We often hear that Jesus loves us. However, have we heard that Jesus cursed as well? In Mark 11:21, we learnt that Jesus cursed a fig tree that did not bear fruit. In John 15:16, Jesus Himself told His disciples that He chose us and appointed us to go and bear fruit. He has given us the remedy to bear fruit in the same chapter in verses 5 and 6 that we are to abide in Him to bear fruit, failing which He shall cast out the branch that is withered and gather them to be thrown into the fire. We should then take heed of these very Words of Jesus and take every step to abide in Him and bear fruit for Him as the promise for such obedience is great reward as promised in verse 7. Read John 15:7


If at First You Don’t Succeed…

We consider blessed those who have persevered. James 5:11

Whether we ultimately fail or succeed sometimes depends on our own tenacity. We’ve all heard stories about people who beat the odds and achieved where others tried and failed. But we seldom stop to think about the many times those same people fell flat on their faces before realizing their goals.

Thomas Edison, for instance, reportedly built and tested more than one thousand lightbulbs before finally getting one to work. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school varsity basketball team. Louis L’Amour received several hundred rejection slips before his first short story was published. After Elvis Presley’s first performance at the Grand Ole Opry, the manager advised the young singer to go back to truck driving.

Satan wants us to give up after a defeat. That’s why the author of Hebrews urged Jewish Christians to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1). That’s a valuable lesson for your children…By Dr James Dobson


You will occasionally find yourself in situations in which you cannot defend yourself. You may be required to remain quiet in the face of others saying erroneous things about you. Or perhaps you will face the consequences of another's decisions; though you know the folly of their actions, you are not in a position to question what they are doing. This morning, take heart. Remember that God knows everything about your situation and that He is in control. Be confident that He will defend you when you cant speak up for yourself and that He will bring the truth to light. He knows the good you've done and will not let you down. Stand on Matthew 10:26


How could Paul maintain his joy through beatings, betrayals, shipwrecks and imprisonment? Because God told him,"My grace is enough; it is all you need. My strength comes into its own in your own weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9). Grace will enable you to handle a difficult mother-in-law, pray for a rebellious child, work for an unreasonable boss, patient with a demanding client. When does grace come? Hebrews 4:16 ".... when we need it." God will not give you tomorrow's grace today. Like the manna in the wilderness, when you awaken each morning, it'll be there - grace equal to every need. So, keep your faith strong in the face of overwhelming odds.

You are God's special creation. When He formed you, He was delighted to give you all the qualities that make you unique - your traits and talents. Yet even the things you consider flaws and weaknesses were all part of His perfecting you. He made no mistakes in constructing you. In fact, those aspects you feel as errors are actually His mark on your life - what He used in a powerful way to make Himself known to you. This morning, rejoice that you have been excellently formed by your wonderful Maker and fulfil that precious part of His great plan that has been specially created for you. Thank Him for creating you the way you are. Read Psalm 139