Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | September 7 2024 | John 16:16-19 KEY VERSE: ”A little while, and you will see me no longer, and again a little while, and you will see me.” John 16:16 (ESV)   MESSAGE: This verse highlights imminent events in Christ’s journey: Judas, one of His own, would soon lead a group to arrest Him. He would be falsely accused, convicted, and sentenced to the most shameful and painful death of that time—crucifixion.   Philippians 2:8 captures the significance of Jesus' sacrifice: “obedient to death, even death on a cross.” Paul also emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 the importance of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, calling it a matter of first importance. Sadly, this crucial truth doesn’t always seem to hold the same level of importance for today’s churches, preachers, and people of God. This is not the first time Jesus referred to "a little while." In John 12:35-36, He urged His listeners to believe in the Light while they still had the chance, showing the urgency of seizing divine opportunities (John 7:33). Jesus was fully aware of His limited time on earth and structured His ministry accordingly, ensuring no task was left undone. Too often, we live as though we have endless time, neglecting to manage our lives and prioritize what truly matters. From the verse, we see that Jesus knew what lay ahead—pain, shame, and ultimately, victory and glory. Hebrews 12:2-3 calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus, “the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”   We often go through difficult situations for worldly gains like degrees or wealth. Imagine if we applied even a fraction of that effort to the work of Christ. Our churches and denominations would experience tremendous growth. It’s also worth considering how we often rush to make appointments, catch flights, or attend interviews but lack the same urgency for church or spiritual activities. Respectfully, this is something many of us need to reflect on. The disciples appear bashful in bringing to the notice of Christ their perplexities.  We don’t have to. He already knows. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Jesus already knows our challenges. Let’s bring our struggles, sins, and confusion before Him, knowing that He sees and understands. PRAYER: Lord help us to put our best foot always for you and your cause. Lord help me desist from thinking that you don’t see nor hear. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study : A LITTLE WHILE  The phrase "a little while" ( μικρὸν  - mikron ) refers to a brief, but undefined period. Its use here highlights the imminence of two key events: Jesus' impending death and His subsequent resurrection. The phrase appears twice in our key verse.  The first "little while" refers to the short time remaining before Jesus' crucifixion, when He would be taken from the disciples and they would no longer see Him physically. The second "little while" points to His resurrection, when they would see Him again after His temporary absence. This indicates that though they would soon experience sorrow, it would be short-lived, as joy would come with His return. In this context, Jesus uses this expression to reassure His disciples that their upcoming grief and confusion will be temporary, as His resurrection will follow shortly after His death. Reflections: How can you trust God's timing in the "little while" moments of your life, when answers or relief seem delayed?

Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | September 6 2024 | John 16:12-15 KEY VERSE: ” He will glorify me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you” John 16:14 (ESV)   MESSAGE: Our key verse reveals the essence of the Holy Spirit’s work: glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ. The theme of Christ’s glory was something the Apostle John highlighted extensively, and it’s clear that John’s attention to it reflected Christ’s own focus on this matter. In John 1:14-18, John testifies to the uniqueness of Christ’s glory, describing it as full of grace and truth, from which humanity receives grace upon grace. In John 2:11, we see the first miracle at Cana - changing water into wine - as a manifestation of Christ’s glory, leading His disciples to believe in Him. Similarly, in John 11, when Lazarus was ill, Jesus declared that the sickness was “for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it”  (John 11:4). What a profound statement! Even critical, mind-boggling situations we face may be designed for Christ’s glorification. When Lazarus had been dead for four days, a situation seemingly beyond hope, Jesus reminds Martha, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”  (John 11:40). Lazarus was indeed raised from the dead, showing that even in what seems like impossible situations, God’s glory can shine through. For us today, the Lord calls us to believe in Him, even when faced with what appears to be dead or hopeless situations. In His timing and for His glory, those situations can be turned around.   Finally, let’s consider the first five verses of this chapter to put this message into proper context. We observe two things: First, Christ had this glory with the Father before the world existed. Second, Jesus had glorified the Father during His earthly ministry, and it was now time for the Father to glorify Him. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: The Triune God fiercely protects His glory and shares it with no one else. As believers, we must be constantly mindful of this. We are called to guard our salvation and the positions and ministries God has entrusted to us. Paul exemplified this when he said, “I magnify my ministry” (Romans 11:13). Let us be intentional in glorifying God in all that we do, protecting the sacredness of our callings and ministries, and magnifying the work entrusted to us, just as Christ magnified the Father’s glory. PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for setting aside Your unique glory for our salvation. You were deliberate and intentional in how You glorified the Father. Help us to live with that same focus in our Christian lives and ministries. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study : GLORIFY The word "glorify" comes from the Greek "δοξάζω" (doxazō), which means to honour, praise, or make known the greatness of someone. In this context, it refers to the Holy Spirit’s role in making the glory of Jesus visible and evident to His followers. The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus by taking what belongs to Him—His wisdom, authority, and teachings—and declaring it to the disciples. This process exalts Jesus, showing that He is central to God's plan of redemption and deserving of praise and worship. Reflections: The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus by revealing His truth and guiding us in understanding Him more deeply. How can you allow the Holy Spirit to glorify Christ in your life today? What steps can you take to make Jesus the focal point of your faith and actions?

Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | September 5 2024 | John 16:12-15 KEY VERSE: ” He will glorify me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you” John 16:14 (ESV)   MESSAGE: In John 16:14-15, we witness a remarkable display of relationship and teamwork within the Godhead. No wonder the greatest mission ever—human redemption—was accomplished. If the Church could embody even a fraction of this unity, the results would be mind-blowing. Sometimes, I feel the urge to remind Christian groups of Paul’s words to the Galatians about loving and serving one another (Galatians 5:14-15). In verse 15, Paul issues a stern warning: “But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”  Sadly, within the body of Christ, we often allow ego, arrogance, and selfishness to blind us and harden our hearts, disregarding this wisdom. Another powerful truth in our key verse is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had completed His earthly mission and was returning to heaven, but the Divine Agenda was far from finished. The Holy Spirit was tasked with continuing the work, not by diminishing Christ’s contribution but by declaring what belongs to Him and glorifying Him. This serves as a powerful reminder that ministry and nation-building are processes. The Holy Spirit did not seek to erase the legacy of Christ; instead, He sought to uplift it. Unfortunately, in our world, there are often attempts to erase the contributions of those who came before us. Of course, not everything from the past must be continued, but the deliberate obliteration of history is dangerous. As the saying goes, “To forget the past is like losing an eye”— and our vision becomes incomplete. Indeed, the past is the foundation of the present. As we conclude, may God grant us the grace to explore more from this passage in the next segment. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: True accomplishment is rooted in relationships, teamwork, and collaboration. As Paul says in Ephesians 4:1-6, it takes great effort to maintain unity. PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the perfect relationship and teamwork within the Trinity. Help us to emulate this in our lives and ministries. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study : DECLARE The Greek word for "declare" in this passage is "ἀναγγελεῖ" (anangelei) , meaning to announce, report, or make known. It carries the connotation of revealing something previously hidden or not fully understood. The term suggests not just a simple communication of information but an authoritative proclamation of significant truths. The Spirit’s work of "declaring" connects to His role as the revealer of truth (John 16:13), emphasising that the knowledge He imparts is divine, trustworthy, and essential for the life of believers. This declaration involves prophecy and the unveiling of the meaning and implications of Christ’s work. Reflections: The Holy Spirit declares to us the truth about Christ and reveals God's ongoing work in our lives and the world. How open are you to receiving the Spirit’s revelations, and how are you responding to the truths He declares?

Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | September 4 2024 | John 16:12-15 KEY VERSE: “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears,  He will speak, and He will declare unto you the things that are to come.” John 16:13 (ESV)   MESSAGE: One reason we can rely on the Holy Spirit, as stated in our key verse is that He only speaks what He hears. This reflects His complete alignment with the will and truth of God. What was the Holy Spirit's assigned task? First, He was to guide the disciples into all the truth. The use of the definite article “the” emphasises specific truths. Church history shows us times when the Church became entangled in scientific controversies, often stepping outside the realm of its divine calling. However, this verse speaks of specific truths—not all truths. These specific truths are centred on Jesus: His words, His deeds, His death, resurrection, and everything concerning Him. The New Testament serves as a testament to this divine guidance, showing how the Church was led to uphold these truths. As John 7:17 states, God’s guidance is given to those who are willing to obey. God's direction comes to those who are willing to follow His lead. Consider the example of Evangelist Philip, who left a revival to go to a desert road for the sake of one searching soul (Acts 8:25ff). Or Paul, who was willing to abandon his own mission plans to follow God's direction (Acts 16:6ff). The Holy Spirit was also meant to reveal to the disciples things that were to come. For instance, while in exile on the island of Patmos, John was in the Spirit one Sunday and received the visions that became the Book of Revelation. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: The Holy Spirit is indeed an amazing Helper. Without His presence and guidance, the Church would accomplish nothing fruitful. PRAYER: Dependable God, thank You for the Holy Spirit. Please help us to always look up to Him for guidance THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: HEARS The Greek word for "hears" in John 16:13 is "ἀκούει" (akouei ), which means to hear, listen, or attend to. It can imply both the physical act of hearing and the deeper, more attentive listening that leads to understanding and obedience. In the biblical context, "hearing" often implies receiving a message with the intent to respond or act upon The Holy Spirit’s role in “hearing” and then “speaking” to believers underscores the trustworthiness and divine origin of the guidance provided to believers. It reassures that the Spirit’s teachings are not autonomous or independent but are rooted in the divine counsel of God. This assures believers of the reliability and consistency of God’s message and the Spirit's role in their spiritual growth and understanding. Reflections: The Spirit actively listens to the Father and communicates His divine truth to us, guiding our steps and aligning us with God’s will. Are you actively listening for the Spirit’s guidance in your life, and how are you responding to what you hear from Him?

Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | September 3 2024 | John 16:12-15 KEY VERSE: “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears,  He will speak, and He will declare unto you the things that are to come” John 16:13 (ESV)   MESSAGE: In this passage, the Lord Jesus Christ speaks about the coming of the Holy Spirit and His relationship with the disciples. Verse 12 gives us insight into the dynamics of teaching and learning. A good teacher must understand how much their audience can absorb at any given time. It makes little sense to continue speaking when the listener’s attention fades. Some may boldly leave, while others may quietly pack their things. True wisdom in teaching is recognizing when to pause, and allowing time for reflection and absorption. Jesus also emphasizes the reliability of the Holy Spirit, calling Him the Spirit of Truth. This title distinctly contrasts with Satan, who is described as the father of lies. The Spirit's role is to convey truth, while Satan’s purpose is to deceive. Consider the story in 2 Kings 22:19-23, where a single lying spirit misled hundreds of Baal priests, resulting in false hope for the King. Similarly, in Acts 5:3, Apostle Peter confronted Ananias, questioning why Satan had filled his heart to lie to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth, while Satan's influence brings deceit and destruction. One conveys truth, and the other, Satan, infiltrates hearts with lies, often with devastating consequences. Moreover, the Holy Spirit operates under the authority of God the Father. As Titus 1:2 declares, the Triune God never lies. This underscores the absolute reliability of the Holy Spirit, who faithfully executes His divine assignment. (The next devotional will further explore the reliability of the Holy Spirit and His specific tasks.) FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: The stark contrast between Satan as the father of lies and the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth highlights the spiritual battle we face. While the differences are clear, navigating this battle can be challenging. PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I thank you for the promised Holy Spirit and His immense ministry to the saved and unsaved. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: TRUTH The Greek word for "truth" in John 16:13 is "ἀλήθεια" (alētheia) . This word carries a broad meaning that includes not just factual accuracy, but also faithfulness, reliability, and ultimate reality. It suggests a deep understanding of God’s nature and the realities of the spiritual world. In John 16:13, Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit, whom He calls "the Spirit of truth." This phrase highlights the Holy Spirit's role in guiding believers into all truth. Here, "truth" encompasses a deep, spiritual understanding that aligns with God's reality and will. The Spirit's guidance is not limited to conveying factual information; it involves leading believers into a deeper knowledge of God, His purposes, and the meaning of Jesus' teachings. Reflections: Living in a world of shifting values and falsehoods, the Holy Spirit guides believers to the unchanging truth found in Christ. How are you allowing the Spirit to guide you into all truth, and how does this truth shape your daily life and decisions?

Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | September 2 2024 | John 16:8-11 KEY VERSE: Concerning judgment because the ruler of this world is judged. John 16:11 (ESV)   MESSAGE: Our Key verse for today’s devotion is truly amazing - it declares that Satan, the ruler of this world, has already been judged even before the events of the Cross, Resurrection, and Ascension. This assurance reminds us of the ultimate defeat of evil. The phrase “this world” invites us to pause and reflect deeply. It suggests the transient nature of our current existence; a new world is coming, and this present world will not last forever. In light of this, Peter urges believers to live holy and godly lives (2 Peter 3:11) and encourages us to “hasten the coming of the day of God” by advancing the spread of the Gospel (2 Peter 3:12). Our Loving God is also a God of Judgment. When Adam and Eve disobeyed in the Garden of Eden, judgment and punishment swiftly followed. Likewise, the generation in Noah’s time and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah faced the consequences of their sins. As stated in 2 Peter 2:4-9, the Apostle Peter reminds us of these past judgments to demonstrate that God can rescue the righteous and deal justly with the ungodly. In Romans 11:22, we are reminded to take note of both the "kindness and severity of God." John 1:11 reveals that Jesus came to His own, but they did not receive Him. By His words and deeds, Jesus laboured for His people to understand that He was the Way to Heaven, the Bread of Life and the Light of the World. Yet, despite His efforts, the people would not yield. Under the instigation of their father—the Devil—they were hostile toward Jesus and more than once attempted to kill Him. They tried to ensnare Him with their schemes. We cannot dine with the devil—not even with a long spoon, for he can still reach our shoulders. Being cautious of the devil’s influence is essential; even the slightest indulgence can lead to deeper entanglement. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: The convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit has brought countless souls to Christ. Our generation desperately needs this conviction anew. PRAYER: Lord, help us to remain vigilant against the devil and his schemes. May we never be swayed by his deceitful tactics. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: JUDGED The word "judged" in our key verse comes from the Greek word κέκριται  ( kekritai ), which is a perfect passive form of κρίνω  ( krinō ), meaning "to judge," "to decide," or "to condemn." The perfect tense indicates a completed action with ongoing effects. The passive voice shows that the subject (the ruler of this world) is the recipient of the action. In John 16:11, Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit's role in revealing that Satan, the ruler of this world, has already been judged. This judgment, marked by Jesus' death and resurrection, is a completed act with lasting consequences. For believers, this means living with the assurance that Satan's power is broken, and they are no longer under his control. The Holy Spirit empowers them to embrace this victory and live in the freedom Christ has secured. Reflections: How does the knowledge of Satan's judgment and defeat encourage you to live victoriously in your faith today?

Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | September 1 2024 | John 16:8-11 KEY VERSE: Concerning righteousness because I go to the Father and you will see me no longer. John 16:10 (ESV)   MESSAGE: This verse can be understood from multiple perspectives. Firstly, with Christ’s departure, the Holy Spirit steps in to continue His work. The Spirit will guide believers into all truth through divine illumination (John 16:13) and empower them to bear witness through their words and actions. Secondly, the verse addresses the flawed righteousness of the community, particularly the Jewish leaders of that time. Jesus directly confronts them, declaring, “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires” (John 8:44). This strong statement highlights the spiritual blindness and corruption prevalent among them. In Acts 3:14, Apostle Peter reflects on their tragic choices, stating, "But you denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you." These choices clearly stem from evil intentions and hardened hearts. Moreover, the Jewish community refused to accept that Jesus had come from Heaven and would return to the Father. In Acts 4:16, we see Jewish leaders struggling to handle the undeniable miracle performed in the name of the Risen Lord. As Paul elaborates in Romans 10:1-4, zeal alone cannot compensate for the futility of human-made righteousness. True righteousness comes only through faith in Christ. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Like Paul in Romans chapters nine and ten, let us actively reach out to those who have zeal without knowledge, guiding them toward true understanding. PRAYER: Lord, the call to reach out to those who have zeal without knowledge is a challenging task, but please grant us the strength and wisdom to undertake it faithfully. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study : NO LONGER The phrase "no longer" in John 16:10 is translated from the Greek word οὐκέτι  ( ouketi ). This word is a compound of οὐ  ( ou ), meaning "not," and ἔτι  ( eti ), meaning "still" or "yet." Together, οὐκέτι  means "no more," "no longer," or "no further." It is used to indicate the cessation of an action or state that was once ongoing. The phrase "no longer" signifies a shift in how Jesus’ disciples will experience His presence. Up until this point, Jesus had been physically present with His disciples, guiding them directly. However, Jesus is preparing them for a time when He will "go to the Father" — indicating His impending departure through His death, resurrection, and ascension. The "no longer" highlights the end of an era of Jesus' physical presence on earth and the beginning of a new phase where His followers will have to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and understanding. Reflections: How does Jesus’ physical absence challenge you to deepen your faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance in your daily life?

Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | August 31 2024 | John 16:8-11 KEY VERSE: “⁸And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; ⁹concerning sin, because they do not believe in me.” John 16:8-9 (ESV)   MESSAGE: In this passage, we see a clear distinction in the ministry of the Holy Spirit toward both the world and the Church. The Lord Jesus had just finished explaining to His disciples that His departure was necessary, as it would usher in the coming of the Holy Spirit. This shift from the focus on His disciples to the world highlights the global mission that lies at the heart of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus' concern for the lost world is evident throughout the Gospels. He once illustrated this with a parable, stating that it is sometimes right to “leave ninety-nine sheep in open country and go after the one that is lost” (Luke 15:4). This relentless pursuit of the lost is also seen in John 1:29, where Christ is introduced as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. In John 2, Jesus confronted the misuse of the Temple, and in Chapter 3, He challenged Nicodemus to experience a new birth. Nicodemus, though initially sceptical, later showed his belief in Jesus through his actions (John 19:38-42). In Chapter 4, Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman about living a clean life, and in Chapter 5:14, He warned a man who had been healed to “sin no more” to avoid a worse fate. Unfortunately, not everyone accepts Christ as the Lamb who deals with our sins, leading to dire consequences (John 3:16-18, 8:21). John 16:9 emphasises that the Holy Spirit's role is to convict the world of its sin, specifically the sin of not believing in Jesus Christ. The significance of this role cannot be overstated, as it forms the basis for the world’s need for redemption. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: The Triune God was deeply concerned about the lost world and orchestrated a redemption plan. The Church is the designated agency to make the world aware of this plan, both through words and actions. Sadly, this mission often seems to be deprioritized, as reflected in our sermons, budgets, and overall focus. PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, please help Your Church to sound the alarm with urgency and sacrifice. May we be ever mindful of the mission to reach the lost and fulfil it faithfully. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY   word study:   WORLD The term "world" in John 16:8-9 is translated from the Greek word "κόσμος" (kosmos),  which in the New Testament can refer to the universe, the earth, the human inhabitants, or the worldly system that is in opposition to God. In this context, "world" specifically refers to humanity in its collective state of spiritual ignorance and opposition to God’s truth. The "world" here represents humanity living in a state of unbelief and rebellion against God. The Holy Spirit’s role is to expose the true nature of this "worldly" state, revealing sin (the rejection of Jesus), righteousness (the standard set by Jesus' life and ascension), and judgment (the defeat of Satan, the prince of this world). Reflections: How is the Holy Spirit convicting you about areas in your life where you might still be aligned with the "world" rather than with the truth of Jesus Christ?

Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | August 30 2024 | John 16:5-7 KEY VERSE: “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.“ John 16:7 (ESV)   MESSAGE: In John 14, Jesus spoke about His impending departure, the coming of the Helper, and His eventual return. Yet, it seems His disciples didn’t fully grasp the significance of these words. The sorrow that filled their hearts, as expressed in John 16:6, revealed their struggle to accept the reality of His leaving. In verse 7, Jesus shifts from addressing their emotions to offering a rational explanation, making two profound points about timing and purpose: First, He emphasizes that His departure is necessary for the Holy Spirit to come. Second, Jesus indicates that His mission on earth is complete, and it’s time for Him to leave. Recognize when your mission is complete and trust God’s timing to guide your next step. In John 4, Jesus taught His disciples about the cycle of sowing and reaping, a principle also reflected in 1 Corinthians 3:8, where Paul reminds us that “He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labour.” The question then arises: why do some leaders, including God’s servants, struggle to step aside when their time is up? Holding on too long can sometimes unravel the very work they have built. The wisdom in the saying, “Leave when the applause is loudest,” is often overlooked. Jesus, however, demonstrated His willingness to submit to the divine plan, understanding the importance of timing and transition. He reassured His disciples that the Holy Spirit, the Helper, would come after His departure—an essential part of God’s purpose. Jesus also makes it clear that He will send the Holy Spirit, which might seem like a contradiction to John 14:26. But remember, the unity of purpose between the Father and the Son runs throughout the Gospel of John, showing us that their mission is one and the same. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Just as Moses’ departure encouraged Joshua to be courageous, and as Peter and Paul urged the Church to remain steadfast in God, we must recognise that no human is indispensable. Let us abandon selfishness and embrace God’s timing in all things. PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help us to understand and accept Your divine plan, recognising the importance of both Your entry and exit. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: GO AWAY The phrase "go away" in John 16:7 comes from the Greek word "ἀπέρχομαι" (aperchomai), which means to depart, go away, or leave. In this context, Jesus is speaking about His departure from the disciples, referring to His return to the Father through His death, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus' use of "go away" is not just a physical departure but signifies a transition in the way God will relate to His people. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus' presence will be with them in a new and profound way, guiding, comforting, and empowering them for ministry. Reflections Even when we feel like we are losing something or someone important, God may be preparing us for a new chapter in our spiritual journey. Are there situations in your life where you need to trust that God’s "going away" is actually preparing you for a greater spiritual experience or growth?

Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | August 29 2024 | John 16:5-7 KEY VERSE: None of you asks me “Where are You going“. Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things.“ John 16:5b & 6 (NIV)   MESSAGE: John 16:5b presents a challenging thought. The question “Where are You going?” had already been asked twice during Jesus' discourse with His disciples—first by Peter in John 13:36 and later by Thomas in John 14:5. This repetition might puzzle us, prompting us to wonder why Jesus brings it up again here. While various interpretations have been proposed, we won’t delve into them in this forum. Instead, let’s focus on what Jesus said in verse 6: the disciples were overwhelmed with grief because of what Jesus had told them.   Jesus had said three significant things:       -        Expulsion from Synagogues; -        Being killed; and -        His imminent return to heaven.   Parting is always difficult, whether through death, relocation, or other life changes. The disciples’ primary source of sorrow was the impending departure of Jesus. Sorrow can be paralyzing; in Luke 22:45, we learn that the disciples were "asleep, exhausted from sorrow" (NIV).   When faced with sorrow, we should look to Jesus as our example. Although He was sorrowful unto death, He sought solace in prayer (Matthew 26:36-46). The disciples' grief was partly due to their misunderstanding of the Messiah’s mission, which is captured in two key instances: On the road to Emmaus, the two disciples expressed their disappointment in deliverance that never took place (Luke 24:21). Even in Acts 1:6, they are living in anticipation of the Restoration of the Kingdom (Political One) to Israel.   Proverbs 13:12 wisely states, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick," which aptly describes their situation. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Sadly, many today fall into misconceptions, doctrines, and practices that make them impervious to the truth. PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, please extend Your grace to all who are sincere yet tragically mistaken. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: GRIEF The term "grief" in John 16:6 comes from the Greek word "λύπη" (lupē) , which denotes sorrow, distress, or deep emotional pain. It often signifies a profound sense of loss or mourning. In the context of this passage, it reflects the disciples' emotional turmoil and sorrow upon learning of Jesus' imminent departure. Jesus acknowledges the disciples' grief over His announcement that He will leave them and return to the Father. The disciples are filled with sorrow because they are focused on the immediate loss of Jesus' physical presence rather than the larger redemptive plan unfolding. Jesus points out their grief not to chastise them but to prepare them for the coming events and to assure them that His departure, while painful, is necessary for the arrival of the Holy Spirit, who will guide and empower them. Reflections: Jesus understands our grief and invites us to trust in His greater purpose. How can you trust God’s plan in moments of grief, believing He is working for your ultimate good?

Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | August 28 2024 | John 16:5-7 KEY VERSE: But now, I am going to Him who sent me.” John 16:5a (NIV)   MESSAGE: This verse holds great power and significance. First, it highlights Jesus Christ’s certainty about His return to Heaven, the place from which He was sent on a divine mission (John 1:1-13). In John 2:18-22, Jesus alluded to His death and resurrection, demonstrating His awareness of His mission's ultimate purpose. Apostle Peter, in Acts 2:29-36, affirms that God would never abandon His Anointed One to the grave. Jesus, with His final breath, entrusted His Spirit to the Father, fully confident in the safety and security found in God's hands. This example challenges us to place absolute faith in God's Word, whether it concerns prayer, giving, righteous living, or any other aspect of our lives. The verse also subtly addresses the suffering Jesus would endure before His departure. Luke 9:51 tells us that when the time approached for Him to be taken up to Heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. His unwavering determination to complete His mission serves as a powerful example for us. May God grant us the same resolve to finish our tasks faithfully. Lastly, we observe the seamless collaboration between the Father and the Son to fulfil the divine purpose. The Son willingly took on human form, leaving His heavenly glory behind. Soon, we will see the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, stepping in to fulfil His role in this divine plan. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: God’s Word is for our doctrine and practice. Our attitude to know and practise it leaves much to be desired. PRAYER: Lord, please help me: To faithfully carry out Your assignment by believing in Your Word, being determined to complete it, and accepting the need to work with others. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | August 27 2024 | John 16:1-4 KEY VERSE: “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.” John 16:4b (ESV)   MESSAGE: When the Lord Jesus mentions "beginning," it quickly brings to mind some important ideas worth reflecting on. Only the Triune God has no beginning and no end; everything else in creation has both. Even the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ had a clear beginning and end, as indicated in this verse. Jesus' discourse with His disciples took place in the final stages of His life and ministry on earth. From this, we see that Jesus had a structured and purposeful ministry. In this moment, He knew exactly what to say to prepare His disciples for what was to come. In John 13:1-20, Jesus uses the act of washing His disciples' feet to teach them a profound truth. Significantly, He did this knowing He was about to be betrayed. This shows Christ’s remarkable ability to remain focused and operate under pressure. In John 7:32-34, we are reminded that ministry opportunities may not always be available, urging us not to let them slip away. Then, in John 9:4, we are encouraged to work diligently and with urgency on the tasks assigned to us. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Ageing is inevitable; we do not stay young forever. Retirement and death are parts of life. In light of this, we should consider the responsibilities and tasks God has entrusted to us and approach them with diligence and purpose. PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please help me live with focus and urgency, making the most of every opportunity You give me. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: BEGINNING The Greek term used here is "ἀρχή" (archē) , which can mean the starting point, origin, or the initial phase of something. Jesus uses this term to clarify why He had not previously warned His disciples about the forthcoming persecution and trials. Contextually, "beginning" refers to the early phase of Jesus’ ministry when He was physically with His disciples, teaching and protecting them. At that time, it wasn't necessary to warn them about future opposition, as Jesus was there to guide them directly. As His departure nears, He provides these warnings to prepare them for the challenges they will face without His physical presence, helping them understand and endure what is to come. Reflections: Jesus' gradual revelation to His disciples highlights the importance of preparation and trust in God's timing. Are you ready to face challenges with faith, trusting that Jesus has equipped you in His timing?