Tag: Godinterest

(noun) A school or study research program about God, esp at a church. If you have an interest in God, you want to learn or hear more about God.

It could also be interpreted as an interest or curiosity in the concept of a higher power or deity. It could also refer to the study of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions related to a god or gods.

Posted on

How to Soothe Your Anxious Heart (Pt 1)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray 

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

Posted on

Remain Strong In Him

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray 

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

Posted on

Stir It Up

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray 

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

Posted on

I Want A Miracle! 

Everyday Miracles

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray

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

Posted on

Spiritual Boldness

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray 

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

Posted on

God’s Report 

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray

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

Posted on

It’s Time To Think Big!

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray

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

Posted on

Perseverance

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray

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

Posted on

I Want A Miracle Today! 

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray

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

Posted on

Make Me A Giver

You Should Never Give up on Your Dreams

Today as I prepare to start my day, I am reminded of what Paul said in 2 Corinthians, “I want you to excel in the gracious ministry of giving.” He could have said, “I want you to excel in business, excel in sports, excel in medicine.” That’s all good. But he said, “What I want you to really be great at, what I want you to excel in is giving.” What a challenge from Paul to us. 

Today I’ve made up my mind I’m going to live my life as a giver. If you get around me, I better warn you, you’re going to get blessed – not with finances necessarily – but I will study ways that I can be good to you. I’m going to encourage you. I’m going to uplift you. I’m going to be good to your children. I’m going to pray your dreams come true. When I come to the end of my life, I don’t only want to be remembered for, “Ray was a good speaker, he wrote some nice books. He travelled the world.” No, I want to be remembered as a giver. “Ray made my life better. Ray brightened my day. Ray was good to me.” Hallelujah! 

Today, and throughout 2022, let your desire also be to leave people better off than when you met them. Excel in the grace of giving and glorify God in all you do! Give and it will come back to you! 

“But since you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for empowering me to do good to others. Help me to be a good person to all those I meet. Father, I give You my selfishness and pride.  Please show me ways that I can be a blessing to others and honour You in all that I do. God, if my life were to come to end, may I not be known for the secular achievements of men, but as a giver. Someone who excelled in caring, encouraging, uplifting, and making dreams come true. In Christ’s name. Amen. 

Posted on

Speak Blessings

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." ?

As we think about our purpose now and for the rest of the year, how we treat others and how we use our influence can bless or curse us, and the people around us. Have you thought about how the people in your life need your blessing? Especially our youth. Some need your approval. They need to hear you say, “I’m proud of you. You’re going to do great things.” That’s speaking blessings. That’s using your influence to bless. When you say to the people, “I’m so glad you’re in my life. You mean the world to me,” you just spoke blessings. 

When you tell one of your employees, co-workers, or a student, “you amaze me with your ability. You have such a bright future,” those are not just nice compliments. When you speak the blessing, you’re releasing God’s wisdom, protection, favour and maybe even abundance into their life. You can literally help shape their destiny. One word of encouragement, one word of approval can be what helps someone break, depression, addiction and other negative thoughts or behaviour, and help them take the next step to who God created them to be.

Today, choose to speak blessings and influences to those around you. Sow good seeds into the lives of people. Remember, what you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. The Bible says whatsoever you sow you will reap. Sow blessings and reap blessings, and experience God’s favour all the days of your life! Hallelujah!

“The tongue has the power of life and death…” (Proverbs 18:21, NIV)

Let’s PrayYahweh, thank You for empowering me with Your love, grace, favour, and influence. Father, show me ways that I can be a blessing, and speak a blessing over the people I encounter in my life. God, use me for Your glory to bless and influence others to You, in everything I do, in Christ’s Name! Amen

Posted on

By The Spirit

Spirit = Breath

Have you gone through your life struggling or striving to make things happen? Maybe it’s in your finances or relationships. It’s good to do everything we know to do in the natural, but we must never forget that victory or breakthrough doesn’t come by human might nor power, but by the Spirit of the living God.

The word Spirit in today’s verse in some translations can be translated as breath (Ruach). “It’s by the breath of Almighty God,” that’s how breakthroughs come. When you realise God is breathing in you by His Spirit it’s time to take a leap of faith and say, “yes, this is my season; I’m going to accomplish my dreams, I’m going to reach my goals, I’m going to grow spiritually.” That’s when you will feel God’s wind beneath your wings. That’s when you’ll feel a supernatural lift, an anointing that will help you accomplish what you could not accomplish before.

Today, know that the breath (Ruach) of God is blowing through you. This is your season. This is your moment to believe again. Believe that God can open doors that no man can shut. Believe that He is working in your favour. Believe that it’s your season, it’s your year, and get ready to embrace every blessing He has in store for you! Hallelujah!

“…‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6, NIV)

Let’s PrayYahweh, thank You for the power of Your Holy Spirit who is at work in my life. Father, today I surrender every area of my heart, my mind, my will, and my emotions to You. God, I believe if You breathe into me Your supernatural power, then my breakthrough will come, so I give You permission to take my breath away and fill me with Your Spirit so that things will change in my life. Lord, direct my steps and give me the power to overcome my weaknesses, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

A New You!

At this time of year with summer approaching, we are looking forward to new beginnings. Everyone loves to receive new things to truly appreciate something new you must say goodbye to some old things. When you become a believer in Jesus, you not only receive something new, but you can also become something new. His brand new creation! The old is gone, the new is here! Hallelujah!

The Bible calls this salvation – it also says we should work out our salvation. That means you must retrain your body and mind to act, think, speak, and live according to the new Spirit within you, instead of turning to the old habits you used to have. The good news is with total surrender God will do the retraining, renewing, and reforming.

Today, don’t get stuck believing the enemy’s lies thinking, “I’ll never change…that’s just the way I am, I can’t be made new.” No, the Word of God says that His Spirit helps us in our weakness. He gives us strength to overcome and begin again. He empowers us to live as more than conquerors. If there is something you want to change right now, remember, that you can be a new creation in Christ. It’s time to say goodbye to the old and embrace the new. You are empowered to overcome!

“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for making me anew. Thank You for empowering me to live as an overcomer. Father, I give permission to retrain, renew and reform me, so that I can be new. God, I refuse to believe the lies of the enemy today. I trade in my old for Your new. I give this day to You and ask You to help me fully understand the plan You have for me. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

Unexpected Storms

After learning about the sudden passing of my friend and now a few months later his wife has passed away and thinking about their children and family, and how unexpected this is, it led me to say, everyone faces storms in life where unexpected circumstances shake us emotionally or spiritually. Sometimes we have the faith to be delivered from the storms instantly; sometimes we have the faith to walk through the storms. But no matter which route you take, you can be sure that God is right there with you.

No matter the size of the storm, or the unpredictability of it, know that God will equip you and sustain you. He will give you strength and grace, as well as the supernatural empowerment to make it through. With every step, you take, know that God is doing a work in your life. Know that He is with you, and He will comfort you. Remember the blessings of the past, and if it’s the loss of a loved one how they affected your life with theirs. Keep moving forward and walk through the storm to the place of victory He has prepared for you!

Today, maybe you are facing an unexpected storm and can’t see a way out. Maybe you’re not sure what the answer is, or why things have worked out the way they have. All you must do is take it one step at a time by saying, “God, I know You have a good plan for my future. I know You are leading and guiding me. I trust you with this storm and the many others that will come my way.” Weeping may endure for the night, but joy will come…

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for walking with me through every season of life. Father, I thank You for being a shield of protection around me, for going before me and preparing the way. During this unexpected storm of my dear friends, God stay close to them show them love and give them comfort and strength to move forward into the victory You have for them, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

Crypto Won’t bring you True Freedom

We aren’t bound to news feeds, opinions, and news reports. Statistics don’t have the final say on 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 the. 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. 

Posted on

Stand!

When faced with hard times we take off running. We tend to run from anything hard. We run from our problems. We run from responsibility. We run from people we don’t like or have conflict with. We run from our past. We run from anything that makes us uncomfortable.

We don’t seem to face issues and deal with them, we take the easy way out and go down the path of least resistance. But if you’re going to live in victory the way God intends, you must learn how to face your challenges head on. Notice today’s verse doesn’t say, “keep running until you see the salvation of the Lord.” It doesn’t say, “bury your head in the sand until God delivers you.” No!

Today, God wants us to stand strong, set our faces like a flint, and fight the good fight of faith. And the good news is, you don’t have to do it in your strength! He’s equipped you with His supernatural power to overcome every obstacle you will ever face, including the one you’re going through right now! Hallelujah!

“…stand and see the salvation of the Lord…” (2 Chronicles 20:17, NASB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of strength. Father, please search my heart. Show me any area in my life where I am running or hiding from life’s difficulties. God, help me stand in faith, and I invite You to fight my battles and move mightily on my behalf, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

 

As seen on