8 December 2022 Word by Snr Pastor, Pastor Darien Choo

Today’s Inspiration: “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.” Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬. What is the fear of the Lord? Why is it blessed to tremble before God? We do not understand the fear of the Lord is because we do not understand that the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23. Religious works and ritual will not convict your heart into repentance through confession but rather justify yourself to cover your sins with the hardness of your conscience. Christianity is not just attending services, seminars or doing good works, rather it is about the inner workings of God in our spirit man by the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is like God’s mirror which reveals to us the image of Christ. James 1:23 There are many areas in our lives which are not like Christ. The lust of our flesh, the lust of our eyes and the pride of our lives. 1 John 2:16. In the pandemic we dealt with violent cases in Christian homes. In reality many fall short the glory of God because of our heart sins of fear, insecurity, greed, anger, rage, jealousy, envy, pride, injustice, bitterness and unforgiveness, especially manifesting from our growing up years. One can look holy in the church but a tyrant at home or workplace. Do we see Christ? Maybe shall we ask,” Is there Christ in me? Am I a Christian?” A true Christian life is not about self but all about Christ, walking in the Spirit and being sensitive to our sins, knowing we all need repentance and healing by the Lord. Galatians 2:20. Repentance is not a salvation prayer but a lifestyle of Spiritual living. We all make mistakes in life but how can we confess, repent and change through prayers, humility, discipleship, teachability, fellowship, and healing of our souls. May the fear of the Lord manifests the beginning of wisdom, knowledge and understanding of Christ, deep within us.

Prayer: O Lord my God, let me lean not on my own understanding but be led by your Holy Spirit in prayer daily. Your Word is like a mirror, the image of Christ. Search my heart and know my inner most thoughts and being. If there are any hurting areas that are not of Christ, sanctify me, mould me and heal my broken heart. Restore me into your everlasting ways, in Jesus' Name, Amen.