Thankfulness - From the Shadows to the Substance

From the Shadows to the Substance

Colossians 2:6-7- MSG-  My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.

Paul calls believers to live a life deeply rooted in Christ, strengthened in faith, and overflowing with gratitude. 

1. Rooted in Christ – Just as a tree’s roots provide stability and nourishment, immerse yourself in prayer, scripture, and spiritual reflection to anchor your faith in Christ. Your passion for worship planning and scripture-based encouragement already reflects this beautifully.

2. Built Up in Faith – Continue growing in your understanding of God’s Word. Studying scripture, engaging in meaningful discussions, and applying biblical principles to your leadership and outreach strengthen your faith and that of your community.

3. Strengthened in What You Were Taught – Lean on the truths of God’s Word, recalling past lessons that have shaped your faith. Use them to encourage others, just as you do through your writing and leadership.

4. Overflowing with Thankfulness – Make gratitude a daily practice. Whether it’s thanking God for His presence or showing appreciation for those around you, cultivating a grateful heart fosters joy and strengthens spiritual bonds.

The Message Delivered

Shabbat Shalom from Kent, London 25Apr2025

Scripture Reference: Mt 28:5-10

First Easter Messages delivered

What an unforgettable Easter season we had! Prayers, praises, joyful songs, heartfelt news, and personal encounters made every moment meaningful and uplifting. the midst of all this excitement, let's not forget the angelic messages delivered to the first witnesses of the resurrection—talk about divine breaking news!

The angel spoke to the women: “There is nothing to fear here. I know you’re looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as HE said. Come and look at the place where HE was placed.

Now, get on your way quickly and tell His disciples, ‘HE IS RISEN from THE DEAD. He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see Him there.’ That’s the message.”

 

Message 1 - He is going on ahead of us

He is going before us, not just in the past, but even now. He is Jehovah Shammah (Ezekiel 48:35), the Lord who is there, His presence among His people providing comfort and assurance that He is always near. He goes ahead of us, creating an urgency to meet Him without fear and to experience Him fully. There is a need for utmost care to keep pace with Him. This is the arrangement Jesus has established, desiring it to remain private and deeply personal.

Message 2- We will see Him

The hope of Easter and the faith-filled journey calls for our unwavering focus on Him. He is indeed very near, but we must not miss the profound experience of His presence. The message is clear: we will see Him. Did the disciples see Him? Yes, they did! Remarkably, the women encountered Jesus even before the disciples. After receiving the message from the Angel, with awe and overflowing with joy, they wasted no time leaving the empty tomb. As they hurried to share the news to the disciples, Jesus Himself met them, halting them in their tracks. According to the MSG version, Jesus greeted them with a cheerful "Good morning!" Overcome with reverence, they fell to their knees, embraced His feet, and worshipped Him wholeheartedly. Jesus assured them encouragement, saying, "Do not be frightened. Go and tell My brothers they are to go to Galilee, and there I meet them." Hallelujah.

The relationship between JESUS and first witnesses narrated in such a closeness to keep the target to all of us. Who does miss such elegant experience? No one. First the bunch of women, then 2 on the road to Emmaus, then to Peter, then to the disciples in a locked room except Thomas, then to all disciples including Thomas (a week later), then to 7 disciples at the sea of Galilee, then to over 500 followers at once and to James and to the disciples at the mount of Olives before His ascension.  

Each of these appearances holds profound significance, providing comfort, delivering clear guidance and affirming His resurrection. We are encountering Him and will continue to journey with Him. From generation to generation, He allows us to experience Him more intimately. He has given us a purpose through these 2 messages that we are HIS and HE is ours. Amen.

The world stood still, the stone was gone,
Morning broke, a brand-new dawn.
Shadows fled before His light,
Hope returned, the end in sight.

No grave could hold, no chains could bind,
Love had won for all mankind.
Death was silenced, life restored,
Christ arose, our risen Lord.

Peace be Upon the State of the Israel and us. Shalom. Have a Great weekend

In His Grip

The Holy week - 13Apr- 19Apr 2025

Shabbat Shalom from London, Kent - 18 Apr 2025

The final days of Jesus' earthly life. 

Here are Scripture references for each significant day of Holy Week:

Palm Sunday (Triumphal Entry)

Events:

• Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
• Crowds praised Him, waving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna."

Scripture:

• Matthew 21:6-9: "The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’"
• Matthew 21:1-11 – Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey.
• Mark 11:1-11 – Crowds shout "Hosanna!"
• Luke 19:28-44 – Jesus weeps over Jerusalem.
• John 12:12-19 – The people welcome Jesus with palm branches.

Holy Monday (Cleansing the Temple)

Events:

• Jesus cleanses the temple, driving out the money changers.

Scripture:

• Matthew 21:12-13: "Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves."
• Matthew 21:12-22 – Jesus overturns tables in the Temple.
• Mark 11:15-19 – Jesus condemns corruption.
• Luke 19:45-48 – Jesus teaches in the Temple.

Holy Tuesday (Teaching and Confrontation)

Events:

• Jesus teaches in the temple and confronts the religious leaders.

Scripture:

• Matthew 21:23-27: "Jesus entered the temple courts, and while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him."
• Matthew 21-23 – Jesus debates religious leaders.
• Mark 12 – Parables and teachings.
• Luke 20 – Jesus warns against hypocrisy.

Holy Wednesday (Betrayal)

Events:

• Judas agrees to betray Jesus.

Scripture:

• Matthew 26:14-16: "Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?’ So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver."
• Matthew 26:14-16 – Judas agrees to betray Jesus.
• Mark 14:10-11 – The plot against Jesus.
• Luke 22:3-6 – Judas seeks payment for betrayal.

Maundy Thursday (Last Supper)

Events:

• The Last Supper.
• Jesus washes the disciples' feet.

Scripture:

• Luke 22:19-20: "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’"
• Matthew 26:17-30 – Jesus shares the Last Supper.
• Mark 14:12-26 – Jesus institutes Communion.
• Luke 22:7-38 – Jesus washes the disciples' feet.
• John 13 – Jesus teaches about love and service.

Good Friday (Crucifixion)

Events:

• Jesus' crucifixion and death.

Scripture:

• John 19:17-18: "Carrying HIS own cross, HE went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified HIM, and with HIM two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle."
• Matthew 27 – Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified.
• Mark 15 – Jesus suffers and dies.
• Luke 23 – Jesus' final words on the cross.
• John 18-19 – Jesus is buried.

Holy Saturday (Silence and Waiting)

Events:

• Jesus' body rests in the tomb.

Scripture:

• Matthew 27:59-60: "Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock."
• Matthew 27:57-66 – Jesus' body rests in the tomb.
• Mark 15:42-47 – The disciples mourn.
• Luke 23:50-56 – The burial of Jesus.

Easter Sunday  (Resurrection)

Events:

• Jesus' resurrection.

Scripture:

• Matthew 28:5-6: "The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.’"
• Matthew 28 – Jesus rises from the dead.
• Mark 16 – The empty tomb is discovered.
• Luke 24 – Jesus appears to His followers.
• John 20 – Jesus' victory over death.

Easter Message

The Joyful Triumph of Easter Sunday

As the sun rises on Easter Sunday, we are reminded of the eternal promise that springs forth from the empty tomb. In Luke 24:4-6, the words of the angels resound with breath-taking clarity and hope:

 "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen."  

These profound verses capture the essence of Easter—a day that transforms despair into joy, doubt into faith, and death into life. It is a reminder that the resurrection of Christ is not merely an event from the past; it is a living truth that reverberates through our lives today.  

Imagine the women at the tomb, approaching with heavy hearts and uncertain footsteps. They came seeking closure, but instead, they encountered a glorious revelation that would change the course of history. Their sorrow was met with hope, their confusion replaced by understanding, and their mourning turned into celebration.  

So often in our own lives, we may find ourselves carrying burdens, searching for answers in places that cannot offer true life. Easter invites us to lift our eyes and embrace the risen Christ, the source of eternal hope and joy.  

Encouragement to us  

Easter is a message for us. If we feel weighed down by challenges or uncertainties, remember that the resurrection is proof that God’s power is greater than any obstacle. Just as the tomb could not hold Christ, nothing can separate us from His love and promises.  Hallelujah!

Let us take heart and find encouragement in these truths: 

- New beginnings are possible: Whatever may feel like an ending in your life, God can bring renewal and transformation.  

- Hope prevails: Even in the darkest moments, His light shines and leads the way.  

- We are not alone: The risen Christ walks with us, bringing peace and strength.  

As we celebrate Easter, may this day reignite our faith and fill our heart with joy. Let us boldly proclaim the victory of Christ and live as people transformed by His resurrection.  

Shalom,

In His Grip...

Songs for the gathering - 18Apr2025

 Impactful portions of popular worship songs that can engage the congregation and align with the theme of trust and renewal:

1. "What a Beautiful Name" by Hillsong Worship
   Lyrics:
   "What a beautiful Name it is,
   The Name of Jesus."
   This song celebrates the power and beauty of Jesus' name, perfect for reflecting on His sacrifice and resurrection.

2. "Way Maker" by Leeland
   Lyrics:
   "Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper,
   Light in the darkness, my God, that is who You are."
   A declaration of trust in God's faithfulness and ability to make a way.

3. "Goodness of God" by Bethel Music
   Lyrics:
   "All my life You have been faithful,
   All my life You have been so, so good."
   This song is a heartfelt testimony of God's goodness and trustworthiness.

4. "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" by Matt Redman
   Lyrics:
   "Bless the Lord, O my soul,
   Worship His holy name."
   A timeless anthem of praise and trust in God's eternal promises.

5. "Graves Into Gardens" by Elevation Worship
   Lyrics:
   "You turn graves into gardens,
   You turn bones into armies."
   A powerful reminder of God's transformative power, fitting for Easter.

These songs are widely loved and resonate deeply with congregations. They can be incorporated into your session to inspire collective worship and reflection. Let me know if you'd like more suggestions or help with planning!

Good Friday- 18Apr25-Scripture Flow

Powerful Biblical Threads to Enrich the Sessions

1. Starting Prayer & Praise Hour (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)

Theme: Trust in God’s Promises
Scriptural Context:

• Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 22:1-14): Abraham’s trust in God led him to leave his homeland and later offer Isaac as a sacrifice. God’s faithfulness provided a ram, showcasing His provision.
• Location: Mount Moriah, the site of Abraham’s ultimate test of trust, can parallel the sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary (modern-day Jerusalem).
  Reflection: Just as Abraham trusted God to fulfill His promises, let’s start this session by declaring our complete reliance on Him.

---

2. Time for Submission (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)

Theme: Jesus, the King Who Submitted
Scriptural Context:

• John 18:33-37: Jesus stood before Pilate with unwavering resolve, submitting to the Father’s plan for the redemption of humanity.
• Character Highlight: Joseph in Genesis 37-50: Joseph trusted God through betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment. Like Jesus, his suffering had a redemptive purpose that saved many lives.
  Reflection: The ultimate act of submission was Jesus willingly laying down His life. How can we submit our struggles to God, trusting His redemptive plan?

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3. Worship Mob (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM)

Theme: Trust through Worship
Scriptural Context:

• Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16:25-34): Worship brought freedom. Despite their chains, they trusted God and sang praises, leading to a miraculous release.
• Location: Philippi, where their trust in God became a testimony to the jailer and his family.
  Reflection: Worship is a powerful expression of trust. Let’s pour out our hearts in worship, believing that God is our refuge.

---

4. Intercession 1 (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

Theme: Trust and Flourish
Scriptural Context:

• Jeremiah 17:7-8: Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
• Character Highlight: Moses and the Exodus (Exodus 14): Moses trusted God when faced with the Red Sea, and God made a way.
• Location: The Red Sea, a place of miraculous deliverance.
  Reflection: Pray for God’s guidance and intervention in areas where trust is needed—just as He parted the waters, He can make a way in our lives.

---

5. Sharing Session 1 (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM)

Theme: When We Argue with God
Scriptural Context:

• Jonah (Jonah 4): Jonah’s reluctance showed his struggle to align with God’s mercy, but God’s patient guidance reminds us to trust His ways.
• Reflection Scripture: Psalm 37:3-5.
  Reflection: Discuss how trusting God helps us overcome doubts and accept His perfect plans.

---

6. Intercession 2 (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

Theme: Trusting God’s Protection
Scriptural Context:

• Daniel in the Lion’s Den (Daniel 6:23): Daniel’s trust in God shut the mouths of lions.
• Location: Babylon, where Daniel’s unwavering faith became a testimony to King Darius.
• Psalm 91:2: “He is my refuge and fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
  Reflection: Pray for God’s protection over families, communities, and nations.

---

7. Sharing Session 2 (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

Theme: Power in Forgiveness
Scriptural Context:

• The Woman Who Was Forgiven (Luke 7:47): Her love reflected the depth of her forgiveness.
• Character Highlight: Peter (John 21:15-19): After denying Jesus, Peter was restored and entrusted with building the Church.
  Reflection: Share testimonies of forgiveness and restoration, and encourage others to trust in God’s mercy.

---

8. Intercession 3 (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

Theme: Unshakable Trust in God’s Strength
Scriptural Context:

• Isaiah 12:2: “God is my saviour; I will trust him and not be afraid.”
• Character Highlight: Esther (Esther 4:14-16): Esther’s trust in God led her to risk her life for her people.
• Location: The palace of King Xerxes in Susa, where Esther’s courage prevailed.
  Reflection: Pray for boldness and strength to trust God in the face of challenges.

---

9. Conclusion and Closing (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM)

Theme: Trust in God’s Eternal Plan
Scriptural Context:

• Romans 8:28: God’s purpose in all things.
• Location Highlight: Golgotha (Calvary): The place of the crucifixion reminds us of the profound sacrifice and trust of Jesus.
• Hebrews 13:5-6: Confidence in God’s unchanging presence.
  Closing Message:
  "Good Friday and Easter remind us that our trust in God is never misplaced. The cross was not the end—it was the beginning of eternal victory. Carry forward the trust, hope, and power of the resurrection into every aspect of your life. Walk in confidence, knowing that He who conquered the grave is faithful to fulfill His promises to you."

---

Scripture Flow

Starting Prayer and Introduction (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)

• Psalm 56:3-4 (CEVUK) - "When I am afraid, I will trust you. I praise your promises! I trust you and am not afraid. No one can harm me."
• Isaiah 26:3-4 (CEVUK) - "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock."

Time for Submission (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)

• John 18:33-37 (CEVUK) - Pilate's questioning of Jesus about His kingship.

Worship Mob (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM)

• Psalm 62:8 (CEVUK) - "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

Intercession 1 (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

• Jeremiah 17:7-8 (CEVUK) - "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream."
• Philippians 4:6-7 (CEVUK) - "Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel."

Sharing Session 1 (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM)

• Jonah 4 (CEVUK) - Good arguments vs. bad arguments.
• Psalm 37:3-5 (CEVUK) - "Trust the Lord and live right! The land will be yours, and you will be safe. Do what the Lord wants, and he will give you your heart's desire. Let the Lord lead you and trust him to help."

Intercession 2 (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

• Daniel 6:23 (CEVUK) - "The king was very happy and ordered his servants to pull Daniel out of the pit. So they pulled him out and saw that he had not been hurt at all, for he trusted God."
• Psalm 91:2 (CEVUK) - "I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"

Sharing Session 2 (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

• Luke 7:22 (CEVUK) - Jesus' miracles as a testament to His power.
• Luke 7:47 (CEVUK) - Forgiveness and love.

Intercession 3 (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

• Isaiah 12:2 (CEVUK) - "God is my saviour; I will trust him and not be afraid. The Lord gives me power and strength; he is my saviour."
• Psalm 125:1 (CEVUK) - "Everyone who trusts the Lord is like Mount Zion that cannot be shaken and will stand forever."

Conclusion (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM)

• Romans 8:28 (CEVUK) - "We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose."
• Hebrews 13:5-6 (CEVUK) - "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'"

Good Friday Fasting Prayer Agenda

Good Friday Fasting Prayer Agenda

Theme: Why We Must Trust God?

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

• Starting Prayer and Introduction
• Praise Hour

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

• Time for Submission
  • Scripture Reading: John 18:33-37 (CEVUK)

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

• Worship Mob

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

• Intercession 1

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

• Sharing session 1

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

• Intercession 2

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

• Sharing session 2

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

• Intercession 3

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

• Conclusion
  • Closing Statement
  • Testimonies

This agenda ensures a balanced mix of prayer, worship, teaching, and intercession, providing a comprehensive and spiritually enriching experience for all participants. Is there anything else you'd like to add or adjust?

Easter - Pre-Context

Easter - Pre-Context

Reference : John 18:1-12 CEVUK

[1] When Jesus had finished praying, he and his disciples crossed the Kidron Valley and went into a garden. 

[2] Jesus had often met there with his disciples, and Judas knew where the place was. 

[3-5] Judas had promised to betray Jesus. So he went to the garden with some Roman soldiers and temple police, who had been sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees. They carried torches, lanterns, and weapons. Jesus already knew everything that was going to happen, but he asked, “Who are you looking for?” They answered, “We are looking for Jesus from Nazareth!” Jesus told them, “I am Jesus!” 

[6] At once they all backed away and fell to the ground. 

[7] Jesus again asked, “Who are you looking for?” “We are looking for Jesus from Nazareth,” they answered. 

[8] This time Jesus replied, “I have already told you that I am Jesus. If I am the one you are looking for, let these others go. 

[9] Then everything will happen, just as I said, ‘I did not lose anyone you gave me.’ ” 

[10] Simon Peter had brought along a sword. He now pulled it out and struck at the servant of the high priest. The servant's name was Malchus, and Peter cut off his right ear. 

[11] Jesus told Peter, “Put your sword away. I must drink from the cup that the Father has given me.”   

[12] The Roman officer and his men, together with the temple police, arrested Jesus and tied him up. 

NT Wright writes that the story of God and man begins in a garden: where God and man walk in the evening breeze, and the family live in harmony with each other and nature. And it is here that He comes to find them, where they have always been, where they spent time together. God searches for them, but there is no answer. Man hides because something has happened. Friendship is shattered, there is evil in the air. Love, the most beautiful and fragile of all plants in the garden, has been trampled. 

It would take thousands of years to grow again. And in this garden, we find that the roles have been reversed. People, filled with disappointment and violence in their hearts, come to a garden in the evening, looking for Someone. Like all of us, they are looking for God, but they do not know what He looks like. Jesus does not hide. He is ready for the cup that His Father has given Him and He is ready to drink it. The new Adam steps forward to meet the old Adam. The Light of the world stands before them with their lamps and torches. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot extinguish it.

Jesus asks: Who are you looking for?

They answer, Jesus of Nazareth. To them, He is an ordinary man, a threat to who they think God is and for whom God stands for. Their distorted image of who God is drives them to deceive, betray, and ultimately crucify Him.

Our image of what God is like, and of how God “should” act, can take us on a path of disappointment, disillusionment, and of running away. Can we let go of our preconceived ideas so that we can get to know and experience Him who is the “I Am”, anew?

Jesus says that if you see Him, you have seen the Father. He is the bread of life, the light of the world, the resurrection, the way, the truth, and the life.

Father, I ask for the Grace to seek You above all else and to follow You with trust and surrender. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Rabboni- My Teacher- a New way of Knowing HIM

Shabbat Shalom from Kent, London - 11Apr2025

Reference Scripture: Jn 20:11-18

RABBONI - My Teacher- a New way of Knowing HIM.

Mary Magdalene encounters the resurrected Jesus, in fact very first one who recognised the resurrected Jesus. She followed Jesus faithfully after HE casted 7 demons out of her (Lk 8:2). It gave her more zeal on Him as she received a lot! She supported the Jesus Ministry. she stood near cross when the apostles fled or hid. she watched where JESUS was buried.

Mary got up the morning after the Sabbath and went to the tomb to anoint Jesus's body. She found the tomb empty, with the stone rolled away.

She reported the news to Peter and John, they came and saw the empty tomb, however they left. But Mary stayed behind, was weeping and asking herself, did someone had stolen the body? She asked disciples, we do not know where they have put Jesus Body?. She asked angels, I do not know where they have put Him. She asked asked Jesus himself (:)), If you have taken His body away, please tell me so I can go and get Him. She kept on asking until she had that personal enablement. The Bible says that She gained all her faith one last time, stooped down into the tomb, to her surprise, she saw something that Peter and John missed..

Jesus appears to her and asks, "Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?" She thought Jesus was the gardener. But when He called her name, Mary, the familiar voice brought spontaneous joy to her spirit. She burst out in cries and shouted, "RABBONI!" It was an intimate and worshipful. 

RABBONI - MY TEACHER

She become First witness of the RISEN JESUS. She tried to grab Him- but Jesus politely mentioned do not cling to me now? But Go and Tell the brothers, they are no more disciples, a new relationship through HIS resurrection. I am ascending to My Father, My God, who is also Your Father, your God. She become a great witness and recognised a new Purpose to GO and TELL to the chosen the following headlines... 

• Grief to Joy - Not rejection but re-direction.
• Intimacy to Declaration, by taking an extra leap
• Personally received a great commission- become an apostle to the apostles. Jesus is Ascending (Message1), I saw the Master (Message2), Told everything Jesus Said to her (Message3). Jesus gifted her a wonderful assignment.

The Scripture says in Jn 20:9, JESUS WOULD RISE TO LIFE. Let us Worship by embracing HIM as Risen LORD!. Let us inherit the Model of Ministry from this context, begin with intimacy with HIM and then being sent to others. Our assured eternal future is highlighted by JESUS by having this encounter with Mary to all of us as a redirection to new relationship, Disciples to Brothers till HE returns OR call us Home with HIM forever. Hallelujah.

God does everything for a reason and on purpose. In Jewish culture, women kept behind, but Jesus used Mary to be the first to see Him after Raising from the Dead, to have a very close revelation, to carry a ROYAL Message. JESUS Revealed her a new way of knowing Him. HE STILL DOES. Can we experience Him in this season more personally? A Spiritual intimacy far greater than what eye can see and hand can hold. Amen.

In the morning's quiet Grace, Mary sought the tomb's embrace,
RABBONI, she cried in tears, as Jesus' voice dispelled her fears.
From sorrow to joy, her heart did soar,
First witness to the risen Lord.
Her faith unwavering, message clear,
Easter's hope, forever near.

Peace be Upon the State of the Israel and us. Shalom. Have a Great weekend and Happy Palm Sunday in advance.

In His Grip.

Prayer Focus: Divine Peace & Wisdom for Markets & Communities

Prayer Focus: Divine Peace & Wisdom for Markets & Communities

**Scripture Reflection:**  

*"Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm."* (Mark 4:39)  

Just as Jesus brought stillness to the storm, we believe He will bring **wisdom, peace, and just solutions** to global markets, negotiations, and our local communities in this uncertain time.  

**Call to Intercession:**  

- Pray for leaders to pursue policies that foster stability and unity.  

- Decree God’s peace over businesses, workers, and families navigating economic shifts.  

- Believe for a *"Galilee miracle"*—where chaos turns to calm under His authority.  

**Join Us in Prayer!**  **30-Minute Intercession Session**  

📅 **Sunday, April 13 | 8:30 AM** *(Before Palm Sunday Service)*  

📍 **In Person:** The Upper Room, BCC The Church  

💻 **Online:** [meet.google.com/jhw-npjg-tms](meet.google.com/jhw-npjg-tms)  

🙏 *"For where two or three gather in My Name, there I am with them."* (Matthew 18:20)  

**Together, let’s release faith—because prayer shifts atmospheres!**  

*#PeaceOverMarkets #FaithOverFear #PrayerChangesThings*  

**See you there—expecting God to move!** 🌿  

Mary's Easter Dawn

 Mary's Easter Dawn

In the quiet of the morning, where shadows softly lay,
Mary walked in sorrow, to the tomb where Jesus lay.
Her heart was filled with longing, her steps were slow and meek,
For the one she called "Rabboni," the Savior she did seek.

The stone was rolled away, the tomb was empty, bare,
Her tears began to fall, in the cool and fragrant air.
"Where have they taken Him?" she cried, her voice a plea,
But in the garden's silence, a gentle call, "Mary."

She turned to see the Master, alive, no longer gone,
"Rabboni," she whispered, in the breaking of the dawn.
His words were filled with comfort, "Do not hold on to Me,
Go and tell My brothers, of the victory they will see."

From sorrow to rejoicing, her heart was lifted high,
Mary Magdalene, the first to see the risen Christ.
Her faith and love unwavering, her message clear and bright,
In the light of Easter morning, she shared the hope of life.

Hanging around Jesus and continually drawing closer to Him

 Shabbat Shalom from Kent, London - 04Apr2025

Reference Scripture: Lk15:1

A lot of men and women of questionable reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently.

Jesus Christ broken the traditional, religious barrier. HE has allowed access to HIM/ HIS Teachings to Tax farmers, Tax collectors, Publicans, outcasts, sinners, notorious people, bad or questionable reputation and dishonest men or women or both! They gathered around to hear Jesus. This action aggravated pharisees, the scribes and religious leaders as they were thinking this is not right and were not pleasing at all. Luke mentioned in his gospel edition that convicted people often came to listen to Jesus teach, approaching him, kept on coming close to Him- This demonstrates the desire and the new channel created for everyone to access Him.

A Big crowd of people, habitually came from everywhere to listen, hear, eat, drink and interacting with Him. A Great atmosphere. As we begin a new month, new quarter, Let us check the possibilities to get closer to Him. Let us not murmur, mutter like religious leader by finding fault in all things. Rather Let us approach Him Boldly.

Jesus responded to such negative viewers in this manner- It's not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners - Mk 2:15-17. 

Jesus is the master negotiator- He was highlighting the truth by referring the life of John to the opposition. For John came to religious leaders in the way of righteousness, and they did not believe him. But the tax collectors and prostitutes did. and even after they saw this, they did not repent and believe him- Mt 21:31-32

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinner of whom I am the worst - Apostle Paul in 1 Tim 1:15

The scriptures teaching us clearly that Christ died for us while we were still sinners (Rom 5:8). As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so Jesus will look for His flock (Ez 34:11-16). For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the Lost (Lk 19:10). Hosea 6:6 says that the Lord desires Mercy, not Sacrifice. And the knowledge of God rather than Burnt offerings. 

Jesus told 3 stories to emphasis the search for the outcasts. The lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. A shepherd searched 1 lost sheep by leaving 99 at the wilderness. A woman searched/ swept the house carefully to find her lost 1 coin. The father waited for lost son, restored everything when the prodigal son returned. The Search/sweep continues until now, will continue further.

More Joy in Heaven over 1 who repents than over 99 righteous! There is joy in the presence of the angels of the God over 1 sinner who repents, changes inner self, changes the old way of thinking, regrets the past sin, lives his life in a way that proves repentance, seeks God's purpose for his life. Hallelujah!

Father God, help us to hang around you. We will keep on coming to get close to hear, listen and have the meaningful conversation. Help us to reach unreached as shepherd searched for the lost sheep diligently, woman swept her house by lighting a lamp and Father waited for his son to return. Help us to be diligent, consistent and loyal to the Kingdom and our eternal King. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Peace be Upon the State of the Israel and us. Shalom. Have a Great weekend.

In His Grip.

A day of divine purpose and celebration - 01Apr2025

This is the day the Lord has made—! 

Every day is significant in His plan, yet He calls us to mark milestones with thanksgiving, acknowledging His faithfulness in our journey. Today, as we transition from SG to UBP, we step forward not by sight but by faith, trusting that His hand is upon us.  

As Paul declared in Ephesians 3:12: "In Him and through faith in Him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence."  

This is our assurance—that in Christ, we move boldly, anchored in His presence and promises. The road ahead is bright, for He who ordains our steps is faithful. Let us walk with expectant hearts, knowing that what He has prepared for us is good.  

May this new chapter be filled with His grace, wisdom, and breakthroughs. Have a victorious journey ahead—one faith-filled step at a time!  

"The Lord will fulfil His purpose for you; His steadfast love endures forever."  Psalm 138:8