Tag: Corinthians

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It’s All About Your Thinking

In this age of social media influences, millions of people are not enjoying life 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 and very negative.

Today more than ever, we must realize that 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 same path. That’s why we must take captive every thought and renew our minds with the Word of God daily.

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

“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, today I choose to take captive every one of my thoughts. I will renew my mind according to Your Word. Father, thank You for being my teacher and helper. I give You my mind, please direct me in the way that I should go. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Progress over Perfection

Some of my goals in life are to be spiritually free, transformed mentally, and to learn to walk in love as I continue to grasp just how much I am already loved by God. Seeing this love has enabled me to know what goals to strive for and the goals God desires for me. The more I realize the immenseness of God’s love for me, the more I will make progress on goals that I would like to complete in His name. 

God loves our completed tasks as much as he loves our enthusiasm to work for Him. He is pleased every time that we are taking steps of obedience, not just at the end. Some things will never be completed this side of heaven—like world peace, for instance—but God is pleased when we take steps to live in unity with one other person. 

Today progress toward your goals and progress toward becoming more like Christ is ongoing. There will always be more to do and more ways to grow in character and love. God is pleased when we take steps and when we step out of our comfort zones. It’s a journey and each step will teach us something new and grow our character. God will help us as we seek Him. God gave us good work to do, and He won’t leave us until our progress is complete. 

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, thank You for making me for good works. Father, You gave me the desire to learn and grow in my ability to love You and my neighbours. Lord help me to make progress on my goals each day and not worry about perfection but focus on my obedience. God remind me regularly that my obedience will always bring fruit even though the conclusion may differ from what I am thinking. Your ways are above my ways. In Christ’s name Amen  

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An Unwilling Heart 

Unwillingness has been a struggle for man since Eve ate the fruit from Satan. We saw this unfold in the book of Genesis. Eve was unwilling to trust what God has told her and Adam was unwilling to step in and lead his wife. We see clearly throughout scripture that being willing to do what God commands is not natural to the flesh. 

Unwillingness is something that often gets overlooked or passed off as permissible. The world tells us we can harbour whatever feelings we want, and we can do with them whatever feels best. I went through a season where God revealed to me just how much unwillingness was in my heart. Maybe you’ve been unwilling to forgive, to show up where God has called you, to listen to your neighbour struggling, to grieve and heal through your hurts, or to stand firm in your faith when you felt pressured by others. The lists go on and on regarding what we have buried in our hearts. 

As the Lord showed me my heart, I continually saw that a heart willing to do what God commands of us is completely contrary to the world. Our world celebrates the power of the person to choose to do what they desire when they desire, and how they desire. As I went through this season of my unwillingness, the Lord led me to today’s verse. 

Today, whatever you find yourself unwilling to hand over; know that the Lord sees it too. He sees your heart and desires you to surrender this to Him. The Lord not only wants to reveal His heart to you through this revelation, but He wants to walk with you each step of the way as this season unfolds. He is good, He is faithful, He can change your heart and He will see you through. Hallelujah! 

 “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14. 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for revealing my unwilling heart. Father, please help my heart in the places where it’s unwilling to surrender to You. Lord, help my heart seek You and your heart above all things. God, lead me as I continue to turn away from the ways of this world and cling tightly to You and your commands. In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

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Don’t Look Past Your Victories

Photo by Ado Urra on Unsplash

When I open my Facebook account each morning my memories pop up. Most put a smile on my face – photos of baptisms, children, and miracles. When you think about your past, what memories do you allow to play over and over in your mind? In the Old Testament, they had what they called memorial stones. These were used to remind the people about God’s good things in their lives and all their victories.

We need to focus on our victories. Sure, we’ve all had setbacks, but it only drains you of valuable energy when you meditate on your disappointments and failures. It steals your confidence and joy. But when you focus on your victories, it builds your strength and confidence and increases your trust and your expectations of God. It also feeds your faith and gives you a reason to give God praise.

Today, I encourage you to get into the habit of focusing on your victories. Remember, every good and perfect gift comes from God. As you praise and thank Him for His victories in your life, He’ll pour out His blessing on you. He’ll open supernatural doors for you to move forward in strength, to fulfil the dreams and desires He has placed in your heart!

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph…” (2 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness and victories in my life. Father, I will focus on the victories You have given me and let go of any negative experiences from my past. God, I bless and praise You today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Regret Isn’t Always Bad

Are you living with regret? Regret isn’t always a bad thing. It can point us toward God and beckon us to seek forgiveness when we’ve done something wrong. But when we don’t deal with the regret we have over past choices, it can create heaviness in our hearts. And the longer we hold on to regret, the more condemned we feel. 

Paul gives the key to letting go of regret and living in freedom. He had shared some hard truth with the church in Corinthians — things they needed to hear. But then Paul encouraged them by acknowledging the sorrow they showed for their actions. The kind of sorrow that leads to repentance. As mentioned in today’s scripture. The next verse (11) goes on to show the value of allowing our regret to point us to Jesus.  

Today, let’s remember when we deal with regret the right way, God produces good fruit in us. Let’s acknowledge the regret that weighs us down, then take it to a God who cares. He is ready and willing to help us find healing from our regrets. 

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV) 

Yahweh, thank you for your powerful Word that offers hope when I feel weighed down with regret. Father, thank you for showing me the difference between worldly sorrow and the Godly sorrow that leads me back to you. God, whether I’m holding on to regret for past sins or regret about decisions made, forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness help me to find forgiveness and freedom. In Christ’s name, I pray, Amen. 

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God The Healer Of Broken Relationships 

5 Truths about God’s Design for Sex in Marriage

From my own experience, if a husband has an affair, the wife feels hurt and distrusts him. Even if she wants to restore their relationship, trust must also be restored. Sin involves not only violating a command but also betraying a relationship. Not only do we need Jesus Christ to receive the punishment we deserve, but we also need someone to heal our broken relationships. In our sins, we betray God. Genesis says, “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth.” 

Today, many ask, “Can couples who have endured the pain of betrayal be reconciled?”

Those who survive betrayal and go on to have a loving, trust-filled relationship almost always need someone to help them. Similarly, because we have betrayed God, we need someone to reconcile us to God. The broken relationship between each of us and God can be restored and healed only through the work of Christ. He came to make all things new, including our relationship with God. Jesus, our reconciler, draws us back to God even when we want to run the other way. Hallelujah! 

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. – 2 Corinthians 5:19 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, my reconciler, thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you paid, not only to cover the penalty for my sin but also to reconcile me back to God. Yahshua, without you, we would be alone and broken forever. God, I’m sorry for betraying you. please accept my confession in Christ’s name. Amen. 

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We All Have Spiritual Gifts

Spirit = Breath

We are all different. God has made us diverse in many ways. The 7.753 billion humans alive today differ in age, intelligence, ability, ethnicity, personality, gender, vocation, interests, and much more. 

In, 1 Corinthians 12 God gave His people a variety of spiritual gifts including wisdom, faith, healing, and speaking in languages. In other places, Scripture mentions other gifts, and each person receives gifts. The Holy Spirit is the one that, “distributes them to everybody, as he determines. “We must learn to see that all people have gifts from the Spirit and the gifts are equal, including people like this: The homeless man who rarely showers and sits in the back of the church. The refugee family who always keeps to themselves at church. The child with ADHD who can’t sit still. 

Today, we hold the spiritual gifts of some people in higher esteem than others, and we question whether some people have any gifts at all. This is none of our business. God esteems each of us and our gifts. To see each other as God sees us, we must know that God gives spiritual gifts to every believer, both young and old, rich and poor, short and tall. Let’s make it a matter of prayer to accept ­others as God sees them, because we all matter to Him. 

To each one, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:7 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for distributing your gifts among all believers. Father, open my eyes to see the gifts you have given to me. Lord, give me the strength and power to use my gifts for your glory. In Christ’s name, Amen. 

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When We’re Under Pressure

Have you ever lived with stress? Most of us would answer yes but have you ever been shipwrecked, whipped within an inch of your life, had a group of assassins after our blood, or been lowered over a city wall in a basket at night to escape pursuers? All those things happened to Paul in the New Testament, being frequently under unbearable pressure. 

We all live with stress at some stage in our lives. Stress has a way of bending us out of shape, making us act out of character, and making us more vulnerable to temptation. We find ourselves snapping at people, losing patience when we need it most, or becoming depressed. Ultimately stress can cause us to take our eyes off God and focus only on our problems. 

Today, when we’re under pressure, it’s important to realise that if we are not careful, it could hurt our relationships with others. Most importantly, we should use those situations to learn to rely on God. How do we do that? Pray, “Lord, help me. I need your wisdom and strength!” Then continue to trust God when things are beyond your control. Believe that God can bring victory out of seeming defeat. Continue to obey God’s commands.  

We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure. . .  But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God. . .  (2 Corinthians 1:8-9) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for caring about my life. Father, I ask not for a stress-free life but that you will teach me to rely on you in stressful times. God, through your Spirit living in my heart, please grant me wisdom and strength when the pressures of life seek to overtake me. In Christ’ name, we pray. Amen. 

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W.W.J.D Love

62 Reasons Why I Love My Mom

Have you heard of the acronym WWJD (What Would Jesus Do)? Loving one another isn’t a matter of a warm, fuzzy feeling, weak knees and a pounding heart. It’s a matter of doing the right thing because that’s what Jesus would do. Sometimes, we do things Christ’s way, and it can result in unpleasant outcomes for us. Loving often calls for doing the unexpected. 

Living the WWJD life makes us disciples of Jesus. Therefore, love is not something we can just opt to do or not do. It is a command from our Master, who showed us how to love. If we are asked why we are show­ing love, we should answer, “Because we’re disciples of someone who loves us. We do it for Jesus’ sake.” We can only show love by the ­power of the Holy Spirit working in us. Then we’re able, like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King, to serve Christ by loving and serving others. 

Today, loving “one another” is often challenging. It may call us to love the strong-willed child or an ageing parent or spouse angry with dementia. At home or church, it may involve loving someone who is always negative and critical. At work, it may be the co-worker claiming to be indispensable while barely doing their job. It may mean foregoing a new coat so that someone else can have one. The “one another” in our lives could be some­one we don’t even know, but who comes to love Jesus because of something we did. Whom will you show Jesus’ love to today? Remember, we do what Jesus Do… We love all.

These three remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love. — 1 Corinthians 13:13 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for loving me when I don’t deserve it. Father, help me to see others as you see them and do for them what you would do. Please help me to be a person who shows that I follow the example You gave me. All for Your glory and honour I love You, in Christ name, Amen.

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A New Creation

As a born again child of God, you are a new creation. You have a new spirit and a new life! There may be “old” things in your life that you are trying to get rid of. Maybe you have old habits or addictions that you need to change. Remember today that the new has come. It’s a new season with fresh opportunities, and it’s time for you to be the new fresh you. Let this be the moment, the day, the year that you break old habits, addictions and old thinking. Let this be the time that you move forward into a new life of victory. So take hold of your spiritual blessings that the Lord has promised — peace, health, protection and victory. Don’t let anything pass you by. 

Today, be encouraged, because no matter what is happening in your life right now, you have a chance for a new beginning. Choose to leave the old behind — leave behind old behaviours, old thinking, old words, and old mindsets and embrace the new by faith. Trust that He is leading you in this season. Declare His Word and embrace the blessings and victories He has prepared for you! 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for making me new. I leave behind the old life and ask that You empower me by Your spirit. Father, help me to understand Your plans for my life, and to embrace the truth of Your Word that sets me free. God, please break my addictions and bad habits. Make me new and whole. Grant me Your peace, health and protection, as I move forward in Christ’ name! Amen. 

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Control Your Thinking

When You Think of the Word Home, Does Jesus Come to Mind

In this age of social media influences millions of people are not enjoying life 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 and very negative. 

Today more than ever, we have to realize that 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 we have to take captive every thought, and renew our minds with the Word of God on a daily basis. 

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

“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, today I choose to take captive every one of my thoughts. I will renew my mind according to Your Word. Father, thank You for being my teacher and helper. I give You my mind, please direct me in the way that I should go. In Christ’ Name! Amen. 

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Thanksgiving Pt4 – A Thanksgiving Message!

On this thanksgiving day in the US, take time to reflect and give thanks to God for all of His blessings in your life. Whether you are eating turkey or pies, playing games with your family, watching T.V, or visiting friends or family, remember to take time to focus on God’s goodness. Count your blessings and notice all the grace, favour and love that God has given you. 

If you’re not American the Bible says we too should give thanks. Psalm 95:2 says to “come before His presence with thanksgiving…shout joyfully to Him with psalms.” This scripture reminds us that we don’t have to wait for a day to give thanks, we should do it always. No matter the circumstances in your life, give thanks and praise to God for all that He has done. 

Today, remember how good God is and that His love will endure forever. The Bible says that you show your love and real thanks to God through your actions toward other people. Reach out to those around you today who may not have family, friends or food. Share His love and forgiveness with them. Be thankful you can be a blessing to others! 

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, no matter what the circumstances, I always give thanks to You for the blessings in my life. Father, help me find the time to serve others during this busy season and throughout the year. God in doing so, may I draw closer to You, in Christ’ name! Amen. 

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Why Black History Is Important

Photo by Unseen Histories on Unsplash

This month is black history month in the UK. As people of colour we have been through and still go through seasons of difficulty and storms in life. But during those times, we have to remember that Almighty God is greater than any struggle we face! He will carry us through those challenges and use them to strengthen us, like He has always done. But we have to do our part and take a step of faith toward our victory.
 
When I think about Black people, I’m reminded about the caterpillar before it becomes a butterfly. When it’s wrapped in its dark cocoon on the backside of some tree, it doesn’t look like it has many options. But inside that cocoon as it becomes a butterfly, it doesn’t just sit and wait for someone to come and let it out. No, that butterfly knows that it has to make a move if it’s going to be set free to fly. In the same way, we have to fight and continue to fight always doing something to get out of the confined difficult places we are in. We have to pray, we have to believe, and we have to press through to victory.
 
Today, no matter what race you may be or how tough things get, remember His grace is sufficient for you. His strength is made perfect in you. He has given you everything you need to overcome in this life. Now is the time to break free from negative thinking and rise to new levels because He has victory and blessing prepared for you!
 
“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness'” (2 Corinthians 12:9a, NKJV)
 
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for giving us the strength to make it through any challenge we may face. Father thank you for Black History month here in the UK, because it teaches me that I can trust You. I declare that You are good and faithful. Thank You for equipping me for victory in every area of my life. God, today I leave the confined dark place of caterpillar and declare I’m free like a powerful colour filled butterfly in Christ’ name. Amen.
 

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Trials Are Momentary

Aren’t you glad that Scripture promises that our troubles and trial are only momentary? When compared with eternity, our troubles won’t last long, they are not eternal! The second part of today’s verse tells us, that when we stand strong in faith during times of adversity, we are building faith, which achieves eternal glory, which will always outlast our trials.

When you confess your trust and reliance on God, you are passing the test for eternal glory!

If you are in the middle of tough times today, look to God. The Bible says that Jesus is the author and finisher of your faith. He is the one who writes faith on your heart, and then develops it to completion on the inside of you, as you yield yourself to Him.

Today, your part is to seek Him. Follow His commands. Open your heart and choose to speak His Word which is alive and active. Remember, your trials are only momentary and light, but His eternal glory outweighs it all and last forever, from this world into the next. Hallelujah!

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17, NIV)

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for preparing me for Your eternal glory. I cast my cares on You, knowing that my trials and troubles are momentary and light, compared to the wonderful eternity You have for me, according to Your Word. Thank You for Your eternal blessing on my life, which begins today and will last forever, beyond this life and into the next, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

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Don’t Just Sit There!

We all face storms in life. But during those times, we have to remember that Almighty God is greater than any struggle we face! He’ll take those challenges and use them to strengthen us, but we have to do our part and take a step of faith toward the victory.

When a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, it’s in a dark place on the backside of some tree, been battered by the storms of life. it doesn’t look like it has many options. But when it becomes a butterfly i, it doesn’t just sit and wait for someone to come and let it out of it’s cocoon. No, that butterfly knows that it has to make a move if it’s going to be set free to fly. In the same way, we have to do something to get out of the confining places life has placed us in. We have to pray, we have to believe, and we have to move into our victory .

Today, don’t just sit there! No matter what you may be facing, don’t forget, His grace is sufficient for you. His strength is made perfect in you. He has given you everything you need to be an overcomer in this life. Now is the time to make a move break free from the clutches of the storm and rise to new levels because God has victory and blessing prepared for you!

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’…” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV)

Let’s PrayYahweh, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. Father, I will not stand still in my struggles , I will move beyond them putting my trust in You. God, I declare that You are good and faithful. Thank You for equipping me with strength for a powerful victory in every area of my life in Christ’ name. Amen
…

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God’s Love

God Sees You

I’m always disheartened, bewildered and even confused by the way we use the word “love,” prompting the question “what is love?” We love food, movies, clothes and sports, but we also love our family or spouse.

In the Word of God, we see God’s true definition of love. First Corinthians 13 tells us that “love is patient and kind. It does not envy nor boast. It is not proud. It is not rude. It does not seek its own way, is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not rejoice in evil, but rejoices in the truth. Love believes, hopes and endures. Love never fails.” This is how God responds to us, and this is how we should respond to the people in our lives with patience, kindness, hope, humility and love. Scripture tells us that God is love, and His character never changes!

Today, and every day, know that God loves you more than you love pizza, ice cream and cake. He loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He is there for you and has a great plan for you. Receive His perfect, consistent and patient love, and let Him transform you from the inside out. His love is the greatest love and will last throughout all eternity! Hallelujah!

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for loving me and accepting me with all my fault and flaws. Father, thank You for doing a work in my life that no one else can do. God, please help me to love like You, with patience and consistency. Help me to see others the way You see them, and respond in love, because You are love. I bless You,  honour You and love You today and always, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

 

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