Faithful Writing

Psalm 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for you, Lord, only make me dwell in safety. My dear brothers and sisters, let us reflect on the power of praising God and casting down devils, even in our sleep. The Bible invites us to meditate on God's word day and night (Joshua 1:8), suggesting that our praises and spiritual warfare do not end when our eyes close to sleep. God watches over us in our slumber, and our spirits remain engaged in an unseen battle against darkness.   Psalm 42:8 proclaims, "By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me — a prayer to the God of my life ." Here we see an image of a believer whose heart is so filled with love for God that their spirit continues to sing praises even in the quiet hours of the night.   When we wrap up our day, it is essential to end in worship, thanking God for His blessings and seeking refuge in His love. Praising God as we drift off to sleep sets the tone for our subconscious thought...

Colossians 3:2 “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”   I warmly welcome you, my cherished family in the faith. Today, I feel compelled to share a message about the insidious nature of secular strife. The prevailing worldly dynamic can often lure us into adopting a binary mentality on worldly issues of the flesh, a snare which can lead to unnecessary division and discord – even with other believers.   The Apostle Paul, in his writing in 1 Corinthians 1:10 states: “ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. ” This text explains the heart we should adopt from our discussion today, particularly as we strive to navigate through a world often driven by rancour and division.   Secular dichotomies present incessant challenges for our Christian walk. As...

Isaiah 65:17 "For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind." Let us consider an unconventional topic, something that seems more suited for science fiction than Christian devotionals. Yet, in our rapidly changing world, it is a subject that demands our attention – the role of Artificial Intelligence and technology in furthering the Kingdom's work and ministry.   The scriptures teach us, " Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert ." (Isaiah 43:19)   Indeed, God is doing a new thing, using every medium, technology and tool to spread the Gospel, and we need to be perceptive to His movement. Let us not be like the children of Israel who failed to understand God's active presence in their lives.   Artificial Intelligence, also known as AI, is a revolutionary technology that has already starte...

Joel 2:25 (SKJV) "I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm. My great army that I sent among you."   Today, I am moved to speak with you about the significance of time and the precious opportunity God has blessed us all with to redeem it. Time, brethren, is a gift that the Almighty Creator has given upon us, equitably and impartially. Every tick of the clock is a blessing, an opportunity, and a responsibility to make our lives resonate with the rhythm of God's purpose for us. It is important for us to realise, however, that this gift of time is transient, an ever-moving river that, once passed, never returns.   Yet, in His infinite wisdom, our loving God has given us the means to "redeem the time". To redeem time is not to turn back the hands of the clock, but to imbue each moment with the essence of purpose, significance, and intentionality driven by our love and commitment to Go...

1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed, and in truth.   Today let us consider an important theme our faith journey, 'Feeding God's Sheep.' This message hails from John 21:15-17, where Jesus, after his resurrection, asked Peter, " Do you love me? " When Peter affirmed his love for Jesus, Jesus did not merely accept his words but instructed him, " Feed my sheep. "   These words hold profound implications for us today, for it is through them that Christ calls us to care for one another actively. He encourages each one of us to nourish, sustain, and uplift each other, just as He does for us.   Feeding God’s sheep is not merely about physical sustenance. It is about spiritual and emotional nourishment. It is about tending to the soul as much as the body. By feeding God's sheep, we echo Christ's love, compassion, and understanding. We emulate His selflessness, His kindness, and His caring n...

Isaiah 43:2 (SKJV) When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; nor shall the flame kindle on you.   In every corner of the world, in every life, there comes a time of storm and struggle. It is then we need encouragement, seeking solace in the hope of better days. Yet, the world can often seem more adept at instilling discouragement than faith. But fear not, for we must remember we are dwelling in the palm of God's hand, guided by His love, and protected by His promise.   In these trying times, we are reminded of the words in Isaiah 41:10: " So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand ." What a powerful promise God has given us! It is His eternal assurance to us, His beloved children, that we are never alone. In times of despair or di...

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He shall direct your path.”   In the divine tapestry of life, each of us has a thread to contribute, symbolising the unique path that God has designed for each one of us. The expanse of the universe carries the indelible mark of our Creator, and in His infinite wisdom, He has created each one of us with a distinct purpose. Jeremiah 29:11 reassures us, “ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ”   Yet, in our earthly journey, we often yearn for more, or sometimes feeling disillusioned with the course of our lives. How often do we look upon the lives of others and wish for their blessings, their talents, their calling? This, dear brethren, is a detour from the path of contentment and gratitude, a dark alley that leads us away from recognisi...

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it Today I wish to speak on a topic of deep significance – one that rests at the core of our day-to-day lives. It is love; specifically, the love we show towards our spouse and our family. The Bible speaks profoundly about love. It tells us that " Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins " (1 Peter 4:8).   The Bible commands us to love unceasingly, unconditionally, and unfailingly, just as our Heavenly Father loves us. Not least of all our enemies, so how much more our own house! Yet, in the humdrum of our daily lives, sometimes we may lose sight of what this love truly entails, especially within our immediate homes – the sacred spaces of marriage and family.   The cornerstone of a healthy marriage and family life is love – not the lustful love that is often glamourised in movies and novels, but the love as described in 1 Corinthians 1...

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest…because fire shall reveal it; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.   If any man's work endures, he shall receive a reward.   If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss   Every individual, irrespective of status or condition, leaves a legacy behind. We often equate legacy with tangible assets – homes, bank balances, items of sentimental value. However, a legacy is not solely about material possessions. It extends beyond the physical realm into the spiritual. Today, I would like to talk to you about an exceptionally significant aspect of our lives: Leaving an Eternal Spiritual Legacy.   Our lives are but fleeting moments in the grand scheme of the universe, a brief whisper in the winds of time. It is incumbent upon each one of us to use these ephemeral moments to make a lasting impact, to leave an indelible mark - a spiritual footprint. That footprint should echo o...

Romans 2:1 Therefore, you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are, who judges: for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge do the same things.   My dear brothers and sisters, today, we seek to explore the scripture and the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ to guide us on the important matter of avoiding double standards and hypocrisy. This is an admittedly complex topic, but our faith can provide illuminating insights. We turn to the Holy Word of God in Matthew 23:27-28 where Jesus admonished the Pharisees: " Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous, but on the inside, you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. "   The first step in tackling hypocrisy is acknowledging its existence. As humans, we are not per...

Psalm 119:89 For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.   Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, we will delve into a captivating topic that has both historical and spiritual implications. Our discussion will centre around the evolution of English language and how it has impacted the way we understand and interpret the Holy Scriptures.   Language, like all things temporal, is subject to change. English, as we know it today, is not the English of yesteryears. The meanings of many words have evolved, some subtly, others profoundly, since the time of the earliest recorded English translations of the Bible. To give you an example of this, two such words that have seen substantial semantic shifts are "gay" and "let."   In older English usage, found in the King James Version of the Bible among other texts, the word "gay" signified 'joyous', 'carefree', or 'bright and showy.' But in...

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.   Dear beloved, I greet you all in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Today, I want to share with you a message on a topic that is quite pertinent. In our lives, we often encounter individuals who engage in wickedness, those whose actions may be contrary to the teachings of our faith. Such encounters can be challenging, especially when we strive to live according to God's Word. However, it is essential to remember that our responsibility to love and show kindness extends to everyone, regardless of their actions or attitudes.   The scriptures provide us with the guidance on how to approach this issue. In Romans 12:20-21, the Bible says, " If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil...

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.   Beloved Sisters and Brothers in Christ, I greet you with the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, who reassures us of His endless mercy and grace. Today, let us consider that God's ability to heal, restore, and bless us is far beyond our wildest dreams and hopes.   In our human nature, we often limit God to our understanding or measure His power by our experiences. We sometimes confine our prayers, hopes, and aspirations to the boundaries of our imagination and experiences. Yet, our God is not a God of limitations. His healing power has no bounds, and His restoring love has no end.   Take a moment to reflect on the woman with blood issues, as recorded in Mark 5:25-34. For twelve long years, she had suffered and had spent all her resources seeking help from physicians. In her desperation, she knew that just a touch of Jesu...

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:   Beloved, I want you to take a moment and reflect on the voices that you hear in your life. There are many voices - the voice of society, the voice of our friends and family, and even the voice within ourselves. Amid these voices, there is a voice that is often destructive and discouraging. The voice that tells you, "You're not good enough," "You cannot do it," or "You're a failure." It is the voice that breeds self-doubt, fear, and anxiety. This, my dear friends, is the voice of the enemy, the force that seeks to pull you away from God's love and the destiny He has planned for you. But today, it is time to stop listening to this voice and start silencing this destructive echo.   In 1 John 4:4, we read, " You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. " This verse is a d...

Romans 5:8 But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.   I stand before you today to share a profound message that is profoundly counterintuitive yet extraordinarily transformative. It is a message that holds the power to change our lives and our world – the divine call to love our enemies and make peace. This principle that is rejected by the logic of the world is rooted in the supernatural spirit of our Christian faith, inspired by the teachings of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.   It might seem almost impossible in a world where vengeance, resentment, and hatred often reign supreme. But remember, we are followers of the one who said, " Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you " (Luke 6:27-28). Essentially, this call is not to deny the existence of enemies or the harm they may inflict. Instead, it is a divine invitation to rise above our natural inclinat...

John 14:9 Jesus said to him, Have I been with you for so long, and yet you have not known me, Philip? He that has seen me has seen the Father; so how can you say, Show us the Father?   I greet you today in the wonderful name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I invite you to join me in meditating on a deeply profound and fundamental truth of our Christian faith: One cannot truly know the Father without coming through the Son. The Apostle John wrote, " Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also " (1 John 2:23).   It is common for individuals to yearn for a relationship with God, the Father, while bypassing Jesus, the Son. We can liken this to wanting the warmth of the sun's rays without acknowledging the sun itself. It is a spiritual paradox. Many seek to embrace God’s love, wisdom, and grace, but remain reluctant to accept the divine conduit of these blessings – Jesus Christ.   In John chapter 14 vers...

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.   Warm greetings to you all in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Today, I would like to share with you a message of hope, reconciliation, and peace. The ongoing conflict between our brothers and sisters in the Middle East, specifically the Israelis and Palestinians, inspires this message.   We are all aware of the deep-seated strife and tension that has gripped this region for decades. The pain, suffering, and loss on both sides are heart-wrenching, causing many of us to question where God is in all of this. The Scriptures tell us that God is " near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit " (Psalm 34:18). We trust He is indeed close to them, comforting them in their sorrows.   As we delve into this topic, let us remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Sermon on ...

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.   The purpose of this writing today, dear brothers and sisters, is to immerse ourselves in an extraordinary truth, the bedrock of our faith, the anchor of our souls, the compass of our lives - the unmatched and unchanging faithfulness of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.   We live in a world that is constantly shifting, always adjusting, and perpetually changing. It is like standing on shifting sands where nothing is certain but uncertainty itself. In such a world, we often yearn for something, someone, unchanging, and trustworthy. In such times of uncertainty, we turn to the words of Revelation 19:11: " I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True ."   Our Lord Jesus Christ is presented here not only as faithful but also as true. His faithfulness is not a fleeting phenomenon, changing with ...

Proverbs 13:21 Evil pursues sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repaid.   Christians are called to a higher spiritual practice, a call to do good even when our actions may not be reciprocated or rewarded in the way we expect. This is the essence of unconditional love and selfless service, a fundamental principle of our walk with Christ.   In the book of Luke, Chapter 6, verse 35, our Lord Jesus teaches, " But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked ."   Here, Jesus is calling us to a radical love, the love that is kind to those who are ungrateful and lends without expecting repayment. It is this love that identifies us as children of God, for it reflects the nature of our Heavenly Father.   But why do we often find this principle challenging to live by? The answer lies...

1 Corinthians 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?   There is an old hymn that goes, "When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be." This line fills our hearts with hope and longing for the day we will meet our Maker and reunite with our beloved family members who have gone ahead of us. Today, we shall remember and honour our late family members with love and respect.   The Bible tells us in Psalm 116:15 that, " Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints ." This verse comforts us, reminding us that our loved ones who have departed this life are in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father. They are not lost to us, but are instead found in Christ, waiting for the day when we will all rejoice together in His presence.   Losing a family member is always difficult. We carry in our hearts the weight of their absence. We miss their laughter, their wisdom, and their unique way of making the wor...

Acts 2:17 it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams   Today, we are going to explore the power and significance of dreams in our spiritual journey. From the book of Genesis to Revelation, the Holy Scripture is replete with instances where God has spoken through dreams. Our God, the divine communication master, uses dreams as one of His divine languages to reveal His plans, correct our paths, and guide our lives.   Let us first understand what dreams are. Dreams are not random images that our minds create. They are divinely orchestrated and are a part of God's prophetic voice. They come from the One who 'gives to His beloved even in his sleep' (Psalm 127:2). In the night's quiet, when our conscious minds are at rest, our spirit is most sensitive to hear from God.   In the Old Testamen...

1 Thessalonians 4:11 study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you   Today, I want to talk about avoiding unnecessary drama. It is easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of earthly dramas. These dramas can present themselves in many forms. It could be a gossip at the workplace, a misunderstanding within our families, or even a rift within our circle of friends. It is part of the human experience, yet it does not have to define our daily lives.   Proverbs 4:23 instructs us: " Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it ." This verse directly calls us to protect our hearts from the toxicity and drain that often comes with unnecessary drama. But how do we do this in practice?   First, we must anchor ourselves in the Word of God. The Bible is our guide, our map in navigating the labyrinth of human interactions. When faced with enticing gossip or a brewing conflict, let's remember wha...

Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth   I greet you with the resplendent and all-encompassing love of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have a subject laid upon my heart, which I call us to give thoughtful reflection today. It is about our reverence, or rather the required reverence, for the divine name of Jesus, and the urgent need to not use His name in vain.   The name of Jesus is not just an ordinary name; it is a sacred emblem of God's love and salvation offered to all humankind. In the book of Philippians, Paul reminds us that " God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name " (Philippians 2:9). The name of Jesus carries within it the power of the Almighty, the love of the Saviour, and the promise of eternal life.   However, with heavy hearts, we witness the sacred name of our Saviour being casually uttered, misused, and even disr...

2 Timothy 1:7 God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. A subject of a critical nature has come up for deliberation. It concerns the connection often made between religious trauma and Biblical Christianity. It is essential, as followers of Christ, to address these claims not with hostility, but with the love and understanding that our faith encourages.   Religious trauma, a term coined to describe the symptoms of psychological harm experienced by individuals who have a history of damaging experiences with faith, is a real and painful experience. Yet, it is imprecise and erroneous to attribute this trauma to Biblical Christianity.   Firstly, it is crucial to understand that Christianity, in its purest form, is a faith of love, kindness, and forgiveness, centred around the teachings of Jesus Christ. Christ himself preached love above all, urging us to 'Love each other as I have loved you’ (John 15:12). Christianity, therefo...

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Unbiblical doctrines are teachings and associated methodologies or denominations that veer off the pathway of the Holy Scripture or interpret it in a distorted manner, causing spiritual harm and emotional distress. They are not the genuine reflection of God's message of love and redemption. Yet, they have found a place in some corners of our faith, causing confusion, pain, and lasting trauma.   Remember, dear ones, our faith is built upon the rock-solid foundation of Biblical truth, characterised by God's enduring love, His infinite mercy, and His divine justice. Any doctrine that strays from these principles is not of God. When we encounter such teachings, it can lead to confusion, doubt, and even spiritual trauma. But remember this, God is not the author of confusion but of peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33)   When we feel they have led ast...

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.   I extend my heart to everyone grappling with the trials of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, scrupulosity, or superstitious habits. Let us focus on this journey. As it is written in the Gospel of Matthew, it is this very promise that we seek to find solace in, especially in trying times of internal turmoil and obsessive thoughts.   Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a malady of the mind, not of the spirit. It is an illness, much like any physical ailment. It is not a manifestation of weak faith or a punishment from God. Remember; we worship a God of compassion and understanding, who in His infinite wisdom recognises the struggles we each face.   Scrupulosity, or religious OCD, is a form of this disorder that causes an individual to obsess about moral or religious issues. It is not a sign of a lack of faith, but an overload warped by the disorder. Understand, dear ones, that God ...