(by pastor Norman)
“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing that God wants us to do” (2 Tim 3:16; NLT). Our Bible was written by men under the inspiration of God; it reveals God to us, His character, His ways, purposes and plans for mankind. His word can change us from our old sinful ways to be like Christ (2 Cor 3:18), to live the abundant life He has for us (John 10:10) and enable us to be His ambassadors, His ministers on the earth (2 Cor 5:20). In Hebrews 4:12, we read that God’s word is powerful and will expose our thoughts and desires for what they are and show us where change is needed for good. His word is a beacon of light guiding us in God’s ways (Ps 119:105). We must live a life based and directed by His word (Matt 4:4). His word is truth and will grow us in holiness (John 17:17). The apostle Paul exhorted the Galatians to, “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col 3:16; NKJV). As Christians God’s word must be our sure foundation (Matt 7:24-25), we must adhere to it and into practice (Luke 11:28, James 1:22). God’s word will never pass away (Matt 24:35) and will always bring the results God intends (Isa 55:11). Finally, let’s be encouraged by the apostle John, he wrote that if God’s words abide or stay and remain in us, “You will ask what you desire and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7; NKJV). Praise God for His sacred word to us.
(by pastor Jean)
Isn’t it interesting that satan tempted Jesus in the same way he does us. He tried to speak confusion to His mind (see Matthew 4:4-11). That is just the way it is with us; satan whispers his lies into our minds and then it’s up to us what we do with those thoughts. They are usually in the form of doubts, fears and questions which are contrary to faith, truth and the word. 2 Corinthians chapter 10 gives us specific instructions as to what to do with those troublesome thoughts. Firstly, we are told that this isn’t a battle we fight with our fists but this is spiritual warfare (2 Cor 10:4, Eph 6:12). The battle is in the mind. We are then told to bring, “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 19:5; NKJV). Basically, that means every time our minds wander off onto those negative thoughts we have to say, “no I won’t think on those things” and then replace them with the word of God. That is exactly what Jesus did each time the devil came to tempt Him. He said, “it is written” and then quoted appropriate scriptures. In order to do that we have to have the word in our hearts so we can speak it out, which means spending time in the word each day. We may have to do this many times a day but the word is powerful (Heb 4:12) and that is how we achieve victory!
(by pastor Norman)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16; NKJV). The word loved here is the Greek word “agapao”, the God kind of love, an unconditional love, expressed towards people regardless of their status, belief or behaviour. God sent His only Son, Jesus, to die on a cross to atone for our sins (1 John 4:10), to pay the price that we could be forgiven and receive new life in fellowship with God (Heb 9:26; 2 Cor 5:21). Such is God’s amazing love for us, in fact the Bible tells us that God is love(1 John 4:16)! What a loving Father, He calls us His very own children (1 John 3:1). “But you, Lord are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Ps 86:15; NIV). The apostle Paul assures us that absolutely nothing can separate us from God’s love (Rom 8:38-39). In the book of Lamentations, we are told that God’s mercies and compassions are new every day (Lam 3:22-23). “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever” (Ps 118:1; ESV). God tells us that His love for us is everlasting and will never leave us (Jer 31:3, Isa 54:10). Wow! What love, what promises and God has poured that love into all of our hearts (Rom 5:5) to share with others. Think it, live it, preach it, my how the world needs to see and hear of God’s eternal love.
(by pastor Jean)
When Jehoshaphat was in grave danger facing a huge army, he turned to God for help and said, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (2 Chron 20:12; NIV). Jehoshaphat was not putting his trust in his own ability or even his own army but he was trusting God completely. Needless to say, God came through for him, gave him a plan and victory. It’s the same for us, if we make it a habit to seek the lord He will come through for us too. We not only need to do this when facing opposition but when things are going smoothly too. When things are going well it’s tempting to think we can manage without God and don’t need to pray about things. Sadly, this was the case with King Uzziah (2 Chronicles chapter 26). We are told that when he first became King, he sought the Lord, “As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success” (2 Chron 26:5; NIV). We are told he became powerful and did a lot of good things and had a strong army. However, “But when he had become powerful, he also became proud, which led to his downfall” (2 Chron 26:16; NLT). Uzziah began by leaning on the Lord for help but as he became more and more successful, he felt he could manage without God’s help but this led to his demise. He decided to burn incense in the temple which only the priests were allowed to do and God struck him with leprosy for the rest of his life. Let’s always remember to pray and ask God for help, even in the little things; when facing storms and also when the water is calm. “I will lift up my eyes to the hills – from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord” (Ps 121:1,2; NKJV).
(by pastor Norman)
Do you have any blind spots in your life? Blind spots are thought patterns or actions that could inhibit your Christian walk and ministry but you are not willing to recognize and change. King David provides us with a rather extreme example. He saw Bathsheba bathing, slept with her and had her husband killed in a battle. God had to send His prophet, Nathan, to convict David who repented and went on to be used mightily by God (2 Sam 11-12). In the book of Revelation, although the people of Laodicea rejoiced in their wealth and material success, they were spiritually cold and God directed the apostle John to warn them that He was ready to spit them out of His mouth (Rev 3:14-16). In Psalm 139:23-24 David asks God to search his heart for any evil; in Psalm 19:12 he further asks the Lord, “Who can discern his lapses and errors? Clear from me hidden (and unconscious) faults” (AMP) and in v 14 (NKJV) he writes, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer.” God knows our thoughts and our words before we even speak them (Ps 139:2b,4). We are deceived if we think we have no sin but if we confess and ask forgiveness God will forgive (1 John 1:8,9). Get in the word, stay in the word and let it show you those blind spots, even if that causes some discomfort. Let the word convict you and then be a doer of the word and change. The results are liberating and bring victory (James 1:21-25).