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Good morning. Having a driver’s license gives us the freedom to drive. However it requires us to be responsible and follow the rules to ensure everyone’s safety. Similarly our freedom in Christ is a precious gift, but it doesn’t excuse us from accountability. Nor does it give us license to do anything that we please. Paul reminds us: "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love." (Galatians 5:13) Notice what Jesus did when He healed the lame man beside the pool at Bethesda (John 5:1-14) and when He saved the woman, caught in adultery, from being stoned (John 8:1-11): He told them to "go and sin no more." His purpose for us is the same - He restores us so that we can love others for Him. "And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." (2 Corinthians 5:15) Let us consider how we can use your freedom to serve others and live for Christ. Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. People feel afraid for different reasons. Some have phobias about heights, spiders, or public speaking. Others worry about the future. Still others fear failure.Fear can paralyze us, obstructing the abundant life Jesus promised. It can also tempt us to question God and wonder if we can trust Him. The Bible contains dozens of verses urging us to have courage and not be afraid, but many of us struggle because we’re attempting to be brave on our own. What truly gives us freedom from fear is Jesus living in us. When David, a young shepherd, faced Goliath, he toppled the giant, not because he had confidence in his weapons, strength, or aim. Rather, he knew that God was mighty and good. David was victorious because he placed his trust in the Lord, and that’s why fear had no hold on him. What would our lives look like if we refused to let fear define us and instead fully embraced the “power and love and self-discipline” the Holy Spirit gives (2 Tim. 1:7)? Try taking a step in that direction today. Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. One cannot but be stirred by the writings of David, the psalmist. They often express a human reaction wanting revenge, on the one hand - "Arise, Lord ! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked." (Psalm 3:7) and a revelation of God and His greatness, on the other hand - "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." (Psalm 139:7‭-‬10) In Psalm 19, David shows us 2 ways through which God us revealed to us. • General revelation which is used to reveal God to humanity: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge." (Psalms 19:1‭-‬2) • Specific revelation where God is revealed through the written and spoken Word. "The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes." (Psalm19:7‭-‬8) As children of God we are in the privileged position to experience and appreciate the revelation of God. Let us make the time to enjoy His creation and to meditate on His Word. Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. Recently the Life Group that we attend had a picnic. It was a wonderful time of relaxation. Friendships were strengthed and we came away feeling refreshed; like we had experienced Paslm 23:1-3. "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake." Having said this, the same psalmist reminds us that life is not a picnic. "It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze." (Psalm 18:32‭, ‬34) There is one common thread that runs throughout life's journey. God is the one who orchestrates every moment in our lives. There will be times when He calls "time out" and have us just relax and enjoy Him; to have a picnic with Him, as it were. There will also be times when the war we are in feels overpowering. But God strengthens us, keeps our way secure. "He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way." (Psalm 18:33‭, ‬36) "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) With this in mind, have a good day as we head into the new week. Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. Paul wrote: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2) When we grasp the depth of meaning in these words we get a clearer picture of our place in this world. Martyn Lloyd-Jones has this to say: "The renewing of our minds not only changes our view of ourselves and other people, it changes our entire view of life in this world; and thus is very important. We are in a unique relationship to this world. If our citizenship is in heaven, we are only 'strangers and pilgrims' here." Jim Reeves used to sing: "This world is not my home I'm just a-passing through My treasures are laid up Somewhere beyond the blue" As we travel on our pilgrimage, let us not grow too comfortable with this world's comforts. "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." (Colossians 3:1) Have a wonderful time as you worship together with fellow followers of Christ, today. Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. For most of us there are times when we feel like we are buckling under the load. The pressure that we face seems too much to bear. The encouragement we receive from our family and friends seems like mere words. "They don't know what I'm going through, what it's like!" Let us remind you that there is one who is closer to you than you can imagine. He does not grow weary when you "unload" to Him. He is the one who said: "“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28‭-‬30) Also remember what Paul says. "The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24) Our prayer is the same as Paul's: "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people" (Ephesians 1:18) Hang in there. Don't give up. The one who has called you is faithful. Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. Before being appointed an ambassador there are years of preparation. Most ambassadors are career politicians, i.e. on who's life is devoted to being there for the long haul.(No job-hopping here!) Paul reminds us that we are Christ's ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). He also tells us that a huge amount of preparation has gone into you to be His ambassador. "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10) The new Living Translation puts it like this: "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." We are not randomly chosen and dumped into the deep end. No! God has spent eternity preparing you, His masterpiece, to accomplish all He has painstakinly created you for. The good news is that He does not expect you to accomplish this by yourself. He has given you a helper. Jesus said, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever." (John 14:16) As Holy Spirit lives in us, we have 24/7/365 access to His help. When we live our lives as God's ambassadors, yielded to Him and His ways, Holy Spirit does more than help, He also leads us. Today, let's follow His leading as good ambassadors for God's kingdom. Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. Since we have experienced God's love, His faithfulness and His peace, the question begs asking: "What now?" Paul has this to say. "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation ... We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." (2 Corinthians 5:18‭, 20) As followers of Christ, we are ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. We are called to become part of a totally different society, and while living in this world, we must represent God and abide by His laws and standards, which supersede those of men when they conflict. Just like an ambassador of a country, a follower of Christ should not involve him/herself in the affairs of an opposing government but must abide by its rules as best he can. He must live as a citizen of heaven and an ambassador for Jesus Christ first and foremost. The message we bear is one of reconciliation. We do this by demonstrating God's love, mercy and grace, His faithfulness. We let those around us see that we live in a peace that only comes from God. To this end, let's live as Christ's ambassadors. Have a great day. Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. Because of God's unending love and faithfulness, we can experience His peace. Mind you, this peace was not without cost. "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5) No matter what we may be going through, we are able to experience this peace that comes from Him. Jesus said: "“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me." (John 14:1) "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27) While we nay feel anxious and perhaps even overwhelmed by the pressures and burdens of life, Peter reminds us of our Father's compassion and care and what we should do. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) When we do this we will find that the promise He made through the prophet Isaiah still is true today. "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." (Isaiah 26:3) Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. It is impossible to think about God's love without thinking of His faithfulness. Psalm 36:5 reminds us, "Your love, Lord , reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." "But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." (Psalm 86:15) As we go deeper in our relationship with God, we, like Isaiah, will be able to confidently declare: "Lord , you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago." (Isaiah 25:1) As followers of Christ we are blessed every day of our lives. God is true to His Word. He is faithful. "I will bless those who bless you ... and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3) With this in mind let us approach each day according to Proverbs 3:3: "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. Have you ever taken the time to consider God's love and what it means for you? We are told in Deuteronomy 7:9 that "He is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments." But what are the implications for us in our daily lives? "God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them" (Genesis 1:27) What comes to mind when you think about the image of God? John tells us, "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." (1 John 4:16) Since we are created in God's image, the implication is that the potential for us to show love is an inherent quality in each of us. Let us, today, demonstrate this love to those around us and remember, " We love because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19) Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. Today, once again, we have a wonderful opportunity to be the church. When the church comes together we will: • joyfylly worship our sovereign Lord. "Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalms 100:2) • encourage and build up fellow followers of Christ. "What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up." (1 Corinthians 14:26) • be edified as the Word is ministered to us. "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." (Acts 2:42) Let's prepare ourselves to worship, bless and be blessed. Blessings. Mike and Daphne