Godinterest – Page 3

November 15, 2022November 15, 2022

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

November 14, 2022November 14, 2022

Have you ever been bullied?? ?

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.

November 11, 2022November 11, 2022

Do You Want To Walk On Water

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.

November 9, 2022November 9, 2022

Discipleship The Easy Yoke

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.

November 8, 2022November 8, 2022

Discipleship Today

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.

November 4, 2022January 16, 2023

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

November 4, 2022November 4, 2022

You Can Be Pure Again?

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.

November 3, 2022November 3, 2022

I’ve Been Waiting To Long

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.

November 2, 2022November 2, 2022

Our Security

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.

November 1, 2022November 1, 2022

Living with Integrity

Living with Integrity

Integrity is something that seems to have disappeared from our society, yet it is such a powerful attribute in the life of the believer. Integrity means that you are dependable. You are a person of your word. You are consistent and honest.

You may say, “Oh, I’m a pretty good person”, “I do the right thing most of the time…” But understand, it’s the little foxes that spoil the vine. Don’t allow the little things to keep you from your destiny; choose integrity — even when no one is looking. For instance, you might need some paper at home, but you shouldn’t take supplies from the office. Or you might be running into a store for just a minute, but don’t park in the handicap parking spot unless you’re supposed to. If the checkout clerk makes a mistake and gives you too much money back, that’s not God’s provision, that’s a test of integrity!

Today remember, if you’ll be faithful and choose integrity in the little things, God will make you ruler over much. Don’t forget, “what goes around comes around.” Be a person of integrity and open the door for God’s blessing and honour all the days of your life!

“The Lord judges the people; judge me, O Lord, and do me justice according to my righteousness [my rightness, justice, and right standing with You] and according to the integrity that is in me” (Psalm 7:8, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I commit to living a life of integrity in every area of my life. God, I choose Your life of excellence and ask for Your hand of favour. Father, make me a person of integrity; dependable, consistent, honest and a person of my word. Show me any area that is not pleasing to You so that I can continue to grow and increase in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

October 31, 2022October 31, 2022

Have You Been Tricked?? ?

As October 31^st lands, it is easy to get busy with memorable Halloween costumes for your kids (and maybe even your dog too!), spooky house decorations, and how to best fill your candy bowl with treats – but we must never overlook the origins of Halloween…

Trick-or-treating has been a popular Halloween tradition for an estimated 100 years. The origins of this community-based ritual have been identified in ancient Celtic festivals (founded in Scotland and Ireland), rooted in the belief and celebration of the god of the dead and darkness named ‘Samhain’. Poor people would visit the houses of wealthier families and receive pastries called soul cakes in exchange for a promise to pray for the souls of the homeowners’ dead relatives. Known as ‘souling’, the practice was later taken up by children, who would go from door to door asking for gifts such as food, money, and ale.

But what does the Bible say about Halloween? Well, there is no mention of the holiday itself since it came into existence centuries after the Bible had been written. The Bible does, however, have a lot to say about darkness and evil, and Halloween for some is a season to reckon with darkness itself in various ways, possibly as they face inner demons or a frightening decision to make. Throughout stories about good versus evil, you will also find Bible verses about facing demons and the devil as well as darkness and wickedness. So, without further ado, here are some Bible verses to share during the Halloween season…

1 Corinthians 10:21

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.”

Ephesians 5:11

“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

Luke 10:19-20

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

1 Peter 5:8

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

Isaiah 5:20

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”

John 3:19-20

“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.”

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

“But test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, we thank you for these biblical revelations. I come against all spirits that operate during Halloween and any other pagan Holiday. We as Christians bind all spirits of death and Samhain. We cancel all of Satan’s assignments, against our family both human and spiritual in Jesus’ Name. I Pray that God will intervene and create circumstances that will prevent human rituals from taking place. I close all gateways and portals the enemy may use in Jesus’ Name. I seal and cover myself and my family with the precious Blood of Jesus right now. I declare and accept we are now hidden in the secret place of the Most High in Jesus’ Name. I release the Blinding Light of God on all the hosts of darkness that try to come near me and my Family! In Christ’s name, Amen.

October 27, 2022October 27, 2022

Is Your Life On Autopilot??

As we move swiftly through this year, It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and go into next year on autopilot. Doing the same things, with the same problems, the same struggles and on the same income. But, because God is such a dynamic God, He wants us to rise higher and continually grow and reach new levels.

What I sense in my spirit is that something massive is about to happen within the next year, not negative but exceptional; you will see promises come to pass; you will accomplish your dreams. It’s going to be a season of surprises; God will amaze you with His goodness!

Is there an area in your life that you’ve struggled with? It seems like you just can’t get ahead? Well, you better get ready. This may be the year things are going to change. God is about to release His favour in a greater way in your life. You’ve sown the seeds. You’ve planted. You’ve watered. You’ve been faithful. Now you’re about to come into harvest.

Today, as we think about the rest of this year and the next, get ready and begin to declare with boldness, confidence, and faith, “This is my time for a breakthrough! This is my season! This is my ‘above and beyond’ moment, and I receive victory in Christ’s!” Hallelujah!

“Get ready! This is the day the Lord will give you victory…!” (Judges 4:14, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Father, today, I choose to take the limits off my thinking and lift my eyes to You as I end this year strong. God help me to see the good things You have in store for my future now and in the year to come. In Christ’s Name. Amen.

October 26, 2022October 26, 2022

How To Have a Prolonged Productive Life

woman in white long sleeve shirt standing near white and gray house during daytime

So many people today are looking for ways to prolong their lives and renew their youth, but God already has a fail-proof system outlined in His Word. It says in Isaiah that when you put your hope in Him, He will renew your youth. Also, today’s verse tells us that keeping God’s Word close to your heart will prolong your life.

Today’s verse doesn’t say that you will just have a long, drawn-out, ordinary life. No, God promises that He will prolong your life and fill your days with peace and prosperity. He wants you to live fulfilled and happy all the days of your life.

Today we must keep God’s word first place in our life. We can’t allow distractions to steal our focus or take us off course. If you want a productive life, choose to keep, and live out God’s commands. This will allow you to enjoy His peace and prosperity all the days of your life.

“Do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity” (Proverbs 3:1–2, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for allowing me to have a long, productive life. Father, I choose to honour You and keep Your Word first place in my life. God, please show me Your ways so that I may walk with You all the days of my life. In Christ’s Name. Amen.

October 25, 2022October 25, 2022

Pleasing God Not Man

woman in white sweater and blue denim jeans sitting on bed

I told someone just the other day that ministry is about pleasing God not man. I also said that I don’t need to win man’s approval as long as I have God’s. Amen!

Paul in the bible feels the same way. He was evidently not worried about trying to please the people around him. It’s not that he didn’t care about others. It’s just that his primary focus was on serving the Lord.

Many times, you may be too worried about what people think of you, which inhibits you from following God with your whole heart. Instead, follow those God-given desires with reckless abandon, because all that will matter in the end is fulfilling God’s plan for your life.

Today remember you are called to serve God without reserve, so fulfil His plan without letting others side-track you with their selfish, self-centred, denominational political agendas. Please don’t forget it’s always God first and man second.

“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, give me the dedication to be Your servant alone. Help me not to be side-tracked by what others may think of me or their self-centred political denominational agendas. Father, I am tired of looking for man’s approval over Yours. I repent of that sin and ask for Your forgiveness. God make me Your servant today and always, In Christ’s name. Amen.

October 24, 2022October 24, 2022

Waiting Patiently

A few years ago, while in Tanzania, I spent days waiting to see the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, but inclement weather was keeping the peak hidden. In the end, I went to sleep hoping the next day I would see it. Early the next morning, I opened my eyes to see that huge white mountain glistening in the sun-covered sky. What a sight! It was truly worth the wait!

Waiting gives us a greater appreciation. It gives us longer-lasting memories. It also gives strength and patience for the next situation.

Rather than waiting until we reach heaven to reward us, God gives us blessings of hope now, to keep us strong and focus when heaven seems so far away. An attitude of patience.

Points to consider while waiting patiently…

1. God’s way is the best, and we become more aware of this when we observe Him working out His plan in our life.

2. The Lord knows the right moment to provide what we want or need. If we give up too soon or try to manipulate circumstances, we miss out on God’s best for us.

3. We have God’s favour. When we are patiently waiting for His will, then He can freely bless us. God certainly wants to pour out His love on our life.

Today I want to remind you that God has many rewards available to us when we abide patiently in His will. We will all face circumstances in which we are tempted to be impatient. What determines whether we express patience is faith and the value we place on whoever else is involved – a brother, friend, co-worker, or God. Do you value Him enough to be patient with His timing?

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” (Galatians 6:7-9)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I give myself away so you can use me. Father, please bless me with joy, patience, and success in my life, please guide me each day to have patience with my friends and family. God bless this day, fill my life, and bless me eternally. I pray I will pass the spiritual tests that will come my way. Lord, please protect me as I wait on you. My Life is not my own, to you I belong. I give myself to you. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

October 19, 2022January 16, 2023

Wisdom Wednesdays

Before ascending to heaven Jesus shared parables with details about his Second Return and the final decisions and actions He’ll take to resolve the problem of evil.

One of the questions He will ask those who claim to know and love Him is – What did you do when you saw me in everyday life?

It’s a sobering thought for those who think they have this whole Christian life figured out.
You see, our life in Christ is more than weekly church attendance. There is more – He wants us to be moved with compassion to help Him when we see him. But where on earth do we see Jesus?

Jesus can be found with the least in society. He is the man who is hungry, thirsty or homeless. He is the woman who is naked, sick or imprisoned.

This is where Jesus is seen. Our response when we see Him is a key indicator of whether we truly love him or not. So the question is, when Jesus is seen are we drawn with compassion to help him?

– Pastor Sophia Peart