(by pastor Norman)

God has a plan for each of our lives (Ps 139:16). He wishes to guide and direct us into that plan and for us to embrace the amazing, abundant life He has for us (John 10:10), a life of wholeness, health, fulfillment and purpose. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye” (Ps 32:8; NKJV). God guides us primarily by the Holy Spirit, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Rom 8:14; KJV). As we prayerfully study our Bible, the Holy Spirit will bring the word alive, giving direction and correction for our lives (John 14:26, 16:13-15). The Holy Spirit in us (1 Cor 3:16) can enlighten and prompt our spirits (Rom 9:1, 1 John 3:20-21, John 16:8) by a verse, a thought or an idea that will come with a real sense of peace and assurance (James 3:17) guiding us into all of God’s truth and direction for our lives (John 16:13-15). We call this an inner witness or unction from God. Elijah heard from God as, “a sound of gentle stillness, a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12b); we can experience this as well. Guidance can also come as an audible voice (1 Sam 3:1-8), as dreams and visions (Acts 2:16-18) and prophecy, but we should always make sure that any guidance lines up with God’s word. If in doubt, seek the wisdom of a godly counsellor (Prov 24:6b). If we really want to hear from God we need to get into His word and seek His peace (Is 26:3), “Be still and know that I am God (Ps 46:10; KJV). This is a challenge in today’s world, but with discipline it is very possible!

(by pastor Jean)

It is interesting that when God asked Solomon what he would like, he said wisdom, and out of that wisdom he wrote the book of Proverbs, which is a treasury of wisdom. In fact, in Proverbs 1:2 we are told that, “Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise” (NLT). The meaning of wisdom in both the Old and New Testaments is the practical application of knowledge to our lives. The Bible teaches that wisdom must come from God and not ourselves, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Ps 111:10. Prov 9:10) and wisdom is a part of who God is (Isa 11:2, 1 Cor 1:24). In addition, we need to, “Seek her (wisdom) as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures” (Prov 2:5; NLT). (See also Prov 4:5,7.) Incidentally, Proverbs 8:17 tells us that if we seek wisdom earnestly, we will find it. How do we seek for wisdom? By reading and meditating in the word, every page is filled with wisdom. We can also ask God to give us wisdom (James 1:5, Prov 2:6). There are many benefits from wisdom; we learn in Proverbs chapter 3 that wisdom brings happiness (V 13,18), long life (V 16), peace (V 17) and life (V 18). It also increases wealth (Prov 8:18, 21, and favour (Prov 8:35). Everybody needs wisdom; husbands, wives, parents, teachers etc. God’s wisdom is what makes us successful in life.

(by pastor Norman)

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires” (Hebr 4:12, NLT). God’s word has the power to analyze and judge our very thoughts. It can help us to put off the old life and put on the new (Rom 12:2, Eph 5:26); cleanse us, make us more like Christ (2 Cor 3:18, Eph 5:1), set us apart for the abundant life He has for us (John 10:10) and cause us to be His effective ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20). This all requires faith and the Bible tells us that, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17; NKJV). We need God’s word to grow our faith! We are taught that we should make every word of our Bible a priority, meditate on it day and night and abide or stay in God’s word (Matt 4:4, Josh 1:8, John 8:31-32). However, many people read God’s word but their lives are not affected or changed. The apostle Paul wrote that the natural mind or the mind of non-Christians cannot receive the things of God (1 Cor 2:14), they are a mystery to them (1 Cor 2:7). When we asked Jesus into our lives to be our Lord and Saviour (Rom 10:9,10) our inner man or spirit was made new (John 3:3,6-7) and the Holy Spirit came to live in us (Gal 4:6). As we prayerfully study God’s word, the Holy Spirit reveals that word to our spirits (John 14:26) allowing the power and glory of the word to fill, grow and change us! Now that’s exciting!

(by pastor Jean)

“We have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son” (John 1:14; NLT). The word used for “glory” is “doxa” which means here, the excellence of Christ, the good reputation of someone, splendour, radiance and majesty. Later in John’s gospel when Jesus is praying, He says He brought glory to God by doing what He was told to do (John 17:4). The miracles Jesus performed also displayed His glory (John 2:11). Hebrews 1:3 teaches that Jesus not only radiates the glory of God but also reflects His character. In the Old Testament we read about God’s glory every time His presence was revealed, for example, in the tent of meeting and the temple, (Ex 40:34 is one of many such occasions). Moses asked God to show him His glory (Ex 33:18). The Psalms tell us that we see God’s glory every time we appreciate the beauty of His creation (Ps 72:19, 19:1). Psalm 8:5 and Hebrews 2:7 say that even mere men have been crowned with glory by God. This is confirmed in Isaiah 60:1, The glory of the Lord rises to shine on you” (NLT). We give glory to God for who He is but 2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us that we are being transformed into His image, “from glory to glory” Wow! Not only that but when we have finished our time on this earth, we cannot even conceive what the future glory will be like (Rom 8:18, Col 3:4). In the New Jerusalem there will be no need for sun or moon because the glory of God will illuminate it! Glory to God!

(by pastor Norman)

“Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God” (Ps 147; NKJV). Throughout the book of Psalms, we are exhorted to praise God. In Psalm 145 we are given many reasons to praise Him; His power, glory, goodness and mighty acts, to mention just a few. I am a country boy and can’t help but praise God when I am out in His creation (Rom 1:20). Everything that breathes is called to praise God (Ps 150:6), not only in the good times but continually, at all times (Ps 34:1). We are to see our praise as a sacrifice to God (Heb 13:15). King David said, “I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth” (Ps 1.9:30; NKJV). “Greatly” here means, with passion, loudly and with strong feeling. We can praise with lifted hands (Ps 134:2), clapping (Ps 47:1) and with dancing, as King David did, dancing with all his might, whirling and twirling, when he brought the ark to Jerusalem (2 Sa, 6:13-16). We can praise God with all kinds of musical instruments (Ps 150) and the word for praise here means with rapture, howl and wild celebration. However, in all of this let us remember that our praise must come from our hearts (Ps 9:1). In Psalm 100:4, we see that as we praise God we can enter into a real closeness and intimacy with Him. Similarly, in Psalm 22:3 we read, “But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel” (NKJV). God invades our presence as we praise Him allowing His glory and power to manifest. We should all desire that. Even this reserved English boy has learned to truly praise God!