Rev. Enoch Thompson | April 16, 2024 | John 6:66-70 KEY VERSE: Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!"  John 6:70 (NIV) MESSAGE: During His earthly ministry the Lord Jesus Christ prayerfully, intentionally and carefully chose the Twelve Apostles who assisted Him in His outreach to Israel, and by whom He intended to assign the preaching of His Kingdom after His death and Resurrection. The Jesus strategy was an effective one and has succeeded to this day. However, one of the most fascinating things about His choices was that He included Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who would later betray Him. Sometimes we tend to think that the Lord was taken unawares by the developments in the person and character of Judas Iscariot. However, the Bible makes it clear that the Lord was very much aware of the outcomes of the journey of Judas. The Lord knew that Judas was stealing from the group accounts, that Judas had an ear to the devil and was becoming devilish by the day. The Lord knew that Judas would betray Him and offered him the opportunity to repent. When we see evil people making their way up the ladder in the Church of God, may we never think that God is unaware of their presence and their schemes. God allows devils to play in the parlour of His temple in order that His perfect plan will be achieved without violating His justice and the freewill of humans. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: When the devil whispers his lies to you to undermine the work of God, tell him to go to Hell and leave you alone. Don’t become a devil in the camp of the Lord. PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, please give me the power you had when you were confronted by the devil in the desert. May I never give attention to his lies, may I never yield to his ways. Lord, reveal myself to me that I might see what is in me, and not give the devil a foothold. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: DEVIL In John 6:70, Jesus responds to the disciples' confession of faith by acknowledging their loyalty and commitment. He says, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" The word "devil" in Greek is translated as "διάβολος" (diabolos), which refers to a slanderer, false accuser, or adversary. Jesus uses this term to describe Judas Iscariot, who would later betray Him. This designation highlights Judas' role as an adversary or opponent of Jesus, despite being one of His chosen disciples. Jesus' statement serves as a sobering reminder of the presence of evil and betrayal even among those who profess faith in Him. It emphasizes the reality of spiritual warfare and the ongoing struggle between good and evil in the world. Reflections: Are there areas of our lives where we may be harbouring attitudes or behaviours that are contrary to God's will? How can we guard against the influence of evil and remain faithful to Jesus, even in the face of temptation and opposition?

Rev. Enoch Thompson | April 15, 2024 | John 6:66-70 KEY VERSE: ⁶⁸Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹ We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:68-69 (NIV) MESSAGE: The freewill of the human beings makes us free indeed to choose to follow the Lord Jesus or not to follow Him. Some have for all intents and purposes followed Christ and His teachings, but who for some reason at later times have declared non-loyalty to Him. Some raise questions as to whether they were following Him at all to start with. John 6:67 (NIV) indicates that “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” Who were these “disciples”? Was the term here used loosely to refer to the crowds or to some who had been part of the intimate group? Well, we are to see in verse 67 that there were the Twelve, an inner core of committed ones (even though we will see in verse 70 that Judas Iscariot who did not leave with the other “disciples” physically, had a heart that would turn against the Master, and betray Him). FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Are you a “disciple” or a disciple? Yes, are you following the Lord Jesus Christ to the point that there is nowhere else to turn to, even when offered the chance? When tempted to turn away from Christ Jesus, respond like Peter, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, how it must have hurt you to see those disciples leave. But how much more it hurts you, when I, by word or deed show that I have moved away from you. Please help me to be steadfast in my faith commitment, and my walk with you. Please help all others who are tempted to walk away from you. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: TO WHOM  The phrase "to whom" in Greek is translated as "πρὸς τίνα" (pros tina), which denotes direction or orientation towards someone or something. Peter's question signifies a sense of commitment and dependence on Jesus alone as the source of truth, wisdom, and eternal life. Peter's confession highlights the central importance of Jesus in the lives of His followers. It underscores the foundational truth that Jesus alone possesses the words of eternal life and that faith in Him is essential for salvation. Reflections: Do we wholeheartedly trust in Him as the Holy One of God and the source of eternal life? Are we willing to follow Him faithfully, even when faced with challenges or doubts? How can we deepen our relationship with Jesus and grow in our understanding of His significance in our lives?

Rev. Enoch Thompson | April 14, 2024 | John 6:52-65 KEY VERSE: Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” John 6:53 (NIV) MESSAGE: There is a saying in some of the Ghanaian languages to depict the fact that a person has covenanted with or is operating by a certain spiritual force. Literally, the expression is this; “he has eaten medicine.” There is a sense in which the expression is right because it depicts the interaction between the person and the spirit they are operating by which has gone beyond the consideration to the consumption. The person has become part of the spirit, and the spirit has become part of the person. The Lord Jesus Christ challenged the crowds to move from a position of merely being around Him and admiring the things He said and did. He was asking them to incorporate Him and what He stood for into their lives to the point that they would become inseparable from Him; ‘"I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.”’ True Christian life, true vital spirituality comes from a personal incorporation, let me say digestion, of the inexhaustible Christ. That is when we become alive, that is when spirituality counts. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Have you eaten of the bread of life, Have you drunk of His blood? Christ offers Himself to you for a relationship that is transforming like your food transforms your body. Will you take and eat, and drink, of Christ the eternal bread from Heaven! PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you that you offer yourself to me at such a deep and demanding level. I long to be energized by you, to be made by you, to be transformed by you. I pray that Christianity for me will move from the observation of Christ to the consumption of Christ. May this consciousness dawn on all. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: LIFE In John 6:53, the word "life" translates to the Greek term "ζωή" (zōḗ), which encompasses not just physical existence but also spiritual vitality, eternal life, and the fullness of life that comes from being in communion with God. The concept of "life" in this verse emphasizes the importance of partaking in the spiritual nourishment that Jesus provides through His sacrificial death and resurrection. It underscores the idea that true life, both now and in eternity, is found in union with Christ, symbolized by eating His flesh and drinking His blood. Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus frequently speaks about the gift of eternal life that He offers to those who believe in Him (John 3:16; 10:10; 17:3). This life is characterized by an intimate relationship with God, the forgiveness of sins, transformation, and the promise of resurrection and eternal fellowship with God in His kingdom. Reflections: Are we experiencing the abundant life that Jesus offers through faith in Him? Are we nourishing our souls with His Word and sacraments, drawing near to Him in prayer and worship, and living in obedience to His teachings? How can we deepen our union with Christ and experience the fullness of life that He desires for us?

Rev. Enoch Thompson | April 13, 2024 | John 6:41-51 KEY VERSE: "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44 (NIV) MESSAGE: It is easy to limit people to what we know about them physically and fail to see what God may do with and through them. The Jews were quick to show knowledge of the physical and social parentage of the Lord Jesus as He continued to explain to them that He was the bread of life which came down from Heaven. To them, this was unacceptable because they claimed to know His physical relations. The truth about salvation is that it is the joint effort of the triune God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The revelation of the Son by the Father, through the quickening of our human spirit by the Holy Spirit of God makes salvation happen. "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44 (NIV). What a wonder is the work of salvation in the human spirit. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Show gratitude to God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit for the work of grace to bring you to the place of salvation. Will you collaborate with God to get the good news of salvation to other people? PRAYER: My God and Saviour, thank you for working mysteriously to bring about my salvation. I worship you, Father,  Son and Holy Spirit. May I be your agent to announce your salvation to the world around me. For your dear Name’s sake. Amen THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: DRAWS The word "draws" comes from the Greek term "ἑλκύω" (helkýō), which carries the idea of drawing, dragging, or pulling with force. This verb indicates an active and decisive action initiated by the Father to bring individuals to Jesus. The concept of drawing in this context implies a divine initiative in the process of salvation. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and the role of His grace in calling people to Himself. This drawing is not merely a gentle invitation but a powerful and effective work of God's Spirit, overcoming human resistance and enabling individuals to respond in faith. Throughout Scripture, we see God's drawing power at work in various ways. In the Old Testament, God draws His people to Himself through His covenant promises and acts of deliverance. In the New Testament, Jesus, through His sacrificial death on the cross, becomes the ultimate magnet, drawing all people to Himself (John 12:32). The Holy Spirit also plays a vital role in convicting hearts and drawing them to Christ (John 16:8-11). Reflections: Are we receptive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, allowing ourselves to be drawn to Jesus for salvation and eternal life? How can we cooperate with God's drawing work in our lives and participate in His redemptive plan for humanity?

Rev. Enoch Thompson | April 12, 2024 | John 6:34-40 KEY VERSE: Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 (NIV) MESSAGE: The miracle of the multiplication of the bread and fish is still fresh in the minds of the Lord Jesus and of the crowds. The crowds were thinking of more physical bread, but the Lord used the opportunity to point them to the real thing, the bread of life, Himself. "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” The human soul is a hungry soul, seeking filling and fulfilment. And in the place of the spiritual nourishment we need, we are used to settling for the symptoms in the external and material substitutes that only give temporal and temporary satisfaction. Jesus Christ declared to the Jewish crowd, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” What a relief, what an offer. Bread to satisfy our deepest longing and to satisfy eternally. We are called to settle for our souls once and for all the satisfaction of our hunger and thirst, never to thirst again! When we commit to the Lord Jesus as our Saviour and Master, we can sing with the hymnist in the song SATISFIED: All my life long I had panted For a draught from some clear spring, That I hoped would quench the burning Of the thirst I felt within, Chorus: Hallelujah I have found Him Whom my soul so long has craved Jesus satisfies my longings; Thro’ His blood I now am saved FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Have you met Jesus, have you eaten of the Bread of Life? Then go forth satisfied, for He truly satisfies. PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for making yourself available to me, the Bread of Life to me and all. May I spread the news of your gracious love that others may find their satisfaction in you as well. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: BREAD OF LIFE The phrase "bread of life" translates the Greek words "ἄρτος τῆς ζωῆς" (artos tēs zōēs). "ἄρτος" (artos) refers to bread, a staple food in the ancient world and a symbol of sustenance and provision. "ζωῆς" (zōēs) means life, indicating that this bread provides not just physical nourishment but spiritual sustenance leading to eternal life. Jesus uses this metaphor to illustrate that just as bread sustains physical life, He sustains spiritual life. He is the source of true nourishment and satisfaction for the soul. Those who come to Him and believe in Him will find fulfilment and satisfaction that goes beyond physical needs. Reflective Question: In what ways do you seek spiritual nourishment and satisfaction in your life? How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus, the bread of life, to experience true fulfilment and eternal life?

Rev. Enoch Thompson | April 11, 2024 | John 6:29-34 KEY VERSE: So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? John 6:30 (NIV) MESSAGE: When we want to avoid responding to the invitations and confrontations of God, we can put up all kinds of barriers. For the Jewish people, it was the barrier to the demand for miracles. The Lord had just performed a miracle, for which they were searching for Him to make Him king. Here now they stand asking Him to show them miraculous evidence for the faith commitment that He was making of them. Later on, in the spread of Christianity, the Apostle Paul would testify of the Jews in 1 Cor 1:22-24 (NIV) “²² Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, ²⁴ but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” The Jews because of their history of God’s miraculous interventions hid behind miracles in responding to God. At the same time, the Greeks because of their cultural heritage tried to understand and submit to God through the lenses of philosophy (wisdom). FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: In what ways is your race, culture, past experiences, learning etc., keeping you from responding to God in simple child-like faith? If we allow barriers to come up, they will keep us from coming to God on His terms and enjoying our walk with Him. PRAYER: Dear Lord, I am sorry that I have allowed things and people to stand in my way to come to you and walk with you. Please help me to break free of my self-imposed barriers, and to believe, simply. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: MIRACULOUS SIGNS In John 6:30, the people ask Jesus for a "miraculous sign" to prove His authority and divine mission. This phrase is translated from the Greek words "σημεῖον" (sēmeion) and "θαυμάζω" (thaumazō). The term "σημεῖον" (sēmeion) refers to a sign or token that indicates something beyond itself. It often denotes a miraculous or extraordinary event that serves as evidence of God's power or a divine message. In this context, the people are asking Jesus to perform a miraculous sign as a demonstration of His authority as the Messiah. The verb "θαυμάζω" (thaumazō) means to marvel, wonder, or be amazed. Here, it indicates the people's desire to see something astonishing or extraordinary from Jesus. In the context of John 6:30, the people are seeking further evidence or validation of Jesus' claims, particularly in light of His recent feeding of the five thousand. They seem to be looking for another miraculous act like the one Moses performed when he provided manna in the wilderness. However, Jesus challenges them to focus on the spiritual significance of His teachings rather than seeking mere signs and wonders. Jesus acknowledges their request but redirects their attention away from physical signs to the deeper spiritual truths He offers. He emphasizes that belief in Him is the true sign they should seek, as it leads to eternal life. Reflections: Do you find yourself seeking signs or tangible proofs of God's presence and power in your life? How can you cultivate a deeper faith that is rooted not in external signs but in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ?

Rev. Enoch Thompson | April 10, 2024 | John 6:25-29 KEY VERSE: Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." John 6:29 (NIV) MESSAGE: Our reflection today brings a call to intentional personal faith in Jesus Christ as a requirement by God from those who have the Gospel presented to them. The purpose of the miracles performed by the Lord Jesus was to inspire faith in Him as God in human form who had come to redeem humanity from the power and control of Satan and sin and to restore us to Himself. In John 6:26 the Lord pointed out to the Jewish people who were looking for Him, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.” (NIV). By this, He was calling their attention to the fact that they had missed out on the essence of the miracle. To have seen the miracle of the multiplication of the bread and fish should have taken their minds to the Old Testament prophecies of the Kingdom of the Messiah where food and wine shall flow in abundance. His healing of the sick should have drawn their minds to the foretold healing and wholeness that Messiah was supposed to bring and to help them see Him as the God-man in the midst of His people. However, they only saw the immediate pleasure and benefit of the miracles and failed to see the message of the miracles. To stress His point to them in John 6:29 ‘Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."’ (NIV) FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Do you see the significance of the acts of God in your life, even that you are alive today, as pointers to the reality, being, power and invitation of God for a relationship with you, or do you only enjoy the moment and miss the message? See God at work in the blessings of daily life. PRAYER: Dear God, please open my eyes that I may see you, hear you, and embrace you as you reveal yourself to me in your daily kindness. For Christ’s dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: WORK OF GOD In John 6:29, Jesus speaks about the "work of God," emphasizing the central action required for salvation and spiritual fulfilment. This phrase translates the Greek words "ἔργον τοῦ Θεοῦ" (ergon tou Theou). Here, Jesus tells the crowd that the "work of God" is to believe in Him whom God has sent, referring to Himself. This statement underscores the foundational importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life. It highlights that the primary task God requires of humanity is to trust in His Son as the Savior and Redeemer. The phrase "work of God" suggests faith is not merely a passive acceptance but an active response to God's invitation and revelation. It involves a commitment of the heart and mind, a surrender to God's will, and a willingness to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. Reflections: How do you understand and engage with the "work of God" in your life? Are you actively trusting Jesus Christ and living out your faith in obedience to His teachings? How can you deepen your relationship with God by responding to His call?

Rev. Enoch Thompson | April 9, 2024 | John 6:22-24 KEY VERSE: Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. John 6:24 (NIV) MESSAGE: I am impressed with the crowds in the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. They knew what they wanted, and they went out to get it. They knew they had found the potential king who would meet their material needs and possibly get rid of the Roman foreign rulers, establishing again the once glorious and powerful kingdom of David. They had eaten and had a lot left over, and it all came from one young preacher from Nazareth. And yet, in the course of the evening, they seemed to have lost Him from their sight. They kept looking for Him all night, and by day when they realized He had escaped from them and their plan to forcibly make Him their king, they went after Him in the direction He could have gone to Capernaum. In search of Jesus, what a worthwhile undertaking for all people at all times, but never so much more than now. We need to search for Jesus in His self-revelation through the written records of the Bible. We must be in search of Jesus by allowing His Holy Spirit to reveal Him more and more to us (John 16:14). We must search for Jesus in the Church, the body of Christ. We must search for Jesus in a daily meditation on His life, teachings and promises. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Commit to a personal search for the Lord Jesus. Refuse to be distracted and discouraged by others. Search for Jesus, and all other things will be added to you (Matt. 6:33). PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, I want to know you and to walk with you as I pass through the short journey called life. May I see you and experience you so much that I will truly live. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: IN SEARCH In John 6:22, the phrase "in search" translates the Greek word "ζητέω" (zeteo), which means "to seek" or "to search for." This word conveys the idea of actively seeking or searching for something with diligence or earnestness. Here, the people who witnessed Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand were "in search" of Him. They were actively seeking Jesus, likely because they were impressed by His miraculous signs and wanted to see more or to hear His teachings. Throughout the New Testament, "ζητέω" is used to describe various forms of seeking, including seeking God's kingdom (Matthew 6:33), seeking wisdom (James 1:5), or seeking after righteousness (Matthew 6:33). It implies a pursuit driven by a desire to find, learn, or understand something. Reflections: What are you "in search" of in your life right now? Are you actively seeking after God, wisdom, righteousness, or something else? How can you deepen your pursuit of the things that truly matter in your spiritual journey?

Rev. Enoch Thompson | April 8, 2024 | John 6:16-21 KEY VERSE: But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." John 6:20 (NIV) MESSAGE: The journey of life has its way of frightening us, and those instances come uninvited and unannounced. The disciples were surprised by the strong winds and the rising waves that accompanied it. It was dark, and they must have feared for their lives. Most importantly the Lord was not in their company. When three to three and a half miles into the journey they saw the Lord approaching their boat, walking on the water, they were terrified, thinking another danger was visiting them. Then the words of the Lord, "It is I; don't be afraid." How we need the calm assuring words of Christ, "It is I; don't be afraid."  For our individual troubled heart may we hear His soothing tones, "It is I; don't be afraid."  For families under stress from past and passing trials may faith tune our hearts to hear Him say, "It is I; don't be afraid.” May the words of the hymn be true to you now and always: Sometimes a light surprises The Christian while he sings; It is the Lord, who rises with Healing in His wings: When comforts are declining, He grants the soul again A season of clear shining, To cheer it after rain. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Are there things that frighten you in life? Lift the eyes of faith to Jesus in the midst of the storm. Hear His voice in all you have learnt of Him and brace yourself to march on courageously. He says, "It is I; don't be afraid." PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your reassuring words that ring over the waters of time to my soul. How I am frightened by the things all around me. But if only I could hear your strong gentle calming voice, I can rest assured that you are with me. Speak Lord into every troubled believing heart and let your comfort reign. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: AFRAID The Greek word translated as "afraid" in John 6:20 is "φοβέω" (phobeo), derived from "φόβος" (phobos), which denotes fear, dread, or reverence. In this context, it signifies the disciples' reaction of fear or alarm upon seeing Jesus walking on water amidst the storm. This word is used throughout the New Testament to describe various forms of fear, whether it be fear of danger, fear of authority, or fear of the unknown. In this instance, the disciples' fear likely stemmed from the unexpected sight of Jesus defying the laws of nature by walking on water, combined with the tumultuous conditions of the storm. Despite their fear, Jesus reassures them with His presence and words, demonstrating His power over the natural elements and His ability to instil peace amidst chaos. This incident underscores the importance of trust and faith in Jesus, even in the face of fear and uncertainty. Reflections: How does our understanding of Jesus' sovereignty and presence impact the way we respond to fearful situations in our own lives? How can we cultivate a deeper sense of trust and reliance on Jesus, even when faced with storms of uncertainty?

Rev. Enoch Thompson | April 7, 2024 | John 6:14-15 KEY VERSE: ¹⁴ After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." ¹⁵ Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. John 6:14-15 (NIV) MESSAGE: In election years, in some parts of Africa, politicians find money to buy and supply food and other items that the masses gladly receive. They do this to win the support and the votes of the people whom they forget about once they win the offices and seats they are looking for. For the Lord Jesus, there was no need for more campaigns, the feeding of the multitudes in the wilderness had marked Him out to the people as the one who should rule over them. Who did not want a king who could multiply bread and fish and command some refreshing wine to follow. “They intended to come and make him king by force.” The response of the Lord to the intention of the people is very striking, “He withdrew again to a mountain by himself.”  He had come as the King of the Kingdom of God and wanted people to come under His rule. But a mistaken sense of the Kingdom was not to be entertained or promoted by the Lord. The rule that the Lord Jesus seeks to have in our lives is not merely at the material level. He has just shown the crowds that He could handle material needs. Still, He also wanted to make it clear that “¹⁷ . . . the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, ¹⁸ because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Rom 14:17-18 (NIV). FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Are you a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ? Why do you follow Him? Get the perspective right; He wants to rule in our hearts, to be King over our thoughts, emotions and attitudes. He would also take care of our needs. PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, I yield my life to you to rule as you will. I pray that I will see life and the things that matter most from your point of view. May you be my King on your terms. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: KING The Greek word used for "king" in this passage is "βασιλεύς" (basileus), which typically denotes a monarch or ruler with authority and power over a particular territory or people. After Jesus fed the multitude with five loaves and two fish, the people recognized the significance of this miraculous sign and began to speak of Jesus as the prophesied Messiah, the one who would come to deliver Israel from oppression and establish His kingdom on earth. Their desire to make Jesus their king reflects their longing for political liberation and restoration of Israel's former glory. They saw in Jesus the potential for a leader who could lead them to victory over their Roman oppressors and restore the kingdom of Israel to its former greatness. However, Jesus recognized that their understanding of His kingship was limited and misunderstood. He knew that His mission was not primarily political but spiritual in nature. Therefore, He withdrew from the crowd and avoided being crowned as an earthly king. Reflections: Jesus is indeed the King of kings, but His kingdom is not of this world. He reigns in the hearts of those who submit to His lordship and follow Him in faith. As His subjects, we are called to align our lives with His will and participate in the advancement of His kingdom, which is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Rev. Enoch Thompson | April 6, 2024 | John 6:12-13 KEY VERSE: ¹² When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted."  ¹³ So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. John 6:12-13 (NIV) MESSAGE: It is surprising how much wastage there is in the handling of what we have received, and yet we turn to ask for more. Individuals, families, and societies throw so much food away annually, and even in poorer parts of the world, failure to process farm products results in bumper farm produce at one time of the year, and extreme lack at another. With all the supernatural power at His disposal and with the miracle that has just happened, it should seem that the Lord Jesus could call up a miracle at any time. In that event, leftover pieces of bread and fish should have been of no consequence to Him. But not so for the King of the Kingdom. If not for anything at all the left-over pieces could have served as snacks for the crowds on their return journey. The collected leftover food could have been given out to villages along the way, to those who had not had the privilege of being at the festival in the wilderness. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Assess your management of God’s resources in your care because what we call our money is actually God’s money in our pockets. Are there spots of wastefulness in your handling of resources? We must commit to frugal careful enjoyment of God’s blessings and avoid waste at all costs. PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, please forgive me for the times I have been wasteful in handling my time, money, talents, and gifts. Please help me to be intentional about avoiding waste. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: WASTED The Greek word used for "wasted" in this verse is "ἀφανίζω" (aphanizō), which means "to vanish away" or "to disappear." It conveys the idea of removing or disposing of something completely. After everyone had eaten their fill, Jesus instructed His disciples to gather the leftover fragments so that nothing would be wasted. This action demonstrates Jesus' concern for stewardship and resourcefulness. Even in the midst of a miraculous abundance, Jesus teaches His disciples the importance of using resources wisely and avoiding unnecessary waste. This act of gathering the leftover fragments serves as a practical lesson for us today. It reminds us of the value of being good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, whether they be material possessions, time, or talents. Just as Jesus instructed His disciples to gather the fragments and not let anything go to waste, we are called to be mindful of how we use and manage what God has given us. Reflections: Consider how you are stewarding the resources God has given you. Are you using your time, talents, and possessions wisely, or are we allowing them to go to waste? How can we cultivate a spirit of stewardship and resourcefulness in our daily lives, following the example set by Jesus Himself?

Rev. Enoch Thompson | April 5, 2024 | John 6:5-11 KEY VERSE: Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.  John 6:11 (NIV) MESSAGE: While in the matters of our faith and practice, we do not want to become controlled by formula and procedure, for that is the way of magic, we do not want to miss the fact that process is important, and formula affects the outcome. Preparing palm-nut soup requires certain steps that can only be missed with disastrous consequences. What we do and how we go about it matters. In meeting the needs of the multitudes, the Lord Jesus followed what we may call a process, that offers some lessons for handling the solutions to life’s challenges. The Lord took the loaves. The loaves were what was available. In every situation, there is what is available. We must learn to take what is available and take charge of it. The limited meagre resources of believers and the Church must be taken and taken account of. When we fail to access what we have been given already we disqualify ourselves from receiving the interventions of God. Next, the Lord Jesus gave thanks. We must learn to give thanks to God. When we give thanks, we acknowledge God and invite Him to do what only He can do. A grateful God-honouring attitude will predispose Heaven to release showers of blessing upon us. Finally, we must be orderly in managing what blessings God gives us. We note that the people had been made to sit down on the grass (verse 10), and now the multiplied food was distributed in an orderly manner. May our blessings not lead to a stampede which causes offences and casualties. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Don’t get overwhelmed with your needs, organise yourself for your blessings. PRAYER: Dear Lord, how I struggle and fret, and miss your calm interventions for my needs. Please help me to be still, and to know that you are God. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: GAVE THANKS The Greek word used for "gave thanks" in this verse is "εὐχαριστήσας" (eucharistēsas), which is derived from "eucharisteō," meaning to give thanks or express gratitude. The act of giving thanks before performing the miracle demonstrates Jesus' attitude of gratitude and reliance on His heavenly Father. It also serves as a model for believers to approach life with thanksgiving and trust in God's provision. Jesus' act of giving thanks foreshadows the deeper spiritual significance of the miracle that is about to take place. Just as Jesus gives thanks before multiplying the loaves and fish, He ultimately gives thanks for sacrificing His own body, which becomes the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment for all who believe in Him. Reflections: How often do we pause to give thanks to God for His provision and blessings, even in the midst of challenges? How can cultivating a spirit of gratitude enhance our faith and trust in God's provision?