JRM Sydney Podcast

How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? JOHN 5:44 If there is a longing in your heart this Advent for something that the world has not been able to satisfy, might not this longing be God's Christmas gift preparing you to see Christ as consolation and redemption and to receive him for who he really is? How is the heart prepared to receive Christ for who he really is? It is very simple.

The coming of Jesus was a search-and-save mission. “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) The word advent means “coming.” In this season of the year, we focus on the meaning of the coming of the Son of God into the world. And the spirit of our celebration should be the spirit in which he came. And the spirit of that coming is summed up in Luke 19:10 Jesus came into the world at the first Advent, and every Advent since is a reminder of his continual advent into more and more lives. And that advent is, in fact, our advent—our coming, our moving into the lives of those around us and into the peoples of the world.

This is the famous question Jesus asked Peter, James, and John, after they fell asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Could you not tarry one hour?” (Matt. 26:40; Mark 14:37). Jesus could rightfully ask this of us, His twenty-first century disciples. In our busy-ed life, we often push aside prayer when we're pressed for time. But just like the disciples, we stand to lose an intimate connection with Jesus and an enlightened eternal perspective. But God reminds us of the supreme value of being with Him and the superior height of His thoughts. In times of tarrying, God holds our gaze. And fuels our prayers. And give us His perspective. We receive directions in areas that could have been blocked for months. Most of all, our hearts are lifted and refocused by spending time with the Lord. In this podcast exhort, listen to 7 keys for effective tarrying times with God. The Greek word for tarry is grégoréo, and it means to be vigilant; to be responsible. A Christian who is vigilant and responsible in prayer is vigilant and responsible in life. Let's not neglect our Tarrying time together.

I guess most of us are often intrigued by the Holy Spirit. Like moths, we are attracted to the warmth and the light of His flame. Our desire is to come closer . . . to draw nearer, to know Him more fully and intimately, to enter into new and stimulating dimensions of His workings . . . without getting burned. I know that is true of me, and I suspect you often feel the same. This month, we are entering a new series in our church called "Living in the Spirit", but a life in the Spirit (the Christian way) is not possible without knowing and encountering the source of that power. So, let's get reacquainted with the Holy Spirit.

Once every year in our Church, we celebrate what we call our FIRST FRUITS SUNDAY. This is normally every February (after the first month of “harvest” of the year is finished). Often in churches, there are plenty of Biblical terms and phrases we hear but may not understand. One such term is first fruits. So the obvious question is: WHAT IS FIRST FRUIT? The first fruits offering was an offering commanded by God to the Israelites in the Old Testament. It's mentioned several times and is in general a part of the Principle of the First in the Bible. Exodus 23:19a: "The best of the first fruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God." Leviticus 23:10: “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land that I give you and reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest." Proverbs 3:9-10: "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." The most comprehensive passage about the first fruits offering is found in Deuteronomy 26. It explains that the purpose of the first fruits was to acknowledge how God took the Israelites down to Egypt, multiplied their number, released them, and gave them the land of Canaan for an inheritance. God told the Israelites that the first fruits offering was to be given in THANKS for "cities that you did not build, and houses full of all good things that you did not fill, and cisterns that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive trees that you did not plant…" (Deuteronomy 6:10-11). In the majority of appearances, first fruits is associated with THANKSGIVING to GOD for bringing the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan. Find out more about our First Fruits Sunday: https://www.jrmsydney.com/post/first-fruits-offering

Welcome to 2022! This year, we are carrying the theme: Changing Seasons, UNCHANGING GOD. There is an old hymns that says: "On Christ the Solid Rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand." Together let's continue to stand secure on the ever stable, steady and firm foundation; the Solid Rock - JESUS CHRIST. Knowing that our God is IMMUTABLE (unchanging) should give us Comfort, Confidence, Courage and Conviction as we go forward and upward in this new year!

This month of November, we are exploring the ROOTS of our faith and the origins of the Church through the Book of Acts. How did the early Christians, Followers of the Way, thrive and grew and spread greater and further even in the midst of unparalleled opposition, persecution and hardships? Let's rediscover the secrets of their flourishing lives and walk with the Lord.

This month of November, we are exploring the ROOTS of our faith and the origins of the Church through the Book of Acts. How did the early Christians, Followers of the Way, thrive and grew and spread greater and further even in the midst of unparalleled opposition, persecution and hardships? Let's rediscover the secrets of their flourishing lives and walk with the Lord.

This month of November, we are exploring the ROOTS of our faith and the origins of the Church through the Book of Acts. How did the early Christians, Followers of the Way, thrive and grew and spread greater and further even in the midst of unparalleled opposition, persecution and hardships? Let's rediscover the secrets of their flourishing lives and walk with the Lord.

Let's be inspired and encouraged today by the sharing of Sis Mylyn on Psalm 37 on the Heritage of the Righteous and the Calamity of the Wicked. Psalm 37 1 Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. 2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb. 3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. 6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. 7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm. 9 For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth. 10 For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more. 11 But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. 16 A little that a righteous man has Is better than the riches of many wicked. 17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, But the Lord upholds the righteous. 18 The Lord knows the days of the upright, And their inheritance shall be forever. 19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. 20 But the wicked shall perish; And the enemies of the Lord, Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish. Into smoke they shall vanish away. 21 The wicked borrows and does not repay, But the righteous shows mercy and gives. 22 For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth, But those cursed by Him shall be cut off. 23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand. 25 I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. 26 He is ever merciful, and lends; And his descendants are blessed. 27 Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell forevermore. 28 For the Lord loves justice, And does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off. 29 The righteous shall inherit the land, And dwell in it forever.

I have experienced 3 consecutive miscarriages... 1 in 2018, 1 in 2019 and another 1 in 2020, and even before Skylar came, I already lost 1 too, so I have 4 miscarriages in total and that's 4 babies in heaven. So we seek medical advice and we went to a reproductive immunologist in 2019 just after I had a miscarriage and the doctor found out that I have APAS. It is an Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, it's a disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks normal proteins in the blood. It can cause blood clots to form within the arteries, veins and organs. It can also cause miscarriage and stillbirth in pregnant women and there's no cure for antiphospholipid syndrome, but medications can reduce my risk of blood clots.So my immune system mistakenly attacks my growing baby. During that time, the doctor didn't give me any medication but he advised me to lose weight just for at least 5-10 kg. So I decided to lose some weight and even exceeded what was required of me. I lost 20 kg. After achieving my desired body weight, I and my husband decided to give it another go. Yes, we got pregnant again so we went back to our specialist and he advised me to be on heparin injections for my entire pregnancy.It was painful to accept that I have to go through that journey just to have a baby. But I bravely faced all the injections every night, and I am thankful for my husband who bravely administered those subcutaneous injections for me. But then again just after a few weeks, I miscarry. After 3 consecutive miscarriages, I guess in the natural, it's pretty obvious that we can't have another child. But we have a Supernatural God, that gave us supernatural strength and grace to hope again. And with the help of my mom, our church family ate Hazel, ate Tess, pastor Jeff and my Selah DG family. We trusted the Lord and believed that He is a way maker, a promise keeper and a miracle-working God. So we moved on and continue the race that was set before us. We just enjoyed our lives together as husband and wife, doing the ministry as a family and getting busy in the Kingdom. 2020 was indeed a busy year for us in the ministry, I remember that's the time when we first launched our first ever JRM Kids TV aired in April 2020 then JRM kids Fest in November that same year. We just stand on the promises of God. I remember what my husband says, that the Lord will not withhold any good thing from us and when He gives something He will not add trouble to it. So we stand in faith, enjoy our Christmas together, feasting and enjoying Gods faithfulness in our lives. So on the 1st week of January, we had the biggest news ever and found out that we are pregnant again!!! We didn't go back to our specialist anymore but we go directly to Our Great Physician. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against doctors but we choose to trust Him more and depend on God alone. After weeks and months of waiting in the middle of the pandemic, at 37 weeks our miracle baby is born. Here she is... Baby Oceanne Zephaniah. Romans 8:32-34 32 For God has proved his love by giving us his greatest treasure, the gift of his Son. And since God freely offered him up as the sacrifice for us all, he certainly won't withhold from us anything else he has to give. And just before I end. I wanted to share what I have written in my journal. Dated 05 June 2019. To God be all the glory.

“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” As familiar as these words are in the Lord's Prayer, their meaning and significance often escapes us. What is the Kingdom of God? What does it mean for His will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven? In this prayer, Jesus summarized God's plan and goal for history and creation. The reason is simple: God is turning the entire earth into an extension of his heavenly kingdom. God is the coming King and his will will be done on earth just as fully as it's already being done in heaven. This is the story of the Bible - the Kingdom of God that has come, and is present here now through His Church and is yet to fully arrive! Let's lean in now as we understand that this world is not our home. We are pilgrims here on earth; exiles from where we truly belong. Our citizenship is the Kingdom of heaven and let's learn from Daniel and his three friends how they lived as exiles in Babylon as a picture of how we also should live here in our present Babylon while waiting to return Home. His Kingdom Comes!

Bro Jerry and Sis Tess reminds us of the importance of watchfulness and preparedness as we continue to anticipate the coming of the Lord. What really matters now are the things that matters in eternity. Are we ready? Matthew 12:29-40 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Watchfulness 35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. 39 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Let's join the Sandoval Family in today's devotional and continue to be instructed by the Word on how to be a faithful and wise servant as we wait for the Master's return. Matthew 24:45-51 45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,' 49 and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. 50 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. 51 He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Jerico and Shine share today's instructive devotional on our readiness for the coming of the Lord. Let's lean in and be found alive, alert, awake and enthusiastic. Luke 12:35-48 Watchfulness 35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. 39 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Mark 13:33-37 33 Be on guard! Be alert[a]! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. 35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!'”

Leo, Juli and DJ share today's devotional on the Parable of the Ten Virgins and how it pertains to the Coming Kingdom of Heaven and how we should be ready and prepared fro the Day of the Lord's return. Let's continue to listen and medtitate the Word today. Matthew 25:1-13 1 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' 7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 9 “‘No,' they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' 10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,' they said, ‘open the door for us!' 12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don't know you.' 13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” As familiar as these words are in the Lord's Prayer, their meaning and significance often escapes us. What is the Kingdom of God? What does it mean for His will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven? In this prayer, Jesus summarized God's plan and goal for history and creation. The reason is simple: God is turning the entire earth into an extension of his heavenly kingdom. God is the coming King and his will will be done on earth just as fully as it's already being done in heaven. This is the story of the Bible - the Kingdom of God that has come, and is present here now through His Church and is yet to fully arrive! Let's lean in now as we understand that this world is not our home. We are pilgrims here on earth; exiles from where we truly belong. Our citizenship is the Kingdom of heaven and let's learn from Daniel and his three friends how they lived as exiles in Babylon as a picture of how we also should live here in our present Babylon while waiting to return Home. His Kingdom Comes!

Sister Grace shares today's devotional on how we as a modern-day church could reflect the realities of the early church in Colosse in prayer, in fruitfulness in every good work and in patient endurance and joy; knowing we have been transferred from the dominion of darkness to the Kingdom of the Son of God. Let's lean in to the Word. Colossians 1:3-14 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God's people— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God's grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. 9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The Laguatans share with us this powerful and curious Psalm about God's rule above all and His soveregnty. As Eternal, All-powerful King of all, He reigns and is not worried at all. Let's rest on this truth. He still sits on the throne. Psalm 2 1 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, 3 “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6 “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” 7 I will proclaim the Lord's decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. 8 Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” 10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. 12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Angel and Weia share our inspiring devotional today. The book of Acts ends with Paul's house arrest and an open-ended manner in chapter 28, as if to say "to be continued"... and indeed it has continued. The mission went on to spread in the entire world and we are now part of that mission. We are the Acts 29 generation. So let's go! Acts 28:17-31 17 Three days later he called together the local Jewish leaders. When they had assembled, Paul said to them: “My brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or against the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 They examined me and wanted to release me, because I was not guilty of any crime deserving death. 19 The Jews objected, so I was compelled to make an appeal to Caesar. I certainly did not intend to bring any charge against my own people. 20 For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” 21 They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. 22 But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.” 23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: 26 “‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” 27 For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' 28 “Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” [29] 30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” As familiar as these words are in the Lord's Prayer, their meaning and significance often escapes us. What is the Kingdom of God? What does it mean for His will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven? In this prayer, Jesus summarized God's plan and goal for history and creation. The reason is simple: God is turning the entire earth into an extension of his heavenly kingdom. God is the coming King and his will will be done on earth just as fully as it's already being done in heaven. This is the story of the Bible - the Kingdom of God that has come, and is present here now through His Church and is yet to fully arrive! Let's lean in now as we understand that this world is not our home. We are pilgrims here on earth; exiles from where we truly belong. Our citizenship is the Kingdom of heaven and let's learn from Daniel and his three friends how they lived as exiles in Babylon as a picture of how we also should live here in our present Babylon while waiting to return Home. His Kingdom Comes!

Today's devotional is shared by Marinel and Alona. Let's lean in as we continue to increase in the revelation of the eschatological plan of God and the good news of His Second Coming. Revelation 1:1-8 1 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. Greetings and Doxology 4 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits[a] before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. 7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,”[b] and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”[c] So shall it be! Amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” [a] That is, the sevenfold Spirit [b] Daniel 7:13 [c] Zech. 12:10

Eugene, Daniel and Ate Melba leads us in today's devotional and looks at the passage that touches on humility and generosity that we should exhibit in the upside-down Kingdom of God. Let's lean in and be exhorted. Luke 14:7-14 7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” 12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Dave, Abby and Zairus, beautifully exhorts on a childlike faith that we need to receive and to continually be amazed by the Kingdom of God. Let's lean in and be inspired by this message. Mark 10:13-16 The Little Children and Jesus 13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone, who will not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Allan & Queena shares an insightful devotional on what it means to truly worship God. Let's be reminded of the reason, essence and means of our acceptable and proper worship to the King. Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Annika and Hannah leads us in today's devotional and amply illustrates that the Kingship of Jesus is not of this world, and so is our citizenship to His Kingdom, by the grace that has been given to us. Let's continue to listen... John 18:28-36 Jesus Before Pilate 28 Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?” 30 “If he were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed him over to you.” 31 Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” “But we have no right to execute anyone,” they objected. 32 This took place to fulfill what Jesus had said about the kind of death he was going to die. 33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” 34 “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” 35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” 36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

KG and Dan share with us this insightful devotional on Jesus' Triumphal Entry to Jerusalem as King fulfilling the prophecy of the prophet Zechariah. Let's lean in and gain revelation of the beauty of JESUS's kingship and how we should respond to Him. John 12:12-19 12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: 15 “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt.” 16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. 17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

Let's join the Batino Family as we reflect on the Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price Matthew 13 The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl 44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” As familiar as these words are in the Lord's Prayer, their meaning and significance often escapes us. We'd like to share with you these powerful teachings from our recently concluded Virtual Family Camp, What is the Kingdom of God? What does it mean for His will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven? In this prayer, Jesus summarized God's plan and goal for history and creation. The reason is simple: God is turning the entire earth into an extension of his heavenly kingdom. God is the coming King and his will will be done on earth just as fully as it's already being done in heaven. This is the story of the Bible - the Kingdom of God that has come, and is present here now through His Church and is yet to fully arrive! Let's lean in now as we understand God's goal in history, how soon it is approaching and how we as a Church will be ready for His return. His Kingdom Comes!

“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” As familiar as these words are in the Lord's Prayer, their meaning and significance often escapes us. We'd like to share with you these powerful teachings from our recently concluded Virtual Family Camp, What is the Kingdom of God? What does it mean for His will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven? In this prayer, Jesus summarized God's plan and goal for history and creation. The reason is simple: God is turning the entire earth into an extension of his heavenly kingdom. God is the coming King and his will will be done on earth just as fully as it's already being done in heaven. This is the story of the Bible - the Kingdom of God that has come, and is present here now through His Church and is yet to fully arrive! Let's lean in now as we understand God's goal in history, how soon it is approaching and how we as a Church will be ready for His return. His Kingdom Comes!

“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” As familiar as these words are in the Lord's Prayer, their meaning and significance often escapes us. We'd like to share with you these powerful teachings from our recently concluded Virtual Family Camp, What is the Kingdom of God? What does it mean for His will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven? In this prayer, Jesus summarized God's plan and goal for history and creation. The reason is simple: God is turning the entire earth into an extension of his heavenly kingdom. God is the coming King and his will will be done on earth just as fully as it's already being done in heaven. This is the story of the Bible - the Kingdom of God that has come, and is present here now through His Church and is yet to fully arrive! Let's lean in now as we understand God's goal in history, how soon it is approaching and how we as a Church will be ready for His return. His Kingdom Comes!

Let's explore the Parables of the Kingdom. Today, Aguilar Family shares with us the Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast. Let those who have ears, let them hear... :) Matthew 13 31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” 33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds[b] of flour until it worked all through the dough.” 34 Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. 35 So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.”

Let's Explore the Parables of the Kingdom. Tonight let's look at the Parable of the Weeds. Whoever has ears, let them hear... Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 The Parable of the Weeds 24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27 “The owner's servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?' 28 “‘An enemy did this,' he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?' 29 “‘No,' he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'” The Parable of the Weeds Explained 36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

Luke 14 The Parable of the Great Banquet 15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” 16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.' 18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.' 19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' 20 “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can't come.' 21 “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.' 22 “‘Sir,' the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.' 23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.'”

Our September series is another exciting journey and will be about the Topographic Symbols and Landscape of the Bible and what they mean or represent for our lives in the present. We often read Scripture verses or stories in the Bible involving mountains, rivers, gardens and deserts. (E.g. mount Sinai, river of life, garden of Eden and Gethsemane, the desert wanderings of Bible characters, etc? We also sing songs about them e.g. Desert Song, Come Alive in the River, Graves into Gardens, etc; but half the time we don't get them. We want our church to have a revelation of their rich meaning and understand them in light of God's will and ways to situations and seasons of our lives. So come, pack your bags and gear up as we trek the heights, ride the waves, smell the scents and traverse the vastness of God's beautiful picture of grace through this sceneries in His Word.

Joey, Anna and Aeva share with us the beautiful story of the jailer who Paul and Silas led to Christ Jesus and the salvation that has flowed into the rest of his household. Let's be blessed as we listen on. Acts 16:25-34 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don't harm yourself! We are all here!” 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

Sis Terry shares with us a very crucial passage in understanding the heart of God for true fasting. God is not impressed with religion. Genuine faith and relationship with God will always be translated into a life of humility, love, justice, mercy, righteousness and compassion. God is calling us to the true essence of fasting. Isaiah 58 1 “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins. 2 For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them. 3 ‘Why have we fasted,' they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?' “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. 4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD? 6“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. 11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. 12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. 13 “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, 14 then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” The mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Jessica, Alyssa, and AJ share God's Word with us today based on Matthew 5 and how counterecultural and counterintuitive is the character and teachings of Jesus which ought to be our example; for us to serve as salt and light of the earth. Matthew 5 Salt and Light 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Love for Enemies 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

God spoke to Abraham in the desert. God spoke to Jacob in the desert. Joseph's life was a desert He spoke to Moses in the desert. David was honed and shaped in the desert along with his mighty men He spoke to Elijah in the desert. (Before 1 Kings 18 is 1 Kings 17) He prepared John the Baptist in the wilderness Even Jesus went into a desert and was tested before He began his public ministry. The apostle Paul prepared in Arabia for 3 years after his conversion before he met with the. apostles. Galatians 1:10-20 Hebrews 11 which is the Hall of Faith. Almost every single character there are called, prepared and shaped by God in the scorching heat of the desert. Why is Solomon not there? Why is King Saul not there? They did not go through the desert and they did not finish strong either. Their faith muscles were not built and the luxuries and comforts of being a king consumed them. Know this, if you are finding yourself in the desert right now, it's not a punishment - or a consequence of your bad actions - you did nothing wrong - but somehow the Lord allowed it - take heart - it means GOD WANTS YOU TO FINISH STRONG. You have a calling and God is preparing you. Psalm 63 A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah. 1 You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. 5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. 6 On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. 7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. 8 I cling to you; your right hand upholds me. Galatians 1 Paul Called and Prepared by God in Arabia 11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother's womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus. 18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord's brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.

Our dear brethren Steve and Patrizia Wirth grace our devotional sharing today on the value and power of Unity. Our God is the God of Unity and He calls us to a life of unity. There is where His blessings and anointing flows. Let's listen meditatively and be exhorted once more. Psalm 133 NKJV 1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.

Our Kuya JayR and his beautiful family leads us today in our devotion and exhorts on the overflowing hope that flows from our God of Hope. May our hope tank not just be always full but overflowing. Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Abiding or remaining in the vine is the secret to a growing and fruitful faith life. It pertains to our relationship or connectedness to the Lord. Oftentimes, we can get overfamiliar and religious but not really consciously connected and relying on the Lord. he is our only source of life. Our life will naturally produce good fruits when we are connected to the Life-giving flow of His Spirit. Today let's be blessed by the sharing of father and daughter tandem Kuya Jobve and Sofia on John 15. John 15 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

Worship with us and meditate this song of thanksgiving as our dear Sheland renders a beautiful rendition of one of our favourite worship songs in this season. Thank You Jesus for the Blood _ Cover by Sis Sheland Faelnar I was a wretch I remember who I was I was lost I was blind I was running out of time Sin separated The breach was far too wide But from the far side of the chasm You held me in your sight So You made a way Across the great divide Left behind Heavens throne To build it here inside And there at the cross You paid the debt I owed Broke my chains Freed my soul For the first I had hope Thank you Jesus for the blood applied Thank you Jesus it have washed me white Thank you Jesus You have saved my life Brought me from the darkness into glorious light You took my place Laid inside my tomb of sin You were buried for three days And then You walked right out again And now death has no sting And life has no end For I have been transformed By the blood of the lamb Thank You Jesus for the blood applied (thank You Jesus) Thank You Jesus it have washed me white Thank You Jesus You have saved my life Brought me from the darkness into glorious light There is nothing stronger Then the wonder working power of the blood The blood That calls us sons and daughters We are ransomed by our father Through the blood The blood There is nothing stronger Then the wonder working power of the blood The blood That calls us sons and daughters We are ransomed by the father Through the blood The blood Thank You Jesus for the blood applied Thank You Jesus it have washed me white Thank You Jesus You have saved my life Brought me from the darkness into glorious light

"The Day of the Lord" is what every child of God should be looking forward to with joy. And even as we wait, we are instructed in the Scriptures to keep watch and to keep on keeping on with all diligence and faithfulness. Let's join the Sandoval family as they share the Word of the Lord today. 1 Thessalonians 5 The Day of the Lord 5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Final Instructions 12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil. 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God's people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

The apostle Paul's passion and unstoppable devotion to JESUS, our Lord is truly inspiring and worth emulating. Today, the Hular family gleans over a portion of his story and how the Holy Spirit empowered him in this passage. Acts 19:1-22 1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John's baptism,” they replied. 4 Paul said, “John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all. 8 Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. 11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. 13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. 17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. 21 After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.” 22 He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.

A blessed Monday everyone! Today, we are blessed to hear from the Cabingan Family sharing on a very crucial turning point in the history of Christianity - Jesus Ascending and the promised empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Let's lean in! Acts 1 1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

A Blessed Saturday brethren! This is the day that the Lord has made... Oh how easy it is to miss the mark of each day.. to miss the graces and gifts that are already in front of us. Today let's be reminded about the prayer in psalms.. Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. And let's be fully present and never miss out on God's Presence.. John 20:24-25 24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But let us be like the believers in Acts, always fully present and anticipating that God shows up everytime we come to Him.. Acts 2:42-47 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[d] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

The great Love of God that has been lavished on us ought to lead us to a life of love and purity and a holy hatred to sin. Bro Chris and Sis Jona Gonzales shares the Word of God fromthe letter of the apostle John. 1 John 3:1-10 1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. 4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. 5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. 6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. 7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 8 The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. 9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

How important is it to cultivate an eternal perspective in the midst of temporal afflictions? Like Paul, let's train ourselves to lift our eyes and look up when things around us afflict us. Let's join Juli, Leo and DJ and they share the Word today. 2 Corinthians 4 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Today's devotional shared by the Guevara Family brings us to the nature of our unfading hope that is found in our salvation through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Let's listen in and be blessed! 1 Peter 1 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. Praise to God for a Living Hope 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

It's a beautiful day to be inspired and refreshed once again by the Word of God. Mardo Family joins us today in our devotional and shares the letter of John to the early church reminding them of the indicators or fruits of a genuine fellowship with Christ. Let's continue to learn from them. 1 John 2 1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. Love and Hatred for Fellow Believers 3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God[a] is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 7 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8 Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. 9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister[b] is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister[c] lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them. Reasons for Writing 12 I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. 13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. 14 I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. On Not Loving the World 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[d] is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.