EmmDev 2024-10-31 [Stronger Together] Together we overcome Obstacles

Together we overcome Obstacles

When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up - one on one side, one on the other - so that his hands remained steady till sunset. (Exodus17:12)

The UPCSA community, for the past one and a half years, has been exploring the theme "Stronger Together." Indeed, the scriptures are very clear in Ecclesiastes 4:9, which says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour..." From Exodus 17:12, our devotion emphasis is "Together we overcome obstacles."

Life is full of obstacles that each community of believers will come across time and again, and God anticipates His people working together to overcome their obstacles (Genesis 11:6). This experience brings about growth for His children.

In Exodus 17, the Israelites, led by Moses, are journeying through the wilderness after their escape from Egypt. They face a critical moment when the Amalekites attack them at Rephidim. Moses instructs Joshua to lead the Israelite army in battle while he stands on a hill with the staff of God. As long as Moses holds up his hands, Israel prevails, but when he lowers them, the Amalekites gain ground.

Moses becomes tired, and his arms weaken. To support him, Aaron and Hur place a stone for Moses to sit on and hold up his hands---one on each side---until sunset. This act of teamwork enables Israel to maintain the upper hand and ultimately win the battle.

Even Moses, a great leader chosen by God, became weary. His physical strength was not enough to win the battle. This reminds us that no matter how capable or strong we may be, we all reach moments of exhaustion. It's important to recognise that needing help is not a sign of weakness but of humanity. God often uses people around us to strengthen us in our time of need. Be humble and be a team player.

Aaron and Hur came alongside Moses and held up his arms when he couldn't do it alone. Their combined strength kept Moses steady, and their teamwork led to victory for Israel. Likewise, unity in the body of Christ is essential. When we come together, supporting one another in prayer, encouragement, and love, we can face any obstacle. God's design is for us to function as a community, lifting one another up in difficult times.

The outcome of the battle depended not only on Moses but on the collective effort of those around him. This story shows that God uses the support of others to fulfil His purpose in our lives. We can overcome obstacles when we rely on our faith in God and the community He provides. Together, through Christ, we can find victory in situations where alone we might fail. Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us that a cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

This passage highlights the power of cooperation, faith, and reliance on God to overcome challenges.
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Rev. Dr. Christopher Mkandawire husband of Rhodah, father of Wanangwa, Kondwani and Wongani. Minister of David Livingstone Memorial Presbyterian Church in Livingstone Zambia.
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This brings us to the end of our Month of Mission Devotions.
A big THANK YOU goes to:

• The Month of Missions Team: Richard Mkandawire (Convener), Matshidiso Piroe, Brian Mazanhi, Stewart Gordon, Wayne van Heerden and Theo Groeneveld.
• Our Devotion writers: James Gray, Shona vd Lingen, Mary-Anne Molifi, Donald Themba Nzama, Lethabo Mbotja, Tieho Letsheleha, Unathi Ntseke, Tatenda Garande, Tariro Mupfururi, Elias Simango, Clarence Tungunu, Melanie Cook, Zipilele Wilson Lubambo, Bukelwa Hans, Wayne van Heerden, Jackie Barker, Jane Moyo Nyirongo, Richard Mkandawire, Godfrey Msiska, Christopher Mkandawire and Theo Groeneveld.

We pray that you have been blessed by these devotions.

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

One of our ministers, Theo Groeneveld, writes devotions Tue-Fri during gov school terms.
If you would like to receive these by email or whatsapp, go to emmdev.blogspot.com and use the links at the top of the page.

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EmmDev 2024-10-30 [Stronger Together] Standing Together in God's Power

Standing Together in God's Power

How could one man chase a thousand, or two put ten thousand to fight, unless the Rock had sold them, unless the Lord had given them up? (Deuteronomy32:30)

There are two songs of Moses in the Old Testament. The first is a song of victory after God brought them through the Red Sea and defeated Pharaoh's army. The second song comes from the end of Moses' life and is both a warning and a call to remembrance, highlighting God's faithfulness, Israel's frequent disobedience, and the consequences of turning away from Him. Our reading comes from this second song. Moses addresses his song to Israel as a nation and warns them that disobedience to God will result in God handing them over to their enemies.

As Christians, we have at our disposal divine strength from God's power. God's power is available to us as a result of unity and reliance on God. Standing together in God's power emphasises the importance of unity and reliance on God, especially during challenges. The question raised in the scripture we have read underscores the idea that without God's intervention and support, even a large number of people can be overwhelmed by a few of their enemies.

The passage of scripture in Deuteronomy 32:30 is part of the "song of Moses," which serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness for divine protection. God is referred to as "the Rock," meaning that God provides stability and strength. In fact, the imagery of one man chasing a thousand and two chasing ten thousand highlights the power that comes from divine backing. (Sadly, in this case, it is Israel being chased by a few enemies because they have strayed from God, and He has given them up.)

This passage is a sobering reminder that it is only possible to live a Christian life in the power of God. We must realise that it is important to stand together in God. In the book of Joshua, Moses' words were fulfilled when Joshua attacked the small city of Ai, which they should have defeated easily, but instead, the Israelites were utterly defeated. This was because of the sin of Achan, who kept some of Jericho's idols, and because Joshua did not consult God. It is a clear reminder of how important it is to be united and reliant on God.

When we learn to rely wholly on God, our thinking and approach to life are transformed. We no longer live with expectations of defeat or failure; instead, we grow in confidence that, through God's power, we can live victoriously. Living as a Christian is less about what we strive to do for Christ and more about allowing Christ to work through us and being empowered by the Holy Spirit.
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Rev. Dr. Godfrey Msiska, a husband to Muchoke, father to Vitu, Vinu, Vinandi and Viwongo, serving at St. Peter's congregation in Ndola, Zambia and lecturing at Evangelical University.

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EmmDev 2024-10-29 [Stronger Together] United in Purpose

United in Purpose

The Lord said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them." (Genesis11:6)

The story of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9 teaches us a big lesson about unity and what can happen when it goes the wrong way. The name "Babel" means "confusion" in Hebrew, which perfectly describes what happened there. Nimrod, a strong leader and great-grandson of Noah, led the people to build a massive tower reaching toward heaven. His goal was to create fame for themselves, not to honor God or follow His command to spread across the earth (Genesis 1:28). This was unity for personal glory, not for God.

In Genesis 11:6, God notes the power of their unity: "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them." While unity is powerful, it can be dangerous if it goes against God's will. So, God created different languages to disrupt their plans and prevent further rebellion. Babel reminds us that when unity is self-centered, it leads to confusion and division.

The Bible also gives examples of unity directed towards God's purpose. Jesus prayed for His followers to be united (John 17:21), and the early church showed this by working together, sharing what they had, and supporting one another to spread the gospel (Acts 2:44-46). (Ironically, at Pentecost, the Spirit used different languages to bring people together.) Unlike Babel, where people sought fame, the early believers were united in serving God, and the church grew rapidly. They show us the real strength of unity when it's aligned with God's purpose.

Let us aim for unity that honors God. Putting aside personal ambition, may we work together as one body, striving to fulfill His mission. Together, we can achieve much for His kingdom. May we be stronger in purpose, unified in faith and love.
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Richard Mkandawire is currently ministering at St. Columba's congregation in Kabwe. He is married to Aretha, and they have three kids. He enjoys watching football and reading.

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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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