Our Security 

man wearing blue dress

During the Halloween season, I’ve been thinking more about the security of the family. During these uncertain times, the need for extra security rises. I spend time trying to figure out ways to protect my loved ones. I wonder if I am doing enough to keep them healthy and safe — and whether my plans will bear fruit for my children in the future. 

The scripture today reminds us, that true disciples of Christ recognise that attempting to create security on our own, has its limitations. The highest security comes from God through the loving care He provides to his people. As the old saying goes, “The more we give, the more we receive.” There is more of God’s reassuring security of grace in our lives when we choose to sacrifice for others as Christ indeed sacrificed for us. We are reminded that, based on our generosity to those in need, Christ promises to help us by pouring out a good blessing on us. When we fulfil this call, God will generously provide us with the spiritual abundance and the divine safety net we seek. 

Today, don’t forget this biblical truth from the life of Christ. He lived his life journeying from one community to another, caring for the sick, feeding the poor, and comforting lost souls. So, it should be with our lives. As disciples we should be inspired to serve others by the depth of God’s care and love for us. This is how we secure ourselves and our families. 

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  Luke 6:38 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I am grateful for your outpouring of reassuring grace during those times when I feel most vulnerable and unsafe. Father, as your disciple, give me the grace and knowledge to fulfil the role of freely providing your people with the support they need in times of uncertainty and vulnerability. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 

A Greater Level? ?

laughing black male colleagues clasping hands in excitement together

God has performed many amazing miracles throughout history, and it’s important that we give Him praise and glory. Oftentimes, we set our focus on what God has done in the past — how He parted the Red Sea, stopped the sun for Joshua, or fed thousands of people with just a little boy’s small lunch. This is all amazing, but we must also look forward to what God wants to do in our lives today. 

In today’s verse, Paul says that “in the ages to come” God would do things that far supersede anything He’s ever done before. I believe that the “ages to come” that he’s talking about is this day and time we’re living in right now. God wants to outdo Himself in our generation! Hallelujah! 

Today, remember God is a God of increase. Where you are today is not where you are supposed to stay. He has greater levels of His favour and blessing for you. Dream big! Keep a God-sized vision in front of you always! Take hold of every blessing that the Lord has in store for you! 

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4–7, NKJ) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank you for the blessing of the past. Father, I receive by faith todays and tomorrow’s favour, I open my heart and mind to You so that I can see the greatness of what You want to do in my life. God, use me for Your glory God. Thank You for Your limitless blessings. In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

Wisdom Wednesday

Our word for today is ‘Integrity’. Integrity is the state of being undivided, together with the quality of brutal honesty. The first step to cultivating integrity is to recognize that we are not always honest. This can be difficult, it can throw up some aspects of ourselves we never knew existed.

It requires sitting with some uncomfortable truths about who we are. A failure to acknowledge dishonesty can negatively impact our lives and those around us. Once we see these aspects of ourselves, God has given us the unique ability to choose what happens next, this is the second step.

We can choose to confess those areas we were out of integrity, seek forgiveness from God and others, and then do what is necessary to get back on track to living in integrity. We do this all through the power of Christ who strengthens us. Integrity is the unwavering determination in the heart to do right no matter what. Today let’s choose to live in integrity. – Pastor Sophia Peart

Wisdom Wednesdays

Before ascending to heaven Jesus shared parables with details about his Second Return and the final decisions and actions He’ll take to resolve the problem of evil.


One of the questions He will ask those who claim to know and love Him is – What did you do when you saw me in everyday life?


It’s a sobering thought for those who think they have this whole Christian life figured out.
You see, our life in Christ is more than weekly church attendance. There is more – He wants us to be moved with compassion to help Him when we see him. But where on earth do we see Jesus?


Jesus can be found with the least in society. He is the man who is hungry, thirsty or homeless. He is the woman who is naked, sick or imprisoned.

This is where Jesus is seen. Our response when we see Him is a key indicator of whether we truly love him or not. So the question is, when Jesus is seen are we drawn with compassion to help him?

– Pastor Sophia Peart 

Joyful Swagger?

woman in collared shirt

This morning on the breakfast show we had a joyous time. Did you know that it is God’s will for you to be joyful always? He wants you to be happy and carefree. He wants you to love your life no matter what your situation looks like. When you have joy amid difficult circumstances, it is evidence that you have faith and trust that God will bring you through.
 
I submit to you today, joy is strength. When you have God’s supernatural joy, you can stand strong no matter what’s going on around you. You may say, “I’m not a real jovial person. I’m mostly serious. I never laugh much.” And of course, God made us all differently, but you can train yourself to laugh and smile more. One article said that the average child laughs over 200 times a day, but the average adult only laughs 4 times a day. What’s happened? We’ve allowed the pressures of life, stress and more responsibilities, little by little, to steal our joy.
 
Today, make your mind up to get your joy back, get your smile back and get your Holy Swagger back. Decide that you are going to look beyond your problems and look at what God will do on your behalf. Ask Him every day to fill you with His supernatural peace and joy so that you can live in His strength, victory and abundance all the days of your life! 

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, NIV)

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I humbly receive Your Word, today. Lord, give me Jesus’ joy in this very moment. I choose to open my heart to You and invite You to fill me with Your Spirit, joy and strength. I rebuke the spirit of sadness and misery, in Jesus’ name. Thank You for showing me Your goodness and empowering me with Your grace. I bless You today and always, in Christ’s name. Amen.

**Wisdom Wednesdays**

**Wisdom Wednesdays**

We are all experiencing the pinch of the rising cost of living. Fuel is at a record high, food has gone up, and energy bills are arriving that are no longer affordable.

What can we do? Many are worried about how we will make ends meet each month.

The truth is as believers in Jesus Christ we have a promise that reminds us of God’s ability to provide for us during these very difficult times. ‘The LORD is my shepherd,…’

This metaphor describes the Lord like a Shepherd who is tending his dependent flock. He is a protector who leads us to green pastures, protects us from predators and makes sure that no one is lost or goes astray. ‘…I shall not want’ The word “want” means “lack.” This means with God we won’t lack anything we need.

We can have complete confidence in Him to provide for all our needs. So why not trust, Our Shepherd who will protect us as we navigate through these tough times. – Pastor Sophia Peart

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.

Don’t Worry Be Happy…? ?

photo of woman sitting on stairs

Have you heard the popular song, “Don’t worry, be happy” or the phrase “don’t worry it’s really not that bad – everything will get better.” Are these words of encouragement or could this be denial of the pain and reality, the stifling down of emotions? 

Thinking about these responses got me wandering. John had just experienced the earth-shattering, heaven-opening baptism of Jesus. He was blessed with the task of heralding the coming Kingdom – yet was thrown into prison. Jesus’ ministry and the fulfilment of all John the Baptist’ dreams of the coming Messiah had occurred. But we go on to read that immediately after hearing His Father’s affirmation, Jesus is sent by the very same Spirit into the wilderness of temptation and suffering. 

Jesus and John were faithful and knew the writings of the bible. In prison and in the wilderness, two places of real suffering,  both men recalled the words “Do not fear; I will help you”. God did not rescue Jesus from the temptations of the Evil One. He gave Him the power to resist. God did not open Herod’s prison doors so John could escape and continue ministry. Instead, the Tetrarch Herod ordered John’s head to be presented on a platter for the cruel enjoyment of his guests. 

Just as John and Jesus, it is in all places; the Jordan River, at home, in the wilderness, on our jobs or in the prisons, that we hear the words “Do not fear; I will help you.” As the Apostle Paul described it, it is in every circumstance and in everything, we are to “make our request known to God.” He goes on to say, “God’s peace shall be yours”, that tranquil state of mind through Christ Jesus. Our real God comes in the midst of real pain. 

“…at once the Spirit sent Him (Jesus) out into the wilderness…” Mark 1:12 

“(Herod) locked John up in prison.”  Luke 3:20 

“I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you.”  Isaiah 41:13 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You that even when all others leave and abandon me, You remain.  

Thank You that even when the ones I thought would be around forever choose to go, I can trust that you will stand with me. Father, I come to You with my cares and my worries concerning this trial I am facing.  Would You remind me that I am not alone? Would You tell me that you care about this and its outcome? Father, I thank You for standing with me, and I receive your strength to stand another day. Thank you that I can trust you to rescue me from this and every trial I will face in this life. In Christ’s name Amen. 

Your Faith Will Meet Your Needs

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

Many people think that when they have a need, God will just automatically meet it. Though Christ definitely could, He is intentional with stating “According to your faith” it will be done, not “according to your demand” it will be done. This small distinction makes a big difference in how we interact with and understand God. Faith is the key.

Remember, if we want God to move in our lives, we have to approach every day filled with faith and hope. How do we get this faith and hope? The Scripture tells us in Romans that “faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” This means, that the more we indulge in listening to and reading God’s word, the more our faith will grow. Consequently, the greater your faith, the more you will be able to maintain hope in your trials and acknowledge God’s hand in your life.

Today, know that God longs to bless you. He has given you everything you need to be successful in life. God longs to meet our needs, so rest assured that even if they are not met just yet, or in the manner you’d desire, His timing and methods are perfect and tailor-made to meet our truest needs. Believe in His goodness today and take a step of faith toward the life of blessing He has prepared for you.

“According to your faith be it done to you.” (Matthew 9:29, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my life today. I open my heart to You and trust that You have a good plan for me. Lord, I receive the twin gifts of faith and hope. God, give me a heart filled with expectancy and trust, that today You will meet all my needs and grant me peace, in Christ’s name! Amen.

Passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

close up of gate of buckingham palace

Good morning Everyone, We have all heard the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

She served this country for 70 years and demonstrated her faith in Jesus through these years. I personally thank God for the dignity, grace and humility in which she served.

At this time, I would like to share my condolences to everyone for I recognise we are all impacted by the passing of the Queen. I would also like to encourage us all to be kind and compassionate to each other as we acknowledge and process this loss, as we reflect on the end of an era and the beginning of an unknown era.

Let us be reminded of our call to be the light and salt of the earth when there is so much uncertainty. Let us be living representatives of God’s love for all mankind.

Let’s hold on to the faith and hope that we have in Christ Jesus that He is coming again, sharing this love and hope with others so that they too will know – we serve a living Saviour.

God bless you Church of the Living God. Pastor Sophia Peart

True Freedom  

We aren’t bound to news feeds, opinions, and news reports. Statistics don’t have the final say in our lives. Christ does. He reigns over all because He defeated death on our account. Seated at the right hand of the Father, the name above every other name, Jesus Christ determined our freedom. 

We will never forget the last few years, but it isn’t the first time a generation has looked their freedom in eye and wondered what would become of it. God reigns over all that threatens to steal our peace, hope, and freedom. Christ, promised never to leave us. And though our world feels out of control, God holds the reigns. We may not understand what’s happening or know who or what to believe on this earth. But we can unwaveringly trust God. He is unchanging, rock-solid, dependable, and aware of what is happening on earth. 

Today don’t forget where our true freedom comes from. Not a country. Not leaders, nor policies. It isn’t dependent on a clean bill of health or an accumulation of wealth, nor does it fluctuate with crypto coins. Freedom was established on the cross, through Jesus’ death and resurrection. He sits at the right hand of the Father. Our hope is not in this willy-nilly world full of false hope of money and pretences built on shaky ground. No, our freedom is in Christ. Saviour of the world. He has already won the battle. And when we live each day in pursuit of Jesus, we get to experience pure freedom and hope. 

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1 NIV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for setting me free. Father Freedom is something I won’t let the world define, and I won’t fall victim to its false pretences. It is in Christ I find true freedom, defined by His grace. God as I struggle through a year that has brought many daily routines, lives, and jobs to a halt, I pray for Your encouragement and wisdom. Lord help me to hear Your truth above all the noise and news. Give me the ability to know what is true, and what to do. Guide my next steps and fill my heart with grace and compassion towards others. In Your powerful Name, I pray, Amen.

Don’t Let It Expire 

One day I received a gift card that I stored in a special place for so long that I forgot I had it. Most gift cards have an expiration date, and if you don’t use them, you will surely lose them! The same is true with the Word of God. No, the Word doesn’t ever expire, but we must act and use His Word to receive His promises. Just like you exchange your gift card for the things you need at the store, His Word gives you the power to receive every promise He has for you. 

When you declare His Word and keep your heart and mind open to Him, you are using the gift. You are opening the door for Him to move in your life. For example, if you’re facing lack in any area, receive the gift of provision by declaring, my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). If there’s a mountain in your way, receive the gift of victory that says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). 

Today and every day, use the gift He’s given you. Make His Word a priority and don’t let it depart from your mouth or your blessings expire. As you do, He’ll make your way prosperous, and you’ll enjoy the abundant life He has for you!  

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which is truth to set me free. Father, I determine in my heart to use my gifts before the expiration date and set Your Word into motion in my life. God, keep me close to You so that I can please You in everything I do, in Christ’s name! Amen. 

Wisdom Wednesday: Be honest…

How Can You Trust Christianity Is True When There Are So Many Unanswered Questions?

When you work, do you always give 100%? Or do you just want to get it and get out? In this text, we are reminded of the temptation to work just as hard as we have to, thinking we only have to please a man. However, a Christian who is a dishonest, lazy, or unreliable worker doesn’t just have to deal with a reprimand from his earthly supervisor. His heavenly supervisor may prepare a reprimand as well.

As Christian employees, we have the highest of all motives for faithful and conscientious performance of our work. Why? Above all else, we are servants of Christ and work first and foremost to please him.

Ultimately, God wants every worker to see that they work for Him. A change of motive. Therefore, they should do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. For that God promises to reward those who work with that kind of heart.

– Pastor Sophia Peart

Faith Through Adversity 

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

It doesn’t seem fair, does it? Paul spent his life serving Christ, and yet he experienced continual suffering. Why would God let one of His most faithful servants go through so much pain? This isn’t just a question about Paul; it’s an issue we face today. In our minds, the Lord should protect His loyal followers from hardships, but He doesn’t necessarily do so. 

Maybe our reasoning is backwards. We think faithful Christians don’t deserve to suffer, but from God’s perspective, suffering is what produces faithful Christians. If we all had lives of ease without opposition, trials, or pain, we’d never really know God, because we’d believe that we would never really need Him. 

Depending on your response, trials can be God’s greatest means of building faith or an avenue to discouragement and self-pity. If you’ll believe what Scripture says and apply its principles to your situation, your trust in God will grow, and your faith will be strengthened. 

Today Like it or loathe it, adversity teaches us more about the Lord than simply reading the Bible ever will. I’m not saying we don’t need to know Scripture; that’s our foundation. But if what we believe is never tested by adversity, it remains head knowledge. How will we ever know the Lord can be trusted if we’ve never been through hard times? God gives us opportunities to apply scriptural truths to our difficulties, and in the process, we find Him faithful. For example, how would Paul ever have known the strength of Christ if he had never been weakened by pain and persecution? 

“I leave you peace; my peace I give you.” I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

Let’s Pray 

Jehovah my faithful Father, thank you for your great promises. Father, I am thrilled at the reminder of your faithful presence in my life which helps me during difficult times. God, I fully believe that I can entrust my future to you and that you will bring me into your presence with victory and great joy. Thank you, Lord, for giving me this sure and steadfast faith. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen. 

Unsinkable Faith 

Why Retirement Is The Perfect Time To Build On Your Faith

Think about it. Is your faith unsinkable? Much has been made about the sinking of the Titanic. Some true and some faults. One story tells of a that the newspaper of the day and a   crewman said, “No one could sink this ship, not even God.” The liner went down on April 15, 1912, carrying 2,223 passengers. The sinking caused the death of 1,514 people. 

Another story from one of the documentaries was of a Baptist preacher who ran around the deck shouting ‘Women and children and unsaved people, get aboard the lifeboats, He even took off his life vest and gave it to a man who was not a believer in Christ. He said: ‘Here, take this. I don’t need it. I’m not going down — I’m going up!” He did not stop evangelizing to a non-believer he encountered while enduring the frigid waters of the Atlantic. 

The preacher’s last words were ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.’ A few weeks later in Hamilton, Ontario, a man said I listened to Reverend Harper’s last message on board the ship and became a believer in Jesus Christ with two miles of water beneath me.” 

Today as I remember the stories of the Titanic when she set sail that night, there were all kinds of classes and degrees of people on board: — upper class, middle class, and lower class!! — But after she had sunk, there were only two classes; — Saved and lost!! Think about it. Ask yourself Is your faith unsinkable? When your boat of life sinks, and God calls you, are you going up or down?  

“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith, he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” Hebrews 11:7 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I confess I don’t often long for heaven. Father, I’m a creature of this world and at times I crave worldly things. God grow my desire for heaven. Help me not be satisfied with the things of this world and grant me strong faith and closeness with you and the perfection of eternity. Lord, thank you for the hope of heaven and the joy we will have when we get there! In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

**Wisdom Wednesday’s** In order to grow you have to let go.

Spiritual growth requires change, and the only thing that is holding you back is your resistance.

Even though you try really hard to hang on to places of comfort and stability, it is not possible to keep things the same and grow. You must be willing to release the past and make peace with your current reality. Circumstances of life test your ability to adapt and thrive.

Let go and go.

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Marsha BURNS, Small Straws

 

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