Godinterest – Page 5

September 28, 2022September 28, 2022

Prisoners Can Be Set Free Today!

To be physically Incarcerated is difficult to deal with. Locked up for hours per day, cut off from loved ones and surrounded by darkness and evil. Do you know that many of us are in prison in our minds? What about you? Are you in an emotional prison? If you are holding unforgiveness or bitterness toward someone who has wronged you — whether it was five,

ten or thirty years ago — that is an emotional prison.

Today ask God to give you the strength to break out of that prison. God’s promises that if you’ll move away from that prison of unforgiveness and negativity. He will make you a prisoner of hope, He will restore to you double for your trouble! That means if someone wrongs you, instead of getting negative and bitter, your attitude will be, “they just did me a favour. They just qualified me for double!” That’s the attitude of a prisoner of hope.

Today, lock into an attitude of victory that says, “I won’t be defeated! Things may look impossible, but I know God can do the impossible. I may have been treated wrongly, but I’m not worried. I know God is my vindicator. It may be taking a long time, but in due season, I know I will reap if I just don’t give up. Stay strong and in the place of hope today, knowing that you will come out with double! Hallelujah!

“Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.” (Zechariah 9:12, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I choose to release those who have wronged me. Father, I refuse to live in an emotional prison, please change my mental location. God, I know You are my vindicator and redeemer. Make me a prisoner of hope and I receive Your promise today that You will give me back double for all my trouble, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

September 27, 2022December 6, 2022

God Help Me, I’m Unworthy Of This Assignment

Not long ago I accepted the challenge to assist the Mayor of London and other community leaders in fighting gun and knife crime. I began feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. Have you ever felt inadequate for what you have been called to do? Well, you’re not the first one to feel that way!

So often, when we think of Moses, we remember him as the great spiritual giant who led the Israelites out of captivity. But, did you know that Moses doubted himself too? He didn’t feel equipped. In fact, he had a speech problem that made him self-conscious! God simply said to him, “What do you have in your hand?” God showed Moses that it didn’t matter what he thought he needed. The God of the universe can take what you have and turn it into whatever it needs to be, in order for you to accomplish what He’s called you to do. Hallelujah!!!

Today, what do you have in your hand? It may not seem like much, but God wants to use it. He wants to take you to places beyond your wildest dreams. He wants to live out His purpose and pour out His blessings and favour on your life. So go forward and take your opportunity, don’t forget – you miss 100% of the opportunities you never take…

“Then the LORD said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’…” (Exodus 4:2).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I release to You all that I am and all that I have. Father, at times I feel overwhelmed and inadequate by the assignments You give me. I beg You to give me confidence, faith, and the ability to do what You’ve called me to do. Please remove fear or any negative emotions or people, so that Your will can be done. God, I invite You to flood every part of my being with Your Spirit and use me for Your glory. I Thank You, by faith, for using what You have given me in my hand today, in Christ’s name! Amen.

September 26, 2022September 26, 2022

Scars: A testimony of a lost soul

I’m all alone in this world. I don’t know what I am doing. I always make bad choices. People say I’m ugly. My face is long, and my nose is big. So is my butt. I’ll never finish school. I can’t afford cute clothes. I had an abortion. I don’t deserve to live. My kids deserve better. Nobody loves me. My parents kicked me out. My dad is on drugs. My mom is a drug addict. I’m an alcoholic. I used to sell my body. I have a lot of tattoos. I am a single parent. All my friends are fake.

If I really listened to everything people told me, I’d already be dead. But I chose a new life. I decided to take my old life and kill it. I choose to be an optimist and know that God has a plan for me. Amen.

Most people seem selfish and self-absorbed, so why should their opinion matter? I choose to surround myself with people who like me for me. Even if it is only one or two people. One true friend is worth more than many fake ones. The many who surround themselves around me for my beauty, my talent, my self-worth, or just to be in my entourage. I’m glad God showed me the way. I’m thankful for second chances. I accept myself and give second chances to the people around me. I will accept the positive and shield against the negative. Now I know I have a purpose and my talents will not be wasted. I plead with you today, for you to never give up on yourself or your dreams. Things change, and people can change physically and emotionally. Money does not rule the world, God does.

Today, it is difficult to believe in things that seem so unreal and impossible, but that is what faith is. It is believing in the presence of doubt. So, take this step of faith, tell God that you are hopeless and helpless without Him. Tell God how afraid you are, how angry and frustrated you are with life, how worried you are about the future. Just close your eyes and start pouring out to God, until you feel the weight on your shoulder is lighter. Let the tears, all the hurts and pain pour out from your heart. It is between you and God, no one else. There’s no pretence, no hiding, no holding back. Be transparent in front of Jesus, lay all your junk and burden at His feet, for it is not for us to carry all these burdens in life. It was never meant to be ours to bear. Our bondage has been broken. Today, we bind ourselves to chains, when the key to these chains is in our hands. Let’s make Jesus’ death worthwhile. Go back to basics, go back to your first love, and go back to the roots of why you call yourself a Christian. Going back to basics is always the best move to make when you find yourself lost.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for your unconditional love. Father, it is because of your great love that I live in the freedom that Jesus has given me. Thank you for opening my eyes to the truth that is found in your Word. Mighty Saviour, thank you for rescuing me from the kingdom of darkness into your kingdom of light. God, I am so heartbroken because some of my family and friends have not accepted Christ, as their Lord and saviour. Please Lord, use me as your vessel to go and tell them the gospel so that they can become part of your family. In Christ’s name, I believe and pray, Amen.

September 24, 2022September 24, 2022

Oh God I Need A Fresh Start

Do you need a fresh start? Even as believers and ministers in Christ, we’ve all sinned, made mistakes and made some wrong choices. The Bible says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But the good news is that we don’t have to stay separated from God in our sin. God wants us to come to Him so He can forgive us, cleanse us and give us a fresh start.

No matter what happened yesterday, last week, last year or even five minutes ago, God is waiting for you with open arms. Don’t let the enemy or people condemn you and lie to you this year. God is not mad at you. He loves you more than you know and longs to restore everything in your life.

Today, I admonish you to confess your sins to God, and allow Him to cleanse you and give you a fresh start. Choose to forgive others so that you can receive God’s forgiveness. Ask the Holy Spirit to keep you close so that you can live a life pleasing to Him. As you draw close to God, He will draw close to you, and show you His great love and blessings all the days of your life! Hallelujah!

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, ESV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for receiving me just as I am, with all my deliberate sins, faults, mistakes, and bad habits. Father, I cry out in confession of my sins to You, and ask You to cleanse me. Please help me make a fresh start today. I choose to forgive others so that You can forgive me. God, keep me close to You in this coming year, so that I can live a life that is pleasing to You. Thank You for not condemning me and for setting me free, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

September 22, 2022September 22, 2022

Pain Or Misery

man in blue and brown plaid dress shirt touching his hair

Today’s verse, found in James 1:2, is interesting because it has the phrase “when” instead of “if.” You see, some people think that life is going to be all roses and sunlight. But if I told you that, I would be speaking from a closed Bible.

Whether you are a Christian or not, life guarantees one thing – difficulty. Someone once wrote, “Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional.” There will be trials, oppression, and misunderstandings. And even when you become a Christian, you do not become immune to these things. Trials are a part of life, but how Christians behave or think in response to these circumstances, is what determines misery.

Today, reflect on the following.

How are you responding this week to the difficulties in your life?

Are you thankful for the opportunity to learn patience?

Are you resentful for every hardship life has given you?

You can tell the amount of faith in a Christian, by how much it takes to stop them serving God. Today remember “Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional.” Make your choice…

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”James 1:2-3

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, You are our loving Creator who has instilled us with purpose. Lord, even though I stand in the promises contained in Your Word, I still have struggles I’m going through, which I am in desperate need of Your strength to overcome. Father, give me a resolute faith that endures all trials. That though I may bend under the weight, I will never break. God, give me faith that moves mountains and believes that You will give me what is best. Please give me divine focus so I won’t choose misery. I ask this in Christ’s name. Amen.

September 22, 2022January 16, 2023

Wisdom Wednesdays

faceless people scolding discontent black girl

If you’ve ran any race, to win, not just to take part, you will know that a number of things are important in order to win. These are purpose, focus and discipline.

We can’t expect to win a race without a purpose. Purpose will provide you with the reason you are running the race. Your purpose may differ from another but it will be fuelled with passion for the race ahead and will propell you towards the finish line.

Focus will cause you to clearly envision the reward, which is the same for everyone. It will teach us to appreciate the journey may differ for each runner depending on a variety of unseen and unknown factors. Comparisons and judgements become useless as no two runners are the same.

So then a strategic plan is required to run this race everyday with purpose and focus. The strategy for each runner is the same – Discipline. Not that the runner disciplines others but rather the runner focuses on their own self-discipline. What is your purpose? How focused are you on the reward?

Are you practising self-discipline? – Pastor Sophia

September 21, 2022September 21, 2022

Letting Go

One of my favourite bible stories is the Prodigal Son. Watching the father allow his youngest son to leave home and experience life reminds me of the challenges parents face daily. The process of growing and maturing is not always pleasant to watch. We cannot raise strong, responsible children or even spiritual sons and daughters by shielding them from all pain and hardships, especially those that come from their own decisions. Often it is the pain that leads them to the arms of the Father.

Today’s parents of older teens and young adults must release control and learn to trust God in the process. Looking back at the Father in the parable, he knew that he had to allow his son to leave. But he also knew that he could trust the Lord with what was precious to him, the life of his son.

Today, we too must trust God and allow our heavenly Father to mature our children and bring them to His perfect stature. Just as the prodigal son came to himself realizing that he had it better with his father, our seed will as well. It may not be an easy transition, but it is a necessary one. Our children may need a pig pen experience (trial) to come to their heavenly Father. Trying to shield them may lengthen the process of conversion.

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endures forever–forsake not the works of Your own hands.” Psalm 138:8 (Amplified Bible)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, grant us the grace to trust you with the lives of those we love. Father, teach us continually how to guide our children in wisdom and truth. God as we commit them to you, I ask that you reassure us daily that you will complete the work that you have begun in them. In Jesus name Amen.

September 19, 2022September 22, 2022

A Christian Queen

As the world mourns the death and celebrates the life of Queen Elizabeth II, It’s often forgotten that she has the title of Supreme Governor of the Church of England. This title reflects her genuine Christian faith, which she often spoke about, and how Jesus was her inspiration who kept her going in good times and bad.

As hard as it was at times, listening to all the colonialist rhetoric, here are some inspirational quotes testifying of her love and acceptance of Christ and His word.

“For me, as a Christian, one of the most important teachings is contained in the parable of the Good Samaritan, when Jesus answers the question, ‘Who is my neighbour?’ It is a timeless story of a victim of a mugging who was ignored by his own countrymen but helped by a foreigner – and a despised foreigner at that. The implication drawn by Jesus is clear. Everyone is our neighbour, no matter what race, creed or colour. The need to look after a fellow human being is far more important than any cultural or religious differences.” (Christmas message, 2004)

“I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God. Like others of you who draw inspiration from your own faith, I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.” (Christmas message, 2002)

“For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.” (Christmas message, 2014)

Today, this quote from Queen Elizabeth II holds so much meaning as a she says, “It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’… Despite being displaced and persecuted throughout his short life, Christ’s unchanging message was not one of revenge or violence but simply that we should love one another.” (Christmas message, 2015)

Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7

Let’s Pray

Yahweh thank you for life and all its ups and downs. Father, please comfort those that mourn today, including the royal family. We pray for strength and comfort as they go through the burial of their mother, grandmother, and auntie. In your Word you say, “…I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— for Kings and all those in authority— so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,…” In Christ’s Name, Amen.

September 16, 2022September 16, 2022

Don’t Worry Be Happy…? ?

Have you heard the popular song, “Don’t worry, be happy” or the phrase “don’t worry it’s really not that bad – everything will get better.” Are these words of encouragement or could this be denial of the pain and reality, the stifling down of emotions?

Thinking about these responses got me wandering. John had just experienced the earth-shattering, heaven-opening baptism of Jesus. He was blessed with the task of heralding the coming Kingdom – yet was thrown into prison. Jesus’ ministry and the fulfilment of all John the Baptist’ dreams of the coming Messiah had occurred. But we go on to read that immediately after hearing His Father’s affirmation, Jesus is sent by the very same Spirit into the wilderness of temptation and suffering.

Jesus and John were faithful and knew the writings of the bible. In prison and in the wilderness, two places of real suffering, both men recalled the words “Do not fear; I will help you”. God did not rescue Jesus from the temptations of the Evil One. He gave Him the power to resist. God did not open Herod’s prison doors so John could escape and continue ministry. Instead, the Tetrarch Herod ordered John’s head to be presented on a platter for the cruel enjoyment of his guests.

Just as John and Jesus, it is in all places; the Jordan River, at home, in the wilderness, on our jobs or in the prisons, that we hear the words “Do not fear; I will help you.” As the Apostle Paul described it, it is in every circumstance and in everything, we are to “make our request known to God.” He goes on to say, “God’s peace shall be yours”, that tranquil state of mind through Christ Jesus. Our real God comes in the midst of real pain.

“…at once the Spirit sent Him (Jesus) out into the wilderness…” Mark 1:12

“(Herod) locked John up in prison.” Luke 3:20

“I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You that even when all others leave and abandon me, You remain.

Thank You that even when the ones I thought would be around forever choose to go, I can trust that you will stand with me. Father, I come to You with my cares and my worries concerning this trial I am facing. Would You remind me that I am not alone? Would You tell me that you care about this and its outcome? Father, I thank You for standing with me, and I receive your strength to stand another day. Thank you that I can trust you to rescue me from this and every trial I will face in this life. In Christ’s name Amen.

September 15, 2022September 15, 2022

Joy and Pain

Recently, I watched a friend bury her daughter. Her heart was breaking apart with grief. The loss and loneliness are crushing burdens she carries every day. It seems almost sacrilegious to read today’s verse about rejoicing when we face trials with respect to my friend’s circumstances. Does God expect her to rejoice in this devastating sorrow?

Do you see the joy and pain in this verse? God’s adoption plan was to send His only Son to die in our place. What pain! What sorrow! Pain and Joy. They seem so opposed to one another and yet, their mutual presence is at the core of God’s rescue plan for us!

Joy comes from knowing God and trusting His way. Joy comes from the deep springs of the soul. It doesn’t happen overnight; it’s developed over time and hardship as we grab hold of God’s hand and put one foot in front of the other pain will become Joy. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Today, choose joy in the pain of your circumstances. Ask yourself what blessings are there in your pain. Take some time to focus on the good, instead of the bad and list your blessings and see God’s goodness in your life. I implore you to embrace the joy and the pain in your life.

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment.” Romans 5:3-4 (NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, Omnipotent, all-powerful God, I come to You today, thanking You that You listen when I pray. Father, I come to You asking to be delivered from all my troubles and pain. God, I ask for Your angels to be my guard to surround and defend me. I know that I will have joy because I come to You for refuge, and you will never turn me away. I have tasted and seen that You are good in my past knowing that you never change. In Christ’s name Amen.

September 14, 2022January 16, 2023

Wisdom Wednesdays

‘Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.

The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves…

Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good…

They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them…

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.’

– Wisdom from Paul – Romans 13:1-10

September 14, 2022January 16, 2023

Wisdom Wednesdays

brown cardboard box on white wooden door

Our word for today is procrastination. It means the act or habit of putting off or delaying, especially something requiring immediate attention.

Are you putting something off that needed to be done a few hours, days, weeks, months or even years ago?

This something could be as serious as your health, finances, family, relationships, work, business or ministry. Or it could be as simple as cleaning up your house. It needed your attention before now. Time has lapsed. Now, your excuses seem to justify your inactivity. You’ve allowed fear to paralyse you. You’ve allowed what people might say to delay your progress.

The lazy man, in this bible proverb, didn’t follow through on his actions but instead allowed procrastination to steal his attention from the care and effort required to get things done this laziness cost him. Do not procrastinate any longer or things will become more difficult to deal with. Now is the time to get it done.

You will be glad you did ? – Pastor Sophia Peart

September 14, 2022September 14, 2022

God Says I Love You

A few weeks ago, I was sitting in Africa at night reflecting on my life. I looked up and It was amazing. The lights, the stars and the bright moon all seemed so surreal as they shouted “I love you, Ray!”. Throughout my life, I see God’s love even amid chaos. There is tremendous power in love! In the same way that a tree will grow taller and stronger when its roots grow deep, we will be stronger and rise higher when we are rooted and grounded in God’s love.

Love is a choice. When you say “yes” to God, you are saying “yes” to love, because God is love! According to 1 Corinthians 13. Loves means being patient and kind. It means not seeking your way, not being jealous or boastful. When you choose love instead of choosing to hate, you are showing the world that God holds first place in your life. The more you choose to love, the stronger your spiritual roots will grow.

Today, I remind you, that love is the greatest principle and it’s the currency of heaven. Love will last throughout eternity. Choose to love today, and let it be strong in your heart. Let His love build security in you, and empower you to live the life of kindness, patience and peace God has for you.

“…May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love.”(Ephesians 3:17, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today and every day, I choose love. Father, show me how to love You and others the way You love me. Give me patience and kindness. Take away selfishness, jealousy and pride. God, thank You for setting me free and empowering me to live the life You have for me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

September 12, 2022September 12, 2022

Your Faith Will Meet Your Needs

Many people think that when they have a need, God will just automatically meet it. Though Christ definitely could, He is intentional with stating “According to your faith” it will be done, not “according to your demand” it will be done. This small distinction makes a big difference in how we interact with and understand God. Faith is the key.

Remember, if we want God to move in our lives, we have to approach every day filled with faith and hope. How do we get this faith and hope? The Scripture tells us in Romans that “faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” This means, that the more we indulge in listening to and reading God’s word, the more our faith will grow. Consequently, the greater your faith, the more you will be able to maintain hope in your trials and acknowledge God’s hand in your life.

Today, know that God longs to bless you. He has given you everything you need to be successful in life. God longs to meet our needs, so rest assured that even if they are not met just yet, or in the manner you’d desire, His timing and methods are perfect and tailor-made to meet our truest needs. Believe in His goodness today and take a step of faith toward the life of blessing He has prepared for you.

“According to your faith be it done to you.” (Matthew 9:29, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my life today. I open my heart to You and trust that You have a good plan for me. Lord, I receive the twin gifts of faith and hope. God, give me a heart filled with expectancy and trust, that today You will meet all my needs and grant me peace, in Christ’s name! Amen.

September 9, 2022January 16, 2023

Passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Good morning Everyone, We have all heard the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

She served this country for 70 years and demonstrated her faith in Jesus through these years. I personally thank God for the dignity, grace and humility in which she served.

At this time, I would like to share my condolences to everyone for I recognise we are all impacted by the passing of the Queen. I would also like to encourage us all to be kind and compassionate to each other as we acknowledge and process this loss, as we reflect on the end of an era and the beginning of an unknown era.

Let us be reminded of our call to be the light and salt of the earth when there is so much uncertainty. Let us be living representatives of God’s love for all mankind.

Let’s hold on to the faith and hope that we have in Christ Jesus that He is coming again, sharing this love and hope with others so that they too will know – we serve a living Saviour.

God bless you Church of the Living God. Pastor Sophia Peart

September 8, 2022September 8, 2022

True Freedom

We aren’t bound to news feeds, opinions, and news reports. Statistics don’t have the final say in our lives. Christ does. He reigns over all because He defeated death on our account. Seated at the right hand of the Father, the name above every other name, Jesus Christ determined our freedom.

We will never forget the last few years, but it isn’t the first time a generation has looked their freedom in eye and wondered what would become of it. God reigns over all that threatens to steal our peace, hope, and freedom. Christ, promised never to leave us. And though our world feels out of control, God holds the reigns. We may not understand what’s happening or know who or what to believe on this earth. But we can unwaveringly trust God. He is unchanging, rock-solid, dependable, and aware of what is happening on earth.

Today don’t forget where our true freedom comes from. Not a country. Not leaders, nor policies. It isn’t dependent on a clean bill of health or an accumulation of wealth, nor does it fluctuate with crypto coins. Freedom was established on the cross, through Jesus’ death and resurrection. He sits at the right hand of the Father. Our hope is not in this willy-nilly world full of false hope of money and pretences built on shaky ground. No, our freedom is in Christ. Saviour of the world. He has already won the battle. And when we live each day in pursuit of Jesus, we get to experience pure freedom and hope.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1 NIV

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for setting me free. Father Freedom is something I won’t let the world define, and I won’t fall victim to its false pretences. It is in Christ I find true freedom, defined by His grace. God as I struggle through a year that has brought many daily routines, lives, and jobs to a halt, I pray for Your encouragement and wisdom. Lord help me to hear Your truth above all the noise and news. Give me the ability to know what is true, and what to do. Guide my next steps and fill my heart with grace and compassion towards others. In Your powerful Name, I pray, Amen.