Category: faith

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More Faith 

20 Inspiring Christian Quotes from Leaders of the Faith
In life, the gift I crave more than any other is faith. Do you desire to have more faith? Faith can grow and increase the bible says. It also says that faith comes by hearing in the present tense. We have to hear the Word of God repeatedly for it to take root in our hearts and transform our minds.
A seed needs water daily to grow; your faith needs the Word of God daily to grow. The more you hear God’s Word, the more you know Him. The more you know Him, the more you will be able to believe Him – and that’s what faith is!
Today, choose a few faith Scriptures to meditate on. Write them down or highlight them on your phone and carry them around with you reading them often. Let the truth of the Word transform you and move you forward into the abundant life God has for you!
“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17).
 
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your living, active and faith-building Word. Father, I submit myself to You today. God, teach me Your ways. Give me insight into Your Word so that I may know more about you, in Christ’ name. Amen.
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Sabbath = Release

On the eve of the Sabbath. God wants to give you rest. He wants to refresh and restore your soul mind, will and emotions. It’s so easy to get caught up in the “busyness” of life, and before long, your mind, will and emotions are so “spun up” that you can barely think straight! But even in the hustle of life, you can find rest, ease and relaxation. God wants to take care of everything that concerns you so that you can find rest in your innermost being when you come to Him.
The Sabbath is more than just sleeping, it’s about releasing what’s bothering you. Imagine how you would feel if someone approached you today and said, “Give me all of your monthly bills; I’m going to pay them.” You’d get excited, wouldn’t you? But it wouldn’t happen until you did your part to actually hand that person your bills. They can’t pay them for you if you never release them. In the same way, when we release our cares and concerns to God, He promises to take care of them.
Today, as we approach the sabbath/rest, 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 blessing He has for you!
There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from. (Hebrews 4:9-10).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I humbly come to You. I choose to cast my cares on You so that I can live in Your rest, not only on sabbath but daily. Father, thank You for Your goodness to me. Help me find ways to share Your goodness with those around me today, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Shine Bright

Today’s verse reminds me of a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt “It’s more important to light a candle than to curse the darkness”. Unfortunately, many Christians are known as people who curse darkness. As Christians, we are sometimes more about what we oppose rather than being shining models of truth and love.

In scripture, Jesus calls us to be light in a sin-darkened world. We are light when we live all of life in the way God calls us to live. We are light when we treat our clients with integrity, and when we treat bullies with kindness (without letting them get their way). We live as light when we represent a cause that may not be popular but is right. In fact, Christ explains that it is impossible for Christians not to be light. We are either His followers, His light, or we are not. A candle under a bowl goes out. A city on a hill lights the countryside. Authentic Christians radiate righteousness, truth, and grace.

Today, the light that lights this dark world does not come from within us. We are the light of the world only to the extent that Christ, the true light of the world, lives in us. When we were lost in darkness, He came to us, full of grace and truth, and drew us into his light. Will you shine the light of Jesus into your world today?

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, my light, I’m so glad that your glorious light shattered the gloom of my life and offered me hope! Father may my life reflect the brightness of your grace at all times. God, please help me to live as light in this world. In Christ’s name, Amen.

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Dreams!

Have you ever been passionate about a dream or vision, only to have it never come to pass? Scripture tells us that God has an appointed time to fulfil the visions, dreams and desires He has placed in our heart. Just because it has taken a long time, or you’ve tried and not succeeded, doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen.
Don’t give up on those dreams! Don’t be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. Our God, is a faithful God. No matter how long it’s been, no matter how impossible things seem, if you’ll stay in faith, your God appointed time is coming. Hallelujah! Remember, every dream that’s in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God put it in there. Not only that, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass.
Today, hold on to your vision or dream by declaring, “my time is coming. God is working things out on my behalf. I will fulfill my destiny!” As you continue to hold on to that vision and daily speak life over your dreams, you’ll see them begin to take shape. You’ll see your faith grow, you’ll see your hope strengthen, and you’ll see yourself step into the destiny God has prepared for you at the appointed time!
“For the vision is yet for an appointed time…though it tarry, wait for it…” (Habakkuk 2:3, KJV).
 
Let’s Pray 
Yahweh, I receive Your truth today. I receive Your promises. Father, ignite my visions and dreams with Your holy fire, so that I can pursue Your perfect plan for my life. Make my thoughts and words agreeable to Your will. God, give me the faith I need to hold on when life’s failures seem to get me down and rob me of purpose. In Jesus’ Name! Amen.
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The Drought Is Over

Every person goes through times of drought or dry seasons, when we don’t see the changes we hoped for. We’ve got big dreams, we’re standing on God’s promises, but things stay the same. It’s dry and barren. Maybe you are blessed in one area and a drought in another. It’s easy to think, “This is how it will always be. I’ll always have this struggle.” No, I declare in 2024 that drought is coming to an end. Any area of brokenness, dryness, loneliness, every empty place, if you will stay in faith, God is going to rain down favour, healing, and restoration.
Today I declare you are going to see an abundance of rain! Every drought is only temporary. That dry season is not going to last forever. Struggle and lack are not your destiny. It’s temporary. Rain (blessings) is headed your way! Receive it by faith, say “Father, thank You that the drought is ending and the rain is coming. In 2024, I will see an abundance of Your goodness in my life!”.
“You, O God, sent a plentiful rain…” (Psalm 68:9).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for the promise of refreshing rain on the dry places in my life. Father, thank You for raining down provision, blessing, hope, wisdom, joy and peace in my life. Please Lord  give me strength to stand strong in You as Your plan unfolds for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Wonderfully Made

David said in Psalm 139, “God, I praise You because You have amazingly made me. What You have done is wonderful.” Notice what followed David’s “I am.” He was not in pride but in praise to God.
Now, that goes against human nature. Most of us think, “Nothing is amazing about me. Nothing wonderful. I’m just average. I’m just ordinary.” But the fact is, there is nothing at all ordinary about you! You have a fingerprint that nobody else has. There will never be another you. Even if you have a twin, they don’t have the same personality, goals, or fingerprints. You are an original. When God made you, He threw away the mould. When you say, “I am wonderful, I am attractive, I am vibrant”, not only does vitality, youth and freshness start coming your way, but on the inside, your spirit rises up. Your self-image begins to improve, and you start carrying yourself like you’re someone special. You no longer drag through the day feeling inferior. You have that spring in your step, that “go after it” attitude.
Today, get in agreement with God. Declare what He declares about you. Declare, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” See yourself the way God sees you and experience all He has for you!
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139:14, NKJV).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for making me in Your image. Father, thank You for equipping me with everything I need for life and godliness. God, I will say what You say about me, so I can be everything You’ve created me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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File It…

When things happen in your life that you don’t plan, do you find yourself trying to reason it all out or look for a “file” (so to speak) in your mind to put it in? What happens when you can’t reason it out or make sense of it all?
Here’s the answer: We need to create a file in our thinking called the “I Don’t Understand It”. When things come up that don’t make sense, things that you can’t figure out, instead of getting frustrated or confused, put it in your “I Don’t Understand It” file and leave it alone. If you go through life trying to figure out why something bad happened or didn’t work out, it will cause you to become bitter and stuck in life. Part of trusting God means trusting Him when things don’t make sense because we know that His plan always works for good. We have to know that He will reveal all things in His time, even if that means in eternity.
Today, is there something that hasn’t made sense in 2024 that you know you need to file in your “I don’t understand it God” file? Choose to trust God. Choose to keep moving forward. Know that He loves you, He is for you, and He has a great plan for your future!
 
“Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me.” (Psalm 131:1, NKJV).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I surrender my past. I surrender my need to have all the answers, and I choose to trust You. Father, fill me with Your peace. Fill me with Your grace and compassion as I press forward into the victory You have prepared for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Satisfied

God wants you to live completely satisfied in Him, but so many people have a misconception about what will satisfy them. Scripture tells us that when we hunger and thirst for righteousness, then we will live in complete satisfaction. 

You direct your hunger by choosing what you focus on. For example, if you focus on your favourite food, if you start thinking about it early in the morning and all throughout the day, chances are that by the end of the day, you’ll be eating it! What you give your attention to, you will desire. In the same way, the more you give your attention to God and His Word, the more you will hunger for Him; and when you hunger for Him, you will be filled (satisfied)!

Today, the world offers so many things to give your attention to, but they will not satisfy. You might think you want a particular car, or fashionable clothes, or live in a particular neighbourhood. There’s nothing wrong with those things, but understand that “things” won’t ever satisfy you. Recognize that only God will completely satisfy you, so hunger and thirst for Him!

“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6, AMP).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I come to You today, releasing anything that has captured my heart and attention more than You. Father, I long to be spiritually and physically satisfied, please fill me. Today, I choose to give You top priority and hunger for Your righteousness, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Celebration

Whilst traveling, I often get confused by Christian congregations who look sad and miserable, as if they have no hope. Even in worship, our time to celebrate our God for who He is and what He has done, we take the non biblical stance of silence, uniformity and inaction. I remember after Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan scored a goal against Germany in the 2014 World Cup, he and his teammates did a coordinated dance step. When Germany’s Miroslav Klose scored a few minutes later, he did a running front flip. “Soccer celebrations are so appealing because they reveal players’ personalities, values, and passions”, says Clint Mathis, who scored for the US at the 2002 World Cup.
In Psalm 150, the psalmist invites “everything that has breath” to celebrate and praise the Lord in many different ways. He suggests that we use trumpets and harps, stringed instruments and pipes, cymbals and dancing. He encourages us to creatively and passionately celebrate, honor, and adore the Lord. Why? because the Lord is great and has performed mighty acts on behalf of His people, He is worthy of all praise. These outward expressions of praise will come from an inner wellspring overflowing with gratitude to God. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord,” the psalmist declares (150:6). Which is why we were created.
Today, Though we may celebrate the Lord in different ways, our praise to God always needs to be expressive and meaningful and should show personality, passion and value. When we think about the Lord’s character and His mighty acts toward us, we cannot help but celebrate Him through our praise and worship. How has this Psalm challenged you to be more expressive in your praise to God? Spend some time thinking about the greatness of the Lord’s mighty works. Then give Him your praise. Remember praise is the song of a soul set free.
 
Praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe. (Psalm 150:4).
 
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I lift you up and magnify your name with my mind, body and soul. Father I apologies and ask for your forgiveness for my lack of personality, passion and power while praising and worshiping You.  For allowing the things of this world and the enemy to still my praise for You. God today I pledge and declare that sin I will praise you with my whole heart as you created me to be. I come in agreement with your word “let everthing that have breath praise the Lord”. In your name, Amen.
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The Question Is…

After reading many prayer requests, I realised that many asked the “why” question. Throughout life, we may experience sorrows for which there are no adequate explanations. Some are difficult events with far-reaching effects, while others are personal, private tragedies that alter our individual lives and families forever. We want to know why, but we seem to find more questions than answers. Yet even as we struggle with “why?”, God extends His unfailing love to us.
On October 31, 2014, an experimental spacecraft broke apart during a test flight and crashed into the Mojave Desert. The co-pilot died while the pilot miraculously survived. Investigators determined what happened, but not why. The title of a newspaper article about the crash began with the words “Questions remain.”
When Job lost his children and his wealth in a single day, he sank into an angry depression and resisted any attempted explanations by his friends, even though he still had questions. Yet he held out hope that someday there would be an answer from his God. Even in the darkness, Job could say, “God knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold”.
Today, as we face life’s unanswered questions, we can find help and hope in God’s love and promises – that one day there will be a personal and direct touch from God, when every tear and perplexity, every oppression and distress, every suffering and pain, and wrong, and injustice will have a complete, and ample, and overwhelming explanation. Until then hold on by faith that the answer is on the way.
“God knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).
 
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for my faith and trust in You, that even though I have questions about life and why things have happened the way they have, my love for You hasn’t wavered. Father, there is one thing I can’t and won’t question and that is Your love for me. God, give me wisdom and understanding today to accept what I can’t explain, believing You know what’s best for me. In Jesus’ name! Amen.
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Constantly Moving

In 2015, the news reported a horrible tragedy: the body of three-year-old Alan Kurdi had washed up on a beach near Bodrum, Turkey. Alan’s family of Syrian refugees were trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to a Greek island when their inflatable boat capsized. This tragedy testified to the refugees’ desperation: they chose to risk the harsh sea in a raft to escape the threats of terrorists in their homeland. The accident also reminds us of the long history of shipwrecks in the Mediterranean.
Whilst in Malta last week, I learnt that the Mediterranean Sea was a key part of the apostle Paul’s missionary travels. He tells of being shipwrecked there three times and being stranded on the open sea while on the move for God. In Paul’s work of spreading the good news of Jesus, he was also beaten, pelted with stones, and thrown into prison. That happened because people in some places were hostile to the message of Christ. In addition, some false teachers twisted the message of Jesus for their profit, fame, and power. Sadly, false, and corrupt leaders are still doing similar things today.
Today, as Paul and Jesus explained, challenges and dangers often go with sharing the good news because the devil is opposed to it. Satan doesn’t want anyone to be saved. But in God’s strength, the good news of Jesus keeps moving to every nation, tongue, and people. Will you help to share it too?
Three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. (2 Corinthians 11:25-26).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, guide me to share your good news everywhere, always moving forward following your Spirit’s lead. Father help me to deal faithfully with the shipwrecks that arise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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A Church on the Move

I once heard about a church called “Church on the Move.” It was a congregation quite different from the tradition I am used to, and the church’s name has stuck with me. I have come to appreciate the meaning behind the name of that church.
Church life can be static and stale for many of us. We have our routines. We may even sit in the same chair or pew, week after week. Though Christ has intended his church to be a community that is always growing, inviting all kinds of people to come to know Jesus, the church can become stationary if we let that happen.
In today’s verse, the Spirit sends Philip in a certain direction, and Philip soon meets an Ethiopian who is reading from the book of Isaiah in his chariot. The man does not understand what he is reading. God had sent Philip for that moment, and a new disciple was born.
Today, as we think about “church on the move”, let’s consider the Ethiopian Eunuch who learnt about Christ and went back home, bringing the good news of Jesus with him. Though this man was a eunuch who could no longer have children, the church in Ethiopia today points back to him as a spiritual father. Ask yourself the question as a disciple of Christ, where and how are you helping to keep the church “on the move”?
They came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptised?” (Acts 8:36).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I thank you for the way your Spirit moves in my life and heart. Father, show me how to follow your Spirit faithfully, always and never being stagnant, moving in line with your will each day. In Jesus name, Amen.
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Leaders Move First

It’s much easier to challenge others to do evangelism, than to be personally involved in it. This is especially true if we find ourselves in a leadership position.

One key biblical principle, is that leaders must do what they call others to do. A leader does not hang back waiting to see what others are doing and then follow them. A leader is out front, demonstrating how to live and act. A godly leader does not conform to the status quo but sets the standard for others to follow. According to today’s verse, a leader who follows Christ, leads by example.
One way this can be demonstrated is by placing a string on a table. When you pull the string, it will follow you. But if you push it, it bunches up and doesn’t move forward. When it comes to leading people, things go much the same way. They need to follow a person who is out front and leading by example.
Today Christ, the greatest leader of all, shows true leadership by taking a towel and washing his disciples’ feet. When he finished, he said, “I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you.” That’s leadership! When it comes to ministry, leaders must do it first. They are to lead the way in following Christ and sharing Christ with others.
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 (Corinthians 11:1).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, you came to seek, to serve, and to save. Father we want to follow this example, in our leadership. As we do, may we be useful in leading others to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Move!

Recently there has been an increase of storms and many countries have been battered. We all face storms in life, but during those times, we have to remember that Almighty God is greater than any struggle we face! He’ll take those challenges and use them to strengthen us, but we have to do our part and take a step of faith toward victory.
When a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, it’s in a dark place on the back side of some tree, having been battered by the storms of life. It doesn’t look like it has many options. But when it becomes a butterfly, it doesn’t just sit and wait for someone to come and let it out of its cocoon. No, that butterfly knows that it has to make a move if it’s going to be set free to fly. In the same way, we have to do something to get out of the confining spaces life has placed us in. We have to pray, we have to believe, and we have to move into our victory.
Today, don’t just sit there, move! No matter what you may be facing, don’t forget, His grace is sufficient for you. His strength is made perfect in you. He has given you everything you need to be an overcomer in this life. Now is the time to make a move, break free from the clutches of the storm and  rise to new levels, because God has victory and blessings prepared for you!
“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’…” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. Father, I will not stand still in my struggles, I will move beyond them, putting my trust in You. God, I declare that You are good and faithful. Thank You for equipping me with strength for a powerful victory in every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
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The Sabbath was established before Adam and Eve sinned. If it existed before sin, how can it be abolished?

The Sabbath, according to biblical teachings, holds a unique and enduring significance that transcends the event of sin entering the world. Understanding the origins and purpose of the Sabbath provides insight into why it is seen as an eternal practice rather than something contingent upon the presence of sin.

The Origin of the Sabbath

The Sabbath was instituted during the creation week, as described in the book of Genesis. On the seventh day, after creating the heavens, the earth, and all living things, God rested:

Genesis 2:2-3 (NIV):

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”

This passage highlights several key points about the Sabbath:

  1. Divine Rest: God’s rest on the seventh day signifies the completion of creation. It was a day set apart not because God needed rest but to establish a pattern for humanity.
  2. Sanctification: God blessed the seventh day and made it holy. This sanctification indicates a special status for the Sabbath, marking it as a time set apart for rest and reflection.
  3. Pre-Sin Institution: The Sabbath was instituted before the fall of Adam and Eve, indicating its purpose and significance were rooted in the created order, not in response to sin.

The Enduring Nature of the Sabbath

Given that the Sabbath was established before sin entered the world, its purpose transcends the consequences of sin. The Sabbath’s continuation is rooted in several theological and biblical principles:

  1. Creation Ordinance: As a creation ordinance, the Sabbath is part of the divine order of creation. It was given to humanity as a perpetual reminder of God’s creative power and sovereignty.
  2. Symbol of Rest and Relationship: The Sabbath symbolizes a deeper rest and relationship with God. It is a day for humanity to cease from labor and to focus on their relationship with their Creator. This principle of rest and relationship is not nullified by the presence or absence of sin.
  3. Continuity in Scripture: The Sabbath is reaffirmed throughout the Bible. In the Ten Commandments, it is reiterated as a fundamental aspect of God’s covenant with His people:

Exodus 20:8-11 (NIV):

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work… For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”

  1. Eschatological Fulfillment: In Christian eschatology, the Sabbath also points forward to the ultimate rest that believers will experience in the new creation. The book of Hebrews speaks of a “Sabbath rest” that remains for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9-10). This future rest reflects the perfect and eternal rest in God’s presence, which would have continued without interruption if sin had never entered the world.

The Theological Argument

Theologically, if Adam and Eve had never sinned, the principles behind the Sabbath would still apply:

  1. A Day of Worship and Reflection: Humanity would still need a designated time to worship, reflect, and celebrate their Creator. The Sabbath would serve this purpose, fostering a continual acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and goodness.
  2. Cycle of Work and Rest: The rhythm of work and rest instituted by the Sabbath provides a balance that benefits human well-being. This balance would remain important in a sinless world, promoting holistic living and flourishing.
  3. Community and Fellowship: The Sabbath also promotes community and fellowship among God’s people. In a sinless world, these aspects would continue to thrive, enhancing the collective worship and unity of humanity.

Conclusion

The Sabbath’s institution before the fall of Adam and Eve underscores its foundational role in God’s creation. It was not a response to sin but a part of the divine order meant to remind humanity of God’s creative power and to provide a rhythm of work and rest. Therefore, the Sabbath’s relevance and practice would continue irrespective of the presence of sin. It is an eternal principle embedded in the fabric of creation, signifying rest, relationship, and reverence for God.

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How Bad Do You Want Your Blessing?

Jacob was defeated, but he wouldn’t just give up. He wanted something in return – a blessing. How bad do you want to be blessed? This was normal for Jacob, who was always trying to get something from someone. It’s nervy to think of demanding a blessing from someone who has just gotten the best of you.
Yet in Jacob’s demand, we can hear hints of something that was new for him. Jacob wasn’t used to negotiating from a position of total defeat. By this point, Jacob knew there was no hope of scrambling his way out of this problem. After a lifetime of thinking that he had to rely on his own wits, he was finally forced to acknowledge his limits. Pinned to the ground, he found himself in the awkward position of having no more options. All he could do was ask for help.
Today, as we think about Jacob, ask yourself these questions. Have you ever been flattened by circumstances you didn’t see coming, with no option left but to cry out to God for help? Most recovery groups, schools and families are filled with people who refuse to ask for help until their situations becomes desperate. Jacob was at that point. He knew earlier that he could pray to God, but he still tried doing things his way. Things were different for him. It made him a different person, who needed a different name: Israel, the “God-wrestler”. Sometimes God needs to break us down before He can bring us back up. Has He ever done that to you? When times are hard don’t let go, hold on.
The man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” (Genesis 32:26).
 
Let’s pray
Yahweh, I know you are in control of my life. Father Help me to struggle with, but not against you. God, I claim my blessing today with Jacob’s boldness. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

 

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