25”Your strongholds will be iron and bronze,And as your days are, so will your strength, your rest and security be.

26 “There is none like the God of Jeshurun (Israel),

Who rides the heavens to your help,And through the skies in His majestic glory.

27 “The eternal God is your refuge and dwelling place,

And underneath are the everlasting arms; He drove out the enemy from before you, And said, ‘Destroy!’

28 “So Israel dwells in safety and security,The fountain of Jacob alone and secluded, In a land of grain and new wine; His heavens also drop down dew.

29 “Happy and blessed are you, O Israel; Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord,The Shield of your help,And the Sword of your majesty! Your enemies will cringe before you, And you will tread on their high places [tramping down their idolatrous altars].”

Behold the word of God which is able to rescue and strengthen you in every situation. This verse is a solid cry for help in a situation where you find yourself helpless only the Lord who is your refuge and help He will listen and come down to help you and save you and deliver you from your adversaries Amen

This is a very powerful word which actually brings help from heaven to save you in an impossible situation for great is His love for His people Israel and we are blessed to have a God like Our Father in Heaven the Lord of Host who at his command will deliver you in the day of trouble Amen.

We must learn to stand with him in truth and humility for as His word says He gives grace to the humble but resist the proud. Amen 

God bless

Pst Owens 

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Matthew 4:4

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God amen

8 This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh Barnea to look over the land.(A) 

9 After they went up to the Valley of Eshkol(B) and viewed the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land the Lord had given them. 

10 The Lord’s anger was aroused(C) that day and he swore this oath:(D) 

11 ‘Because they have not followed me wholeheartedly, not one of those who were twenty years old or more(E) when they came up out of Egypt(F) will see the land I promised on oath(G) to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob(H)— 

12 not one except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun, for they followed the Lord wholeheartedly.’(I) 

13 The Lord’s anger burned against Israel(J) and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until the whole generation of those who had done evil in his sight was gone.(K)

14 “And here you are, a brood of sinners, standing in the place of your fathers and making the Lord even more angry with Israel.(L) 

15 If you turn away from following him, he will again leave all this people in the wilderness, and you will be the cause of their destruction.(M)”

There is a beautiful lesson to be learnt and reflected on when we read the above verse. The congregation that moved out of Egypt with great joy and freedom they saw the power and glory of Gods hand move for them they stood in awe but when times of testing came their belief was not as grounded and rooted as it should have been. This is really important as even today every single believer counts what you do; what you say; what you believe in as although you walk personally your walk should be in a way that you support and uplift each other as and in the body of Christ. There is a lesson here that needs to be considered there needs  to be absolute unity in thought and ability to encourage each other as part of the congregation of Gods church. Unlike the days gone by the congregation of Israel seeing the mighty acts of God should have been really very strong in faith but when God showed them the promised land, most of them agreed and believed that it could not be taken except for two - Caleb & Joshua it was a discouragement for all of Israel- even today as we walk with the Lord together some of us believe and the rest don’t stand in this belief that — if God has promised He will do it !! And as we see for Israel God punished them by letting them wander in the desert for 40 Years! - so the question we need to ask ourselves is : are we a congregation that is pressing on walking in faith or are we only a church that is ‘Wandering’ about in the desert ?

All one requires is deep faith in Gods ability to take you through to the promised land. And this faith has to move together as one in the body of Christ encouraging and uplifting all to press on and believe and receive the promise that God has kept for us. For if we don’t believe with all our heart as we note above - because of a few Israelites who did not believe the whole congregation was judged from age of 20 years upwards none of them entered into the promised land but God made them to wander about the wilderness till they were no more. 

As the body of Christ we are all called to believe and it is our belief/ faith  and actions that make us doers of Gods word. Let us understand and make necessary corrections to our lives  as the body of Christ to behave and act like a Living Church which walks by pure faith and not sight in Jesus name Amen! 

God bless!

Pst Owens 

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Matthew 4:4

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Amen!

*”I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord—but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders]. Even as I hear, I judge [I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to Me, so I give a decision], and My judgment is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me.”*

Praise God and welcome to Gods word. Today’s verse were words spoken by Jesus telling us the way He operated while He was here on earth doing His Fathers will.

Firstly He states clearly that He can do nothing on His own but only as taught by God. — 1/ We need to have the same attitude and need to learn from The Living Word of God. Having a heart to learn is important as in this attitude we understand that we know nothing and need to understand what is expected of us learn and do accordingly.

2/ Jesus said He was taught by God (instructed) by His Father and listened to His bidding. — We too need to hear what God is instructing us to do in our lives and not just hear but do so plainly (as we learn) 

3/ As the voice came  to Him (Jesus) so He gave His decisions.

— As we listen to Gods instructions we too will learn to take decisions which are as per the promptings of the Holy Spirit taking shape in the words we speak or the decisions being taken. 

4/ Jesus did not exercise His own will but only the will of His Father in Heaven — we too need to learn to give up our will our intents our expressions and rely on and trust completely on the will of the Holy Spirit that speaks through us ( honour the will of the Spirit of God within us, constantly incline our inner conscious  to hear and do as the Spirit of God tells us to do) 

As we learn to walk in this manner we too will learn to separate our thoughts and walk in the way of the Spirit to completely understand what is required of us by the Lord and do plainly so. In John 4:23-24 it says that God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and truth and the Father searches out such true worshipers - It means that when we seek Gods will in all the we think and do, it is also a way of honouring the Lord and worshiping Him from your innermost being and in truth (realising the things that God requires of you and doing exactly so) when we understand this we will never move out of the will of God but remain it in at all times. 

This is what is required of us to understand and do the will of our Heavenly Father - Amen! 

God bless

Pst Owens

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Matthew 4:4 

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Amen

Praise God! 

Today’s word is from the book of Luke chapter 15; verses 11-32 which tells us the parable of the prodigal son. We have all read this and understood this word so many times yet it is ironic that we keep keep up with our old ways and refuse to be found by The hand of the Lord. 

The most impactful line is spoken by the Father in verse 32 and I quote -  *“for this brother of yours was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found”*

We are all lost and need to be found unless this realisation does not dawn in our hearts there will be no real rejoicing and this is what we need to understand. 

Is walking with God so boring and uneventful that we always hear but go back to the ways of the world. ?We only want God in our lives when we are in trouble and or need a favour otherwise we keep Him far away burying  ourselves in the muck of this world and we refuse to come back to our Fathers presence. 

We need to find our way back 

- Today the lord is asking you to consider your ways and return back to Him as His word in 

Hosea 10:12 says — 

12 Sow for yourselves according to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God); reap according to mercy and loving-kindness. Break up your uncultivated ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, to inquire for and of Him, and to require His favor, till He comes and teaches you righteousness and rains His righteous gift of salvation upon you. Amen 

We have all lost our ways and need to come back HIM and the faster we realise this the better it is. I pray that the Lord give us courage to accept the things that are wrong in our lives and the conviction by the Holy Spirit to change them - to exchange darkness for light in Jesus name I pray amen! 

God bless 

Pst Owens

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Matthew 4:4

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God amen!

Praise the Lord! 

Every one of us has read about the parable of the talents and today let’s understand the way it applies to us all. 

Every person under the sun is given some talent or an area of strength it’s Gods gift to us and it is given to us as per our ability. 

Now as we read we see that from the three servants one servant was  given 5 talents, another was given 2 talents and the third was given 1 talent (each according to his ability)  so it means that God blesses each one of us according to his plan and our ability. 

Now as we read further we see that the first servant immediately went ahead and traded with the 5 talents and earned another 5 talents so did the other servant that received the 2 talents and the third servant who received 1 talent just buried it in the ground for he was afraid of using it for further gain. Now there is a wonderful learning here the 1st & the 2nd servant understood the trust that Their master has bestowed on them and they multiplied that trust in what they were given. Same applies for us the gifts or talents that God as given each one we need to show our faithfulness by working on it applying it in our daily lives be it personal or professional and when we get the fruit or result of this application is what is acceptable to God there has to be effort in this direction by each one of us [hard work + faith] has to be applied in our lives to multiply or increase our God given talents for His glory. We need to initiate in the direction that God has made for us and not sit still but move ahead with the intention of great gain through hard work and application of faith what we believe in (with what the Lord has entrusted us with) it means we need to walk in our blessings by faith and when we do just this it multiplies that what God intended for us. 

Now however some of us choose to remain still and not apply the gift  of God in our life we just keep it stored up within ourselves thereby no multiplication or increase is gained thus falling short of the trust that God showed us in the first place. By remaining, still we do not reciprocate the trust put in us by our Heavenly Father thus we fail to execute His will through the gift that He gave us and that is why we fall short -our inability to apply the talent or area of strength to good use which multiplies its result. This is what God needs of us to reflect -faithfulness & goodness  in every area of our lives. He has shown us trust and revealed His love by sending His only son Jesus to save us and as we receive this gift of salvation we too need to apply the same in our lives daily through our words deeds and actions which will result in giving glory to God in heaven and by doing this your life would be a reflection of the goodness of God and an encouragement to the body of Christ more so;  as a light to the world for so many who need to be saved and receive Gods love and salvation. We all know that actions speak louder than words our actions of goodness and love and compassion and faithfulness when sowed in faith even in a worldly situation brings about a Godly result that’s how people understand that you stand separate and enjoy Gods favour! Amen 

May this word help us to bring out our talents and gifts and encourage us to apply it even today for it’s never to late to walk in faith + hard work or efforts made in the correct direction which will surely bring about a positive result in all our lives in Jesus name I pray. 

Amen

God bless! 

Rev. Owens 

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Matthew 4:4

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God amen!

7 In vain (fruitlessly and without profit) do they worship Me, ordering and teaching [to be obeyed] as doctrines the commandments and precepts of men.(A)

8 You disregard and give up and ask to depart from you the commandment of God and cling to the tradition of men [keeping it carefully and faithfully].

Praise God! 

In Today’s word we look at these two verses in Mark chapter 7 where Jesus remarks about the change of attitude and nature that had over come the Pharisees and the scribes who had come from Jerusalem. 

We need to take heed that when we walk with the Lord we must do every thing to honour HIM rather than to honour men. The day we realise this nothing of the world will capture our attention or allure us but we will be one in spirit with the Lord. The only yard stick or guideline that one has to check this with is the ‘Word of God’ and when in doubt we need to search it out for a clear understanding in the way we should walk. 

Everyone wants to worship God but what we do is it in alignment with His word ? If we do what we think is right sometimes it may not be so. To move correctly we need to know Gods word as those are Gods thoughts and expression of what He wants. So we need to be really watchful of how we honour Him. The only thing you can ever offer HIM is your heart - your willingness to love Him unconditionally just as He loves you. As we walk in this way without speaking a word your actions will also show the love you have Him this is where we align ourselves in worship ( from our hearts and in spirit and truth) nothing hidden from the Lord as we walk this way He too comes and makes His home with us (His presence is with us) amen 

Let us learn to walk every day with the Lord in a way that is acceptable to Him and not our own. We must learn to love Him unconditionally (not for self gain) but understanding His love and the fellowship that we share in Jesus name Amen&Amen 

God bless!

Rev Owens

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Matthew 4:4

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Amen!

15 For it is God’s will and intention that by doing right [your good and honest lives] should silence (muzzle, gag) the ignorant charges and ill-informed criticisms of foolish persons.

16 [Live] as free people, [yet] without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but [live at all times] as servants of God. 

Praise God!

Today’s word is a simple word of understanding that we need to exemplify in our lives. In the past we lived our lives in sin but as the Spirit of God chose us He brought us out of sin and into His light. Now our very natures being changed we are to live by this holy nature and let our faith and our actions be one in the spirit such that even if any one criticises us that accusation will not hold good. 

Now that we are set free from sin we need to live in this freedom as free people (what ever we do should never be a burden to us or our neighbours)   Neither should our freedom in Christ become an opportunity to sin or commit wickedness in any way. It means the Liberty we enjoy should not be taken for granted as it was gained at a high price paid by the Son of God and although we enjoy this freedom we should never forget that Jesus paid the price so that I may live free without sin Amen!

Sin or wickedness is like a deadly virus we must do all we can to stay away and protect ourselves from contracting it so that we continue to enjoy the freedom we have been given in Christ. Think about it! Amen

God bless! 

Rev. Owens

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Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Amen!

*”To whom then will you liken Me, that I should be equal to him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see! Who has created these? He Who brings out their host by number and calls them all by name; through the greatness of His might and because He is strong in power, not one is missing or lacks anything. Why, O Jacob, do you say, and declare, O Israel, My way and my lot are hidden from the Lord, and my right is passed over without regard from my God? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint or grow weary; there is no searching of His understanding. He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound]. [II Cor. 12:9.] Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired. [Heb. 12:1-3.]”*

Praise God!

Today’s word is a wonderful word of encouragement no matter how hard hitting a situation you are In.

Sometimes we give up hope and think that all is lost! But when you read this word it will up lift you in your spirit and charge you up to understand that God is in control of the times and seasons and if I continue to hope in HIM he shall raise me up in the heavens just like an eagle and bring us close to his presence. 

Never give up hope and your trust in the Living God for He is your refuge and strength your strong tower and ever present help in time of need. Sometimes all we need is to remember this and believe that if God has promised through His word it will come to pass for you and me.

So stick in there and don’t you give up for the Lord your God is mighty to save! 

May this day bring the Lords encouragement and HIS word to your heart healing you and restoring your strength that you may soar like eagles in the heavens    In Jesus name Amen 

God bless

Rev Owens 

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Matthew 4:4

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God amen!

*”Teach me good judgment (discernment) and knowledge,

For I have believed and trusted and relied on Your commandments.”* 

Praise God! 

This is a wonderful word with  a request being made by the psalmist to the Lord for discernment. Even we too need to ask the Lord for discernment which can be received only through our desire and action of believing, trusting relying on and clinging on too God’s Word .

It’s really important to know that without this heavenly wisdom or understanding and our human efforts to walk in Gods word we cannot discern correctly. But when we desire and walk with the word of God it provides clarity and understanding to go about our lives with heavenly understanding. Discernment is an important gift that we must all request for so that we may seek out and identify Gods will in that circumstance. This is what brings peace and understanding and clarity of how to go about in our situations. 

It’s like a guide rope giving direction and assurance of the way ahead as we walk in the Spirit. Amen

God bless

Pst Owens 

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Matthew 4:4

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God amen

Praise God! 

As you go through the above verse - imagine  this that God is with you and that your every word counts and when you speak it will come to pass! 

What an awesome experience to think off and it’s really possible let me tell you how? 

The above word says that as as Samuel grew God was with him, ( Samuel grew physically but also spiritually because he obeyed God) so if we too are to grow spiritually (have complete trust in, and rely on God completely and follow His commands diligently) no matter where we stand physically, God will also be with us and when we speak we will speak in unison with the Spirit & Word of God which will never fail but accomplish the task that God has purposed it for. 

So we see that growing spiritually is one part; walking in obedience is the second and third part is speaking in the spirit and by the word of God filled with the purpose of God for that situation and circumstance. As we learn to grow in this manner Surely God will be with you and honour every word you speak because you choose to honour His word and statutes and commandments. Is this not a splendid thing for us. It also means the anointing ( presence of God) that rested on Samuel will also rest on us Amen. Now would this not be a wonderful thing? 

As we begin our steps this new year let us focus on our individual and personal walk with God our Father and see and experience how He will become our provider and protector in all circumstances Amen 

God bless! 

Pst. Owens

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Matthew 4:4

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God Amen!