Pastor Kevan Dobsin

What we all seek isn’t found in winning everyone’s approval or even in following our own desires. It’s found in surrendering our lives to Christ and living for His pleasure alone. When God becomes our audience of One, we are free – not to please everyone, but to love them, serve them and faithfully persuade them with the truth of the gospel.

The Bible does teach that God formed us from the soil before He breathed life into us so that could be a factor.
It’s like mud is a great equalizer… a true grounding experience. Regardless of your social status, your wealth, your race – when you’re covered in mud, everyone’s the same.
When you are covered in mud, you’re saying “I’m all in and I’m fully committed to this!”
When we’re willing to enter the arena of advancing the gospel in our city, and when we’re willing to get our hands dirty to the point of being covered in mud, we experience a blessing and a high that can’t be found anywhere else.

While many Christians are aware of the spiritual weapons we have in the Name of Jesus, or the Blood of Jesus or when we speak God’s Word, I think we’re often unaware or we forget about the power we step into when we lift up our voice to praise God.
The Bible records many examples for us where praising God brought His presence and glory into a situation. Attacking armies would be thrown into confusion, cities were taken and battles would be won as God’s people sang and shouted praises to Him.

The value of overcoming isn’t just in what we overcome, but what overcoming brings to us! The amazing blessing and rewards we get to walk in because we don’t quit. So when you find yourself asking, “What’s it all for?” just remind yourself what you get to look forward to and what Jesus promises to all who overcome.

Summer offers spiritual provisions that may not be available in other seasons – it’s a time to stock up. And every time we have church or meet with our life groups or do devotions – either alone or with family, we are gathering supplies and acquiring something valuable. We’re refreshing, refuelling and being revived also.

Jesus saw a great city that had lost its way and wasn’t fulfilling it purpose. Much the same as when He looks at people all over the world who He has created who are lost and not finding His purpose for their lives.

“And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. – Jesus in John 14:29 When it comes to perspective, you’ve probably heard some of these common sayings: “Let’s put things in perspective.” “It’s all a matter of perspective.” “We need to have a fresh perspective.” Usually

As the angels announced the birth of Jesus on that first Christmas Eve, they invited us all to come experience a peace not found anywhere else in the world. They introduced the birth of God’s Son who would bring us peace with God, peace with ourselves and peace with each other.
The message of Christmas brings such relief and resonates with so many around the world because it speaks of an all-encompassing peace we so desperately need.
That God would choose to make this grand announcement of peace in the middle of the night to a group of shepherds is also an intriguing part of the mystery of Christmas that must be explored.

As a Christian endeavouring to follow God’s leading and His plan for your life, how do you navigate the open and closed doors – the unforeseen events or perceived setbacks? How do you respond when facing disappointment with people or strained relationships? Most importantly, how can you recognize God’s leading and continue to follow His direction through all of this?

You’ll notice that the key to us thriving as Christians and growing in our faith is that we’re planted in God’s house. Of all the environments we find ourselves in during our daily or weekly routine, the healthiest and most nourishing place to be for ourselves and our families is God’s house – with God’s people!