EmmDev 2020-10-29 [Overcomers MoM2020] RUTH: A Model of Death to Self.

RUTH: A Model of Death to Self.

The story of Ruth is constructed upon a traumatic crisis presented and concludes with the crisis resolved. Naomi lost her husband and two sons; she and her two daughters-in-law; Orpah and Ruth were widowed. Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem. Ruth decided to go with Naomi and treated her as her own mother.

Naomi and Ruth began with emptiness. Naomi pointed to God as the cause of her emptiness. Ruth looked to God's providence for her future and shows unselfishness, brave love, the unshaken truthfulness. Ruth's devotion and trustworthiness are clearly displayed. Her faithful loving service and commitment to her mother-in-law was rewarded. She finally got married to Boaz. She gave birth to Obed, David's grandfather. She was restored. This is what Boaz said to her, "I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband---how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before" Ruth 2:11 -- 12.

Ruth, a woman from a despised community has been included into the genealogy of Jesus. This shows that, you do not have to be a special person from a particular breed of people in order to be used by God. Ruth, an ordinary woman, under a very traumatic situation, had an open heart to others, the people of her mother-in-law. Naomi's pain was her pain. The common pain revealed to her that all people are equal. She realised that pain does not discriminate.

In this context Ruth chose to be the wounded healer. In her deep pain of having lost her husband she chose to be a pillar of strength to Naomi. Ruth played the meaning of her name; 'a friend or companion'. She is one of the heroes of faith in the Bible.

Coronavirus has exposed that we are all vulnerable. Our communities are traumatized, stressed and depressed. God is calling us to commit our service to each other. The story of Ruth has much to teach us about relationships with each other and healing in our churches and communities. In this story we are taught to welcome those who are considered outsiders and offer equal treatment to those the community despised and treated as outsiders. Ruth teaches us that in the family of God, we are all equal, accepted, and loved.

Look," said Naomi, "your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her." But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me."      (Ruth1:16-18)

Rev Mukondi Ramulondi ministers at Mt Horeb Presbyterian Church in Polokwane, Limpopo. He is former Moderator of General Assembly, Married to Konanani, have four children, Dzilafho, Vhushavhelo, Ngelekanyo, Tshilidzi and a daughter-in-law Yamkela and two grandchildren; Mulweli and Orinea.

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EmmDev 2020-10-28 [Overcomers MoM2020] THOMAS: Overcoming Doubt

THOMAS: Overcoming Doubt

We have all had that moment of doubt, that feeling of insecurity, and the moment we need a little more in our Christian walk.

Thomas wasn't prepared to believe until he had seen Jesus with his own eyes. In fact, he went as far as saying "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe." Vs 25.

Eight days later Jesus appeared to all of them behind locked doors, telling Thomas to place his fingers in the holes in Jesus hands. "Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Vs 28 Thomas overcame that doubt.

Verse 29: Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Jesus is reminding us that we need to have unconditional faith in Him, and in this faith, we will be able to overcome, Thomas overcame his doubt when meeting Jesus face to face. We are reminded to continually come face to face with the Lord in prayer and walk with Him in faith.

Thomas' example of overcoming is so important to us in 2020, a reminder to have faith in Jesus, and to overcome the world around us as Thomas did, this can only be done through God. The moment we allow ourselves unconditional faith in God, we are brought closer to Him, Jesus is waiting for us to trust in him to lay ourselves at His feet in faith.

Thomas is instantly forgiven and accepted back into the fold. This is an excellent example of how Christ forgives any of His Followers who have strayed, and at the same time encourages us to not doubt Him, but to reach out in Faith, totally trusting in His grace and love, and to have a personal relationship with Him.

As you step into this new day, step out in renewed faith and trust in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Be an overcomer, walk in faith and victory.

Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."      (John20:24-29)

Greg Howse minister at Alfred County Presbyterian church in Port Shepstone, husband to Anita, father of Malcolm and Angus and Grandfather to Quinnevere and Arwen.

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EmmDev 2020-10-27 [Overcomers MoM2020] NEHEMIAH: Choosing Courage

NEHEMIAH: Choosing Courage

Nehemiah faced opposition to his God given assignment from within and from without. He remained courageous and resolute basically because he trusted in the Lord to grant him success.

As the work progressed the intensity of the opposition increased. Sanballat and the group frowned at the idea of the rebuilding, and were more incensed with the actual building works.

Their enemies employed the strategy of mockery in order to discourage the rebuilding of the walls. And the enemy went further to plan to attack those who were working on the walls.(Neh.4:7-9)

Satan has not changed in his tactics against those who desire to see the up-building of the kingdom of God. Satan is incensed against you when you begin serving the Lord, he further uses discouragement and mockery to persuade you to stop serving the Lord. He raises opposition from within and from outside of those who are enemies of God.

And with any progress made in the rebuilding of God's work Satan intensifies his army against you. You and I must emulate Nehemiah who went ahead and successfully rebuilt the walls because he chose not to be afraid as he remembered that the One who called Him is great and awesome and for the sake of his kinsmen he had to employ spiritual weapons and physical weapons.

If you want to serve the Lord in any capacity beware that you may face opposition but we are not of those who give up and backslide(Heb.10:39). Like Nehemiah you too can overcome as long as you trust in the Lord.

"And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, "Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes."      (Nehemiah4:14)

I'm Richard Mkandawire Minister at St. Columba's Presbyterian Church in Kabwe Copperbelt Presbytery. I'm married to Aretha and we are blessed with three kids, two boys Khumbo and Mbawemi and one girl Chimwemwe.

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EmmDev 2020-10-23 [Overcomers MoM2020] SARAH: Learning to Laugh

SARAH: Learning to Laugh

What did Sarah overcome?
For me, Sarah shares a difficulty experienced by many women, particularly those in the past: they are seen as an adjunct to men rather than as the individuals God created them to be in God's image.

From the time we first read about Sarai as Abram's nameless wife in Genesis 11 to the place in her story where we find Sarah giving birth to Isaac, Sarah has shared the ups and downs of Abraham's life with all its battles and disappointments. What most of us remember about Sarah is her humiliation about not giving birth to an heir for Abraham, the woman's role that gave honour and respectability and all the prestige that accompanied it.

The Lord dealt with Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as he had promised (Gen.21:1). It is this that made Sarah overcome. Sarah said, 'God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me'(Gen.21:6). The birth of Isaac was the proof that God was faithful to Sarah, that throughout the humiliation of the preceding decades when Abraham had obeyed God, followed God's directions and also passed Sarah off as his sister, God was with Sarah as well as with Abraham. Her laughter of disbelief is turned into the laughter of the victor who knows God is with her. Sarah made mistakes but God honoured her as the Grand Matriarch of the people.

There are many like Sarah who feel that they are insignificant, that God does not see them because they can't live up to expectations -- like Sarah's lack of children. We need to look to Jesus, God's Son, who saw the insignificant, like the tax collector, Zaccheus, and spoke to the 'untouchables', like the Samaritan Woman at the Well.

Sarah's laughter spoke of the lesson she had learned as God overcame her childlessness; let our laughter speak of the victory we have in God through Christ in the Holy Spirit as we rejoice and laugh and bring light into our covid time.

Sarah the Overcomer:

1. Sarah became respected as a person in her own sight as well as others';
2. God was faithful to Sarah showing God knew her disappointment and humiliation;
3. As people laughed with Sarah, may we too laugh joyously in Christ's victory.

Prayer: Holy God, you cause us to laugh after difficulties and reach out to others in challenging times. May our laughter show that Christ in us and for us and with us is what makes us face the obstacles and overcome them. Thank you for this gracious gift through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen.

The Lord dealt with Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as he had promised. 2 Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the time of which God had spoken to him. 3 Abraham gave the name Isaac to his son whom Sarah bore him. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. 5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6 Now Sarah said, 'God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.' 7 And she said, 'Who would ever have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.'       (Genesis21:1-7)

Rev Zephney L Kennedy -- married to British Paul whose residence permit was not renewed by the Dept of Home Affairs so we are prematurely settled in Hickling, North Norfolk, UK, where I serve in the Church of England church. My son is in SA living independently.

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EmmDev 2020-10-22 [Overcomers MoM2020] DAVID: Courage in Crisis

DAVID: Courage in Crisis

One of the amazing stories of courage and valour in the Bible is that of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. David was a shepherd boy who occasionally played the harp for King Saul. He was a talented musician, armour-bearer, and a handsome young man but what stood him out in the crowd was his courageous spirit. There was no one in the army of Israel courageous enough to stand against the giant Goliath. David rose to the challenge and eventually defeated Goliath with only a sling and a stone. What was the reason for David's victory?

David answers this for himself in verse 45, "You (Goliath) come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty..." It is clear that David's courage is grounded in God. So David, in the midst of a crisis in Israel, displayed courage and determination to honour the name of God.

There are many adversities, giants and challenges we face in this life in relationships, finances, health, etc. Currently we are struggling with COVID-19 and we have seen the devastating effects on lives and livelihood. In such a context we are called to be like David to believe in a God who has come in his son, Jesus Christ, to save the world. God's unconditional love for us is to help and not destroy us. Such knowledge should give us assurance, hope and courage to face our giants; because God is with us we are more than conquerors! David knew this, I wonder if you can say the same?

David eventually became king after Saul and ruled for at least 40 years and under his leadership Israel prospered. However, David was by no means perfect. This can be seen in his cry to God in Psalms 51:10-12 in the face of his sinfulness. In his prayer: "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me..." David shows us that courage is also displayed in repentance, lament, humility and forgiveness.

In the midst of continuous corruption in our country and world we need the courage of David to prophetically proclaim God's presence, justice and righteousness. We also need the courage to confess our own sinfulness and seek repentance. In the midst of crises we need renewal of faith, hope, love and the courage to follow Christ. May this be our prayer and joy!

David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."      (1Samuel17:45-47)

Jerry Pillay is married to Sandra; they are blessed with three children: Jessie, Janice and Aaron. He currently serves as Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria.

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EmmDev 2020-10-21 [Overcomers MoM2020] ABRAHAM: Walking ahead of God - get-up-and-go faith

ABRAHAM: Walking ahead of God - get-up-and-go faith

Abraham is one of the super heroes of the Bible. His presence hovers over the entire Bible and if we recall that he is the spiritual ancestor of some 2.4 billion Christians, 1.6 billion Muslims and 13 million Jews then we might say he was one of the most influential people that ever lived.

We remember Abraham as the man of great faith, but something strikes me about Abraham that was fundamental even to his faith and is vital to understanding him -- as per this week's theme -- as an overcomer. I am thinking of Abraham's mind set.

Abraham had a 'can do' attitude to life. He was a true overcomer not just because of his faith in God but because his was a 'get up and do it' approach. God called and Abraham responded. He dreamed dreams but he knew how to translate dreams into reality. For sure he had faith but he did not wait around waiting for things to happen. He didn't dilly dally. He didn't mess around. He got off his butt and went for it. "Leave your land, your birthplace, your father's house and go to the land I will show you... So Abraham left..."

Abraham was a passionate man and he made mistakes -- many of them -- but it is better to try things -- and possibly fail - than to sit passively at home with every good intention, waiting for the Spirit to move, and achieving nothing.

Abraham dreamed, he listened, he responded, he went forth. It was a breath taking decision to set out in the way he did. To his relatives it might have seemed cousin Abraham was out of his mind, but notice what God says to Abraham, "Walk ahead of Me and be perfect."

That gives us a wonderful insight into Abraham's temperament and mind set. Noah, we are told, walked with God. Abraham, we are told, walked ahead of Him. Abraham was adventurous. He took risks. He pushed the boundaries. And God loved it. Maybe that is why his spiritual descendants, the Jews, are such a phenomenal people.

"Leave your land, your birthplace, your father's house and go to the land I will show you... So Abraham left, as the Lord had told him." (Genesis 12:1-4) "... the Lord appeared to Abraham and said, 'I am God Almighty, walk ahead of Me... '"      (Genesis17:1)

James Gray is the Pastor of the Hermanus United Church. He is married to Mariette.

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EmmDev 2020-10-20 [Overcomers MoM2020] Elijah: Headed in the right direction...

Elijah: Headed in the right direction...

As God continues in this month to reveal His plan for us and how to focus on it even in tough times; we can also draw lessons from one of the overcomers, prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19:1-18.

Events in this text happened after Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal, defeated and killed them at Mount Carmel. When Jezebel learnt about it, she sought to kill him. Elijah was terrified and ran for his dear life. The exciting thing about his flight which becomes our first lesson in this passage is that Elijah ran to Horeb (Mount Sinai) which was called the mountain of God. When faced with challenges in this life as Christians we usually react differently. Despite our reactions to the challenge(s), it is best to first consider going straight to the Author and Sustainer of our faith, the Triune God. God is always ready to help us in all circumstances.

The decision of running to the mountain of God made God to sustain Elijah all the way. As Elijah was going to Horeb, he became hungry and tired that he was longing to die. God was ready to restore his strength through food which came with an angel. When faced with challenges as Christians, we are so drained spiritually such that it becomes difficult to go on with our faith. At this point in life, many have abandoned their faith, some committed suicide and others fell into depression. This happens because people are not ready to listen to what God is saying. Dear friends, God is always ready with His spiritual food (His Word) to feed our spiritual being. Just like food which gives our bodies strength to go on, it is the same with the Word of God to our spiritual being. The Word nourishes our faith that it becomes strong and be able to face any challenges and become overcomers.

Challenges causes despair and in such state one needs an ear and someone to give solutions. God is ready to do that to His children. When Elijah was at Horeb, God listened to him and told him what to do. Friends, is there any amongst us who is stuck and terrified with problems? Seek God's help through prayer and consultation. Our God who is all-knowing and present everywhere will help you.

Like Elijah, we need to go to Him, hold His hand and talk to Him always. For His mercies endures forever.

God bless you!

Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, "May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them." 3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." 5 Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, "Get up and eat." 6 He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you." 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 10 He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." 11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 14 He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." 15 The LORD said to him, "Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. 17 Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. 18 Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel--all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him."      (1Kings19:1-18)

Faresy Sakala, wife to Misheck, mother to Robson, Rose and Ronald and a minister at Trinity -- Gweru Presbyterian Church. My Trust Is In Christ

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EmmDev 2020-10-19 [Overcomers MoM2020] PETER: Learning from distraction

PETER: Learning from distraction

Of all the disciples we encounter in the New Testament Peter is probably the disciple we can relate to best. His misplaced zeal and tendency to speak without thinking often got him into trouble. Yet God restored and transformed Peter and used his zealous enthusiasm to lead and grow the Church in a powerful way.

The amazing fact is we can learn as much from Peters "bungling" mistakes as we can from his teaching. I noticed that this was because Peter allowed his own perspective of what was happening around him to distract him from what was really important.

To be distracted is "to have one's thoughts or attention drawn away: unable to concentrate or give attention to something. (Webster's dictionary)

For instance:
Distracted by the waves...... Peter sank in the water
Distracted by his pride Peter lost the point of the foot washing- a lesson on humility and a call to servant hood.
Distracted by his fear Peter denied the one who was about to save him.

We relate to Peter because, like him, we too are vulnerable to being distracted by what is happening in the world around us and lose sight of what Jesus called us to do and to be, or who Jesus and what He is able to do.

We, the Church, need to fiercely guard against allowing the Covid19 Pandemic (along with the fake news, politics, conspiracy theories, fear, frustration and the failing economy), to cause us to lose sight of Jesus' commands. We dare not allow these things, of as fearful as they might seem, to draw our attention away from Jesus calling to us to be The Church, His body on earth in spite of the challenges. His command to be faithful in prayer and worship, to share in Holy Communion, to teach and to preach the good news of the Gospel, to love God and one another as He has loved us.

By the grace of God, Peter the bungling fisherman became the Spirit-filled Apostle of Christ. Let us learn from Peter that we, who have everything we need in Christ, must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, if we want to do that which He commissioned us to do. Today let us take stock of that which is filling our mind and carefully us consider carefully what might be holding our attention and distracting us from the will and purposes of God.

Let us earnestly pray that God in His grace will help us to be "overcomers" in Christ for His names sake. AMEN

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.      (2Peter1:3-8)

Joan Brummer. Living in the beautiful Midlands of Kwa Zulu Natal. Retired minister of Upper Umgeni Presbyterian Church in Howick. My joy in life is Jesus, my garden, and my six beautiful grandchildren.

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EmmDev 2020-10-16 [Overcomers MoM2020] PAUL: Still Standing

PAUL: Still Standing

Paul had many obstacles to overcome: Paul experienced great suffering and opposition in his ministry, he had 'a thorn in his flesh', was shipwrecked while travelling, spent time in jail and so on.

In the passage below we see some of the challenges Paul faced:
"...been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked..."(2Cor11:23b-27)

The life of Paul teaches us that we can overcome. We can overcome sin, suffering, disappointment, failure, criticism, fatigue etc. Paul reminds us that we may think we are at the end of the rope, but we are never at the end of hope.

We may be 'hard pressed', experiencing all sorts of pressure, but there is always a way out. We may be 'perplexed', but we never despair. There is always hope. We may be 'persecuted', but we are never abandoned by God. God will never leave you nor forsake you. He promised that by His Spirit to always be with us. There are times in our lives we will feel 'struck down', but we are never destroyed. If we fall, we get up again through the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul teaches us that we CAN overcome!

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.      (2Corinthians4:8-9)

Michelle Black, enthusiastic mountain biker, enjoys the outdoors, and been serving at North Durban Presbyterian Church for 17 years.

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EmmDev 2020-10-15 [Overcomers MoM2020] MOSES: Walking by Faith

MOSES: Walking by Faith

Moses is one of the most influential characters of the Old Testament and one of the greatest examples of being an OVERCOMER. Moses had barely escaped death at his birth, grows up in opulence in the house of Pharaoh and very easily could have never become the great leader we know him to be. But there was something different about him, something that changed the trajectory of his life from being ordinary to an overcomer. What was it? Moses had faith in God!

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith; "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

Faith recognises something bigger than oneself. In faith we place our confidence in the promises and protection of God. Faith keeps before one that awareness of God's presence in the darkest of moments.

Moses was not willing to give in to the pressures of Egyptian culture but remained true to his Hebrew culture. He saw the affliction of the Hebrew people and was willing to forgo a certain and secure future in order to do the right thing.

He knew the value of life was not found in what others think of us, but rather in what God thinks of us. We will never overcome in life as long as we are dependent on the approval of others. Our desperate desire for acceptance usually leads us to make compromises in order to feel good and this often causes us much pain and suffering

We ought to recognise what matters most. Moses made a choice because he thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.

He knew it was always the right thing to do, even if it began in suffering. He knew that the value of God's rewards was far greater than the value of worldly rewards. He was willing to walk away from the things of this world in order to find meaning and purpose and fulfilment.

God had a plan for Moses from the moment he was born. Even in the midst of danger, uncertainty and fear, God provided the way to overcome. Knowing our salvation comes from and through God, is key to overcoming the problems of today.

God has a plan and purpose for you. To overcome requires faith in God through the saving work of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit! So, like Moses, our goal is to remain a simple servant of God and to trust Him, no matter how difficult the road may be.

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command. By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.      (Hebrews11:23-29)

Minister -- Darling Presbyterian Church
Rodney Brits, a true Trekkie, married to Sonia for many years and blessed with two married children and four grandchildren.

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