Tag: Faith

In the context of religion, one can define faith as confidence or trust in a particular system of religious belief, within which faith may equate to confidence based on some perceived degree of warrant, in contrast to a definition of faith as being belief without evidence.
Posted on

Emotions

What Type of Christian Are You?

Did you know that emotions are God-given? If there’s one thing that can lead you away from your potential, and seeing the awesome plan God has for your life, it’s your emotions. Too often, people allow their circumstances to dictate their emotions and thoughts, instead of the Word of God. 

When we allow our circumstances to dictate our emotions, when we are moved by what we see, or experience, it opens the door for doubt and anxiety to come in. When we allow doubt and anxiety in, we become unstable. We are tossed back and forth. Understand this key: the way you feel today has little to do with what God is actually doing in your life. He’s working behind the scenes whether you realise it or not!  

Today, don’t allow yourself to be tossed around by your emotions any longer. Instead, choose to be stable minded and not anxious by focusing your thoughts on the Word of God. Stand strong in Him so you can confidently embrace the plan He has for you! 

“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6, NIV) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which dispels all my doubts and anxiety. Father, I will meditate on Your truth which has become my source of strength and faith. Almighty God, help me to be stable minded, as I set my focus on You. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Posted on

Jacob Blake – Sometimes Praising God Is Hard

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

When you wake up in the morning, what’s the first thing you do? Do you praise God for His goodness? Do you set the tone for praise because of success, favour and blessing? Looking at the events of this past week, months and year, it is so hard to praise God at all times like the Scripture says. To hear another mother crying, for her innocent black son, who was shot 7 times by the police is heartbreaking.  

We’re in the eighth month of the worst year on record, many commentators have said. Last year may have had some hardships and difficulties, but this year seems to be on another negative level. However, it’s time to set the tone for a season of praise. Despite all the negatives, Jacob’s family still managed to give God praise.  

Today, the Scripture reminds us that the darker it gets in the world, the brighter it’s going to be for God’s true believers. Things may be bad all around you. Murders, shootings and pandemics. People may be negative, complaining and discouraged, rightly so at times, but don’t let that spirit rub off on you, praise your way out of the negatives. The worse it gets the brighter God wants you to shine. Be determined to set a Godly tone of praise for the rest of the year, no matter how bad things get, by praising God and speaking words of faith over every situation! 

“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.” (Psalm 34:1, NLT) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I have decided to bless You at all times. I will go against my feelings and focus on Your goodness and love. God, I praise You for the faith of Jacob Blake’s family, who lift You up in the face of their tragedy. Please grant him a full recovery. Father, I set a new tone of praise in my life, to replace all of my negative emotions, and I receive Your forgiveness, grace and mercy. Thank You for Your faithfulness to me at all times, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

My Steps Are Ordered

This week one of my prayers has been that God would give me direction and a renewed vigour. When we encounter difficult situations, we can be tempted to wonder if we are on the right path for our lives. And yes, sometimes we make poor choices that get us off course.  

If your heart is following after God, if you’re determined to stay in faith and put Him first in your life, you can be confident that you are right where you are supposed to be in God’s will! You might say, “that couldn’t be right. I’m uncomfortable. Somebody isn’t treating me right.” God will not allow a challenge to come into your life unless He has a divine purpose for it.  

Today, remember when God is in control, things don’t happen to us they happen for us. Hallelujah! In other words, God uses those difficult things to grow us and stretch us and take us to another level. He orders our steps. So stay in faith, keep a good attitude, and let God lead you into the righteous plan He has for you! 

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord…” (Psalm 37:23, KJV) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for ordering my steps and directing me. Father, I trust that You are at work in my life, even during the times when I don’t understand what’s happen in my life. God, please give me the strength and courage to do what is right in Your sight. I bless You today and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

Now Faith = Now Blessings

A Faithful Guarantee

The goal of every believer is to please God. We are told  that faith is what pleases God. It gives substance to the things we hope for and makes them tangible. Faith opens the door to God’s favour and shows our dependence on Him. 

The Bible tells us we’ve all been given a measure of faith, but it’s up to each of us to nurture it, develop it and use it. We develop our faith by surrendering our lives to God and meditating on His Word. We exercise our faith through our prayer and actions. Today’s verse starts by saying, “Now faith.” It’s not “later” faith or “one day” faith. We have to have faith for today, right now.  

Today, do you believe that God has blessings in store for you, right now? Do you believe He wants to pour out His favour on you right now? Put your faith into practice by speaking and believing that His promises are coming to pass right now in your life. Use your “now” faith and see “now” blessings! 

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” 

(Hebrews 11:1, KJV) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of faith that can move the mountains of trials in my life. Father, I choose to trust Your promises which are a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Oh God, show me how to totally surrender to You, so that I can continue to grow in faith. I really want to please You in every area of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

God Make Me A Sower

"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?" (Matthew 5:13)

In the book of Genesis, God set up a system of seedtime and harvest. Everything God does starts with a seed. The Bible also tells us that He gives seed to the sower. In other words, if you are a person who has a desire to bless others and sow seed, God will make sure you have plenty to give.  

Notice in today’s verse what happens when we generously sow seed, we increase more! Just like planting a seed in the natural brings a natural abundant harvest, planting a spiritual seed brings a spiritual abundance. You can’t outgive God! The Scripture says that He will pour out blessings on you that you can barely contain. God’s blessing goes way beyond the financial realm. He wants you to have blessed relationships, good health and a happy career.  

Today, why don’t you take a step of faith and look for ways to start sowing? What do you have in your hand? Can you start by giving a smile and sowing joy? Do you have five pounds to help someone who is homeless buy some food? Choose to be a blessing and watch how God brings increase in every area of your life. 

“There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want.” (Proverbs 11:24, AMP) 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, today I want to be a sower. Father, help me to see the people around me the way You see them, so that I can bless them the way You want to bless them. God, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life as I do my best to be obedient to Your Word, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Posted on

Let’s Get Excited About Our Faith

Speak Greatness Into Our Youth

Talking about your faith with others isn’t always the most popular topic amongst young people. Fashion, football and music are more popular. Most youth are not excited when talking about faith. Feeling that if they share their faith with others, people at school, uni or on social media will think they’re weird. So they do what many Christians do, they stay quiet. Not speaking up when someone challenges their beliefs. Praying with your friend who’s parents are going through a divorce would really help, but you’re afraid of what your friend might think. The list of excuses we make for not sharing our faith can be very long.  

Why is it that we talk about our sports team winning with everyone we know, but when it comes to sharing our faith, many times we tell no one? We have something way more exciting than a winning team, we have a winning God. We have a God who loved us, and gave his son so that we could experience a life changing relationship with Him. Why aren’t we filling our insta, snap and facebook feed with that news? It’s easy to get afraid to share our faith with others. It’s easier to not say anything so that we don’t look weird to others. We are called to be salt and light to our world. The message in the bible puts it this way. You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept.  — Matthew 5:14. 

So choose to put your fears aside, step up and tell others about your God. 

Let’s Holla @ God 

God, please give me a Christlike excitement and remove my fear, so I can let others know that you have changed my life and to let them know that You can change theirs too. God make me a light for You. In Christ’ name Amen. 

Posted on

Why Worry?

With infection rates going up, our children about to head back to school, and the economy the lowest it’s ever been, it’s easy to worry. What are you worrying about today? To worry means to allow something to revolve in your mind over and over again until it stresses you out. God doesn’t want you to live worried or anxious about anything. He knows that worry steals your peace and joy. It affects every area of your life negatively. Have you heard the saying, “Don’t worry yourself sick?” That’s because worrying affects your physical and mental body. It even affects your sleep.  

The Bible says you won’t ever gain anything by worrying; in fact, you’ll lose precious moments that you can never get back again. The good news is that God has promised that you can have victory over worry. It starts by making the choice to trust in Him. When you cast your cares on Him, He will give you His peace, which will eradicate your worry. Hallelujah! 

Today, why not put an end to worry in your life. Choose to feed your faith and fill your mind with God’s promises of peace. As you focus on God’s Word, and spend time in conversation with Him, He will drive out worry and fill your heart with faith and expectancy, and you will overcome in every area of your life! 

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27, NIV 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, today I give You permission to put an end to worry in my life. Father, I have decided to feed my faith by studying Your promises, and declaring Your Word over my life. God, help me to totally trust in You today and every day, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

Lean On Me When You’re Not Strong

Biblical Quotes and Ways to help you Overcome Rejection

This year, this month, this week has been strange to say the least, with unprecedented difficulties. We are facing a situation that seems like it has no logical solution. Sometimes we have to turn our minds off, stop trying to figure it all out, stop overanalysing, and stop researching everything. When you don’t see the answer in the natural realm, it’s time to stop leaning on your own understanding and choose to trust God. 

Scripture says that we can’t lean on our own understanding. Did you know our thinking can be a distraction to that place inside where God speaks to our heart. Our minds can allow fear and dread to distract us from what God is trying to tell us. We have to take time to shut off the distractions, shut off fear, and listen to what’s going on inside of us. That’s where faith rises up. That’s where all of a sudden you’ll feel a spark of hope, even when things look impossible. Hallelujah! 

Today, no matter what things looks like in the natural, choose to lean on Him. When situations have no logical solution, trust God. Trust that He has favour in store for your future. Trust that something good is about to happen. Trust Him because He alone can take you to new levels in every area of your life!  

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for always being there for me to lean on. Father, today I need to lean on You, the load seems very heavy. I trust and believe that You are working things out for my good, despite what I see in the natural. God, I won’t put my confidence in what I see, but I will trust in Your every Word, which has never failed and remains true forever, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

I Am Not Condemned

Portrait in Stockholm, Sweden by Oliver Ragfelt

During sickness, death, lockdown and isolation of covid-19, many of us start reflecting on our past, wondering what if we got sick and died? We spend time evaluating where we are in life spiritually. Many will be very guilty of the life they have led, wondering have I been forgiven, is God’s grace enough to give me a place in paradise. The truth is you’re not condemned, your past is the past and God has enough grace to cover your sin. Reflect on that and let that thought lift your spirit. Hallelujah!

Right now is there something that you feel guilty about? If you have repented to God, the Bible says He takes your sin and throws it as far as the east is from the west. He casts it into the depth of the sea of forgetfulness. That means God chooses to forget your sins! They are completely removed. Gone.

Today, don’t let the enemy make you feel guilty for something that happened in your past. The enemy is the “accuser of the brethren,” and he works overtime to try to bring you down with false accusations. Be confident that if you’ve given it to God, He doesn’t remember it. You are free from condemnation through the blood of Jesus Christ. The next time the enemy brings up your past, just declare “I am free from condemnation in Jesus’ Name!”

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live and walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.”

(Romans 8:1 AMP)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for setting me free in the name of Yahshua my Messiah! Father, thank You for forgiveness. Thank You for washing me clean of the sins of my past and making me new today. God, I rebuke the enemy and his guilt, shame and negative thinking of condemnation that he has sown in my mind. I receive Your grace and mercy, so that I can be a vessel used by You, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Posted on

Where Is Your Faith?

Covid-19 has tested our faith and our belief in God. Many Christians have placed more faith in Boris, Trump, the government and science, than in God and His Words. Faith is more than a feeling that is only strong when we’re in church or with prayer warriors. Faith is a confidence that comes from knowing God and His promises. When you know a person well, and you know they always keep their word, and they tell you they are coming to your house at a certain time, then you have faith that they will come to your house at that time. You aren’t going to call them just before and ask if they are still coming. No, you trust that they are faithful to do what they said, because they have done it in the past.

Faith in God works in a similar way. When we know God’s character and His promises, and we’ve seen what He has done in the past, our faith begins to grow. That’s why Romans says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. That’s how we get to know Him. Through the consistency in His Word and the testimony of others.

Today, I encourage you to build your faith by spending time in God’s Word. Get to know Him and His plans that are for your good. By trusting Him that what He has blessed you with in the past, He will do it again, and more. Let faith rise up in your heart and bring to pass all that you’ve been hoping for! 

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

(Hebrews 11:1, NIV)

Pray With Me! 

Yahweh, thank You for the confident hope and assurance found in You. Father, increase my faith and hope in You. Please show me Your ways as I study Your Word, so I will get to know and trust You. God, let faith rise in my heart as I seek You first in all that I do today and always, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Posted on

Have You Ever Seen A Photo Of God?

During this time of lockdown, many of us spend time looking at old photos of treasured times with family or with friends. You probably enjoy showing those photos to others and sharing those special moments. But have you ever thought about having a picture of God in your house? It may not be in a frame on the shelf. 

Today’s scripture tells us that when we love others we are creating a picture of God. We are showing others what He looks like because God is love. God wants us to know Him. He wants to reveal Himself in and through us. He wants us to display His love and share it with others like we do with photos. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us what love looks like it’s patient, kind, gentle, and so much more.

Today, know that you are never more like God than when you are loving others. Love never fails. Always remember, the greatest thing you could ever have or do is love — that is a true picture of God. Everything else will fade away, but His love is a picture that will last forever!

“No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us.” 

(1 John 4:12, NLT)

Pray With Me
ahweh, I thank You today for showing me Your love which lasts forever. Father, help me to love others the way You love them, so that my life can be a picture of You to all those I come into contact with, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

Posted on

More Hope Than Optimism

Talking to some of the youth at school yesterday, amidst their optimism, there also seems to be a lot of hopelessness. It’s time to set our hope on God so we are not easily swayed by the trials of life.

Setting our hope on God means we set our lives in the right direction. One translation of today’s verse says, “look forward to more and more of God’s favour.” God wants to pour out His goodness and grace on you. He wants to help you get ahead in this life. He wants to lead you to the right job. He wants to lead you to the right relationship. But here’s the key: we have to be on the lookout for more and more of God’s favour. More and more of God’s hope. More and more of God’s grace. That tells me that we can’t get stagnant.

Today, meditate on the truth that God wants to do more than you can even ask or think. It says in Ephesians that He wants to show us the immeasurable, limitless, surpassing greatness of His free favour. In other words, God wants to go above and beyond what we’re used to! He wants to show you favour in unusual and extraordinary ways. Set your hopes dynamically higher today, and increase your expectations of what God will do in your life!

“…set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favour) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed.”

(1 Peter 1:13, AMP)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your abundance in every area of my life today. Father, I will set my hope on You, knowing that You want to do more in my life than I can ever imagine. God, by faith I receive more of Your favour, grace and hope. God, teach me to be a vessel used by You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

Do You Need Hope or Faith for Something Today?

Since being back in the UK, I’ve noticed that folk look sad and down. The Bible tells us that Jesus came to give us abundant life. Not only did He come to give you life in eternity, but He desires that you experience abundant life here on earth. He wants your relationships to be vibrant and alive. He wants your dreams to be alive. He wants your body, heart and mind to be alive and full of vitality. God is the source of all life, and when you seek Him, you will find Him, and the result will be everlasting life.

Are there areas in your life that need to be resurrected? Are there things that you’ve put on the back burner that you need to revive again? Do you need hope or faith for something today?

Today, seek God and allow Him to breathe His life into you. Seek Him with your dreams; seek Him with your plans. Seek Him in all things, and you will find His abundant life, and everything you set your hand to will prosper in Jesus’ name.

“”¦Seek me and live.” 

(Amos 5:4, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for giving me abundant life, both now and in eternity. God, I don’t want to just survive, I want to live a powerful, happy and excited life. So God, I give You my dreams and my plans, resurrect them and make them live. I humbly seek You today, giving You all that I am. I ask for Your hand of blessing and guidance in everything I do. In Jesus’ name! Amen.

Posted on

Faith and Love Intimately Connected: What does it mean to love Jesus?

Have you ever been in love? Did you know there is tremendous power in love? It will make you do things you wouldn’t ordinarily do. In the same way that a tree will grow taller and stronger when its roots grow deep, you’ll be stronger and have more of God’s power operating in your life when you are rooted in love.

Faith works best when rooted in love. 1 Corinthians 13 gives us a picture of what that looks like. Among other things, love is patient and kind. It does not seek its own way. It is not jealous or boastful or proud. It goes on to say that love works alongside faith.

Today, choose love instead of choosing your own thinking. When you do, you are showing that God is first place in your life. You are establishing yourself in His love. Let it be firm within you. Let love build security in you, and empower you to live in victory and kindness in every area of your life!

“”¦that you, being rooted and grounded in love”¦” 

(Ephesians 3:17, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I come to You today, and invite You to take control of my heart and mind. Father, show me how to love the way You love, so that I can be rooted in God-given love, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

I’m Still Learning. When To Be Silent In 20 Situations

I found this somewhere and it made me think.

The Bible says;

1. Be silent In the heat of anger — (Prov 14:17)

2. Be silent When you don’t have all the facts — (Prov 18:13)

3. Be silent When you haven’t verified the story — (Deut 17:6)

4. Be silent If your words will offend a weaker person — (1 Cor 8:11)

5. Be silent When it is time to listen — (Prov 13:1)

6. Be silent When you are tempted to make light of holy things — (Eccl 5:2)

7. Be silent When you are tempted to joke about sin — (Prov 14:9)

8. Be silent If you would be ashamed of your words later — (Prov 8:8)

9. Be silent If your words would convey the wrong impression — (Prov 17:27)

10. Be silent If the issue is none of your business — (Prov 14:10)

11. Be silent When you are tempted to tell an outright lie — (Prov 4:24)

12. Be silent If your words will damage someone else’s reputation — (Pro 16:27)

13. Be silent If your words will damage a friendship — (Prov 16:28)

14. Be silent When you are feeling critical — (James 3:9)

15. Be silent If you can’t say it without screaming it — (Prov 25:28)

16. Be silent If your words will be a poor reflection of the Lord or your friends and family — (1 Pt 2:21-23)

17. Be silent If you may have to eat your words later — (Prov 18:21)

18. Be silent If you have already said it more than one time — (Prov 19:13)

19. Be silent When you are tempted to flatter a wicked person — (Prov 24:24)

20. Be silent When you are supposed to be working instead — (Prov 14:23)

“WHOEVER GUARDS HIS MOUTH AND TONGUE KEEPS HIS SOUL FROM TROUBLES”

(Prov 21:23).

May the grace of the Lord grant you & me understanding.

Posted on

Finding God in Each Day

While teaching RE last week at school to my GCSE students, the text books reminded us that before the foundation of the world, God laid out a plan for your life. He created you on purpose, with a purpose and for a purpose. He created you to be successful! He has moments already laid out that are going to come across your path. These moments are not ordinary. They have supernatural consequences. They are destiny-altering moments. They are designed to thrust you forward in your life.

The Bible tells us in the book of Ecclesiastes, that time and chance come together for every person. That means you will have opportunities to meet the right people, opportunities to advance in your career, and opportunities to fulfil your dreams and visions. So stay focused, stay in faith and not fear, stay in expectation. Stay in God’s Word and His will, and praise God in advance. God has already prepared for you times of increase, promotion and blessing.

Today, open your eyes of faith and see the good things God has in store for your future. Thank Him for what He’s doing and what He’s about to do. Thank Him for divine connections and moments that God has prepared for your success. He is ready and willing to fulfil every dream and desire He’s placed within your heart!

“”¦time and chance happen to them all.”

(Ecclesiastes 9:11, AMPC)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for those special moments and divine opportunities in my life. Father, I know You are working on my behalf no matter what the circumstances look like. God, I choose today to stay focused, stay in faith not fear, stay in expectation and stay in Your Word and Your will. I praise You in advance of my increase, promotion and blessings, knowing that You are a rewarder of those who diligently seek after You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

 

As seen on