Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Mighty God, We Give You Praise
A translation of a classic, Grote God, Wij Loven U
Mighty God, We Give you Praise SATB copy by George vP
Monday, April 21, 2025
God's Faithfulness Shall Never Be Undone
Translation of the Dutch "God is getrouw, zijn plannen fallen niet."
Friday, April 18, 2025
The Seven Words Christ Spoke while on the Cross
The Seven Last Words of Jesus from the Cross: A Meditation on His Love
The final words spoken by Jesus as he hung on the cross are among the most powerful ever uttered. Each phrase is a window into his heart, revealing his mercy, mission, and immeasurable love for us. As we reflect on these words, may our hearts be stirred to deeper faith, deeper gratitude, and deeper surrender.
1. Word of Forgiveness
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” – Luke 23:34
At the height of his suffering, Jesus prays—not for himself, but for those who are crucifying him. What mercy! What patience!
They didn’t know what they were doing (see 1 Corinthians 2:8—"None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."), but that ignorance did not make them innocent. Jesus wasn’t declaring them saved—salvation requires repentance, faith, and new birth. But he was interceding, asking for a delay in judgment, pleading for time for them to receive grace.
Here we glimpse the depths of God’s patience and the breadth of his mercy. This is the God who calls you to believe. This is the Saviour sent to rescue. Do you know this forgiveness?
2. Word of Salvation
“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” – Luke 23:43
Two criminals hung beside Jesus. Both broken. Both condemned. But one turned to him in desperate, genuine faith: “Remember me.” And in that moment, grace was poured out.
No time for good works. No religious résumé. Just trust in Jesus. And that was enough.
Salvation is immediate. It is personal. It is by grace alone.
Have you come to Jesus like that thief—honest, humble, and trusting?
3. Word of Compassion
“Woman, behold your son... Behold your mother.” – John 19:26–27
Even in His agony, Jesus looks outward. He sees his mother. He sees John. He brings them together in a new bond—a new family.
The cross does not isolate us; it draws us into community. The Church is born at the foot of the cross, through compassion and connection.
This is the kind of love Christ has for his people. A love that sees. A love that acts. A love that creates family.
Who is God calling you to care for—even in the midst of your own struggle?
4. Word of Anguish
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” – Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34
This is the most haunting cry in Scripture. Jesus, the Son, experiences abandonment as he bears the full weight of sin.
He quotes Psalm 22—a psalm that begins in desolation but ends in trust. Even in the darkness, Jesus is praying.
If you’ve ever felt forsaken, know this: Jesus has been there. And because he was forsaken, we never truly are.
Do you bring your pain to him? He understands.
5. Word of Suffering
“I thirst.” – John 19:28
Such a simple phrase, but so full of meaning. Jesus, the Creator of water, is parched. The One who said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me,” now tastes the dryness of death.
He feels the full weight of human pain. He doesn’t just understand suffering—He lived it.
What do you thirst for in life? Jesus meets us in that place. He shares in our pain and offers us the water of life.
6. Word of Victory
“It is finished.” – John 19:30
This is not a cry of defeat, but of triumph. The mission is complete. The debt is paid. Nothing more needs to be added.
Redemption has been accomplished—fully, finally, forever.
Are you still trying to earn what has already been given? Rest in the finished work of Christ. You are free.
7. Word of Trust
“Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” – Luke 23:46
Jesus dies not in fear, but in faith. He surrenders to the Father with complete trust.
This is the final act of love—the Son entrusting himself into the hands of God.
It is also an invitation. Will you trust God like this? Even in uncertainty, even in suffering, your life is safest in his hands.
Final Thought:
These seven words are not just moments in a story—they are invitations to enter into the life Jesus offers. Mercy. Grace. Love. Pain. Victory. Surrender.
They speak to every part of our journey. May they draw you nearer to the cross—and to the Saviour who died there for you.
**Based on a lesson for the Karen Zoom class the day before Good Friday.
Tuesday, April 08, 2025
Friday, February 21, 2025
The Tenth Commandment
You Shall Not Covet Your Neighbour's Possessions: A Lesson on Contentment
Coveting is a concept that appears throughout Scripture, most notably in the Tenth Commandment: "You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour" (Exodus 20:17). But what does it really mean to covet, and why is it so significant? Let’s explore this timeless lesson and discover what it teaches us about contentment.
What Does It Mean to Covet?
To covet means to have an intense desire for something that belongs to someone else. It goes beyond admiration or healthy ambition—it involves a sense of longing that can lead to resentment, envy, and unhealthy actions. Unlike simply wanting something, coveting is rooted in discontentment and a lack of trust in God’s provision.
Coveting Began in the Garden of Eden
The first instance of coveting occurred in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve, though living in paradise with everything they needed, were tempted by the forbidden fruit because they desired what they could not have (Genesis 3). Their choice to covet and take what God had forbidden led to the fall of humanity, illustrating the destructive power of unchecked desires.
Famous Coveters in the Bible
The Bible provides several examples of individuals who succumbed to covetous desires, each facing severe consequences:
• Gehazi (2 Kings 5:20-27): Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, coveted the wealth offered to his master by Naaman. His dishonesty and greed resulted in him being struck with leprosy.
• The Rich Fool (Luke 12:15-21): Jesus told the parable of a wealthy man who hoarded his possessions, believing they would secure his future. God called him a fool, as his life ended suddenly, and his wealth became meaningless.
• Felix (Acts 24:26): The Roman governor Felix hoped for a bribe from Paul, allowing his covetous desires to cloud his judgment and delay justice.
• Demas (2 Timothy 4:10): Paul’s companion Demas abandoned his ministry because he loved the world, illustrating how coveting worldly pleasures can lead to spiritual downfall.
Are All Desires Wrong?
Not all desires are sinful. It is natural to wish for a better life, good relationships, or personal achievements. However, the difference lies in the heart’s motivation. When desires lead to envy, greed, or discontentment, they become harmful. Scripture encourages us to pursue godly desires—those that align with God’s will and bring glory to Him.
The Tenth Commandment in Today’s World
The Tenth Commandment remains relevant in modern society, where consumer culture constantly tempts us to covet what others have. Consider these examples:
• Commercials and Advertising: Marketing often creates a sense of dissatisfaction, convincing us that we need the latest products to be happy.
• Lotteries and Gambling: The allure of quick wealth can lead to coveting money, fostering greed and poor financial choices.
• TV Game Shows: The desire to win prizes can stir envy and an unhealthy focus on material gain.
The Apostle Paul's Teachings on Contentment
The Apostle Paul offers practical wisdom for overcoming covetousness by cultivating contentment:
• 1 Timothy 6:6-10: Paul reminds us that "godliness with contentment is great gain" and warns that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. True wealth lies in being satisfied with what we have.
• Philippians 4:11-13: Paul shares his personal experience, stating that he has learned to be content in any situation, whether in abundance or need. His strength comes from Christ, who empowers him to face all circumstances.
Conclusion
The Tenth Commandment challenges us to examine our hearts and find contentment in God’s provision. By resisting the urge to covet and focusing on what truly matters, we can experience greater peace, joy, and spiritual fulfilment. Let us follow Paul’s example and learn to say with confidence, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation" (Philippians 4:12).
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Based on a lesson given to our Karen Zoom class
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