Tag: Devotional

As we approach the final month of the year. You maybe facing some challenges, or experiencing some unexpected setbacks that will go into the New Year with you. We all have things that come against us and remain with us for a length of time, but God didn’t create us to be overwhelmed, He created us to be overcomers! 

As we face challenges, it’s our attitude that is most important. Think about it for a moment. When something isn’t going your way month after month, how do you respond? Are you tempted to get sour and start expecting the worst? Does your mind start going “crazy” playing out all the worst scenarios? It may be easy to get down and discouraged, but if we go around thinking it’s never going to work out, our attitude may limit what God can do. But when we dig our heels in, knowing that God is bigger than our problems, when we fight the good fight of faith, that’s what allows God to show up and turn negative situations into positive ones.                                                                                                    

Today, remember, on the brink of a new month and a new year, you are created to overcome. There is victory already in store for your future. So no matter what the difficulty, stand strong with the attitude of an overcomer and watch what God will do on your behalf! 

“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for making me an overcomer now and in the coming month and year. Father, I believe that You are bigger than my problems or any obstacle I will face. Thank You that You have my back and are working on my behalf. God, thank You for the victories and the challenges of this past year, I leave them behind and look forward, embracing the victories and challenges that will come my way. Help me to be rooted and grounded in You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

In the last few days, I’ve been feeling quite weak. In the Bible, Joseph went through seasons of weakness and difficulty. He was rejected by his family, sold into slavery, lied about, mistreated, abandoned, falsely accused, and thrown in jail. But through it all, Joseph never gave up. He kept pressing through and doing the right thing even though the wrong thing kept happening.  

The Bible says in Psalm 105:18, ‘as Joseph lay in prison in those chains of iron…’, in other words, as things got hard and difficult while in prison – Joseph kept fighting, and his soul became as strong as that steel. God developed a supernatural strength in him that no one could take away. 

Today, if you are going through difficulty, God wants to increase your strength. He wants to increase your power to overcome. He wants to make your inner man as strong as steel. When you keep standing, keep believing, and keep doing the right thing, you are opening yourself to God’s supernatural strength. That’s when you know you are growing in Him. Be strong today. Keep pressing forward, because God is at work increasing strength in you so that you can live in victory in every area of your life! 

“He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].” (Isaiah 40:29) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I surrender every difficulty to You. Father, I release my questions, hurts and frustrations. God, I choose to trust You and do the right thing. Increase Your strength in me so that I can live in the victory and become as strong as steel, in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Like me, you may be asking, ‘how do I sustain my spiritual integrity by unapologetically and confidently living out my faith in a world with conflicting ideals, the onslaught of mainstream media’s indoctrination, the toxicity of immoral societal influences, and the deterioration of sound moral discernment?!’ Are you concerned about those influences on your mind? Perhaps, confusion runs rampant, like an inconvenient wildfire consuming every consideration, creed, and comfort.  

In scripture, Paul, aware of alluring cultural influences, provides us with sound timely counsel. He emphatically warns Christians not to emulate cultural norms or be enticed by worldly ways because they conflict with God’s will. Instead, Paul counsels us to counter the enticing values and influences by renewing our minds. He assures us that when we renew our minds, we will discern the difference between the world’s will and God’s will and respond accordingly, without remorse or compromise. 

Today, as Christians living in a fallen – confused world, we cannot allow the world’s standards to influence how we live life. God desires to align our values and actions through his Word. When we allow God to renew our minds through the continuing influence of his Word, we inherently counter our cultural confusion and oppression by boldly and confidently discerning God’s way from the world’s way. Renewing our minds allows God to impress His Word and His will on our conscience. Our minds influence the actions of our hearts and reflect and accomplish His good work. Compromise should not be an option for Christians. 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will”. (Romans 12:2)

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I thank you that I am your redeemed child. Father, protect my heart and mind from the relentless seduction of the world. God, create in me an insatiable hunger for your Word. May your Holy Spirit teach and lead me into all truth so that I may reflect and accomplish your perfect will, without compromise. In Christ’s name, Amen. 

In our lives, we can often face times of discouragement. Our spirits can feel heavy, and our hearts burdened. When that happens, however, we can turn to God and lean on him, finding hope in his promises and unfailing love.

Discouragement can come from various sources—disappointments, failures, prolonged challenges. Yet even amid such trials, we can choose to put our hope in God. He is our refuge and strength, the one who sustains us through every season.

We can find solace in God’s Word when discouragement threatens to overwhelm us. His mighty acts and daily provisions remind us of his faithfulness, and his promises give us hope for the future. God is always present to help in times of trouble, and his love and grace are sufficient for us.

As we anchor our hope in God, our perspective shifts. We begin to see beyond our present circumstances, and we focus on the unchanging nature of our heavenly Father. He is the source of true joy and peace, and in him, we find strength to persevere.

Today, if you find yourself discouraged, turn to God in prayer. Pour out your heart before him and listen for his comforting voice. Trust in his perfect timing and purposes, knowing that he is working all things together for your good.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God. (Psalm 42:11)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, when we are discouraged, may we turn to find hope, peace, and strength in you. Fill our hearts with praise and joy today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We were chosen to be bold and unwavering to reach the lost in times of uncertainty and chaos.

Ellen White reminds us of this infinite power. “In its power, men and women have broken the chains of sinful habit. They have renounced selfishness. The profane has become reverent, the drunken sober, the profligate pure. Souls that have borne the likeness of Satan have been transformed into the image of God. This change is itself the miracle of miracles. A change wrought by the Word, it is one of the deepest mysteries of the Word. We cannot understand it; we can only believe.”

It is sad to say that we live amid global turmoil. In fact, this world is falling deeper and deeper into the consequences of sin. There is hope, however! The Word of God provides the greatest hope in Christ. It transcends and breaks various barriers. It reassures and reminds us of God’s love and faithfulness. Ultimately, the Word of God affirms that we are chosen for God’s mission.

Standing on the promises of God and accepting the call to mission was an unchanging divine responsibility 2,000 years ago and even more today. It is not an option, but a part of our identity as Seventh-day Adventists. As we reflect upon the words found in Acts 4, let us be reminded of our mission. We were chosen to be bold and unwavering to reach the lost in times of uncertainty and chaos. May we believe, practice, and proclaim the Word of God in times of global turmoil. May the testimony of Peter and John be our testimony today. 

“As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:4)

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for the bold witness of Peter and the other disciples who were filled with the Holy Spirit of truth. Thank You that when we are saved by grace through faith in Christ, we are immediately baptised into the Body of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You that by means of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are enabled to be filled with Your power and Your sufficient grace. May I walk in spirit and truth, and live and work to Your praise and glory, being continuously filled with Your power and grace for Your greater purposes. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

n a world in which the din of life usually drowns out God’s voice, the Word of the Lord provides actual sustenance and nourishment. Psalm 19:7-14 is a lovely example of how God’s Word gives us spiritual sustenance, wisdom, joy, and guidance. In this devotional message we will delve thoroughly into the theme, “I Will Go and Share God’s Word.” We’ll discover the transformative power of speaking His truth and how it can provide a rich life for both the giver and the listener.

Our spiritual well-being is dependent on nourishment, just as our physical bodies are dependent on food and drink to survive. The Bible is a wonderful refuge in an unstable and unpredictable

world. We are immersed in the depths of God’s love, comprehension, and grace when we study His Word. It feeds our souls by reminding us of God’s steadfast character and unbreakable promises. Like a desert waterfall, it quenches our thirst with cool, pleasant water. This spiritual food, on the other hand, should be shared rather than kept to oneself. When we

encounter spiritually parched people, we can offer them the same reviving waters that we have discovered in God’s Word. In this way we become conduits for God’s grace, revitalising and reviving

people around us.

The Bible is filled with stories of ordinary people who achieved remarkable feats through faith and obedience to God’s Word. Their faith in God and dedication to His Word paved the way for their discernment and success. God uses us as a medium for wisdom transmission. Those who are struggling to navigate life’s challenges may find clarity and aid from us. We can equip them to make wise decisions that glorify God and lead to a fruitful life.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

Let’s Pray

Loving Father, the heart that meditates on the Lord and lifts up the person of the Lord Jesus, is the one that exhibits an inner grace and beauty, for such a one is willingly being transformed into the likeness of Christ. I know that out of the mouth come thoughts that are conceived in the heart, and so I pray that, like David, in humility of heart I would sanctify the words of my mouth, the meditation of my heart, the thoughts of my mind, and the motives of my inner being so that I too am pleasing and acceptable in the sight of my precious Lord and Saviour. In His name I pray, AMEN.

John 5:39 states that the Word of God is more than written words. It symbolizes Jesus’ divine nature as the messenger of God’s redemption plan. Jesus is more than a teacher or prophet; He embodies God’s message for humanity. This concept emphasizes the importance of the Old Testament Scriptures in helping us understand Jesus and His teachings. The Scriptures challenge religious leaders to put their faith in Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of its message.

The Word of God can transform us, leading to spiritual growth, obedience, and becoming more like Him. John 5:39 is Jesus’ response to the Jewish leaders who challenged His authority. This verse highlights the purpose of the Scriptures, which Jesus explained to them. “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and it is they that bear witness about me” (ESV). They believed they could discover the path to eternal life by studying the Scriptures. Jesus clarifies, however, that the Scriptures are meant to testify about Him, who is the way to eternal life. Understanding the meaning of this verse requires an understanding of its context. The verses preceding this one tell of Jesus healing a man.

This man had had a disability for 38 years. The healing occurred on a Sabbath day, and the Jewish leaders questioned Jesus’ authority. Jesus told them that He had authority as the Son of God. In verse 39 He explained that the Scriptures exist, not simply to be read, but to lead people to Him. The Scriptures are centered on Him and testify to His existence. They are evidence of His identity and what He came to do. This verse has essential implications for our understanding of the Bible. The Bible is more than a collection of historical accounts or poems. The Bible is God’s revelation of His plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and it is they that bear witness about me.” (John 5:39)

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for the inspired Scriptures which point me to Christ. May I read them with understanding and be guided into all truth by Your Holy Spirit. Keep me from seeking to add to Your finished work of Calvary through my own works of the flesh. I know that eternal life is to be found by faith in Christ alone, and that I am only accepted by You because I am ‘in Christ’ and not because of anything that I could do. Praise Your holy name, and draw me closer to You as I read the Scriptures, day by day. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

My story chronicles God’s search for me. I was not looking for Him. He was looking for me. Who prompted the Adventists to survey the neighbourhood? Who guided Mrs Jones to refer them to my family? Who influenced my parents’ decision to move out of that neighbourhood? Who impressed the deacons to come by later? Who inspired my father to visit the deacon in the hospital? Who led the deacon to ask me to do him a favour? Who gave me the will to say yes? It was God orchestrating the events of my life to position me for an opportunity to receive the gospel!

Therefore, for every living person, God is searching. God is still orchestrating the events in our lives to bring us salvation. It does not matter if you grew up within or outside the church; God is seeking and searching to save you. There is no one so evil or corrupted that God does not pursue. There is no life so damaged that the power of the gospel cannot redeem! There is no one who has sunk so low that the power of the gospel cannot uplift. There is no life so sin-stained that the power of the gospel cannot cleanse. Where sin did abound, grace did much more abound. The Bible is a rich tapestry of stories of God’s search for humankind to give us hope in the potency of the gospel. God is no respecter of persons. The good news of the gospel is that God is in search of you! Has He found you? If not, He is still looking!

Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save.” (Luke 19:9-10)

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Saviour. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Christian and Alcylene began reading the Bible together. In just 30 days they had read it completely. Christian found all the answers he had been looking for. Their family life was transformed and Christian was baptized. He began to teach the Bible, giving Bible studies and holding evangelistic meetings. Within 13 years of being baptized, their family had built six churches with their own resources and contributed to the construction of 22 more churches in the Autazes region of the Amazon jungle.

Does the Bible contain transformative power? Does it give life a purpose and a mission? By the grace of God and through a sincere study of the Word, Christian became a new creature. The many people touched by him and his family are a testimony to God’s amazing grace and His divine plan.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Let’s Pray

Lord, Your scripture teaches us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. I desire to speak life into my circumstances, to declare Your promises with faith, and to see Your will manifest in my life and the lives of those around me. May Your Word in my mouth be a tool for healing, restoration, and transformation, breaking chains and setting captives free. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As the world gets ready to celebrate the scariest time of the year “Halloween.” A time when evil is celebrated, and instilling fear is the order of the day.  Friends, whether you like it or not in life, fear will come knocking at the door, selling you the worst case scenario, the devil’s “trick or treat.“ Fear tells you, “You’re going to lose your job. Your marriage is over. Your business is falling apart. Your child is done. It’s all downhill from here.” When those thoughts come, you don’t have to buy in to them. Here’s the key: when fear knocks, let faith answer the door. Don’t give those thoughts of fear the time of day. Don’t let them intimidate you. Answer back with faith. “Lord, You said the number of my days You would fulfil. God, you said Your plans for me are for good and not evil. God, You said what’s meant for my harm, You would turn around and use it to my advantage.” 

Today, don’t give in to the pressure of the world or the devil’s lies. Keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, it’s like keeping the door locked on an intruder. Fear has no right in the life of a believer. Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. Remember, the battle is subtle for you and your children’s minds. The enemy is after your thoughts. Don’t give him the time of day; and remember when fear knocks, let faith answer! 

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I thank You for Your Word which says that You have not given me a spirit of fear but power, love, and a sound mind. Today and always, I rebuke the evil spirit of compromise and fear, in Jesus’ name. I receive peace in my heart and mind and stand strong in faith knowing that the greater One lives in me than he that is in the world. Hallelujah! Father, I pray for great faith in my life today so that fear is driven out, in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

I woke up this morning with so much on my mind. What about you? Are you facing a challenge today that seems overwhelming? Through faith and patience, God’s Word says that you will see His promises come to pass in your life. Understand that the enemy always fights the hardest when he knows you are closest to your breakthrough. He’d leave you alone if he thought you were going to live in mediocrity and normality. But if you’ll keep pressing toward your promise and following the Word of God, you will get there. 

Today, I admonish you, don’t be like the Israelites in the Old Testament, who were right next to their promised land when they talked themselves out of it. They said, “There are giants in the land. It’s too difficult.” No, don’t look at the obstacles in your life today; lift up your eyes because you serve a mighty God. Instead, follow the example of Abraham, David and others who believed God even when their circumstances looked impossible.

Remember, God rewards the people who seek after Him. Stand in faith and keep believing, because God will take you places that you never dreamed. As you press towards the promise, you will see His hand of blessing, and you will live in the victory He has prepared for you.

“…Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (Hebrews 6:12)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I come to You today choosing to believe Your promises. Believing that my dreams will come true. I lift up my eyes to You, ready to receive Your strength and blessings. God, I beg You today, fill me with Your faith and patience as I press forward with today’s challenges into the victories You have in store for me! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Do you want to experience more of God’s blessings in your life? Living in obedience and integrity is the key that unlocks the door to His abundance. When you put God and His Word first place in your life, the Bible says you’ll be blessed in the city and the country, you’ll be blessed wherever you go!

Today’s chapter in the scriptures says that you will be so blessed that you will lend and not borrow. Can you see yourself in that position? Can you see yourself living in that kind of abundance?

See, God doesn’t want you to be living with a barely-get-by attitude. We don’t serve a barely-get-by God; our God is more than enough! He wants you to have more than enough to meet your needs and be a blessing to the people around you.

Today, I encourage you to make room in your life for the blessing of God. Choose to live in obedience to His Word. Choose to follow His commands. As you do, you will rise up higher and live the abundant life God has for you!

“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all His commands…you will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country” (Deuteronomy 28:1-3)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my life. Father, I choose today to put You first in everything I do. Lord, please help me to walk in integrity and follow Your commands so that I can honour You always. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

When I was a teenager, one of the few books I read was “A Strength To Love” by Dr Martin Luther King Jr. – who became one of my heroes. He practised the ministry of non-violence during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. He went to jail again and again because he believed the message of Jesus’ love. King believed that standing up and suffering for justice would change America for the better. He was right. King preached some of his best sermons from a jail cell. In a way, he kept company with the apostle Paul, for Paul too, was known to deliver some hard-hitting messages from prison.

Scripture says during his two years under house arrest, Paul showed hospitality regardless of his situation or who came to see him. Paul did not embrace despair. He was not interested in being cast as a victim. He resisted bitterness about his plight.

Dr King and Paul held close to the words of Isaiah 40:31 “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They … will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” In God’s strength, they preached, lived, prayed, and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ the only way they knew how – “boldly and without hindrance.” The last words written about Paul in the Book of Acts are full of zest and energy. In Christ, we feel our lives fill up with courage and purpose. I want to live that kind of life, what about you?

Boldly … he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 28:31)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, give me the boldness and courage to live my life for you, both in times of constraint and freedom. In the name of our precious Saviour, I pray, Amen.

Daily I hear of friends or love ones who die or fall seriously ill. Today is a special gift from God. Sometimes, my days can be so full and busy that I forget how fragile life really is. The little things try to creep in and steal my peace and joy.

When things don’t go your way, or someone says something upsetting – even traffic can cause you to lose focus if you let it. We have to remember that Almighty God ordains each day. If we choose to focus on the wrong things, we’ll miss the blessings each day has to offer.

Today, don’t 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. 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 we’ve been given.”

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

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of today. I choose to focus on the blessings of each moment instead of allowing the little things to steal my joy. Lord I know today is all I have, so help me not to waste it on that which is destructive and negative. God, keep me close to You always and show me the treasure of each and every second, minute and day. I embrace todays blessings and victories, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do you know what pleases God? He’s not impressed by how much knowledge we have. He isn’t influenced by how many possessions we own. Our accomplishments do not move him; He is moved simply by our faith in Him.

Faith is a gift. It’s not something that has to be contrived or worked up. The scripture tells us that everyone has been given a measure of faith. It also says that faith grows as we hear the Word of God. That’s why staying connected to a Bible-based church where the Word of God is being taught is so important. It’s why we need to make time every day to read and study His Word; that’s how you feed your faith. The more you know His Word, the more you understand that God is good, and He rewards the people who seek after Him.

Today, take time to feed your faith. Meditate on His Word and ask Him to illuminate your heart with His truth. Trust that He is good and has good things in store for your future because faith is 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)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me the gift of faith so that I can be pleasing to You. Father, as I seek You and study Your Word, illuminate my heart with Your truth. Transform me into Your image and let everything I do bring glory to You, in Christ’s name. Amen.

Life is full of highs and lows, twists and turns, and ups and downs. But did you know that everything you’ve been through up until now is preparing you for what God is going to do with you and for you? No trial, challenge or difficulty you’ve been through has been wasted. Every disappointment, setback, every person that did you wrong, every lonely night, God is going to turn around and use for your good! Hallelujah! 

Every difficulty helps us grow and mature. When our faith is stretched, our character is developed and made stronger. God didn’t send that hardship, but He’ll use it to get you prepared for your next step. Those adversities will mould you into the person you are called to be. 

Today, you may be experiencing tough times, but remember, God is growing you, maturing you, and stretching your faith. Have the attitude that says, “This is a new day. Things are shifting for my good. This difficulty is not going to stop me. It’s going to elevate me. God is going to use it to lift me up and lead me into victory all the days of my life!” 

“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) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for delivering me through some hard trials. Father, I will always dwell in Your presence. I know that with You, no trial will defeat me and all things will work out for my good. God, I thank You for Your peace and protection as You carry me through the difficult places, into the place of victory. In Christ’s Name! Amen.