A New You!

At this time of year with summer approaching, we are looking forward to new beginnings. Everyone loves to receive new things to truly appreciate something new you must say goodbye to some old things. When you become a believer in Jesus, you not only receive something new, but you can also become something new. His brand new creation! The old is gone, the new is here! Hallelujah!

The Bible calls this salvation – it also says we should work out our salvation. That means you must retrain your body and mind to act, think, speak, and live according to the new Spirit within you, instead of turning to the old habits you used to have. The good news is with total surrender God will do the retraining, renewing, and reforming.

Today, don’t get stuck believing the enemy’s lies thinking, “I’ll never change…that’s just the way I am, I can’t be made new.” No, the Word of God says that His Spirit helps us in our weakness. He gives us strength to overcome and begin again. He empowers us to live as more than conquerors. If there is something you want to change right now, remember, that you can be a new creation in Christ. It’s time to say goodbye to the old and embrace the new. You are empowered to overcome!

“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for making me anew. Thank You for empowering me to live as an overcomer. Father, I give permission to retrain, renew and reform me, so that I can be new. God, I refuse to believe the lies of the enemy today. I trade in my old for Your new. I give this day to You and ask You to help me fully understand the plan You have for me. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

Unexpected Storms

After learning about the sudden passing of my friend and now a few months later his wife has passed away and thinking about their children and family, and how unexpected this is, it led me to say, everyone faces storms in life where unexpected circumstances shake us emotionally or spiritually. Sometimes we have the faith to be delivered from the storms instantly; sometimes we have the faith to walk through the storms. But no matter which route you take, you can be sure that God is right there with you.

No matter the size of the storm, or the unpredictability of it, know that God will equip you and sustain you. He will give you strength and grace, as well as the supernatural empowerment to make it through. With every step, you take, know that God is doing a work in your life. Know that He is with you, and He will comfort you. Remember the blessings of the past, and if it’s the loss of a loved one how they affected your life with theirs. Keep moving forward and walk through the storm to the place of victory He has prepared for you!

Today, maybe you are facing an unexpected storm and can’t see a way out. Maybe you’re not sure what the answer is, or why things have worked out the way they have. All you must do is take it one step at a time by saying, “God, I know You have a good plan for my future. I know You are leading and guiding me. I trust you with this storm and the many others that will come my way.” Weeping may endure for the night, but joy will come…

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for walking with me through every season of life. Father, I thank You for being a shield of protection around me, for going before me and preparing the way. During this unexpected storm of my dear friends, God stay close to them show them love and give them comfort and strength to move forward into the victory You have for them, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Crypto Won’t bring you True Freedom

We aren’t bound to news feeds, opinions, and news reports. Statistics don’t have the final say on our lives. Christ does. He reigns over all because He defeated death on our account. Seated at the right hand of the Father, the name above every other name, Jesus Christ determined our freedom. 

We will never forget the last few years, but it isn’t the first time a generation has looked their freedom in eye and wondered what would become of it. God reigns over all that threatens to steal our peace, hope, and freedom. Christ, promised never to leave us. And though our world feels out of control, God holds the reigns. We may not understand what’s happening or know who or what to believe on this earth. But we can unwaveringly trust God. He is unchanging, rock-solid, dependable, and aware of what is happening on earth. 

Today don’t forget where our true freedom comes from. Not a country. Not leaders, nor policies. It isn’t dependent on a clean bill of health or an accumulation of wealth, nor does it fluctuate with crypto coins. Freedom was established on the cross, through Jesus’ death and resurrection. He sits at the right hand of the Father. Our hope is not in this willy-nilly world full of false hope of money and pretences built on shaky ground. No, our freedom is in Christ the. Saviour of the world. He has already won the battle. And when we live each day in pursuit of Jesus, we get to experience pure freedom and hope. 

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1 NIV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for setting me free. Father Freedom is something I won’t let the world define, and I won’t fall victim to its false pretences. It is in Christ I find true freedom, defined by His grace. God as I struggle through a year that has brought many daily routines, lives, and jobs to a halt, I pray for Your encouragement and wisdom. Lord help me to hear Your truth above all the noise and news. Give me the ability to know what is true, and what to do. Guide my next steps and fill my heart with grace and compassion towards others. In Your powerful Name, I pray, Amen. 

Stand!

When faced with hard times we take off running. We tend to run from anything hard. We run from our problems. We run from responsibility. We run from people we don’t like or have conflict with. We run from our past. We run from anything that makes us uncomfortable.

We don’t seem to face issues and deal with them, we take the easy way out and go down the path of least resistance. But if you’re going to live in victory the way God intends, you must learn how to face your challenges head on. Notice today’s verse doesn’t say, “keep running until you see the salvation of the Lord.” It doesn’t say, “bury your head in the sand until God delivers you.” No!

Today, God wants us to stand strong, set our faces like a flint, and fight the good fight of faith. And the good news is, you don’t have to do it in your strength! He’s equipped you with His supernatural power to overcome every obstacle you will ever face, including the one you’re going through right now! Hallelujah!

“…stand and see the salvation of the Lord…” (2 Chronicles 20:17, NASB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of strength. Father, please search my heart. Show me any area in my life where I am running or hiding from life’s difficulties. God, help me stand in faith, and I invite You to fight my battles and move mightily on my behalf, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Enjoy Life

In today’s ever-changing world, I begin my day thanking God for waking me. Unsure of His purpose and exact plan each day, or why everything in the world we live in seems to be immensely chaotic, I do know if God has awakened me for another day, there is a purpose for it. How often do we take a moment to embrace and enjoy the gift of another day before diving into T.V and social media? 

Today verse Psalm 128 say, “God’s blessing goes with his people everywhere, even when they are not in Jerusalem,” in other words the blessing of God is on us even outside of our home. Hallelujah! We often get caught up calculating a successful life in achievements and possessions, forgetting to embrace the literal breath of every moment. 

What if we approached every day with a grateful heart for the breath in our lungs? Instead of striving for what we think will make us happy, can we embrace the joy God offers us in Christ to sustain us? Christ died for us to live life to the full, not to live in fear over what each day will bring. 

Today let’s remember the world will always be in chaos until Christ returns to set it right. Putting our hope in Him allows us to embrace and enjoy life. After all, God promises His plans for us are more than we can ask for or imagine! Live, blessed… because you are! 

“May the LORD bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May you live to see your children’s children- peace be on Israel.” – Psalm 128:5-6 NIV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, help me to embrace and enjoy the life you’ve given me. Father, I know I am not accidentally here! Each day I wake to breathe, you faithfully meet me with purpose. I lift my anxiety and worry to you, today, as I seek to embrace your peace and promises. God, I confess my tendency to condemn, criticize, and compare instead of embracing the peace and blessings you have showered over my life. In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

Emotional Rest

How would you feel if someone came up to you today and said, “Give me all of your monthly bills; I’m going to pay them.” You’d get excited, wouldn’t you? But it wouldn’t happen until you did your part to hand that person your bills. They can’t pay them for you if you never release them. In the same way, when we release our cares and concerns to God, He promises to take care of them. So, hand them over.

As you begin your day remember, that God wants to give you rest and restore your emotions. It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of this stressful life, and before long, your emotions are so spun that you can barely think straight! Remember, even in the hustle and bustle of life, you can find rest. God wants to take care of everything that concerns you so that you can find rest in your innermost being when you come to Him.

Today and throughout your life, release your cares to God. Let Him fill you with His peace and joy. Receive the rest, relaxation, and restoration that He promises and enjoy the total fulfilment and blessings for your body, mind, and emotions He has in store for you!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come to You. I choose to cast my cares on You so that I can live in Your rest and break free from the stress of this life. Father, thank You for Your goodness to me. I give You my mind heal it and take control of all my emotions. Please God, lift my burdens and refresh my weariness. God, help me find ways to share Your rest and goodness with those around me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

Reflections 

Like a mirror, when you reflect something, you are exhibiting its likeness. You are displaying its characteristics. the Bible tells us that we should reflect the character and likeness of Christ. We shouldn’t only have His features, like in a mirror, but most importantly – His attitude.

That may sound like a tall order; after all, He was the Son of God. But remember, when we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, we become sons and daughters of the Most High God. We become empowered by the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. That means we have the same spirit of humility—the same strength, the same love, and the same power on the inside. We are equipped to follow His example and do what He did. He went around doing good and bringing healing to others – physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Today, we must let God work on our attitudes and actions. We must open the door and invite Him in. Decide to open every area of your life to Him. Reflect Him and do good everywhere you go!

“Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]” (Philippians 2:5, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, right now I invite You to dwell in my thoughts, heart, and attitude. Father, I want to be a true reflector of You. A pure reflection of Your love in everything I do. God, I choose to follow Your example and bring good to others. Help me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

Separated No More

Christ on the cross symbolised redemption. The word ‘redemption’ means saving or being saved from. Jesus’ death and His resurrection mean we’ve been saved from our sins. Hallelujah! The Bible says: ‘there is salvation in no one else, but Jesus! And there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.

Without Jesus’ death, our sins would continue to separate us from God forever. Jesus fulfilled the law for us; therefore, we have been declared righteous. Peter says, ‘He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross, so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.’

Jesus is our substitute. He took our punishment, freeing us and giving us the opportunity of eternal life. (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV). On the cross Jesus became what we were – sin – so we could become what He is – righteous. When He died, the curtain in the Temple was torn. At that moment, the Bible says that ‘the curtain of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom.’ This symbolised that the sinful barrier between God and us had been removed.

Today, let’s remember, that Jesus’ death freed us from a life of sin and shame, and opened up a life where we can personally come to God and enter His presence. Before the curtain in the temple was torn, only priests were allowed into the holiest place of the sanctuary, where they could meet with God on the people’s behalf (Exodus 40). Thanks to Jesus’ sacrifice, we’ve been redeemed. We’re no longer condemned, now we can go directly into God’s presence, where He will accept us and forgive us.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.’ (Matthew 27:51 NIV)

Let’s PrayYahweh, how can I say thank You for taking my place, my sin, and my shame? Yahshua, thanks for removing the division my sin had caused, so now I can be close to You, and that You can always be close to me. God, after the reflection of this weekend, my love for You has become deeper, and I vow to commit my life to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen

Positive Obstacles

Whenever I can’t trust my heart with a major decision, I ask God to put an obstacle in the way to block the wrong decision. Not all decisions are black or white, good, or bad. Sometimes something that appears good can be placed in front of us, but not all good things are part of God’s plan for our lives. 

Friends, there is no “magic prayer” that can keep us from making the wrong decision. I would also like to clarify that reflecting on this thought helps me when I am faced with a decision and my desires are preventing me from thinking clearly or even caring if what I want is in God’s plan for me. 

Today I declare that God knows what he’s doing. Sometimes I forget he has a plan. I struggle with figuring out what that plan is most of the time, but one step I will never leave out is my obstacle Prayer asking Him to put an obstacle in the way of the wrong decision. God knows my heart. He knows what I desire. He wouldn’t withhold something out of spite. He has plans to prosper me and not to harm me, to give me hope and an awesome future. I challenge you to pray the obstacle prayer, mould it to fit your own life, and see how it changes your perspective. As it puts God in total control. 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, you know me better than I know myself. You know my fears and my desires. You know what I want. Father, I know you love me. I know you have a plan for me. Please, Lord, don’t let my desires blind me to your will. If my desires are not within your plan, give me an obstacle, I cannot get past. God help me follow your will, give me peace about whatever is to come. If this falls through, I will trust your plan for my future. Thank you for loving me in Christ’s name Amen. 

Down But Not Out

In life, we will all face some kind of disappointment or setback. Maybe bad news concerning your health, job, or a relationship not working out – a setback! It’s easy to get discouraged, lose your enthusiasm, or even be tempted to just settle where you are. But if we’re going to be God’s best, we have to have a “bounce-back” mentality.

That means when you get knocked down, you don’t have to stay down. You get back up again. You have to know that every time adversity comes against you, it’s a setup for a comeback. You may have got knocked down, but you haven’t been knocked out! Remember, as a believer, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives on the inside of you.

Today, there is no challenge too difficult, no obstacle too high, no sickness, no disappointment, no person, nothing that can keep you from your God-given destiny. If you stay in faith and keep a good attitude, you will rise again. God will turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones, and you’ll move forward into His victory! Hallelujah!

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…” (Proverbs 24:16, NIV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for setting me up for success in everything I do for You this year. Father, I choose to trust and rely on You, knowing that Your plans are for my good. Therefore when life knocks me down, when disappointment comes my way, I won’t stay down, but I will bounce back, knowing my best days are up ahead, and I look forward to the blessings You have in store for me, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Victory Over The Enemy 

Victory, Not Just Today, But Always

Do you look at your prayer life as a small ministry of no importance? The enemy knows full well how mighty you are in pulling down his strongholds through pray, and he will try to intimidate, discourage, divide, or defeat you. Don’t accept his lies. 

Two Keys to Spiritual Victory: 

1.     Love God with all your heart and abide in Him – Loving and abiding in God is so important in order to see answered prayer. I am personally, by nature, a warrior but my relationship with God is the best antidote against the enemy’s flaming missiles. We must know God intimately and abide in that intimacy daily. 

2.     Speak out the attributes of God and praise him daily in prayer – Worship is a powerful form of warfare. Praying and singing out loud about the greatness of God during moments when you are emotionally down makes a huge difference. Your heart begins to rise, your feelings change, and you see the sovereignty and greatness of God. 

Today remember this Doubt. Deception. Discouragement. Division. It’s time for us to stop accepting these enemy strikes as natural. Spiritual warfare is a reality that we must face. It won’t go away on its own – but it can be dealt with through prayer. 

“For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” – Deuteronomy 20:4 

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. Please don’t let him win! God, give me a measure of your strength so that I won’t give in to discouragement, deception and doubt! Lord, help me honour you in all my ways. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

They Did It To Jesus

Jesus the Good Shepherd

Sometimes it’s hard to keep going in ministry and life amidst criticism and gossiping. In Scripture, many times people would come against Jesus and criticise Him. Many times, it says, “Jesus answered them not a word.” He simply didn’t respond to His critics. He didn’t try to convince them to change their minds. He didn’t get upset because somebody was talking about Him. No, He just ignored it.

Today, when people come against you and they’re jealous and just evil towards you and those you love, trying to make you look bad, trying to discourage you, remember what they did to Jesus! He was probably criticised and despised more than anyone else. I love the fact that He didn’t try to explain Himself. He didn’t try to make everyone understand Him. He just stayed focused on what He was called to do. He simply ran His race, stayed in His lane, prayed, and moved forward. And this is how we should deal with those who criticise us and gossip about us, don’t give in to the demonic distraction, just take them to the Lord in prayer.

…but Jesus refused to answer.” (Luke 23:9, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I release every person who has criticised me, gossiped about me, or tried to discourage me. Father, I choose to forgive them; I have decided to turn away from that distraction and move forward, refusing to react to the demonic forces that seek to bring me down. God, help me to stay focused on You and all the wonderful blessings You have in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

God Our Safe Place

Don’t ever doubt it. God works on behalf of those who love Him and honour His name. He is so good to us. We may never fully know, this side of heaven, how very much He has sheltered us from in this life. 

We may not always see it, or feel it, we might forget it’s there at times, or even wonder if God has left us to fend for ourselves in the heat of hard situations of life. But His protection is real. He doesn’t, He can’t, forget us or ignore us. If we belong to Him, His love is too great to leave us on our own. In whatever troubles we face today, God is the place of refuge we can run to, He is our safe place. 

Today, Pressure and stress can seem as stifling as a hot afternoon summer sun. Yet God whispers truth, strong and sure, “Walk in my shadow, up close to my side.  It’s in the safe place that brings confidence; for when we are resting in God’s shadow, we will never face the full heat of our difficulties. He shelters from that pain. His shade, His shadow, diminishes what is felt in the intensity of all the heat. Rest, peace, and calm rise strong, right in the struggling mess of life, and we’re assured, He’s in control. 

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for your presence around me, thank you for your Almighty Shadow. Thank you that you go before me and cover me from behind. Thank you that you are in my midst and that my future is secure in the place you’re preparing for me. God your words bring such hope and comfort. Reminding me of your strength, today may I see glimpses of your glory and blessing along the way as I seek after you. For victory and salvation are found in you alone. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Christ Amen. 

No Competition

Growing up in the UK, when people bought something new, we used to say that they were trying to “keep up with the Jones’s (trying to compete with your neighbours).” It’s easy to be tempted to go through life competing with everyone around us. When we see someone who’s more talented, better looking or has more gifts, instead of running our race and being comfortable with who we are, oftentimes we feel inferior and think, “I’ve got to catch up to my neighbours and friends.” The problem with this unhealthy competition is that it’s a never-ending cycle.

Did you know there will always be someone ahead of you? But it’s very freeing when you realise, “I’m not in a competition.” I don’t have to have as big a house as my neighbour to feel good about myself. I don’t have to keep up with my co-worker. I don’t have to be a certain size. No, I understand that I’m not in competition with my friend, my neighbour, or my co-worker.

Today, say to yourself “I’m going to be the best me that I can be, I’m going to run my race, I’m going to stay in my lane, I will not compete with anyone.” Now, that’s an attitude God can work with. When you focus on being who God made you be, that’s when you’ll rise higher, and position yourself for every spiritual blessing He has in store for you!

“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come to You giving You all that I am. Father, help me keep my eyes on You and no one else. Please work on my heart and mind, so I will learn to stay in my lane and run my race. God, I want You to be my only focus. I want to be free from competition today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

It’s All About Your Thinking

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.

Today more than ever, we must 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 same path. That’s why we must take captive every thought and renew our minds with the Word of God daily.

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, NIV)

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 Christ’s Name! Amen.

God Is A Finisher

How long will it take? This is taking way too long. Is there something you’ve been waiting for? Something you’ve been hoping for that’s taking longer than you expected. You might be tempted to just accept things the way they are. You might be tempted to think it’s never going to happen. Be encouraged because God is a finisher! He will complete what He’s started in you!

So, what do I do while waiting? Your part is to believe. Your part is to keep your eyes on Him. When you believe, you have the Creator of the universe fighting your battles, arranging things in your favour, going before you, and moving the wrong people out of the way. 

Today, don’t be intimidated by the size of a problem, or the size of your dream! Don’t let circumstances convince you to stop believing. Jehovah Jireh, the Lord our Provider, is still on the throne. One touch of God’s favour and you’ll go from barely getting by, to having more than enough! Begin to thank Him and declare that God is at work. Declare that He is perfecting what concerns you. Declare that He will complete everything He’s started in your life!

“And David said to his son Solomon, ‘Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God–my God–will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD’.” (1 Chronicles 28:20, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I thank You for completing every good work in my life. Father, I believe Your Word, even when things look impossible. I know that You are working behind the scenes and that You will bring victory and breakthrough to every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

 

As seen on