EmmDev 2024-10-28 [Stronger Together] Stength in Unity

Stength in Unity

We move into our final week of the Month of Mission, this week's devotions reflect on the Benefits of Community and Unity.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If one of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes4:9-12)

Two are better than one
God in His own wisdom did not create a human being to be an island. He created us to be in a human community. From our passage we see that there are lots of benefits in a human community. We are supposed to enjoy each other's company, to work together and to lift each other. There is a lot a person can do alone, but in the company of another much more can be done. You work and encourage one another. As the saying goes, "Alone you can walk fast, but together we can walk far."

In the Scriptures Jesus intentionally sent out His disciples in pairs to do His work, Mark 6:7. In addition our Lord emphasized the importance of two or three gathered in His name to have active fellowship that involved forgiveness and reconciliation, Matthew 18:20.

Stronger together
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. During my primary school days, there was a bully who troubled us. One day a friend suggested that when the bully picks a fight with one of us, we should come together and fight the bully. At first we were so scared to go with the plan but I got courage and told the bully to stop beating our friend. She left the one she was beating and came for me. My other three friends watched for a second and come forward and we were able to overpower the bully and that was the beginning of peace. The bully stopped terrorizing us and there was harmony. As believers when we come together in love, we can fight the enemy.

We need each other, we need each other's support and encouragement daily. We can pray at home alone, but you can agree with me that when we come together and pray together, we feel more encouraged and we can even pray longer!

The enemy's tactics
The devil our enemy knows how he can defeat us. He isolates us and then attacks. Due to this isolation, we are having lots of incidents of people taking their own lives. You don't have to make it through life alone. Talk to someone and you will be stronger.

May God bless us all as we enjoy the company of one another
Shalom
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Jane Moyo Nyirongo is currently serving the saints of Garden congregation in Mchinga Presbytery. A mother and grand mother of many. Enjoys taking walks, reading and gardening.

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EmmDev 2024-10-25 [Stronger Together] Sowing in Peace

Sowing in Peace

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (James3:18)

Peace is an interesting thing -- so many people want it, search for it and long for it, and yet struggle to find it. Peace seems to be a gift that you're given, or something you find as you do this journey of life. Its often a sense, sometimes fleeting, of all is well with the world or the deeper knowing within your soul of "It's going to be Ok."

As Jesus followers, we get to experience peace because of the gift of the Holy Spirit. He brings peace into our lives, and so becoming aware of his presence with us, sensing his guidance, and knowing his heart can help us to live with a deeper, more long-lasting peace that defies circumstance.

Our passage for today introduces something new to this though -- "Peacemakers who sow in peace." I wrestled long with this phrase in researching for this devotion -- what does it mean to be a peacemaker who sows in peace?
Some implications seem clear:

1. Work towards unity through loving communication
2. Repair broken relationships
3. Avoid divisive talk and the temptation to gossip
4. Live with integrity - that what you say you do
5. On a larger scale, we can contribute to building bridges between those who are different, and refusing to be polarised by controversy

All of these are forms of peace-making and all are important in reaping a harvest of righteousness. I, however, want to propose an additional one.

We get to carry the Prince of Peace into situations. When we encounter pain and heartache, fear, frustration, grief and loss, or anger -- we can choose to walk into the room carrying peace. We get to change the dynamics simply by walking in. This is true incarnational ministry -- when we get to be like Jesus and do the work he does.

Think of those he healed, he conversed with, he touched -- each time they were able to "go in peace."

What would it look like if every encounter, every conversation, every prayer was empowered with the peace of the Spirit? What would change if we invited him into these spaces, and welcomed his peace? How would it be when the stress and fear is high -- to stop and experience his peace for ourselves and then become a peacemaker just as he was?

May you be filled anew today with the gift Jesus offered of a peace that passes understanding. And may you become a peacemaker like him, as you carry this peace into the world.
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Jackie is the minister at Strubensvalley United Church. She, and her husband Tim, also run Omphile House -- a foster home where they parent abandoned and abused children. They currently parent seven children ranging from 5 to 25, and 3 grandchildren. When not working and parenting she loves good conversation and chasing sunsets.

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EmmDev 2024-10-24 [Stronger Together] Prince of Peace

Prince of Peace

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah9:6-7)

Long ago a man sought the perfect picture of peace. Not finding one that satisfied, he announced a contest to produce this masterpiece. The challenge stirred the imagination of artists everywhere, and paintings arrived from far and wide. Finally, the great day of revelation arrived. The judges uncovered one peaceful scene after another, while the crowd clapped and cheered. The tensions grew. Only two pictures remained veiled. As a judge pulled the cover from one, a hush fell over the crowd. A mirror-smooth lake reflected lacy, green birches under the soft blush of the evening sky. Along the grassy shore, a flock of sheep grazed undisturbed. Surely this was the winner.

The man with the vision uncovered the second painting himself, and the crowd gasped in surprise. Could this be peace? A tumultuous waterfall cascaded down a rocky precipice; the crowd could almost feel it's cold, penetrating spray. Stormy-grey clouds threatened to explode with lightning, wind and rain. In the midst of the thundering noises and bitter chill, a spindly tree clung to the rocks at the edge of the falls. One of its branches reached out in front of the torrential waters as if foolishly seeking to experience its full power. A little bird had built a nest in the elbow of that branch. Content and undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, she rested on her eggs. With her eyes closed and her wings ready to cover her little ones, she manifested peace that transcends all earthly turmoil. (A Wardrobe from the King, Berit Kjos, pp. 45-46)

Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour truly is the Prince of Peace! When He was crucified, died and rose again from the dead He inaugurated the Kingdom of God in our midst. It is the here and the not yet. The word for peace in Isaiah 9:6-7, shalom, implies more than lack of conflict. According to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, shalom means "completeness, soundness, welfare, peace."

Therefore, in our world today, Jesus Christ offers us peace -- completeness, soundness, welfare -- in the midst of our struggles with the world. He does not promise us that it will be easy, but He will keep us complete in the midst of the storm.

Therefore, let us put our hope and trust in Jesus Christ, our "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

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Wayne van Heerden, husband to Frances, father to David and Angela. Enjoys mountain biking. Serving at Gateway, Kempton Park.

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EmmDev 2024-10-23 [Stronger Together] Seeking Peace

Seeking Peace

In Romans 12:9-21 Paul, sets before us the duty of a Christian person. What a world it would be if these precepts were carried out, if even every Christian was careful to observe them. The apostle mentions six features which should characterize our relationships when dealing with others. Paul refers to sincerity, discrimination towards others, generosity, sympathy, humility and peacefulness

Paul then gives this command in verse 18:

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans12:18)

Though simple, it is very challenging to live at peace with everyone. This is in line with the central message of the gospel which centres on love, reconciliation and unity. The vision of the UPCSA encourages us also to be a reconciled community of Christians. We are therefore encouraged to reflect Christ's love on how we're interacting with others.

As Christians the peace we seek is not just absence of conflict but a deep sense of harmony and mutual goodwill This peace that we are to seek does not ignore our differences as individuals but we need to seek to overcome them through understanding, grace and patience.

Paul realises that in order for us to live in peace with everyone we need to understand that human relationships are complex and sometimes peace might not be attained due to actions and attitudes of others.

We are therefore encouraged not to give up on peace. Even if it seems difficult, we must persevere. We are called to do everything in our power to promote peace. In this instance, Paul emphasises taking personal responsibility. We should take the initiative to forgive, to reconcile, and to avoid unnecessary conflict. It means being willing to let go of pride, grudges, and offenses for the sake of peace.

How do we do that?
May I suggest that we need to be proactive in seeking and making peace. Apologize when necessary and offer forgiveness when it's needed. Be intentional about pursuing peace. Control your responses. While you can't control how others act, you can control how you respond. Avoid escalating conflicts and strive to respond in love, even when provoked.

We need to recognize our limits. Understand that peace is not always possible. Some relationships may never fully reconcile, and some conflicts may not be resolved in this life. In these cases, trust God's justice and sovereignty, and maintain a heart of grace.

Our goal as followers of Christ is to strive for peace, to reflect His love in every interaction, and to trust that God will ultimately bring justice and reconciliation in His time.

Peace begins with each of us. As we strive to live peacefully with others, we become reflections of God's love and ambassadors of the Prince of Peace
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Bukelwa Hans is married to Howard and blessed with 4 children and 10 grandchildren. She is a retired minister in the Central Cape Presbytery.

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EmmDev 2024-10-22 [Stronger Together] God's word of Peace

God's word of Peace

I will listen to what God the Lord will say: He promises peace to His people, His saints -- but let them not return to folly. (Psalms85:8)

The Psalmist resolves to listen to what the Lord will say. He continues to say that those who desire revival or renewal must wait upon God's word.

This imposes the following demands:

1. To respond to his love, the saints who are the objects of his committed love who are committed to love him back.
2. To forsake the follies of the past.
3. To live in fear of God. The consequence is that God in all his glory will come among his people. God loves us without any adjustment of his truth, He also extends his peace to us without compromising his righteousness.

Last week's devotion looked at Matthew 5:9 where Jesus is saying "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God". Things happen to us every day, from minor to major, that could serve as an excuse for vengeance. Each time something hurtful happens, we have a choice to make: Will we be a peacemaker or a revenge seeker? Will we inflame the event with the fire of revenge, or will we smother it with the blanket of peace?
In John 14:27 Jesus is saying "The peace I give is a gift the world cannot give." God will speak peace to his people. Peace is spoken to those who turn from sin. Through sin we went away from God. Since He is peace himself He has justified us through faith. We are a forgiven nation, church and generation. We therefore need to recognise this grace and mercy that God has done for us with the sacrifice of his only begotten son. Even today in this World of sinful people God is still inviting us to come to him so that we can receive that peace He has made free for all of us in this World. We are encouraged to read these words, pray and abide by them in order to receive the Peace of mind and soul we desire.

God said that vengeance is His; He will repay (Romans 12:19). Paul writes that we are to do everything possible to "live peaceably with all people" (Romans 12:18). When we choose to forgive instead of fight, we become peacemakers. If you are faced with the choice of seeking peace or seeking vengeance, choose peace and receive the blessing of God. Thomas Fuller says that "The noblest revenge is to forgive."

We are encouraged to listen to God's word of promise and its conditions.
Amen.
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I am Reverend Zipilele Wilson Lubambo married with 3 sons, serving at St Michaels and St Marks Congregations in the Presbytery of Highveld of UPCSA.

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EmmDev 2024-10-21 [Stronger Together] Blessed are the PeaceMakers

Blessed are the PeaceMakers

In this fourth week of our Month of Mission we look at how PEACEMAKERS make us stronger together.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew5:9)

Of course, today's reading is part of the well-known scripture referred to as the Beatitudes and is found in the larger section of text known as the sermon on the Mount in Matthew and the sermon on the plain in Luke.

Perhaps the biggest challenge we face when reading this famous scripture, is the fact that we are too familiar with it that we are no longer shocked or alarmed by what Jesus is saying. To remedy this, I suggest going to a completely different translation, and in this case Eugene Peterson's The Message: "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family."

When we think about peace-making, I think we often are drawn to think about the extensive unrest and wars in our world; we think about negotiating world peace, and often times we give up before we start, because we feel so small and insignificant. Some of us will think about peace-making in our communities or families, and even that can be a daunting task.

But The Message talks about setting an example, showing people that cooperation and communicating to understand one another is the better way. We are not great listeners, and we mostly listen to reply. We want people to hear us and for them to change their minds; instead of listening to understand. Most conflict is based off misunderstanding, which is easily remedied when we just listen.

Surely anyone can do that!

The Beatitudes are meant to set us apart from the usual business of our world, so that others will wonder why we behave differently. Perhaps we should pursue the title of being good listeners, because surely that will lead to peace.

Pray: Dear Lord, help me to be quick to listen and slow to reply. Help me to hear over their words and to listen to their hearts. Lord help me to be a bridge builder and peace maker. Amen.
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Melanie Cook, currently serving at St Columba's Presbyterian Church, Parkview. My favourite hymns are: "My song is love unknown" and "For everyone born, a place at the table."

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EmmDev 2024-10-18 [Stronger Together] Forgiveness

Forgiveness

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians3:13-15)

Background
Colossae was a small and socially insignificant city during this period. Christians there were drawn to Hellenistic mysticism, mystical cults, and certain mystical elements of Judaism. These cultural influences contributed to the challenges the author confronted in Colossae.

The text
This passage presents three key elements: bearing with one another, forgiving grievances as the Lord forgave us, and putting on the virtue of love.

Divine forgiveness
Divine forgiveness is the forgiveness of Christ. He forgives generously, completely, and without holding past offenses against us. Christ forgave even the most grievous offenses, despite being despised and hated without cause. He continued to forgive, even in the face of causeless wrong.

Application.
Only when we realize that God loves the world without exception can we understand forgiveness as a universal act, one that should be extended to all. Forgiveness is not about the superior forgiving the inferior, or the socially powerful forgiving the less privileged. It's not for the elite to bear with the poor, or the old to forgive the young, or vice versa. Forgiveness crosses all boundaries.

Forgiveness is your own act and freewill, to give it forth from you that it may go clean out from you. As the daughters and sons of God, we should strive to be like God, and have a forgiving heart.

Forgiveness, is also a painful process which implies the dismissal of the revengeful feelings which injury may have excited, and the revival of those feelings of goodwill which it becomes us habitually to cherish as W. Fleming said.

Brothers and sisters, the world we live in is deeply wounded and hurt, rife with human conflicts that lead to misunderstandings. Families are broken and divided, communities are at odds, churches are splitting, and nations are at war. These realities reflect our need to bear with one another, to love, and to forgive if we are to heal the world.

Conclusion
I encourage you beloved in the Lord that we may have a forgiving heart as our Lord God. Forgiveness leads to unity and peace; it leads us to live in harmony with one another and with God. Anyone who has this peace is most likely to cultivate love which binds us all together in perfect unity. Being at peace with one another and with God leads to true expression of ourselves to the Lord through worship, and in Christ our souls will find rest. Remember Christ promised us peace that supersedes the peace the world may give.

I will end this devotion with a quotation from an anonymous writer who says, "You need forgiveness yourself when you have offended. He who cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself has to pass. Besides, an unforgiving spirit is an injury to its possessor"
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Clarence Tungunu
Minister at Hatfield Presbyterian Church within the Presbytery of Zimbabwe
Married to Anna Tungunu with three kids two girls and a boy.

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EmmDev 2024-10-17 [Stronger Together] Keeping the Unity of the Spirit

Keeping the Unity of the Spirit

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians4:2-3)

Though written to the Christian community in Ephesus, the Letter to the Ephesians was likely used as a circular to other Christian communities as well.

• It provides a thorough, comprehensive, and consolidated message of the Gospels in a clear, concise, and precise manner.
• It addresses many of the fundamental truths, teachings, and doctrines of the Gospels.
• Themes like love, unity, practical faith, and Christ's sacrificial love are central to this letter.

Christ's humble submission to willingly die on the cross for all humanity, His patience, and the love He demonstrated on the cross signify His desire for peace and unity in all our relationships. Paul emphasizes this in his letter, explaining that being united and one in Spirit requires effort and obligation from all of us, calling us to work tirelessly toward the unity of the Spirit.

Our efforts toward unity and peace must be characterized by humility, patience, gentleness, and tolerance.

The brokenness of the world---whether in our homes, marriages, or broader families---often stems from our impatience with one another, our lack of humility, and our tendency to fill the space with our own views, opinions, needs, and desires. As a result, strife and conflict abound.

It is a broken world because tolerance is trampled under the feet of prejudice and narrow-mindedness. Selective or discriminatory love breaks apart the bonds of peace that should unite us all. Yet, it is in the love of Christ that we find one another, and together, we work toward a united family, all striving for the unity of the Spirit.

Jesus Christ is the embodiment of this love---a sacrificial love that binds us together in peace and unity, giving us the strength to love one another more deeply in the Spirit. Paul urges and encourages us to work diligently at maintaining the unity of the Spirit so that we might reduce the burden of the world's brokenness and create unique, united communities of peace.

In Galatians 5:15, Paul stresses again that "biting and devouring" one another will lead only to mutual destruction. The unity of the Spirit is like a living organism that must be continually nourished with humility, patience, tolerance, gentleness---all wrapped in love.

We are therefore obligated and called to live out our faith by actively working to maintain the unity of the Spirit in our families, contributing to a better world.
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Rev. Caesar Murove is a minister in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe and currently serving at Dzivarasekwa UPCSA. He is married to Rev. D. Murove of St Peter's Mtapa Gweru UPCSA.

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EmmDev 2024-10-16 [Stronger Together] A Family dedicated to serve God

A Family dedicated to serve God

As Psalm 127:1 reminds us "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." A family dedicated to serve God can expect transformative power. On one hand they will experience profound blessings, including a lasting legacy of faith, unshakeable unity and spiritual growth. Their home will become a sanctuary of peace, joy and hope where love and forgiveness flourish. However, their commitment may also invite challenges such as trials, persecution and sacrifices. Nevertheless, through these experiences they will discover the depth of God's presence,guidance and strength.

Joshua made a bold statement of faith and leadership.

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve ,whether the gods your ancestors worshipped beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites ,in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household,we will serve the Lord." (Joshua24:14)

Having witnessed God's faithfulness in conquering Canaan, he was personally convicted to serve God. As Israel's leader he set an example, renewing the covenant and separating his household from idolaters. His words inspired the Israelites to recommit to God, emphasising family devotion and leadership influence.

Today let's draw inspiration from Joshua's courageous commitment to God. As we reflect on his Spirit-filled commitment, we are reminded that our faith is not just about individual salvation, but also about building a community of believers. May Joshua's example help us to evaluate our own commitment to God and our families. Again, may his declaration challenge us to declare our faith publicly , lead our families in devotion and prioritise loyalty to God.

Prayer: Lord, as I reflect on Joshua's unwavering commitment to serve you. I am reminded of the power of devotion. Help me, like Joshua to boldly declare "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." As Joshua led Israel, help me to lead my family, friends and community with integrity, wisdom and courage. May our homes be sanctuaries of worship. Help me God to stand firm knowing You are with me. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Joshua's commitment to God alongside his family demonstrates that serving God is a journey, and we need our families with us on this journey. May his testimony encourage us to support one another in our faith and to pass on a legacy of devotion to the next generation.
In the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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My name is Elias Simango, married and father of three. I am a serving minister at Chitungwiza UPCSA in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe.

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EmmDev 2024-10-15 [Stronger Together] The gift of brotherhood / sisterhood.

The gift of brotherhood / sisterhood.

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Friends love through all kinds of weather, And families stick together in all kinds of trouble. (MSG) A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. (NKJV) (Proverbs17:17)

We are living in times whereby friendship has developed into a stronger covenant in people's lives more than the brotherly love within families. A friend and a brother, are both essential persons needed in and around the life of an individual but the problem comes when we fail to differentiate the value of the two and where to place them.

Now from the above scripture, though a friend appears to be loyal it is very important to understand that a brother is born for a reason. That is to provide support and companionship during difficult times and this points to the familial bond that should exist between siblings.

Therefore, this also means that even if a friend can be true throughout, there are certain limitations or boundaries that he cannot cross. For example, each family here has its own pattern of life which is best understood by siblings and not friends, hence calls for a brother to address.

However, the realisation of the gift of brotherhood and sisterhood in families can only be achieved when we start to consider and value one another in a family set up as well as complimenting the similarities or differences each one has bearing in mind that what unites a family is greater than what divides it. The church, which is you and me has a mandate to strengthen this gift of brotherhood and sisterhood in families.

As I wrap up my dear brothers and sisters, while a friend's love can be readily available, remember a sister or brother is part of you, is born for you, there is a blood tie. Many people are replacing the gift of family because of wanting to belong somewhere or to have material things to suit a style.

But today as the Lord has given you and me the privilege to have this devotion in our ears. Let us learn something and stop looking down upon our brothers and sisters or replace them for any cause, it is indeed a gift to have that brother or sister on your side. Amen.
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Tariro Mupfururi: Wife to Regis, a mother to Munashe, Nokutenda, Anashe and Anotida.
Serving at Mufakose UPCSA in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe.

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