Faithful Writing

Psalm 30:5 Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.   In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often face countless challenges that weigh heavily upon our hearts. It may be a personal struggle, a difficult professional situation, or a global crisis piling on the strain. These challenges can be so overwhelming that they obscure the brightness of joy and pleasure in our lives.   Our faith, however, offers us a different perspective, one that is not dependent on external circumstances but anchored on the steadfastness of God's love. Today, let us delve deep into the scriptures, drawing solace from God’s word.   When we find ourselves unable to experience pleasure or joy, it is easy to fall into the trap of despair and hopelessness. In these moments, remember the Apostle Paul's words in Romans 5:3-4: " We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops str

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.   Let us address an issue often shrouded in silence, yet etched deeply into the souls of many among us. It is mental health, a subject of paramount importance, yet often relegated to the shadows in our conversations and dialogues.   Let us take this moment to embrace the words of Scripture in Psalms 34:18: " The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit ." In understanding mental health from a Christian viewpoint, we are called to recognise the deep compassion, love, and understanding that our Heavenly Father extends to those battling mental health issues.   We must first understand that mental health issues are not a sign of spiritual failure. They are not a reflection of one's lack of faith or spiritual weakness. Much like physical illnesses, they are conditions that affect the human condition, warranting our empath

Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.   Today we shall explore a profound theme that has occupied the minds and hearts of humanity since the dawn of consciousness. It is the eternal dance of good and evil, the perpetual equilibrium between light and darkness, the ceaseless struggle between virtue and vice. This dichotomy is as old as existence itself, as intrinsic to our human nature as breathing.   The Holy Scriptures, our map to navigate this complex world, provide us with explicit instructions. They acknowledge both good and evil and admonish us to choose the path of righteousness. The Psalmist writes in Psalms (34:14) Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. This powerful verse indeed encapsulates the essence of our discussion today.   Yet, let us pause for a moment to ponder: Why does evil exist if God is good? The Bible conveys to us that evil entered our world through the misuse of free will. When Adam and Eve ate from t

2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness .   In our world we are often pressured to be perfect, to do everything right, to make no mistakes. We are taught that to err is to fail, and failure is something we should fear. However, brethren, this notion is not of God, but of the world.   God knows our flaws and that our spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41). He is not asking us to be perfect, rather, He is asking us to rely on His perfect strength. Even in our weakness, God's grace is sufficient for us. We do not have to be perfect because God's power and perfection are already at work within us through the Holy Spirit.   I understand that many of us are challenged with fear and anxiety over making mistakes. This often leads us to be overly cautious and hypervigilant, constantly on high alert to avoid these perceived failures. However, Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28, " Come to me, all who labo

Joshua 24:15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served.. or the gods of the.. land where you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.   Let us discuss a topic of utmost importance. A topic that affects our daily lives, our attitudes, our relationships, and ultimately, our place in the eternal kingdom of God. We shall meditate on the consequences of our choices, both positive and negative, and the implications they have for our lives.   Proverbs 16:9 tells us, " In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps ." It is, therefore, essential to understand the gravity of every decision we make, for even in our own plans, it is the Lord's will that prevails.   Life is a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of choices. Some threads shine with radiant colours, while others seem dull and sombre. However, it is the combination of all

John 10:17-18 I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have the power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.   I feel blessed and honoured to share with you a thought that might have passed your hearts at one point or another. This thought is about feeling personally responsible for Christ's death. Let us read together from the book of Romans, Chapter 5, Verse 8: " But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us ."   The depths of this scripture unveil to us the essence of Christ's death - a sacrifice made while we were yet sinners. It is natural then to feel a sense of responsibility, a heaviness in our hearts, for it was our sin that required such a noble sacrifice. But allow me to share with you another perspective, an encouraging way to perceive this reality.   Our journey of faith is not meant to be a burden of guilt, but a journey

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.   Today, I want to bring to light a subject that dwells in the shadowy corners of many hearts - the chronic fear surrounding salvation, rapture, hell, and demons. As your fellow-servant on this spiritual journey, it is my duty to guide you through the fog of apprehension into the clear light of God's love. Fear is a spirit, one that creeps into our hearts and minds, whispering lies of condemnation, doubt, and despair. It speaks in half-truths and illusions, causing us to view our Father's divine plan through a distorted lens.   Fear of salvation, rapture, hell, or demons is not from God. It is a tool used by the enemy to steal your joy, kill your faith, and destroy your identity in Christ. It is time we confront these fears with the truth of God's Word.   God's plan of salvation is not a terrifying judgement but a gift of grace. " For by grace you ha

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.   Today, we gather as a body of Christ, united in faith and love, to reflect upon a significant aspect of our spiritual journey - living by God's standards of abstinence and modesty. As we navigate our paths through the world, we are constantly met with conflicting standards, those of the world and those set forth by our Divine Creator. The world encourages indulgence, but God calls us to a life of self-control and restraint. The world promotes ostentatious display, but God desires a modest heart.   In 1 Peter 2:11, the apostle Peter writes, " Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul ." This verse vividly reminds us that our true home is not of this world, but in the heavenly realms with our Creator. We are merely temporary residents here, called to live a life of abstinence from sinful desires that conflict with our spir

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight .   Often, we find ourselves on the precipice of a dilemma, caught between trusting our fallible human understanding and the infallible wisdom of our Heavenly Father. It is a struggle, borne out of our inherent human nature, to take the reins of control rather than yield to the divine will of God. We are prone to trusting our impressions, our judgments, and our solutions. But let me remind you today, beloved, that our understanding is finite, and can be misguided.   The Bible cautions us, " The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). It is a gentle nudge, urging us to shift our gaze from our own fallible hearts and minds to the infallible wisdom of God. For He alone can guide us through life's complex maze with unfailing precision.   But ho

John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father Today let us reflect upon a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey – our struggle with self-autonomy. It is a journey where we seek control over our destiny, our decisions, and our life's path. But as we strive for this control, often we find ourselves in conflict with the divine plan God has set for us.   Paul, in his letter to the Romans, wrote, " I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do " (Romans 7:15). These words ring true for many of us. We grapple with our desires and our actions, sometimes feeling adrift in an ocean of confusion and strife, torn between the autonomy we crave and the submission God asks of us.   However, beloved, let us not drown in this sea of confusion. Instead, let us remember the Almighty is our lifeguard. Our Father in heaven is not a tyra

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. I would like to share a message with you about a spiritual virtue that many of us often overlook or struggle to cultivate. This virtue is self-compassion. We are swift to extend love, understanding, and forgiveness to others, but for offering the same to ourselves, we often fall short.   Understand that self-compassion is not an act of vanity or selfishness. On the contrary, it is the acknowledgement of our human frailty and the acceptance of our imperfections. It is the understanding that we are bound to make mistakes, as we are not perfect beings. It is the gentle reminder that in our weaknesses, God's strength is made perfect.   The first step in cultivating self-compassion is to understand that God loves us unconditionally. In Romans 5:8, we are reminded that " God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while w

John 6:37 Everyone whom the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will never send away.   I stand before you today to share a message of hope, love, and acceptance. It is a message that is deeply embedded in our faith, yet often overshadowed by our fears. Today, we shall delve deeply into the fear of rejection by God or the faith community. We will confront the shadows of public shame, ostracization, guilt-tripping, and demonisation that may loom large for any perceived infraction.   In the eyes of God, we are all His children, born of His spirit and love. In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul reassures us, " For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord " (Romans 8:38-39).   There may be times when we stumble and f

Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them: how much more are you better than the birds?   Beloved in Christ today, I want to share a word of encouragement with you. I want to talk to you about feelings of unworthiness, feelings of being unlovable, or feelings of self-condemnation. I want you to remember one truth as we delve into this topic: you are precious and loved deeply by our Heavenly Father.   Every one of us, at different moments in our lives, have felt unworthy or unlovable. There are times when we look at ourselves through the lens of our past mistakes, regrets, or perceived inadequacies, and we start to believe the lie that we are less than who God says we are. We start to feel unloved and unworthy. We begin to see ourselves as flawed, defective, and not good enough.   However, I want to remind you today of the beautiful truth found in the Scripture. In Psalms 139:13-14, King David

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.   Beloved friends, today we journey into an area of our hearts where the enemy often lurks, seeking to entrap us – shame. This emotion, often born from the perception of being a sinner, not living up to expectations, can shroud us in a heavy cloud of self-deprecation. But let us take a moment to remember God's word and the love He has for sinners.   It is true; we have all stumbled on our spiritual journey. We have all missed the mark, and it is easy to fall into a pit of shame when we acknowledge our flaws and sins. However, our loving Father does not want us to dwell in that pit. Instead, He offers us His grace and mercy, giving us hope and strength to rise above our shortcomings.   The Apostle Paul, known as a great man of faith, spoke candidly of his struggles with sin. He wrote in Romans 7:19, " For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. " If

 1 Peter 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. I would like to reflect and engage in a heart-to-heart about two virtues that are essential to our Christian walk: respect and peace, which are not mere words, but they are profound principles that guide our conduct, shape our relationships and articulate our faith. These virtues are the foundational blocks that knit us together as a community and link us to our Lord Jesus Christ.   Respect and honour are a divine mandate, and when we embrace it, our actions become a living testimony of our faith. Respect is not a one-way street; it must be reciprocal. Respect your elders, your children, your friends, your enemies, your leaders, and those who look, think, or believe differently than you do.   Keeping the peace, another virtue we are called to uphold, is emphasized in the book of Romans 12:18, " If possible, so far as lies within you, live peaceably with all ." Peace is not merely the absence of con

Luke 6:21 Blessed are you who weep now: for you shall laugh. I bring a message that might seem difficult to absorb at first glance - a message about sorrow, tears, and pain. But let me assure you, this is not a message of despair, but one of deep faith, hope, and encouragement. It is about an aspect of our lives that is important to our spiritual growth – godly sorrow.   Our scripture today comes from Psalm 126:5-6, " Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. " This verse invites us into a deeper understanding of the spiritual significance of our tears and sorrow.   Godly sorrow is not a sorrow devoid of hope. It is not a sorrow that draws us into a pit of despair, rather it is a sorrow that leads us to true repentance, transformation, and eventually, joy. As Apostle Paul stresses in 2 Corinthians 7:10, " Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads

2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.   Beloved brethren, today we will discuss the Last Hour and how we, as humble followers of Christ, ought to prepare ourselves for it. John's first epistle, chapter 2, verse 18, reads, " Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now, many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. " This verse reveals the certainty and urgency of the last hour. It is not a far-fetched prophecy, nor is it an abstract notion. It is real, it is imminent, and it is something for which we must prepare.   In our daily lives, we prepare for many things. We prepare for work, we prepare for meals, we prepare for holidays, and we prepare for bed. But how many of us are preparing for our ultimate journey, our final calling, our last hour?   The "last hour" is not to be misconstrued as a message of fear or doom. It is, rather,

Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment Today, I feel moved to share with you a message about the essence of our faith, the heart of our Gospel, the core of what it means to be a Christian: the boundless, unconditional love we are called to demonstrate, not just to those comfortable and familiar to us, but more importantly, to the lost, the wounded, and the hurting.   Our guide today is Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God's love and mercy, who said, " For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. " (Luke 19:10). Christ's ministry was not focused on the religious elite, the rich, or the powerful, but on the lost, the forgotten, the sinners, the outcasts.   The Parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15:1-7 beautifully illustrates this divine priority. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to seek out the one that is lost. And when he finds it, he rejoices more over it tha

 Luke 8:24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. Dear Beloved, today, we will reflect on the miraculous story of Jesus walking on water, as found in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 14, verses 22-33. This story holds a powerful message for us in challenging times. It is a beacon that assures us of Jesus' power to keep us afloat, even when the tide of life becomes tumultuous.   Life often resembles the waves of the sea; there are calm times immediately followed by stormy ones. And in those stormy periods, we may feel as if we are sinking, as if the waves of despair are about to overwhelm us. But let us remember the disciples in the boat, afraid and uncertain, amid a violent storm. It was in this very storm that Jesus appeared, walking on water, transcending the very laws of nature.   It was in their moment of greatest fear, their darkest h

John 19:19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews.   As we navigate through our earthly lives, it is essential to understand the spiritual realm that Christ governs and the divine kingdom that awaits us. Jesus' government is not one of bureaucracy or human politics as we know it. It is a theocracy, a divine government led by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ Himself.   The Bible tells us in Isaiah 9:6-7, " For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end ." Imagine that, dear brethren, a government bathed in everlasting peace, a concept our earthly minds may find difficult to comprehend.   His divine government is founded on principles of love, justice, righteousness and mercy. It is a g

Today, I want to address a topic that can often be delicate, a topic that engenders a wide range of reactions from dismissal to shame, from indifference to guilt - the topic of fornication. As we delve into this, I want you to approach it with an open heart and mind, knowing that God's love for us is so immense that He is interested in every single aspect of our lives, including our sexual behaviour.   In the Holy Scriptures, more specifically in 1 Corinthians 6:18, it is written, " Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. " The Apostle Paul, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, is reminding us that sexual immorality, including fornication, carries consequences that are unique and severe.   Fornication, which in this context refers to consensual sexual intercourse between persons not married to each other, is not just a sin against God, it is also a sin against our own bod

Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. Today, I wish to share with you a devotional centred on a virtue that we sometimes overlook in our daily lives and in our marriages. This virtue is gratitude. It is easy to let life's daily hustle overshadow the blessings we receive each day, but when you pause and take a moment to look around, you'll find so much to be thankful for.   In Corinthians 13:4-7, Apostle Paul tells us that, " Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres ." Now, ponder on these words and see how gratitude is echoed in every sentiment expressed here.   A faithful marriage is a sacred union, a holy partnership that requires mutu

Genesis 17:17 Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?   Beloved in Christ, today let us appreciate the mysterious, joy-inducing ways of our Sovereign Lord. As we open the pages of God's Word, let us journey back to the book of Genesis, specifically to chapters 17 and 18, the first mentions of laughter, where we encounter an extraordinary revelation of divine humour. Let us embrace the narrative of Abraham and Sarah, two venerable ancient figures, and their encounter with a laughter that sprang from the wells of joy itself.   As we immerse ourselves in their story, let us remember that Abraham and Sarah lived in a time far removed from ours. Their daily struggles were different, yet they shared the same human emotions we experience today. Trials marked their lives, by moments of despair and longing. They carried in their hearts an unfulfille

1 Corinthians 7:8-9 Therefore, I say to the unmarried and the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am . But if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to burn.   Today, I want to talk about a topic that is rarely addressed in our society, which is the beauty and sanctity of a single life.   We live in a world that often places great value on being in a relationship or married, while overlooking the blessings of being single. So let us take some time today to explore this path, the journey of singlehood and its significance in our spiritual growth.   Singlehood is not a state of deficiency, but rather a condition that paves the way for individual growth, personal discovery and a unique opportunity to deepen our relationship with God. Being single allows us to focus our time and energy on serving God and others without distraction. It is a season of life where we can devote ourselves fully to the things of the Lord.  

Romans 1:32 knowing the judgment of God, that those who commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but have pleasure in those who do them.   It is a serious responsibility for Christians to be a light to the world and guide men on the path of righteousness. Today, we address a grave matter that has been tugging at the heartstrings of our spiritual community. It concerns the practice of affirming or celebrating sin, which is indeed a sin in itself.   God, in His infinite wisdom and love, gave us His commandments, not to restrict our freedom, but to provide a roadmap for us to live in the world, to be the light in the darkness, and to maintain the sanctity of our souls - pure, as He intended. " Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path ," says Psalm 119:105. These commandments are clear and leave no room for interpretation with sin.   Sin, as we know, is any act or thought that separates us from God. It is the intentional disregard an

The story of Noah's Ark is a well-known biblical narrative from the Book of Genesis in the Bible. While it is considered a religious text and a matter of faith for many, it is important to note that not all Christians consider it literal history. However, many people believe in the literal historic truth of the story for various reasons. Here are 20 reasons that support the story of Noah's Ark being literally true:   Biblical Authority : Many believers accept the Bible as the inspired word of God and, therefore, consider the story of Noah's Ark to be true based on faith in scripture. The story is consistent with other events and teachings in the Bible.   Divine Revelation : Some have received personal revelations or spiritual experiences affirming the literal truth of the story.   Historical Accounts : Historical records and legends from different cultures around the world include similar flood narratives, which support the Noah's Ark story.   Fossil Evi

Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince those who contradict.   In the hustle and bustle of our lives, amidst the noise, the distractions, the trials, and the fears, there is one constant that remains unshaken - The Word of God. It is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). Today, I want to encourage us all to hold fast to the Word, as it is our ultimate guide, our map, and our compass in navigating life's stormy seas.   Hebrews 4:12 tells us, " For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. " This passage is a powerful reminder that God's Word is not just a collection of stories or historical accounts; it is an ever-relevant, powerful, and living truth that refreshes our soul and guides our steps