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Jesus Is Always Available on the Sabbath

Have you heard the saying, “Some people are so heavenly-minded that they are no earthly good”? The Pharisees were so Sabbath-minded that they were no earthly good. They worried about their righteous standing before God and did not notice the obvious: a woman “crippled by a spirit for eighteen years”.
Scripture says, while teaching on the Sabbath, Jesus made clear that God was available for doing good on the Sabbath too – even if the Pharisees weren’t. Our Lord was interested in bringing hope in God’s Kingdom, in which all will have full life forever. He called the woman to him and said, “You are set free from your infirmity”. Jesus placed his hands on her crooked body and filled her with God’s healing. At once, she was healed and she praised God. Joy came to her on the day that was meant for freedom and worship.
Today, some are not happy with Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath. The Pharisees were unhappy because Jesus healed someone on the Sabbath, a day meant for no work. Jesus, however, knew the Sabbath was for doing good and showing grace in the name of the Father. He restored the Sabbath to its original intent: that all good things come from God, who is always available to help us. Thank God He never takes a sabbath off from caring for you and me!
“Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” (Luke 13:12).
 
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, you are Lord of the Sabbath. Father, help me see that you are always available for your children who cry out to you. Hear my cry o Lord, today, I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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A Rest For The People Of God

Going on holiday is often a source of rest for many people. They are something that we long for ­after many months of hard work. Each week we need a time of rest too. Yesterday we spoke of God’s rest on the seventh day when he completed the work of creation. That set a pattern for us that is worth keeping. In the midst of our busy lives each week, it is good to take a day to rest from our work, to take time to worship and honour God and to share with others.
In scripture, the book of Hebrews points out that the promise to enter God’s rest still stands. So, for all of us, this remains something to strive for and long for. Hebrews notes that some of God’s people hardened their hearts and refused to trust in God, they did not enter his rest. Nevertheless, the promise of entering God’s rest is still there.
Today, the promise of an eternal sabbath is for everyone who believes in the good news of Jesus Christ. Entering God’s rest is something we may long for and desire. It is even something we can begin to enjoy weekly in Christ, and we are promised that it will be complete when Jesus comes again. This is not a call to stop all activity. Instead, it is a call to continue believing in Christ, knowing that through him we will enter God’s promised rest and live with him forever.
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. (Hebrews 4:9-10).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, help us to find true rest in you now each week so we can enjoy the eternal rest when you return, in Christ’ name, Amen.
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God, The First Sabbath Keeper

When we hear the word “Sabbath”, many of us think of the Jews—as if the concept of Sabbath began with them. When others of us hear the term, we might think of Protestant Reformers, as if the idea of the Sabbath somehow started in the 16th century.
But the origin of the Sabbath is with God and not with man. He was the very first Sabbath keeper.
Today’s verse says that on the seventh day God “rested from all the work of creating that he had done”. The first six days of creation were filled with a flurry of activity. As God released his creative energy, planets were born, stars were set in place, and the earth began teeming with life. But on the seventh day, the Creator rested.
Today, we need to realise it was God who first started the rhythm of six days of work, followed by one day of rest. He is the one who established the sabbath pattern in the very beginning. And because we have been made in his image, that pattern is built into the very fabric of who we are. Therefore, our lives should reflect the life of the Creator and follow that same “six-and-one” pattern of work and rest.
God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (Genesis 2:3).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank you for the sabbath. Father, on the seventh day of creation, you looked out over all you had made and declared it good! May we too follow the pattern of work and rest that you began, weekly. In Christ name, Amen.
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Two Things You Need

Two things you need to make it through hard times; grace and peace. These two are powerful forces in the life of the believer. Grace empowers us, and peace directs us. It’s like this: grace is the gas and peace is the navigation system. You need both to reach your destination.
Scripture says, that we are saved by God’s grace through faith. We don’t deserve it and can’t do anything to earn His grace, but He gives it to us anyway. Grace opens the door to salvation, but it doesn’t stop there. His grace is also supernatural empowerment to live the life God has called us to here on earth.
Peace is every bit as powerful. It’s not just a feeling; it’s a state of being. Peace literally means “to set at one again”. When we are at one with the Father in thought, word and deed, we can physically feel it on the inside. We are settled internally and nothing external can move us from our position of peace.
Today, receive His grace and peace. Let both carry you through the rest 2024 and through out the life of victory He has ordained for you!
“May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.” (2 Thessalonians 1:2, NLT).

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your grace and peace in my life. Father, I choose to stand and follow Your Word. Father thank You for guiding me throughout this year, I receive the life of blessings You have prepared for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Storms of Judgment

The Bible includes many passages about the destruction of the wicked, that is, people who refuse to live God’s way. They decide to go their way instead, leading only to destruction. That’s because we are all sinners. Born with a sinful nature, we cannot live pure and perfect lives on our own. Everything we do is somehow tainted with sin, and we can see this easily because nothing we ever do is perfect.
There is hope. God has reached out to us with the offer of salvation and new life. We cannot save ourselves or live perfectly on our own, but Jesus Christ – God’s Son, has come to pay the debt of our sin. When we believe in him as Saviour, God credits us with Jesus’ righteousness. This means we can actually be righteous, even though we have no way to be righteous on our own. This also means that when the storm of God’s judgment comes at the end of time, we will not be swept away with the wicked. Because of Jesus Christ and his finished work, we will be saved.
Today, are you a believer in Jesus? The one who came to save us and give us full life forever with him? If not, ask him to save you today! Ask God to forgive your sins for Jesus’ sake, and to guide you to live for him by the power of his Spirit. God is our sure and only refuge from the destruction of the judgement, and we need him to help us live faithfully each day.
When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. (Proverbs 10:25).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, forgive my sins. Help me to trust in your power to save me during the storms of these last days through Jesus Christ. God, please guide me to live for you each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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The Second Coming And The Judgement

In the last days leading up to his suffering and death, Jesus focused steadily on his heavenly origin and his glorious future. In our verse for today, he speaks again of his return at the end of time in power and glory!
Though Christians have sometimes puzzled over what Jesus meant by “signs in the sun, moon, and stars”, his overall message is clear: the Son of Man is Lord over all things. Just as death could not keep Jesus in its grip, neither can the anguish and perplexity of this world prevent God from fulfilling his promises to his people.
In scripture, Jesus’ words contain a warning: final judgment will be a reality. The Jesus who walked this earth is also the ascended Lord who will return as Judge of all. All who ever lived will either find their redemption in Jesus or be shaken by God’s judgment.
Today, Jesus’ words on the Judgement are actually a comfort for all who trust in him. We face plenty of “anguish and perplexity” in our world. Weather patterns wreak havoc through storms, floods, and droughts. Nations threaten one another. Violence infects our cities and even our homes. Jesus points us beyond the grim reality of death to future resurrection and glory. Whatever you and your loved ones are facing today, “lift up your heads” toward Jesus, your ascended Lord for your “redemption draweth nigh”.
“At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” (Luke 21:27).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, help me remember my need for you in these last days. Father please protect me from the threats of eternal sin and death, and lift my eyes to you for hope and salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Grace on Judgment Day

Matthew 25:31-46
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[a] you did it to me.’
 
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
At a quick look at today’s passage Matthew 25:31-46 “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance …”, we might think that we earn entrance into heaven on judgement day by feeding the hungry, giving the thirsty something to drink, inviting the stranger in, clothing the naked, looking after the sick, and visiting the imprisoned.
But at a closer look, the King does not say, “You are about to be blessed.” He says, “You who are blessed,” which could just as well mean, “You have been blessed.” The blessing is not given at the final judgment because we did these things. The blessing is given to us right now. God is our Father, and Christ is our Saviour, so helping others is our joy right now. Not a way of being saved on judgement day. That is the blessing.
Look again and see how Jesus’ words are filled with grace. “Come” is an inviting word of grace. An “inheritance” is not a reward for good behaviour; it’s the result of being part of God’s family. A “kingdom” is out of all proportion to the deeds Jesus mentions. And God “prepared” it long before we were born before we ever thought of doing anything for anyone else.
Today, as we think about our entrance into the kingdom on judgement day, turns out once again, to be thoroughly and a gift from our Father in heaven, who has blessed us lavishly and yet notices, remembers, and gives us compliments on even the smallest things we do for others. We have grace at the final judgment!
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, our God of grace. We thank you for your gift of grace and the gracious blessing of helping others now and anticipating eternal life with you in the future. Father, we are grateful for your favour as we anticipate the judgement.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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What Must Go During This Time Of Judgment

The promise of eternal life is combined with the warning of a day of judgment. In an age where people have rejected the possibility of ultimate truth and values, judgment isn’t popular. But it is a key part of the gospel message. It’s a theme that spans both the Old and New Testaments. Listen as Jesus says, “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned”.
According to the bible, what issues will be on the table on judgment day? As Isaiah speaks about the arrogant being brought low, he reminds the people that the worst sin is pride. “The LORD Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty …” Pride is singled out as the key concern of the great Judge. Pride was at the heart of the fall of our first parents (Genesis 3). And pride was at the heart of idolatry in Judah. Many believed in their own ability to manipulate idols of gold and silver to get what they wanted for themselves.
Today, the book of Isaiah reminds us that when the day of judgment comes, they “will throw away … their idols of silver and idols of gold, which they made to worship.” It would be good to ask ourselves what idols we worship today. Now is the time to throw them away and worship Christ, our true Lord. Because now is the time of Judgement.
The LORD Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty… (Isaiah 2:12).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I’m so easily filled with pride, which only separates me from you and will hinder my hope of eternal life. Father, show me what idols or issues need to go during this time of Judgement. God thank you for turning my eyes to Jesus, who became a servant so that I could be saved. In Jesus name, Amen.
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The Judgment Seat

The Bible says, when Jesus comes again you and I will find ourselves standing before the judgment seat of God to give an account of how we have lived (Romans 14:12). All of us deserve a “guilty” verdict, because, as Paul puts it, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). None of us would stand a chance of being acquitted, except for one thing: We have an advocate, someone who speaks to the Father in our defence “Jesus Christ, the Righteous One” (1 John 2:1).
In scripture, Zechariah gives us a glimpse behind the scenes to show us what happens when we stand before God’s judgment seat. The high priest, Joshua, is standing before the Lord, dressed in filthy clothes, symbolising the sinfulness of even the most religious human being. Satan is also standing there to accuse him. There is nothing Joshua can say to defend himself. The Lord, however, rebukes Satan and says, “Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?”. Then the Lord gives Joshua clean garments and says, “I have taken away your sin”.
Today, the only way you and I can escape God’s judgment is to have the Lord Jesus take our sin upon himself and speak up in our defence. The only thing we must do is believe in him, because “whoever believes in him is not condemned” (John 3:18). The Lord Jesus wants to be our defence, and he’s our only hope.
We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:10).
 
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank you for speaking up in our defence so that we may have eternal life. Father help me please to be aware that there is a judgment. I ask for your advocacy and your forgiveness in Jesus’ name Amen.
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God Forgives: All You Have to Do is Pray

Hello everyone, and welcome. Today, I want to share a message of hope and redemption written by my daughter, Sian, who is 13 years old. Despite her young age, she has a profound understanding of God’s love and forgiveness. I am proud to share her words with you, and I hope they touch your heart as they have touched mine.

God Forgives: All You Have to Do is Pray

Welcome, everyone. Let’s get straight to the point: as humans, we all sin. It’s in our nature. Whether it’s telling a lie, being disobedient to our parents or guardians, not respecting the Ten Commandments, or failing to keep the Sabbath day holy, we have all done at least one of these things.

But I’m not here to say we are doomed to burn in hell or that we will never be forgiven. Instead, I am here to encourage you to ask the Lord for forgiveness and to pray for His help in overcoming your challenges.

Scripture says in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” I am here to remind you that God forgives and that He does not dwell on our past. He looks towards our future.

If God can do that, I believe you can too. Ask God to forgive your sins and help you become a better person so that we can join Him in heaven.

Now, in all my messages, I always say don’t take this for granted because it is true. Don’t take Jesus for a fool. Just because God forgives does not mean we can live our lives however we want and expect a simple prayer to fix everything. My dear friends, we must put in the work to improve ourselves.

God forgives, but we need to do our part by asking for His help to become better. Just because you have a past doesn’t mean you should remain there. Ask God to help you look towards a brighter future and to forgive your past.

As it says in Daniel 9:9, “The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him.”

It emphasizes that God is merciful and ready to forgive. And He will help you—all you have to do is pray and spend time with Him.

Now, who here loves to spend time with God? Good, that’s a great start to building a relationship with Him and asking for His forgiveness. Amen.

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Repentance, The Response To Grace

Let’s Talk About Grace
A worshiper at a Navy chapel commented, “My favourite part of the worship service is the ‘assurance of pardon’, then I know I’m good to go for the next week”. A weekly re­minder of God’s grace inspires him to continue living for Christ!
As Paul warns though, it is important that we do not take God’s grace for granted, as if grace gives us a license to go on sinning. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a World War II martyr, agreed. He taught against “cheap grace” or “preach­ing forgiveness without requiring repentance”, because God’s grace for us was so costly. God’s Son, Jesus Christ, gave up his life to save us from sin.
Paul asks, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?”. Of course not! That would disrespect God’s grace and cheapen Jesus’ sacrifice. I’m reminded that when I was a boy, the worst scolding I could receive was “We didn’t raise you that way”, my folks didn’t sacrifice so that I could misbehave.
Today, when we fall short, we must confess our sins and profess our faith in the Saviour’s sacrifice for us. Remember, baptism unites us with Jesus’ death and resurrection, setting us free from sin. “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him”. This isn’t calling us to cheap grace, but to the richest life possible in Jesus today!
Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? (Romans 6:1).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, forgive us for times when we have taken your grace for granted. Holy Spirit, keep us from sin so that we may walk the way of life with Christ. In his name, Amen.
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God’s Forbearance Leads To our Repentance

Today’s Verse reveals how we and others come to repentance. It’s all because of God’s kindness. But too often we assume that the threat of judgment is what leads to repentance. “If only we can show people how bad they are, then they will be sorry”, we think. Or perhaps if we can show them the consequences of their actions like some negative life outcomes, or the ultimate punishment of going to hell – then they will repent, right?
But the path to repentance is quite different. Instead, God is kind with us. God waits patiently for us to notice his kindness. Rather than showing us our consequences, God actually holds back our consequences, at least many of the worst ones. Holding back consequences is called forbearance. God forbears with us until we see His kindness.
Today, know it is God’s kindness that leads to our repentance. God’s example challenges us to somehow forbear other people’s unrepentant attitudes. It’s not our place to judge them or bring about their conse­quences. In fact, perhaps like Christ, we ought to help bear ­others’ consequences. We should show the kindness, ­patience, and forbearance that God has shown us.
Do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realising that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:4).
 
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, this world is still full of vices. Father, help us to endure in forbearing with others, just as you have endured with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Genuine Repentance

We all want to be more like Jesus. Therefore, we make resolutions asking Him to help us, and try to behave differently. Yet despite our best efforts to do things God’s way, we slide back into old habits. Frustrated, we may ask Him, “Why can’t I change?”. The reason is, overcoming sinful attitudes and behaviours starts with genuine repentance, which has at least three steps.
3 Steps of Genuine Repentance
 
  1. Conviction. The Holy Spirit will reveal the areas in which we’ve sinned and convict us of wrongdoing. Through Scripture, the Spirit shows us God’s standard and what needs to change. Repentance begins with understanding where we have gone astray.
  1. Confession & Contrition. Contrition is grieving over our sinful habits is followed by confession to the Lord. Genuine sorrow arises from the knowledge that we’ve sinned against Him. In contrast, human unhappiness often comes from being caught misbehaving. Other times we are miserable because of where our choices led us, or feel shame that people know about our sin. True contrition is followed by humble confession.
  1. Commitment to action. Real repentance is complete when we wholeheartedly pledge to turn from our old behaviour and move toward righteous ways. God knows we won’t live perfectly, but He wants a surrendered heart that diligently seeks to obey Him.
 
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for not abandoning us for our mistakes, but for reaching out instead. Father, help convict me of sin and help me accept your mercy without shame. Thank you for the love you have poured out for me and all of your children. Help me live out of that love today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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What Is Your Bathsheba?

“One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof, he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. Then she went back home.” (2 Samuel 11:2-4).

Are you familiar with this story? King David slept with his top soldier’s wife whilst he was away in battle. David sent her back home and later found out she was pregnant. This act ultimately led King David to murder his soldier and her husband.
From this narrative, I’d like to highlight what David did not do when he was faced with temptation. Here’s a short list: He didn’t pray, he didn’t guard his eyes or guard his heart. David was a soldier, a warrior, but he didn’t put on his spiritual armour for daily battle. He left himself exposed for the enemy to attack and conquer.
Today, reflect on how many mornings of yours resemble that of David’s. What is your Bathsheba? Maybe it’s porn, alcohol, a co-worker, a church member, or a lying tongue… Only you know. However, I know this… we cannot afford to start our days off unarmed. Let’s make a pact to honour God with the first of our mornings. Honour him with daily prayer and dependence by putting on his armour; morning prayer, like breakfast, is the most important part of our day as christians.
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you for your forgiveness. Gifted to every one of us who have sinned in the most aweful way, for every time we have given in to a Bathsheba or done something that has displeased you. Lord, we give our heart to you to cleanse it and make it whole. Please renew our minds. We cannot do it ourselves, so we thank you for your strength. Now teach us how to use this strength daily, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Men, We Must Do Better

Brothers, we must lay aside our differences and find a way to reconcile with one another. It’s time to stop letting people use religion as a tool to divide instead of unite. As Christian men, we must forgive a lot quicker those who have wronged us. Letting go of the idea of getting back or making someone else feel the same pain they caused us. It’s time to let that go.
Brothers, It’s time to start living at a higher level of holiness. This lost world doesn’t need another Christian conforming to its ways, it needs Christians who are willing to transform this world through the power of the Word of God.
Today brothers, it’s time to start loving one another. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it is the way God called us to live among one another. So whatever hurt, anger, or bitterness you may be holding inside…it’s time to let it go. Let go and let God have his way on earth as it is in heaven.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Let’s Pray…
Yahweh, as a Christian man, I release all animosity right now. Father, I refuse to hold anything in my heart other than love for you, my fellow brothers and my sisters. I refuse to give an ounce of life to hatred and calloused behaviour. Instead, I choose your way, God. I choose to love and love unconditionally. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
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My Brother, God Knows…

My brother, I know you haven’t forgotten. The pain is too fresh for it to fade to the back of your memory. In fact, that same pain may be present as you read this. Life’s pressures just don’t seem to let up. Almost as if they alternate to ensure that on any given day you feel the extreme pressure.
Your smile appears on your face after mustering up all the strength you have to show it. Truth be told, if people weren’t so nosey, you wouldn’t try to hide what you’re going through. The people closest to you, who know your toil, sympathize with you but have no solutions to offer. You only truly know your misery. But don’t forget, God’s knows too.
Every tear, every pain, and every loss you have suffered is well known to God. He is in tune with exactly what you’re going through. Though you may pray and feel like there’s only silence, He does hear you and He knows exactly what you’re going through, but now it’s time for you to experience a bit of what He had to go through.
Our brother Jesus endured the persecution, hate, and hurt from the people he loved. As he hung from the cross, he felt separation from his Father as many of us do. As if God left him to die alone. But as you know, God had already empowered Jesus with all the strength to endure to the end. The same goes for you.
Brother, take courage today and stay the course. Know that you have enough word in you to sustain and make it through the storm. Although it may be hard for you to accept all that you are going through, just know that God is always with you. You are not going through the pain alone. At the appointed time…you will stand victorious before man, in the name of our saviour Jesus Christ. So for the record…God has not forgotten. God is faithful and He will NEVER break his promise. My brother You will make it…
“Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record?” (Psalm 56:8).
Let’s pray
Yahweh, I claim victory in your name today! I don’t care what I’m going through, how much it hurts, or how confusing it may be. I choose to trust you through it all. I don’t know why You chose me to go through this, but I know there is a reason that You will later reveal to me. Until then I will keep Your praises on my lips as my eyes release tears. I will sing thanks to the Father as the pressures in life build. I will surrender it all to Him. He deserves all the glory and honour. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

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