https://tolmission.com/2022/12/03/how-does-technology-affect-your-spirituality/ In both its practical and technological forms, technology has become an intrinsic element of contemporary civilization. In our daily lives, we utilize technology not just for communication and enjoyment, but also for education and inquiry. However, for many individuals, technology may also be a source of tension, especially when it comes to spiritual topics. With the power of the internet, we can now access any type of information with a single click. This has profoundly altered our interactions with religion and spirituality, affording us more options than ever before. However, although it may be a useful tool for advancing our understanding of religion and belief, it can also be a cause of misunderstanding and conflict.
Ujima / Collective Work and Responsibility: Team Work
Principle 3 Ujima / Collective Work and Responsibility: 1 Corinthians 12:21-25. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special honour. So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. This verse reminds us that we are one nation, one people, and one world and we should be concerned for each other. How different society would be today if we extended the care and concern as in the bible. We certainly would have a different perspective on Refugees, poverty, domestic violence, Gun and knife crime, unemployment, and war.
As a fan of Chelsea, Golden State and The Vikings, I would hear the deafening noise of fans speaking as one. While watching on the sofa might give you a better view of the game, it’s never as exhilarating as cheering on your team from the stands. A special energy comes from being part of a shared mission, whether that mission is to win a game or to bring heaven to earth.
When we ask God into our lives, we give Him permission to reshape our values and our perspective. We put Him in charge. We join His team and His mission. He sends all of His people out to share the good news that He has set us free and He will set things right forever. We might seem like a makeshift bunch. But when it comes to this mission, no one is too old or too young. Wherever we’ve come from and whatever we’ve done, we all have a place on this team.
Today, Ujima says to us at times, we are going to get tired and want to give up but the same way a team feeds off the energy of its fans, we can draw strength from one another. When our minds are unified with Yahshua anything is possible. Scripture reminds us that there is a special power that comes through unity. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of Yahshua”. He calls us to be one, working together for His glory. When we say yes to Jesus, we are clothed with His team jersey. And everyone regardless of skin colour, age, social status, or past life experience has a role to play.
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special honour. So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 1 Corinthians 12:21-25
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I thank you for the gift of being a part of your team. Father, may I be steadfast in working toward the goals and determined in my effort to grow together with this team and through this journey. God, grant me the grace I need to be a good teammate, so that my contributions to this team may make others better and that the experience may be more fruitful because of my participation. Lord give me the courage to sacrifice for the good of the team when necessary and the wisdom to know when to do so. May I follow the example of Christ as I interact with others every day. I ask this through Christ, our Lord and saviour, Amen.
In Reflection
When was the last time you drew strength from someone else’s faith?
This week, is there someone you need to bear with or build up?
Is there anyone you have a hard time accepting as part of God’s team? Rather than hide that feeling, pursue unity by asking God to help you see that person through His eyes.
Kujichagulia (Self-determination) True Grit
Principle 2 Kujichagulia / Self-determination: Philippians 3:13–14 “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”. Paul commands believers to possess the attitude of strong determination.
At a time when many people in Paul’s place would be looking back in regret, wondering what life would have been like in a different profession, Paul repudiates the past and looks with confidence to the future. His strong determination kept him focused on the ultimate goal of pleasing Christ all the way to the goal, even in his chains. It’s the picture of a runner running for the tape at the end of the race, straining forward in strong determination. Paul said, “I’m not looking back with longing. I’m stretching for the prize.” True grit.
No rusty Roman chains could deter Paul from reaching for the goal of pursuing the prize of Christ. He pressed on, determined to remain focused on his mission.
Today, I’m not talking about athletes, I’m talking about being a determined servant of Christ. There’s no easy route to spiritual maturity. It doesn’t happen overnight. Remember, it’s a gruelling journey at times. So, don’t bother to publish a pamphlet on all the obstacles you face. Don’t become famous for complaining. Forget the past, use what’s behind you as fuel and reach for the tape. Keep running no matter what as guided by God, remember it’s a spiritual race. Develop and maintain an attitude of strong determination.
“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”. Philippians 3:13–14
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I thank you for who you are, and for everything you have done in my life. Father, I ask you to make me a stronger person who can withstand all the setbacks that life throws at me. God, please make me a person with the courage to face life’s problems, enemies, and trials. Oh Lord give me a spirit of determination to fight and never stop running this Christian race until I win. Remove my obsession with the past. Thank you for listening to me in Christ’s name. Amen.
In Reflection
When was the last time you had to show real grit and determination?
How did you get through?
When was the last time you prayed for more courage and determination? Why not pray now? God is waiting to hear from you.
Umoja (unity) Christ Prayed For Unity
Let’s be clear, Kwanzaa is a cultural and not religious holiday created by an African American. However, the principles of Kwanzaa (from Swahili) can be found in scripture and can build and enhance families and communities and elevate the political dialogue on issues of importance to all. Hence, 7 days before the start of the year, I offer this Kwanzaa perspective for Christians, as it relates to the Seven Principles of the first fruits (kwanza).
Principle 1. Unity/Umoja: Psalms 133:1. How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity. This bible verse reinforces the unity principle of togetherness and harmony and instructs that our speech, strategies, and behaviour should be directed toward bringing people together as opposed to the divide and conquer, demonize, and dominate approach that is all too present in our social relations and politics.
Politicians seem to thrive on division. Income brackets separate communities into one side of the tracks or the other. Even people who share the same beliefs bicker about how to live out those beliefs. Unity may seem far-fetched, but unity is what Christ prayed for before going to the cross. More than anything, His desire was for the church to be one because their uncommon unity would be a powerful witness of God’s love. (John 17:23).
Today Umoja (unity) teaches us with so much division in our world, Christians’ ability to be unified, even when we’re not the same, is what will set us apart. This kind of unity doesn’t happen naturally. It comes from God. As we experience God’s love for us, it leads us to love others with pure, unselfish motives. We stop trying to push ourselves to the top and begin submitting to God and one another. Just as God is unified, we are to be unified to bring God glory. We are His plan to reconcile people with Him. But reconciliation must start with us. When believers live in harmony, people take notice and get a glimpse of Christ’s love
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity (Psalms 133:1).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, when I think of places lacking in unity, the church is not the first thing I imagine. Yet today the church is full of division. Father, whether the topic is racial, same-sex relations, abortion or others, churches are not on the same page. God, how can we be of the same body but cling to so many different beliefs? We read the same text and have drastically different takeaways? Are we interpreting the Bible the way we want or are we genuinely confused? Whatever the answer, I pray that you would help the church find unity on various salvific issues. Please give us clarity on issues of culture or politics. I ask that you help us to be clear about what is most important to You in Christ’s Name, Amen!
In Reflection
When you look at your relationships, how much unity do you see at home, at work, or at school?
What is one practical way you can build unity in the church and your community?
When is the last time you prayed for the church? Take a moment to follow Jesus’ example in praying for your church family. Pray that we would experience the same unity that Jesus had with God and the Holy Spirit.
Speed Up Editing Sermon Audio & Generate Transcripts In a Flash
https://churchm.ag/editing-sermon-audio-generate-transcripts-pompom/Sermon audio sharing isn’t reserved for famous pastors like Tim Keller, John Piper, and Tony Evans.
However, editing sermon audio can be time-consuming, especially if you don’t have a dedicated staff person or a volunteer with relevant knowledge.
Thankfully, a new program is available for Mac and IOS that may help you quickly edit your sermons, get a transcript practically instantaneously, and produce shareable video clips. Pompom is its name.
Simply put, what is Pompom?
Pompom is a podcast editing tool for Mac and iOS that streamlines the recording, editing, and publishing processes. Pompom accomplishes this by combining AI and audio editing smarts to enable you make short modifications to your recordings before sharing them with the world.
Pompom, in contrast to the vast majority of today’s apps, is not browser-based but rather operates locally on the device, so you never have to worry about losing work due to a shaky internet connection or waste time waiting for a basic page vie
Is Europe Post-Christian or Pre-Revival?
https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/december-web-only/europe-revival-post-christian-continent-prayer-church-diasp.htmlAs a missionary to this “prodigal continent,” here’s how I see church planting, the prayer movement, and diaspora churches making a difference.
When Life is Not a Christmas Card
In homes around the world at this time of the year, we see lights aglow, stockings hung with care and turkey baking in the oven – our lives can look like a Christmas card. But sometimes it looks like something else. It can look harsher, colder, and even very lonely. Sometimes, Christmas can be hard. It doesn’t look like a well-designed Christmas card or a happy ending Christmas movie.
What do we do when life is hard, and we don’t know what to do? We must hold tight to our faith and keep our trust in God. Sometimes, there are those things we can never fix and things that we can never change. Sometimes, there are circumstances and trials we’ll never understand, those things we’ll never know the reason why. Sometimes, we face situations that will test our faith and test our trust in God.
Today I want to remind you that, faith is trusting that God is there and knowing He is always in control. Faith is staying close to Him no matter what comes your way and believing He will meet your every need. Faith is knowing that He loves you and will never leave you or forsake you. Faith is believing that in all things He has a purpose and a plan. Faith is knowing… You don’t have to understand it all just keep trusting Him.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.“ Isaiah 41:10
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You, that You are my refuge and my strength in hard times and an ever-present helper in times of trouble. Father, help me to cling to You and this truth. God, I know that You are the only all-powerful God and that there is nothing that is too difficult in my life for You to deal with, nor is there any obstacle in my path that is so insurmountable that I cannot cross, knowing that You are by my side. Please give me Your strength through this season so I can face life, with confidence knowing that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Wisdom Wednesdays
A few days ago a glass fell out of my hands. I gasped as it hit the floor and shattered into pieces. I paused for a second, before beginning the tedious task of finding all the broken pieces. It took awhile, much care was taken to find the remants of glass before wrapping it in paper for a safe disposal. It caused me to think about brokenness in our own lives. We may have been broken by an unexpected turn of events or consequences of our own actions. We are left hopelessly trying to figure out how to put the pieces back together again. I know just how this feels. Yet I also know that God is able to find every shattered piece of our hearts.
He holds each precious piece in His healing hands. Then instead of preparing us for disposal, He tenderly bonds each piece together again with His love. Sealed by His love we are better than ever. This is the beauty of being broken before God. It is the blessing of surrendering our broken hearts to Him completely. He has a way of putting us back together again, then using every piece of our brokenness for His glory.
Your heart maybe broken today, ask God to be the One to put it back together again. – Sophia Peart
The Message of The Advent is “Fear Not”
In the story of the advent, again and again, we hear the phrase, “Fear not!”
“Fear not Mary” (Luke 1:30); “Fear not, Joseph” (Matthew 1:20-23); “fear not shepherds” (Luke 2:9-12). Like Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, we are so prone to fear. We’re afraid because we feel alone and forsaken, when we encounter the unknown, and when we face something bigger than us.
The advent story teaches why we do not need to be afraid. When we feel alone and forsaken we need to remember the message of the Advent: a Saviour has been born to us…and they will call Him, Immanuel which means God with us.
Because of Jesus God is approachable and very near—even holding our hands at times.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”(Isaiah 41:10).
As we encounter the New Year let’s remember it’s not unknown to God.
The future has its uncertainties, but we enter it every day, confident in the sovereignty and sufficiency of God. Our security is not in knowing where we are, but Who we are with! We are with God Who loves us and always wants the best for us.
“God is faithful, reliable, trustworthy and therefore ever true to His promise and He can be depended on” (1 Corinthians 1:9 Amplified)
Today as we face something bigger than us, let’s remember that God is bigger than the things that threaten us. He will do the impossible through us. In all these things (whatever we’re facing) we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For every day of the year, there is a “fear not” in the Bible. Do you have one for today? Try these three from the advent for the next few days, they will bring you Joy. “Fear not Mary” (Luke 1:30); “Fear not, Joseph” (Matthew 1:20-23); “fear not shepherds” (Luke 2:9-12).
“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear: The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid… In the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling.” Psalm 27:1,2,5
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, we thank You because You are with us and Jesus lives within us, we have nothing to fear. Father thanks for the reminder from the story of the advent. That I have nothing to fear. In Jesus’s Name. Amen
THE GIFT OF THE HOLIDAYS
During the Holidays our days can be so busy that we forget how fragile life really is. It’s easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy. Maybe something doesn’t go our way, or someone says something upsetting. Even traffic can cause us to lose focus if we let it. We have to remember that each day is a gift. If we choose to focus on what’s wrong during the holidays, we’ll miss the beauty that each day has to offer family, friends and the presence of God.
Today don’t let these precious moments of life pass you by and don’t wait for holidays and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable. You have been given time that can be invested or wasted; hours that can be used or misused. The prayer of the psalmist still applies, “teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “teach us to value every moment we’ve been given.” As you daily keep a proper perspective, you’ll gain a heart of wisdom. You’ll draw closer to God and experience the full blessings that He has for you each and every day!
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for the gift of the holidays. Father, I choose to focus on the blessings of each moment instead of allowing the little things to steal my joy. God, keep me close to You always, as I submit every area of my heart and mind to You, in Christ’s name! Amen.
Struggling Through The Holidays
While the rest of the world around us becomes excited and enamoured with our culture’s celebration of the Christmas holidays, some of us struggle through the holiday season – overcome with clouds of depression, and battles with fear and dread. Fractured relationships, divorce, dysfunction, compromised finances, loss of loved ones, isolation, loneliness, and any number of other circumstances become even harder to navigate, due to the often unrealistic expectations of the holiday. For many years in my life, loneliness magnifies, stress accelerates, busyness intensifies, and sadness overwhelms.
There is something about this holiday that intensifies all emotions. The hype begins in October and builds up in the weeks before Christmas and new year, often making it a very difficult time for those of us who have experience loss of any kind. If, like me, you find Christmas is a difficult time, then let’s see if we can figure out a better way of coping together.
Today, I write this word from the depths of my own experience in hopes of helping those who struggle with this season for various reasons. God’s Word and His principles of love, power, and truth are woven into every element of encouragement. Practical suggestions and challenges are presented to help navigate this and every stressful and difficult season. My passion is to bring hope and healing to hearts that are hurting, helping them break free from the burdens of stress, depression and dread, and find a new way of joy and simplicity.
“The Lord is near the broken-hearted; He is the Saviour of those whose spirits are crushed down.” (Psalm 34:18 BBE)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I know only You can help this pain vanish away. Father, I plead for peace and serenity as I fight the pain I am feeling during this season. Send Your hand down to me, and fill me with Your strength. God, I cannot take this pain any longer without Your help! Release me from this hold and restore me. I trust in You to give me the strength to get through this time of the year. I pray that the pain will be gone! It will not hold me down, because I have the Lord on my side, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
Don’t Miss The Miracle
No matter when you think Christ was born, you know God did something extraordinary. In the busyness and excitement of this time of year, we can sometimes forget this and lose the sense of wonder of the miracle. So let’s take a few minutes to reflect on what the first birth of Yahshua in Bethlehem really means for us.
He gave up His comfort and glory in Heaven to come and live in our cruel, cold, harsh world. He gave up His pain-free home, and came to Earth in human form, able to experience pain like we do, to be ridiculed by those who didn’t believe in Him, to be betrayed and denied by His closest friends, to be condemned to death by those who, just a few days before, had been welcoming Him as He came through their streets. He left His heavenly Father, was born and laid in a feeding trough because his earthly parents couldn’t find anywhere else for Him to sleep. He left His throne in heaven and came into our world in the most humble and lowliest way imaginable. And He did it all for us. That’s how much God loves us. He willingly went through all of that, died on the cross, and paid the price for our sins, so that we could be saved. Hallelujah!
Today, it’s impossible to imagine how much love God must feel for us. The Bible tells us that ‘neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ This holiday, don’t forget Him, He is the best gift we could possibly have. Take some time to remember just how much Christ loves us and what He’s done for us and thank God for the gift of His Son.
‘Nothing…will ever be able to separate us from the love of God.’ (Romans 8:39 NCV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Yahshua, our Christ, who has sacrificed all to save fallen man. Father, today I open my heart and mind to You, and declare that You are Lord over my life. God, fill me with Your peace and joy this holiday, as I keep my mind stayed on You. I pray I will never separate myself from You. I give You the gift of my life, take me and make me after Your will, in Christ’s name! Amen.
Born With A Purpose
The birth of Christ should give you true purpose and identity. Before you were ever born, before the very foundation of the earth, God chose you. He approved you and called you His own. You may have been overlooked by people in your life. Maybe you were passed up for a job, or overlooked by someone whose opinion you valued; but remember, God won’t ever overlook you. Through His birth and His death He shows He had you on His mind.
In fact, He handpicked you. He chose you to be holy, or set apart, for Himself. Let that truth sink down in your heart today. You are God’s most valued possession. You are special. You are the apple of His eye. He knows everything about you; He even knows the number of hairs you have on your head.
Today and throughout the holiday season, know He gave you the gifts and abilities you have for a purpose. You carry great value and significance. Don’t ever lose sight of the treasure He’s placed within you. He was born and died just for you. You are handpicked by God. Meditate on His goodness today, knowing that nothing can change His love for you!
“[In His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy…” (Ephesians 1:4, AMP)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for loving me. Father, thank You for coming to be born and allowing Yourself to die just for me. Help me understand Your love so that I can extend that love to those around me during this season. Let me see others as valuable – the way You see me. God, I admire You for handpicking me for Your glory, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
Giving: An Act Of Worship
When I was younger at our school play, I was asked to play one of the wise men. Can you imagine how the wise men felt, as they first looked upon our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? As part of their worship, they wanted to give Him gifts. They gave valuable presents to symbolize the love, honour and appreciation in their hearts.
In the same way, you show your love and appreciation to God with gifts of worship, and you can also show your love and appreciation to others by the gifts you give. As you celebrate Jesus during this holiday season, don’t just focus on the gifts you bring in the natural; focus on gifts of love, kindness and encouragement that come through the super natural.
Today, go out of your way to show honour to others just like the wise men went out of their way to show honour to Jesus. When you walk in love and peace, that is the best gift you can give and remember what you sow, you shall reap…
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him gifts…” (Matthew 2:11)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I set my mind and heart on You. Father, help me to choose the right gifts this holiday season—gifts of love, kindness and peace that will honour you and bless others. God, have Your way in my heart and let Your goodness shine through me in Christ’s name! Amen.
The Prodigal Son
The story of the Prodigal son is a heartfelt illustration of God’s relentless love for us. He gives us the ability to choose Him, He waits for us to turn towards Him, He see us, chases us down, wraps His arms around us, kisses us and celebrates our return back to Him.
But I would like to suggest that there are two Prodigal sons in this story – the other is the older son. He remained at home whilst his younger brother left. When he hears His Father rejoicing over the return of his brother he is vexed. So much so that he chooses not to rejoice too. You see, the older son worked diligently since his brother left.
He never missed a beat, except for the beat of His Father’s heart, it changed the day his youngest son left home. The older son didn’t know that because he had wasted his time seeking His Father’s approval on the estate rather than spending those precious moments in His Father’s presence. Where are you today? Are you working for Our Fathers approval or seeking to be in His presence?
It’s your decision how you spend your time – Sophia Peart
SMALL STRAWS by MARSHA BURNS
In a dream there was a steady stream of dogs and cats coming to my door for food. They seemed to be starving with no one to take care of them. I thought for sure that I would run out of food to give them, but there always seemed to be enough. And, the Lord said: Your provision comes from Me, and I never tire of those who come to My door seeking to be fed. You, and those like you, are My conduit on the earth. Do not grow weary in doing good. – December 7, 2022, SMALL STRAWS by MARSHA BURNS
