MISSIONARY NEWS FEATURE #28

 

Operation World:
Honduras – The most basic problem for Honduras is deep poverty. Children form more than half the population, and most live in poverty. Many try to reach the USA to find family members there, but often end up suffering in prison in Mexico or Guatemala. Honduras has more pepenadores (garbage dump children) than any nation in the Americas. Violent gangs exploit vulnerable children as members and sex workers. Honduras has 60% of Central America’s AIDS cases. Organized crime and maras (gangs) link with drug cartels and hold power in society. (Reported in – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/06-16/ 16th June 2025 – Operation World)

Guatemala – Praise God for the growth among evangelicals who now are almost 25% of the population, in 25,000 congregations! The 1976 earthquake, the pain of war, and the witness of believers and missionaries all drew many to Jesus. Growth came quickly among Pentecostals, but faith is not always deep. Many mix pagan practices and beliefs with biblical faith, or follow attractive teachings on prosperity. Churches that fail to disciple new believers may lose them in the next two decades. (Reported in – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/06-08/ 8th June 2025 – Operation World)

Ethiopia – The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is enduring a time of immense change. Centuries of isolation from the rest of the Christian world – as a Christian island in a sea of Islam – helped form its unique culture, theology and traditions. The Orthodox Church is being challenged by the growth of both Islam and contemporary Christian movements, but its roots run deep. (Reported in – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/05-20/ 20th May 2025 – Operation World)

Egypt – A decade has passed since the upheaval of the Arab Spring. Some of the change protestors hoped for has arrived, but much remains the same as before 2011. President Sisi appears to be instilling authoritarian rule once again, but many – including Christians – feel this is necessary to curb Islamist movements from regaining control. Christians still live in a precarious situation regarding religious freedom and persecution. Many Muslims would prefer Egypt did not have such a large Christian population. (Reported in – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/05-12/ 12th May 2025 – Operation World)

Taiwan – Taiwan’s controversial political status causes problems both within China and internationally. Taiwan functions as an independent state, but is claimed by China as one of its provinces. If Taiwan declared full independence, it could result in a hostile military response from China. Even without such a declaration, China's expanding ambitions and increasingly aggressive tone and actions cast a long shadow over this beautiful island. (Reported in – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/04-22/ 22nd Apr 2024 – Operation World)

Northwest China: Gansu, Qinghai, 2 Autonomous Regions (Ningxia Hui and Xinjiang):
Over 40 million people live in this region. Around 5% are Christian. Qinghai Province is a unique region where the Tibetan, Han, Mongol, Hui, and Turkic worlds meet. Qinghai has the highest ethnic-minority population of any full province in China. In the 1940s, only a few hundred Christians lived here. Growth has been significant mostly among the Han Chinese. Many thousands of prisoners endure great hardship in the labour and prison camps in this province. (Reported in – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/04-15/ 15th Apr 2024 – Operation World)

North Central China: Hebei, Shaanxi, Shanxi, 2 Municipalities (Beijing, Tianjin) – Over 176 million people live in North Central China, with about 8% of them Christian. China is ruled from Beijing. The Communist Party's grip over this vast population - and the information they are exposed to - appears to be getting tighter and tighter. (Reported in – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/04-14/ 14th Apr 2025 – Operation World)

Cabo Verde – Economic and ecological problems must be wisely addressed. The arid islands lack adequate fresh water and arable land. Scant resources were poorly managed in the past, intensifying Cabo Verde’s poverty (Reported in – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/03-30/ 30th Mar 2024 – Operation World)

Asian/Middle East Mission Prayer News:

Civil war in Myanmar is jeopardizing its future – News reported how Myanmar can’t afford to lose its next generation, but it is. After the 2021 coup, the military junta soon realized that rebel fighter groups were there to stay. In February 2024, they installed a conscription law. “Basically, it was a mandatory two-year service of men aged 18 to 35 and women [aged] 18 to 27,” says Greg Kelley with Unknown Nations. Youth in Myanmar know too well the dangers of military service. “A lot of these people are thrown into the worst of situations that experienced military people want nothing to do with – for example, being dropped behind enemy lines,” says Kelley. We pray for God’s mercy, that every person will have a chance to hear the hope of Christ. We also pray for organizations like Unknown Nations that have networks on the ground. (Reported by Katie O’Malley, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/civil-war-in-myanmar-is-jeopardizing-its-future/ – 23rd June 2025 – Mission News Network)

Nuclear threat runs under Iran and Israel’s conflict – Recently, news reported how “nuclear” is the word on everyone’s mind in the Israel–Iran conflict. On Thursday, June 12, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declared – for the first time in 20 years – that Iran’s nuclear program is in non compliance. The four–page report, with thirteen careful statements plus subpoints, called for a diplomatic solution. The very next day, Israel opened fire on Iranian military and nuclear targets. Since then, an Iranian human rights group based in Washington, DC has reported 639 killed and 1,329 wounded in Iran. The Israeli government says 24 civilians in Israel have been killed since Friday. We pray for peace and for international leaders to put the needs of their people first; for wisdom, patience, and endurance for the MENA Leadership Center as they prepare new trainings and respond to this crisis. (Reported by Katie O’Malley, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/nuclear-threat-runs-under-iran-and-israels-conflict/ – 20th June 2025 – Mission News Network)

4 key points to guide your prayers for Iranians during the current war:
This article shares how Iran needs strategic prayer in the midst of how the Israel–Iran war brings deep uncertainty. The wail of sirens echoing through traffic – clogged roads has become a grim routine in Tehran. Other regions with strategic sites are experiencing the same reality, with people either fleeing or adjusting to life under the shadow of war. Since the war between Israel and Iran erupted on June 13, 2025, the situation has rapidly escalated. The outcome remains unpredictable, but one thing is certain: the Iranian people need our prayers. We pray for boldness, wisdom, and love for Iranian believers sharing the Gospel – even amid air raid sirens; for the Iranian Church to rise and act boldly in this crucial moment + for the protection of civilians and comfort for grieving families. (Reported by Joanne Khmel, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/4-key-points-to-guide-your-prayers-for-iranians-during-the-current-war/ – 19th June 2025 – Mission News Network)

Chinese Christians arrested for border crossings:
This mission article highlights how authorities attempt to sever Christians from the global Church despite of seeing how the Gospel spreads in China, and that Bob Fu, a contact with Voice of the Martyrs Canada (VOM Canada), says the organization’s newest efforts involve categorizing international travel for church-related activities as illegal border crossings. These activities include anything from worship conferences to seminary studies. We pray for God to strengthen Chinese Christians as their physical isolation from the Church increases & for steadfastness for those facing imprisonment that they would stand strong in the Lord. We pray for VOM Canada as they share stories and support Chinese Christians and for them to encourage Christians facing persecution worldwide. (Reported by Anna Deckert, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/chinese-christians-arrested-for-border-crossings/ – 12th June 2025 – Mission News Network)

Churches in occupied Ukraine press on under pressure:
This mission article highlights how persecution is constant for Protestant churches in Russian-controlled regions of Ukraine. A report from a religious freedom watchdog describes substantial fines, barriers, and even church closures handed down by Russian courts this year. Eric Mock with Slavic Gospel Association says that many believers have fled occupied regions, going to Russia, Belarus, or sometimes to other parts of Ukraine, but others stay; yet, these factors do not deter these believers from stepping forward with a sense of God’s calling. We pray for believers living in Russian–controlled territories of Ukraine to experience God’s strengthening help during this time. (Reported by Katie O'Malley, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/churches-in-occupied-ukraine-press-on-under-pressure/ – 6th June 2025 – Mission News Network)

Remember believers in Russia even as ceasefire talks stall:
This article shows there is potential for a Russia–Ukraine ceasefire to be still uncertain even after a direct phone call between the presidents of the United States and of Russia this week. We pray for believers in Russia serving the Lord in remote, unseen places across Russia.

(Reported by Katie O'Malley, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/remember-believers-in-russia-even-as-ceasefire-talks-stall/ – 22nd May 2025 – Mission News Network)

Remember believers in Russia even as ceasefire talks stall:
This article shows there is potential for a Russia–Ukraine ceasefire to be still uncertain even after a direct phone call between the presidents of the United States and of Russia this week. We pray for believers in Russia serving the Lord in remote, unseen places across Russia.

(Reported by Katie O'Malley, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/remember-believers-in-russia-even-as-ceasefire-talks-stall/ – 22nd May 2025 – Mission News Network)

Lifting sanctions in Syria would change the game for gospel ministry:
This article shows how hope surges in Syria after last week’s announcement that the U.S. intends to lift sanctions on the beleagured nation. The U.S. legislative process will take time. But the potential has already increased the value of Syrian currency and stirred attention from international investors. We pray for many different people of Syria to recognize God’s appointed time for them and come to know Him, and that the motives behind the political changes will not be merely political & economic, as more people of Syria might rise out of oppression and suffering.

(Reported by Katie O'Malley, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/lifting-sanctions-in-syria-would-change-the-game-for-gospel-ministry/ – 19th May 2025 – Mission News Network)

How the gospel transcends barriers even in the Israel–Hamas war:
This article highlights the horrors of the Israel–Hamas war as it continues, Tom Doyle with Uncharted Ministries says there are gospel stories we need to hear. “You could never think, by watching the news there, that there could be any peace there or any humanity whatsoever – and [yet] there truly is,” says Doyle. “As far as Jesus’ church reaching through the political, ethnic boundaries, all of that, so many things are happening that are good.” We pray for Muslim–background-believers in Gaza & the Israelis in communities surrounding Gaza; we pray for soldiers as they do their utmost to keep Palestinians safe despite the destruction; & the remaining hostages and their families, and that peace will come to Gaza instead of Hamas terrorism and war.

(Reported by Katie O'Malley, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/how-the-gospel-transcends-barriers-even-in-the-israel-hamas-war/ – 16th May 2025 – Mission News Network)

Iranian believers behind bars – Three Iranian Christians are among dozens facing lengthy prison sentences for their faith. Narges Nasri, Mehran Shamloui, and Abbas Soori were arrested late last year and are each facing more than a decade in prison. Their cases represent a growing trend in Iran, where in 2024, 96 believers were sentenced to a combined total of 263 years of imprisonment, or about two–and –a–half years each. That’s a sixfold increase from the previous year. We pray for the Lord to strengthen persecuted believers in Iran.

(Reported by Abigail Hofland, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/pray-for-iranian-believers-behind-bars/ – 9th May 2025 – Mission News Network)

IDF planning major shift in Gaza aid delivery in bid to thwart Hamas diversion:
It has been reported that Israel is planning to radically alter the way humanitarian aid is distributed in the Gaza Strip when it begins allowing assistance into the enclave in the coming weeks after what will have been a nearly two and a half– month freeze, an Israeli and Arab official familiar with the matter told The Times of Israel this week. The plan is to transition away from wholesale distribution and warehousing of aid and to instead have international organizations and private security contractors hand out boxes of food to individual Gazan families, according to the officials.

Each family will have a designated representative tasked with reaching an Israel Defense Forces security zone in southern Gaza where aid will be distributed after going through several rounds of inspection. Each box will have enough food to last a number of days until family representatives will be allowed to return to the security zone to receive another parcel, the officials said, adding that Israel believes this method will make it harder for Hamas to divert aid to its fighters. Yet, the IDF will not be directly involved in the distribution of aid, amid pushback from Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir; but troops will be tasked with providing an outer layer of security for the private contractors and international organizations handing out the assistance, the officials said.

We pray for the Israeli government to approve the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip, regardless of a hostage deal with the Hamas terror group, as recommended by IDF in the recent days, and for Hamas terror group to not cause starvation among the Palestinian civilian population, according to military officials who briefed reporters earlier this week. (Reported by Emanuel Fabian & Jacob Magid, https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-planning-major-shift-in-gaza-aid-delivery-in-bid-to-thwart-hamas-diversion/ – 2nd May 2025 – The Times of Israel)

Israel Wildfire – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Wednesday night that the wildfires in Israel that had forced communities near Jerusalem to evacuate could also threaten the city. He called the blazes, which broke out that day, life–threatening and a “national danger.” Indeed, at the Latrun Monastery northwest of Jerusalem, smoke rose into the air as firefighters sprayed their hoses on hot spots Thursday, amid a blackened landscape that still smoldered around the ancient olive trees. Farther east in the blackened forest near Sha’ar Hagai, a wild boar fled with her young as fire crews checked for spot fires. Firefighter Rami Alyan – a 32-year-old Palestinian Israeli who lives in Jerusalem – knelt on the dirt road by a fire truck to pray. The crew was a mix of Arabs and Jews, his colleague Shlomi Saadon said. “In Israel, we are the same people,” said Saadon, 51. The common enemy Thursday was the wind. While the flames were under control in this area, with just bits of the charred ground smoldering, the firefighters feared that it could worsen. “The wind is coming,” Saadon said. “We are afraid of the wind because if the wind gets stronger, it will take the forest fire much further.

Shmulik Friedman, Jerusalem District Fire and Rescue commander, said in a Wednesday news conference that the fires were the biggest in recent years and may be the largest in Israel’s history. About 5,000 acres had burned as of Thursday, including about 3,200 acres of forest, according to the Jewish National Fund (KKL), a forestry organization. There were dozens of active fire centers, concentrated in the Jerusalem Hills between the city and Tel Aviv, Friedman said, according to Israeli media outlets. He said he expected the firefighting effort to continue until at least Saturday.

Tal Volvovitch, a spokeswoman for Israel’s fire and rescue service, said in an interview that investigators were looking into the cause of the fire but there were no findings yet, with most efforts still focused on extinguishing the blaze. Ninety–three firefighting and rescue teams are operating in several fire spots near Jerusalem, Volvovitch added. She said 20 firefighters were slightly injured.
The fires broke out on Israel’s Memorial Day and ahead of its Independence Day, from Tuesday night to Thursday, causing many events to be canceled. Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency medical service, said it transferred at least 12 people to hospitals with injuries such as smoke inhalation and treated at least 10 on the spot as of Wednesday. The first fire began in the Mesilat Zion area, about 10 miles from Jerusalem, and grew as it was fueled by strong winds, Friedman said. At least nine communities had been evacuated, according to the fire authority, but evacuated residents were allowed to return as of Thursday afternoon.

We pray for divine protection over families evacuating, especially the elderly and children; for firefighters battling the flames under extreme pressure. We pray for wisdom for Israel’s leaders and emergency responders and for swift international support and aid, for every evil plan to be exposed and stopped, for “when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned...” (Isaiah 43:2a).

(Reported by Lior Soroka, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/01/israel-wildfires-jerusalem/ & https://allisrael.com/urgent-prayer-alert-for-israel-fires-rage-evacuations-ordered-yom-haatzmaut-under-crisis – 1st May & 30th April 2025 – Washingston Post & All Israel News)

Despite legal barriers, the Gospel keeps moving in Central Asia – In recent years, Central Asia has seen a wave of new laws and regulations related to extremism. While the idea of protecting national security sounds reasonable, the concept is often vague and flexible. Almost anything can be considered a threat – if someone in authority decides it is. The change in “landscape” can take many forms, such as the sudden revocation of a building license or the introduction of new, restrictive regulations on educational activities. One day, someone might securely own and operate a school; the next, that ownership is nullified in a moment by the decision of a single official. The pressure is real, and uncertainty weighs heavily. Yet in the face of these shifting circumstances, believers are stirred to think creatively and adapt with wisdom and resilience.

We pray that local believers are inspired to find new pathways forward so the work continues despite restrictions. We pray for the churches in the Central Asia to stand on the Truth and not give in to legal pressure; for the peace and creativity of the local believers to act despite limitations. (Reported by Joanne Khmel, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/despite-legal-barriers-the-gospel-keeps-moving-in-central-asia/ – 1st May 2025 – Mission News Network)

Afghanistan’s public executions reveal fear–based grip of Taliban:
Four men were publicly executed in Afghanistan earlier this month, as ordered by the Supreme Court of that country. Nehemiah with FMI says interpretation of Islamic law paints the death of these men, accused of murder and robbery, as a carrying out of justice. “They have sparked global concern and been condemned over the harsh and non-transparent judicial practices,” he says. Public execution, which had nearly vanished during the previous government, has seen a resurgence under Taliban rule.

“Of course human rights organizations are warning that such activities undermine the rule of law and instill fear rather than true justice,” Nehemiah says. He points out that the incident serves as a grim reminder of the reality many Afghans face, living under a regime that uses fear and public punishment to assert control. It also rages urgent questions for the international community about how to engage with Taliban rulers while standing up for human dignity and justice. Yet, Nehemiah says there are untold stories in Afghanistan:

We pray that the Keys for Kids devotionals would nurture faith in the hearts of children and families living in fear. We also pray for financial needs to be met for this effort, and for the Taliban to discover the light of hope in their lives.

(Reported by Abigail Hofland, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/afghanistans-public-executions-reveal-fear-based-grip-of-taliban/– 24th April 2025 – Mission News Network)

Resurrection Sunday means victory in life or death –
Do you think of Easter as a victory day?

In the countries we serve, Easter has greater prominence among the churches even than Christmas,” says Erick Mock with Slavic Gospel Association. “Easter becomes a profound time of worship.” The victory concept carries a particular poignancy in countries like Ukraine, Israel, Russia and many others where SGA partners with local churches. Destruction and discord have loud voices. Yet Mock tells the story of one woman who discovered God’s voice even in mayhem.

In a time of great uncertainty, God is bringing help, healing, and hope to the people of Ukraine through SGA–supported pastors, churches, a seminary and SGA–supported Compassion Ministry. This Easter, SGA is boosting support to missionary pastors so they can deliver more aid to their neighbors in the name of Christ. It opens the way to invite people to church and hear the gospel –like it did for Sergei in Belarus. We pray for many people to be drawn to Jesus this Holy Week. We pray that we’ll have hope in Jesus Christ's life, death and resurrection while we celebrate Easter as a point of victory that our lives.

(Reported by Katie O'Malley, https://www.mnnonline.org/news/resurrection-sunday-means-victory-in-life-or-death/ – 17th April 2025 – Mission News Network)

For Syrian Christians, prayer is a matter of life and death –
Syria’s new, 23–member Cabinet sworn in last weekend gives a token nod to government inclusivity. But Tom Doyle with Uncharted Ministries says the message of moderation that Syria’s government is trying to project is the opposite of what they are really doing. “In fact, our national leaders in Syria [with] Uncharted say that as you go to all the checkpoints, they’re not even hiding it anymore. Their headbands, everything just says the Islamic State on it,” says Doyle.

Doyle points to the spiritual battle. “Last year, our team in Syria reported more people coming to faith in Christ than ever before,” he says. “So we know there are bigger issues than just a radical Muslim government taking over. The gospel’s on the line. Jesus is building His church in Syria in some of the most dangerous situations you can imagine.” We pray for the above–ground church in Syria as people from all backgrounds to come and worship in secret home churches. (Reported by Katie O'Malley, – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/for-syrian-christians-prayer-is-a-matter-of-life-and-death/, 4th Apr 2025 – Mission News Network)

Network of believers in Myanmar already in place to bring earthquake aid
The United Nations humanitarian office (OCHA) reported more than 10,000 buildings in Myanmar collapsed or were seriously damaged in the magnitude 7.7 earthquake and aftershocks. On top of rescue work, food, clean water, sanitation, and more are rising needs for survivors. Thousands in the city of Mandalay and other hard-hit regions are living on the streets, whether because they lost their homes or because they’re afraid more tremors will strike. The earthquake is one more layer to Myanmar’s complicated situation. After four years of horrific civil war, Myanmar is already deep in instability, explains Brian Dennett with AMG International.

“We are actively working right now with our team on the ground, assessing the situation, finding out where the most damage was, and we are going to be providing immediate relief. We really are well– positioned to make a difference there,” Dennett explains. We pray for AMG and its local partners to get aid to where it's most needed, and that they can share Jesus in the process. (Reported by Katie O'Malley – https://www.mnnonline.org/news/network-of-believers-in-myanmar-already-in-place-to-bring-earthquake-aid/, 2nd Apr 2025 – Mission News Network)

Father’s Day – Put a New Twist on an Old Tradition

 

The idea for Father’s Day began when a woman heard a Mother's Day sermon and decided that she didn’t want all that her dad had done for her to go unrecognized. When you think about Father’s Day, what comes to your mind? Can you relate to this woman who was concerned about taking her father for granted?

Honoring fathers is important. After all, the Bible commands us to honor them; but, this year, think of Father's Day with a new twist. 

Take some time to consider all your Heavenly Father has done for you and how you might be taking Him for granted.

God is Our Model Father:
God Almighty is your Heavenly Father, and He is the perfect example of what it means to be a dad. Looking at each of the letters that make up the word “father,” consider some of the characteristics that set Him apart and provide a model for our human dads.

F – Forgiveness is a huge part of your relationship with your Father. He is willing and able to forgive you of any sin you commit if you will only ask Him. It's comforting to know that nothing you do is ever so bad that God won't forgive you (Romans 8:38–39; 1 John 1:9). Now, that's unconditional acceptance.

A – He is active in your life all the time. God is always at work around you. Ask God to show you what He is doing. You will be amazed at all that is going on. More important, the invitation is open for you to get involved with Him. You never have to wait for your turn to be active with God (John 5:17).

T – Time for you. While humans get too busy to do this or that, God always has time for you. Whenever you feel lonely, struggle with a problem, want to share a thought, or need to deal with a concern, He is there for you. You can't find a time in your day when He is too busy to talk or listen to you (Jeremiah 33:3).

H – The heart of the matter is that God knows your heart, and He loves you anyway. Proverbs tells us that the heart is deceitful above all things. Some people may not want to be in your life if you make mistakes. God wants to be with you anytime, and He alone is able to change your heart to be all you were created to be (1 John 4:9-10,19).

E – Everywhere sums up God's place in your life. If you're a Christian, there is nowhere you can go where He isn't with you. It can be encouraging to realize that when you are in a tough place in your life, He is right there with you. Whether other people are there or not, God is by your side (Romans 8:35-39).

R – Rest and Read. These are two areas where most people could use a little work. Rest is important to you because it's easy to become so busy that you don't take time with the Lord. He wants you to set aside daily time to rest in Him and to read His Word. The Bible is His letter to His children. The best way to get to know your Father is to spend quality time resting and reading all about Him in His Word (John 14:21; Psalm 46:10).

All these attributes of God’s character make Him who He is. If you have been blessed with an earthly dad who has a lot in common with our Heavenly Father, be grateful. If you have missed out on a relationship with an earthly dad, be thankful that God is there for you and wants to meet the needs in your life.

Let God know how much He means to you.

Make Father’s Day Special for Your Dad:
Write a letter or make a phone call just to say, “thanks.”
Try to get into his world for a change and spend time doing something with your dad that he enjoys.
Have a conversation that doesn't have anything to do with something you need.
Focus on all the positive things he has been in your life so far. Realize that God has placed that person in your life for a reason and be thankful.

Prayer Response to this featured article:
We thank you for being our heavenly Father who loves us so much & placing earthly father to love + care for us as you do.

(Written by Rachel Lovingood – 10th June 2019, https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/marriage-men-fathers-day-a-new-twist-on-an-old-day –16th June 2024 – Father’s Day)

The Holy Spirit Spoke Long Ago

I believe that the crucifixion of Jesus was not an accident but rather the passion of Christ was part of God's plan from the beginning (1 Peter 1:18–20, NIV). Indeed, the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms all speak of the Christ having to suffer (Luke 24:44–49, NIV), and the inspiration behind these writings points to prophecies about the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit spoke these things. Judas’ betrayal of Jesus was not a surprise to Jesus. While the betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus were tragedies and involved the work of evil people, they were planned by God and announced by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:23, NIV). It is amazing that this Holy Spirit, who moved the prophets to foretell the truth about Jesus, is the same Spirit who lives in us to confirm the truth about Jesus in us and to us (John 16:13; 1 John 2:24–28, NIV). In Acts 1:15–16 (NIV), I believed that Peter spoke about the fulfilled promise of the Holy Spirit which was the fulfillment of the prophecy that had the Holy Spirit had descended upon those who were speaking in many languages as Peter proclaimed to the crowd then.

Today, I thank God that the Holy Spirit has bringing abundant blessings to my life and that He has been bringing deeper truth of revelation of truth into my life, guiding me into all truths so far. And, I pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth – into deeper and deeper truth of God’s revelation, just as God has been guiding me into deeper truth of God’s revelation so far & for you to know Jesus too. Indeed, you & I can perfectly reflect God’s character and compassion in our daily life.

Have you received the gift of the Holy Spirit today?

Profile Background:
Jeremy Koh is a disabled graduate from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore – formerly known as Spastic Children Association (1987–1997). He graduated with Certificates in Microsoft Office Skills & a HR Administrator Graduate (CHRA) under Human Capital Singapore–SGEnable Collaboration of Partnership – HCS HR PowerBank (7th Dec 2021 to 3rd June 2022) | Former Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant |A Connecter in ServeHope Pte Ltd & GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd | A KeyGuard Specialist @(these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months in World United College South East Asia (Tampines Branch) | an Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017); A Founder in the ground up initiative project called – Project Stories for LIFE (Affiliated with Youth Corps Singapore, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster) |A PwD Advocate – a representing voice of the Disabled Community to the public today.

Prayer Response to this featured article:
Thank you Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit; may your Holy Spirit guide us into deeper truth of God’s revelation today.

(Written by Jeremy Koh, 8th June 2025– Pentecost Sunday)

GIVE – Community Sanctification

As I meditated upon how the Scriptures said, “You shall eat neither bread’ nor parched grain nor fresh grain until the same day that you have brought an offering to your God; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings” (Leviticus 23:14, NKJV), I observe the practice of giving first to the Lord before all else was instituted at the Feast of Firstfruits. As such, I saw how the Israelites were not allowed to eat anything from the crop until they have given its first yield to the Lord in thanksgiving.

Hence, this prompts me to give my first paycheck when I have financial stability in my income as I take delight in giving as and when He leads me to give as God keeps pouring out His blessings onto my life, as I reflected upon my Easter Saturday Eve’s reading.

Are you giving your firstfruits to the LORD today?

Profile Background:
Jeremy Koh is a disabled graduate from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore – formerly known as Spastic Children Association (1987–1997). He graduated with Certificates in Microsoft Office Skills & a HR Administrator Graduate (CHRA) under Human Capital Singapore–SGEnable Collaboration of Partnership – HCS HR PowerBank (7th Dec 2021 to 3rd June 2022) | Former Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant |A Connecter in ServeHope Pte Ltd & GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd | A KeyGuard Specialist @(these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months in World United College South East Asia (Tampines Branch) | an Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017); A Founder in the ground up initiative project called – Project Stories for LIFE (Affiliated with Youth Corps Singapore, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster) |A PwD Advocate – a representing voice of the Disabled Community to the public today.

Prayer Response to this featured article:
Jesus, enable us to honour you through our giving today;

(Written by Jeremy Koh, 3rd Apr 2021 – Easter’s Saturday Eve)

Appoint or Elect

 

In my Polling Day’s devotional reading, as I meditated upon Titus 1:5b (NKJV), I saw how the apostle Paul gave Titus the mission mandate to elect to appoint leaders (elders) in every town, and by this, we saw that church leadership was very important to Paul then, where he spoke about Godly leaders in many places in his various letters. Prior to this, I noted how Paul and Titus had started the churches together, got them off the ground, and had to move on then. And by this time, Paul wanted to strengthen these young churches by sending Titus back to them. And when Paul uses the word “appoint” in Scriptures, he meant that he would let Titus to do the choosing & picking of church’s leaders back then. By this, I too saw how Paul also went on to give Titus some very specific guidelines he can use in the choosing process.

Truly, I believe that election means to select or to choose, that God chooses us by His purpose – telling us that He elects our national leaders through the spoken choice to us by His foreknowledge, and how God’s chosen ones should all be considerate of His will and practice the truth of His Word. With this, I praised God that People Action Party has won a vote share of 65.57 percent (PAP – 82 Seats out of 92 seats, and 10 seats for Workers Party) that gave the PAP a clear strong mandate by all Singaporeans for their trust, stability and confidence in the government said PM Lawrence Wong in early wee hours of dawn, and how this landslide victory results will put Singapore in a better position to face the current turbulent world in times ahead (cited news report by Goh Yan Han, Political Correspondent in ST Times, 4th MAY 2025).

As such, I declare that God’s choice of the elect is an act of mercy as Paul says (Romans 6:19–20, NKJV) and for Him to bless our newly elected Singapore’s governmental MPS and Ministers to receive much wisdom of God, as they live & act in obedience to that wisdom and for the power of God to flow in their lives and to guide them in their policy making for a new forward Singapore, guiding us through uncharted waters of troubled world ahead.

Who have you voted wisely into Singapore’s 15th Parliament today?

Profile Background:
Jeremy Koh is a disabled graduate from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore – formerly known as Spastic Children Association (1987–1997). He graduated with Certificates in Microsoft Office Skills & a HR Administrator Graduate (CHRA) under Human Capital Singapore–SGEnable Collaboration of Partnership – HCS HR PowerBank (7th Dec 2021 to 3rd June 2022) | Former Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant |A Connecter in ServeHope Pte Ltd & GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd | A KeyGuard Specialist @(these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months in World United College South East Asia (Tampines Branch) | an Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017); A Founder in the ground up initiative project called – Project Stories for LIFE (Affiliated with Youth Corps Singapore, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster) |A PwD Advocate – a representing voice of the Disabled Community to the public today.

Prayer Response to this featured article:
Father, we bless our newly elected Singapore’s governmental MPS and Ministers as they receive much wisdom of God, for them to live & act in obedience to that wisdom and for the power of God to flow in their lives and to guide them in their policy making for a new forward Singapore, guiding us through uncharted waters of troubled world today.

(Written by Jeremy Koh, 3rd May 2025 – GE Polling Day)

A Mother’s Day Devotional by Kendra Graham

“Now in Yafo (Joppa), there was a talmidah (disciple) named Tavita (Tabitha, in Greek Dorcas) which means “gazelle”; she was always doing tzedakah (charity) and other good deeds. It happened that just at that time she took sick and died. After washing her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Lud is near Yafo, and the talmidim (disciples) had heard that Kefa (Peter) was there so they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come to us without delay.” Kefa got up and went with them

When he arrived, they led him into the upstairs room. All the widows stood by him, sobbing and showing all the dresses and coats Tavita had made them while she was still with them. But Kefa put them all outside, kneeled down and prayed. Then, turning to the body, he said, “Tavita,! Get up!” She opened her eyes; and on seeing Kefa she sat up. He offered her his hand and helped her to her feet; then, calling the believers and widows, he presented her to them alive. This became known all over Yafo and many people put their trust in the Lord” (Acts 9:36–42, CJB)

This may seem like an odd passage of Scripture to share for Mother’s Day. This is the story of Tavita, or Dorcas, as you may be more familiar, and there are some things in the life of Dorcas that stand out to me as a mother, daughter and friend. I do not know if Tavita was a mother or not, it does not seem so, since there is no mention of it, but she is the kind of woman that I would like to be like in front of my children and any others who spend time with me.

When I look into the life of Tavita, I cannot help but wonder if she ever battled insignificance. Insignificance is something I feel like I am constantly battling at the home front; this same insignificance is voiced often from friends here locally, as well as in emails I receive and posts that I read on social media platforms.

What difference do we really make? Do we have purpose in this daily grind? I am just a (stay at home mom, homeschool mom, teacher, nurse, administrative assistant, single mom, single adult, waitress…)?

Tavita is a woman living in a culture driven by men. Women don’t have a lot of power, influence or education in first century Yafo. Tavita resides in a big coastal city, Yafo (Joppa) which was the city that Jonah in the Old Testament fled to in order to hide from God. What kind of eternal difference can she really make, she is one woman?

This one woman, in a big city, is forever remembered in God’s Word here in Acts until the end of time. She made a difference and God made sure her story was not left out. Tavita is an encouragement and lived a life of impact, probably hidden in a sea of people, but she mattered and she was seen.

Tavita was first and foremost described as a talmidah. The word talmidah means a disciple who is a woman. Women can be disciples! Let’s GOOOO!!! A disciple is a person who follows the teaching of the Rabbi so closely that their identity is swallowed up in who the Rabbi is. A disciple is someone that so mirrors the Rabbi that when people come in contact with them, it is as if they see the love of the Rabbi and hear the Word of the Rabbi.

Tavita’s Rabbi was the Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus). How do I know that? When Tavita died, Peter, a disciple of Jesus was close by and they ran and asked him to come and comfort the community. Peter lived his life in a way that reflected Jesus as well. They did not send word to local synagogue leaders, they sent word to the Talmid of Yeshua to comfort them. I do not get the sense that the community was looking for her to be raised from the dead, they washed the body, and were preparing it for burial.

Tavita was a disciple who had the eyes and heart of Messiah. How do I know that? She saw those with need and was driven to meet those needs.

In Deuteronomy, the Bible emphasizes that widows are to be treated with compassion and offered protection. More verses in the New Testament in James and 1Timothy also state this. When Jesus was walking the earth in the flesh, He proclaimed, “The Spirit of Adonai is upon me; because He has anointed me to announce Good News to the poor; He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the imprisoned and renewed sight to the blind, to release those who have been crushed, to proclaim a year of the favor of Adonai” (Luke 4:18–19, Isaiah 61:1–2, the Complete Jewish Study Bible)

Jesus pronounces the heart of God and that the Spirit of Adonai is upon Him. This is how you will be able to know: Good News to the poor, freedom for the imprisoned, sight to the blind, and hope for the crushed and broken. God is with them. God sees them. They matter to the heart of God.

Tavita saw the need of the widows, who were often counted with the poor and broken hearted. These widows would not have had incomes, they would not have been able to provide for themselves. Even if they knew how to sew for themselves, how would they be able to purchase the supplies? They were just trying to survive day in and day out in a city that didn’t see or care about them. Tavita saw them. Tavita cared about them. Tavita had resources and a skill to help. I often wonder if Tavita ever prayed and asked, “But what can I do? I’m a nobody. I don’t have any skills except an ability to sew, what good is that?”

Perhaps Tavita worked in a shop as an apprentice and her boss allowed her to collect the scraps of fabric that were useless and Tavita was able to create dresses and coats from these scraps. Perhaps Tavita was a girl with the resources herself and did not have to use the scraps, but out of her own pocket, bought the fabric and sewed for the community.Either way, Tavita saw a need because God gave her the eyes to see it. Tavita followed Jesus’s example so closely her heart was driven to meet the needs of these widows, as would the heart of Jesus if He were physically walking the streets of Joppa.

The skills of Tavita were not insignificant. Tavita may not have even known how much her little skill mattered to this community, but her heart, the heart of a talmidah, made a HUGE difference in the lives of the insignificant around her.

Then, Tavita died.

Tavita was trusted with death, because God wanted to show not only Tavita, but these widows, how much they mattered. They may have felt insignificant, but they were not insignificant in the least. God would have Peter, one of the BIG 12 disciples of Jesus come to their community.
I really love that. Peter did not refuse to come because those beckoning him were not world leaders, or the most influential, or people of importance who could donate millions to his ministry. Peter DID come because he too was dedicated to following wherever the Holy Spirit of the Living God led. That is fire. I LOVE this passage on so many levels. Peter went to the unseen of society because that is where God was working and moving.

God loved these widows so very much, that He needed Tavita to die, so that they could see the lengths He would go to in order to be sure their needs were met. God knew Tavita would follow Him, He trusted her to be dead for a minute, in order to show her as well, the extremes He would go to in order that she would know her little skill was not insignificant at all but a really big deal. Don’t miss this:

THE OVERLOOKED, SIDELINED, BROKEN, DEAD and INSIGNIFICANT, are HEALED and RESURRECTED, called to LIFE to bring the Kingdom of Heaven, the Good News of Jesus, to a dying world. THAT IS FIRE!!!! COME ON!

You are not insignificant. What is it that God has given you that He wants to use in an impactful way as you just simply follow Jesus? Have you asked Him to open your eyes to who Jesus would see if He was walking the streets of your neighborhood? Your city? Your job site? Your school? Your carpool? Your family?

I have a friend, Catherine, she has an incredible eye for photography and she posts these pictures on social media. When I look at her pictures, I see the eye of God in His creation. She encourages me to slow down and be still and know Adonai is God.

This sweet friend also noticed a young person in her store who wanted a sticker, and so she bought it for them. That simple act has impacted my life, but think of the life of the young person that now will know they were seen, and the fact they wanted this sticker for their water bottle mattered. Are these HUGE things? Yes and no. It matters that they are done. This is the life of Tavita seen in my friend.

You matter. The enemy would love to keep you on the sidelines, insignificant, defeated because you are not enough, according to some random definition of what “enough” means. You are created on purpose, for purpose, and that purpose is to walk with God, to know God and to need God. So God, came Himself, not trusting you to anyone else, and His name is Jesus.

Jesus lived the life that showed the heart of God towards the world. For GOD so LOVED the WORLD HE GAVE HIS only SON that WHOEVER believes in Him will have eternal life, instead of being utterly destroyed (John 3:16, CJB).

Your life is so significant to God, that God Himself gave His life on your behalf. It is time to battle insignificance together and pray for a fresh breath of the Holy Spirit in our lives, so that as we, who are perhaps hidden in this world, as we follow Jesus, will be able to see how the Good News of Jesus is still:

Announcing to the poor, freeing the captive, giving sight to the blind, and bringing wholeness to the crushed.

How closely we follow Jesus is of eternal significance. Let’s GOOO! Let’s Follow Jesus together!!!!

May the Shalom (peace) of Yeshua fill your hearts.

Profile Background:
Kendra Graham – Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove (https://thecove.org/blog/a-mothers-day-devotional-by-kendra-graham/)

Prayer Response to this featured article:
Do pray for all mothers to feel the loving gaze of Yeshua HaMeshiach (Jesus who is the Messiah) upon them this Mother’s Day, seen and loved beyond measure.

(Written by Kendra Graham, Unknown Date)

CHRISTIAN VIEWPOINT FEATURE #17

He Brought Fantasy to Life: The Story That Changes Everything – In this article, it reminds us that on Easter Sunday, fantasy became reality, legend became history, mythology became fact. Jesus rose as the hero of the best tale ever told.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/he-brought-fantasy-to-life by Greg Morse – 20th Apr 2025 | inside Desiring God)

Rabbi Schneider Breaks the Silence on the Prophetic Link Between Passover and the Last Supper!
In an article by Rabbi Schneider, he shows the fact that “the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel” was to kill the Passover lamb reminded them that their redemption was personal as well as collective because every individual was involved. (Reported by Rabbi Kirt Schneider, a television host (18th Apr 2025) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/rabbi-schneider-breaks-the-silence-on-the-prophetic-link-between-passover-and-the-last-supper/)

He Became the Better Man, The Two Gardens of Maundy Thursday – Clinton Manley in this article speaks of how God loves a good garden especially if that garden is on a mountaintop. In fact, God’s great story of redemption is largely a tale of two gardens. The tale begins and ends in the garden of Eden, which starts as an arboretum and ends as a paradisal city. But between the Bible’s bookends, we stumble into a very different garden: Gethsemane.

On this Holy Thursday, as we remember the agony of Jesus under the olive trees, what fruit might we glean by comparing Eden and Gethsemane?

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/he-became-the-better-man by Clinton Manley –– 17th Apr 2025 | inside Desiring God)

The Prophetic Riddle of Palm Sunday – By riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, Jesus found the perfect way to say, “I am the long-expected King, but not like you expect. I am not just anointed but will be afflicted.” (For more info, do click the link – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/he-dared-to-ride-a-donkey by David Mathis – 10th Apr 2025 | inside Desiring God)

Shocking Prophetic Warning – Is God Judging the Church’s Integrity Today?
In a recent prophetic message, Jeremiah Johnson shared how the message of Acts 5 highlights the stark contrast between Barnabas and Ananias and Sapphira. “Barnabas sells his land and gives all the proceeds to the apostles,” but Ananias and Sapphira, “appear to do the same, but secretly withhold part of the money.” The key issue is not that they owned possessions, but their deception. “Their sin was not having land… their sin was in the fact that they made a vow or a promise to give it all and they did not.” (Reported by Abby Trivett, is content development editor for Charisma Media in Prophetic Insight Newsletter (10th Apr 2025) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/shocking-prophetic-warning-is-god-judging-the-churchs-integrity-today/)

Contemplating Existence, Life and Consciousness – In this article by Terence Ho, he says that though relationships may offer an answer to the puzzle of existence, yet it may be pointless question to talk about human existence if there is no deeper reason for existence. He finds out that though there is resurrection from the dead that cannot be comprehended beyond human capability and how this is still poorly understood by others for them to generally accept the model for the origin of life. Yet, the Christian faith embraces a perfect relationship between Creator and created beings, as well as perfect relationships among created being, as humans long for an enjoyable relationship with God forever. (For more info, do click the link – https://ethosinstitute.sg/contemplating-existence-life-and-consciousness/ by Terence Ho | | 7th Apr 2025 | inside Credo)

Work as the Christian calling – In this article by Dr Roland Chia, he highlights that though in recent decades, a number of Christian writers have tried to correct this erroneous dichotomy of “secular vocation”, yet Christians can understand that vocation to which we are called, the work that we do becomes a ministry – a service to God and to our fellow human beings. (For more info, do click the link – https://ethosinstitute.sg/work-as-the-christian-calling/ by Dr Roland Chia | | 7th Apr 2025 | inside Credo)

When Sex in Marriage Hits a Roadblock –
Intimacy is the foundation of a strong marriage, and it requires mutual effort to achieve deeper fulfillment through sexual connection. But what happens when couples encounter roadblocks? Discover how these moments can serve as valuable opportunities to look deeper into the relationship and learn how to love each other better.

(For more info, – https://family.org.sg/articles/when-sex-in-marriage-hits-a-roadblock by Tracey Or, author |1st April 2025, inside FAMILY FOCUS/BLOG)

Is There Any Point in Reading Ecclesiastes? – In this article, Bishop Emeritus Robert M Solomon urges us to examine carefully whether reading Ecclesiastes will be spiritually profitable, calling us to recognise that it is in the biblical Canon, and how it does prepare us to receive the gospel of Christ, and at the entrance of every road that represents the popular broad road that Jesus warned against (Matthew 7:13–14, NIV) – having a placard warning “Meaningless!,” and if we take heed, we will find the narrow road of salvation and fulfilment in Christ.

(For more info, do click the link – https://ethosinstitute.sg/is-there-any-point-in-reading-ecclesiastes/ by Bishop Emeritus Robert M Solomon |17th Mar 2025| inside Credo)

Atlas with a Smile –The Happy Heart of Mature Men – Dylan in this article talks about how God calls men to carry much – jobs, wives, children, churches. Yet, mature men bear these responsibilities not with dismay but with delight.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/atlas-with-a-smile by Dylan Tew – 14th Mar 2025 | inside Desiring God)

TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE? – In this article, Ps Charles Lee explains how the cross of Jesus leads one to live in self–denial and that he is being transformed by the glory of Christ as we follow Him to where He leads us today. (For more info, do click the link – https://ethosinstitute.sg/to-thine-own-self-be-true/ by Ps Charles Lee| 3rd Mar 2025| inside Feature)

A faithful and unchanging God –
In this article, Dr Roland Chia highlights to show how God demonstrates His faithfulness shown to us all the time, especially in the time of devastation and suffering; just as Jerusalem laid themselves in ruins and its people still remained in exile then, yet God reminded Jeremiah of His faithfulness – the God whose love and mercy endures, the God who is ever faithful. (For more info, do click the link – https://ethosinstitute.sg/a-faithful-and-unchanging-god/ by Dr Roland Chia | 3rd Mar 2025| inside Pulse)

Life Will Not Get Easier –
The author in this article talks about how “Life will get easier if . . .” But will it really? What if it doesn’t? Truer, sweeter, more hopeful responses to hardship await us in Scripture. (For more info, do click the link – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/life-will-not-get-easier by Stephen Witmer – 2nd Mar 2025 | inside Desiring God)

“God Is Moving!” – Eyewitnesses Report Miracles as Holy Spirit Sweeps Campuses:
This article reported that Christians around the globe united on Feb. 27, in a movement of prayer to see revival spread across college campuses and universities. During the Collegiate Day of Prayer, more than 6,000 campuses were adopted in prayer by 3,207 churches, ministries and individuals. Organizers report that the 2,500–seat Rudder Auditorium at Texas A&M was sold out as students came to seek God for revival on their campuses.

(Reported by CBN News (1st Mar 2025) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/god-is-moving-eyewitnesses-report-miracles-as-holy-spirit-sweeps-campuses/)

Most Christians Are Missing This Major End–Times Sign –
This article shows how something extraordinary is happening in Israel, and many Christians aren’t paying attention. The prophetic clock is ticking, and at the center of it all is a biblical mystery – the red heifer. For thousands of years, this seemingly obscure ritual has held deep significance in Jewish law, yet its relevance to prophecy and the future of Israel have never been more critical than they are today.

(Reported by James Lasher is a staff writer for Charisma Media, in Prophetic Insight Newsletter (28th Feb 2025) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/most-christians-are-missing-this-major-end-times-sign/)

What does it mean to be missional family – How can families live out their faith in a culture that has differing values?
In this article, Salt&Light discovered how “Truth has a confronting nature, while beauty has an attractive nature,” said Ps Ian Toh (3:16 Church), sharing why parents shouldn’t just focus on the bad but also point out the good.

Here are 4 distinguishing marks of missional families.

(For more info, – https://saltandlight.sg/news/state-of-the-family-2025-what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-missional-family/ by Gracia Chiang; 25th Feb 2025| inside Salt & Light)

Serpents, the Vatican and Gold – This article shows how Amanda Grace explained what she believes the Lord has shown her for 2025, including a special word about serpents, a warning for the Vatican and gold reserves in the U.S. Grace believes right now there is a spirit of Haman lurking around the earth, which she says is partnered with the serpent.

(Reported by Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media, in Prophetic Insight Newsletter (25h Feb 2025) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/prophetic-insights-serpents-the-vatican-and-gold/)

See Him as He Is: The Beatific Vision in Classical, Hedonistic Christianity – The author in this article talks about how we will find unending happiness in infinite beauty. More than ever before, we will be satisfied in God, and he will be glorified in us.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/see-him-as-he-is by Samuel Parkison, Professor – 21st Feb 2025| inside Desiring God)

Reimagining the Godhead: William Lane Craig’s Altered Trinity – In this article, Dr Roland Chia looks at the two points of the argument of how the American philosopher William Lane Craig argues that the Logos Christology of the early Christian Apologists tends to distort influence of Hellenistic philosophy, that led him to make assumptions created proverbial blind spots in his assessment of the orthodox teaching, causing him to reject doctrines of divine simplicity. (For more info, do click the link – https://ethosinstitute.sg/reimagining-the-godhead-william-lane-craigs-altered-trinity/ by Dr Roland Chia | 17th Feb 2025| inside Pulse)

In the Beginning Was the Cultural Mandate –
In this article, Rev Dr Billy Kristan shares how the coming of God’s kingdom through the cultural mandate is served as a witness to the kingship and lordship of Christ and that the cultural mandate precedes the evangelistic mandate, whose aim is to proclaim the gospel to all people with the hope that they may know Jesus Christ, who “fully reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God” (Heidelberg Catechism, Q/A 31). And by this, we imitate the righteousness of Christ while participating in the story of his kingdom when we carry the cultural mandate. (For more info, do click the link – https://ethosinstitute.sg/in-the-beginning-was-the-cultural-mandate/ by Rev Dr Billy Kristanto | 17th Feb 2025| inside Credo)

Contemplating Perfection –
In this article by Terence Ho, he discusses the two possible solutions for those who believe in the existence of heaven; first, one can work towards perfection or enlightenment, perhaps over many lives made possible through repeated rebirths. Second, one can first qualify for heaven – whether through good deeds or other means & presumably, be transformed into perfection. Indeed, the process of transformation (called “sanctification”) provides the believer and community of believers with a foretaste of heaven, and crucially, allows them to reflect God’s character by displaying sacrificial love towards one another.

(For more info, do click the link – https://ethosinstitute.sg/contemplating-perfection/ by Terence Ho 17th Feb 2025| inside Credo)

Shepherding Kids Through the Loss of a Loved One – This article reminds us that we can shepherd our children through the death of a loved one, showing them our grief, normalize theirs, and guide them to the Christ who conquered the grave.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/shepherding-kids-through-the-loss-of-a-loved-one by Kathryn Butler, Regular Contributor – 15th Feb 2025| inside Desiring God)

Christianity tends to focus on what we do in church on weekends –
In this article, Salt&Light found there are 85% of people who work say they would like more equipping to live out their faith at work, accordingly to its marketplace survey. And, the vision at Salt&Light is “To G.R.O.W. the Marketplace, one industry at a time. Because every believer should have their Saturday/Sunday church, yet our heart is to grow the Monday to Friday Church.” (For more info, – https://saltandlight.sg/news/christianity-tends-to-focus-on-what-we-do-in-church-on-weekends-its-time-to-live-out-our-faith-in-our-workplaces-monday-to-friday/ by Edric Sng | 17th Feb 2025, inside Salt & Light)

Missions in a Microwave World –
This article reminds us how God has not promised that the gospel will rapidly advance if only we use the right methods. But He has promised that faithful labor will not be in vain. (For more info, do click the link – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/missions-in-a-microwave-world by Scott Logsdon, Guest Contributor – 7th Feb 2025| inside Desiring God)

Head Straight for Heaven, Five Wonders of the World to Come –
This article shows how without some clear vision of heaven, we won’t finish the race of faith. Only the joys of the next world can keep us running in this one. (For more info, do click the link – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/head-straight-for-heaven by Jared Compton (Professor, Bethlehem College and Seminar) – 4th Feb 2025 | inside Desiring God)

How Doing Chores can Save Your Marriage –
In this article, the author highlights that nearly 80% of couples argue about doing chores, yet the good news is that when you share the load and focus on out –serving each other, chores can bring you closer instead of causing conflict. (For more info, – https://family.org.sg/articles/how-doing-chores-can-save-your-marriage by the author of Thrive Families| 4th Feb 2025, inside FAMILY FOCUS/BLOG)

On Thinking About God –
In this article, Dr Roland points out that while Augustine believes how God can be known, worshipped, and loved, and He remains incomprehensible, yet there are some Christian systematic theologians today, who embraced the Enlightenment presuppositions and the scientific method, they discuss how theological issues were problems to be solved rather than mysteries to be discerned and clarified. Yet again, God can never be fully comprehended through theological nature of a problem–solving enterprise that lies at the heart of all theological inquiry, but by a mystery – discerning enterprise. (For more info, do click the link – https://ethosinstitute.sg/on-thinking-about-god/ by Dr Roland Chia | 3rd Feb 2025| inside Pulse)

Teach me, Help me, Thrill me – A Guide to the Longest Psalm – This article highlights how 176 verses, Psalm 119 that presents the longest chapter in the Bible. How might we travel its length on the paths of devotion, dependence, and delight?

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/teach-me-help-me-thrill-me by Brian Tabb, President, Bethlehem College and Seminary) – 29th Jan 2025 | inside Desiring God)

Hebrew Year 5785: Prophetic Call to Anoint Kings and Priests – This article shows how a recent episode of “The Curt Landry Podcast,” Rabbi Curt Landry dives deep into the prophetic significance of the Hebrew year 5785, marking it as a critical time for believers. “This is the year of the king-priest anointing,” Landry says, pointing to the Old Testament model of King David, who embodied both spiritual and material leadership. According to Landry, the upcoming year holds the keys to unlocking believers’ spiritual potential in a new way. Landry explains that 5785 is not just another year on the Hebrew calendar but one that sets the foundation for the next decade.

(Reported by James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media for Charisma Media in Prophetic Insight Newsletter (4th Oct 2024) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/hebrew-year-5785-prophetic-call-to-anoint-kings-and-priests/)

Hebrew Year 5785: Prophetic Call to Anoint Kings and Priests –
This article shows how a recent episode of “The Curt Landry Podcast,” Rabbi Curt Landry dives deep into the prophetic significance of the Hebrew year 5785, marking it as a critical time for believers. “This is the year of the king-priest anointing,” Landry says, pointing to the Old Testament model of King David, who embodied both spiritual and material leadership. According to Landry, the upcoming year holds the keys to unlocking believers’ spiritual potential in a new way. Landry explains that 5785 is not just another year on the Hebrew calendar but one that sets the foundation for the next decade.

(Reported by James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media for Charisma Media in Prophetic Insight Newsletter (4th Oct 2024) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/hebrew-year-5785-prophetic-call-to-anoint-kings-and-priests/)

Amanda Grace’s Prophetic Vision of Israel and Iran Comes to Pass – In the interview with Amanda Grace’s prophetic words from her March 2023 interview with Charisma Media, she discusses the striking relevance as Israel faces unprecedented violence and the threat of a larger war. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas launches a brutal terrorist attack from Gaza, killing more than 1.200 Israelis and marking the beginning of what could, a year later, escalate into a full–scale war with Iran. Grace’s warnings about an alliance between Iran and China become more poignant as these events unfold. (Reported by James Lasher, a staff writer for Charisma Media. for Charisma Media in Prophetic Insight Newsletter (3rd Oct 2024) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/amanda-graces-prophetic-vision-of-israel-and-iran-comes-to-pass/)

Satan’s End–Time Strategy – AI, Aliens and the Antichrist – “AI doesn’t have to be evil to destroy humanity—if AI as a goal and humanity just happens to come in the way, it will destroy humanity as a matter of course without even thinking about it, no hard feelings” – Elon Musk. (Reported by Alan DiDio founded Encounter Ministries in Charlotte, North Carolina, for Charisma Media in Prophetic Insight Newsletter (3rd Oct 2024) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/satans-end-time-strategy-ai-aliens-and-the-antichrist/)

When Your Marriage is Stormy –
In this article, the author highlights how problems seem big and solutions appear far away when you’re unable to deal with those challenges in your stormy marriage, yet communication is the key in rekindling your stormy marriage, and how marriage that sustains the love can hold couples together, preventing them from drifting into prolonged periods of negligence and inaction – away from each other, if both persons can commit to journey through life together.

(For more info, – https://family.org.sg/articles/when-your-marriage-is-stormy by the author of Thrive Families| 15th January 2024, inside FAMILY FOCUS/BLOG)

The Mountain Shall Be Yours – In the article by Dr Michelle Corral, she asked, Have you ever been so intimidated by your trials and tribulations that you thought, “This cannot be God’s will”? Jesus promised that your faith will move a mountain: “You will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matt. 17:20, ESV). Does your mountain produce intimidation – or determination? Joshua gave the children of Joseph the lot of a huge mountain. The word lot in the Hebrew language means destiny. The lot – destiny – was more than enough territory for their massive population.

(Reported by Dr Michelle Corral, CEO and founder of Breath of the Spirit Ministries International, Inc; in Prophetic Insight Newsletter (12th Oct 2024) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/the-mountain-shall-be-yours/)

Jenny Weaver: Prophetic Message on Hurricane Milton –
As Florida braces for Hurricane Milton, Jenny Weaver is giving a powerful prophetic message to the body of Christ about this situation. “I have an urgent word concerning the upcoming storms, the turmoil that’s happening right now with the rumors of wars and all the things happening,” Weaver says in a Facebook livestream. “The word of the Lord that I am hearing in my spirit is, ‘and upon this rock, I will build My church. And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,'” she says.

(Reported by Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media in Prophetic Insight Newsletter (9th Oct 2024) – https://mycharisma.com/propheticrevival/jenny-weaver-prophetic-message-on-hurricane-milton/)