The King's Church International Audio Podcast

King's Church International
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The King's Church International podcast is a weekly podcast of inspiring, encouraging and hope-filled messages from KCI Windsor.

  1. 4d ago

    Finding Hope Through Hard Times

    Hard times and periods of darkness can feel overwhelming. We see this through natural disasters, drought, loss, sickness, financial pressure and the spiritual drought of people searching for meaning. The third Book of Psalms, Psalms 73–89, is considered the “dark book” of Psalms because it focuses heavily on national crisis, lament and wrestling with faith. It includes deep struggles such as the destruction of the temple. Psalm 88 is especially difficult because it contains no obvious words of praise or hope. Yet even in our darkest moments, we can find hope. Psalm 88 begins: Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you.  May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry. I am overwhelmed with troubles and my life draws near to death. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like one without strength. I am set apart with the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, who are cut off from your care. You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths. The honesty of this Psalm is striking. It begins with “I cry out day and night” and ends with “Darkness is my companion.” Yet God is sovereign and can work in every season. As Derek Kidner wrote: “The very presence of these prayers in Scripture is a witness to God's understanding, God knows how men speak when they are desperate.” 1. Hard times can be a school of Grace Verse 1 and 2 says: “Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you. May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry.” There is no better place to appreciate God's grace than in times of darkness. When everything is going well, it is easy to say, “God is good.” But when circumstances change—or when the situation does not change—that is when grace becomes our only hope. Hard times can be external: losing a loved one, rejection, financial pressure or sickness. They can also be internal: emotional turmoil, sudden sadness or a loss of purpose. We may ask, “Where is God?” or “Why isn't God answering me?” But God doesn't love you because: you had a good day or you prayed perfectly or you never doubted. God loves you because He is gracious. The psalmist knows that God can save him, so he directs his cry towards God rather than away from God. His words may not be perfect, but the direction of his words is right. Philippians 4:6-7 says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Notice that it doesn't say God will grant every request. It says His peace will guard your heart and mind. That is what is precious to God—your heart. Build your faith on this truth: “Because I follow Jesus, even when bad things happen, God will not abandon me.” Let that truth sink into your heart. 2. Hard times reveals if we want God or what God gives From verses 6–9, the psalmist's prayer isn't polished. He questions God, complains and expresses his frustration because he is not getting what he wants or what he thinks is right. This exposes the motives of our hearts: Do I really want God, or do I want God's gifts? The Bible gives us examples of people who continued to trust God even when they didn't receive what they wanted. Habakkuk 3:17–18: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food... yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.” Daniel 3:17-18: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” The story of Job begins with Satan questioning Job's motives: Job 1:9 says: “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. In other words: Does Job really love God, or does he only love what God gives him? Our relationship with God can become transactional when we say: God, I'll serve You if You bless me. I'll pray if You answer. I'll worship if You give me what I want. I'll trust You only if I understand it. It is often in hard times that we discover whether we are serving God or serving ourselves. Job never turned away from God, even in his suffering. He continued to pray and remain close to Him. Job 1:21-22: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. So, if you are facing difficulty today, run to God. Present your need and direct your prayer to Him. James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Romans 5:3-5: “we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” God will never waste a moment, whether good or difficult, to refine our character. 3. Hard times are real but are not the final word. The psalmist asks difficult rhetorical questions. He is not expecting an immediate answer; he is expressing his despair. Psalm 88:10-11 says: Do you show your wonders to the dead? Do their spirits rise up and praise you? Is your love declared in the grave, your faithfulness in Destruction? Why is a Psalm like this in the Bible? It doesn't seem like a model prayer. The very reason God put this prayer in Scripture is because He identifies with those of us who sometimes pray like this. He is a God of grace. He knows how we speak when we are desperate. We can tell God about our hopelessness. We can worship God even in our despair. God is saying: “I am your God, not if you are happy and prayerful. I am your God because I am gracious.” And God answers the questions of Psalm 88 in the most powerful and practical way: The answer is Jesus Christ. John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 1 Corinthians 15:20: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Matthew 27:45: “From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’)” Jesus experienced the ultimate darkness. There is nothing that the resurrection won't cure. Yes, He shows His wonders to the dead. Yes, He raised up the spirits. Yes, His love was declared in the grave of Jesus. Yes, His faithfulness was declared through His complete obedience in the ultimate suffering and trauma of the cross. There is hope, and that hope is Jesus. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work today. Put your trust in Him.

  2. Aug 9

    Persuing God’s presence

    Pursuing God’s presence is not simply about learning about God — it is an invitation to know God personally and intimately. Many Christians can have correct doctrine but still lack a living, personal experience of God’s presence. Psalm 42 expresses a deep spiritual thirst and longing for God, especially in a season of isolation, despair and distance from what was familiar. The picture of the “God chaser” is someone whose spiritual hunger goes beyond what they have already experienced. Like the deer desperately searching for water, we are called to develop a deep hunger for the presence of God. 1. Cultivate a deep thirst for God Psalm 42:1-2: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” A deer depends on water for survival. In the same way, our souls need God to truly live. The psalmist is not looking for something that will simply make him feel better — he is desperate for God Himself. Psalm 63:1: “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. Our dependence on God must be cultivated in every circumstance. When we experience God answering prayers, transforming circumstances and revealing His goodness, our hunger for Him grows. Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” John 7:38: “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” We need to intentionally make a way to pursue God’s presence rather than waiting until we feel spiritually hungry. Desire grows as we seek Him. 2. Pour out your whole heart to know God's presence The psalmist does not hide his pain. He openly brings his tears, questions, disappointment and longing before God. Psalm 42:3-4: “My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’ These things I remember as I pour out my soul…” God’s presence is a place where we can be completely real. We don't need to pretend that everything is okay. Brokenness can actually be one of the first steps towards healing because it allows us to acknowledge that we need God. Hannah also brought her deep anguish honestly before God: 1 Samuel 1:10: “In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly.” The sinful woman who came to Jesus also poured out her whole heart before Him. Luke 7:37-38: “A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.” We can bring every part of ourselves into God’s presence — our hurt, pain, sadness, tiredness, frustration, uncertainty and sin. Psalm 51:17: “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” God does not despise a broken and contrite heart. He is near to those who come honestly before Him. 3. Put your hope in God alone After pouring out his heart, the psalmist speaks directly to his own soul: Psalm 42:5: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.” The psalmist was experiencing real despair. He had lost his nation, his familiar place of worship and the circumstances that had previously brought him joy. Yet he refused to remain without hope. The statement “Put your hope in God” is repeated throughout Psalm 42 and 43. He had to continually remind himself where his hope belonged. Many people can look fine on the outside while carrying deep discouragement and hopelessness on the inside. Our circumstances may not immediately change, but our perspective can change when we come into God’s presence. Hebrews 12:2: “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” When we pursue God’s presence, we come out differently. God meets us in our brokenness and brings a new perspective, renewed hope and eventually praise. James 4:8: “Come near to God and he will come near to you…” This is a two-way relationship: when we draw near to God, He draws near to us. An encounter with the living God can change what is happening in our hearts even before our circumstances change. Conclusion If we want to know God more deeply in this season, we need to become God chasers — people who are not satisfied with simply knowing about God but who pursue His presence. Whatever season we are in, God's presence is where we find hope. Cultivate a deep thirst for God. Pour out your whole heart to know God's presence. Put your hope in God alone.

  3. Aug 2

    Why you can confidently trust God as your shepherd

    Trust is becoming increasingly difficult to find. We question the news we read, check reviews, worry about scams and even question whether content is AI-generated. Yet Psalm 23 gives us a reason to confidently trust God because He is not distant or impersonal—He is our Shepherd. Psalm 23 was written by David, who had been a shepherd himself. His experience taught him what a good shepherd does: provides, protects, guides and cares for his sheep. Throughout Scripture, God is described as a Shepherd.  Genesis 48:15/ Ezekiel 34:15-16/John 10:14-15/Hebrews 13:20   1. You can confidently trust God when you have a personal relationship with Him  David begins Psalm 23 with, "The Lord is my shepherd."  He didn't say the Lord is a shepherd or simply the shepherd. He said my shepherd. Our confidence comes from knowing that we belong to God, that He knows us and that He cares for us personally.  David understood that sheep depend completely on their shepherd for food, water, protection and direction. Because of this relationship, he could say: "I shall not be in want." The question is: Can you say, "The Lord is MY Shepherd"?  2. You can confidently trust God to give you rest & peace  Psalm 23:2-3 says: "He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul..."  The Good Shepherd knows when we are empty and exhausted. Green pastures speak of provision and rest, while quiet waters speak of peace and restoration.  God knows that we are not machines. We need both work and rest, and our souls need to be continually refreshed by Him.  David understood that our needs are not only physical but spiritual. There comes a point when our strength runs dry, but the Good Shepherd can restore and renew our souls.  3. You can confidently trust God to guide you in the best way  Psalm 23:3 continues: "He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake."  To allow God to lead us means allowing Him to take charge of our lives. Like a shepherd setting the pace for his sheep, God goes before us and leads us into the right paths rather than dangerous paths of sin.  Trusting God means allowing Him to lead rather than insisting on choosing our own way.  4. You can confidently trust God to help you in the darkest moments  Psalm 23:4 says: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."  Everyone faces valleys—seasons of disappointment, uncertainty, loss and pain. These may include grief, relational breakdown, emotional trauma, health challenges, family struggles, job loss, loneliness or unanswered prayers.  But notice the change in the language of Psalm 23. In verses 2 and 3 David says, "He makes me," "He leads me," "He restores me." But when he enters the valley, he says, "You are with me."  The Good Shepherd does not simply send us through the valley. He walks with us through it. Isaiah 41:10  David does not say that evil does not exist. He says, "I will fear no evil" because God is present. The valley may be dark, but the Shepherd is greater than the darkest valley.  5. You can confidently trust God to provide for you even when enemies attack you  Psalm 23:5 says: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint  my head with oil; My cup runs over."  Even when people are against us, God can provide, protect and bless us. The picture is of a king welcoming and protecting a guest, providing a place of safety and fellowship.  Sharing a meal represents intimacy, belonging and connection. What is remarkable is that David describes enjoying this table in the presence of his enemies. Our peace does not depend on the absence of opposition. Even when difficult circumstances surround us, God is able to sustain and provide for us.  6. You can confidently trust God to bless you all through your life  Psalm 23:6 says: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life."  God's goodness and mercy follow us through every season. His love never fails, and He is with us when we are young and when we are old. We can flourish in every season because our Shepherd remains faithful.  7. You can confidently trust God to secure your eternal future  Psalm 23:6 continues: "And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."  Jesus promised in John 14:2-3 that He is preparing a place for His people, and He said in John 11:25:  "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies." Jesus has defeated the final enemy—death. Because He was raised from the dead, those who trust in Him can look forward to eternal life with God. Jesus said in John 10:11: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." At the cross, Jesus gave His life for us so that we could be forgiven and brought into  relationship with God.  Conclusion  Psalm 23 gives us great reasons to confidently put our trust in God. He is the Shepherd who loves us, provides for us, guides us, walks with us through the valleys, protects us in the presence of opposition, blesses us throughout our lives and has prepared an eternal future for us.  The invitation is to make this personal: "The Lord is MY Shepherd." Today, we can trust Christ as our Shepherd and experience His presence, acceptance, forgiveness, love and care in every season of life.

  4. Jul 26

    Discovering Songs For Every Season

    Music has always been one of God's greatest gifts for expressing the deepest emotions of the human heart. Throughout every season of life—joy, sorrow, celebration, waiting, or pain—there is a song that gives voice to our hearts. That is why God gave us the book of Psalms. More than a collection of songs, the Psalms teach us how to worship, pray, trust, repent, and rejoice in every circumstance. Jesus Himself regularly quoted the Psalms and sang them. They were His songbook, and they continue to shape our relationship with God today. Psalms 1 and 2 serve as the introduction to the entire book, presenting us with a choice: whether we will root our lives in God or follow the ways of the world. Psalm 1:1-3 1. Make a decision to delight in the presence of God in every season The blessed life begins with delighting in God's Word and choosing His presence above everything else. Every season of life brings contrasts—joy and sorrow, celebration and grief, victory and disappointment—but our response should always be to seek God. Habakkuk chose to rejoice even in the middle of national disaster. Habakkuk 3:17-18; 2 Chronicles 20:21; Acts 16:25; Isaiah 65:17 We must choose whose voice we will listen to and whose counsel we will follow. Rather than being shaped by the world, we are called to meditate on God's Word day and night, allowing His truth to strengthen and comfort us. The Psalms provide songs for every season of life: When feeling fearful or anxious — Psalm 23 When feeling discouraged — Psalm 42 When feeling guilty — Psalm 51 When feeling overwhelmed — Psalm 55 When feeling joyful — Psalm 100 When feeling thankful — Psalm 136 Psalm 55:22; Psalm 34:18 2. Make a decision to get hold of the promises of God in every season Psalm 1 compares the righteous person to a tree intentionally planted beside streams of water. The strength of the tree is not found in its circumstances but in where it is rooted. Psalm 1:3 God's promises become our constant source of life regardless of changing circumstances. Like a healthy tree, spiritual growth is a process that requires patience and perseverance. This picture highlights four important truths: Be planted — Choose to root your life deeply in God and His Word. Yield fruit in season — Trust God's timing. There are seasons of planting, pruning, growth and harvest. Do not wither — Deep roots enable us to remain strong through difficult seasons. Prosper — As we align our lives with God's Word, He blesses and establishes His purposes in us. 3. Make a decision to submit your life to Jesus Psalm 1 teaches us to delight in God's Word, while Psalm 2 points us to the One the Scriptures reveal—Jesus Christ, the King. Psalm 2:12 The greatest need of humanity is not simply to know God's commands but to surrender to God's King. Jesus is more than a teacher or helper; He is the promised Messiah and rightful King who invites us to find refuge in Him. Psalm 2:7; Matthew 3:17; Acts 13:32-33 When we submit our lives to Jesus, every season takes on new meaning. Whether we are celebrating or suffering, we can find security, hope and peace because our refuge is found in Him. Application Every season of life has its own song, and the Psalms teach us how to respond in each one. As we delight in God's presence, hold firmly to His promises, and submit our lives to Jesus our King, we discover that He gives us a new song for every circumstance. Whatever season we are walking through today, we can trust God, rest in His Word, and allow Him to change the melody of our hearts.

  5. Jul 19

    How To Win The World

    Throughout Scripture we see that God has always had a heart for the nations. His covenant with Abraham was to bless all peoples on earth (Genesis 12:3). Isaiah declared that nations would come to God's light (Isaiah 60:3), Joel prophesied that God would pour out His Spirit on all people (Joel 2:28), and Jesus taught that all nations will one day stand before Him in judgement (Matthew 25:32). At the centre of God's mission is His love for every person. [John 3:16, Matthew 28:18-20] 1. Mobilise all Christians to spread the good news of Jesus to all nations Jesus' command is clear: Go. Christianity was never intended to be a spectator faith where only a few are involved in reaching people. Every believer is called to take responsibility for sharing the gospel wherever God has placed them. [Luke 14:21, Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8]   Jesus specifically spoke about reaching all nations, referring to every ethnic group and people group. While thousands of people groups have already been reached, billions of people still have little or no access to the gospel. We must intentionally cross cultural barriers and accept responsibility for reaching both our local communities and the nations of the world. 2. Make true disciples of Jesus in all nations The world will not be transformed by people who simply attend church, but by genuine disciples whose lives reflect the character and teachings of Jesus. Jesus invested deeply in twelve ordinary people, intentionally training them to become faithful followers who would reproduce His life in others. Disciple-making is a lifelong process of introducing people to Christ, helping them mature spiritually, and equipping them to make disciples themselves. Jesus highlighted two essential aspects of discipleship: • Disciples must be baptised "... baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Baptism is a public declaration that we have died to our old way of life and now belong completely to Christ. It identifies us with Jesus, welcomes us into His Church, and demonstrates our commitment to follow Him as Lord. Around the world, many believers still face persecution because of this public step of obedience. • Disciples must be taught to obey Christ "...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Jesus didn't simply teach His followers information; He taught them obedience. He showed them how to love God, love people, forgive, serve, give, and live according to God's Word. The goal of discipleship is not merely knowing God's truth but putting it into practice. As leaders, we are called to raise disciples who are teachable, obedient, and committed to living out the commands of Christ. 3. Move forward in partnership with the presence of Jesus Jesus never asked His Church to fulfil the Great Commission alone. Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:20 Because Jesus has all authority, we can move forward with confidence. Through the Holy Spirit, His presence and power are with us wherever we go. As we faithfully make disciples, we can expect Him to work through us, transforming lives and extending His Kingdom among every people and nation. Application: God's heart has always been for the nations, and He invites every believer to participate in His mission. We are called to go beyond simply believing in Christ and become disciple-makers who reach others with the gospel, help them grow in obedience, and trust the presence and authority of Jesus every step of the way. As we faithfully obey the Great Commission, we partner with God's eternal purpose of seeing people from every nation come to know and follow Jesus.

  6. Jul 12

    How You Can Develop A Life Of Prayer

    When the disciples asked, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1), Jesus gave them more than a prayer to recite. The Lord's Prayer is a model that teaches us how to structure our daily conversations with God. Each section reveals an important aspect of prayer and helps us develop a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father. Key Scriptures: Luke 11:1; Matthew 6:9–13 1. "Our Father in Heaven" Prayer begins by recognising who God is. Through Jesus Christ we have been adopted into God's family and can approach Him confidently as our loving Heavenly Father. No matter what our earthly experience of fatherhood has been, God is a perfect Father. He is loving, righteous, compassionate and generous. Before bringing our requests to Him, we should spend time welcoming His presence, worshipping Him, and thanking Him for adopting us as His children. Key Scripture: Romans 8:14–15 2. "Hallowed Be Your Name" We honour God by recognising His holy character and declaring who He is.  The many names of God reveal His nature: - Jehovah Jireh – The Lord our Provider - Jehovah Rapha – The Lord our Healer - Jehovah Shalom – The Lord our Peace - Jehovah Raah – The Lord our Shepherd - Jehovah Nissi – The Lord our Banner - Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord our Righteousness - Jehovah Mekaddesh – The Lord Who Sanctifies - Jehovah Shammah – The Lord Is There As we pray, we remind ourselves of these truths and trust God to be everything He has promised to be in every area of our lives. 3. "Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done" Prayer lifts our focus beyond ourselves to God's Kingdom. We live in a spiritual battle between God's Kingdom and the kingdom of darkness. As disciples we pray for God's rule and authority to be established in every area of life. We should regularly pray for: - Government and those in authority - Media - Education - Arts and entertainment - Business - Our families, churches and communities Praying this way gives us God's perspective and enlarges our vision for what He wants to accomplish in the world. 4. "Give Us Today Our Daily Bread" God cares about every area of our daily lives. Bread represents our daily needs—physical, emotional and spiritual. Jesus teaches us to bring these needs confidently before our Heavenly Father rather than living in worry and anxiety. God already knows what we need and promises to provide as we trust Him. Key Scriptures: Philippians 4:19; Matthew 6:34 5. "Forgive Us Our Debts, As We Also Have Forgiven Our Debtors" Prayer includes keeping our relationship with God and with others healthy. We should regularly ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any sin that needs repentance, receiving God's forgiveness through Christ. At the same time, we must choose to forgive those who have hurt us. Just as God has shown us mercy, we are called to extend mercy to others. Unforgiveness hinders our relationship with God and prevents us from walking in His love. Key Scriptures: John 13:34; Matthew 18 6. "Lead Us Not Into Temptation" Temptation is part of living in a fallen world, but God gives us strength to overcome it. Prayer prepares us before temptation comes. As we stay close to Jesus and depend on the Holy Spirit, we receive strength to resist the desires of the flesh and the lies of the enemy. Jesus overcame temptation through His relationship with the Father, and He enables us to do the same. Key Scriptures: 1 John 2:16; John 16:33 7. "Deliver Us From the Evil One" Our final prayer is for God's protection and deliverance. The enemy seeks to destroy, but Jesus has already defeated Satan through His death and resurrection. We can pray confidently for freedom from fear, addiction, depression, sickness, unforgiveness and every form of spiritual oppression. God's Kingdom, power and glory are greater than every work of darkness. As we pray, we stand in Christ's victory and trust Him to continue delivering us. Key Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8 The Lord's Prayer is much more than a prayer to repeat—it is a pattern that teaches us how to build a rich and effective prayer life. By following this model, we begin with worship, align ourselves with God's Kingdom, bring our daily needs before Him, walk in forgiveness, seek His strength against temptation, and trust Him for protection and deliverance. As we learn to pray in this way, our relationship with God deepens, our faith grows stronger, and we become confident that His Kingdom will continue to advance through our lives.

  7. Jul 5

    Wake Up and Pray

    As we continue our series on The Journey of a Disciple, we see another essential characteristic of every true disciple: a life of prayer. Prayer is one of the greatest ways believers exercise God's authority on earth. Through prayer, God changes lives, families, churches and even nations. James 5:16 reminds us that "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." Jesus not only commanded His disciples to pray, but He also taught them how to pray. 1. You must pray with a humble and open heart To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else,Jesus told this parable: Luke 18:9–14 Jesus contrasted the Pharisee and the tax collector to show that God looks at the attitude of the heart. The Pharisee was full of pride, focusing on his own goodness and religious achievements. The tax collector came with humility, recognising his need for God's mercy. Jesus declared that it was the humble man who went home justified. Prayer begins with humility. We cannot rely on our own righteousness but must come before God with honest, repentant hearts. Jesus Himself modelled complete dependence on His Father through prayer. 2. You must pray with faith Mark 11:22-24, Matthew 21:22 Hebrews 11:1  Jesus taught His disciples to pray believing that God hears and answers. Faith is confidence in God's promises, even before we see the answer. Throughout Scripture, men and women experienced God's miracles because they trusted Him. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. As we pray, we must believe that He is faithful and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. 3. You must pray with persistence Luke 18:1–8, Luke 11:9–10 Jesus taught that His disciples should always pray and never give up. The parable of the persistent widow reminds us to continue seeking God until the answer comes. We are encouraged to ask, seek and knock, trusting God's timing and faithfulness. Persistent prayer demonstrates confidence that God hears us and is working, even when we cannot yet see the answer. 4. You must pray watchfully Mark 14:37–38 In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus found His disciples sleeping when they should have been praying. Jesus warned them to "watch and pray" so they would not fall into temptation. The same challenge applies today. Distractions, comfort and busyness can easily replace our time with God. Our families, church, community and nation all need people who are spiritually awake and willing to stand in prayer. We should continually ask the Holy Spirit to awaken our hearts and help us develop a consistent prayer life. 5. You should pray for everything that will glorify the name of Jesus John 14:13-14 Praying in Jesus' name is more than ending a prayer with certain words. It means praying according to His character, His authority and His will. Our prayers should not be centred on our own desires but on bringing glory to Jesus. Even when God's answer differs from our expectations, we follow Christ's example in Gethsemane: "Not my will, but Yours be done." Prayer becomes powerful when Jesus remains at the centre of everything we ask. Application A true disciple develops a daily life of prayer.  As we pray with humility, faith, persistence, spiritual alertness and a desire to glorify Jesus, God transforms our lives and works powerfully through us. Today is a new opportunity to deepen our relationship with God through prayer and to become the kind of disciples Jesus calls us to be.

  8. Jun 21

    Why Christians Must Love One Another

    Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another... By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” One of the clearest signs of true discipleship is love for fellow believers. Jesus used the Greek word agape, describing a self-sacrificial, unconditional love that seeks the good of others regardless of personal cost. This kind of love is demonstrated through actions, not merely words. Sadly, a lack of love has often damaged the witness of the Church. The world notices not only what Christians believe but how they treat one another. Therefore, loving one another is not optional—it is a command from Jesus and a defining mark of genuine discipleship. 1. Loving One Another Means Obeying the Command of Jesus Jesus repeatedly commanded His followers to love one another (John 13:34; John 15:12,17). As Christians, we are under Christ's authority and called to live according to His will. A true disciple cannot live with bitterness, unforgiveness, criticism, or hatred toward fellow believers. Regardless of age, background, culture, or status, we are called to love one another as members of God's family. 2. Loving One Another Means Following the Example of Jesus Jesus is our model of love. The disciples experienced His patience, correction, forgiveness, encouragement, and unwavering commitment. Because they experienced Christ's love, they learned how to love others. He transformed them from a group of self-focused individuals into a united team that would change the world. Healed people heal people. We can only truly love others when we first receive and understand the love of Jesus ourselves. Becoming Friends Jesus said in John 15:15, “I have called you friends.” Christianity was never meant to be lived in isolation. Healthy churches are communities where believers support, encourage, laugh, pray, and walk through life together. Being Open and Transparent Authentic relationships require honesty and openness. Hidden sin, resentment, jealousy, and judgment hinder fellowship. As 1 John 1:7 teaches, when we walk in the light, we experience true fellowship with one another. Humbly Serving One Another Jesus demonstrated humility by washing His disciples' feet. Pride creates division, while humility builds unity. Ephesians 4:2-3 encourages believers to be humble, gentle, patient, and committed to maintaining peace. Biblical love always involves sacrifice. It may cost us financially as we help those in need (Acts 4:32; 1 John 3:17-18). It may cost us time as we invest in relationships and fellowship (Acts 2:46-47). Ultimately, Jesus showed the highest form of love by laying down His life for His friends (John 15:13), and we are called to follow His example. 3. Loving One Another Means Showing the Love of Jesus to the World Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.” The world is watching to see whether our lives match our message. The most powerful witness of the Church is not simply our preaching, but the love we demonstrate toward one another. When believers walk in forgiveness, humility, unity, and sacrificial love, the world sees Christ. Application Receive the love of Jesus afresh. Allow Him to soften hard hearts, heal old wounds, and remove bitterness and resentment. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any relationship that needs healing. Be willing to forgive, seek forgiveness, humble yourself, and pursue reconciliation. Love means letting go of grudges, believing the best about others, serving one another, and growing closer together as the family of God. As we love one another, we become a living testimony of Jesus to the world.

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About

The King's Church International podcast is a weekly podcast of inspiring, encouraging and hope-filled messages from KCI Windsor.

Information

  • Creator
    King's Church International
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    229
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright King's Church International