Devotionals – Salt and Light Ministries

July 29, 2021July 29, 2021

Preparation For The Storm!

SCRIPTURE: “Then He got into the boat and His disciples followed Him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown! “(Matthew 8:23-25 NIV)

As a perfect teacher, He teaches first, then He tests. If we do not do our homework, we will not be prepared for the test; if we fail the test, we will have to take it again. Storms do help us organized our priorities. If we are going to sail with Jesus, we have to decide if we are asking Jesus to help us build our Kingdom or we are building His. We often encounter storms in our life, where we feel God can’t work. When we truly understand who God is, however, we will realize that He controls both the storms of nature and the storms of the troubled heart. Jesus’s power that calmed this storm can also help us deal with problems we face. Jesus is willing to help if we only ask Him. We should never discount His power in terrible trials.

Source: Culled from, Growing Through The Storms Of Life, by E. Truman Herring (Vol. one)

STAY BLESSED.
Rev. Dr. Joyce R. Aryee
(Executive Director, Salt and Light Ministries)Salt and Light Ministries
P.O.Box AN 15007, Accra North
Contact: 0302 772013,026 8130 615/0243588467
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website : saltandlightministriesgh.org

July 28, 2021July 28, 2021

Preparing For The Storm

SCRIPTURE: “Then He got into the boat and His disciples followed Him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown! “(Matthew 8:23-25 NIV)

The disciples were well prepared for this first storm. God is always preparing us today for tomorrow’s storm. How do we know the disciples were prepared? From the moment Jesus called them, He had been preparing them in the day on land for this first storm in the night on the troubled sea. Every word Jesus said, every place He led, every person He ministered to, and every demonstration of His character, were all in preparation for the first storm. If they had heard and considered all that went on before that dark night, they would have been well prepared for the storm. God is preparing us today, on land in the light, for what we need in the storm in the night on the troubled sea. Therefore, we must pay attention to the teaching, preaching, events, circumstances, and other things that God is bringing into our lives.

Source: Culled from, Growing Through The Storms Of Life, by E. Truman Herring (Vol. one)

July 26, 2021

Growing Through The Storms Of Life

SCRIPTURE: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” ( John 16:33 NIV)

Storms are not stones, nor are evil-sent. They are bread from the Father to be received with thanksgiving for our good. Even when Satan stirs up the wind, as in the case of Job, God will still have His way in the whirlwind and the storm.

It is God’s design that we experience maturing love in our walk with Him. The storms of life that Jesus leads us into will help reveal some areas of our life that are not under the Holy Spirit’s control; thank God we will also see Jesus manifested in the storms, giving us a greater view of God and God’s purpose for our lives. To be able to get through the storms of life, a Christian must say with full assurance, as (Nahum 1:3), “The Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet”

Source: Culled from, Growing Through The Storms Of Life, by E. Truman Herring (Vol. one)

July 26, 2021

Growing Through The Storms Of Life.

Beloved in the Lord,
For the next two weeks, we are going to talk about, Growing Through The Storms Of Life.
What is storm of life?

May the Holy Spirit minister deeply into our hearts, the message He has for us today.
Enjoy!

SCRIPTURE: “Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said to Him, Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?. ( Mark 4:38 NIV)

A storm of life, is any event or occurrence that has the potential or capacity of derailing your progress in life. Example accident, loss of a loved one or job, failure, sickness, divorce, natural disasters like fire, flood, earthquake etc.

Storms of life are inevitable. Every person whether a Christian or non-Christian goes through some kind of storm in life. Storms are part of life. They are not the norm, but they are a necessary part of life. Through God’s wisdom storms provide the needed balance for the weather of our planet; fierce tropical storms are necessary to provide a balance between the heat of the tropics and the frost of the polar regions.

In like manner, our Father has designed storms for our lives to provide a balance in our pilgrimage and growth in grace. A Christian should acknowledge that God is the sovereign Lord of the mountain and the valley; He is the Lord of fair weather and foul. He is the Lord of the storm. As sure as night follows day, a sovereign God has designed storms in the life of His children with a higher view than His children often perceive. For a child of God who is convinced that God loves him and is sovereign, every storm is seen simply as another day of walking with Jesus and discovering more of His tender love.

Source: Culled from, Growing Through The Storms Of Life, by E. Truman Herring (Vol. one)

July 21, 2021

See your workplace as your mission field

SCRIPTURE: ” And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colo. 3:17 NIV)

Careers are both spiritual and supernatural. Jesus has the power and strategy to help you turn your career into calling. As believers, sometimes we feel frustrated, and in dilemma when we seek the will of God for which career or profession to pursue, but God is silent. Have you ever felt this frustration and uncertainty? Are you waiting for an angelic visitation, writing on the wall, or loud voice? Let us look at some five insights to help us answer this dilemma:

There is no division between a spiritual career and a calling. Your personal career could and should become a calling from heaven.
God has uniquely qualified you to do something and enjoy it. What do you love to do? Can you make a living doing it?
Careers and callings from God should be the same. Jesus prayed one prayer to the Father. “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Christians should see their careers as their methods of bringing heaven on earth.
Christians are called to bring excellence and effort into the workplace. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colo. 3:23 NIV)
God has designed you to love a career and do well at it. He will let you choose a career so you can shine like a bright light and flourish.
As a believer, let see our workplace as a mission field. The workplace may not seem spiritual, but requires a focused person led by the Holy Spirit to succeed at it.

Source: Culled from Jesus. net.

STAY BLESSED.
Rev. Dr. Joyce R. Aryee
(Executive Director, Salt and Light Ministries)

Salt and Light Ministries
P.O.Box AN 15007, Accra North
Contact: 0302 772013,026 8130 615/0243588467
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website: saltandlightministriesgh.org

July 20, 2021

Work – World Codes!

SCRIPTURE: He who tends a fig-tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honoured. (Proverbs 27:18 NIV)

Let us look at some ethical issues to gird us in the way we work, based on Col. 3:22-4:1. Paul’s letters have much to say to believers as we live out our faith in the work world. Paul usually speaks to both leaders and workers about the tough character and choices required to honour Christ in a difficult workplace environment. For example:

Guidelines for Workers and Those Under Authority
Tasks
Don’t try to get out of your current situation too quickly – 1 Cor. 7:17-24
View stress and trouble in perspective – 2 Cor. 4:7-18

Supervisors
Develop respect for authority – Rom. 13:1-8
Do your work wholeheartedly and respectfully – Eph.6:5-8; 1 Thess. 5:12-15
Give your employers obedient, hard work – Col. 3:22-25; 1 Thess. 4:11-12
Honour bosses, whether they are believers or not – 1 Tim. 6:1-2

Co-workers
Develop a reasonable self-estimate – Rom. 12:3
Acknowledge differences and accept the contributions of others – 1 Cor. 12:1-8
Help others, but do your job – Gal. 6:1-5
Learn to speak appropriately and sensitively – Col. 4:6
Understand others and treat them respectfully – 1 Tim. 5:1-3
Develop a reputation for good relationships – Titus 3:1-2

Responsibility
Give your whole self to God – Rom. 12:1
Develop the art of discernment in order to live responsibly – Eph. 5:15-18
Do your work as if working for God – 1 Cor. 3:13; Col.3:17
Don’t let your responsibilities weigh you down with worry – Phil. 4:6
Take responsibility for yourself – 1 Thess. 4:11-12; 2 Thess. 3:8-9
Develop a godly “work style” – Titus 2:9-10
Finances
Live frugally and do not steal – including pilfering – Eph. 4:28
Care for your family – 1 Tim. 5:8

This article was inspired by notes and articles on Work in the Bible – NKJV by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

STAY BLESSED.
Rev. Dr. Joyce R. Aryee
(Executive Director, Salt and Light Ministries)

Salt and Light Ministries
P.O.Box AN 15007, Accra North
Contact: 0302 772013,026 8130 615/0243588467
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website : saltandlightministriesgh.org

July 18, 2021

Work – World Codes!

Beloved in the Lord,
This week, we are going to talk about Work. Today’s focus is on, Work – World Codes!

May the Holy Spirit minister deeply into our hearts, the message He has for us today.
Enjoy!

SCRIPTURE: “He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honoured”.
(Proverbs 27:18 NIV)

Let us look at some ethical issues to gird us in the way we work, based on Col. 3:22-4:1. Paul’s letters have much to say to believers as we live out our faith in the work world. Paul usually speaks to both leaders and workers about the tough character and choices required to honour Christ in a difficult workplace environment. For example:

Guidelines for Managers and Others in Authority
Finance
Workers deserve payment for their work – 1 Cor. 9:7-14
You are accountable for fair employee compensation – Col. 4:1
Handle wealth very delicately – 1 Tim. 6:9-10; 17-18

Workplace Relationship
Bring your walk with Christ into each business relationship – 2 Cor. 7:1Value people highly – Gal. 5:14; Eph. 4:31-32Treat and motivate employees with respect rather than threats – Col. 6:5-9Have a reasonable view of yourself – Rom. 12:3

Communication
Accusations must be verified – Matt.18:15-35; 2 Cor. 13:1; 1 Tim. 5:19Communication should always be gracious and truthful – Col. 4:6

Responsibility
Fulfil your commitments – Rom. 13:6-8Remember your accountability – 1 Cor. 3:9-15Care for the poor and the weak – Rom. 12:13; Gal. 2:10Learn how to handle times of bounty and leanness – Phil. 4:12Remember, God’s Son gets the ultimate credit – Col. 1:17-18Be sure to care for your own family – 1 Tim. 5:8- TitusDiscern needs and meets them – Titus 3:14

Management
View time not in terms of time management, but also in light of the long-term implications of your decisions – 2 Cor.4:16-18; 2 Peter 3:8-13.Help each employee discern the best thing to do – 1 Thess. 5:14-15Be willing to change your opinions – 2 Cor.5:16-17;
Philemon 10-14.

Salt and Light Ministries
P.O.Box AN 15007, Accra North
Contact: 0302 772013,026 8130 615/0243588467
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website: saltandlightministriesgh.org

July 16, 2021

WHO IS THE BOSS?

Beloved in the Lord,
This week, we are going to talk about Work. Today’s focus is on, WHO IS THE BOSS?

May the Holy Spirit minister deeply into our hearts, the message He has for us today.
Enjoy!

SCRIPTURE: “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.” (Colossians 3:22).

Christ gives you work to do. Work is a gift from God. He has created you in His own image to be a worker, giving you skills and abilities to accomplish His purposes. He has also sovereignly placed you in your occupation to do His work there. Even if your job is as lowly as a Roman slave’s, it still has value and dignity to Christ. Christ is your Boss, but He uses human supervisors.

People, in authority over you are actually human representatives of Christ. They may not act very Christlike. But in working for them, you are ultimately working for Christ. Do you follow instructions? Do you shirk your job when they are not around? Are you more interested in impressing them to gain approval and advancement than getting the job done? How would your work ethic change if you saw Christ as your supervision?
Christ asks you to put your heart into your work. If you serve Christ in your job, you have more than else to work with integrity and enthusiasm.

The job itself may be unchallenging or unpleasant. But Christ asks you to do it with dignity, to the best of your ability, as though working for Christ Himself. Christ will reward you for good, faithful work, and will review your work someday. You can expect praise and reward for working in a Christlike manner.

July 13, 2021

The Spirituality of Everyday Work.

SCRIPTURE: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your affections on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set our minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Col. 3:1-2 NIV)

Our work is actually an extension of Christ’s rule in the world and so God expects us to do our work the same way He does His. We have to be: Diligent.

We need to be excellent at the work we do.
We need to persevere and bring the best out of our work.

Our work needs to be good, indeed very good. The issue here is spirituality, the capacity to know, experience, and respond to God. The question we may ask is whether it is indeed possible to bring spirituality into “secular” work. A few things are worth considering:

1. If Christ is Lord over all of life, then He must be Lord overwork, too.
Whether sacred or secular work, we must bring out our best. The life that Christ offers (the “things above”) and its alternative – spiritual death apart from Him (the “things on earth”).
Spirituality also has to do with the lordship of Christ. Christ is Lord over all of creation – Col. 1:15-18. Therefore, He is Lord overwork. Whatever we do for work, we should do it “in the name of the Lord Jesus – Col.3:17, that is, with a concern for His approval and in a manner t
2. The Spirit empowers us to live and work with Christlikeness
Spirituality has to do with character and conduct, regardless of where we work. Christ gives the Holy Spirit to help us live in a way that pleases Him.

July 11, 2021July 11, 2021

The Church In Laodicea

SCRIPTURE: “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
(Rev. 3:19-22 NIV)

God would discipline this lukewarm church unless it turned from its indifference toward Him. God’s purpose in discipline is not to punish but to bring people back to Him. Are you lukewarm in your devotion to God? God may discipline you to help you out of your uncaring attitude, but He uses only loving discipline. The Laodicean church was complacent and rich. They felt self-satisfied but didn’t have Christ’s presence among them. Christ knocked at the door of their hearts, but they were so busy enjoying worldly pleasures that they didn’t notice that He was trying to enter. Jesus knocks at the door of our hearts because He wants to save us and have fellowship with us.