9 March 2025 - ENCS

Ivy Toh continued the series on social responsibility

Per Genesis one, God created mankind we do see

As we were made in God’s image, per Genesis nine

Treat others with dignity and honour, per God’s design

To know God is both intellectual and experiential

Per Jeremiah twenty three, both are essential

Christian Social Responsibility also reveals God

He is almighty and all-powerful, not a facade

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is shared in Luke ten

Showing the reaction of three different types of men

Remember we are each in desperate need of God’s love

To be our Good Samaritan, Jesus was sent from above

9 February 2025 - ENCS

The “spirit-empowered” series Pastor Josh did continue

He read from Genesis one, Luke eleven, and Acts two

We may not sense it but the Holy Spirit is with all of us

About Pentecost and the apostles Josh did then discuss

Rushing wind and tongues of fire came upon the group

Speaking in other tongues threw the crowd for a loop

The Spirit gave Peter the courage to eloquently speak

Then the followers did PMPF* throughout the week

The Holy Spirit baptism is God-powered, Jesus-provided

Providing us all the power to be witnesses, Spirit-guided

With courage and conviction, show compassion and love

We receive the Holy Spirit by having faith in Jesus above

*Pray, Meditate, Proclaim, Fellowship

25 December 2023 - Blessed Christmas

“Why do…the peoples plot in vain?” says Psalm two

The Lord and His Anointed One the leaders try to outdo

From heaven, the Lord scoffs and rebukes them all

For His King on Zion – the holy hill - God did install

“You are my Son…and I [am] your Father,” God said

God will make “the nations [His] inheritance” instead

“Therefore, you kings, be wise [and] be warned”

For they should serve the Lord they once scorned

 

The Lord said to Jesus, according to Psalm one hundred ten

To “sit at [His] right hand” and rule over all earthly men

For on “the day of battle”, “[His] troops will be willing”

Jesus is a “priest forever”, thus old prophecies fulfilling

God “will crush kings on the day of His wrath”

For Jesus will always be found on God’s path

There have been many priests, per Hebrews seven

But only one lives forever, He was sent from heaven

“Therefore he is able to save completely” any person

“He lives to intercede for them” before their lives worsen

 

The birth of Jesus is briefly written about in Luke two

Joseph went to Bethlehem, for a census all had to do

He went with Mary, his betrothed who was expecting

She gave birth to her son in a stable without objecting

There were shepherds in the nearby fields with their flock

The glory of the Lord shone, and their knees did all knock

But an angel came and told them about the good news

That in Bethlehem had been born the King of the Jews

They were told to rejoice, for they were not in any danger

They would find Jesus wrapped in clothes lying in a manger

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem,” per Matthew two

Magi from the east came, a star in the sky was the clue

The king of the Jews is who they wanted to worship

So they brought gifts with them on the very long trip

King Herod was disturbed; the Magi in secret he did call

They were to report back to him; his evil plans not to stall

The child they did find as to the star they did refer

They worshipped him with gold, incense, and myrrh

About Herod’s evil plot from a dream they did learn

So by another route to their country they did return

17 December 2023 - ENCS

The Christmas sermon series Pastor Josh did continue

Uncertainty surrounds, as in Psalm four we did view

David asked The Lord God to lift up the light of His face

If we see God, then good things appear in every place

A contrast to Jesus the Saviour we see in Luke two

Born in a manger,  far from a king’s traditional debut

The angels promised peace on earth, goodwill to all

Supernatural God can change things big and small 

In Psalm four, David lay down in peace and sleep

For the Lord would allow David in safety to keep

Jesus will fix everything, either in this life or the next

That is mentioned or alluded in many a biblical text

God himself is our peace, as per Ephesians two

Jesus preached that peace for all should ensue

Remember peace is relational, not circumstantial

Our access to God via the Spirit is substantial

In Second Corinthians five, we are a creation new

We receive God’s peace as a major breakthrough

And because we are now in Christ a new creation

Jesus has given us the ministry of reconciliation

10 December 2023 - ENCS

Pastor Josh continued the Christmas sermon series today

We will go through love, joy, peace, and hope he did say

All four are intangible things that everyone does strive for

God can provide true love, joy, hope, peace, per Psalm four

An angel shared the message of Jesus in Luke chapter two

Fear not, I bring you good news of great joy out of the blue

Unto you is born this day a Saviour who is Christ the Lord

The last line addresses the previous one, it cannot be ignored

Continuing from Luke two, from the temple Anna did not depart

Worshiping, fasting, and praying constantly from the day’s start

She gave thanks to God and to all who did listen of him she spoke

PMPF - pray, meditate, proclaim, fellowship - we should also invoke

8 October 2023 - ENCS

Pastor Mark spoke on “Values, Treasures, and the Heart”

In Matthew six, about types of treasure Jesus did impart

We should not lay up temporal treasures here on earth

As eternal treasures in heaven have so much more worth

Mark said we should remember that our hearts do pursue 

Those things, temporal or eternal, which we most value

Firstly, recognise how valuable we are in Christ’s eyes

His words in Matthew six about birds we should memorise

Per John ten, we are so valuable He will not let us go

As Romans five, Hebrews thirteen, and Luke twelve show

We are valuable masterpieces, per Psalm one thirty nine

Because per John one, we are in Christ’s direct bloodline

Secondly, realign our perspective using heaven's eyes

Doing things that upset God is foolish and clearly not wise

We should all create and add value to people around us

Although storing and increasing value is not superfluous

In First Timothy six, in a passage that is never outdated

The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, Paul stated

Finally, reposture our hearts and reorder our values

Do a heart check and seriously consider God’s views

For the heart is often deceitful, per Jeremiah seventeen

So the Lord tests our hearts, in the passage it is seen

We should clear the blockages and take proactive care

“Slowing, stopping, silence, solitude” Mark did share

And in the absence of those on a South African trip

I would add “Pray, Mediate, Proclaim, Fellowship”

2 April 2021 - Good Friday

Many words have been shared about Good Friday

There are hundreds of messages for us to take away

The day reminds us that Jesus suffered much pain

During his trials and on the cross again and again

Jesus did all that for us, willingly atoning for our sin

Even though He was God’s only son, the next of kin

I am thankful yet saddened, as I am guilty I know

This is increasingly evident as my faith does grow

Jesus’ last words convey strong messages as well

Seven phrases from the cross, the four gospels tell

In Luke twenty three, forgiveness Jesus does imbue

“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”

And a few verses later comes the promise of salvation

Said to the criminal but applicable for all of creation

The importance of relationship is quite clearly seen

“Woman, behold thy son” He said in John nineteen

Jesus felt abandonment, asking why God did forsake

A point Matthew twenty seven and Mark fifteen make

Beyond emotions, Jesus’ physical distress was severe

In John nineteen, Jesus saying “I thirst” others did hear

The magnitude of His triumph cannot be diminished

A mere two verses later, He stated that “it is finished”

A promised reunion with God, per Luke twenty three

“Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit” we do see 

I derive a message when I contemplate those seven

A reminder of some of what God offers from heaven

God promises forgiveness, salvation, and a relationship

Even when we feel abandonment and distress on life’s trip

Then Jesus’ triumph on the cross and His resurrection

Promise us a reunion with God instead of condemnation 

22 March 2020 - ENCS (1)

Before online worship, we heard from Pastor Bonafacio

When we feel overwhelmed, which direction do we go?

Pastor encouraged us to let God overwhelm us instead

And be thankful since God's got us covered, Pastor said

Per Matthew six and Luke eleven, His Kingdom will come

“His will be done” is a command we must not shirk from

We do not know how or when His purposes will prevail

But His presence and pre-eminence will never go stale

Everyone should praise His power, purpose and provision

And be confident and thankful for peace and protection

We know that God will protect us from all kinds of evil 

So we should not to worry even in this massive upheaval

22 December 2019 - ENCS

This is unfortunately more than a little bit late

But I think the words carry just as much weight

So please do forgive my tardy poetic posting

I guess towards year end I started coasting

****At the start of service we did see****

****A nice carol from Charles Wesley****

****"Hark the herald angels sing****

****Glory to the newborn king****

****Peace on earth and mercy mild****

****God and sinners reconciled"****

Pastor Josh then spoke to us about faithfulness

What we celebrate about the Lord, he did stress

God honours our faithfulness with responsibility

Even if that often may take away our tranquility

Like Jesus who appeared as a babe in a manger

If we believe we are not special, we risk danger

For like Jesus whose substance outshone his form

He changed the world, introducing us to a new norm

For Paul wrote about this in First Corinthians one

We are righteous because of what Jesus has done

Per Luke two verse ten, the angels said not to fear

“Good news of great joy” were the words to hear

We all need a saviour because of our imperfection

By following Jesus we head in the right direction

From our Creator who so loves us, we have hope

God knows what is our full potential and scope

Per Colossians one, He delivered us from the dark

The contrast with the Holy Spirit is extremely stark

The Spirit gives us righteousness, peace, and joy

About substance versus form, Josh was not coy

The kingdom of God is about your soul’s health

And sharing it with others generates true wealth

We are branches from Jesus’ vine, per John fifteen

If we abide in Him, much fruit will be born and seen

Ephesians two says He makes us alive despite sin

Jesus is the spiritual air that we should breathe in

Per First Thessalonians five, pray without ceasing

With prayer, our relationship with God is increasing

Per Psalm one hundred nineteen, open our eyes

So we can see His wonders on land and in skies

God clothes us with salvation, per Isaiah sixty one

But we also need earthly community in the long run

Per Ephesians two, we are all part of His household

So we fellowship with others both young and old

20 October 2019 - Wayne Community Church

On Jesus' parables Jim Van Cott spoke on Laity Sunday

They are stories within stories with a moral, he did say

A parable is a teaching device for deeper understanding

Per Matthew thirteen, they help in knowledge expanding

Experts say that the Bible contains parables thirty one

All within Matthew, Mark, and Luke since John has none

Jesus went on to say he would proclaim what was hidden

So speaking in parables was welcomed, not forbidden

Jim said that parables can have a very powerful impact

On individuals, multitudes, and nations - that’s a fact

Parables contain teachable moments despite their size

Jesus was a gifted teacher who told the truth, not lies

Jim said Jesus also used parables to make us ponder

Especially about complex moral issues from yonder

His words penetrate souls dispersing “misconfusion”

That is a made-up word but is still an apt conclusion

With Jesus’ compassion, using parables was consistent

Truths are revealed gently rather than in a way insistent

Parables get absorbed by going to our innermost being

Thus leading to a more positive response and agreeing

Jim referred to “Understanding the Bible” by John Stott

Which says that like a rabbi, with parables Jesus taught

A parable is like a diamond with so many faceted sides

Across different audiences, critical tenets it provides

But parables leave open room for other interpretation

Jim referred to the Good Samaritan as an illustration

Does the parable reflect the basics of the Golden Rule

Or by shaming those ignoring those in need, is it a tool?

Parables help us to get to know Jesus on a deeper level

By reinforcing the importance of not choosing the devil

The Parable of the Fish in the Net is a perfect example

There are good and bad fish (and people) in each sample

In other words, parables try to set us on a straight course

For reading between the lines can act as a strong force

Parables become our best “how to” guidelines for life

Helping us to live in a Christian manner without strife

Parables address many human conditions that perplex

Jim mentioned The Lost Sheep and Prodigal Son subjects

God’s love, loving others, plus of course forgiveness

Many moral issues the thirty one parables do address

Through the parables, Jesus speaks to us one-to-one

Going straight to our heart, they cannot be outdone

More powerful than being told what to do directly

 The best way to internalize Jesus’ teachings correctly

Jim also said that as parables come from our mentor

In that way, they act like the Bible’s Visitor Centre

They are thus a condensed version of Jesus’ teaching

Short and to the point, the parables are far-reaching

Very daunting, reading the entire Bible seems to be

But we might do so after the parables we do see

Parables whet our appetite for deeper understanding

Per Maine’s “The way life should be” motto branding

A favorite parable each one of us will eventually find

For Jim, The Parable of the Sower springs to mind

Sowing seeds on different soils leads to varying results

His first Sunday school class students are now adults

The parables adventure, Jim encouraged us to continue

Keep and use the list of parables for follow through

Parables will enlighten, uplift, strengthen, motivate

With that message, it is virtually impossible to debate

27 October 2019 - ENCS

About making decisions, Pastor Josh today did continue

Per Genesis twenty seven, Esau’s anger at Jacob grew

Rebekah warned her son Jacob of Esau’s stated intent

To her brother Laban in Haran she wanted Jacob sent

As a result Jacob would be on the run most of his life

She said life would be worthless if he took a Hitite wife

Pastor Josh focused on starting over despite one’s age

Basically saying it is never too late to start a new page

Isaac called Jacob to bless him and give him instruction

Teaching us not to let our place in life be an obstruction

Pastor said even if we take wrong turns on life’s route

It is never too late to start over with a spiritual reboot

Esau saw that Isaac gave Jacob blessing and direction

However taking a third wife was very far from perfection

That we should not try to be another is a lesson to learn

Instead focus on being the best we can be at every turn

Be content with our current state, per Hebrews thirteen

But wanting God to improve us in ways often unseen

Esau erred in four different ways, Pastor Josh did share

He applied knowledge without counsel, let alone prayer

He followed form without power, as Paul later did warn

In Second Timothy three, about this trait he did mourn

Esau effectively hid behind tradition without revelation

Per John five, only closeness to God leads to salvation

To work without relationship, change Esau tried to bring

Per Luke fifteen, relationships matter more than anything

Those four mistakes match up nicely with steps to take

By now, the message should be quite clear, not opaque

Pray, meditate, proclaim with actions as well as words

And fellowship to keep our plans aligned with the Lord's

24 February 2019 - ENCS

Fresh from a two week Kiwi holiday, Pastor Josh spoke

When things are well, do God in prayer we still invoke?

Referring to Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis eighteen

Responding to the outcry and sin, God’s wisdom is seen

Even though He is omniscient, He did not act in haste

Often times, our initial judgements can be misplaced

Per James, we should be slow to talk, but quick to hear

Over time, the complete story becomes much more clear

Do not be envious of wrongdoers, per Psalm thirty seven

Instead focus on doing good and trust in God in heaven

In John fifteen, Jesus instructed us to love one another

This involves doing simple acts of kindness for each other

Per Psalms, if we delight in the Lord and each do our part

He will most assuredly give us the desires of our heart

We should get used to little miracles that God will do

When we are facing challenges, He will help us through

Per Luke six, we should forgive others but not judge

Taking that further, we should not even hold a grudge

Turning back to Genesis, before God Abraham stood

Instead of judging those sinners, Abraham did good

For mercy for Sodom and Gomorrah, he did seek

God’s judgement came, but only after they did speak

In Luke six, Jesus that our enemies we should love

Doing unto others as we would want from God above

25 December 2018 - Luke 2:1-11

At Keene UCC, my mother read Luke two, one to eleven

The background and the arrival of Jesus from heaven

A census for the empire, Caesar Augustus did decree

Everyone returned to their hometown, per verse three

So to Bethlehem, Joseph and his fiancé Mary did travel

From Nazareth in Galilee, on roads made just of gravel

There were no rooms, so in a manger Jesus was born

He was wrapped in cloths, no crown our King did adorn

Shepherds were watching over their flocks that night

And the glory of the Lord around the angel was bright

The shepherds were terrified at the extraordinary sight

But the angel said not to be afraid, verse ten does cite

For the angel was bringing good news and great joy

The long awaited Messiah was actually the baby boy

"In the town of David a Saviour has been born to you”

Little did the shepherds know everything He would do

Christ humbled himself as a human in a lowly manger

To most at the time, He was just the son of a a stranger

But He came to show the world the right way to live

And then gave his life so our sins God would forgive

To follow the example of Jesus Christ the servant king

We should humble ourselves as a sign of worshiping

Remembering the humbling that Jesus did not deserve

We should have no complaints no matter how we serve

24 June 2014 - ENCS

The final part of the series on the church, Pastor Joey did share today

Church involves a pattern, a purpose, and a pursuit he did again say

But without participation my members, those three Ps will fall short

Because, as Pastor did emphasise, church is not a spectator sport

In Matthew sixteen, Jesus called on Peter to be the church’s rock

Against the gates of hell, the church is built to push back and block

The enemy appears as a tempter, deception, adversary, and accuser

But our participation can help ensure that the enemy will be a loser

Pastor highlighted four actions, each of which serves as an antidote

The first is to always pray, per the Matthew chapter twenty six quote

Per Matthew six verse nine, we need God’s help to resist temptation

We should pray to God, tapping into his resource via daily declaration

Meditating on the Holy Word arms us against the enemy’s deception

Per Psalm one, this applies to all aspects of our life without exception

Proclaiming our faith is by far the best way to combat condemnation

Per Romans eight, Luke two, and chapter five of the book of Galatian

Fellowshipping with other people of God helps fend off accusation

For we are stronger and able to resist the enemy when not in isolation

So in conclusion, we should pray, meditate, proclaim, and fellowship

Allowing the Holy Spirit to enter our hearts so it can continually equip

For per the Bible, the Spirit can teach, reveal, counsel, and baptise

Always illuminating the path to eternal life, which is the ultimate prize

Thus for the church to have meaning, everybody should participate

Not just in church but in our daily lives, Pastor did emphatically state

17 June 2018 - ENCS

Pastor Josh spoke about “Why Dads?” on this Father’s Day

Starting with what to Jesus at His baptism His Father did say

Per Mark chapter one, via the Holy Spirit coming like a dove

God said Jesus was His Son who he loved and was proud of

All children look for such affirmation, affection, and availability

Fathers should thus try although there is no earthly infallibility

Josh noted three things fathers do to foster that environment

To defend, define, and discipline should be the ongoing intent

Defending the family involves providing, protecting, praying

Per First Timothy five, a believer not providing is dismaying

Nehemiah four says to fight for our families against intrusion

Prayer is the best because human control is a mere illusion

There are many Bible stories about fathers using their voice

Genesis thirty five, Luke one, and Numbers thirteen - rejoice

Isaac, Zechariah, and Moses each saved the day somehow

Per Numbers thirty, a father’s words can nullify a child’s vow

Josh said children need healthy boundaries for life to enjoy

Proverbs thirteen says we spoil if the rod we do not employ

Per Hebrews twelve, God disciplines us for our own good

We are actually illegitimate if He does not do as He should

No earthly father is perfect for a variety of obvious reasons

But per Psalm sixty eight, God is our father for all seasons

John fourteen says that if we love Jesus, God will us love 

Per Romans eight, we will then be adopted by God above

To have a wonderful earthly father, I am very very blessed

And having God on my side ensures I will not be oppressed

For my children and godchildren, I pray for the right direction

So I remember to affirm, be available, and to show affection

3 June 2018 - ENCS

The series on “What is Church”, Pastor Joey did today continue

About the pattern and purpose of the church he did first review

The purpose is for spiritual community, growth, and intimacy

Having a spiritual family helps us to grow our spiritual maturity

Each church has a set of core values, its own distinctiveness

Pastor Joey said that here are five Every Nation does possess

Putting a high value on our obedience, at the core is lordship

‘Lord’ is in the Bible thirty times as much as grace or worship

We must understand the Lord before other things we can do

Without strong foundations and actions, destruction will ensue

In Luke six, Jesus used a parable to teach us how to aptly live

‘No’, ‘Not Yet’, ‘Not Now’, and ‘Now’ are answers God may give

Then come evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and family

EN values lost people, for Luke nineteen was not an anomaly

Per Luke fifteen, we should pursue the lost sheep in every land

Help people to follow God, Matthew twenty eight does command

In Second Timothy two, Paul implores us to entrust reliable people

Long term relationships hold the church together under the steeple

These four pillars support the church, but lordship is at the heart

Embracing them all enables us to be salt and light, doing our part

13 May 2018 - ENCS

Pastor Joey spoke on “Wonder Women” this Mother’s Day

He first highlighted what Proverbs one fourteen does say

Her own house, the wise woman builds with her own hand

The foolish one tears hers down, we read and understand

He spoke about Zechariah and wife Elizabeth, per Luke one

They were righteous despite what the Herodians had done

But despite praying and walking blamelessly in God’s sight

Elizabeth was barren, so their future did not look so bright

Once entering the temple, to Zechariah an angel did appear

The angel’s first words to the pious priest were “do not fear”

He told Zechariah the couple’s prayers would be answered

They would have a son because their pleas had been heard

In order for Zechariah to have the promised gladness and joy

He must name his son John and give no alcohol to the boy

This was because into John the Holy Spirit would instead fill

So he could turn many to God, according to God’s divine will

Zechariah unfortunately doubted the message that God sent

So until his son's birth his vocal cords were completely silent

This reminds us that our words carry a huge amount of clout

It is better to be quiet than to God’s promises verbally doubt

Eight days after the boy was born, he was duly circumcised

Their family wanted to name him Zechariah, it is surmised

But Elizabeth intervened in order to protect the boy’s destiny

Naming him John, which Zechariah supported for all to see

Remember that with the world, God’s ways don't always align

But if we incubate them, His plans will inevitably turn out fine

Be like Elizabeth and do not be afraid to apt objections raise

Then, like Zechariah, we can speak and to God send praise

It is interesting that Elizabeth had more faith than Zechariah

She was the hero, saving her husband from being a pariah

So on this second Sunday in May, all mothers we celebrate

Thanking them for prayers and support which never abate

11 February 2018 - ENCS

We were blessed this morning by visiting pastor Steve Murrell

'Who we are' is more important than 'what we do', he did tell

Using Genesis eleven, the multi-year series he did continue

Verses one through nine he did from the ESV read through

We often ask what to do when God’s plan differs from ours

But when that happens what does God do given His powers

In Genesis one, God told man to be fruitful and fill the earth

This was reiterated in chapter nine, emphasising its worth

Mankind decided to build a tower so they wouldn’t migrate

God thus dispersed the disobedient people, Steve did state

In a similar vein, from Deuteronomy one we then did hear

An eleven day trek to the Promised Land took forty year

In Acts one , the believers were told about the Holy Spirit

Upon receiving it, to the end of the earth they were to split

They stubbornly stayed in Jerusalem per Acts chapter eight

A massive persecution of the church was the resulting fate

Scattered throughout the world, this led the believers to be

God’s original plans coming to fruition, we once again see

Resisting God’s will may be normal but we should submit

Even Jesus asked if a change in plans God would permit

It is impossible to follow the example of Jesus on the cross

He paid the penalty for all of our sins with His life’s loss

But He can help us do God’s will be changing our heart

Giving us the grace to surrender to God and do our part

Resisting God’s will is not abnormal, similar to temptation

What matters is how we respond, with love as a foundation

So God, please be clear in how your plan you do convey

And have patience with me if from your path I do stray

Because I know that part of me will oft resist and protest

Yet I acknowledge that your plan for me is for the best

21 January 2018 - ENCS

On leading an abundant life, Pastor Josh did continue

For per John ten, that is what Christ wants us to do

Paradoxically, we do so by denying self and serving

God values our service and He is always observing

Following Jesus brings us the correct relationships

For then our vision, other individual do not eclipse

And if God is who two people are mutually pursuing 

Then the end result is far better than random wooing

Being great, Jesus said in Mark ten verse forty three

Requires us to continually adopt a servant mentality

We should show this to avoid being a stumbling block

At home, the office, and at church - around the clock

Our bodies should be living sacrifices, Paul did say

Per Romans twelve verse one, this is the holy way

It is both reasonable service and spiritual worship

So between two translations, Pastor said not to trip

In Luke ten verse forty, about serving Jesus did speak

Martha was serving while knowledge Mary did seek

Jesus focused on each woman's underlying intention

If serving, details should not cause worry or tension

There are many ways to worship God, Josh did relate

And importantly, serving and worship are not separate

For we are not required to choose one from the other

If we have the heart, we can learn skills from a brother

Per Romans twelve, we are told our bodies to present

Just showing up indicates that we have the right intent

The term “a living sacrifice” implies a servant mentality

Which is how our lives as Christians really should be

In summary, Josh said serving helps us grow spiritually

And without service, incomplete is our worship actually

We should listen to God and to His instructions obey

He will empower us as we serve and follow His way

31 December 2017 - ENCS

Pastor Larry gave his last sermon of year twenty seventeen

Through the Bible, the theme of giving thanks is clearly seen

Per First Thessalonians five sixteen, Paul took no chances

“Rejoice always, pray,…and give thanks in all circumstances”

The power of giving thanks, four points Pastor said we glean

From the story of the ten lepers in Luke chapter seventeen

Leprosy is an illness but also represents being an outcast

Something we will all face even if we have not in the past

By giving thanks and acknowledging God, we remain humble

Remember that even the men of faith in the Bible did stumble

Per passages in First Peter five and Second Chronicles seven

If people humble themselves, healing will come from heaven

That the obedient lepers were cleansed reminds us to obey

Worship includes listening to God, Pastor did emphatically say

This was evidenced by Namaan’s story in Second Kings five

Only when he finally listened to Elisha did his cleansing arrive

Giving thanks builds our faith and that of those around us

In John four, the woman at the well testified about Jesus

Romans one says those who do not give thanks are fools

Ephesians two says we are saved by faith, not our tools

Having a grateful heart brings and sustains our healing

We should give thanks no matter how we may be feeling

But this must be a continual action, not just a point in time

For throughout our lives, there will be mountains to climb

In summary, so many references to being thankful are seen

We should thank God for He is good per Psalm one eighteen

Per Philippians four, we are not to be anxious but thanks give

He will guard our heart and mind for as long as we shall live