In The Difficult Times

In our lives we will all face hard times. Did you know that the way you handle your adversities has a huge impact on your success in life? If you shrink back, choose to get bitter, and lose your enthusiasm, then you are allowing the difficulties of life to bury you. You may be allowing hardship to keep you from your God-given destiny. But if you choose to keep pressing forward with hope on your mind, rejoicing even in the hard times, you are allowing God’s character to be developed in you. 

Today, I say it again, the only difference between a piece of black coal and a priceless diamond is the amount of pressure that it’s endured. When you stand strong in the midst of the trials and difficulties in life, when you allow God to shape and mould your character, it’s like going from a piece of coal to a priceless diamond. Those difficulties are going to give way to new growth, new potential, new talents, new friendships, new opportunities, new vision. You’re going to see God develop your life in ways that you’ve never even imagined! 

“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” (Romans 5:3-4, NLT). 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me strength to overcome every obstacle in life. Father, I will rejoice no matter what may come against me, because I know You are working all things together for my good. God, thank You for developing Your character in me. In Christ’s Name! Amen.  

Walk In His Blessings

I Just Can't Help But Talk About Jesus

Are you looking for abundance? Well, God wants to bring you to a place of abundance! A place filled with favour, opportunity, good health and great relationships. You may not be there yet, but don’t worry, your blessing is on the way. Hallelujah!  

David reminds us in Psalm 31, “God has blessings stored up for those that love the Lord.” There are good health, provision, relationships, businesses and promotion stored up for you that God wants to release. There are blessings with your name on it when you love the Lord. Oh yes, God is going to bring you into what He has already prepared for you. When you honour Him, when you’re faithful to Him, that’s how you walk in His blessings. You don’t have to look for them; blessings and favour are going to find you! Good breaks are going to come your way! 

Today, be ready to receive what God has for you. Position yourself for blessing by falling in love with God and walking in His ways. Meditate on the Word of God and sing His praise. Thank Him for what He is doing, because favour is looking for you! 

“Surely, LORD, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favour as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:12, NIV) 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, thank You for blessing me. Thank You for Your blessings and goodness in my life. Father, please help me to see new ways to be a blessing to others, as I daily keep my heart and mind focused on You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Victory Over Worry

I meet people daily who worry about everything. They worry about the kids, finances, job and even their health.  Is there something that you are worrying about today? To worry means to allow something to revolve in your mind over and over again. God doesn’t want you to live worried or anxious about anything. He knows that worry steals your peace and joy. It affects every area of your life.
 
Have you heard the saying, “Don’t worry yourself sick?” That’s because worrying affects your physical body. It affects your sleep. You won’t ever gain anything by worrying; in fact, you’ll lose precious moments that you can never get back again. The good news is that God has promised that you can have victory over worry. It starts by making the choice to trust in Him. When you cast your cares on Him, He will give you His peace.
 
Today stop worrying. Choose to feed your faith and fill your mind with God’s promises. As you focus on God’s word, you’ll drive out worry and fill your heart with faith and God given expectancy; and you’ll be empowered to move forward into the life of blessing He has in store for you!
 
 “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27, NIV)
 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I choose to put an end to worry in my life. Father, I give You all my worry, stress and anxiety. Please lift them off me today, so that I can be free. I choose to feed my faith by studying Your promises, and declaring them over my life. Help me to have total trust in You today and every day. In Christ’ name. Amen.

My Sun And Shield

God longs to be your sun and shield. You may ask what does the sun do for us? It lights our way; it keeps us warm; it nourishes the plants of the earth so that we can have sustenance. The earth is sustained by its relationship to the sun, and God wants to sustain you through your relationship with Him. He wants to be your shield of protection against all the fiery darts of the enemy. He wants to light and direct your path. He wants to keep you warm when life seems cold. 

Today, are you ready to receive God as your sun and shield? If you’ve been relying on anything or anyone else, let it go and put your trust in Almighty God. Open your heart and receive all that He has for you. Receive His blessing and protection today. Let His light shine on your path so you can move forward into the life God has for you! 

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favour and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11, NIV) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, right now I open my heart and mind to You. Father, I receive Your blessing and favour and ask that You direct my every step. God, show me Your ways that I may walk with You today and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

It’s A New Season!

Renewal, Of People Of God - Knowing Jesus

Last Monday was officially the beginning of summer and a change of season. Today God wants to take you into a new season – from a season of drought into a season of abundance. Are you going through a situation that seems beyond your control? I want to encourage you today that even though you we can’t see it, God is working behind the scenes. He is doing a new thing. He is making a way for you even when there seems to be no way.  

God wants to lead you out of that dry, desolate place into a place of safety and abundance. Just trust Him, and switch over from an attitude of fear and doubt to an attitude of faith. How do you change your attitude? Start by changing what comes out of your mouth. Instead of constantly speaking about your negative situation, speak about your positive situations.  

Today and every day declare, “this is the day that the Lord has made. God, is taking me into seasons of increase. I’m moving forward with strength through the joy of the Lord!” When you start speaking like that, soon your mind and heart will grab hold of the truth, and it won’t be long before you’re walking in the increase and the new season God has for you! 

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I receive Your new seasons of increase and positivity in my life by faith. Father, I choose to stand and declare Your promises, because I know You have new things in store for me. God, I bless You and thank You for another day to sing Your praises, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

I Need More Faith

Faith-based Methods For Overcoming Stress

On Monday it was my birthday. The gift I craved more than any other was faith. Do you desire to have more faith? Faith can grow and increase the Bible says. It also says that faith comes by hearing – in the present tense. We have to hear the Word of God over and over again for it to take root in our hearts and transform our minds.  

A seed needs water daily to grow; your faith needs the Word of God daily to grow. The more you hear God’s Word, the more you know Him. The more you know Him, the more you will be able to believe Him, and that’s what faith is! 

Today, choose a few faith Scriptures to meditate on. Write them down or highlight them on your phone and carry them around with you reading them often. Let the truth of the Word transform you and move you forward into the abundant life God has for you! 

“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word that is living, active and faith building. Father, I submit myself to You today. God, teach me Your ways. Give me insight into Your Word so that I may know more about You, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Today

This year I have been studying the book of Joshua, and today’s promise is one of my favourites. God said to Joshua, “today I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all the Israelites.” In other words, “today, 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. God wants to do the same thing for you. He wants to release His blessings and favour in such a way that it makes you a great parent, a great spouse, a great leader, a great employee, a great friend.

Today, God is saying to us what He said to Joshua, “this day, I’m going to begin to make your name great. This day, I’m going to begin to release My favour in a new way. I’m going to open doors that no man can shut.” It is the time for God’s favour in your life. 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 amazing in store for you! Hallelujah!

“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 this morning. Father, You alone are worthy of all glory and honour. Thank You for pouring out Your favour and blessing on me today. God, I open my heart and mind to receive everything You have in store for me this day. I look forward to You blessing me for the world to see as You did for Joshua, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

God Wants Diligence

The Gospel: From Oral Tradition to the Written Text

Matthew 25 tells a parable about three men whose employer entrusted them with some money. Two of the men were diligent and invested the money and received a great return. The third man was afraid and buried his money. The first two men were rewarded and praised for their investment and diligence, while the third man was rebuked because he did nothing.

God longs to show you His goodness and provision. He promises to always do His part, but you have to do your part. You have to be diligent. Be diligent in seeking His ways and following His Word. Be diligent with your time and resources. Follow the example of the first two men and look for ways to be diligent with what you have in your hand.

Today, whatever you do, do it with excellence. Be the best you can be, and go the extra mile even when you think it goes unnoticed. Understand that when people don’t notice, God notices and will reward the appetite of the diligent.

“…the appetite of the diligent is abundantly supplied.” (Proverbs 13:4, AMPC)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your favour on my life. Father, I choose to be diligent in all things. I choose to live in excellence and do everything to the best of my God-given ability. God, I will give You all the glory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Incredible Future

In a sign of things to come, a Swedish train operator is using new technology that employs big data to predict the entire commuter train system two hours into the future.

You may feel right now, like the challenges you face are too big or too overwhelming. We all face challenges. We all have obstacles to overcome. Keep the right attitude and focus, it will help us stay in faith so that we can move forward into victory.  

I’ve learned that average people have average problems. Ordinary people have ordinary challenges. But remember, you’re above average and you’re not ordinary. You are extraordinary. God created you and breathed His life into you. You are exceptional, and exceptional people face exceptional difficulties. But the good news is that we serve a super exceptional God!  

Today, when you have an incredible problem, instead of being discouraged, you should be encouraged knowing that you’re an incredible person, with an incredible future. Your path is shining bright because of your incredible God! Be encouraged today because your life is on an incredible path. So, keep in faith, keep declaring victory, keep declaring God’s promises over your life because you have an incredible future! 

“The path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day…” (Proverbs 4:18, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I lift my eyes to You. Father, I know that You are the One who helps me and has given me an incredible future. God, I choose to stand in faith, knowing that You have an incredible plan in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Today

This year I have been studying the book of Joshua, and today’s promise is one of my favourites. God said to Joshua, “today I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all the Israelites.” In other words, “today, 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. God wants to do the same thing for you. He wants to release His blessings and favour in such a way that it makes you a great parent, a great spouse, a great leader, a great employee, a great friend.  

Today, God is saying to us what He said to Joshua, “this day, I’m going to begin to make your name great. This day, I’m going to begin to release My favour in a new way. I’m going to open doors that no man can shut.” It is the time for God’s favour in your life. 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 amazing in store for you! Hallelujah!

“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 this morning. Father, You alone are worthy of all glory and honour. Thank You for pouring out Your favour and blessing on me today. God, I open my heart and mind to receive everything You have in store for me this day. I look forward to You blessing me for the world to see as You did for Joshua, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

God Has A Plan

It doesn’t matter how hard life is, God has a plan to take every adversity and every hardship you go through and use it. He’s not going to let you stay beaten down and miserable forever. No, God’s dream is to take that difficulty and supernaturally turn it around and use it to bring you good. He will use those tough times to bring you out stronger, more mature and prepared for life! Goodness, mercy and unfailing love are God’s plan for you!

Right now, you may not understand everything that’s going on in your life, but I encourage you to keep your head held high. Know that God is working in your life. Keep being faithful. Keep doing the right thing, knowing that in the end God is going to turn things around in your favour.

Today remember, if God is for you, who can be against you? No one. Greater is the One who is in you than anyone who can be against you. No matter what’s going on around you today, you can put your shoulders back and put a smile on your face, because God is working things together for your good because He loves you!

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Father, thank You for all You’ve done for me in my past, and for what You are preparing for my future. I beg You to turn things around in my life today.  God, help me keep my eyes on You and stand strong, as I look for Your goodness all the days of my life, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

In The Day Of Trouble

When we seek God, when we serve Him with our whole hearts, He will hide us in His shelter. Hallelujah! You can be so connected to God that you are untouchable and invisible to the enemy! You are hidden in Him! No matter what is happening around you, you can have strength, confidence and rest.  

In life, challenges may come your way, but don’t be worried about them. You know that ultimately things are going to work out for your good. You know that no weapon formed against you shall prosper.  

Today, people may try to make you look bad, but don’t give it a second thought. Your future is too bright to be distracted. People don’t control your destiny, God does. Just keep on being your best you, walk in integrity, meditate on the Word, and worship throughout the day so you can stay hidden in God! 

“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” 

(Psalm 27:5, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I come to You today with an open and humble heart. Father, I surrender every area of my life to You. Mould me into Your image and keep me hidden in You. God, I bless You and praise You today and always in Christ’s Name! Amen.

God Renew My Mind Daily

Renewal, Of People Of God - Knowing Jesus

Did you know that your life moves in the direction of your mind? So many people today are not really enjoying their lives because of the condition of their minds. They constantly dwell on negative, destructive, harmful thoughts. They don’t realise it, but the root cause of many of their problems is simply the fact that their thought life is out of control. 

Yes our lives follow our thoughts. If you think negative thoughts, then you’re going to live a negative life. If you think discouraging, hopeless thoughts, or even mediocre thoughts, then your life is going to go down that exact same path. That’s why Scripture says, we have to take captive every thought and renew our minds on a daily basis. 

Today, I want to challenge you to think about what you’re thinking about. Don’t let self-defeating thoughts linger in your mind. Instead, speak God’s promises over your life. Declare what He says about you and renew your mind daily through God’s great and awesome promises! 

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, help me take captive every thought. Father, I want you to renew my mind according to Your Word. Dear Holy Spirit, please be my teacher and helper. I invite You to direct me in the way that I should go. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Blessings For You

Prayer for Blessings of the Past Year

God has a blessing for every one of us that will cause us to rise from lack into abundance! It will take you from barely getting by to more than enough. God’s blessing brings supernatural increase and peace of mind. We were never created to drag through life constantly struggling. God has commanded blessings when we come into agreement with His Word in our minds and actions. 

In Deuteronomy 28, Scripture tells us that if we will live a life of honour and obedience, then blessings will overtake us. It says that we will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. God will open up to you His good treasury and cause you to lend and not borrow. He will make you plenteous in goods and give you a surplus in all areas of your life. 

Today, let this thought sink deep down into your spirit: the Creator of the universe has commanded blessings just for you. Receive it today and choose to follow Him in everything you do! 

“If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 28:1–2, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for all Your blessings. Father, I receive Your truth which sets me free. God, help me, by Your Spirit, to follow Your commands, so that I may live a life that brings You honour, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

It’s My Emotions

What Type of Christian Are You?

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

If we allow our circumstances to dictate our emotions, and are moved by what we see and experience, doors of doubt and fear are opened. When we allow doubt and fear in, we become emotionally unstable. The way you feel today has little to do with what God is actually doing in your life. He’s always working behind the scenes even if we don’t realise it!  

Today, don’t allow yourself to be tossed around by your emotions. Instead, choose to be stable minded by focusing your thoughts on the Word of God, and being around positive people. Stand strong in God so you can confidently embrace the plans 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 guides my feet and lights my path. Father, I choose to meditate on Your truth which is my source of mental strength. God, please help me to be stable minded as I focus on You and Your Word. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

What To Do In Hard Times

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

When trials come what do you do? If you shrink back, get bitter, and lose your enthusiasm, then you are allowing the trial to control your life. Did you know that the way you handle your adversities has a huge impact on your success? You may be allowing hardship to keep you from your God-given destiny.  

However, look to God, keep pressing forward, put a smile on your face, rejoice even in the hard times, you are allowing God’s character to be developed inside of you. You are setting yourself up for your breakthrough! The only difference between a piece of black coal and a priceless diamond is the amount of pressure that it endures.   

Today, stand strong in the midst of trials and difficulties and allow God to shape and mould your character, it’s like going from a piece of coal to a priceless diamond. Those difficulties are going to give way to new growth, new potential, new talent, new friendships, new opportunities, new vision. You’re going to see God develop your life in ways that you’ve never even imagined! 

“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” (Romans 5:3-4, NLT). 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me strength to overcome every obstacle in life. Father, I will  rejoice no matter what may come against me, because I know You are working all things together for my good. God, thank You for developing Your character in me. In Christ’s Name! Amen.  

 

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