STOP RUNNING. STAND STILL. HERE’S HOW.

When faced with hard times we take off running. We tend to run from anything that’s 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 have to 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 own 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)

Pray With Me
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 to stand in faith, and I invite You to fight my battles, and to move mightily on my behalf, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

3 Little Ways To Stand Up For Yourself Every Day, No Matter What

Remember, You Deserve Respect

Since there’s a very close connection between push-over tendencies and low self-esteem, it can help to remind yourself that no one has the right to ignore you, be rude, or deny your feelings. Say that, and then keep the mantra playing in your head wherever you go. “Assure yourself that – without your consent – no one has the authority to invalidate you,” said Leon F. Seltzer, Ph.D., in Psychology Today.

Practice, Practice, Practice

If you think you could use more assertiveness in your life, decide to practice it in small ways on a daily basis, perhaps by trying some of the things listed above. And if it takes a while to sink in, that’s completely OK. In fact, “research now shows that it takes 66 days to form a new habit,” Dr. Chronister says. “Practice asserting your needs daily for 66 days and watch it become automatic for you.”

Set Boundaries

Boundaries are where it’s at if you want to not only stand up for yourself, but to give others a better idea of how they should treat you. After all, “boundaries are simply those actions that you will not take or tolerate from others,” Joshua Klapow, PhD, clinical psychologist and host of The Kurre and Klapow Show, tells Bustle. “What is OK and not OK to you, and what you are willing and not willing to do, say, or hear or accommodate from others, and so on. Once these boundaries are set (and they can change over time) you are now in a position to stand up for yourself.”

Today Is The Day To Be Happy

Today Is The Day To Be Happy

Everyone wants to be happy and we always look for people, places and things to make us happy. It’s easy to come up with excuses to delay our happiness. We say things like, “as soon as I get out of this problem I’ll be happy.” Or, “as soon as I lose ten pounds”¦as soon as my business grows”¦as soon as my child or my husband straightens up then I will be happy.”

Put your foot down and decide to be happy right now, there will always be something to keep you from being happy. Let’s get rid of the excuses and make the decision to enjoy life right now, today. God never intended for us to put off our happiness. That’s why David said, “this is the day the Lord has made! I will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Today, God is saying, “this is the day to be happy; not tomorrow, not when the weather clears up. Not next week, when I don’t have to work so hard. Not next month, when I make it through this difficult time.” No, choose to honour the Lord right now, by making the choice to enjoy your life and be happy in Him. This is the day that the Lord has made, so make it count!

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

(Psalm 118:24, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for this day that I can be happy. Father, thank You for another opportunity to sing Your praises and be excited in You. I refuse to let people, places or things dampen the happiness You have blessed me with today. God, I set my mind and heart on You. I rejoice and am exceedingly glad in You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Positive quotes: Happy sayings to make you smile and appreciate life today

In a world obsessed with fame, fortune and success it can be easy to dwell on what we don’t have rather than what we do.

“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go” — Oscar Wilde

“Those who are not looking for happiness are the most likely to find it, because those who are searching forget that the surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others” — Martin Luther King Jr.

“Happiness consists more in conveniences of pleasure that occur everyday than in great pieces of fortune that happen but seldom” — Benjamin Franklin

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” — Dalai Lama

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you” — Princess Diana

“For what it’s worth, it’s never too late, or in my case too early, to be whoever you want to be” — F. Scott Fitzgerald

“Find ecstasy in life. The mere sense of living is joy enough” — Emily Dickinson

“For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Spiritual Maturity: Steps to Growing as a Disciple of Christ

Spiritual Maturity: Steps to Growing as a Disciple of Christ

Life has taught me that just because God puts a dream in your mind, it doesn’t mean it’s going to come to pass without any opposition. God wants to grow us up. He wants us to mature. He wants to prepare us to handle the blessing He has in store.

Like Joseph in Genesis, he didn’t have a whole lot of wisdom when he had his life changing dream. He was young and immature, and God had to do a work in his life to get him ready. Maybe he shouldn’t have told his brothers about his dream that they would one day serve him! As you can imagine, his brothers were not nearly as excited as he was. Joseph had to go through some things to grow up and be ready for the blessing and promotion God had in store.

Today, like Joseph, you may have a dream in your heart that seems a million miles away, but you may have to go through the pit and the prison before you get to the palace. This is called the growing or maturing process. During the growing process, keep yourself focused on Him and allow Him to do His work in your life. Keep a humble attitude of faith before Him, and He will lead you and guide you into the dreams, goals and destiny He has prepared for you!

“You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

(Matthew 5:48, AMPC)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for working Your growing process in my life. Father, I will focus on You during this growing season. I submit myself to You, knowing that the process to victory may be hard and long. However God, I know You have a life changing plan in store for me, which will propel me to my God-given success, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

I’m Laughing With God

Heaven is a happy place, full of joy and laughter, not only from it’s human inhabitants but also from God. Have you ever thought about God laughing? Right now, God is on the throne. He’s not mad. He’s not worried about Brexit or the economy. He’s not upset with you and me about our sins or weaknesses. God is full of joy and happiness laughing on the throne, according to Psalms 2.

Psalm 37 also tells us that He’s laughing because “He can see the destruction of the enemy coming.” In other words, the reason God laughs is because He knows the end of the story. He knows the final outcome. The good news is that you and I win. God always triumphs, He is a winning God! It’s like watching the football highlights when you already know the outcome. You already know your team is going to win. No matter how far behind the winning team falls, no matter how bad it looks for them, you know the result and wouldn’t get upset. You wouldn’t be worried. Why? You’ve got inside information. You know the final outcome.

Today, God is saying to us, when it gets tough, and things don’t look like they’re going to work out, we know that with God we are on the winning team! Laugh with Him, don’t get sad and down because of life’s difficulties. Laugh, because like God, we know the enemy will be destroyed, and it won’t be long before God’s favour, strength and victory will last forever! Hallelujah!

“He Who sits in the heavens laughs”¦”

(Psalm 2:4, AMPC)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I won’t stress, I will rest and trust in You. Father, thank You for bringing victory in every area of my life. Thank You for giving me a reason to laugh. Thank You for accepting me on Your winning team. Thank You for the promise to destroy the enemy for ever from my life. God, give me opportunities today to share Your joy and love with those who are sad and miserable around me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

No More Self-Pity Or Comparisons – Only Joy

Throughout the year I have been doing the “power of hope revival” around the UK, and we have seen many souls baptised into the body of Christ. Everywhere there are people who need hope, their joy has gone. Did you know God has given you everything you need in order to enjoy your life? Think about that for a minute. What is keeping you from living life to the full? You may not be in the home you want. You may not have the exact job you would like. Maybe you’re single and really want to be married. If you focus on these temporary things, it opens the door to comparison, frustration and self-pity. 

Having big dreams is important. It’s good to want to increase, but if you start comparing yourself to others it will steal your joy. If you don’t learn to be happy where you are, you’ll never get to where you want to be. But if you’ll choose to be happy, refuse self-pity and refuse to complain, then you are sowing good seeds for God to take you where He wants you to be in your future.

Today, let God direct your steps. He will give you a future and a hope. Take joy in knowing that He is working all things together for your good, according to His divine plan. Stay in faith, focus on Him and obey His commands. Soon, you’ll see those new doors open, so you can walk boldly into the place of blessing God has in store for you!

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

(Romans 12:12, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I have decided to put my hope and trust in You. Father, I know that You are working all things together for my good, I’m desperate for real consistent joy. God, I refuse self-pity, I refuse comparing myself with others. Lord, I choose joy and Your divine plan that You have prepared for me now and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

“God Will Deal With The Trouble Makers”

Has there been people in your life that have caused you trouble? Like the youth say, “they just keep getting in your face.” In the Bible, Hezekiah was faced with enemies coming against him, causing him trouble, trying to keep him from his destiny. But Hezekiah didn’t get upset. He just kept abiding, kept being faithful and putting God first. In 2 Kings 19 God said, “Hezekiah, I Myself will come against this enemy. He will receive word that he is needed at home, and I will cause him to want to return and he will be defeated.”

Today, when you abide in God, He says, “I Myself will come against your enemies. I Myself will come against that sickness. I Myself will come against those who oppose you.” It says God is the one who caused Hezekiah’s enemy to turn around. That means God can cause that unfair boss to take an early retirement. God can cause that neighbour that’s giving you so much trouble to decide to pack up and move. God can cause that classmate to be transferred to another school. No matter what’s coming against you, keep abiding in God. Put His Word first place in your life. Honour Him in all that you do. Let Him fight your battles, and bring you into the land of victory He has prepared for you!

“With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles…”

(2 Chronicles 32:8, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I bless You and praise You today because You are good! Father, thank You for Your good and precious promises. I submit my ways to You, and vow to abide in You no matter what”¦ I surrender my will to You, knowing that You are working in my life. God, thank You for fighting my battles as I keep myself in covenant with You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

A Victory for Christians Everywhere

As I listened to a football coach comment on his team’s win, he said “I knew we were going to win, it was just a matter of time.” Isn’t it wonderful to know that God promises to always lead us into victory? That means no matter what is going on in your life today, no matter what’s happening in the world around you, no matter what anybody says, you should always be thanking God, because victory is always on the way! Hallelujah! 

Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you decide to celebrate what God is going to do in your life. Praise is putting action behind your faith. In the middle of adversity or a tough time, start making a list of who you’re going to invite to your victory celebration. That means if you’re in the hospital, start planning what you’re going to do when you get out. If you have no money, or low on money, start planning your coming-out-of-debt party.

Today, when things don’t look good in the natural, remember the words of our team coach Christ – we were always going to win, it was just a matter of time, we serve a supernatural God. With God leading you into victory, you can always plan for increase. You can plan for restoration. You can plan for a comeback, and you can plan for victory, because He is leading and guiding you in Jesus’ name!

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ”¦”

(2 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I give You thanks and praise today for the promise of victory. Father, give me Your vision for the future, so that I can move confidently into the abundant life of victory You have for me. God, I may not be experiencing victory now, but I know it’s on the way, it’s just a matter of time, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Don’t Be Defined by Your Mistakes

As we approach the end of the year, we have a tendency of looking back and reflecting on our mistakes and shortcomings of what may have been. When we make mistakes, we get down on ourselves and think, “if only”¦” “I should have”¦” “What if”¦?” It’s easy to feel like you’ve missed the best plan for your life, then we get discouraged and stop pursuing our God-given dreams. But understand today, just because you’ve made mistakes or failed in some way, it doesn’t cancel God’s plan.

Great news! God never disqualifies you. He never says, “go sit on the side. You’ve blown it too many times. You’ve got too many weaknesses.” No, God always gives you another chance! Hallelujah! Some of the great people in Scripture made very poor choices. The apostle Paul started off as a murderer, yet his destiny was bigger than his mistakes. He ended up becoming a great leader, and writing over half of the New Testament.

Today, as you evaluate this past year, know that your mistakes, your failures, and your poor choices don’t have to keep you from your God-given destiny. With God, it’s not about the way you start in life, it’s about the way you finish. Receive His grace today, embrace His Word and the bright future He has in store for you!

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

(2 Timothy 4:7, KJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your grace and mercy to me. Father, I trust that my days are ordered by You. Please help me not focus on my mistakes and poor choices, but on my destiny in You. God, I ask that You strengthen and empower me to fulfil Your call on my life. I love You and bless You today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

God’s Will and Your Big, Stupid Mistakes

I grew up in a church that taught me that my sins and my mistakes kept me from being blessed or used by God, and will cancel my God-given purpose. No matter where you’ve been, no matter what you’ve done, realise today that your destiny supersedes your mistakes.

When God designed the plan for your life, it wasn’t dependent on you being perfect, never making a mistake, or never taking a wrong turn. No, God knew we would all make mistakes. He knows how to get you back on track no matter where you are in life. Just like there are many routes on a map, God has a plan to help you reach your destination. He has detours, shortcuts and bypasses. He has already calculated the entire route for your life.

Today, If you’re feeling sinful, if you’re feeling like you’ve blown it, if you feel like you are too old, too far gone or too far off track, know that nothing you’ve done, no mistake that you’ve made or ever will make is a surprise to God. He’s already got it figured out. He’s arranged a comeback for every setback! He has grace for every sin or weakness. Hallelujah! He has mercy for every failure. Receive it today, confess and move forward with boldness and forgiveness into the destiny He has for you!

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

(1 John 1:9, ESV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for the gifts and talents You’ve given me despite knowing my sins and my mistakes. Father, thank You for applying Your grace to my sin, and keeping me on track as You order my steps. God, I repent today for any disobedience that has caused me to get off course. Keep me close to You always, as I set my love on You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Finding God in Each Day

While teaching RE last week at school to my GCSE students, the text books reminded us that before the foundation of the world, God laid out a plan for your life. He created you on purpose, with a purpose and for a purpose. He created you to be successful! He has moments already laid out that are going to come across your path. These moments are not ordinary. They have supernatural consequences. They are destiny-altering moments. They are designed to thrust you forward in your life.

The Bible tells us in the book of Ecclesiastes, that time and chance come together for every person. That means you will have opportunities to meet the right people, opportunities to advance in your career, and opportunities to fulfil your dreams and visions. So stay focused, stay in faith and not fear, stay in expectation. Stay in God’s Word and His will, and praise God in advance. God has already prepared for you times of increase, promotion and blessing.

Today, open your eyes of faith and see the good things God has in store for your future. Thank Him for what He’s doing and what He’s about to do. Thank Him for divine connections and moments that God has prepared for your success. He is ready and willing to fulfil every dream and desire He’s placed within your heart!

“”¦time and chance happen to them all.”

(Ecclesiastes 9:11, AMPC)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for those special moments and divine opportunities in my life. Father, I know You are working on my behalf no matter what the circumstances look like. God, I choose today to stay focused, stay in faith not fear, stay in expectation and stay in Your Word and Your will. I praise You in advance of my increase, promotion and blessings, knowing that You are a rewarder of those who diligently seek after You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

You Make All Things NeW

Victory In Christ

Getting something new is always exciting. Can you remember the time when you first had a big dream? Maybe you were determined to excel in your career, or as a parent, or maybe you were focused on deepening your walk with the Lord.

You probably started out with enthusiasm, but maybe things got a little difficult, or didn’t happen as quickly as you would have liked. Oftentimes, when things don’t go as planned, people decide, “I’m just going to settle here. It’s not exactly what I wanted, but at least it’s good enough.” In this new season, recognise that you were made for more than “good enough.” You were made to increase, to excel, to grow and stretch.

Today, why don’t you take a step of faith, and embrace the new life God came to give you? Not only does Christ offer new life in eternity, but He offers new life here on earth, with new dreams and visions. Why don’t you pick up those dreams and be determined to see them through? It’s a new day, and He is making everything new in your life! Hallelujah!

“And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!”

(Revelation 21:5, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for this new day. Father, thank You for the opportunity to start again. I will press forward and keep believing for the dreams, visions and desires You’ve placed in my heart. God, I trust You today with everything that I am. I give You my life, make me anew, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Your Life Is Not An Accident

Did you know God knew you before you were even born? What an amazing thought! God saw you in His mind’s eye before you were substance, and said “I have a purpose for this life and an amazing plan!” Then He worked a miracle and sent life into your mother and father. They may have had issues, but that didn’t stop you from becoming all that God intended for you to be. You have been handpicked by Almighty God to be here at this time in history!

From time to time, we hear parents say, “we weren’t expecting this child. They were a surprise. They were an accident.” No, that child may have been a surprise to the parents, but they weren’t a surprise to God. No child can be born without God breathing His life into them. You may think, “well, I was unwanted. I was an unplanned pregnancy.” No, you wouldn’t be here if God didn’t give you life. Hallelujah!

Today, get excited about your life. In God’s eyes, there is no such thing as being illegitimate. He is Your Father and will never leave you nor forsake you, He loves you unconditionally. Remember, He formed you and knew you before you were born! Take confidence in His love knowing that you are made in His image, a person of great destiny, part of His mighty plan with a purpose!

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb”¦”

(Jeremiah 1:5, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for choosing and forming me before I was born. Thank You for creating me in Your image. Thank You for knowing me and revealing Yourself to me. Father, I know that You are working in my life even today, and You didn’t create me to fail, even when I feel like it. God, I stand in faith, knowing that You have a mighty plan and purpose for my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

God Help I Need Direction

Yesterday I had a serious call from a dear friend of mine who was very anxious about the future, not sure what to do and not clear what God is saying. Do you need direction in your life? The first question we need to ask ourselves is, “am I acknowledging God in all my ways and in all areas of my life?” In other words, is He first place in your life?

When you are driving on the roads and motorway say, “Father, thank You for keeping me safe.” When on the job say, “Lord, help me to be focused and productive.” At home, “Father, bless my children.” Before you go to bed, “Lord, thank You for a good night’s rest.”

Today, if you want to know God and His direction for your life, seek Him first. Throughout the day acknowledge Him, ask for His help and wisdom, follow His Word and commands, and thank Him for His goodness. Each morning, wake up and say, “Father, thank You for another beautiful day. I commit this day, my plans and my future into Your hands.” When you start the day like this, you are acknowledging God. He promises to crown your day with success. The bible says, when you acknowledge Him in every way, He promises to direct your paths and He will lead and guide you every step of the way into everlasting life!

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

(Proverbs 3:6, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I acknowledge You in everything I do. Father, I invite You to direct my steps and search my heart. I surrender every area of my life to You. Keep me close to You always, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

A Vital Necessity

Have you ever sat down and considered what’s important in your life? What do you consider to be vital or a necessity? What can’t you live without? Most of us would say food, water and shelter. Yes, you need those things to exist, but we can’t really live unless our minds and hearts are set on seeking the Lord who is the giver of life. 

Sure, you can exist without a knowledge of God, but you can’t live without Him giving you the breath you need to stay alive, but if that’s all you want from God what’s the point? He has much more in store for you. Besides, you are called to more than just mere existence; you are called to live – to thrive – to enjoy your life abundantly!

Today, set your mind beyond mere existence, set your heart on seeking the Lord for all He has for you! Write down your needs and wants, match them up to God’s promises in scriptures, commit them to memory. Whenever you can, think about those verses. Meditate on God and His infinite love. When you see the Lord as a vital necessity in and for your life, you will truly live and enjoy the abundant life He has in store for you! Hallelujah!

“Set your mind and heart to seek (inquire of and require as your vital necessity) the Lord your God”¦”

(1 Chronicles 22:19, AMPC)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I choose to set my mind on You. Father, I need You not just for existence, but to truly live, therefore I seek You with my whole heart. God, please show me Your love and character today as You meet my needs and supply my wants. Lord, show me Your ways that I may walk and live close to You, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

What Is the Correct Way to Pray?

What Is the Correct Way to Pray?

Some years ago I came across today’s verse, which has totally changed my life forever. I used to think that how I prayed, the order my prayers took, and the posture I took was what got my prayers answered or not. All those things may be nice to do, but did you know that the way you treat people has the greatest impact on the effectiveness of your prayers? The Bible says that the prayer of the righteous person achieves much. But if we aren’t treating others with honour, kindness and respect, then we aren’t allowing His righteousness to operate in us. 

When we don’t treat others the way we should, it closes the door to blessings, and hinders our prayers. This particular passage in it’s original context is directed toward husbands, but it applies in principle to all believers and relationships. it isn’t just about an agreement between two people who live together. It’s about not mispresenting God by calling yourself a Christian, and treating people with disrespect and unkindness. God ordained every Christian to help uplift love and unity.

Today, when you’re born again and claim to be filled with God’s Spirit you become one with Him spiritually. Therefore we should treat others “with understanding,” which may mean considering their needs above our own. We should always aim to treat others with kindness, dignity and respect, and quickly choose forgiveness. The Bible says that the way we treat others is the way we treat God. So choose love, and treat others with respect, so that your prayers will not be hindered!

“”¦Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.”

(1 Peter 3:7, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, teach me to live in Your ways. Father, help me to always treat others with love and respect, which shows that I honour You. God, show me how to be a blessing to others, so that my prayers will be effective and be unhindered, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Dear Christian: You’ll Get It Eventually

While travelling from Watford to Southend, to do revival yesterday after my radio broadcast, the enemy was trying to bombard my mind with negatives. Saying your too tired, is this worth it, the church is not ready, there is no excitement and there will be no visitors. But the Spirit reminded me God will give you strength, He wants to do something great in and through you. He has promises and blessings in store for you that you haven’t even thought of yet. I let out a loud “hallelujah” and kept on driving. I arrived and the church was on fire — great singing and praising, and two people gave their hearts to God and will be baptised on sabbath. Hallelujah!

The Scripture tells us that God gives us power”¦ He wants you to live in abundance so that He can use you to be a blessing to others. When we are willing and obedient, we open the door to His promises. He will do great things for you and through you. In other words, when we live in excellence and integrity, when we follow the Spirit of God, we will walk in His blessing. Like a tree planted by the water, your leaf will not wither because you are connected to an unlimited supply line.

Today’s verse says that “He gives us the power to get”¦ ” God gives us the ability. He gives us creative ideas and inventions, but we have to be diligent, do our part, and step out in faith, go against how we feel in the natural, and use what He’s given us. We have to sow seed in order to see the harvest that He has promised. Receive His power today and choose a life of integrity, so that you can move forward into the abundant life He has prepared for you.

“And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get”¦”

(Deuteronomy 8:18, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for giving me the power to live in abundance, and to move when I don’t feel like it. Father, I will be faithful to You and Your Word. I will stand on Your promises and listen to the Spirit. God, help me to be diligent and follow Your commands, please bless everything I set my hands to today, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

 

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