How Christians Can Experience Deeper Rest

TRUE REST IS LETTING GOD DO THE â€œDOINGâ€â€¦

As I come to the end of a 2 week revival at Reading Central, preaching each night and then driving an hour and a half home, I’m shattered and in need of rest. Then I read today’s verse and shoutedhallelujah! In principle it says, God wants to give you rest. He wants to refresh and restore your soul–your mind, your will and your emotions. It’s so easy to get caught up in the “busyness” of life, and before long, your mind, will and emotions are so “tiredand weary” that you can barely think straight! But even in the hustle of life, you can find rest, ease and relaxation.

Friend, God wants you to enjoy your life. That’s why He tells us to come to Him. God wants to take care of everything that concerns you, so that you can find rest in your innermost being. Imaginehow you would 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 pretty excited, wouldn’t you? But it wouldn’t happen until you did your part to actually hand that person your bills. They can’tpay 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.

Today, stop holding on to things you need to release. Things that are zapping you of your spiritual energy. Things that are making you weary and heavy, and choose to release your cares to the Lord.Let Him fill you with His peace and joy. Receive the rest that He promises, and enjoy the fulfillment and blessings He has for you!

“Then Jesus said, ‘come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” (Matthew 11:28, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I humbly come to You. Father, I cast my cares on You so that I can live in Your rest. Thank You for caring and loving me. I am in awe of Your goodness to me. God, help me find waysto rest in You and release my burdens into your hands, so that I can share Your goodness with those around me in a powerful and effective way, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Life is tough, and the burdens it hands you can be so hard to bear. But you don’t need to carry them alone. Read the promises of God ”¦

1. “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22). God is glad to carry your burdens and give you the daily strength you need.

2. “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6). It’s not God’s will that you should be crushed down with excessive burdens; let Him free you today.

3. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28—30). Jesus will remove your heavy burden of guilt and hopelessness and give you true rest in Him.

4. “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you’” (Isaiah 41:13). God promises to support and help you through every trial.

5. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6, 7). Just knowing your heavenly Father cares about you personally can make any load seem lighter.

6. “Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (Isaiah 46:4). The Lord desires to constantly support you throughout your life, with the intention of saving you eternally.

7. “He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom” (Isaiah 40:11). The Good Shepherd will gladly bear you in His gentle arms right now.

8. “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17). If you belong to Him, God will always listen when you call to Him for help.

9. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Through faith His strength becomes yours, and He reaches out to keep you from falling.

10. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). When God has lightened your burdens, He asks you to do the same for others.

Why not come to Jesus today and allow Him to relieve you of your heavy load?

September 18, 2019September 18, 2019

‘Keep walking and don’t get comfortable,’ Jesus said

Based on today’s verse, do you feel at times you’re walking through the valley of the shadow of death? This is referring to life’s tough times when you’re at breaking point, and evil is all around you, and fear steals your faith.

During these tough times, it’s easy to get discouraged. I love what it says in the verse, “though I walk through”¦” So no matter what evil you are facing today, know this: you are not alone, and you are just walking through. You don’t have to stop and live in the tough times, just keep walking through. They are only temporary. Hallelujah!

Today, don’t allow fear to paralyse you in the middle of “the valley of the shadow of death.” Remember, God is with you. He is walking beside you. He is strengthening you. He is making a way of escape for you. He is lining up people and situations to bring you out of that tough place into a place of strength and victory. Don’t give up! Press on and walk through, staying focused as you walk. Have a vision of your life on the other side of the valley. See yourself more loving, more faithful, stronger and more blessed than ever before. As you keep moving forward and walking through, you will get to the other side and experience the victory God has for you!

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me…”
(Psalm 23:4, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness toward me. Father, thank You for walking with me in the hard times of life when I feel like giving up and giving in. God, I won’t stay or stop in my negative, discouraging or evil trial, I will keep walking forward keeping my eyes on You. I trust that You will carry me and care for me as I go through my valley, to a place of victory and strength, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Bible Verses about Walking with God and Jesus

We can find many references in scripture of “walking with God and Jesus,” beginning with God coming down in the cool of the evening to walk with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8). Other references include:

– “…because you have saved my life from death, saved my feet from stumbling, so that I can walk before God in the light of life” (Psalm 56:13 CEB).

– “The people who know the celebratory shout are truly happy! They walk in the light of your presence, Lord!” (Psalm 89:15 CEB).

– “Come, house of Jacob, let’s walk by the Lord’s light” (Isaiah 2:5 CEB).

– “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2 CEB).

In addition, just a few of the many passages found in the New Testament are given in John 8:12, John 12:35-36 and 1 John 1:7.

September 17, 2019September 17, 2019

A God Greater Than Google

Most drivers these days have some kind of navigation system, whether on their phone or built into their car. I use Google on my phone, I just have to programme it to take me to a certain location and it will take me there, as long as I follow the directions given.

The announcer will give me instructions like, “turn left in a quarter of a mile. Take this freeway three miles. Exit in one mile.” But sometimes I don’t follow the directions. I may miss a turn, stop to get gas or go the wrong way. The announcer doesn’t come on and start yelling at me and say, “what are you doing? I told you to turn left! You ruined my plan.” No, the moment I get off course, the navigation system immediately starts recalculating and rerouting in a few seconds, and it will give me new directions.

Today, God is like our navigation system; google maps, etc. He has a plan for you to get to your destination. He has directions and a path that is best for you when you commit your heart to Him. However, you may mess up on following His directions, miss an exit or make a wrong turn, but praise God, in less than a second He recalculates another route. He’s still going to get you to where you’re supposed to be. Listen to Him and follow His instructions as He announces them in His Word, and you will arrive at your God-given destiny. Remember, He loves you with an everlasting love. When you seek Him with your whole heart, no matter where you are in life, He’ll get you back on track! Hallelujah!

“Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.”
(Psalm 25:4, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, show me Your path; teach me Your ways. Father, my heart’s deepest desire is to know You and to be known by You. Help me stay on track, and when I make a wrong turn or go the wrong way, please get me back on track and recalculate my life and reroute my mind, so I can get to my God-given destination. God, You are my King, and I humbly submit my ways to You. Thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

September 16, 2019September 16, 2019

Maybe God Doesn’t Want You To Be A Super Hero

I was talking with some children about their dreams. Some wanted to be football players, actors or actresses, super heroes and firemen. But most of the time, those dreams end up just being wishful thinking. As we get older we grow out of them.

We all have dreams as children, but when we grow up, we have to know the difference between a God-given dream and a wish. Beyond our wishes, we all have dreams placed inside of us by the Creator of the universe. In fact, the Latin word for “desire” means “from the Father.” One way to tell if a dream is really from God, is that the desire won’t go away. You may have had it for years, but you still can’t let it go. In fact, you may have tried to let it go, but it won’t let go of you.

Today, search your heart to know the difference between a play dream of your childhood, and the dreams and desires placed in you by the Creator. Allow those God-given dreams to surface, remembering He placed those desires inside of you for His purpose and your success. Ask Him to order your steps as you embrace the destiny He has in store for you!

“A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.”
(Proverbs 16:9, AMPC)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for the dreams and desires You’ve placed within me for Your purpose and my success. Father, show me the difference between my childhood dreams, and what You want for my life. I submit them to You and ask that You direct my steps. God, search my heart, and cause my thoughts to become agreeable to Your Word and the plan You have for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

September 14, 2019July 9, 2023

World Afro Day: More than 8000 school children from across the world joined together in a celebration of hair, identity and equality

Children from across the world are being educated about afro hair through The Big Hair Assembly.

Seven years old UK child hair influencer, Farouk James was joined by 11 years old Child Influencer Celai West (USA) and 10 years old Angel Noor (Netherlands) for a child takeover of the natural hair movement.

The event took place at schools around the globe on Friday, ahead of World Afro Day on Sunday.

The awareness day aims to celebrate afro hair, and change negative attitudes towards afro hair.

The assembly was to launch World Afro Day in schools and builds on the record breaking World Afro Day, celebrations, which are endorsed by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The event, was streamed live around the world as well as with global media coverage.

September 13, 2019September 13, 2019

Sin, Happiness, and Breaking Out of Spiritual Boredom

Just recently some youth were sharing with me how boring their life has become. I shared this simple but honest truth, “anything can become routine if we let it. Anything can feel mundane after a while.”

Not long ago, a young lady was speaking to me about how exciting my life must be. Speaking around the world, for over fifteen years. You’re on radio and TV. She said “Pastor Ray I wish my life was as exciting as yours, your life seems far from routine, mundane or boring, far from ordinary.” I said, “no, it’s not what you think. Although I feel grateful to God for all He has done, it does get lonely, boring and even mundane. I travel all the time, always on the road, in hotels, eating out, away from family, and at times I look away from all the miracles and blessings and start feeling down and bored.” I was excited about ministry when I first started.

Today, there are probably things in your life that you were once excited about. When God opened the door and gave you that dream job, or that promotion, you were so excited. You called your friends, posted it on facebook, you knew it was God’s favour. Well, don’t let the passion wear off just because you’ve had it five years! When you met that person and fell in love you were on cloud nine. You knew it was God’s goodness. Don’t take it for granted, don’t get bored or allow it to become mundane. instead remember what God has done! Stir up the joy in your heart. Stir up praise. Thank Him for His faithfulness, and let your attitude of gratitude pave the way to live the life of blessing He has for you!

“Remember the wondrous works that he has done, His miracles, and the judgments He uttered.”
(Psalm 105:5, ESV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, right now I take time to remember and acknowledge Your goodness in my life. Father, I praise You because You are good. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for setting me free from spiritual boredom. Help me to always remember Your wondrous works and miracles. God, I thank You for pouring out Your blessings on me, and leading me into an exciting future, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

September 12, 2019September 12, 2019

Tradition Is Cancelled

In the Bible, the children of Israel needed water, and God told Moses to strike a rock. He struck the rock, and water flowed out freely. Another time they needed water, and God told Moses, “speak to the rock.” Do you know what Moses did? He went over and struck the rock. He thought, “hey, it worked last time. It’ll work this time.” But it didn’t. God had a different plan. Have you ever tried something and got the results you wanted, and then tried the same thing again and got different results? This is what happened to Moses.

The point is that we have to make adjustments to stay in sync with God’s plan. You can do the same thing the same way you did last time and get different results. You can pray and anoint for someone’s cancer to be healed like you did before,and this time nothing happens, or it may not be something major, but like Moses, maybe it’s just something small. Sometimes a small tweak, or a small adjustment can make a major difference in the outcome of God’s plan for your life.

Today, make sure you aren’t doing things just because it’s the way you’ve always done it. Traditions are good at times, but may have an expiration date, and may not be God’s will for every situation. Instead, listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit of God inside for every obstacle or challenge. Follow His leading and stay in sync with the wonderful plan He has for you!

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”
(Proverbs 16:9, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I submit my mind, will and heart to You. Father, Help me not to take You for granted, but to stay in sync with Your Word and will. Help me not to trust my spiritual human tradition, but see clearly what Your plan is for me. God, Help me to listen to Your spirit and stay close to You always, not living in the traditions of the past, but always staying in sync with You, pressing forward to the new things, or the different things You have in store for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

September 11, 2019September 11, 2019

DIVINE FAVOUR

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.” Every one of us can say that in our lives God has been good to us. We’ve all experienced God’s favour at some point in our life. He has protected us, promoted us and opened doors for us. That’s favour. But I believe in the coming days, weeks and months, God wants to show us immeasurable, unlimited favour, that’s favour like we haven’t seen before.

In today’s Scripture below, Paul said that in the “ages to come,” we would see “the immeasurable, unlimited, surpassing the greatness of God’s power.” Paul wrote this passage ages ago, however, I believe that we are now living in the “ages to come” that Paul was talking about. I believe you and I are going to see God’s powerful, immeasurable, unlimited favour!

Today, the words “immeasurable and unlimited” mean “uncalculated, unmatched, unparalleled, unpredictable, unprecedented and with no end.” In other words, you may have seen God’s favour in the past, but you need to get ready. You haven’t seen anything yet. What God has in your future is going to be bigger, better, greater! He is going to show you His goodness in ways you’ve never seen before. Keep standing, keep praying, keep putting Him first, and watch His favour undo every negative area of your life! Hallelujah!

“And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe.”
(Ephesians 1:19, AMPC)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for allowing me to live in this day and age where daily I see Your miracles and favour. Father, I believe that You created me for such a time as this. God, I bless You, praise You and magnify You, for all that You are, and do, in my life. I receive Your immeasurable and unlimited favour, as I serve You with my whole heart, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Scriptures On God’s Favor

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. 2 Thessalonians 2:16—17

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, Ephesians 1:7—8

You have granted me life and favor, and Your care has preserved my spirit. Job 10:12

And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight, Genesis 39:3—4

For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield. Psalm 5:12

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:5—6

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. John 17:22—23

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46—47

”¦ For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. Romans 5:15

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

For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14

September 10, 2019September 10, 2019

How the God of All Comfort Can Help You

We live in a world of temporary comfort. Oftentimes when people face challenges, they seek comfort by surrounding themselves with things that may seem familiar or pleasurable, like alcohol, cigarettes, illicit drugs, sex, sport, relationships, or food. But those things are temporary, and they can only bring temporary comfort. True, lasting comfort is available, and it’s only found in a personal relationship with God, through our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Webster’s dictionary defines comfort as “to give strength and hope; to ease grief or trouble.” No matter what difficulty you may be facing today, God wants to bring you comfort. Like a mother cares for her child, He longs to give you strength, hope and confidence.

Today, make the decision to put God first in every area of your life. Let go of those things that you know are holding you back. Let Him be Lord over all! As you surrender to His grace, you will be filled with His peace, joy and comfort. You’ll be empowered to overcome every obstacle, and you will be fulfilled all the days of your life.

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you”¦”
(Isaiah 66:13, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, as I come to You, I invite You to fill my whole being with Your divine hope. Thank You Father, for being my lasting comfort and strength. Please, help me not to rely on the temporary pleasures of this life. God, empower me by Your Spirit to live in the victory You have established for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Dictionary Definition of Comfort

Look up comfort in a dictionary and you’ll find a definition like “something that promotes a state of ease or provides freedom from pain and anxiety.” But according to God’s Word, when consolation is needed, the only true solution is the indwelling Holy Spirit. In Greek, He is called parakl?tos, which means “he who stands at one’s side; he who comes to one’s aid.” Believers don’t have to rely on outward remedies or distractions to ease their mind, because help is available from the ultimate Comforter.

September 9, 2019September 9, 2019

Hurricane Dorian, Peace, Be Still!

During this past week, hurricane Dorian has destroyed the island of Bahamas killing more than 50 people. It has been the worst storm to ever hit the island. Many are homeless, some are starving and hundreds are missing. What do you do when the storms of life seem to be raging against you? One time Jesus was with His disciples in a boat out on the sea of Galilee, when they encountered a great storm.

Christ’s disciples were very afraid and were losing hope, but Jesus on the other hand, was asleep in the back of the boat. When the disciples woke Him up to see if He could help them, Jesus got up and simply spoke to the storm, “peace, be still!” And the seas were calm again. When difficult times come, you don’t have to be overwhelmed by the waves of worry or fear. Just as Jesus stood up and spoke to the storm, you have power in your words too. As a believer, the Bible tells us that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you.

Today, speak to your storm with authority. God’s miracle-working power is on the inside of you. He’s given you His authority to declare peace over your home, over your mind, and over your family. Throw unnecessary negatives overboard lest you sink. Remember, no matter what storms may come against you, greater is He that lives on the inside of you, and He’ll empower you to live in victory and peace in every area of your life! Hallelujah!

“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.”
(Mark 4:39, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for filling me with Your Holy Spirit, and for giving me Your authority to rebuke the storms in my life. Father, show me what negatives must go in my life that may cause me to sink in the storm. God, I declare Your peace over every area of my life, and thank You for working things out for my good, so I won’t be devoured by life’s storms, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Hurricane Dorian

Surprising fact: Dorian is the second Category 5 hurricane to make landfall in the Bahamas since 1983, which is the same year the international hurricane database was launched.

Moving at a pace of 1 mph, Hurricane Dorian is slower than an adult’s walking pace? – and because of a scientific phenomena, these slow mega-storms, hurricanes that are economically devastating could over time become our new normal.

As of 4 a.m. EST Tuesday, Hurricane Dorian had remained over the Bahamas for over 24 hours, and in that time five people have died and the Red Cross estimated at least 13,000 houses have been destroyed or severely damaged.
Dorian is moving so slowly because a high pressure atmospheric system (called the Bermuda High) kept it hovering over the Bahamas before dissolving, leaving it at a standstill.
The National Hurricane Center predicts a new, low pressure system will start moving Dorian northward Tuesday.
According to the Wall Street Journal, damaged Bahamian homes may not be covered by insurance. Just $5 billion of the $32 billion caused by the 2017 hurricane season was covered by insurance.
Climate change is helping to create even more powerful and destructive storms. NPR reported that the Earth’s warming oceans make hurricanes even more intense, creating a trend that’s unlikely to reverse anytime soon.

September 6, 2019September 6, 2019

God Created You For A Unique And Amazing Purpose!

Did you know your conception and birth didnâ€™t surprise God?

Did you know your conception and birth didn’t surprise God? Before you were born God knew you and was thinking about you. He knew everything about you before you were in your mother’s womb. He created you on purpose, for a purpose. He planned who you would be, the colour of your hair, and the colour of your eyes and skin. He gave you gifts, talents and abilities to be used for His glory. He took one look at you and said, “approved.”

No matter who’s approval you didn’t get on this earth, know that Almighty God loves you and approves of you. There’s nothing you can do now or ever to change that. You may be thinking, “I’ve made so many mistakes, how can God approve of me?” Understand that when God sees you, He separates you from your behaviour. He may not approve of your actions, but He desires to help you grow and make better choices.

Today, receive His love and acceptance. Allow Him to work in your life. Allow His love to empower and strengthen you, because you are approved and equipped from your birth to live in victory all the days of your life!

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you”¦”
(Jeremiah 1:5, AMPC)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for approving me and empowering me by Your love. Father, I open my heart and mind to You, please have Your way in my life. God, thank You for creating me on purpose, for a purpose, and accepting me with all my sinful traits. Remove anything that would hold me back from all You have in store, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

September 5, 2019September 5, 2019

Do You Have A Vision?

Do you have a vision for your life and your family’s life? The Bible says “without a vision the people perish.” Today’s verse says, “the vision is for an appointed time.” That means there is a specific time already determined for the fulfilment of the desires God has placed in your mind and heart. The appointed time is the best time! We have to trust that God can see the bigger picture for our lives. He knows what’s up ahead. He knows what we’re going to need, who we’re going to need, and when they need to show up.

Remember, if God did everything we asked on our timetable, it would limit us, because sometimes what we’re asking for is too small. Sometimes the person we think we can’t live without, God knows in ten years they’re not going to be good for us, so He is closing the door right now. Sometimes the promotion we want so badly, if God gave it to us right now, He knows it would keep us from a much bigger promotion in three years, or maybe a closer relationship with him.

Today, remember, God has the advantage of seeing it all – the bigger picture – the beginning and the end. The longer I live, the more I trust Him. The more I see His hand of faithfulness, the more I know that His plan is better than my plan. Today, trust that He knows what He’s doing. Trust that He has an appointed time for all that should take place in your life. Trust His will and His process, and watch Your God-given vision and His promises come to pass in your life! Hallelujah!

“The vision is yet for an appointed time”¦”
(Habakkuk 2:3, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I put my dreams, desires, hopes and longings into Your loving hands. Father, I trust that the vision You have given me is for an appointed time. God, give me patience and strength to trust Your process and timing. I know it’s best, so I will praise You until I see Your vision and Your promises come to pass in my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

September 4, 2019September 4, 2019

How Can We Give Thanks in All Circumstances?

One of the hardest things for me is to give thanks for every circumstance, like our verse says. It seem like a stretch at first, especially when you are going through a difficult season in life. But, today’s verse doesn’t say to give thanks “for” everything, it says give thanks “in” everything. In other words, no matter what’s going on, find something to be thankful for. Don’t just focus on what’s wrong in your life; focus on what God will do in your life.

Being thankful, it opens the door for God to give you more to be thankful for. That’s why it says “this is God’s will for you.” He wants you to be close to Him, to receive His strength and power by giving thanks.

Today, we should have the attitude that says, “God, in spite of what’s happened, I will be grateful. I may be sick, but Father, thank You for being my healer. Thank You for giving me great friends and family.” Or, “I may be struggling in my marriage, but God, thank You for being my restorer. Thank You for giving me another sunrise.” As you give thanks in everything, you will see God’s hand move mightily on your behalf, and you’ll come out of that difficulty better, stronger and wiser than ever before.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)

Pray For Me
Yahweh, today I give You thanks in all things! Father, I know that You are a good God, and You have good plans in store for my future, so I thank You in advance. God, I bless You and thank You for life, employment, relationship, daily miracles, for every drop of blood You shed on my behalf, and for another day to sing Your praise and worship You, in the name of Yahshua my Messiah! Amen!

Psalms of Thanksgiving

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

Psalm 105:1-3
I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you.

Psalm 56:12
I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord.

Psalm 116:17
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

Psalm 95:1-2
Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.

Psalm 118:19
I will extol the Lord at all times;His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.

Psalm 34:1-3
I thank you, Lord, with all my heart;I sing praise to you before the gods. I face your holy Temple, bow down, and praise your namebecause of your constant love and faithfulness, because you have shown that your name and your commands are supreme.

Psalm 138: 1-2
I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the name of the Lord Most High.

September 3, 2019September 3, 2019

Time to focus on your victories and not your past failures

Every morning when I open my facebook account my memories pop up. Most put a smile on my face — photos of baptisms, children and miracles. When you think about your past, what memories do you allow to play over and over in your mind? In the Old Testament, they had what they called memorial stones. These were used to remind the people about the good things God did in their lives, and all their victories.

We need to focus on our victories. Sure, we’ve all had setbacks, but when you meditate on your disappointments and failures, it only drains you of valuable energy. It steals your confidence and joy. But when you focus on your victories, it builds your strength and confidence, and increases your trust and your expectations in God. It also feeds your faith and gives you a reason to give God praise.

Today, I encourage you to get into the habit of focusing on your victories. Remember, every good and perfect gift comes from God. As you praise and thank Him for His victories in your life, He’ll pour out His blessing on you. He’ll open up supernatural doors for you to move forward in strength, to fulfil the dreams and desires He has placed in your heart!

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph”¦” (2 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness and victories in my life. Father, I will focus on the victories You have given me, and let go of any negative experiences from my past. God, I bless and praise You today, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Victory Quotes

Joyce Meyer
No matter what has happened to you in the past or what is going on in your life right now, it has no power to keep you from having an amazingly good future if you will walk by faith in God. God loves you! He wants you to live with victory over sin so you can possess His promises for your life today! Joyce Meyer

Bradley Whitford
One of the most surreal moments in this election was after the third debate, when I heard a talking head say, Al Gore won on substance, on the issues. But you have to give the victory to Bush because he seems presidential.

Bear Bryant
You Election Debate Moments If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride – and never quit, you’ll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards.

Joyce Meyer
Inspirational Yourself You Believe When you make a mistake and the devil comes and tells you ‘You’re no good,’ you don’t have to take on the guilt and condemnation he wants to put on you. No! You can immediately confess your mistake to God, thank Him for forgiving you and cleansing you with the blood of Jesus, and move forward in the victory of His grace and forgiveness.

Theodore Roosevelt
Good Forgiveness God You Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory. George S. Patton Motivational You Challenges Feel Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure… than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.

September 2, 2019September 2, 2019

Your Divine Destiny Is Waiting

While watching a programme about organ transplants, I saw that many are donated by co workers, friends and family. It got me thinking, there are some people that God has placed in your life to help you reach your destiny. They may not know you very well, but they may introduce you to someone, or put in a good word for you with someone you need to be connected with. They may have wisdom or advice that will thrust you forward in life.

Remember, divine appointments have been orchestrated by God Almighty. Divine appointments aren’t always the people you would expect. In fact, oftentimes they are the people you don’t expect–a woman at the grocery store, an intern at the office, someone who may seem to be less influential. But God can give anyone an idea. God can use anyone to make a connection.

Today, be open to receive from others, because God may have placed them in your life to answer your prayers and lead you to your destiny. Always treat everyone you encounter with dignity, honour and respect. You never know who God is going to use in your life. So be open, be loving, be kind and sow good seeds that will open the doors to His divine appointments!

“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.”
(Proverbs 16:9, NLT)

Pray With Me
Elohim, thank You for ordering my steps to my destiny. Father, thank You for divine appointments that keep me on the right path. I submit my will and my way to You. God, help me to be kind and loving to those around me from every walk of life, knowing they have been placed in my life for my eternal good. Give me wisdom to discern the opportunities You have placed in front of me, so I will know clearly it’s Your hand guiding me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Bible Verses for Divine Destiny

1 Corinthians 15:48-49
As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.

Romans 8:29
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to beconformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

1 John 3:1-3
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Philippians 3:21
who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Ephesians 1:9-11
having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth–in Him. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

John 17:20-24
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. ‘Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

Colossians 1:26-29
the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this endI also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

Ephesians 1:14
who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Romans 8:14-17
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Ephesians 1:3-5
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, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

Ephesians 3:14-19
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height– to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

2 Peter 1:3-4
as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Romans 8:9
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

John 17:5
And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

Romans 8:11
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

1 Corinthians 15:42-44
So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Colossians 1:15-16
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Genesis 1:26
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

August 30, 2019August 30, 2019

Beauty, Joy And Praise For Ashes, Mourning And Heaviness

We’ve all been burnt by life. Everyone has experienced hurt and disappointment. But God doesn’t want us to sit in the ashes of the past; He wants to trade our brokenness for healing. He wants to give us beauty for our ashes. The key is that we have to be willing to give up the ashes in order to receive the beauty. You can’t have both, because the old has to go before the new can come.

Today, are you willing to trust God with your past ashes? Are you willing to let go of the pain, to forgive others and yourself so you can move forward into God’s beautiful freedom? Don’t waste another day sitting in the ashes of disappointment and hurt.

Today, the past is over, but your future remains. Let God give you joy instead of mourning, praise instead of heaviness and let Him make something beautiful out of the ashes of your life today and always!

“…he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness…”
(Isaiah 61:3, TLB)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for promising to sweep away the ashes, mourning and heaviness from my past, and give me something beautiful and joyful to look forward to. Father, I give them up to You, and receive Your healing and restoration in my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.