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Monday, 19 October 2026

Listening to God, Loving His Word, and Serving Him Faithfully, Jeremiah 17:1, 7; Luke 11:28; Joshua 1:8–9; Deuteronomy 28:1–2; Revelation 3:10; John 12:25

Mendengar Suara Tuhan, Mencintai Firman-Nya, dan Melayani-Nya dengan Setia

Date: 18 October 2026
Speaker: Pastor Ibu Sri Ulina
Church: Bethany Church Melaka
Bible Scripture: Jeremiah 17:1, 7; Luke 11:28; Joshua 1:8–9; Deuteronomy 28:1–2; Revelation 3:10; John 12:25
              
        


Introduction

As we approach the end of 2026 and prepare to enter 2027, the world may predict difficulties, struggles, and uncertainty. However, believers do not need to live in fear because our Lord Jesus Christ is greater than every problem we may encounter.

Pastor Ibu Sri Ulina reminded the congregation to remain confident in God and His promises. Rather than allowing worldly predictions to fill our hearts with anxiety, we should strengthen our relationship with God by listening to His voice, loving His Word, and serving Him faithfully.

The central message: Our confidence for the future must be rooted in God’s Word rather than in the circumstances or predictions of the world.

1. Be Strong in the Word of God

Bible Scripture: John 1:1; John 10:10; Jeremiah 17:1, 7

God’s Word is the firm and unchanging foundation of our faith. John 1:1 declares that the Word was with God and was God. Just as God’s Word was present from the beginning, it remains trustworthy and powerful today.

As we face the challenges of a new year, we must remain firmly grounded in Scripture. Pastor Ibu Sri Ulina cautioned that the enemy seeks to steal our love for God’s Word and weaken our desire to seek Him.

John 10:10 contrasts the thief, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy, with Jesus Christ, who came so that we may have life abundantly.

Practical application:

  • Make God's Word the foundation of our decisions and daily living.

  • Guard our hearts against distractions that weaken our faith.

  • Do not allow fear, difficulties, or worldly predictions to replace our trust in God.

  • Remember that Jesus Christ is greater than the challenges we face.

2. Listen to God's Voice More Than the World's Worries

Bible Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:1–2; Luke 11:28

The first key to a victorious Christian life is to listen attentively to God's voice rather than becoming overwhelmed by the worries and fears of the world.

Deuteronomy 28:1–2 teaches that God's people are called to listen carefully to His voice and obey His commandments. God's blessings are associated with faithful obedience to Him.

Luke 11:28 also reminds us that those who hear the Word of God and obey it are blessed.

When negative news, uncertainty, and personal difficulties surround us, we must learn to give greater attention to God's truth than to the fears that arise from our circumstances.

Practical application:

  • Begin each day with prayer and God's Word.

  • Seek God's guidance before making important decisions.

  • Respond to challenges with faith rather than fear.

  • Practise obedience to God's instructions, even when the outcome is not yet clear.

3. Love and Meditate on God's Word Day and Night

Bible Scripture: Joshua 1:8–9; Jeremiah 17:7

The second key to victory and success is to delight in God's Word and meditate on it continually.

Joshua 1:8 instructs God's people to keep His Word on their lips, meditate on it day and night, and carefully obey what is written. Joshua 1:9 further encourages believers to be strong and courageous because the Lord is with them wherever they go.

Meditating on Scripture is more than simply reading the Bible. It means allowing God's truth to shape our thoughts, attitudes, decisions, and actions.

Jeremiah 17:7 highlights the blessing of trusting in the Lord. When our confidence rests in God, we can remain steadfast even when circumstances are difficult.

Practical application:

  • Establish a consistent daily Bible-reading habit.

  • Reflect on the meaning of Scripture and how it applies to our lives.

  • Memorise verses that strengthen our faith during difficult seasons.

  • Put God's Word into practice rather than merely gaining knowledge.

  • Trust in God's presence and guidance when facing the unknown.

4. Serve God Wholeheartedly and Remain Faithful

Bible Scripture: Revelation 3:10; John 12:25

The third key is to serve God with our whole heart and remain faithful to Him.

Christian faith is not merely about receiving blessings; it is also about responding to God's grace through faithful service. We are called to honour God with our time, abilities, resources, and daily conduct.

Revelation 3:10 speaks of the Lord's commendation of perseverance and faithfulness. John 12:25 reminds us that following Christ requires us to place Him above selfish interests and worldly attachments.

Pastor Ibu Sri Ulina encouraged the congregation to remain committed to God, trusting Him through changing circumstances and continuing to serve Him faithfully.

Practical application:

  • Serve God willingly and sincerely, not merely out of obligation.

  • Remain faithful when service becomes challenging or unnoticed.

  • Use our gifts to encourage others and strengthen the church.

  • Put Christ first rather than allowing worldly success or possessions to control our lives.

  • Persevere in faith, trusting God in every season.

Conclusion

As we prepare to enter 2027, we do not need to be controlled by fear or uncertainty about the future. Our security does not depend on favourable predictions or circumstances, but on our relationship with God and our commitment to His Word.

Pastor Ibu Sri Ulina emphasised three essential keys to living a victorious Christian life: listen to God's voice, love and meditate on His Word, and serve Him wholeheartedly.

When we remain rooted in Scripture, trust in the Lord, and obey His commands, we can face the future with courage, confidence, and hope.

Take-Away Message

Listen to God's voice above the world's worries, love and meditate on His Word daily, and serve Him faithfully with all your heart. Our hope for the future rests in the Lord, who guides and strengthens us through every season.

Reflect and Discuss

  1. Listening to God: When the world is filled with troubling news and predictions, how can we learn to listen to God's voice rather than give in to fear?

  2. Loving God's Word: What practical steps can we take to make Bible reading and meditation a consistent part of our daily lives?

  3. Trusting God: Joshua 1:8–9 reminds us to meditate on God's Word and be courageous. What situation in your life requires you to trust God more deeply?

  4. Faithful Service: What does serving God wholeheartedly look like in our homes, workplaces, church, and community?

  5. Preparing for the Future: As we approach 2027, what is one change you can make to strengthen your faith, deepen your relationship with God, or serve Him more faithfully?

Personal Reflection

Am I allowing the worries of the world to influence my heart more than God's Word? As I prepare for the year ahead, how can I become more intentional in listening to God, meditating on His Word, and serving Him faithfully?

My commitment: This week, I will take one practical step to deepen my relationship with God and put His Word into action.

Prayer – Trusting in the Lord’s Salvation Plan and Serving Him Faithfully

Gracious and Loving Heavenly Father,

We thank Thee for Thy Holy Word and for the message delivered by Pastor Ibu Sri Ulina. Thank Thee for reminding us that no matter what challenges, uncertainties, or difficulties lie ahead, Thou art greater than every problem we may face. As we prepare to enter the year 2027, help us not to be troubled by the predictions of the world, but to place our complete trust in Thee and in Thy unfailing promises.

Heavenly Father, we believe in Thy perfect plan of salvation through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Thank Thee for Thy great love, for the sacrifice of Thy Son on the cross, and for the gift of eternal life through Him. Help us to remember that our hope is not found in worldly success, wealth, or human wisdom, but in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith so that we may remain steadfast in Thy truth, confident in Thy promises, and faithful until the day we see Thee face to face.

Lord, teach us to listen to Thy voice above the worries and distractions of this world. Give us a deeper hunger for Thy Holy Word and help us to meditate upon it day and night. May Thy Word guide our decisions, shape our character, and strengthen us whenever we feel weak or discouraged. When we encounter trials, grant us courage to persevere, wisdom to discern Thy will, and peace to trust in Thy perfect timing.

Father, help us to continue working faithfully in Thy Kingdom. May we never grow weary in doing good, never lose our passion for serving Thee, and never allow fear or disappointment to hinder the work Thou hast entrusted to us. Whether our service is great or small, seen or unseen, help us to do everything with love, humility, and a sincere heart. Remind us that we are not working in vain when we serve Thee, and that our labour in the Lord has eternal value.

Lord Jesus, keep us faithful in sharing Thy love, encouraging one another, praying for those in need, and bringing the Good News of salvation to those who have yet to know Thee. Help us to be living testimonies of Thy grace through our words, actions, and relationships. May others see Thy light shining through us and come to know the hope, forgiveness, and salvation that Thou freely offerest.

We commit our families, our Disciples Group, our church, our pastors, and all who serve Thee into Thy loving hands. Protect us from the schemes of the enemy, guard our hearts against doubt and discouragement, and unite us in faith and purpose. Fill us with Thy Holy Spirit so that we may continue to grow spiritually, serve wholeheartedly, and remain faithful to Thy calling.

As we depart from this gathering, may we carry Thy Word in our hearts and put it into practice in our daily lives. Whatever tomorrow may bring, help us to trust in Thy salvation plan, walk in obedience, and continue to work faithfully until we have finished the task Thou hast given us. May our lives bring glory to Thy Holy Name, today, tomorrow, and throughout the years ahead.

We surrender our future into Thy hands, knowing that Thou art our refuge, our strength, and our everlasting hope.

We pray all these things in the precious and mighty Name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen.


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