HOPE CAST

Psalm 108:1-5 are the words of David, the worshipper. May you be found so-called. No wonder, "After removing Saul, God made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ (Acts 13:22) For "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24) Be a worshipper wherever you are today and forever and you will be the candidate God will choose, for you will be a man after God’s heart, doing all he wants you to do as he reveals the deep things in the course of worship to His true worshippers.

Worship the Lord with PH 50.

Jehovah, God,

Praise be to the Lord Almighty, Omnipotent...

Psalm 108:1-5 are the words of David, the worshipper. May you be found so-called. No wonder, "After removing Saul, God made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ (Acts 13:22) For "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24) Be a worshipper wherever you are today and forever and you will be the candidate God will choose, for you will be a man after God’s heart, doing all he wants you to do as he reveals the deep things in the course of worship to His true worshippers.

Worship the Lord with PH 50.

Jehovah, God,

Praise be to the Lord Almighty, Omnipotent...

Your knowledge of and belief in Christ (The Word) are the greatest tools and weapons you can ever have in life. For the word is the manual of a man’s life, and as a television demonstrates all that is written in the manual accompanying it, so is the Word to a man’s life. Knowing and growing in the Word gives you a head start in everything in life, just as anyone who buys an item and reads the manual gets the most out of it. One of the great and potent virtues discovered in the Word is that of praise. These have been enhanced through many composed songs since creation in adoration, thanksgiving, and worship of God. These have only been used by a few people in the faith as individuals, but are often used during fellowship times. As hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs go up, the glory of God comes down. Allow the peace of Christ to rule in your life for praise and thankfulness to overflow as we sing PH 1;

Now thank we all our God,

With hearts and hands and voices...

Your knowledge of and belief in Christ (The Word) are the greatest tools and weapons you can ever have in life. For the word is the manual of a man’s life, and as a television demonstrates all that is written in the manual accompanying it, so is the Word to a man’s life. Knowing and growing in the Word gives you a head start in everything in life, just as anyone who buys an item and reads the manual gets the most out of it. One of the great and potent virtues discovered in the Word is that of praise. These have been enhanced through many composed songs since creation in adoration, thanksgiving, and worship of God. These have only been used by a few people in the faith as individuals, but are often used during fellowship times. As hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs go up, the glory of God comes down. Allow the peace of Christ to rule in your life for praise and thankfulness to overflow as we sing PH 1;

Now thank we all our God,

With hearts and hands and voices...

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” (Psa. 34:1)

You’d often notice a pattern with TV commercials where one introduces a product to another person in need and in the next scene, they are all smiles and better for it. In this psalm, David does exactly the same as he encourages all to “taste and see” God’s goodness! We see his testimony of God’s goodness through the verses; the Lord who answers him and delivers him from his fears (v4), how God causes those who look to Him to shine with his favour and never be ashamed (v5) how God hears his prayers and delivers him (v6-7). For us today, God continues to demonstrate His goodness through His promises to us. First, in His redemptive love through the death and sacrifice of Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 2:3-4) and abiding in His grace, mercy and power. May His praise continue to be on our lips so that we would share with others to come, taste and see that the Lord is good!

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” (Psa. 34:1)

You’d often notice a pattern with TV commercials where one introduces a product to another person in need and in the next scene, they are all smiles and better for it. In this psalm, David does exactly the same as he encourages all to “taste and see” God’s goodness! We see his testimony of God’s goodness through the verses; the Lord who answers him and delivers him from his fears (v4), how God causes those who look to Him to shine with his favour and never be ashamed (v5) how God hears his prayers and delivers him (v6-7). For us today, God continues to demonstrate His goodness through His promises to us. First, in His redemptive love through the death and sacrifice of Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 2:3-4) and abiding in His grace, mercy and power. May His praise continue to be on our lips so that we would share with others to come, taste and see that the Lord is good!

At the beginning of the year, like the 10 lepers (v13), we stood at the Watchnight services and in our closets and declared, "Lord have mercy on me, my family...". Typical of the Lord, as He has written of his faithfulness in his Word, He has seen you gracefully through to the first half of the year. Having seen the goodness of the Lord, it will be a sin not to thank him (James 4:17). This will open more doors and your breakthroughs will be perfected (v19) if we appreciate the Lord for his goodness and mercies upon us. Pause, reflect, and count your blessings since the year began and it will amaze you what the Lord has done and gratefully.

Sing PH 4:

If God will give me a thousand tongues now

And thousands, thousands more than that...

At the beginning of the year, like the 10 lepers (v13), we stood at the Watchnight services and in our closets and declared, "Lord have mercy on me, my family...". Typical of the Lord, as He has written of his faithfulness in his Word, He has seen you gracefully through to the first half of the year. Having seen the goodness of the Lord, it will be a sin not to thank him (James 4:17). This will open more doors and your breakthroughs will be perfected (v19) if we appreciate the Lord for his goodness and mercies upon us. Pause, reflect, and count your blessings since the year began and it will amaze you what the Lord has done and gratefully.

Sing PH 4:

If God will give me a thousand tongues now

And thousands, thousands more than that...

Music plays an important role in our individual and collective worship. Through music we ascribe praise and glory to God, affirm our trust and faith in Him, and express our thanksgiving and wonder. As we speak to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs we express the Word of God in song bringing comfort through times of difficulty or sorrow, counsel and encouragement through fear and uncertainty, and an expression of joy in celebration and rejoicing. Coming together in worship is also important for our fellowship life, and we should partake in it. Psalms from the Bible and hymns, which are inspired poems and spiritual songs remind us of God’s word for every situation and as we make music and sing to the Lord we exhort ourselves and others telling of God’s manifold grace and glory and expressing our worship and devotion to Him. Praise the Lord!

Music plays an important role in our individual and collective worship. Through music we ascribe praise and glory to God, affirm our trust and faith in Him, and express our thanksgiving and wonder. As we speak to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs we express the Word of God in song bringing comfort through times of difficulty or sorrow, counsel and encouragement through fear and uncertainty, and an expression of joy in celebration and rejoicing. Coming together in worship is also important for our fellowship life, and we should partake in it. Psalms from the Bible and hymns, which are inspired poems and spiritual songs remind us of God’s word for every situation and as we make music and sing to the Lord we exhort ourselves and others telling of God’s manifold grace and glory and expressing our worship and devotion to Him. Praise the Lord!

WORDS OF HOPE:

The Bible encourages us to sing a new song to the Lord, (Psalm 40:3, Isa. 42:10) to sing and praise him for who He is, for His loving kindness, His power, His deliverance and to tell of His wonder and might. When we read of the account of the crossing of the Red Sea (Exo. 14), the very next chapter is a song Moses and Miriam led the Israelites to sing to the Lord describing their deliverance!

Singing and making music from our hearts to the Lord does not depend on musical ability. Indeed, a sure way to know that someone is filled with the Holy Spirit is their desire to sing and praise God. Worship may be an emotional experience but the focus is towards God and His pleasure. When we consider the Lord and His hand in our lives; when we take the time away from our busy daily lives to reflect on His goodness, mercies and faithfulness to us, our hearts will be filled with the desire to sing song to Him.

WORDS OF HOPE:

The Bible encourages us to sing a new song to the Lord, (Psalm 40:3, Isa. 42:10) to sing and praise him for who He is, for His loving kindness, His power, His deliverance and to tell of His wonder and might. When we read of the account of the crossing of the Red Sea (Exo. 14), the very next chapter is a song Moses and Miriam led the Israelites to sing to the Lord describing their deliverance!

Singing and making music from our hearts to the Lord does not depend on musical ability. Indeed, a sure way to know that someone is filled with the Holy Spirit is their desire to sing and praise God. Worship may be an emotional experience but the focus is towards God and His pleasure. When we consider the Lord and His hand in our lives; when we take the time away from our busy daily lives to reflect on His goodness, mercies and faithfulness to us, our hearts will be filled with the desire to sing song to Him.

Jesus had compassion for lost sinners that He felt for people who were poor, hungry, blind, and lame. He came for the very purpose of seeking and saving the lost. He didn’t preach good deeds as a religion to gain merit in God’s sight. He clearly said in John 6:29 that, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent”

Apostle Paul said, “I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (I Corinthians 9;16)

Have you ever felt such a compulsion? Would you feel woeful if you had never explained to the lost how to be found? Would you use such forceful language as “We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God”?

Do you feel compelled to share this good news? Do you see how it ties in with helping others? Christ wants to restore us; body and soul.

Speak to God today.

Spiritual Gifts are essential for the works of ministry, making Christ known. Jesus whiles on earth exhibited the Gifts in an immeasurable manner. Our Lord Jesus is the image we look up to in glorifying the Father. The disciples of Jesus continued to display the Gifts after His ascension. The Gifts were extensively used in their ministries. Today’s verse says believers share in one body and one Spirit. In the one Spirit we share, each believer has been given a manifestation of the Spirit which are Gifts (1Corinthians 12:7). From the scripture (Eph 4:11-13) the Lord has given us offices/ministries and the offices are not without the Gifts. The scriptures go on to indicate that the gifts/offices are meant to equip believers for the works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ. God in his infinite wisdom has given us Gifts that we can use to effectively make Christ known. We have to greatly desire the Gifts that we may display in the Love of Jesus Christ.

The journey of making Christ known has its pits and falls. It has its challenges that can make one fail in the task. In Exodus 18:13-27, the father-in-law of Moses visited him and realized the shortfalls in the administration of Moses towards the people of Israel, so he advised him on the best way forward which He took as good counsel and implemented. This brought effectiveness to the Ministry of Moses. Paul in Galatians 2: 9-16 rebuked Peter regarding the hypocritical behaviour he displayed when Jewish believers came to visit the Galatian church from Jerusalem. Paul realized before the coming of the Jews Peter ate and did everything with the gentiles but when the Jews came, he withdrew and that began affecting the faith of the Gentiles. In 1 Corinthians 13:9, Paul indicates that we do not hold all knowledge therefore we should be willing to learn from those who have gone ahead of us and been successful. Those who failed, we learn lessons from that. This shall make us effective in making Christ known in our communities.

Jesus our Lord when he was about to depart to heaven promised His disciples of the coming of the Holy Spirit. The coming of the Holy Spirit is to empower the disciples to be true and effective witnesses of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the process, they had to develop a relationship with the Holy Spirit to engage in a conversation with Him. Paul in 2 Corinthians 13:14 mention the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. The Oxford Learners Dictionary defines “Fellowship” as “a feeling of friendship between people who do things together or share an interest”. Therefore, if we are having fellowship with the Holy Spirit, it means we should have a good relationship with the Holy Spirit. Also, the definition mentions doing things together, Jesus in “TODAY’S VERSE” says that the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth, that He would tell us what He hears from the father, He would tell us of the things to come, and take of what is Christ and reveal it to us believers. The Holy Spirit is given to us by virtue of us being the children of God and for us to witness and do the Will of God effectively. Keynote “He shall guide you into all truth”, if you witness about Jesus without the Holy Spirit, you would be telling a lie.

The passage (John 16:16-28) may seem long but that is to put the verse (John 16:24) in focus in the right context. Jesus was about to be captured, killed, and resurrect on the third day but he wanted to prepare his disciples for the journey ahead where He would not be physically present. So, he tells them that in a little while he shall be crucified and he will not be with them. On the third day, he shall rise and be with them a little while and later ascend to heaven. Jesus, in preparing his disciples notes that “until now they have not asked anything of Me” and encourages them to ask “that their joy may be full”. He further explains that in that day they shall ask him and he would not say to them I shall pray to the Father but rather would have direct access to the father because they had loved him and believed he came from the Father. As believers, the Lord of the Sabbath is not physically present with us and as such, we must represent him as ambassadors, true witnesses on earth and we can not do that without prayer. We need prayers so that we may receive direction and be empowered to do the work that He has assigned us. Paul in his teachings in Ephesians 6:14-20 encourages believers to pray all prayers and supplications in the spirit and he further explains that he may be given utterance to make known the mysteries of the gospel. We constantly have to be in prayer to help effectively make Christ known to our neighbours.

In the passage above, our Lord Jesus explains the nature of the man who calls Him Lord. One who is a servant unto Christ and represents Him in all things. He first asks the question “why do you call me Lord, Lord”; He is questioning the nature of the relationship between Him and the people calling Him Lord. According to the Oxford Learners Dictionary, “a Lord” is “a powerful man in medieval Europe, who owned a lot of land and property” therefore if we call Jesus our Lord it means we are His and as such represent Him in all things. Jesus further explains that the one, who calls Him “Lord”, comes to Him, hears His sayings, and practices them. When you refuse to listen carefully, obey, and put into practice the words of Jesus, you dishonour Him and do not acknowledge Him as Lord over your life. This makes it impossible to be a true witness of our Lord Jesus. Also, there is knowledge gained through practice which is experience. True experience gives the true essence and meaning of the text in the scripture. With such experience, one can truly make Christ known to their neighbours.

Very often when we become new converts, we are enthused about doing the work of God. We sometimes imagine ourselves in front of huge congregations preaching powerfully. It is however good to have such indulgence but it can be deceptive when one is not a witness to the word. The Oxford Learners dictionary defines a witness as a person who sees something happens and can describe it to others. Thus, it is a challenge when a believer has not experienced the word and bears witness to it. Jesus in the gospel according to John describes Himself as the TRUE vine and we believers are the branches. A branch can not bear fruits if it is not attached to the vine and as such a believer who is not committed to making the word of God second nature to him/her would have difficulty testifying about Jesus Christ. The daily reading of the word of God and its application makes the Word of God second nature to a believer.

In today's passage, Peter puts Judas' treachery and suicide into scriptural context by explaining how the Scriptures must be fulfilled, and then he assigns the duty of selecting Judas' replacement to the believers. Judas will always be a mystery to us since he was with Jesus virtually from the start and had all the proof he needed to convince him that Jesus was the Savior sent by God. Nonetheless, Judas gladly turned against Jesus and offered to betray Him in exchange for 30 pieces of silver. What motivated him to do it? Was it avarice? That might have played a role because the Bible says Judas was the treasurer of the disciples. Or was it dissatisfaction because Jesus refused to be king and Judas wanted authority for himself? This is something we can only conjecture about. But the real reason was that, despite his outward devotion to Jesus, Judas remained rebellious and unbelieving in his heart. He exemplifies the Bible's warning: "The heart is deceitful beyond all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" (NKJV, Jeremiah 17:9) May we all learn from his awful example and instead remain steadfast in our own dedication to Jesus Christ and making him known.

In today's text, the apostles locate a room on the second story of a private residence, and additional Christians join them. There are around 120 of them. What they were doing is described in verse 14: "all these with one accord were dedicating themselves to prayer." According to the Scriptures, reaching the peoples of the world is achieved by Christian believers sharing the message of the Savior to those who have not heard. The fundamental prerequisite, then, is a messenger sent to proclaim the gospel. However, as essential and critical as this is, there is one more aspect that is also extremely necessary. Prayer is required. Prayer is required for the messenger who is sent, the message itself to be successful, and the hearts of the message's recipients to hear and actively receive the Good News of salvation. When examining the Great Commission, one might not immediately think of prayer as a crucial component. However, both Scripture and church history reveal the imperative importance of prayer as a critical component in reaching the world's lost and unreached peoples. Have you prayed for the people and the situation?

Acts is the story of God's grace pouring out to the world, from the cross and resurrection of Jesus in Jerusalem to the ends of the world. Nothing is more evident in Acts than the spread of the gospel. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth," Jesus promises at the start of Acts (Acts 1:8). Thankfully, Jesus' concept of power was of a different kind. They would "get" power, but not power for political or military control. It was the Holy Spirit's power—God residing within them and transforming them. And being able to testify as part of this authority (Acts 1:8). The comfort of the Holy Spirit's strength is that it originates outside of ourselves, not with our inherent skills. Just like a witness in court is most effective when he accurately describes what he has seen or heard, followers of Jesus are given the authority to tell of the transformation that God creates in them. Go and bear testimony; you have already been empowered!

In the past few days, we have learned that there are several levels of knowledge about Christ. We have learnt that we could have facts or intellectual knowledge about Christ and we could have a saving knowledge of Christ. In today’s passage, we observe that Paul had already attained all these kinds of knowledge. One as a Pharisee and the other through the Damascus experience. Yet he insisted on a yearning to know Christ. This cannot be any of the previous knowledge about Christ. Indeed, the Greek version of the word used for knowledge in this passage is “epignosis”. This is a strengthened or intensified form of the Greek word "gnosis” which means knowledge. It conveys the thought of exact, complete, thorough, accurate, experiential knowledge, not just abstract, intellectual, head knowledge of God or even facts about Him. It suggests a level of intimacy with Christ where Paul had the same knowledge as Christ and was in perfect alignment with the mind of Christ. How awesome it will be to attain such knowledge! We do not have to be content with our current knowledge about Christ. We must press on for more. The Spirit will lead us into all truth.

We are familiar with the discourse between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. The woman initially perceived Jesus as a prophet. After several comments made by Jesus, she again perceived him as the coming Messiah. Her knowledge of Jesus Christ kept growing from sense or scientific knowledge to a place of revelation and saving knowledge. From that point onward she began telling others about Christ. The narration shows that it is not enough to have a sense of knowledge about Christ from a general reading of scripture, watching movies about Christ, attending church, or engaging in bible quizzes. We must carry the knowledge of Christ as our saviour and lord. In John 17:3 Jesus prays to the father that his disciples would truly know him as the giver of eternal life though they walked with him for a long period. It means we must personalise our knowledge of Christ to make it relevant to us. Either than that, there is no difference between us and others who study Christ in religious studies in seminaries. Do you have a saving knowledge of Christ?

We believe in Christ's death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to the Father's right hand. But, today, what is He up to? The believer's life is dynamic because of Jesus Christ's indwelling presence. The phrase "Christ dwells in me" should be highlighted. When a person becomes a believer, he or she accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and the spirit of Christ dwells in them. While Christ indwells believers on earth, He also intercedes for them in heaven. Our High Priest, Jesus Christ, is our advocate. In the court of heaven, Christ serves as our advocate or defense attorney. Our prosecutor, Satan, appears in front of the Judge (God) and declares, "This wretch has transgressed the law and sinned. He deserves to die since the penalty for sin is death." Our Advocate, on the other hand, answers, "In his place, I died. For his crimes, I was the propitiation or atonement. The fine was paid." The lawsuit has been dropped! It's also important to remember that Jesus Christ will return. His appearance will be intimate, magnificent, and surprising. We must be prepared for His arrival. In preparation for His appearance, we should wait, observe, and labour.

The Mosaic Law established a system of animal sacrifices that foreshadowed Christ's sacrifice. The animal's blood indicated that it had died as a temporary atonement for the crimes of the person who made the sacrifice. Any shedding of blood (any killing) is a serious matter since God is the creator of all life. Blood has special holiness linked with it, which is why it is forbidden to eat it. God's "life principle" is represented by blood. Jesus was the ideal sacrifice under the new covenant, providing once and for all atonement for sins. The blood of Christ, like the Old Testament sacrifices, symbolizes his sacrificial death. In today’s text, the blood of Jesus is contrasted with the blood of Abel. While the blood of Abel only spoke for revenge, the blood of Jesus functions God-ward, Man-ward, and Satan-ward. In the sense of being God-ward, it atones for man’s sin and gives him right standing before God. Man-ward the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses our conscience from guilt. Lastly, it deals with Satan our accuser, and grants us victory over him. There is power in the blood of Jesus. Make the most of it.

The Mosaic Law established a system of animal sacrifices that foreshadowed Christ's sacrifice. The animal's blood indicated that it had died as a temporary atonement for the crimes of the person who made the sacrifice. Any shedding of blood (any killing) is a serious matter since God is the creator of all life. Blood has special holiness linked with it, which is why it is forbidden to eat it. God's "life principle" is represented by blood. Jesus was the ideal sacrifice under the new covenant, providing once and for all atonement for sins. The blood of Christ, like the Old Testament sacrifices, symbolizes his sacrificial death. In today’s text, the blood of Jesus is contrasted with the blood of Abel. While the blood of Abel only spoke for revenge, the blood of Jesus functions God-ward, Man-ward, and Satan-ward. In the sense of being God-ward, it atones for man’s sin and gives him right standing before God. Man-ward the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses our conscience from guilt. Lastly, it deals with Satan our accuser, and grants us victory over him. There is power in the blood of Jesus. Make the most of it.

Today’s passage reflects on the prophecy of Isaiah about the vicarious sacrifice and suffering of Christ which was fulfilled in the New Testament. Christ substituted our sins. In a typical sporting game, a substitute is brought to the field of play to replace an injured or non-performing player. The substitute may also be brought in to change the style and performance of the team. In our case, we were dead in sin, trespasses, and were headed for eternal damnation. Christ descended from His throne to plead for our situation and took our place. He replaced our bodily, soulish, and spiritual suffering so that we might escape the wrath of God and pass on from death to life. Bodily, Christ was physically and verbally abused and humiliated. Emotionally and in his consciousness he went through a lot of shame and sorrow. In His spirit, He was made sin, when He had never sinned and was also separated from the Father, God. He did all this that sin will not continue to have its power over us and that we might forever have a right standing with God.

Today’s passage reflects on the prophecy of Isaiah about the vicarious sacrifice and suffering of Christ which was fulfilled in the New Testament. Christ substituted our sins. In a typical sporting game, a substitute is brought to the field of play to replace an injured or non-performing player. The substitute may also be brought in to change the style and performance of the team. In our case, we were dead in sin, trespasses, and were headed for eternal damnation. Christ descended from His throne to plead for our situation and took our place. He replaced our bodily, soulish, and spiritual suffering so that we might escape the wrath of God and pass on from death to life. Bodily, Christ was physically and verbally abused and humiliated. Emotionally and in his consciousness he went through a lot of shame and sorrow. In His spirit, He was made sin, when He had never sinned and was also separated from the Father, God. He did all this that sin will not continue to have its power over us and that we might forever have a right standing with God.

Today’s passage reflects on the prophecy of Isaiah about the vicarious sacrifice and suffering of Christ which was fulfilled in the New Testament. Christ substituted our sins. In a typical sporting game, a substitute is brought to the field of play to replace an injured or non-performing player. The substitute may also be brought in to change the style and performance of the team. In our case, we were dead in sin, trespasses, and were headed for eternal damnation. Christ descended from His throne to plead for our situation and took our place. He replaced our bodily, soulish, and spiritual suffering so that we might escape the wrath of God and pass on from death to life. Bodily, Christ was physically and verbally abused and humiliated. Emotionally and in his consciousness he went through a lot of shame and sorrow. In His spirit, He was made sin, when He had never sinned and was also separated from the Father, God. He did all this that sin will not continue to have its power over us and that we might forever have a right standing with God.

In John's gospel, the last I AM declaration, Jesus refers to himself as the true vine. This was uttered after Jesus and His followers had had their evening supper and Judas had gone out in betrayal a few hours after the Passover began. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a vine is a plant with a stem that requires support that climbs or crawls along the ground using tendrils, twining, or creeping. Throughout the Old Testament, vines were utilized as a sign of Israel, an ancient and sacred image. Jesus accomplishes two important goals by employing this metaphor. He was demonstrating how all the elements, including the vine, the gardener, and the branches, are linked and interconnected. And it is in this spirit that we should approach our faith. He also explains to the Jews of His day that, even though God's people had gone astray, they will thrive again by reconnecting with Jesus, the " true vine," rather than growing wild, withering, and dying. He primarily desired that his followers, as well as all others, remain and abide in Him.

In John's gospel, the last I AM declaration, Jesus refers to himself as the true vine. This was uttered after Jesus and His followers had had their evening supper and Judas had gone out in betrayal a few hours after the Passover began. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a vine is a plant with a stem that requires support that climbs or crawls along the ground using tendrils, twining, or creeping. Throughout the Old Testament, vines were utilized as a sign of Israel, an ancient and sacred image. Jesus accomplishes two important goals by employing this metaphor. He was demonstrating how all the elements, including the vine, the gardener, and the branches, are linked and interconnected. And it is in this spirit that we should approach our faith. He also explains to the Jews of His day that, even though God's people had gone astray, they will thrive again by reconnecting with Jesus, the " true vine," rather than growing wild, withering, and dying. He primarily desired that his followers, as well as all others, remain and abide in Him.

Most have heard Jesus remind His followers in John 14 that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. But what did that phrase mean, and what does it signify to us today? He implied that we won't know the precise path we're expected to take in life when He said that He was the way. Instead, we must simply know and trust Him daily and walk in confidence that He is the way. We may not have a clear route when we abide in Him, but we may have to trust that he will take us exactly where we need to go as we walk in him. Again, while every one of us can understand the truth, none of us can claim to be the truth. There are far too many things we don't understand and far too many mistakes we make during our lives. Jesus, on the other hand, testifies to and teaches the truth because he is the truth. There is nothing deceptive, deceiving, phoney, or doubtful about Him.

Most have heard Jesus remind His followers in John 14 that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. But what did that phrase mean, and what does it signify to us today? He implied that we won't know the precise path we're expected to take in life when He said that He was the way. Instead, we must simply know and trust Him daily and walk in confidence that He is the way. We may not have a clear route when we abide in Him, but we may have to trust that he will take us exactly where we need to go as we walk in him. Again, while every one of us can understand the truth, none of us can claim to be the truth. There are far too many things we don't understand and far too many mistakes we make during our lives. Jesus, on the other hand, testifies to and teaches the truth because he is the truth. There is nothing deceptive, deceiving, phoney, or doubtful about Him.

This is the second of Jesus' seven "I AM" pronouncements, which are only found in John's gospel. Jesus claimed to be the only source of spiritual light when He declared Himself to be the Light of the World. Mankind does not have access to any other source of spiritual knowledge. In the world, there are two sorts of light. We experience physical light when we are born into this world, and it teaches us about our Creator's craftsmanship in the things we see. But, while that light is excellent, there is another Light, one so significant that the Son of God had to come to reveal and transmit it to humanity. In today’s passage, the Lord uses an allegory to describe the light of His truth, the light of His word, and the light of eternal life. Those who see the real Light will never be spiritually in the dark. In the same way that the Israelites were guided by a pillar of fire (light) during the exodus and were saved from the Egyptians when they passed the Red Sea, Jesus claims that those who follow Him (light) will have life.

This is the second of Jesus' seven "I AM" pronouncements, which are only found in John's gospel. Jesus claimed to be the only source of spiritual light when He declared Himself to be the Light of the World. Mankind does not have access to any other source of spiritual knowledge. In the world, there are two sorts of light. We experience physical light when we are born into this world, and it teaches us about our Creator's craftsmanship in the things we see. But, while that light is excellent, there is another Light, one so significant that the Son of God had to come to reveal and transmit it to humanity. In today’s passage, the Lord uses an allegory to describe the light of His truth, the light of His word, and the light of eternal life. Those who see the real Light will never be spiritually in the dark. In the same way that the Israelites were guided by a pillar of fire (light) during the exodus and were saved from the Egyptians when they passed the Red Sea, Jesus claims that those who follow Him (light) will have life.

This is the second of Jesus' seven "I AM" pronouncements, which are only found in John's gospel. Jesus claimed to be the only source of spiritual light when He declared Himself to be the Light of the World. Mankind does not have access to any other source of spiritual knowledge. In the world, there are two sorts of light. We experience physical light when we are born into this world, and it teaches us about our Creator's craftsmanship in the things we see. But, while that light is excellent, there is another Light, one so significant that the Son of God had to come to reveal and transmit it to humanity. In today’s passage, the Lord uses an allegory to describe the light of His truth, the light of His word, and the light of eternal life. Those who see the real Light will never be spiritually in the dark. In the same way that the Israelites were guided by a pillar of fire (light) during the exodus and were saved from the Egyptians when they passed the Red Sea, Jesus claims that those who follow Him (light) will have life.

When Moses was summoned, he requested that God identify Himself. God appeared to Moses as the big "I AM." "I AM sent me to you," Moses was to tell the Israelites (Exodus 3:13-14). Yahweh is derived from this "I AM". To demonstrate that He is God, Jesus employed the same method used in the Old Testament. In John's Gospel, the "I am" phrases assist the reader to recognize Jesus as divine. One of the distinguishing features of Jesus' teaching is the way he expresses facts in metaphorical remarks about himself. These sentences begin with the words "I am" and then use a metaphor to describe a deep concept. In today's text, Jesus engages in a conversation with Jews who had followed him because of his miracles, especially the recent feeding of the 5,000, but had missed the reality. More importantly than satisfying their bodily desire for bread, Jesus presents himself as the Bread of Life to satisfy deeper longings and an everlasting need. We require more than physical bread, and we require it from someone other than ourselves. God will supply for our most pressing needs, and we should look to Him with hope.

When Moses was summoned, he requested that God identify Himself. God appeared to Moses as the big "I AM." "I AM sent me to you," Moses was to tell the Israelites (Exodus 3:13-14). Yahweh is derived from this "I AM". To demonstrate that He is God, Jesus employed the same method used in the Old Testament. In John's Gospel, the "I am" phrases assist the reader to recognize Jesus as divine. One of the distinguishing features of Jesus' teaching is the way he expresses facts in metaphorical remarks about himself. These sentences begin with the words "I am" and then use a metaphor to describe a deep concept. In today's text, Jesus engages in a conversation with Jews who had followed him because of his miracles, especially the recent feeding of the 5,000, but had missed the reality. More importantly than satisfying their bodily desire for bread, Jesus presents himself as the Bread of Life to satisfy deeper longings and an everlasting need. We require more than physical bread, and we require it from someone other than ourselves. God will supply for our most pressing needs, and we should look to Him with hope.

When Moses was summoned, he requested that God identify Himself. God appeared to Moses as the big "I AM." "I AM sent me to you," Moses was to tell the Israelites (Exodus 3:13-14). Yahweh is derived from this "I AM". To demonstrate that He is God, Jesus employed the same method used in the Old Testament. In John's Gospel, the "I am" phrases assist the reader to recognize Jesus as divine. One of the distinguishing features of Jesus' teaching is the way he expresses facts in metaphorical remarks about himself. These sentences begin with the words "I am" and then use a metaphor to describe a deep concept. In today's text, Jesus engages in a conversation with Jews who had followed him because of his miracles, especially the recent feeding of the 5,000, but had missed the reality. More importantly than satisfying their bodily desire for bread, Jesus presents himself as the Bread of Life to satisfy deeper longings and an everlasting need. We require more than physical bread, and we require it from someone other than ourselves. God will supply for our most pressing needs, and we should look to Him with hope.

The word “Christ” in English is from the Greek word “Christos”, which is a translation of the Hebrew word for Messiah, (Mashiach.) The title of Messiah means "anointed one" and refers to an individual who is set apart to serve God. This person would be anointed with oil, a common practice that involved pouring oil over a person's head. The Jews eagerly awaited the coming of the Jewish Messiah according to Old Testament promises, but they turned down Jesus of Nazareth, Joseph's son since they anticipated someone else. Although the Jews rejected God's plan for Jesus to be the Messiah, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross rescued those who trusted in him. Most Jews, Jesus discovered, misunderstood the Messiah's position as a political liberator. As a result, Jesus avoided using the phrase and instead referred to himself as "the Son of Man". Jesus frequently used this less recognized term, based on Daniel's vision of a heavenly conqueror (Daniel 7:13-14), and tried to infuse it with the genuine character and purpose of the Messiah. Jesus' teaching encouraged his disciples to abandon their preconceived conceptions about what the Messiah would do till the fullness of time when they came to a realisation.

The word “Christ” in English is from the Greek word “Christos”, which is a translation of the Hebrew word for Messiah, (Mashiach.) The title of Messiah means "anointed one" and refers to an individual who is set apart to serve God. This person would be anointed with oil, a common practice that involved pouring oil over a person's head. The Jews eagerly awaited the coming of the Jewish Messiah according to Old Testament promises, but they turned down Jesus of Nazareth, Joseph's son since they anticipated someone else. Although the Jews rejected God's plan for Jesus to be the Messiah, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross rescued those who trusted in him. Most Jews, Jesus discovered, misunderstood the Messiah's position as a political liberator. As a result, Jesus avoided using the phrase and instead referred to himself as "the Son of Man". Jesus frequently used this less recognized term, based on Daniel's vision of a heavenly conqueror (Daniel 7:13-14), and tried to infuse it with the genuine character and purpose of the Messiah. Jesus' teaching encouraged his disciples to abandon their preconceived conceptions about what the Messiah would do till the fullness of time when they came to a realisation.

The word “Christ” in English is from the Greek word “Christos”, which is a translation of the Hebrew word for Messiah, (Mashiach.) The title of Messiah means "anointed one" and refers to an individual who is set apart to serve God. This person would be anointed with oil, a common practice that involved pouring oil over a person's head. The Jews eagerly awaited the coming of the Jewish Messiah according to Old Testament promises, but they turned down Jesus of Nazareth, Joseph's son since they anticipated someone else. Although the Jews rejected God's plan for Jesus to be the Messiah, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross rescued those who trusted in him. Most Jews, Jesus discovered, misunderstood the Messiah's position as a political liberator. As a result, Jesus avoided using the phrase and instead referred to himself as "the Son of Man". Jesus frequently used this less recognized term, based on Daniel's vision of a heavenly conqueror (Daniel 7:13-14), and tried to infuse it with the genuine character and purpose of the Messiah. Jesus' teaching encouraged his disciples to abandon their preconceived conceptions about what the Messiah would do till the fullness of time when they came to a realisation.

Gnosticism, a heresy that had come into the church of Colosse, was attempting to marginalize Christ. Mysticism, Jewish legalism, and Greek philosophy were all combined in this work. Christ could not be God and was simply an angel, according to the heresy. To be saved, one required a special kind of knowledge that only the Gnostics knew. Similar ideas exist today that undermine Christ's divinity, reducing him to a religious teacher and stating that he is not the only route to heaven. Christ is marginalized in our lives even if we are unaware of these ideas. He isn't always the first consideration. Work, education, or family commonly take first place. In these verses, Paul gives us reasons why Christ should be first in our lives and the entire world. Paul wrote to declare the pre-eminence of Christ to those in Colosse being tempted to withhold honour from Him. That means He is first in everything. First in importance, honour, and exaltation. He is also the head, beginning, and the firstborn. We also must put Christ first, and we must remove anything that draws us away from Him or takes His place.

Gnosticism, a heresy that had come into the church of Colosse, was attempting to marginalize Christ. Mysticism, Jewish legalism, and Greek philosophy were all combined in this work. Christ could not be God and was simply an angel, according to the heresy. To be saved, one required a special kind of knowledge that only the Gnostics knew. Similar ideas exist today that undermine Christ's divinity, reducing him to a religious teacher and stating that he is not the only route to heaven. Christ is marginalized in our lives even if we are unaware of these ideas. He isn't always the first consideration. Work, education, or family commonly take first place. In these verses, Paul gives us reasons why Christ should be first in our lives and the entire world. Paul wrote to declare the pre-eminence of Christ to those in Colosse being tempted to withhold honour from Him. That means He is first in everything. First in importance, honour, and exaltation. He is also the head, beginning, and the firstborn. We also must put Christ first, and we must remove anything that draws us away from Him or takes His place.

Gnosticism, a heresy that had come into the church of Colosse, was attempting to marginalize Christ. Mysticism, Jewish legalism, and Greek philosophy were all combined in this work. Christ could not be God and was simply an angel, according to the heresy. To be saved, one required a special kind of knowledge that only the Gnostics knew. Similar ideas exist today that undermine Christ's divinity, reducing him to a religious teacher and stating that he is not the only route to heaven. Christ is marginalized in our lives even if we are unaware of these ideas. He isn't always the first consideration. Work, education, or family commonly take first place. In these verses, Paul gives us reasons why Christ should be first in our lives and the entire world. Paul wrote to declare the pre-eminence of Christ to those in Colosse being tempted to withhold honour from Him. That means He is first in everything. First in importance, honour, and exaltation. He is also the head, beginning, and the firstborn. We also must put Christ first, and we must remove anything that draws us away from Him or takes His place.

The claim that Christ is God has been a subject of debate since the church of old and has led to the emergence of several belief systems. We read in Philippians 2:6 that He was "in the form of God." This is not a reference to the shape of an object, but rather refers to the essence of being. The form of a thing is the mode in which it reveals itself. No one can appear in the form of God who is not God. God is not more, and will not promise more, or do more than Jesus Christ is said to be, to promise, or to do. Other Scriptures describe Jesus as "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15), and "the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person" (Hebrews 1:3). He is not merely like God; He is God. In John 5:16-23, Jesus defended His claim to being God, with four claims that only God could make. First, He claimed to do God's deeds. Thus claimed to have done what the Father had done (verse 19). Second, He claimed to have the ability to give people life. The Son, like the Father, has life within himself (verse 21). Third, the Father does not judge anybody but has delegated all judgment to the Son. Hence, the Son is the ultimate Judge of all men (verse 22). Fourth, Jesus insisted on being honoured in the same way that the Father is honoured. Those who despise the Son despise the Father (verse 23). Who can make such claims if the personality is not God?

The claim that Christ is God has been a subject of debate since the church of old and has led to the emergence of several belief systems. We read in Philippians 2:6 that He was "in the form of God." This is not a reference to the shape of an object, but rather refers to the essence of being. The form of a thing is the mode in which it reveals itself. No one can appear in the form of God who is not God. God is not more, and will not promise more, or do more than Jesus Christ is said to be, to promise, or to do. Other Scriptures describe Jesus as "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15), and "the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person" (Hebrews 1:3). He is not merely like God; He is God. In John 5:16-23, Jesus defended His claim to being God, with four claims that only God could make. First, He claimed to do God's deeds. Thus claimed to have done what the Father had done (verse 19). Second, He claimed to have the ability to give people life. The Son, like the Father, has life within himself (verse 21). Third, the Father does not judge anybody but has delegated all judgment to the Son. Hence, the Son is the ultimate Judge of all men (verse 22). Fourth, Jesus insisted on being honoured in the same way that the Father is honoured. Those who despise the Son despise the Father (verse 23). Who can make such claims if the personality is not God?

The claim that Christ is God has been a subject of debate since the church of old and has led to the emergence of several belief systems. We read in Philippians 2:6 that He was "in the form of God." This is not a reference to the shape of an object, but rather refers to the essence of being. The form of a thing is the mode in which it reveals itself. No one can appear in the form of God who is not God. God is not more, and will not promise more, or do more than Jesus Christ is said to be, to promise, or to do. Other Scriptures describe Jesus as "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15), and "the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person" (Hebrews 1:3). He is not merely like God; He is God. In John 5:16-23, Jesus defended His claim to being God, with four claims that only God could make. First, He claimed to do God's deeds. Thus claimed to have done what the Father had done (verse 19). Second, He claimed to have the ability to give people life. The Son, like the Father, has life within himself (verse 21). Third, the Father does not judge anybody but has delegated all judgment to the Son. Hence, the Son is the ultimate Judge of all men (verse 22). Fourth, Jesus insisted on being honoured in the same way that the Father is honoured. Those who despise the Son despise the Father (verse 23). Who can make such claims if the personality is not God?

While people are familiar with the human birth and life of our Lord Jesus Christ on earth, they often question His prior existence. In John 1:1: the phrase used “In the beginning was the Word” in Greek, is identical to the opening words of the Bible: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This is not a coincidental occurrence. What John is stating is that, Jesus existed before anything was created. “In the beginning was the Word.” So, he was already there at the beginning when those things came into existence.

Another indication that John is thinking along those lines is that, the very next thing he says about Jesus' action is that everything was formed through him. As he writes the words "in the beginning," he is thinking about creation. Jesus was present from the beginning. As some scientists will put it, Jesus existed not just before matter, but also before time. So, be sure the time is correct. He didn't come into existence; He just was.

While people are familiar with the human birth and life of our Lord Jesus Christ on earth, they often question His prior existence. In John 1:1: the phrase used “In the beginning was the Word” in Greek, is identical to the opening words of the Bible: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This is not a coincidental occurrence. What John is stating is that, Jesus existed before anything was created. “In the beginning was the Word.” So, he was already there at the beginning when those things came into existence.

Another indication that John is thinking along those lines is that, the very next thing he says about Jesus' action is that everything was formed through him. As he writes the words "in the beginning," he is thinking about creation. Jesus was present from the beginning. As some scientists will put it, Jesus existed not just before matter, but also before time. So, be sure the time is correct. He didn't come into existence; He just was.

While people are familiar with the human birth and life of our Lord Jesus Christ on earth, they often question His prior existence. In John 1:1: the phrase used “In the beginning was the Word” in Greek, is identical to the opening words of the Bible: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This is not a coincidental occurrence. What John is stating is that, Jesus existed before anything was created. “In the beginning was the Word.” So, he was already there at the beginning when those things came into existence.

Another indication that John is thinking along those lines is that, the very next thing he says about Jesus' action is that everything was formed through him. As he writes the words "in the beginning," he is thinking about creation. Jesus was present from the beginning. As some scientists will put it, Jesus existed not just before matter, but also before time. So, be sure the time is correct. He didn't come into existence; He just was.

Many Christians have been made to believe that once a person comes to faith in Christ he or she will not experience any kind of suffering. This does not reflect the full gospel message. Life in Christ and prosperity cannot be equated to acquiring material possessions, no trials and challenges. In Paul’s letter to the Colossae church, he shared the mystery of Christ in the believer; the hope of glory. Christ’s work in us brings us salvation, makes us co-heirs with Christ, brings us the experience of redemption from the power of darkness to His marvelous light. From no hope to a glorious end, eternal life now and the promise of our resurrection and reign with Jesus Christ. This sure hope of glory must be evidently seen by all people in your social and professional circles. Matt. 6:33 enjoins us to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness of God as Christ taught. In obeying this command we are by grace positioned to receive the hope of all of heaven’s glory. John 15:7 reiterates that if we will abide in Christ and He in us then we shall ask for whatever in prayer. In vrs 8 we are fully persuaded that our Father will do all this for us so people may know that indeed we are His children. Is Christ really the Lord of your life? Go out today and speak about the Christ who is in you to the world around that has lost its hope.

Many Christians have been made to believe that once a person comes to faith in Christ he or she will not experience any kind of suffering. This does not reflect the full gospel message. Life in Christ and prosperity cannot be equated to acquiring material possessions, no trials and challenges. In Paul’s letter to the Colossae church, he shared the mystery of Christ in the believer; the hope of glory. Christ’s work in us brings us salvation, makes us co-heirs with Christ, brings us the experience of redemption from the power of darkness to His marvelous light. From no hope to a glorious end, eternal life now and the promise of our resurrection and reign with Jesus Christ. This sure hope of glory must be evidently seen by all people in your social and professional circles. Matt. 6:33 enjoins us to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness of God as Christ taught. In obeying this command we are by grace positioned to receive the hope of all of heaven’s glory. John 15:7 reiterates that if we will abide in Christ and He in us then we shall ask for whatever in prayer. In vrs 8 we are fully persuaded that our Father will do all this for us so people may know that indeed we are His children. Is Christ really the Lord of your life? Go out today and speak about the Christ who is in you to the world around that has lost its hope.

Many Christians have been made to believe that once a person comes to faith in Christ he or she will not experience any kind of suffering. This does not reflect the full gospel message. Life in Christ and prosperity cannot be equated to acquiring material possessions, no trials and challenges. In Paul’s letter to the Colossae church, he shared the mystery of Christ in the believer; the hope of glory. Christ’s work in us brings us salvation, makes us co-heirs with Christ, brings us the experience of redemption from the power of darkness to His marvelous light. From no hope to a glorious end, eternal life now and the promise of our resurrection and reign with Jesus Christ. This sure hope of glory must be evidently seen by all people in your social and professional circles. Matt. 6:33 enjoins us to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness of God as Christ taught. In obeying this command we are by grace positioned to receive the hope of all of heaven’s glory. John 15:7 reiterates that if we will abide in Christ and He in us then we shall ask for whatever in prayer. In vrs 8 we are fully persuaded that our Father will do all this for us so people may know that indeed we are His children. Is Christ really the Lord of your life? Go out today and speak about the Christ who is in you to the world around that has lost its hope.

There is no building you have seen that stands apart from its foundation. The foundation of a building holds the building and ensures that it stands. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:10 that as a wise master builder, he laid the solid foundation. Like buildings, the depth and strength of its foundation determines how high it goes and its ability to withstand storms. Likewise branches of plants can only live so far as they are connected to the roots of the plant via the stem. No branch can live exclusive of a root. A building can be demolished without destroying the foundation, it can make way for a new building to be built. We see in today’s text that there is one who takes out some branches and grafts other branches into the stem. The branches by themselves do not take themselves out nor pluck themselves in. God brings us to abide in Jesus and we must stay in Him forever and fully nourished by His words and Spirit.

There is no building you have seen that stands apart from its foundation. The foundation of a building holds the building and ensures that it stands. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:10 that as a wise master builder, he laid the solid foundation. Like buildings, the depth and strength of its foundation determines how high it goes and its ability to withstand storms. Likewise branches of plants can only live so far as they are connected to the roots of the plant via the stem. No branch can live exclusive of a root. A building can be demolished without destroying the foundation, it can make way for a new building to be built. We see in today’s text that there is one who takes out some branches and grafts other branches into the stem. The branches by themselves do not take themselves out nor pluck themselves in. God brings us to abide in Jesus and we must stay in Him forever and fully nourished by His words and Spirit.

Have you ever been to a place that was so beautiful and had a lot of things you desired? You sometimes wish that you could stay there forever because there is nothing you think you will ever lack in that place. That is the feeling of having everything you need in one place. There are certain things that we need in order to live fulfilling lives. All these things are found in one place. Proverbs 4:7 tells us that wisdom is supreme, so we should get wisdom. Read verses 2-3 of today’s scripture reference again. See how all, not most nor some, the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Jesus the Christ. Paul then exhorts the church in Colossae to walk in Christ as they received Him. This is a call to us also, as we have received we must walk in Him. We walk in Jesus as we have been taught and while we do that, we are expected to abound in thanksgiving. You have been invited to walk in Jesus, in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden? Are you walking in Him today?

Have you ever been to a place that was so beautiful and had a lot of things you desired? You sometimes wish that you could stay there forever because there is nothing you think you will ever lack in that place. That is the feeling of having everything you need in one place. There are certain things that we need in order to live fulfilling lives. All these things are found in one place. Proverbs 4:7 tells us that wisdom is supreme, so we should get wisdom. Read verses 2-3 of today’s scripture reference again. See how all, not most nor some, the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Jesus the Christ. Paul then exhorts the church in Colossae to walk in Christ as they received Him. This is a call to us also, as we have received we must walk in Him. We walk in Jesus as we have been taught and while we do that, we are expected to abound in thanksgiving. You have been invited to walk in Jesus, in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden? Are you walking in Him today?

Have you ever been to a place that was so beautiful and had a lot of things you desired? You sometimes wish that you could stay there forever because there is nothing you think you will ever lack in that place. That is the feeling of having everything you need in one place. There are certain things that we need in order to live fulfilling lives. All these things are found in one place. Proverbs 4:7 tells us that wisdom is supreme, so we should get wisdom. Read verses 2-3 of today’s scripture reference again. See how all, not most nor some, the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Jesus the Christ. Paul then exhorts the church in Colossae to walk in Christ as they received Him. This is a call to us also, as we have received we must walk in Him. We walk in Jesus as we have been taught and while we do that, we are expected to abound in thanksgiving. You have been invited to walk in Jesus, in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden? Are you walking in Him today?

Have you ever imagined the son of the president of Ghana will one day be sent over to your house to bring you an invitation to a presidential party? You may think it’s impossible but can actually happen. In today’s reading, we see in verse 38 that Jesus came down from Heaven. He came not of His own will for leisure or anything of that sort, He says He came down from Heaven to do the will of His Father. God sent Jesus to come to earth from Heaven to draw us to Him. He promises to keep those who believe in Him and to give them eternal life. A section of the crowd Jesus spoke to found it difficult to believe what Jesus was telling them. This was simply because they had not heard and learned of the Father. Jesus has come that we, who have heard and learned of the Father, may go to Him for life and be filled and our thirst quenched. But we still have others who still do not believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross for our salvation. It is our duty to let all these people in our families, communities, workplaces and school come to faith in Christ Jesus because only he is God’s accredited Son and saviour of the world

Have you ever imagined the son of the president of Ghana will one day be sent over to your house to bring you an invitation to a presidential party? You may think it’s impossible but can actually happen. In today’s reading, we see in verse 38 that Jesus came down from Heaven. He came not of His own will for leisure or anything of that sort, He says He came down from Heaven to do the will of His Father. God sent Jesus to come to earth from Heaven to draw us to Him. He promises to keep those who believe in Him and to give them eternal life. A section of the crowd Jesus spoke to found it difficult to believe what Jesus was telling them. This was simply because they had not heard and learned of the Father. Jesus has come that we, who have heard and learned of the Father, may go to Him for life and be filled and our thirst quenched. But we still have others who still do not believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross for our salvation. It is our duty to let all these people in our families, communities, workplaces and school come to faith in Christ Jesus because only he is God’s accredited Son and saviour of the world

Have you ever imagined the son of the president of Ghana will one day be sent over to your house to bring you an invitation to a presidential party? You may think it’s impossible but can actually happen. In today’s reading, we see in verse 38 that Jesus came down from Heaven. He came not of His own will for leisure or anything of that sort, He says He came down from Heaven to do the will of His Father. God sent Jesus to come to earth from Heaven to draw us to Him. He promises to keep those who believe in Him and to give them eternal life. A section of the crowd Jesus spoke to found it difficult to believe what Jesus was telling them. This was simply because they had not heard and learned of the Father. Jesus has come that we, who have heard and learned of the Father, may go to Him for life and be filled and our thirst quenched. But we still have others who still do not believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross for our salvation. It is our duty to let all these people in our families, communities, workplaces and school come to faith in Christ Jesus because only he is God’s accredited Son and saviour of the world

The Apostle Paul writes that our Saviour was fully man and also fully God, “But who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus was sent to do the Father’s work with a mission to please the Father and complete His assignment of reconciling us back to God the Father. When we accept Jesus as the one whom God sent to save us from our sins, we experience the wonder of salvation. Jesus was the best thing that ever happened to this world. He came to serve and not be served, take this likeness of a servant upon yourself and let it be evident. He came low by washing the feet of His disciples, don’t be proud in your position or status but humble yourself, serve and you will be lifted higher. The attitude of servanthood always brings rewards in a glorious place higher than one’s expectations. When Jesus served he was exalted likewise us.

The Apostle Paul writes that our Saviour was fully man and also fully God, “But who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus was sent to do the Father’s work with a mission to please the Father and complete His assignment of reconciling us back to God the Father. When we accept Jesus as the one whom God sent to save us from our sins, we experience the wonder of salvation. Jesus was the best thing that ever happened to this world. He came to serve and not be served, take this likeness of a servant upon yourself and let it be evident. He came low by washing the feet of His disciples, don’t be proud in your position or status but humble yourself, serve and you will be lifted higher. The attitude of servanthood always brings rewards in a glorious place higher than one’s expectations. When Jesus served he was exalted likewise us.

WORDS OF HOPE:

Have you ever been to an Independence Day celebration or a media platform, where some military personnel had a march past before? If you have, you recall that there was a commander who gave instructions that were to be heeded to so that everything was smooth and beautiful. Everyone at the location hears the commands yet only the military personal heeds to the instructions. In fact, the commander didn’t expect anybody who wasn’t under His command at that moment to follow His instructions. Instructions are contextual; one who gives instructions has a specific group of people he expects to heed to his/her instructions. Jesus instructed His disciples to abide in Him. Notice how Jesus had countless opportunities to speak to crowds and other groups of people yet gave this instruction to His disciples while they were alone to abide in Him. Jesus expected His disciples then and now to follow His instruction to abide in Him. “Abide in me”, is an instruction given by Jesus and needs to be heeded to by those to whom the instruction was given; His disciples.

WORDS OF HOPE:

Have you ever been to an Independence Day celebration or a media platform, where some military personnel had a march past before? If you have, you recall that there was a commander who gave instructions that were to be heeded to so that everything was smooth and beautiful. Everyone at the location hears the commands yet only the military personal heeds to the instructions. In fact, the commander didn’t expect anybody who wasn’t under His command at that moment to follow His instructions. Instructions are contextual; one who gives instructions has a specific group of people he expects to heed to his/her instructions. Jesus instructed His disciples to abide in Him. Notice how Jesus had countless opportunities to speak to crowds and other groups of people yet gave this instruction to His disciples while they were alone to abide in Him. Jesus expected His disciples then and now to follow His instruction to abide in Him. “Abide in me”, is an instruction given by Jesus and needs to be heeded to by those to whom the instruction was given; His disciples.

In times past when communities were not like our modern towns and cities, new settlements were mostly in the bushes and one had to trek many miles before getting to the next town. People anticipated the era of development each time they travelled. These developed towns and cities were refreshing and comfortable to stay in. Amenities and infrastructure in these big towns and cities remained fantasies for those in remote villages and towns for a long time. John 1:4 says that life was in Jesus and life still remains in Him to this day. To enjoy this life then, one must abide in Jesus Christ. Life cannot be enjoyed by anyone outside of Christ. Life cannot be sustained outside of Him. Consider verses 14-15 of today’s scripture reference, those whose names were not found written in the Book of Life were thrown into the same place death was thrown, the lake of fire; outside Jesus. Believe in Jesus, stay in Him and live!

In times past when communities were not like our modern towns and cities, new settlements were mostly in the bushes and one had to trek many miles before getting to the next town. People anticipated the era of development each time they travelled. These developed towns and cities were refreshing and comfortable to stay in. Amenities and infrastructure in these big towns and cities remained fantasies for those in remote villages and towns for a long time. John 1:4 says that life was in Jesus and life still remains in Him to this day. To enjoy this life then, one must abide in Jesus Christ. Life cannot be enjoyed by anyone outside of Christ. Life cannot be sustained outside of Him. Consider verses 14-15 of today’s scripture reference, those whose names were not found written in the Book of Life were thrown into the same place death was thrown, the lake of fire; outside Jesus. Believe in Jesus, stay in Him and live!

In times past when communities were not like our modern towns and cities, new settlements were mostly in the bushes and one had to trek many miles before getting to the next town. People anticipated the era of development each time they travelled. These developed towns and cities were refreshing and comfortable to stay in. Amenities and infrastructure in these big towns and cities remained fantasies for those in remote villages and towns for a long time. John 1:4 says that life was in Jesus and life still remains in Him to this day. To enjoy this life then, one must abide in Jesus Christ. Life cannot be enjoyed by anyone outside of Christ. Life cannot be sustained outside of Him. Consider verses 14-15 of today’s scripture reference, those whose names were not found written in the Book of Life were thrown into the same place death was thrown, the lake of fire; outside Jesus. Believe in Jesus, stay in Him and live!

You can just imagine your reaction when someone you expect to live up to a certain standard does the opposite. In a moment they can express their deep regret for their actions but continue to do the same wrong thing against you again and again. These people are Christians so why don’t they live as expected of them. Christ Jesus didn’t come to die that we may live our lifes as we please but to live and be like Him. We always say we are sorry for our wrongs, come confessing to Him as our savior but live differently as children of God. Walk in the Spirit and let your deeds portray what Christ did. You are called as a member of the body of Christ Jesus not of the world (2 Cor. 6:15). We say so much with our lips but act so difffently with our lives. In Matt. 7:21 Jesus warns that He will deny such people into His kingdom. Make the conscious effort today with the help of the Holy Spirit to consistently seek and live like Christ.

You can just imagine your reaction when someone you expect to live up to a certain standard does the opposite. In a moment they can express their deep regret for their actions but continue to do the same wrong thing against you again and again. These people are Christians so why don’t they live as expected of them. Christ Jesus didn’t come to die that we may live our lifes as we please but to live and be like Him. We always say we are sorry for our wrongs, come confessing to Him as our savior but live differently as children of God. Walk in the Spirit and let your deeds portray what Christ did. You are called as a member of the body of Christ Jesus not of the world (2 Cor. 6:15). We say so much with our lips but act so difffently with our lives. In Matt. 7:21 Jesus warns that He will deny such people into His kingdom. Make the conscious effort today with the help of the Holy Spirit to consistently seek and live like Christ.

You can just imagine your reaction when someone you expect to live up to a certain standard does the opposite. In a moment they can express their deep regret for their actions but continue to do the same wrong thing against you again and again. These people are Christians so why don’t they live as expected of them. Christ Jesus didn’t come to die that we may live our lifes as we please but to live and be like Him. We always say we are sorry for our wrongs, come confessing to Him as our savior but live differently as children of God. Walk in the Spirit and let your deeds portray what Christ did. You are called as a member of the body of Christ Jesus not of the world (2 Cor. 6:15). We say so much with our lips but act so difffently with our lives. In Matt. 7:21 Jesus warns that He will deny such people into His kingdom. Make the conscious effort today with the help of the Holy Spirit to consistently seek and live like Christ.

You may know that the environment within which an individual grows largely influences the behaviour of the individual. Shouting while speaking may be normal in certain communities but may be a nuisance in other communities. In a cosmopolitan area however, not all behaviours considered okay by each different group is acceptable by others. This means that an individual can grow up with certain traits which are normal to his people but is unacceptable when there are other people present. Someone may be called uncouth for behaving the way he has been taught to behave in his community and the person has to be re-socialised. Everyone who makes his or her way into Jesus is transformed and becomes a member of the family already in Him, Ephesians 2:19. No one abides in Jesus alone as an outcast, regardless of physical, geographical or whatever barriers there may be, we are one big family. You are a new creation, one with all others who are in Christ. You belong to the best family you can ever think of! It is not unusual for people to boast about who their family members are, especially from the ones they directly benefit from. In Jesus Christ, you have all that you need being supplied by your brothers and sisters in Christ, read Ephesians 4:11-16. What a glorious gift!

You may know that the environment within which an individual grows largely influences the behaviour of the individual. Shouting while speaking may be normal in certain communities but may be a nuisance in other communities. In a cosmopolitan area however, not all behaviours considered okay by each different group is acceptable by others. This means that an individual can grow up with certain traits which are normal to his people but is unacceptable when there are other people present. Someone may be called uncouth for behaving the way he has been taught to behave in his community and the person has to be re-socialised. Everyone who makes his or her way into Jesus is transformed and becomes a member of the family already in Him, Ephesians 2:19. No one abides in Jesus alone as an outcast, regardless of physical, geographical or whatever barriers there may be, we are one big family. You are a new creation, one with all others who are in Christ. You belong to the best family you can ever think of! It is not unusual for people to boast about who their family members are, especially from the ones they directly benefit from. In Jesus Christ, you have all that you need being supplied by your brothers and sisters in Christ, read Ephesians 4:11-16. What a glorious gift!

You may know that the environment within which an individual grows largely influences the behaviour of the individual. Shouting while speaking may be normal in certain communities but may be a nuisance in other communities. In a cosmopolitan area however, not all behaviours considered okay by each different group is acceptable by others. This means that an individual can grow up with certain traits which are normal to his people but is unacceptable when there are other people present. Someone may be called uncouth for behaving the way he has been taught to behave in his community and the person has to be re-socialised. Everyone who makes his or her way into Jesus is transformed and becomes a member of the family already in Him, Ephesians 2:19. No one abides in Jesus alone as an outcast, regardless of physical, geographical or whatever barriers there may be, we are one big family. You are a new creation, one with all others who are in Christ. You belong to the best family you can ever think of! It is not unusual for people to boast about who their family members are, especially from the ones they directly benefit from. In Jesus Christ, you have all that you need being supplied by your brothers and sisters in Christ, read Ephesians 4:11-16. What a glorious gift!

How frequent do you hear the maxim that “now you can’t trust anyone”. The stories we hear, read and the ones that happen to us converge at this statement. The most painful are betrayals caused by those we call close friends, family, colleagues or people close to us who are Christians. Trust issues are all over, Jesus in John 13 was betrayed by His own disciple and Peter had ceaselessly said he loves Jesus but denied him three times. Psalm 12:2 says that they come with flattering words but with a double heart they speak. I recommend to you the only trusted friend who is Jesus. His love heals our pains, comforts us, hope is revived and by Him we are encouraged to love again. So in John 13:34-35, Jesus commands you and I to love one another genuinely and by this all people shall know we are His disciples. Can I trust you or can you be trusted, as Christ is so should we be also before men.

How frequent do you hear the maxim that “now you can’t trust anyone”. The stories we hear, read and the ones that happen to us converge at this statement. The most painful are betrayals caused by those we call close friends, family, colleagues or people close to us who are Christians. Trust issues are all over, Jesus in John 13 was betrayed by His own disciple and Peter had ceaselessly said he loves Jesus but denied him three times. Psalm 12:2 says that they come with flattering words but with a double heart they speak. I recommend to you the only trusted friend who is Jesus. His love heals our pains, comforts us, hope is revived and by Him we are encouraged to love again. So in John 13:34-35, Jesus commands you and I to love one another genuinely and by this all people shall know we are His disciples. Can I trust you or can you be trusted, as Christ is so should we be also before men.

How frequent do you hear the maxim that “now you can’t trust anyone”. The stories we hear, read and the ones that happen to us converge at this statement. The most painful are betrayals caused by those we call close friends, family, colleagues or people close to us who are Christians. Trust issues are all over, Jesus in John 13 was betrayed by His own disciple and Peter had ceaselessly said he loves Jesus but denied him three times. Psalm 12:2 says that they come with flattering words but with a double heart they speak. I recommend to you the only trusted friend who is Jesus. His love heals our pains, comforts us, hope is revived and by Him we are encouraged to love again. So in John 13:34-35, Jesus commands you and I to love one another genuinely and by this all people shall know we are His disciples. Can I trust you or can you be trusted, as Christ is so should we be also before men.

Jesus had walked with His disciples for about three years; teaching the crowds, healing the sick and casting out demons. Jesus was coming to the end of His fulfilment of His ministry in flesh and was preparing His disciples for what laid ahead. It was in the course of this preparation that He gave the disciples the instruction to abide in Him. These were the disciples He had chosen. Jesus bids His disciples to abide in Him. Jesus later on commissions His disciples to make more disciples, teaching them to do what Jesus had taught them, as we see in today’s scripture reference. The instruction to abide then, though physically given to twelve men, applies to all who have become true disciples of Christ; even unto present day. Disciples made yesterday, today and tomorrow are called to abide in Jesus. Are you a disciple of Jesus? If you are, then respond to the instruction to abide in Jesus and to spread the good news, heed to it!

Jesus had walked with His disciples for about three years; teaching the crowds, healing the sick and casting out demons. Jesus was coming to the end of His fulfilment of His ministry in flesh and was preparing His disciples for what laid ahead. It was in the course of this preparation that He gave the disciples the instruction to abide in Him. These were the disciples He had chosen. Jesus bids His disciples to abide in Him. Jesus later on commissions His disciples to make more disciples, teaching them to do what Jesus had taught them, as we see in today’s scripture reference. The instruction to abide then, though physically given to twelve men, applies to all who have become true disciples of Christ; even unto present day. Disciples made yesterday, today and tomorrow are called to abide in Jesus. Are you a disciple of Jesus? If you are, then respond to the instruction to abide in Jesus and to spread the good news, heed to it!

Jesus had walked with His disciples for about three years; teaching the crowds, healing the sick and casting out demons. Jesus was coming to the end of His fulfilment of His ministry in flesh and was preparing His disciples for what laid ahead. It was in the course of this preparation that He gave the disciples the instruction to abide in Him. These were the disciples He had chosen. Jesus bids His disciples to abide in Him. Jesus later on commissions His disciples to make more disciples, teaching them to do what Jesus had taught them, as we see in today’s scripture reference. The instruction to abide then, though physically given to twelve men, applies to all who have become true disciples of Christ; even unto present day. Disciples made yesterday, today and tomorrow are called to abide in Jesus. Are you a disciple of Jesus? If you are, then respond to the instruction to abide in Jesus and to spread the good news, heed to it!

Weekends are always known to be a time for cleaning our homes well i.e sweeping, washing, folding, trashing, mopping, scrubbing, disinfecting among a lot more. Clean surroundings and even our bodies also contribute immensely to our total health as human beings. At least COVID-19 has taught us significantly the importance of good personal hygiene. Our heavenly Father cleanses us as well and is demonstrated by Jesus cleansing us by His blood. Our old life of unrighteousness, doubt, unfriendliness, shame, disgrace was washed and now we have a new life of righteousness, faith, eternal life, wealth, good health and success, grace and forgiveness. Your body is the temple of God, we need to clean that home to make it habitable for our Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. So 1 Pet. 2:1 admonishes us to make a clean sweep of envy, deceit, hypocrisy and anything sinful in our temple. It is necessary because we are like living stones being built up as a spiritual home for sacrifices to God and man through Jesus. Cleanliness is said to be next to Godliness.

Weekends are always known to be a time for cleaning our homes well i.e sweeping, washing, folding, trashing, mopping, scrubbing, disinfecting among a lot more. Clean surroundings and even our bodies also contribute immensely to our total health as human beings. At least COVID-19 has taught us significantly the importance of good personal hygiene. Our heavenly Father cleanses us as well and is demonstrated by Jesus cleansing us by His blood. Our old life of unrighteousness, doubt, unfriendliness, shame, disgrace was washed and now we have a new life of righteousness, faith, eternal life, wealth, good health and success, grace and forgiveness. Your body is the temple of God, we need to clean that home to make it habitable for our Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. So 1 Pet. 2:1 admonishes us to make a clean sweep of envy, deceit, hypocrisy and anything sinful in our temple. It is necessary because we are like living stones being built up as a spiritual home for sacrifices to God and man through Jesus. Cleanliness is said to be next to Godliness.

Weekends are always known to be a time for cleaning our homes well i.e sweeping, washing, folding, trashing, mopping, scrubbing, disinfecting among a lot more. Clean surroundings and even our bodies also contribute immensely to our total health as human beings. At least COVID-19 has taught us significantly the importance of good personal hygiene. Our heavenly Father cleanses us as well and is demonstrated by Jesus cleansing us by His blood. Our old life of unrighteousness, doubt, unfriendliness, shame, disgrace was washed and now we have a new life of righteousness, faith, eternal life, wealth, good health and success, grace and forgiveness. Your body is the temple of God, we need to clean that home to make it habitable for our Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. So 1 Pet. 2:1 admonishes us to make a clean sweep of envy, deceit, hypocrisy and anything sinful in our temple. It is necessary because we are like living stones being built up as a spiritual home for sacrifices to God and man through Jesus. Cleanliness is said to be next to Godliness.

When something is renewed, your expectation is that it will work differently than it did before the renewal. Growing up, we moved from using pencils to write to using pens. We used pencils earlier because we were prone to making many mistakes as younger children. We gradually learnt to write while making fewer mistakes and we were introduced to the pen which didn’t give us the opportunity to erase mistakes but to cancel them and re-write what was right. This meant that anyone who took our work could see where we made mistakes and had to correct them. Teachers didn’t ask you to write without mistakes but they required neat works. How neat one’s work was, was partly dependent on how the individual could write without making mistakes. We see that we were expected to make mistakes while we were younger yet produce neat works. People who have repented are also expected to live in a particular way, they are expected to bear fruits worthy of repentance after turning to God. Having believed in God and turned to Him, we can no longer live carelessly, why? Due to the new standards set for us.

When something is renewed, your expectation is that it will work differently than it did before the renewal. Growing up, we moved from using pencils to write to using pens. We used pencils earlier because we were prone to making many mistakes as younger children. We gradually learnt to write while making fewer mistakes and we were introduced to the pen which didn’t give us the opportunity to erase mistakes but to cancel them and re-write what was right. This meant that anyone who took our work could see where we made mistakes and had to correct them. Teachers didn’t ask you to write without mistakes but they required neat works. How neat one’s work was, was partly dependent on how the individual could write without making mistakes. We see that we were expected to make mistakes while we were younger yet produce neat works. People who have repented are also expected to live in a particular way, they are expected to bear fruits worthy of repentance after turning to God. Having believed in God and turned to Him, we can no longer live carelessly, why? Due to the new standards set for us.

When something is renewed, your expectation is that it will work differently than it did before the renewal. Growing up, we moved from using pencils to write to using pens. We used pencils earlier because we were prone to making many mistakes as younger children. We gradually learnt to write while making fewer mistakes and we were introduced to the pen which didn’t give us the opportunity to erase mistakes but to cancel them and re-write what was right. This meant that anyone who took our work could see where we made mistakes and had to correct them. Teachers didn’t ask you to write without mistakes but they required neat works. How neat one’s work was, was partly dependent on how the individual could write without making mistakes. We see that we were expected to make mistakes while we were younger yet produce neat works. People who have repented are also expected to live in a particular way, they are expected to bear fruits worthy of repentance after turning to God. Having believed in God and turned to Him, we can no longer live carelessly, why? Due to the new standards set for us.

Every day is likely to begin in a similar routine: you wake up, get ready, you meet family to say good-day and goodbye greetings. Immediately, you step into the outside world, you face a host of challenges that vary from one event to another. I believe one will surely need a guide through their day. If you will dedicate time with God in the early hours, the Holy Spirit is given as a guide and to help you navigate safely through the day, months or years. He is your Helper, the Spirit of truth, the One who is with you forever (John 14:16-17) and never makes you walk alone. Isn’t it comforting to know that there is someone who loves us beyond all our limitations and stays with us always? With the Spirit’s aid, we can travel through life with confidence, our hearts filled with peace that surpasses all comprehension (Philippians 4:7). So each morning when you rise, remember you aren’t walking alone into the world. He is there to comfort, lead, encourage and provide for you. Walk with the Holy Spirit daily as He is ever present to support you in your life’s journey.

Every day is likely to begin in a similar routine: you wake up, get ready, you meet family to say good-day and goodbye greetings. Immediately, you step into the outside world, you face a host of challenges that vary from one event to another. I believe one will surely need a guide through their day. If you will dedicate time with God in the early hours, the Holy Spirit is given as a guide and to help you navigate safely through the day, months or years. He is your Helper, the Spirit of truth, the One who is with you forever (John 14:16-17) and never makes you walk alone. Isn’t it comforting to know that there is someone who loves us beyond all our limitations and stays with us always? With the Spirit’s aid, we can travel through life with confidence, our hearts filled with peace that surpasses all comprehension (Philippians 4:7). So each morning when you rise, remember you aren’t walking alone into the world. He is there to comfort, lead, encourage and provide for you. Walk with the Holy Spirit daily as He is ever present to support you in your life’s journey.

Every day is likely to begin in a similar routine: you wake up, get ready, you meet family to say good-day and goodbye greetings. Immediately, you step into the outside world, you face a host of challenges that vary from one event to another. I believe one will surely need a guide through their day. If you will dedicate time with God in the early hours, the Holy Spirit is given as a guide and to help you navigate safely through the day, months or years. He is your Helper, the Spirit of truth, the One who is with you forever (John 14:16-17) and never makes you walk alone. Isn’t it comforting to know that there is someone who loves us beyond all our limitations and stays with us always? With the Spirit’s aid, we can travel through life with confidence, our hearts filled with peace that surpasses all comprehension (Philippians 4:7). So each morning when you rise, remember you aren’t walking alone into the world. He is there to comfort, lead, encourage and provide for you. Walk with the Holy Spirit daily as He is ever present to support you in your life’s journey.

Babies, no matter how loud their cry immediately they hear their mother’s voice from a distance, there is calmness and an assurance that they are now safe. This is so because babies from day one of conception have had relations with their mothers, who has shown affection, fed, sang, had chats and many more to make their world peaceful. Likewise Christians are the children of God are being catered for by His loving Father who speaks to us daily. He knows the best for us and expects us to be attentive to His voice when He speaks and respond accordingly. His voice is filled with words of hope, peace, reassurance, comfort, faith, enlightenment, cautions, healing among many others. The shepherd knows His sheep, he is always faithful to grant them all that they need, he directs them by His hand and leads them to greener pasture which satisfies them (sheep). Those who disobey His voice only face the repercussions but for you turn from your own ways, thoughts, and deeds and believe this shepherd whose voice will bring you eternal glory in life.

Babies, no matter how loud their cry immediately they hear their mother’s voice from a distance, there is calmness and an assurance that they are now safe. This is so because babies from day one of conception have had relations with their mothers, who has shown affection, fed, sang, had chats and many more to make their world peaceful. Likewise Christians are the children of God are being catered for by His loving Father who speaks to us daily. He knows the best for us and expects us to be attentive to His voice when He speaks and respond accordingly. His voice is filled with words of hope, peace, reassurance, comfort, faith, enlightenment, cautions, healing among many others. The shepherd knows His sheep, he is always faithful to grant them all that they need, he directs them by His hand and leads them to greener pasture which satisfies them (sheep). Those who disobey His voice only face the repercussions but for you turn from your own ways, thoughts, and deeds and believe this shepherd whose voice will bring you eternal glory in life.

Babies, no matter how loud their cry immediately they hear their mother’s voice from a distance, there is calmness and an assurance that they are now safe. This is so because babies from day one of conception have had relations with their mothers, who has shown affection, fed, sang, had chats and many more to make their world peaceful. Likewise Christians are the children of God are being catered for by His loving Father who speaks to us daily. He knows the best for us and expects us to be attentive to His voice when He speaks and respond accordingly. His voice is filled with words of hope, peace, reassurance, comfort, faith, enlightenment, cautions, healing among many others. The shepherd knows His sheep, he is always faithful to grant them all that they need, he directs them by His hand and leads them to greener pasture which satisfies them (sheep). Those who disobey His voice only face the repercussions but for you turn from your own ways, thoughts, and deeds and believe this shepherd whose voice will bring you eternal glory in life.

Something amazing had happened, a man everyone knew to be lame from birth had been healed and could walk. This was attributed to one whose coming had been anticipated for years. One had been spoken of and His coming brought redemption and many gifts along with it. He brought a faith that saved and one that brought total healing too. One was sent to turn everyone from iniquities, see verse 29. Consider 1 Corinthians 3:11, there is one foundation, Jesus Christ our Lord. The foundation upon which times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord come. There are lots of things we desire or look forward to that only come through Jesus Christ because He is the foundation on which everything else stands. It is for this reason Jesus tells His disciple in John 15:1 that He is the true vine. All life and blessings flow from Him. Do you have Jesus Christ as the foundation of your life? Have you experienced the peace that is in Him? Have you been able to stand in the midst of the storms and strong winds because He is your foundation? Consider Matthew 7:24-27. Be wise, build on Jesus.

Something amazing had happened, a man everyone knew to be lame from birth had been healed and could walk. This was attributed to one whose coming had been anticipated for years. One had been spoken of and His coming brought redemption and many gifts along with it. He brought a faith that saved and one that brought total healing too. One was sent to turn everyone from iniquities, see verse 29. Consider 1 Corinthians 3:11, there is one foundation, Jesus Christ our Lord. The foundation upon which times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord come. There are lots of things we desire or look forward to that only come through Jesus Christ because He is the foundation on which everything else stands. It is for this reason Jesus tells His disciple in John 15:1 that He is the true vine. All life and blessings flow from Him. Do you have Jesus Christ as the foundation of your life? Have you experienced the peace that is in Him? Have you been able to stand in the midst of the storms and strong winds because He is your foundation? Consider Matthew 7:24-27. Be wise, build on Jesus.

Something amazing had happened, a man everyone knew to be lame from birth had been healed and could walk. This was attributed to one whose coming had been anticipated for years. One had been spoken of and His coming brought redemption and many gifts along with it. He brought a faith that saved and one that brought total healing too. One was sent to turn everyone from iniquities, see verse 29. Consider 1 Corinthians 3:11, there is one foundation, Jesus Christ our Lord. The foundation upon which times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord come. There are lots of things we desire or look forward to that only come through Jesus Christ because He is the foundation on which everything else stands. It is for this reason Jesus tells His disciple in John 15:1 that He is the true vine. All life and blessings flow from Him. Do you have Jesus Christ as the foundation of your life? Have you experienced the peace that is in Him? Have you been able to stand in the midst of the storms and strong winds because He is your foundation? Consider Matthew 7:24-27. Be wise, build on Jesus.

In the Bible we encounter several people whose names were due to a situation, as a message or for a specific purpose in their life. Joseph and Mary were instructed to call the blessed baby “Jesus: meaning Savior of all mankind. This name was for the redemption of all mankind from the world (darkness) unto our creator (Light). Whom shall we be saved no one but Jesus because God had given all power on earth and in heaven unto Him. Nothing was made that was made without Him. To them who received this name, He gave power to become the children of God. Children who are identified by His name walk in authority over every sickness, evil spirit and powers of darkness due to this Jesus (Matt 10.1). You have not come to trust the name that saves you from some things or has limitation to His ability to make provisions for His children. At the name of Jesus, all knees shall bow and tongue shall proclaim the victory and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.