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The Return of the King!

Reading: Luke 12:35-56

Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (v.40)

In Philippine history, when General Douglas MacArthur* told the people of the Philippines, “I shall return,” in 1944, after almost 3 years, he fulfilled his promise. He came and liberated the people of the Philippines from Japanese tyranny.

In the Bible, one time Jesus was talking to His followers, He said;

“Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning… (v.35)

He also told them earlier, not to worry about life’s concerns such as food, clothing, etc. He encouraged them instead, “But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.” (v.31) Jesus was saying to His followers, if they pursue the will of God and His kingdom, then God will take care of their needs. And while serving Him and doing His will, be aware also that Jesus could come back anytime. Jesus told His followers, to be aware, watch, and wait for His return. “And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. “(v38)

“Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (v.40) What Jesus is talking about here is in the context of Jewish wedding customs. He said, “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks, they may open to him immediately. “(v.35-36)

In Jewish custom and tradition, when a man and a woman are engaged to be married, the man prepares a house for the future bride. After he has done this preparation, which takes about a year, the groom gets his wedding party, friends, and family, and walks together in a procession to get the bride from her house. The bride’s family knows this will happen, but they do not know the day or hour. During those days, they did not have a telephone or social media to send messages. The groom gets ready and goes to the bride’s house. So, the bride had better be ready when he comes!

In Matthew 25, Jesus talked about the parable of the foolish and wise brides or virgins. “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ ⁷Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps “(Matthew 25: 1-13).

In Matthew 24:27-28, Jesus spoke to His disciples about His return and the ingathering of His followers: “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.”

Paul also says, “For the Lord, Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord.” (I Thessalonians 4:16-17)

For the past 2000 years, followers of Jesus have been eagerly waiting for His return. Paul also said, “…in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (I Corinthians 15:52)

This is our blessed hope, the return of our kings, the king of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

“Now, I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war…And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.

(Revelation 19:11, 16)

Peter also said, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9-10)

Conclusion/Reflection:

The Lord Jesus promised His followers 2000 years ago that He would return. If General MacArthur fulfilled his words, “I shall return!”, how much more reliable are the words of Jesus! The words of Jesus are trustworthy, reliable, and sure. What He says, He will do. Jesus will come back again. Moreover, being ready to meet the Lord is also personal. Anytime, anywhere, death can happen to anyone. The question is, “Am I ready to meet the Lord Jesus anytime?” “Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:40)

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your promises. I believe You. I believe Your words, and I look forward to Your return. Holy Spirit help us, Your Church (Your followers), know how to get ready. Help me, Holy Spirit, to get my oil lamp trimmed and ready. Lord, how do I get ready? How do we get ready for Your return?

*https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/macarthur-returns

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayers:

luke-12_40docx-rev1 Download

Fear God, fear nothing, fear no one!

Reading: Luke 12:4-12

Title: Fear God, Fear Nothing and No one!

Key verse: “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.” (v.7)

Jesus continues to teach and exhort His disciples: “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has the power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” (v.4-5)

God loves and takes care of His creation – animals, flowers, especially people. Jesus said to His followers, “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.” (v.6-7)

Therefore, do not worry and fear to confess Jesus before people. Do not fear false accusations on account of Jesus’ name because the Holy Spirit will give power and strength in times of persecution. Jesus said, “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (v.11-12) The Holy Spirit gives wisdom about what to say. And the Holy Spirit gives power, strength, and courage to withstand against all kinds of threats and intimidation.

Reflection:

Therefore, Jesus is saying, do not fear people but fear God only. Do not worry about life because God sees everything, and God cares for those who choose to follow His Son, Jesus. God loves Jesus, and God loves those whom Jesus loves. So, we are secure in the arms of God as we follow Jesus, and we have the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no need to worry, no one to fear – fear God alone!

Prayer:

Dear Lord God, thank You for that because of Jesus, I am secure in your arms. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for your power, wisdom, and strength to follow Jesus – to fear nothing and no one, but God. In your powerful name, Jesus, I pray, amen!

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

Looking forward!(2022)

“...but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, .” Philippians 3: 14 NLT

” What are your thoughts as you look back over the last year? loss, tragedy, sorrow or happiness, joy, success, etc? …do you close the book on this year with regret, or with relief?

“No matter what your answer is, I hope you will pause and prayerfully ask yourself two important questions: First, how do you think God looks on this past year in your life? Did it bring you any closer to Him? Second, what lessons will you take from this year into next? What did God teach you?

“Don’t be bound by the past and its failures? But don’t forget is lessons either.” – by Billy Graham, “Wisdom for Each Day”

Happy New Year! New year, new blessings!

“Forget the former things;
    do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland. ” Isaiah 43:18 -19

“The key of the house of David
I will lay on his shoulder;
So he shall open, and no one shall shut; ” Isaiah 22:22

Thank You, Lord, for Christmas!

Long time ago, an angel of the Lord spoke

Behold the virgin shall be with child

And will bear a Son, and they shall

Call His name Immanuel God with us

Thank you, Lord, for Christmas

Long time ago, in the city of David

In a little town called Bethlehem

A Savior was born, who is Christ the Lord

Thank You, Lord, for Christmas

Thank You, Jesus, for coming

To save us from sins

Thank You, Jesus, for coming

As a Baby in a little manger

To save your people from sin

Thank You, Jesus, for coming

You are Immanuel, the God who is always with us

Thank You, Lord, for sending to us Your Son

For unto us a child is born

Unto us a Son is given

Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to us

Our Wonderful Counselor, You are the Mighty God

You are the Everlasting Father

You are the Prince of Peace

Glory to God in the highest!

Thank You, Lord, for Christmas

Thank you, Jesus, for bringing us peace,

And goodwill to all people.

Thank You, Lord, for Christmas!

Someday Jesus will come back again, not as a Baby, but as the King of kings!

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. ¹²His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He ^[e]had a name written that no one knew except Himself. ¹³He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. ¹⁴And the armies in heaven, clothed in ^[f]fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. ¹⁵Now out of His mouth goes a ^[g]sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. ¹⁶And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.” – Revelation 19: 11-16

An Expectant Heart, Christmas Advent

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ” V. 25
Luke 2 :25

Reading: Luke 2:21-35

Baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7). Joseph and Mary were his earthly parents. The angels of God continued to guide and watch over the family. The angels also made an announcement to the shepherds in Bethlehem. (v.11) The shepherds followed the words spoken to them by the angels, they went and visited Baby Jesus who was with his parents, Joseph and Mary. (v.15-16). When the shepherds saw Baby Jesus with their own eyes, they rejoiced, went out, and spread the good news to their community. (v.17-18).

After 8 days, Baby Jesus was presented to the temple in Jerusalem to follow the custom and traditions. “They brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), Luke 2:22-24.

While in the temple, there was a man named Simeon. He was a devout and righteous man according to their Law. Basically, he followed all the commandments written in the Law of Moses. Maybe not just obeying the rules and traditions, Simeon was considered devout and righteous, as he also believed and worshipped the Lord God from his heart.

Perhaps for many years, Simeon, prayed for the coming Messiah or Savior as told in their Scriptures. It says, he eagerly waited for the salvation of God (Jewish Bible). Not just believing or having faith, but he had hope. He also had anticipation and an expectant heart for the fulfillment of God’s words.

Simeon remembered that the Lord God was faithful in keeping His words. As God spoke to Abraham, Jacob, David, and other men of God, He fulfilled His words. So, Simeon had faith, hope, and an expectant heart to wait for God to fulfill His words.

During a period of challenges, perhaps one of the most difficult times in the history of Israel because of Roman rule, Simeon kept his faith. He had hope that one day Messiah will come. Some may have lost their faith and hope as some went their own way. Others became tax collectors and some were involved in prostitution, perhaps just to survive. Others focused on keeping the tradition, following rules and regulations like the religious leaders. Simeon like the others, (Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary, and Joseph) kept his eyes on the Lord God and His promises. Simeon kept his devotion and pursued righteousness even in the hardest of times. Simeon was filled by the Holy Spirit.

Not just a general promise in the Scriptures, Simeon had a personal promise revealed by the Holy Spirit. “And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” (v.26)

So, when Baby Jesus and his parents came to the temple for the baby dedication, Simeon knew right away, that Baby was the One! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Simeon knew without a doubt that Baby Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promise to them, the people of Israel.

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.“
Isaiah 9: 6

Thus, Simeon gave praise, thanksgiving, and adoration to the Lord God. (v. 29-32)

Reflection:

The Holy Bible is filled with the promises of God for Israel and for the followers of Jesus. The Lord God is faithful, Sovereign and has the power to fulfill them as He already did to the people of Israel- to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, etc. As followers of Jesus, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, the words of God in the Bible also speak to us personally. God gives us personal promises too. Like Simeon, who was faithful, full of faith, and full of hope, he waited eagerly for God to fulfill His Words to Israel and to him personally.

For my eyes have seen Your salvation
Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel
Luke 2: 30-32

The Bible says we are made righteous because of Jesus. We can be faithful and be filled with hope and have expectant hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Questions for reflection:

1. Are you faithful in your devotion to Jesus?

2. Do you have an expectant heart to wait for the promise of Jesus that He will come again?

3. Are you eager to wait upon His promises.

4. Do you have personal promises from God that you are still waiting for His fulfillment?

Prayer: Holy Spirit please help me to be faithful, and hopeful, and to wait eagerly upon the promises of God. Lord Jesus may You come soon!

Thankful

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!
For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
For His mercy endures forever
Psalm136 NKJV

“The Pilgrims fathers who landed at Plymouth to settle in what became the United States of America can teach us an important lesson about giving thanks.

During that first long winter, seven times as many as graves were made for the dead as homes were made for the living. Seed, imported from England, failed to grow, and a ship that was to bring food and relief, brought instead 35 more mouths to feed, but no provisions. According to today’s standards, the Pilgrims had almost nothing, but they possessed a profound and heartfelt gratitude to God for His love and mercy.

Gratitude is one of the greatest Christian virtues.” By Billy Graham

The First Thanksgiving

“Just over 50 colonists are believed to have attended, including 22 men, four married women—including Edward Winslow’s wife—and more than 25 children and teenagers. These were the lucky ones who had made it through a rough entry into the New World, including a harsh winter during which an epidemic of disease swept through the colony, felling nearly half the original group. Some 78 percent of the women who had arrived on the Mayflower had died during the first winter, a far higher percentage than for men or children. “For the English, [the first Thanksgiving] was also celebrating the fact that they had survived their first year here in New England,” Begley points out.”

https://www.history.com/news/first-thanksgiving-colonists-native-americans-men

We thank the Lord for the first Pilgrims who endured a lot of challenges and hardships in pioneering a new country. They paved the way for many to come to this country to start a new life. Some of them left Europe for religious freedom, to worship the Almighty God in heaven.

According to Wikipedia”

“New England and Virginia colonists originally celebrated days of thanksgiving, thanking God for blessings such as harvests, ship landings, and military victories, or the end of a drought. The event that Americans commonly call the “First Thanksgiving” was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in October 1621. This feast lasted three days and was attended by 90 Wampanoag and 53 Pilgrims…

Thanksgiving has been celebrated nationally on and off since 1789, with a proclamation by President George Washington a request by Congress…. until President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens”, calling on the American people to also, “with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience .. fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation…”. Lincoln declared it for the last Thursday in November.”

“Now therefore, our God,
We thank You and praise Your glorious name.”
I Chronicles 29:13

Friendship and love-relationship

Title: Friendship and a love-relationship

Reading: Luke 5:33-39

v.38 But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)

Ephesians 4:23-24 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:23-24)

Tired of religion? I remember when I was a small child, around six or seven years old, when I knew I did something wrong, like other children, I did not want my parents to know. So, I hid and did not tell them. One time, I accidentally broke a drinking glass and was afraid to tell my mother. I felt bad, so to punish myself, I took a handful of salt, laid it on the floor of the upper room in our old house, and knelt on it. I prayed and asked God to forgive me. Then growing up, in middle school, I learned I could go to church and confess to a priest. Later on, I learned from the Bible that, Jesus is the Way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father but by Him. (John 14:6). So, when I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I thought I found the right religion! However, the more I read the Bible, and the more I got to know God and His love, I realized, it is not really a religion. It is a relationship and not a religion. Jesus became my BFF, my best friend forever!

The people in Israel when Jesus was still on earth also got confused with tradition and religion. In the story in Luke chapter 5, some people asked Jesus why the disciples of John and the Pharisees fasted and prayed, while His disciples did not. (Luke 5:33). The people in Israel in those times watched and observed religious people. Some followed John and his teachings, perhaps some followed the Pharisees, and others listened and watched Jesus too. Perhaps some people wondered who to follow and emulate. While the Pharisees and scribes were experts in studying and practicing their tradition and law according to Moses, Jesus was introducing new ways of worshipping God. Jesus said, He did not come to change the law, but to change man-made traditions. (See Matthew 5:17-18).

“No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one; otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was taken out of the new does not match the old.” (Luke 5:36)

Jesus came to set people free from the burdens of old traditions and old ways of religion. Religion teaches rituals, practices, traditions, and a system of beliefs to come to God. But Jesus was introducing a new way to come to God, through relationship. “And He said to them, ‘Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them?’” (v.34)

Jesus was saying that God the Father wants a relationship, not a religion. God wants a relationship with us like the relationship of a bridegroom and his bride – one based on love and intimacy. God desires a friendship between the bridegroom (Christ) and the friends of the bridegroom (us) which means hanging out, celebrating, eating together, and caring for one another. It’s not about following rules and regulations. It’s about a love relationship – grieving together when one is hurting, celebrating successes, talking about anything under the sun, etc.

It’s like our relationship with close friends. For example, I recall with fondness my relationship with friends in seminary and at church. After class or work, we spent time hanging out, just talking, sharing about life, etc. Another example is the relationship I had with friends when I was in the mission field. We worshipped and studied the Word together, shared concerns, and prayed together. After Sunday morning fellowship, we ate meals together, played games, watched movies, and just talked. That’s what Jesus wanted to introduce to the people of Israel and His followers. Jesus wants to be our friend. God and Jesus want relationship with His people and not religion. (v.37-38)

Jesus is giving “new wine” to refresh souls. He is life, sustains life, and wants to connect His people to the Source of life, God the Father. New wine and new life in Jesus are to know Father God, the Giver of life and source of eternal life. New wineskins mean new ways of thinking, a new heart, and a new mindset – to get rid of old ways, old traditions, and old ways of thinking like those exhibited by the Pharisees and other religious people. The religious people cared more about keeping traditions and man-made rules and regulations than about a relationship. Jesus gives new wine – new ways of worshipping God in spirit and in truth.

Reflection:

It’s not about religion, nor denomination; it’s not about following rules and regulations; not a system of beliefs, rituals, and ceremonies, but a love relationship. We can come to Him anytime. He wants us to hang out with Him and talk with Him – not just perform a ritual of prayer. Talking or praying is sharing our concerns and burdens with Him, sharing our joys and triumphs (thanksgiving), sharing anything and everything in our hearts.

We need a fresh revelation of who God is – compassionate, loving, caring, and fun! God wants a love relationship with His children through Jesus. Know the Holy Spirit as our Teacher and Guide. Ask Him questions anytime about anything or share your deepest thoughts with Him. Talk to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Share your sorrows, pain, grief, and fears. Celebrate with God your successes and joys. It’s about friendship and a love relationship. Similar to a bride to her bridegroom, it’s about romance, love, intimacy, friendship, etc.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that You desire a love relationship with us and not a religion. Help me, help us to have a new wineskin – a new spirit, a new heart, and new thinking to worship You in spirit and truth.

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

Behold He Prayeth !

from the Book “Behold He Prayeth” – by Joshua Stauffer

Reading: Acts 9:1-11

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
Acts 9:11

If the Lord would behold many people , what would He see? If the predominating thing in their lives were recorded, it simply would be “Behold, he sleepeth,”or “Behold, he readeth the newspaper,” or “Behold, he listeneth to the radio,” or “Behold she seweth,” or “Behold she cooketh.” But of the person who makes prayer the first, greatest, and most important business in life, God and heaven will take notice that, “Behold, he prayeth.” May this be said of us.

“Intercession is prayer, but all praying is not intercession. Intercession is one type of prayer. It is petitioning, or entreating in behalf of another or others…”

The ministry of intercession is one of the greatest ministries. Someone prayed for us to know God.

1.Pray for all men & those in authority

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” I Timothy 2:1-2 (NKJV)

2.Pray for Israel

“Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you…” I Samuel 12:23 (NKJV)

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.” Romans 10:1 (NKJV)

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16 (NKJV)

“The Lord said to Abraham, ‘I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee.’ (Genesis 12:1) This promise is true today…Christian people would court the favor of the Lord if they would pray for Israel that they might be saved. It was Paul’s policy to preach to the Jews first wherever he went. Nothing would be lost but much would be gained, if the policy “to the Jews first” were practiced by Christian people in their praying, preaching, and giving. J. Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission (OMF), made it his policy on the first day of each year to write out a check for the evangelization of the Jews. This would be a good practice for all Christians to follow, then they would be led to pray for them.”

3.Pray for all the saints/the church

“…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV)

“The mistake many church people make is they put forth a great effort in getting sinners into church services, then when they get to church, they neglect them…and forget to pray for them.”

Study guide -Letter to the Philippians.

The Lord’s Prayer

When Jesus was here on earth, He did many things. He was very busy with ministry. He traveled often in Israel. He taught many people and healed people from illnesses. He also had power and authority over unclean spirits. Though He had a busy ministry schedule, He took time to pray and fellowship with His heavenly Father.

He (Jesus) Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. Luke 5:16

Then one day, His Disciples said to Him, “Lord teach us how to pray.”

So, He said to them, “When you pray, say

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread.And forgive us our sins,
For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Luke 11:1-4

The Lord’s prayer is not really a formula. I believe it is a model prayer, David and I pray this every day, not just by rote, but with faith and trust in Jesus that He hears our prayers.

And here is another guide we also use in prayer: We use the acronym ACTS, which makes it easy remember.

A- is adoration. Like what Jesus said, “Hallowed be Your name”. We praise God for He is merciful, all powerful, sovereign, loving, gracious, etc.

C- is confession. Again, from the Lord’s prayer, Jesus said, “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive others.” We can ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts if there ‘s any thing that is not pleasing to the Lord. And ask God for forgiveness. (See I John 1:9)

T- is thanksgiving. Thank God for 3 things; count your blessings.

S- is supplication – deliver us from the evil one.

For Supplication, some people use the 5-finger model.

Thumb- friends & family

Pointer-Parents and Teachers

Middle-Leaders

Ring-weak and sick people

Pinky-self

Whichever prayer model you prefer, prayer is not a ceremony or a ritual. It is a personal relationship. Like with friends and others, prayer is talking, and taking time in fellowship with Father God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.