Let Your Light Shine

Have you ever felt like you're just blending in with the crowd, like you're not making a difference in the world? It's easy to feel that way when we're constantly bombarded with negativity and bad news.

But in Matthew 5:16, Jesus reminds us that we were created to shine: 

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

You see, God has placed each one of us on this earth for a specific purpose. We're not meant to simply exist and go through the motions of life. We're meant to make a difference, to be a light in the darkness.

So what does it mean to let our light shine? It means living a life that reflects the love and character of Christ. It means being kind to others, showing compassion and empathy, and sharing the hope and joy that comes from knowing Him.

It's not always easy to shine our light, especially when we face opposition or ridicule. But we can take comfort in the fact that we're not alone. God is with us every step of the way, empowering us to be a beacon of hope in a world that desperately needs it.

So today, let's commit to shining our light wherever we go. Let's be intentional about showing love and kindness to those around us. And let's remember that our light has the power to change lives and bring glory to God.

Let us Pray:

Heavenly Father, thank you for calling us to be a light in the darkness. Help us to shine brightly, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties. Give us the courage to share your love and hope with those around us, and help us to always reflect your character in everything we do. We love you and praise you for who you are. Amen.

May you be filled with His strength, His peace, and His joy today and always.

In Christ,

Pastor Ras

Finding Strength in God's Word

Have you ever found yourself in the dark, struggling to find your way? Maybe you've been in a situation where you didn't know which way to turn, or maybe you've felt lost in a sea of confusion and uncertainty. If so, then today's devotional is for you.

In Psalm 119:105, the psalmist writes, 

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

This verse is a powerful reminder that when we don't know which way to turn, we can always turn to God's word for guidance and direction. His word is like a lamp that illuminates our path and shows us the way forward.

But the key is to actually read and apply His word. It's not enough to simply have a Bible sitting on our bookshelf; we must actually take the time to read it and apply it to our lives. As we do, we'll find that God's word not only illuminates our path, but it also gives us the strength and courage we need to keep going.

So if you're feeling lost or unsure today, take heart and turn to God's word. Spend time reading it and meditating on its truths. Allow it to guide you and lead you forward, one step at a time. And know that as you do, God is with you, every step of the way.

Let's pray:

Father, thank You for Your word. Thank You for the guidance and direction it provides. Help us to make reading and studying Your word a priority in our lives. Show us how to apply its truths to our everyday lives so that we may walk in Your ways and follow Your path for our lives. We trust in You and Your word, knowing that You will never lead us astray. In Jesus' name, Amen.

May you be filled with His strength, His peace, and His joy today and always.

In Christ,

Pastor Ras

Trusting in God's Faithfulness

Today, I want to encourage you with a powerful scripture from Psalm 37:5

“Commit your way to the Lord and trust in Him.... ”

This verse is a reminder that when we fully surrender our lives to God and trust in His plans for us, He will act on our behalf.

You see, God is not just interested in being a passive observer in our lives. He desires to be an active participant in every aspect of our journey. But in order for Him to do so, we must first commit our ways to Him. This means giving Him our hopes, dreams, fears, and doubts, and trusting that He knows what is best for us.

Committing our ways to the Lord requires us to let go of our own plans and trust in His. It's not always easy, but it's necessary if we want to experience the fullness of His power and love in our lives. When we commit to Him, we acknowledge that His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9).

But it doesn't stop there. When we commit our ways to the Lord and trust in Him, He promises to act. That's right - He will act on our behalf! He will move mountains, open doors, and make a way where there seems to be no way. All we have to do is trust in His timing and His plan.

So today, I want to encourage you to commit your ways to the Lord. Trust in Him with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). Know that He is faithful and true, and He will never let you down. As you surrender your life to Him, watch as He works in ways you never thought possible.

Let's pray:

Heavenly Father, I commit my ways to You today. I trust in Your plan for my life and I know that You will act on my behalf. Help me to let go of my own plans and surrender to Your will. Thank You for Your faithfulness and Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

May you be filled with His strength, His peace, and His joy today and always.

In Christ,

Pastor Ras

I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me

Today, I want to encourage you with a powerful scripture from Philippians 4:13

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

This verse is not just a statement, but a declaration of the unlimited power that Christ has given us to overcome any challenge or obstacle in our lives.

When we put our faith in Christ, we have access to His strength, His wisdom, and His grace. We are no longer limited by our own abilities, but empowered by His divine power. We can face any situation with confidence, knowing that we have the resources we need to succeed.

However, this verse is not a promise of instant success or a life free of difficulties. We will still face trials and hardships in this life, but we can face them with the assurance that we are not alone. Christ is with us every step of the way, strengthening us, guiding us, and leading us to victory.

So if you're feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or like you can't go on any longer, remember that you are not alone. Christ is with you, and He has given you the power to overcome. Keep your eyes fixed on Him, and let His strength and power work in and through you.

As you go about your day, meditate on this powerful truth: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Declare it over your life, your family, and your circumstances. Let it be a reminder that you are not limited by your own strength or abilities, but empowered by the unlimited power of Christ.

May you be filled with His strength, His peace, and His joy today and always.

In Christ,

Pastor Ras

The Power of Encouragement | Building Each Other Up

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Encouragement is a powerful thing. When we feel discouraged or down, a kind word or gesture can make all the difference. We all need encouragement at times, and we have the ability to lift others up and make a positive impact.

Let's take a moment to think about someone in our life who could use some encouragement today. Maybe it's a friend going through a difficult time or a co-worker who needs a boost of confidence. Let's reach out to them and offer a kind word or gesture of support.

As we encourage others, we also build ourselves up. When we focus on lifting others up, we find purpose and joy in serving others. We become a source of hope and positivity in the world around us.

Prayer:

Heavenly, help us to be a source of encouragement to others. Give us the words and actions to lift others up and show them your love. We choose to focus on serving others and being a positive influence in the world. Amen.

The Power of Gratitude: Transforming Your Perspective and Bringing Joy

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

When we focus on what we don't have, we can easily become discontent and unhappy. But when we choose to focus on what we do have and express gratitude, we experience a shift in our perspective. We realise how blessed we truly are and find joy in the present moment.

Gratitude is not just a feeling; it's a choice we make every day. We can choose to complain and be negative, or we can choose to give thanks and be positive.

Let's take a moment to reflect on what we're thankful for today. Maybe it's our health, our family, or a recent blessing we've received. Whatever it is, let's express our gratitude to God and choose to focus on the good.

Pray

Heavenly, thank you for your goodness and blessings in our lives. Help us to have grateful hearts and focus on the good. We choose to trust you and give thanks in all circumstances. Amen.

Here I Am, Lord: How to Respond to God's Call like Samuel

“9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.”

— 1 Samuel 3:9 (NIV)

Have you ever felt like God was calling you to do something, but you weren't sure what it was or how to respond? Maybe you're waiting for a clear sign or direction, or maybe you're hesitant because you don't feel qualified or capable. Whatever the reason, it's easy to miss God's call if we're not paying attention or if we're too afraid to step out in faith.

In 1 Samuel 3:1-18, we see the story of Samuel, a young boy who was called by God to be a prophet. Samuel was serving in the temple under Eli the priest when God spoke to him in the middle of the night. At first, Samuel didn't realize it was God speaking to him, but with Eli's help, he eventually understood what was happening. When God called Samuel's name, his response was simple but powerful: "Speak, for your servant is listening." (1 Samuel 3:9)

There are several lessons we can learn from Samuel's response to God's call, and how we too can respond to God's call.

1. Be available

Samuel was sleeping when God called him, but he was still available to hear God's voice. Sometimes God speaks to us when we least expect it or in ways we don't anticipate. We need to be open and available to hear His voice, even if it's not at a convenient time or in a way we're used to. We need to be willing to set aside our own plans and priorities and make room for God to speak.

2. Be attentive

When God spoke to Samuel, he didn't immediately recognise it was God. It was only after Eli explained to him that it was God calling his name that Samuel was able to listen and respond. Sometimes God speaks to us in ways that are unexpected or unconventional. We need to be attentive and discerning, looking for His voice in the midst of the noise and distractions of life. We need to be willing to ask for help and guidance from others who can help us hear God's voice more clearly.

3. Be humble

When Samuel finally understood that it was God calling him, he responded with humility and reverence. He acknowledged that he was a servant and that God was the one in charge. Sometimes we can get so caught up in our own plans and desires that we forget that God is the one who is ultimately in control. We need to approach God with a humble and teachable spirit, recognising that He knows what's best for us.

4. Be obedient

When Samuel heard God's voice, he didn't hesitate to respond. He didn't question or doubt what he was hearing; he simply obeyed. Sometimes God's call can be scary or challenging, and we may not feel qualified or capable of doing what He's asking us to do. But if we trust in God's strength and guidance, we can step out in faith and do what He's calling us to do.

5. Be persistent

Samuel's journey as a prophet was not an easy one. He faced opposition and challenges along the way, but he remained faithful to God's call. Sometimes God's call can be a long and winding road, with many twists and turns along the way. But if we remain persistent and keep our eyes fixed on God, we can overcome any obstacle and fulfill His purpose for our lives.

In conclusion, God is still speaking to His people today, just as He did to Samuel all those years ago. The question is, are we listening? Are we available, attentive, humble, obedient, and persistent in our response to His call? May we learn from Samuel's example and respond with a resounding "Here I am,

Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, As we conclude this article on 1 Samuel 3:9, we thank You for the example of Samuel and his willingness to listen and respond to Your call. We pray that we too may have hearts that are open and attentive to Your voice, and that we may have the courage and faith to obey Your will for our lives.

Help us to be humble and teachable, recognising that You are the one in control and that Your plans for us are good. Give us the strength and perseverance to overcome any obstacles or challenges that may come our way, and help us to remain steadfast in our commitment to follow You.

May we always be willing to say "Here I am, Lord" whenever You call us, and may we trust in Your guidance and provision as we walk in obedience to You. We ask all these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Cultivating a Life that Pleases God: A Devotion on Galatians 5:24

“24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.”

— Galatians 5:24 (NLT)

This verse reminds us of the power of the cross in our lives as believers. Through Christ's death and resurrection, we have been set free from the power of sin and have the ability to live in the freedom and power of the Holy Spirit.

But what does it mean to "crucify the flesh with its passions and desires"? The flesh refers to our sinful nature, which is at odds with the Spirit of God within us. Our passions and desires, when not aligned with God's will, can lead us down a destructive path. The act of crucifying the flesh means putting to death our sinful nature and desires, denying them any power over us.

This isn't a one-time event but rather a daily practice of surrendering our will to God's. It means choosing to obey His commands, even when it goes against our natural inclinations. It means putting others before ourselves, even when it's inconvenient or uncomfortable. It means letting go of our pride and selfishness, and submitting to the lordship of Christ.

When we choose to crucify our flesh and live by the Spirit, we experience true freedom and joy. We no longer have to be enslaved to our sinful nature and its consequences. Instead, we are able to live in the fullness of God's love and grace, and the fruit of the Spirit can grow in our lives - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

As we meditate on Galatians 5:24, let us ask God to help us put to death our sinful nature and desires, and live by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Pray

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts, seeking to live according to your will. We pray that the truth of Galatians 5:24 would resonate in our hearts and minds, reminding us to crucify our flesh with its passions and desires. May we be a light to those around us, shining your love and grace to a world in need. We pray for your strength and guidance as we seek to live a life that honours you. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.

Happy Easter Sunday

“6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’”

— Luke 24:6-7 (NIV)

Let us be encouraged on this Easter Sunday that our God is a God of resurrection and new beginnings. No matter what challenges we face, we can trust that God is with us and that He is faithful to His promises.

Let us hold fast to the truth and share the message of hope and new life that comes through faith in Jesus Christ with those around us. May we experience the power of His resurrection in our lives today and always.

Pray:

Heavenly Father, on this Easter Sunday, we come before you with grateful hearts and rejoicing. We thank you that Jesus is not dead but alive, and that He has conquered death and the grave. May this truth fill us with hope, joy, and peace, and may we never forget the power of His resurrection. Help us to live our lives in a way that honours Him, and to share the good news of his resurrection with those around us. Amen.

Day 7 - Jesus died to destroy death

Day 7 - Jesus died to destroy death

“17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

— Revelation 1:17-18 (NIV)

Today on our seventh and final day of prayer and fasting, we are looking at how Jesus died to destroy death.

And the verse for today describes a vision that the apostle John had of Jesus Christ. In this vision, John falls at Jesus' feet as though dead, overwhelmed by his glory and majesty. However, Jesus reassures him, by saying to him not be afraid, because He is the First and the Last. And that Jesus holds the keys and authority over death and the afterlife.

You see the crucifixion of Jesus destroyed the power of death, delivering us from the fear of death. God’s amazing grace for all mankind both begins and ends with Jesus.

 Pray:

Jesus, I know you have conquered Hell and death. I desire to live with you forever, I want to be where You are. I pray that You help me to achieve this and give me the grace to serve you to the end. Amen.

Success Starts with Your Thoughts

“We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”

— 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NLT)

What does this mean for us today? It means that we have the power to control our thoughts and make them work for us, rather than against us. We have the power to take control of our minds and direct them towards positive, uplifting thoughts that can lead us to success.

Think about it - how many times have you had a negative thought that has held you back? Maybe you have thought to yourself, "I'm not smart enough," or "I will never be successful," or "I don't have what it takes." These negative thoughts can be like a weight that drags us down, preventing us from achieving our goals and living our best lives.

But what if we could turn those negative thoughts around? What if we could replace them with positive, empowering thoughts that can propel us forward? This is where the power of our thoughts comes into play.

The truth is, success starts with our thoughts. The way we think about ourselves and our abilities can have a huge impact on our success in life. If we believe in ourselves and our abilities, we are more likely to take risks, push ourselves outside of our comfort zones, and achieve great things. On the other hand, if we doubt ourselves and our abilities, we are more likely to hold ourselves back, to play it safe, and to miss out on opportunities.

So how can we take control of our thoughts and make them work for us? Here are a few tips:

1. Believe in yourself. One of the biggest obstacles to success is self-doubt. If you don't believe in yourself, you're unlikely to take the risks necessary to achieve your goals. That's why it's important to cultivate a positive self-image and focus on your strengths rather than your weaknesses.

2. Focus on what you want, not what you don't want. Your thoughts are like a magnet, attracting the things you focus on most. If you spend all your time worrying about failure, you're more likely to experience it. Instead, focus on your goals and visualize yourself achieving them.

3. Surround yourself with positive influences. The people you surround yourself with can have a big impact on your thoughts and your mindset. Seek out friends and mentors who are positive, encouraging, and supportive. Avoid negative people who bring you down or make you doubt yourself.

4. Practice gratitude. When we focus on what we're grateful for, we shift our thoughts towards the positive. Take time each day to reflect on the things in your life that you're thankful for, and let those thoughts fill your mind.

5. Take action. Positive thoughts are important, but they are only the first step. To truly achieve success, you need to take action towards your goals. Break down your goals into small, manageable steps, and then take action on those steps every day.

6. Stay connected to God. Ultimately, true success comes from aligning your thoughts and actions with God's will. When you stay connected to Him through prayer and meditation, you tap into a source of strength and wisdom that can help you overcome any obstacle.

Remember, as 2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us, we have the power to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ. We have the power to control our thoughts and direct them towards positive, empowering ideas. With the right mindset, we can achieve great things and live our best lives.

So I encourage you today to take control of your thoughts and make them work for you. Choose to think positively, surround yourself with positive influences, practice gratitude, and take action towards your goals. With God's help, you can achieve success beyond your wildest dreams.

Blessings to you all.

Pastor Ras

Day 6 - Jesus died so that we can have eternal life

Day 6 - Jesus died so that we can have eternal life

“10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:10 (NIV)

Today on our sixth day of prayer and fasting, we are looking at how Jesus died so that we can have eternal life.

What does it mean for us as believers, either awake or asleep, to “live together with Him”? In simplest terms, it means that Christ’s death on the cross opened heaven to us for all eternity.

Today’s verse reminds us of the hope that we have as Christians, both in this life and in the life to come, and encourages us to continue to place our faith in Jesus Christ.

You see the Bible is clear that, ultimately, there are only two options for where you go when you die: Heaven or Hell. The Bible also makes it clear that you can determine where you go when you die. The choice is yours to make. God has given you freewill. Simply trust Jesus for your salvation. Believe that what He died on the cross and paid the price for your sins, and that His resurrection guarantees your eternal life.

 Pray:

Heavenly Father, I know I am a sinner and do not deserve eternal life. But I believe You died and rose from the grave to purchase a place in Heaven for me. I accept the free gift of eternal life. In Jesus’ precious name I pray, Amen.

Day 5 - Jesus died so that we might be born again

Day 5 - Jesus died so that we might be born again

“3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.””

— John 3:3 (NIV)

Today on our fifth day of prayer and fasting, we are looking at how Jesus died so that we might be born again.

In today’s verse Jesus tells Nicodemus, that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. How can we be born again? Jesus is referring to a spiritual reborn. This spiritual rebirth is made possible through our faith in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead.

When we accept Jesus as our saviour and believe in him, we are spiritually reborn and become new creations in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17, tells us, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This verse highlights the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ, which enables us to become new creations and experience new life in Him.

 Pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your unconditional love. Thank You for showing us just how great Your love is by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Lord God, we thank You for the precious gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

God Likes the Way He Made You

“15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.”

— Psalm 139:15 (NIV)

This verse is a powerful reminder that God is intimately involved in our lives, from the very beginning. Before we were even born, God was present and active in shaping and forming us in our mother's womb. He was intricately involved in every detail of our physical and emotional makeup, and he knows us intimately, inside and out.

But this verse is not just about our physical bodies. It's about the fact that God knows every part of us - our thoughts, our fears, our hopes, and our dreams. He knows the deepest desires of our hearts, and he loves us despite our flaws and imperfections.

As we reflect on this verse, it can be tempting to feel overwhelmed by the thought that God knows us so intimately. We may feel exposed and vulnerable, wondering if God knows our deepest, darkest secrets. But the truth is that God's knowledge of us is a source of comfort and security, not fear and shame.

When we remember that God knows us so intimately, it should lead us to a deeper sense of trust and surrender to him. We can trust that he knows what is best for us, even when we don't understand his ways. We can surrender our fears and worries to him, knowing that he cares for us and has a plan for our lives.

And ultimately, as we reflect on Psalm 139:15, it should lead us to Jesus. It is through Jesus that we are fully known and fully loved by God. Jesus came to earth to show us the love and compassion of God in human form, and through his death and resurrection, he made a way for us to be reconciled to God and experience eternal life with him.

So as we reflect on Psalm 139:15, let us remember that God's intimate knowledge of us is not something to fear, but something to embrace with open arms. And let us turn to Jesus, who offers us the ultimate expression of God's love and grace.

Day 4 - Jesus died so that we might be forgiven

Day 4 - Jesus died so that we might be forgiven

“8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.”

— Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

Today on our fourth day of prayer and fasting, we are looking at how Jesus died so that we might be forgiven.

According to the Bible, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Sin is a barrier that separates humans from God and prevents us from having a relationship with Him.

However, God's love for humanity was so great that He sent His only son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. Through His sacrifice, Jesus atoned for our sins, and by believing in Him, we can be forgiven and reconciled to God. This process is called salvation.

In today’s verse we can see the importance of grace and faith. As we have just seen salvation is a gift from God that is not earned by our own works or merits but is received through faith in Jesus Christ.

This is emphasized in the phrase "not by works, so that no one can boast," which means that we cannot boast about our own efforts or achievements in obtaining salvation, because it is a gift from God.

Pray:

Heavenly Father, thank you. We give You glory and praise for the amazing grace that You have shown us through Jesus.

Day 3 - Jesus died so that He might ransom people

Day 3 - Jesus died so that He might ransom people

“45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.””

— Mark 10:45 (NIV)

Today on our third day of prayer and fasting, we are looking at how Jesus died so that He might ransom people.

A ransom is a sum of money, goods, or other considerations that is demanded or paid in exchange for the release of a person, usually one who has been kidnapped or held captive.

Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity, and through His death and resurrection, He offers redemption and salvation to all who believe in Him.

Jesus' death is the payment for the sins of humanity. Sin had separated us from God. But through His death and resurrection, Jesus reconciled humanity to God, making it possible for us to be saved and have eternal life.

This is the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, We come before you today, humbled by the sacrifice of your son Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. May we be a reflection of your love to those around us, In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Day 2 - Jesus died to destroy captivity

Day 2 - Jesus died to destroy captivity

“18 ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’”

— Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)

Today on our second day of prayer and fasting, we are looking at how Jesus died to destroy captivity.

The Bible teaches that all people are born into sin and are separated from God because of it. However, Jesus' death and resurrection provide a way for people to be set free from sin's captivity and receive eternal life.

Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven of our sins and reconciled with God. Jesus paid the penalty for our sins on the cross and defeated the power of sin and death through His resurrection.

As a result, we no longer have to be enslaved by sin, fear, or any other form of captivity. We can experience freedom and newness of life through our relationship with Jesus Christ.  

Let us Pray:

Heavenly Father, We thank you for sending your son to proclaim good news to the poor, to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom to the captives, and to release the prisoners from their bondage. We ask this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, who came to set the captives free. Amen.

Day 1 - Jesus died to become the mediator of the New Covenant

Day 1: Jesus died to become the mediator of the New Covenant

“5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”

— 1 Timothy 2:5 (NIV)

Today on our first day of prayer and fasting, we are looking at how Jesus died to become the mediator of the New Covenant.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites had a covenant with God, which was based on the Law of Moses. However, this covenant was limited in its ability to provide forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ came to establish a new and better covenant between God and humanity.

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made a way for people to be reconciled with God and receive forgiveness of sins. He became the mediator of this new covenant, which is based on grace, faith, and the love of God.

This new covenant is not based on human effort or works, but on the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through faith in Him, we can have eternal life and be adopted into the family of God.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that there is only one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus. We recognize that it is only through Jesus that we can approach you, and we thank you for the way he has made for us to be reconciled to you. Amen

God Sees You

God Sees You

“10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.”

— Hebrews 6:10 (NLT)

When we are working hard and serving God, we may often feel that no one really appreciates our labour and sacrifices, but God sees us and knows everything we do. He appreciates our labour for Him, and He rewards us in due time.

God is just and that He sees and values the work that we do for Him and for others.

The apostle Paul encourages us not to “become weary in doing good,” because in due time, “we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (see Galatians 6:9).

I’m sure Paul experienced the same feelings of weariness that we feel at times, but he pressed on. His goal was to finish what God had given him to do, and that should be our aim also.

 Pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us to serve You by serving others. Help us to always appreciate each opportunity and to find joy in our labour. In Jesus’ name, amen.

God Likes the Way He Made You

God Likes the Way He Made You

“15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.”

— Psalm 139:15 (NIV)

Today's verse is a great reminder of God's intimate involvement in our creation and His deep knowledge of us.

God was present and actively involved in our formation from the very beginning, even before we were born.

 Today's verse is a great message of God's love and care for us, and a reminder that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are not going to enjoy your life if you don’t enjoy yourself. Be satisfied with yourself and celebrate the unique way God made you.

And remember that Jesus died so that we might enjoy our life in abundance and to the fullest until it overflows.

 Pray:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us life! We are so grateful for all You have done for us. Help us to embrace our uniqueness and the gifts You have blessed us with.  In Jesus’ name, amen.