Ernestina Francois

"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness", 1 John 1:8-9(ESV). Since the beginning of time, deception has been a problem for humans. We read in the Bible of many instances of deception and many of our brothers and sisters who were deceived in one way or another. Adam and Eve were the initiators of this realm of self-limiting posture. In Genesis, the serpent dec[...]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12. (ESV). For some people, confession, as a practice, has taken a back seat, and for others, it seems to be all that we do to get right with God. Confession is an important aspect of our Christian faith, as it allows us to acknowledge our sins and ask for forgiveness from God. The act of confess[...]

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedie[...]

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" Ephesians 2:8-10. (ESV). Life has a way of revealing mysteries. One such mystery is finding yourself at the crossroads of life, whether the end of a marriage, a first baby, ministry collapsing, career halt etc. and learning you can'[...]

"So Jesus said to them, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him." As he was saying these things, many believed in him. So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" John[...]

"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" Hebrews 12:11 (ESV). Growing up in West Africa, modelling discipline was a common practice in everyday activities. Although I do not recall verbally hearing the word itself enunciated to impose discipline on anyone, I most certainly felt and saw its mark in the mannerism of people, whether in attitude or posture. A disciplined life was a non-verbal e[...]

The Heartstrong theme for this month is "Disciplined Heart," where one abides in Christ by the knowledge that God completely loves them. They can then follow Christ by complete obedience to God's instructions and practice these instructions by repenting, confessing sin and receiving healing from God. Abiding in Christ reveals our total dependency and trust in him, the "author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame"… Hebrews 12:2-3 NKJV.[...]

The story goes something like this; an older man received an invitation to fly the coast, where he had lived for over 75 years. This invitation was a gift of a lifetime! One he thought of but never in his wildest dream thought was possible. After being asked how his flight was answered, "I never really put my weight down on it; I guess it was ok." Wow-what an answer! It leaves me speechless. This got me thinking how this answer is a great depiction of us believers and our journey of faith. Jesus said to His[...]

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations" Jeremiah 1:4-5 (NIV). By far, the greatest gift in life is the gift of understanding. Understanding who you are, whose you are, and why you are here. Knowing that your identity is a child of the Most High, made in the image and likeness of God, is the greatest posture to acquire, understand and the space to live in. Human life typically goes something like this; we are born to a[...]

“It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. How great are your works, Lord, how profound your thoughts! Senseless people do not know, fools do not understand, that though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be destroye[...]