Author Archives: gospellighthouse20

Hope has a name

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Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV

6 For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon[a] his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called[b]
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Heavenly Father, we gather in our homes to celebrate the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we reflect on His names and the hope He brings, open our hearts and minds to receive Your message. 

May Your Spirit guide us as we journey through this season of anticipation and joy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Merry Christmas, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Today, we embrace the powerful message found in Isaiah 9:6-7, which beautifully proclaims the coming of a child who is our hope, our Savior. 

As we stand on the brink of Christmas, a time often filled with joy, love, and celebration, we must also acknowledge that for many, this season can feel overshadowed by hopelessness, poverty, persecution, and hardship.

But this passage reminds us that hope has a name, and that name is Jesus. 

Let’s reflect on the deep implications of this scripture and see how these titles resonate with our lives, especially in challenging times.

Point 1: Wonderful Counselor

First, we see Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor. 

In a world filled with confusion and uncertainty, He offers not just wise teachings but divine guidance to lead us through our darkest hours. 

For many of us facing difficulties—whether they be emotional struggles, financial burdens, or relational strife—turning to Jesus can provide clarity. 

When you feel lost, seek His counsel through prayer and the wisdom of Scripture.

Remember, it’s okay to seek help from others, but ultimately, our greatest source of direction comes from Him. 

Let us hold fast to the truth that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and He will provide the guidance we need.

Point 2: Mighty God

Next, we honor Jesus as the Mighty God. Isn’t it comforting to know that we serve a God with the power to overcome any difficulty? 

For those overwhelmed by poverty or despair, this title offers profound reassurance. 

Our struggles may seem insurmountable, but let us not forget that we have a Savior who is more powerful than any obstacle we face.

He assures us that our battles are not ours to fight alone. When we feel weak, we can lean into His strength.

Take a moment to reflect on how God has brought victories into your life, even when the odds seemed against you. Trust in His might, for He is with us in every storm we endure.

Point 3: Everlasting Father

Jesus is also our Everlasting Father. For many, this title strikes a deep chord, especially during hard times when feelings of abandonment may creep in. 

He is the loving Father who cares for us and nurtures us with His presence.

To those who feel neglected or alone this Christmas, know that you are never truly alone; God is with you every step of the way.

Let us create community around this truth. Encourage one another and share the love and support that reflects the heart of our Everlasting Father.

Point 4: Prince of Peace

Lastly, we celebrate Jesus as the Prince of Peace. In a world filled with chaos, where persecution and conflict are often prevalent, this title assures us that true peace is possible through Christ. 

His peace transcends circumstances, offering us a calm amidst life’s storms.

So, regardless of the turmoil we may face—be it external struggles or internal battles—let us hold onto the peace that Jesus provides.

In our interactions with one another, may we become instruments of His peace, bringing unity and harmony in a world that desperately needs it.

What should we do?

As we wrap up our reflections on these glorious names of Jesus, consider how we can apply these truths in our lives:

We have to seek guidance

Make prayer and meditation on God’s Word a priority, turning to the Wonderful Counselor for direction.

We have to trust in God’s Power

Let us share testimonies of God’s mighty work in your lives with those around you, building hope in community.

We have to support one another, creating environments where burdens can be shared, reflecting the heart of our Everlasting Father.

Be a person of Peace

Actively seek to be peacemakers, shining light in dark places and embodying the spirit of the Prince of Peace.

​As we celebrate this Christmas season, let us remember that hope has a name: Jesus.​

In our moments of hopelessness, poverty, and persecution, we can find peace in His names. 

Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

May we carry this hope in our hearts, knowing that with Christ, we can face any challenge. 

Together, let us spread the joy and hope of His birth to a world longing for peace and light. 

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we go forth this Christmas, may we carry His hope into our communities and share the love and peace that only He can provide. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Overcoming Worry and Finding God’s Peace through Prayer

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Key Verse:
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6, ESV)

Imagine a life free from worry. Sounds pretty good, right? But is it even possible? In Philippians 4:6-7, the apostle Paul offers a radical solution: trade your worries for prayers. This lesson will delve into the foundations of prayer, as outlined in these verses, and explore how we can cultivate a life filled with peace and trust in God, even amidst life’s challenges.

Let us break in points:

1. Shift your focus (Philippians 4:6a)
Instead of dwelling on anxieties, turn them into prayers. Don’t let worry consume your thoughts; channel that energy into communication with God.

2. Pray in every situation (Philippians 4:6a)
Whether it’s a big job interview, a family conflict, or simply the daily grind, make prayer a constant companion. No situation is too big or too small for God’s attention.

3. Remember thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6b)
Gratitude is a key ingredient in prayer. Amidst our requests, don’t forget to thank God for the blessings in your life, both big and small. This attitude of thankfulness fosters trust and strengthens your connection with God.

4. Listen to God (Philippians 4:7)
Prayer is a two-way street. Make time for quiet reflection and listening to God’s voice. His answers may come through scripture, through other people, or through a quiet nudge in your heart.

5. Embrace God’s peace (Philippians 4:7)
True peace comes not from the absence of problems, but from trusting God’s plan for you. His peace is a supernatural strength that guards your heart and mind against anxieties and distractions.

Closing thoughts:

Philippians 4:6-7 offers a powerful reminder that prayer is not just about getting what we want; it’s about building a relationship with God based on trust, communication, and gratitude.
By replacing worry with prayer and embracing God’s peace, we can navigate life’s challenges with a newfound strength and clarity, knowing that we are not alone.

The Heart Behind the Act : Living in Authenticity

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Key Verse:
6 1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Prayer
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’
In this passage, Jesus addresses the actions and motives of individuals, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and genuine intentions in our deeds, prayers, and fasting.
Let’s break down the key points:
𝟏. 𝐇𝐲𝐩𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 (𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝟔:𝟐-𝟒)
Understanding Hypocrisy
Jesus distinguishes between those who do good with insincere motives (hypocrites) and those who act out of genuine love and compassion.
Motives for Acts of Kindness
Acts of kindness should be done without seeking recognition or praise. The true reward comes from God, and it may not be material or immediate but could be spiritual or eternal.
𝟐. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 (𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝟔:𝟓-𝟔)
Private vs. Public Prayer
Jesus emphasizes the sincerity of prayer, cautioning against praying solely for public recognition. The focus should be on a genuine connection with God rather than seeking approval from others.
Heartfelt vs. Hypocritical Prayer
The distinction lies not in the setting but in the authenticity of the prayer. Whether in public or private, the motive should be a sincere communication with God.
𝟑. 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝟔:𝟕-𝟖)
Quality of Prayer
Jesus discourages shallow repetition of words without genuine intent. Persistent and honest prayer is encouraged, emphasizing the engagement of heart and mind.
Sincerity in Prayer
Meaningful prayer is not about the quantity of words but the sincerity of the heart. God values honesty and authenticity in our communication with Him.
𝟒. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐝’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 (𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝟔:𝟗-𝟏𝟑)
Our Relationship with God
Addressing God as “Our Father in heaven” emphasizes a personal and loving connection with God. The repeated use of “Father” underscores the community and family aspect of Jesus’ movement.
Praying for God’s Will
The prayer includes a plea for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done. This is not passive resignation but an active commitment to align ourselves with God’s purposes on earth.
Dependence on God
Acknowledging God as the provider of daily sustenance and strength reinforces our dependence on Him.
Seeking Protection from Temptation
The prayer concludes with a request for deliverance from temptation, recognizing the universal challenge faced by all Christians.
Closing Thoughts:
Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 6 remind us of the importance of authenticity, sincerity, and genuine motives in our actions, prayers, and daily dependence on God. As you engage in acts of kindness, prayer, and fasting, let the underlying motivation be a true love for God and others, seeking His approval rather than the praise of people.

A Family Prayer Welcoming the New Year 2024

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Gather your loved ones, close your eyes, and let’s embark on this heartfelt prayer together.

Heavenly Father, Almighty God,

We gather before You as a family, bound by love and faith. As the year draws to a close, we stand in awe of Your majesty, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Your power reverberates through the heavens, and Your presence fills every corner of our hearts. You, the Lion of Judah, roar with righteous might, yet Your love whispers promises of eternal comfort.

We praise You, Father, for Your unwavering loyalty and boundless goodness. You are the Waymaker, guiding us through life’s intricate paths with the steady light of Your presence. You are the Miracle Worker, weaving threads of wonder into the tapestry of our lives. You are the Risen Lord, conquering death and gifting us with the unyielding hope of resurrection. You are the radiant Morning Star, heralding a new dawn of peace and grace for our family.

Dear Jesus, Son of God,

We bow before You, our Savior and Redeemer. You, the Word made flesh, walked among us, bearing the burdens of our sin and offering the ultimate sacrifice of love on the cross. Your teachings, like gentle rain upon parched earth, nourish our souls and guide us towards the path of righteousness. Your love, etched in crimson on Calvary, washes away our guilt and grants us undeserved forgiveness.

In You, O Christ, we find strength beyond ourselves. You are the Prince of Peace, calming the storms within our family and offering a refuge from the world’s chaos. You are the living Vine, nourishing our souls and empowering us to bear fruit that reflects Your love. You are the bridge between heaven and earth, connecting us to the Father and empowering us to spread Your love throughout the world.

Holy Spirit, Divine Comforter,

We yearn for Your presence, Your breath of life that renews and inspires. You, the Fire of God, ignite our hearts with passion and purpose. You, the Dove of Peace, whisper wisdom and understanding in our ears. You, the Advocate, guide our steps and empower us to be witnesses to Your love in the world.

Almighty God ,

As we step into the threshold of 2024, hand in hand as a family, we surrender to Your sovereign plan. We thank You for the blessings of 2023, Your hand of protection, Your guiding light, and Your constant provision. In the year ahead, we trust in Your promises, unseen and unheard, yet held close in faith.

Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, guide us with Your wisdom, and empower us with Your love. May we be instruments of Your peace, spreading kindness and compassion in a world yearning for hope. Help us to forgive one another, mend any broken bonds within our family, and build a stronger foundation of love and understanding.

We surrender our anxieties and fears, placing them at Your feet. Mold us into vessels of Your light, shining brightly in the darkness around us. May our home be a haven of Your love, where Your presence is felt in every laughter, every shared meal, and every whispered prayer.

In Your glorious name, we pray. Amen.

THE HIGHEST AUTHORITY

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Revelation 22:13 New International Version

13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

THINKING ABOUT

It’s the New Year, and it’s a fantastic time to enter the largest claim ever written into our system. Everyone should think about it! If you use the Bible as a source of counsel, consolation, and recommendations for a better life, you should consider this verse a prerequisite. He is the beginning and the end. Where should we start? The first and last, the start and the finish. The truth about this matter will motivate us to persevere. Taking Jesus’ remarks, we shall see that this is not merely an excellent teacher, but a claim that He is God Himself. The maker of heaven and earth.

The creator of our lives, as well as the source of all wisdom and the custodian of all mysteries, abound. We cannot simply believe what our minds can sense; rather, we must realize the truth that even our limited thinking cannot fully fathom. There is no subliminal meaning. He is the beginning and the end. There is no need to fine-tune the phrase, no better mindset is required, and no perspective can ever make us believe this. The highest power is Him, straight from God’s lips to our hearts! As a result, His words constitute our highest authority.

TO DO

Consider this and ask these questions!

How frequently do you hear His word?

How do you appreciate listening to His teaching as the key to life, and how do you rely on it on a daily basis?

How important is God’s word to you that you can’t go a day without reading it?

Is God’s message like air, without which you will suffer and die?

God’s words were true long before the world was created, and they will be true forever!

Every day, embrace it!

-Lloyd

Biblically-based Prayer and Declaration for New Year 2023

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One of the most noticeable characteristics of Jesus Christ, our Savior, was that he never began or completed something without first praying for it. He began his existence on earth with prayer and concluded it with prayer. This Prayer and Declaration for the New Year 2022 is the result of devotion and prayer for what God has in store for His children in the next year. As you announce these God’s promises over your life and those you love, raise your hands in faith to God, who will answer your requests. You can pray this Biblically-based Prayer and Declaration for New Year 2023 at any time, any day, and from any location. God is looking forward to hearing from you.

In prayer, believe every word you say! With God, anything is possible.

We thank You, Everlasting Father, since You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. You are the all-powerful and all-present God. You are known as the Lion of Judah. Because of all you have done for us, we are more than conquerors. As a result, we appreciate you for your loyalty and goodness. You are the Creator of the Way, the Miracle Worker, the Risen Lord, the Morning Star, and the Prince of Peace. You are the Universe’s Creator. And there is nothing you cannot accomplish. You promised that what you have prepared for us has not been seen by any sight, heard by any ear, or comprehended by any heart. We thank you for your hand of protection, direction, and supply on my family and me in 2022. This year, you have been steadfast in keeping your commitments to us.

Gospel Lighthouse Maranding 2021 Highlights

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The Lord is faithful, He is God of all nation, and all generation.

For 34 years, we have witnessed how the Lord graced Gospel Lighthouse with his faithfulness and he never stops. We have been blessed with provisions even in a trying and crying times. The Lord is present then, now and always. In this year’s thanksgiving, we are in awe on how God has abundantly provided and increased us in every aspect as we look back on some of the greatest memories we’ve shared since the last thanksgiving.

In year 2021 the church faced common struggle that other community experienced; but by the glory of God he enabled the church-us- to draw closer to him, and his outpouring glory becomes so evident as the church celebrated God in different events.
In months of February, March and April, the church of the Lord is acknowledged as various event took place. It is an amazement on how He works even in restrictions and protocols,

February—we held our 33rd thanksgiving, March—we launched Women of Worth Maranding—which eventually inspires our Men of Faith to stand and gather in a coffee meeting, and then there’s an Encounter with God Retreat together with our family from the House of Multitude. The Women of Worth activity started off in a what we call the “WOW! Go Green” event on May; but then the highlight was on July when Women of Worth Teens was launched here in Maranding and the Lord made Gospel Lighthouse the proponent of the first ever WOW Teens.

October—we blessed the Lord as we celebrated Pastor’s Appreciation Month, we know that this fellowship is founded and bonded by God and also He has given us a pasture where we are nurtured and empowered to become real people of God. We are a Timothy to a 2 Paul who are both a mind with a heart and soul with God’s spirit.
In the month of November, the launching of the 4th Album of the People of Praise also took place almost simultaneously with Jesus Reigns and in December the church gathered in a Family Day at a Spring Resort at Salvador.

Celebration is what most of us gets excited to, and it becomes a double excitement when we gather together starting from the pastors, partners, leaders, workers, down to the church members. We celebrate even in tears, for even in tears his grace abounds, so give cheers and praises as a thanks-giving of God’s greater glory in year 2021 and an overflowing grace in year 2022.

– Pearl