Wednesday Word
Experience the inspiration of Wednesday Word, a captivating weekly devotional crafted by Pastor Keli, tailored for youth and young adults seeking spiritual growth and connection.
The Most Refreshing Time
Have you ever felt depleted—like you’ve completely run out of gas and just need to slow down?
That’s how I felt after a constant few days of meetings and non-stop work at the office. Then, I had one meeting that completely changed how I felt—it was a meeting of pastors. And the last item on the agenda was a season of prayer.
I tell you, among all the busyness, meetings, and running around, that prayer time was the most refreshing part of my day. In just 10 to 15 minutes, we stopped everything and talked to God. It wasn’t fancy or rushed—just honest, heartfelt prayer. Our hearts found peace as we poured them out to God, and for the first time all day, I felt truly refreshed.
It reminded me that in those moments when we’re carrying heavy burdens, feeling isolated, or just plain worn out, God is only a prayer away.
Scripture tells us:
John 4:14 (MSG)
“Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.”
Maybe it’s time to take a break from your own busy schedule. Could you pause for a moment today and take a drink from the well that never runs dry? When was the last time you let God refresh your soul?
Pr Keli Pepa
Fill Your Cup First
I once watched a short feature on renowned athlete Sonny Bill Williams, where he shared insights into his daily routine and the habits that keep him grounded. His mornings typically begin with exercise, prayer, and a good breakfast. But what really struck me was his reflection on why he does what he does.
He said (paraphrasing): “In order to fill the cups of others, I need to first fill my own.”
That simple statement carries weight. Serving others, giving your best, and showing up for people can be deeply fulfilling—but also draining. Burnout is real. There are times when we find ourselves people-pleasing, constantly saying “yes,” and slowly running on empty.
Even Jesus took time to withdraw. Scripture tells us that “very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35).
It was essential—even for Him. Jesus knew the importance of stepping away from the noise, spending time in solitude with His Father, and filling His cup before meeting the demands of the day.
How about you?
Are you setting aside time to fill your cup—through prayer, reflection in God’s Word, or even something physical like exercise?
A friend once asked me, “It’s great that you’re doing all these things for others, but do you have any ‘me time’? Time to put yourself back together, to refuel and re-energize?”
It’s a challenging but necessary question. What are some mindset shifts we need to make to discipline ourselves to protect those times of renewal?
Let’s not wait until we’re running on empty to realise the value of filling our own cup first.
Pr Keli Pepa
Crossing Over
In a world full of division and diversity, how do we truly fit in—especially when we have faith in God?
We see divides everywhere: Protestants and Catholics, Democrats and Republicans, liberals, and conservatives. Even in Jesus’ day, there were deep tensions between Jews and Samaritans.
Yet, Jesus painted a powerful picture of what it means to love beyond boundaries. When He told the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), He was challenging a society that saw Samaritans as outsiders. Instead of reinforcing division, He made the Samaritan the hero—the one who showed compassion, empathy, and care. In response to the lawyer’s question, “Who is my neighbour?”, Jesus led him to the simple but profound answer: “The one who showed mercy” (Luke 10:37).
I was reminded of this when I worked as a barber. A new colleague, a Muslim man, was struggling—his haircuts weren’t quite right yet, and his thick Persian accent made it hard for him to communicate with clients. He never asked for help, but I could see he needed it. So, I stepped in, gave him a hand, and helped him improve. He appreciated the kindness, and to this day, even though we have different beliefs, we remain friends. That experience made me realise—crossing over and shining your light isn’t complicated. It’s often as simple as helping someone when they need it most.
Who is God calling you to “cross over” to today?
How can you show love in a way that challenges division and builds bridges?
Take an opportunity today to step out, reach across, and shine your light. God sees you!
Pr Keli Pepa
You Yourself are a Living Miracle!
- How has God transformed your life in ways that you may not have even realised?
- Who needs to hear your story so they, too, can experience the power of Christ’s transformation?
Pr Keli Pepa
"WITH" (The Ministry of Presence)
Pr Keli Pepa
Man in the Mirror
Ever met someone who loves pointing out other people’s flaws but refuses to change themselves? It’s frustrating, right?
Michael Jackson put it best in his classic song:
“I’m starting with the man in the mirror,
I’m asking him to change his ways.
And no message could have been any clearer:
If you want to make the world a better place,
Take a look at yourself and make a change.”
We live in a world full of talkers—people who are quick to call out others but slow to take action themselves. But Jesus didn’t just talk—He led by example and challenged us to do the same. He was pretty direct about it too:
Matthew 7:1-5 (MSG)
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbour’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own… Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbour.”
Jesus didn’t sugarcoat things. His message? Before judging others, take a hard look in the mirror. It’s easy to call out someone else’s mistakes, but real growth happens when we focus on our own.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Self-reflection isn’t just important—it’s necessary. None of us are perfect, but the good news is we know Someone who is.
At the end of the day, God isn’t in the business of making us look better—He’s in the business of making us be better. And personal change? That’s essential in our walk with Him.
Reflection question.
What’s one thing you can change today?
Pr Keli Pepa
Wed Word: “The Posture of Hiddenness”
Never before has personal life been as exposed as it is today. In a world where privacy is rare and cameras are always rolling, it seems like everything is on display. For many, life has become a constant performance, a showcase for the approval of others especially with the rise of social media. It’s the reality today.
In the context of religion, how did Jesus respond to those who flaunted their spirituality, making a spectacle of their prayers and religious practices?
In Matthew 6:5-6, He warns against seeking public recognition for acts of faith:
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
This is a powerful reminder. In a world that craves attention, Scripture calls us to a different way, to live hidden in Christ.
Colossians 3:3 reinforces this:
For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.
Now, don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t mean hiding your faith or dimming your light. As the old song says, hide it under a bushel? No! But it does mean that our relationship with God isn’t measured by public displays of holiness or spiritual success.
Some of the most powerful, refreshing, and rewarding moments happen in the quiet, unseen places, just you and God. No audience. No performance. Just His presence.
Reflection Questions:
- Do you ever find yourself seeking recognition for your faith rather than simply resting in God’s presence?
- How can you create more intentional time with God in the hidden moments of your daily life?
- What would change if your greatest desire was not to be seen by others, but to be known deeply by God?
Pr Keli Pepa
The To-Do List vs. The To-Be List
Key verse;
2 Corinthians 2:15
Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.
A few years ago, I had the privilege of being involved in a Young Adults Tent at South Queensland Big Camp. The theme was simple yet profound: “BE.”
At its core, the theme focused on God’s desire for us to be—to be His followers, to be His agents of grace, to be a sweet fragrance to the world, as reflected in Scripture. It was a reminder that our identity in Christ is not solely about what we do, but about who we are becoming in Him.
In today’s fast-paced world, success is often measured by productivity. We craft our to-do lists, finding satisfaction in ticking off tasks. While there is value in this, we can easily neglect our to-be list—the qualities and character traits that define us.
Without intentional focus on being, our relentless pursuit of productivity can lead to unintended consequences: impatience, self-centeredness, frustration, or even burnout. But when we prioritize being in Christ, everything changes. His presence shapes us—helping us to be kind, patient, self-controlled, and joyful. These are the very attributes of the Spirit, forming the essence of a life that reflects Christ.
So, what if we balanced both lists? The to-be list should be our foundation, shaping the way we approach our to-do list. When our identity is rooted in Christ’s character, our actions become a natural extension of His love and grace.
Reflect & Discuss:
- What would your to-be list look like if it reflected Christ’s character?
- How can prioritizing being in Christ transform the way you approach your daily doing?
- What practical steps can you take to align your to-do list with the qualities on your to-be list? Both lists matter, but when we start with being, we bring a fragrance of Christ to everything we do.
Pr Keli Pepa
True Story
Scripture Reference: John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Recently, I had the chance to do a quick phone interview with a radio station about my past in an old boy band called “Purest Form.” They found me through SIGNS, a magazine produced by our church that featured my personal testimony and an article about the group.
As we reminisced with the hosts, they asked me how the band split up. I gave a brief answer because the reasons behind our breakup are pretty complicated—enough for an entire documentary. Simply put, we had different paths and plans for the future.
What struck me was when I looked at the comments on our music videos on YouTube. People had all sorts of theories about why we broke up. There were assumptions and made-up stories, with many thinking they knew what happened. It reminded me of what’s often called “fake news,” where the truth gets twisted into something else.
In a world filled with different beliefs, we have to ask ourselves: how does the truth of the Gospel hold up? The answer is found in Jesus. Some disciples had doubts, and many people struggle to grasp it, but Jesus makes it clear in John 14:6 that He is the Truth, the Way, and the Life.
Christ assures us that He IS the Truth—not some fake story, but the living reality of “Immanuel,” which means “God with us.”
Reflection Questions:
- How can we stand firm for the Gospel truth in today’s world?
- What pulls us away from the truth, and what helps us get closer to it?
- In this key biblical text, how is truth defined as a person? Can we explore this idea further?
By reflecting on these questions, we can better navigate our faith in a world often filled with confusion and misrepresentation.
Pr Keli Pepa
Thriving Through His Strength!
Our youth theme for Big camp this year was “Thrive 25.” Many were blessed by the experience, and it set a positive tone for the year ahead! But what does it truly mean to thrive in your walk with Jesus?
In the simplest terms, the dictionary defines “thrive” as doing really well or growing strong and healthy. It encompasses the ideas of success and happiness in life.
When I think of thriving, I am reminded of growth pains. For instance, when you work out at the gym, your muscles undergo a process of breaking down and repairing. This serves as a powerful reminder that growth often occurs when we weather storms and confront trials and struggles.
This perspective helps illuminate the verse in James 1:2-4, which states, “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.” The idea that suffering can lead to gain becomes more understandable when we recognise that these challenges can strengthen our faith.
So why must it be this way? When we examine Scripture, we find that it is often in our darkest and loneliest moments that we hear God’s voice most clearly. As Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Rock bottom can become a place of solace, where we find peace amid the storm. Therefore, I encourage you: when hard times come your way, remember that they are only for a season. God can only redeem those who cry out to Him.
As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” It is through our weakness that His strength is made manifest. Thus, we thrive not through our own strength but through His.
Be encouraged! Let us embrace this journey of thriving through His strength not ours. Jesus’s power seen in you! How purposeful and fulfilling is that!
Pr Keli Pepa
That One Constant
Do you have a friend who is always there for you? Not the kind who only reaches out when they need something, but rather a true friend who is present in your life, often without saying a word, simply listening and offering support.
Even in our toughest moments, when we feel like we are falling into a pit, we all experience times of struggle and despair. In those moments, there is that one friend who remains steadfast, ensuring that you are alright.
Consider the words of Lamentations 3:19-24 (The Message Version):
“I’ll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I’ve swallowed. I remember it all—oh, how well I remember— the feeling of hitting the bottom. But there’s one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:
God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left.”
The Book of Lamentations is a poetic expression of anguish and suffering. Yet, within its verses, God reveals that His mercies are renewed every morning. What incredible faithfulness God demonstrates! He is our constant friend, never failing us, and fully committed to our well-being. What an extraordinary picture of God!
In a world filled with uncertainties and inconsistencies, we can depend on God as our one true constant.
Questions:
- How can we cultivate a deeper, more consistent relationship with God to experience His unwavering presence in our lives?
- In what ways can we be a constant support to others, reflecting the loyalty and faithfulness that God shows us?
- During times of personal struggle, how can we remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness and the new mercies He provides each day?
Let’s reflect on these questions and embrace the incredible truth that we have a constant friend in God, who remains faithful through all of life’s challenges.
Pr Keli Pepa
Giving Up Your Seat
Recently, we celebrated my son Tevita’s 21st birthday, coinciding with a surprise 80th birthday celebration for my beloved mother-in-law. Their close bond was evident, and as Tevita eloquently expressed his love for her, emotions filled the room. One particularly touching moment occurred when Tevita, adorned with a traditional money necklace latched with $50 notes selflessly draped it around his Nana’s neck, embodying his deep affection.
However, I would say one of the most profound gestures came when Tevita willingly gave up his seat for his Nana. In that instant, he redirected the focus away from himself, honoring the hardworking and loving woman who had played such an important role in his life. This act of humility resonated deeply, echoing the teachings found in Philippians 2. The Apostle Paul encourages us to adopt the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5), emphasizing the importance of humility and placing the needs of others above our own (Philippians 2:3).
This principle challenges a few societal norms, which often prioritize individualism and consumerism. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to embody a spirit of service, giving up our seats and reputations to uplift those around us. Paul reminds us of Christ’s ultimate humility, as He became obedient to death on a cross (Philippians 2:8), leading to His exaltation.
Simon Sinek stated, “Leadership isn’t about being the best; it’s about making everyone else better.” As we navigate our daily lives, let us seek opportunities to uplift and honor others. Whether through a simple message of encouragement or a thoughtful gesture toward a loved one, may we embrace the joy that comes from selflessness. Today, it’s an encouragement for all of us, to give up that seat, even if just for a moment, and experience that joy!
Pr Keli Pepa