Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 20, 2023 | Matthew 18:23-27 KEY VERSE: The servant’s master took pity on him, cancelled the debt and let him go. Matthew 18:27 (NIV) MESSAGE: After responding to the disciples’ question on who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus began to teach them forgiveness and says that we must forgive seventy times seven times. It is in this context that He now speaks the parable in Matthew 18:23-27. It tells the story of a servant who owed an enormous debt to his master, a debt that was impossible for him to repay. As the servant pleaded for mercy, the master moved with compassion, not only forgiving the debt entirely but also releasing him from the burden of his obligation. This parable serves as a powerful reminder of the redemptive power of God through His grace and mercy. The image of the servant in this parable represents the fallen humanity, burdened by the weight of sin, and separated from God. The debt of sin is insurmountable, and on our own, we are utterly incapable of making amends or reconciling with the Creator. But just as the master in the parable responded with grace and mercy, so does our heavenly Father. He sees our desperate situation and, moved with compassion, offers us complete forgiveness and total freedom from the chains of sin. Sin separates us from God, and the consequences of our actions demand justice. It is only by recognizing the magnitude of our debt that we can fully appreciate the incredible gift of grace offered to us by our Master. The response of the master in the parable reveals the compassionate nature of our heavenly Father. Despite the servant's inability to repay, the master forgives the entire debt out of sheer compassion and love. Likewise, God, in His infinite mercy, extends forgiveness to us through Jesus Christ, His Son. This act of forgiveness is not based on our merit or worthiness but on God's gracious character. When the servant's debt was forgiven, he was set free from the burden that weighed him down. In the same way, when we ask for God's forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ, we experience deliverance from guilt, shame, and the power of sin. Through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection, we are reconciled with God and granted the opportunity for restoration and renewal. We are invited into a new life, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to live in obedience and love. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: How do you see yourself in the mirror of this parable? Are you still struggling with the burden of sin, not knowing what to do? Jesus, the Master, paid it all and it is as though it had never been. It is erased! It is marked paid in full! He invites you today to come to Him. Come to Jesus and ask for His forgiveness, and He will not only forgive you but will also set you free from sin’s power and its consequences. Are you a Christian who has fallen into sin? Come to Him with a humble heart for He is still the merciful and gracious saviour. He will forgive and cleanse you from every unrighteousness. PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I thank you for your love for me that led you to the cross and died for me. I come to you today and ask for forgiveness and deliverance. Please cleanse me from every sin and set me free from the bondage of sin and help me to live a victorious life as a citizen of your Kingdom. For Your dear Name’s sake. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 19, 2023 | Matthew 18:21-22 KEY VERSE: Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:22 (NIV) MESSAGE Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It is a transformative act that reflects the boundless grace and mercy we have received from God. In Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus teaches us about the nature of forgiveness and challenges us to forgive those who hurt or wrong us. This devotional study highlights the profound truth of forgiving as God forgives, inviting us to reflect on the depths of forgiveness and its implications for our relationships and spiritual growth. The passage begins with Peter asking Jesus, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" (verse 21 NKJV) The key verse captures Jesus' response to Peter's question, where He says, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven." (verse 22 NKJV). In essence, Jesus is teaching us to extend limitless forgiveness to others. Just as God's forgiveness is boundless, we are called to forgive repeatedly, without keeping a record of wrongs. Forgiving as God forgives brings transformation to our lives and relationships. When we choose to forgive, we release the burden of resentment, bitterness, and anger. Forgiveness opens the door to healing, reconciliation, and restoration. Forgiving as God forgives is an ongoing journey that requires humility, grace, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It may involve forgiving those who have hurt us deeply, as well as extending forgiveness to ourselves. Forgiving as God forgives brings freedom, healing, and restoration. Take time to examine your relationships and consider if there are any areas to seek forgiveness or extend it to others. FEET AND HANDS OF THE MESSAGE: Consider the areas in your life where forgiveness may be challenging, and ask God to empower you to extend His forgiveness to those who have hurt or wronged you. Meditate on the freedom and peace that come with forgiveness. As followers of Christ, we are called to forgive as God forgives us. Reflect on the immeasurable depths of God's forgiveness in your own life and allow His love to inspire and empower you to extend that same forgiveness to others. PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for the immeasurable depths of your forgiveness for me. Please empower me to extend your forgiveness to those who have hurt or wronged me. May I walk in Your footsteps, imitating Your forgiveness, and become an agent of reconciliation and grace in a broken world. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 18, 2023 | Matthew 18:19-20 KEY VERSE: "For where two or three gather in my name, there am with them" Matthew 18:20 (NIV) MESSAGE: In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often find ourselves longing for assurance and companionship. We seek solace in the knowledge that we are not alone, and that someone is there to guide and support us. Thankfully, as believers, we have the blessed assurance of the divine presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 18:20 reminds us of this comforting truth: "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." He understood their challenges as they carried His message to the world. He knew that doubts, discouragement, and fear would often try to hinder their progress. Amid these difficulties, Jesus reassured them that whenever they gathered, no matter how few, His divine presence would be with them. This assurance applies not only to the disciples of that time but also to us today. As we gather as believers, whether in small groups, church congregations, or even when we come together in prayer and worship with just one or two fellow believers, we can be confident that Jesus is in our midst. He is not a distant God but a personal and present Savior. Knowing that Jesus is with us brings a deep sense of comfort and encouragement. It means that in our moments of doubt, we can find reassurance in His unchanging presence. When we face trials and challenges, we can draw strength from the fact that we are not alone. The Lord of all creation is right there beside us, guiding us, and providing the support we need. When we gather in His name, His Spirit is there, knitting our hearts together in unity. It is in this togetherness that we experience the fullness of His presence. Let us seek opportunities to gather with fellow believers, nurture relationships, and support one another in our spiritual journey. And when we find ourselves in solitude, let us remember that we are never truly alone, for Jesus promised to be with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Jesus declares, "There am I with them". When we come together in the authority and identity of Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as our Lord and Savior, we open ourselves to His unique presence and power. HANDS AND FEET FOR THE MESSAGE: How does the assurance of Christ's divine presence impact your daily life and decision-making? In what ways do you actively seek to cultivate an awareness of Christ's presence in your life? When faced with challenges or moments of doubt, how do you remind yourself of the assurance of Christ's presence? Matthew 18:20 offers a beautiful reminder of the assurance we have in the divine presence of Jesus Christ. This truth brings comfort, strength, and encouragement as we journey through life, knowing that we are never alone. May we always cherish the assurance of His divine presence and actively seek opportunities to gather in His name, experiencing the transformative power of His presence in our lives. PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we invite Your presence to dwell among us. May Your Holy Spirit guide, comfort, and strengthen us in every moment of our lives. Help us to be aware of Your loving presence, leading us closer to You and shaping our thoughts, words, and actions. May Your presence bring peace to our troubled hearts, wisdom to our decisions, and hope to our weary souls. For your dear Name’s sake. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! Bottom of Form

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 17, 2023 | Matthew 18:18-20 KEY VERSE: “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19 (NIV) MESSAGE: In Matthew 18:18-20, Jesus speaks about the incredible power that is unleashed when believers come together in prayer. This passage highlights the importance of unity and emphasizes the effectiveness of united prayer. Jesus said, "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven" Matthew 18:19 (ESV). These words convey the authority and power granted to believers through united prayer. When we join together in faith, aligning our hearts and intentions, we can impact not only our earthly circumstances but also the heavenly realm. United prayer is not simply the act of multiple voices joining together; it is a convergence of hearts, a synergy of faith, and a unity of purpose. When believers come together, setting aside their differences, and focusing on God's will, they become a formidable force against the forces of darkness. This verse underscores the significance of agreement in prayer. When believers unite in their requests, aligning themselves with God's heart and purposes, they have the assurance that their petitions will be heard and answered by our Heavenly Father. United prayer has the potential to break strongholds, overcome obstacles, and usher in God's transformative power into our lives and the lives of those around us. United prayer is not merely a religious duty but a divine invitation to participate in God's redemptive work. When believers come into harmony, united in their requests, they experience God's response in a more significant way. United prayer emphasizes the importance of unity within the body of believers. It transcends denominational boundaries and unifies the Church in its pursuit of God's will. The power of united prayer is undeniable. It is a dynamic and transformative force that can bring about breakthroughs, healing, and spiritual revival. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: What is the situation like in our churches during worship services and prayer meetings? How do we deal with lack of faith, selfishness, ego-centeredness, lack of sincerity and divisiveness in our lives and churches? While united prayer can be a powerful and transformative practice, these attitudes can undermine its potential effectiveness. As believers, let us embrace the invitation to join together in prayer, setting aside differences, and seeking unity in Christ. May we tap into the authority, agreement, and divine presence promised by Jesus, knowing that our united prayers hold the potential to impact both earthly and heavenly realms. PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for the promise of your authority, agreement, and divine presence. Please help us to set aside our differences and find common ground in our shared devotion so that our prayer meetings will carry the power you have ordained for them. For your dear Name’s sake. Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 16, 2023 | Matthew 18:15-17 KEY VERSE: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. Matthew 18:15 (NIV) MESSAGE: After Jesus had spoken to the disciples about greatness, little ones, millstones, and the parable of the lost sheep, He teaches them a practical way to help and confront a brother or a sister who has become ensnared by sin. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus provides a clear and compassionate guide for addressing conflicts within the community of believers. This passage underscores the importance of seeking reconciliation and restoration when a brother or sister in Christ has stumbled. It reminds us that our goal is not to condemn or exclude but to win back those who have strayed. Jesus begins by emphasizing the value of relationships within the body of believers. He acknowledges that disagreements and conflicts may arise but encourages a proactive approach to addressing these issues. The fact that Jesus addresses this topic indicates the significance He places on maintaining healthy relationships and the unity of His followers. Rather than harbouring resentment or seeking revenge, Jesus calls His disciples to initiate a process of restoration. This process begins with a private conversation, offering the opportunity for gentle correction and a chance for the fallen brother or sister to repent. The goal of addressing the fallen brother or sister is not to shame or condemn them but to win them back to the fold of fellowship. Jesus provides a step-by-step process that emphasizes grace, accountability, and genuine concern for the well-being of the individual. It is a call to lovingly confront the issue and offer guidance, with the ultimate goal of seeing the repentance and restoration of the fallen brother or sister. Jesus also highlights the role of the church community in the process of restoration. If the initial private conversation fails to resolve the issue, the involvement of a few witnesses is encouraged. Their presence ensures accountability, wisdom, and impartiality in seeking a resolution. If the individual still refuses to listen, the matter is to be brought before the entire church, emphasizing the importance of the collective body in addressing issues of sin and restoration. The passage reveals the significance of maintaining unity within the body of believers and reminds us that unresolved conflicts and divisions hinder the effectiveness of the Church's mission. The process outlined by Jesus emphasizes the principles of grace and forgiveness. It reflects God's heart for restoration, extending His grace to those who have fallen and providing them with an opportunity to repent and be reconciled FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: How do you treat brethren who offend you? What is your attitude towards those who have strayed? What can you do to help bring the fallen believer back to the fold of fellowship? By actively seeking reconciliation and restoration, we uphold the unity that Christ desires for His followers and demonstrate to the world the transformative power of His love. PRAYER: Dear God, in your boundless mercy, I humbly come before you seeking forgiveness for our fallen brother. May our hearts be filled with forgiveness and understanding, so that together we can rebuild the bonds that have been broken, In Jesus’ Name. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 15, 2023 | Matthew 18:12-14 KEY VERSE: In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:14 (NIV) MESSAGE: In Matthew 18:12-14, Jesus shares a beautiful parable that reveals the heart of God towards the lost. This passage reminds us that God values every single soul and desires that none should be lost. It paints a vivid picture of a loving and compassionate Shepherd who goes to great lengths to seek and save the one who is lost. The parable begins with the image of a shepherd who has a hundred sheep but leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one that has gone astray. This demonstrates that the value God places on every soul is beyond our comprehension. The parable highlights the reality of human nature. We often get entangled in the snares of sin and lose our way. However, God's heart is filled with compassion and mercy even in our wandering. He doesn't abandon us to our own devices but actively pursues us, desiring to bring us back into the fold of His love. When the shepherd finds the lost sheep, he rejoices and calls his friends and neighbours to celebrate with him. Likewise, heaven celebrates when even a single soul repents and turns back to God. This highlights the incredible importance of each person in God's eyes and reinforces the truth that He longs for everyone to come to repentance. Jesus emphasizes the immense joy in heaven over the repentance of a sinner. The parable beautifully illustrates God's relentless pursuit of the lost sheep. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine in the safety of the fold and embarks on a search for the one who strayed. This reveals the lengths to which God is willing to go to rescue us. He seeks us in the wilderness of our sin reaching out to us with arms of love and grace, calling us back into the fold of His care and protection. FEET HANDS OF MESSAGE Where have you strayed to, or do you sometimes feel like going your own way? Regardless of our flaws, mistakes, or wandering, God's love for us remains constant. We are precious in His sight, and He is committed to our redemption and restoration. We, like the lost sheep, cannot save ourselves. Only through the grace and mercy of God, who actively seeks us out, can we find redemption and reconciliation with Him. Remember God loves you and never delight in your being lost. PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for your unending love and patience towards me. Thank you for your promise to never leave me nor forsake me. I ask for Your guidance and direction in every aspect of my life. Lead me on the straight and narrow path, that I may follow You wholeheartedly in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 14, 2023 | Matthew 18:8-11 KEY VERSE: If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. Matthew 18:8 (NIV) MESSAGE: Jesus uses vivid imagery to emphasize the severity of sin and its consequences. He speaks of cutting off body parts as a metaphor for the radical actions required to deal with sin. This highlights the urgency of addressing sin in our lives before it leads to spiritual destruction. Jesus calls us to take personal responsibility for dealing with sin in our lives. He stresses the need for self-discipline and the willingness to make difficult choices to avoid sin. It requires us to be proactive in identifying areas of weakness, seeking God's help, and making intentional efforts to turn away from sin. Dealing with sin involves repentance and seeking God's forgiveness and grace. We cannot overcome sin on our own, we need the transformative power of God's forgiveness and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is through God's grace that we are enabled to resist sin and live a life pleasing to Him. Jesus reminds us of the urgency of salvation and the reality of eternal consequences. He emphasizes that it is better to enter life maimed than to face eternal punishment. This highlights the need to prioritize our relationship with God and to deal with sin promptly, seeking reconciliation with Him through Jesus Christ. Dealing with sin requires genuine repentance, which involves acknowledging our sins, turning away from them, and seeking God's forgiveness. It also requires self-discipline to resist temptation and make choices that align with God's will. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to overcome sin and grow in holiness. The passage reminds us of the gravity of sin and its consequences and calls us to take personal responsibility in dealing with sin, seeking God's forgiveness and grace through repentance, and placing our faith in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the urgency of salvation and the loving nature of God who desires reconciliation with His people. Through repentance, self-discipline, and faith in Jesus, we can escape the eternal consequences of sin and experience the fullness of life in Him. HANDS AND FEET OF MESSAGE: The word of God does not hide but confronts us with the seriousness of sin and the eternal consequences it carries. Biblical teaching affirms that sin separates us from God and leads to spiritual death. How strong do you stand in your relationship with God? What are the temptations that are lurking at your door? What small sins are you nurturing alongside your Christian life? Deal with them and kill them before they lead you to hell fire. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I come before You humbly, recognizing my need for Your guidance and strength in my life. Help me to resist temptation and turn away from sinful thoughts, actions, and habits. Lord, empower me with Your Holy Spirit to overcome the entanglements of sin and to walk in righteousness, in Jesus’ name. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 13, 2023 | Matthew 18:1-7 KEY VERSE: "If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Matthew 18:6 MESSAGE: After Jesus has responded to the question of who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, He continued with one of the sternest warnings in His teachings. In Matthew 18:6-7, Jesus addresses the issue of being a stumbling block to others. Jesus begins by emphasizing the importance of valuing and protecting those who believe in Him, especially the "little ones" who may be vulnerable or impressionable in their faith. This highlights the sanctity of individuals in the eyes of God and the responsibility of believers to care for and nurture one another. Jesus sternly warns against causing others to stumble in their faith. He uses strong imagery to convey the severity of such actions, suggesting that it would be better for a person to face a grave punishment than to lead others away from the path of righteousness. This highlights the seriousness with which Jesus views the responsibility of believers to avoid becoming stumbling blocks to others. Jesus acknowledges that temptations and stumbling blocks will inevitably arise in the world. However, He issues a warning to those who actively introduce or promote such stumbling blocks, emphasizing the negative consequences that await them. This serves as a cautionary message for believers to be mindful of their actions and the potential impact they may have on others. In contrast to being a stumbling block, believers are called to be positive influences, helping others grow in their faith and walk with God. This passage underscores the importance of living in a manner that fosters spiritual growth and encourages others in their relationship with Christ. This passage prompts believers to reflect on their conduct and how it may impact others. It urges individuals to prioritize the spiritual well-being of fellow believers, particularly those who may be more vulnerable in their faith. It serves as a reminder to exercise caution and wisdom in our actions, striving to build up and support others rather than leading them astray. HANDS AND FEET OF MESSAGE: Are you a stumbling block or a building block? How do your actions and words influence others, especially those who are new in the faith? This passage calls for believers to embody Christ-like love and to be mindful of their influence on others. By avoiding actions that may cause others to stumble and actively promoting growth and faith, believers can contribute to the building of a strong and nurturing community of believers. PRAYER: Dear God, help me be a building block, not a stumbling block. Guide my words, actions, and choices, so that they may inspire and encourage others instead of causing them to stumble. Grant me wisdom and discernment to build up those around me and to be a source of strength and support. May my life reflect Your love and grace, shining as a light in this world. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 12, 2023 | Matthew 18:1-7 KEY VERSE: And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven”. Matthew 18:3 MESSAGE: Today’s passage begins with the disciples asking Jesus about who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus could have responded in a lot of ways. Rather than calling them selfish, proud, slow learners, or worse; rather than saying, the greatest is the one who remembers and does what they have been told already, Jesus tries to teach them using a visual aid to assist their memory by the paradigm of childlikeness to illustrate the “entrance requirement” for the kingdom and its greatness. I conjecture that when Jesus placed a child in their midst, the disciples had no clue what he was doing. Jesus was shifting the emphasis from greatness to the Kingdom of heaven. Jesus says that to enter the kingdom of Heaven, one must be converted and must become a little child. The word “converted” means “to turn in the opposite direction.” What are some typical characteristics of children? Children are particularly teachable, and Jesus is teaching us to be as teachable as children to participate in God’s kingdom by learning God’s ways and living accordingly. While Jesus wants us to be teachable, He also wants us to have a trusting spirit because the child instinctively trusts his parents and believes that his needs will be met. No creature on earth, as far as I know, is more dependent on others for its survival for a longer time than human children. Entering the kingdom of God like a child means recognizing our dependence on God and learning to trust in and depend on the Heavenly Father who can be relied on as no human parent can be. Entering the Kingdom of God as a child means we’re teachable, we recognize our dependence on God, and it requires humility. Jesus further told the disciples: Whoever humbles himself as this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. In other words, whoever does not force his claims upon others and whoever serves others in trusting obedience to the Father can enter the kingdom. This picture of greatness is what Jesus has been teaching His disciples that we are to learn to serve first. And only by learning to humbly serve others, trusting that God’s ways are for our best, will they be able to co-reign with Him in His kingdom as servant-kings (Matthew 5:3; 5:40-42). FEET AND HANDS: What is your main desire as a citizen of the Kingdom? Have you repented of your pride and self-sufficiency; and have you come to Him as a little child? He warns that, unless a person changes and becomes like a child, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus desires humble, teachable, trusting followers, rather than those who are arrogant, selfish, and trusting in themselves. Learn to be meek and humble before God and His word, be calm within your soul because of the Father's good care for you and be at peace in God's care and power. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that you cultivate a spirit of humility within me. Please help me to let go of pride, self-reliance, and the desire to control everything. May I submit to your will, knowing that you are the perfect Father who knows what is best for me? In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen! THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Enoch Thompson | June 11, 2023 | Matthew 17:24-27 KEY VERSE: After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?" "Yes, he does," he replied. Matthew 17:24-25 (NIV) MESSAGE: The question of the payment of taxes came up in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ on several occasions. Some of those instances had to do with the tax that was imposed by the Roman colonial administration. The tax in our text today was different. It was a Jewish tax on Jewish people, and it was in fulfilment of the demands of the Law of Moses as God gave in Exodus 30:11-16. It was the tax for the atonement of the individual Jewish soul (Exodus 30:15), and it was used for the maintenance of the Temple. The Lord’s question in Matthew 17:25 was loaded; "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes — from their own sons or from others?" (NIV). Jesus Christ did not need to pay this tax because He was sinless. He did not need to pay the tax because the Temple belonged to Him (Malachi 3:1; John 2:16; Heb. 3:6). As the King of Israel which He really was, He did not have to pay any taxes. The Lord knew His position and His rights, and He established this before Peter so that His next action is not misunderstood but better understood. The Lord directed Peter nonetheless to go and get the miracle money to pay the tax for them. In doing this the Lord affirmed His self-identification with sinful Israel, like the rest of humanity, who needed reconciliation, forgiveness of sin and atonement with God. Just like when He was baptized by John, He did it to fulfil all righteousness and to be seen as a man, the Man who would replace all humans when eventually He suffers on the cross. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: You are not alone in your judgment before the throne of God. Christ our Brother (for that is what He became for us in His self-humiliation) stands with us when our names are brought before the judgment seat of God. In the same way, Christ identifies with our pains and struggles as we work our way through this world. You are not alone! Link up with Jesus Christ who identified with you and wants to always be on your side. PRAYER: Dear Lord, how you worked out my salvation so perfectly beats my imagination. Thank you that you identified with me, a mere sinful creation, and as my Creator died in my place. Please help me to identify with you, and to spread the Good News that God in Christ has identified with the weaknesses of His creatures and has won the victory for us. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Enoch Thompson | June 10, 2023 | Matthew 17:22-23 KEY VERSE: ²²When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. ²³They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life." And the disciples were filled with grief. Matthew 17:22-23 (NIV) MESSAGE: Most people live life at the accidental level, by this I mean they have no consciousness of who they are, where they came from, and what may happen to them as normal human beings. Many people are not aware of it, and they do not become conscious of death until they die! Many more people do not have a consciousness of the reality of the afterlife and do not prepare for what awaits us after we take our last breath. In the same way, countless humans are not aware of the possibilities and prospects of getting out of their circumstances, breaking longstanding family negative tags and realities and launching into a new mode where peace, progress, and success can be theirs. The reality of a new life in Jesus Christ, like some of us have experienced and celebrate now, has not come to so many humans, and they continue in the bondage and enslavement to Satan and sin. The Lord Jesus Christ was completely aware of His life, His mission, and His victory. Being God His knowledge of what was to happen to Him was clear, for He had come as a human being to fulfil a clear mission. Christ took ownership of the painful elements of His mission: "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. ²³They will kill him. He equally celebrated the victorious outcomes, “and on the third day he will be raised to life." Matthew 17:22-23 (NIV) We as limited humans may not know the complete details of our journey of life, but we know certain things that we should own and factor into our way of thinking and living. We know for sure that we are a people in transition, we are not going to be here forever (how much we forget that!). We know that we are in a war zone, with Satan and his demonic hosts fighting against us. We know that evil spirits and human agents of evil team up to work against us. We know that the sinful nature within our souls desires partnership with Satan and the world system to damage us. But we have heard, and know, and should also embrace the resurrection possibilities that God through Christ has made available to us. We should know, believe, and own the truth that because Jesus Christ died, rose from the dead and is alive forevermore, we can face this life and live forevermore in eternal happiness with God our Father. In place of this great offer, some prefer fun-making, partying, drug addiction and promiscuous living as alternatives. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Are you conscious of yourself, of the world, of life on earth? Are you conscious of your prospects and great opportunities in God through Christ Jesus to enter into abundant living, eternal life, now? You must respond to reality, face the facts, and make the right choices. PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your example of a life that was conscious. Please help me gain consciousness. Please let your Church gain consciousness and grant us the resolve to take the necessary blows and celebrate our victory too. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

Rev. Enoch Thompson | June 9, 2023 | Matthew 17:14-21 KEY VERSE: "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water." Matthew 17:15 (NIV) MESSAGE: When we visit the hospital, we are always asked by the medical officers to narrate what is wrong with us. What we tell them is always the symptoms of our sickness and not the actual sickness we are having. To ascertain what is really wrong with us the doctors require that we undertake certain tests, which confirm to them what they suppose our symptoms to be caused by. We are often preoccupied with getting solutions to the symptoms of life’s challenges, and we often miss the issues of the causes of our afflictions and challenges. The man who brought his son to the Lord was seeking relief from the symptoms, the manifestations of the son’s sickness, "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water." Matthew 17:15 (NIV). The plight of the boy as recounted by the father was very painful, and he certainly needed help. When the Lord Jesus stepped into the situation, He identified the matter as being more than what would have passed as a “mere” epileptic challenge and dealt with it from its roots; He pointed to a demonic challenge and cast out the demon; “Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.” Matt 17:18 (NIV). How much energy is wasted and unnecessary pain is suffered because we misdiagnose issues? Our attempts at addressing issues will suffer failure if we confuse symptoms with causes and causes with symptoms. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: What are the issues you have been trying to deal with at a personal level? What symptoms do you observe? What are the real causes of these symptoms? Sometimes the causes of our challenges lie deep within ourselves, and we need God to help us identify them. We may also speak to godly Spirit-filled individuals whom God has given to the Church, who will by various means, counsel, prayer, professional knowledge etc, be able to help us. What about the group issues of family, church or state? We need to trace causes so the symptoms can be addressed. PRAYER: Dear Lord, I need a clear spirit and relaxed mind that can identify the things that are really wrong in my life and in my settings. Please give me this grace and raise for your Church men and women who see with the eyes of God and assist us to deal with the causes rather than touch the symptoms. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen. THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!