THE PERFECT THANKS

In light of Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda, which brought a lot of rain, high waves, and high winds this week. I am taking this time to check in and see how you and your family are doing today.

Isn't it amazing that those who do some of the most things around us still find time to help others. Today's message is dedicated to those who serve others in good times, bad times, and in deep crisis.

Today, I express gratitude to God for all who interceded in prayer for Bermuda during this week of bad weather and continue to hold us up in prayer to this present moment. While many were sleeping at 4:00 a.m. on Thursday morning, October 2nd, I stood outside physically in my garden in the gap in prayer for all as the calmness of the storm passed over Bermuda and her people. After acting as a go-between or mediator between God and the people. I came back into the house, and God moved the Hurricane on.

The statement "the wind and the Sea can be so unforgiving" describes the destructive and dangerous power of natural forces, particularly the ocean and wind, which can cause extreme conditions and pose significant threats to life and property. This concept is evident in dangerous sea conditions that overwhelm swimmers and sailors, the harsh environment faced by marine life, and the challenges of ocean-based professions like deep-sea fishing. 

The phrase "The sea and the wind speak of God" refers to the idea that the powerful and awe-inspiring forces of nature, such as the sea and the wind, reflect the power and authority of God. This concept is evident in the Bible, where the disciples marvel at Jesus commanding the winds and waves, recognizing that only God has such control over nature. The phrase also alludes to the Hebrew word Ruach (Spirit/wind), used in the Genesis creation account to describe the Spirit of God over the waters.  

In the New Testament accounts in Matthew 8 and Luke 8, Jesus calms a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee. The disciples' question, "Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?" Shows their understanding that such power belongs only to God, making the event a powerful demonstration of Jesus' divine nature, they said.

The natural world itself serves as a testament to God's existence and power. A person can observe the vastness of the sea or the immense force of the wind and be led to contemplate a Creator with such capabilities. 

Through seas and the winds of life, GOD is perfecting in us His greatness.

Perfection can be defined as the highest degree of skill or excellence, free from blemish or fault. Perfection involves wholeness, completeness, integrity, spiritual maturity, pure love, and consistent righteous intentions toward God and others.

Perfection involves the character of God within, rather than a state of absolute flawlessness or sinlessness in human actions. It involves a consistent, wholehearted love and devotion to God and others, as commanded in Matthew 5:48, and is a continuous process of sanctification and growth towards godlikeness.

The Hebrew word for "perfect" (tamim) means sound, whole, or having integrity, indicating a life free from fault or defect in God's eyes, like an unblemished sacrificial animal.

In the New Testament, the Greek word "teleios" carries the meaning of completeness or maturity, suggesting a spiritual stability and development that is both internal and external.

Noah was described as "blameless among the people of his time" Genesis 6:9, showing a life of integrity and wholehearted devotion to God.

Job was called a "blameless and upright" man of his day. Job 1:1. Signifying a life of integrity and devotion.

In Ephesians 4:13, Paul speaks of reaching "the whole measure of the fullness of the man and woman in God. This is a process of spiritual maturity and completeness.

This is a day to give thanks to God for His protective power and enabling power for those of you who took a moment to look out for someone through the recent hurricanes.

Special thanks to all uniform service personnel, Balco, Telco, The Royal Bermuda Regiment, the Parks Department, and the Works and Engineers Department for the great work you do on behalf of all. We acknowledge your dedication, resilience, and the difference you make to the community.

1. We thank Hey Cortana phone God that there was no direct threat to life due to the hurricane.

 

2. Yes, we have much to thank God for, with reasons ranging from the gift of life, family, friends, and God's promises to keep us safe.

 

3. We thank God for the lessons learned in these difficult times.

 

4. Today is a good day to practice gratitude for both big and small blessings from God.

 

5. This is a day to shift our focus from what is lacking to what has been received.

 

6. This is a day to foster peace and connection with one another and with God.

 

7. Lastly, if you have a spiritual need or need someone to talk to, please reach out to someone. There is help for you!

 

The good news today is, we're getting back our bright 'Sun Shiny Skies', and in the next couple of days, we'll have our Pristine Blue Skies & Atlantic Ocean as well. When Storms are fast-moving and moderate in Force and energy, Bermuda bounces back to almost normal operations within the first 24 hours. If you have no one to talk to, know that I am here for you, or you can call anyone of the CISM team members.  

May you and your family be always blessed.

By GARDEN MINISTRY