Category: faith

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Pay Attention To The Little Things

As we look at our future and its success, we need to remember that it’s the little things that we must pay attention to. It’s not big things that hold us back; it’s small things, especially in our finances. A few pounds a day on drinks or coffee quickly turns into hundreds, and too many credit cards become overwhelming to keep up with. People who don’t budget or keep their finances in check will probably hear a little voice every time they go to spend, “get your finances in order.”

We have to realise that if we’re not faithful with what we have, God won’t entrust us with more. someone told me they hadn’t budgeted or really checked their finance for years, and now they are in debt. They had to close their account and open a new one. At least action was taken! Paying attention to the detail in your life is doing things the right way, which is God’s way. At church, many people say “I’m going to start giving. I’m going to start tithing (a biblical principle) as soon as I make more money.” Don’t wait until you have £500. Tithe on the £5 you have right now.

Today, don’t let the little foxes spoil your finances and then your life. Don’t let another day go by without obeying God in the small things, as well as the big things. When you set your finances in order, and you put God first in all you do, you are opening the door for His blessings and your sucess. He says when you are faithful with the little, I will make you ruler over much!

“Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.” 

(Song of Solomon 2:15, ESV)?

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I pledge to be obedient in every area of my life. I don’t want to let little things affect my finances and ultimately my life. Help me pay attention to detail, so I can be more faithful to You. Father, I dedicate my resources to You. Speak to my heart and show me how to bless others. God, based upon Your Word I want to be a faithful sower, and expect to reap an abundant harvest as You have promised, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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It’s All About Your Attitude

It’s All About Your Attitude

Have you ever used the words “if only?”I’m sure you have. It’s easy to think that if only your situation was different, then life would be better. You might think, “if only I got a new job, or a new house, had better friends or had better parents, then I would really be happy.”

I’ve learned that oftentimes, God changes us before He changes our circumstances. We are thinking, “if only my circumstances would change,” when God may be thinking, “if only your attitude would change!”it’s time to turn your thoughts around. Don’t allow negative thinking to direct your attitude, or affect how you treat others.

Today, thank God for what He has planned in you. Like the saying goes “bloom where you are planted.”Tend to what God has placed in your hand. If you will focus on what you have, instead of focusing on what you don’t have, then God can bless you, multiply you and lead you into the destiny He has for you!

“The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit”¦” 

(Proverbs 27:18, NIV )?

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and grace upon my life. Father, fix my attitude so I can deal with my circumstances. God, please turn my thoughts around, so I can focus on what You have placed in my hands. I want to be faithful, knowing that You are faithful. Strengthen my mind so I can be happy no matter what plan You have in store for my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
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All kinds of Wonderful

All kinds of Wonderful

I was praying for afriend who is struggling with despondency, having heard the cry of her heart as she uttered, “What’s the point?” Life can be hard like that and most of us have experienced that feeling in our lives, some of us more than others. So, what isthe point? Scholars and Philosophers have been debating this question since time began. I believe my friend was struggling especially with herself and allthe obstacles, short-comings and failures she is facing right now.  It can be overwhelming.  When I used to run cross-country (and I onlydid it for one semester) I fell before the finish line. Everything in my bodytold me to just stay down, just sit there. My muscles were throbbing, fatigued and weak from over-use. But there it was, just beyond my sight, the finishline. I can’t remember if others helped me there, but they must have because I just couldn’t stand up. Not even sure I crossed that line or was helped off to the side.  But I did get up, and I did move on.The race was over, and I was glad. I was glad that I didn’t just sit there, much as I wanted to, I got up. I kept going.  Paul in The Book of Hebrews describes our life this way in Chapter 12:

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith”¦”

That Great cloud of witnesses is described in the Chapter prior, Chapter 11. It is often called the Hall of Faith. So many have gone before us in this Journey with God and it’s not a sparkling, clean, perfect group of  people, either. We had some seriously messed up fore-runners in the faith. At least two were liars, two were scheming manipulators. One was a strong leader who committed adultery and who neglected to discipline his kids. Another asked for wisdom, but used it for so many wrong purposes, including indulging himself beyond all others described in the Bible. I mean, they were all kinds of messed up, even as we are.  And I believe that is exactly why God allowed their stories to be so raw in the Bible. We needed to see that God loves harlots and prostitutes right into His kingdom. He restores the adulterer who truly repents. God keeps His promises despite our many failings.  The Apostle Paul shares about this in 2 Timothy 2:

It is  a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live withHim;12 If weendure, we will also reign with Him;
If we deny Him, He alsowill deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

Timothy 2

God’s faithfulness is not basedon our performance, whether good or bad. His faithfulness is based on His own character. He is a promise keeper. So, if you are feeling like my dear friend, who is discouraged and thinking, “What’s the point?”, rest in His faithfulness to His own promises, built on His own character. We are all kinds of messed up in this world, but God is all kinds of Wonderful. There is no sin He cannot forgive, no kind of failure that He cannot redeem.  Listen to what He says in the Book of Isaiah 50:2,

“Why was there no man when I came? When I called, why was there none to answer? Is My hand so short that it cannot ransom? Or have I no power to deliver?

Isaiah 50:2

Our entire being cries out to God, “Of course not!” We know God has a strong arm and infinite power to deliver, we are just so weary ourselves, we feel so weak.  But The Apostle Paul turns those inadequate feelings on their head.

For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.

(1 Corinthians 1:26-29 NASB)

So, let’s take our all kinds of messed up and lay it before God. Let’s rejoice as He makes it all kinds of wonderful to the praise of His glory and grace. 

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Quit Being Jealous

We live in a world full of jealously, envy and selfishness, where people are upset and unhappy when others succeed. When a friend or family member succeeds, gets promoted, or experiences an unexpected break in life, how do you respond? Some people wonder, “what about me?”Others criticise  or say, “it won’t last long.”

Do you know the way you respond when others succeed may determine the level of your own success. Whether you respond in a negative or positive way, you are sowing seeds for your future. That’s why Scripture tells us simply to “rejoice with those who rejoice.”God wants you to be successful. His commands are for your good. He doesn’t want jealousy or strife to enter your mind and rob you of your blessing.

Today, make it a point to find a family member, friend or colleague who is celebrating something positive and celebrate with them. Congratulate them on their success, no matter how small it seems in the natural. Rejoice with those who rejoice, sow seeds of blessing,“for whatever you sow you will reap.”It will open the door for victory in your own life!

“Rejoice with those who rejoice”¦” 

(Romans 12:15, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of blessing not only on my life, but on the lives of other people around me. Father, I rejoice in You, and I choose to rejoice over Your victories with all I come in contact with all over the world. God, make me genuinely happy in You, and not envious or jealous of others, in Jesus’  Name! Amen.

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Does God Hear Your Voice?

Does God Hear Your Voice?

Listen to my words, LORD, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence.
You hate all who do wrong; you destroy those who tell lies.
The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, LORD, detest. But I, by your great love,
can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple (NIV).

Psalm 5 (Verses 1-7) – For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

Reflection

Are you a morning person? Are you most productive in the morning hours, or do revive after the sunsets? Our bodies move according to their own internal rhythm. Some people love to rise with the chirp of the first songbird, while others are true night owls. Often my wife catches her second wind in the evening as I’m fading into sweet oblivion.

It would seem that David was a morning person. Here in Psalm 5, we read these words from David: In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

David was one of those early birds that began calling out to God at the break of day. He knew God was listening. He made sure that the LORD heard his voice. 

Is the LORD hearing your voice in the morning? Are you calling out to Him? Of course, your heavenly Father is pleased to hear your voice at any time, day or night. Is He familiar with your call? 

But there’s more to this than just calling out to God and laying out your requests. David waits expectantly. He expects God to respond. He is listening, watching and waiting for the LORD’s reply. Have you built some wait time into your prayer time? 

All too often our conversations with God are one sided. They are one sided because we blurt out our requests and rush off into our day. We don’t wait expectantly for the LORD’s reply. We don’t allow Him time to respond. 

Response: Heavenly Father, I call out to you. I lay out my requests. Teach me to wait expectantly for you. Open my ears to hear your voice. I want to be tuned into you throughout my day. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you set aside a regular prayer time? What time works best for you?

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Seen

I think we all long to really be seen. The deepest parts of us that we are too scared to show anyone because we know those parts don’t deserve to be loved. 

Sure, we have plenty of parts of us that we know aren’t awesome, but we wear like badges anyway, because the world tells us to prize tolerance and acceptance, so if I’m strong enough, people just have to deal with it. 

But I’m talking about the things we’ve done, thought, or said that makes us want to sink into the ground when we remember that they happened. Even if we’re in the privacy of our own bedroom, where nobody is looking. 

Wouldn’t it be nice? To have someone see all of that–and not run away or divert their eyes in disgust?

We’ve all hoped for this– in a relationship, within our family, maybe even in our closest friendships. Hoping that they will still love us, even when our worst self surfaces. And if we do manage to work up the courage to show them the depths in us that are too awful to show anyone else, they back away in horror.

And it hurts. I don’t mean like a ‘she called me mean’, kind of hurt. I’m talking, an  ‘I am a mangled, broken, rejected heap that is undeserving of love’  kind of hurt. 

So why this desire then? Why do we have this secret drive to have our worst selves known? 

Because we were created to be fully accepted. 

And we are. We just don’t all know it yet.

He is there, even when we blatantly turn and walk away from him. When we think awful thoughts we would never admit to thinking to another soul. When we do things we hope will never be brought out of the shadows. We look over our shoulders, and knowing that anyone else who may have seen these parts of us will have scattered”¦

He is there behind us. Looking your worst self directly in the eye, without so much as a blink, and beckoning you with open arms for an embrace. 

We won’t find this in a human. Because the truth is, every one of us is awful. In more ways than one. Every one of us has a part of us that is not deserving of love. And it is simply not human to love something that doesn’t deserve love. It is supernatural. 

There is something so healing about Jesus seeing our worst self and not budging. Even when he sees something that would make everyone else run for the hills, he is there. Faithfully, consistently, unaffected by your filth, he remains in love with you. 

Remember that, the next time you’re looking in the mirror, wishing you could sink into a hole in the ground because of what you see. Remember that Jesus sees it too. And he still adores you.

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What Type of Christian Are You?

What Type of Christian Are You?

There is truly only one type of Christian, and that is the type who lives by GOD’S Word and obeys Him in everything, no matter the circumstance. However, let’s be honest here: how many of us can say that we live by GOD’S Word in every area of our lives? Let us set aside the ‘mistakes’ that we make every now and then, and focus on our everyday living. To be more specific, let’s focus on how we handle the subject of GOD to non-Believers.

But sanctify the LORD GOD in your hearts and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.

1 Peter 3:15?

Some people will say “If GOD is real, show me a sign!” In 1 Peter 3:15, we are told to have an answer to questions about our faith, but how many of us are, indeed, ready to give that answer?

  1. GOD is real, but I don’t know why.

Brett is one of those Christians who attends church on a Sunday, gives generously, joins in community programs, and all around looks like a pretty ‘good’ Christian on the surface. However, he is quite lazy when it comes to spending personal time in GOD’S Word or with Him in prayer. One day at work, a colleague approaches him to ask about what he did over the weekend. Brett mentions something about a church mission in his community, to which the colleague frowns. “How do you know that your GOD is even real?”he asks. What does Brett say? He knows that GOD is real, but he has no idea how to explain why. Brett soon realises that he does not know enough about the faith he professes to live. Stumped for words, Brett confesses that he does not know why. The colleague replies: “If you cannot justify it yourself, then why are you even Christian?”

  • GOD is real, but don’t ask me about it.

Julia is one of those no-nonsense people who tell it like it is. She prides herself on being straightforward- there are no grey areas for her. She takes care of her family, respects her husband, and is raising her children according to GOD’S Word. Her youngest child, however, is a bit of a rebel and always seems to go against everything that Julia has raised her children to believe in. It is not that the child is necessarily bad, but she is not so ready to accept everything at face value as her siblings are. At odd’s end with the child, Julia says: “You can’t go against GOD’S Word!”Unperturbed, the child responds “You keep telling me to follow Him, but how do I know that He’s real?”Julia is taken aback by the question. She has always just believed, she has never had to question anything! “Listen here,”she says. “GOD is real, I just know it. Don’t ask me how or why, He just is!”

  • GOD is real, but I have no answers for you.

Cameron does not like to offend people in any shape, way, or form. He lives his life keeping out of trouble, following the rules correctly, and obeying authorities both in action and thought. After all, isn’t that what the Bible says? Not to quarrel with people? He is currently in his third year of college and has been a Christian ever since he went to Youth Camp seven years ago and gave his life to Christ. Lately, he has felt a deep need to preach GOD’S Word to the Lost on campus, but he is worried about saying the wrong thing. As a result, no one really knows that he is Christian until a girl he has a business class with notices the small compact Bible he carries around with him. “So, you’re Christian?”she accuses. “I think you people are just hypocrites. You judge everyone by some rules that a bunch of old men wrote thousands of years ago, and you try and pass it off as word from ‘your living GOD’. Can you even prove that this GOD of yours is real?”This is precisely the type of confrontation that Cameron hates. What can he say to her? Finally, with much thought to his answer, he says: “GOD is real, Bridgette, but I have no answers for you, okay?”

GOD is real, but talk to someone else.

Brenda is a socially awkward young woman who stutters should anyone try to speak to her. It’s not that she’s stupid, but she hates attention of any sort. She loves Jesus with her whole heart, reads His Word daily with joy, and spends as much time as she can in prayer. Some time ago, the Holy Spirit began to press on her heart that she needs to start spreading the Good News with her friends and family, but she is afraid that she will muddle up her words and fail Him. She knows that it is her fear of being judged that stops her, but she cannot bring herself to go out there and give her testimony about what Jesus has done for her. Brenda is well aware that she is not living GOD’S best, but her own fears seem to drown out his Words whenever presented with an opportunity to pray for someone publically or speak during a weekly woman’s prayer meeting. A teenager who seems mad at the world approaches her as she is coming out of church, and demands to know why she is so confident that GOD is real when He has done nothing to help his sick mother? The answers come flooding into her mind as the Holy Spirit speaks to her, but she looks at the crowd gathering around the boy and chickens out. Instead, she says: “GOD is real, but please talk to someone else who can help you explain why better than I can.”Ashamed, she hurries away, clutching her Bible to her chest.

GOD is REAL! I can show you how.

Abraham knows who he is in Christ. He wakes up every day with joy in his heart because he knows that GOD might use him to further His kingdom. He relishes the opportunity to speak GOD’S Word both to Believers and non-believers, knowing that it is not he who gives the increase, but GOD. It is his responsibility to obey GOD and preach His Word. Yes, he may fall at times, but the GOD he serves is merciful, never holding anything against him once he has repented. Abraham’s life is certainly not a bed of roses, but he is thankful to GOD for everything, knowing that he has life in Jesus. Most people think him an odd sort and tend to stay away from him.

Some have even attacked him for his faith, accusing him of hate speech. As he is active and takes care of himself, he enjoys going to the gym and sometimes speaks to his fellow gym-goers about Christ. The owner of the gym, who quite likes Abraham although he does not agree with his faith, has begun to receive many complaints about him always trying to evangelise people in his building. Forced to proceed with some sort of action, he approaches Abraham and asks him to stop speaking to people in the gym about Jesus. Abraham only smiles and say:“That would be like telling me to stop breathing, Mr Jones. Jesus is my life.”The man shakes his head. “What is up with you and this Jesus? There is no proof of His existence, Abraham. The sooner you realise this, the better. I mean, can you even prove that He is real?”Abraham isn’t rattled by these types of questions, he knows who his GOD is. “Mr Jones, have I got good news for you,” he says.“GOD is so real, and I can show you how!”

Now, these might not apply to many of you because we all have different lives and situations, but I know that many of us can identify in some way with these people. The comforting thing to remember is that you can change (I’m talking scenarios one to four) because of Jesus. GOD is ready to give wisdom to all who would ask (James 1:5), so all you need to do is pray about it and read His Word. We do not have to complicate things when we have the Holy Spirit to guide us, but we do have to learn to listen to His voice. Even after you have prayed, studied GOD’S Word, fasted etc. you might not necessarily feel prepared to give an answer to all who would ask about the hope we have in Christ. However, if you would but open your mouth and begin to speak, you might just be surprised. 

(Yes, this is an incredibly long post, but when the Holy Spirit says to do something, you do it.) 

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The Miracle of Tears and Redemption

The Miracle of Tears and Redemption

I caught a tear from my eye this morning as it began to meander down my cheek. Soon I began to wonder about the purpose of tears.  Why do we have them? What purpose do they serve? My search took me to the phrase I heard a friend utter the other week. “This life is but a Valley of Tears,” she said, “It says so in the Bible.” I was intrigued by this phrase and went to look for it in the Scriptures. I found in in the Psalms.

Happy are the people whose strength is in You,whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a source of Springwater; even the autumn rain will cover it with blessings.  They go from strength to strength; each appears before God in Zion.

(Psalm 84:5-7 HCSB) 

Baca means weeping. A Vale of Weeping,, a Valley of tears. I looked up the composition of Teardrops, and what I found was amazing. Here is the quote below:

How the Composition of a Teardrop Changes

Tears that protect your eyes every day are slightly different from those that flush away irritants or those you cry in response to emotion. Here are the three main types of tears:

Basal Tears: These are typical tears that keep the eye hydrated, clean, and nourished.

Reflex Tears: Reflex tears are produced in response to irritation from chemicals, bright light, or foreign matter. 

Weeping Tears: Crying as an emotional response or from pain is termed “weeping”.  These tears contain the protein-based hormones prolactin, which acts as a natural painkiller.
(by Anne Helmenstine (updated on September 6, 2018), online magazine:Science Notes)

I just find it amazing that Our God would fashion three different kinds of tears, for three different purposes. His intimate, Sovereign Care over us is such a blessing, so detailed, so well-planned out .  He even knew that we would sin before he created us. The plan to redeem us was in place before the foundation of the world.

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. 4 For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love 5 He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will, 6 to the praise of His glorious grace that He favored us with in the Beloved.

(Ephesians 1:3-6) 

Ahhh, the miracle of tears and redemption. Every tiny detail of God’s plan was in place and our creator/Savior knew us before it all (Psalm 139) Rest in His Sovereign care and provision this day.

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Why Retirement Is The Perfect Time To Build On Your Faith

Why Retirement Is The Perfect Time To Build On Your Faith

“Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord,” says the words of Leviticus.

When it comes to retirement, it’s likely that most people will have more spare time — and money — than ever before. People are retired for longer than ever — but no matter what stage of retirement you’re at, you’re never too old to devote this new-found spare time to Jesus. Many older Americans are already religious, and there’s a 17% spike in religious affiliation among older people compared to those under 40. It’s not uncommon for churches and other religious establishments to be heavily populated by older people. But there’s still plenty for those in retirement to do to devote their time to God: helping in the community is one such way, while studying the Bible is another.

Bible study

Partly, opportunities for religious exploration as a senior are due to demographic trends. Retirement now is longer than it ever has been before: the average life expectancy in the US is now around 80, and many people are not called to Heaven until they are in their nineties — meaning that some spend almost as much time retired as they do in work. Also, there are some that can leave their career early, as they’ve accumulated enough savings to enjoy early retirement. But what’s a useful, and holy, way to spend all of that new-found free time? The option many people choose is Bible study. As you may already know, it’s one of the best ways to fall deeper in love with God’s word, and learn more about His creation. And one very interesting detail about studying the Bible during the golden years is the ability to understand it from an angle that you couldn’t have been able to in a younger age. In other words, with all your past experiences, you get to analyze the scripture with a new perspective, filled with seasoned wisdom that you didn’t have in your 20s and 30s.

Work in the community

For those who are either already conversant with the Bible or who feel that their vocation is something a little more practical, meanwhile, spending your new-found spare retirement time on helping your community is also a sensible choice. “And let us not grow weary of doing good,” says Galatians — and working in the community during retirement is a great way to achieve this end. You may want to volunteer to lead some groups in your church, or perhaps to become a reader at services. If you have specific skills such as fundraising or the law, you may find that you’re in high demand as a practitioner — and that church could be a good way to stay in touch with your workplace skills.

“Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone,” read the words of Deuteronomy 34:7.

Retirement may seem like a long way off to you, or perhaps it’s right around the corner as it is for an increasing number of Americans. But no matter what retirement looks like to you, one thing’s for sure: using it to follow in Moses’ path and for holy purposes is a good idea, and it’s one that will stand you in good stead as you move from this life to the next.

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When Everything Seems To Be Going Wrong

Everyone goes through times when they feel overwhelmed or outnumbered by whatever is coming against them. Just about the time the car needs repairing, the power goes out in your house and the doctor gives you bad news. It can seem like one thing after another.

You might be in despair, worrying, and stressed out. It may feel as if all the forces of darkness are coming against you. But Scripture promises that with God on your side, you have everything you need to overcome every situation. The truth is, you are never outnumbered. You and God are a majority! Hallelujah!

Today, you may be feeling anxious, fearful or worried about something, but remember – if God is for you, who can be against you? Difficulties may come, but He promises to guide and protect you. The story isn’t over until God says its over and you end in victory!

“‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’” 

(2 Kings 6:16, NIV)?

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Father, thank You for the peace You give me even in the midst of the storms in my life. God, I know that You are with me, and will always be by my side no matter what the enemy does. Today, I can stand strong, because You will always lead me into victory, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Valued!

God’s value system is very different from the value system of the world. In scripture He values harlots, prostitutes and criminals.  Today, people are considered to be important for so many different reasons: titles, position, possessions, where you go, what you drive. God cherishes and values you so much, simply because He made you. You are His beloved creation–the apple of His eye; the centre of His world!

Maybe you’re thinking God has too many other important things on His plate to be concerned with your life. But know this, you are God’s number one priority. There’s nothing you can do to be more important or less important to Him. He loves you the same today as He did the day you were born. He values you today, and your value will never change. You are significant. Your life is significant. The things that concern you, concern God, there is nothing too big or too small for His attention.

Today, in the midst of life’s busyness, get excited about God’s love for you. Don’t be hesitant to take your concerns and cares to Him. He loves it when you come to Him, and He’s ready to receive you with open arms, because you are the apple of His eye!

“Keep me as the apple of Your eye”¦” (Psalm 17:8, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for loving me and making me Your number one priority. Father, thank You for keeping me as the apple of Your eye. God, I open my heart and mind to You, and cast every care on You. I receive Your love for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Praise Him Always

Praise Him Always

Scripture reminds us that we were created to praise God. When you wake up in the morning, do you expect the goodness of God in your life? Do you set the tone of the day for success, favour and blessing with your words and your worship? Scripture tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. That’s why it’s so important to declare praises to God all throughout the day. 

Things may be going wrong all around you, people may be negative, complaining and discouraging, but don’t let that spirit rub off on you. The worse it gets, the brighter you’re going to shine. The good news is that no matter how you feel, no matter what’s going on around you, you can choose what you think, and you can choose your words. There’s nothing that can stop you from constantly speaking His Word of praise!

Today, be determined to set the tone for your life by praising God, and speaking words of faith over your future. Remember, when you put God first, He promises to honour you. He will pour out His favour on you, and lead you into life, health, strength and blessings all the days of your life!

“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.”

(Psalm 34:1, NLT)?

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I choose to bless You at all times. Father, I will set the tone to receive Your favour, grace and mercy by my constant praise to You. Thank You for Your faithfulness at all times, which is greater than my sin and my praise. God, thank You for giving me a reason to praise and lift You up, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Victory, Not Just Today, But Always

Victory, Not Just Today, But Always

While pastoring in the USA  one of my favorite songs was “victory is mine, victory is mine, victory today is mine.” Isn’t it wonderful to know that God promises to always lead us into victory? So no matter what’s going on in your life today, no matter what’s happening in the world, no matter what anybody says, you should always be thanking God, because victory is always present, or on the way!

Faith says, you don’t have to wait for everything to be perfect before you decide to celebrate what God is going to do in your life. Praise is putting action behind your faith. In the middle of adversity or a tough time, start planning your victory party. That means if you’re in the hospital, start planning what you’re going to do when you get out. If you lost some money when the stock market went down, start planning your coming-out-of-debt party.

Today, when things don’t look good in the natural, remember, we serve a supernatural God. With God leading you into victory, you can always plan for increase and favour. You can plan for restoration. You can plan for a comeback. And you can plan for victory. So get excited, because God has promised you victory, not just now, but always, in Jesus’ Name!

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

(2 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV)

Pray With Me
cYahweh, I give You thanks and praise today for the promise of victory. In the midst of my adversity I celebrate my victory. Father, thank You for giving me Your vision for my future, so that I can move confidently into the abundant life of victory You have for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Where You Look Is Where You Go

Where You Look Is Where You Go

Answer me when I call to you,
my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.

Tremble and do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD.

Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on us.
Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound.

In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety (NIV).

Psalm 4 (NIV) For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

Reflection

Where are you looking? 

Think about it for a moment, where you look is where you go. If you are walking, you are looking where you are going. If you are driving, you are looking where you are going, and if you don’t fix your eyes on where you are going, your journey will surely come to an abrupt end–an accident. As you move through your day–as you move through life–where you look is where you go.

If you look to the internet for porn, you are sure to find it, and be trapped by it. If you look to television for entertainment, you are sure to find it. It too in subtle ways can ensnare and deaden the spirit. If you look to others, they will often disappoint you. As David points out in this Psalm, all too often we love delusions and seek false gods. We are looking in the wrong places and consequently we steer our life into the ditch. 

In Psalm 4, David’s approach is totally different. He is looking to the LORD. He is calling out to God. He fears the LORD (trembles and does not sin). In silence he searches his heart and encourages us to do the same. Have you offered a sacrifice of righteousness recently? Right living has a cost. But it also pays enormous dividends.

As we trust in the LORD and look to Him, as a loving Father, He turns His face to us. The light of His face shines on us. Wow! That fills my heart with joy. 

Response: Heavenly Father, today let the light of your face shine on me. Guide me in the way of truth. I want to look to you, and walk in the way you have prepared for me. Amen.

Your Turn: Has the light of God’s face shone on you recently? What was that like?  

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Confidence in the Midst of Adversity

Confidence in the Midst of Adversity

LORD, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.” 
But you, LORD, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
I call out to the LORD,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.
I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.
Arise, LORD! Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.
From the LORD comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.

Psalm 3 (NIV)A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.

Reflection

When do you most need God?

The answer to that question is easy – when I’m in deep trouble. It’s natural to call out to God when I’m in some great or urgent need. A returning veteran from the First World War said it best, “There are no atheists in the trenches. When the artillery shells start exploding to the right and left even unbelievers discover how to pray.”

The context of Psalm 3 is of great significance. David finds himself in the midst of a life threatening tragedy. He is fleeing from his palace in the nation’s capital, because his son is conspiring to murder him and seize the kingdom from his hands. Here is the great delta–the extreme low point in David’s life.  

How does David respond? With utter confidence in God! Yes, he calls out to the LORD for deliverance, but he does so with complete assurance that God will answer. There isn’t the slightest hint of doubtful desperation in his voice. Having prayed to the LORD, he boasts in his ability to sleep, because he knows God will answer.

How could David be so confident – so self-assured? Actually, David’s assurance rested entirely on the LORD, not on himself. David had a wealth of experience with God. In his mind, the LORD was tried, tested, and true through the ups and downs of life.

He knew something we need to know. God will come through. He will bring salvation and deliverance!

Response: LORD God, save me from all my troubles. I put my confidence in you. You reach down to me at the low points in my life. You have never abandoned me. I give you thanks in advance. Amen.

Your Turn: Take a moment to reflect on the goodness of the LORD. Has He saved you from deep trouble in the past?

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Praying Like a Rock Star

Praying Like a Rock Star

Why do we like Rock Stars? And why do so many want to be one, but never get there?

Rock stars become stars- because they hit the nail on the head (somewhere) they are hitting on what people are feeling, experiencing, wanting & desiring!

Yesterday I asked the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me”¦Yes I was seriously talking to HIM (Holy Spirit, come, please lead and guide me!”

Now that prayer is not in our bibles but, I did it anyway. I know He is a PERSON not a thing! I then prayed for my someone, and prayed what I felt LED to pray, vs what my brain wanted to pray (which is always safe, and not risky!!)

That person was moved to tears- and God touched him, because of that prayer. It was God! (His WILL being manifested through my prayer time). The Lord literally showed me how that person was feeling, and I said it out loud.

That, to me, is praying like a Rock Star! Not for money, not for fame, but many people just do what they know people need from them (and become famous, as a result). Jesus was one of them. In Fact, He showed us the way!

“Father, give us more of this we pray! We hunger and thirst after you, Father God. We hunger and thirst, after you! I ask you to touch every person out there today- who is led to pray a certain way, but their mind is questioning things. Set them free Father, from the chains that bind and Free their Mind! Help them to be Brave Father, and pray the way your Spirit leads them to pray. In Jesus’ mighty name!” Amen

Laura Grace, Author, Grace to Grow.

 

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