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Showing posts from April, 2025

Bible

The Bread That Sustains

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Good morning Scripture reading: St. John 6:35-40 Worship song: Bread of Heaven   Meditation:      The bread that Jesus offers us cannot be purchased with money, nor is it found in a bakery. No earthly ingredients combined together can make this bread. This bread symbolizes Jesus Christ himself. Speaking to the multitude and his disciples, Jesus boldly identifies himself as the bread of life. He said, I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.       Jesus is the bread of life that sustains and nourishes us spiritually. Jesus promised that those who come to him, their spiritual hunger will be satisfied, and their thirsty soul will be quenched. Incline your ear and come unto me, says the Lord; hear, and your soul shall live, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you and show you mercy. Le...

Blessed Shall You Be

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Good morning Scripture reading: St. Luke 11:27-28 Worship song: I Thirst for You   Meditation:      Jesus's profound promise is that those who hear the word of God and keep it will be undeniably blessed. The word comes to us primarily through two profound forms: the divinely inspired written word and the incarnate word, Jesus Christ, whose life, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice are God's personal revelation to humanity. Those who receive Jesus Christ and accept Him as their Lord will be blessed with everlasting life, redeemed by His blood, and saved from God's wrath and judgment.       We are blessed with the word of God, which is rich in wisdom and knowledge, guiding us towards a meaningful life. The word of God empowers us to make choices that honor God and live righteously. It had the power to renew our minds, transform our thoughts, and strengthen our faith. Depart not from the word of God; plant it deep within your heart, for it is...

Bless And Curse Not

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Good morning Scripture reading: St. Luke 6:27-28 Worship song: The Jesus Way   Meditation:      Jesus emphasizes four crucial principles in his teaching: love, prayer, blessing others, and doing good. Among the most profound teachings of Jesus is the call to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless the ones who curse us, and pray for those who despitefully use us. It is essential that as children of God, we conform to God's teachings. His teachings are geared to edify us and help us establish a relationship with him that demonstrates love for one another. Jesus is reminding us that not everyone will love us, bless us, and do good unto us.       Nevertheless, despite our affliction at the hands of our enemies, we should show love, bless, pray, and do good unto them. Instead of retaliating against those who harm us, we are called to show love, compassion, and kindness to them. We must hold no grudge or resentment against those...

No Other Gods

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Good morning Scripture reading: 2 Chronicles 33:1-16 Worship Song: No Foreign Gods   Meditation:      One of the things that has characterized humans for centuries is their tendency to worship creatures and false gods rather than their creator. Although many of us are serving God, we have not parted from our idols. We fail to realize that anything that competes with our love for God has become our idol. Anything that we place above God and cherish more than God has become our idol. Serving two masters is a conflict of interest. We cannot serve two masters effectively at the same time.     We will be devoted to one more than the other, or we will love one and despise the other. No deity, real or imagined, is to rival the one true God. Through the lust of our hearts, we worship and serve the creature more than the creator. Today, we have the opportunity to reflect and do a self-examination of where our heart lies. If we are found guilty of erec...

Walking by Faith

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Good morning Scripture reading: Hebrews 11 Praise song: Come This Far by Faith   Meditation:      Faith is the firm belief in something for which there may be no tangible proof. According to biblical teachings, faith means putting your trust and having confidence in God, believing that He will fulfill His promises. In Hebrews 11, the Old Testament patriarch of faith obtained a good report by trusting the promises of God. The moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, our faith journey begins. Faith is fundamental to the Christian life, for without faith we cannot please God.       It is necessary for our spiritual journey that we develop a strong relationship with God by trusting His plans and believing in His promises. Trust the Lord with all your heart and rely not on your own understanding. In all your ways, in everything you do, acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. By actively exercising faith, you will be able ...

Spiritually Malnourish

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Good morning Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:1-3 Worship song: My worship   Meditation:      Being spiritually malnourished indicates a deficiency in the essentials our spirit needs for growth and strength. Just as our bodies require adequate nutrition, our spirit man demands sustenance from God to function adequately. When we neglect our spiritual diet, we risk becoming weak, weary, and disconnected from our faith. Spiritual malnourishment can result from inadequate intake of the divine nutrients needed to nourish our spirits. This situation has led to many becoming weaker and weaker in their faith.       Many Christians experience spiritual malnourishment because they neglect prayer, fail to spend time in the word, and do not meditate on God's teachings. A lack in any area of our spiritual life can lead to feelings of hopelessness, decreased faith, and loss of trust. To be spiritually nourished we must commit to daily meditation on the wo...

Knocking On The Door

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Good morning Scripture reading: Revelation 3:19-22 Worship song: May I Come In Meditation:      How many times have you knocked at a closed door, expecting an answer or to be welcomed inside? Knocking is not just a polite gesture; it is a respectful and courteous request for entry into someone else private space. Jesus used the gesture of knocking to alert the Laodicean church that their heart was not aligned with his will. The Laodicean church grew lukewarm, caught up in self-righteousness, and vanity effectively shut Jesus out. When Jesus stands outside the door knocking, he is extending an invitation to each of us. He calls us to actively seek him; to open our hearts and receive him so we can experience the fullness of his presence.       By inviting Jesus into our hearts, we open the channel for closer fellowship and a deeper, intimate relationship with him. It is our responsibility to open the door to our hearts and welcome Jesus. He will no...

The Essential Role

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Good morning Scripture reading: Ephesians 6:1-9 Worship song: Teach Me to Obey Meditation:      The Apostle Paul, in his sixth epistle to the Ephesians, is directed at the household and how believers should live their lives in light of salvation. His message specifically addresses the responsibility within the family structure, urging respect, obedience, and adherence to instructions. Paul highlights the essential role of instilling biblical principles, particularly encouraging fathers to guide their children with love and wisdom.       Children are encouraged to honor and respect their parents, aligning their behavior with godly authority. Children's obedience to parents and servants to their masters should be motivated by the desire to honor God and live by his precepts. Likewise, the master should treat their servant with respect, justice, fairness, and kindness, knowing they have to answer to their heavenly Master. Let your conduct be honor...

Rejection is Redirection

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Good morning Scripture reading: Genesis 50:14-22 Worship song: Cry of The Broken   Meditation:      The life of Joseph gives a testament to the sovereignty and grace of God to those who live faithfully and righteously. Joseph was hated and rejected by his brothers. He was sold to the Ismaelite slave traders, who then sold him to Potiphar. Nonetheless, the favor of the Lord was upon Joseph. God elevated him to power as part of His divine plan to save his people from famine. Joseph became Pharaoh's advisor and second in command. Jesus, our high priest, was also despised and rejected by men, yet it did not alter or cancel the significance of his ultimate mission.       The impact of human rejection can be heart-rending and deeply emotional, but it will not diminish our value in God's eyes. No matter what your circumstances may be, be reassured that all things work together for good for those who love God and who are called according to his ...

God Knows Your Competency

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 Scripture reading: Exodus 4 Worship song: Chosen Meditation: God chose Moses to lead the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, where they were enslaved. Moses, however, did not consider himself eloquent enough to carry out this responsibility. Maybe he thought that by telling God about his challenges, his weaknesses, and his speech impediment, God would choose someone else. The anger of God was kindled against Moses, and he was frustrated with all his excuses. In his wisdom, God listened to Moses' concerns and provided reassurance. God assured Moses that he need not worry about what he should say to Pharaoh, for He would fill his mouth with words and teach him what to say. God knew that Aaron, the brother of Moses, was an eloquent speaker, so He chose him to accompany Moses to Egypt as the spokesman for the people. Aaron and Moses were handpicked by God to deliver the children of Israel out of bondage. God provided all they needed for their journey to Egypt. Moses and Aaron...

Bound For Higher Ground

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Good morning Scripture reading: Genesis 12-13 Hymn: God Will Take Care of You   Meditation:      Abram's story demonstrated his unwavering faith and obedience to God despite encountering trials and challenges. Abram, whose name was later changed to Abraham, was told to leave Haran and go to Canaan, the promised land. He did not question God's plan and purpose; instead, he obeyed and left his hometown, taking with him his family and nephew. Abram's journey was never without challenges. Being sent by God does not mean you will not encounter any difficulty, but God promises He will take care of you.       In Canaan, an unexpected famine hit the land, causing Abraham to flee and sojourn in Egypt to escape the devastating impact of the widespread food shortage. Though Abraham's wealth began in Haran, by the time he left Egypt, he had become very wealthy in cattle, gold, and silver.       Success does not come without hards...

Expectation vs. Reality

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Good morning Scripture reading: Matthew 11:1-10 Worship song: Expectations   Meditation:      Expectations can be the source of both frustration and disappointment. Our expectations most times do not happen the way we anticipated them. Often, we set high expectations in our relationships, our roles as parents, our jobs, and even in our spiritual lives only to find that reality does not always match our expectations. What we anticipate will happen and what actually occurs can lead to disappointment, but it can also bring unexpected joy when reality exceeds our expectations.       Consider John the Baptist, who prophesied about the coming Messiah and about his mighty works and miracles, but when he heard that the wondrous works had begun, he still questioned whether someone else was coming. This illustrates how our expectations can sometimes cloud our perception of reality. Human expectations often clash with God's divine plan.   ...

How Genuine Is Your Love?

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Good morning Scripture reading: St. John 21:15-22 Worship song: Modern Times   Meditation:      How deeply do you love Jesus and desire to fulfill his will? Are you willing to place your love for Jesus above your job, worldly possessions, and everything else? Jesus posed a profound question to Peter not just once but three times. This interaction was pivotal, as it allowed Jesus to reaffirm Peter's love and reestablish his ministerial role as a shepherd to his people. Jesus was impressing upon Peter the significance of his new role, emphasizing the vital importance of caring for the flock of Christ.      Even though Peter denied Jesus three times, that did not alter the love of Jesus Christ for Peter, nor did Jesus love him any less. For any person to serve in the capacity of ministry effectively, they must have agape love, compassion, mercy, a caring heart towards others, and abundant love for Jesus Christ. Only then will they be able t...

Keeping Up Appearance

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Good morning Scripture reading: Matthew 23:13-28 Worship song: Heal My Heart   Meditation:      The Scribes and Pharisees were influential role models known for their strict adherence to keeping the law of Moses. They were strict in adhering to rituals and traditional practices but failed to abide by God's commandments and will. Their outward religious appearance did not coincide with their inward spiritual state. The Scribes and Pharisees were criticized by Jesus for focusing on outward appearances and religious rituals while neglecting true godliness. Jesus rebuked them for hindering others from entering the Kingdom of God and for exploiting vulnerable widows while pretending to be devoted through lengthy prayers.       Many of us today are great pretenders, presenting ourselves as righteous among our fellow brothers, but in our private space, our lifestyle contradicts our professed faith. It is easy for someone working hard to keep up...

God's Saving Grace

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Good morning Testimony Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. Psalm 66:16 Worship song: God Will Work It Out   Testimony - God's Saving Grace      What a blessing to rest in the arms of Jesus, to be safe from all harm, just to know that he has saved me and, with his mercies, forgave me. Only a look at Jesus can turn you away from sin, protect you from the raging wind, and bring you salvation and eternal life. I was just like you, a weary traveler wandering down a road rough and dusty with the disdain of my ungodliness. I was searching for what the world could not offer. I was lost, I was condemned, and I was running out of time, but the Lord broke my chains, rescued my soul from the dark domain, and gave me his peace, and now I am rejoicing.       Satan had me blinded to the things of the Lord, chasing after vanity and earthly gain, but one day, I had an encounter that changed my perspect...

Healing and Restoration

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Good morning Day of prayer - Healing Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Psalm 103:3 Worship song: Heal Me O Lord Let us pray:      Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of the Lord, believing in your power to heal and restore. Almighty God, I acknowledge that you were wounded for our iniquities, and by your stripes, we are healed. We seek you, Lord God, not only to be healed but also to establish a profound covenant relationship with you, our healer. Father, a wounded and contrite heart you will not despise, so we come to you with our broken spirits and wounded hearts. Lord, we need purification and cleansing of our hearts, bodies, minds, and souls.       We plead with you, Lord God, to remove our stony hearts and give us hearts of flesh. We are not exempt from affliction, but, Lord, we trust you to deliver us out of them all. We come to you, ...

How Far is Too Far?

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Good morning Scripture: 2 Samuels 11 Worship song: Now Behold the Lamb   Meditation:      In a desperate attempt to cover his adulterous act, King David summoned Uriah the Hittite, urging him to return home to his wife. However, Uriah displayed extraordinary loyalty by choosing to sleep outdoors with his fellow soldiers. David realized that all his initial plans failed and resorted to a more drastic scheme. David wrote a letter and gave it to Uriah to deliver to Joab. Uriah obediently handed the letter to Joab, not knowing that the message he delivered would determine his own fate. Uriah, a very noble soldier, was ultimately sent to the forefront, where he lost his life defending his country.       The story might be ancient, but this issue still remains among us because there are still those who use their power and influence to betray and abuse the weak and vulnerable. Some believe they have dominion power over the lives of others and c...

Conquering Rejection

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Good morning Scripture reading: St. Matthew 13: 53-58 Worship song: Cry of The Broken   Meditation:      The fear of rejection is a critical weapon that can paralyze our mental state. It can affect who we are and hinder us from moving forward to accomplish our God-given purpose. The fear of rejection can cause someone to avoid situations that might lead to potential rejection. Though you cannot prevent rejection, you can overcome it. Overcoming rejection depends on your beliefs, what you accept, and how you digest the views and opinions of others. Tearing down the stronghold of rejection is possible when you begin to acknowledge and accept what God's word says about your identity and who you are in Christ. When you know and accept that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God in his likeness and image, loved, appreciated, and accepted by Him, you can quell the spirit of rejection.       Whenever you feel rejected, do not take it per...

Rejection

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Good morning Scripture reading: Isaiah 53 Worship song: I go to the rock   Meditation:      Do you remember the last time you felt rejected? You can display excellent leadership skills and may possess all the traits of an individual with great character and moral ethics and still experience rejection. Rejection is something that you might encounter daily depending on others' perspective of you. We may encounter rejection in relationships, among family members and friends, at our workplaces, at school, among our peers, and at church, etc. It can be painful and harsh, and it can stay with us for a long time. Unfortunately, this is something that none of us can avoid, as no one is exempt from the spirit of rejection.       Whenever you experience rejection, remember Jesus Christ, the Savior who came to redeem us unto himself, was also rejected. Jesus Christ, our King, was chastised, despised, ridiculed, and rejected by the people whom ...

The Gall and The Ripped Veil

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Good morning. Scripture reading: Matthew 27:45-51 Worship song: If That Isn't Love Meditation:      One can only imagine the horrendous torture meted out to Jesus by the very people whom he came to serve. His parched throat and open wounds are evidence of the trauma and agony he endured. He was offered vinegar mingled with gall to numb the pain, but He refused it because He wanted to experience every single moment appointed to him by his Father. Vinegar mixed with gall is like a tranquilizer used by the Romans during execution to sedate those who are being crucified.       Just before Jesus took his last breath, he was again offered vinegar, not from a cup but a sponge, which he drank and then cried out with a loud voice; it is finished. Immediately after Jesus' crucifixion, the veil was torn from top to bottom, marking the beginning of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ and the ending of the old covenant, which was based on ritu...

Let Me Be Worthy

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Good morning Scripture reading: Matthew 22:1-14 Worship song: Worthy   Meditation:      To be considered worthy, one must have and demonstrate the qualities that merit recognition for the specific purpose to which they are called to serve. In the above Scripture, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a king preparing a wedding celebration for his child with the desire to appease the invitees and make the experience a memorable event. Normally, preparation depends on the expected number of attendees, but as illustrated in the scripture, some invitees may cancel the invitation at the last minute without prior notice.       Jesus' wedding feast comes with an open invitation, and He is always graciously making appeals for us to join in the spiritual festivity, but many are too preoccupied with the cares and concerns of this world to heed the invitation and seek God's kingdom. If we continue to ignore the plea to come to the banquet hall, t...

In Need of A Detox

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Good morning Scripture reading: Ezekiel 36:24-28 Worship song: Clean Heart   Meditation:      God designed our bodies to naturally convert toxins into non-toxic substances, with the ability to excrete waste through various organs. However, poor lifestyle choices can hinder the body of its natural detoxification mechanism, potentially leading to health deterioration and various health issues. Similarly, when the toxicity of sin and iniquity accumulates, it can lead to the hardening of the heart. The attributes of a hardened heart are but not limited to pride, stubbornness, resistance to spiritual truth, and difficulty in recognizing and repenting from sin. The accumulation of sin can lead to separation from God, a decline in spiritual growth and well-being, a marred conscience, and a lack of compassion and forgiveness.       A heart full of sin cannot experience the joy and peace of the Lord. The heart cannot naturally excrete sins; it re...

The Just for The Unjust

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 Good morning   Scripture reading: 1 Peter 3:17-19 Hymn: Rejoice and be glad   Meditation:      The hope of the believer's salvation lies in the fact that Jesus Christ once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the spirit. During the era of the Old Testament, the shedding of blood was a continual requirement for the atonement of sin, but this act of constant sacrificial offering was no longer necessary, for Jesus Christ became the permanent sacrifice for the sin of all people. Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, took on flesh to redeem us from the bondage of sin. He purchased us with his own blood. His crucifixion was not a result of crimes committed, or any laws broken by him but as an atonement for the remission of our sins.         The eternal One exchanged His eternal life for our death sentence. The infinite love of God is powerful; the ...

The Significance of His Blood

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Good morning Scripture reading: Romans 5:1-11 Worship Song: Make Me Whole   Meditation:      I remember as a child, one of my favorite Easter telecasts was The Crucifixion, though I did not fully grasp the significance of it at the time. As I grew older, with guidance and edified teachers, I understood the profound significance of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The revelation of his death, burial, and crucifixion has immensely transformed my life and deepened my appreciation for the greatness of God's goodness. Jehovah God is always trying to get our undivided attention, to free us from the bondage of sin, and to redeem us from our detainer. Jesus Christ desires to bring us to a place where we can acknowledge Him as our creator and our Savior.       In Jesus Christ, we find redemption through His blood for the forgiveness of sins, aligned with the richness of His grace. Jesus Christ took upon himself the punishment for our sins and iniq...

Where is Your Faith?

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Good morning Scripture: St. Luke 8:22-25 Worship song: Keep the faith   Meditation:      Jesus asked the disciples a very important and significant question: Where is your faith? The disciples accompanied Jesus on his mission trips, yet they had little faith. They witnessed many miracles performed by Jesus Christ. They watched Him cast out demons, turn water into wine, heal the sick, feed a multitude with five loaves and two fishes, and raise the dead. One would think their faith would be unshakeable, but as we read in the above scripture, their faith was still weak. Though they travel with Jesus Christ, they do not fully understand His mission and purpose.       On their trip, sailing along the lake, they encounter a raging storm. As the fierce wind tossed the ship to and fro, they began to panic. At that time, their focus was not on Jesus' capabilities or His power but on the immediate danger imposed by the rising water. Instead of ask...

Mission Complete

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Good morning Scripture reading: Jonah chps. 1-4 Worship song: The mission   Meditation:      God commanded Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh to preach to the Assyrians, but Jonah instead boarded a ship that was heading for Tarshish. He took it upon Himself to abort the mission that God sent him to accomplish by trying to run from the Lord's command. Jonah was reluctant to go because of the great wickedness of the Assyrians, and he felt within himself that they deserved judgment and destruction. Perhaps he thought that he could hide or escape the plan of God, or maybe he thought disobeying God's directive was no big deal. God intercepted Jonah and sent him to proclaim the word of God to the Ninevites/Assyrians. Upon hearing the warning of impending destruction, the king immediately proclaimed a solemn fast. The people of the city humbled themselves before God, dressed in sackcloth and ashes, and genuinely repented of their wickedness.     ...

Thing On These Things

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Good morning Scripture reading: Philippians 4: 4-8 Worship song: Refiner's Fire   Meditation:      My thoughts were interrupted suddenly by these words: 'Whatsoever things are pure and lovely, think about these things.' The greatest battle a child of God might ever fight is within the mind. Our real enemy is not flesh and blood but the unseen spiritual forces of darkness that invade our minds. Our mind is a constant battleground used by the enemy to constantly attack our thoughts. Whenever we become preoccupied, that's when the enemy creeps in unaware and messes with our minds. When our mind drifts into a subconscious state, we lose control of our thoughts, and then our mind spirals down a dangerous path. Unpleasant thoughts manifested in our minds will eventually captivate our hearts and defile our bodies. Whatever comes from our heart is what defiles us.       However, we can rid ourselves of these unholy thoughts that fester in our mi...

The Trial

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Good morning Scripture reading: St. Matt 26 & 27 Worship song: Mercy walked in   Meditation:      There are persons imprisoned, who are wrongfully convicted because of a miscarriage of justice, and there are criminals who are freed because of errors of impunity. Miscarriages of justice and errors of impunity can cause one to undermine public trust in the criminal justice system and can have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and society.       Over 2000 years ago, a false accusation led to the arrest, trial, conviction, and ultimately crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  Although He was blameless, full of kindness, compassion, and love, and had no criminal record, he was unjustly condemned to die. The prosecutors may have intended his death for harm, but God transformed this event into redemption for the benefit of sinners in the entire world. Jesus was innocently convicted, yet his death was divinely orchestrated to f...

Good Will Follow You

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Good morning Scripture reading: 1 Samuel 20 Worship song: God, You're So Good   Meditation:      The remarkable story of Jonathan and David reflects on displaying kindness in the face of adversity. The exceptional bond between them was tested and revealed true friendship and loyalty. Jonathan, aware that his father, King Saul's reign, was nearing its end, made a powerful covenant with his trusted friend, David. He asked David to show kindness to his household once he became the reigning king. Later, Jonathan risks his life to shield and protect David from King Saul, whose boisterous behavioral display reveals his intention to kill David.       By helping David escape, Jonathan demonstrates true loyalty and courage. After Jonathan's death, David honored their covenant, extending kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, by inviting him into his household to share in the abundance at his table. This act encourages the principle that repayi...

Remember Me, Says the Lord

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Good morning Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 8 Worship song: It All Belongs to You   Meditation:      The advancement in technology has made life much easier and is rapidly transforming civilization in ways that bring about unexpected changes. As wisdom and knowledge increase, many tasks that usually take hours to accomplish have been made easier by the click of a button. The traditional way of doing things is vastly fading, leaving us little or no choice but to adapt to the use of all the different diversity of technology. However, though we welcome the change, and it is of great benefit to us, let us not forget the Lord our God, who gave us the power to get wealth and wisdom.       Let us not become too comfortable with our luxurious lifestyle that we begin to conform to the patterns of the world, hence ignoring our creator. Let us not gravitate to and spend our days bragging about our achievements and self-governance that we forget to ...