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EBC Mariannridge, Shop 3, 54 Pegasus Drive, Pinetown (2026)

31/12/2016

🎊It is so wonderful that we started off this forty day journey in 2016, filling our lives with the marvel of the Christ-story - that God became a human-being. How marvelous are the works of God! Thank you for daily comittment to the cause. We have now ended our journey and it seems bitter-sweet. It is sad to come to the last day but it is exciting because we have been ushered into the 🎉new year with a new appreciation for the things of God. Please continue to pray and read further every day about the works of Christ. Keep a 👀lookout for this space again in November this year🔜. God bless you all abundantly for 2⃣0⃣1⃣7⃣❗

DAY 40: New Year’s Day,

“NEW BEGINNINGS”

Readings: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:1-4; Rev 21:1-6

Thought for the day:

We often have great anticipation for the New Year. In terms of our thinking, our culture, our attitude towards life, the New year signifies new beginnings. But Jesus gave us a 🆕start on the cross – a chance to be with God, to live with Him – in this life, to experience all the benefits of living with Him - in this life. Moreover, our new start or new beginnings also means that we will be with Him in even the next life. Having this understanding should thus focus our mind and attention on how we will live with Him now, even in the new year, considering how much He has done for us in the past year and what He will do for us in the coming year.

Thought for the day:

Meditation: Philippians 3:11-14, “Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Prayer: For commitment to the new opportunities of growth and service in the will of God among EBCOSIANS, in the cause of Christ. 🔚

31/12/2016

Day 39: NEW YEAR’S EVE – Saturday, 31st December 2016

“Assurance of His Soon return”

Text: John 14:1-20

Thought for the day:

Forgetfulness, is a human weakness, but not so with Jesus; praise God! Jesus promises all true believers a place in heaven with Him, with the Father (v2,3). So important is this, that He Himself will come back to receive us home (v3). We have celebrated His coming to provide salvation. We now await the "rapture", the moment of His imminent return for His own – the Church. As He came, as promised, so He will return, as promised. He will not forget you. Let us not forget to eagerly await His return.

Meditation: John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” Forgetfulness on our part can be serious. This past year: have you forgotten the WAY through distraction? - look again to Jesus (v4); Forgotten the Truth you were called to? - listen to Jesus (v15); Forgotten your purpose in Life? - Live for Jesus through the Holy Spirit (vv 16, 26).

Prayer: Thank you Lord for remembering me. Help me not to forget You. Empower me by your Spirit for daily communion and living to please You each day. Amen

EBCOSA PRAYER: For reflection and confession over the past year. [HC]

30/12/2016

DAY 38: Friday, 30th December 2016

“Wonderful, Wonderful Jesus”

Readings: Luke 2:15-19, 25-33, 41-52

Thought for the day:
When a child is born, the household is abuzz with “Oohs and Ah’s” over the newly-born bundle of joy. Parents enjoy the attention and compliments of how cute and cuddly the child is. Mary and Joseph must have received many compliments like that, but nothing could compare with the wonder of seeing many come to worship their little child. Luke records the amazement over Jesus and how his parents treasured those things (17-19, 33, 46-47, 51). This is what set Christ apart from all other children – not even the children of royalty or celebrities could be worshipped as the expected Saviour of mankind. Concerning the birth of the Messiah, William Jenkins wrote, “it is a matter of great joy to all people, it is not to be kept secret, you may proclaim it, may tell it to whom you please”. God's goodwill in sending the Messiah, brought peace into this world. Thus, Christ is our wonderful, wonderful Saviour born in a manger.

Meditate: The awesomeness, greatness of Christ, yet he humbled himself. Isaiah 9:6, “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”

Prayer: Thank God for Christ who is wonderful yet humble enough that he died for you.

Prayer for EBCOSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE: The Spirit’s guidance in our decision-making during business meetings.[KM]

29/12/2016

DAY 37: Thursday, 29th December 2016

“Living in anticipation of his soon return”

Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Tit 2:11-14

Thought for the day:

We live in uncertain times (cf James 4: 13-15). But we thank God that in the midst of all of the uncertainties, we can have this assurance: that Jesus is coming back again (John 14:1-2). When He returns, He will not come as a baby to be born in a manger or “...as a lamb to be slain” (Rev 5:12). When he returns (and be assured that He will) He will come as the Lion of Judah, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

Meditation: 1 John 3:3, “All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure”

Prayer: Father in Heaven, thank you for this wonderful assurance that we have. Help us to understand that it is not so much what we say, but how we live that serves as the greatest indication of that we eagerly anticipate the soon return of Christ.

Prayer for EBCOSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE: National Council Meetings[PT]

28/12/2016

Day 36: Wednesday, 28th December 2016

“Blessing in the twilight of your life”

Reading: Luke 2:25-35

Thought for the day:

The Bible does not give Simeon’s age, but we assume that he was elderly. The remarkable thing about him is given here; just, devout and filled with the Spirit. There is nothing more inspiring, than to consider the lives of, those, in their twilight years, and yet, ever abounding in zeal for the Lord. You know them. They are faithful, fruitful in their old age. They have a word of encouragement on their lips, forever thankful to God, never a complaint. They look forward to seeing their Saviour, whom they continuously radiate. Be blest in spending time with them. Do not forget, that God chose to reveal himself to these.

Meditation: 1 Timothy 5:1-3, “Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity. Honor widows who are widows indeed”.

Responsive prayer: Lord you have graced us with the presence of those who have walked faithfully with you for many years. Help us to willingly receive from their lives, so that we may live our lives in the same manner, with expectant hope, Amen.

Prayer for EBCOSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE: The Ministry of the Word at AC.[HC]

27/12/2016

Day 35: Tuesday, 27th December 2016

“Worshipped as the King of Kings”

Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

Thought for the day:

What a glory it must have been for Joseph and Mary to witness how people came from near and far to worship their little child as king. While it was not uncommon for dignitaries from other lands to come and pay homage to the future heirs born to royal households whom they had diplomatic relations with, this was a blessing since Mary and Joseph came from humble circumstances. It is evident that they were of meager resources (see the offering they later brought into the temple – Luke 2:22-24) and that they resided the ignoble town of Nazareth afterward (see Nathanael’s words about Christ in John 1:45-46) and that Christ would later be ridiculed by his own people (Mark 6), yet they were treated like royalty by these Magi from the East. They brought rare and expensive gifts that were fit for a king! Similarly, it may do us well to think on our own humble circumstances and realize that we are royal subjects of the King of Kings and if we perhaps have a bit more material wealth than others, we may also be reminded that humility was the greatest mark of the Mighty and great King of Kings, Jesus Christ.

Meditation: Christ came into the world as a little innocent babe. While on earth he was as meek as a lamb. One day soon He returns as the Judge and rightful heir of everything. Philippians 2:9-11, “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”.

Responsive prayer: Almighty, Loving God, thank you that there has never been, and never will be anyone just as splendid and majestic, yet full of grace and mercy like Your Son and my Saviour Jesus Christ.

Prayer for EBCOSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE: Pray for safe travelling mercies. [KH]

26/12/2016

Day 34: DAY OF GOODWILL – Monday, 26th December 2016

“A Saviour to be worshipped and proclaimed”

Text: Luke 2:8-20

Thought for the day:
Encounters with the Lord call for a response. When we read today’s text, we see the response of the shepherds. They were greatly aroused by the vision of the angels and were curious to investigate. When they realized that what they were told was true, they glorified and worshipped God. When the Spirit of God convicts humans, we respond. When a person accepts Christ as Saviour they are responding to what they have heard. Romans 10:14 reminds us, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” But as the person grows in the knowledge of Christ, the curiosity turns into joy. The joy turns to worship and we cry out to the Lord because He is good. The message from the angel to the shepherds made them enquire, and so too should you and me. The Word of God requires us to study and apply our minds to fully see the glory and work of God in our lives. What is Christmas, if there never was a Saviour wrapped in a manger?

Meditation: John 4:23-24, "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24 "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

Prayer: Lord may your work in our lives draw us to a greater interest and desire to glorify You. You are a good God who deserves the praise and honour.

Church to pray for: George, Rev. David Saunders and family.[SM]

25/12/2016

🗓The Day we have been waiting for👏🏽: What a journey. How blessed this festive season has been thus far - thank you for being part of this initiative to keep our hearts and minds focused on Christ as the reason for the season. Indeed it is a 🎉Merry ✝Christmas✨

Day 33: CHRISTMAS DAY – Sunday, 25th December 2016

“Jesus is born: Birth of a Saviour”

Reading: Luke 2:6-7

Thought for the day:

There was no room to stay in Bethlehem due to number of people returning there for the census. Jesus was thus born in the only available place - a stable. This was all part of God 's plan. Everything about His birth had come true just as the prophets had said. The tiny baby laying in the manger was the Saviour of the world – this is how he would be recognized by the visitors whom God sent. Luke here give us a clear picture of the simplicity of the birth of Jesus Christ. Even at His birth we too can learn a lesson of humility.

Meditation: How marvelous is the thought that the Messiah would be found in such humble circumstances. Isaiah 53:2-3, “For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to Earth in such a special way. Teach us to be humble like Him. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Prayer for EBCOSA and the Church Universal: Our Christ- filled celebration of His coming to be our Redeemer. [NM]

24/12/2016

Day 32: CHRISTMAS EVE – Saturday, 24th December 2016

“The Will of God Fulfilled”

Reading: Luke 2:1-5

Thought for the day:

In the book of Micah God promised that out of the little town of Bethlehem would come a ruler, who was none other than the Messiah. Seven hundred years after the prophecy was made, an edict was issued from the emperor, Caesar Augustus that Palestine (not the world) should be taxed. Mary, who was pregnant at that time, and Joseph her husband, was from the town of Bethlehem, so they had to make the journey from Nazareth to the place of their birth. When they arrived in Bethlehem, it was there that the Ruler, whom Micah spoke of was born. Two things are noteworthy. ONE: Why did the Emperor choose a time like this to issue this edict? Because God’s will had to be fulfilled. TWO: Why didn’t Joseph leave Mary behind - he had a very good reason to go alone? Because God’s will had to be fulfilled.

Meditation: Matthew 26:39, “And He went a little farther fell on His face and prayed saying, O my Father, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”

Responsive prayer: I thank You, dear Lord for being obedient to the will of your Father, and help me dear Lord to also be submissive to the will of God.

Church to pray for: Woodlands, Rev. Keenan Hill and Family[CS]

23/12/2016

Day 31: Friday, 23rd December 2016

“Called Immanuel”

Reading: Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25

Thought for the day:
When I was younger, one of our favourite things to ask our Youth Leader was whether we could go to the club, or go to some “out-of-the-way-place” we had heard about from others. We always expected to hear “No” in reply, but he often shocked us by saying, “Yes you can ....”. But after a few moments of silence, he would say to us, “Yes you are free to go, but the question you have to ask yourself is would you like to take Jesus with you because He never leaves you?”. No doubt this was always a challenging reminder that we are ambassadors for Christ wherever we go.

Meditation: The idea of God with us - Immanuel has always been an amazing one because He is our everything and is with us all the time, everywhere. John 14:20, “In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you”. Galatians 2:20, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me”.

Responsive prayer: Dear God thoughts of your nearness flood my soul when I think of Christ who died to make me whole. You promised you will never leave me nor forsake me. Thank you for Christ who dwells within my heart.

Church to pray for: Wentworth, Rev. Herbert Collings & Family[LS]

22/12/2016

Day 30: Thursday, 22nd December 2016

“Born of a Virgin”

Readings: Isaiah 7:14 – Matt 1:22; Luke 2:7

Thought for the day:
The uniqueness of the virgin birth of Christ ultimately lies not in Mary, who brought Christ into the world, but in the immaculate nature of Christ himself. Though he was born of a woman, it was not ordinary conception and birth, it was through divine generation – Mary’s virginity added to miraculous nature of Christ’s birth and conception. God undertook the to process himself with no help from Mary. Strictly speaking she, a sinner herself, is the first recipient of the Gift of God (Rom.3:23) by being the bearer of the one who would “save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). Mary thus had the great privilege of being the bearer of the Holy One of God – Jesus the Messiah. He is thus an extraordinary person. Matthew Henry wrote accordingly that He was “not stained with the common pollutions of the human nature, therefore incontestably fit to have the throne of his father David given him”.

Meditation: Our spiritual purity is linked to the spotlessness of Christ – he taught us how to live in holiness. Titus 2:11-14, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”

Responsive prayer: Thank God for Christ born perfect so that He could redeem you from sin.

Church to pray for: Strandfontein, Pastor Kevin Stemmet & Family [KM]

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