August 9th 2026 In Times of Conflict—Preach Joy! 2 Timothy 4 v 1-2
Regardless of the state of the church, one thing remains true: The Christians task is to preach with joy, whether the conditions are desirable or undesirable. It would be nice if in our churches it were always brilliant blue skies and no chance of rain. Our pews filled with happy, content people, and no money struggles are in sight. The community is peaceful and people are simply enjoying life with God and one another. What a pleasurable task it would be for us to witness in such a wonderful task!
Unfortunately. Like the old saying goes, “Into each life some rain must fall.” Let me change the phrase a bit by adding, into the life of each church —some rain will fall, some lightning will flash, some thunder will roar.
That being said, conflict and difficulties are existing realities in which the Christian will be challenged to communicate with joy. However, regardless of all this , one thing remains true … the Christians task is to witness with joy whether the conditions are desirable or undesirable. Paul tells Timothy to proclaim the message in all situations Read (2 Timothy 4:1,2)……… I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. How can I witness with joy when I am in a conflict? To answer the question here are a few points that I have found helpful in my 50 years of preaching, and hopefully they will be of some encouragement and will help you communicate with joy:
1. Remind yourself that the message you preach is good news. (Isaiah 52:7) how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, thy God reigneth Good news is joyful news. witnessing provides you an opportunity to share something good about God with people who may have experienced strife, conflict and turmoil the entire week. Keep the good news joyful!
2. Cultivate a climate of joy in your own soul. (Ephesians 5:19,20) speaking to yourselves in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Joyful witnessing begins before you start to speak. Joy starts in a heart where Jesus Christ is adored and honoured. Although you may have no control of the outward things, you can affect the climate of your heart. Worshiping, thanking and singing to the Lord does wonders to make the heart joyful. Two faced, yes you could say that. Whatever troubles you personally should not show through as you witness
3. Adjust your communication tone. (Numbers 6:24-26) The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make His face to shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace Pay attention to how you speak. …..Allow joy to radiate through your message. ….Smile a little, laugh a little. ….A joyful face and tone go a long way. …A joyful presentation will help your joyful proclamation.
4. Rely on the Holy Spirit for assistance. (Acts 1:8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, Judaea and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth Rely on the power of the Spirit to help you in your weakness. The Spirit will give you the strength you need to joyfully communicate the message.
5. Bring resolution where you can. (Matt 5:23-26) therefore if thou bring thy gift to the alter, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the alter, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at anytime the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer and thou be cast into prision Some conflicts are in your power to resolve. If you have the ability, go and remedy the situation speedily.
6. Focus on hope spots. (Job 14:8,9) though the root thereof wax old in the earth and the stock thereof die in the ground; yet through the scent of the water, it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant Even in the most difficult times, there are always some hope spots. Hope spots are those little blessings or sometimes barely noticeable gifts from God that help you find comfort and encouragement in times of conflict. Find those spots and allow them to encourage and strengthen your heart.
7. Remember who called you. (Matthew 28:19,20) go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. and lo I am with you always, even unto the ends of the WORLD Amen God is the one who called you to be his messenger. (Your conversion ) Remember you are not by yourself. He is with you, and he will assist you to joyfully proclaim his word. Not just to the ends of the earth, but to the end of the WORLD.
News from the Church
New dates
………..No Knit and natter in August………..
2nd September..…..Friendship Group, (this covers all ages and the lonely people)
ANSWERS TO 2nd August QUESTIONS
1) Saul’s son 2) Disobedience of God’s orders 3) Yes 4) David 5)Bethlehem 6) We are not told
7) Shepherd 8) Goliath 9) Seven 10) David 11) Jonathan, (Saul’s son) 12) Saul
13) He was jealous 14) Saul’s eldest daughter 15) Michal (Saul’s daughter) 16) Saul thought he could get nearer to David and kill him
Bible Quiz this week’s Quiz is about 1 and 2 Samuel
1 Did Michal save David’s life?
2 How did she fool the soldiers?
3 David pretended to be mad, in front of who?
4 Who was Doeg?
5 Who was Abigail?
6 Who was Ahinoam?
7 Why did Saul go to Endor?
8 Which dead person did Saul want to speak too?
9 How did Saul die?
10 Who died along with Saul?
2 Samuel
11 When was this book written?
12 Where did Saul die?
13 Did David mourn the death of Saul?
14 Who was David’s eldest son?
15 Who was David’s second eldest?
16 Who was David’s third son?
God Bless