Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 27, 2024 | John 12:42-43 KEY VERSE: "Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue." John 12:42 (NIV) MESSAGE: In today’s passage, we witness a significant conflict within the hearts of many leaders of the time. They believed in Jesus, recognising His divine authority and message, yet they were unwilling to confess their faith openly. Their fear of the Pharisees and the threat of being ostracised from the synagogue overshadowed their commitment to Christ. They craved human praise more than God's approval. This struggle between seeking human praise and God's approval is timeless. In our lives today, we often find ourselves in situations where standing firm in our faith might lead to criticism, exclusion, or loss of status. The temptation to conform to societal norms and seek validation from others can be strong, but Jesus calls us to prioritise His approval above all. True fulfilment and peace come from seeking God's approval, not man's. When we stand firm in our faith, despite opposition, we align ourselves with God's will and experience the profound joy of living authentically for Him. Jesus teaches us that the praise of people is fleeting, but God's approval is eternal and ultimately satisfying. The real issue with fear and faith is our confidence in what we believe. God calls us to love him without a rival. Anything that interferes with our honouring God becomes our idol, even if it is the fear of rejection or the desire for popularity. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Reflect on areas in your life where you may be compromising your faith to seek human approval. Make a conscious decision to prioritise God's approval, even if it means facing opposition or criticism. Encourage and support others who may be struggling with similar challenges, reminding them of the eternal value of God's approval. PRAYER: Father, give me the courage to stand up and confess my faith in Jesus with graciousness. I truly believe that you sent Jesus to die for my sins and give me power over sin and death. Regardless of other people's acceptance or rejection of me because of my faith, please help me live that faith before the people with whom I interact. In Jesus' name. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY wordy study: OPENLY The Greek word for "openly" in John 12:42 is "φανερῶ" (phanerō). This word means "to make manifest" or "to reveal openly." It carries the connotation of bringing something into the light, making it visible or clear to all. In John 12:42, "openly" highlights the secret belief of many Jewish leaders who feared Pharisaic repercussions and excommunication. This reluctance to publicly confess faith underscores the tension between faith and societal pressures, a recurring theme in John's Gospel that reflects spiritual blindness and hard-heartedness. The concept of believing "openly" ties into the call for believers to live out their faith visibly, despite potential risks. It challenges the reader to consider the cost of discipleship and the courage required to stand firm in faith amidst opposition. Reflections: How does fear of societal repercussions influence your willingness to openly confess and live out your faith?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 26, 2024 | John 12:37-41 KEY VERSE: Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. John 12:37 (NIV) MESSAGE: Some people can't and won't believe God's truth even when it is spoken and shown. One reason is that their hearts are hardened to the truth. This is a profound and sobering truth about the human heart and the mystery of unbelief. Despite the numerous miracles and signs that Jesus performed, many still refused to believe in Him. This was not due to a lack of evidence but rather a fulfilment of prophecy, revealing a deeper spiritual condition. Isaiah prophesied that there would be people whose eyes are blinded and hearts hardened, preventing them from understanding and accepting the message of salvation. This hardening of hearts highlights the tragic reality that witnessing miracles and hearing the truth does not automatically result in faith. Isaiah's vision of Jesus' glory underscores the greatness of Christ, who is worthy of belief and worship. Yet, many remain spiritually blind and unresponsive. This calls us to reflect on our hearts and our response to Jesus' message. It also encourages us to pray for those who struggle with unbelief, recognising that spiritual blindness can only be healed through God's intervention. As we reflect on this passage, let us seek a deeper understanding and commitment to Jesus, ensuring that our faith is genuine and our hearts are soft towards His message. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Examine your faith and the ways you respond to Jesus. Understand that just seeing miracles and hearing the gospel are not enough; a heart open to God and a willingness to believe are crucial. You must guard against the hardening of your heart and remain receptive to the truth of Christ. PRAYER: Gracious and sovereign God, thank you for revealing your glory through Jesus Christ. Forgive me for the times I've been blind to your truth and hardened my heart. Soften my heart and open my eyes to believe in your message. I pray for those who have rejected you. Please work in their lives and give your people a chance to share your grace with them. In Jesus' name. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: AFTER The Greek word μετὰ (meta), often translated as "after," denotes sequence in time or space. It implies that a series of events (Jesus’ miracles) had occurred before the resulting state (continued unbelief). Despite Jesus performing many signs and miracles to validate His divine authority, most people still did not believe in Him, reflecting the themes of spiritual blindness and hard-heartedness throughout John's Gospel. Notably, the themes of spiritual blindness and hard-heartedness appear multiple times in John's Gospel (e.g., John 1:11, John 9:39-41, John 12:40), emphasizing the persistent resistance to Jesus' message and mission. The word "After" illustrates human free will and the mystery of belief, showing that even with overwhelming evidence of Jesus' divinity, belief is not guaranteed. Persistent unbelief despite miracles fulfils prophecy, indicating such resistance was anticipated in the divine plan. Reflections: Consider the areas in your own life where you might struggle with belief despite witnessing God's work. How can you overcome these barriers to deepen your faith?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 25, 2024 | John 12:34-36 KEY VERSE: Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. John 12:35 (NIV) MESSAGE: In John 12:34-36, the crowd responds to Jesus' teachings with confusion and doubt. They question how Jesus can say that the Son of Man must be lifted up, as they believed the Messiah would remain forever. Jesus addresses their doubts by emphasising the urgency of responding to the light while it is still with them. So often, people think they will have plenty of opportunities to decide about Jesus. Satan ensures that this is not true. This reality was brought home tragically to me when a good friend of mine in secondary school was killed in a car accident shortly after I had tried to share Christ with him. He said, "I will do that when I am older. Christianity is for old people." He didn't take advantage of the light when he had the opportunity. Jesus urges the people to walk in the light while they still have it. He is the light of the world, and His presence offers a unique opportunity for salvation and guidance. This urgency highlights the fleeting nature of opportunities to embrace faith and truth. Jesus warns about the consequences of not responding to the light. Walking in darkness leads to confusion, lostness, and separation from God. Without Jesus, people lack direction and purpose. Believing in Jesus, the light transforms individuals into children of light. This transformation is essential for living a life that reflects God's truth and love. It’s a call to embrace the light and let it shine through our lives. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Reflect on the limited opportunities you have to embrace and share the light of Jesus. Consider the urgency of responding to His call and the importance of walking in His light daily. Allow His light to guide your actions, decisions, and interactions with others. PRAYER: Father, forgive me for not living with a greater sense of urgency, especially in my relationship with my non-Christian friends. Please be with me as I try to share my faith in Jesus with those I meet in my daily endeavours. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: WHILE The Greek word ὡς (hōs), often translated as "while," denotes a period of time during which a particular action or state is occurring. It indicates a temporary and urgent timeframe within which action must be taken. Jesus' use of "while" conveys a sense of urgency and the transient nature of His physical presence among them. The exhortation to "walk while you have the light" serves as a call to immediate action in embracing and following Jesus, lest one falls into spiritual darkness. Reflections: Consider how you can walk in the light more fully and help guide others out of darkness into His light. What steps can you take today to ensure you are making the most of the divine opportunity to walk in the light?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 24, 2024 | John 12:31-33 KEY VERSE: “And I, when I am lifted up  from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” John 12:32 (NIV) MESSAGE: In John 12:31-33, Jesus speaks about His impending crucifixion and its significance. He says, …. and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." This passage highlights the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice and its impact on humanity and the spiritual realm. In these verses, Jesus foretells the profound effect His crucifixion will have. By being "lifted up" on the cross, Jesus indicates not only His physical elevation but also His exaltation as Saviour. His death would bring judgment upon the world, casting out the prince of this world, Satan, and offering salvation to all who believe in Him. Jesus’ crucifixion signifies the decisive judgment against sin and evil. Through His sacrifice, the world's corruption is exposed, and the path to redemption is opened. The "prince of this world" refers to Satan, who is defeated through Jesus’ death and resurrection. The cross was the place where the prince of this world, Satan, lost at his own game. Satan had intended to use Jesus' horrible death to destroy God's work. Instead, God used Jesus' death on the cross to be the sacrifice for our sins. This victory liberates humanity from the power of sin and death. Jesus’ death has a universal appeal. By being lifted up, He draws all people to Himself, inviting everyone to partake in the salvation He offers. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Reflecting on this passage, we are reminded of the incredible power and love demonstrated through Jesus' crucifixion. His sacrifice was not just an event in history but a pivotal moment that offered hope and transformation for all humanity. It calls us to recognise the depth of God's love and the victory we have over sin and darkness through Jesus. PRAYER: Father, thank you for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus, who was lifted up on the cross to draw all people to Himself. Please give me the courage to live with the confidence that darkness, and the prince of darkness, were defeated because of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection and that I can now live faithfully for you because of Jesus' victory. In Jesus' name. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: ALL PEOPLE The Greek word πάντας (pantas), translated as "all people," denotes inclusiveness, meaning every individual without exception. It emphasizes the universal reach of Jesus' sacrificial act. The phrase all people underscores the inclusive nature of Jesus' mission; His sacrificial death is meant for the salvation of all humanity, not just a specific group. His crucifixion becomes the focal point through which God's redemptive plan is accomplished, offering salvation to all people. It speaks to the dismantling of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, signifying that everyone is invited to partake in the grace and redemption offered through Christ. Reflections: Reflect on the inclusivity of Jesus' mission and the implications it has for how we view and interact with others. How can you actively participate in drawing "all people" to Christ through your actions, words, and love?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 23, 2024 | John 12:27-30 KEY VERSE: 27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” John 12:27-28 (NIV) MESSAGE: In John 12:27-30, Jesus expresses the deep emotional turmoil He feels as He anticipates His crucifixion. He acknowledges His troubled soul but refrains from asking to be saved from this hour because He understands that this moment is part of His divine mission. This demonstrates the human aspect of Jesus and shows us that it is normal to feel fear and anxiety in the face of daunting challenges. In the midst of His anguish, Jesus' primary concern is to glorify God's name. He prays, "Father, glorify your name!" (vrs.28). In response, a voice from heaven affirms Jesus' mission, stating that God's name has been glorified and will be glorified again (vrs.29-30). This emphasizes the importance of aligning our desires with God's will, especially during difficult times. We need to face our fears with faith, and there are some important lessons we can glean from Jesus’ experience in this passage: When we face overwhelming situations, it's important to acknowledge our emotions rather than suppress them. Recognizing our fears is the first step toward confronting them with faith, just as Jesus did. Again, in our struggles, we should strive to glorify God through our actions and attitudes. By keeping our focus on God's glory rather than our discomfort, we can find purpose and strength to persevere. Finally, we learn that God often provides reassurance and encouragement when we need it most. It's crucial to be open to His affirmations and to recognize them as signs of His presence and support.  In our lives, we often face situations that cause us distress and discomfort. It's crucial to remember that obedience to God sometimes involves enduring hardships. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: In challenging times, our focus should be on glorifying God through our responses and actions. By keeping our eyes on Him and seeking to honour His name, we can find strength and purpose even in the midst of suffering. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of Jesus, who faced His fears with faith and sought to glorify your name in all things. Help me to acknowledge my fears and turn to you for strength and guidance. May I seek to glorify you in my actions and attitudes, trusting in your plan and recognizing your presence in my life. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: TROUBLED The Greek word ταράσσω (tarassō), translated as "troubled," means to stir up, agitate, or disturb. In this context of our key verse for today's devotional, it reflects the deep emotional distress and inner conflict Jesus experiences as He faces the reality of His sacrificial death. Jesus' humanity and His willingness to embrace His divine mission despite the intense emotional struggle is revealed in this passage. Despite the anguish, He resolves to fulfil His mission, seeking the glorification of the Father's name above His own desire for deliverance from suffering. This serves as an example for believers to prioritise the Father's glory over their comfort and safety. Reflections: Are you able to seek God’s glory and purpose even in the midst of your struggles? Consider how Jesus' example of submitting to God's will, despite His distress, can inspire you to trust and glorify God in your own challenging situations. How can you align your desires with God's purpose, even when facing difficulties?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 22, 2024 | John 12:23-26 KEY VERSE: Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:25 (NIV) MESSAGE: In John 12:23-26, Jesus reveals profound truths about self-sacrifice, servanthood, and the path to eternal life. Jesus begins by announcing, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified" (v. 23). This moment signifies the culmination of His mission on earth, leading to His crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus’ glory is paradoxically revealed through His suffering and sacrifice, emphasizing that true glory comes through obedience and surrender to God’s will. His words challenge us to examine our priorities and the depth of our commitment to Him. Jesus illustrates the principle of self-sacrifice with the metaphor of a grain of wheat. He explains that unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds (v. 24). This imagery underscores the necessity of dying to self to bear fruit for God’s kingdom. Like the grain of wheat, our lives must be surrendered to God’s purposes to produce a harvest of righteousness. Jesus continues in verse 25 by calling His followers to a radical commitment, prioritizing their relationship with Him above all else. True discipleship involves letting go of worldly attachments and embracing a life of self-denial and service. Jesus concludes by declaring that those who serve Him will be honoured by the Father (v. 26). This promise assures us that our sacrifices and service are not in vain. By following Jesus, we participate in His mission and receive the honour of being in His presence. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Jesus’ call to self-sacrifice challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities and commitments. True discipleship requires a willingness to surrender our lives to God, trusting that through our faith and sacrifices, we will bear lasting fruit and receive eternal rewards. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus' example of self-sacrifice and obedience. Help me surrender my life to you, trusting that my sacrifices will bear fruit. Strengthen me to follow and serve Jesus faithfully, prioritizing my relationship with Him. May my life honour you and bring joy in serving your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: HATES The Greek word μισέω, translated as "hates," generally means "to detest" or "to abhor." In the context of this verse, it signifies a comparative preference. Jesus uses strong language to emphasize the necessity of prioritizing eternal values over temporal, worldly attachments. Jesus is preparing His followers for the reality of true discipleship, which often involves a radical reorientation of values. To "hate" one's life in this world is to reject the self-centred, materialistic pursuits that dominate worldly thinking. This teaching aligns with Jesus' broader message on the cost of discipleship, where following Him requires a willingness to sacrifice personal ambitions and comforts. Reflections: Consider the areas of your life where worldly attachments may be hindering your walk with Christ. Are there aspects of your life that you need to "hate" or let go of to fully embrace the life Jesus offers? How can you demonstrate a commitment to eternal values in your daily actions and decisions?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 21, 2024 | John 12:19-22 KEY VERSE: They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus. John 12:21 (NIV) MESSAGE: In John 12:17-22, we see a powerful scene of people seeking Jesus with varying motivations. This passage highlights the importance of approaching Jesus with an open and sincere heart. We observe the crowd’s curiosity and faith, the Greeks' desire to see Jesus, and the Pharisees’ jealousy and fear. The crowd that witnessed Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead continued to spread the word about this miraculous event. Their testimony drew even more people to seek Jesus, some out of curiosity and others out of genuine faith. The miracle of Lazarus was a testament to Jesus’ divine power and authority, compelling people to come to Him. Among the crowd were certain Greeks who had come to worship at the feast. They approached Philip with a simple yet profound request, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." Their desire may have been driven by curiosity, but it also signified a deeper spiritual yearning. Their approach teaches us that seeking Jesus requires taking intentional steps toward Him, even if we don’t fully understand everything about Him. In contrast, the Pharisees were troubled by the growing popularity of Jesus. Their envy and fear blinded them to the truth and prevented them from seeking Jesus with an open heart. They saw His influence as a threat rather than an opportunity for spiritual transformation. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Seeking Jesus with an open heart involves more than just curiosity - it requires a genuine desire to know Him and be transformed by His presence. Whether motivated by witnessing His miracles or hearing about His teachings, our approach should be sincere and humble. We must guard against the attitudes of jealousy and fear that can hinder our spiritual growth. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I come before you with an open heart, seeking to know Jesus more deeply. Help me to approach Him with sincerity and humility, free from jealousy and fear. May my desire to see Jesus transform my life, drawing me closer to your love and truth. Guide my steps as I seek to follow Him wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: REQUEST αἰτοῦσιν (aitousin) is the Greek term for request in our key verse. It is derived from the root word αἰτέω (aiteo), which means "to ask" or "to request." This verb emphasizes the act of seeking or making a specific request, often with a sense of earnest desire or need. The Greeks' request to see Jesus shows the expanding influence of His ministry. It shows that Jesus' message and miracles were drawing attention not just from Jews but also from Gentiles, fulfilling the prophecy that He would be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6). This moment foreshadows the inclusive nature of the gospel, which breaks down ethnic and cultural barriers. Reflections: Reflect on your own openness to those who are different from you and how you can be a conduit for Jesus' love and message to all people. How can you respond to others' requests to "see Jesus" in your life and community?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 20, 2024 | John 12:12-19 KEY VERSE: Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” John 12:14-15 (NIV) MESSAGE: In the passage from John 12:12-19, we witness Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of His final week before the crucifixion. As Jesus approached the city, the crowd greeted Him with shouts of "Hosanna!" and laid palm branches before Him, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which foretold the Messiah's arrival on a donkey's colt as a peaceful king. This moment highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and the importance of biblical prophecy. Jesus, unlike earthly conquerors, entered Jerusalem in humility and peace, riding on a donkey symbolising His spiritual kingdom of peace, love, and righteousness. The crowd anticipated a political saviour from Roman rule, yet Jesus came to offer spiritual salvation and reconcile humanity with God. It challenges us to reassess our expectations and grasp the true nature of Jesus' mission. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Reflect on how God's promises have been fulfilled in your life and let this deepen your trust in His faithfulness and sovereignty. Consider how Jesus' example of humility and peace challenges the way you live your life. Think about your expectations of Jesus. We come to him on his terms, or we miss him and miss the peace he came to bring to us. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus, the Conqueror who comes in peace. Help us to recognise and celebrate the fulfilment of Your promises in our lives. Teach us to follow Jesus' humility, love, and peace example.  Guide us to live in a way that reflects His kingdom values and brings glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: DONKEY'S COLT The Greek term for "donkey's colt" is πῶλον (polon) meaning a young animal, particularly a colt, and ὄνου (onou) meaning a donkey. This phrase emphasizes the youth and humility of the animal, reflecting the peaceful nature of Jesus' mission. The choice of a donkey's colt, as opposed to a war horse, underscores the humble and peaceful nature of Jesus' kingship. This act fulfilled Zechariah's prophecy -  "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Zechariah 9:9. This Scripture indicates that Jesus' reign would be marked by humility and peace, not by military conquest. This entry contrasts with the expectations of a Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule through force, instead presenting a kingdom founded on peace and servitude. Reflections: Reflect on how you can embrace humility in your own life and recognize the peaceful nature of Jesus' kingship. How can you embody and share this message of peace and humility with others?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 19, 2024 | John 12:9-11 KEY VERSE: So, the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. John 12:10-11 (NIV) MESSAGE: In John 12:9-11, we read about the growing opposition to Jesus and the extent of the religious leaders' hostility towards Him. After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, many people came to see both Jesus and Lazarus. This miraculous event drew crowds and caused many to believe in Jesus. However, the chief priests were not pleased. They plotted to kill not only Jesus but also Lazarus because his resurrection was leading many to faith in Jesus. This passage highlights the stark contrast between the life-giving power of Jesus and the destructive intentions of those opposed to Him. How could leaders of a religious movement, meant to do good, become murderous and treacherous? History shows atrocities committed in the name of religion and against religious people. The hatred toward Jesus extended to Lazarus, highlighting what happens when people prioritize their interests over God's will. This warns us to examine and change our actions when we justify ungodly behaviour against God's children. Those who hate Christ also hate his followers and will go to any lengths to silence them. Let us know that faith in Christ provokes hostility. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Consider the potential challenges and hostility you might encounter because of your faith, and strengthen your resolve and trust in God to withstand such opposition. Despite the murderous intentions of the agents of the enemy, God's plan for salvation through Jesus continues to unfold. This encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty even when faced with adversity. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for Lazarus' resurrection and Jesus' life-giving power. Help me reflect on your transformative work and strengthen my faith against opposition. Remind me of your sovereign plan and help me trust your purposes in adversity. May my life be a beacon of your love and grace, drawing others to you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: TO KILL The Greek verb used for "to kill" is ἀποκτείνω (apokteinō), meaning to put to death, destroy, or kill. This term is often used in the New Testament to describe actions of ending life, both in literal and metaphorical contexts. The chief priests’ plot to kill Lazarus reveals their desperation to maintain their power and control. Lazarus' resurrection by Jesus was leading many to believe in Jesus, threatening the religious leaders' authority. This act of opposition against Jesus demonstrates the conflict between Jesus' life-giving power and the destructive nature of those who reject Him. Reflections: How do you respond to the life and teachings of Jesus? Are there areas where you resist His influence? Consider how you can witness to others about Christ’s life-giving power, even in the face of opposition.

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 18, 2024 | John 12:7-8 KEY VERSE: “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”John 12:8 (NIV) MESSAGE: In John 12:7-8, Jesus addresses Judas' criticism of Mary’s act of anointing Him with expensive perfume, and this passage invites us to reflect on the balance between worship and service, and how we view poverty in the context of our faith. Mary’s devotion was criticized by Judas, who argued that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. However, Jesus emphasized the significance of her worship and their unique moment. This teaches us several important lessons: 1. Worship and service; 2. Recognizing sacred moments and 3. The holistic approach to faith. While caring for the poor is a biblical mandate, worship, and devotion to Jesus are equally important. Jesus acknowledged the presence of poverty but highlighted the irreplaceable moment of honouring Him. Jesus again reminded His disciples that His physical presence was temporary. There are sacred moments in our spiritual journey that require our full attention and devotion, and recognizing and seizing these moments is essential. And finally, Jesus’ response encourages us to adopt a holistic approach to our faith, where worship and service coexist. We are called to serve others while also dedicating time and resources to worship and honour Jesus. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: How do you balance your acts of service with your moments of worship and devotion to Jesus? Reflect on how you allocate your time and resources between serving others and worshipping Jesus. Consider how often you take the time to acknowledge and cherish moments of deep spiritual significance and ensure that both your acts of service and your worship are given their due importance in your daily life. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for Mary's devotion and Jesus' teachings. Help me balance service with worship and honour to you. Grant me wisdom to cherish sacred moments in my spiritual journey. Keep my heart focused on you, and guide me to serve others with love and compassion. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: THE POOR The phrase "the poor" comes from the Greek word πτωχός (ptōchos), which refers to those who are economically disadvantaged, destitute, or beggars. Jesus’ statement, "You will always have the poor among you," is a reference to Deuteronomy 15:11, which acknowledges the persistent presence of poverty. However, His assertion "But you will not always have me" highlights the unique and temporary nature of His earthly ministry. This contrast emphasizes the importance of discerning the critical moments when devotion to Christ takes precedence over all other duties. Jesus does not dismiss the importance of caring for the poor but rather prioritizes the act of honouring Him in the context of His impending death and burial. Reflections: How do you balance your responsibilities to help those in need with your devotion and worship to Christ? Reflect on moments when God might be calling you to focus more intently on Him, even when there are other pressing needs around you. How can you better discern these moments in your own spiritual journey?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 17, 2024 | John 12:7-8 KEY VERSE: “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.” John 12:7 (NIV) MESSAGE: In John 12:7-8, Jesus defends Mary’s devotion when He says, “Leave her alone.”  This passage highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting sincere worship and devotion. Mary’s anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume profoundly expressed her love and gratitude. Judas Iscariot criticized her, claiming the money could have been used for the poor. However, Jesus understood the deeper significance of her act. He saw her heart and knew that her actions were motivated by genuine love and devotion, not wastefulness. Jesus’ response, “Leave her alone,” teaches us several important lessons on the value of sincere devotion; discerning priorities, and recognizing Jesus’ presence. Genuine acts of worship and love should be cherished and respected, even if everyone does not understand them. Mary’s act expressed her deep gratitude and recognition of Jesus’ impending sacrifice. While caring for the poor is crucial, Jesus reminds us that there are moments when worshipping and honouring Him take precedence. This does not diminish the importance of helping others but highlights the unique and sacred moments of worship that must be cherished. Jesus points out the fleeting nature of His physical presence among them. This emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities to worship and honour Him fully, understanding that certain moments are irreplaceable. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: How do you express your gratitude and worship towards Jesus through your actions and words? If we are extreme in our love for Jesus, He will not criticize us; that was what Judas did. It is much better to be like Mary - extreme in our love for Jesus than to be like Judas - criticizing others who show such great love for Jesus. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for Mary's example of sincere devotion. Help me value genuine worship and recognize your presence in my life. Teach me to cherish worship moments and balance my love for you with caring for others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: LEAVE HER ALONE The phrase "leave her alone" combines the verb ἄφες (aphes), meaning "allow," "permit," or "let go," and the pronoun αὐτήν (autēn), meaning "her." Jesus’ command to “leave her alone” highlights His recognition of Mary’s act as both timely and meaningful. This defence contrasts sharply with Judas' hypocritical concern for the poor, revealing his true intentions. By validating Mary's actions, Jesus underscores the importance of recognizing and honouring acts of true devotion and worship. This moment encapsulates the broader theological theme of sacrificial love and the anticipation of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. Jesus' affirmation teaches that true worship involves understanding and responding to God's greater plan, even when it defies conventional logic or social expectations. Reflections Consider how you might sometimes misjudge others' actions due to personal biases or misunderstandings. How can you better honour and support expressions of faith and devotion in your community?

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 16, 2024 | John 12:4-6 KEY VERSE: 'Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages.” John 12:5 (NIV) MESSAGE: Some church members are quick to criticize but slow to praise, encourage, serve, or sacrifice. Satan often uses greedy and selfish individuals to mask their criticisms with pious-sounding words. In John 12:4-6, we see a sharp contrast to the loving act of Mary. Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, raises a seemingly pious objection to Mary's use of expensive perfume. This passage gives us insight into the nature of pious-sounding critics and their true motivations. Judas criticizes Mary for what he perceives as a wasteful act and argues that the perfume, worth a year's wages, should have been sold and the money given to the poor. On the surface, his concern appears righteous and considerate of the needs of the poor. However, John reveals Judas' true intentions that he was a thief, and as the keeper of the money bag, he used to steal from it. His criticism was a facade to cover his selfishness and greed. This does not mean we should give up on the church because we will continue to have such persons among God's people. Jesus did not give up on his disciples because one of them was a greedy traitor. The real issue is that we don’t have to give in to pious-sounding critics but gently confront them with the truth as Jesus did with Judas in the next verses. Today’s passage teaches us to be discerning about criticism that appears pious on the surface. True motives can be hidden behind a veneer of righteousness. It also challenges us to examine our hearts to ensure our actions and criticisms are genuinely aligned with godly principles and not driven by selfish desires. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: We need to develop the discernment to recognize when criticism is genuinely constructive and when it is driven by ulterior motives. Reflect on your motives when you offer criticism or advice, demonstrate genuine concern for others in your actions, and ensure that your acts of charity and kindness are driven by true compassion and not self-interest. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, grant me the wisdom to discern the true motives behind pious-sounding criticism. Help me to examine my own heart and ensure that my actions and words are driven by genuine love and compassion. Keep me from hypocrisy and selfishness, and teach me to act with integrity and authenticity in all I do. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: PERFUME μύρον (myron) is the Greek equivalent of the noun that refers to ointment, perfume, or fragrant oil. It often denotes a costly, aromatic substance used in anointing. Judas' reaction, while seemingly practical, exposes his lack of genuine concern for the poor and his true motive of greed. This contrast between Mary's selfless act and Judas' selfish perspective accentuates the different responses people can have to Jesus' worth and mission. Theologically, the use of perfume by Mary serves as a prelude to Jesus' sacrificial death, where He would give His life for humanity. Judas' response provides a sobering reminder of how easily one can misinterpret acts of devotion when motivated by selfish desires. Reflections: Reflect on what "perfume" you can offer in your own life as a symbol of your devotion and love for Christ. Are there areas where you can give more generously and selflessly to honour Him?