EmmDev 2026-10-22 [M.O.M. 2026] Leadership & Lay Ministry #4 - Fan it into Flame!

Leadership & Lay Ministry #4 - Fan it into Flame!

This week we are looking at Leadership and Lay Ministry. Today we see leadership is about nurturing spiritual gifts...
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Context And Situation
The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, from a Roman prison while he awaited execution. Timothy was facing discouragement, challenges and opposition in Ephesus, and potential intimidation or fear regarding his leadership role. Paul wanted to encourage Timothy to persevere and have confident leadership.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2Timothy1:6-7)

It is easy to drift into spiritual apathy or distance from active ministry when facing trials. Therefore, this message serves as a foundational motivation for all leaders at all times. We need to avoid the temptation to draw back when the world crowds in and pressures mount up.

Stir up the Gift of God
No gift comes fully developed, and the process of developing them is not automatic or effortless. It is for this reason that Paul uses imagery of fanning a dying fire back into a blazing flame. It implies that spiritual gifts and zeal need to be actively used, revived and maintained through regular practice and discipline rather than left to grow cold.

Fear
The Greek word for fear implies cowardice or timidity. Someone once said that the word fear as an acronym means two different things. For some it means 'forget everything and run away'. For others it means 'face everything and rise up'. As soldiers of Christ we should not desert the post under pressure. We cannot retreat from the frontlines of serving Christ. Fear is explicitly identified as not coming from God, nor is it the default disposition of the believer.

Power
The Spirit of power refers to divine enabling strength. Leaders are not expected to fulfill God's call or face hardship in their own human weakness. Through the active indwelling power of the Holy Spirit they are able to overcome. People will grow in faith and the church will stand against evil forces when we allow the Spirit of power to manifest.

Love
God's Spirit produces selfless, sacrificial love for others (agape), which acts as the anchor and motivation for ministry. Love for God and mankind should be our greatest motivation whenever we exercise our spiritual gifts. Genuine love casts out self-preserving fear and compels leaders to serve even in hostile or difficult situations.

Self-Discipline
It represents sober, sensible and self-controlled judgment. It prevents emotional panic or rash decisions in the middle of crisis or persecution. It is often said that we cannot control what happens to us but we can choose how we respond.

Conclusion
There may be challenges, disappointments and times when our efforts seem unnoticed. Our service to God must remain sincere and faithful. May God renew our courage, strengthen our commitment and give us willing hearts to work faithfully for His glory.
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Rev. Patrick Nyawuza, minister at Jonas Lediga congregation, within the bounds of Tshwane Presbytery. In 2026 we celebrated 35 years in marriage. We are blessed with two sons, a daughter and one grandson. I love reading and jogging.

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EmmDev 2026-10-21 [M.O.M. 2026] Leadership & Lay Ministry #3 - Equip the Saints

Leadership & Lay Ministry #3 - Equip the Saints

Today we see leadership being called to Equip the Saints.

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians4:11-13)

Our passage today is an interesting one as it seems to juxtapose individuality with unity. On the one hand, Paul lists the gifts that Christ has given to his people. These gifts are; the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers. There are other gifts listed in 1Corinthians12, Romans12 and 1Peter4 and so it seems that the Holy Spirit empowers the members of the church in a variety of ways.

We are all gifted differently. As members of the body of Christ we excel and shine in different areas. This seems to emphasise our individuality.

Some are prophets while others are pastors! We can imagine how just these two giftings can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings. Now, imagine the church with people possessing all the gifts Christ has given, with each saint manifesting their gift differently! We can all imagine the chaos that can arise.

But, according to Paul, the gifts that Christ has given are for the unity of the church. So while seeming to list individual gifts on the one hand, Paul on the other hand emphasises the building up of the church. The gifts that all the individual members of the body of Christ possess are for the building up of the church.

As Christians we have been equipped by Christ through the gifts we have been given. We are to use these gifts towards the building up of the church. If we are building the body of Christ, growth will be evident. If we put our gifts to work, we will be growing in our faith, in unity. We will also be growing in our knowledge of Christ.

The ultimate goal of the gifts that we have received as the body of Christ, is that we might all together, in unity, reach maturity and be more like Christ. It is Christ himself who has equipped the saints.

With regards to the growth of our church, the UPCSA, this passage calls on every member to use their Christ given gift. We should not cower! The unity, growth, and maturity of our church depend on every single member of our church.
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Rev Shingirai Eunice Masunda is a New Testament scholar, researcher, minister in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe.

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EmmDev 2026-10-20 [M.O.M. 2026] Leadership & Lay Ministry #2 - The Young Leader's Focus

Leadership & Lay Ministry #2 - The Young Leader's Focus

This week we are looking at Leadership and Lay Ministry. Today we look at what young leaders must focus on.
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God has been at work since the beginning of time to fulfil His own purpose, gathering to Himself a people from all the nations of the world. This chosen people is to be God's holy nation and Christ's eternal bride. In today's devotion we discover that God is not limited by age, culture or any other thing in enlisting people into this program. However, I want to argue that young aspiring Partners in mission must also receive positive encouragement from older Christians. Encouragement from anyone is always good. Encouragement from seasoned saints---especially pastors---builds up young leaders in a pronounced way.
This is what Paul does for Timothy...

These things command and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. (1Timothy4:12-16)

It may be helpful for us to consider Timothy's recruitment to this Mission:
In Acts 16:1-2, Paul found Timothy well-spoken of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium. As a recipient of the two New Testament letters bearing his name, Timothy was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. He joined Paul during one of Paul's later missionary journeys. Paul addresses Timothy as "my true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2). He was probably no older than late teens/early twenties when he joined Paul but had already distinguished himself as faithful, and the elders noticed him. He probably heard and responded to the gospel when Paul came through the area of Derbe and Lystra on his first missionary journey.

In this letter, Paul gave Timothy instructions and advice for leading the church. He also exhorted Timothy not to let others look down upon him due to his youth, but to set an example for other believers "in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). Paul told Timothy to be devoted to reading Scripture, exhorting, and teaching, and to not neglect the gift that he had been given. To keep fit for purpose, Timothy was to keep a close watch on himself.

These instructions remain pertinent to believers today. We, too, are called to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses" (1 Timothy 6:11-12).

The focussed youth is a formidable Partner in Mission.
Glory be to God!
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Rev. Mamolotje Magagane
Minister at Mount Horeb Presbyterian Church, Limpopo Presbytery

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EmmDev 2026-10-19 [M.O.M. 2026] Leadership & Lay Ministry #1 - Servant Leadership

Leadership & Lay Ministry #1 - Servant Leadership

This week we are looking at Leadership and Lay Ministry. Today we think about Servant Leadership...

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death--- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians2:1-11)

Philippians 2:1--11 teaches us what it means to live with the attitude of Jesus. Paul, in Philippians 2 1 -11, encourages believers to live in unity, humility, and love. He reminds us that following Christ is not about putting ourselves first, but about caring for others and putting others needs before our own.

One of the most powerful verses is Philippians 2:3: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." This can be difficult in a world where we are often encouraged to focus on ourselves, our achievements, our lives and what we can gain. Jesus shows us a different way. He chose humility.

Jesus was the Son of God, yet He willingly humbled Himself and became a servant. He did not use His position to make Himself greater than others. Instead, He gave Himself for the sake of humanity, you and I. His life demonstrates that true greatness is found in serving others with love, His selfless love.
This passage challenges us to look at the way we treat the people around us. At school, at home, at church, or among our friends, do we always need to be right? Do we put our own wants and needs first? Or are we willing to listen, forgive, encourage, and help others?

Having the attitude of Christ does not mean thinking that we are unimportant. It means recognizing that every person has value and choosing to treat others with kindness and respect. Sometimes the smallest acts of humility ... a kind word, helping someone who is struggling, saying sorry, a smile, sometimes just being there for someone or forgiving someone can reflect Christ's love.

Philippians 2:5 says, "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." This is can be challenging, and can be difficult but it is also an invitation. Jesus has shown us how to live as servant leaders. Through Him, we can learn to become more humble, loving, and willing to serve one another by His example and as we follow in His footsteps to be humble servants for Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of humility and love You have given us. Help us to have the same attitude that You had. Teach us to put others before ourselves, to serve with willing hearts, and to live in a way that brings honour to Your name. May our words, choices, and actions always reflect Your love wherever we go. Help us to remember that true greatness comes from serving You and others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Debbie Louw is the Session Clerk of Heidelburg Presbyterian Church in the Highveld Presbytery. Debbie is a mother/grandmother and mentor to many grandchildren and a great grandchild and loves serving God's people.

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EmmDev 2026-10-16 [M.O.M. 2026] Bad Habits #5 - Spiritually Dead - No Impact

Bad Habits #5 - Spiritually Dead - No Impact

This week we are looking at the bad habits of unhealthy churches, here's the fifth one...

To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  (Revelation3:1-6)

A reputation of being alive but dead spiritually seems to be the state of the current church, where only a few are living faithfully with very little or no impact. Christian lives that are not only pretentious but compromised with worldly customs and desires. Today we explore the state of being Spiritually dead based on the letter to the church of Sardis which was fifty Kilometers from south of Thyatira. A Prosperous city where five important roads met and gave the city strategic importance in terms of trade.

Similar to our times majority of Christians in Sardis were spiritually weak and only a few were commended for their faithfulness to the Lord. The Lord Jesus Christ our savior and master who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars knows those who are spiritually dead and a few who are faithful to Him. The Christians in Sardis seemed spiritually alive but they were in fact spiritually dead. They had not faced severe trials nor persecution. The church had become so much like the surrounding community such that it was no longer possible to distinguish between Christians and non Christians.

Their witness to Christ had become dull. They chose not to be different from their non-Christian neighbours. They chose not to oppose the customs and traditions of the community. While they were at peace and content with everything they wanted, their spirits had become weak as good as dead. Their Christian lives were empty, not complete and Christ was not pleased with such Christians.

As we face the month of mission, it's time to reflect on how we have lived our Christian lives. Are we alive or we are spiritually dead? Our call is to please the Lord in every aspect and to be awake and strengthen that which is about to die. It could be the love for the Lord, love for one another, love for the truth, thirst and hunger for righteousness. Jesus warns of judgment to come and the punishment he brings upon the people in this present life. May the Lord help us to strengthen that which is about to die that we may be among those he will dress in white. Those declared righteous in the sight of God, whose names will never be erased from the book of life and will inherit eternal life. And this promise is to those who stand firm to the end.

In this mission month through this reflection we are being reminded to avoid the habits of declining churches of being spiritually dead, weak with very little or no impact. We must ask the Lord to revive us once again, grant us strength, wisdom, courage and the spirit of truth.
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Sonye Banda, married to Wiza. Dad to Kumbutso, Dalitso, Shekinah and Deborah. A Minister serving at St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Chipata Eastern province, Zambia. Mission & Convenor in Eastern Zambia Presbytery.

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EmmDev 2026-10-15 [M.O.M. 2026] Bad Habits #4 - False Teachings and Bad Practices

Bad Habits #4 - False Teachings and Bad Practices

This week we are looking at the bad habits of unhealthy churches, here's the fourth one...

These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.  I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets, 'I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.' To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations --- that one 'will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery' --- just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give that one the morning star.  Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelation2:18-29)

The Greco-Roman city of Thyatira was a wealthy, cosmopolitan hub with trade guilds that controlled the business in the city. It is the smallest of the seven cities addressed in Revelation, but was powerful economically and functioned as a gateway between larger cities. It had many skilled artisans who belonged to trade guilds. These guilds, while economic in nature, also required religious observance to their particular god as part of the membership into the guild. This would often involve heavy drinking, excessive eating and ritual prostitution.

This meant for the Christians in Thyatira, that they could not participate in these guilds -- and this could lead to social isolation and financial ruin. It was an incredibly tough situation for them to be in.

But notice what Jesus says -- he praises them for "your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first." But then calls them out for their involvement in these practices and for anyone preaching that doing so was ok. There was a teaching going around that participating in these practices was allowed as a Christian businessman. Jesus finds this abhorrent.

How does this speak to our churches and our work of the Kingdom today?
It is speaking about compromise.
Do we serve at Church on Sunday but during the week exploit our workers?
Do we worship God and yet gossip about our brothers and sisters?
Do we watch sermons online and porn on the same computer when the night grows late?
Do we serve as an elder, and allow that power to enable abuse at home?
Do we avoid preaching against greed and injustice in order to pacify our people?

We say things like:
-"Well, its just good business to budget for bribery."
-"Well I made this money, how I spend it is my business."
-"Well what people don't see and don't know, doesn't matter."

But Jesus calls us to a life of purity in all areas of our lives. He calls us to be faithful to our spouses, to be just in our dealings with those working for us, to be honest in our finances. He calls us to be different, to be light in the darkness.

The Church fails to grow when abuses to this fidelity are happening quietly behind closed doors. If its our hearts, our love and our devotion that Christ seeks -- then we dare not be unfaithful to our first love.

May we stand up and stand out because we preach integrity and follow through with lives demonstrating these Kingdom values.
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Jackie Barker is a Minister to a church in the West Rand of Johannesburg. She and her husband Tim are parenting 10 beautiful children from hard places, and running a Pregnancy Crisis Centre. She is a lover of walking, sunsets and photography.

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EmmDev 2026-10-14 [M.O.M. 2026] Bad Habits #3 - Politics and Power

Bad Habits #3 - Politics and Power

This week we are looking at the bad habits of unhealthy churches, here's the third one...

I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. (3John1:9-11)

In 3 John 1:9-11, John exposes a vivid example of toxic church power and politics through a leader named Diotrephes, who refused to welcome traveling missionaries, including Demetrius, even when they carried letters proving they were legitimate. No one in Diotrephes's house church was allowed to receive them.

John pinpoints the motive in verse 9: "I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us." There lies the root cause: he loved power. He wanted to sit on the throne of the local assembly, deciding who was in, who was out, whose voice mattered and who was silenced. When personal politics, ego and a craving for authority take root in a church, spiritual decay begins. When a church operates like a political party rather than the body of Christ, it produces fruit that systematically kills the congregation. Diotrephes won the position, forgot his calling, ignored the counsel of the apostles and brought ruin to his house church.

Diotrephes blocked Demetrius and the traveling workers because new leaders, new ideas and new voices threatened his position. When a church is controlled by a spirit of self-preservation, hospitality dies. Entrenched leaders begin viewing newcomers as threats to the status quo. When protecting personal turf becomes more important than the mission of God, the church ceases to be a refuge and becomes an exclusive, unwelcoming club.

John also reveals Diotrephes's tactics of spreading lies. Leaders and members who fight to maintain control cannot rely on love or truth, so they resort to slander, character assassination and whisper campaigns. They tear down others to protect their own standing. A culture of gossip and backbiting destroys trust. Once trust dies in a congregation, spiritual life evaporates, and visitors quickly sense the underlying toxicity.

Diotrephes did not stop at gossip; he actively stopped those who wanted to welcome the brethren and "puts them out of the church." When church politics dominate, the most passionate, loving and mission-minded believers are often the first to be silenced, worn out or pushed out. What remains is a cold, hollow institution run by controllers over a dwindling, spiritless crowd.

Church, if we want renewal instead of decline, we must recognise that church politics, as John describes it, is evil. To turn the tide, both leaders and congregants must apply God's Word to break the culture of power and politics.

Church leaders must reject Diotrephes's desire for pre-eminence. True kingdom power is found in servanthood, not titles or controlling committees. They must welcome and equip new voices, new gifts and younger leaders, and lead with transparency and grace, refusing political manoeuvring or character assassination.

Congregants must move from passive compliance to ownership, refusing to align with church politics. Practise direct grace: if there is disagreement, follow Matthew 18:15 and go directly to your brother or sister in love rather than spreading gossip. Extend radical hospitality. Break up church cliques and ensure that everyone feels welcomed and valued.

John closes with a decisive call: "Dear friends, do not imitate what is evil but what is good." A church dominated by foolish power and internal politics will inevitably shrink and fade because the Holy Spirit does not bless human arrogance. But a church that chooses kingdom humility, where leaders serve and congregants love, becomes an unshakable lighthouse of hope.

Let us put away internal politics today, lay down our desire to be first, and imitate the servant heart of Jesus.
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Rev Dephine Murove, married to Rev Caesar Murove and currently serving at St Peters UPCSA, POZ

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EmmDev 2026-10-13 [M.O.M. 2026] Inward Looking and In Denial

Inward Looking and In Denial

This week we are looking at the bad habits of unhealthy churches, here's the second one...

To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm -- neither hot nor cold -- I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 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. (Revelation3:14-22)

There is something rather uncomfortable about being confronted with a truth we would prefer not to acknowledge. There is a tendency to see ourselves in a favourable light, to focus on what is going well while overlooking what needs attention. Sometimes we become so comfortable with our circumstances that we convince ourselves everything is fine, even when the reality tells a different story.

This was precisely the problem with the church in Laodicea. They considered themselves wealthy, successful, and self-sufficient. From their perspective, they lacked nothing. Yet Christ's assessment was completely different. Beneath their outward prosperity was a troubling spiritual poverty. They had become lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, and perhaps most concerning was that they did not even recognize their condition.

There is an important lesson here for us as individuals and as the Church. It is possible to become so inward-looking that we measure our spiritual health by our own standards. We look at our achievements, our activities, our traditions, and even our material blessings, and assume that all must be well. Meanwhile, we may be neglecting the very things that matter most to Christ: genuine faith, love, obedience, and a living relationship with Him.
What makes spiritual complacency particularly dangerous is that it often comes with denial. When we believe we have everything we need, we stop recognizing our need for God. We become less willing to examine ourselves, less receptive to correction, and less attentive to the needs of others.

Yet Christ's message to Laodicea is not simply one of condemnation. In verse 19, He reminds them that those He loves, He rebukes and disciplines. His correction is an expression of love, an invitation to repentance and renewal. Even after exposing their spiritual condition, Christ stands at the door and knocks, offering restored fellowship to those willing to respond.
Perhaps the question we need to ask ourselves today is not simply, "Are we doing well?" but rather, "How does Christ see us?" Are we willing to allow Him to challenge the comfortable picture we have created of ourselves?
True spiritual renewal begins when we stop defending our condition and humbly acknowledge our need for Christ.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, open our eyes to the areas of our lives where we have become complacent or unwilling to recognize the truth. Help us to receive Your correction with humility, turn away from self-sufficiency, and renew our dependence on You. Amen.
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Allan Paskwababiri, a history enthusiast, husband to Ursula, and serving at St Francis Presbyterian Church, Waterkloof.

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EmmDev 2026-10-12 [M.O.M. 2026] Bad Habits #1 - Loss of Zeal

Bad Habits #1 - Loss of Zeal

This week we are looking at the bad habits of unhealthy churches, here's the first one...

But this is what I have against you: you did not love me now as you did at first. Think how far you have fallen! Turn from your sins and do what you did at first. If you don't turn from your sins, I will come to you and take lampstand from its place. (Revelation2:4-5)

The above scripture tells us about Jesus message to the Church in Ephesus. This message was delivered by the Apostle John whilst he was exiled on Patmos. Ephesus was a bustling City with strong pagan influences, including the worship of Artemis and the Emperor's cult, which posed challenges for early Christians.

They were commended for their hard work, perseverance and discernment against false teachers, Yet Jesus rebuked them for having abandoned the love they had at first and for allowing their devotion to Him to grow cold.

First love lost...
It refers to the very strong sincere belief and intense feelings the Ephesians had when they first embraced their faith in Christ. This love was characterized by Joy, gratitude and a deep connection to God.

A Call to Repentance:
Jesus is calling the Church to "remember therefore from where it has fallen and it must repent and do the works it did at first. There is a need for self-reflection, acknowledgment of spiritual decline, and a return to the initial fervor of their faith.

Regarding consequences of neglect:
Jesus is warning the church in Ephesus of removing their lampstand from its place, the removal of the lampstand signifies repercussions of failing to rekindle their love for Him.

Practical Application:
The message is no longer only for the Ephesians but rather serves as a reminder to all believers to evaluate their spiritual lives, rekindle their love for Christ and engage in genuine acts of worship and service. It challenges individuals to assess and check whether their faith has become a business as usual without any connection and relation to Jesus Christ or if they are actively nurturing their relationship with God.

This is a reminder of keeping a vibrant and loving relationship with Christ and also to reflect on our spiritual journey and to repent of any spiritual decline.
We also need to show works that demonstrate the love of God.
Jesus Christ should be at the center and forefront of our lives.
Prayer is the source of our relationship with God. We therefore need to talk to God through prayer whenever the opportunity arises.

In order for us not to grow cold we need to frequently communicate with God all the time. Believers need to know Gods word that will equip them to discern truth from falsehood and to distinguish good from evil. Believers should stay in Fellowship meaning to be part of a biblically sound community. In order not to be cold believers should watch and pray as prayer sharpens spiritual awareness and helps to resist temptation.
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Rev Z.W Lubambo is the minister serving at St Marks' Daveyton Congregation in the Highveld Presbytery. Rev Lubambo loves the Lord and is saved by the grace of God.

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EmmDev 2026-10-09 [M.O.M. 2026] Good Habit 5: Care and Belonging

Good Habit 5: Care and Belonging

This week we are looking at the habits of Growing Congregations.
Here's the fifth one...

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good... ...Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (Romans12:9-16)

It is with these significant words that Apostle Paul, the writer of Romans, concludes the chapter. He is indicating to the Romans something so vital that necessitates our spiritual growth, and what also seems to be an amazing anchor for the growth of the church. Paul's burning passion was to strengthen the lifestyle of the believers and today's passage shows us that he was intentional about addressing how we ought to live as followers of Christ. It is significant to notice that the task of the church today is not just reaching out and preaching the gospel to the unsaved but also to seeing that the believers become established in their faith. We must become robust and healthy followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here are some healthy habits of growing God's Church.

1. A Church dwelling in love.
   The church of God must reflect the love that God has shown. As we extend this love to others, we must really understand what kind of love God has. God's love is unconditional, a love that is seen on our good days and bad days, even when we don't feel it, God's love is always there with us. And therefore, as we live in our communities and reach out to many unsaved people, let's carry with us the experience of the love of God. 1 John 4:7-9: "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. "
   
   
2. A Church that is Spiritually fervent
   Being fervent in the Spirit as a Church drives home an understanding of having an intense but yet steady and passionate devotion to God. This is so important for us as a Church to realise the importance of being spiritually fervent. It helps us to have a spiritual energy that doesn't promote laziness as we minister to others the gospel of God even though we may be doing this in the face of opposition and affliction. Being joyful and faithful in prayer are qualities of being fervent in the spirit.
   
   
3. A Church that is accommodating
   We are surrounded with different personalities as a Church; those who persecute or challenge the truth of the gospel, those who are mourning, the needy but yet we should be intentional with how treat those around us. The church is encouraged to live in harmony and show a godly conduct to others.

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My name is Robert Chawinga, Pastoring the congregation of Kaunda Square within the Presbytery of M'chinga which is under the Synod of Zambia were we serve with my beautiful wife Sibongile and we have an amazing son together.

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