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At Times Like These Create A God File

Watching the memorial service yesterday for George Floyd, I was left thinking about the joint  pandemic of racism and covid-19. It led me to ask this question – when things happen in your life that you don’t plan, do you find yourself trying to reason it all out, or looking for a place to file it all in your mind? What happens when you can’t find a “file” to put it in? What if you can’t make sense of it all?

This may be an answer: create a file in your thinking called an “I Don’t Understand It” file. When things come up that don’t make sense or you can’t figure out, instead of losing hope or becoming confused, simply put it in your “I Don’t Understand It” file and leave it alone by faith.

Today, especially at this time, don’t start moving forward with old frustrations. Don’t carry bitterness into your season of new beginnings. Don’t put a question mark where God has placed a full stop. Trust that He is good. Trust that He is working things out for your good. Keep believing, keep praying, keep hoping for the future. Let go of what didn’t work out and what’s causing you stress, and get ready for the new season God has prepared for you!

“Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me.”
(Psalm 131:1, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, right now I surrender my unexplained  questions; I surrender my negative past; I surrender my frustrations; I surrender my need to have all the answers in my “God take care of it” file. God, I trust that You have all the answers, and You will reveal all things in time. Teach me not to stress and worry about world events, because you are still in control, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Meditation Is Part Of The Solution

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14, NIV)

One of the things that will bring you sanity during these chaotic times is meditating, particularly before you start your day, or at the end of the day. To meditate on something simply means to think about it, and let the meaning of it sink deep down into your heart. 

Meditation is a spiritual practice that’s encouraged throughout scripture. The key is to draw on God’s wisdom found in His Word, which is filled with the blessings and benefits of meditating on its principles. For example, meditating on God’s Word will give you spiritual, physical and emotional success. That’s exactly what God told Joshua as Israel got ready to enter the Promised Land.

Today, when everyone is looking for solutions and success, God’s definition of both of these is to know Him better. One way you can do that is to read and understand His Word. Another benefit of meditating on God’s Word is that it will help you keep your heart and mind right before Him, especially in these times. The Bible is like a mirror and a lens that accurately shows you where your heart really is, and how to move forward.

“Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed.” 

(Joshua 1:8, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, You have said that Your Word is living and active. Father, help me have the appetite for meditating on Your Word daily, so I can live and be successful. God, today I pledge to spend time allowing this living Word to search my heart, and make sure I am right before You, moving forward with vision and vigour, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Please Take Care of Yourself

As we look at the sad reality in the UK, ethnic minorities are two thirds more likely to die of the coronavirus than their white friends. Although there may be many different factors, the question that must be asked before looking to others, is “what can I do to protect myself?” We may have to subtract in order to multiply, we may have to cut back in order to move forward and have a brighter future. Because we are bought with a price, we must do whatever we can to take care of God’s most precious creation — me!

There is no doubt that being in shape spiritually is the most important kind of fitness. But being in shape physically is just as important. Most of us know our Bible well, we pray often and we know what to do, but then don’t have the physical energy to do anything at all. All three parts of your being physical, emotional and spiritual should be healthy and in sync for you to function most productively.

Today, during this period of the coronavirus, we should do all we can to look after ourselves, remembering that our body is the temple of the most high God, and you must honour Him with the care you take of it. Seek a balanced diet, and try to be healthy and God-honouring in every part of life.

“For God has bought you with a great price. So use every part of your body to give glory back to God because He owns it.” 

(1 Corinthians 6:20, TLB)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for giving me the ability to honour You with my body. Help me to take care of my body physically, mentally and spiritually, realising that my body is my responsibility. God, show me what needs to change to make my body a stronger and healthier temple for You. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Peace And Unity

George Floyd’s death has exposed the racist disunity in our society. Did you know the Lord has commanded that blessings come upon you when you are at peace with your brothers and sisters in the Lord? This doesn’t mean you say nothing, it means together we show love, when one hurts we all hurt. As believers, we are called to work together in unity in order to fulfill God’s purposes. We are called to serve one another in love and serve together in our communities. Making the weaker strong and crushing injustice.

Think. Is there someone that you don’t quite get along with? Maybe it’s discrimination, gender issues, jealousy or a character clash. Pray for yourself first that God would work on your heart. Then pray for that person. Go out of your way to be a blessing to them. Do your best to walk in peace and unity.

Today, as we serve one another in love, the Bible says the world will know that we are Christians. The world will recognise that we are true followers of Christ by our actions, not by our words. Make the decision to live in peace and unity with your brothers and sisters in the Lord, which includes honesty and truth. If the only thing you can agree on is that Jesus is Lord, build on that. Focus on the love you have for God and for seeing people come to know Him. As you focus on walking in peace and unity, you will walk into the place of blessing the Lord has commanded for you!

“How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity”¦for there the Lord has commanded the blessing.”

(Psalm 133:1—3, KJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, search my heart today and see if there is anything that is keeping me from walking in unity with my brothers and sisters. Father, our world needs Your love and unity that only comes through Your Spirit.  God, I choose peace today. I choose unity today. Help me to be an example of love to those around me, in Christ’s Name! Amen

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God Refresh My Soul

During this lockdown because of covid-19, we’ve experience the hottest spring on record. On a hot day after exercise there is nothing more refreshing than having some crisp, cold water to drink when you’re dry, thirsty and tired! It refreshes, restores and revitalises. If quenching your thirst feels so good and invigorating, then imagine just how much better it feels to refresh your spirit and soul when you’re spiritually flat and mundane.

That’s what God had in mind when He stated that He desires for you to come before Him and plug yourself back into His unlimited strength and power. If you stay connected to Him He will refresh your soul, lift you when you’re down, and lead you into victories in your life. Hallelujah!

Today, not only will staying connected with God refresh your soul, the same should be true of your time with other believers who have His Spirit. It will be so exciting when church reopens and followers of Christ gather for worship and praise, it should be uplifting, refreshing and rejuvenating for everyone involved, people should leave the place different than when they came in because of God’s presence.

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul.”

Pray With Me

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for being my shepherd. Father, give me a great desire to seek You daily, and get plugged in and stay plugged in, so my soul can be refreshed and my spirit filled with Your living water, so that I will never thirst again. God, I thank You also for the times I have had with fellow believers, hopefully this will become the norm again as lockdown is eased, and we’ll be able to refresh and uplift each other in ways we cannot know. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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It’s About Your Heart

With covid-19 I’m told that most people don’t even know they’ve had it, or show signs of infection on the outside. When you become a believer in Christ, He begins to work in and through you automatically. Inside, you are becoming a completely new person.

No one else around you may notice the change, at least not immediately, because people usually only see the outside of a person, and what they can see and hear. Sometimes, you yourself may not even see or feel the change. But the fact that you’ve accepted God and His grace, changes you from the inside out, and He is still changing you because you belong to Him. Don’t let people’s negative judgement of you stick or hurt, only God can see your heart.

Today, don’t be discouraged if others around you don’t seem to notice how hard you’re trying, and the work God is doing in your life. Just remember that a life-changing transformation has started on your inside. God sees the difference, He knows what’s inside you, and He is bringing victory to every area of your life. It’s nobody’s business but yours and God’s! Soon the world will know.

“…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, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your life-changing power and strength. Father, give me eyes to see myself and others the way You see them, from the inside out. Teach me not to judge others by what I see. God, help me not to get discouraged by what people say about me, because they really don’t know how hard I’m trying and how much You’re working on my inside, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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The Blessings Of Heaven

Since covid-19 many have forgotten how blessed they are because of loss, separation and sickness. When you become a follower of Christ, not only do you receive eternal life, but you are blessed with spiritual blessings, no matter the circumstances. Scripture tells us that we are blessed with every blessing in heaven. 

What are the spiritual blessings of heaven? Peace, joy, favour, abundance, grace, and so much more! You are blessed with earthly talents, and you are blessed with many spiritual blessings — most of all peace of mind!

Today, let this sink down into your spirit. God has given you talents, fulfillment, favour and abundance. You are blessed in the city, blessed in the field, blessed when you come and when you go. You are blessed with confidence and assurance that your God will do what He says He will do. Hallelujah! The Almighty will keep you safe and secure during these times. Think about all of the blessings that God has given you, and have a praise break and thank Him today!

“How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every blessing in heaven because we belong to Christ.” 

(Ephesians 1:3, TLB)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I thank You for richly blessing me during these hard times. Father, help me not to take your blessings for granted. Teach me how to take praise breaks daily at work, at school and at home. God, help me to seek Your favour and live abundantly in Your love and blessings, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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You Can’t Have Your Cake And Eat It

On becoming a Christian, I resisted change. I wanted to remain sinful but also be a saint. There are people who want to follow Christ and remain the same. They want to have their cake and eat it as the saying goes. When you become a follower of Christ, your life should be different. Everything about you becomes different. When we follow God’s commands, it means we do things differently from our life before Christ and people without Him.

It means, instead of being offended, we choose love. Instead of insisting on our way, we serve others. It means, instead of trying to be right all the time, we build and lift others up. This may not be the way most people in the world act, but that’s okay. We are called to be different. We are called to rise higher. We are called to be examples of God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness.

Today, being different may not make sense to those that don’t know Christ, but that’s okay. God will promote you to a new level of blessing, favour and victory when you commit yourself fully to Him. Don’t live a life of mediocrity, live a life of excellence for God. Life a life pleasing to Him and don’t be afraid to be different!

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”

(1 Peter 2:11, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for transforming me into Your image, and allowing me the privledge of being Your disciple. I know that means I can’t be like the world, as I am now set apart for Your good. God, teach me how not to comprise and stand up even when it’s not popular. Teach me to embrace difference for Your kingdom. Help me to love like You, and be a light everywhere I go. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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I Am Not Condemned

Portrait in Stockholm, Sweden by Oliver Ragfelt

During sickness, death, lockdown and isolation of covid-19, many of us start reflecting on our past, wondering what if we got sick and died? We spend time evaluating where we are in life spiritually. Many will be very guilty of the life they have led, wondering have I been forgiven, is God’s grace enough to give me a place in paradise. The truth is you’re not condemned, your past is the past and God has enough grace to cover your sin. Reflect on that and let that thought lift your spirit. Hallelujah!

Right now is there something that you feel guilty about? If you have repented to God, the Bible says He takes your sin and throws it as far as the east is from the west. He casts it into the depth of the sea of forgetfulness. That means God chooses to forget your sins! They are completely removed. Gone.

Today, don’t let the enemy make you feel guilty for something that happened in your past. The enemy is the “accuser of the brethren,” and he works overtime to try to bring you down with false accusations. Be confident that if you’ve given it to God, He doesn’t remember it. You are free from condemnation through the blood of Jesus Christ. The next time the enemy brings up your past, just declare “I am free from condemnation in Jesus’ Name!”

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live and walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.”

(Romans 8:1 AMP)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for setting me free in the name of Yahshua my Messiah! Father, thank You for forgiveness. Thank You for washing me clean of the sins of my past and making me new today. God, I rebuke the enemy and his guilt, shame and negative thinking of condemnation that he has sown in my mind. I receive Your grace and mercy, so that I can be a vessel used by You, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Serenity is a Grace Gift

“This life is not a canvas of serenity dotted with seasons of trial and tribulation, but a canvas of struggle dotted seasons of serenity.” – She Reads Truth

Why do I get this so backwards all the time?

I walk through life seeking peace, happiness, calmness… perfection. Then I get all twisted up in self-righteousness and frustration when it gets hard, because “it’s not supposed to be this way.” Says who? The Bible straight up tells us that this life will not be easy. It tells us to expect the trials, the struggle, the mockery, and then get this… it tells us to rejoice about it.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven…” Matthew 5:11-12

I don’t know about you, but I’m not very good at rejoicing in the struggle when I’m in the middle of an anxiety attack or feel like a lost and lonely soul with no community. Instead, it usually goes something like this:

God, You are so good and I will praise you no matter how hard it gets!

*it gets hard*

Oh Father, this is terrible! Why have you done this to me and why won’t you make it stop!?

I find myself in a place where I think I deserve a perfect life and it’s God’s fault for not giving it to me. Something gets twisted in my prideful, self-righteous mind that tells me everything should have gone my way and I should be perfectly happy and peaceful, and God took that away from me. Except that’s the furthest thing from the truth.

We are broken people who live in a broken world. It is cruel, unjust, depraved, and bent out of its intended shape. That means our time here is bound to reflect the brokenness. We’ve been given a canvas that is already ripped and spattered with dirt, blood, and tears. So why do we question when things get messy? It’s bound to happen. Jesus promised it would happen.

“Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” – John 16:22 (emphasis mine)

When I step down from my pride-pedestal and humbly lay it at the Father’s feet, I see a new perspective. I see that I never deserved any kind of peace or happiness, because from the moment I was born, I had a sinful nature. As soon as I could speak, I slandered the name of my God. As soon and I could walk, I learned to wander from His Presence. I’ve faltered and stumbled and rebelled so many times, I never deserved to have any of the good things Jesus promises me.

To combine my canvas of a broken and messy life with my track record of sin, I can clearly see that the only thing I deserve in this life is struggle, trial, and temptation. Half of it is the result of my own sin, and the other half is simply the effects of a broken world.

And yet…

that’s not the end of the story.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 (emphasis mine)

Now, I can receive the season of serenity as the most beautiful gift of grace. This grace that I could never deserve, given to me just when it feels like the trials will finally take me down. Jesus offers peace. He offers joy. He offers the victory that He has already won for us.

“You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.” – Psalm 139:5

Hallelujah! What a sweet Savior I follow.

He’s preparing the way before me, guarding my back behind me, and walking beside me with His hand of blessing on my head.

So how do we make the leap from seeing seasons of serenity as a gift to rejoicing when we’re back in the midst of the struggle? To be honest, I’m not entirely sure. It’s probably more like a series of stumbled baby steps.

But the one thing I know is this: It will end.

This ripped and messy canvas we live in will be restored to its original glory – and then some! Jesus promised to return and redeem us. To defeat the darkness once and for all so that His children may never again be burdened by loneliness, depression, anxiety, poverty, or any other struggle of this world. This is the hope that can carry us through the struggles. This is the reason I can rejoice when life is messy (which let’s be honest, is most of the time). Because I know it WILL GET BETTER.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed… that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”
– Romans 8:18-20

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Love and Kindness During This Pandemic

Covid-19 has brought out love and kindness in communities around the world. One translation of today’s verse (1Cor 13:4) says, “love looks for a way to be constructive.” In other words, love looks for ways to improve someone else’s life. Not just in word but in action. Love brings out the best in other people. Don’t just get up in the morning and think about yourself, or how you can make your own life better. Think about how you can make someone else’s life better.

Ask yourself, “who can I encourage today?” “Who can I build up?” Someone in your life needs your encouragement. Someone in your life needs to know that you believe in them. Someone in your live needs food, or a computer. I believe God will hold us responsible for the people He’s put in our lives. He’s counting on us to bring out the best in our family and friends.

Today, how will you improve the lives of those around you? Will you give them confidence? Will you bring a smile to someone’s face? Ask the Lord to give you creative ways to invest in those around you. As you sow seeds of encouragement and bring out the best in others, God will send people along your path that will build you up too, and help you move forward into the blessing He has in store for you!

“”¦love is kind”¦”

(1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for loving me and for being kind to me and my family. Father, thank You for believing in me and always building me up. I ask that You show me creative ways to encourage and build up the people around me. God, help me to be an example of Your love today, and always seek to lift the spirits of those I come into contact with during this difficult time, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Created With Gift And Purpose

62 Reasons Why I Love My Mom

Covid-19 or your sin doesn’t take away your gift or purpose. God created and designed you for a specific purpose. God has placed gifts inside of you to equip you to fulfil your purpose. He knew that covid, disease and sin would be here, but He still blessed us with gifts and purpose. Do you know what your gifts are? What are you passionate about? What can you do better than other people? What would you choose to do if there were no obstacles? God wants you to develop and pursue the gift inside of you, because your gift is a part of your destiny.

The gifts God gives aren’t just for us. He gives us gifts to help build up other people. You have a specific role to play in the body of Christ and your community. That doesn’t mean God’s going to send you to a third world country or make you preach. But, there are people all around you that only you can reach. 

Today, are you using your gifts to build up the kingdom? Are you serving in your local church? Even if you are still discovering what your gifts and purpose are, you can simply take a step and volunteer. Everyone has something to give. You can give a smile, a handshake or an encouraging word. When you step out and serve others, that’s how you develop your gift and move forward in the destiny God has for you!

“Do not neglect your gift”¦”

(1 Timothy 4:14, NIV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me with gifts and a purpose to fulfil my destiny. God, thank You for walking with me and guiding me to this point in my life. Thank you that covid-19, disease or sin won’t take away my gifts, purpose or eternal destiny. Lord, please show me ways to develop the gifts You have given me, so that I can be a blessing everywhere I go, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Where Is Your Faith?

Covid-19 has tested our faith and our belief in God. Many Christians have placed more faith in Boris, Trump, the government and science, than in God and His Words. Faith is more than a feeling that is only strong when we’re in church or with prayer warriors. Faith is a confidence that comes from knowing God and His promises. When you know a person well, and you know they always keep their word, and they tell you they are coming to your house at a certain time, then you have faith that they will come to your house at that time. You aren’t going to call them just before and ask if they are still coming. No, you trust that they are faithful to do what they said, because they have done it in the past.

Faith in God works in a similar way. When we know God’s character and His promises, and we’ve seen what He has done in the past, our faith begins to grow. That’s why Romans says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. That’s how we get to know Him. Through the consistency in His Word and the testimony of others.

Today, I encourage you to build your faith by spending time in God’s Word. Get to know Him and His plans that are for your good. By trusting Him that what He has blessed you with in the past, He will do it again, and more. Let faith rise up in your heart and bring to pass all that you’ve been hoping for! 

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

(Hebrews 11:1, NIV)

Pray With Me! 

Yahweh, thank You for the confident hope and assurance found in You. Father, increase my faith and hope in You. Please show me Your ways as I study Your Word, so I will get to know and trust You. God, let faith rise in my heart as I seek You first in all that I do today and always, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Receive His Love

You’ve probably heard the saying that “you may be the only Jesus someone ever sees.” There may be a desperate person who is in need of something as small as a smile, or a little money, and you might be the best or the only example of Jesus’ love to them! With this in mind, we should look for ways to live with true compassion, and a caring attitude toward others. That’s how you can plant seeds of God’s love in someone. You may not be around to see the seeds grow into a large and beautiful plant, but you could make a life-changing impact.

When others look at your life, do they know that God loves you? Can they see the change in you? Do they know you are a follower of His? Remember, the evidence is in your words and actions. The most important thing you could ever know and show, is that God loves you. His love changes us. His love empowers us. His love takes us to new levels. His love gives us eternal life.

Today, open your heart fully and receive His love. Then turn around and love Him in return by following His commands. Make the decision today to let His love show all over you!

“We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people”

(1 Thessalonians 1:4, NLT)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, I thank You for Your love and compassion for me. Thank You for loving me, for empowering me, and changing me to be more like You. God, have Your way in my heart, so that I can be a shining light of Your love to the people around me. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Desire And Power

Spirit = Breath

The more things go wrong in this world, and the older I get, the more I want to please God. What about you? Do you desire to please Him? When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, God works in you to change your desires from self-seeking to God-seeking.

When you make a wrong choice, or do something that displeases Him, most times, you know it immediately. There’s a feeling of uneasiness on the inside of you. You might even feel a little sick to your stomach. That’s because the desire to please God is built inside of you. That “feeling” is the Spirit’s convicting that keeps you on the right path. God doesn’t just give you the desire to please Him; He gave you the power to please Him. He didn’t just call you; He equipped you! So follow that inner prompting.

Today, even when you make a mistake, even when you have a setback, God is always ready to help you. He loves you so much, and He wants the best for you. His plans and purposes for your life are good. When you are totally committed to Him, nothing will stop Almighty God from accomplishing great and marverlous things in and through you!

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

(Philippians 2:13, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for filling me with the desire to please You. Father, I know that as I follow Your promptings, You are leading me in the path of life. God, I pray for the desire and the power to do what pleases You. I love You and bless Your holy Name, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Don’t Just Think Your Thanks, Show It!

What a great weekend ministering on Adventist Radio London. On Friday we praised and thanked God. On Saturday we learnt to thank God in advance. Then on Sunday we thanked God for 2 years of broadcasting the Ray of Hope Show. Are you overflowing with thankfulness today? Is your thankfulness spilling out on to the people around you? Don’t just think your thanks, show it! Don’t let the kindness of others go unnoticed.

It’s easy to take for granted the people who are closest to us, but those are the people we should thank the most. Your family, your friends, the ones who love and support you are the ones who should feel your thankfulness the most. Today’s scripture says to live in Christ and be built up in Him. When you build yourself up by studying the Word and praying in the Spirit, then the second part of the verse will happen naturally, you will be strengthened in your faith, and your heart will be filled with thankfulness.

Today, take a step of faith and begin to show your thankfulness to those around you. Let it overflow! Sow seeds of gratitude and blessing, so you can reap an abundant harvest of blessing in return!

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” 

(Colossians 2:6—7, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for an awesome weekend and for strengthening me with Your faith and love. Father, help me be a blessing to those around me, and give me creative ways to let my life overflow with thankfulness. God, I bless You today and give You thanks, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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