Many pastors preach an overly sweetened version of Christianity that suggests we will always be happy, never face conflict, and have a blissful existence because we believe in Jesus. I cringe when I hear someone say that if we have enough faith, we will never be sick, poor, or face struggles in life.

We can understand the appeal of such a message. Scripture says, the Old Testament prophets often looked forward to a time when justice would reign, harvests would be bountiful, and the poor would have plenty. God’s promises include the hope of an enduring joy that is free from sorrow and pain.

But the fulfilment of God’s plan does not come without pain. Even in the joyful time when Mary and Joseph were adjusting to parenthood, Simeon said there would be sorrow. His words foreshadowed the way of the cross that Jesus came to take up for us, to pay the price of our sins so that we could be saved.

Today as Christians, we will experience disappointments as we strive to follow Christ in this world, and the sadness of those hardships should not be minimized. We don’t believe in fantasy. We do, however, believe that the promises of God will ultimately be fulfilled in our lives. We cling to Christ with the hope that his triumph will one day overwhelm the depth of the sadness we endure today.

“A sword will pierce your own soul too.” —Luke 2:35 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, comfort me with your presence in times of trial and please hasten the day when your promises will all be fulfilled in my life. Come, Lord Jesus; come quickly! To put an end to all trials and suffering in Jesus’s name Amen.

God sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new king. The current king, Saul, had failed to obey and honour God, so God decided to announce His choice of the next king.

Jesse’s sons became the focus of Samuel’s attention: a line of seven young men—starting with the oldest and tallest. Samuel made his way down the line, and as he stopped to look at each one, God told him that was not the one. Saul had been chosen king partly because he was tall and handsome, but this time God made a point of saying that height and appearance don’t matter. God looks at what is inside the heart.

After Samuel reached the end of the line of Jesse’s sons, Jesse informed him that his youngest son, David, was out in the fields tending sheep. David was chosen to be the next king because, as Samuel put it, God “sought out a man after his own heart”. God saw in David, a heart that would commit to Him without reservation.

Today, like in David’s day, God finds possibilities for grace in the most unlikely of people. To choose the youngest son to be a king seems strange. To say that a baby born in a stable, who dies on a cross under a false sentence of treason, is the Saviour of the world and God in the flesh is incredible. But the mystery of Advent, is that this is how God works with the least, the weak, and the foolish. God likes to surprise us. He is also the God of the underdog, less fortunate and the insignificant.

The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I am weak and foolish and at times I feel insignificant, but I know that if you can use David to bring your grace to your world – then I know you can use me. Please use me, In Christ’s name, Amen.

In John 6, Jesus compares himself to the manna that the Israelites received in the desert (see Exodus 16). Then he says that if anyone wants eternal life, they must eat his flesh and drink his blood. Was Jesus proposing that his followers literally eat him? No.

But perhaps Jesus wanted his words to be shocking to get people’s attention. Eating human flesh in a literal way would have been barbaric and cannibalism. But since Jesus’ eternal life was somehow symbolized in his flesh and blood, which he would give as an atoning sacrifice for human sin, his followers needed to be willing to receive his sacrifice into themselves by faith to receive eternal life.

Today, think about it, after Jesus died and rose from the dead, death had no hold on him anymore. And yet he surprised his disciples by showing them the marks from the wounds. It was as if Jesus was saying, “This is the cost of human sin.” With his hands stretched wide, he was also saying, “I love you this much.” When we come to the meal of communion Jesus gave us, we receive his body and blood in a symbolic and spiritual way. The Holy Spirit connects us to the risen, flesh-and-blood of Jesus, and we are connected anew with his sacrifice for us. Hallelujah!

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:54 

Let’s Pray

Yahshua, I praise you for your complete sacrifice, which gives me entrance into, eternal life once I accept you. Father, help me to live for you each day. In Christ’s name, Amen.

The words of Jesus to Peter here came soon after Peter’s faith-filled profession when he said to Jesus, “You are the Messiah” (Matt. 16:16). Jesus was now teaching his disciples that he had come to suffer, be killed, and rise again. He would offer himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

The Bible says hearing that, Peter rebuked Jesus, saying, “Never, Lord! . . . This shall never happen to you!” So, Jesus called Peter out and revealed that he had missed the main point of Jesus’ mission. From a human standpoint, we can sympathize with Peter. We too would likely be shocked to hear that Jesus had come to suffer and die to rise again and give us new, abundant life.

Today though, we know how important it is to discern truth from lies, listening for God’s Word rather than to the lies of false religions and teachers around us don’t we? It should be clear to us that preparing ourselves to discern properly requires effort and perseverance. Until Jesus returns to make all things new, we must read the Bible and listen to Jesus, who died because he loved us, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven to make abundant life available for all who believe in him. Trust the truth, the way, and the life.

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!” . . . You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Matthew 16:23 

Let’s Pray

Christ, my risen and ascended Lord, I believe you are the Messiah. Father, I confess that my actions and words do not always confirm that. Please, Lord, give me the strength and courage to stand up for you always. God, I give you permission to rebuke the devil in my life, in Jesus’s name, Amen.

Are you aware God has put a promise inside each one of us? We often must go through the wilderness before reaching our promised land. Oftentimes, like Joseph, we feel like we are in a pit, long before we ever see the palace. Maybe you’re in a season right now where you don’t see anything happening. You think, “I’ve been praying and believing for a year, five years, ten years. It’s never going to work out.”

Scripture says the eyes of the Lord search to and fro to find someone who will be faithful on His behalf. Be the person He finds faithful. Keep believing, keep praying, keep obeying and stay the course.

Today be encouraged. You may be tired, discouraged, and frustrated, but don’t give up on your future. Stay on the high road. Our God is a faithful God. It may be taking a long time, but what He started He will finish in your life. He will lead you into victory!

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ ” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for leading and guiding me in paths of righteousness. Father, I choose to trust even when I don’t understand. God, I believe that You are working behind the scenes for my good. I will stay the course knowing that You have blessing and victory in store for me, in Christ’s name. Amen.

Praying and waiting for God’s direction can be a test of patience. If we get impatient, we may question every step, overanalyse open doors, and even wonder, “If I make a wrong turn, will I miss God?”. Throughout history, God’s people have been led by the Holy Spirit, but staying in step with Him is not easy. It is something we must practice with intention.

The Bible says in Psalm 143:10 “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” The psalmist describes the Holy Spirit as good, which reminds us that following God is always the best choice, even when things ahead look shaky. It’s hard to know which path to take, but God promises to be with us for the journey as He reveals each faith step. His thoughts toward us are good.

Paul and Silas understood what it meant to follow the Spirit’s lead. They had a plan for sharing the gospel of Jesus, but the Spirit of God blocked the way they intended to go. They knew what God wanted them to do, so they trusted the Holy Spirit to show them where and how to do it.

I’d love to have the confidence of Paul and Silas when it comes to listening to the Holy Spirit! But sometimes, the noise of this world drowns out His voice. The good news is that we can learn to be better listeners. By making time for prayer and seeking more of the Holy Spirit, we will become aware of his leading. When we focus on Him more, His voice becomes clearer.

Today, reflect on a time you have sensed God wanting you to do something but you were uncertain about what steps to take to see it through. You felt that tug at your heart that only grew stronger by the day, but you had no idea how to start. God is with you, ready for you to seek guidance through His precious Holy Spirit. Let’s begin with praying to be led by the Spirit and let Him teach us to do his will.

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” – Psalm 143:10 ESV

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, teach me to do your will. Father, I know you’ve called me to serve you, but I don’t know what to do next. Please, God, I want to be led by your Holy Spirit, so I can live out the special purpose you have for me. I seek you today, Father. Let your good Spirit guide me. In Christ’s name, Amen

Many talk about the awesomeness of God, but in the Lord’s Prayer have you noticed the way God wants you to address Him? Yes, He is the Almighty King of the universe. Yes, He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. Yes, He is the Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient One. We should acknowledge and honour His grandeur; we should praise Him because of who He is. But, notice that God wants us to address Him as Father first. He wants us to know Him in a close, personal way. He wants to have a deep loving relationship with you.

Some people view God the way they view their earthly father. If their earthly father was loving and kind, it’s easy to see God the same way. However, if your earthly father was distant or harsh, you may have difficulty seeing God as He really is. 

Today, search your heart and let go of any pre-conceived ideas about God – that He is a wicked judge who likes to condemn, or that He is far away up high looking down. Ask Him to show you who He really is – your Father who loves you with unconditional love. Be open to receiving His love in a fresh, new way.

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.’” (Matthew 6:9, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I come to You because You are good and faithful. Father, thank You for loving me and receiving me just the way I am. Father, continue to show me Your ways and Your love, please erase my old traditional views of You, so that I will know You in a fresh, new way as a loving Father, in Christ’s name! Amen.

When you obey God’s Word and have an attitude of excellence and integrity, the Bible says that God’s blessings will overtake you. You won’t be able to outrun the good things of God no matter how hard you try. He will daily load you with benefits! You won’t have to go chasing after blessings. When you chase after God each and every day, when you make Him your highest priority, the blessings will automatically follow.

Today, why not make obeying God first on your list of priorities. Let go of any weights or sins that you know are holding you back. Be willing to deal with any issues God brings to light. Don’t give in to compromise and temptation, all that does is keep you from God’s best. Instead, make the decision to daily put Him first and keep your heart pure before Him. Then get ready, because His blessings will chase you down as He daily loads you with benefits! Hallelujah!

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits…” (Psalm 68:19, NKJV)  

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I dedicate every area of my life to You. Father, help me to live a life of integrity and honour. Almighty God, thank You for daily loading me with benefits as I put You first in everything that I do, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

In the last few days, I’ve been feeling quite weak. In the Bible, Joseph went through seasons of weakness and difficulty. He was rejected by his family, sold into slavery, lied about, mistreated, abandoned, falsely accused, and thrown in jail. But through it all, Joseph never gave up. He kept pressing through and doing the right thing even though the wrong thing kept happening.

The Bible says in Psalm 105:18, ‘as Joseph lay in prison in those chains of iron…’ In other words, as things got hard and difficult while in prison – Joseph kept fighting, and his soul became as strong as that steel. God developed a supernatural strength in him that no one could take away.

Today, if you are going through difficulty, God wants to increase your strength. He wants to increase your power to overcome. He wants to make your inner man as strong as steel. When you keep standing, keep believing, and keep doing the right thing, you are opening yourself to God’s supernatural strength. That’s when you know you are growing in Him. Be strong today. Keep pressing forward, because God is at work increasing strength in you so that you can live in victory in every area of your life!

“He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].” (Isaiah 40:29, AMP) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I surrender every difficulty to You. Father, I release my questions, hurts and frustrations. God, I choose to trust You and do the right thing. Increase Your strength in me so that I can live in the victory and become as strong as steel, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have you ever spent time with a small child or baby and had them mimic your every sound or action? To them, it’s a fun game, but internally, they learn by watching and copying everything you do. They just watch and do the same thing. That’s because we are all prewired to be imitators.

Just like little children, we are all still imitators. So many people today end up imitating what they see in the world, on TV, in the news and in magazines. But scripture tells us that we are to be imitators of God and follow His example of love.

Today, if you need to change your actions, change what you are imitating by simply changing your focus. The more you focus on the Word, the more you will imitate God. And when you do things God’s way, you will get God’s results: peace, joy and blessings all the days of your life!

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1–2, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I put You first place in my life and seek to imitate You. Father, I set aside the things of the world and invite You to search my heart and mind. God, give me Your heart of love and teach me to be an example of Your goodness in Christ’s name. Amen.

Did you know that with your words you can either bless your future or curse your future? Your words have creative power. If you want to know what your life is going to be like five years from now, just listen to what you’re saying about yourself today.

Too many people go around saying, “I’ll never get well.” “I’ll never get out of debt.” “It’s flu season. I’ll probably get it.” “This marriage is never going to last.” Then they wonder why they don’t see things turn around. It’s because they’re calling defeat into their future. They’re calling in mediocrity. Don’t let that be you!

Each day when you get up, no matter how you feel, no matter what things look like, instead of using your words to describe your situation, use your words to change your situation. Make a declaration of faith by saying, “This is going to be a great day. I have God’s favour. He’s directing my steps.” When you do that, you are choosing life for your future. You are calling in favour, increase and opportunities. Your words are coming into alignment with God’s Words, and when you align yourself with God, He’ll lead you into victory and blessing all the days of your life. Hallelujah!

“…I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I commit my words to You today and choose to bless my future. Father, thank You for directing my steps. God, please govern my tongue so that my words uplift and not tear down. Keep my heart and mind focused on You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God knew you before you were even born – whether or not you were born in wedlock. What an amazing thought! He saw your unformed substance and said, “I have a purpose for this life. I have good plans for them!” Then He breathed His life into you and sent you through your Mother and Father. They may have had issues, but that doesn’t have to stop them from becoming all that God intended for them to be. You have been handpicked by Almighty God to be here at this time in history. Praise Him!

Sometimes we hear parents say, “We weren’t expecting this child. They were a surprise. They were an accident.” No, that child may have been a surprise to the parents, but they weren’t a surprise to Almighty God. He doesn’t make mistakes; no child can be born without God breathing His life into them. You may think, “Well, I was unwanted. I was an unplanned pregnancy.” No, you wouldn’t be here if God didn’t give life to your seed.

Today, in God’s eyes, there is no such thing as being illegitimate. Remember, He knew you before you were ever born! Find confidence in His love, knowing that you are a person of destiny, and you are part of His mighty plan!

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for choosing me before I was ever born. Thank You for knowing me and revealing Yourself to me despite my parents’ situation. Father, I trust that You are working in my life today, even when I can’t see it. God, I stand in faith knowing that You have a mighty plan for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yesterday I spent some time talking to my big sister. It was a joy to see her, We’ve only met about 6 times, and she sounded so well, happy and bubbly. To think just a few years ago she was fighting cancer.  When asked how she was doing she said great! She always focuses on the positive never negative. God wants you to focus on the good things He has for you, which are far greater than the things you can see around you.

Unfortunately, too many people give up when they face tough times. They stop expecting anything good to happen. But the truth is, hardships and trials are really opportunities for us to go higher and dig deeper. Whatever struggles you’re going through right now, no matter how large or small…they are subject to change. Hallelujah!!!

Today, know God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Your health may not look very good today, but it’s subject to change. You may be out of work today, but that’s subject to change. Your finances may look dismal today, but that’s subject to change! You may be struggling in your relationships or marriage, but that’s subject to change too! No matter what your circumstances might be…you can experience real positive change when you look to God. Oh yes! Look beyond what you see!

“We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I’m so happy that the hard circumstances in my life are subject to change. Father help me to keep on trusting You as You work out Your good purposes in my life. Father refocus me onto the positive today and allow me to see the unseen, believing that all thing are subject to change In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

I’m very critical at times. Just recently I had to learn this valuable lesson, criticism given in the wrong way can make us feel anxious and, in some cases, worthless. But when given fairly and constructively, with real care and encouragement, it shows us where we’re going wrong and fires us up to want to improve. So when we’re trying to help someone improve, let’s do it with kindness, understanding and empathy.

If it’s constructive, criticism can be a good thing. If we point out mistakes from a position of love and of wanting the other person to be the best they can be, it’s a useful tool that we can use to help others improve. Otherwise, it can easily turn into a destructive force that discourages and breaks people apart. We tend to find it easy to point out failings and weaknesses in others while overlooking or excusing our own faults.

Jesus says: ‘How can you say to your friend, “Let me take that little piece of dust out of your eye”? Look at yourself! You still have that big piece of wood in your own eye. You hypocrite!’ (Matthew 7:4-5 NCV). Strong words, so we definitely need to take notice and avoid being unfair and judging others more harshly than we judge ourselves. Sometimes we might be overly critical to try and make ourselves look or feel better. Or we might be trying to hide the wounds of past experiences by using anger and criticism as a form of defence.

Today, whatever the reason, Jesus gives us clear instructions, ‘Do not judge, or you too will be judged’. When God looks at us and sees our faults and all the mistakes we make, He treats us with grace and gently corrects us. But what if God criticised us as harshly and as often as we criticise others? We’d soon feel completely depressed and wounded. The truth is, God, who has the highest standards of all, treats us with love and care even when we fail to live up to those standards. So when we need to correct someone, let’s do the same, and aim to encourage, not discourage.

Do not judge, or you too will be judged.’ Matthew 7:1 NIV

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I thank You today for all your advice. I surrender my negative critical mind to You today. Please Father, change me so I won’t be judgemental and hypocritical. God, help me to look at myself first before looking at others. Show me how to be constructive and encouraging when I have to criticise, and never to be discouraging and cause depression and discontent, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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 7:15. 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!

Today 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. Fox cus on Jesus, and we’ll become more like Him, and will 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.