22 Sep 2020 - Isaiah 54 : GOD’S PROMISE FOR FRUITFULNESS AND BLESSING

Daily Devotion

Tuesday 22nd September 

Isaiah 54 – GOD’S PROMISE FOR FRUITFULNESS AND BLESSING 

 

This scripture is a beautiful promise of encouragement and affirmation to God’s people. If you have served God faithfully, but you feel discouraged, if you feel that your effort thus far has not borne any fruit, if you feel that you have been despised or looked down upon, this promise is for you. 

 

God tells the “barren woman” to sing and shout for joy, because God will give her the desire of her heart and gift her with more children than she can imagine (v1). This is a prophecy for the increase and expansion of the nation of Israel through the birth of many children, and a promise that the city would be rebuilt. The barren woman could also mean a person or a church that is feeling discouraged, unfulfilled or foolish. Perhaps you feel foolish and discouraged for putting your trust in God for so long, but you have not experienced the results that you expected? If you are feeling discouraged, remember that God has big plans for you. It says in 1 Corinthians 1:21-23, “God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe … but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling-block to the Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” God promises that our number will be greatly increased, and that many will be “born” into the Kingdom of God. 

 

God encourages us to be courageous, to “enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back, lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes” (v2). God promises that the descendants of the barren woman will spread out to the right and to the left. God promises that we do not have to be afraid and we do not have to fear disgrace (v4). We will forget the shame and reproach of our past and we will be reconciled to our God. For the Lord our God is our Maker and He is sovereign over all the earth (v5). God Himself is our “husband” (v5). We are eternally committed to Him and He has promised that He will bless us with much fruit (children in the literal sense as well as fellow believers who will be “born again” through their faith in Jesus Christ). He acknowledges our past struggles and our future challenges. He promises to have compassion on us. God tells us that He is our Redeemer (v8). This is a promise to save us from destruction through sin and death. Instead, we will be established in righteousness (v14) and vindicated by the Lord (v 17). 

 

He promises that His unfailing love for us will not be shaken and His covenant of peace will not be removed (v10). We will have nothing to fear, for whoever attacks us will surrender to us (v15). After all, God created everything, even Satan, and he will allow no weapon forged against us to prevail (v16). We will be able to refute every tongue that accuses us (v17) – the very lies of the enemy will be rejected! For this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from God! 

 

Self-reflection 

Do you feel unfulfilled? Do you limit what God can do through you, because of fear or discouragement? Are you feeling discouraged because you have failed in the past? Do you need to be reconciled to God and remember His promises to you? Meditate on this scripture and understand the full measure of God’s promises. There is no need to give in to fear or doubt. God, the Almighty creator of everything in heaven and earth, is your vindicator! He knows your pain, He understands your fears, and He promises to be with you through it all. We should not be afraid to establish ourselves in Him. We do not have to be held back because we know that we have God as our protector. His love and promises are all the validation that we need. 

 

Suggested prayer 

Lord God, thank you for your amazing promise to protect me and save me, to have compassion on me and to love me. Help me to live my life in the assurance and victory that you have won for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

20th Sept 2020 - 2nd Service Sermon

 Hello, church! Let us come together and join us for 2nd Service sermon. Have a blessed Sunday. God bless.

Title: What Is It? (Exodus 16:2 - 15)

19 Sep 2020 - How is your heart?

Devotion 19 Sept 2020

1 Kings 20

How is your heart?

How is your heart? When ones heart is physically unhealthy every part of the body is unwell. It is the same spiritually. When the bible uses the word heart it refers to the inner most being of a person.

Here is an example of a man where his heart is unhealthy- King Ahad.

King Ahad of Israel witnessed God's power and mercy when God used Elijah on Mount  Carmel and the sending of rain in the earlier chapters. This great revelation of God seems to have little impact on him. He remained unmoved in his idolatrous heart.

In this chapter God delivered him and Israel from the king of Syria and his army in a powerful and prophetic manner. Yet he was quick to make treaty with the king, his enemy.

He simply just keep getting it wrong. No sense of God. Stubborn heart. Fell into the lure of man easily (the offer from King of Syria) and missed out on God's blessing totally. God's love and mercy could not be clearer, yet he did not pick it up. He was easy to be lured or decieved as his heart is unhealthy- stubborn, idolatrous and simply out of touch to God.

Reflection: How is my heart? Let's do a check. Do I see God in my life? Do I hear him easily? King Ahad had prophets. We have a better voice from God, the super mighty Bible. The question is never "Does God speak?" or "Is He in my life?"  Neither is the question "Does God help me?" The right question is "Is my heart healthy spiritually, sensitive and obedient to God?"

Prayer

Lord, your miracles are everywhere. Yet often I missed them or take them for granted. You are speaking always. Yet your Scripture can just be another insignificant book. Heal my heart. Tutor my heart. Protect my heart. That I may be present to you. In Christ's precious Name. Amen

17 September 2020 - Psalm 73

Psalm 73- 17 September 2020

As one reads and meditates on Psalm 73, one can straight away relate to what the author, Asaph, is feeling. It is a thought that has crossed our minds at one point or another in our walk with God. We know that our God is a good and faithful God. He is our Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides. But yet, when we look at our life as Christians compared to non-believers, we sometimes doubt that we are blessed as Christians. When we look around us, life seems easy for non believers (v.4-5). We can often find ourselves frustrated when people who do not have a relationship with God are doing better than you. Can we take a moment to reflect if these thoughts have crossed our minds? Is it worth it to obey God and walk with God? One can look around at other’s lavish lifestyles and ponder whether or not they are getting a raw deal with God.

Asaph finds it discouraging and you can experience his emotions- “All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments” (v.14).  So what was causing Asaph to feel this way? It was envy. Envy is to desire what someone else has that we don’t have; it’s a form of jealousy. Envy is very dangerous as it can start small and before we realise it, it will grow into a full-blown discontentment with our lives and with God. The more we dwell on this “unfairness,” the farther it takes us away from God. If you are feeling this way, you need to quickly draw yourself back to God.

This is what happens when we do not think Christ is enough for us  and we must realize that this life is temporary. Despite his frustrations, Asaph finally comes to a realization of the truth in verse 17- until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end”. We are just passing through this world to move on to our final destination. Despite all the health and wealth the ungodly enjoys, unfortunately, this will come to an end. Stop looking at your left and right, and focus onto God. Our perspective will shift from the temporal to the eternal. Even if we are down to nothing, we still have everything, we have Jesus. Asaph took his eyes off the world and focuses upward to God and he is humbled:

Whom have I heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (v.25 to 26).

When we look to the Cross of Christ, we may still have lingering questions pertaining to why God allows unfairness or injustice to continue in this world. But, as Timothy Keller puts it, “it can’t be that He doesn’t love us. It can’t be that He is indifferent or detached from our condition. God takes our misery and suffering so seriously that He was willing to take it on Himself”.

So, while we wait for all injustice to finally be brought to an end (Revelation 21:4), we find meaning and strength in it through the Cross.

Reflection:

    a)      Have you found yourself in a similar situation as Asaph?

    b)      Is there something or someone you are envious of?

Prayer:

Lord, help me find my fullness in you. Help me come to the realization that you are more than enough. Increase my faith, so I will love you more than anything else in life. Help me have an eternal perspective rather than the temporal. I surrender all my discontentment into your hands and to replace it with joy and appreciation of who You are.  

Devotion - 15 September 2020

Devotion - 15 September 2020

Elijah had just spent 3 years avoiding a king who wanted him dead. Ahab's wife had already massacred many of the prophets and Elijah was on their hit list. But now was the time for confrontation. Confrontation means, to bring face to face, a person or people into a revelation or truth.

TRUTH CAUSES A DIVISION OR CONFRONTATION - EITHER YOU SUBMIT TO IT OR DENY IT.

Luke 12:49-53 In these verses Jesus speaks of bringing division and that we are either for Him or against Him.  

In Luke 2:34-35 we read: Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

Obadiah, although a servant of King Ahab, he revered God and was responsible for saving the lives of 100 prophets, yet when he speaks to ijah, addressing him as 'lord' ( the culturally appropriate way), Elijah said, "Go tell your master...". Obadiah is said to typify the lukewarm church, serving God and the world.

Is the Holy Spirit prompting you about any areas of compromise?  Talk to God. Repent and ask Him to show you a way through. Take the time to wait for Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

13.09.2020 - 2nd English Service Sermon

Good Afternoon Church, here is the sermon for today. Have a blessed day of rest with your loved ones.

 

Isaiah 46 – God revealing Himself and caring for us.

 Isaiah 46 – God revealing Himself and caring for us.

God compares the idols that the Israeli people were worshipping and is telling them He far surpasses them all.  He states that idols are a burden to them.

God goes on to make an amazing statement in verses 3-4:

 “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth.  Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he, I am he, who will sustain you.”

This is a fantastic promise! Unto the people of God, first Israel and now us, we are assured we have our Father God  watching over us, sustaining and looking after us. When we give our lives to Him, we have the Lord Almighty over the whole universe looking after us, over the whole course of our lives. This is a special privilege that only Christians are given. We rejoice and are glad in the personal care of our God.

He challenges us in verse 5. With whom can He be compared? Certainly not a man-made object of worship. God states regarding idols:

“Even though someone cries out to it, it cannot answer;

It cannot save them from their troubles.”

But our Heavenly Father does hear and saves us from all our troubles! The Lord Almighty is far bigger than any focus of the human imagination forged into an idol. We may not believe we worship idols today, but we often allow lesser things to draw our attention. We also easily lose touch with the Holy Spirit.

What or whom occupies the majority of your attention? In 2020 we have all had our plans changed against our will. We wanted to go places we now cannot go, we had to avoid seeing people, with whom we wished to, and cannot play sport we wished to play. Some people have lost livelihoods and much more. However, we can always draw near to our Heavenly Father, we can give Him our attention and worship.

When we begin to consider the question God asks in verse 5;

“With whom will you compare me or count me equal?
    To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?

The answer is that no-one can compare to His glory! He is bigger, stronger, wiser, better and more imaginative than anyone else! No other can compare with Him. And He invites us to spend time with Him and mature in Christ. In verse 10 He states:

“I make known the end from the beginning,
    from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
    and I will do all that I please.’”

He knows the past, present and future. All of time is open before Him. When we draw near to Him, he reveals His plans to us, He shows us the way we should take. He saves us from harmful and foolish ways that sometimes appear good at the time but later we often regret. He knows us and knows the best way for us to live our life. He knows much better than we do. We can and should trust Him even when it does not seem convenient or comfortable to do so.

He makes clear in verse 11 No-one can make a fool of Him. No one can ultimately thwart His will.  

“What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.”

He has a plan to reveal Himself. He says in verse 13:

“I am bringing my righteousnessnear,
    it is not far away;
    and my salvation will not be delayed.
I will grant salvation to Zion,
    my splendour to Israel. “

Suggested prayer: Heavenly Father. You are far above all others and are worthy of our worship and praise. You are perfect in righteousness and wisdom. We thank You for your wonderful promises. May we continue to seek Your face and make Your ways, our ways. May we set our hearts and minds on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. May we grow in our faith and obedience and not allow other priorities to have Your place in our lives. In Jesus Name. Amen.

21 Days of Fast & Pray - Day 21: Prayer of Praise

 

21 Days of Fast & Pray - Day 21: Prayer of Praise

Devotion - Isaiah 58:11

As the book of Isaiah draws to a close, God also comforts His people with renewed promises of deliverance from their enemies, restoration to their land and the arrival of God's chosen Servant, who will be sent to save His people from their sins.

The truth of God's never-failing faithfulness, that is contained in His redemptive plan for Israel are equally pertinent for the Church today. Like Israel we have been delivered from the curse of the law, the bondage of sin and its terrible wages. We have already won the victory in Jesus Christ our Lord. We are reminded that Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us and that He who started the good work in us will complete it in the day of Christ Jesus.

We are held secure in the Father's hand and no-one is able to pluck us out of our Saviour's hand. Our parched soul has been revived and satisfied by the living water of life, which has become an inner spring of water, welling up into eternal life. Indeed, we know that we have a blessed hope and eternal inheritance in Christ, that is kept for us in heaven.

He is not only the provider of all our physical needs, but He is the fountain of peace and pardon, the well-spring of grace and strength and His never-failing streams of salvation and security are ever flowing into the empty cup of the weary pilgrim.

Remember, He is not only with you in the parched and weary land, but He will guide you through all those scorched and burning places for a purpose. That is, to draw you closer into His outstretched arms of love and to take you deeper into an undertaking of who He truly is until you can say with Job, "I have learned all about You, but now I have come to a deeper understanding of who You are - I have come to know you in a more intimate and precious way, than before."

Application / Self-reflection

To be able to shout out our praise boldly, we must honor our moments of tearful whispers to God. What are the many things you want to praise God for, at the end of this fast and pray season?

21 Days Fast & Pray - Day 20 : Our World

 

21 Days Fast & Pray - Day 20 : Our World

Devotion - John 3:1

There is a certain feeling we have when we wait at the airport for the arrival of our friends or family members who have been away for a while. It is a natural anticipation to celebrate their homecoming. The Father eagerly desires for all to come back to Him. The verse above denotes the love of the Father lavished on those who have come to Him. In our practical life, our home is typically the place where we rest. It is where we feel loved and safe. It is also where we grow and are taught discipline. This is because home is where family gathers and love resides. The verse above assures us that He loves us so much, that He calls us His children. The Scripture also tells us that He Himself is our resting place and place where we feel safe (Ps. 91:1-2) In short, He is our home. Today, let us realize that God calls us His children! He wants us to dwell in Him because He is our Father and He is where we want to return to if we have gone astray. There is no other place we truly want to be.

Application / Self-reflection

1. Being a believer, do we have any challenges calling God as our Father and experiencing His love as His children? Write them down and meditate on scripture verses that will assure our identity as His children and His love for us. (e.g. Rom. 8:15-16, John 3:16, Matt. 7:11-12)
2. Have you been praying for the salvation of a certain person? Pray specifically for the person who will experience our Father's love today.

21 Days Fast & Pray - Day 19 : Our World

 

21 Days Fast & Pray - Day 19 : Our World

A. Devotion - Zachariah 13:9

There's a saying that goes, 'Pressure makes diamonds.' People may say this in passing to us when times are difficult. However much truth there is in that statement, the process is still painful. We all experience pressure, either externally from work, family, society, and internally from our expectations and standards. It can feel worse when we go through persecution for Christ's sake. If we are not careful that pressure can be destructive. 

Pressure is also unavoidable and sometimes necessary. How we come out of it matters. If we keep our eyes on the end goal, we may run through dirt and fire but we will keep going until we reach the prize. All those scraps and cuts we gather will heal if they they are tended well. All the persecution and wounds can help to keep us focused on God's eternal goodness.

Whatever obstacle is put in our way should not be allowed to break us, but should instead refine us to prepare us for the Crown of salvation. Learn to believe that God has called you to be strong and courageous. So if you feel weak, defeated and persecuted, remember that the King of Kings is on your side. Who else have you to fear?

B. Application / Self-reflection

1. Have you ever thought of and prayed for the many who are persecuted for Christ's sake?
2. Can you think of at least five missionaries? Pray for them, that they will be encouraged and comforted by the reassurance of receiving the eternal glory.

21 Days Fast & Pray - Day 18 : Our World

 

21 Days Fast & Pray - Day 18 : Our World

A. Devotion - Ezekiel 11:19

God reveals to Ezekiel the heart of the leaders of Israel who disobeyed God, who gave wicked counsel and who proudly thought they could gain freedom from the Babylonians in their own way. God judged them and then He revealed His promise in verse 19. He will then restore His relationship with His people. He will do this by giving them an undivided heart, a new spirit and a heart of flesh, instead of a divided heart, a dead spirit and a heart of stone. A divided heart is a heart or mind that is not focused on God and His ways. A dead spirit is a spirit that is not connected to God. A heart of stone is a heart that is not tender and will not love and obey God. If God is to cause an awakening in the Church and the world, He needs to deal with our hearts. God desires to be intimate with us. Let us turn to Him so that He can restore our hearts to Himself. As we desire these things, we must allow Him to work in us and let Him do it in His perfect timing and process. The best part about this is that this is His promise to us.

B. Application / Self-reflection

1. Are there any areas of our hearts that we need God to make tender? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal those areas to us and write them down.
2. Are we willing to be honest to God with our thoughts and condition of heart and allow Him to carry us and work on our hearts? Start by spending time with God without rushing and let Him minister to you.

06 Sep 2020 - 2nd English Service

Good Afternoon Church, here is the service for today. Have a blessed day of rest with your loved ones.

 

21 Days Fast & Pray - Day 17 : Our World

 

21 Days Fast & Pray - Day 17 : Our World

A. Devotion - Exodus 1:12

Read Exodus 1:8-11 first for the background to this verse. Israelites were afflicted by Egyptians who wew afraid of them. Exo 1:7 explains the reason for the affliction. Israelites were about 70 in number, during the time of Joseph, when they arrived in Egypt. They grew to about 600,000 men besides children (Exo 12:37), in a short period of time. This was a huge increase. The Israelites were not only huge in number but also strong. Think of it this way; a plant growing well, yielding an amazing amount of good fruit and it was multiplying.

It was good for the Israelites. However, the Egyptians were jealous and afraid of this phenomenal growth (Exo 1:8-11). The enemy is not afraid of a large number of weak people who bear no fruit, but the enemy starts to stir up when there is strength in God's people.

Afflictions were present during the Old Testament, in the time of Jesus and during church history in Acts. So affliction has been evident for God's people throughout history. What is interesting about affliction? After every affliction there is a change of season with betterment for God's children. In the case of the Israelites, after their affliction they were released from slavery by the Egyptians. After this, they had to spend 40 years in the desert, and finally they entered the promised land.

There are situations in life where you do good and grow well, yet you are afflicted. If this is the case, take heart. Many children of God went through the same path. God will make the affliction work in your favour to transform you and to bring you into a new season in your life.

B. Application / Self-reflection

1. Are you willing to submit your life to God for a brand new season even if you have to suffer for a while?
2. Will you pray for those who afflict you?

21 Days Fast & Pray - Day 16 : Our World

 

21 Days Fast & Pray - Day 16 : Our World

A. Devotion - Romans 8:35

In today's reading Paul asks, is there anything in life that could separate us from Christ's love? The answer is NO, nothing can separate us from the unending love of Christ! Earlier in vs 34, Paul has established that Christ will not stop loving us because He died for our sins, He rose from the dead, He sits at God's right hand and He is interceding for us with His omnipotent love. Paul is convinced that nothing can get in the way of God's love for us, not even the devil!

Paul gave a few examples of things (such as opposition and poverty) that may separate us from Christ and some of these things are not unfamiliar to us. Though there will be suffering on this earth, our hope is that through Him, we are more than conquerors. God will give us strength to meet all our adversaries. Yes. He will give us everything we need according to His judgement of what we need, in order to do His will and glorify Him. Therefore, we must never lose heart because our sufferings make us more like Jesus and all these things are working for our good (Romans 8:28).

Like Paul, we often ask God to remove our difficulties. However, He is more concerned with building our character and preventing pride from taking root in our lives. He says to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Whatever we are struggling with today, we can choose to know that God has a purpose and His grace is all-sufficient.

Keeping in mind that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, let us then stand before the cross with a bowed head and a heart full of thanksgiving for His great love, so that we may go into the world to serve him with joy and humility. The Late Ravi Zacharias, said it so beautifully in one of his last talks:

"I sometimes think about the cross and shut my eyes and try to see the cruel nails and the crown of thorns and Jesus crucified for me. But even could I see Him die, I would but see a little part of that great love which like a fire, is always burning in His heart. God has you in His heart, His love for you is personal."

B. Application / Self-reflection

1. Think about a time when you were amazed and overwhelmed by how much God loves you. Acknowledge that He cares for you and will supply all your needs, both physical and spiritual. Give thanks to God for allowing you to come to know Him personally. Say a prayer of commitment that you will continue to grow in your knowledge and understanding of who He is.
2. The work of the cross is the centre of Christian faith and a symbol of God's holy love for mankind. How does the cross give you comfort in times of difficulty?

21 Days Fast & Pray - Day 15 : Our World

 

21 Days Fast & Pray - Day 15 : Our World

A. Devotion - Isaiah 6:8-9

When Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord saying "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" Isaiah's response was one that was willing and ready. However, if you read a few verses before this, you will see that Isaiah called himself "a man of unclean lips" and he thought he was "ruined" because he had seen the Lord. What happens next is ultimately unusual as the verse goes to say that "one of the seraphim flew to me (Isaiah) with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; our guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for," and right after that is the verse we are reading today.

Often, when we listen to our pastors on stage telling us to go and share the gospel, we feel as if we were the last person on earth to be chosen to share the gospel truth. Like Isaiah, we see our own flaws and shortcomings and think that others would do a better job at doing His work than us. However, that is not how God sees us. He knows that none of us are perfect. In fact it says in Romans 3:23, "all have fallen short of the glory of God" and the point is not to achieve personal perfection in certain areas of our lives but to be fully dependent on Him. Jesus is the very "coal" who takes away our guilt and atones for our sins. When God asked "Who will go for us?" it was not because He was not able enough or mighty enough to do it Himself. It was a more personal question for Isaiah, whether he wanted to share with others about this God who cleanses you and makes you whole again. That's the fruit of realising what God has done for you. The natural human response after being saved is to want to go and share with others about our salvation. that is how Isaiah can respond, "Here am I. Send me!"

B. Application /Self-reflection

1. What is your heart's response today?
2. Where do you think God is asking you to go?

21 Day Fast & Pray - Day 14 : Community Services and Revival

 

21 Day Fast & Pray - Day 14 : Community Services and Revival

A. Devotion - Revelation 14:6

Mission is the heartbeat of God and Revival His gift for human race. "The Christian faith is to know Jesus as Saviour and Lord and help others know Him as Saviour and Lord". These two matters constitute the heartbeat of Gospel that is, intake and outflow, receptivity and response. And if both the processes are not in operation, the Christian heart ceases to beat. Before His ascension, Jesus gave the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), to His disciples. Matthew 24:14 says Jesus' assurance that one way or another "this Gospel of Kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations and then the end will come". Today's scripture reading reaffirms Jesus' words. During the present age, the angels are not privileged to preach the Gospel. That responsibility has been given to God's people. Today's scripture shows that our good God, is giving a final invitation to the earth-dwellers to "fear God, give Him glory and worship the Creator, before the judgement falls". The eternal Gospel is the same as what we are preaching now but with one exception that the hour of God's judgement has come.

All creation bears witness to God's existence as well as His power and wisdom (Romans 1:18-21). During the last days, 'the Beast' will convince men that he is in charge of the world and ask to take his mark on forehead or hand. The angel calls men back to the basics; God is Creator - worship and Serve Him alone.

B. Application / Self-reflection

1. Meditate on God's faithfulness.
2. Are we faithful to our calling to spread the Gospel at the present age? 

21 Days Fast & Pray - Day 13 : SAC and the children

 

21 Days Fast & Pray - Day 13 : SAC and the children

A. Devotion - Mark 10:13-16

As we reflect on the story of Jesus and His heart for children in the book of Mark, it is important for us to be reminded of the importance for the need of children to be blessed by Christ i.e. know Jesus and that they are all children of God.

Mark 10:13 tells us that "People were bringing children to Jesus" so that they could be blessed and dedicated to  life of discipleship. That is at the heart of what we want for our children. We want our children to be blessed by God so they could grow to be strong disciples. That is the command of God given to us in Deuteronomy 6:7 that which says that it is our responsibility to do what we can to nurture the children of Christian faith.

We also read that Jesus was visibly angry with at His disciples for attempting to keep the children away from Him. They were giving people the false impression that Jesus has no time for insignificant people like little children. He embraced those children instead. We ought to never hinder children from coming to Christ but fervently show these children with he love and mercy of Christ.

We must do our part to ensure that they know first and foremost that they are children of God who are so loved and treasured. This is evident on Mark 10:16 when Jesus took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them.

B. Application / Self-reflection

1. What can we do to show the love of Jesus to children?
2. How can we affirm children's identity in Christ.

21 Days Fast and Pray - Day 12 : The young people of the church

 

21 Days Fast and Pray - Day 12 : The young people of the church

A. Devotion - Psalm 2:11 (NIV)

Serve the LORD with fear and trembling. What does it mean to "fear" the Lord? In this context, it is not to be afraid of but to serve the Lord with reverence. It means not wanting to disappoint Him, not with servile fear of God, but with a godly and filial fear, with a reverential affection for Him, and in a way agreeable to His mind and will; with reverence and awe of Him, without levity, carelessness and negligence. We must not forget that God is not man; He is God. he reminds us in Isaiah 55:8-9 that He does not think like a man.

Rejoicing with trembling. Fear does not rob us of our joy for two reasons. One is that it drives us to Christ where there is safety. The other is the hope we have. There is an awe or wonder or trembling in the presence of grandeur that we want to feel as long as we are sure it does not destroy us. This trembling does not compete with joy; it is part of joy. People go to terrifying movies because they know the monster cannot get into the theater. They want to be scared as long as they are safe. For some reason it feels good. This is an echo of the truth that they were made for God. There is something profoundly satisfying about being "frightened" when we cannot hurt. It is the best when the trembling comes from the grandeur of holiness.

B. Application / Self-reflection

1. Can you think of one aspect of God that makes you stand in awe of Him?
2. Has there been a moment in your life when you feared God about something? What did you understand about God because of that situation?

21 Days Fast & Pray - Day 11 : SAC and the ministries

 

21 Days Fast & Pray - Day 11 : SAC and the ministries

A. Devotion - Isaiah 6:8

God does not force His will upon His children. Isaiah's response to God from a place of guilt, shame and condemnation, reflects a heart broken and contrite for sin, fully yielded to its Creator. Once again it once again debunks every myth long held by humanity that only those considered perfect by worldly standards stand approved by God too. Our God who is no respecter of persons, sees in Isaiah far more worth than he sees in himself.

Oftentimes we spend so much of life pursing our self-worth in accolades and the validation of man, whereas the pursuit of God and His righteousness only carry eternal significance. Only an encounter with the Most High and the revealing knowledge of His all-encompassing love restores you and me to what God originally intended for us to be.

We serve an infinite God, whose ways are not our ways and whose eyes roam the earth searching for those faithful to His cause. May our response to Him always be like that of the Prophet Isaiah - simple, precise and unwavering - 'Here I am, send me!'

B. Application / Self-reflection

1. During this season of prayer and fasting, ask God to move over your heart with His love and healing regarding past experiences, people and circumstances.
2. Have you experienced a transformation in old ways of thinking/attitudes as a result of the Father's love?