Pastor Lucy Paynter Daily Insights

*Day 1 - 90 Days of Glory 2024* *Scripture* Psalms 27:8 NLT "My heart has heard you say, 'Come and talk with me.' And my heart responds, 'Lord, I am coming.'" *Devotional Thought* Today, as I begin this 90-day journey, I feel the pull of God's gentle voice calling me closer. He isn't asking for perfection or grand gestures; He simply wants me to be with Him. When I hear Him say, "Come and talk with me," it resonates deeply within my heart. In this moment, my response is simple and sincere: "Lord, I am coming." Life is often filled with so much noise—busy schedules, distractions, and the demands of everyday living. But today, I am reminded that God is waiting for me, just as I am. He longs to spend time with me, to hear my thoughts, my worries, my joys. In His presence, I don’t have to have it all together. I just have to show up. As I enter into these 90 Days of Glory, I am choosing to respond to God’s invitation. Each day will be a step closer to Him, and I am confident that as I draw near, He will meet me where I am. This is the beginning of a sacred journey where my relationship with God will deepen, and my heart will be transformed. *Prayer* Father, today I hear You calling me to come and be with You. I lay aside every distraction and come with an open heart. Thank You for always inviting me closer. Lord, I am coming. Walk with me through these 90 days and help me grow in intimacy with You. In Jesus' name, Amen. *Reflection* How can I make room in my day today to respond to God's personal invitation? What distractions can I set aside to focus on Him? Blessings 🙌 Pastor Lucy Paynter.

Evangelism involves sharing the message of Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers. Here are key principles according to the Bible: 1. Pray for Guidance and Boldness    - Prayer is essential for effective evangelism (Ephesians 6:18-20).    - Ask God for boldness and the right opportunities to share the Gospel (Acts 4:29). 2. Live a Godly Life:    - Your life should reflect the message you share (Matthew 5:16).    - A righteous life can attract others to Christ (1 Peter 2:12). 3. Understand the Gospel    - Be clear about the core message: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).    - Explain that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). 4. Build Relationships    - Engage with people where they are, as Paul did (1 Corinthians 9:22).    - Build trust and genuine friendships (John 13:34-35). 5. Share Your Testimony    - Share your personal story of how you came to faith (1 Peter 3:15).    - Your experience can be powerful in connecting with others. 6. Use Scripture    - The Bible is the foundation for your message (Hebrews 4:12).    - Use relevant verses to explain the Gospel (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, John 3:16). 7. Be Prepared for Questions:    - Be ready to answer questions and objections with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).    - Study and understand the Bible to provide clear answers (2 Timothy 2:15). 8. Rely on the Holy Spirit:    - Trust the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those you speak to (John 16:8-11).    - Pray for the Spirit’s guidance and power (Acts 1:8). 9. Follow Up and Disciple    - Evangelism doesn’t end with a single conversation; it’s important to help new believers grow in their faith (Matthew 28:19-20).    - Encourage them to join a church community and study the Bible. By incorporating these biblical principles, you can share the message of Jesus effectively and compassionately. The Bible provides numerous examples of evangelism. Here are a few significant ones: 1. Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-42)    - Context: Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman at a well, breaking cultural norms.    -Approach: He begins with a simple request for water, leading to a deep conversation about her life and spiritual matters.    - Outcome: The woman believes in Jesus and brings many from her town to hear Him, resulting in many conversions. 2. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)    - Context: Philip, led by the Holy Spirit, meets an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah.    - Approach: Philip asks if the eunuch understands what he's reading and explains the passage, relating it to Jesus.    - Outcome: The eunuch believes and is baptized, rejoicing as he continues his journey. 3. Peter at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41):    - Context: After receiving the Holy Spirit, Peter addresses a crowd in Jerusalem during Pentecost.    - Approach: He explains the fulfillment of prophecy and proclaims Jesus' death and resurrection.    - Outcome: About 3,000 people repent, believe, and are baptized, forming the early Christian community. 4. Paul in Athens (Acts 17:16-34)    - Context: Paul is distressed by the idolatry in Athens and speaks at the Areopagus.    - Approach: He starts by acknowledging their religiosity and uses an altar to an unknown god to introduce the true God.    - Outcome: Some mock him, but others are intrigued, and a few become believers. 5. Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:5-15)    - Context: Jesus sends His twelve disciples to the towns of Israel.    - Approach: He instructs them to preach the Kingdom of Heaven, heal the sick, raise the dead, and drive out demons, relying on God’s provision.    - Outcome: They spread the message widely, with varying reception, preparing the way for Jesus' ministry. 6. Paul and Silas in Philippi (Acts 16:11-34)    - Context: In Philippi, Paul and Silas meet Lydia and later are imprisoned for casting out a spirit.    - Approach: They pray and sing hymns in

Certainly! Here are in-depth sermon notes on "You Are God's Battle-Ax" based on Jeremiah 51:20. --- **Title: You Are God’s Battle-Ax** **Introduction:** - Begin with a warm greeting and an opening prayer. - **Introduction to the Topic:** - Introduce Jeremiah 51:20 (NKJV): "You are My battle-ax and weapons of war: For with you I will break the nation in pieces; With you I will destroy kingdoms." - Explain the imagery of a battle-ax as a powerful and decisive tool used by a warrior. It symbolizes strength, precision, and purpose. - Emphasize the honor and responsibility of being chosen by God to be His instrument in spiritual warfare. **Scriptural Foundation:** - **Jeremiah 51:20:** - Context: God's message to Babylon through the prophet Jeremiah, indicating His power to use people to accomplish His will. - Interpretation: Believers are seen as tools in God's hand, used for His divine purposes. - **Ephesians 6:10-18 (The Armor of God):** - Context: Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, instructing them on how to stand firm against spiritual forces of evil. - Interpretation: Equipping ourselves with spiritual armor prepares us for the battles God calls us to fight. - **2 Timothy 2:21 (Being a vessel for honorable use):** - Context: Paul’s letter to Timothy, encouraging him to remain pure and prepared for God's work. - Interpretation: Believers must be ready and sanctified to be used effectively by God. **Main Points:** 1. **Understanding the Role of a Battle-Ax:** - **Characteristics of a Battle-Ax:** - Strength: Made to endure and inflict damage. - Precision: Designed for specific tasks in battle. - Purpose: Used by the warrior to achieve victory. - **Believers as Battle-Axes:** - We are created with strength through Christ (Philippians 4:13). - We are given a precise purpose and calling by God (Jeremiah 29:11). - We are instruments to achieve God’s victories on earth (2 Corinthians 10:4). 2. **God's Purpose for His Battle-Ax:** - **Accomplishing His Will:** - God uses His people to bring about His plans, just as He used Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt and Esther to save her people. - **Jeremiah 1:5:** “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” - **Diverse Roles and Tasks:** - Each believer has unique gifts and a role to play (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). - **Ephesians 2:10:** “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” 3. **Preparation and Equipping by God:** - **Process of Preparation:** - God shapes and molds us through experiences, trials, and spiritual disciplines (James 1:2-4). - **Jeremiah 18:1-6:** The potter and the clay; God’s sovereignty in shaping our lives. - **Being Sharpened and Strengthened:** - Daily prayer, reading the Word, and seeking God’s presence equip us for battle (Ephesians 6:18). - **2 Timothy 3:16-17:** All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. 4. **Engaging in Spiritual Warfare:** - **Understanding Spiritual Warfare:** - The battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12). - Believers are called to stand firm and fight using spiritual weapons (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). - **The Armor of God:** - Belt of Truth: Grounded in God’s Word. - Breastplate of Righteousness: Living a holy life. - Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Ready to spread the good news. - Shield of Faith: Protects against doubt and fear. - Helmet of Salvation: Assurance of salvation. - Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God, our offensive weapon. - **Practical Steps:** - Engage in regular prayer and fasting. - Stay connected with a community of believers for support and accountability. - Continually renew you

Crowns are rewards and blessings promised to believers.

Apostle Andrew Nganga teaching in the Bible Study expound the Basics of the Spiritual Warfare.