PRAYER FOR SOUTH AFRICA – ELECTIONS 2024
Tuesday, 21 May - GOD IS OUR HOPE!
Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our
heart is glad in Him because we trust in His holy name. Let your
steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in You. Psalm
33:20-22
Hope, in our everyday language, is an uncertain thing. We hope to
find a job, or to get married someday. When the Bible speaks of hope,
it is something quite different. Christian hope is when God has
promised that something is going to happen and so we can put our
trust in that promise. It’s certain. It’s sure (see Hebrews 6:10-20).
Now God has made us many promises. He has promised that He will
never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). that He will care for us,
physically and spiritually (Matthew 6), that He sets rulers in place and
removes them (Daniel 2:21), and that though the mountains fall into
the sea, we need have no fear (Psalm 46). The point is, we have a
living hope, a certain hope, an unfailing hope. God has promised and
we can trust that promise.
Prayer Focus:
Thank God that He is our shield. Whatever you are facing today,
whatever you need protection from, ask the father to give you a
certain hope that He is able to protect you. Repent from our habit of
depending on ourselves - ask God to teach us to depend on Him alone
and even that He would use some of the difficulties in our country to
increase our dependence.
Amen
Tuesday, 21 May - GOD IS OUR HOPE!
Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our
heart is glad in Him because we trust in His holy name. Let your
steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in You. Psalm
33:20-22
Hope, in our everyday language, is an uncertain thing. We hope to
find a job, or to get married someday. When the Bible speaks of hope,
it is something quite different. Christian hope is when God has
promised that something is going to happen and so we can put our
trust in that promise. It’s certain. It’s sure (see Hebrews 6:10-20).
Now God has made us many promises. He has promised that He will
never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). that He will care for us,
physically and spiritually (Matthew 6), that He sets rulers in place and
removes them (Daniel 2:21), and that though the mountains fall into
the sea, we need have no fear (Psalm 46). The point is, we have a
living hope, a certain hope, an unfailing hope. God has promised and
we can trust that promise.
Prayer Focus:
Thank God that He is our shield. Whatever you are facing today,
whatever you need protection from, ask the father to give you a
certain hope that He is able to protect you. Repent from our habit of
depending on ourselves - ask God to teach us to depend on Him alone
and even that He would use some of the difficulties in our country to
increase our dependence.
Amen
United we stand!!!Our Parish in support of the launch of the SACC Churches Ant-Corruption Campaign in South Africa!!!
Updates from Arch-Deaconary Meeting:
1) Services will be suspended as from the 23rd to the 14th of April. Church doors to be opened for those who want to come to pray.
2) Funerals to be done with 50 people or less.
3) Each parish to come up with a plan on how to keep the Church alive. We have already planned this on our side.
4)Congregants encouraged to keep up with Offerings and Dedicated Giving (Tithes) Through EFT or Banking at the ATMs
Thank you
Church Wardens
1) Services will be suspended as from the 23rd to the 14th of April. Church doors to be opened for those who want to come to pray.
2) Funerals to be done with 50 people or less.
3) Each parish to come up with a plan on how to keep the Church alive. We have already planned this on our side.
4)Congregants encouraged to keep up with Offerings and Dedicated Giving (Tithes) Through EFT or Banking at the ATMs
Thank you
Church Wardens
The 40 DAYS, 40 ITEMS
The 40 Days,40 Items Challenge is a way of giving back; a way of blessing others.
Each day of Lent, remove one item from your home or wardrobe, whi ch you don’ t use or wear anymore, and pl ace it in a bag.
Bring these items to St Barnabas Church on a Sunday and place them into the box provi ded.
At the end of Lent, The Alpha Team will donate these items to a shelter or charity. Your donated items will be shared with those who real l y need
them!
God bless you!
The 40 Days,40 Items Challenge is a way of giving back; a way of blessing others.
Each day of Lent, remove one item from your home or wardrobe, whi ch you don’ t use or wear anymore, and pl ace it in a bag.
Bring these items to St Barnabas Church on a Sunday and place them into the box provi ded.
At the end of Lent, The Alpha Team will donate these items to a shelter or charity. Your donated items will be shared with those who real l y need
them!
God bless you!
St Barnabas “Spread the Warmth Drive”
Many of our own children are not sufficiently dressed to ward off the cold of Our Durban Winters, and many of our children stand on the bus stop without hats. Can you help us with our “Spread the Warmth Drive”? We have enclosed a simple pattern to knit Beanies We would also appreciate gently used donations (Old Beanies) as well.
Our Target:100 Our Drive starts as of today for distribution by the 1st June 2019 .Beanies to be donated to the Children and Family of St Barnabas ,any surplus will be donated to a local Children’s Home or Hospital.
Please drop off New and Old Beanies to the below mentioned location:
St Barnabas Church Parish Office
Update on our Beanies-60 knitted 40 more to go!!!
Many of our own children are not sufficiently dressed to ward off the cold of Our Durban Winters, and many of our children stand on the bus stop without hats. Can you help us with our “Spread the Warmth Drive”? We have enclosed a simple pattern to knit Beanies We would also appreciate gently used donations (Old Beanies) as well.
Our Target:100 Our Drive starts as of today for distribution by the 1st June 2019 .Beanies to be donated to the Children and Family of St Barnabas ,any surplus will be donated to a local Children’s Home or Hospital.
Please drop off New and Old Beanies to the below mentioned location:
St Barnabas Church Parish Office
Update on our Beanies-60 knitted 40 more to go!!!
The Meaning of the Advent Candles
Advent is a time of expectation and hope. “Advent” means “arrival” or “coming,” and it prompts us to pause each day in December and remember why Jesus came at Christmas.
Advent candles shine brightly in the midst of darkness, reminding us that Jesus came as Light into our dark world. The candles are often set in a circular Advent wreath
The most common Advent candle tradition, however, involves four candles. A new candle is lit on each of the four Sundays before Christmas. Each candle represents something different, Often, the first, second, and fourth candles are purple; the third candle is rose-colored. Occasionally, a fifth white candle is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas Day to celebrate Jesus’ birth.
- The first candle symbolizes hope and is called the “Prophet’s Candle.” The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival.
- The second candle represents faith and is called “Bethlehem’s Candle.” Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which is also the birthplace of King David.
- The third candle symbolizes joy and is called the “Shepherd’s Candle.” To the shepherd’s great joy, the angels announced that Jesus came for humble, unimportant people like them, too. In liturgy, the color rose signifies joy.
- The fourth candle represents peace and is called the “Angel’s Candle.” The angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace--He came to bring people close to God and to each other again.
- The fifth candle represents light and purity and is called “Christ’s candle.” It is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas Day.
BIBLICAL PRINCIPALS OF GIVING
In the Bible we find that there is teaching about two kinds of giving. REGULAR CONTRIBUTIONS, returning to God a proportion of one’s regular income or harvest. These are called ‘tithes and offerings’. The other is a THANKSGIFT, which is a special, voluntary and sacrificial gift to God, as an expression of, and flowing out of one’s gratitude to Him. At this time we are praying and thinking about our regular contributions to God’s work, particularly at St Barnabas, and so we will need to look at the principles given in the Bible concerning ‘tithes and offerings’. You will see that many of the references are from Paul’s letters to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 16: vs 1-4 and 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9). Do read through the whole of these passages, in this way you will get a fuller understanding of what he is saying.
PRINCIPLES
1. God is concerned that we have a real relationship with him not that we pay money to Him (as a sort of heavenly tax collector). God wants me to give myself to him, and not just my money. (2 Corinthians 8 v 5).
2. When I give myself to God I make available to Him everything I am and everything I have, my time, my possessions, my career, etc... and recognise that in future I am simply a steward looking after these things. They now belong to God and I must use them in the way He wants.
3. I also recognise that whatever I receive is from God. (1 Chronicles 29 v 14).
4. So, if I give myself to Him, and He is now my Father and my Lord, then I will want to do the things that He has asked me to do through His word in the Bible. So my willing obedience is a measure of the reality and depth of my love for my Heavenly Father and for my Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 8 v 8).
5. God’s instruction to the Jews was that the first 10% (tithe) of whatever one received had to be given straight to God. If one did not do this it was seen to as stealing from Him. (Malachi 3 vs 8-10). This was not a gift to God, it belonged to Him. ‘Giving’ was over and above this first 10% (Leviticus 27 v 30).
6. In the New Testament this ‘law’ becomes a principle, showing that God expects us to return to Him a proportion of what we earn (and 10% is a good guideline as to what that proportion should be). (1 Corinthians 16 v 2).
7. Ask God for help in being cheerful in your giving ‘for God lives a cheerful giver.’ (2 Corinthians 9 v 7).
8. Normally one gives as soon as one is paid, every month (or week). Don’t fall into the trap of waiting to see if there is enough left over when you have finished buying everything you want, the devil will make sure there is never anything left! (1 Corinthians 16 v 2).
9. Listen to what God says, and not to what your mind says. My mind will normally fall far short of God’s good plans for me, and decide that they are impossible. (Isaiah 55 vs 8-9). Most of us start off saying that to give anything approaching 10% of our income is impossible. But when we really trust God and follow His guidance, we discover that truth of His promises. Many of you will have experienced this.
10. Here are just some of the wonderful promises of God, recorded in the Bible.
Jesus said ‘Seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness (doing what He says) and all these things (clothing, food, drink, etc) will be given to you as well (by God).’ i.e. if we do what God asks us to, He undertakes to provide for all our needs! (Matthew 6 v 33 – Read verses 25 – 34). ‘Will a man rob God?Yet you rob me.’
‘But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’
‘In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse – the whole nation of you – because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have enough room for it. (Malachi 3 vs 8-10). Jesus said, ‘Give, and it will be given unto you.A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap.For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6 vs 38).
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We encourage all to use our safe, reliable and convenient method of payment of all donations and monthly planned giving(Pledges)
Parish Banking Details
First National Bank Bluff
Account Name: St Barnabas Church Parish of Bluff
Cheque Acc: 62385212289(Pledge deposits)
32 Day Notice Acc: 74385212359 (Building Fund)
God Holiness In His Presence
Sermon 10 February 2013 Written by Rev Sthembile Magubane
Readings: Exodus 34: 29- 35, Psalm 99, 2 Corinthians 3: 12—4:2, Gospel: Luke 9: 28-Prayer: Open our eyes Lord that might see Jesus’ glory. Open our ears Lord that we might hear your word with obedient hearts. Amen.Theme: GOD’S HOLINESS IN HIS PRESENCE This Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday. We remember the times in the Bible when God’s Holiness was seen here on earth in His radiant light or brightness that people could not look at. This glory of God manifests when we are in God’s presence. We can be in God’s presence through acts of worship, the reading of scripture, time of prayer and meditation. In our time, unlike in the olden days, the brightness of God is not literally seen in the faces of people, but in the lives of people. The things that I do for people, the words that I speak to people, and the help that I give to those who are in need should reflect the glory of God.
In the Old Testament Moses went up to Mount Sinai to listen to the Lord and when he came back to the people his face shone with the brightness of God that people were afraid. After speaking to the people he would cover his face with the veil so that they would not see the glory of God fade away, until the time he went back to the mountain. This tells us that no one else was allowed in the presence of God except Moses. Since Jesus came to the world he opened the lines of communication, he removed the veil that covered the faces of people so that they may also freely come to the presence of God. When Jesus died, one of the wonderful things that happened was that the veil that divided the temple so that only the priest was allowed in the Holy Place was torn. Now we can all come to the presence of the Lord. In Psalm 99 we see the greatness and the awesomeness of our God. We see that He is holy, yet we are able to call on Him. God is awesome and holy that even His name must be treated with respect. There is a name of God that we are not even allowed to mention. God is enthroned far above humans and angels in strength, justice, purity and greatness. We must both love and fear God. He says in Exodus 20 verse 7 “Do not use my name in evil purposes, for I, the Lord your God will punish anyone who misuses my name. In 2 Corinthians 3: 12 the Holy Spirit makes us bold and gives us freedom that comes through Christ; liberation from the bondage and slavery and the whole dominion of satan. In verse 18, as we experience Christ’s nearness, love, righteousness and power through prayer and the Holy Spirit it results in us being transformed into His likeness ( Heb 1: 3) “He reflects the brightness of God’s glory and is the exact likeness of God’s own being. (Col 1: 15) Christ is the visible likeness of the invisible God.
In Luke 9: 18 Jesus was transformed in the presence of His disciples. They saw the heavenly glory as it really was; God in flesh, Jesus Christ. God in Him made Him shine with glory. Although they did not tell anyone about what they saw, somehow it was told as we read about it in the Bible. We also heard that the disciples said that it was good to be there. And they wished they would build three tents. Why? – Because they were in the presence of God. It is the same feeling that we have when we are here at church and more especially where we go away to retreats, seminars or services and anywhere else where the word of God is being shared, we want to stay there a little longer. Being in the presence of the Lord is fulfilling. We are baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Father spoke about the umbrella the other day that prevents us from being showered with the Holy Spirit. Today we learn about the veil that needs to be removed so that people will see in us the glory of God in our actions and in our lifestyle.
What is this word of God saying to us today? For us to shine we need to spend time in the presence of the Lord. We come as we are. We come, not by the works we have done, but by the grace, and the grace alone. We need to spend time reading the word. It is the manual of life. It tells us the right and the wrong. It is the way that God speaks to us. It is our director. We need to meditate on Him. For that which you behold you will become. We need to be transformed; transfigured; changed to Jesus’ likeness.
Our lives should reflect God and His character; that we might become a safe haven for the hurting world to come to; a place where they can rest their tired hearts. Those who are confused by many other teachings that they come across, can get to know the truth that comes from the word of the Lord. I quote the prayer where we say; “I pray that there may be an abundance of the word in my life. May God surround me with people who will speak His word to me?” We should reflect God’s glory so much that we diminish and He becomes more, until my agenda becomes His agenda. What we do must be done in the name of Jesus. In Him I have everything I need. The works that He did while on earth were good works. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, released those who were in the bondage of sin, he gave sight to the blind and enabled the lame to walk. More importantly, he died so that our sins may be forgiven, which was the ultimate aim of His coming. He was obedient to God. He finished the work He had come to do. So if I have Christ, I have everything I need because I can do everything through Him who strengthens me. Phil 1: 21 say “For what is life? To me it is Christ. Death, then, will bring more.” I should shine so much that people are not attracted to me or my church but to Christ. All is possible if I stay in His presence. Amen.
Readings: Exodus 34: 29- 35, Psalm 99, 2 Corinthians 3: 12—4:2, Gospel: Luke 9: 28-Prayer: Open our eyes Lord that might see Jesus’ glory. Open our ears Lord that we might hear your word with obedient hearts. Amen.Theme: GOD’S HOLINESS IN HIS PRESENCE This Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday. We remember the times in the Bible when God’s Holiness was seen here on earth in His radiant light or brightness that people could not look at. This glory of God manifests when we are in God’s presence. We can be in God’s presence through acts of worship, the reading of scripture, time of prayer and meditation. In our time, unlike in the olden days, the brightness of God is not literally seen in the faces of people, but in the lives of people. The things that I do for people, the words that I speak to people, and the help that I give to those who are in need should reflect the glory of God.
In the Old Testament Moses went up to Mount Sinai to listen to the Lord and when he came back to the people his face shone with the brightness of God that people were afraid. After speaking to the people he would cover his face with the veil so that they would not see the glory of God fade away, until the time he went back to the mountain. This tells us that no one else was allowed in the presence of God except Moses. Since Jesus came to the world he opened the lines of communication, he removed the veil that covered the faces of people so that they may also freely come to the presence of God. When Jesus died, one of the wonderful things that happened was that the veil that divided the temple so that only the priest was allowed in the Holy Place was torn. Now we can all come to the presence of the Lord. In Psalm 99 we see the greatness and the awesomeness of our God. We see that He is holy, yet we are able to call on Him. God is awesome and holy that even His name must be treated with respect. There is a name of God that we are not even allowed to mention. God is enthroned far above humans and angels in strength, justice, purity and greatness. We must both love and fear God. He says in Exodus 20 verse 7 “Do not use my name in evil purposes, for I, the Lord your God will punish anyone who misuses my name. In 2 Corinthians 3: 12 the Holy Spirit makes us bold and gives us freedom that comes through Christ; liberation from the bondage and slavery and the whole dominion of satan. In verse 18, as we experience Christ’s nearness, love, righteousness and power through prayer and the Holy Spirit it results in us being transformed into His likeness ( Heb 1: 3) “He reflects the brightness of God’s glory and is the exact likeness of God’s own being. (Col 1: 15) Christ is the visible likeness of the invisible God.
In Luke 9: 18 Jesus was transformed in the presence of His disciples. They saw the heavenly glory as it really was; God in flesh, Jesus Christ. God in Him made Him shine with glory. Although they did not tell anyone about what they saw, somehow it was told as we read about it in the Bible. We also heard that the disciples said that it was good to be there. And they wished they would build three tents. Why? – Because they were in the presence of God. It is the same feeling that we have when we are here at church and more especially where we go away to retreats, seminars or services and anywhere else where the word of God is being shared, we want to stay there a little longer. Being in the presence of the Lord is fulfilling. We are baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Father spoke about the umbrella the other day that prevents us from being showered with the Holy Spirit. Today we learn about the veil that needs to be removed so that people will see in us the glory of God in our actions and in our lifestyle.
What is this word of God saying to us today? For us to shine we need to spend time in the presence of the Lord. We come as we are. We come, not by the works we have done, but by the grace, and the grace alone. We need to spend time reading the word. It is the manual of life. It tells us the right and the wrong. It is the way that God speaks to us. It is our director. We need to meditate on Him. For that which you behold you will become. We need to be transformed; transfigured; changed to Jesus’ likeness.
Our lives should reflect God and His character; that we might become a safe haven for the hurting world to come to; a place where they can rest their tired hearts. Those who are confused by many other teachings that they come across, can get to know the truth that comes from the word of the Lord. I quote the prayer where we say; “I pray that there may be an abundance of the word in my life. May God surround me with people who will speak His word to me?” We should reflect God’s glory so much that we diminish and He becomes more, until my agenda becomes His agenda. What we do must be done in the name of Jesus. In Him I have everything I need. The works that He did while on earth were good works. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, released those who were in the bondage of sin, he gave sight to the blind and enabled the lame to walk. More importantly, he died so that our sins may be forgiven, which was the ultimate aim of His coming. He was obedient to God. He finished the work He had come to do. So if I have Christ, I have everything I need because I can do everything through Him who strengthens me. Phil 1: 21 say “For what is life? To me it is Christ. Death, then, will bring more.” I should shine so much that people are not attracted to me or my church but to Christ. All is possible if I stay in His presence. Amen.
