God Wants Diligence

The Gospel: From Oral Tradition to the Written Text

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray

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

What Do Others See?

What Do Others See?

We all like to dress up, some people spend large amounts of money on brand name clothes, how they look is important. They want to portray a certain image. When people look at you, do they see the love of God at work? Can they see growth and change? Do they know you are a follower of God? Can someone see beyond your clothes and see the love of God?

Remember, the real evidence of who and whose you are is in your words and actions, not necessarily in what you wear, or your hairstyle. The most important thing you can do with your life is live as an example of God’s love. His love empowers us. His love changes us. It takes us to new levels. His love blesses others through us. His love gives us eternal life.

Today, open your heart fully and receive His love. Wear it like clothes, because it’s designed by the best designer. Then turn around and let it flow naturally, reaching all those you come into contact with. Show your love for Him by following His commands. Live in His love and show His love, so that others will be drawn to Him. Hallelujah!

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“We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4, NLT)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for loving me, for empowering me, and changing me to be more like You. Father, have Your way in my heart, so the light of your love can shine through me, and I can be a shining light of Your love to the people around me. God, let me spend more time and money on the things that matters eternally, and that will help me reach others for the kingdom. Lord, please let your love shine through me today in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Diligence Brings Rewards

Everybody likes a reward whether earned or unearned. God likes to give rewards He longs to pour out His favour and blessings on you. He wants to give you His goodness and provision. He promises to do His part, but you have to do your part and be diligent. First of all, be diligent in seeking His ways and obeying His commands. Then, be diligent with what He has already given you, your time and resources. 

Scripture says in Matthew, there were three men whose employer entrusted them with some money called talents. Two of the men were diligent and invested the talents, used them and received a great return. The third man was afraid and buried what he was given. The first two men were rewarded and praised for their diligence, while the third man was rebuked. He got no return or reward! 

Today, follow the example of the two men who used their talents. Look for ways to be diligent with what the Master has placed in your hand. Whatever you do, do it with excellence. Be the best you can be and go the extra mile, even when you think it goes unnoticed. Understand that when people don’t notice, God notices and promises to reward the appetite of the diligent! 

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

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the favour and blessings You’ve placed in my life. Father, today I will be diligent. I will strive to live in excellence and do everything to the best of my ability. God, I give You all the glory for every reward I have and will receive, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

A Special Place

Don't put fullstop where God has placed a comma in your life

Do you and God have a special place? A place where you meet with Him and He you. It may or may not be physical. God’s special place for you is where you are most content and fulfilled in Him. It may not be a place where you experience prosperity, good health, good emotions, good relationships, or perfect finances. It could be that place where you run to when things are not right. 

In Scripture we find a good example in the life of Elijah. In 1 Kings 17:3, God told the prophet Elijah, “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there.” Elijah went to the place where God directed him so his physical, spiritual and emotional needs could be met. It was quite peaceful and in the presence of God. 

Today, be like Elijah who obeyed God and went to that special place of alone time with God, and all his needs were met. If Elijah had decided not to obey God and do things his own way instead, he may not have been in a place to receive God’s blessings. Today, God is calling you to that quiet place to spend time with Him. You will be blessed when you are convinced that God wants to meet all your needs, and you decide to follow Him. 

“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for loving me and for giving me a place where I can meet with You physically, spiritually and emotionally, so that I can be recharged, fulfilled and blessed. God, give me the wisdom and patience to know where to go to find the special quiet place of Your blessing. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Praise Prepares The Way For Victory

End of Year Prayer for Your Finances


When hard times come your way what do you focus on? We can learn so much from the apostle Paul. He was deliriously happy and joyful because of what Christ had done in his life. Even when he was chained and shackled in a dark prison because of his faith, Paul praised God, and counted it a privilege to deliver the message of the gospel. He had His eyes focused on the prize of eternity!  

Paul didn’t let a bad day throw him off course. He didn’t get depressed when people didn’t like him or talked bad about him. No, he stood confident in Christ, knowing that praise prepares the way for victory! One thing Paul teaches us is that you can’t defeat a person who is always focused, happy and praising God.  

Today, if you are in a battle, if you need a miracle in your situation, follow Paul’s example – open your mouth, and begin to be joyful and praise God! Develop an attitude of faith, praise and expectancy. Keep your eyes focused on eternity, because when you praise God at all times no matter what comes your way, you’ll be victorious! Praise God now and for the good things He has for your future! Hallelujah! 

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12, ESV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for ordering my steps today. I set my eyes on You in the midst of my trial. Father, I will praise You because You are good, and I trust that no matter what, today I choose joy instead of sorrow, good instead of bad and praise instead of negativity. God, thank You for working in my life! In Christ’s Name! Amen.  

Just Do It For God

KEEPING GOD in OUR DAILY LIVES

At this time of year we think about the sacrifice Christ made on Calvary, even when He seemed like He was under massive pressure. He could have said I don’t feel like it today, I’m tired from a long night. You can probably think of many times in which you simply did not give your best effort, or didn’t really try very hard, or you felt too tired to give your best. Every person, because of our human imperfections, sometimes chooses to be lazy and not try.  

The example given by Christ, and the one mentioned in Colossians 3, is completely the opposite. Christians are to be the best at whatever they do, because they are to do everything as if they were doing it for God alone! 

Today, when you put your whole heart into whatever it is you are doing, God will recognise that and bless you for it. You should strive for and pursue excellence in all you do for God’s sake. Rebuke mediocrity, laziness and self-centredness and give of your best for God, He blesses excellence! 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” 

(Colossians 3:23, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for the reminder that I should always pursue excellence at all times. Father, help me because I want to do my work and everything else to please You. Please remove laziness, mediocritiy, and selfishness from my thinking. God, give me Your power to be an example of Christ to those around me. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Share Some Love

Love Your Neighbour

With many of us distant from family and alone in this turbulent time, it would be nice to have someone put an arm around you just to let you know that they care, and that you are thought about. Showing the love of God, being hugged, prayed with and sang to, that is the kind of life-altering love that Christ showed as an example in the Bible.  

Many of us use the word love to describe our affection for places and things, however biblical love is best exhibited when shown to people as Christ did. When we show the selfless love of God, this would let the world know that we belong to Him. 

Today, let me remind you that love is a good word and action, so don’t be afraid to use it or show it. Christ said that more than anything else, love will be the way that the world knows the disciples of Christ. With loneliness on the rise this weekend, call an old friend, tell your family that you love them, or do something for someone to express the love that you have for them. 

“Your love for one other will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for loving me first. Father, please give me the strength to love others as You have loved me, and to display Your love for the world to see. God, please comfort those who are lonely and separated from family and friends, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

What Do You Do When Things Seem Hopeless?

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

Are you feeling hopeless today? Habakkuk the prophet knew what to do when things seemed completely hopeless. His world was literally falling apart. He had nothing. Things seemed destitute. What did Habakkuk do? He rejoiced and praised the Lord in spite of everything.  

Habakkuk, knew that his God was bigger than his circumstances, and He already had a way to get Him out of those problems. Habakkuk decided to look beyond his difficulty, hardship and hopelessness, to what his God had done and could do in his life! 

Today, let Habakkuk be your example. When something bad happens to you, try and thank God before complaining and getting negative, not because you’re suffering, but because you know He has the answer to all you’re going through. When things look hopeless, praise Him, because it will bring hope to your circumstances! 

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” 

O(Habakkuk 3:17—18, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I cry out to You in the midst of my troubles, hopelessness and despair. Praising You because You are my only hope. God, I bless You and magnify You, knowing You have an awesome plan for my future, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

When It Rains It Pours

When the rain is still present

As we face 2021 there will be times when we feel overwhelmed and outnumbered by the things that are coming against us. Have you heard the saying, “when it rains, it pours.” For example, at the same time as the central heating needs repairing, the car breaks down, and then you get the news that a loved one has passed away. It seems like one thing happens after another.  

Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed right now, like all of the forces of darkness are coming against you. But the Scripture promises us that with God on our side, we have all the resources of heaven to get through the consistently hard times and arrive at the victory God promises us.  

Today, remember you are never outnumbered by sin or the devil, because the Greater One lives in you, and those who are with you are more than those who are against you! So the next time you’re feeling anxious, fearful or worried about anything, remember, He’s on your side. If God is for you, who can be against you? He promises to guide and protect you and lead you into victory! Hallelujah! 

“Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Father, thank You for Your peace and promises that reassure me even in the midst of the constant storms of life. God, I know that You and the entire heavenly host are fighting with me, therefore I can stand strong because You will lead me into victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Breaking News – We Have A Vaccine

The search for the last 11 months has been to find an antidote against the Covid-19 pandemic. In early December there were shouts of celebration when a vaccine was found, and fear began to dissipate and faith got stronger. Do you know we have a vaccine, an antidote against sin and fear? The first thing many people would say is faith; however, the Scripture tells us that it’s love, for perfect love is what drives out all fear. Hallelujah! 

When we truly comprehend how much God loves us, what can we possibly be afraid of? For God is love. When we are one with God through a relationship with His Son, we are wrapped in perfect love where we can find strength and security. We can find peace. We can find refuge, provision, and hope in His love. His love knows no limits. It has no boundaries. His love never changes. There is nothing you can do to make Him love you any more or any less. So let’s celebrate this breaking news Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 

Today, open your heart and receive the vaccine of God’s love made at Calvary. Don’t go into 2021 without it, you will be vulnerable to the pandemic of sin. Daily meditate on His goodness and faithfulness. As you do, those old fears will melt away. Sin will cease, and you will move confidently into the life of victory He has prepared for you. 

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” (1 John 4:18, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Oh, Yahweh, I come before You with a humble heart, begging for the vaccine of Your love. Father, please show me Your love and fill me with Your peace and hope, and remove the pandemic of sin and fear. God, help me to be an example of Your love for the people I come into contact with. I bless Your Name today that I have the victory over sin through faith in You, not just now but forever, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Don’t Let It Expire

Godinterest: A Return to the Web of Old, While Pushing the Internet Forward

One day I received a gift card that I stored in a special place for so long that I forgot I had it? Most gift cards have an expiration date, and if you don’t use it, you will surely lose it! The same is true with the Word of God. No, the Word doesn’t ever expire, but we have to take action and use His Word in order to receive His promises. Just like you exchange your gift card for the things you need at the store, His Word gives you the power to receive every promise He has for you.

When you declare His Word and keep your heart and mind open to Him, you are using the gift. You are opening the door for Him to move in your life. For example, if you’re facing lack in any area, receive the gift of provision by declaring, my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). If there’s a mountain in your way, receive the gift of victory that says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

Today and every day, use the gift He’s given you. Make His Word a priority and don’t let it depart from your mouth or your blessings expire. As you do, He’ll make your way prosperous, and you’ll enjoy the abundant life He has for you! 

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which is truth to set me free. Father, I determine in my heart to use my gifts before the expiration date, and set Your Word into motion in my life. God, keep me close to You so that I can please You in everything I do, in Christ’ name! Amen.

By His Grace

Jesus the Good Shepherd

People often wonder if they deserve God’s favour. They easily talk and sing about His amazing grace, but do you know what grace really is? It’s unmerited favour. It’s kindness from God that we don’t deserve. We don’t have to earn God’s grace; we don’t have to earn His favour. We simply receive it by faith in our hearts as a free gift.

No matter what has happened in your past, you can receive God’s grace and forgiveness. His grace is all you need to have a new beginning. Let His grace empower and strengthen you. Extend His grace to others. 

Today, instead of holding mistakes over other people’s heads, why don’t you hold out favour and forgiveness? Let God’s grace flow through you and experience His power increasing in you. Walk in His favour in greater ways, and embrace the life of victory He has prepared for you!

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

(Ephesians 2:8—9, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness, favour and grace. Father, I receive it and ask that You help me extend it to others. God, let me live as an example of Your love in everything I do, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Leap Of Faith: How Writing A Faith Journal Will Deepen Your Devotion

A Faithful Guarantee

If you’ve never been in the habit of keeping a faith journal, you might think your meditative prayer and reading scripture has given you a strong spiritual life. But beginning your journaling journey can supplement your spiritual practices and make tangible much of the faith you’ve taken for granted. Staring a faith journal is a great way to track your daily prayers, the gratitude you feel for God’s gifts and offers new ways of exploring scripture. Take that leap of faith today.

1) Creative Prayer

A faith journal doesn’t have to be exclusively about writing. Color, shape and doodling – whatever takes your heart’s desire – can all have its place in your faith journal.

If your prayer is directed at someone special, it can feel exceptionally powerful to write their name and sketch a growing, colorful shape around it. Once their name appears on the page, glorified by color, you can write your prayer for them or simply think about it. But the prayer will have a physical manifestation that can strengthen it.

You can also sketch mandalas in a meditative way. These complex patterns of repeating shapes can be relaxing to sink into, and drawing and coloring them can become a form of prayer in itself. It’s your faith journal, so get creative!

2) Making Prayer Tangible

The time you spend in prayer each day forms a valuable foundation for your spiritual life and strengthens your connection with God. When this takes place in your mind it’s almost a meditative practice, and can often lead to a profound inner feeling.

Writing your prayers down can strengthen them further as the process of putting your thoughts into writing can make them more tangible. Through your faith journal you can pursue a closer connection to God, creating a concrete history of your prayers and devotion on any given day.

If you write in a stream-of-consciousness, letting the words flow out of you, you might be surprised at what you look down to read. New, deep ideas can turn up on the page without conscious effort. Alternatively, writing your prayers in bullet form can help you conceive of them more accurately and make them easier to review in the future.

3) Scripture Is Powerful On The Page

Strengthening your connection to scripture is a great way to explore your faith. We all have particular passages that speak to us, those that we come back to time and again to find peace in or contemplation amongst. Reading scripture is one thing, but journaling scripture can take your understanding of your favorite passages to another level.

Exploring the idea of a crossbook – a book that comes with printed scripture on one side of the page and a blank side opposite for your thoughts and notes – is a great way to begin your faith journal. You can underline and highlight the passages that speak to you on one side, while elaborating on how it deepens your devotion on the other. You’ll be on a path to wisdom and faith.

4) Track Your Holiest Behaviours

A faith journal can also function as a diary for all your holiest habits, letting you reflect on your past week or month and consider ways you can better manifest your faith in the future. You can record how many hours you spent volunteering, how your generosity manifested and how long you prayed for in your faith journal.

Having a record of these behaviours can make it easier to strengthen them as routine habits. All these practices have great spiritual value and your faith journal will encourage you to perform them more often.

5) Express Your Gratitude

There are many spiritual and psychological benefits to gratitude, yet if you don’t make an effort to express your gratitude it can often slip away without being recognized. Journaling gives you an example to record God’s gifts, ensuring that you value them for what they are.

Taking time out of each day to write down what God has brought you can make each day, no matter how hectic or stressful, seem a little brighter.

Amen

Keeping a faith journal has so many spiritual and psychological benefits and it’s sure to strengthen your relationship with God as well as developing a deeper understanding of his message. Get creative with your faith journal with colors, shapes and content. You’ll soon find out it’s a habit that’s hard to break.

Katherine Rundell is a spiritual writer at UKWritings.com and Academized.com services. She works with local church groups to inspire young people to explore their faith in new and creative ways. She is also a proofreader at Boomessays.com.

The Best Choice You Could Ever Make!

Virgin By Choice, Not by Force

In one day we make thousands of choices. Some are greater and more important than others. Some require lots of thought and the input of others. Making Christ the Lord of your life is the best choice you could ever make! Hallelujah!  

However, once you make the choice to surrender to God, you have the opportunity each day to make further choices that support that decision. For example, with your attitude, with your finances, with what you say, what you watch on TV, and what you listen to. 

Today, if you haven’t made that choice to follow God, take a look at your life and realise how improved your life could be. For us who have already made that choice, let’s take time to examine our thoughts and actions. Choose this day to honour God in everything you do. As you submit your ways to Him, He promises to direct your steps and lead you in the abundant life here on earth and throughout eternity!

“…choose for yourselves this day whom will you serve…” (Joshua 24:15, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I choose You! Thank You for choosing me with all my sinful ways. Father, I pray for my friends who haven’t made that choice to serve You, that this will be their day of surrender. God, search my heart and mind and show me anything in my life that is displeasing to You. Help me to serve You with my whole heart, mind, will and emotions, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

Just Do It!

Just Do It!

Nike has a slogan that says, “just do it.” Did you know that before Nike the Bible had a similar slogan? Jesus performed His first miracle, at the wedding celebration in Cana. Mary His mother knew that in order to see His power at work, there was one key: “Whatever He says, she said, do it.” It’s the same way with us today. Our obedience opens the door to see His power manifest.  

Scripture says, “If we are willing and obedient, we will eat the good of the land.” In other words, we’ll experience God’s abundant blessing when we follow His commands. Sometimes, we can be so focused on one thing, that we overlook simple obedience in other areas. For example, you may need a financial miracle. Maybe you’re tithing and sowing like you should, but are you holding unforgiveness towards someone? That can block the blessing and hinder your prayers. Is there anything else you know in your heart you need to do? 

Today, remember before Nike the Bible said “just do it.” Do exactly as God says, walk in total obedience, ask the Lord to search your mind and heart. Don’t let anything block His power. Follow the word of Mary in the book of John “Whatever He says, do it,” and watch that obedience open the door to His blessings in every area of your life! 

“…Whatever He says to you, do it.” (John 2:5, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I humbly come to You submitting every area of my life. Father, my goal and desire is to be obedient to You. God, grant me the spiritual strength I need to honour You by doing what You say. Show me any areas of my life where things need to change. I acknowledge Your Word and bless You today and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

5 Ways To Stay Faithful In Your Faith

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

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

1. Remember That God Is Your Friend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Call Up A Friend

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

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

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

3. Keep Your Rosary Handy

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

4. Remember Your “Alternatives”

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

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

5. Surround Yourself With Inspiration

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

 

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