Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Luke 21:19—"In your patience possess ye your souls."

In a world of instant gratification, where we expect everything immediately, patience stands as a counter-cultural stance.  However, the Bible paints patience not as a passive or undesirable trait but as a vital spiritual discipline. Luke 21:19 reminds us that through patience, we possess our souls. This possession implies mastery, control, and endurance, qualities that lead us to life’s ultimate fulfillment. Patience is an essential currency in God’s kingdom and a key to spiritual survival and success.

In 1 Kings 19:19-21, we find a powerful moment that speaks to the call of God upon a life. Elisha, a hardworking man plowing the fields of his father Shaphat, is suddenly interrupted by Elijah, the iconic prophet. Elijah passes by Elisha and throws his mantle upon him, symbolizing a divine call to something greater. Elisha’s response is remarkable—he leaves his oxen, runs after Elijah, and makes the decision to follow him.

As Christians, we are called to remember the victory won at the cross by Jesus Christ.  One of the most powerful ways we do this is through the ordinance of communion.

In Luke 22:14-20, Jesus instituted what we now call the Lord's Supper during His final Passover meal with His disciples. As they gathered in the upper room, Jesus used the bread and the cup to symbolise His body and blood, giving His followers a tangible way to remember His sacrifice.

The Ark of the Covenant holds a central place in the Old Testament as the physical representation of God's presence with His people.  Built according to the divine pattern revealed to Moses, the Ark was housed in the Holy of Holies and symbolized God’s desire to dwell among His people.

The story of Passover, as recounted in the book of Exodus, is one of the most profound narratives in the Bible. It tells of God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, a momentous event that laid the foundation for the nation of Israel. However, beyond its historical significance, Passover serves as a powerful portrait of salvation in the New Testament, illustrating how Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross fulfills the promises and symbolism of the Old Testament.

The Tabernacle, as detailed in the book of Exodus, was much more than a simple tent. It was a physical manifestation of God’s presence among the Israelites and a profound symbol of how we should approach God today. Every aspect of the Tabernacle’s design, from the materials used to its layout, was meticulously specified by God. This divine blueprint wasn’t just about constructing a physical space; it was about creating a spiritual blueprint for humanity’s relationship with God—a pattern that remains relevant even in our modern context.

Names carry profound significance in many cultures, and nowhere is this truer than in the Bible. While in the Western world names often serve as mere designators to distinguish one person from another, in the Eastern world, and particularly in biblical contexts, names encompass much more. They signify a person's worth, character, reputation, authority, will, and ownership. In fact, the name of a person in biblical times was viewed as equivalent to the person themselves.

In our walk of faith, it's essential to remember that Heaven is our ultimate destination. This earthly realm, with all its complexities and fleeting beauty, is not our final abode.  Amidst daily challenges and worldly distractions, we can easily lose sight of this eternal promise. This loss of heavenly focus can blur our spiritual vision, making us overly entangled in temporal affairs and diminishing our longing for our heavenly home.

In Acts 24:24-27, we find Paul standing before Felix, the Roman governor, accused of being a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews, and leading the Nazarene sect.  As Paul speaks about faith in Christ, righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix trembles but dismisses Paul, saying, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” This moment vividly portrays the struggle between genuine obedience and the allure of convenience.

Consecration means “setting apart,” and it can apply to a person, building, or object. It is an old word that simply means to make or declare something sacred, hallowed, or holy; to set apart, dedicate, or devote to a holy use. Sadly, in much of Christianity, this word has lost its traction with a strong preference for living as close to the world or in the zone of minimum requirements. Consecration is a daily requirement for every spiritual leader.

In John 8:31-36, Jesus speaks to new Jewish converts who, despite their heritage as descendants of Abraham, grapple with the concept of true freedom. Jesus asserts, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32). This statement puzzles them as they claim never to have been slaves to anyone, asking, "How can you say that we shall be set free?" (John 8:33).

The biblical account of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho (Joshua 6) offers a profound lesson for every Christian about our faith and obedience to God. As Christians, we can draw deep spiritual insights from this account, finding truths about God and guidance for our own lives.

Worship is much more than just singing songs at church on a Sunday. True worship extends far beyond musical expressions; it is a lifestyle, a daily offering of ourselves to God. Worship is living our lives in sacrifice and dedication to God. Worship encompasses our lives and our resources, including our time, talent, and treasure.

Daniel 7:25 - And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Naturally, we as people are inclined to be self-preserving rather than self-sacrificing. Because of this, as we move through life, we quickly get caught up in all the issues and demands that seemingly ambush us each day. This, coupled with the desire many of us have to be successful, can often lead us feeling empty. We become stuck striving for true fulfillment but constantly left wanting more.

The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity of being prepared for the coming of Jesus Christ. In the parable, the virgins represent us, the church, awaiting the return of Christ, the bridegroom.

As Jesus hung on the cross, the world believed the story of Jesus was over. In those moments, the disciples, the closest followers of Jesus, were engulfed in a turmoil of emotions. Their Lord, their teacher and friend, was dying before their eyes. With Jesus’ last breath, it seemed as though all hope was lost. The despair, doubt, and fear that filled them were palpable. It was over!

The power of faith and the word of God is beautifully illustrated in the story of Elijah from 1 Kings 18:36-45.

The story of Elijah's challenge on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 18:36-45 beautifully demonstrates the transformative power of God's presence.