Arise And Shine

Victory In Christ

As we end our year and enter into another, based upon scripture, I believe that God wants to exceed our expectations! He has amazing things stored up for you in this coming year. He’ll take you places that you’ve never dreamed, and give you breaks that seemed impossible. His glory is rising upon His people.  

Remember this, when hard times come, things are going to fall into place, so that you can accomplish what God has placed in your heart. Even the hidden dreams that you’ve given up on, God has not given up on. He is going to do exceedingly, abundantly above and beyond all you could ask, think, or imagine! 

Today, your mind may try to talk you out of your dreams, but if you’ll listen with your heart, it will resonate on the inside of you. Don’t let discouragement hold you back or keep you down. It’s time for you to arise. It’s time for you to shine. Let that sink down into your spirit today, because it’s time for you to receive every spiritual blessing and move forward in the destiny God has prepared for you! 

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” 

(Isaiah 60:1, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I come to You today with an open and humble heart. Father, thank You for choosing me and preparing a bright future for me, filled with dreams and purpose. Almighty God, in this new year I will arise and shine and let everything I do bring honour to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Loads Of Benefits

God Teach Me When To Fight

When you obey God’s Word and have an attitude of excellence and integrity, the Bible says that God’s blessings will overtake you. You won’t be able to outrun the good things of God no matter how hard you try. He will daily load you with benefits! You won’t have to go chasing after blessings. When you chase after God each and every day, when you make Him your highest priority, the blessings will automatically follow. 

Today, why not make obeying God first on your list for the new year. Let go of any weights or sins that you know are holding you back. Be willing to deal with any issues God brings to light. Don’t give in to compromise and temptation, all that does is keep you from God’s best. Instead, make the decision to daily put Him first and keep your heart pure before Him. Then get ready, because His blessings will chase you down as He daily loads you with benefits! Hallelujah!  

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits…” (Psalm 68:19, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, today I dedicate every area of my life to You. Father, help me to live a life of integrity and honour. Almighty God, thank You for daily loading me with benefits as I put You first in everything that I do, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

What Are You Thinking?

When You Think of the Word Home, Does Jesus Come to Mind

Did you know that what you think affects your behaviour? Psychologists say “you are what you think.” Sometimes we need to just stop and think about what we are thinking about! The Bible tells us that what happens on the inside of us – our thoughts, attitudes and motives – are more important to God than what happens on the outside.  

The Scripture reminds us that God is looking at our hearts. You can fool people all day long by saying the right things, but God wants our thoughts and attitudes to come into alignment with His Word, so that we can see His promises come to pass in our lives. Please understand, your life will follow the course you set with your mind.

Today, align your thoughts with God’s thoughts through meditating on His Word, and your life will follow. Jeremiah 29 tells us that His thoughts are for our good. His thoughts are for our peace. His thoughts are for our victory! Embrace His promises so that you can move forward into the life of victory He has prepared for you! 

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, please change my thinking and help my thoughts line up with Your Word. Father, bring Your promises to my remembrance today as I meditate on You. Almighty God, I surrender every area of my life to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Are You Too Busy To Be A Blessing?

KEEPING GOD in OUR DAILY LIVES

It’s easy to get so consumed with all the obligations we have on a daily basis. Zoom, mobile phones, computers, the internet have all made it so much easier to pack more into our days. And while technology is a great blessing to us, we have to remember that how much we get done, isn’t as important as how we treat others. At these uncertain times, we should never be so focused on ploughing through our “to do” list that we mistakenly plough past the people in our lives. 

Today’s verse in Ephesians simply reminds us to be kind, compassionate and forgiving. If people had to be reminded back in those times, how much more do we need to be reminded today! We should always be on the lookout for ways we can be kind to one another, share a smile with someone or an encouraging word, maybe meet a need. 

Today, as a believer, you are the hands and feet of Christ. Look for ways to serve one another, not only those you know, but even the stranger that crosses your path. Sow a seed of kindness, and watch the harvest of blessing in your own life in return! 

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV) 

Ler’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for another day to live for You. Father, help me during this time of lockdown and isolation to not be too busy to bless others. God, teach me creative ways to show kindness to the people You’ve put in my life. Lord, show me ways today that I can sow seeds and be a blessing to others. Almighty God, thank You for equipping me to be Your representative and live in victory in every area of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

On This Day

What Do Others See?

Friend, today God wants to release His blessings and favour in your life in such a way that it makes you a great parent, a great spouse, a great leader, a great employee, a great friend, a great business person. He is saying to us what He said in today’s verse, “This day, I’m going to begin to make your name great.”

I love the promise that God gave to Joshua. He said, “Joshua, today I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all the Israelites.” He was saying, “during the next 24 hours, I’m going to start releasing more of My favour, My blessings, My increase.” But notice, there was a set time that God began to release favour in a new way. 

Today, God says based upon Joshua 4, “He is going to begin to bless you in a new way. He will open doors that no man can shut.” Get ready! Make room in your thinking. Stay open to Him and keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, because this day, God has something special and amazing in store for you! 

“That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him all the days of his life…” (Joshua 4:14, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I bless You. You alone are worthy of all my glory and honour. Father, thank You for pouring out Your favour and blessings on me. Almighty God, I open my heart and mind to receive everything You have in store for me this day, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

This Is Preparation Time

This Is Preparation Time

In these uncertain times of lockdown and restrictions, I have heard folks saying they are bored and frustrated. We all go through seasons of waiting, and this could be yours. A lot of times, people just sit back and wait for God to do it all. But you have to remember to do your part, and make preparations with the tools He has given you.  

Making preparation is having a vision and moving in that direction. Talk like it’s going to happen and act like it’s going to happen. Some people might say “well, what if I do and it doesn’t happen?” Really, we should think “what if I do and it does happen?” Be positive. Even if things don’t turn out the way you had hoped, you are better off living your life feeling positive and hopeful, than going around down and discouraged. I love what David said in the Bible, “God, my times are in Your hands.” He was saying, “God, I don’t know when it’s going to happen, but I know You know what’s best for me.” 

Today, go out expecting good things. Even if it doesn’t happen, I’m not going to go to bed disappointed. I’m going to go to bed knowing that I’m one day closer to seeing my dreams, visions  and desires come to pass! 

 “…Prepare the way of the Lord…” (Isaiah 40:3, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I dedicate this day to You. Father, show me how to prepare for the blessings that are coming in my future. Almighty God, help me guard my words and thoughts as I put my trust in You, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Faith Pleases God

Being a Christian is all about pleasing God because we love Him. Do you know how to please God? He’s not impressed by how much knowledge we have. He is not impressed by how many possessions we own. He’s not moved by our accomplishments; He is pleased by our faith.

Scripture says faith is a gift. It’s not something that has to be contrived or worked up. Everyone has been given a measure of faith which grows as we hear the Word of God. That’s why it’s so important to stay connected to a Bible-based community where the Word of God is being taught. It’s why we need to make time every day to read and study His Word, because that’s how we feed our faith. 

Today, the more we get to know God’s Word, the more we’ll understand that God is good, and He rewards the people who seek after Him. Take time to feed your faith and meditate on His Word. Ask Him to illuminate your heart with His truth. Trust that God is good and has good things in store for you today and in your future. Believe this by faith because that’s what pleases God!

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me the gift of faith so that I can please You. Father, as I seek You and study Your Word, please illuminate my heart with truth and power. Almighty God, transform me today into Your image, and let everything I do bring glory to You, in Christ’s Name. Amen. 

God Approves Of You

You were on God’s mind before you were ever on your parents’ mind. He knew everything about you before you entered your mother’s womb. You were created on purpose, for a purpose. He planned the colour of your hair, the colour of your eyes and the colour of your skin. God gave you gifts, talents and abilities to be used for His glory. He took one look at you and said, “approved.” 

It doesn’t matter who’s approval you didn’t get, know that Almighty God loves you and totally approves of you. There’s nothing you can do now or ever to change that. You may be thinking, “I’ve made so many mistakes, I have sinned wilfully how can God approve of me?” Understand that when God sees you, He separates you from your behaviour. He may not approve of your actions, but He desires to help you grow and make better choices by His grace.  

Today, receive His unconditional love and acceptance. Allow Him to work in your life. Allow His love to empower and strengthen you, because He has approved and equipped you to live in victory all the days of your life! 

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you…” (Jeremiah 1:5, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for unconditionally approving me and empowering me. Father, I open my heart and mind to You and accept Your approval of sinful me. I invite You to have Your way in my life. Please God, remove any negative self thoughts that would hold me back from all You have in store, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Surprise Surprise

15 Shocking Project Management Statistics

Growing up in the UK, every Sunday we used to gather around the TV to watch an exciting programme called surprise surprise. A surprise is something good that you weren’t really expecting. It’s something that makes you feel special, and lets you know that you are thought about. It brings us joy and lifts our hearts. Good news! God has a surprise for you and wants to overtake you with His goodness.

In the Hebrew, the word “overtake” can also be translated “to catch by surprise.” God wants to catch you by surprise! He wants to help you accomplish your dreams and overcome your obstacles. He wants to amaze you with His goodness and mercy. Every morning you should wake up with the attitude, “I can’t wait to see what God will surprise me with today!”

Today, make room in your heart and mind for what God wants to do in your life. For all of the blessings and favour that will come your way, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Let God surprise you with His love, and overtake you with His blessings and miracles!

“If you will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments which I command you…all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you…” (Deuteronomy 28:1—2, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I open my heart and mind to You right now. Father, surprise me, fill me with Your goodness and overtake me with Your blessings. Almighty God, I honour You and invite You to use me to be a blessing to others, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Remember God’s Promises

A Precious Promise: The Outpouring of God’s Spirit

This year things have not gone the way anyone expected. When things don’t go the way you planned, or something unexpected happens, how do you respond? Do you start expecting the worst, or do you go to God’s Word and remind yourself of His promises? 

Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Faith activates God’s promises. When difficulties come and you’re tempted to get upset, remind yourself of His Word and declare, “this is not going to prosper against me. They may be talking about me. It may look bad, but I know God is my vindicator. He’ll take care of me. I know God has me in the palm of His hands.” 

Today, remind yourself of God’s promises. You don’t have to get worried. You know God is still on the throne. You know that problem didn’t come to stay; it came to pass. So today, remind yourself of His promises and feed your faith, so that you can move forward in the life of blessing He has prepared for you! 

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” 

(Joshua 1:8, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for every one of Your amazing promises. Father, I choose to meditate on Your Word which brings life to me. Almighty God, fill me with Your peace as I stand in faith, until I see the victory You have promised me come to pass in my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.  

I’m Restored

God wants to restore everything that’s been stolen from your life. He wants to restore your joy, your peace, your health and your finances. We serve a God of restoration! You may have had some disappointments or unfair things happen in your life; but don’t dwell on the past and live in defeat.  

Restoration comes by intentionally choosing to focus on His promises like today’s verse. Here’s the key: you have to believe you can be restored and have that vision printed in the forefront of your mind. You have to get your hopes up and decide to get your thoughts and words in sync, going in the right positive direction. 

Today, choose to focus on the future and release past hurts through forgiveness. Draw a line in the sand and say, “I am a child of the Most High God, and I’m not going to live my life negative and defeated. This is a new day, and I’m taking back what belongs to me. I will have  a restoration mentality!”

“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…” (Joel 2:25, ESV) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for restoring my life. Father, thank You for the truth of Your Word that sets me free. Almighty God, fill me with Your power right now, so that I can stand strong and move forward on the path You have for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

Your Time Is Coming

God knows the desires of your heart. God has an appointed time to fulfil the dreams and desires based upon His will and purpose for your life. Just because it has taken a long time, or because you’ve tried and failed, doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. Don’t give up on those dreams! Don’t be complacent about pursuing what God has deposited into your heart. God is faithful. No matter how long it’s been, no matter how impossible things look, if you’ll stay in faith, your time is coming. 

Don’t forget every positive dream that’s in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God put it there. Not only that, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass. Declare today by faith, “my time is coming. God is working on my behalf. I will fulfil my destiny!”  

Today, as you continue to hold on to your God-given vision and speak life over your dreams and desires, it won’t be long before you will see them begin to take shape. You’ll see your faith grow, you’ll see your hope strengthen, and you’ll see yourself step into the destiny God has prepared for you! Hallelujah!

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time…though it tarry, wait for it…” 

(Habakkuk 2:3, KJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I receive Your Word today. Father, I wait patiently for the fulfilment of my dreams and desires. Ignite my heart with Your holy fire, so that I can pursue Your perfect plan for my life. Almighty God, make my thoughts and words agreeable to Your Word and Your will, so I can see my dreams come to pass sooner rather than later, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

Emotions

What Type of Christian Are You?

Did you know that emotions are God-given? If there’s one thing that can lead you away from your potential, and seeing the awesome plan God has for your life, it’s your emotions. Too often, people allow their circumstances to dictate their emotions and thoughts, instead of the Word of God. 

When we allow our circumstances to dictate our emotions, when we are moved by what we see, or experience, it opens the door for doubt and anxiety to come in. When we allow doubt and anxiety in, we become unstable. We are tossed back and forth. Understand this key: the way you feel today has little to do with what God is actually doing in your life. He’s working behind the scenes whether you realise it or not!  

Today, don’t allow yourself to be tossed around by your emotions any longer. Instead, choose to be stable minded and not anxious by focusing your thoughts on the Word of God. Stand strong in Him so you can confidently embrace the plan He has for you! 

“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6, NIV) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which dispels all my doubts and anxiety. Father, I will meditate on Your truth which has become my source of strength and faith. Almighty God, help me to be stable minded, as I set my focus on You. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Life Has No Finish Line

People that are goal-oriented and very focused on achieving their dreams, many times overlook the simple things that we should be enjoying in our everyday. We have to remember that life is not really about the destination, it’s about the journey – how we live all along the way. It’s about the path we’re on. 

In this thing called life there is no finish line. Once you accomplish one dream, God will give you another. When you overcome one challenge, there will be another. There is always another mountain to climb. If we make the mistake of living just for the destination, we’ll look up one day and realise we’ve missed out on some of the most enjoyable parts of life. 

Today, most of life is routine – breakfast, work, lunch, home, dinner, bed and do it all again. There are very few mountaintops. The high times are few and far between; where you graduate, or get married, or have a child, or go on vacation. Don’t get stuck living for the mountaintops. Learn to enjoy the path you’re on. Learn to enjoy the people in your life. Learn to enjoy the simple blessings of walking in the path the Lord has prepared for you! 

“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” (Proverbs 4:18, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of life. Father, thank You for the plan You have for me today and in the future. Teach me to enjoy the journey of life, to embrace each day with joy and enthusiasm. Almighty God, help me to see the blessings of every moment You have given me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Seek Peace Not Strife

Worldly Peace Vs. God’s Peace

Many people fall into the evil trap of strife. Someone may say or do something that rubs you the wrong way, and before you know it, there is tension, quarrelling and division. The Bible tells us that strife opens the door to every evil work. It’s the enemy’s greatest trap to keep people from living in victory. 

The good news is, you don’t have to fall into the trap of strife, you can rise above it. Like today’s verse says, you can simply drop the matter before it turns into something bigger than it needs to. You don’t have to sink down to somebody’s level and argue with them and try to prove that you’re right. Remember, you weren’t put on this earth to correct everybody around you. 

Today, if you are going to be all that God’s called you to be, you have to learn to stay above strife and quarrels. Instead of letting disagreements pull your relationships apart, look for common ground to draw you closer together. Look for peaceful biblical ways to be a blessing. Stay above strife, and if you can’t say something positive don’t say anything, so you can enjoy your relationships and experience the blessings God has for you! 

“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” (Proverbs 17:14, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, help me to stay above strife no matter what’s going on around me. Father, I will honour You by seeking peace and staying positive in my relationships. Almighty God, empower me to walk in love and be a blessing everywhere I go, in Christ’s Name! Amen

I Have A Part To Play

Have you ever wondered how amazing it is that God can create so many people in the world, and give us all individual plans and purposes, then set up a plan for us to work together for His purpose to build the body of Christ. We all have a part to play. 

Scripture puts it this way: some of us plant seeds, some water, and some bring in the harvest. No matter what role each of us have, when we work together in unity and not in uniformity, we are honouring God. It pleases Him when we partner with one another to share the good news of the Gospel. 

Today, you have an important part in the body of Christ. Whether you minister in the pulpit or on the street corner, or whether you sow seed so that others can go, you are important. Don’t ever underestimate the part you play, because together we are building God’s kingdom. 

“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? …” (Romans 10:14—15, NLT) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come to You today. Father, thank You for giving me a part to play in building Your Kingdom. God, I dedicate back to You all the resources You have given me. Please Almighty God, use me for Your glory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

 

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