Happy New Year from Brother Don to you and your family. I pray that this year will be a year of greater revelations of God’s love and will for us all, greater submission to His will by us (better than we could ever imagine for ourselves – Ephesians 3:20) and as a result, more of God’s fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) being evident in our characters and lives.
“21 Curses chase sinners, while blessings chase the righteous!”
(Proverbs 13:21 TLB)
My short encouragement to you today at the start of this year is to start the year off right. Last year I was intentional in getting into the word of God daily. I did this through a daily devotion, both through reading the Bible and listening to an audio version on two apps.
It is as a result of this practice that I was equipped to deal with the mayhem that came in 2020! Joseph’s preparation for the seven years of famine (see Genesis 41) come to mind, for as Joseph prepared during the seven years of plenty for the famine to come, we also need to prepare ourselves spiritually for what is still yet to come upon this age (world system) – read the book of Revelation.
In my blog on the 15th February 2020 entitled What’s your fill today? I expressed the following:
If your first 6 weeks of 2020 has been anything like mine, it has been a real test of character and a spiritual workout. It has felt like 2019 finished at close to 100% and so the enemy has started his 2020 at 200%.
Well if that’s been your journey thus far, I encourage you to stay in the Word of God daily and get the spiritual food that you will need to fight the good fight of faith…
Excerpt from ‘What’s your fill today’ post
I also included a video that was a discussion on a study completed by the ‘Centre for Bible Engagement’ which researched the ‘Power of 4 Effect’, being:
The video can by viewed below:
Reading the Bible 4X per week from Messenger International on Vimeo.
So I want to encourage, challenge and implore you to make it an intentional endeavour to get into the word of God daily this year. After all, if 2020 showed us anything, it has to be that the truth told throughout the Bible, culminating in the book of Revelation, is that the end of this age is drawing nearer. We cannot rely upon man’s worldly system to give us our assurance – Coronavirus and its effect being a case in point – but we can rely on God’s promises. These are the assurances that we need to focus upon.
I further believe that 2020 revealed the fragility and fallibility of the human race; and the urgent need for the human race to be restored into right relationship with Jesus our Saviour who loves, understands and made a way for us to be made whole again.
Unless we understand the word of God in context (not two or three Scripture wonders), then how will we learn to understand the times we are in and how we are to react? So again, I encourage you to get into God’s word (the Bible). It is radically different than any other book in the entire world, secular or sacred. It is alive as the Holy Spirit of God speaks to us through it.
The Holy Spirit is the only one who can reveal and communicate the Bible’s spiritual truths to us. Those who read the Bible apart from the Holy Spirit teaching them cannot understand it because, unlike all other books, it is spiritually discerned. It is not a mental exercise but a spiritual one. (See 1 Corinthians 2:6-16).
Jesus said, “The [Holy] Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” (John 6:63)
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13)
“The Word is God. The Scriptures are not God, but the Spirit who breathes through the words is God.” – Francis Frangipane
Bible Apps
There are many apps out there that can help you on your journey this year and whilst finding the right app is step one, the true test will be in our commitment and perseverance in using it daily as we focus on keeping our spirits fed.
Here are the two that I mentioned earlier:
- Daily Audio Bible – https://dailyaudiobible.com/
- Dwell – https://dwellapp.io/
So may you be blessed in your faith walk this year; may we be quick to repent, slow to judge others (Matthew 7:1-5 – Jesus is the only righteous judge) and swift to show love, mercy and grace.
God bless you,
‘But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.’
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (New Living Translation)
May God bless you all,
‘But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.’
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NLT)
Note from Brother Don — click to open
I would love for this space to become more interactive as we walk together in faith. If there are subjects you’d like to explore from a Christian perspective, or if you have prayer needs for yourself, your family, or your friends, please feel free to reach out.
You can send a private message through the site — these are confidential and not visible to anyone else. The only exception would be if a safeguarding concern were raised; in that case, it may need to be passed on to the appropriate agency or person, as you would expect.
Above all, I want to ensure that what is shared here reflects what the Lord desires to say. Sometimes the “signal” of life can get in the way, and your feedback helps me stay prayerful, discerning, and aligned with His heart. Whether you simply read along or choose to share, I’m grateful you’re here.
Beginning a Journey With Jesus — click to open
If you’re exploring the Christian faith or wondering what it means to follow Jesus, you’re in the right place. Beginning a journey with Him is the most life‑changing decision a person can make — and it’s open to everyone.
Below is a simple explanation of the gospel message, followed by a prayer you can use if you feel ready to invite Jesus into your life.
A Brief Summary of the Gospel Message:
- God created you for relationship with Him.
- Sin — the things we do wrong — separates us from God.
- We cannot fix this separation by our own efforts.
- Jesus, God’s Son, came to earth, lived without sin, and died on the cross to take our place.
- He rose again, defeating sin and death.
- Through Jesus, we can be forgiven, restored, and made new.
- Salvation is a gift — received by faith, not earned by good works.
- When we accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us and begins transforming our lives.
- We become children of God, with a new identity and a new future.
A Simple Prayer to Begin Your Journey:
“Lord Jesus, I come to You today because I want to know You. I admit that I have sinned and fallen short, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for me and rose again so that I could be made new. Today, I choose to turn away from my old life and follow You. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and help me to live for You from this day forward. Thank You for loving me, forgiving me, and making me Your child. Amen.”
What to Do Next:
1. Find a Local Church
Look for a Bible‑believing church in your area. Speak to the pastor or leadership team
and let them know about the commitment you’ve made. They will be able to support you,
pray with you, and help you grow.
2. Consider the Alpha Course
I strongly recommend the Alpha Course, which runs worldwide. It’s a safe, friendly place
to explore questions about life, the Christian faith, and God — whether you’re brand new
or simply curious.
Visit the Alpha Course website
3. Reach Out if You’d Like Support
If you’d like prayer, have questions, or want to talk privately, you can send a confidential
message through the site. Nothing you share will be visible to others. The only exception is
if a safeguarding concern is raised — in that case, it may need to be passed on to the
appropriate agency or person, as you would expect.
