In the story of the advent, again and again, we hear the phrase, “Fear not!”
“Fear not Mary” (Luke 1:30); “Fear not, Joseph” (Matthew 1:20-23); “fear not shepherds” (Luke 2:9-12). Like Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, we are so prone to fear. We’re afraid because we feel alone and forsaken, when we encounter the unknown, and when we face something bigger than us.
The advent story teaches why we do not need to be afraid. When we feel alone and forsaken we need to remember the message of the Advent: a Saviour has been born to us…and they will call Him, Immanuel which means God with us.
Because of Jesus God is approachable and very near—even holding our hands at times.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”(Isaiah 41:10).
As we encounter the New Year let’s remember it’s not unknown to God.
The future has its uncertainties, but we enter it every day, confident in the sovereignty and sufficiency of God. Our security is not in knowing where we are, but Who we are with! We are with God Who loves us and always wants the best for us.
“God is faithful, reliable, trustworthy and therefore ever true to His promise and He can be depended on” (1 Corinthians 1:9 Amplified)
Today as we face something bigger than us, let’s remember that God is bigger than the things that threaten us. He will do the impossible through us. In all these things (whatever we’re facing) we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For every day of the year, there is a “fear not” in the Bible. Do you have one for today? Try these three from the advent for the next few days, they will bring you Joy. “Fear not Mary” (Luke 1:30); “Fear not, Joseph” (Matthew 1:20-23); “fear not shepherds” (Luke 2:9-12).
“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear: The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid… In the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling.” Psalm 27:1,2,5
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, we thank You because You are with us and Jesus lives within us, we have nothing to fear. Father thanks for the reminder from the story of the advent. That I have nothing to fear. In Jesus’s Name. Amen
The story of the Prodigal son is a heartfelt illustration of God’s relentless love for us. He gives us the ability to choose Him, He waits for us to turn towards Him, He see us, chases us down, wraps His arms around us, kisses us and celebrates our return back to Him.
But I would like to suggest that there are two Prodigal sons in this story – the other is the older son. He remained at home whilst his younger brother left. When he hears His Father rejoicing over the return of his brother he is vexed. So much so that he chooses not to rejoice too. You see, the older son worked diligently since his brother left.
He never missed a beat, except for the beat of His Father’s heart, it changed the day his youngest son left home. The older son didn’t know that because he had wasted his time seeking His Father’s approval on the estate rather than spending those precious moments in His Father’s presence. Where are you today? Are you working for Our Fathers approval or seeking to be in His presence?
It’s your decision how you spend your time – Sophia Peart
Several years ago, my family and I went through a difficult season. I lost my job; it was an unforeseen and challenging time in our family and in our relationship with God. Although we put our trust in Him, we definitely lived moments where our hope seemed weak and our faith, small.
The scripture shares a unique story of faith. Large numbers of people were gathered after hearing that Jesus had come home. There were so many people crowded around Jesus that there was no room left in the house, including outside the door of the place! But that didn’t stop four friends of a paralyzed man from having their friend see Jesus. Since they couldn’t get to Jesus through the front door, they made a hole in the roof and lowered the man into the house so he could be healed.
Faith is radical.
Mark 2:5 says the paralyzed man had four friends full of faith, willing to risk looking like fools. Yet, “when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.”
We don’t know how long this man had been paralyzed. We know nothing about his own personal struggle for faith in God’s goodness and healing for himself. But what we do know is that he had people who loved him and came alongside him who were full of assurance in who God is and what God intended.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Today, we may need others to stand strong in faith with us. When I lost my job, others came alongside me in faith, full of hope in an awesome God, and trusted that He would end up making something beautiful out of a difficult situation. And praise God He did! God provided me with a better job than I could have ever asked for!
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I thank You so much that I can trust You and put my hope in You. Father, You are a good God, always compassionate and loving to Your people. God help me grow in my faith in You. Mould me and make me into the person You want me to be. In Jesus name Amen.
As the world mourns the death and celebrates the life of Queen Elizabeth II, It’s often forgotten that she has the title of Supreme Governor of the Church of England. This title reflects her genuine Christian faith, which she often spoke about, and how Jesus was her inspiration who kept her going in good times and bad.
As hard as it was at times, listening to all the colonialist rhetoric, here are some inspirational quotes testifying of her love and acceptance of Christ and His word.
“For me, as a Christian, one of the most important teachings is contained in the parable of the Good Samaritan, when Jesus answers the question, ‘Who is my neighbour?’ It is a timeless story of a victim of a mugging who was ignored by his own countrymen but helped by a foreigner – and a despised foreigner at that. The implication drawn by Jesus is clear. Everyone is our neighbour, no matter what race, creed or colour. The need to look after a fellow human being is far more important than any cultural or religious differences.” (Christmas message, 2004)
“I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God. Like others of you who draw inspiration from your own faith, I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.” (Christmas message, 2002)
“For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.” (Christmas message, 2014)
Today, this quote from Queen Elizabeth II holds so much meaning as a she says, “It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’… Despite being displaced and persecuted throughout his short life, Christ’s unchanging message was not one of revenge or violence but simply that we should love one another.” (Christmas message, 2015)
Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7
Let’s Pray
Yahweh thank you for life and all its ups and downs. Father, please comfort those that mourn today, including the royal family. We pray for strength and comfort as they go through the burial of their mother, grandmother, and auntie. In your Word you say, “…I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— for Kings and all those in authority— so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,…” In Christ’s Name, Amen.
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.
Think about it. Is your faith unsinkable? Much has been made about the sinking of the Titanic. Some true and some faults. One story tells of a that the newspaper of the day and a crewman said, “No one could sink this ship, not even God.” The liner went down on April 15, 1912, carrying 2,223 passengers. The sinking caused the death of 1,514 people.
Another story from one of the documentaries was of a Baptist preacher who ran around the deck shouting ‘Women and children and unsaved people, get aboard the lifeboats, He even took off his life vest and gave it to a man who was not a believer in Christ. He said: ‘Here, take this. I don’t need it. I’m not going down — I’m going up!” He did not stop evangelizing to a non-believer he encountered while enduring the frigid waters of the Atlantic.
The preacher’s last words were ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.’ A few weeks later in Hamilton, Ontario, a man said I listened to Reverend Harper’s last message on board the ship and became a believer in Jesus Christ with two miles of water beneath me.”
Today as I remember the stories of the Titanic when she set sail that night, there were all kinds of classes and degrees of people on board: — upper class, middle class, and lower class!! — But after she had sunk, there were only two classes; — Saved and lost!! Think about it. Ask yourself Is your faith unsinkable? When your boat of life sinks, and God calls you, are you going up or down?
“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith, he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” Hebrews 11:7
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I confess I don’t often long for heaven. Father, I’m a creature of this world and at times I crave worldly things. God grow my desire for heaven. Help me not be satisfied with the things of this world and grant me strong faith and closeness with you and the perfection of eternity. Lord, thank you for the hope of heaven and the joy we will have when we get there! In Christ’s Name, Amen.
The romantic drama ‘How We Met’ explores love, faith and ambition in the digital age – where life looks great online, but reality is a different story.
How We Met follows the journey of how Francesca and Joseph came to meet. Francesca is an ambitious dreamer who is questioning her dating choices. Joseph is a hopeless romantic who is finding it hard to let go of the only woman he’s ever loved. The series takes us on their journey to finding each other and how it impacts the moment they met.
“I wanted to create a show that didn’t shy away from talking about faith, in a natural and not preachy way. Just showing the lifestyles of young Christians in modern society, the positive sides more so than the negatives.” Loriamah (Writer)
It’s a story that many can relate to, especially in a time where we showcase our best moments on social media but don’t show the challenges and low moments that we all go through from time to time.
How We Met is a Yellow Heart Entertainment production. Yellow Heart Entertainment aims to empower and promote diverse talent from different cultural backgrounds to tell inspiring stories, especially from a faith-based perspective.
Series is produced by Loriamah Skerrit and directed by Pharez Aouad.
When we harbour unforgiveness or negative feelings towards other people, it can overwhelm us. Picture someone you’re not too fond of. What did you think of them doing to you? Did you think of something bad about them/their actions? Did you immediately want to start telling everyone a story about how awful they are? If you were in a good mood before, you’re probably annoyed or agitated now. If you are still bothered by that person or situation, you probably haven’t quite reached the end of your process of forgiveness yet.
If you want to live a life free from those overwhelming, not-so-positive unforgiving emotions, you must keep that process of intentional forgiveness going, with a heart open to God, until you can move forward with no negative feelings. One way to make sure that process reaches its conclusion is to take that person to God, in a good way, even while you’re still hurting.
Today, when we pray for those who do us wrong, even while it’s happening, it’s the only way we’ll ever truly let go. Come to God without pretending that you’ve let the problem go, but even while you’re honest about your hurt, pray for that person, and the situation you need to forgive. Let God give you strength beyond your hurt to love the unlovable. If you’re in the process of forgiving someone, ask God to guide the steps that you take next.
If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you.’ Mark 11:25 NIV
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I desire to obey Your Word. Your word tells me to get rid of bitterness and anger and to forgive others as you forgave me in Christ. Lord, I lay all my pain into your hands. I give you my heavy burden of unforgiveness and pain of the past, in exchange for your yoke, which is easy, and your burden, which is light. Your word says – Come all who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Lord, I come to you that you may give me rest from all the hurt, pain, and unforgiveness. In Christ’s name Amen!
Our God has consistently defeated the enemy from Eden to Calvary and will continue to defeat the enemy till the second coming. One of those times was in the biblical story of Esther. The Jews had escaped Haman’s plot of destruction. Haman (the enemy) had fallen into the pit he had dug for others, and many of his followers were destroyed on the day decreed for the Jewish annihilation. That day was celebrated as the day of relief from the enemy. not just a one-time celebration, Purim was to continue through generations. Feasting, joy, gifts to one another and gifts to the poor marked this day every year, up to this very day among Jews.
As Christians, we too observe a time each year when we remember the day the devil plotted Christ’s destruction and failed, and with great joy we celebrate the day of Christ’s victory over God’s enemy. As instructed by Christ we are to gather as often as possible at the Lord’s table to remember His gifts of body and blood, offered so all who believe in Him may live. Week by week and year by year, we, Christians are reminded to be joyful because death nor the enemy no longer has any power over us.
Today, the Lord’s Supper, Good Friday, and Easter are celebrations of what God has done for us and continues to do through Christ our messiah. What a mighty God we serve! And because of calvary, the enemy has lost eternally. Today as Christians let’s begin to enjoy our eternal rest from the enemy, as we await the final return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
These days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews — nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants. — Esther 9:28
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I praise you, my God, for giving me relief and rest from the enemy. Hallelujah! Father, help me to be faithful and honour you by sharing this good news everywhere I go. In Christ name Amen.
In the book of Ruth in the bible, Ruth’s mother-in-law was bitter and empty after the loss of her two sons. However, isn’t it strange? Ruth was pregnant and gave birth, but the women proclaimed that Naomi had a son.
This is the point of the story: not only did Ruth fill Naomi’s emptiness with enough food according to the bible, but she also provided a son to replace the ones Naomi lost. Even though Ruth gave birth, the women praised God and responded with excitement toward Naomi. They credit God for bringing food back to Bethlehem and providing a son.
Today, after looking at this biblical story we see that Ruth and Boaz had a hand in restoring Naomi’s well-being after she lost her sons. But God’s people were clear that there is no provision and no children without the Lord’s blessing. God restores loss, He blesses the fruit of our labour and the fruit of the womb. For out of the birth of ruth’s son, Jesus, a descendant of this family, was born in Bethlehem. Through the story of Ruth, we can see that Christ’s birth is part of a family history that depends on God’s abundant blessings and restoration. From this, we learn that it is normal for our God to fill the empty and redeem the lost.
The women living there said: “Naomi has a son!” — Ruth 4:17
Let’s Pray
Yahweh thank you for filling my emptiness and restoring my loss. Father, I shout “Praise be to the Lord”! For your provision, I am so grateful to know that my Redeemer cares. Lord, please live in my heart today and always. In Christ’s name Amen.
Growing up, I was always very short, The shortest at school and church. If you were short like me, you know that you were in the front row of every photo and always behind the tallest person at any event. Zacchaeus must have felt that way too. The bible says he was short, and the crowd was growing. The people wanted to see Jesus as he walked down the street. The only thing Zacchaeus could do was run ahead and climb a Sycamore tree.
He just wanted a glimpse of Jesus. He did not expect to be, noticed what he didn’t know was that Jesus could see him. Jesus always knows where we are and can see all that we do.Jesus then invited himself to dinner and offered friendship. Zacchaeus came down from the tree and was no longer invisible in the crowd. Today is a great day to look for Jesus and prepare for him to come and see you. There may be times in our lives when we feel invisible, and we may hear about great things that Jesus is doing for others but have a hard time seeing or believing that he might notice us.The story of Zacchaeus reminds us that no matter who we are or what we believe, Jesus can see us and wants to invite himself into our lives. Won’t you let him in in 2022?
He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. — Luke 19:3
Let’s PrayYahweh, thank you for seeing me wherever I am. Father, help me know that you want to engage with me and share in my life. God, this year I am willing to do whatever it takes to reach you even if it means to stretch or to climb a little higher into a tree so that I can see you coming. I pray this in your name Jesus. Amen. …
In my youth, many moons ago, we were drawn to “who done it” detective movies. Real-life movies about murder, tragedy, love, and heroism, and we tended to hope for a happy ending. Our imaginations would get fired up with the plot’s twists and turns. We didn’t like it when a character got treated unfairly, and we smiled when justice was served. We would walk away satisfied when it all ended well.
Stories in Scripture and life can work out a little differently. I don’t know who the adulterous woman in the story of John 8 is, or where her story started, but I am pretty sure she didn’t want to be dragged into a public square and threatened with execution. Having your faults exposed for everyone to see is not something any of us want in our life story. It is easy to judge others and find fault, but remember Jesus, is there looking and listening.
Today, let us think about the adulterous woman. She was guilty as charged, as we often are, but at that moment when Christ told them, “you who are without sin throw a stone,” He reminds us that we are all sinners and that this woman represents all of us. Only Jesus has the right to throw a stone, and He chooses not to. Instead, He decides to use grace and forgiveness. In this new year, Christ asks us to throw away our judgemental stones and follow His example.
“Where are [your accusers]? Has no one condemned you? . . . Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” — John 8:10-11
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank you for reminding us today that our task is not to judge others but instead to offer people your forgiveness. Father, help us all to accept your offer of forgiveness and begin living a new story. In Christ’ name, Amen.
As a boy I remember my mother reading bible stories to us, one that made an impression on me was the story of Abraham and Isaac. Abraham was pictured raising a knife over the altar to kill his son, and Isaac’s words have stuck with me “Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Our focus this Christmas is on Isaac’s question.
Even though God graciously provided a ram in place of Isaac, it was not “The Lamb.” Hundreds of lambs were sacrificed on the night of the Passover to deliver God’s people. Thousands more were sacrificed in the temple in obedience to God’s commands for offerings. Yet Isaac’s question remained: “Where is the Lamb?” Isaiah prophesied that the people’s true salvation and deliverance would come through a Lamb who would pour out His blood and bear the sins of many. 700 years after Isaiah prophesied, an angel proclaimed that Mary would have a Son and He will save the mankind from their sins. The Lamb had finally come.
Today, we are in the Advent season, Christmas Day is coming. We know our Saviour was not born on that day, but let us joyfully celebrate on the 25th and every day the birth of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, the Lamb, who died and rose again to take away our sins and give us new life forever! Hallelujah!
“The fire and wood are here,” said Isaac, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” — Genesis 22:7
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, we sing this Advent with the angels of 2000 years ago, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive us and deliver us, honour and glory and praise!” God, we eagerly look for that day when Christ will return and there shall be no more pain, no more suffering, no more death, and praise God no more satan or sin, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Do things feel hard? Are you facing a massive situation that seems impossible? Does it seem like you will never get what God has promised you? Joshua 6 tells the story about how the odds were stacked against Joshua and the people of Israel. They were standing at the massive unbreachable wall of Jericho that many thought was not penetrable.
As he was standing before the walls and gates of the city, many around him didn’t think his future was too bright. But Joshua had something others overlooked; he had the promise of Almighty God. Joshua had faith because He knew God was on His side, and God had already promised the victory. Sure enough, just as God promised, the people marched around the city for six days, and on the seventh day, they shouted the victory and the walls came tumbling down!
Today, don’t look at the walls in your life; look at the promises of God. He is for you, and if God is for you, nothing can stand against you. Get a vision of victory and don’t let it go. Keep moving forward in faith and obedience knowing that when you do, the Most High God is on your side! Hallelujah!
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your favour, grace and victory in my life. Father, I choose to trust You. I choose to follow Your leading. I choose to be faithful. I choose to believe in Your promises, because You are faithful to me. God, please tear down the walls and the trials that seem impossible in my life. I love You and bless You, in Christ’ Name! Amen.
We pray because we want something to change in our lives. Every day, we are attacked by many different circumstances — financial insecurities, health problems, or even relationship issues.
Most of us find prayer “a remedy” to these problems. But what if the answer is different from what we expected?
That’s probably why God used many people in the Bible about prayers being answered. These faithful heroes begged God to intervene in their troubled lives, which He reasonably did.
As you read along, observe these two things:
The reason why that person prayed (intention and attitude)
How has God powerfully answered the prayer
And who knows? It may also change the way you pray and receive God’s answer.
The Heroes Who Prayed
Hannah
In Bible times, when a woman is barren, it brings deep shame to the family. This is because children are seen as God’s gift, and being infertile is a challenging situation.
Like Hannah, you may be in a position where everything is hopeless. You may have already questioned God why you feel that “deep shame”.
But, recorded in 1 Samuel 1:11 (NIV) is Hannah’s prayer of faith.
She said, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”
As you see, Hannah already claimed that God would fulfill His promise in her life even before she was pregnant. Sure enough, Samuel went down in history as Israel’s greatest prophet.
Just like Hannah, you can manifest God’s promise in your life and let Him be God.
Daniel
Imagine being in a place where no one knows you, and you’re being kept as a slave. You might have questioned God and blamed Him for your circumstance.
But Daniel reacted otherwise.
He knew God and how to communicate with and listen to God. Also, he made God his Friend in a country where he knew no one. Daniel 2:27-28 (ESV) describes Daniel as one great man.
It says, Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these:”
Daniel was successful because He gave God all the credit. And because of that, he became chief administrator of the whole Medo-Persian kingdom!
Daniel might have become proud and arrogant. But, he understood that he was just a servant in the hands of an omnipotent God.
And that understanding came from his personal connection with God through prayer.
Jairus
Let’s talk about something more serious—death.
Jairus had a dying daughter. According to Mark 5:23 (NIV), he pleaded earnestly with Jesus, saying, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put Your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.”
All of us are desperate for healing, especially when it is our loved ones who are at stake. We tend to pray and bargain with God to heal them from whatever they’re suffering.
In this story of Jairus, maybe God is just testing our faith. His daughter already died before Jesus arrived at his home!
But Jesus had more than a cure in mind when He urged Jairus to believe. When Jesus entered the house, He resurrected the girl from the dead.
Jesus wants to go above and beyond our expectations—He wants to revive our faith!
Elisha
Have you ever been in a situation where you are responsible for something yet don’t know what to do next?
Elisha did. God gave Elisha prophetic skills and abilities, and these threatened the king. He sent a troop to encircle Elisha’s city and initiate an assault. This news caused Elisha’s servant to panic.
There may be moments when God entrusts us with something, and along with it are circumstances that can harm us.
Instead of panicking, Elisha told his servant. “Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16, NIV)
God answered Elisha’s prayer by blinding the opposing army. He then led his people out of the city.
You will also have the confidence to accomplish anything God asks of you. This is possible if we seek His protection surrounding us, knowing that our circumstances are blind to His might!
Joseph
The slave who turned into one of the best leaders in Egypt.
The Bible states that Joseph had a close relationship with God, and this is because of his prayer life. Because of this, even his master saw how close he was to God and found favor in him.
Genesis 39:2-4 (ESV) describes how Joseph is with his relationship with God.
It says, “The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had.”
Because of his faithful prayer life, God used him to govern Egypt and deliver them out of famine.
You might relate to Joseph in a way. Your business is not doing good, you have failing grades at school, or a really good friend betrayed you.
Regardless of how bad your situation is, remember that the God who led Joseph from rags to riches will definitely give you a way out, too. Just pray.
David
David was known to be the man after God’s own heart. But, how did he become one?
What does his prayer life look like? David was just like any of us. He committed mistakes, and he admits that he has deeply sinned against God.
But what made David successful was how he acknowledged his mistake and confessed to God. Psalms 51:10 (ESV) says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
After having heartfelt repentance and a deep talk with God, he felt a sense of peace in his heart and accepted that God already forgave him.
In our journey to success, we might experience a lot of temptations and stumbling blocks along the way. But, our persistent surrender to God will make us successful in our day-to-day battle with trials.
Jesus
Really? The Man who saved the world from sin prayed, too?
Yes. Jesus was not exempted from the benefits of this ultimate secret. As recorded in the Scriptures, He spent many, many hours in prayer.
Jesus could’ve just skipped the prayer part and went on to save the world.
But, no.
Every day, in the early hours of the morning, He kneeled and prayed to God the Father for protection and guidance.
“But He would withdraw to desolate places and pray,” according to Luke 5:16 (ESV). By spending time with his Father regularly, Jesus stayed in touch with His desire and purpose.
Why did Jesus do this?
Because He wants to be an example of how powerful prayer is.
Even before He was crucified, He prayed and pleaded to God to let the circumstance pass. But He was willing to submit Himself for God’s leading and will, and that was how the most extraordinary love story started.
There is Power in Prayer
Prayer has worked wonders in the lives of people in the Bible, and it can work for you, too!
It will help you to:
Acquire peace of mind
Be patient
Become the person God wants you to become
God’s Word is transparent in how great heroes in the Bible are and how dependent they are on God. He wants us to be comforted that He always provides the best answers only if we allow His power to influence our lives.
Author Bio
Heroes 2 is a Bible trivia game released by the Hope Channel. It is a sequel to the game, Heroes, which was released in 2013. The latest game version is on 3D graphics and animation, enhanced with unique features and more challenging Bible questions. It comes in four languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. The game is available on both iOS and Android.
This morning I felt like giving up. Felt tired emotional and physically. Then I remembered this story. Back in the 1800’s some explorers were going across the desert and didn’t bring enough water. They got tired and very thirsty so they started digging at different spots underneath the surface about a foot or two, trying to find water so they could get refreshed. Tired and thirsty they lost their lives in the desert because of a lack of water and fatigue. Many years later, it was discovered that there was water right there where they had lost their lives about three feet under the ground. If they would have just dug down a little bit further, they would have found the water and saved their lives.
The same principle is true when you’re in a dry tired season of life, and not getting any good breaks, business is slow, or you’re struggling with relationships. It’s easy to think, “ I’m too tired, I can’t go on, things will never change. I’m not going to see my dreams come true. I’m an emotional and spiritual wreck”. Don’t give up and die like those early explorers, water is there. You’re a foot away from that blessing, provision and increase.
Today, you just have to hang on in there, dig down a little deeper. If you will shake off tiredness, shake off the self-pity, shake off what didn’t work out, shake off the complacency and turn up your faith and praise, you’ll soon tap in to the blessing and provision God has prepared for every area of you life! Hallelujah!
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9, NLT)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your provision and blessing in my life. Father, I’m tired. Emotionally I’m through, I don’t want to think no more, physically I’m hurting and spiritually I’m sick and tired of falling short of Your expectations. I know that You are making a way in my desert even when I don’t see a way. God, help me to stand strong in You so that I may see the harvest of blessing You have prepared for me. Please Lord, give me the power to keep digging till I reach my god given purpose in Jesus’ name. Amen
