Posts

Showing posts from August, 2025

Bible

The Everlasting God Is Great

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Isaiah 40 Praise song: How great is our God   Meditation:      Knowing that God is great is the beginning of showing reverence and submitting to Him. Almighty God sits upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants are like grasshoppers; this depicts the greatness of our God. He also stretches out the heavens as a curtain and spreads them out as a tent to dwell in. We serve a mighty God, who can do the impossible things in our lives. He made the earth a dwelling place for all things He created. He gives power to the faint and strength to the weary. Jehovah God is greater than all other gods; he has no equal; nothing or no one can be compared to his matchless worth. He is sovereign over all creation; he rules over the earth, the sea, and the dry land.       The Everlasting God is greater than all our problems and suffering. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He is greater...

There Is No Perfect Church

Image
Good Morning Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2 Worship Song: If Not for Grace   Meditation:      The famous minister Charles H. Spurgeon once said, "The day we find the perfect church, it becomes imperfect the moment we join it". Your own imperfections, upon joining, would "spoil" the already imperfect church. The church is like a hospital, it embraces people with diverse spiritual needs, providing a sanctuary where everyone can find the healing, deliverance, and breakthrough they seek. The church serves as a means for God to manifest His wisdom, grace, and truth to the world.       As a church, we must embrace Christ's teachings fully, instruct and guide each other wisely through psalms, hymns, and spiritual song, and offer our collective worship unto God with gratitude. Though the church is imperfect it must always demonstrate God's moral standards, rooted in Biblical principles and character, by living with spiritual integrity ...

The Perfect Resume

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Colossians 3:23-24 Worship song: My Help   Meditation:      In the competitive job market, we focus on creating an impressive resume to showcase our achievements that will qualify us as the ideal candidate. Unlike an earthly boss, who is impressed by achievements and skills, God values inner character and a repentant heart. Our professional skills and accomplishments, while important to employers, are insignificant to God, who already knows our every strength, weakness, and imperfection. Our genuine worth to God is rooted not in self-promotion but in our commitment and faith in Jesus Christ.       This clear distinction shows that human validation does not relate to divine approval. Consider the testimony of the Apostle Paul, in Philippians 3:7-9, who viewed his worldly achievements as insignificant after his true encounter with Christ. King Solomon, in Ecclesiastes 1, describes the profound emptiness, fut...

The Power of Love

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: St. John 3:14-21 Praise song: If that isn't love   Meditation:      Love, expressed appropriately, can significantly impact our behavior, well-being, and ability to connect with others. Love is the most powerful gift to humans, which is much deeper than emotional or physical attraction. Love is patient, compassionate, and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, and it is not proud. Love does not dishonor others; it is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered; and keeps no record of wrongs. Love endures and overcomes challenge and grows stronger through adversity.       The true power of love was demonstrated by Jesus Christ, who expressed His unlimited, matchless love for humanity by sacrificing His life for us. Jesus' love is greater than any you can find. He came to earth in the form of flesh, walked among sinful men, and expressed his love through healing miracles and deliverance. He was ridiculed ...

Your Pass Will Not Cancel Your Purpose

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Acts 22 Worship song: I Was Broken but Now Restored   Meditation:      The Apostle Paul, previously known as Saul, a once ruthless persecutor responsible for arresting and imprisoning Christian men and women, had a life-altering experience that transformed his ways after having a divine encounter with the risen Lord on the road to Damascus. After the encounter, he became an influential missionary, dedicating his life to spreading what he once sought to destroy. His fervent commitment to spreading the gospel established him as a crucial and influential figure in early Christianity.       The conversion of Paul demonstrated that no one is beyond the reach of God's redemptive plan. It is a powerful example of God's grace and the potential for change in everyone, as God's mercy is available to all, regardless of their past sins. No one is beyond the reach of God's grace nor his anyone too sinful that the mercy...

Give to The Needy

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 15: 7-11 Worship Song: This Poor Man Cried   Meditation:      In accordance with the Gospel's mandate, we are called to deepen our understanding of the needs of the poor, accepting that their presence among us is constant. Poverty is a condition where an individual lacks the financial resources to meet a certain standard of living. This societal problem has different categories, including absolute poverty, the most severe form. Those listed in the category of absolute poverty find it challenging to provide the basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, and shelter. Jesus' teachings about ministering to the needs of the poor are vital and should not be overlooked. Jesus' advice to the rich man highlights a core principle of following Christ, illustrating that active generosity and charity are necessary for those who seek to fully live by his teachings.       While it is common practice t...

Outward Appearance

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Praise song: Lift Your Countenance   Meditation:      The English idiom 'Never Judge a Book by Its Cover' implies that one should not make a final judgment on anything based only on outward appearance. The story narrated in the above scripture gives a clear insight into what it means to judge by outer appearance. The prophet Samuel gazed upon seven of Jesse's sons and was satisfied with their masculinity and countenance, thinking they fit the profile of a king. Still, the Lord made it known to Samuel that the qualities He seeks are internal and not external. The Lord looks at the heart and not the outward physique.       Following the Lord's command, Samuel sent for David, who was out in the field tending to the flock, anointed him with oil, and appointed him as the King of Israel. Look not upon another man's countenance because redeeming love has set apart the worst of mankind to be rewar...

Betrayed With a Kiss

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Mark 14: 40-46 Worship song: Man of Sorrows   Meditation:      Greet or salute one another with a "holy kiss," mentioned in the New Testament, was embraced among early believers, signifying acceptance, unity, and brotherly love. It was a way to show they were part of the same spiritual family and that God's love was present among them. However, the Bible also portrays kisses used in deceit and treachery, like Judas's kiss of betrayal. Judas was handpicked by Jesus as one of His twelve disciples at the beginning of his ministry. Judas witnessed Jesus perform miracles and listened to His teachings, but his mind was not transformed. Judas's focus shifted to his desire for material wealth, demonstrating his hunger for earthly gain over spiritual wealth.       Judas had arranged with the soldiers that the man he would kiss was the one to be arrested. His betrayal highlights that being a loyal bel...

Betrayed By a Friend

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Matthew 26: 47-50 Worship song: Man of Sorrows   Topic: Betrayed By a Friend      The story of Judas' betrayal is a stark reminder that not every individual close to us is loyal and genuine. Judas was chosen as one of the Twelve Apostles, but his actions demonstrated a lack of faith and belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Many people come into our circle, but their motives are self-interest. They eat, drink, and communicate with us, but their desire is for our downfall. Judas's actions show that someone can appear to be a devoted friend while inwardly harboring deceitful intentions. They can easily conceal their true character by hiding their agenda behind seemingly harmless actions.       Be aware that persons who appear to be deeply concerned about your problem may do so for personal purposes. Once they gain your trust and get what they want, the genuine care ceases. Judas's ability to hide his...

The Depth of our Commitment

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Psalms 37:4-6 Worship song: I Lay It Down   Meditation:      True commitment is more than just mere words. The depth of our commitment is established when we can actively put aside our own desires, ambitions, and self-interest to prioritize God's will as highlighted in St.   Luke 9:23. Commitment is the unwavering dedication to a goal, activity, or something you are determined to accomplish without getting weary. Genuine commitment is measured by our willingness to live a life that reflects God's character and values, rather than conforming to worldly pressures. An individual committed to God makes it a priority to genuine love the Lord God sincerely and wholeheartedly as expressed in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37.       We are called to align our hearts and actions with the perfect will of God, and walk in his statutes, and keep his commandments, allowing our lives to be a true reflection of his ...

Peace Be Still

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Mark 4:35-41 Worship song: Be still   Meditation:      The disciples walked alongside Jesus while he was teaching, healing, and performing miracles. They witnessed his supernatural power, yet amid a raging tempest, fear gripped them as the storm intensified. In that moment of terror, their hope of survival seems impossible due to the sudden threat of danger. Their desperate cry for help awoke the master, and without hesitation, Jesus commanded the wind and the waves to cease, and immediately everything was restored to normality.       Throughout history, life has been filled with diverse storms that have caused many of us to live in despair and anxiety. While we cannot avoid the storms of life, we can conquer our circumstances when we invite Jesus into our lives. We must willingly welcome Jesus into our hearts and he will silence the raging seas and command the boisterous winds to be still. There is no pro...

The Right Direction

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Psalm 119:105-112 Praise song: Thy word   Meditation:      A compass always points north to the magnetic North Pole. Hikers, while on a hiking trail, rely on compasses to navigate specified routes to reach their destination. Having a reliable compass and the knowledge to use it empowers you to navigate confidently and safely, even when facing challenging conditions or unexpected detours. A compass is most effective when used with a map because the map provides a visual representation of your surroundings, allowing you to use the compass to determine the precise direction to your destination.       Similarly, for believers, the Word of God provides foundational truth, acting like a map, and the Holy Spirit provides personal, active guidance, like a compass. The Christian journey and the pursuit of righteousness are entirely dependent on the guidance of both the Word and the Holy Spirit. To live a ...

Watch Therefore

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Matthew 24: 42-51 Worship song: People Get Ready   Meditation:      While Jesus was on a mission with his disciples, he came to a place called Gethsemane and took with him three of his disciples to pray. Jesus moved a little further away from them to pray privately and told them to keep watch. When Jesus returned to the disciples, he found them asleep. The disciples were consumed by sleep so that they could not watch for even an hour. They were willing to do what was right, but they were weak in the flesh. Jesus implores them to watch and pray, lest temptation befall them. We are no different from the disciples for we are weak in the flesh, but still, we have a responsibility to ensure we keep our hearts pure and holy, waiting in anticipation for the time of his coming. We are to keep watch, be alert, be ready, be prepared, for the coming of the Lord is sure and it will happen when we least expect it.     ...

Will Not Inherit The Kingdom

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11 Praise song: Change My Heart Oh God   Meditation:      In the passage from 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that those who will not inherit the kingdom of God are the unrighteous and the ungodly. Individuals who disregard the guidance of the Holy Spirit and fail to surrender to God's will and commands are at risk of exclusion from this divine kingdom promise. Those who seek to fulfill the desires of the flesh, living to please and satisfy the self rather than the creator will miss this inheritance.       Apostle Paul's message serves as a reminder to the Corinthian believers informing them about who is eligible to inherit the kingdom. Based on his teachings, one would get the understanding that the believers were not fully aware as to who would inherit the Kingdom of God. Paul told them not to be deceived, for the unrighteous and the ungodly will not inherit God's Kingdom. T...

Routine Worship

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: St Luke 4:16 Worship song: The Heart of Worship   Meditation:      It is customary for believers in Christ to gather in synagogues and places of worship at least once weekly to fellowship, praise, and honor God, our Creator. These religious practices, if performed without genuine desire and heart engagement, can become mere routines, detached from a life pleasing to God and a desire to glorify and submit to Him. Matthew 15:8 is a reminder that outward expression of faith must align with a heart that is connected with God. When our lives are governed by customary rituals, we become complacent, and the purpose of our worship loses its true value because we are committed to following a routine rather than seeking to develop a closer relationship with God.       Our prayers are mere words uttered from our lips with no inclination from the Holy Spirit. We read the word of God but lack the wisdom to co...

Learning to Depend on Jesus

Image
Good morning Day of Testimony- Learning to Depend on Jesus Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all your ways ac acknowledged him, and he shall direct thy path. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Worship song: Learning to Lean on Jesus   Personal Testimony:      Looking back on my journey, I am filled with immense joy and gratitude for where the Lord brought me. Without his boundless grace, I truly would have been lost. His grace is truly sufficient for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Each struggle I face reveals my deep need for Him, and in every moment of lack, He reminds me that He is my ultimate provider. When I feel weary, the gentle hands of Jesus keep me steady and strong.       Every hardship I encounter brings me closer to realizing God's abundant goodness and faithfulness." I gladly boast in my weaknesses, knowing it is through them that the power of Christ shines the brightest. Learnin...

We Are Depending on You

Image
Good morning Day of prayer - Depending on God I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. Psalms 121:1-2                          Worship song: Jesus We're Depending on You   Let us pray:      Dependable, capable, and adorable God, I have learned to lean and depend on you to supply my needs according to your riches in glory. You are my strength and my shepherd, I lack nothing. All my help comes from You, Lord, so I put my trust in You. Daily, you provided shelter, divine blood courage, and protection for which I am extremely grateful. Lord, you have calmed the biosterous storms, kept me safe from danger, and allowed me to dance to the rhythm of your faithfulness. Amid adversity and uncertainty, you grant me hope, peace, and happiness. In my distress, your presence calms my anxieties and fears.   ...

Prioritizing Your Desire

Image
Good morning Scripture: Matthew 6::25-33 Worship song: I Desire Jesus   Meditation:      What is your greatest desire in life? Is it for worldly gain or the Kingdom of Christ? Your desire to know more about Jesus Christ should be your priority over earthly pursuits. The ultimate aspiration of every believer is to deepen their relationship with Christ and follow the pathway of righteousness. As followers of Christ, we must diligently study God's word to gain knowledge and a profound understanding of his will. Our desire must be to submit fully and surrender to God, our Master.       Reflect on King Solomon's testimony. After experiencing the heights of worldly success, he realized that without a connection to God and a spiritual purpose, even the greatest achievements and pleasures are ultimately meaningless and lead to a sense of emptiness and weariness. King Solomon confessed that all his gain was vanity and vexation of spirit. While we...

Discernment vs Deception

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: 1 Kings 3:16-28 Worship song: He speaks - wisdom   Meditation:      The story in the above chapter recorded the first instance Solomon used the wisdom God gave him to distinguish between truth and deception. Rather than asking God for riches, long life, prosperity, and power to defeat his enemies, Solomon instead asked God for wisdom to effectively lead the people of Israel. God was pleased to grant him more than he requested.       Solomon's careful analysis of the critical situation resulted in his decision, which led to sound judgment. The act of falsifying information was with the intent to mislead Solomon into accepting a lie. However, despite their conflicting claims, Solomon used the spirit of discernment to determine the truth. The wisdom of Solomon is a divine gift that comes only from God. The narrative reminds us that there is an ongoing spiritual battle between deceit and honesty.   ...

The Unqualified Anointing

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Jeremiah 1: 1-10 Worship song: God All By Yourself   Meditation:      Jeremiah was divinely ordained by God and chosen to fulfill a crucial mandate, yet he initially thought he was unqualified. Jeremiah did not feel ready when God called him to be a prophet. All he would see was his incapability and his youthfulness, but God reassured him that it was He, God who qualifies the call. God promised Jeremiah that he would empower and fill him with words of wisdom to govern the nation. Furthermore, he commanded him to speak as he was instructed by him. We must understand God's calling is not about self-confidence but about our willingness to obedience to God. God promises to be with us every step of the way, and he always keeps his promises.       Beloved, if you feel inadequate in your calling, don't be discouraged, for God is with you and he qualifies the task. Consider Moses who had a speech impairment, yet h...

Who Is in Your ship?

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Jonah 1 Worship song: The Church Triumphant   Meditation:      The incredible story in the book of Jonah is filled with powerful, thought-provoking lessons and reflection. Jonah, in his attempt to escape God's call, disobeyed his instruction and boarded a ship heading in the wrong direction. He was comfortable sleeping on the ship, enjoying the journey while those around him were experiencing turmoil.       Like Jonah's ship, our bodies serve as the temple of God, built with two decks: our heart and our mind. These are spaces where the word of God and the Holy Spirit dwell. Let us take delight in doing a daily self-check evaluation to identify the wrong passengers on board. Any unauthorized passengers residing in these areas that are blocking the operation of the Holy Spirit must be immediately released. Just as the sailors make serious decisions to procure their safety, we too must make some drastic decis...

The King That Purifies

Image
Good morning  S cripture Reading: Esther 2 Worship song: Refiner's Fire   Meditation:      Esther cleanses herself before meeting King Ahasuerus, but our King, Jesus Christ purifies us to meet Him. Esther was subjected to twelve (12) months of purification using oil and incense before she was brought before King Ahasuerus. Still, only the efficacious blood of Jesus Christ purifies us and brings us into the presence of the King of all kings. Seven maids help Esther to get purified to meet King Ahasuerus, but God is the only one who thoroughly purifies us of all our sins and unrighteousness.       Ahasuerus delights in physical cleansing, but God takes pleasure in spiritual purification. Esther's beauty pleased the king, but our desire to live a holy and righteous life delights our Heavenly King. Esther could only go to her king when he summoned her, but there is no time slot, appointment required, limitation, boundary, or distance th...

Sojourners In a Strange Land

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Exodus 12:37-42 Worship song: Faithful Pilgrim   Meditation:      The Lord God revealed to Abram in a vision that his descendants would become immigrants in a strange land and would be mistreated for 400 years, after which time He would send a deliverer to rescue them from bondage. God assured Abram that after that he would deliver them from their oppressors, and they would leave that country with great substance. The events that unfolded after Joseph's injustice and hardship created the circumstances that led to the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt.       After Joseph's death, the Israelites in Egypt continued to experience growth and prosperity, multiplying greatly. However, a new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, came to power. Concerned by their increasing numbers and strength, he enslaved them, forcing them to build cities and work under harsh conditions. This period of enslavement and hards...

Password to Heaven

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: St. John 14:6 Worship song: Access granted   Meditation:      A password is a basic security mechanism comprised of a secret passphrase using a combination of alphabetic, numeric, alphanumeric, and symbolic characters. A password serves as a fundamental security measure, safeguarding access to systems, accounts, and information. Similarly, entry to God's kingdom is password-protected, allowing only those with the appropriate authority access. Jehovah God graciously makes this access available to anyone who earnestly seeks Him. Through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and acceptance of his death, burial, and resurrection, we are redeemed from the consequences of sin.       We are blessed to be sealed by his blood, which acts as our divine passcode. Embracing Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord is the only means of achieving salvation and eternal life, thus granting us access to His Kingdom. Regrettable, m...

O Taste and Be Satisfied

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Psalm 34:1-10 Worship song: Taste and See   Meditation:      You might have heard countless testimonies proclaiming the goodness of God. However, without a personal encounter with His power and sovereignty, you may find it challenging to give God the praise He truly deserves. A genuine relationship with God enables us to comprehend the significance of trust and reliance upon Him. If you have never experienced barrenness or profound sorrow that leads you to cry out to God, you may not understand what it means to foster deep appreciation for His goodness.          When you depend on the Lord to supply your needs according to his riches in glory, you will sincerely magnify Him and boast of His goodness. Witnessing God's miraculous power will help strengthen and deepen your faith, fostering trust and total reliance on his divine healing and deliverance. Embracing the unconditional love of God empower...

Celebrating Independence

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Psalms 62:5-12 Worship song: Dependable God   Meditation:      Today we joined together in vibrant celebration, honoring our nation's incredible journey from British colonization to the joy of self-governance. It is a day of jubilee where communities and families unite to reflect on our rich culture, history, and the amazing achievements we have accomplished as a nation. As Jamaicans, both at home and abroad, let us take a moment to recognize that while we celebrate our independence, we joyfully acknowledge our dependence on God.       Our true strength and guidance come from relying on God rather than solely on our own abilities or understanding. It is in surrender to Him that we find our purpose and direction. Dependence on God begins with recognizing his sovereignty and trusting in his perfect plans for us. We solely depend on Jesus and abide in him for without him we can do nothing. His grace is s...

Who are Thine Accusers?

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: St. John 8: 1-11 Worship song: At Your Feet   Meditation:      The Scribes and Pharisees presented a woman to Jesus Christ, accusing her of adultery. They anticipated that Jesus would endorse her punishment by stoning which was the accepted consequence for such a sin. However, Jesus responded by inviting the one without sin to cast the first stone. Acknowledging their own guilt and embarrassed by their folly, her accusers slowly walked away, unable to condemn her in the presence of the Lord. This story highlights the human tendency to recognize the faults and mistakes in others yet fail to address their own iniquities and imperfections.       As communicated in Matthew 7 we must examine and address our own sins, make our slates clean before attempting to assist others with their transgressions. We cannot accuse others while sin resides within us. After all the accusers left, and there was none to condemn h...

The Righteous and The Ungodly

Image
Good morning Scripture reading: Psalms 1  Worship song: Holiness   Meditation:      The Psalmist identifies some fundamental differences between two distinctive ways of life: the way of the righteous and the way of the ungodly. Blessed people walk confidently, wrapped in God’s amazing gift of favor. A godly-minded person joyfully chooses righteousness, delights in God's presence, and refuses to associate with the morally corrupt and wicked. The righteous does not take advice or be influenced by those who do not follow God's law. The person who delights in God's law willingly chooses to know more about God, His commands and precepts, and is eager to learn and follow his teachings. When a righteous person meditates on the word of God, they are empowered spiritually, creating a deep and joyful reflection that nourishes and enriches the soul. The wicked though spread like a green bay tree is like the chaff that is separated through threshing. The ungodly wil...

The Knockout Punch

Image
Good morning Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-11 Worship Song: Broken Pieces Meditation:      I was never amused by the punches delivered in a boxing ring, as I see it as cruel. The thought of willingly subjecting oneself to cuts, bruises, and pain is difficult to comprehend. What is more troubling is when the contenders were knocked out and appeared helpless, unable to get back on their feet within the expected time allotted by the referee. However, I have learnt that every contender enters the ring with a clear goal: to win, defend their title, or reclaim it.       Reflecting on the many knockouts in the boxing rings diverts my thoughts to the reality of our spiritual battles. While the devil may knock us down, Jesus Christ, our referee, is always ready to revive us. We may lose count of how many times we have been knocked down, but we rise again. The devil expects us to remain defeated, so he can win and conform us to his will, but Jesus...