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Good morning. When the wise men arrived at the stable where they found Jesus in the manger, Mary and Joseph, shepherds and sheep. 30 years later John the baptiser looked up and saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"  (John 1:29) Jesus, the Lamb of God, gave His life for us, overcoming death. And He promised to be with us always. The prophet Isaiah said the Messiah would be known as “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us”. So, when we find ourselves in the midst of trials and spiritual battles, we can rest in the assurance that  “The Lamb will overcome them because He is the Lord of lords and King of kings.” (Revelation 17:14) Revelation reminds us that He will not only be near but will overcome His foes (and ours) because He is Ruler of all. He will have the final word. So, as followers of Christ, we can face every day with confidence for Jesus said: " Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:20) Let us therefore face today with thanksgiving in our hearts and a spring in our steps. Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning Throughout history, the church has seen the weeks leading up to Christmas (Advent) as a time to focus on a weary world’s wait for a Saviour. We reflect on Christ’s first coming, when He arrived as a baby miraculously born to a virgin in Bethlehem. And we look toward His return, someday, as a conquering King, which is described vividly throughout the book of Revelation. When we think of the final book of the Bible, we tend to focus on the descriptions of heaven and heavenly beings, spiritual warfare, and pronouncements of God’s judgment. But throughout the book are songs of worship. These songs focus our attention on the eternal reality that God reigns over all. These songs of praise help us cultivate a holy longing for the second coming of our King Jesus. And they give us a glimpse of His glory; the glory of the One whose return we are longing for. “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13). When we read these words, we cannot but rise up and worship Him. As we head towards Christmas, let us not only remember our Kings first coming. Let us also remember that He is coming again as the all-conquering King. Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. When a baby is born he/she is momentarily the most valuable possession in the home. Everybody oohs and aahs over the new arrival. As we grow older we still want to be valued; to know that our lives matter. God wants all of us to be secure in his love for us. Our only foundation for self-esteem and feeling good about ourselves is understanding how much we matter to God. We all need a reminder about how much each of us matters to God. • No matter how small you are, Jesus notices you. God knows who you are. From the moment you took your first breath, he had his eye on you. God shows incredible attention to every detail of our lives. • No matter who ignores you, you matter to God. God says: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!  See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.  (Isaiah 49:15‭-‬16) • No matter what you’ve done, Jesus wants you. Jesus does not condemn us, He is interested in changing us. "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."  (John 3:17) May you always remember how much you matter to God. Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. Heading towards Christmas we find ourselves in a season of joy and thanksgiving. Scripture repeatedly tells us to give thanks to God. David says: "I will give thanks to you, Lord , with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds." (Psalms 9:1) To get us into the habit of giving thanks to God, I (Mike) encourage you (actually ask you) to post in this group, 1 thing that you are thankful for. Do this daily until Christmas. The words of the song sung by  Don Moen set the tone for us. "For all You've done For all You're going to do We give You thanks And lift our praise to You We give thanks We give praise For we know That all things work together For our good We give thanks We give praise For by faith We know Your grace Will see us through We give thanks" Have a great day . Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. Our words help us do many good things. We can love, encourage, advise, and teach those around us. We use them to talk to our heavenly Father, speak the truth of Scripture and sing praises to Jesus Christ. However, our voices also have the power to do great harm. Harsh words may feel good, even justified at times. But they never bring about what God desires because, in the end, they aren’t life-giving. "The tongue has the power of life and death."  (Proverbs 18:21)  "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."  (Proverbs 16:24) Jesus teaches us that “the good person out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good … for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart” (Luke 6:45). So, while negative feelings and speech may arise in us from time to time, it is important to pause and deal with what's really causing those harsh words. Pray that the Lord will soften our heart and increase our capacity for kindness. This week let's practice pausing before we react/respond and consider whether our words will encourage or break down. "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."  (Romans 12:18) Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Do you ever think about what the future holds for you and your family? I (Mike) wonder what Mary, the future mother of Jesus, thought in the months, weeks, days leading up to the birth of her first son, the Saviour of the world. I wonder what was going through the mind of this young, pregnant teenage girl? "Mary, did you know that your baby boy Would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your baby boy Would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your baby boy Has come to make you new? This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you. Mary, did you know that your baby boy Will give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know that your baby boy Will calm the storm with his hand? Did you know that your baby boy Has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little baby You kiss the face of God. Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?" As much as this song is about Mary and Jesus, the sentiment expressed could equally apply to us and our future. Will you, like Mary, believe God? Will you hang on to His promises to you? Trust God with your future. "For no word from God will ever fail.”  (Luke 1:37) Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. Three years after her release from the Ravensbrück concentration camp, Corrie ten Boom came face-to-face with a former Nazi guard. She was in Munich to give a speech. At the conclusion of the meeting a man walked toward her. He said, “I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me … but I would like to hear it from your lips as well.” Empowered by the love of Christ, she did just that. The man had actively participated in the Holocaust, one of the worst atrocities in the history of mankind. Yet he wasn’t beyond the Lord’s reach. He was "called out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9‭) This onetime enemy received the mercy offered only by almighty God. The Holy Spirit is always working to bring men and women to saving faith. He uses believers’ lives and testimonies, like those of Corrie ten Boom and her former guard, to rescue others. “I am the Light of the world,” Jesus told His disciples, "Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  (John 8:12) This promise is for you as well. Revel in His love as you enjoy the weekend. Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy."  (Philippians 1:3‭-‬4) Looking at Paul’s prayers we see that they  were Christ-centered and kingdom-related. He prayed that people know Jesus, pattern their life after Him, and carry out God’s will. Paul prayed for believers to be filled with spiritual wisdom and understanding and to walk in a worthy manner. He prayed that they would please the Lord, be fruitful, and increase in their knowledge of God. He asked that they be strengthened with the Spirit’s power and exhibit steadfastness and patience. Paul wasn’t ignoring the people’s physical and emotional needs when he wrote to the Colossians, rather, he knew that God’s answers to these prayers were the way believers would triumph in the situations facing them. Then they would have strength to persevere and be good witnesses during difficult times. God wants us to talk to Him about our day and bring our personal requests, but He also desires that we pray for kingdom concerns — prayers for others’ salvation and for their  spiritual growth. We can pray the prayer Paul prayed, for ourselves, for our family and friends. God delights to answer such prayers because they are all part of what He desires for us. Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. Runners in a marathon follow a clearly marked course. But suppose one of the athletes decides to pick his own path. He still runs the same distance and sets his finish line in the same spot as the official one, but he runs through neighborhoods with fewer hills and across less crowded parks. His plan seems excellent to him, but when he crosses the finish line, there won’t be a medal or ribbon waiting. That seems silly, right? We do the same thing when we decide the course for our life instead of running the race God sets out for us. By submitting to His will, by doing what He says and going where He leads us, we remain on the right path. Thankfully, no matter how far off course we may veer, the Holy Spirit is still present. He reminds us of the right path and also provides the power to get back on it and persevere. As Paul says: "I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."  (Acts 20:24) Regardless of how grand a legacy someone leaves, the only truly lasting and worthwhile deeds are those done for the Lord and in the power of His Spirit. Our route is marked out and our choice is clear. Run the race set before you and finish well. Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. Have you ever wondered what went through Joshua's mind when God charged him to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land? Joshua was fully aware of just how daunting the task before him was, yet he was determined to obey God no matter what. Whatever doubts and fears the young man faced in his heart and mind, he took up the mantle of leadership with courage. He placed his faith in God, who had never let the people down. And Joshua fully expected the Lord to be true to His word again. It is quite possible that you are facing a few challenges, but no matter what challenge you’re up against, God says the same words to you that He lovingly spoke over His servant, Joshua: “Be strong and very courageous” (Joshua 1:7). Joshua’s bravery was based upon years of seeing God’s faithfulness. Whether one has been a Christian for five minutes or 50 years, we can have the same confidence. The Lord is sufficient to meet our needs. He is our “refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). We can rely on Him in all things, and like David, we can boldly say, “You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head." (Psalm  3:3) Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. Think about the last time you walked into an amusement park. What was the experience like? Probably a thousand things vied for your attention, including bright flashing lights, cacophonous music, and crowded walkways. In all likelihood, it was hard to focus (and impossible to have a conversation). Everyday life can also feel like that sometimes - too much input and not enough time to process everything that’s going on. It’s no wonder that we struggle to hear the Lord’s “still small voice” in all of it! Jesus faced this same problem, which is why He made sure to get away and spend time with His Father. In Mark 1:35 we read, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." The psalmist says: "I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content."(Psalms 131:2) To enjoy this inner peace, we must periodically pause everything and let our soul become aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence. “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalms 46:10) Intentionally slowing down can be difficult to do, but experiencing the serenity and rest God provides is a gift well worth seeking. Take a moment today to draw aside from the hustle and bustle and listen for the Lord’s still small voice. Blessings. Mike and Daphne

Good morning. Where does faith come from? It’s a gift of God, ultimately, but the Bible repeatedly points to the value of a faithful life. One example is the apostle Paul’s son in the Lord, Timothy, whose mother and grandmother were strong role models of faith. Like Timothy, those of us with godly parents enjoy the fruit of their faithfulness. But if you’re the first follower of Christ in your family, then you’re creating the legacy of faithfulness for future generations. Paul writing Timothy had this to say:"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."  (2 Timothy 2:2) This applies to us as well. This is why it is important to be in a Life Group (Cell Group) where we are able to do life together and learn from each other. If we guard and pass down this treasure, our loved ones will, by God’s grace, continue living with faith in God. Blessings. Mike and Daphne