God Forgives: All You Have to Do is Pray
Hello everyone, and welcome. Today, I want to share a message of hope and redemption written by my daughter, Sian, who is 13 years old. Despite her young age, she has a profound understanding of God’s love and forgiveness. I am proud to share her words with you, and I hope they touch your heart as they have touched mine.
God Forgives: All You Have to Do is Pray
Welcome, everyone. Let’s get straight to the point: as humans, we all sin. It’s in our nature. Whether it’s telling a lie, being disobedient to our parents or guardians, not respecting the Ten Commandments, or failing to keep the Sabbath day holy, we have all done at least one of these things.
But I’m not here to say we are doomed to burn in hell or that we will never be forgiven. Instead, I am here to encourage you to ask the Lord for forgiveness and to pray for His help in overcoming your challenges.
Scripture says in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” I am here to remind you that God forgives and that He does not dwell on our past. He looks towards our future.
If God can do that, I believe you can too. Ask God to forgive your sins and help you become a better person so that we can join Him in heaven.
Now, in all my messages, I always say don’t take this for granted because it is true. Don’t take Jesus for a fool. Just because God forgives does not mean we can live our lives however we want and expect a simple prayer to fix everything. My dear friends, we must put in the work to improve ourselves.
God forgives, but we need to do our part by asking for His help to become better. Just because you have a past doesn’t mean you should remain there. Ask God to help you look towards a brighter future and to forgive your past.
As it says in Daniel 9:9, “The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him.”
It emphasizes that God is merciful and ready to forgive. And He will help you—all you have to do is pray and spend time with Him.
Now, who here loves to spend time with God? Good, that’s a great start to building a relationship with Him and asking for His forgiveness. Amen.
Repentance, The Response To Grace
God’s Forbearance Leads To our Repentance
Genuine Repentance
- Conviction. The Holy Spirit will reveal the areas in which we’ve sinned and convict us of wrongdoing. Through Scripture, the Spirit shows us God’s standard and what needs to change. Repentance begins with understanding where we have gone astray.
- Confession & Contrition. Contrition is grieving over our sinful habits is followed by confession to the Lord. Genuine sorrow arises from the knowledge that we’ve sinned against Him. In contrast, human unhappiness often comes from being caught misbehaving. Other times we are miserable because of where our choices led us, or feel shame that people know about our sin. True contrition is followed by humble confession.
- Commitment to action. Real repentance is complete when we wholeheartedly pledge to turn from our old behaviour and move toward righteous ways. God knows we won’t live perfectly, but He wants a surrendered heart that diligently seeks to obey Him.
What Is Your Bathsheba?
“One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof, he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. Then she went back home.” (2 Samuel 11:2-4).
Men, We Must Do Better
My Brother, God Knows…
The Gloves Are Off
Breaking News Part 5: Anointing Brings Power, Courage and Ability
Not only has God equipped you, but He is also working in you. He has already lined up everything you need to live a victorious life. You were created to excel! Greatness is inside of you. Don’t settle where you are. Have the attitude, “I am anointed. I can accomplish my dreams. I can overcome any obstacle”. God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfil your destiny through His Word!
The scripture says, as believers in Christ, we are anointed. The word “anointing” is the power of God which gives you courage, strength and ability. That means you are well able to do what God has called you to do.
Today, because of your gift of anointing, you can accomplish your goals. You can become more creative with talents and success. You can overcome any obstacle and you’re equipped with strength for every battle! Remember, the heavenly hosts that are with you are greater than the forces that are against you! Hallelujah!
“Every Scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for equipping me. Father, thank You for anointing me and empowering me through your Spirit. God help me to stay focused on Your Word and Your plan for my life today and in the future. I bless You and honour You alone. In Christ’ name, Amen.
Breaking News Part 4: You Are Anointed with Joy
Psalm 45 has been called a ‘King’s Wedding Song’. It brims with royal pageantry and wedding imagery. The bridegroom here is a King of God’s people, preparing to marry the one he loves. This Psalm was probably used at many royal weddings in ancient Israel.
Later in Israel’s history, this Psalm came to be seen as a picture of the promised Messiah-King, who would come to deliver and unite with God’s people. In the New Testament, God’s people recognize Jesus as the Messiah-Saviour and see the church (God’s people) as his bride, based on teachings about a wedding feast in the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 22:2; 25:1; Revelation 19:7; 21:2).
The psalmist talks about being anointed with “the oil of joy”. The joy we have in Christ as our Saviour can be with us always. Yet we are often distracted by worries and troubles in this world, forgetting the amazing blessings and potential we have as Christ’s anointed ones.
Today, weddings are seen as joyous events. So, even as we deal realistically with the struggles of this world just as Jesus does, we can look forward to our wedding and full life with Him in the kingdom of God. We can share that good news with others, so they too can have this anointed joy – now and forever. With whom can you share this breaking news of a joyful of life today?
You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. (Psalm 45:7).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I long for a joy-filled life forever with you. Father, thank you for anointing me with your joy. God guide me to share it with others, for your sake. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Breaking News Part 3: You Have an Anointing
Some years ago, without my knowledge, I was given a counterfeit 20 pound note. I didn’t realise it until the lady at the check-out eyed me suspiciously because it wasn’t the real thing. Thankfully, I wasn’t charged with a crime. But for a short time, I felt caught between the forces of truth and evil.
Two forces are at work in the world today: truth is working by the Holy Spirit, and evil is working by the energy of Satan, the devil, the father of lies. We feel this tension in our lives every day. Sadly, many Christians have one foot in the world and one foot in the life of faith. The Bible calls this lukewarm belief (Revelation 3:15-16).
Today, we are living in a crisis of faith. The spirit of the antichrist is working in this world. It is vitally important to stand strong in faith and to be able to recognize the lies and deceit of the evil one. Having daily devotions and a consistent life of prayer is a beautiful way to carry out your anointing. This anointing, the Bible tells us, is given to us by God and remains in us. Take comfort in this truth. Satan cannot snatch us away from God’s claim on our lives because of our anointing. You have an anointing from the Holy One, and that’s the truth.
The anointing you received from him … is real, not counterfeit – [so] just as it has taught you, remain in him. (1 John 2:27).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank you for your unfailing love and constant promises. Father, I praise you that my anointing is real and sent by you. Please Keep me strong, I pray in your name, Amen.
Break News Part 2: The Anointing Brings Prosperity
In the ancient world, anointing a person with oil had several meanings. It was used to symbolize that a person was chosen by God. Anointing a person with oil was a sign of God’s approval. People were anointed as an act of sanctification, to make one holy. Early Christians were encouraged to pray and anoint those who were sick with oil.
In scripture, David doesn’t tell us just what he was thinking in Psalm 23, when he wrote, “Thou anointest my head with oil”. Was it the moment that the prophet Samuel visited his father Jesse, having been sent by God, to anoint a new King? Or at a coronation ceremony many years later, when he did become King? Or was it at a moment he had asked for prayer, and he was anointed again?
Today, the words of Psalm 23 give us encouragement. For as we read it, we too, are assured of God’s love and presence in every part of our lives. As David wrote the words, “Thou anointest my head with oil”, he celebrated both the physical touch of oil and the gift of God’s Spirit, being poured on him. The anointing meant that David feasted at a table, knowing God’s grace was overflowing without limit and end. Like David, the anointing assures us of a shepherd who would lead us in every circumstance. One who would always be present to give comfort, strength, and prosperity.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil.” (Psalm 23:5).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for anointing my drooping head with oil to revive me. Father, in this dry and weary land, I need Your refreshment in my life. God thank You for knowing just when I need a good word, a kind gesture, a phone call, or any other encouraging thing in my life. Lord, thank You for pouring the fresh oil of hope over my head at just the perfect time. Thank you for the Grace and prosperity the oil represents. You are truly a Good Shepherd, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Breaking News Part 1: The Anointing Destroys The Yoke
In today’s verse, Isaiah the prophet, brought some exceptionally good breaking news to King Hezekiah. King Sennacherib of Assyria had set his sights on Judah. He captured her cities, demanded exorbitant tributes, and mocked the God they served. In desperation, King Hezekiah went to the Temple to seek the Lord’s assistance.
Scripture says God sent a message through Isaiah: He would lift the burden under which Hezekiah was bound. He would destroy the yoke with which King Sennacherib had controlled and crushed his people. And He would do so because of the anointing. God honoured His anointing, His word, and His purposes.
Satan is the enemy of our souls, just like Sennacherib. He has set his sights on crushing us. He bounds us down with burdens and lays heavy yokes across our necks to steal, kill, and destroy us. But but the bible reminds us when the enemy comes in like a flood, God will raise a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19).
Today’s breaking news is the anointing destroys the yoke and lifts burdens! The anointing brings the power that mends broken hearts, resurrects dead marriages, restores broken homes, causes barren wombs to bring forth life, brings immovable walls tumbling down, and gathers the wandering to the cross. It lifts every burden and destroys every yoke! Hallelujah!
It shall come to pass in that day that his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, and his yoke from your neck, and the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil.
(Isaiah 10:27).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, please bless me and keep me. God lift every burden from my shoulders and be gracious unto me and give me His peace. God give me your anointing through your Spirit to destroy every yoke under which I struggle so I can be set free by the power of Christ. It’s in his name I pray, Amen!
The Love of Jesus: A Divine Embrace
The love of Jesus is a central theme in Christianity, resonating through the hearts of millions of believers around the world. This divine love, often described as unconditional, sacrificial, and boundless, is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Let’s delve into the profound depths of Jesus’ love and how it continues to impact lives today.
Unconditional Love: A Model of Perfection
One of the most remarkable aspects of Jesus’ love is its unconditional nature. Unlike human love, which can often be conditional and based on reciprocity, Jesus’ love knows no bounds. It is freely given to all, regardless of their past, present, or future. This unconditional love is beautifully illustrated in the parable of the prodigal son, where a father warmly welcomes his wayward child back into the fold, embodying God’s boundless grace and forgiveness.
Sacrificial Love: The Ultimate Gift
The sacrificial nature of Jesus’ love is most poignantly demonstrated in His willingness to lay down His life for humanity. The crucifixion stands as the ultimate act of love, where Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world, offering redemption and reconciliation to all who believe. This profound sacrifice underscores the depth of His love and His commitment to the well-being of humanity. As stated in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Boundless Compassion: Healing and Hope
Throughout His ministry, Jesus exemplified boundless compassion, healing the sick, comforting the broken-hearted, and offering hope to the marginalized. His interactions with individuals such as the Samaritan woman at the well and the healing of the blind man demonstrate His deep empathy and love for all people, regardless of their social or cultural standing. Jesus’ love transcended societal norms, reaching out to those who were often ostracized and forgotten.
Transformative Power: Changing Lives
The love of Jesus is not only a source of comfort and solace but also a transformative force. Countless lives have been changed by encountering this divine love, leading individuals to repentance, forgiveness, and a renewed sense of purpose. The apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became one of the most fervent advocates of Jesus’ love after his transformative encounter on the road to Damascus. This powerful love continues to inspire and transform lives, drawing people closer to God and to one another.
A Call to Love: Following Jesus’ Example
Believers are called to emulate Jesus’ love in their own lives, extending grace, forgiveness, and compassion to others. This call to love is beautifully encapsulated in Jesus’ commandment in John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” By following Jesus’ example, Christians can become beacons of His love in a world often filled with pain and division.
Conclusion: Embracing the Love of Jesus
The love of Jesus is a divine embrace that offers comfort, healing, and transformation. It is a love that transcends human understanding, reaching into the depths of the heart and soul. As we reflect on this boundless love, let us strive to embody it in our own lives, sharing it with others and becoming vessels of His grace and compassion. In embracing the love of Jesus, we find the true essence of the Christian faith and the path to a life filled with meaning and purpose.