Mweemba Hibajene

Evening Devotion

Monday 22nd January 2024

"A relationship problem? Take action!"

‘You formed me…I am marvellously made. Psalm 139:13-14 MSG

One author writes: ‘It took me half my life to discover the great power of choices and chances. Good relationships are God’s gift to you; what you do with them is your response to Him. Too often we drape our passivity, or lack of courage, or disregard for our relationships in the frayed tapestry of fate. We weave excuses and give alibis to our guilty hearts, which failed to alter circumstances. We then dismiss our responsibility like a cheap attempt at religious absolution, living in denial that things could have been better in our relationships had we taken action sooner. The worst part of it is that many foolishly charge God and hold Him liable for relationships they themselves could have changed.
'God’s grace gives us opportunities, each relationship being a gift to be unwrapped and enjoyed. We must seize each precious moment as an adventure. If we are aware of the potential of each relationship, our hearts will be penetrated by the urgency to make each encounter the very best. You had a chance not to marry her, or to make that call, or to be the first to apologise, or to embrace your heart’s desire. The choices are yours. So, you must say every day, “I’ll take my chances, activate my choices, go through my changes, and make my decisions.” And when the day is done, you will say to yourself, “It was my life and my relationships, and I am responsible for both.”’
Jesus said, ‘For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required.’ Do you have a relationship problem? Take action!

Genesis 46-48, Matthew 13:1-30

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Morning Devotion

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024

"Confession Good for Your Soul "

Satan uses every possible tool to separate you from Jesus! He knows your weakness and he boldly exploits it to his advantage. Let’s face it - Satan makes sin look very attractive, and he can take the ugliest parts of sin and make it appear to be fun, exciting, and downright enticing. He wouldn’t be very successful at tempting you to sin if he didn’t make it so alluring. Please note this: it is not a sin to be tempted - it’s a sin to “yield” to temptation. That’s why it’s best not to even allow yourself to be placed in a position where you are pushing your sinful desires to the limit! Walk away and say, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” Once you submit to sin, it gets easier and easier to keep on sinning. Sin is sin! It doesn’t matter if it’s adultery, selfishness, pride, gossip, overeating, or murder - sin will keep you out of heaven - period! But praise the Lord, He has given a plan for salvation that none should perish. The Bible says in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” The key word here is “confess.” You need to repent and confess your sin before your Savior and He will give you His gift of forgiveness.” He earned that right when He paid the price for your sins on Calvary. Confession is not only good for your soul - your salvation depends on it! Whatever your favorite sin that you are hanging on to - ask God to give you the strength and power to surrender it to Him so that you can experience the true joy of walking with Jesus! Text: Proverbs 28:13, Psalm 32:5, Acts 3:19, Romans 3:23-24

Bible Texts:

Proverbs 28:13 KJV - He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.

Psalm 32:5 KJV - I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

Acts 3:19 KJV - Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Romans 3:23-24 KJV - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

SHARING GOD'S LOVE

Evening Devotion

Sunday 21st January 2024

"What the Bible teaches about money"

‘‘Though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.’’Psalm 62:10 NIV.

Let’s settle it once and for all. If God can trust you with something small, He will trust you with more (see Luke 16:10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-11). But His blessings come with certain conditions, and here are four you need to honour. 1) Don’t try to claim credit. God told the Israelites, ‘You may say to yourself…“My hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord…for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth…If you ever forget…you will surely be destroyed’ (Deuteronomy 8:17-19 NIV). 2) Don’t forget others. The Bible commands ‘those who are rich in this present world…to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds…generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves’ (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV). 3) Don’t become arrogant. Jeremiah admonishes us, ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong…of their strength or the rich…of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord’ (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NIV). 4) Don’t allow anything to take God’s place. ‘Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, “Who is the Lord?”’ (Proverbs 30:8-9 NIV). Remember, you don’t own anything – you’re just an administrator of God’s estate and an executor of His will. It’s an awesome responsibility, so make sure you do a good job.Bible in a Year: Luke 1:39-56, Psalms 7-9

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Morning Devotion

Sunday 21st January 2024

"No deeper love"

Sometimes this world can seem so huge and overwhelming that you’re tempted to believe that with the millions of people on this earth, you are too insignificant to matter. Some even believe that if they were to die, no one would even notice they were gone. But no one is “insignificant” to God! He not only created you, but He “knows you” by name and has counted every hair on your head! (yes, He knows how many hairs you have lost too!) The Bible says in Hosea 2:19, “I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion.” And in Isaiah 54:10, He tells us, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord.” What a beautiful expression of God’s love for His children. On days when you are in the depths of despair, feeling unloved, unnoticed, and everything seems dark, think on this: Jesus loves you more than you could possibly know! You are so important to Him that He left heaven to come to this earth and die on a cross, just so that you could live with Him forever! Love just doesn’t get deeper than that! Text: Zephaniah 3:17, Micah 7:19, Ephesians 5:1-2, Colossians 3:12-14

Bible Texts:

Zephaniah 3:17 KJV - The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Micah 7:19 KJV - He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Ephesians 5:1-2 KJV - Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Colossians 3:12-14 KJV - Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye. And above all these things [put on] charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

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Evening Devotion

Thursday 18th January 2024

"Sensing and seeing God"

‘‘But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.’’1 Corinthians 2:10 NKJV.

The Bible says, ‘“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit’ (vv. 9-10 NKJV). The Holy Spirit compensates for our sensory limits by enabling us to conceive things we cannot perceive with our five senses. Think of Him as a sixth sense. That sense must be cultivated, matured, and fine-tuned. And that can only happen when we spend time meditating in the Scriptures and fellowshipping with God in prayer. Until we are awakened by the Holy Spirit, we are unaware of our need for God, of the spiritual warfare that is being waged all around us, and of what God is doing all around us. One night Jacob had a dream in which God appeared to him and said, ‘I am with you and will keep you wherever you go’ (Genesis 28:15 NKJV). When he awakened the next morning, Jacob said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it…This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!’ (Genesis 28:16-17 NKJV). Jacob went to sleep and woke up in the same place, but he woke up a different person. After his wake-up call, Jacob saw God every place he looked. Today ask God for a spiritual epiphany. Pray, ‘Lord, show me what You want me to see, teach me what You want me to know, lead me step-by-step in the path of Your perfect will.’ That’s a prayer God will answer!Bible in a Year: Genesis 39-40, Matthew 11

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Morning Devotion

Thursday 18th January 2024

"Mountain-Moving Faith"

Imagine what a different world this would be if we had more faith in God! If we truly put our faith and trust in Him, then there would be no more worrying, fear, or anxiety. Why, it would eliminate stress completely! The Bible tells us in Matthew 17:20, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” There hasn’t been any news flashes of someone moving a mountain, so it’s safe to say, we could all use more faith! Thankfully, God honors even the tiniest amount of faith. And the more we exercise the faith we do have, the more it grows! Sometimes God allows us to go through trials and tribulations to strengthen our faith in Him. You can also increase your faith by studying God’s Holy Word and claiming His promises! Faith is critical to our spiritual growth, for we will never know God’s amazing plans He has for us unless we blindly step out in faith and follow His leading. Ask God to remove all doubt from your heart and mind and replace it with an extra measure of His “mountain-moving faith!” Text: 1 Peter 1:6-7, Romans 5:1, Mark 9:23, Ephesians 2:8-9

Bible Texts:

1 Peter 1:6-7 KJV - Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Romans 5:1 KJV - Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Mark 9:23 KJV - Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.

Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

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Morning Devotion

Wednesday 17th January 2024

"Best Friend Jesus"

True friendship is to be cherished, valued, and treasured highly, for it is rare to find someone who actually deserves the title “Friend.” Finding someone who loves unconditionally, is there through thick and thin, and will never let you down is a special gift. And of course a real friendship requires honesty, loyalty, and trust - traits that are even harder to come by these days. It seems that some friends are loyal until it serves their purpose “not to be,” while others pretend to be friends because of what you can do for them, or something they need from you. A sure way to find out if your friends are real . . . is the moment tragedy or trouble strikes! Fake friends tend to disappear very quickly and when the dust settles, it is your true friends that have weathered the storm with you. But of all the great friends you could possibly have, there is only ONE Friend that you can always count on, no matter what! He will never leave you or forsake you and always has your best interest at heart. He isn’t jealous, spiteful, or dishonest, and best of all, He loves unconditionally! Yes, your Best Friend Jesus loves you more than you could possibly imagine - more than anyone else ever could! Text: John 15:13-15, Proverbs 18:24, John 3:16, Romans 5:8

Bible Texts:

John 15:13-15 KJV - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Proverbs 18:24 KJV - A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.

John 3:16 KJV - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 5:8 KJV - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

"Best friend Jesus"

Evening Devotion

Tuesday 16th January 2024

"Stop and ask for directions"

‘‘The Spirit of truth…will lead you…and …tell you what is to come.’’John 16:13 NCV.

Making decisions without seeking God’s guidance is like trying to fly without radar and a compass. You can do what makes sense based on your past knowledge and experience, but what ‘looks right’ can end up destroying what’s most important to you. The Bible says even the most profound human thinking is foolish to God (see 1 Corinthians 1:18-20). He alone knows the way, and He wants to go ahead of you. It’s a mistake to assume that every opportunity that comes along is from God. Paul says, ‘Satan changes himself to look like an angel of light’ (2 Corinthians 11:14 NCV). And while his invitations are packaged to look like he has your best interests at heart, his way invariably leads to ruin (see John 8:44). God’s Word was designed as ‘a lamp for [your] feet and a light for [your] path’ (Psalm 119:105 NCV) to guide you in the ways of righteousness. That’s why it can be fatal to pursue a path that seems right to you without first consulting Him. Jesus said, ‘When the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you into all truth. He will not speak his own words, but…only what he hears, and he will tell you what is to come’ (John 16:13 NCV). The truth is that most of us don’t naturally seek God. It’s only as His Spirit speaks to our hearts that we start desiring His will. Take time to seek the Holy Spirit’s direction. Trust Him. He understands the ramifications of your choices. He will show you ‘the big picture’ and help you stay on the right road.Bible in a Year: Genesis 33-35, Matthew 10:1-16

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Morning Devotion

Tuesday 16th January 2023

"Justified Gossip"

Christians know how God feels about gossip because the Bible makes it very plain how much He despises a lying tongue. In fact, He rates it right alongside murderers, thieves, and evildoers for in 1 Peter 4:15 we’re told, “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.” Plain and simple - there will be no gossipers in heaven! Jesus Himself said in Matthew 12:36, “But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Why is it then that so many Christians practice “justified gossip”? This is the art of spreading rumors as long as the gossip begins with: “I am only telling you this so you can pray for them . . .” Most of the time, gossip perpetrators have no idea what they are talking about. They heard the juicy news from someone . . . who heard it from someone . . . who heard it from someone else and so on - and no one ever contacted the actual person being talked about to see if the rumor was even true! Many have never even met the person who is under attack! Some people are even so desperate for people to believe their lies - that they’ll write even a book. Of course that doesn’t make it true - it’s still a book of lies! Character assassination is actually “murder” using a powerful weapon called “words.” Proverbs 16:28 says, “A perverse man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” Any way you look at it - gossip destroys friendships - especially your friendship with God! God wants His children to love, support, and help each other through life - not tear each other down. When you struggle with the urge to tell something you just heard about someone else - stop and pray the prayer of David in Psalm 141:3, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth,” and God will give you the victory over gossip! There is no such thing as “justified gossip.” Call it whatever you like - but God has no tolerance for it! Text: Psalm 34:13, Psalm 19:14, Psalm 52:2, Matthew 12:36-37

Bible Texts:

Psalm 34:13 KJV - Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Psalm 19:14 KJV - Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalm 52:2 KJV - Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

Matthew 12:36-37 KJV - But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

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Evening Devotion

Monday 15th January 2024

"Guard against envy and jealousy"

‘‘Let us have…no envy of one another.’’Galatians 5:26 RSV.

Paul cautioned the early church about envy, and it’s still a problem. Your co-worker gets a raise, a friend’s child wins a scholarship, a neighbour takes a dream holiday. Do you rejoice with them, or force a tight smile? We’re human; an occasional flicker of envy is normal. But beware of harbouring a chronic sense of being short-changed. Tacitus said, ‘When men are full of envy, they disparage everything…good or bad.’ When somebody else prospers, before you ask, ‘Why not me?’ ask yourself if you would be responding the same way if some tragedy had befallen them. Jealousy is like a moth; it nibbles away at clothes until they’re ruined, except envy destroys irreplaceable things like relationships and families. One author reminds us: ‘When we’re…in the valley, it is human to envy those…[on] the mountaintops. It is easy to forget [they] didn’t fall there – they climbed there. Behind the success story is always a courageous decision and a gallant action…If we want to reach them…we have to…climb. Inspiration from someone else may get us started, but the success is in the climbing.’ Imagine a runner striding out; they’re fast, focused, and ahead of the pack. Then they start looking at the competition. Before long they stumble, lose momentum, and drop out. That’s what happens when you let jealousy distract you from completing the course God mapped out for you. Paul writes, ‘You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?’ (Galatians 5:7 NIV). Keep your eye on the prize, and don’t get distracted by what others have and don’t have. That’s none of your business.Bible in a Year: Genesis 31-32, Matthew 9:18-38

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Evening Devotion

Sunday 14th January 2024

"Growing through criticism"

‘‘If you accept correction, you will be honoured.’’Proverbs 13:18 NLT.

Solomon said, ‘If you accept correction, you will be honoured.’ Charlie Shedd gives us ten ways to grow through criticism: 1) Criticism is often a compliment. The barbs in daily life strike only those who raise their heads above ground level. Jesus said, ‘Count yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down…it means…that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person is uncomfortable’ (Luke 6:22 MSG). 2) Accept that you have faults which are open to censure. Stay humble, and criticism won’t rattle you. 3) ‘The words of the godly save lives’ (Proverbs 12:6 NLT). Invite criticism from friends; then when it comes from your enemies, you will be broken in. 4) Let criticism make you better. When you burn with anger, you destroy the passport to your own improvement. ‘When you do right and suffer for it…take it patiently’ (1 Peter 2:20 RSV). 5) Some criticism should be ignored, especially if it stems from false motives. Never give unhappy people the key to your happiness. 6) Keep it in perspective. Everybody hasn’t heard. Most people don’t care. One bad word doesn’t cancel the good in you. 7) Let criticism make you kinder. Remind yourself that you have criticised others too. Is this a boomerang that started in your own heart? 8) Pray for your critics. It will improve them and neutralise your bitterness. Hate destroys your health and steals your happiness. 9) Check with the Master Critic. What does God say? How do things look deep in your soul? 10) When you have checked to make sure you’re right, move ahead. In quiet confidence finish what you started, because God’s promises are to those who endure (see Hebrews 6:12).Bible in a Year: Luke 1:21-38, Psalms 4-6

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Morning Devotion

Sunday 14th January 2024

"Pray for courage"

Oftentimes we can’t understand why God “does what He does!” We question why we lost our job, why our house doesn’t sell, why a loved one isn’t healed, why a friendship ended, and on and on. What we don’t do is maintain a joyful spirit when trouble strikes. And yet that is exactly what the Bible tells us to do in James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” In other words, be flexible. Yes, live a life so flexible that you can be happy in any environment that God places you. If God wants you to remain in your current house, don’t fret. Be flexible and know that God’s plan is the BEST plan, and then be joyful! If He calls you to leave your comfortable home to work in a mission field across the ocean, that’s okay too! Say, “Thank you, Jesus,” that I can be part of Your plan. I trust You.” Learning to be flexible is only possible by being in the presence of God, learning from the Master! From Him you will gain wisdom, faith, and genuine trust . . . all valuable assets you’ll need in making good decisions. God is using your trials to perfect your character and prepare you for heaven. Sometimes it might feel risky, not having the confidence that you’re making the right choices, but anytime you are choosing to be in “God’s will,” it’s no risk at all, because God’s way is the safest path to take and He will never lead you astray! So live a life of flexibility and enjoy peace, contentment, and real joy just knowing you have nothing to fear for you are holding God’s hand! Text: Romans 8:18, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Philippians 4:12, Psalm 31:24

Bible Texts:
Romans 8:18 KJV - For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

Philippians 4:12 KJV - I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Psalm 31:24 KJV - Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

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Evening Devotion

Saturday 13th January 2024

Don't be afraid of getting old Part II"

‘‘They shall still bear fruit in old age.’’Psalm 92:14 NKJV.

Does the thought of getting older depress you, make you anxious, or make you fatalistic in your outlook? If so, read this: ‘Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing’ (vv. 13-14 NKJV). Here is how to stay ‘fresh and flourishing’ as you grow older: 1) Guard your health. Studies show that good health is the number-one factor in determining the level of happiness in old age. So try to eat healthy, and exercise often if you can. Drink lots of water, take your daily vitamins, and get regular medical check-ups. These efforts will not guarantee you more time, but they will help improve the quality of your time here on earth. 2) Look your best. Dress stylishly at every age, as your budget will allow. When you look good, you feel good – and inspired. But keep your quest for attractiveness in balance. Remember God’s words to Samuel: ‘The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’ (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT). Think twice, examine your motives, seek God’s advice, and do your homework before you submit to cosmetic procedures. Some can be costly and downright dangerous. 3) Look for someone to help. Mother Teresa said, ‘We cannot do great things. We can only do little things with great love.’ You will be amazed at the sense of strength, self-worth, and satisfaction you feel when you meet the needs of others. An unknown poet wrote, ‘It’s loving and giving that makes life worth living!’Bible in a Year: Genesis 29-30, Matthew 9:1-17

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Morning Devotion

Saturday 13th January 2024

"Live Life to the Fullest"

From the moment you are born – you begin to die! That is just the natural progression of life. Genetics aside, maintaining a healthy lifestyle plays a big role in just how long you will live, as well as the quality of your life. That’s why it’s important to take good care of your body - getting plenty of rest, good food, water, exercise, and abstaining from drugs, alcohol and to***co. But in addition to those basic needs, if you want to live a rich, vibrant, well balanced life - you need to take care of your spiritual health as well, and the best way to do that is to spend time each day studying God’s Holy Word, and spending time in His presence. Communicating with God gives you the wisdom, comfort, strength and direction you need to face each day. Without Jesus – your life is but an empty shell, without real joy or purpose . . . and you’ll find you’re just going through the motions of living. The Bible says in Psalm 73:26, “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.” You see, your body won’t last forever here on earth – but because of Christ’s death on Calvary, you have the opportunity to spend eternity in heaven with a new body, where there will be no more sickness, pain or death. Oh what a glorious day that will be! Determine today to live life to the fullest – taking care of the body God gave you and keeping your spiritual life healthy by walking hand-in-hand with Jesus each day! Text: Psalm 25:5, Psalm 147:3, Psalm 119:32, Psalm 146:5
Bible Texts:
Psalm 25:5 KJV - Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou [art] the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

Psalm 147:3 KJV - He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

Psalm 119:32 KJV - I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

Psalm 146:5 KJV - Happy [is he] that [hath] the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope [is] in the LORD his God:

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Evening Devotion

Saturday 12th January 2024

"Don’t be afraid of getting old"

‘‘My chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands.’’Isaiah 65:22 NIV.

We live in a fickle society where a few wrinkles can devastate your self-worth. But you don’t have to be a victim of that value system. ‘As the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands’ (v. 22 NIV). Someone said, ‘Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter!’ So: 1) Build a strong relationship with God. Spend time talking with Him and reading His Word. ‘Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying’ (Proverbs 3:1-2 NLT). 2) Come to grips with the reality of ageing. Face it, you have been ageing from the moment you were conceived. In fact, on the day of your birth, you were already nine months old. Therefore, fretting about getting older is as fruitless as worrying about the sun going down each day. Instead of worrying about the length of your life, maximise every day of it. Each morning look in the mirror and announce, ‘This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it’ (see Psalm 118:24). 3) Always have a goal. It doesn’t have to be something big in the eyes of the world, just something to look forward to doing with your hands and your mind. Eleanor Roosevelt said, ‘I could not at any age be content to take my place in a corner by the fireside andni simply look on.’ Read, grow, contribute, stay involved, live until your last breath!Bible in a Year: Genesis 27-28, Matthew 8:18-34..............................
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Evening Devotion

Thursday 11th January 2024

"What it means to ‘love’ someone"

‘As we live in God, our love grows more perfect.’ 1 John 4:17 NLT

In today’s culture, the word ‘love’ means different things to different people. You can love your husband or wife, your country, your dog, your new mobile phone, and your car. But you don’t love your husband or wife the same way you love your mobile phone or your car, right? The television and tabloid kind of love where you fall in and out of love at the drop of a hat isn’t real love, it’s selfishness and immaturity. The Bible word agape (God’s love) is an unconditional commitment to love that’s rooted in an unchanging decision. It always gives, and doesn’t change whether the love is returned or not. It’s a decision of your heart to seek the other person’s highest good, no matter how they may respond.
When the King James Bible translators came upon the Greek word agape, in addition to using the English word ‘love’ to transliterate it, they often chose the word ‘charity’. This was meant to reinforce the idea that love is a selfless, unconditional, giving love. And as such, it directs kindness, respect, and loyalty towards the loved one. ‘God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect’ (vv. 16-17 NLT). What causes us to stand out from the world isn’t our words but our love for one another. When we can overcome our differences, when we can cross lines of denomination, race, and culture and truly love one another, the world is drawn to Christ and it pays attention to what we say (see John 13:35).

Genesis 25-26, Matthew 8:1-17

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