Godinterest

June 28, 2022June 28, 2022

How to Soothe Your Anxious Heart (Pt 2)

I could have very easily let my thoughts be on the worst possibilities and worry the day away. Instead, I slowed down to ask myself “how can I overcome my fear and anxiety?” The only biblical way I could see to handle the fear was to choose to trust God, and “bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ”. (2 Corinthians 10:5) I had to control my thoughts, rather than letting them run away and paralyze me with fear.

Jesus teaches acceptance, both of the world and oneself. Acceptance starts by understanding your anxiety further and recognizing the causes and solutions for your anxiety symptoms.

One of the reasons that people find Christianity helps them overcome anxiety is because at the core of anxiety is fear. Fear over the unknown and the belief that specific things in your life are important. Christianity teaches values that promote less anxiety, specifically because the belief in Christianity runs directly counter to the issues that cause anxiety. For example:

The bible teaches that fear of the unknown shows a lack of faith in God. Everything is supposed to be the result of God’s plan. If you’re allowing yourself to be overcome by anxiety and fear, then you’re showing that you don’t have total trust in God. The more trust you have, the more confidence you have in God’s ability to turn things around.

Christianity also teaches that death isn’t something to fear. A life lived in God’s path is designed to help you get to heaven, which is the ultimate goal of Christianity. This is seen in many Christians that adopt the religion after experiencing profound stress. Jesus gives their life purpose, which helps them overcome the belief that death is something to fear.

Today, many people also have personal fears that affect them. For example, someone may fear embarrassment, or they may fear spiders, or they may fear socializing. All these personal fears go against the belief in God, which is that your fears are selfish thoughts when God has a plan for you. Personal fears can be hard to control, but a healthy consistent belief in God can help you overcome anxiety. The core of believing in God is about trust over every uncertainty and fear in life and so this belief can be used to allow people to stop anxiety.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Let’s Pray Yahweh, I come before You to lay my panic and anxiety at Your feet. Father, when I’m crushed by my fears and worries, remind me of Your power and Your grace. God, fill me with Your peace as I trust in You and You alone. I know I can’t beat this on my own, but I also know that I have You, Lord, and You have already paid the ultimate price to carry my burdens. For this, I thank you, in Christ’s name Amen.

June 27, 2022June 27, 2022

How to Soothe Your Anxious Heart (Pt 1)

Worry and nervousness have gripped our world. Anxiety will present itself, but you don’t have to live there. The answer to anxieties is to go to God as soon as you sense worry. Don’t wait. Pray immediately and ask for His strength to help you. Today’s verse Philippians 4:6 has three steps to soothe your anxious heart:

1. Pray about everything. if I do what Philippians say and pray about everything, that does include everything. God is strong enough to handle all our worries. If we give all to Him we can break from the pressure that we put on ourselves.

2. Tell God what you need. Don’t use the excuse that He already knows. Actually, He knows even more than you do. We get so caught up in our wants, that our real needs are often hidden. God wants us to always come to Him about everything. He listens and is glad when we feel comfortable talking with Him.

3. Thank Him for all He has done (and will do). Gratefulness goes a long way to covering our anxieties. When we keep a list of all our blessings, they often crowd out my anxieties. Add to that a list of hopes and promises, which also will take up the space where fears want to live.

Today when worry comes knocking, remember that the Lord is your light and salvation. Doubt, fear, and anxiety may seek to surround you with darkness that you can’t move forward. This is Satan’s goal—to stop you from living out your faith in God. But God is always your light, especially when anxiety threatens to darken your path. Why should you be afraid with that much light all around you (Psa 27:1)?

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I thank you that I can come to You always for any reason. Father, I’m grateful that when I pray to You, You answer me. Help me to come to You at the beginning of my fears and anxieties instead of waiting until I can’t stand them anymore. The quicker I go to You the better. God, I know You want to free me from ALL my fears. Help me look to You for help more often so I can be radiant with Your joy. In Christ’s Name Amen.

June 24, 2022June 24, 2022

Stuck in the Waiting Place

Waiting. I’ve never been a fan. But I find myself here again, in this waiting place. The place where I know God is sovereign. I know He holds my life in His hands. I know He is there. I know He cares. I know the very hairs on my head are numbered… as are my days. And yet there is a knot in my stomach and my eyes flicker to the phone. Again. And again. It does not ring. Not yet. Of course, not yet. But I watch anyway. I swallow. And remind me of all the things I already know. The bible says, “Who among you by worrying can add a single moment to your life?”

Sometimes change is outside our control. Sometimes we’re not in charge. Sometimes we’re stuck, just like Abram and Sarai were in Haran. On their way to the promised land, the scripture says, “Terah took his son Abram… and his son Abram’s wife, Sarai…and arriving at Haran, they settled there.” Haran wasn’t the promised land. But because of Terah, they got stuck there anyway, and Sarai didn’t have the power to choose to continue the journey. God had to remove a barrier before she could move forward. In their case, Terah himself had to die.

Today, if you’re stuck in the waiting place, our culture says, “Get out of that rut! Life’s too short. Stop the excuses. Do something.” You’ll be told to smile more, care less, be happy, and think good thoughts. If you’re in a waiting place, know you are not alone. God is right there with you. So, Trust while waiting. Pursue your faith while waiting. Serve others while waiting. Be watchful and expectant while waiting. Be grateful while waiting. There is Hope!

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. – Romans 8:25

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, can I be honest? I am tired of waiting. Waiting is hard, painful, and exhausting. Father, I know that learning to wait is beautiful, sanctifying, and hope-giving. So, help me wait well. Help me cling to you as I wait. Please God, let your peace rule in my heart. Help me live by your grace each day while waiting. And help me bring you glory as I wait expectantly. In Christ’s Name, Amen!

June 23, 2022June 23, 2022

When Disappointments Come

In John 21:6b, the disciples were about to learn an important lesson about success and failure. After all, they were professional fishermen, doing everything they knew to do. But they caught nothing! When they obeyed Jesus’ directive and shifted the nets to the other side of the boat, when they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. The disciples didn’t just have success, they had great success.

Jesus needed the disciples to see the difference between self-directed effort and Jesus-directed effort. And to show them, He let them fail first. Honestly speaking I need this lesson myself. I wonder if Jesus has watched me try on my own and held back success while I do. Is He just waiting for me to listen for His voice? To watch for His plan.

Yes, we can do many things on our own, but that doesn’t mean we should. Why would we choose to ignore the greatest source of wisdom and power ever known, in exchange for our paltry efforts? When we operate in our power, we see what we can do. When we operate under Jesus’ direction and with the power of the Holy Spirit, we see what God can do.

Today as I look back on my life, the times I’ve seen God work in the greatest ways are when I admit my natural strength isn’t enough. That’s when His supernatural strength is evident. Viewed from this perspective, it reminds me sometimes failure is an opportunity to see God work miracles. Sometimes that’s the only way to see the difference between self-directed effort and Jesus-directed effort. God is always up to something for my good. And that’s the best way to look at disappointment.

“Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, ‘Friends, haven’t you any fish?’ ‘No,’ they answered.” – John 21:4-5 (NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for working in my life, even in ways that look like failure. Father, help me keep my eyes on You and not on my situation. God, I want to learn to trust You more, especially when I face what looks like a disappointment. Thank you, God, for using my disappointments as opportunities. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

June 22, 2022June 22, 2022

Remain Strong In Him

In life, we all have ups and downs. Some seasons are more difficult than others, seasons of testing, trials and temptation, where our character is being developed, and our faith in God is being strengthened. Sometimes it can feel like we are taking one step forward and two steps back.

If we’re not careful, we’ll start thinking that life is always going to be this way. Even in the strong seasons, you’ll start looking for things to go wrong. God doesn’t want us to live life like a roller coaster. He wants to bring us to a place of stability where we remain strong in Him.

Today, Christ says in His Word, “if you abide in Me, you will bear much fruit and your fruit will remain.” The word “remain” means “to be fixed, immovable, not affected by circumstances.” If you will just keep abiding in God, just keep meditating on His Word, He’ll bring you through. He’ll make you strong, He’ll keep you stable, and you’ll keep moving forward into the life of blessing He has prepared for you!

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I set my heart and mind on You, knowing that You are good and faithful. Father, I trust that as I seek You and put You first, You will direct my steps. God, I will remain in You and follow Your leading in everything I do, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

June 21, 2022June 21, 2022

Stir It Up

Last week I was at a bomb fire. Have you ever watched a fire begin to burn down to the point that all you have left are coals? It looks as though there is no fire left, but when you take a fresh log and toss it on top of those coals and stir it around a bit, it suddenly ignites, and you have a whole new fire going.

We need to take advantage of the opportunities that are out there. Some want to have big, visible ministries. They want the applause of men. But if we will humble ourselves and take what we have and offer it to God if we are willing to do what He has set before us and be faithful in the little things, then He will give us something better than visible ministries or applause – He’ll give us the peace and joy that comes from pleasing Him.

Today on my 59^th birthday Paul says Ray, “Stir up the gift of God which is in you…” (2 Tim1:6). The phrase stir up the gift means to fan it into full flame. The truth is as I reflect over my years there are live coals in my life like yours, that we have allowed the fire to burn down. We haven’t been using the gifts and talents that God has given us. It’s time to fan them into full flame again. It’s time to be reignited. It’s time to say, “please Lord, use me for Your glory until You return?”

“Stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for another year of life. Father, I pray I do not neglect Your Spirit or the gifts You have given me. Give me the courage to use these gifts and the humility to not use them for my glory, but You and Your glory. God, help me see the good work You have ready for me and embrace that work with willingness and joy. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

June 20, 2022June 20, 2022

Driving Through Life

Several years ago, I was teaching my son how to drive. Talk about nerve-racking! Sitting in the passenger seat, I felt helpless. All I could do was guide him and trust him to follow it. And when he started driving on his own, I was constantly in prayer!

Now when it comes to teaching kids how to drive, you can do it one of two ways. You can start by showing them the toolbox, the map, the insurance card, and where to put their cup while the car is moving. Or you can let them start driving and show them what to do along the way.

Today, God wants to teach us how to drive through life. One way He could teach us is by telling us exactly how to respond to any and every situation that might arise. All we’d have to do is memorize His instructions, and we’d be good to go. But like driving, God knows the best way for us to learn is to get out and experience life for ourselves, walking by the Spirit and listening to Him as we go. So, if you want to get the most out of life, live teachable. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your steps and you’ll learn how to excel in every aspect of life!

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, please allow me to take every experience I possess and use it for good in this lifelong journey. Father, teach me to be wise and to use that wisdom for your glory. God, teach me to strive for excellence in everything I do. May my actions always be righteous, and my heart always be sensitive to your voice. In Christ’s name Amen.

June 17, 2022June 17, 2022

A Thankful Heart

It is not easy to give thanks in every circumstance. But when we choose to thank God amid difficulty, it defeats the forces of darkness in the spiritual realm. When we thank God for every gift, He has given us even when things are hard, the enemy loses the battle against us. He is stopped in his tracks when we come to God with a thankful heart.

Today, learn to be thankful for every blessing from God in your life. It is of great significance to Him if, during great trials, we can be thankful. There is a way of looking at life from the standpoint of eternity. The reality of eternal life and eternal glory that far exceeds this life is a priceless treasure. Our afflictions are working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Hallelujah!

My cup overflows with your blessings – Psalm 23:5

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, teach me to offer you a heart of thanksgiving and praise in all my daily experiences of life. Father, I long to bring pleasure to You and to Break the power of the enemy in my life. God, defeat him through my sacrifice of praise. Please change my outlook and attitude into one of joyful contentment in my present circumstances. I thank You almighty for accepting me and blessing me despite my sins and complaining. Lord, convict me whenever I complain or compare myself with others. I know that Your truth dwells in a thankful heart. In Christ’s name Amen.

June 15, 2022June 15, 2022

I Want A Miracle!

Many Christians focus on what God has done in the past. He parted the Red Sea, stopped the sun for Joshua, and fed thousands of people with just a little boy’s small lunch. Yes, God has performed many amazing miracles throughout history, and we must give Him praise and glory! But at the same time, we also have to look forward to what God is doing today. If He did it in the past He will do it even today, in a more magnificent way.

In this verse, Paul says that “in the ages to come” God would do things that far supersede anything He’s ever done before. I believe that the “ages to come” that he’s talking about, is this day and time we’re living in right now, amidst all the chaos of these uncertain days. God wants to outdo Himself in our generation! Hallelujah!

Today, I share with you, that God is a God of increase. Where you are today is not where you are supposed to stay. He has greater levels of His favour and blessing in store for you. I dare you to dream big! I dare you to keep a God-sized vision in front of you! I dare you to take hold of every blessing that the Lord has in store for you now and in the year to come!

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…raised us together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4–7, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in the past. Father, I open my heart and mind to You, so that I can see the greatness You have in store for me today, and what You want to do in my future. Please Give me God-sized visions and testimonies. God, please use me for Your glory. I thank You in advance for Your favour, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

June 14, 2022June 14, 2022

Spiritual Boldness

In the last few years, it seems there has been constant brutal violence and restlessness all over the world and it’s increasing before our eyes and on social media. So much hatred, strife, and division in our land, stone-cold and bitter hearts toward anyone who may look different from us or think differently.

Most definitely, when we see injustice, it should cause us to want to rise and say something, yet our message as believers proclaiming the solution to such hatred and violence should be different than what the world offers. As believers, we must be bold as lions and not shy away from speaking the truth when the world may want to flee from the truth.

Today the problem with injustice is sin. The answer is the Gospel. It all begins and ends in the heart. We must take a stand against injustice for the sake of the Gospel! Human effort will not transform the heart of the sinner. Only God can change a hard heart of stone and make it a heart of flesh and that’s only done by acknowledging the need for a Saviour and believing the gospel that truly saves and changes hearts! Please, Jesus, give us the boldness to proclaim this today!

The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion” – Proverbs 28:1

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your mercy toward me. We are living in a world; unlike anything, we have ever seen before. Chaos, confusion, and turmoil have been stirring in the hearts of so many people. Father, I trust that justice belongs in Your hand, but I also trust that You have a great plan for me. God, help me fix my eyes on Christ so when I am tempted to only look at the problems around me, I will be able to proclaim with boldness that you are the only solution to what our world is experiencing! In Christ’s Name, Amen.

June 13, 2022June 13, 2022

Breaking News!

As many of us celebrate birthdays this summer, we tend to look back and reflect on our mistakes and shortcomings or what may have been. We get down on ourselves and think, “if only…” “I should have…” “What if…?” It’s easy to feel like you’ve missed opportunities over the year, then we get depressed and discouraged and stop pursuing our God-given dreams. But understand today, just because you’ve made mistakes or failed in some way, it doesn’t cancel God’s plan, that’s breaking news! Hallelujah!

Here is more Breaking News! God never disqualifies you. He never says, “go sit on the side. You’ve blown it too many times. You’ve got too many weaknesses.” No, God always gives you another chance! Hallelujah! Some of the great people in Scripture made very poor choices. The apostle Paul started as a murderer, yet his destiny was bigger than his mistakes. He ended up becoming a great leader and writing over half of the New Testament.

Today, as you evaluate the year, know that your mistakes, your failures, and your poor choices don’t have to keep you from your God-given destiny. With God, it’s not about the way you start in life, it’s about the way you finish. Receive His grace today, embrace His Word and the bright future He has in store for you!

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”(2 Timothy 4:7, KJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Father, I trust that my days are ordered by You. Please help me not focus on my mistakes and poor choices, but on my destiny in You. God, I ask that You strengthen and empower me to fulfil Your call on my life. I love You and bless You today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

June 10, 2022June 10, 2022

God’s Report

As a teacher, each term we write reports for each of our students. In life each day, we get “reports” from the news, our experiences, our friends and family, and other sources. In the Word of God, we also get reports that oftentimes contradict what others are saying. That’s when we have a choice of who or what we believe. Do we believe what we hear in the natural, or do we believe the report of the Lord?

Remember, we serve a supernatural God! Just because we don’t see a way, doesn’t mean that He doesn’t have a way. God can bring one opportunity across your path that will thrust you to a new level. He has explosive blessings that can change your report, that can blast you out of debt and into abundance.

Today, choose to believe the report of the Lord. You may be saying, “I don’t think I’ll ever get well. You should see what the medical report says about me.” That may be true according to medical science, but we have another report, and it says, “you will live and not die. God is restoring health unto you.” With men, it may be impossible, but with God all things are possible. Believe God, for if God says yes, nobody can say no. Stand firm no matter what is going on around you, knowing that He is leading you into victory in every area of your life! Hallelujah!

“I have heard a report from the Lord…” (Jeremiah 49:14, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, Thank You for Your Word, I will believe Your Word above all else. Father, I know that You are working on my behalf and will cause me to triumph. God, help me to tune out the negative reports and voices of the world, so that I can focus on Your positive report, voice, and goodness all the days of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

June 9, 2022June 9, 2022

It’s Time To Think Big!

One young man said to me I’m average. Many say I’m ok, or I’m getting there. God doesn’t want us to just get by or be average in life. He wants us to thrive and experience the fullness of His blessing. Not only does He want to meet our needs, but He also wants us to be able to reach out and help meet the needs of others, too.

When we ask God for something, it opens a supernatural door. Our faith gives God something to work with. Faith is what pleases Him. Faith moves mountains. Did you know that it pleases God when we pray bold prayers and ask Him for big things? God loves it when we step outside of the realm of the possible and believe what He can do. With God, all things are possible! Hallelujah!

Today, get bold with your prayers. Ask God for big things. Believe that He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Put your faith to work because God is faithful. Don’t claim mediocrity or survival, God has big things in store for you beginning right now, so ask Him!

“Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.” (Psalm 2:8, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I come to You with an attitude of faith and big expectancy. Father, You said that if I ask anything according to Your will, it will be done. God, I ask boldly for knowledge, wisdom, and peace. I thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life today, and believe You for big things in my future, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

June 8, 2022June 8, 2022

Perseverance

Have you ever put energy into a relationship, but it didn’t work out? What about a new business venture but you are still struggling with finances? Sometimes, people get discouraged in life because things didn’t turn out the way they hoped.

Now they think it’s never going to happen. But one thing we must learn is that God honours perseverance. On the way to your “yes,” you may encounter some “no’s.” You may encounter some closed doors, but that doesn’t mean it’s the final answer. It just means keep going!

Today, please remember if God promised it, He’s going to bring it to pass. The Word say, through faith and patience, we inherit God’s promises. Hallelujah! This is where patience and perseverance come in. This is where trust comes in. Just because you don’t see things happen right away, doesn’t mean you should quit. Your “yes” is on the way. Rise and press forward. Keep believing, against all the no’s, keep hoping, keep enduring and keep asking, because our God is always faithful to His Word!

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7, NASB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Father, I will believe Your Word today. I will trust Your promises. I will keep standing, believing, and asking. God, I believe Your “yes” is on the way, and I receive it in Christ’s Name! Amen.

June 7, 2022June 7, 2022

We Are All Sinners

Why do we need Christ? We need Christ because we are sinners. That isn’t confined to the small “easy to fix” sins. That applies to ALL sins. We put so much pressure on ourselves, but the truth is that we need Christ. We need him because we absolutely cannot live the way we are called to live on our own.

Don’t look down on people for sinning. That’s the most hypocritical thing we could do. We can never forget that we, sin. We were once drowning in our sin. And I don’t know about you, but I still struggle to keep my head above water every day. We are broken; we are sinful. Jesus comes in and changes that. If we could change ourselves, then we wouldn’t need him. He wouldn’t have had to die on the cross. None of that is necessary if we can “fix” ourselves on our own. What is so wonderful about Jesus is that he changes something fundamentally inside of us. It’s a change that cannot be described in words, it can only be experienced. You don’t have to change for Jesus. He is the one who changes you.

Today even those of us who have accepted Christ aren’t perfect. We need to cut each other some slack. We need to recognize that, yes, we must live to a certain standard as Christians, but that Jesus is about forgiveness first. He forgives us before he changes us, and then he continues to forgive us over and over again. we are only human. We must remember why we need Jesus; why his sacrifice was necessary. We must remember that true change of heart requires supernatural intervention, not human intervention. We must remember not to get things in the wrong order. We should help each other up and pray for the grace to get up when we fall.

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you that you are the one that can change me. Thank you that I do not have to change myself. Thank you for dying so that I could have life. Father, help me not judge others in sin but treat them with love and compassion. Lord, help me come to you just as I am: broken, imperfect, but fully alive and healed by the power of your blood. Hallelujah Jesus! This is good news. In Christ’s name Amen.

June 6, 2022June 6, 2022

I Want A Miracle Today!

In the past, God parted the Red Sea, stopped the sun for Joshua, and fed thousands of people with just a little boy’s small lunch. Yes, God has performed many amazing miracles throughout history, and it’s important that we give Him praise and glory! But at the same time, we also must look forward to what God is doing today. If He, did it in the past He will do it even today, in a more magnificent way.

In today’s verse, Paul says that “in the ages to come” God would do things that far supersede anything He’s ever done before. I believe that the “ages to come” that he’s talking about, is this day and time we’re living in right now, amidst all the chaos of these uncertain days. God wants to outdo Himself in our generation! Hallelujah!

Today, I share with you, that God is a God of increase. Where you are today is not where you are supposed to stay. He has greater levels of favour and blessing in store for you. I dare you to dream big! I dare you to keep a God-sized vision in front of you! I dare you to take hold of every blessing that the Lord has in store for you now and in the years to come!

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4–7, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in the past. Father, I open my heart and mind to You, so that I can see the greatness You have in store for me today, and what You want to do in my life in years to come. Give me God-sized visions and testimonies. God, please use me for Your glory. I thank You in advance for Your favour, in Christ’s Name! Amen.