Welcome to
Zion Bread of Life Christian Church

Sunday, 3rd November 2024

Pastor Kathy

Do you like the current atmosphere in your home? When you walk into the church today, what kind of atmosphere do you feel among us? Or what is the atmosphere like in your company and among your colleagues? Recently we read in the Bible that we are the salt of the world and the light of the world. How can we become light and salt at home, in church, in the workplace, and in the environment where we live, and become influential people who bring about the atmosphere of heaven?

Today let’s look at a passage from the scriptures. 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 says, “Be careful that no one repays evil for evil; always pursue what is good, either toward one another or toward everyone else. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the gift of God in Christ Jesus the purpose I have for you.”

1. Pursuing Goodness (v15)

Always pursue goodness. Didn’t you realise that God said “good” every day after creating the heavens and earth and all things? After creating man-Adam and Eve on the sixth day, he said “very good”. But we often “see” ourselves as bad! Look at the people around you – your parents, your husband/wife, your children, your colleagues, your boss, and the brothers and sisters in the church are all very bad!

In Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if there is any virtue or if there is any praise, think about these things. ”

When you come to church today, you and I need to return to the power of the gospel again. What is the gospel? My self-image, how I see others, must be aligned with the salvation of Jesus Christ. Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy! You have to think about it! It’s like using a highlighter to specifically highlight the good things about yourself and the other person. “How do you look at a person? How do you treat him?” Be a seeker of goodness and a marker of excellence, learn to praise and encourage, whether it’s for yourself or others. You will be able to bring out the good in yourself and the good in others! Pursue goodness and goodness will follow you!

2. Rejoicing Always (v16)

Joy is not about being happy, not relying on oneself, nor is it because the environment goes smoothly. Joy emanates from deep within our spirit and heart. It is not because of the smooth environment, but because of the power of the Holy Spirit. Being always filled with the Holy Spirit gives you the source of joy. The secret to always being happy is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. What is filling your life right now? Is it worry, irritability, frustration, disappointment, or inexplicable heaviness? I hear the Father saying to you: Children jump into the overflowing wells of joy of My Holy Spirit. When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you have a source of joy.

3. Praying Without Ceasing (v17)

Prayer is a bridge to connect with God and the call of the soul. Breathing is a spiritual rhythm. Prayer is breathing – exhaling “my” (flesh) and inhaling “God” (breath of life). As a child of God, do you understand that “the power of prayer” is far more powerful than mantras? 5780-5789 in the Jewish calendar are the 10 years of Pei declaration with your mouth, but Satan will use all means to prevent you from opening your mouth to pray. Today God wants to have an awakening cry among us: When God’s children take up authority to pray, Jesus once said that the powers of Hades cannot prevail against Him! Whatever we bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever we loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

Let us pray that heaven will open soon! There will begin to be a heavenly atmosphere stirring in your environment, because of your prayers! Do you long to see the kingdom of God come to your family, your church, and your workplace? Then you must open your mouth and pray! Prayer is breathing, exhaling and blowing away the ungodly lack, poverty, corruption, and domination. Breathe in God’s love, mercy, healing and abundance and freedom!

4. Giving Thanks in All Circumstances (v18)

A grateful heart is the humility to see God’s will in all things. Appreciate the good things about others and don’t be self-centered. Give thanks in everything. You don’t just say “Thank You Lord” every day when something goes wrong. Gratitude is a state of mind, and one must have a grateful state of mind in everything. A grateful heart can make us humble and see God’s will in all things. It can also help us learn to appreciate the benefits of others and no longer be self-centered. Don’t always think that this is what this person should do, this is their responsibility. Don’t take it for granted when your parents provided for you and tolerated your bad temper. And don’t take it for granted when your children take good care of you.

In the workplace, no one should listen to you just because you are more senior, experienced or highly educated. Ask God to help us and always think that we are indebted and that others do not owe us anything. Your husband, wife, boss, co-worker owes you nothing. We should be grateful always.

Our ability to give is all a from God. I have received it all, and there is nothing to boast about. Heavenly Father sees it and He will repay you and reward you. Because you don’t collect debts from others. Selfish people, self-centered people, cannot see the benefits of others and are full of complaints. Only those who are grateful always count the kindness that others have done to them and the kindness that God has done to them. Let go of all should-haves, complaints, and debt-collection mentality.
You will find that your life will enter the cycle of blessings from the kingdom of God and experience more grace and blessings from God and people.