Hurting Holidays Pt 3

If you are hurting this holiday season remember:

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.

Experience His Joy 

Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, finds joy in seeing His diseased sheep progress toward healing.

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.

Hurting Holidays Pt 2

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.

An Incredible Future 

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. 

Hurting Holidays Pt 1

people celebrating christmas online

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.

God, Open The Window 

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. 

God Honours Perseverance

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.

Prisoners Of Hope  

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.  

Father I Trust You With My Life 

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.

Develop A Habit Of Prayer 

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. 

From God, With Love 

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.

True Love

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.

God, Take My Breath Away

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.

A New Season

Are you aware that God has put a promise inside each one of us? We often must go through the wilderness before reaching our promised land. Oftentimes, like Joseph, we feel like we are in a pit long before we ever see the palace. Maybe you’re in a season right now where you don’t see anything happening. You think, “I’ve been praying and believing for a year, five years, ten years. It’s never going to work out”.

Scripture says, the eyes of the Lord search to and fro to find someone who will be faithful on His behalf. Be the person He finds faithful. Keep believing, keep praying, keep obeying and stay the course.

Today be encouraged. You may be tired, discouraged and frustrated, but don’t give up on your future. Stay on the high road. Our God is a faithful God. It may be taking a long time, but what He started He will finish in your life. He will lead you into victory!

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ ” (Isaiah 30:21).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for leading and guiding me in paths of righteousnessFather, I choose to trust even when I don’t understand. God, I believe that You are working behind the scenes for my good. I will stay the course knowing that You have blessing and victory in store for me. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Who Is Your Bathsheba?

If you’re unfamiliar with the story, David slept with his top soldier’s wife while he was at battle. He sent her back home and later found out she was pregnant. This act ultimately led King David to murder his soldier. This was the first record of a “hit it and quit it”. Literally. David hit the skins and immediately sent her home.

David was a soldier – no, a warrior – but he didn’t put on his armour for daily battle. He left himself exposed for the enemy to attack and conquer. How many mornings of yours resemble that of David’s evening? What is your Bathsheba? Maybe it’s porn. Maybe it’s a co-worker or female at your church. Only you know. However, I know this…we cannot afford to start our days off unarmed.

Today Brothers, let’s make a pact to honour God with the first of our mornings. Honour him with daily prayer and dependence. Morning prayer, like breakfast, is the most important part of our day as men. Remember, there’s nothing you can do that hasn’t already been done. Don’t let the devil trick you into thinking your sin is too great for forgiveness. As He did King David, God is ready and willing to forgive your sexual sins, He’s just waiting on you to ask.

For this scripture, I’d like to highlight what David did NOT do as soon as he got up:

– Pray

– Guard his eyes

– Guard his heart

“One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. Then she went back home.” (2 Samuel 11:2-4)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for your grace and mercy. For your forgiveness for every Bathsheba we have had in our lives. For every porn site visited. For every secret sin, we have not confessed or repented of. Lord, we give our heart to you to cleanse it and make it whole. Renew our minds. We cannot do it ourselves, so we thank you for your strength. Now teach us how to use this strength daily, in Christ name, Amen.

What Are You Talking About 

After listening to comments made about men’s mental wellbeing, I said to myself – words have tremendous power. No matter what you may be facing today, the words of your mouth can help set the course for victory or defeat.  

Brothers, when you wake up with an attitude of faith, hope and expectancy and declare out of your mouth that God is your refuge, you will be strengthened and empowered by His Spirit. When you talk like you are blessed and walk like you are blessed, you will live like you are blessed! When you declare favour and blessing, you are sowing favour and blessing, and you will reap a harvest of favour and blessing in return.  

Today, brothers, it’s so important to take inventory of what you are saying on a regular basis. Even when challenges and obstacles arise, you have to rise up and say, “If God is for me, who can be against me?” Every day, let go of the weeds of unforgiveness and bitterness. Water your seed with the Word of God so you can move forward into the abundant life God has for you! 

“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my Refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely’]!” (Psalm 91:2)

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which is like refreshing water to my soul. Father, help me choose the right things to say, so that I can live in victory all the days of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

 

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