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Your Abba Father

man carrying baby drawing their foreheads

God rejoices as your Abba Father. You are His child on the authority of His Word. He ordained you and brought you forth. “You brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother’s breast.” And “From birth I have relied on you…I will ever praise you.” 

The Father wants to cleanse your deep wounds that you received from words and actions in your family. Receive the ministry of Jehovah-Rapha, the healing covenant name of your eternal God, as He works in the core of your being. Receive His healing, blessing, and deep release. The Spirit of your Father lives in you to heal and make you whole. 

The Father of all mercy is ready to bring new life. Receive His cleansing from all hurtful memories, feelings, and emotions. Jesus died to set you free. Release all pain to Him. God promised in His word that He would wash you and make you whiter than snow. 

Today, be blessed as God fills the hole in your heart, those empty spaces, that bottomless pit that craves nearness, affirmation, connection, and significance – and yet fears it is unable to receive it, and runs away from it. Be at peace and receive healing from wounds caused by lack. Receive cleansing from attachment wounds, as Father-God binds you to Himself with cords that cannot be broken. God fed His Son with His words of approval that nourished Him emotionally. Be blessed to rest secure and safe in His love. 

“A voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased‘” (Mark 1:11). 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for my life, please heal my heart and fill me with joy. You know I lost my joy because of the things that happened, but I have forgiven those that hurt me. Now, Father, I need You to restore my heart. God, restore unto me the joy of my salvation, and uphold me with Your generous Spirit. Please put the bounce back in my step, and the smile back on my face. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

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Many Blessings

family bonding during quarantine

On the radio playlist the other day, the song ‘Count Your Blessings, Name Them One by One’ was included. I hadn’t heard this song for a very long time, and it gave me a chance to really appreciate the lyrics. They say : 

Are you ever burdened with a load of care? 

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? 

Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly, 

And you will be singing as the days go by. 

It reminds us to take the time to think about what God has done and is doing for us. We often focus on the horrid things – evil, sickness, hurricanes, floods, devastation, and famine. But, it is essential to take time every day to verbalize or write all you are thankful for. You may want to use this outline – doing so will revitalize your soul. 

Thank Him 

Psalm 100:4 tells us, 

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” 

•    Thank Him for His patience and forgiveness. 

•    Thank Him for the privilege of coming into His presence. 

•    Thank Him for what He has done in and through your life in the last year. 

List What He Has Done 

Take time to list what God has done for you. Be specific. Think through every area of your life. Become Still Before the Lord.  

Praise Him for who God is. (Psalm 103) 

Praise Him for His attributes. (Psalm 145) 

Rejoice in your fellowship with Him. (Proverbs 15:8) 

Praise and pray scripture back to God. (Psalms 146-150) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I thank You for the beauty of this season. Father, I thank You for health and strength. I thank You for people to love and people who love me. I love You God and thank You for loving me first. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 

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Don’t Waste Today?

space gray aluminum case white sport band strap apple watch

On Monday afternoon, while at school,  I received the news of an earthquake in Indonesia. The reports were that 160 had died and hundreds were injured. People were sitting enjoying their day, setting goals for the future, and living unrepentant lives. And in a moment-their lives came to an end. Our days can be so full and busy that we forget how fragile life really is. It can be easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy.   

Things may not go your way, someone may say something that upsets you, and traffic can cause you to lose focus. You must remember that each day is a gift. If you choose to focus on what’s wrong, you’ll miss the beauty that each day has to offer. I encourage you to not let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don’t wait for Christmas and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable.   

Today, you have been given time that can be invested or wasted, hours that can be used or misused. That’s why the psalmist prayed to God, “teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “teach us to value every moment that we’ve been given.” As you keep a proper perspective daily, you’ll gain a heart of wisdom, and experience the full blessings that God has for you each and every day of your life!  

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, NIV)  

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of life. Father, I promise to focus on the blessings of each moment instead of allowing the little things to steal my joy. Lord, help me to make the most of each day and not let them waste away. God, please keep me close to You always as I submit every area of my heart and mind to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Blessed With Benefits

family bonding during quarantine

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, as we approach the end of 2022, why not make obeying God top of your new years list. 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 blessings as I put You first in everything that I do, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Have You Ever Been Bullied? Pt4? ?

multiethnic male students gossiping about sad crying woman

Have there been people in your life that have caused you trouble? Like the youth say, “they just keep getting in your face.” In the Bible, Hezekiah was faced with enemies coming against him, causing him trouble, trying to keep him from his destiny. But Hezekiah didn’t get upset. He just kept abiding, kept being faithful and putting God first. In 2 Kings 19, God said, “Hezekiah, I Myself will come against this enemy. He will receive word that he is needed at home, and I will cause him to want to return and he will be defeated.” 

Today, when you abide in God, He says, “I will come against your enemies. I will come against that sickness. I will come against those who oppose you.” It says God is the one who caused Hezekiah’s enemy to turn around. That means God can cause that unfair boss to take early retirement. God can cause that neighbour that’s giving you so much trouble, to decide to pack up and move. God can cause that classmate to be transferred to another school. 

Today no matter what’s coming against you, keep abiding in God. Put His Word first place in your life. Honour Him in all that you do. Let Him fight your battles and bring you into the land of victory He has prepared for you! 

“With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles…” (2 Chronicles 32:8, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I bless You and praise You today because You are good! Father, thank You for Your good and precious promises. I submit my ways to You, and vow to abide in You no matter what… I surrender my will to You, knowing that You are working in my life. God, thank You for fighting my battles as I keep myself in covenant with You, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Have you ever been bullied? Pt 3

multiethnic male students gossiping about sad crying woman

The devil is our biggest bully. Daily he bombards us with challenges that try to move us away from God’s plan and purpose in our lives. You will be tempted to act out of character. You will be tempted to give in to the pride of your own thoughts, relying on yourself rather than fully relying on God. Unfortunately, all these decisions will put you in a position to lose the battle. 

If you are to get victory over the enemy, who is currently bullying you, you must learn the battle strategy from the one who knows best. God. He has strategic weapons to dismantle every attack of the enemy. We find this true throughout the Old Testament. 

In scripture, Joshua won the battle of Jericho by marching around the city 7 times, then releasing a loud shout. Gideon was told he had too many men for the battle. He was then instructed to take 300 men with him. As they went around blowing their trumpets, the Lord confused the opposing army, and they began to fight themselves.  Jehoshaphat was told by the Prophet of the Lord, ‘you will not have to fight in this battle, the Lord will fight for you’. They proceeded to battle worshipping their God and the other army began to destroy themselves. God does not fight as we fight. His weapons are much greater than ours. They are weapons of mass destruction, exposing our innermost thoughts and desires. 

Today, instead of cowering down to the enemy of doubt, fear, and insecurity. Instead of giving in to the temptation to quit. Instead of allowing the whispers of the naysayers to stop you in your tracks, I encourage you to fight back! You must stand and gird yourself with the full armour of God. Endure hardness as a good soldier and see those very obstacles demolished in your path. When you allow God to be your defence, your strong tower, He can perfect all things that concern you.  After all, He has already equipped you with the weapons that work; prayer, worship, and the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God. 

Do your battle on your knees today. Do your battle in worship. God will fight for you. 

“Praise the LORD, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle.” Psalm 144:1 (NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for teaching me how to fight. Often, I fight from a place of my own strength not fully relying on You. Lord as I begin to change course, teach me to be patient. I thank You for your power being made perfect in my time of weakness. I look to You when I am weak to help me win the victory in every area of my life. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 

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Have You Ever Been Bullied? Pt2? ?

laughing black male colleagues clasping hands in excitement together

A minister once shared this story… 

“One day we were driving our son’s quad on a trail through the forest in Alberta Canada. Wild roses, bluebells, wild strawberries and other plants blanketed the soil under the tall, slender Aspens. It was very peaceful, and we were truly enjoying the ride. 

Just ahead of us, we saw a mother grouse and her baby chicks scurrying across our trail. The chicks were scurrying as fast as their thin legs would carry them; however, the mother stood her ground, her tail feathers fanned out, her neck feathers ruffled. She was positioned to protect her family! We stopped the quad and watched. 

The chicks had scattered on both sides of the trail and the mother began clucking rapidly, calling her chicks. Soon the chicks ran toward her and the whole family ran to hide in the underbrush. A brave mother taking on our large four–wheeler; she was willing to give up her life for her little family. Good parents are like that.”

As I watched her, I thought of our Shepherd (Christ) giving His life for His flock and leaving the 99 sheep to look for the lost one. I thought about our Lord’s promise: “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand” (John 10:29). Hallelujah! Comforting, isn’t it?

Today, I am so thankful to You Lord. For protecting us, Your little flock, Your children, from all the bullies that want to torment our lives. We take confidence and strength from the promise in Deuteronomy 3:22, “Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you”. Only when we get to heaven will we realize how often God had to fight to save us from harm. Thank You, God! 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, You are our Rock, Fortress and Saviour.  You are our Rock in whom we find protection. Father, please help those people who are being bullied.  Send people to help them.  Please help the people who are doing bullying to get help so that they will not continue to hurt people.  Lord, give me the courage to tell my parents or others about anyone I know who is being hurt or bullied. Lord, help us all to not yield to temptation;  deliver us from evil in Jesus’s Name. Amen 

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Have you ever been bullied?? ?

boy sitting on his desk looking lonely

Perhaps the tyrant called you names, or pushed you around, or took something that was yours. Bullies are often puffed-up people who think losers deserve to be hassled, and those who get bullied feel pain and humiliation as a result.

Nahum, the prophet’s, anti-bullying tactic was to assure the Jews that God was still in control despite the disturbing behaviour. Nahum reminded them that God had great power, enough to fix the issue in an instant if he chose to be patient and trust. He allowed the bullying to continue because King Hoshea had done evil in God’s eyes, and the Assyrians were helping God get Israel’s attention. This was difficult news, but God wanted his people to turn back toward him. In addition, Nahum declared that God will bring justice to everyone who is guilty — eventually — but, because of his loving kindness, He often withholds His judgment until later. 

Today when we experience bullying or hardship, think before you act and ask, “What is God teaching me here, and how may I, like him, be patient and merciful even toward my enemies?”. As Paul wrote, “…do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). Remember God knows, He hears and is in control. 

“The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.” Nahum 1:3 

Yahweh, sometimes I wonder why my enemies who bully me seem to have the upper hand and beat me down. Father, help me see your purpose in affliction, and remember that you wait patiently for both sides to acknowledge your Lordship. God, may I show the same loving kindness toward my enemies in order that I may draw some to you. Give me the strength to take the necessary steps to report and expose, In Jesus’s name,  Amen. 

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Do You Want To Walk On Water

calm body of lake between mountains

To be a disciple is to follow Jesus, even into the water. Like with Peter, Jesus beckons us, “Come closer to me. Be my disciple and learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I am the only way, so I require you to focus exclusively on me in your obedience.” Peter became distracted. As he sees the wind whipping across the waves, Peter takes his focus off Jesus, and he begins to sink into the water. His obedience is now double-minded, providing a profound object lesson in what happens when we try to serve two masters. 

This is how our faith works: We want to walk on water; yet we insist on being able to focus on whatever we want. Sometimes Jesus, sometimes the wind and waves; sometimes Jesus, sometimes our careers and casual pursuits; sometimes Jesus; sometimes “the sin that so easily entangles”. 

Today, when we choose to focus on our cares and worries, we elevate them to the same status as the promises of Jesus. Which is more important and which should demand our greater attention? The ability of Jesus to care and love us or the concerns we have about our circumstances? Rather than obeying the commands of Jesus, we demand He tolerate our distractions and double mindedness. We live within a mythology that says we can somehow follow Jesus yet pick and choose what commandments we will obey and when we’ll obey. But, if we want to walk on the water with Jesus, we must hear his directing us, ‘Don’t look at the waves; look at Me.’ 

“… Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?” Matthew 14:29-31 (MSG) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I know you have called me to step out in faith, to place my life in your hand. Father, at times, we know this can be difficult to do. It’s not always easy to follow where you are leading me. Like Peter, I cry out to you, and I hear your gentle voice, “It is me, don’t be afraid.” God continue to give me strength and courage, as I walk through the storms of fear and doubt, knowing that you are right there with. In Jesus name, Amen. 

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Discipleship The Easy Yoke

man wearing blue dress

When I was young, I thought a godly life meant avoiding things that others in town enjoyed freely. I was on the outside looking in as my youthful peers spoke of their first cigarette, drink, and engagements with girls. Their lives seemed carefree, and mine a burden. 

As a teenager, I remember commenting that I wish I had come to Christ from being a drug addict because then my testimony would be powerfully compelling. But God reminded me “just think of all the heartache you’ve avoided by the path you have taken.” 

Dallas Willard says, “To depart from righteousness is to choose a life of crushing burdens, failures, and disappointments, a life caught in the toils of endless problems that are never resolved. Here is the source of that unending soap opera – that horror show known as normal human life. The ‘cost of discipleship,’ though it may take all we have, is small when compared to the lot of those who don’t accept Christ’s invitation to be a part of his company in The Way of life.”  

Today, do you seek reprieve from a “soap opera” life? Have you been fed the lie that following God will mean just one more burden? What’s keeping you from leaning on God and following his ways? Doing so may bring rest to your soul like you have never known. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for all you have protected me from. Father, I desperately seek the restful yoke of following you. Please help me choose your way so that I may know your pleasure and peace rather than the horror show I know, in Christ’s name. Amen. 

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Discipleship Today

woman in collared shirt

The book of Hebrews reminds readers how their ancestors rebelled against God in the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt. The people of Israel didn’t trust in God’s power to provide. They didn’t believe he cared about their need for water. 

The writer urges the believers and us not to fall into the same trap. It’s tough to follow God’s commands and live as disciples of Jesus. The daily struggle with sin can harden our hearts. We can begin to doubt God’s goodness. Sin tempts us with promises that it can’t deliver. Even so, we sometimes think we can give in to temptation a little bit. We whisper to our conscience, “Tomorrow I’ll repent and follow God.” 

Remember there is no such thing as past-tense or future-tense discipleship. Hebrews repeatedly uses the keyword “today.” “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7). Not tomorrow. Not yesterday. Today. If we harden our hearts against God’s voice today, what makes us think we will listen tomorrow? 

Today, we can choose to listen to God’s voice or to harden our hearts against him. And every day, we have an opportunity to encourage one another to keep following Jesus, even when the road is difficult. 

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:12-13 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I choose to follow you today. Father, please keep my heart soft and sensitive to your voice. God, bring other believers into my life to encourage me and may I encourage those around me to keep seeking you. In Christ’s name, Amen. 

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Dedicated Disciples ?

jesus saves neon signage

Becoming a serious Christian, around 15 years ago, was the most liberating moment of my life. It was also daunting. A world that once was familiar now appeared foreign, simply because most people I knew were not free. However, I knew I would need a family of fellow believers, for strength and survival.  

With fervent prayer, I explored churches and prayer groups to find that “place” where I could flourish in my exciting liberating faith. It wasn’t long before one church spoke the word “home” to my spirit, as I was greeted by the senior pastor and others who had been shepherding the congregation for years. They took me under their wings and lovingly, became my spiritual family. I met other church members and enrolled in a bible study about who Jesus was and the dynamics of Christianity. Oh, and their prayer meetings were powerful. 

God continued to lead me in nurturing pathways to strengthen my beliefs. The members were the epitome of disciples. They accepted, taught, and counselled me. Their commitment to my Christian maturity was transformational and something I’m still emotionally grateful for, years later. This church’s love for God and diligence in seeing me grow was Jesus in action. Though things weren’t perfect, I know they still exuded the personalities of dedicated disciples within the great tapestry of God’s kingdom. 

Today as a follower of Christ, endeavour to mirror the same characteristics as a good disciple. Nurture, love, and pray in the power of the Spirit. As believers, this is our obligation. May we never hesitate to speak or act in the life of someone needing help and discipleship. 

“Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  Galatians 6:10 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I desire to serve and honour you with my life. Father, grant me the heart of a dedicated disciple when encountering other believers who need guidance and love. God, please help me grow and mature spiritually as I seek to serve, in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

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Wisdom Wednesday

Wisdom Wednesday

Have you ever felt lost, unsafe and disoriented? It can be quite overwhelming. It might even be difficult to admit. I have some good news is you don’t need to worry or fear Jesus is near. He describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who cares so deeply about the one sheep who is lost, in danger and overwhelmed. In fact, his concern is so intense that he will leave the others in pursuit for the one who is lost. And He won’t stop until the one is found, safe and secure in His arms.

His primary concern is to find you. Make you safe and protect you from all harm and danger. And when he finds you He will carry you home where you belong with him. But here’s the thing, he does all this with joy in his heart. He doesn’t ask questions about where you’ve been and how you got there he just wants you to know that you are loved so deeply by Him.

Wherever you are today know that He is concerned about you, he is looking for you, you are loved, safe and protected by Him. – Pastor Sophia Peart

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You Can Be Pure Again?

close up of drop splashing in water

A few months ago I spoke for a programme on Sexuality at Chiswick Church. One of the questions posed was, “can someone who has lost their virginity be pure again?”. I reminded them as a believer in Jesus, you’re not only getting something new, you become someone new. You are a brand-new creation! You are a pure – re-created in Christ. The old is gone, the new has come. 

That now means, you have to trust God to retrain your body and mind to act, think, speak and live according to the new spirit within you (instead of the old habits you used to have). Don’t ever get stuck in a rut thinking, “I’ll never change, I will always be like this, that’s just the way I am.” No, the Bible says that the Spirit of God aids us in our weakness. He gives us strength to overcome. He empowers us to live as more than conquerors. 

Today, do you want to change your life and become new? Remember, you must be willing to sacrifice to be a new creation in Christ. Through sacrifice you will be empowered to overcome, equipped to walk in the new, and have the abundant life that God has in store for you! 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (II Corinthians 5:17) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for making me a new creation. Removing my past and making me pure in You. Father, thank You for empowering me to live as an overcomer in Christ. God, I give this day to You, and ask You to help me fully understand the plan You have for me. Please change me God, change my body, mind, and actions as I yearn to be more like Christ, in His name I pray! Amen. 

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I’ve Been Waiting To Long

woman in brown top

Just recently, I got frustrated because what I had been praying for was taking a long time. What are you praying for? Is it taking longer than you thought or expected? No matter how long you may have been standing on God’s promises, don’t give up! Your season is coming. Your harvest of blessing is on its way. It might be today, it might be tomorrow, it might be next week, next month or next year; but remember, at just the right time, you will experience your breakthrough.

Today, Be encouraged! God is faithful and His promises are true. Keep standing, keep hoping, and keep believing. Keep doing good. Keep declaring the promises of God over your life. Choose to be around people who are going to encourage you and fill your heart and mind with God’s Word. Let a song of praise come out of your mouth at all times. Press on in faith and keep an attitude of victory. Don’t get tired of doing what is right because your harvest of blessings is on the way. Hallelujah!

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for refreshing and renewing my heart. Father, I’m struggling with Your timing. Things have become difficult for me and I can’t hear from You. Fill me with Your peace; fill me with Your strength as I wait on You. God, I await my harvest of blessings from You. Help me to do good, stand firm and not give up until I see my harvest of blessings in Christ’s name. Amen.

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Our Security 

man wearing blue dress

During the Halloween season, I’ve been thinking more about the security of the family. During these uncertain times, the need for extra security rises. I spend time trying to figure out ways to protect my loved ones. I wonder if I am doing enough to keep them healthy and safe — and whether my plans will bear fruit for my children in the future. 

The scripture today reminds us, that true disciples of Christ recognise that attempting to create security on our own, has its limitations. The highest security comes from God through the loving care He provides to his people. As the old saying goes, “The more we give, the more we receive.” There is more of God’s reassuring security of grace in our lives when we choose to sacrifice for others as Christ indeed sacrificed for us. We are reminded that, based on our generosity to those in need, Christ promises to help us by pouring out a good blessing on us. When we fulfil this call, God will generously provide us with the spiritual abundance and the divine safety net we seek. 

Today, don’t forget this biblical truth from the life of Christ. He lived his life journeying from one community to another, caring for the sick, feeding the poor, and comforting lost souls. So, it should be with our lives. As disciples we should be inspired to serve others by the depth of God’s care and love for us. This is how we secure ourselves and our families. 

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  Luke 6:38 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I am grateful for your outpouring of reassuring grace during those times when I feel most vulnerable and unsafe. Father, as your disciple, give me the grace and knowledge to fulfil the role of freely providing your people with the support they need in times of uncertainty and vulnerability. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 

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