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Showing posts from October, 2024

We shall not faint

Isaiah  40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.  The journey of faith is not an easy one. We face trials and burdens that sometimes seem too heavy to bear. Yet in these moments, we are reminded of the strength and hope we have in our Lord, who is our sustainer, our refuge, and our rest. We live in a quick-get-it world, with demands from work, family, health, and society constantly vying for our attention. It’s natural to feel drained and overwhelmed. Even the strongest among us can grow tired, both physically and spiritually.  But the Bible reminds us in Isaiah 40:30, “Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.” If even the young and strong can grow weary, we know this weariness is a universal human experience. Weariness isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of our humanity. But when we try to fight...

Salvation is by grace

Ephesians  2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.  2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Our scripture passage today gives us a clear truth about the salvation we receive through Christ Jesus,  it is clearly stated, it is not by our making, but by the grace of God. Grace is the unearned, undeserved favor of God. It’s not something we can buy, achieve, or work for. Grace is given to us freely by God. It is His favor poured out on us despite our shortcomings, our sins, and our inability to live up to His perfect standard. If we break it down, grace is God’s choice to extend kindness, mercy, and forgiveness to us, even though we have done nothing to earn it. And that’s exactly what makes it so beautiful: we could never earn it. It’s a gift, freely given by a loving Father...

Let no wise man glory in his wisdom

Jeremiah  9:23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:  9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. Our scripture passage today points to three things that often consume our minds: wisdom, might, and riches. These things are not sinful on their own, but when we allow them to become the source of our identity, our pride, and our security, they become idols. God reminds us here that the true value of our lives isn’t found in earthly achievements, intelligence, or possessions, but in our relationship with Him. We live in a world that exalts intelligence, and for many of us, knowledge has become the pathway to success, power, and self-worth. But wisdom that isn’t rooted in God ultimately leads ...

God does as He please

Psalms  115:3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. God does as He pleases, not in a way that is self-serving or indifferent, but in a way that is perfect, loving, and wise.  Firstly, we  must acknowledge God’s Sovereignty and Authority. When the Psalmist says, “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases,” he is declaring God’s absolute sovereignty. Being in the heavens is a picture of authority, elevation, and power. God is above us, in every way, and His will is never limited by our understanding or our circumstances. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God’s thoughts and ways are far higher than ours. He sees what we cannot see, knows what we cannot know, and His plans are perfect. Because He does as He pleases, we can trust that everything He does is ultimately for our good and His glory. His authority and wisdom mean that no purpose of His can be thwarted. When we say that God “does as He pleases,” we’re also acknowledging His ...

The plenteous harvest

Matthew 9: 37-38   Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’ The harvest season in the natural world brings forth the fruit of long seasons of labor and cultivation. In the spiritual sense, it symbolizes the readiness of hearts and lives to receive the good news of Jesus Christ and to grow in Him. Yet, Jesus points out that while the harvest is indeed great, the workers are few. The first step to participating in God’s harvest is to recognize its abundance. Jesus spoke to a crowd of people who were weary, burdened, and searching for hope. He saw them as a field ready for reaping. This “harvest” of souls, needing love and direction, wasn’t just for Jesus' time; it’s for ours, too. People today are longing for peace, for meaning, for true connection with God. When we look around, do we see this need as Jesus did? Our workplaces, schools, neighborho...

Crying for mercy at all time

Psalms  103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. The journey of life is filled with highs and lows. There are moments when we might feel close to God, walking in strength and righteousness, and other times when we fall into sin or despair. Yet, the Word of God reminds us that regardless of where we find ourselves, His mercy is constantly available. Crying for mercy at all times acknowledges that we depend on God’s goodness, not our own. Lamentations 3: 22–23 tells us, “It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning.” Every morning, His mercy is there, waiting to be received. In every season, whether joyful or challenging, we are called to lean on God’s mercy, asking Him to fill our lives with His love, patience, and forgiveness. Even when we are doing well, we still need His mercy to keep us, to guard our hearts against pride, and to strengthen us against temptation. Mercy...

Holy Ghost shall teach you all to say

Luke  12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:  12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the challenges they will face as they go out to preach the Good News. He knew they would be brought before religious leaders, judges, and authorities, questioned, and persecuted for their faith. Jesus knew the fears His followers would face and their sense of inadequacy, especially when their lives were on the line. But He gave a reassuring promise for them—and for us. Jesus says, "Do not worry." You don’t have to rehearse or overthink. The Holy Spirit will be with you to teach you in the moment, to give you wisdom, courage, and the very words you need. The Role of the Holy Spirit So who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is not just a source of power, but a person of the G...

Can you bear Christ's witness?

John  15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:  15:27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. The message today asks us a very personal question which is the core of our Christian faith journey. Christ promises the Holy Spirit, the Helper, who will guide and empower us to bear witness to His truth and love. But, are we ready? Are we equipped? And, more importantly, do we understand what it means to bear the witness of Christ in this world? What we must first understand is that,  the Holy Spirit is the one who empowers us to bear witness. In verse 26, Jesus says, "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me." Jesus doesn’t expect us to bear witness on our own strength. He knows that by ourselves, we are weak and pro...

Denying yourself and taking up the cross

Matthew  16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.  16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Jesus Christ, in one of His teaching emphasizes the cost of living for the kingdom of the father, the center point of the message is to deny oneself and take up the cross.  To deny oneself means more than just resisting personal desires or temporarily refraining from sinful behavior. It is an ongoing, complete surrender of our will to the will of God. When Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, He is asking for a shift in the very center of our lives. No longer do we live for self-fulfillment, personal gain, or even our own sense of security. Instead, we are called to live for Ch...

The coming glory

Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Life sometimes can be overwhelming. We face trials, sufferings, and challenges that test our faith, patience, and strength. Yet, we are reminded that there is something greater awaiting us. We are made to understand that the trials we face now cannot be compared to the future glory that is coming.  Apostle Paul recognises  the reality of suffering. He is not dismissing the hardships we endure; rather, he is placing them in perspective. The phrase "the sufferings of this present time" speaks of the idea that our struggles are bound by time, they are temporary. However, when we are in the midst of suffering, it often feels like it will never end. Yet, Paul's encouragement is that what we endu...

Follow peace with all men

Hebrews  12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: The word of the Lord today calls us to strive for peace with others, while also pursuing holiness in our personal lives. Our scripture text made us understand that without these things, we will not see the Lord. Let us consider some  knowledge from the passage.  1. The Command to follow peace.  The word "follow" here means to pursue actively. It means that peace is something we must work toward diligently. Peace does not come naturally in a world engulfed by sin, conflict, and division. Yet, as believers, we are called to seek peace with all people, our families, neighbors, coworkers, fellow believers, and even those who oppose us. In in an environment that often encourages hostility, competition, and selfishness, the command to pursue peace is generally given. Jesus Himself is called the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6), and as His followers, we are called to reflect His ...

Being patient with what we've not seen

Romans  8:25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.  Our scripture passage today  centers around the hope that believers have in the promises of God. This hope isn’t based on what we currently see or experience, but on the assurance of God’s word.  Most times, we are often tempted to only trust what we can see with our eyes, touch with our hands, or comprehend with our minds. But faith calls us to something deeper. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Patience becomes the bridge between our present reality and the fulfillment of what we hope for in Christ. It is an act of trusting God’s timing even when the evidence of His promises is not yet visible. Patience is active faith in motion. In the waiting, God is doing a transformative work within us. James 1:3-4 tells us that the testing of our faith produces perseverance, and perseverance must finish its work so that ...

Those who draw strength in mere flesh

Jeremiah  17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. We live in a world where self-reliance, confidence in our abilities, and trust in human relationships are often celebrated. We are taught to be strong, to depend on our intellect, our talents, our wealth, and the people around us.  But Jeremiah warns us of a danger in this mentality. It is not wrong to value human strength or ability, but when our ultimate trust is placed in mere flesh or human strength, we risk turning our hearts away from the Lord. And when that happens, we step into a life of spiritual barrenness. Human strength is fleeting. Whether it be physical strength, intelligence, wealth, or influence, these are temporary and can fail us at any moment. How often do we see people who seem to have it all, success, fame, or fortune, only to fall when these earthly sources of strength are stripped away? Jeremiah reminds us that pl...

God hates pride

1 Peter  5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Pride is a silent enemy that can creep into our hearts and minds, often unnoticed, but it carries with it devastating consequences. The Bible consistently warns us about pride, and in 1 Peter 5:5, we are reminded of a stark reality: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Pride, as Scripturally understood is rebellion against God. It is the exaltation of self above our rightful place as creatures of the Almighty. When we are proud, we think we know better than God. We refuse to submit to His authority and guidance. This was the sin of Satan, who sought to elevate himself above God (Isaiah 14: 12-14 ), and it is the same sin that brought Adam and Eve to their fall in the Garden of Eden when they sought to "be like God" (Genesis 3:5). Pride says, “I don’t need G...

Beware of covetousness

Luke  12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Covetousness is the insatiable desire for more—whether that be money, status, or possessions. It isn't just about wanting what others have; it is a deep-rooted dissatisfaction with what God has already provided. Covetousness can consume a person, blinding them to the blessings in their lives and causing them to constantly seek fulfillment through material things. The tenth commandment tells us, “Thou shalt not covet” (Exodus 20:17), reminding us that this desire to have what doesn’t belong to us is not only harmful to our relationships but also to our souls. Covetousness leads to envy, jealousy, and even a distortion of priorities. It causes us to put things above people and possessions above God. Jesus makes it clear in Luke 12:15 that "a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he posse...

Honesty

1 Peter  2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Honesty is a foundational principle of Christian living. It reflects the truth of who we are in Christ and our commitment to live as children of light in a world that is shaded by dishonesty and deception. Before we talk about being honest with others, we must first be honest with ourselves. Who are we? In Christ, we are chosen, loved, and redeemed.  Our identity is secure in Him. The temptation in the world is to present ourselves as something we’re not, to exaggerate, to hide our weaknesses, or to deceive in order to gain approval. However, as Peter reminds the church, we are called to live as God’s people. That means being honest about our weaknesses, our struggles, and our dependence on God’s grace. The world encourages us to create facades, to project perfection, and...

Contentment

1 Timothy  6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. Contentment is a state of heart and mind that is at peace, regardless of external circumstances. It’s not complacency or laziness; it’s a deep, quiet trust in God that He has provided exactly what we need for today. It’s recognizing that the things of this world, while useful, are temporary, and our true riches are found in Christ. In 1 Timothy 6:6, Apostle Paul associate  contentment with godliness, suggesting that true gain, true prosperity, comes when we combine a life devoted to God with an attitude of contentment. It's about aligning our desires not with what the world says we should have, but with what God says is enough. Also, contentment is a defense against the dangers of materialism and greed. In the verses following 1 Timothy 6:6, Paul warns about the perils of loving money and worldly things. He says in verse 10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” When our hearts are consumed with ...

The wisdom of meditation

Genesis  24:63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. Isaac was in a season of waiting. His father, Abraham, had sent a servant to find a wife for him, and this was a pivotal moment in Isaac's life. What does Isaac do while waiting for such an important decision? He goes out into the field to meditate. Isaac understood that meditation was a way to align himself with God's will during moments of uncertainty. Meditation is the practice of intentionally quieting our minds and focusing our thoughts on God. In doing so, we create space for God to speak to us and reveal His will for our lives. Psalm 46:10 tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In moments of stillness, our spirits can better perceive the gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit, helping us discern God’s direction. In our world today with so much distractions and noise which shift the focus of our mind from God, we, too, must...

The word of God won't be prolonged anymore

Ezekiel  12:28 Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD. God's word is eternal. It does not change based on human opinions, trends, or circumstances. The delay in judgment or the fulfillment of His promises does not mean that God has forgotten or that He is unable to act. Prophet Isaiah declared, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8). God’s promises are as firm today as when He first spoke them. In Ezekiel’s day, the people of Israel had started to doubt whether the warnings of God would come to pass. They had seen prophets come and go, and the destruction they had been warned about hadn’t yet arrived. But just because God was patient didn’t mean His word would fail. When the time came, His word would come to pass just as He had said. In the same way, every promise and every warning in the Bibl...

Timely blessing for those that obey the Lord

Exodus  19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: The words from our scripture passage today is spoken to the children of Israel as they stand at the foot of Mount Sinai, just before God gives them the law. It is a covenant moment, where God offers an invitation to His people, an invitation to experience a relationship that carries both responsibility and reward. The first truth we see is the condition of obedience: "If you obey me fully..." God’s blessings are available, but they often come with conditions that require us to align our lives with His will. To serve the Lord means to live in a way that reflects His holiness, to keep His Word in our hearts, and to act according to His commandments. In today’s world, we often expect blessings to come immediately, without putting in the time or effort required to meet God’s expectations. However, the scrip...

Obeying God's instructions

Deuteronomy  11:27 A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: As humans, our life is guided by some sets instruction, whether at home, school, or work. Instructions provide direction, it ensure order, and help us avoid unnecessary mistakes. In a similar way, God has given us His instructions through His Word. These commands are not meant to be a burden to us, but to bless us. The scripture today gives us understanding of the significance of obeying God’s instructions and how it unlocks blessings in our lives. 1. Obedience is the Key to God's Blessings Deuteronomy 11:27 says, obedience to God's commands brings blessings. This means when we align ourselves with His will, we position ourselves to receive His favor and provision. God’s instructions are like a road map, leading us to the fullness of life He desires for us. However, we must understand that these blessings are not always material. They come in various forms, like p...

The rich and the poor

Proverbs 13:7 One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. In our world today, wealth and poverty are often defined by the material possessions one can accumulate. We see constant comparisons between the rich and the poor, driven by the idea that success is tied to how much you own. But the Bible gives us a different lens through which to view wealth and poverty. The first part of the verse says, "One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing." There are those who have great material wealth, yet their lives are empty. No matter how much money or possessions they accumulate, they remain spiritually bankrupt. Their pursuit of wealth might bring temporary satisfaction, but it leaves them unfulfilled, searching for meaning in things that cannot satisfy the deepest needs of the heart. Jesus reminds us of this in Mark 8:36: "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" True wealth is found in a rela...