Tag: birth

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Scandalous Discipleship 

Throughout December, we’ve looked at the scandals of the advent. The definition of the word scandal is an action or event regarded as morally or legally wrong and causing public outrage. From the King becoming to an unmarried teenager, to being born in Poverty, then the murders surrounding Jesus’ birth. What about the expensive elaborate gifts given to a humble king? Then having to be moving like a fugitive to avoid the law of the land. The greatest of all scandals must have been the insurrection at the cross. Jesus’ scandalous death on the torture instrument called the cross would cause outrage and cast a long shadow over his life and his followers. 

What makes the Christian faith different from any other, is how Christ’s followers all have scandalous lives just like the Advent and the crucifixion. The Christian faith has the boldness to declare that we were lost in sin and through Christ’s death on the cross the world was reconciled to God. The Christian faith has the audacity to declare that those who are Jesus’ disciples should take up the cross… 

I suppose the ultimate scandal is that suffering can be used by God for our good. Suffering is not only redemptive in the life of Jesus. It is redemptive in our own lives. Christ will use our sufferings to establish his kingdom, witness to his gospel, and work greater holiness in our personal lives. On this day as we kick off the new year, here’s a resolution worth keeping: Take up Christ’s cross of obedience, face the hardship that such a life of discipleship creates, and follow your Lord with everything you have – loving your neighbour as yourself. HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

“Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:38).

Let’s Pray Yahshua, thank you for your willingness to bear my burdens. Father, give me the strength to bear the burdens of others and take up the cross of discipleship and all that it brings for your sake. In Christ’s name, Amen.

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God Has Come To Us

When Christ was born, a great company of angels announced his birth. He was the Son of God, after all, he deserved a grand supernatural entrance into the world. They sang a glorious song and must have looked amazing as they shone in the night sky. 

But the angels announced the Saviour’s birth to a group of peasants, not the rich and famous. They were not a grand audience to receive the King of all nations, “Yahshua the Messiah.” Nevertheless, His birth was announced to the lowly. 

It’s fitting that Christ’s birth was announced to a lowly group of people. For the Messiah’s coming was to bring God’s love to the loveless, hope to the hopeless and help to the helpless like us and to fulfil the dreams of the lowly, meek, and humble. Another purpose of Christ’s coming was to restore people like us to a relationship with God. So, the shepherds were just the right kind of people to hear this news. 

This world desperately needs God. We desperately need God. But no matter how hard we try, we cannot get to God on merit. The good news of this season is that God has come to us. Hallelujah! The good news of the nativity is that in Yahweh, the hopes of the world are fulfilled. Let’s make this good news the focus of our New Year celebration! 

Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:11).

Let’s Pray 

Yahshua, with the angels, I give you glory and praise. With the shepherds, I thank you that by your grace you have come to the lowly and alone like me and all my family and friends. Help me to never loose sight of this truth as I reflect on the birth of Jesus. In His name I pray, Amen.

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The Mother Of All Living

When sin entered the world, grief and pain entered the lives of Adam and Eve. Think of the joy this couple experienced at the birth of Cain. Genesis records her saying, I have acquired a man from the Lord. Then, shortly after, they were blessed with another son in the birth of Abel. It did not take long, however, for trouble to brew between the brothers. When God showed preference to the offering that Abel brought before Him over Cain’s offering, jealousy showed its ugly face. In his anger, Cain killed his younger brother, Abel.

Imagine the grief that Eve faced. Not only did she have to face the death of a son, but that death came from the hand of her firstborn. God continued to bless Adam and Eve with children, but the Bible does not give us the names of these children until Eve gave birth to Seth. God even identifies Seth as the replacement for Abel.

Through Mother Eve, we see the birth of the church. Because these three sons played a significant part in the birth of the church, they are the only three children of Adam and Eve mentioned in the Bible. Abel, the Godly son, was to be the continuance of the Godly seed. After his death, God chose Seth to continue in this role. We discover later that Noah was descended from Seth, the Godly seed. Abraham, descended from Noah’s son Shem, became the father of the nation of Israel with whom God made a covenant, and was, in essence, the father of the church.

Today God has maintained a Godly seed on the earth. When pondering this, we realize that Eve, the Mother of All Living, the nation of Israel, therefore the mother of God’s church. Yes, through Eve sin entered into the world, but also through Eve came the birth of God’s church, her birth and influence of Seth gave birth to the father of faith. A people set apart for God’s use. Also, through Eve came the birth of the Lord Jesus, the Saviour of all mankind. So before we crucify her let’s give her some alcaides for allowing God to use her to fix her mistakes and giving us hope.

And Adam called his wife’s name Eve because she was the mother of all living.  Genesis 3:20, NKJV 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I’m weary. My energy is sagging, and my motivation is lagging. Father, I am so in need of you. Like Eve I need your strength and your fresh touch to get back up after mayor setbacks. Please God keep me on track again. Your Word says the joy of the Lord is my strength. If that’s true, then I need your joy to replace all the tired parts of my mind, body, and soul. In Jesus’ Name Amen.

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Don’t Miss The Miracle 

silhouette image of person praying

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. 

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Born With A Purpose

grayscale photography of baby holding finger

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. 

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Your Prince Of Peace 

woman closing her eyes against sun light standing near purple petaled flower plant

Based upon the Word of God, the birth of Christ gave us our Prince of Peace. No matter what may be going on around you today, you can still live in peace. Scripture encourages us not to let our hearts be troubled. In other words, don’t meditate on all the negative things in this world to the point that it steals your peace.  

The enemy’s goal is to steal your peace. He tries to set you up to get you upset. But, when you choose to receive God’s peace, then no weapon formed against you shall prosper! 

Today and during this holiday season, if you have fear, worry or anxiety about anything, recognise that those feelings aren’t from God, because He has promised to give you a spirit of Peace, power, love and a sound mind. There is tremendous power in peace. When you are at peace internally, you can think more clearly. You can hear the voice of God more easily. You’ll make better decisions. Even your physical body responds to peace. 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27, NIV) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, thank You for Your gift of peace in my life. Father, I choose to receive Your Son as my Prince of Peace. I carry Your peace in my heart and hold it close to me always. God, I receive Your Word as truth and life to my soul, in Christ’s name! Amen. 

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Compromise Does Not Pay ?

young annoyed female freelancer using laptop at home

Abraham became a father, as God promised, but the pause between God’s promise and its fulfilment, spanned decades, causing Abraham to question the accuracy of God’s prediction. Like us, Abraham sought to reshape God’s promise into an idol he could touch, see, and understand. “Compromise was his answer,” he said. “I will sleep with the maidservant for this is what God meant no matter what His word says.” 

Abraham forgot this simple formula, God’s plan + God’s timing + Godly trust = Godly fruit. When this equation is broken, that’s when we stumble and fall.  If we do stumble, fall or fail like Abraham, it doesn’t mean it’s all over. Get up and get back to the formula, remembering always that God keeps His promises. The question that must be answered is: “Can I trust God enough to see me through to the other side even when I can’t see the edge or the end?”, and that is the question that haunts us even today as we face life’s challenges.

Today, we fear falling, failure and defeat in all their finality. We reach for the dream and recoil when our fingers find nothing but emptiness. We wonder if there is hope for us, covered in a desert mess. The problem with Christians is, too many of us are afraid of failure. God rarely makes our fear disappear – instead, He asks us to be strong and take courage. Claim the plans God has planted in your heart. Hold God’s hand and give birth to your dream. You won’t find the edge if you don’t lean and reach for it. So lean on Him and look across the wasteland, your promise is still there. 

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” – Matthew 14:27 (NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, have mercy on me. Many times, I have stumbled and fallen. From time to time, I am stuck in life’s wilderness, afraid and discouraged and ready to compromise.  Today I ask You to help me not make my fear despair. God, I thank You for not making my failure the final act in my life. Father, I embrace Your abundant life and I answer the hard question, “can I trust you when things get tuff ?” and I will answer “yes I can and I will” in Jesus’s name. Amen.

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Your Abba Father

man carrying baby drawing their foreheads

God rejoices as your Abba Father. You are His child on the authority of His Word. He ordained you and brought you forth. “You brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother’s breast.” And “From birth I have relied on you…I will ever praise you.” 

The Father wants to cleanse your deep wounds that you received from words and actions in your family. Receive the ministry of Jehovah-Rapha, the healing covenant name of your eternal God, as He works in the core of your being. Receive His healing, blessing, and deep release. The Spirit of your Father lives in you to heal and make you whole. 

The Father of all mercy is ready to bring new life. Receive His cleansing from all hurtful memories, feelings, and emotions. Jesus died to set you free. Release all pain to Him. God promised in His word that He would wash you and make you whiter than snow. 

Today, be blessed as God fills the hole in your heart, those empty spaces, that bottomless pit that craves nearness, affirmation, connection, and significance – and yet fears it is unable to receive it, and runs away from it. Be at peace and receive healing from wounds caused by lack. Receive cleansing from attachment wounds, as Father-God binds you to Himself with cords that cannot be broken. God fed His Son with His words of approval that nourished Him emotionally. Be blessed to rest secure and safe in His love. 

“A voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased‘” (Mark 1:11). 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for my life, please heal my heart and fill me with joy. You know I lost my joy because of the things that happened, but I have forgiven those that hurt me. Now, Father, I need You to restore my heart. God, restore unto me the joy of my salvation, and uphold me with Your generous Spirit. Please put the bounce back in my step, and the smile back on my face. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

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A Christian Queen

royal guard standing near lamp post

As the world mourns the death and celebrates the life of Queen Elizabeth II, It’s often forgotten that she has the title of Supreme Governor of the Church of England. This title reflects her genuine Christian faith, which she often spoke about, and how Jesus was her inspiration who kept her going in good times and bad.  

As hard as it was at times, listening to all the colonialist rhetoric, here are some inspirational quotes testifying of her love and acceptance of Christ and His word.  

“For me, as a Christian, one of the most important teachings is contained in the parable of the Good Samaritan, when Jesus answers the question, ‘Who is my neighbour?’ It is a timeless story of a victim of a mugging who was ignored by his own countrymen but helped by a foreigner – and a despised foreigner at that. The implication drawn by Jesus is clear. Everyone is our neighbour, no matter what race, creed or colour. The need to look after a fellow human being is far more important than any cultural or religious differences.” (Christmas message, 2004) 

“I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God. Like others of you who draw inspiration from your own faith, I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.” (Christmas message, 2002) 

“For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.” (Christmas message, 2014) 

Today, this quote from Queen Elizabeth II holds so much meaning as a she says, “It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’… Despite being displaced and persecuted throughout his short life, Christ’s unchanging message was not one of revenge or violence but simply that we should love one another.” (Christmas message, 2015) 

Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh thank you for life and all its ups and downs. Father, please comfort those that mourn today, including the royal family. We pray for strength and comfort as they go through the burial of their mother, grandmother, and auntie. In your Word you say, “…I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— for Kings and all those in authority— so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,…” In Christ’s Name, Amen.

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On Purpose

Did you know your conception and birth didn’t surprise God? Before you were born God knew you and was thinking about you. He knew everything about you before you were in your mother’s womb. He created you on purpose, for a purpose. He planned who you would be, the colour of your hair, and the colour of your eyes and skin. He gave you gifts, talents, and abilities to be used for His glory. He took one look at you and said, “approved.”

No matter whose approval you didn’t get on this earth, know that Almighty God loves you and approves of you. There’s nothing you can do now or ever to change that. You may be thinking, “I’ve made so many mistakes, how can God approve of me?” Understand that when God sees you, He separates you from your behaviour. He may not approve of your actions, but He desires to help you grow and make better choices.

Today, receive His love and acceptance. Allow Him to work in your life. Allow His love to empower and strengthen you because you are approved and equipped from your birth to live in victory all the days of your life!

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you…” (Jeremiah 1:5, AMPC)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for approving me and empowering me with Your love. Father, I open my heart and mind to You, please have Your way in my life. God, thank You for creating me on purpose, for a purpose, and accepting me with all my sinful traits. Remove anything that would hold me back from all You have in store, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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God Restores

In the book of Ruth in the bible, Ruth’s mother-in-law was bitter and empty after the loss of her two sons. However, isn’t it strange? Ruth was pregnant and gave birth, but the women proclaimed that Naomi had a son. 

This is the point of the story: not only did Ruth fill Naomi’s emptiness with enough food according to the bible, but she also provided a son to replace the ones Naomi lost. Even though Ruth gave birth, the women praised God and responded with excitement toward Naomi. They credit God for bringing food back to Bethlehem and providing a son.

Today, after looking at this biblical story we see that Ruth and Boaz had a hand in restoring Naomi’s well-being after she lost her sons. But God’s people were clear that there is no provision and no children without the Lord’s blessing. God restores loss, He blesses the fruit of our labour and the fruit of the womb. For out of the birth of ruth’s son, Jesus, a descendant of this family, was born in Bethlehem. Through the story of Ruth, we can see that Christ’s birth is part of a family history that depends on God’s abundant blessings and restoration. From this, we learn that it is normal for our God to fill the empty and redeem the lost.

The women living there said: “Naomi has a son!” — Ruth 4:17

Let’s Pray

Yahweh thank you for filling my emptiness and restoring my loss. Father, I shout “Praise be to the Lord”! For your provision, I am so grateful to know that my Redeemer cares. Lord, please live in my heart today and always. In Christ’s name Amen.

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Ridiculous Laughter

Holy Laughter

Has God ever surprised you with the ridiculous? Has He promised you something that seems impossible? Have you ever thought that God is taking too long because there is no time left? You’re not alone Sarah was ninety years old when she became the mother of Isaac. When the Lord visited Abra­ham a year earlier and told him they would have a son she laughed. Sarah thought it was impossible—and perhaps even ridiculous. Shortly after that, she held her newborn son in her arms, understanding that, God had the last laugh. Now she laughed with Him not because the situation was surprising, funny or ridiculous, but because it was so wondrous. She even named her son child Isaac, which means “laughter.”

Today, are you waiting on God for the ridiculous? Is He taking too long? Abraham and Sarah’s long years of disappointment at not having a child and waiting on God to keep His promise ended in the joy of welcoming their beautiful baby boy. God had indeed brought laughter and hope, the beginning of the fulfilment of His promise to make them parents of a great nation. His faithfulness to them is one example of how God is faithful to us. God wants to birth laughter and joy in you right now to end sin, suffering and death.

Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” — Genesis 21:6

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for your promises. Father, please give me patients as I await answers and hold on to the ridiculous and the miraculous. Just like Sarah and Abraham, keep me laughing until my breakthrough comes. Today I celebrate the birth of joy and no more sin, suffering, Sorrow and death in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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In Him We All Have Hope

The life of Dr. Martin Luther King was all about hope—and not just hope for a better day or an end to suffering, but also hope that our human existence has meaning and possibility beyond our present situation. This hope is in God, who makes things new and with whom “all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). 

In the Old Testament, God’s people wanted a mighty Messiah to come and change their oppressive circumstances. They were deeply disappointed when that didn’t happen. But that was a short-sighted view of hope. Our hope cannot be in circumstances, no matter how badly we want them to change. God’s people experience oppressive circumstances in the same ways that others do. They get sick, they are victims of violence, and they get killed in accidents, in war, and, in some parts of the world, by hunger. 

Today, if our hope is only in a change of circumstances, we will always be disappointed. That is why we hope in God, who has continually, across the span of human history, revealed himself as a God of newness, redemption, and transformation. He is a God of possibilities who sees far beyond what we can think or even imagine. How amazing God sent a Savior not just for the people of Israel but also for the Gentiles. He came to save the world—and that includes you and me. Hallelujah! 

The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope. — Romans 15:12 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh Root of Jesse, during this new season of 2022, please draw us to you, give birth to new hope in me. God, show me how you can make all things new including my life. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen. 

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The Lamb

As a boy I remember my mother reading bible stories to us, one that made an impression on me was the story of Abraham and Isaac. Abraham was pictured raising a knife over the altar to kill his son, and Isaac’s words have stuck with me “Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Our focus this Christmas is on Isaac’s question. 

Even though God graciously provided a ram in place of Isaac, it was not “The Lamb.” Hundreds of lambs were sacrificed on the night of the Passover to deliver God’s people. Thousands more were sacrificed in the temple in obedience to God’s commands for offerings. Yet Isaac’s question remained: “Where is the Lamb?” Isaiah prophesied that the people’s true salvation and deliverance would come through a Lamb who would pour out His blood and bear the sins of many. 700 years after Isaiah prophesied, an angel proclaimed that Mary would have a Son and He will save the mankind from their sins. The Lamb had finally come.  

Today, we are in the Advent season, Christmas Day is coming. We know our Saviour was not born on that day, but let us joyfully celebrate on the 25th and every day the birth of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, the Lamb, who died and rose again to take away our sins and give us new life forever! Hallelujah! 

“The fire and wood are here,” said Isaac, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” — Genesis 22:7 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, we sing this Advent with the angels of 2000 years ago, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive us and deliver us, honour and glory and praise!” God, we eagerly look for that day when Christ will return and there shall be no more pain, no more suffering, no more death, and praise God no more satan or sin, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Don’t Speak Negativity Into Your Future

You Have the Victory, So Why Are You Walking Around Defeated?

Do you know that your negative or positive future can be determined by how you see the present? In the Old Testament, there was an Israelite woman who was about to give birth. She had just heard that the Ark of the Covenant which housed God’s presence had been stolen. She was so upset about it that she named her baby boy Ichabod, which means “the glory has departed.”  

Notice what this woman did; she named her future by what was happening in her present. She could have just as easily named him “the glory will return,” but she was so focused on the negative, so caught up in where she was at that moment, that she defined her future by it. Don’t ever name your future by your present-day circumstances. You may have had some hard times in the past, but get that “Ichabod” spirit off of you.  

Today, it may look like you’re stuck in a rut, and you don’t really see how you could ever rise any higher, but don’t speak defeat over your life. Instead, name your future: blessed, prosperous, successful, victorious, healthy, whole, strong, talented, creative, wise. Declare what God’s Word says, so that you can move forward in the destiny He has prepared for you! 

“You will also declare a thing, and it will be established…” (Job 22:28, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the blessed future that You have prepared for me. Father, today I choose to come into agreement with Your Word, and speak Your blessing over my life. God, keep me close to You and show me Your ways, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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HONG KONG: 200,000 live in cages

HONG KONG: 200,000 live in cages

A 2016 government census has revealed that more than 200,000 Hongkongers live in subdivided flats “ and 50,000 of them are student-aged

Sleeping on the street is bad enough, but Hong Kong’s notorious cage homes and cubicles are even worse.

With an average four-year wait for public housing and ever-increasing rents in the private sector, tens of thousands of young people, aged 18 or younger, in Hong Kong live in subdivided units, cubicle homes, or cage homes. This number could be as high as 50,000.

“Since 2014, the Census and Statistics Department has put together an annual report on the city’s subdivided households. The department defines these units as splitting flats for rental purposes. The 2016 report revealed that 209,700 people lived in 92,700 rooms subdivided from 27,100 flats.”

Cage homes ‘worse than living on street’

38 degrees is the temperature recorded in some cage homes because of poor ventilation, overcrowding, and lack of air conditioning.

Life inside 55 sq ft cage homes cost between HK$1,800 and HK$2,400 per month. These homes are on average, two meters long and one meter wide, said Sze Lai-shan, a social worker with the Society for Community Organisation (SoCo). Cubicles can be a little bigger and are 30 to 50 square feet and cost between HK$1,800 and HK$3,500.

“Subdivided flats, typically with a shared toilet, can be 80 to 120 square feet and costs between HK$3,000 to HK$6,500 a month to rent,” she said.

A space apartment

A space apartment (Chinese, also called cage home, coffin cubicle, or coffin home, is a type of residence that is only large enough for one bunk bed surrounded by a metal cage.

According to the Bedspace Apartment Ordinance, the term “bedspace apartment” refers to a house that contains 12 or more people who rent bedspaces individually. It is legal to run these bedspace apartments, but landlords must first apply for a special license.

Bedspace apartments started to appear more commonly during the 1950s and 1960s. During the Chinese Civil War, a large number of Chinese mainlanders migrated to Hong Kong, and this, along with a surge in birth rates due to the prospering economy, caused the population to dramatically increase from 2,015,300 in 1951 to 3,129,648 in 1961. In an attempt to cope with the housing demand, the Hong Kong Government started to build several public housing estates. However, the government could not handle the extra burden brought by the Chinese migrant workers, and there were no housing or labour protection policies in place at that time. Cage homes thus became popular among migrant workers, as the rental fee was low.

Talking points: How can we eliminate the problem of cage homes and subdivided flats in Hong Kong?

According to the 2016 Census and Statistics Department report, 55.3 percent of those in sub-divided units lived in Kowloon, in areas such as Yau Tsim Wong, Sham Shui Po, Yuen Long, and Kwun Tong. Further, 22.9 percent lived in the New Territories, and 21.8 percent lived on Hong Kong Island.

 

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