Be Faithful In This Small Amount

Before a church or ministry grows, the leadership must first prove to God he/she is faithful in handling the small amount.

"The master said,

'Well done, my good and faithful servant.

You have been faithful in handling this small amount,

so now I will give you many more responsibilities.

Let's celebrate together!'"

Matthew 25:23 (NLT)

When faithfulness has been shown with the little God has entrusted the leader with, then God promises to reward the leader with more responsibilities.

"'Well done!' the king exclaimed.

'You are a good servant.

You have been faithful with the little

I entrusted to you,

so you will be governor 

of ten cities as your reward.'"

Luke 17:19 (NLT)

Be Slow To Talk, Type Or Text

"The one who has knowledge

uses words with restraint,

and whoever has understanding

is even-tempered."

Proverbs 17:27 (NIV)

We need to all be very careful the words we speak and the words we type or text. Words spoken or written in anger only stirs up conflict.

"A hot-tempered person

stirs up conflict,

but the one who is patient

calms a quarrel."

Proverbs 15:18 (NIV)

But the one who is slow to speak, slow to write, or slow to become angry calms a quarrel.

"My dear brothers and sisters,

take note of this:

everyone should be quick to listen,

slow to speak

and slow to become angry."

James 1:19 (NIV)

God Did This

God dried up the Jordan River right before the eyes of His people, and He kept it dry until they were all safely across. 40,000 armed warriors led the Israelites across the Jordan River that day. They were strong and ready for battle, but it was only because God was with them. God is the One who is almighty and all-powerful. He is the One we are to put our trust in and fear.

"He did this 

so all the nations of the earth

might know that the Lord's hand

is powerful,

and so you might fear 

the Lord your God forever."

Joshua 4:24 (NLT)

Interrupted In Worship

I would like to have a class for the three and four year old children in our church, but I need volunteers. There was an advertisement placed in the bulletin last week for this, but I didn't think any one would
respond. For years the church has not been able to have a class for this age group because of the lack of interested workers.

Then this morning God surprised me. During the Sunday morning service while I was enjoying worshiping the Lord, a woman tapped me on the shoulder to offer her help. I couldn't believe it! I was so thrilled that God had answered my prayer so quickly. After the lady went back to her seat, I continued to worship God in song when another woman came up to me and offered her help as well. Praise God! for two women who worshiped God this morning in doing. I know God is pleased. They heard His voice in worship and did not wait to respond.

"And do not forget to do good

and to share with others,

for with such sacrifices

God is pleased."

Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

A Powerful Positive Influence

Next Sunday three children from my church will be baptized, so tomorrow I will teach the children on water baptism. The three children being baptized are sisters. They come from a split home, and both of their parents are not Christians, but, praise God! their grandmother is. As a result of this grandmother's faith and devotion to God, each of the girls have now made a decision to follow Jesus by being baptized in water as an outward confession of their faith. Despite all obstacles, the faith of one woman changed the lives of three in her family.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul contributes the faith of Timothy, who was a God-fearing pastor in Ephesus, to two women: his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice.

"I am reminded of your sincere faith,

which first lived in your grandmother Lois

and in your mother Eunice

and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."

2 Timothy 2:5 (NIV)

Eunice was a Jew, but she was married to a Gentile who was not a believer of Jesus Christ. As a result, her husband prevented their son Timothy from being circumcised at birth. But despite the negative hindrances, Eunice, together with her mother Lois, are able to influence Timothy to live for Jesus. In turn, Timothy gives his life to influence many to live for Him.

Rejoicing For Each One

A girl from the neighbourhood came for the first time on Wednesday night for New Hope Kids. I was very excited to meet her. Her father stayed to watch and enjoyed the worship, puppet show and Bible lesson just as much as his daughter did. He told me afterwards his daughter will be coming every week and left with a great smile on his face. Praise God! One by one, God is increasing the number of children my sons and I minister too and I rejoice along with the angels for each one we have the privilege to teach God's Word to.

"In the same way,

I tell you,

there is rejoicing

in the presence of the angels of God

over one sinner who repents."

Luke 15:10 (NIV)

It Is Late And Time Is Running Out

We need to wake up. It is late and time is running out. Our salvation is drawing near. We must remove our filthy clothes and put on the shining armor of right living in obedience to God.

"This is all the more urgent,

for you know how late it is;

time is running out.

Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now

than when we first believed.

The night is almost gone;

the day of salvation will soon be here.

So remove your dark deeds

like dirty clothes,

and put on the shining armor of right living.

Because we belong to the day,

we must live decent lives for all to see.

Don't participate in the darkness

of wild parties and drunkenness, 

or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living,

or in quarreling and jealousy.

Instead, clothe yourself

with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.

And don't let yourself think about ways

to indulge your evil desires."

Romans 13:11-13 (NLT)

Many so-called Christians and pastors in our churches are in danger because of sexual immorality.

"The time is coming when everything 

that is covered up will be revealed,

and all that is secret 

will be made known to all.

Whatever you have said in the dark

will be heard in the light,

and what you have whispered behind closed doors 

will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!

'Dear friends, don't be afraid of those who want to kill the body;

they cannot do any more to you after that.

But I'll tell you whom to fear.

Fear God, who has the power to kill you

and then throw you into hell.

Yes, He's the One to fear.'"

Luke 12:2-5 (NLT)

If we continue to live in darkness and indulge in our evil desires, we need to be afraid.  God has the power to give both life and death.