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Bible

The Throne of Grace

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  Good morning Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16 Praise song: Bow down and Worship Meditation: The high priest traditionally held the exclusive privilege of entering the innermost chamber of the temple once annually, where he offered a sacrifice to God on behalf of both himself and the congregation to atone for their sins. Sacrifices were made by the high priest, respectively, for himself, the other priests, and the people. The animals used for the remission of sin were required to be without blemish, free from spots and defects. The priest's duty was to carry the burden, the heavy weight, and the iniquities of the people before the throne of grace. This practice was abolished when Jesus Christ came and sacrificed himself for the atonement of our sins. Through Christ, the priestly role of intercession has been abolished, granting individuals direct and unrestricted access to God's grace. Therefore, let us seize this golden opportunity with gratitude, approach the throne of grace with...

Whosoever Believeth

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Good morning Scripture reading: St. John 3:14-18 Worship song: I'm Amazed   Meditation:      Driven by a quest for truth Nicodemus approached Jesus seeking answers and clarity. Jesus, in a profound manner,   explained to Nicodemus that one must undergo a spiritual renewal to become part of God's family. Jesus illustrated this point by referring to the bronze serpent in the wilderness as recorded in Numbers 21, where the Israelites were physically dying from poisonous snake bites, and could only survive by fixing their eyes on the raised bronze serpent. Jesus used this example to expound that He must be lifted on the cross to save humanity from the deadly venom of sin.       His teachings in verses 15 and 16 emphasize three essential truths for salvation that should not be overlooked; God’s limitless love, Christ's sacrificial offering, and the promise of eternal life. Salvation is not earned through good deeds, religious status, or hu...

The Restorer of the Broken

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Good morning. Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Worship song: Make Me Whole   Meditation:      Our society is equipped with a vast number of skilled professionals and technicians who provide specialized services in various areas. For example, plumbers are called upon for issues related to piping systems, electricians diagnose and repair electrical problems, auto mechanics perform vehicle maintenance and tests, and physicians attend to our medical and diagnostic needs. Not everyone needs these services, but we are all in need of divine intervention to maintain our physical, mental, and spiritual health.       We all need a Savior who provides the only way to be made right with a holy God, to receive forgiveness, and to have a life of true purpose. Due to our inherent sinful nature and desires, we constantly breach the fundamental principles and standards set by God. We are all sinners in need of God's grace. We need God's mercy...

Wrapped in a Blanket of Fear

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Good morning Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 31:1-8 Worship song: Fear Is a Liar   Meditation:      When he was chosen to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, Joshua experienced anxiety and uncertainty, fueled by fear, which undermined his leadership abilities. More than once, Joshua was reminded of the divine order to be strong, courageous, and not be afraid, for the Lord God will be with him wherever he goes. (Joshua 1:9; Joshua 8:1; Joshua 10: 8) Our anxiety when we explore unknown territory stems from a natural fear of the unpredictable, much like Joshua's journey into the new land.       However, if we trust in the Lord and do not lean on our limited understanding, He will direct our path. Though Joshua was fearful, he obeyed the Lord's command by demonstrating strong leadership and faith leading the Israelites to victory. We can find assurance in the promises of the Lord to strengthen and uphold us with his righteous right hand...

Blessed are The Meek

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Good morning Scripture reading: Matthew 5:5 Worship song: Let The Peace Of God Reign   Meditation:      It is difficult to maintain your composure and remain calm, gentle, and peaceful among those who display hostile and arrogant behaviour. Still, we must possess the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit, which serve as evidence to prove that we are truly children of God. While Jesus sat with the multitude and his disciples, he taught them about the beatitudes and the reward of possessing such qualities. One of the beatitudes that are important in the life of a child of God is having the spirit of meekness. Meekness is an attribute of the Saviour that is desperately needed today. It is a spiritual gift obtained through the Holy Spirit. Those who possess such qualities have a humble attitude that expresses wisdom, self-control, patience, and a calmness that is not easily provoked.       Being meek does not mean you are a coward, it shows ...

Abound in Knowledge

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Good morning  Scripture reading: 2 Peter 1: 1–10 Worship song: Worthy   Meditation:      In addition to staying pure from worldly corruption and being diligent, Peter's letters outline several specific attributes of good stewardship. He advised us to add these attributes to remain fruitful and fertile. He describes a process for developing spiritual maturity. His guidelines instruct believers to adopt Christ-like characteristics intentionally, behave in a righteous and godly manner, utilize their gifts to serve others, practice cheerful hospitality, and remain humble.       We must actively use the resources God has given us to guide our actions and achieve our purpose. The more knowledge we have of God, the closer we get to Him, and the more we learn to apply the steps necessary for spiritual growth, of which the greatest attribute that we need to obtain is love. When we forsake all to follow Christ, the word of God empowers us and...

Into Their Desired Haven

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Good morning Scripture reading: Psalms 107:23-308 Worship song: We Give Thanks   Meditation:      What was intended to be a relaxing Thanksgiving retreat turned into a harrowing ordeal when James Michael Grimes mysteriously fell from the Carnival Valor into the Gulf of Mexico on the night of November 23, 2022. After gaining consciousness in the ocean, Mr. Grimes survived by treading the water for approximately 20 hours before being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Mr. Grimes testified that it must have been a supernatural power that kept him afloat while he was unconscious and also after waking up stating that he was not able to float on his own with assistance.       If you encounter difficulties and see no apparent solution, remember that God is a God of impossibilities. When you pass through waters, God assures us He will be with us; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when thou walk through the fire, you shall not be...

Tale of Survival

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Good morning Scripture reading: Acts 27 -28 Worship song: Survivor   Meditation:      On November 8, 2018, Nichole Jolly, a Surgical Nurse was on shift at the Adventist Health Feather River Hospital in Paradise when the Camp Fire broke out. Once all patients were safely out, Jolly fled the facility in her own car. Trapped in thick, choking smoke and flames, Jolly called her husband to share what she thought were her final words. Urged by her husband to get out and run to save her life, she abandoned the car and ran on foot through a perilous landscape of collapsing power lines and burning trees.       Despite surviving multiple near-death experiences and suffering from minor blisters and singed clothing, Jolly chose to return to treat other fire victims. The biblical account of Apostle Paul's shipwreck and Nurse Nichole Jolly's experience reflects an unwavering courage to protect the vulnerable in the face of peril, accompanied by miracu...