The Gloves Are Off

‘The gloves are off’ suggest that enough is enough. It’s time to draw the line in the sand. I’m no longer fighting the devil in the physical. It’s all about allowing God to fight for me.
Yes, the devil is on attack and he will not let up until you and your family are destroyed. As men of God, we cannot risk another moment fighting this spiritual fight with natural means. It’s not about politics or who is running for office. It’s not about the amount of money you make. Those things are important but they’re also distractions. It’s about God’s calling on your life and the direction you’re taking your family.
Remember, as men of God our primary goal is to make sure our children have a relationship with Christ. That through their relationship with us, their natural father, they can establish a real relationship with our Heavenly Father. The devil is aware of the power behind that and will do everything in his power to prevent it. But it won’t work. We have at our disposal, the most powerful weapon mankind has ever seen… Prayer.
Today, as spiritual God fearing men and women, it’s time to take off the gloves, fall to your knees and lift your hands in surrender to Christ. No more fighting in the physical. We are destined to lose.
Instead, take it to the spiritual arena where your victory is cemented. Let’s Speak over our family, pray for our children, and rebuke any attempt we see the devil making to destroy their confidence and identity in Christ. Declare war on the devil. Don’t fall for his distractions. He knows he doesn’t stand a chance against the power of prayer. So let’s use it.
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, it’s in your name I declare to the devil … you can’t have my family. I can’t stop you from trying and you can’t stop me from praying. Your feeble attempts to destroy what God ordained will not come to pass. I serve a God much greater than any deceit you can come up with. You don’t fight fair and I don’t care. I will beat you down, knock you out, and annihilate you with the power of prayer. In Jesus’ name, I pray this prayer, Amen!

Breaking News Part 5: Anointing Brings Power, Courage and Ability

Not only has God equipped you, but He is also working in you. He has already lined up everything you need to live a victorious life. You were created to excel! Greatness is inside of you. Don’t settle where you are. Have the attitude, “I am anointed. I can accomplish my dreams. I can overcome any obstacle”. God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfil your destiny through His Word!  

The scripture says, as believers in Christ, we are anointed. The word “anointing” is the power of God which gives you courage, strength and ability. That means you are well able to do what God has called you to do.  

Today, because of your gift of anointing, you can accomplish your goals. You can become more creative with talents and success. You can overcome any obstacle and you’re equipped with strength for every battle! Remember, the heavenly hosts that are with you are greater than the forces that are against you! Hallelujah! 

“Every Scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me. Father, thank You for anointing me and empowering me through your Spirit. God help me to stay focused on Your Word and Your plan for my life today and in the future. I bless You and honour You alone. In Christ’ name, Amen.

Breaking News Part 4: You Are Anointed with Joy

Psalm 45 has been called a ‘King’s Wedding Song’. It brims with royal pageantry and wedding imagery. The bridegroom here is a King of God’s people, preparing to marry the one he loves. This Psalm was probably used at many royal weddings in ancient Israel.

Later in Israel’s history, this Psalm came to be seen as a picture of the promised Messiah-King, who would come to deliver and unite with God’s people. In the New Testament, God’s people recognize Jesus as the Messiah-Saviour and see the church (God’s people) as his bride, based on teachings about a wedding feast in the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 22:2; 25:1; Revelation 19:7; 21:2).

The psalmist talks about being anointed with “the oil of joy”. The joy we have in Christ as our Saviour can be with us always. Yet we are often distracted by worries and troubles in this world, forgetting the amazing blessings and potential we have as Christ’s anointed ones.

Today, weddings are seen as joyous events. So, even as we deal realistically with the struggles of this world just as Jesus does, we can look forward to our wedding and full life with Him in the kingdom of God. We can share that good news with others, so they too can have this anointed joy – now and forever. With whom can you share this breaking news of a joyful of life today?

You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. (Psalm 45:7).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I long for a joy-filled life forever with you. Father, thank you for anointing me with your joy. God guide me to share it with others, for your sake. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Breaking News Part 3: You Have an Anointing

Some years ago, without my knowledge, I was given a counterfeit 20 pound note. I didn’t realise it until the lady at the check-out eyed me suspiciously because it wasn’t the real thing. Thankfully, I wasn’t charged with a crime. But for a short time, I felt caught between the forces of truth and evil.

Two forces are at work in the world today: truth is working by the Holy Spirit, and evil is working by the energy of Satan, the devil, the father of lies. We feel this tension in our lives every day. Sadly, many Christians have one foot in the world and one foot in the life of faith. The Bible calls this lukewarm belief (Revelation 3:15-16).

Today, we are living in a crisis of faith. The spirit of the antichrist is working in this world. It is vitally important to stand strong in faith and to be able to recognize the lies and deceit of the evil one. Having daily devotions and a consistent life of prayer is a beautiful way to carry out your anointing. This anointing, the Bible tells us, is given to us by God and remains in us. Take comfort in this truth. Satan cannot snatch us away from God’s claim on our lives because of our anointing. You have an anointing from the Holy One, and that’s the truth.

The anointing you received from him … is real, not counterfeit – [so] just as it has taught you, remain in him. (1 John 2:27).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for your unfailing love and constant promises. Father, I praise you that my anointing is real and sent by you. Please Keep me strong, I pray in your name, Amen.

Break News Part 2: The Anointing Brings Prosperity

In the ancient world, anointing a person with oil had several meanings. It was used to symbolize that a person was chosen by God. Anointing a person with oil was a sign of God’s approval. People were anointed as an act of sanctification, to make one holy. Early Christians were encouraged to pray and anoint those who were sick with oil.

In scripture, David doesn’t tell us just what he was thinking in Psalm 23, when he wrote, “Thou anointest my head with oil”.   Was it the moment that the prophet Samuel visited his father Jesse, having been sent by God, to anoint a new King? Or at a coronation ceremony many years later, when he did become King? Or was it at a moment he had asked for prayer, and he was anointed again?

Today, the words of Psalm 23 give us encouragement. For as we read it, we too, are assured of God’s love and presence in every part of our lives. As David wrote the words, “Thou anointest my head with oil”, he celebrated both the physical touch of oil and the gift of God’s Spirit, being poured on him. The anointing meant that David feasted at a table, knowing God’s grace was overflowing without limit and end.  Like David, the anointing assures us of a shepherd who would lead us in every circumstance. One who would always be present to give comfort, strength, and prosperity.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil.” (Psalm 23:5).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for anointing my drooping head with oil to revive me. Father, in this dry and weary land, I need Your refreshment in my life. God thank You for knowing just when I need a good word, a kind gesture, a phone call, or any other encouraging thing in my life. Lord, thank You for pouring the fresh oil of hope over my head at just the perfect time. Thank you for the Grace and prosperity the oil represents. You are truly a Good Shepherd, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Breaking News Part 1: The Anointing Destroys The Yoke

In today’s verse, Isaiah the prophet, brought some exceptionally good breaking news to King Hezekiah. King Sennacherib of Assyria had set his sights on Judah. He captured her cities, demanded exorbitant tributes, and mocked the God they served. In desperation, King Hezekiah went to the Temple to seek the Lord’s assistance.

Scripture says God sent a message through Isaiah: He would lift the burden under which Hezekiah was bound. He would destroy the yoke with which King Sennacherib had controlled and crushed his people. And He would do so because of the anointing. God honoured His anointing, His word, and His purposes.

Satan is the enemy of our souls, just like Sennacherib. He has set his sights on crushing us. He bounds us down with burdens and lays heavy yokes across our necks to steal, kill, and destroy us. But but the bible reminds us when the enemy comes in like a flood, God will raise a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19).

Today’s breaking news is the anointing destroys the yoke and lifts burdens! The anointing brings the power that mends broken hearts, resurrects dead marriages, restores broken homes, causes barren wombs to bring forth life, brings immovable walls tumbling down, and gathers the wandering to the cross. It lifts every burden and destroys every yoke! Hallelujah!

It shall come to pass in that day that his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, and his yoke from your neck, and the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil.

(Isaiah 10:27).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, please bless me and keep me. God lift every burden from my shoulders and be gracious unto me and give me His peace. God give me your anointing through your Spirit to destroy every yoke under which I struggle so I can be set free by the power of Christ. It’s in his name I pray, Amen!

The Love of Jesus: A Divine Embrace

The love of Jesus is a central theme in Christianity, resonating through the hearts of millions of believers around the world. This divine love, often described as unconditional, sacrificial, and boundless, is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Let’s delve into the profound depths of Jesus’ love and how it continues to impact lives today.

Unconditional Love: A Model of Perfection

One of the most remarkable aspects of Jesus’ love is its unconditional nature. Unlike human love, which can often be conditional and based on reciprocity, Jesus’ love knows no bounds. It is freely given to all, regardless of their past, present, or future. This unconditional love is beautifully illustrated in the parable of the prodigal son, where a father warmly welcomes his wayward child back into the fold, embodying God’s boundless grace and forgiveness.

Sacrificial Love: The Ultimate Gift

The sacrificial nature of Jesus’ love is most poignantly demonstrated in His willingness to lay down His life for humanity. The crucifixion stands as the ultimate act of love, where Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world, offering redemption and reconciliation to all who believe. This profound sacrifice underscores the depth of His love and His commitment to the well-being of humanity. As stated in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Boundless Compassion: Healing and Hope

Throughout His ministry, Jesus exemplified boundless compassion, healing the sick, comforting the broken-hearted, and offering hope to the marginalized. His interactions with individuals such as the Samaritan woman at the well and the healing of the blind man demonstrate His deep empathy and love for all people, regardless of their social or cultural standing. Jesus’ love transcended societal norms, reaching out to those who were often ostracized and forgotten.

Transformative Power: Changing Lives

The love of Jesus is not only a source of comfort and solace but also a transformative force. Countless lives have been changed by encountering this divine love, leading individuals to repentance, forgiveness, and a renewed sense of purpose. The apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became one of the most fervent advocates of Jesus’ love after his transformative encounter on the road to Damascus. This powerful love continues to inspire and transform lives, drawing people closer to God and to one another.

A Call to Love: Following Jesus’ Example

Believers are called to emulate Jesus’ love in their own lives, extending grace, forgiveness, and compassion to others. This call to love is beautifully encapsulated in Jesus’ commandment in John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” By following Jesus’ example, Christians can become beacons of His love in a world often filled with pain and division.

Conclusion: Embracing the Love of Jesus

The love of Jesus is a divine embrace that offers comfort, healing, and transformation. It is a love that transcends human understanding, reaching into the depths of the heart and soul. As we reflect on this boundless love, let us strive to embody it in our own lives, sharing it with others and becoming vessels of His grace and compassion. In embracing the love of Jesus, we find the true essence of the Christian faith and the path to a life filled with meaning and purpose.

The Love of Jesus: A Divine Embrace

The love of Jesus is a central theme in Christianity, resonating through the hearts of millions of believers around the world. This divine love, often described as unconditional, sacrificial, and boundless, is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Let’s delve into the profound depths of Jesus’ love and how it continues to impact lives today.

Unconditional Love: A Model of Perfection

One of the most remarkable aspects of Jesus’ love is its unconditional nature. Unlike human love, which can often be conditional and based on reciprocity, Jesus’ love knows no bounds. It is freely given to all, regardless of their past, present, or future. This unconditional love is beautifully illustrated in the parable of the prodigal son, where a father warmly welcomes his wayward child back into the fold, embodying God’s boundless grace and forgiveness.

Sacrificial Love: The Ultimate Gift

The sacrificial nature of Jesus’ love is most poignantly demonstrated in His willingness to lay down His life for humanity. The crucifixion stands as the ultimate act of love, where Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world, offering redemption and reconciliation to all who believe. This profound sacrifice underscores the depth of His love and His commitment to the well-being of humanity. As stated in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Boundless Compassion: Healing and Hope

Throughout His ministry, Jesus exemplified boundless compassion, healing the sick, comforting the broken-hearted, and offering hope to the marginalized. His interactions with individuals such as the Samaritan woman at the well and the healing of the blind man demonstrate His deep empathy and love for all people, regardless of their social or cultural standing. Jesus’ love transcended societal norms, reaching out to those who were often ostracized and forgotten.

Transformative Power: Changing Lives

The love of Jesus is not only a source of comfort and solace but also a transformative force. Countless lives have been changed by encountering this divine love, leading individuals to repentance, forgiveness, and a renewed sense of purpose. The apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became one of the most fervent advocates of Jesus’ love after his transformative encounter on the road to Damascus. This powerful love continues to inspire and transform lives, drawing people closer to God and to one another.

A Call to Love: Following Jesus’ Example

Believers are called to emulate Jesus’ love in their own lives, extending grace, forgiveness, and compassion to others. This call to love is beautifully encapsulated in Jesus’ commandment in John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” By following Jesus’ example, Christians can become beacons of His love in a world often filled with pain and division.

Conclusion: Embracing the Love of Jesus

The love of Jesus is a divine embrace that offers comfort, healing, and transformation. It is a love that transcends human understanding, reaching into the depths of the heart and soul. As we reflect on this boundless love, let us strive to embody it in our own lives, sharing it with others and becoming vessels of His grace and compassion. In embracing the love of Jesus, we find the true essence of the Christian faith and the path to a life filled with meaning and purpose.

Your Faith Can Turn Things Around

Life is full of highs and lows, twists and turns, and ups and downs. But did you know that everything you’ve been through up until now is preparing you for what God is going to do with you and for you? No trial, challenge or difficulty you’ve been through has been wasted. Every disappointment, setback, every person that did you wrong, every lonely night, God is going to turn around and use for your good! Hallelujah!
Every difficulty helps us grow and mature. When our faith is stretched, our character is developed and made stronger. God didn’t send that hardship, but He’ll use it to get you prepared for your next step. Those adversities will mould you into the person you are called to be.
Today, you may be experiencing tough times, but remember, God is growing you, maturing you, and stretching your faith. Have the attitude that says, “This is a new day. Things are shifting for my good. This difficulty is not going to stop me. It’s going to elevate me. God is going to use it to lift me up and lead me into victory all the days of my life!”
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for delivering me through some hard trials. Father, I will always dwell in Your presence. I know that with You, no trial will defeat me and all things will work out for my good. God, I thank You for Your peace and protection as You carry me through the difficult places into the place of victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Living Faith

When the Bible tells us about a great man or woman of faith, the Lord in His kindness also often shows us the person’s weakness and failings. For example, let’s look at Abraham. Like any one of us, he had faults. He sinned. He made mistakes.  Still, God loved him and accomplished great things through his life.
When the Lord spoke, Abraham listened. Just imagine what promises and blessings he would have missed if he’d failed to pay attention. (See Genesis 12:1-8Genesis 15:1-5Genesis 17:1-4.) Abraham’s conversations with God teach us what living by faith looks like:
  • Listening to God. When we recognize God’s voice, we’ll have assurance about what to do and where to go.
  • Obeying God. Obeying God shows we really trust Him, and each time we obey Him, our faith grows stronger.
  • Depending on God. Human nature wants to be self-sufficient, but we desperately need God’s wisdom, strength, and help.
  • Waiting on God. Our willingness to patiently let God move in His own way reaps great blessings—and prevents big messes.
  • Acknowledging and learning from our failures. The Bible tells us that God exalts the humble (Matthew 23:12).
 Which of these do you struggle with? Ask God to help you move forward, trusting Him and listening for His voice.
Today, Christians often struggle with living faith when they lack strong examples. Some don’t receive encouragement to grow, while others hold on to the wrong teaching and other hindrances that stall their walk. It’s like they are only able to hobble along. Hobbling, as a mode of forward movement, does not get us very far. And the energy it requires is impossible to sustain. To have living faith, we must trust in the Lord, not ourselves. And as we learn to trust Him to lead and empower us to do His will, we begin to see Him doing more and more through us. We find ourselves not just walking, but running to finish our race!
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for always watching over me. Sometimes like Abraham life can get overwhelming, giving me moments of weakness from time to time. Father, please strengthen my heart and grant me the courage to get back up and face this new day. At times it seems tempting to concede to my weaknesses, but I know this is not what You want for me. Lord, please replenish my strength so that I may rise from the ashes of my shortcomings. God though I may fall, please forgive me as I move forward to please you and praise Your name. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Walking By Faith

What does it mean to walk by faith not by sight?
Are there people in the Bible who intrigue you, encourage you, and somehow challenge you? Maybe Moses and his keen leadership skills? Or, Esther the compelling Queen, both beautiful and brainy who used her quick thinking to help save an entire nation? What about Joseph, someone so mistreated but could continually take the high road – which led him not only to political power but also to family forgiveness.
All of these are good choices, but I choose Enoch. As a young man he fascinated me. Not a lot is written about him, but what is there piqued my interest. “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away” (Genesis 5:24). My young mind pondered that strange description. He was whisked away, spared the pain of death and transported immediately to God’s side, all because of two simple things: He pleased God and walked daily by faith.
I say simple, but I don’t say easy. It is a simple thing to please God. You just do what He says in His Word. Straightforward enough, right? However, my years as a follower of Christ have taught me that simple is not always easy. Choices present themselves, the world screams, our flesh gets in the way and we want revenge or glory. So we often lack faith, and instead try to control our own destinies. We mess up the pleasing God part with I do my own thing.
Enoch walked with God. Oh, don’t we long for that to be said of us? I’ll admit I don’t always walk with God. I take a stand for God, believe the right things and make it known. I may walk after God. And sadly, sometimes I run ahead of God, make my own plans. I say I made them in His name. I may have forgotten to consult Him in the midst of my business, but they are for God. Walking with God means we daily give up our desire to navigate our own lives, and we place our faith in Him. We admit He knows what’s best for us and realise He might not always reveal the hows and whys until the very last second. God is seldom early, but never late. Only day-by-day faith-walking pleases God.
Today, make God smile as He sees you place complete trust in Him and His infinite wisdom. Maybe then we just might be like my Bible hero Enoch … the one who walked so closely by our Creator’s side that one day, during one of those long walks, God looked at him and said, “You know, we’ve been walking together for so long now that we are closer to My house than yours. Why don’t you just come on home with Me right now?” Glory!
“Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away” (Genesis 5:24).
Let’s pray
Yahweh, show me how to walk step by step with You in faith not ahead of You or behind You, but right by Your side. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

What Faith Is Not

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times
The best way to explain faith, is to explain what it is not. It is not positive thinking. It is not believing or praying for something hard enough that you will it into existence. That is not faith; that is presumption. Specifically, it is the assurance that God will do what He has promised. He has never promised to spare you from illness, heartache, or death. But He has promised to redeem you when you die and take you to be with Him forever.
One day I was talking to a couple who were suffering the pain and heartbreak of infertility. They had prayed and prayed that God would give them a child. They had gone through expensive treatments, and nothing worked. They said, “We believe that whether or not God gives us a child, God is going to use our experience to help and encourage others who are going through this issue”. They ended up leading an infertility support group in our church.
Today, this infertile couple exercise faith. Not faith that God would give them a child, in fact, He never gave them a child but great faith that God would use their pain and struggle for good. Faith that, as 2 Corinthians 1:4 says, “[God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others”. That is what God has promised to do. He has not promised to take you out of your problems right now, but He has promised to use you to encourage others. That is what biblical faith is: an assurance that God will do what He has promised and what is best according to his will. Remember, faith is not just positive thinking or praying for something hard enough that you will it into existence. It’s all about trusting God no matter what…
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (2 Corinthians 1:4).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, take my heart, my desires, and my life and transform them to make me a stronger follower of Yours. Father, I want to grow in my relationship with You, but I need to trust You more for that to happen. So, help me on my journey, help me to connect to You more. I need you, God, oh how I need You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

How To Get Rid Of Stress

One of the number one killers of all time is stress and not enough rest. Sometimes the daily pressures of life can cause unnecessary stress. In fact, many people lose sleep worrying about things or people in their lives. But God doesn’t want us to live stressed out and overwhelmed. He wants us to live a life of rest and peace.
As Jesus walked on this earth, He took time for Himself. He got away from the crowds. He spent time with the Father. That’s how He found rest. He was gentle and humble in heart. Have you noticed that when you don’t take time out, you are stressed, worried and less tolerant of others? You’re more likely to say or do something you don’t really mean.
Today, God wants you to cast your cares on Him and live with a gentle and humble attitude. When you release your burdens and rest and don’t worry, like Jesus, you will find rest for your soul. You will be rejuvenated and refreshed! You will find peace in your heart, so you can move forward in the abundant life God has for you!
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I cast my cares on You. Father, teach me to have a gentle and humble attitude. God, help me find rest for my soul and not live with stress and worry, so that I can love You and others the way You love me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

Do You Worry?

Some of us worry about paying the monthly rent or mortgage. Some of us worry about the choices our children are making. Others are anxious about the big decisions we must make about our future. With all the concerns in life, can Jesus be serious when he tells us not to worry? While we will never know a life without concern, Jesus assures us we can know a life without worry. He points out that worry, any manner of pace-the-floor, can’t-sleep-at-night fretting, is not helpful because it changes nothing. Worry doesn’t add a single hour to life; it doesn’t solve a single problem.
Worry isn’t helpful because life is more than our worries make it out to be! Followers of Jesus are called to live for so much more than the fleeting things we worry about.
Today, Jesus reminds us that worry isn’t necessary for a child of God. Your heavenly Father knows precisely what you need when you need it and your heavenly Father is good. The same God who paints the flowers of the field and tends the birds of the air, holds every part of your life in his nail-pierced hands. The same God who loved you so much that He went through the hell of Calvary for you, loves you too much to leave your life to chance. Don’t worry! God is in control!
“Do not worry about your life …” (Matthew 6:25).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, you hold the vastness of the universe and the intricacies of the smallest molecules in your hands. Please help me to trust in your perfect care for me, so that I may be free to build my life in you. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Trade In Your Garment of Heaviness

I watched one of the greatest comebacks in football history one Tuesday night, as Liverpool looked down and out at Barcelona. But instead of the fans having an attitude of doom and gloom, they came to the stadium with an attitude of praise, to lift their team to victory. What type of attitude are you wearing today? What’s covering your mind and emotions? Are you clothed with despair and disappointment? Are you wearing “heaviness?”.
Maybe you’re going through hurt or disappointment. It’s important to go through that process and release the hurt to God. But the Bible also says that God wants to give you a garment of praise, instead of a spirit of heaviness or despair. He wants to exchange your hurt for His healing. He wants to fill you with His peace and joy.
Today, change your clothes. It’s time to take off the heavy garments of yesterday that’s holding you back and weighing you down. It’s time to put on the garment of praise. Release those heavy burdens right now. It’s time to forgive those who have hurt you, and begin to praise your way to victory. When you wear a garment of praise, you’ll stand in faith and excitement about your future, also displaying God’s splendour and power all the days of your life!
“…Provide for those who grieve…a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendour.” (Isaiah 61:3).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I come to You with an open and humble heart. Father, I ask that You take my old garments of despair, hurt and heaviness. God, make me new today, by giving me a garment of praise and joy. Please have Your way in my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Focus On Jesus

Have you ever asked these questions, “I’ve been a Christian nearly my whole life, but I’m constantly disappointed in myself. Why is it that I always seem to keep doing the things I wish I didn’t do and never seem to do the things I know I should do? Isn’t God getting tired of me?”.
That’s a common struggle that even the apostle Paul experienced in Romans. I believe many who ask these questions are caught in the discouragement trap.  But here’s some good news: we don’t have to stay in that trap of discouragement. To paraphrase Paul as he writes in Romans 8, the key is to stop focusing on the law and start focusing on Jesus. Hallelujah!
Remember the law, or us, can’t do anything about our sinfulness. The answer is not to try harder to be good at keeping rules – that’s the beginning of the discouragement trap. Instead, we must focus on the One who shows us mercy and loves us regardless and cooperate with the Spirit who changes us. Focusing on the law, will constantly remind us that we’ll never be good enough to deserve God’s grace.
Today, focus on Jesus, and we’ll become more like Him. Trade discouragement for encouragement and receive the freedom that Jesus brings.
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. (Romans 7:15).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I sometimes get caught in the cycle of trying harder to be good, failing, getting discouraged, and giving up. Help me Lord, to depend on Your grace and to draw near to You, so that You can change my heart. God, I’m so sorry for putting the law above You, which has allowed me to live by works and not Your grace. Today I choose to focus on Jesus and trade my discouragement for encouragement. In His name I pray! Amen.

 

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