Tag: blessings

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God Help Me, I’m Unworthy Of This Assignment 

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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. 

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Oh God I Need A Fresh Start

a woman getting ready to run

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.

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Joy and Pain

woman in gray dress sitting on bed

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. 

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Spiritually Boring

Life has a way of becoming boring and mundane – it needs some freshening up from time to time. Today may be the day to stir up what God has placed inside you. It’s time to stir up those gifts, stir up those dreams, and stir up those talents on the inside. Start stretching yourself. This doesn’t just mean making resolutions; this means tapping into the destiny God has placed in your heart.

To begin with, you must have something to freshen up or stir up. Scripture tells us that without vision, people perish. If you don’t have a dream, you’re not really living the way God intends; you’re merely existing. Maybe at one time, you had a dream, but you went through some disappointments or setbacks. Things didn’t turn out the way you planned. But here’s a key: when one dream dies, dream another dream. Just because it didn’t work out the way you had it planned doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have another plan.

Today, you cannot allow one disappointment, or even a series of disappointments, to convince you that your dream is over. It’s time to dig your heels in and hold on to the promises in your heart. As you stir up those God-given dreams and desires, He’ll pour out fresh favour and blessings in your life, and fulfil every desire in your heart!

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you…” (2 Timothy 1:6, NKJV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I come to You. I give You my past, my disappointments and my brokenness. Father, please remove spiritual boredom from me, I’m tired of the mundane routine my life has become. God, stir up my dreams or give me the creativity through Your Spirit to dream again. Fill me with hope and expectation, as I fulfil the dreams and desires that You have placed within me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Don’t Let It Expire 

One day I received a gift card that I stored in a special place for so long that I forgot I had it. Most gift cards have an expiration date, and if you don’t use them, you will surely lose them! The same is true with the Word of God. No, the Word doesn’t ever expire, but we must act and use His Word to receive His promises. Just like you exchange your gift card for the things you need at the store, His Word gives you the power to receive every promise He has for you. 

When you declare His Word and keep your heart and mind open to Him, you are using the gift. You are opening the door for Him to move in your life. For example, if you’re facing lack in any area, receive the gift of provision by declaring, my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). If there’s a mountain in your way, receive the gift of victory that says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). 

Today and every day, use the gift He’s given you. Make His Word a priority and don’t let it depart from your mouth or your blessings expire. As you do, He’ll make your way prosperous, and you’ll enjoy the abundant life He has 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 Your Word which is truth to set me free. Father, I determine in my heart to use my gifts before the expiration date and set Your Word into motion in my life. God, keep me close to You so that I can please You in everything I do, in Christ’s name! Amen. 

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Faith That Pleases God

Faith-based Methods For Overcoming Stress

One of my favourite stories in the Old Testament is the story of David slaying Goliath he took 5 smooth stones and defeated the giant that was stopping Israel’s success. As I reflect today on these events, I ask myself the question what type of faith must it take to defeat giants in our lives? 

As I began to think about this question, I remembered how David went from shepherd boy to King of Israel, capturing Jerusalem, reuniting the nation, and controlling an empire. David always looked toward the Lord; and from the anxieties he suffered, he developed faith and determination in God. His unwavering confidence in God became apparent to all. 

Everyone has struggles, and these struggles test our faith. We all want the type of faith that releases the fullest blessings of God in our lives. How do we ensure the type of faith that pleases God? When your faith is tested, reflect on how God has helped you in the past, acknowledge his power over the situation and trust him for the resources you need. Praise him in the trial and ask others to pray for you. Ask the Lord to increase your faith. 

Today, ponder the story of David and Goliath which provides a brief narrative of faith. It describes and explains how faith works in three simple steps. First, a humble dependence on God recognising that He is the source of everything we need. Second, approach Him with an open heart because He is the sovereign Lord over all; third, trust God to keep his word. Together, these three simple steps represent the type of faith that pleases Him. Invite God to daily increase your ability to depend on Him for everything, approach Him full-heartedly, and trust Him to keep his promises. 

We all want the type of faith that releases the fullest blessings of God in our lives. 

“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 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, thank you for increasing my faith and helping me to see the specific ways you have revealed yourself to me. Father, I praise you that you know all things perfectly and that I can trust the unknown to you. In Christ’s blessed name I pray, Amen.

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Control Your Tongue

I believe every word we speak has power. Have you ever said things you wish you could take back? Our words determine the direction of our lives. The Bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue.

There’s no neutral ground. We are either sowing seeds of life and productivity with our words, or we are sowing seeds of ruin and destruction with our words. This is a good day to take inventory of your words and make the decision to sow only good seeds with your words.

Today, speak God’s Word over your own life and the lives of those around you. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you to consider every word before you say it. Make the decision today that your words will bring glory to the Lord. As you guard your mouth, you will “keep” your life. You’ll see an increase in every area and enjoy the blessings God has in store for you!

“He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 13:3, AMP)

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I give this day to You. I give You my every thought, I give You every word and action. Spirit, help me to live a life pleasing to God in every way. Please help me speak words of blessing to edify those around me. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Forgiveness and Deliverance Are Not The Same

Good morning from Zanzibar. It’s one thing to be forgiven of sin, however, there is still a need for deliverance. God is a mighty Deliverer! You may feel afflicted, overwhelmed, or burdened by the cares of life. God is working to bring you out of that difficult situation. It may not be how you thought, but you must trust that God has your best interests at heart.

Consequences and afflictions can take different forms—sickness, hardship, temptation, a difficult co-worker, a friend or maybe a contentious family member. There are so many things that can come against us. Remember, those afflictions are only temporary. Stand in faith today believing that God is on your side. It doesn’t matter what your circumstances look like, why don’t you get up every morning and say, “this is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it!” 

Today, because of life’s afflictions and hardships, you may not feel like rejoicing or being upbeat, look to God with eyes of faithful expectancy, you’ll see your Deliverer is coming. Hallelujah! As you stand and trust the Lord, He will deliver you and empower you to overcome all evil afflictions, and you’ll see His abundant blessings in every area of your life.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:19, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for being my Deliverer! Father, thanks for the promise to deliver me from all evil and afflictions. I trust that You have a plan for me to not only be sinless but to be spiritually cleansed from my evil ways. God, I thank You for Your strength and peace in every area of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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A Thankful Heart

God's Heart-Fires Set His People Free

It is not easy to give thanks in every circumstance. But when we choose to thank God amid difficulty, it defeats the forces of darkness in the spiritual realm. When we thank God for every gift, He has given us even when things are hard, the enemy loses the battle against us. He is stopped in his tracks when we come to God with a thankful heart. 

Today, learn to be thankful for every blessing from God in your life. It is of great significance to Him if, during great trials, we can be thankful. There is a way of looking at life from the standpoint of eternity. The reality of eternal life and eternal glory that far exceeds this life is a priceless treasure. Our afflictions are working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Hallelujah! 

My cup overflows with your blessings – Psalm 23:5 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, teach me to offer you a heart of thanksgiving and praise in all my daily experiences of life. Father, I long to bring pleasure to You and to Break the power of the enemy in my life. God, defeat him through my sacrifice of praise. Please change my outlook and attitude into one of joyful contentment in my present circumstances. I thank You almighty for accepting me and blessing me despite my sins and complaining. Lord, convict me whenever I complain or compare myself with others. I know that Your truth dwells in a thankful heart. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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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.

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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

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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.

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Enjoy Life

In today’s ever-changing world, I begin my day thanking God for waking me. Unsure of His purpose and exact plan each day, or why everything in the world we live in seems to be immensely chaotic, I do know if God has awakened me for another day, there is a purpose for it. How often do we take a moment to embrace and enjoy the gift of another day before diving into T.V and social media? 

Today verse Psalm 128 say, “God’s blessing goes with his people everywhere, even when they are not in Jerusalem,” in other words the blessing of God is on us even outside of our home. Hallelujah! We often get caught up calculating a successful life in achievements and possessions, forgetting to embrace the literal breath of every moment. 

What if we approached every day with a grateful heart for the breath in our lungs? Instead of striving for what we think will make us happy, can we embrace the joy God offers us in Christ to sustain us? Christ died for us to live life to the full, not to live in fear over what each day will bring. 

Today let’s remember the world will always be in chaos until Christ returns to set it right. Putting our hope in Him allows us to embrace and enjoy life. After all, God promises His plans for us are more than we can ask for or imagine! Live, blessed… because you are! 

“May the LORD bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May you live to see your children’s children- peace be on Israel.” – Psalm 128:5-6 NIV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, help me to embrace and enjoy the life you’ve given me. Father, I know I am not accidentally here! Each day I wake to breathe, you faithfully meet me with purpose. I lift my anxiety and worry to you, today, as I seek to embrace your peace and promises. God, I confess my tendency to condemn, criticize, and compare instead of embracing the peace and blessings you have showered over my life. In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

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Emotional Rest

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 excited, wouldn’t you? But it wouldn’t happen until you did your part to 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 begin your day remember, that God wants to give you rest and restore your emotions. It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of this stressful life, and before long, your emotions are so spun that you can barely think straight! Remember, even in the hustle and bustle of life, you can find rest. 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 your life, release your cares to God. Let Him fill you with His peace and joy. Receive the rest, relaxation, and restoration that He promises and enjoy the total fulfilment 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’s name! Amen.

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Down But Not Out

In life, we will all face some kind of disappointment or setback. Maybe bad news concerning your health, job, or a relationship not working out – a setback! It’s easy to get discouraged, lose your enthusiasm, or even be tempted to just settle where you are. But if we’re going to be God’s best, we have to have a “bounce-back” mentality.

That means when you get knocked down, you don’t have to stay down. You get back up again. You have to know that every time adversity comes against you, it’s a setup for a comeback. You may have got knocked down, but you haven’t been knocked out! Remember, as a believer, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives on the inside of you.

Today, there is no challenge too difficult, no obstacle too high, no sickness, no disappointment, no person, nothing that can keep you from your God-given destiny. If you stay in faith and keep a good attitude, you will rise again. God will turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones, and you’ll move forward into His victory! Hallelujah!

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…” (Proverbs 24:16, NIV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for setting me up for success in everything I do for You this year. Father, I choose to trust and rely on You, knowing that Your plans are for my good. Therefore when life knocks me down, when disappointment comes my way, I won’t stay down, but I will bounce back, knowing my best days are up ahead, and I look forward to the blessings You have in store for me, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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They Did It To Jesus

Jesus the Good Shepherd

Sometimes it’s hard to keep going in ministry and life amidst criticism and gossiping. In Scripture, many times people would come against Jesus and criticise Him. Many times, it says, “Jesus answered them not a word.” He simply didn’t respond to His critics. He didn’t try to convince them to change their minds. He didn’t get upset because somebody was talking about Him. No, He just ignored it.

Today, when people come against you and they’re jealous and just evil towards you and those you love, trying to make you look bad, trying to discourage you, remember what they did to Jesus! He was probably criticised and despised more than anyone else. I love the fact that He didn’t try to explain Himself. He didn’t try to make everyone understand Him. He just stayed focused on what He was called to do. He simply ran His race, stayed in His lane, prayed, and moved forward. And this is how we should deal with those who criticise us and gossip about us, don’t give in to the demonic distraction, just take them to the Lord in prayer.

…but Jesus refused to answer.” (Luke 23:9, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I release every person who has criticised me, gossiped about me, or tried to discourage me. Father, I choose to forgive them; I have decided to turn away from that distraction and move forward, refusing to react to the demonic forces that seek to bring me down. God, help me to stay focused on You and all the wonderful blessings You have in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

 

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