With Jesus came a new covenant ...

WITH JESUS CAME A NEW COVENANT…. NO LONGER UNDER THE LAW.

HEBREWS 8: 6-9 and more.

6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: 9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. KJV

Use your gifts!

If you're an encourager, encourage, if you're 

Luke 5:17-26

Spiritual Bread-Fast 16/11/23

with Jude and Sope Emelifeonwu 

Luke 5:17-26 

17 On one of the days while Jesus was teaching, some proud religious law-keepers and teachers of the Law were sitting by Him. They had come from every town in the countries of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was there to heal them. 18 Some men took a man who was not able to move his body to Jesus. He was carried on a bed. They looked for a way to take the man into the house where Jesus was. 19 But they could not find a way to take him in because of so many people. They made a hole in the roof over where Jesus stood. Then they let the bed with the sick man on it down before Jesus. 20 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

21 The teachers of the Law and the proud religious law-keepers thought to themselves, “Who is this Man Who speaks as if He is God? Who can forgive sins but God only?” 22 Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said to them, “Why do you think this way in your hearts? 23 Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or, ‘Get up and walk’?

24 “So that you may know the Son of Man has the right and the power on earth to forgive sins,” He said to the man who could not move his body, “I say to you, get up. Take your bed and go to your home.” 25 At once the sick man got up in front of them. He took his bed and went to his home thanking God. 26 All those who were there were surprised and gave thanks to God, saying, “We have seen very special things today.”

God sent men determined to succeed. God will raise men with determination to see you succeed!

These guys opened up the roof . Your sins are forgiven. Jesus make room for you, we must go up to the roof ! ...

Today, I read the story of Samson!

It is found in Judges 13. It's not one my favourite passages in the Old testament though every time I read it, it's clearer in my mind! As i was looking for a commentary, I came across this study on David  Johnathan Inc website. 

The angel of the Lord appears to the wife of Manoah promising that she will conceive and bear a son who must be set apart to God from the moment of his birth. Manoah asks to see the angel of the Lord who does repeat the instructions that He gave his wife : abstain from wine and refrain from having his hair cut....

Have you ever considered that the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Old Testament days was temporary and occasional: the Spirit of God moved Samson “at times in the camp of Dan” (13:25, AV). 

How reassuring that in the New Testament times, His ministry is not temporary but permanent, not occasional but continuous. Hallelujah!

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever—the Spirit of truth…” (John 14:16-17, NIV)

What about you brothers and sis, what do you think of this story of Samson?

Love is patient!

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[b] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

PRAYERS

1. Heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift of family. Thank You for my parents, siblings, husband, wife, children, and every member of our family. I give You praise and glorify Your name for making me a member of my present family. I express my profound gratitude for Your wisdom and commit myself to love You and others, in Jesus' name.

2. Today, O LORD, I stand in the authority in the name of Jesus and bind every spirit of discord, bitterness, and resentment in my family. I declare that we will walk in unity and understanding, extending grace and forgiveness to one another. By the power of your Holy Spirit, Father, I release a spirit of patience and kindness within our family dynamics, in Jesus' name.

3. In the name of Jesus Christ, I cast out any spirit of envy or jealousy that may try to infiltrate our hearts. I declare that we will celebrate and support one another's successes, knowing that your blessings upon one are blessings upon all. I release a spirit of genuine joy and contentment in our family, in Jesus' name.

4. I break the stronghold of pride and self-centeredness in my family. I declare that, from today on, we will honor and value each family member. We will put the needs of others above our own. We receive a spirit of humility and servanthood among us, in Jesus' name.

5. I bind and command every spirit of anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness to leave our family in the name of Jesus. I declare that we will choose forgiveness and let go of past hurts. By the power of Christ's love, I release a spirit of forgiveness, reconciliation, and emotional healing in our family, in Jesus' name.

6. I stop any evil spirit of harm or division from entering our family. I release a spirit of unity, security, and unconditional love within our family lineage. I declare that we will protect and cherish one another; we will create a safe and nurturing environment where love thrives and where everyone finds their purpose, in Jesus' name.

7. Father, I declare an increase in trust and loyalty within our family. I bind every spirit of doubt and suspicion and release a spirit of trust and faithfulness among us. By your power, I release a deepening of the bonds of trust and reliance upon one another, in Jesus' name.

8. May the spirit of hope and optimism for the future possess every member of my family. I bind every spirit of discouragement and negativity. I declare that we will believe and support one another's dreams and aspirations, in Jesus' name.

9. Father, grant us the grace and wisdom to persevere and overcome challenges that try to tear us apart. Release a spirit of resilience and determination upon us. Teach us teamwork and support because we are stronger together, in Jesus' name.

10. Thank You, LORD, for the abounding love you have poured into me and everyone in my family. By your authority, I declare that your love will be a guiding force in all that we do. Your love will bind us together. Your love will flow through us, transforming our relationships and bringing glory to your name, in Jesus' name.

MEDITATION

Love is the cornerstone of a thriving family. When there is love, we create an environment where trust, respect, and unity flourish. Love is not merely an emotion but a choice — an intentional commitment to prioritize the well-being and happiness of our family members. Meditate on how we can embody the qualities of love mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 in our interactions with our family.

CONTINUE TO:

1. Pray for God's love to permeate every aspect of your family's life. Ask God to fill your hearts with His unconditional love and to help you demonstrate that love to one another.

2. Pray for love and understanding to abound between family members. Ask God to cultivate a spirit of patience, kindness, and humility within your family relationships.

3. Pray for God's grace to heal any broken relationships within your family. Ask God to bring reconciliation, forgiveness, and restoration where there may be hurt or division.

LET'S CONNECT

1. Do you have a specific need in your family? Share in the comments, and I will join you in prayer.

2. Share this prayer to bless others.

Something good is on your way.

Dr. Daniel Okpara | Daniel Okpara | Light Bearer | Shining Light Christian Centre

#prayersforyourfamily

There is power in your name!

Mitch Wong

God we believe, God we believe

You are the way when there seems to be no way

God we are trusting you

I am the light of the world!

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

I Am the Light of the World (John 8:12)

12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

You Are My Refuge

You Are My Refuge

A Maskil[a] of David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer.

142 With my voice I cry out to the Lord;
    with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord.
2 I pour out my complaint before him;
    I tell my trouble before him.

3 When my spirit faints within me,
    you know my way!
In the path where I walk
    they have hidden a trap for me.
4 Look to the right and see:
    there is none who takes notice of me;
no refuge remains to me;
    no one cares for my soul.

5 I cry to you, O Lord;
    I say, “You are my refuge,
    my portion in the land of the living.”
6 Attend to my cry,
    for I am brought very low!
Deliver me from my persecutors,
    for they are too strong for me!
7 Bring me out of prison,
    that I may give thanks to your name!
The righteous will surround me,
    for you will deal bountifully with me.

Footnotes

The reign of King Solomon!

1 King 11:42

The reign of King Solomon is a rather bittersweet one. Here he was, the wisest man who had ever lived, ruling over a powerful, wealthy nation at peace, yet the evidence that we glean from Scripture is that his forty-year reign was the prelude to disaster. As Solomon breathes his last breath, the kingdom is poised on the brink of rebellion because of heavy taxation and forced labor (see I Kings 9:20-22; 12:1-5); his heir, Rehoboam, is proud and listens only to his foolish friends (see I Kings 12:6-11); and God has been shunted aside to share glory with a menagerie of other deities (see what happened in Israel immediately after his reign; I Kings 12:25-33).

The Bible provides us both sides of the coin of Solomon's time on the throne of Israel. He presided over Israel's Golden Age and the building of the Temple and a grand palace for the royal family (see I Kings 4:20—8:66). The Queen of Sheba and countless others visited Jerusalem to gaze on the wonders collected there by the king and to hear his wisdom firsthand (see I Kings 4:29-34; 10:1-13). Scripture informs us that gold and silver were as common in Israel's capital as baser metals were elsewhere (I Kings 10:14-23; II Chronicles 9:27). Solomon was so strong and the nations around were so weak that no one dared disturb the peace of the time (except at the very end of his reign; I Kings 11:14-40).

But the underside of the coin is far darker. Though Solomon had been humble as a young man, asking God for understanding so that he could properly rule and judge his people, his pride soon led him to disobedience. He began to flout the instructions given by God through Moses to Israel's kings (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). He made alliances with foreign nations, particularly Egypt, marrying hundreds of domestic and foreign princesses to cement these ties (I Kings 11:1-3). Of course, these women brought their own gods and goddesses to worship, and it was not long before Solomon was honoring their wishes to have various shrines and "high places" built to house their idols (see I Kings 11:4-8).

As usually happens, when the people saw that Solomon had compromised with idolatry, they followed suit, visiting the ancient groves and hilltop altars that had lain unfrequented but not forgotten.  Solomon's reign set an unfortunate standard for most of the kings of Judah who followed him, and the people sank deeper into lifestyles contrary to the law of God.

The number forty is frequently a biblical indication of testing. Solomon received forty years from God to see if he would follow His ways or not. 

The book of Ecclesiastes indicates that, perhaps at the end of his life, Solomon made an effort to repent—or at least he realized that, in the end, it is a person's chief duty to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). We really do not know if he passed or failed his test, but we can learn a great lesson from the forty years of his wonderful, terrible reign.

Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In praise of small churches!

Dear friends, after enjoying 'my' zoom, I thought I would research things about small churches, and I found a very interesting article, I would like to share a few ideas with you! We moved to a small town in France, Civray (south of Poitiers) in 2016. We attend a small church that counts about 50 English people and a handful of French people. We have two retired pastors, my hubby who is English, and our friend who is Scottish. 

A small church puts everyone to work

The larger the organization of any kind, the smaller the percentage that will handle the actual work. In a small church, everyone is needed to work and, if it's a "great small church," everyone is put to work.

A small church uses volunteers everywhere--in the office, cleaning the buildings, mowing the lawn, teaching children, leading choirs, playing the piano. A small church will not hire a painting contractor to refurbish the buildings; it will have a "work day" and the members will do it all on a Saturday. A small church, one that does it right, will come closer than most to fulfilling Romans 12:3-8 where each member uses his/her spiritual gifts to do the work God gives to them.

A small church can excel at fellowship

My personal prescription for Christian fellowship is: each member of the church loves the Lord, likes each other, and welcomes the newcomer to their midst. When they work together, they have fun doing it. If a newcomer feels intimidated on walking into a huge religious edifice, he will feel more comfortable entering a small, humbler church building. A small church can take advantage of this.

Instead of bemoaning the absence of stained glass windows and pipe organs and vaulted ceilings, the members of a small church will recognize that those can be negatives to an unchurched fellow entering for the first time. He is far more likely to feel at home in New Home Church No. 2 than the First-Metro Church. The danger with small churches, of course, is that they will have great fellowship within their own membership but freeze out the newcomer. The members have known each other for so long, they may function more like a large Sunday School class than a Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

At the invitation of the pastor, I was visiting Bridgeton Baptist Church a few miles from my house. The church sits in a lovely middle-class neighborhood but has not grown in years. The pastor was trying to find the key to bringing in new people. "If we don't," he said, "this church is going to die within one generation." The forty or fifty members seemed to average 60 in age. That morning, I met several of them and enjoyed their fellowship. Later, I told the pastor, "What your people see as its problem, you should turn to an advantage."The problem, most of them felt, was the age of the members. 

Bearing in mind the Lord is faithful and He will look after His flock. In Matthew 16, 13-26 we read: 

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." 20 Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ. 

Inspired by this article: In praise of Small Churches! by JOE MCKEEVER - Original publication date: February 23, 2010

What about you, my dear readers, it would be lovely to hear from you !

Back from my holidays in London!

Here is a T-shirt that my friend Janet gave me; I am sure that you also know the song that has the same lyrics! 

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” John 14:6

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”John 8:12. 

And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:8

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5

Have you ever watched Shaun the sheep?

Until today, I heard about the cartoon Shaun the Sheep but I never had the time to watch it. So this afternoon, as I am looking for more resources to teach English to 'my' French students, I thought I'd use this cartoon. I am really pleased to say that I will start to draw some vocabulary worksheets and I am sure the kiddies will enjoy the music, the story line and the way the characters interact! 

Have a blessed day in Jesus'name wherever you are! 

John 5 The healing at the pool on the Sabbath!

Return to me with all your heart!

Joel 2

“Yet even now,” declares the Lord,
    “return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
13     and rend your hearts and not your garments.”
Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;
    and he relents over disaster.
14 Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,
    and leave a blessing behind him,
a grain offering and a drink offering
    for the Lord your God?

We preach Christ crucified!

18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
    and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 

21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach[b] to save those who believe. 

22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 

23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards,[c] not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 

27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being[d] might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him[e] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”