As an adult, I have often observed the mannerisms of my little nephews and nieces whenever I am around them. The children don’t just look like their parents; they also behave and act in ways that mimic the things they do. Like one will close their eyes and say a prayer before she digs into her plate of food, or kneel beside her bed and whisper a few words to God, the boy will get on to the driver’s seat and grab the steering wheel as if to drive off just like Daddy does.
It seems to me that our lives tell them stories that they rehearse from one to another; pictures are imprinted in their subconscious minds. Our actions speak to them far more than words do. This phenomenon extends to the people we meet every day. It is wise to model a pattern of life you would like to live for your children and generation. Liter your faith along life’s road that the people after you can pick up, emulate, and run along with it. Pace your life with the character of Jesus; allow your faith to teach life lessons to men. Apostle Paul put it this way, “be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1 KJV).
How beautiful it would be to project such a vision onto an infant who sees the parents practicing their faith. Parents take first place in forming their children’s spiritual lives before the church. They ought to engage with them in memorizing scriptures, prayer routines, and loving and serving people. These actions add up and form a foundation on which they build. Irrespective of where they end up in life, they will replicate this pattern like Proverbs 22: 6 states.
The Hope Herald is committed to casting visions of hope and light with every word. Secure yourself a copy by signing up for this monthly newsletter on our website: www.abundantlifefaithcentre.org ALFC holds two weekly church
From The Pastor’s Desk
The Power of Divine Presence The Power of Divine Presence The Power of Divine
Have you ever found yourself without the answer you need to get out of a fix? It always feels hopeless and helpless to be in such a situation unless, of course, you know this one thing: you are never by yourself.
If you are a believer and you’ve ever thought you were by yourself in a situation, you did so because you believed your senses instead of your spirit. Unlike sense knowledge that changes with the changing environment, spiritual knowledge is accurate and is always able to separate truth from error.
Think about it. There are people who have turned out to be successful without any form of formal schooling at all. Plus, some of them have done it in foreign lands where they had no people connections to take advantage of. How is that possible? It is because they followed their spirit. In the midst of their seemingly impossible and confusing situation, they were able to quite themselves, turn inward and get an inner knowing of the step to take or move to make – moment by moment.
That is what the fear (or consciousness) of God does. It keeps you out of the fear of your senses and puts you in a place of divine presence. The Bible tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7).
Confidence in the presence of God with you will always direct you to seek wisdom when you are uncertain about what to do. It points you to look inward for the wisdom of God instead of outward for the wisdom of men. It delivers you from the false comfort that comes from trusting in the help of man, and leads you to the peace of having God as an ever-present help.
Have you noticed that for many people, more is always better because of the false feeling of security that they find in their position or possessions? That feeling of false security is what the Bible calls the love of money; and we are instructed to keep away from it: “Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never, never fail you nor forsake you.” That is why we can say without any doubt or fear, “The Lord is my Helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me.” (Hebrews 13:5−6, TLB).
So, whether you are in a moment of trouble or triumph, know that God has your best interests at heart and wants you to wisely manage that moment. It is by the wisdom of God that we find our way into the will of God; and it is in the will of God that we are able to reach our highest wellbeing. Living life outside the will of God always equals living a shallow and suboptimal life.
God means business. He wants you living a full and abundant life (John 10:10); and He is at work in you to get you there. “If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and He will gladly tell you, for He is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask Him; He will not resent it.” (James 1:5, TLB)
Joseph ENYIMU
Youth Fellowship
20th July | 11:00am- 1:00pm
Teenagers and young adults, the youth fellowship is here for you!
Establish yourself in the word with sound teachings. Discover who you really are. Let us nail this identity thing so that nothing will veer you off the path of life. Experience the freedom Christ purchased for you with understanding!!
Multiply yourself in the lives of the men and women around you this July 2024 Mission Week. It’s simple. Intentionally set out to be a blessing to them in word and deed in the name of Jesus. That’s how you practically put love on wheels – visiting the poor, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless and healing the sick in your community and beyond. For more on how do this in partnership with ALFC, visit: https://abundantlifefaithcentre.org/p artner-membership Mission Week
1st - 6th July, 2024
Shaping Hearts Minds into Faith Followers &
Leading by example is paramount. By living a Christ-like life filled with humility, peace, patience, and love, we become powerful role models. Here is how the Bible puts it: ”And these words, which I command you today, shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Actively teaching our children scripture and fostering a love of learning paves the way for continued spiritual growth.
Daily routines like prayer, thanksgiving at mealtime, and Bible stories further enrich a faith-filled environment. Uplifting books, music, and movies can also contribute. Discipline, delivered with love, teaches self-control and helps children navigate life's complexities, fostering a sense of security and trust.
In essence, we are cultivators. By nurturing our children's openness to faith through our actions, teachings, and the creation of a positive spiritual environment, we empower them to embark on a lifelong journey of faith. Remember, as parents and caregivers, we hold immense influence. Embrace this responsibility and watch your children blossom into firm faith followers.
Hope BALINDA
Ndejje, Makindye Ssabagabo | Geoffrey had been working with a particular company for a while. At some point, the company introduced weekend work shifts, which he had to supervise. He reluctantly performed his duties over the weekend because it encroached into his family time and involvement at church. When the time came to renew his contract, he was denied the opportunity. The company however, granted him official leave that he had earlier requested. He agreed with God that his time at that company was up, and he believed God for another job with better working terms. Towards the end of his leave period, he received a call for a job interview, which he did and was offered. Before he could warm up to the new job and company, he was called for another job interview with even better terms, and he excelled at it too. Geoffrey is truly grateful to God, who answered his prayer and sustained him in the waiting period.
Kungulutale, Wakiso | Lillian thanks God for guiding her career path. Initially, she saw employment as only a responsibility, but her attitude shifted. She was encouraged by a church member who saw work as a tool for ministry rather than just a job. Despite the lengthy period of working in unpleasant conditions that frustrated her, her mindset gradually changed – thanks to the teachings and prayers at church. She too embraced her work as a deployment for ministry. She was able to minister hope to the lives of the people at work through prayer, encouragement and consistently shared the monthly Hope Herald. She also spearheaded the start of a workplace prayer altar that was a blessing to many. In January 2024, Lilian felt her time in that work place had come to an end, she decided to wait on the Lord for the next step in her career journey. Around the same time, the job she had believed God for over the four years of her post-school period became a reality. God brought to fruition what she had prayed for at the start of the year. All glory to God!
The heartfelt, persistent prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available. Tap into this power as we join our faith with you for a turnaround in your situation. Call 0394507090 on weekdays between 9:00am and 5:00pm. You can also write an email at: prayer@abundantlifefaithcentre.org. ALFC prayer staff are ready to stand with you in prayer agreement. Reach out today!
THE COMPANY YOU KEEP
In my village, most of the cooking was done with firewood on three stones. Occasionally, one would go to the kitchen and blow into the fire to increase it or just to catch a conversation with mum or aunties. But one thing was certain; you would always come back with the scent of smoke! e longer you spend there, the greater the smell. is reminds me of the story of Moses in the Bible. Moses spent days in the presence of the Lord on the mountain, and the Lord’s glory rubbed on him. When he returned, his face was shining so much that the Israelites asked to have his face covered (Exodus 34:35). e glory of the Lord did not only rub on him but also stayed with him so that it was evident where he had been. ese stories show us that the company you keep eventually a ects and impacts your life. is could be in a positive or negative way. Proverbs 13:20 puts it this way: whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the company of fools will su er harm. Today’s research says that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. With this in mind, you ought to keep company with the people who you want to become like. Have you wanted to grow your faith? Identify people whose faith you would like to intimate and keep company with them. Do you want to increase financially? Keep company with the wealthy; their habits will rub on you. You can do the same for any area of your life where you want to experience growth and change.
Lynn MWESIGWA
PRAYER
Are you ready for a relationship with Jesus as your Lord and Savior? It begins with a simple prayer in faith. Here is one you can repeat out loud enough to hear yourself:
Dear God, I accept your forgiveness of my sin. I believe with my heart that you raised Jesus from the dead for my benefit, and I now declare Him to be my savior and Lord. Amen! If you just prayed the above prayer, welcome to the kingdom of light! We have free materials to help you get started on your journey to an abundant life –a better and brighter future. Simply contact us by email: prayer@abundantlifefaithcentre.org or phone: 0394507090 during working hours (9:00am to 5:00pm)
