- A poem by Hepsi

Your words,

Sweeter than honey from the honeycomb.

Shed light on my path

Enlightening and strengthening me.

It is a delicious bread, I chew on.

You are the fountain of living water

I drink deep draughts

Until I’m satisfied

Never will I go thirsty.

You are the Way

Even in the wilderness

You make a pathway.

I bask in the sunshine of your presence

Every day.

As the eyes of a maid look up to her mistress

I look up to you

Until you come through.

You meet my every need

Nobody satisfies as you do.

Some may trust in horses, chariots, and princes,

But I put my hope in your unfailing love.

Your phone line is never busy

Whenever I call, you answer

You are an ever-present help in trouble.

You teach me your ways

Humility, obedience, and submission - these precious jewels

Adorn me like a beautiful necklace.

I thank you for disclosing that

Self-reliance is not your system

But surrender and dependence-

A constant connection to the Source of life

Is of utmost importance.

Your righteous right hand supports me

Never will you abandon

What a powerful promise!

O great good Shepherd

I lack nothing.

When the enemy comes in like a flood, be it

Sickness, fear, disappointment,

You fight my battles.

I release my faith and cling to you.

I will not be afraid for you are my shield

My strong tower – Jesus, Lover of my soul.

Wrapped in tender love

Filled with gratitude

The Beloved says,

All I need is

You

Alone.

© Hepsimp 2022

A Poem by Hepsi

April 2021

During the wee hours on the third day

After the crucifixion of Jesus

A few women dared to visit the tomb where Jesus’ body lay

With spices to anoint his body that day.

Mary Magdalene among them deeply mourned the teacher

Tears in her eyes as she recollected the words of the great preacher.

Scenes of thronging crowds who jostled and pushed

To hear his gracious words…receive his compassionate touch 

Setting captives free. “I was one of them!” she mused.

Oh wonderful teacher from God, why did you leave the earth so soon?

Why did you have to suffer such a painful death?

She could not unearth for she did not yet know

Jesus had come with a purpose to shed his holy blood

On earth upon a rude wooden cross to

Cleanse every sinner who received him

Like the lepers, he had made clean.

She did not yet comprehend that Jesus was the Lamb of God 

Who takes away our sin. The Lamb slain from

The creation of the world.

Eternal forgiveness, redemption and reconciliation

On the cross was provided.

Now the women had reached the graveyard-

Huge stones shut the entrance of the tombs.

“Look there is the tomb of Jesus,” a woman cried,

She knew where his body lay.

“Look, the stone has been rolled away!” cried out Mary Magdalene.

The women ran inside to catch a glimpse of Jesus’ dead body

In the early morning light.

But, alas, there was no dead body in sight – the tomb was empty!

They exclaimed in unison, “Where is our Lord’s body?”

As though in reply, a man in brilliant white apparel suddenly appeared

Sitting on the right side of the tomb, he spoke.

Amazed and trembling they heard these words:

“Don’t be alarmed”

“Are you looking for Jesus who was crucified?”

“He has risen! He is not here.”

“But go, tell his disciples and Peter.”

The terrified women were too scared to speak

They rushed out of the tomb quick.

While the others walked quite fast

Mary Magdalene not finding Jesus’ body, sat downcast

On a stone weeping.

As the dawn sky broke into glorious hues of pink, purple and gold,

She heard someone’s footsteps and turned.

Assuming the gardener was on his morning duty,

She decided to enquire about Jesus’ body.

The man spoke first, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’

Who is it you are looking for?

Mary replied, “Sir if you have carried him away,

Please tell me where, and I will get him.”

“Mary” Jesus addressed her.

Instantly she recognized the familiar voice,

“Rabboni” (Teacher) she cried out in astonishment

Her sorrow turned to joy; she fell at his feet.

Jesus gently stops her: “Mary, do not hold on to me,

For I have not yet returned to the Father.”

“Go instead to my brothers and tell them I am alive.”

“I am returning to my Father and your Father,

My God and your God.”

Mary’s divine encounter is too deep for words.

She came to anoint Jesus’ dead body

But she received a glorious surprise – she met the risen Christ himself

On the triumphant resurrection morn!

Unable to contain the good news anymore

She burst into the disciples’ home.

Jubilantly she announced the great tidings

Boldly she disclosed and declared,

“Jesus is alive. I saw the teacher with my eyes, I heard him with my ears!”

Jesus’ message she conveyed to the awestruck disciples

They soon confirmed her message was true for Jesus met them too.

Friends, Jesus is alive today.

He spoke to Mary and he spoke to his disciples, he speaks to me-

And he will speak to you, if you are listening too!

Boldly we declare:

Jesus Has Risen! He is alive today and lives forever and ever.

He is the Door

To eternal life.

© Hepsimp 2021

If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

1 Corinthians 15:19. (NRSV)

 God [in His eternal plan] chose to make known to them how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in and among you, the hope and guarantee of [realizing the] glory.

Colossians 1:27 (AMP) 

 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14:2  (NKJV) 

The safest place to be in is a relationship with Jesus. Life on earth is short and temporary. Persons you love and respect would one day leave the earth permanently. You don't hear their strong voice or hear their laughter anymore.  However, the good news is that a person who has believed in Jesus has eternal hope of a beautiful life in heaven. We will live in the presence of God,  his angels and saints. Furthermore, Jesus has promised mansions for us. It is a place of peace and rest which is far more beautiful than we have ever seen or could imagine on the planet earth. It is a place where we will meet our friends and dear ones again. What a great hope we have in Jesus!

The hope we have in Jesus is both for here and in heaven.  Jesus gives you love, joy and peace that the world cannot offer. Therefore, walking with Jesus daily is the safest way to live on earth. But how can we do this, you might wonder. Friends, we can walk with Jesus by meditating on the promises of God, obeying his teaching and talking to him in prayer every day, besides doing good works.  Do you remember that Jesus of Nazareth went about doing good? We too are called to do good works. You can help your neighbour, feed the hungry, talk to the lonely.  Listen empathetically. Pray for others. Be sensitive. Sometimes God uses the hand that is nearest to you. Be available.

Finally, God has promised us great rewards here and eternal life of unspeakable joy.

'Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them.” 'Revelation 14: 13.

 We have such a glorious hope in Jesus! Let us get a grip on His Word and never let go! If you have Jesus you have everything. Discover for yourself.

Posted July 2020

Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

John 6: 67- 69. ( NKJV)

“...Worthy and deserving are You to take the scroll and to break its seals; for You were slain (sacrificed), and with Your blood You purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

Revelation 5:9 (AMP)

I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God [with faith and humility] like a child will not enter it at all.”

Luke 18: 17 (AMP)

 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”

 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me,  for whoever is not against us is for us.

Mark 9: 38-40 NIV

The Bible has rich promises for you and me. Yet how do we put them to work? It's not automatic for sure!

The way the promises of God work in our lives is when we mix our faith with His promises. When you bake a cake, you need to add baking powder; it is an essential ingredient to make the cake rise so you can enjoy a delicious slice of cake. Similarly, you need a very important ingredient for the promises of God to work in your life. It is called faith.

What is faith? Faith is a gift from God that we receive when we believe in Jesus, the Son of God. Faith is a supernatural life force. It is actually God’s faith. He has given it to us as a gift. Look at what Jesus, the author of our faith said,

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Mark 11: 22-23.

The key is not to doubt. You have to mix faith with God’s promises and agree with what God says.

Next, you need to declare God’s promises over your life. If you are sick declare the promises of God in the Scriptures on healing. If you need a financial breakthrough, declare the promises of God in the Word on provision and prosperity. If you are anxious about your children, declare the promises of God given with regards to your children.

‘His soul will dwell in prosperity and goodness, And his descendants will inherit the land.’ Psalm 25: 13 (AMP)

Say, thank you, God, for your favour on my children.

Psalm 23: 6 says: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

You can declare this promise over yourself and your family,

'Thank you, God, for your goodness and mercy in our lives.'

A word of caution, do not mix in the wrong ingredients like self-pity, anger or resentment. In order for God’s promises to be activated in your life, you need to mix it with faith and agree with God, and you will see the amazing results in your life. Try it!

Jesus also said, ‘And whatever you ask for in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Matthew 21: 22 (AMP)

Therefore, if you believe you will receive it. Simply believe in God’s promises and program your mind daily for victory.

God bless you!

Posted September 2020

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV)

Two Important Promises for You

-by Hepsi

You can hold on to two important promises from Scripture for spiritual, physical and emotional well being throughout your life. The first promise is from Psalm 23:

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalm 23: 6. (KJV)

I recommend you memorize and meditate on the Psalm or read the entire Psalm 23 on a regular basis because it is a powerful reminder that the Lord is your guide and help all your life. You can insert “me” with “us” when you pray for your family or household.

The second promise is from the gospel of Matthew.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6: 33 (NIV)

God is faithful. When you give first place to God you honor him, and he will meet all of your needs. Give first place to God in every area including your time. Spend some time with God first thing in the morning, take your matters to him before you begin your day. Discover the great results and the peace that ensues. Therefore, hold on to these two powerful promises always. God will see you through day after day.

May God’s favor rest on you continually.

Posted October 2020

Please find below a Spiritual exercise on Psalm 23

A Reflection on Psalm 23

[A Psalm of David]

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Instructions:

Find a quiet and comfortable spot. Please read the Psalm about 3 times carefully. Write down or underline the words or sentences that strike you or seem significant to you. Write your thoughts on it. Feel free to rewrite the whole Psalm in your own words if you like.  Share your thoughts/insights if you are in a group.  

My Reflection on Psalm 23

Jesus you are my guide, I will not be in lack. You meet my needs.

You comfort me, you console me, I bask in the sunshine of your love.

You are my peace. You restore all that I have lost.

You lead me in the path of truth for your name is above all names.

In my suffering, I’m not alone, you are with me.

You promise to protect me and keep me safe. I'm safe in your hands.

Your Spirit guides me, your Word strengthens me.

You have promised to bless me. I’m your chosen one,

Your beloved. I will never be put to shame or dishonor.

Your love and faithfulness will accompany me throughout life.

Finally, when I leave my earthly home, I will join you in heaven,

my eternal home, forever to live with you in eternal happiness. Amen.

In a Nutshell: Psalm 23 contains promises that would comfort and guide you throughout your life. A wonderful Psalm that is great for meditation!

Scripture text:

I set before you life or death, blessing or curse. ‘Therefore, choose life.’ Deuteronomy 30:19

My Reflection: The words we speak are important. Speaking words of blessings on people is a good habit to practice. Choose to speak positive words during conversations with family, friends and in general. Avoid negative and harsh words. Words we speak need to build people not tear people down. Bless and be blessed.

A Worship Map by Hepsi                       

Some guidelines:

·     We worship participating together – Please sit in a circle.

·     Read your ‘worship map’ for a couple of minutes before worship begins.

·    If a section is highlighted with a marker, it’s your part. Please read your part during the   worship slowly and clearly.

·       Sections in bold we say together.

·       RELAX – setting anxious thoughts aside - we worship at a slow pace employing our senses in the worship.

THE WORSHIP MAP

1.  Read Responsively

Hear my cry, O God,

and listen to my prayer.

I call upon you from the ends of the earth

with heaviness in my heart;

set me upon the rock that is higher than I.

For you have been my refuge,

a strong tower against the enemy.

I will dwell in your house for ever;

I will take refuge under the cover of your wings.

For you, O God, have heard my vows;

you have granted me the heritage of those who fear your name. (Psalm 61)

2. Lighting the Candle

The Lord is my light and my salvation;

Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my

Life; of whom shall I be afraid?

3. Instrumental – How Sweet the name of Jesus sounds

4. A Devotional Poem – Read out aloud

5. SILENCE – 2 minutes  

6. Prayer
Dear Jesus, help us to spread your fragrance
everywhere we go.
Flood our souls with your spirit and life.
Penetrate and possess our whole being so utterly
that our lives may only be a radiance of yours.

Shine through us and be so in us
that every soul we come in contact with
may feel your presence in our soul.
Let them look up and see no longer us, but only Jesus.
Stay with us and then we shall begin to shine as you shine,
so to shine as to be light to others.

The light, O Jesus, will be all from you.
None of it will be ours.
It will be you shining on others through us.
Let us thus praise you in the way you love best
by shining on those around us.

Let us preach you without preaching,
not by words, but by our example;
by the catching force -
the sympathetic influence of what we do,
the evident fullness of the love our hearts bear to you.
Amen. (Prayer of Mother Teresa)

7.Blessing

God be in your head, and in your understanding.

God be in your eyes, and in your looking.

God be in your mouth, and in your speaking.

God be in your heart, and in your loving.

God be in your end, and at your departing.  Amen.