. Imagine each pulse nurturing the earth, healing wounds inflicted by neglect and greed. In this moment, you are part of something larger—a collective heartbeat echoing across the globe. Each beat is a promise: to care, to understand, to stand in solidarity with all living things. Allow this compassion to transcend boundaries, uniting humanity in a shared experience of kindness. Feel the rhythm of your heart, and recognize that in each beat lies the power to change the world, one compassionate thought at a time.

How do you cope when you feel like a chapter in your life is closing? The speaker in this edition of the AdventHealth “Rooted in Faith” Spiritual Connection Series is Joey Rivera, vice president of mission and ministry in our West Florida Division. Joey shares his experience of stepping into the unknown during a turning point in his career, and finding strength in faith, just like Jacob, who wrestled with God and emerged with renewed conviction. https://lnkd.in/gehBd7jt

Calling all Men! …. Men have you ever felt like this when you think of your assignment to be the Spiritual Leader of your family … “A true and safe leader is likely to be one who has no desire to lead, but is forced into a position by the inward leading of the Holy Spirit and the press of circumstances … There was hardly a great leader from Paul to the present day but was drafted by the Holy Spirit for the task, and commissioned by the Lord to fill a position he had little heart for …” (A. W. Tozer) You have no desire to be the Spiritual Leader of your family? You are being forced into the position by the circumstances of your appointment to the position as laid out in the Bible? The leading of Holy Spirit is impressing on you that it’s time to step up and accept your position as Spiritual Leader of your family? I can totally relate. Taking on the role of being the Spiritual Leader of your family can be an intimidating task. It may feel safer and more comfortable to side-step it all together. I want to encourage you … You are missing out on a wonderful experience for your family and yourself that awaits you … When you understand your role as family Spiritual Leader and then step into that role. Interested in learning more about what it might look like for you? Join me in a free online seminar about being the Spiritual Leader of your family. Let’s talk about what that looks like. What are the qualities of an effective family Spiritual Leader. How to lead your wife and children in your position as Spiritual Leader. A great place to begin your investigation is attending the free online seminar I’m doing. The free seminar is March 21st at 1 pm CST on FB Live for approximately 1 hour. It’s loaded with valuable information that you can begin implementing in your life - not filled with fluff. See you Mar 21st at 1 pm CST. 

Mystery of the Soul A philosopher many, many years ago high in the mountains in a place far, far away emerged from a thoughtful analysis of his soul and opined regarding its mystery. He was well into his eighties and had survived various episodes of illnesses from mild to very serious. His belief in The Almighty God and his soul were unshakeable. He didn’t dwell on the prospect of his death but he thought about it on occasions when people he knew died. He could not remember the three moments before he was born and his connection to time, yet; he knew they happened. The moment before his birth, the moment of his birth, and the moment he took his first breath of Earth air occurred to his body and soul. Every thing that happened with his soul in his mother’s womb and before was his past. The day before his birth was yesterday. Everything to happen to his soul beyond today will happen tomorrow. Those three days, yesterday, today, and tomorrow are linked to his soul as the history of time continues to go forward is a certainty in his mind without doubt. His mystery has concerns regarding what his soul will feel the moment before his mortal death, the moment of his mortal death, and the first moment after. As one learns about life while living it, it is only natural to wonder about one’s own destined date with death in time. Two books, Golden Nuggets of Inspiration and Destination Heaven or Hell were written to provide “food for thought” for anyone who has wondered about their soul and its connection to time. Robert Michael Wynn December 8, 2024

*Always rejoice* Paul writes - "Always rejoice" (1Th 5:16) ALWAYS? How can we have joy when the pain and problems of life grab us by the throat? James explains it like this - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you are involved in various trials because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But you must let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing." (Jas 1:2-4) By remembering that - "All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28) Ant that the trial will lead to us becoming mature and complete, lacking nothing. We can find joy in the pain. So - "Rejoice in the Lord *always*. Again I say, rejoice!" (Phi 4:4)

We've all bowed down to pain—rejection, hurt, abandonment—they've shaped our responses. But Jesus sets us FREE from bowing down to these things. When we recognize their influence, we can call on Him for strength and He helps us overcome. So, are you letting pain control you, or are you finding freedom in Him? 🤔🙌🏽 📲 Watch more sermon clips at: https://lnkd.in/gMk6-jzE

Today's Devotion: "COMPLETE the CYCLE" Produced by BRUCE MCGEE MINISTRIES Sponsored by SKYRIDER COMMUNICATIONS Gary Godard Chief Technical Officer OFFICE: 800-536-7035 HI! Reporter,  "Phil Mickelson! You are spectacular! Your name is synonymous with golf! You really know your way around a golf course! What's your secret?" Phil, "Uh, the holes are numbered?" _______SCRIPTURE____________ Eccl 1:7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is  not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come,  thither they return again. KJV 2Cor. 1:3-4 3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord  Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God  of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we  may be able to comfort them which are in any  trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves  are comforted of God. KJV _______THOUGHT______________ The earth travels some 548 million miles in an elliptical pattern around the earth each year.  Plus, earth spins on its axis, and each full  rotation takes approximately 24 hours. Now, means earth is traveling through space about 62, 513mph PLUS rotating at about 1,000mph! Feeling dizzy yet? The important thing is during the rotation, and orbit of the earth, the rivers gravitate to the ocean & the oceanic waters are absorbed by the earth and gravitate back to the rivers. Ain't God AMAZING?! Sometimes, we Christians get to going so fast about the things we want to do, that we FORGET our purpose. As we RECEIVE, we should SHARE with others. John 1:16 says, "And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." We are CONSTANTLY receiving God's: love, mercy, grace, peace, kindness, joy, hope,  knowledge, protection and provision. AS you RECEIVE - SHARE with others! COMPLETE the CYCLE! Love ya! Bro Bruce

The echoes of past hurts often reverberate through our lives, shaping our perspectives and influencing our actions. In her insightful article, Dr. Lucy Ann Moll delves into the profound impact of past wounds and offers a beacon of hope for those seeking healing and restoration. Let's explore the key insights from her article, "Hope for Hurts in Your Past," and discover how embracing biblical wisdom can guide us toward freedom and renewal. https://lnkd.in/gm_PpPf5

Some sound advice that I keep returning to from From the Rev. Molly Housh Gordon, Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia, MO: "Get to know your neighbors. Feed them. Let them feed you. Watch each others’ kids, grandkids, pets. Develop the muscle of generosity like you are training for a giving ultra-marathon. Share everything you can with anyone who asks, and ask for what you need. Get in touch with your body. You will need it, and it knows things. Pay attention to what is happening below your neck. Tell the truth. Tell it to yourself first. Sit at the feet of your most vulnerable neighbors and your own most vulnerable places. They have the most to teach you about survival. Listen. Remember your ancestors and the things they survived. Find the resilience that is your birthright and the courage that made way for your life. Practice taking risks. Show up in every struggle where someone is fighting for their dignity because that is how we will all survive. Learn about reparations and Native sovereignty. Double down on exorcising supremacy systems from your soul. Learn to be tender. Refuse to be hardened. Let your heart be moved. Every damn time. Root in the place you are. Learn its history. Learn its geography. Learn its seasons. Sing. A lot. And dance. Make art. Make love. Rest luxuriously. Eat pie. … The world is ending and beginning now. We are surviving now. Let us love, let us connect, let us fight like hell for the dignity of each and all.