Rev. Tse Amable | April 27 2025 | Acts 7:57-60 KEY VERSE: “Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep . ” Acts 7:60 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   Stephen emulated the example of his Master, Jesus Christ, in his life and death. Stephen embraced persecution, suffering and death just as Jesus Christ did. One good example we can also emulate from Stephen is what he did seconds before he transitioned out of this world to heaven: HE PRAYED FOR HIS ENEMIES – THE VERY PEOPLE WHO WERE STONING HIM TO DEATH . Jesus Christ did a similar thing when on the cross of Calvary, seconds before he also gave up the ghost, he prayed, “ Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do ” (Luke 23:34).   Praying for someone who has demonstrated in every way, both openly and secretly, to be your enemy or an adversary is not easy. Most of us would like to pray what some preachers call “ BACK TO THE SENDER ” prayers. We want to pray that our enemies suffer, die prematurely, are pursued by angels, etc. Instead of praying for our enemies to be blessed, we would rather rain curses on them. We find many such prayers in the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms. But Jesus Christ taught us to do things differently. He said, “ Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven ” (Matthew 5:44-45). Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans: “ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good ” (Romans 12:14,21).   One way we can show the world that we are Christ-like is when we pray for our enemies, bless them and seek their prosperity and welfare.   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: How do you react to harsh insults, harsh treatments and persecution by people you perceive as your enemies, especially when you are innocent? The natural person likes to take revenge and pay the enemy back in their own coin – pound for pound, boot for boot. But the follower of Jesus Christ must do what the Master did. Pray for your enemies and bless them. PRAYER: Father, I know it is not easy when people revile and persecute me when I have not done them any wrong. My old nature likes to respond with a curse for a curse. I pray that you will empower me through the Holy Spirit to leave vengeance in your hands and instead pray for my enemies and bless them. In Jesus Christ's name I pray. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 117:   Joshua 24 — Covenant Renewed at Shechem DAILY word study : CRIED OUT The Greek word for "Cried out" in Acts 7:60 is krazō (κράζω), which means: “to cry out aloud, to shout urgently. The phrase is related to a strong, audible utterance of deep emotion or need. Stephen’s final prayer wasn’t whispered—it was cried out with force and clarity. His “crying out” didn’t reflect anger or fear; it carried intercession, pleading for forgiveness on behalf of those around him. Reflection: Sometimes our deepest prayers rise not from polished words, but from urgent, Spirit-filled cries. Stephen's final breath was a prayer for mercy.

Rev. Tse Amable | April 26 2025 | Acts 7:57-60 KEY VERSE: “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Acts 7:59 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   Death scares and frightens a lot of people. Some people fear death because they worry about the dying process itself. Others fear death because they worry about what will happen to them after they die; maybe they are afraid they will go to hell. The Psalmist boasted in Psalm 23:4 that though he walked through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, he would fear or dread no evil (Amplified). What gave him that confidence was the presence of the Lord.   Christians do not and should not fear death because Jesus Christ has conquered it and taken away the fatal sting out of it. The Bible says Jesus Christ took our humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil - and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death” (Hebrews 2:14-15). For the Christian, death opens the gateway out of this wicked world into the land of fair delight, where there is no more death but life everlasting.   But it is necessary to commit your spirit into the hands of the Lord before you exit this world. Our Lord Jesus Christ also committed his spirit into the hands of the Father before dying on the cross of Calvary. One of his 7 last sayings on the cross was “ FATHER, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT ” (Luke 23:46). The sure way of committing your spirit into the hands of God is to receive Jesus Christ into your heart as your Lord and Saviour. After conversion, we retain a sense of a spirit committed to God as we pray always and commit our spirit into the hands of God, daily, especially before retiring to bed at night or before leaving the house for work, church, a journey, etc. Knowing that the Lord is able to guard what we have entrusted into his care against the day of judgment (2 Timothy 1:12), we can transition peacefully.   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Do you seriously pray and commit your spirit into the hands of the Lord? It is necessary to always pray in this way so that your spirit will be preserved from the corruption in the world and be saved on the day of the Lord. PRAYER: Father, I thank you that Jesus Christ defeated death on my behalf and has taken away my fear of death. I pray that I will always commit my spirit to your hands, and at the point of my death, you will receive and welcome my spirit into heaven. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 116:   Joshua 23 - Joshua’s Farewell to the Leaders DAILY word study: RECEIVE The Greek word for "receive" in Acts 7:59 is δέχομαι (dechomai), which means: “to accept, to welcome, to receive willingly” The word suggests an open-armed, willing reception, not just taking something, but embracing it. When Stephen says, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” he uses a word that reflects an intimate surrender. He’s not casting his spirit away—he is placing it into Christ’s care, expecting to be welcomed. Reflection: This is the same word used when welcoming guests into one’s home. Imagine Jesus standing to receive, not reject. Stephen’s final words were an act of personal entrustment and divine expectation.

Rev. Tse Amable | April 25 2025 | Acts 7:54-56 KEY VERSE: “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55-56 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   In the preceding verses, Stephen spoke with boldness and courage, calling the Sanhedrin “stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears”. His words made the council very angry because Stephen’s message hit the target. They could not dismiss or ignore what he said. The Sanhedrin reacted with rage instead of submission to the Holy Spirit. They began grinding their teeth before Stephen finished his speech. All they could do in their frenzy was to gnash their teeth. It was not a sudden outburst, but rather a prolonged one.   In stark contrast to the council's behaviour, St. Luke noted that Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God.  What a difference! Stephen took his eyes off the huge stones about to be thrown at him. Instead, he shifted his focus to heaven, where he saw the Lord of glory, standing at the right hand of God. Stephen took his eyes off his troubles and focused on heaven. What he saw dulled the pains and encouraged him to hold on to the end. We are told that Jesus Christ was standing in Stephen’s vision, contrary to the more common description of Him sitting in heaven. The glorified Christ was standing in solidarity with Stephen at this moment of crisis. The fact that Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit shows the source of his courage, wisdom, and power in preaching.   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: What would you do with your dying minutes with a gun pointed at your head or a cutlass ready to chop off your head?  Learn from Stephen’s example not to focus on the bad things you are going through, but on the good things the Lord has already done and the greater things he will do. Focus more on the positives and less on the negatives. PRAYER: Father, I pray that when I am going through persecution and storms of life, you will empower me to take my eyes off the troubles and fix my gaze upon you, ready to help me through. Give me visions of heaven to encourage me. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 115: Joshua 22 - Eastern Tribes Return and Build an Altar DAILY word study : LOOK In Acts 7:55, the Greek word translated “look” is atenizō (ἀτενίζω), which means “to gaze intently” or “to fix the eyes upon.” It is formed from the prefix a- (an intensifier) and tenizō, meaning “to stretch or strain the eyes,” conveying a deep, unwavering focus. Stephen didn’t merely glance toward heaven—he strained to see, locking his attention fully on the glory of God. His vision wasn’t casual; it was Spirit-directed and rooted in supernatural clarity. Reflection: Where your eyes settle, your heart follows. If you keep looking at the stones, fear will rise. If you look to heaven, faith will. Stephen looked up and saw glory.

Rev. Tse Amable | April 24 2025 | Acts 7:51-53 KEY VERSE: “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!” Acts 7:51 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   Stephen has been addressing the Sanhedrin for a while. He began his speech with Abraham, a man Israel held in high esteem as the father of their nation. To conclude, he took them to King David, Israel's great king and hero. One can imagine the angry whispering among the Sanhedrin as Stephen’s history lesson began to make sense. Stephen saw this and knew they were rejecting the One God sent again, just as before. He takes the sharp knife of the Word and rips up the sins of the people, laying open the inward parts of their hearts, and the secrets of their souls. He could not have delivered that searching address with greater fearlessness.   Drawing on concepts from the Old Testament, Stephen rebuked those who rejected Jesus as STIFF-NECKED (as Israel is described in passages like Exodus 32:9), and as UNCIRCUMCISED IN HEART AND EARS (as Israel is described in passages like Jeremiah 9:26). Almost 20 times in the Old Testament, God calls Israel STIFF-NECKED . These religious leaders were acting just as their forefathers acted. The fact that his death was certain had no other effect upon him than to make him yet more zealous. He delivered his message boldly, courageously and fearlessly. When the Bible says in Revelation 12:11 that “ they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” , Stephen was one of the martyrs who fitted that description.   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: How would you talk to your enemies if you knew that what you said would infuriate them and expedite your death? Stephen did not speak softly in order to receive mercy and kind treatment. He spoke the word of God just as it is, without sweetening it. Be a bold, courageous and fearless witness of the truth. PRAYER: Father, thank you for the example of Stephen – a man who was not afraid to speak the truth even though he knew it would lead to his death. Help me to walk as the early apostles who were killed on account of their faith in Jesus Christ did. Take away from me the fear of death. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 114:   Joshua 20-21 - Cities of Refuge and Levitical Towns DAILY word study: STIFF-NECKED In Acts 7:51, Stephen uses the Greek word σκληροτράχηλοι (sklērótrachēloi), which literally means “hard-necked” or “stubborn-necked.” It is a compound of σκληρός (sklērós) meaning “hard or unyielding,” and τράχηλος (trachēlos) meaning “neck.” The term paints the picture of someone who refuses to bow, turn, or be led. Stephen isn’t quoting Exodus directly, but he is echoing the language of the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), where God repeatedly describes Israel with this same expression (e.g., Exodus 32:9, 33:3). His listeners would have recognised this as a strong prophetic rebuke. To be stiff-necked is to resist the Spirit, harden the heart, and refuse correction. It is not just disobedience—it’s deeply rooted spiritual pride. Reflection: A soft heart bends to God. A stiff neck refuses to turn. Which posture describes you?

Rev. Tse Amable | April 23 2025 | Acts 7:48-53 KEY VERSE: “ However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says:” Acts 7:48 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   One of the charges the leaders of the Jews brought against our Lord Jesus Christ was that he claimed he could destroy the Jerusalem temple and rebuild it in 3 days. The Jews recycled that charge and used it in their main accusation against Stephen (see Acts 6:13-14). We now know from the scriptures that Jesus Christ was not referring to a temple built by human hands when he made that statement, but rather to his own body (see John 2:21). In his defence, Stephen quoted 3 verses from the scriptures to prove that God does not live in temples built by human hands (see 1 Kings 8:28, 2 Chronicles 2:6, Isaiah 66:1-2).   Later, through the letter of Apostle Paul to the Corinthians, we learnt that our bodies are the temples of God in which God dwells through the Holy Spirit  (see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Apostle Paul also warned that God will destroy those who destroy his temple, our bodies, through immoral living. Again, in his letter to the Ephesians, Apostle Paul wrote, “ In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” (Ephesians 2:21-22).   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: How are you treating your body? It is the temple of God. Therefore, do not defile God’s temple, your body, through an unhealthy lifestyle and immoral living. Keep your body pure and holy. PRAYER: Father, thank you for making my body your temple and choosing to dwell in it through the Holy Spirit. Please help me to be a living sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true, to glorify your name. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 113:   Joshua 18-19 - Remaining Tribal Allotments DAILY word study: LIVE IN In Acts 7:48, referencing Isaiah 66:1–2, the Greek word translated “live in” is katoikeō (κατοικέω), meaning “to dwell” or “to reside permanently.” It is formed from kata (meaning “down” or “thoroughly”) and oikeō (to inhabit a house), suggesting not a casual visit but a settled, intentional presence. Stephen emphasised that the Most High does not dwell in temples built by human hands. Instead, God now chooses to live in believers—His people—through the Holy Spirit. This truth carries weight: your body is not just physical; it is a sacred dwelling place of God. Let this understanding shape how you live, think, and honour the One who lives in you. Reflection: Your body isn’t a shell. It’s a sanctuary. The God who created the heavens has chosen to live within you. Let that truth shape your thoughts, your habits, and how you carry yourself.

Rev. Tse Amable | April 22 2025 | Acts 7:44-47 KEY VERSE : “  ….. It remained in the land until the time of David, who enjoyed God's favour and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.”_ Acts 7:45-46 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   We thank God for seeing us through this year’s Easter celebration. If you are reading today’s devotional, you are blessed to be counted among the living. Some people we started the year with have gone the way of all mortals. They cannot be counted among the living. The fact that you are still alive is a portion of the many blessings of the Lord, a divine favour which you should not take for granted, but must appreciate.   Our key verse for today tells us that King David enjoyed the favour of the Lord in many ways and asked the Lord that he might build the house of God as a way of showing appreciation to the Lord. Even though the Lord turned down King David’s request and chose King David’s son and successor, King Solomon, to build the temple, King David still went ahead. He donated gold, silver, bronze, iron, and wood, as well as great quantities of onyx, other precious stones, costly jewels, and all kinds of fine stone and marble for the building of the Jerusalem temple (see 1 Chronicles 29:2-9).   According to Stephen, King David did all these things to show and express his appreciation to the Lord for all the favours bestowed on him by the Lord. Many years after King David had died and was gone, his generosity towards building the house of God still speaks to us even today.   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: The Psalmist testified to the Lord “For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; YOU SURROUND THEM WITH YOUR FAVOUR AS WITH A SHIELD” (Psalms 5:12). What are you doing to express your appreciation to the Lord for his favours which he showers upon you every day? PRAYER: Father, thank you for the amazing blessings and divine favours I receive from you morning after morning. I pray that you will show me how to appreciate you for all that you do for me by doing something within my means, and even more to support the expansion of your kingdom here on earth. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 112:   Joshua 15-17 — Allotments for Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh DAILY word study : FAVOUR The Greek word for Favour used in Acts 7:46 is charis, which means grace, kindness, or favour. It is derived from the word chairo, meaning “to rejoice,” and carries the idea of unearned kindness, divine blessing, or special approval. When Acts 7:46 says David “enjoyed God's favour,” it implies a special relationship in which God extended His kindness, guidance, and blessing. It wasn’t because David was perfect, but because he was responsive to God's heart. Reflection: Favour is not something we earn—it’s something we acknowledge. The best response to divine favour is not just thanks, but obedience, generosity, and heartfelt appreciation.

Rev. Tse Amable | April 21 2025 | Acts 7:44-47 KEY VERSE: Our forefathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the desert. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen.” Acts 7:44 (AMP)   MESSAGE:   One amazing truth in our Christian walk with the Lord is that we are co-labourers with God himself. It is a great honour and privilege that the Creator of all things has chosen mortals like us to work through. But if we are going to succeed in our ministry and receive the commendation of the Lord, we must do what the Lord wants us to do, how he wants us to do it and when he wants us to do it. Remember that every assignment in the Kingdom of Heaven is very important.   When Jehovah decided to commission Moses to build a tabernacle for him in the wilderness which would be a home for the presence of the Lord, Moses was commanded to “make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you” (Exodus 25:9). This command was repeated in Exodus 25:40, Exodus 26:30. The reason for the repetition reveals the importance of doing God's work according to God's pattern. Thousands of years later, Stephen bore testimony that the tabernacle had been  made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen.   To succeed in doing God's work according to His pattern, we must listen carefully, observe meticulously, and probably take notes because the faintest pencil is better than the brilliant memory.   FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Do you commit yourself to doing God’s work exactly according to the pattern the Lord has? Moses successfully built God's house because he paid attention to the Lord when the Lord revealed the pattern to him. Learn to take notes during your quiet time or when listening to a sermon being preached. PRAYER: Father, help me to do the work you have assigned to me exactly according to the pattern you have shown me. Deliver me from any attitude that will result in failure. I pray this in Jesus Christ's name. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 111:   Joshua 13-14 - Division of Land Begins; Caleb’s Inheritance DAILY word study: DIRECTED The word "Directed" is translated in Greek as "diatassō" (διατάσσω) , which means, “to appoint, arrange, prescribe, or give detailed instructions.” This word is derived from the Greek components "dia," meaning through or thoroughly, and "tassō," which means to arrange or set in order. In essence, "diatassō" conveys the idea of establishing a well-defined pattern or directive that comes with clear order and authority. Stephen testifies that the tabernacle “had been made as God directed Moses.” The word implies that God provides precise instructions rather than casual advice. God gave Moses specific instructions, and obeying them was important. Reflection: God’s work must be done God’s way. He is not only interested in outcomes, but in the faithfulness of the process. When God directs, He expects us to carefully obey, avoiding assumptions and shortcuts.

Rev. Tse Amable | April 16 2025 | John 12:27- 30 KEY VERSE: ” Father, glorify your name !” Then a voice came from heaven, “ I have glorified it, and will glorify it again. ” John 12:28 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   Jesus Christ knew that he came into this world to do the will of the Father and thereby glorify the name of the Father. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews quoted from the Psalms what Jesus Christ said about himself when he came into the world. He said: “Here I am - it is written about me in the scroll - I have come to do your will, O God” (Hebrews 10:5-7).   But as a human being, Jesus Christ knew that the death by crucifixion on the cross of Calvary was very painful and wished the Father would spare him that ordeal. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he prayed, “ My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will ” (Matthew 26:39). It was that same prayer he prayed in our text for today. First, he prayed, “Father, save me from this hour?” Realising that he came to this world for this very reason, he changed his prayer to “ Father, glorify your name!”   Apostle Paul's aim and goal were captured in Philippians 1:20. He wrote, “ I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always CHRIST WILL BE EXALTED IN MY BODY, WHETHER BY LIFE OR BY DEATH” .   That should be our prayer and aim in life: that in all things - WHETHER BY LIFE OR BY DEATH  - the name of the Lord shall be glorified in our lives. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: What situations and circumstances are confronting you in life, causing you to turn your back on the will of God for your life? Resolve, as Jesus Christ did, that only the name of the Lord shall be glorified and therefore yield to the plan and purpose of God that is unfolding. PRAYER: Father, I surrender my life to you. Empower me to live in such a way that your name will be glorified. And if my life should be poured out through persecution, let my death bring glory and honour to the Lamb. In Jesus Christ's name, I pray. Amen!   THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 106:   Joshua 3-4 — Crossing the Jordan River DAILY word study: GLORIFY YOUR NAME The word glorify comes from the Greek δοξάζω (doxazō), meaning “to honour, magnify, or give weight to.” It implies attributing true value and worth to someone, especially God. In John 12:28, Jesus is approaching the cross. Rather than asking to be rescued, He seeks to glorify God’s name through His obedience. To glorify God’s name means to reveal His character, truth, and majesty in how we live and respond. Throughout Scripture, God’s glory is linked to His presence, faithfulness, and redemptive acts (Exodus 33:18–19, Isaiah 43:7). Jesus glorified the Father by fully submitting to His will. We glorify God when our lives reflect trust, obedience, and sacrificial love—even when it's costly.. Reflection: To say “Father, glorify your name” is to yield the outcome to God. It’s not about being seen—it’s about making God known.

Rev. Tse Amable | April 15 2025 | John 12:23- 26 KEY VERSE: I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” John 12:24 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   Throughout his public ministry of three and a half years, Jesus Christ consistently told his disciples that he would die. In one of his discourses, he told them “ th e Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). On another occasion, Jesus Christ predicted his death by saying “ he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Matthew 16:21) . Every time Jesus Christ spoke about his death,  his disciples did not understand him. Apostle Peter even rebuked his Master for speaking about his death.   But Jesus Christ continued to speak about death because he knew that without death, there is no life and no multiplicity. To drive home this truth, Jesus Christ resorted to agriculture—how a grain of corn or wheat must die in the soil before it can bring forth new life and multiply to produce many more seeds.   To grow in the Christian life, something in you – the flesh  - must die. For your business or ministry to grow, something must die. The Lord can show you what exactly must die. Go to him in prayer, and he will reveal it to you. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Have you put to death (mortified) the misdeeds of the body (those things that belong to your earthly nature, such as sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, etc.? Let them die, and you will truly live! PRAYER: Father, thank you for allowing me to receive eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Please, help me to completely put to death everything which belongs to my sinful nature. In Jesus Christ's name I pray. Amen!   THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 105:   Joshua 1-2 — Be Strong and Courageous; Rahab and the Spies DAILY word study: DIES The word die stems from the Old English degan, meaning “to lose life.” In John 12:24, the Greek term ἀποθνῄσκω (apothnēskō) refers to death as an act of release or completion. Jesus speaks of His own death as a necessary step toward bringing many to salvation. The seed must stop existing in its original form to bring forth new life. Similarly, the believer’s spiritual formation begins when self-interest gives way to God's will. This surrender doesn’t signal loss—it signifies readiness. Reflection: There are choices and desires that may no longer fit the journey God is calling us to. When we yield, we create the condition for something greater to take root and flourish.

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | April 14 2025 | Luke 22:7-13 KEY VERSE: ”Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” Luke 22:7-8 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   As the final hours of Jesus’ earthly ministry approached, His focus remained clear - sharing a last intimate meal with His disciples. In this simple but sacred moment, we see the Lord Jesus Christ directing and preparing, inviting His followers to create space for His presence. This Lenten season, we too are called to prepare room in our hearts and lives for deeper communion with Him. The passage sheds light on some deeper truths that obedience opens the door to divine fellowship; God provides what we need for His purposes; and intimacy with Jesus Christ requires intentional preparation.   Firstly, we must prepare room for Jesus Christ in obedience by responding promptly to His voice (Luke 22:7-10). Jesus gave Peter and John a simple but specific command: “Go and prepare.” Their immediate response teaches us that preparation begins with obedience. They didn’t delay, argue, or question - they followed. In our spiritual lives, obedience opens the door to divine fellowship and positions us to encounter God in the sacred and ordinary. Trusting and obeying His instructions is the first sign of a heart ready to host His presence.   Secondly, we prepare room for Jesus with expectation, trusting that He goes before us with divine provision and guidance (Luke 22:10–12). Just as the disciples found everything, as Jesus said, we can rely on His sovereign arrangements. Finally, intimacy with Him also requires intentional preparation (vv. 12–13). This means setting aside sacred space in our lives—through devotion, worship, and surrender—so Christ may meet and transform us deeply. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Are you ready to follow Jesus’ instructions, even when you don’t have the complete picture? Trust God for what you need and make space in your heart for deeper intimacy with Jesus Christ. PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to obey promptly when You call. Teach me to trust in Your providence and to recognise the ways You’ve already prepared the path ahead. As I journey through this Lenten season, may my heart be a clean and ready room for You to dwell and dine with me. Amen.     THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 104:   Deuteronomy 33-34 — Moses’ Blessing and Death DAILY word study: PREPARATIONS The word preparation comes from the Latin praeparare, meaning “to make ready beforehand.” In Greek, the term used in Luke 22:8 is ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazó) , meaning “to make ready” or “to provide.” In Luke 22, Jesus instructs Peter and John to go and “prepare” the Passover meal. This word doesn’t refer to a casual setup—it implies intentional readiness. It’s used in contexts of hospitality, divine appointment, and spiritual attentiveness. Preparation is both practical and spiritual: setting the table, yes—but also setting the heart. It reflects readiness to meet with God, a posture of expectancy, and the willingness to align with His purpose. Reflection: God desires fellowship, but He doesn’t force His way in. Preparation shows we care about His presence. A heart prepared in obedience, trust, and expectation becomes a sanctuary for divine encounter.

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | April 13 2025 | Luke 22:1-6 KEY VERSE: ”They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.” Luke 22:5-6 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   As the shadow of the cross draws near during Lent, Luke 22:5-6 brings us face to face with the tragedy of betrayal. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples who had walked with Jesus, chose money over the Saviour. He trades the priceless presence of Jesus for a handful of coins. This heartbreaking exchange confronts us with a sobering situation - a friend turns into a foe - not by force, but by choice. Lent invites us to reflect on Judas’s betrayal and examine our hearts for any compromises that might grieve the One who gave His life for us. The key verses reveal that Betrayal often begins with a bargain, the enemy seeks the weakest moment, and no amount of silver is worth a stained soul.    This passage is a sober reminder of how the lure of worldly gain - symbolised by Judas’ love for money—can lead us to compromise our relationship with Jesus Christ. “Money” here represents anything we value more than Him: success, pride, comfort, or hidden sin. Lent challenges us to examine our hearts and ask: what are we treasuring more than Jesus Christ? “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36).   Judas’s betrayal didn’t begin momentarily - it resulted from a compromised heart. Sin often grows silently in the shadows of our thoughts long before it surfaces in action. Lent is a call to confess and cleanse even the hidden places of our hearts. Judas later learned that no earthly gain is worth losing one's soul. In this sacred season, we are reminded to guard our hearts and re-center our lives on the cross, treasuring Jesus Christ above all. The Scripture admonishes:  “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it”  (Proverbs 4:23). FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: What “money” are you tempted to value more than Jesus Christ today? Are there any hidden sins or attitudes you need to surrender this Lent? Remember: what we gain through compromise is never worth what we lose—peace, joy, spiritual clarity, and fellowship with God.  PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, help me to see the worthlessness of anything I am tempted to put before You. Forgive me for the times I chose comfort, pride, or sin over Your presence. This Lent, cleanse my heart. Let me treasure You as my greatest reward. For Your dear Name’s sake. Amen.    THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 103: Deuteronomy 32 — The Song of Moses DAILY word study: MONEY The word money comes from the Latin moneta, originally referring to the Roman mint. Biblically, the Greek word used in this context is argurion (ἀργύριον) , meaning "silver" or "silver coin." In Luke 22, the religious leaders were delighted to offer Judas money in exchange for his betrayal. This wasn’t merely about coins—it was about misplaced value. Money, neutral in itself, becomes dangerous when it displaces what is sacred. Jesus warned, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24) because money often becomes a false master, offering control, power, or comfort instead of trust in Christ. Reflection: Money is not just currency—it can represent what we crave, pursue, and prioritize. Lent invites us to examine what we are willing to exchange for Christ—and whether our treasure still rests in Him alone.

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | April 12 2025 | Luke 22:1-6 KEY VERSE: Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.” Luke 22:3-4 (NIV)   MESSAGE:   The Lenten season is a sacred time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. As we journey toward the cross, Luke 22:1-6 confronts us with the somber reality of betrayal, spiritual warfare, and the subtle ways the human heart can become vulnerable to evil when it turns away from Christ. Two lessons from the key verses are: 1. The schemes of the enemy are real, and 2. Proximity to Jesus Christ is not the same as loyalty to Jesus Christ.   Luke notes that “Satan entered Judas” (Luke 22:3). This teaches us that the schemes of the enemy are real.  Judas did not begin as a traitor; he was a disciple.  But unchecked greed, disappointment, and secret sin opened his heart to darkness. Satan is a real enemy who works subtly and persistently to oppose God’s will and to infiltrate the lives of God’s people (1 Peter 5:8). The devil doesn’t always storm in with obvious evil; often, he whispers through temptation, distraction, bitterness, and compromise. Lent is a sober season to recognise the enemy’s schemes and to close every door in our hearts that might welcome his influence.   Loyalty is not proximity - it’s surrender. It’s loving Jesus Christ more than position, applause, or gain. It's obeying Him when it's costly and choosing Him over self. Being close to Jesus Christ physically, or even religiously, is not the same as being committed to Him spiritually. Judas walked with Jesus, heard His teaching, saw His miracles, and still betrayed Him (Luke 22:21). His nearness did not translate to faithfulness. His heart was not truly surrendered. This truth is a sobering reminder that attendance in church, participation in ministry, or even association with Christians is not what saves. During Lent, we must examine not just our religious routines, but the condition of our hearts. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: If you’re walking without Jesus, you’re vulnerable to the enemy’s traps. Don't just settle for being around Jesus - be truly united with Him. Confess Him as Lord, trust Him with your life, and follow Him in obedience. Proximity may impress others, but only personal faith in Christ leads to eternal life. PRAYER: Lord Jesus, as I reflect on Your journey to the cross, I ask for a heart that is fully Yours. Cleanse me from every hidden motive, every secret sin, and every form of self-deception. Guard my heart from betrayal and lead me into deeper loyalty and love for You. May this Lent be a time of renewal and realignment with Your will. For your dear Name’s sake. Amen.     THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 102:   Deuteronomy 31 - Joshua Commissioned; Moses Prepares to Die DAILY word study: ENTERED The Greek word translated “entered” is εἰσέρχομαι (eiserchomai), meaning “to go into, come in, or invade.” It’s a neutral verb in Greek, but in context, it carries the weight of spiritual invasion. This verb is used here to describe Satan’s activity—not merely as influence, but as occupation of a heart already open to compromise. Judas’ choices—greed, resentment, and hypocrisy—had prepared the ground. Theologically, the verse reminds us that hearts that aren’t surrendered are vulnerable. Ephesians 4:27 warns believers not to “give the devil a foothold.” Judas gave Satan entry—not because he was chosen to fail, but because he failed to guard his heart. Reflection: “Entered” here isn’t just about Judas—it’s about warning. What are we allowing into our hearts? Lent gives us space to close doors, resist temptation, and invite Jesus fully in.