JESUS IS GOD'S LOVE TO US

Tomorrow, February 14th, the world sets aside a day to celebrate love. Many are in expectation—hoping to receive gifts, surprises, and special gestures from their partners.

But do you know that love is a gift, not a reward? And a true gift is not given because it was earned or demanded.

A gift is something willingly given—freely, lovingly, without pressure, without negotiation. That is exactly how God expressed His love to us.

When we were hopeless… When we did not know how to reconnect ourselves to Him… When we were not even thinking of seeking Him… He gave us the greatest Gift of all — Jesus Christ. As recorded in Gospel of John 3:16 (MSG): “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone"

Before the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh, we were all cut off from God, unable to reconcile ourselves to Him through our own strength or works. Sin had created a separation that no human effort could bridge. But in the fullness of time, God Himself stepped into our brokenness through His Son. Jesus became the perfect Mediator, restoring what was lost and bringing us back into fellowship with the Father.

Through His death and resurrection, Christ accomplished what we could never achieve—peace with God, forgiveness of sins, and the gift of eternal life. Now, reconciliation is not earned by striving, but received by faith in the finished work of Jesus. In Him, we are no longer distant strangers, but beloved children welcomed into the presence of God.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your Gift of love in Jesus Christ that has the ability to rescue me from condemnation to salvation. Thank You that through His finished works on the cross and resurrection from the dead, I am accepted now and forever as Your child and nothing can separate me from Your great love in Jesus Christ. I no longer live for myself but to live for You, for it is in You that I have life.

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ I pray,
Amen.

Join Us at Abundant River Church International!
Experience God’s love and vibrant community at Abundant River Church International (ARCI-ACCRA) — a welcoming interdenominational and international church in Accra, Ghana.
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Did the Bible really say that money can do all things?

I read a post on TikTok claiming, “the Bible even say money do all things.” But that is not true. This is a clear misquotation and misinterpretation of Solomon’s proverb in Ecclesiastes 10:19 (KJV), which says:
"A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things."

At face value, this statement can sound absolute. However, Solomon was not teaching that money has unlimited power. To understand his meaning more clearly, it helps to compare other translations. For example, the Easy English Version puts it this way:
“People enjoy eating, and wine makes life happier. But money solves a lot of problems.”

This wording makes the intent clearer. Solomon was speaking from a practical, earthly perspective—acknowledging that money is useful for handling many everyday needs and responsibilities. He was not saying that money can replace God, give life, save the soul, or solve every problem.

In fact, the Bible consistently teaches that money has limits and must never become an object of trust or worship. Scripture recognizes the usefulness of money, but it never presents it as all-powerful. Only God is all-powerful, and He is fully made known through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, if you have faith in Jesus, you have access to the One who is unlimited in power and able to work through you to accomplish things far beyond what money can do..
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Word For The Day

THE PATH OF PEACE

READING: Luke 1:78-79

Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.

In this season of Advent, we join with believers all over the world to celebrate Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, who came to dispel every shadow of death in our lives and guide us to the path of peace. As Apostle Paul emphasised in Philippians 2:6-8, Jesus Christ, being in very nature God, emptied Himself of His privileges, came in the form of a servant, in human likeness and was obedient even to death on a cross. What a great love! He was not born into privilege and power, neither did He enter this world with a royal procession. His humble birth was to a woman who owned nothing but simple faith as her helpless baby was laid in a manger. And so the Prince of Peace came, not with a forceful mandate but with an invitation to guide us to the path of peace. The question is, have you accepted His timeless invitation?

In Matthew 11:28, Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, the very Son of God, still invites you to come. He says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He invited you to come and here you are. As you give Him your best, He will give you His rest. As you open your heart to Him today, He will pour His blessings upon you today. Because when you give your best to Him, He will give His rest to you.

We accept His invitation by faith when we give Him our best love, our best attention, our total surrender and truly believe - only then our hearts will be at rest. A heart at rest with God is a heart blessed by God. And this rest is not defined by a relaxation in the worldly sense but a holy relaxation that only comes from submitting one’s will to the Prince of Peace. So accept His invitation, give Him your best and enter the rest of God today.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for guiding me to the path of peace. Help me to accept Your invitation to lay down my burdens before You by faith and enter your rest. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Source: #ARCI

Word For The Day

THE POWER OF GODLY FELLOWSHIP

READING: Luke 1:39-42

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!’

When the angel Gabriel visited Mary in Luke 1, she received a profound message about her purpose that would change her life forever. She was not ignorant to the fact that her being an unmarried pregnant woman could come at a cost – the threat of disownment from family, divorce from her fiancé, and the risk of poverty without support. Yet she joyfully accepted the Word by faith, believing that God’s power to sustain her in this miraculous calling was greater than any threat.

Understanding the importance of godly associations, Mary chose to confide in someone spiritually mature. After accepting the call to bear the Son of God, she travelled to her relative Elizabeth, who had also conceived miraculously in old age. Through Elizabeth’s encouragement, Mary found mentorship for her unique journey of pregnancy.

Ask yourself, who do you confide in? Do you make yourself accountable to those who are spiritually mature? In life, we must discern before we disclose, to be careful of who we confide in.

Mary’s visit to Elizabeth was spiritual, which was confirmed when John the Baptist leapt in Elizabeth’s womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. Though they were family, the true basis of their connection was spiritual maturity.

Elizabeth spoke words that strengthened Mary when her circumstances may have seemed precarious. Godly counsel, rooted in God’s Word, paves the path for solutions. Have you identified those God has sent to you - your mentor, advisor, confidant? Ensure those in whom you trust are led by God’s Spirit daily.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, give me the grace to watch and pray, to discern before I disclose, and to be careful of who I confide in. Help me to identify those You have sent me to. In Jesus’ name, amen.

From Abundant River Church International.

Don’t believe blindly—test everything by Scripture.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God.” — 1 John 4:1

In our dispensation today, where many claim to be hearing directly from God and portray themselves as God’s spokespersons, it is important for us to know that not every spiritual voice is divine. The Bible never instructs believers to accept every message simply because it sounds spiritual, prophetic, or authoritative. Instead, Scripture calls us to discernment.

God’s Word remains the ultimate standard. Any revelation, prophecy, teaching, or instruction that does not align with Scripture—no matter how eloquent or popular the messenger may be—must be questioned. Spiritual maturity is not shown by how quickly we believe, but by how carefully we test.

Testing the spirits requires more than emotion or personal preference. It involves comparing what is said with the truth of God’s Word, the character of Christ, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. God will never contradict Himself. What He reveals today will always agree with what He has already spoken in Scripture.

We must also be cautious of personalities that elevate themselves above the Word of God. True servants of God point people back to Christ, not to themselves. When messages promote fear, manipulation, pride, or unscriptural practices, they fail the test of the Spirit of God.

As believers, we are called to stand firm—not on trends, titles, or claims—but on truth. Let us cultivate discernment through prayer, consistent study of Scripture, and humility before God. When we test every spirit carefully, we protect our faith and remain rooted in what truly honors God.

Prayer:
Lord, grant us discernment in these times. Help us to test every spirit by Your Word and to stand firm in what aligns with Your truth. Keep our hearts anchored in Christ alone. Amen.

Further References: Jeremiah 23:16; Matthew 24:24; John 16:13; Acts 17:11; Galatians 1:8; Colossians 2: 8.

Give Thanks to God Always

“Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (CEV)

No matter what you go through in life, always remember to give thanks to God. There may be moments when it seems like nothing is working for your good, but as long as you still have breath, understand that God is not done with you yet. Choosing thanksgiving in difficult times is a powerful declaration of faith—it acknowledges God’s sovereignty and faithfulness even before the breakthrough comes.

Through thanksgiving, God turns our bad moments into testimonies, our trials into triumphs, and our pain into purpose.

Thanksgiving is also an expression of faith in God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Scripture reminds us that people of faith remained thankful even in the toughest situations, and God intervened in their lives to rescue them.

A clear example is the three Hebrew boys—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Despite seeing how intensely heated the fiery furnace was, they chose not to complain or compromise their faith. Instead, they stood firm, trusting God completely. And the God who is always faithful came to their rescue. Jesus Himself was present with them in the fire and turned their situation around for their good.

Another powerful example is Deacon Stephen. Even while being stoned to death, he chose to thank God and interceded for his murderers. Among them was Saul, who later became Paul—the greatest missionary of all time. Though Stephen died, by faith we know that he now rests in glory with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

May we learn to give thanks to God always, knowing that He is faithful and that nothing we endure is ever wasted in His hands.

Bible References: Job 1:21; Psalm 107:1; Lamentations 3: 22 - 23; Habakkuk 3:17 - 19; Luke 22:19; John 6:11; Acts 16: 25 - 26; Philippians 4: 6 - 7; Revelation 7:12.

Christ Is Our Hope of Glory

“God’s plan is to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God.”
— Colossians 1:27 (GNB)

One spectacular blessing we have freely received from God through faith in His glorious Son, Jesus Christ—our Lord and Savior—is the privilege of becoming partakers of God’s glory.

This glory is not merely a future reward reserved for heaven alone; it is a present spiritual reality made possible by Christ dwelling in us. His indwelling presence transforms our identity, assures our destiny, and empowers us to live above fear, condemnation, and defeat. Christ in us is the guarantee that God’s glorious purpose will be fulfilled in our lives.

The “hope of glory” is not wishful thinking—it is a confident expectation rooted in God’s faithfulness. Because Christ lives in us, we carry divine life, divine nature, and divine purpose. We are called to reflect His glory in our character, our obedience, our love, and our witness to the world.

As believers, our lives become vessels through which God reveals His glory—both now and in the age to come. This is the mystery once hidden but now revealed: Christ in us, the hope of glory.


Bible References: John 14: 20; Romans 8: 10, 17; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 2: 20; Ephesians 3:16 -17; 1 Peter 5: 10.

The Indescribable Gift of God

“Now thanks be to God for His gift, precious beyond telling—His indescribable, inexpressible, free gift!”
— 2 Corinthians 9:15 (AMPC)

As we draw closer to Christmas, excitement fills the air. Many of us eagerly anticipate gifts from our spouses, parents, older siblings, bosses, or friends. Yet, amid all the anticipation, it is worth pausing to ask a deeper question: Why do we truly celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is a sacred season set apart to commemorate the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ. When God chose to give humanity a gift—one precious, incomparable, and beyond expression—He did not send angels or any created thing. Instead, He gave us His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

This gift surpasses material possessions and festive joy. It is the ultimate expression of divine love: God Himself entering human history to redeem, restore, and reconcile humanity to Himself. Christ is God’s indescribable gift—freely given, eternally sufficient, and infinitely glorious.

As we exchange gifts this Christmas, may our hearts be drawn again to the greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ, God’s precious gift to humanity.

As many of us who have received this precious gift of God, let us respond with gratitude, faith, and obedience—living lives that reflect His love, proclaim His grace, and glorify His name. May Christ be not only celebrated in our season, but revealed through our lives.

Bible References: Isaiah 9:6; John 1:12, 14, 16 -17; John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Romans 6:23; 8:32; 2 Corinthians 9:15; Galatians 1:3 -4; 1 John 4:9 -10.

Not Fear but Faith

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God." — Isaiah 41:10

There are moments in life when nothing seems to work in our favour, and in our frustration or desperation, we turn away from God toward things we think can help us. Yet those very things often leave us emptier than before, reminding us that only God remains our true Helper.

Idolatry is not just about carving images and bowing to them. It is anything—any desire, habit, person, or pursuit—that takes the place of God in our hearts. It happens when we trust something else more than God (Jesus), seek comfort outside His presence, or look to the world for what only He can give.

So in this verse of Isaiah 41, just as God was encouraging the Israelites who were in slavery as a result of their disobedience and misplaced trust, He was reminding them that His mercy is greater than their failure. Though they had turned to other nations and idols for help, God still reached out with comfort, strength, and the assurance that He had not abandoned them.

In the same way today, even when our own choices lead us into fear, bondage, or disappointment, God continues to call us back. He says, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” His presence, not our perfection, is what brings deliverance and hope.

In Christ Jesus, we see God’s faithfulness in loving us even when we were undeserving, confused, or caught in the consequences of our own choices. Jesus is the living proof that God does not give up on His people. Where Israel failed, Christ stood firm; where we fall short, Christ lifts us up. In Him, God reaches into our brokenness and restores us with a love that never quits and a grace that never runs dry.

So in the midst of whatever struggle or challenge we may find ourselves in, let’s remain in Christ and trust in His unfailing promises. He is our anchor when life feels unstable, our strength when our hearts grow weary, and our peace when fear tries to overwhelm us. When we hold on to Him, we discover that no situation is too great and no darkness is too deep for His light to break through.

The same God who rescued the three Hebrew boys—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—from the fiery furnace, and the same God who showed up to deliver Apostle Peter from a heavily guarded prison, is more than able to rescue us from every difficulty we may face in this life. His power has not changed, His love has not faded, and His arm has not grown weak. Our part is simply to trust in Him and allow Him to direct our paths through the gentle leading of His Holy Spirit within us.

Bible References: Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:9; Psalm 34:4; 118:6; Daniel 3:16-28; John 15:7; Acts 12:1-11; 2 Timothy 1:7