Today’s verse invites us to reflect on a profound spiritual reality: the abundance of blessings we have received through our relationship with Christ.
“Every spiritual blessing” is a phrase found in today’s scripture, which encompasses an immeasurable wealth of grace and favour. These blessings are not earthly or temporary; they are eternal, rooted in the heavenly realms, and anchored in our union with Christ. They include redemption, forgiveness, wisdom, peace, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
These blessings are a testament to God’s love and generosity towards us. Our efforts or merit do not earn them but are freely given through Christ’s sacrificial love. We are invited to access and enjoy these blessings now, as a foretaste of the heavenly inheritance that awaits us.
Today, let’s meditate on this truth, that we can live in the fullness of God’s blessings and embrace the richness of God’s grace, allowing it to shape our lives and perspectives. Every spiritual blessing in Christ is ours. Let’s live as heirs to this divine inheritance, demonstrating the beauty and richness of a life transformed by His grace.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, you have blessed us with every blessing of a spiritual and physical nature in the heavenly realms. You chose us in Christ before you created the world. Father we want to be specially dedicated to you, holy and blameless. Lord, please continue your work in me, Make me holy and blameless in word and deed. In Christ’s name, Amen.
In this age of social media influences, millions of people are not enjoying life because of the condition of their minds. They constantly dwell on negative, destructive, harmful thoughts. They don’t realise it, but the root cause of many of their problems is simply the fact that their thought life is out of control and very negative.
More than ever, we have to realize that our lives follow our thoughts. If you think negative thoughts, then you’re going to live a negative life. If you think discouraging, hopeless thoughts, or even mediocre thoughts, then your life is going to go down that exact same path. That’s why we have to take captive every thought, and renew our minds with the Word of God on a daily basis.
Today, I want to challenge you to think about what you’re thinking about. Don’t let those self-defeating thoughts linger in your mind. Instead, speak God’s promises over your life. Declare what He says about you. Take captive every thought and renew your mind daily through His awesome Word!
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I choose to take captive every one of my thoughts. I will renew my mind according to Your Word. Father, thank You for being my teacher and helper. I give You my mind, please direct me in the way that I should go. In Jesus’ Name! Amen.
While talking to some youth, I realised an important truth – people pleasing is alive and well. From fashion, to language and everything in between, there will always be people who try to squeeze you into their mould; people who try to pressure you into being who they want you to be. They may be good people. They may mean well. But the problem is – they aren’t your creator. They didn’t breathe life into you. They didn’t equip you, empower you or anoint you; Our Almighty God did!
If you’re going to be all that God created you to be, you can’t focus on what everybody else thinks. If you change with every criticism, trying to win the favour of others, then you’ll go through life being manipulated, and letting people squeeze you into their box. You have to realise that you can’t keep every person happy. You can’t make everyone like you. You’ll never win over all of your critics.
Today, instead of trying to please people, when you get up in the morning, ask the Lord to search your heart. Ask Him if your ways are pleasing to Him. Stay focused on your goals. If people don’t understand you, that’s okay. If you lose some friends because you wouldn’t let them control you, they weren’t true friends anyway. You don’t need others’ approval; you only need Almighty God’s approval. Keep your heart and mind submitted to Him, and you will be free from people pleasing!
“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.” (Proverbs 29:25)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I come humbly to You today. I invite You to search my heart and mind. Let my ways be pleasing to You. Father, take away my need for people’s approval. Please let my thoughts be Your thoughts and not the thoughts of a corrupt man. God, thank You for setting me free from people pleasing, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Today you might find yourself remembering some of the triumphs and trials of the past year. Even if you have had wonderful successes in the past twelve months, you can probably remember some low points.
As you enter a new year, I hope you remember that God’s plans have always been to prosper you. He can transform ordinary events and difficult trials into key moments that help his plans to prosper. He is not out to harm us, but the dark moments we experience can be part of the most important lessons to help us grow nearer to him.
Today ponder on this thought: God has a way of saving His world that we may find hard to understand. He introduced His Son into the world and brought about our salvation in a way that could easily be overlooked by this secular world. Yet He has changed the world, and His Kingdom keeps growing. That same God comes into our lives and draws us into His plans for a hope-filled future! Thank you, God!
“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, my life is in your hands. Father, I praise you for the joys you have brought me in the past year, and for the ways you refined me through the trials in my life. Lord, prepare me to be part of your work in the year ahead. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
As we start a new year, it’s time to put all your conflicts aside. James doesn’t hold back as he addresses the root of human conflict: selfish desires. Instead of blaming external circumstances or others, he points us inward, showing that fights arise from the unchecked cravings of our hearts. Our desires whether for power, possessions, or recognition drive us to conflict when they are not fulfilled.
James reveals another problem: instead of bringing our needs to God in prayer, we often strive to fulfil them through worldly means. Even when we pray, our motives may be selfish, seeking to gratify our pleasures rather than align with God’s will.
This passage challenges us to examine our hearts. Are our desires rooted in selfish ambition or genuine desire to glorify God? When we surrender our wants to Him and trust His provision, we find peace and contentment.
Today and for the next few days of this year, reflect on the sources of conflict in your life. Do selfish desires drive them? Commit to bringing your needs to God with humility and a willingness to submit to His will.
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:1-3)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, grant me patience in times of conflict. Father, help me to listen with an open heart and to respond with kindness and compassion, removing selfishness. God, let Your patience flow through me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
New Year Prayer Points:
Pray for God to reveal and purify selfish desires in your heart
Ask for wisdom and humility to seek His will in prayer
Pray for peace and resolution in conflicts through God’s guidance
Some years ago, a Christmas musical included Mary saying, “If the Lord has spoken, I must do as he commands. I will put my life into his hands. I will trust him with my life.” That was Mary’s response to the surprise announcement that she would be the mother of the Son of God. Whatever the consequences, she was able to say, “May your word to me be fulfilled”.
Mary was ready to surrender her life to the Lord, even if it meant that she might be disgraced in the eyes of everyone who knew her. And because she trusted the Lord with her life, she became the mother of Jesus and could celebrate the coming of the Saviour. Mary took God at his word, accepted God’s will for her life, and placed herself in God’s hands.
That’s what it takes to truly celebrate Christmas: to believe what is completely unbelievable to many people, to accept God’s will for our lives, and to place ourselves in God’s service, trusting that our lives are in his hands. Only then will we be able to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Ask the Holy Spirit today to help you trust God with your life and turn your life’s controls over to him. When you do, your life will never be the same.
I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)
Let’s Pray
Yahshua, please give me faith to believe that the child I celebrate today is your Son, my Saviour. Father, help me to acknowledge him as Lord and to trust him with my life. In Christ’s name, Amen.
In Christ, we encounter the almighty power of God. He is the One who calms storms, heals the sick, and raises the dead. His strength knows no bounds and His love is boundless.
This prophetic revelation in Isaiah finds its fulfilment in the New Testament, where we witness Jesus’ miraculous works and the transformative impact of His presence.
As we contemplate Jesus as our Mighty God, we find comfort and confidence in His omnipotence. He is our refuge and fortress, a source of unwavering strength in times of weakness. Through faith we can tap into His divine might, allowing His power to work through us.
Today, we may trust in Christ, our Mighty God, to overcome every obstacle, conquer every fear, and bring victory to our lives. His strength is our shield, and His love is our anchor in the storms of life. In Him, we find a Saviour and the all-powerful God who is always with us.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called…Mighty God. (Isaiah 9:6)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, we praise you as the Mighty God, as Almighty God in the flesh and Spirit. We praise you for your power over all things, your sovereign authority over everything. We praise you as the Mighty God and for the privilege of knowing you as our Father, as a Father who loves us, cares for us, provides for us, protects us, leads us and guides us. All glory be to your name for the privilege of being your sons and daughters. We praise you for the peace you bring to our anxious, worried minds and hearts. In Christ’s name, Amen.
The process begins with our own personal desire. Like a seed, it lies dormant within us until it is enticed and awakened. This desire, when nurtured and allowed to grow, conceives sin. It’s a gradual progression where our unchecked desires lead us away from God’s path.
The analogy of birth is particularly poignant. Just as a child grows within the womb and is eventually born into the world, so too does sin develop from a mere thought or temptation into a tangible act. The finality of this process is stark – sin, when fully matured, leads to spiritual death.
Today as we contemplate evil and the cycle of life we are called to the need for awareness over our hearts and minds. It reminds us that sin’s journey begins subtly, often unnoticed, in the desires we harbour. If we will triumph over it, we must guard our hearts, align our desires with God’s will, and live in the freedom and life that He offers through Christ.
Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:14-15)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I ask that your Holy Spirit will lead me, guide me and strengthen me to overcome the daily trials, tests and temptations from the devil. Father, I ask for strength, mercy and grace to stand and not yield to temptations and start the sinful cycle of life. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
Christ is the hope for the broken-hearted. Pain is real. He felt it. Heartbreak is inevitable. He experienced it. Tears come. His did. Betrayal happens. He was betrayed.
He knows. He sees. He understands. And, He loves deeply, in ways we can’t even fathom. When your heart breaks at Christmas, when the pain comes, when the whole thing seems like more than you can bear, you can look to the manger. You can look to the cross. And, you can remember the hope that comes with His birth.
The pain may not leave. But, His hope will swaddle you tight. His gentle mercy will hold you until you can breathe again. What you long for this holiday may never be, but He is and is to come. You can trust that, even in your holiday hurts.
Be patient and kind to yourself. Give yourself extra time and space to process your hurt, and reach out to others around you if you need extra support.
Find a cause to invest in. There is a saying, “grief is just love with no place to go.” Find a cause that honours the memory of a loved one. Giving time or money to a suitable charity can be helpful, as it gives expression to the love in your heart.
Create new traditions. Hurt changes us. Sometimes it is helpful for us to change our traditions to create a new normal. If you have a holiday tradition that feels unbearable, don’t do it. Instead, consider doing something new… Creating new traditions can help alleviate some of the added sadness old traditions often bring.
Today, you may be overwhelmed, bruised and broken, but there is still goodness to be welcomed and blessings to be claimed this season, even in pain. There will be holidays in the future when you will feel stronger and lighter, and these very difficult days are part of the road to them, so accept whatever gifts God has for you. You may not fully open them for years, but unwrap them as the Spirit gives you strength, and watch the heaviness and hurt disappear.
“And in the same way the Spirit is a help to our feeble hearts: for we are not able to make prayer to God in the right way; but the Spirit puts our desires into words which are not in our power to say.” (Romans 8:26)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your greatness. Thank You that when I am weak, You are strong. Father, the devil is scheming and I know he desires to keep me from spending time with You and loved ones this holiday. Don’t let him win! Give me a measure of Your strength so that I might not give into discouragement, deception and doubt! Help me honour You in all my ways, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
When was the last time you experienced real joy? God promises that joy is found in His presence, and if you’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, then His presence is inside of you! Joy manifests when you focus your mind and heart on the Father, and begin to praise Him for what He’s done in your life.
In the bible, we are told that God inhabits the praises of His people. When you begin to praise and thank Him, you are in His presence. It doesn’t matter where you are physically, or what’s going on around you, you can access the joy that’s inside of you at any time – day or night.
Today, God wants you to experience His supernatural joy and peace at all times. That’s why He chose to live inside of you and give you an endless supply. Don’t waste another minute feeling overburdened and discouraged. Get in His presence where there is fullness of joy, because the joy of the Lord is your strength! Hallelujah!
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11)
Let’s Pray
Yahshua, thank You for an endless supply of joy. I receive it today. Father, I choose to cast my cares on You and give You the praise, glory and honour You deserve. God, let Your joy flow through me today, so that I can be a witness of Your goodness to those around me, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The stores are filled with bustling shoppers. Christmas music plays on every aisle. Houses are trimmed with twinkling lights that glow cheery through the crisp night.
Everything in our culture tells us that this is a joyful season: friends, family, food, and gifts all encourage us to celebrate Christmas. For many people, this holiday season can be a painful reminder of the difficulties of life. Many people will celebrate for the first time without a spouse or a loved one that has died. Some people will celebrate this Christmas for the first time without their spouse, due to a divorce. For others these holidays can be a painful reminder of financial hardships. Ironically, it is often during those times when we are supposed to be happy and joyful, that our suffering and pain can be felt most vividly.
It’s meant to be the happiest season of all. But, many of us are hurting. Why? Sometimes it is a glaring reminder of mistakes made. Of the way things used to be. Of loved ones who are missing. Of kids who are grown and gone. Sometimes the Christmas season is so dark and lonely, that just the work of breathing in and out during this season seems overwhelming.
Today, from my own hurt I can tell you, there are no quick and easy fixes for a broken heart. But, there is hope for healing. There is faith for the doubter. There is love for the lonely. These treasures won’t be found under a Christmas tree or in a family tradition, or even in the way things used to be. Hope, faith, love, joy, peace, and just the strength to make it through the holidays, are all wrapped up in a baby boy, born to this earth as its Saviour, Christ the Messiah! Hallelujah!
“And He will put an end to all their weeping; and there will be no more death, or sorrow, or crying, or pain; for the first things have come to an end.” (Revelation 21:4)
Lets Pray
Yahweh, I don’t want pain anymore. At these times It seems to overcome me like a powerful wave and take all my energy. Father, please anoint me with strength! I cannot get through this holiday without You, and I turn to You. I surrender myself to You today. Please heal me! At times I feel alone and helpless. I reach out to You because I need comfort and a friend. God, I trust that nothing You lead me to is too hard for me to handle. I believe I can get through this with the strength and faith You give me, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
You may feel right now, like the challenges you face are too big or too overwhelming. We all face challenges. We all have obstacles to overcome. Keep the right attitude and focus, it will help us stay in faith so that we can move forward into victory.
I’ve learned that average people have average problems. Ordinary people have ordinary challenges. But remember, you’re above average and you’re not ordinary. You are extraordinary. God created you and breathed His life into you. You are exceptional, and exceptional people face exceptional difficulties. But the good news is, that we serve a super exceptional God!
Today, when you have an incredible problem, instead of being discouraged, you should be encouraged knowing that you’re an incredible person, with an incredible future. Your path is shining bright because of your incredible God! Be encouraged today, because your life is on an incredible path. So, keep in faith, keep declaring victory, keep declaring God’s promises over your life because you have an incredible future!
“The path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day…” (Proverbs 4:18)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I lift my eyes to You. Father, I know that You are the One who helps me and has given me an incredible future. God, I choose to stand in faith, knowing that You have an incredible plan in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
While the rest of the world around us becomes excited and enamoured with our culture’s celebration of the Christmas holidays, some of us struggle through the holiday season – overcome with clouds of depression, and battles with fear and dread. Fractured relationships, divorce, dysfunction, compromised finances, loss of loved ones, isolation, loneliness, and any number of other circumstances become even harder to navigate, due to the often unrealistic expectations of the holiday. For many years in my life, loneliness magnifies, stress accelerates, busyness intensifies, and sadness overwhelms.
There is something about this holiday that intensifies all emotions. The hype begins in October and builds up in the weeks before Christmas and new year, often making it a very difficult time for those of us who have experience loss of any kind. If, like me, you find Christmas is a difficult time, then let’s see if we can figure out a better way of coping together.
Today, I write this word from the depths of my own pain and experience in hopes of helping those who struggle with this season for various reasons. God’s Word and His principles of love, power, and truth are woven into every element of encouragement. Practical suggestions and challenges are presented to help navigate this and every stressful and difficult season. My passion is to bring hope and healing to hearts that are hurting, helping them break free from the burdens of stress, depression and dread, and find a new way of joy and simplicity.
“The Lord is near the broken-hearted; He is the Saviour of those whose spirits are crushed down.” (Psalm 34:18)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I know only You can help this pain vanish away. Father, I plead for peace and serenity as I fight the pain I am feeling during this season. Send Your hand down to me, and fill me with Your strength. God, I cannot take this pain any longer without Your help! Release me from this hold and restore me. I trust in You to give me the strength to get through this time of the year. I pray that the pain will be gone! It will not hold me down, because I have the Lord on my side, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
We are all called to be stewards over the resources God has given us. When we are faithful stewards of the time, talent and money, the Lord entrusts us with more. God wants to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings the bible says but our part is to be faithful and obedient to what God asks us that will unlock the blessings from heaven!
Today, ask yourself what kind of blessing would be so great to come directly from heaven that there would not be room enough to receive? It may be hard to comprehend, but that’s what God’s Word promises. Choose to be a good steward with time, talent and money. Prove the Lord and get ready to watch Him move mightily on your behalf!
“Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for blessing me. Father, I choose to obey you and thank You in advance for opening the windows of heaven in my life. God, help me to be obedient to Your Word and be a giver of all my God given resource, in Christ’ name. Amen.
Have you ever put energy into a relationship but it didn’t work out? What about a new business venture but you find yourself still struggling with finances? Sometimes people get discouraged in life because things didn’t turn out the way they hoped. Now they think it’s never going to happen.
One thing we have to learn is that God honours perseverance. On the way to your “yes”, you may encounter some “no’s”. You may encounter some closed doors, but that doesn’t mean it’s the final answer. It just means keep going!
Today, please remember, if God promised it, He’s going to bring it to pass. The Word says, through faith and patience, we inherit God’s promises. Hallelujah! This is where patience and perseverance comes in. This is where trust comes in. Just because you don’t see things happen right away, doesn’t mean you should quit. Your “yes” is on the way. Rise up and press forward. Keep believing, against all the no’s, keep hoping, keep enduring and keep asking, because our God is always faithful to His Word!
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Father, I will believe Your Word today. I will trust Your promises. I will keep standing, believing and asking. God, I believe Your “yes” is on the way, and I receive it in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Normally being a prisoner is not a good thing, but the Scripture says a prisoner of hope is a good thing. Are you a prisoner of hope? A prisoner of hope is someone who has an attitude of faith and expectancy even when things aren’t going their way. They know that God has a plan to get them through hard times, a plan to restore their health (including mental health), finances, dreams, and relationships.
You may not be where you want to be today, but have hope because all things are subject to change. Scripture says, God promises to restore double to those who hope in Him. When God restores something, He doesn’t just set things back the way they were before. He goes above and beyond. He makes things better than they were before!
Today, we have a reason to be hopeful. We have a reason to rejoice because God has double blessings in store for our future! Don’t let circumstances drag you down or distract you. Instead, choose to be a prisoner of hope and positivity, and watch what God will do to restore every area of your life!
“Return to the stronghold, O prisoners who have the hope; this very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you.” (Zechariah 9:12,)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your promise of double. Father, I choose to be a prisoner of hope. I have decided to keep my eyes on You knowing that You are working things out on my behalf, and You will restore double of everything the enemy has stolen from me in my life! In Christ’s Name! Amen.
With many of our youth today growing up without a father-figure in their lives, it becomes hard for them to trust God and love God. Unlike David, who despite life’s challenges, chose to put his life in the hands of the Lord. In Psalms 31, He says, “I trust You, God, because I know You are good, my times are in Your hands.” Are you willing, despite an absent father-figure, poor relationships or trust issues, to release every area of your life to the Father who will never abandon you or let you down? Are you willing to trust Him with every time and season of your life?
Today, you may be in a situation that you don’t fully understand, but take heart, God is a good God, you can trust Him. He is working on your behalf. If you’ll keep your heart surrendered to Him, you’ll begin to see things change in your favour. As you continue to trust Him, He’ll open doors for you. God, will take what the enemy meant for evil in your life, and He’ll turn it around for your good. Keep standing, keep believing, and trust Him. Your times are in His hands!
“My times are in Your hands…” (Psalm 31:15)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank you for being there for me, today I choose to trust You. Father, I trust that You are working on my behalf. God, I trust You with my whole life, my times are in Your hands. Please help me to stay close to You today, so that I can hear Your voice. In Christ’s Name! Amen.
During these unprecedented times we have to be diligent to make time every day, throughout the day, to stop and pray and call on Him. God promises so many things to those who call on Him. He is always listening, He is always ready to receive us when we come to Him. The question is, how often are you calling on Him? A lot of times people think, “Oh I need to pray about that.” But then they get busy going about their day and distracted with life. But thinking about praying isn’t the same as actually praying. Knowing that you need to pray isn’t the same as praying.
Scripture tells us there is power in agreement. When two or more come together in His Name, He is there to bless. One way to develop a habit of praying is to have a prayer partner, or prayer warriors, friends who you agree to connect with and pray together. It doesn’t have to be long or formal. If you don’t have a prayer partner, let Jesus be your prayer partner! Talk to Him throughout the day, carve out time each day to develop a habit of prayer!
Today, start formulating your prayer habit! Open your calendar/diary right now and make an appointment with God. Schedule a daily prayer appointment in your calendar for the next few weeks. Then, choose a prayer partner or friends to hold yourself accountable and agree with. Make a plan of what you will do and your expectations and get started. Please give yourself grace if you miss a day, but then get back on track and keep going. Prayer will be the best habit you ever form!
“To You, O LORD, I called, and to the Lord I made supplication.” (Psalm 30:8)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for answering my half-hearted prayers. Thank You for Your promises and blessings and the awesome benefits for those who are faithful in prayer. God, help me to be faithful, help me to be diligent in keeping You first in everything I do. Father, teach me to have deeper conversations with You. Send me praying faithful people to agree and connect with, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
A few nights ago, I was sitting in my car reflecting on my day. I looked up and it was amazing – the lights, the stars and the bright moon all seemed so surreal, it shouted I love you! All through the world we see God’s love, even in the midst of chaos. There is tremendous power in love! In the same way that a tree will grow taller and stronger when its roots grow deep, you will be stronger and rise higher when you are rooted in God’s love.
Love starts with a choice. When you say “yes” to God, you are saying “yes” to love, because God is love! According to 1 Corinthians 13, love means being patient and kind. It means not seeking your own way, not being jealous or boastful. When you choose love instead of choosing to hate, you are showing the world that God is first place in your life. The more you choose to love, the stronger your spiritual roots will grow.
Today, let me remind you, love is the greatest principle and it’s the currency of Heaven. Love will last throughout eternity. Choose to love today, and let it be strong in your heart. Let His love build security in you, and empower you to live the life of kindness, patience and peace God has for you.
“…May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love.”(Ephesians 3:17)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today and everyday, I choose love. Father, show me how to love You and others the way You love me. Give me patience and kindness. Take away selfishness, jealousy and pride. God, thank You for setting me free and empowering me to live the life You have for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Today’s verse tells us how to make love great – by being kind. You may have heard today’s verse many times before, but one translation puts it this way “love looks for a way to be constructive.” In other words, kindness isn’t just about being nice; it’s looking for ways to improve someone else’s life. It’s bringing out the best in others.
Each morning, when you start your day, don’t just spend time thinking about yourself, or how you can make your own life better. Think about ways you can make someone else’s life better too! Ask yourself, “who can I encourage today? Who can I build up?” You have something to offer those around you that no one else can give. Someone in your life needs your encouragement. Someone in your life needs to know that you believe in them. We are responsible for how we treat the people He’s placed in our lives. He’s counting on us to bring out the best in our family and friends.
Today, ask the Lord to give you creative ways to encourage those around you. As you sow seeds of encouragement and bring out the best in others, God will send people along your path that will build you up too. Keep showing kindness so you can move forward into the blessings and freedom God has for you!
“…love is kind…” (1 Corinthians 13:4)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for loving me when I was unlovable. Father, thank You for believing in me and always building me up, even when I disrespect Your kingdom. God, I ask that You show me creative ways to encourage and build up the people around me. Help me to be an example of Your love today and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Have you gone through the year struggling or striving to make something happen? Maybe it’s a breakthrough in your finances, or in a relationship. It is good to do everything we know to do in the natural, but we have to always remember that victory or breakthrough doesn’t come by human might nor power, but by the Spirit of the living God.
The word Spirit in today’s verse in some translations can be translated as breath (Ruach). “It’s by the breath of Almighty God,” that’s how breakthroughs come. When you realise God is breathing in you by His Spirit, it’s time to take a leap of faith and say, “yes, this is my year; I’m going to accomplish my dreams, I’m going to reach my goals, I’m going to grow spiritually.” That’s when you will feel God’s wind beneath your wings. That’s when you’ll feel a supernatural lift, an anointing that will help you accomplish what you could not accomplish before.
Today, know that the breath (Ruach) of God is blowing through you. This is your season. This is your year to believe again. Believe that God can open doors that no man can shut. Believe that He is working in your favour. Believe that it’s your season, it’s your year, and get ready to embrace every blessing He has in store for you! Hallelujah!
“…‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for the power of Your Holy Spirit at work in my life. Father, today I surrender every area of my heart, my mind, my will and my emotions to You. God, I believe if You breath into me Your supernatural power, then my breakthrough will come, so I give You permission to take my breath away and fill me with Your Spirit, so that things will change in this coming year. Direct my steps and give me power to overcome my weaknesses. In Christ’s Name! Amen.
Some years ago, a Christmas musical included Mary saying, “If the Lord has spoken, I must do as he commands. I will put my life into his hands. I will trust him with my life.” That was Mary’s response to the surprise announcement that she would be the mother of the Son of God. Whatever the consequences, she was able to say, “May your word to me be fulfilled”.
Mary was ready to surrender her life to the Lord, even if it meant that she might be disgraced in the eyes of everyone who knew her. And because she trusted the Lord with her life, she became the mother of Jesus and could celebrate the coming of the Saviour. Mary took God at his word, accepted God’s will for her life, and placed herself in God’s hands.
That’s what it takes to truly celebrate Christmas: to believe what is completely unbelievable to many people, to accept God’s will for our lives, and to place ourselves in God’s service, trusting that our lives are in his hands. Only then will we be able to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Ask the Holy Spirit today to help you trust God with your life and turn your life’s controls over to him. When you do, your life will never be the same.
I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)
Let’s Pray
Yahshua, please give me faith to believe that the child I celebrate today is your Son, my Saviour. Father, help me to acknowledge him as Lord and to trust him with my life. In Christ’s name, Amen.
In Christ, we encounter the almighty power of God. He is the One who calms storms, heals the sick, and raises the dead. His strength knows no bounds and His love is boundless.
This prophetic revelation in Isaiah finds its fulfilment in the New Testament, where we witness Jesus’ miraculous works and the transformative impact of His presence.
As we contemplate Jesus as our Mighty God, we find comfort and confidence in His omnipotence. He is our refuge and fortress, a source of unwavering strength in times of weakness. Through faith we can tap into His divine might, allowing His power to work through us.
Today, we may trust in Christ, our Mighty God, to overcome every obstacle, conquer every fear, and bring victory to our lives. His strength is our shield, and His love is our anchor in the storms of life. In Him, we find a Saviour and the all-powerful God who is always with us.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called…Mighty God. (Isaiah 9:6)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, we praise you as the Mighty God, as Almighty God in the flesh and Spirit. We praise you for your power over all things, your sovereign authority over everything. We praise you as the Mighty God and for the privilege of knowing you as our Father, as a Father who loves us, cares for us, provides for us, protects us, leads us and guides us. All glory be to your name for the privilege of being your sons and daughters. We praise you for the peace you bring to our anxious, worried minds and hearts. In Christ’s name, Amen.
The process begins with our own personal desire. Like a seed, it lies dormant within us until it is enticed and awakened. This desire, when nurtured and allowed to grow, conceives sin. It’s a gradual progression where our unchecked desires lead us away from God’s path.
The analogy of birth is particularly poignant. Just as a child grows within the womb and is eventually born into the world, so too does sin develop from a mere thought or temptation into a tangible act. The finality of this process is stark – sin, when fully matured, leads to spiritual death.
Today as we contemplate evil and the cycle of life we are called to the need for awareness over our hearts and minds. It reminds us that sin’s journey begins subtly, often unnoticed, in the desires we harbour. If we will triumph over it, we must guard our hearts, align our desires with God’s will, and live in the freedom and life that He offers through Christ.
Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:14-15)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I ask that your Holy Spirit will lead me, guide me and strengthen me to overcome the daily trials, tests and temptations from the devil. Father, I ask for strength, mercy and grace to stand and not yield to temptations and start the sinful cycle of life. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
Christ is the hope for the broken-hearted. Pain is real. He felt it. Heartbreak is inevitable. He experienced it. Tears come. His did. Betrayal happens. He was betrayed.
He knows. He sees. He understands. And, He loves deeply, in ways we can’t even fathom. When your heart breaks at Christmas, when the pain comes, when the whole thing seems like more than you can bear, you can look to the manger. You can look to the cross. And, you can remember the hope that comes with His birth.
The pain may not leave. But, His hope will swaddle you tight. His gentle mercy will hold you until you can breathe again. What you long for this holiday may never be, but He is and is to come. You can trust that, even in your holiday hurts.
Be patient and kind to yourself. Give yourself extra time and space to process your hurt, and reach out to others around you if you need extra support.
Find a cause to invest in. There is a saying, “grief is just love with no place to go.” Find a cause that honours the memory of a loved one. Giving time or money to a suitable charity can be helpful, as it gives expression to the love in your heart.
Create new traditions. Hurt changes us. Sometimes it is helpful for us to change our traditions to create a new normal. If you have a holiday tradition that feels unbearable, don’t do it. Instead, consider doing something new… Creating new traditions can help alleviate some of the added sadness old traditions often bring.
Today, you may be overwhelmed, bruised and broken, but there is still goodness to be welcomed and blessings to be claimed this season, even in pain. There will be holidays in the future when you will feel stronger and lighter, and these very difficult days are part of the road to them, so accept whatever gifts God has for you. You may not fully open them for years, but unwrap them as the Spirit gives you strength, and watch the heaviness and hurt disappear.
“And in the same way the Spirit is a help to our feeble hearts: for we are not able to make prayer to God in the right way; but the Spirit puts our desires into words which are not in our power to say.” (Romans 8:26)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your greatness. Thank You that when I am weak, You are strong. Father, the devil is scheming and I know he desires to keep me from spending time with You and loved ones this holiday. Don’t let him win! Give me a measure of Your strength so that I might not give into discouragement, deception and doubt! Help me honour You in all my ways, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
When was the last time you experienced real joy? God promises that joy is found in His presence, and if you’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, then His presence is inside of you! Joy manifests when you focus your mind and heart on the Father, and begin to praise Him for what He’s done in your life.
In the bible, we are told that God inhabits the praises of His people. When you begin to praise and thank Him, you are in His presence. It doesn’t matter where you are physically, or what’s going on around you, you can access the joy that’s inside of you at any time – day or night.
Today, God wants you to experience His supernatural joy and peace at all times. That’s why He chose to live inside of you and give you an endless supply. Don’t waste another minute feeling overburdened and discouraged. Get in His presence where there is fullness of joy, because the joy of the Lord is your strength! Hallelujah!
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11)
Let’s Pray
Yahshua, thank You for an endless supply of joy. I receive it today. Father, I choose to cast my cares on You and give You the praise, glory and honour You deserve. God, let Your joy flow through me today, so that I can be a witness of Your goodness to those around me, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The stores are filled with bustling shoppers. Christmas music plays on every aisle. Houses are trimmed with twinkling lights that glow cheery through the crisp night.
Everything in our culture tells us that this is a joyful season: friends, family, food, and gifts all encourage us to celebrate Christmas. For many people, this holiday season can be a painful reminder of the difficulties of life. Many people will celebrate for the first time without a spouse or a loved one that has died. Some people will celebrate this Christmas for the first time without their spouse, due to a divorce. For others these holidays can be a painful reminder of financial hardships. Ironically, it is often during those times when we are supposed to be happy and joyful, that our suffering and pain can be felt most vividly.
It’s meant to be the happiest season of all. But, many of us are hurting. Why? Sometimes it is a glaring reminder of mistakes made. Of the way things used to be. Of loved ones who are missing. Of kids who are grown and gone. Sometimes the Christmas season is so dark and lonely, that just the work of breathing in and out during this season seems overwhelming.
Today, from my own hurt I can tell you, there are no quick and easy fixes for a broken heart. But, there is hope for healing. There is faith for the doubter. There is love for the lonely. These treasures won’t be found under a Christmas tree or in a family tradition, or even in the way things used to be. Hope, faith, love, joy, peace, and just the strength to make it through the holidays, are all wrapped up in a baby boy, born to this earth as its Saviour, Christ the Messiah! Hallelujah!
“And He will put an end to all their weeping; and there will be no more death, or sorrow, or crying, or pain; for the first things have come to an end.” (Revelation 21:4)
Lets Pray
Yahweh, I don’t want pain anymore. At these times It seems to overcome me like a powerful wave and take all my energy. Father, please anoint me with strength! I cannot get through this holiday without You, and I turn to You. I surrender myself to You today. Please heal me! At times I feel alone and helpless. I reach out to You because I need comfort and a friend. God, I trust that nothing You lead me to is too hard for me to handle. I believe I can get through this with the strength and faith You give me, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
You may feel right now, like the challenges you face are too big or too overwhelming. We all face challenges. We all have obstacles to overcome. Keep the right attitude and focus, it will help us stay in faith so that we can move forward into victory.
I’ve learned that average people have average problems. Ordinary people have ordinary challenges. But remember, you’re above average and you’re not ordinary. You are extraordinary. God created you and breathed His life into you. You are exceptional, and exceptional people face exceptional difficulties. But the good news is, that we serve a super exceptional God!
Today, when you have an incredible problem, instead of being discouraged, you should be encouraged knowing that you’re an incredible person, with an incredible future. Your path is shining bright because of your incredible God! Be encouraged today, because your life is on an incredible path. So, keep in faith, keep declaring victory, keep declaring God’s promises over your life because you have an incredible future!
“The path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day…” (Proverbs 4:18)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I lift my eyes to You. Father, I know that You are the One who helps me and has given me an incredible future. God, I choose to stand in faith, knowing that You have an incredible plan in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
While the rest of the world around us becomes excited and enamoured with our culture’s celebration of the Christmas holidays, some of us struggle through the holiday season – overcome with clouds of depression, and battles with fear and dread. Fractured relationships, divorce, dysfunction, compromised finances, loss of loved ones, isolation, loneliness, and any number of other circumstances become even harder to navigate, due to the often unrealistic expectations of the holiday. For many years in my life, loneliness magnifies, stress accelerates, busyness intensifies, and sadness overwhelms.
There is something about this holiday that intensifies all emotions. The hype begins in October and builds up in the weeks before Christmas and new year, often making it a very difficult time for those of us who have experience loss of any kind. If, like me, you find Christmas is a difficult time, then let’s see if we can figure out a better way of coping together.
Today, I write this word from the depths of my own pain and experience in hopes of helping those who struggle with this season for various reasons. God’s Word and His principles of love, power, and truth are woven into every element of encouragement. Practical suggestions and challenges are presented to help navigate this and every stressful and difficult season. My passion is to bring hope and healing to hearts that are hurting, helping them break free from the burdens of stress, depression and dread, and find a new way of joy and simplicity.
“The Lord is near the broken-hearted; He is the Saviour of those whose spirits are crushed down.” (Psalm 34:18)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I know only You can help this pain vanish away. Father, I plead for peace and serenity as I fight the pain I am feeling during this season. Send Your hand down to me, and fill me with Your strength. God, I cannot take this pain any longer without Your help! Release me from this hold and restore me. I trust in You to give me the strength to get through this time of the year. I pray that the pain will be gone! It will not hold me down, because I have the Lord on my side, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
We are all called to be stewards over the resources God has given us. When we are faithful stewards of the time, talent and money, the Lord entrusts us with more. God wants to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings the bible says but our part is to be faithful and obedient to what God asks us that will unlock the blessings from heaven!
Today, ask yourself what kind of blessing would be so great to come directly from heaven that there would not be room enough to receive? It may be hard to comprehend, but that’s what God’s Word promises. Choose to be a good steward with time, talent and money. Prove the Lord and get ready to watch Him move mightily on your behalf!
“Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for blessing me. Father, I choose to obey you and thank You in advance for opening the windows of heaven in my life. God, help me to be obedient to Your Word and be a giver of all my God given resource, in Christ’ name. Amen.
Have you ever put energy into a relationship but it didn’t work out? What about a new business venture but you find yourself still struggling with finances? Sometimes people get discouraged in life because things didn’t turn out the way they hoped. Now they think it’s never going to happen.
One thing we have to learn is that God honours perseverance. On the way to your “yes”, you may encounter some “no’s”. You may encounter some closed doors, but that doesn’t mean it’s the final answer. It just means keep going!
Today, please remember, if God promised it, He’s going to bring it to pass. The Word says, through faith and patience, we inherit God’s promises. Hallelujah! This is where patience and perseverance comes in. This is where trust comes in. Just because you don’t see things happen right away, doesn’t mean you should quit. Your “yes” is on the way. Rise up and press forward. Keep believing, against all the no’s, keep hoping, keep enduring and keep asking, because our God is always faithful to His Word!
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Father, I will believe Your Word today. I will trust Your promises. I will keep standing, believing and asking. God, I believe Your “yes” is on the way, and I receive it in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Normally being a prisoner is not a good thing, but the Scripture says a prisoner of hope is a good thing. Are you a prisoner of hope? A prisoner of hope is someone who has an attitude of faith and expectancy even when things aren’t going their way. They know that God has a plan to get them through hard times, a plan to restore their health (including mental health), finances, dreams, and relationships.
You may not be where you want to be today, but have hope because all things are subject to change. Scripture says, God promises to restore double to those who hope in Him. When God restores something, He doesn’t just set things back the way they were before. He goes above and beyond. He makes things better than they were before!
Today, we have a reason to be hopeful. We have a reason to rejoice because God has double blessings in store for our future! Don’t let circumstances drag you down or distract you. Instead, choose to be a prisoner of hope and positivity, and watch what God will do to restore every area of your life!
“Return to the stronghold, O prisoners who have the hope; this very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you.” (Zechariah 9:12,)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your promise of double. Father, I choose to be a prisoner of hope. I have decided to keep my eyes on You knowing that You are working things out on my behalf, and You will restore double of everything the enemy has stolen from me in my life! In Christ’s Name! Amen.
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