We live in a world where connection has never been easier—yet meaningful relationships often feel harder than ever. In this message, Khulu Duma launches the series “US: Growing Greater Relationships” by addressing a modern challenge many of us face: the divide created by our screens.

Relationships matter deeply, but our devices can quietly pull our attention away from the people who matter most. Phones, laptops, TVs, and even smartwatches can interrupt conversations, reduce face-to-face interaction, and create habits that slowly distance us from those we love.

Research shows the average person touches their phone between 90 and 150 times a day, and in some cases up to 300 times. These habits are reinforced by dopamine loops created by notifications, messages, and endless scrolling. The result? Technology begins to shape our attention and becomes the “frame of reference” in our daily interactions.

But here’s the tension: we need our devices. They help us work remotely, connect with family across the world, capture memories, and access learning tools. The real issue isn’t eliminating technology—it’s mastering it instead of being mastered by it.

Drawing from First Epistle to the Corinthians 6:12, we’re reminded:
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial… I will not be mastered by anything.

This truth leads to a powerful challenge: Master the screens that divide us.

In this episode, we explore five practical ways to reclaim connection:

• Create Phone-Free Moments – Some moments should belong to people, not screens.
• Start and End the Day Without Screens – The first and last moments of the day shape our focus.
• Practice Intentional Checking – Technology should serve us, not control us.
• Protect Deep Connection Time – Relationships grow when we give people our full attention.
• Have a Weekly Digital Reset – Regular breaks from technology help our minds and relationships reset.

Just as the Berlin Wall once divided families for decades before suddenly coming down, the barriers created by screens in our lives can also be torn down. With intentional choices and God’s help, we can rebuild connection and strengthen the relationships that matter most.

Ultimately, the greatest connection we can have is with Jesus. When our relationship with Him is restored, it begins to reshape every other relationship in our lives.

If you’ve ever felt distracted, disconnected, or pulled away from the people you love, this message will help you take practical steps toward closing the divide and building greater relationships.

⛪ Thrive Church
Helping people move towards Jesus.

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🌐 Website: https://www.thrivechurch.co.za

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In a world full of noise, pressure, and uncertainty, many of us search for peace in quieter environments, better circumstances, or a break from the chaos of life. But what if true peace doesn’t come from calm surroundings?

In this powerful message, Donovan Cogill shares a personal story from a retreat where everything on the outside was perfectly peaceful—yet his mind was anything but. Through the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35–41, we discover that real peace is not found in the absence of storms, but in the presence of Jesus.

Even experienced fishermen feared for their lives when a violent storm hit their boat—yet Jesus was asleep. His confidence came from knowing the Father’s will and knowing who He was. The storm may have interrupted the journey, but it could never cancel the promise of reaching the other side.

This message unpacks two powerful truths about Greater Peace:

1. Greater Peace Through Confidence
Jesus trusted the Father’s will and knew His identity. In the same way, we can face life’s storms with confidence when we remember who we are in Christ:
• A child of God
• Chosen and secure
• More than a conqueror
• Christ lives in us

When we know who we are and whose we are, the storm loses its power to define us.

2. Greater Peace Through Confrontation
After calming the storm, Jesus asked the disciples a challenging question: “Where is your faith?”
He wasn’t ignoring the storm—they were real. But Jesus was confronting something deeper: fear.

Fear grows when we believe we are alone. But the truth is, we are never alone—Jesus is in the boat with us.

The message also reflects on the life of Horatio Spafford, who wrote the famous hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” after losing his daughters in a tragic shipwreck. Even in devastating loss, he experienced a peace that could only come from God’s presence.

Peace is not found when storms disappear. Peace is found when we recognize who is in the boat with us.

If you’re facing pressure, uncertainty, or fear today, be encouraged:
Greater Peace is not just a promise—it’s a Person. His name is Jesus.

⛪ Thrive Church
Helping people move towards Jesus.

📍 Visit us at one of our campuses
🌐 Website: https://www.thrivechurch.co.za

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivechurchsa

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchsa

👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thrivechurchsa

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Episode Title: Greater Transformation

There are moments in life when everything shifts because of one interaction, one conversation, one unexpected encounter. In this powerful message, we unpack John 4 and the story of the woman at the well—an ordinary day that turned into a life-changing encounter with Jesus.

She came carrying a jar. Routine. Shame. Disappointment. Survival.
She left with living water—and a testimony.

This episode explores how greater transformation begins with great grace from God and results in great works for God.

Key Scripture

John 4 (The Woman at the Well)

3 Movements of Greater Transformation

1️⃣ Jesus Meets Us

Jesus “had to” go through Samaria. Not for convenience—but for a divine appointment.

Before we ever seek Him, He seeks us.
Before we clean ourselves up, He meets us as we are.

Grace always starts the conversation.

Practice this week:
Start each day with a simple prayer:
“Jesus, meet me at my well today.”
Invite Him into your routine. Give Him permission to interrupt you.

2️⃣ Jesus Changes Us

Jesus lovingly confronts the woman’s past—not to shame her, but to free her.

Transformation is free.
Surrender is costly.

We often pray:
“Jesus, fill me… but don’t touch this.”
“Change me… but don’t ask me to surrender that.”

The jar represents the temporary things we keep returning to—relationships, control, ambition, comfort, hidden compromise.

Living water and the jar cannot coexist.

Practice this week:
Ask the Holy Spirit:
“What jar are You asking me to put down?”
Don’t defend it. Surrender it.

When the jar goes down, freedom begins.

3️⃣ Jesus Sends Us

After her encounter, the woman runs back to town:

“Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did!”

The one who avoided the crowd is now gathering a crowd.

Transformation isn’t complete until it overflows.
A surrendered life becomes a sent life.

One conversation led to a town believing.

You don’t need a theology degree.
You just need your story.

Practice this week:
Pray: “Lord, give me one name.”
One person to share your story with.

Big Idea

Greater transformation starts with grace from God—but it must result in works for God.

Jesus meets us.
Jesus changes us.
Jesus sends us.

You never know who might encounter Jesus because you encountered Him first.

⛪ Thrive Church
Helping people move towards Jesus.

📍 Visit us at one of our campuses
🌐 Website: https://www.thrivechurch.co.za

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivechurchsa

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchsa

👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thrivechurchsa

🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode
⭐ Rate & review to help others discover the podcast
📲 Share this message with someone who needs encouragement

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