Tag: Amen

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Hurting Holidays Pt 2

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The stores are filled with bustling shoppers. Christmas music plays on every aisle.  Houses are trimmed with twinkling lights that glow cheery through the crisp night.

Everything in our culture tells us that this is a joyful season: friends, family, food, and gifts all encourage us to celebrate Christmas. For many people, this holiday season can be a painful reminder of the difficulties of life. Many people will celebrate for the first time without a spouse or a loved one that has died. Some people will celebrate this Christmas for the first time without their spouse, due to a divorce. For others these holidays can be a painful reminder of financial hardships. Ironically, it is often during those times when we are supposed to be happy and joyful, that our suffering and pain can be felt most vividly.

It’s meant to be the happiest season of all. But, many of us are hurting. Why? Sometimes it is a glaring reminder of mistakes made. Of the way things used to be. Of loved ones who are missing. Of kids who are grown and gone. Sometimes the Christmas season is so dark and lonely, that just the work of breathing in and out during this season seems overwhelming.

Today, from my own hurt I can tell you,  there are no quick and easy fixes for a broken heart. But, there is hope for healing. There is faith for the doubter. There is love for the lonely. These treasures won’t be found under a Christmas tree or in a family tradition, or even in the way things used to be. Hope, faith, love, joy, peace, and just the strength to make it through the holidays, are all wrapped up in a baby boy, born to this earth as its Saviour, Christ the Messiah! Hallelujah!

“And He will put an end to all their weeping; and there will be no more death, or sorrow, or crying, or pain; for the first things have come to an end.” (Revelation 21:4)

Lets Pray

Yahweh, I don’t want pain anymore. At these times It seems to overcome me like a powerful wave and take all my energy. Father, please anoint me with strength! I cannot get through this holiday without You, and I turn to You. I surrender myself to You today. Please heal me! At times I feel alone and helpless. I reach out to You because I need comfort and a friend. God, I trust that nothing You lead me to is too hard for me to handle. I believe I can get through this with the strength and faith You give me, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Your Blessing Is On It’s Way

Sometimes it seems like God is taking a very long time to answer your prayers. Many times, people can miss God’s best, simply because they give up before they see their blessing come. Don’t let that be you! Be encouraged today, your answer is closer than you think. If it seems like things are getting more difficult, remember, when the intensity heats up, that means you are closer to your victory. It always seems darkest just before the dawn.

Remember God is faithful and He’s working on your behalf. Don’t cast away your confidence today, because your reward is coming. Just like a new mother forgets about her labor pain once she is finally holding her newborn, you’ll forget about your struggle when you are holding on to your promise.

Today, while you are waiting on God, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Wake up every morning and say out loud, “I’ve come too far to give up now. My blessing  is coming. I will reap my harvest”. Stay in faith and look for His hand of blessing, because He has promised you victory and it’s closer than you think!

“Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.”(Hebrews 10:35, NKJV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I stand believing that You are working things out for me. God, give me Your strength to stand in faith until I see every promise You have for me, fulfilled in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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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.

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He Paid It All

He Paid It All
How would you feel if someone came up to you today and said, “Give me all of your monthly bills; I’m going to pay them”. You’d get pretty excited wouldn’t you? But it wouldn’t happen until you did your part to actually hand that person your bills. They can’t pay them for you if you never release them. In the same way, when we release our cares and concerns to God, He promises to take care of them. So hand them over.

As you continue to press forward this year, God wants to give you rest. He wants to refresh and restore your soul, mind, will and emotions. It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of this stressful life, and before long, your mind, will and emotions are so spun that you can barely think straight! Remember, even in the hustle and bustle of life, you can find rest, ease and relaxation. God wants to take care of everything that concerns you, so that you can find rest in your innermost being when you come to Him.

Today and throughout this year, release your cares to the Lord. Let Him fill you with His peace and joy. Receive the rest, relaxation and restoration that He promises and enjoy the total fulfillment and blessings for your body, mind and emotions He has in store for you!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NIV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come to You. I choose to cast my cares on You, so that I can live in Your rest and break free from the stress of this life. Father, thank You for Your goodness to me. I give You my mind, heal it and take control of all my emotions. Please God, lift my burdens and refresh my weariness. God, help me find ways to share Your rest and goodness with those around me. In Christ’ name, Amen.

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God wants to refresh you

Are you facing challenges in your relationships? Finances? Career? Does your soul need refreshing today? You can come to the Father to find what you need. God wants to refresh you. He wants to give you rest and peace. Think about that for a moment. What would cause you to rest? If you knew everything was going to be okay and would work out for your good, you would stop worrying and rest! Even if things don’t work out the way you planned, or on your timetable, you can trust that God will turn things around in your favour. Hallelujah!

Today, come to the Father with gratitude and thanksgiving. Thank God right now for taking your burdens and giving you peace through faith. Thank Him for loving you today and giving you a new start despite a difficult past. Thank Him for His faithfulness and hope of an awesome future! Please go out today with an attitude of expectancy and confidence. Remember, God always has a plan, you’re not alone, you can always can come to Him!

“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” (Matthew 11:28, AMP).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I come to You now giving You my cares, heartaches and burdens. Father, I thank You for working on my behalf and keeping me sane through some tough times. God, I thank You for loving me and setting me free in my mind. Thank You for giving me rest for my soul and peace in my heart today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
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Refreshing

I went to bed tired and overwhelmed by life and I woke up feeling the same. God promises in His word to bring you times of refreshing. Oh how I need it now. He doesn’t want us to live overwhelmed, in despair, or weighted down by burdens in this life. Scripture says that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. That means He wants you to live without unnecessary pressure. He doesn’t expect you to figure everything out because He already has a plan for your good, and whatever He asks you to do, He equips you for it.

One of the ways we feel heavy and overwhelmed in this life is by carrying unnecessary burdens, or taking on responsibility that God never required. When we get out of step with God, when we go against His word, things become more difficult. Condemnation and guilt can creep in and cause us to try to “work harder” the next time.

Today, if you find yourself in this cycle of works, or if you know you are out of step with Him, this new year is a great time to be refreshed and find a new beginning! God wants to refresh you. He wants to empower you with His strength. Why don’t you turn to Him with an open and humble heart? Repent, of carrying those heavy, unnecessary burdens which are outside of God’s will for you. Let go of the past, and start moving forward. Receive His love and grace and let’s enjoy times of refreshing with Him!

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19, NIV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I come to You with an open and humble heart. I choose to submit myself and my heavy burdens to You. Father, I also surrender my ways to Your ways. I have decided today to make the right and necessary choice to change. I thank You for lifting my heavy burdens and accepting my repentance for being out of Your will. God, I urge You to empower me and refresh me today, in Christ’ name. Amen.

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God Has A Daily Blessing For You!

Yesterday was yet another day of difficulties for many, particularly the two mothers I spoke with. Many Christians think we shouldn’t have trials or hardships. Yet, if the bible is true, it’s those hard times which make us strong and show our loyalty to God.
Christians experience daily obstacles and struggles. Although you aren’t immune to life’s day-to-day challenges, you do have the power in Jesus Christ via the Holy Ghost, to overcome them!
Today, Christ’s power is available to help you win not only the big battles, but the little daily battles as well. God has an abundant life in store for you, which includes victory over the little things in your life that may seem big. Hallelujah! Remember, nothing can prevent you from being all that God wants you to be but you. So choose to claim victory and walk in it today, in the name of Jesus!
 
“Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever.” (Psalm 145:2, NASB).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I praise You for the daily victories you give to me, your child.  Father, I am sorry for my lack of loyalty to you, always complaining and not trusting. God, I praise you for your faithfulness towards me. It’s a blessing to know that I can bring every problem I have to you, no matter how small, knowing that you will work it out In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Satan Is Your Enemy

I’ve learned that in life, some people are peace-stealers. They feel it’s their calling to aggravate you, try to make you look bad, and tell you what you can or can’t do. They’ll try to bait you into an argument to get you upset, annoyed and frustrated. But don’t take the bait! Nothing is worth losing your peace over. They may think they’re getting the best of you, but in the end, God can use that to take you higher.

When people come against you, choose to keep your peace. Choose to forgive. Pray for that person because that’s how you disarm the enemy against you. Scripture says your battle isn’t against flesh and blood. In other words, that person isn’t your enemy; the accuser satan, is your enemy. He’s trying to bring division and get you upset.

Today, when you choose to keep peace, when you keep walking in love and keep a smile on your face, you are overcoming his tactics. That’s how you win. Choose peace today, choose to walk in love, and choose the victory God has prepared for you!

“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:28, NIV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me Your peace and strength today. Father, I choose to hold my peace and bless those who come against me. I choose to walk in love and forgiveness so that I can honour You. God, help me not to be a peace stealer in the lives of others, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Satan Attacks

Sometimes I sit back and think that these attacks from the enemy never stop. With the more we do kingdom work for God, the more we seem to be his target practice. Jesus said, “Simon, listen to me! Satan has demanded the right to test each one of you, as a farmer does when he separates wheat from the husks. But Simon, I have prayed that your faith will be strong. And when you have come back to me, help the others” (Luke 22:31-32 CEV).
We often face the most severe attack when we’re living out God’s plan for our lives – when we are in His will. When we’re determined to make a difference in the world for His glory, to advance His kingdom, we’ll most likely face more intense attacks from Satan, as he doesn’t want us to be doing kingdom work. But we need to remember God is in control. He has given us ‘all authority in heaven and on earth’. So when we’re feeling under attack, from addiction to sexual sin and everything in between, we shouldn’t give up. When we’re going through tough times, remember we serve a tough God, who is setting us up for a massive blessing and testimony of God’s goodness.
Today, just like in Luke 22, ‘Jesus was allowing you… to experience a trial so that you can encourage your brothers’. He knows that the church, and the world, need to see and hear real stories of His power. So our difficulties may be preparing us to encourage others who are struggling and heartbroken. Open your mouth, testify not only to your brothers but to your enemies. Remember what Joseph said to his brothers: ‘You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good’. Since God loves us and is in control of our lives, good things will come from the difficulties we’re going through right now.
‘Satan has demanded the right to test each one of you.’ (Luke 22:31 CEV).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I receive Your authority today over all evil, sickness and demonic forces, based upon Your Word. Thank You for exposing the enemy’s plans to me. I bless You God, for loving me and equipping me for the battle ahead. I receive Your armour today, and will stand behind You as You fight for me. God, please remove my defeatist mindset, as I claim victory today. In Jesus’ name! Amen.
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Have You Ever Been Visited By The Devil?

Has the devil ever visited you? Well, he visited Jesus, and there are some things we can learn from the encounter between Jesus and the devil.

Scripture says three times the devil tried to disguise a temptation as something good. Turning stones to bread would have sounded good to someone who had just fasted for 40 days. Satan also used Scripture, trying to twist its meaning to tempt Jesus, but He stood firm, drawing strength from God’s Word to resist the devil.

Then Satan tried to dazzle Jesus with an offer to give him all the power and authority he deserved. But Jesus turned to the Scriptures again, showing us that God’s Word is far stronger than Satan – and any temptations he can throw at us.

Today we learn, because the devil tempted Jesus, and Jesus was truly human. Jesus truly understands what it is like to struggle as we do. Jesus did not sin. Because Jesus did not sin, we know that He is truly God and powerful enough to save us. The Bible says, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one [Jesus] who has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet he did not sin.”. This should give us hope that through Christ we can be victors over sin.

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (Matthew 4:1).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for giving me advice in your Word that I need to resist the devil. Father, when I fall, thank you for providing the power that is forever strong enough to save and restore me. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

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Fear Can Keep Us From God’s Blessings

If you know me, you would know that one thing that really gets to me is Christians that operate on fear as opposed to faith. I declare that many people today live with less than God’s best because they’ve allowed fear to creep in and take root in their lives. Fear is the number one negative emotion and the enemy’s greatest weapon to try to hold us back. Fear is not from God. Scripture tells us that fear brings torment. Over a hundred times we are told to “fear not.” It’s designed to paralyse us and keep us from God’s blessings.

I’ve got good news! God-given faith is greater than your fear. His power in you is greater than any power that comes against you. Hallelujah! In order to walk in His power, you have to close the door on the enemy, the enemy can’t have access to your life unless you open a door and give him access. That’s why we have to be careful about what we watch, what we listen to, what we read, what we say and who we hang with. When we open ourselves to fear, we give the enemy opportunity.

Today, if you’ve allowed fear to steal from you in any area of your life, you can be free, you can be finished with fear. Conquering the enemy starts by making the choice to close the door on fear, and instead, meditate on God’s promises and His sacrifice. For the Word says we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony! Let His truth and what He has done for you sink down into your heart. Declare it out of your mouth. Let God set you free by praising Him, and watch Him lead you into victory as you close the door on fear!

“Do not give the devil an opportunity to work.” (Ephesians 4:27, ISV)

 Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I come to You today declaring that I am finished with fear. Father, thank You for giving me power, love and a sound mind. I declare I will stand on Your promises and share all You have done for me, because that will make me overcome fear and other negatives in my life. Fill me with Your peace and joy today, as I move forward in victory with You, in Christ’s’ Name! Amen.

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Are You A Witness Or A Spectator?

In court, witnesses are more than just spectators. They are active participants who help determine the outcome of a case. The same is true of the Christian’s witness of Christ. We are to be active participants in a matter of absolute importance— sharing the truth of Christ life, death, and resurrection.

John the Baptist was the ultimate witness of Jesus. He shared all he could about Jesus, the light of the world. John’s disciples recorded the events, testifying of his experiences with Jesus: “We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”.

Today, all Christians have been summoned before the courtroom of this world not to be mere spectators but active witnesses. We must tell the world the truth about Jesus’s life, death and resurrection. Like John the Baptist, the voice crying in the desert, our voices should be heard in our workplace, neighbourhood, church, and among our family and friends. We must be active witnesses, telling all about the reality of Christ who lives in our lives.

[John] came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. (John 1:7).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for giving me the boldness to be an active witness for you. Father, I thank you and glorify you for all the testimonies and experiences you have guided me through, so I can share everywhere I go. Lord, please don’t let the devil silence my witness about you in Christ’s name, Amen.

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Stop Adding Laws

The scripture tells us that, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, were the leading citizens among the Jews. They knew what God’s law said, and they could tell people how to apply it. But they were hypocrites. They added 615 of their laws on top of God’s laws, thinking that would “protect” the law of God from being disobeyed. But in doing so, they violated the spirit of the law, which is love.

Today’s Christians can do the same as the Pharisees if they add their social and religious standards to God’s law. “Surely a Christian would never listen to that, or wear those clothes, or dance, or eat that meat…”. We might think we are being especially zealous for the law of God by adding such restrictions when the bible doesn’t – but God desires love, not legalism.

Today, following human standards while ignoring God’s call to love, can lead to terrible results – “hypocrisy”. It has led to racism like apartheid. It has led to sexism with statements like “she should have known better than to wear that”. It has led to nationalism where we look down on immigrants and refugees. Such hypocrisy will condemn us on the day of judgment. Laws that do not aim at love for all people are not God’s laws. The Ruler of Heaven and Earth is not fooled by distorted rule-following and fake self-centred Christianity.

“Do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” (Matthew 23:3).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, forgive us when we set up false standards. Father, forgive us if we have judged others unlovingly. Help us to follow your laws and not add our own trying to protect yours. Please show us how to love everyone as you do. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

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Law And Love

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

Law and love are nicely united in today’s scripture. The word of God that we are called to obey, is the law of God. When we obey it, God’s love is made complete in us—because we are living by God’s law of love.

This is pleasantly simple, and circular. What shall I do? Whatever the law says I should do. How shall I show my love for God? By obeying the law found in God’s Word. What happens when I obey God’s law? The love of God is made complete in me.

Seen in this way, the Christian life is not mysterious. We don’t have to wonder and fret about what God’s will might be. We can find directions in the Word of God, especially in His law. We may have to examine which words apply to our actions, but the directions are always there for us. Does our question have to do with honesty, fidelity, or our use of time? The law of God has directives for these and other circumstances.

Today, do you know someone who truly seems full of the Spirit of Christ? I’ll bet that person isn’t a lawbreaker. I’ll bet that person has long understood that obeying God’s law is a simple and direct way of getting close to God. What about you? Has God’s law of love been made complete in you?

If anyone obeys [God’s] word, God’s love is truly made complete in them. (1 John 2:5).

 Let’s pray

Yahweh, help me to obey you. Help me not to question what you might want from me when I already know it. Show me wonderful things in your law that direct me to act with love for you and others. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

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When It’s Okay To Break The Law

After spending a week in France, I came across this true story. During World War II, France was occupied by Nazi Germany. Anyone caught helping Jews would be killed or sent to concentration camps. In the small village of La Chambon, Pastor Andre Troceme and his Protestant church decided to hide Jews in their homes, provide them with new identities, and integrate their children into their schools. This pastor and his parishioners were credited with saving 5,000 Jewish lives. They violated the Nazi’s hateful law and risked their own lives to help others.

During Jesus’ time, a man with a deformed hand had worshipped in the synagogue for years. But on one Sabbath, he met Jesus. Jesus said, “Get up and stand” in front of everyone. As the man got up, he was probably not sure what would happen, but he was willing to obey. And Jesus was willing to demonstrate, especially on the Sabbath, that God was interested in helping and healing his people. Jesus was God’s answer in ushering in his Kingdom of mercy, grace, and restoration. Doing good on any day, especially on sabbath is the best way to live by the will of God. Visit a sick friend, help a single mother, mentor a child. Let’s go and act like Jesus today! And like Pastor Troceme break non biblical traditional law to save lives.

Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” (Luke 6:9).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I want to bring your Kingdom into my own family and neighbourhood. Father, please help me and Nudge me to serve you and usher in a culture that saves lives and shows mercy. In your name, Amen.

 

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His Mercy Is Enough 

According to God’s Word, we all sin and we all make mistakes. We’ve all made wrong choices but as believers in God, that doesn’t change our destiny. God doesn’t kick us out of His kingdom because we’re not perfect. You may feel like you don’t deserve anything good from God, or you should suffer through life enduring problems. No this is what mercy is for, mercy will renew and restore you! Hallelujah!

Your sin didn’t surprise God, no matter what you may have done wrong, you are still the apple of God’s eye. You are still His most prized possession. You can still access God’s promises by faith today. Your weakness moves God toward you. He has enough grace and mercy to cover you and give you a new start.

Today, shake off guilt and condemnation! Put your shoulders back and say, “I may not be perfect, but I am forgiven. I may have made mistakes, but God knows my heart and it’s to please Him. I am changing my ways. I may have brought trouble on myself, but I’m going to stay in faith expecting God’s mercy to turn it around.” Please ask for His mercy today, and let it empower you to move forward in every area of your life!

“…Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13, NIV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Father, thank You for receiving me with my sins and mistakes. Please cleanse me and change me. God, I dedicate every area of my life to You. I invite You to have Your way in me, as I shake off guilt and condemnation from self, the world, and the church. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

 

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