Today Is A Gift

God Sees You

On Monday night, a family of 5 who were travelling home to Oxford were in a tragic accident, 3 died on the spot and the father and the youngest are in a critical condition. Sometimes, our days can be so full and busy that we forget how fragile life really is. It can be easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy.  

Things may not go your way, someone may say something that’s upset you, and traffic can cause you to lose focus. You have to remember that each day is a gift. If you choose to focus on what’s wrong, you’ll miss the beauty that each day has to offer. I encourage you to not let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don’t wait for holidays and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable.  

Today, you have been given time that can be invested or wasted, hours that can be used or misused. That’s why the psalmist prayed to God, “teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “teach us to value every moment that we’ve been given.” As you keep a proper perspective daily, you’ll gain a heart of wisdom, and experience the full blessings that God has for you each and every day of your life! 

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of today. Father, I promise to focus on the blessings of each moment instead of allowing the little things to steal my joy. Help me to make the most of each day and not let them waste away. God, please keep me close to You always as I submit every area of my heart and mind to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Total Recall

Total Recall

These days are frustrating and sometimes overwhelming to say the least. During times like these that we have to be especially careful about what we think and say. It is said that our lives will go in the direction of our thoughts. Do you need to change your thoughts? 

In Psalm 77 the psalmist, while under immense pressure and challenges, cried out to God and said, “You know what? I’m going to focus on what You have done for me. I’m going to dwell on Your goodness. I will recall Your deeds.” 

Today, you may be frustrated and facing challenges, don’t dwell on negative, self-defeating thoughts. Instead, recall God’s deeds. Focus on what He’s done for you. Thank Him for the gift of life and salvation. Make a list of all His wonderful blessings. Let your thoughts turn toward Him throughout the day, and recall His wonderful deeds! 

“But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.” 

(Psalm 77:11—12, NLT) 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, I bless Your holy Name! Father, thank You for the gift of life both now and in eternity. God, today I give You my frustrations and challenges. Instead I will recall Your mighty works. Thank You God for loving me and setting me free. Help me to keep my mind on Your good deeds always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

5 Ways To Stay Faithful In Your Faith

Nowadays, it’s easy to forget about our faith, since our busy lives and the negativity have taken over, with people dying, many wrongdoings, and sin being evident everywhere we look. Plus, it’s hard to tell who are friends are, especially when someone whom we’re supposed to trust doesn’t really feel accountable for anything”¦ or anyone. Even when people make promises, they either don’t keep them, or they forget about them.

As you can tell by now, sin is detrimental to one’s life; and, it stops us from being that God has created us to be. Just because we don’t have faith-based friends or careers, doesn’t mean that we, ourselves, can’t be faith-based. So, here are five basic tips on how to stay faithful in your faith:

1. Remember That God Is Your Friend

“There’s no denying that God is a friend to those who believe in Him,” says Thomas Gettysburg, a lifestyle writer at Next Coursework. “As Christians, it’s important to spend time with God as often as possible, just as you would with your regular friends.”

You can welcome God as your friend by doing the following:

· Attend church each weekend. (This is just one of the things that Jesus has asked of all his disciples.)

· Speak to God, and listen for Him every morning and every night. Offering yourself to God each day and night allows you to be closer to Him.

· Volunteer to help others (e.g. helping out in soup kitchens, offering your services to homeless shelters, etc.). In this way, you’ll not only help others, but also help yourself know and love God more.

· Go to confession at least once a month. Sacramental reconciliation allows you to “begin again,” to restore and strengthen your friendship with God.

· Seek counsel from someone trustworthy (e.g. a good priest or well-informed lay person) that you can talk you whenever needed.

2. Call Up A Friend

In today’s world, most people can’t live without their cell phones for more than .003 seconds away at any given moment of the day. So, why not make some good use with your phone by calling up a friend, and checking in with them.

You may want to have someone you trust on speed dial, so you could have them on the phone within seconds. Just keep in mind: don’t vent to them if you don’t want to; you can always start a conversation about something else, in order to take your mind off the negative. And

ultimately, God knows about your personal woes; so, give up all the negativity for Him to take care of.

3. Keep Your Rosary Handy

There’s nothing wrong with carrying a rosary with your in your pocket (or in your bag or purse). Or, you can wrap your rosary around your wrist; though, don’t make it seem like a fashion accessory, rather than a scared tool. Wear it (or carry it) as a constant reminder of Mary saying “yes” to God even when times are tough. Let your rosary encourage you to say “yes” to God, even when it seems impossible. And finally, don’t be afraid to pray with it, either.

4. Remember Your “Alternatives”

Let’s face it: temptation is where. So, if you’re not with accountable people, have an alternative activity that is your “go to.” Train yourself to avoid sin.

The best way to avoid sin is to use your gifts and talents the right way. For example, if you’re an athlete, you must make it your job to keep training and exercising to stay active. Another example is that if you have an interest or hobby, find an alternative way to do these things, so that you can use your gifts to glorify God, not sin against Him with.

5. Surround Yourself With Inspiration

Looking for inspiration from your faith? Why not have visuals inspire you?

One way to do this is to change the background on your cell phone and computer to show an inspiring Scripture verse, or even a picture of Jesus. Basic? Yes. However, this will remind you of your commitment to Christ each time you might be tempted to use your devices to sin.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the key to staying faithful in your faith is to commit to being faithful, and not straying from the path. As you stay on the path with these 5 simple tips, not only will you grow in holiness, but you’ll also grow with God.

Michael Dehoyos writes for Dissertation writing service and Write my assignment. He also contributes to numerous publications, such as Origin Writings. As a content marketer, he helps companies improve their marketing strategies.

Faith In The Midst Of The Storm

There are always reasons to get upset and be stressed out. The storms of life come to every person, you are not unique or too good. No matter how good a person you are, you’re going to have some “rain” in your life. When these storms come, a lot of people use their faith to try to control their circumstances, but I’ve found it’s better to use my faith to control myself in the midst of my circumstances.

If we can just remain stable in the storms of life and stay in peace, we give God permission to act on our behalf. Remember, God never said that we wouldn’t have difficulties, but He did promise we could have peace in the midst of the storms. 

Today, when you face adversities, one of the most powerful things you can do is simply stay calm. When you are at peace, you are displaying your faith in God. By your actions, you’re saying, “God, I know You’re still on the throne. I know You’re bigger than this problem.” So keep the peace in the midst of your storms today. Trust that He is working behind the scenes. Keep your heart open to Him, because soon He will deliver you!

“…he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.” (Matthew 5:45, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for peace in the midst of the storms of life. Father, I choose to hold my peace knowing that You are working for me. God, I trust You, I trust Your timing, and I trust that You are working everything together for my good because You love me, in Christ’ 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. 

What Goes Around Comes Around

Meekness Is Not Weakness

There is a principle called karma. Have you heard the saying, “What goes around, comes around” or “What you sow, you will reap?” These are really spiritual principles. God’s kingdom operates on a system of sowing and reaping. 

Today’s verse tells us that when we sow righteousness, we’ll reap a sure reward. What does that mean? Sowing righteousness simply means doing the right thing, obeying the Word no matter what the circumstances may look like. It means showing kindness even when it’s undeserved. It’s walking in love and keeping the peace when you really want to say something different. When you sow righteousness, you’ll reap a sure reward. That’s because God Himself is going to pay you back. He is the One who will multiply you when you honour Him. 

Today, remember what goes around, comes around, so keep doing the right thing even if the wrong thing is happening. Sow righteousness, stay in faith, keep believing, because He who promised is faithful, and there’s a sure reward in store for you!

“…he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.” (Proverbs 11:18, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for setting up the system of sowing and reaping that blesses me as I bless others. God, teach me how to sow righteously today so I can honour You, bless others, and in turn receive abundance in my life, 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. 

A Spiritual Immune Booster

Have Needs? God Will Provide Your Every Need.

Daily, since the pandemic started, we are hearing about different ways to boost our immune system and stay in good health. Here is a Biblical health tip. The best thing you can do for your health is to set your heart at peace with God. Peace is such a powerful position. It is a position of life and strength. Peace literally means “to set at one again.” In other words, we have peace when our minds and hearts are “at one” with God and His Word.

It’s easy to let the unhealthy pressures and distractions of life pull our thoughts away from our Father. It doesn’t take long before we are so focused on earthly things and feel overwhelmed and stressed out. But we weren’t meant to live anxious and fearful about life, we were meant to live in peace and give peace to our bodies. 

Today, my health tip to you based upon Proverbs 14:30, is to keep your heart at peace by staying focused on God. This will give you longevity, quality and purpose for your life. You will be sowing life to your body by staying in agreement with Him. Let His peace guard your heart, mind and body, so that you can be equipped to live the abundant life He has promised to you!

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30, NIV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for the peace that You bring to my life, and Your Word which is life to my soul. Father, I praise You because You are my Prince of Peace, which is what I crave this morning. God, I set my heart and mind on You today. Thank You for promising to guide my every step. I release my day to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Supernatural Currency

Everyone needs money – it is the currency of our world. In the natural, we exchange money for the things we want and need. But in the supernatural or spiritual realm, faith is our currency and what we exchange for what we need or want. 

The Bible tells us that when we pray, if we have faith, we will receive what we pray for.

Faith is heaven’s currency. Faith moves mountains. Faith opens doors. Faith pleases God. What is faith you may ask? It is simply believing and trusting God and His Word. It’s believing in His goodness, and knowing that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek after Him. Faith is trusting that the promises of God are true. It’s obeying His Word. Where does faith come from? Everyone is given a measure of faith. Romans tell us that faith grows by hearing the Word of God. 

Today, the more you hear the Word of God, the more real it becomes in your life, and the easier it is to believe His promises. It doesn’t matter how much faith you have today, begin investing your faith in God’s Word so that your trust will grow. As you hear and obey the Word, you will be empowered to move forward to receive every good gift God has in store for you.

“And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive.”

(Matthew 21:22, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the supernatural currency of faith which gives Your Word power to work in my life. Father, I submit myself to You today, and ask that the seeds of faith in my heart grow stronger with each new day. God, I trust You and I open my heart to You, and ask You to remove doubt and unbelief, so that I can trust and serve You with my whole heart, all in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Don’t Be Afraid No More

How to Deal with Chronic Fear and Anxiety

In these uncertain times, it’s easy to feel afraid. Maybe you are afraid at this very moment. What has made you afraid? The pandemic, your unemployment, or maybe you’re overwhelmed by what God has called you to do? Maybe you were pursuing a dream or goal, and things didn’t turn out the way you planned. 

In the New Testament of the Bible, Joseph had planned to take Mary as his wife, but when he found out she was pregnant, he didn’t know what to think. He was afraid that he might be making a mistake because things didn’t turn out the way he planned. But God sent an angel in a dream to reassure Joseph that he was on the right path. 

Today, be reassured God knows right where you are, and He knows how to get you where you need to be. Even when things don’t go the way you planned; His hand is on you. Do not be afraid. Trust that God is working things out on your behalf, and He will lead you into the life of blessing that He has prepared for you. So don’t be afraid.

“…an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.’” (Matthew 1:20, NLT)

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I have decided to trust You because You have never failed. Father, even when things don’t go the way I’ve planned, I know that You are at work in my life every moment of every day. God, thank You for taking away my fear, now I will move forward in the plans You have for me, 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. 

In The Morning

Every morning you have the opportunity to set the tone for your whole day by putting God first. When you do that and go out with a grateful attitude and a positive spiritual frame of mind, not only will you feel better, but you’re going to draw in all the blessings of God, and pave the way for success and victory. 

If you wake each morning thinking, “man, life’s a drag. Nothing good ever happens for me. It’s going to be a miserable day,” then your day will be dismal, and throughout the day you are going to attract defeat, failure and mediocrity.

Today, make a conscious decision to start your day moving in the right direction. Find things to thank God for. Make a list of all the blessings in your life, and put it on your bathroom mirror and have your own praise party each morming. As you continually choose to set your mind on Him first thing in the morning, you’ll position yourself for victory throughout the day, and enjoy the good things God has in store for you!

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of the morning. Father, I promise to set my mind on You each morning. Oh God, I thank You for Your goodness and mercy, I thank You for forgiving my sins and for preparing my day for victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Be Contented Now

Woman, You Are Enough

Be contented now! It’s easy to get so focused on our dreams, our goals and what we want, that it consumes us. We can get to the point where we are not going to be happy until it happens. But I’ve found that if we have to have something in order to be happy, our lives are out of balance. When our goals and dreams start to frustrate us, when we lose our peace and are not enjoying life, that’s a sure sign that we’re holding on too tightly. 

What’s the solution? You’ve got to release it. Freedom comes when you say, “God, I’m turning it all over to You. You know my desires, and You know what’s best for me. I’m choosing to trust You and Your timing.”

Today, learn to be content in whatever circumstances you find yourself, this will take away the power from the enemy. It takes away his ability to frustrate us. Not only that, but by our actions, we show our faith in God. Choose to trust in His timing; choose to live in peace and joy now, and know that your “now” shapes you for the good things God has in store for your future.

“…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11, NIV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I will trust You with my now. Father, I release to You my frustrations over the dreams and desires that’s in my heart and mind, knowing that You know what’s best for me. God I will trust in Your timing, because You are always reliable and faithful, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

How To Put God’s Blessings In Motion

How To Be Overwhelmed by God’s Blessings

You’ve probably heard the statement many times “God is a God of abundance!” It’s very true. He wants to pour out His blessings on you until you are so full that you are running over with His goodness.  

Scripture says, “Give, and it will be given to you.” Your giving is what sets the blessing of God into motion in your life. Your giving is a spiritual seed. In the natural, when you plant an apple seed, it doesn’t just grow a single fruit. That one seed grows into a tree that has an abundance of apples. The same thing happens when you obey God in your giving. You get an abundant harvest in return. You are so blessed that you can’t even contain it! You just have to keep giving, and the cycle just keeps repeating itself.  

Today, is there something the Lord is telling you to give (knowing that giving brings abundance)? What do you have in your hand that you can use to be a blessing to someone else? Take a step of faith, sow that seed and set the blessings of God in motion in your life, and open the door to His abundance! 

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap…” (Luke 6:38, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 
Yahweh, I receive Your Word into my heart. Father, thank You for choosing to bless me so that I can be a blessing to others. God, show me where to plant my seed, so that I can receive the harvest of abundance You have for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Be Refreshed

If It Had Not Been For The Lord Where Would You Be?

Is your life mundane? Are you just going through the motions? Do you need refreshing? So many people go around overwhelmed, tired, worn down, barely getting by. But that’s not God’s best. He wants us to prosper. He wants us to be refreshed. He wants us to be excited about our God-given future. 

The key to refreshing yourself is to be generous and refresh others. Is there someone at work you can be a blessing to? Can you lighten someone’s load? Maybe a family member is going through a hard time. Can you help them out? Can you cook them a meal? Refreshing someone can be as simple as a smile or an encouraging word. Don’t wait until you feel like doing it, that day may never come! Do it because the Scripture tells us to. Do it because it blesses God. 

Today, look for someone to be a blessing to. Step out and refresh them; live a life of generosity. As you do, you will be refreshed in return, and experience God’s blessings in every area of your life! 

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” 

(Proverbs 11:25, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your grace, mercy and forgiveness in my life. Father thank You for blessing me so that I can be a blessing to others. Almighty, teach me to be more generous. Show me how I can refresh others and bring glory to You. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

 

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