Tag: faithbased

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Let Go Of Anger Before As You Sleep

My Anger and Need for Control Was Killing My Marriage (And My Faith)

Scripture reminds us that the Lord longs to pour out blessings on us even while we are sleeping! During these difficult times, many people struggle with sleeping at night. They stay awake or get poor sleep because they are constantly focused on their problems and worrying about tomorrow. But that’s not God’s plan! He wants you to enjoy your sleep as a time of blessing and refreshing. Understand that God has His hand on your life even in the midnight hour. He wants to speak to your heart and restore your dreams. He is taking care of those things that concern you.

Today, cast your cares on God and trust Him to work out every detail of your life, you’ll be able to enjoy that sweet sleep that He has promised even in these hard times. Make the decision today to enjoy the blessings of the Lord as you sleep. Say a prayer before you go to bed and cast your cares, worries and stresses on God, let go of anger and wrath and rest in Him.

“…He gives [blessings] to His beloved in sleep.” (Psalm 127:2, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your promise of blessing me as I sleep. Father, I ask that You teach me how to receive Your blessing and refreshing while I sleep. God, I cast my cares worries and stresses on You, trusting that You will work all things for my good. Lord, thank You for watching over me and protecting me each night as I sleep, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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How To Make Most Of The New Year

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Many people give advice on how to make the most of the New Year. They may suggest a new diet, a new exercise routine, new learning programs, new money management, or new relationships, but there is something else we should consider. Something that includes all those areas of our lives and more.

God’s word! Read your Bible. It’s as simple as that.

The goal isn’t just to read some verses and walk back into the rest of your life unaffected. The goal of reading your Bible should be to know God better and do what He says. How will the Bible change our year?

God communicates His truth and love through the Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). By reading the Bible, we are learning that God came to rescue us and give us what we need for our lives, through purpose and meaningful connections. When we experience the truth revealed in Scripture, we are given the opportunity to change. Since the Bible is full of truth, we have so many things to learn and ways to grow.

Scripture is a powerful tool God can use throughout our lives. Even if you’ve read the Bible for most of your life, there is always more to learn. Each time we open the Bible, God shows us something new and leads us further than we’ve been before.

Today, Jesus wants us to have a better New Year than we want for ourselves. The best way to discover what He has in store for us is to listen to Him and do what He says. That process begins with the instructions He has given us in His Word. As you move forward into this year, walk with Yahweh by reading the Bible and obeying Him. Scripture itself promises that God’s words would not return to Him void but accomplish what He desires (Isaiah 55:8-11).

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, as the dawn breaks on a new year, let us give thanks for all we hold dear: our health, our family and our friends. Father, help us release our grudges, our anger and our pains, for these are nothing but binding chains. Let us spend time daily in your word. Learning to live in the most loving and God-conscious way. Let us serve all who are in need, regardless of race, colour or creed. God may my year be filled with peace, prosperity and love. May blessings shower upon me and bestow upon each of us a bright, healthy and peaceful new year. In Christ’s name, Amen

In Reflection

Do you want to see how much your New Year and your life can be changed by God? Read your Bible and follow Jesus, step by step.

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Wisdom Wednesday

Wisdom Wednesday

Have you ever felt lost, unsafe and disoriented? It can be quite overwhelming. It might even be difficult to admit. I have some good news is you don’t need to worry or fear Jesus is near. He describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who cares so deeply about the one sheep who is lost, in danger and overwhelmed. In fact, his concern is so intense that he will leave the others in pursuit for the one who is lost. And He won’t stop until the one is found, safe and secure in His arms.

His primary concern is to find you. Make you safe and protect you from all harm and danger. And when he finds you He will carry you home where you belong with him. But here’s the thing, he does all this with joy in his heart. He doesn’t ask questions about where you’ve been and how you got there he just wants you to know that you are loved so deeply by Him.

Wherever you are today know that He is concerned about you, he is looking for you, you are loved, safe and protected by Him. – Pastor Sophia Peart

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Prisoners Can Be Set Free Today!

photo of woman raising both hands

To be physically Incarcerated is difficult to deal with. Locked up for hours per day, cut off from loved ones and surrounded by darkness and evil. Do you know that many of us are in prison in our minds? What about you? Are you in an emotional prison? If you are holding unforgiveness or bitterness toward someone who has wronged you — whether it was five,  

ten or thirty years ago — that is an emotional prison. 

Today ask God to give you the strength to break out of that prison. God’s promises that if you’ll move away from that prison of unforgiveness and negativity. He will make you a prisoner of hope, He will restore to you double for your trouble! That means if someone wrongs you, instead of getting negative and bitter, your attitude will be, “they just did me a favour. They just qualified me for double!” That’s the attitude of a prisoner of hope. 

Today, lock into an attitude of victory that says, “I won’t be defeated! Things may look impossible, but I know God can do the impossible. I may have been treated wrongly, but I’m not worried. I know God is my vindicator. It may be taking a long time, but in due season, I know I will reap if I just don’t give up. Stay strong and in the place of hope today, knowing that you will come out with double! Hallelujah! 

“Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.” (Zechariah 9:12, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I choose to release those who have wronged me. Father, I refuse to live in an emotional prison, please change my mental location. God, I know You are my vindicator and redeemer. Make me a prisoner of hope and I receive Your promise today that You will give me back double for all my trouble, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Pain Or Misery  

man in blue and brown plaid dress shirt touching his hair

Today’s verse, found in James 1:2, is interesting because it has the phrase “when” instead of “if.” You see, some people think that life is going to be all roses and sunlight. But if I told you that, I would be speaking from a closed Bible. 

Whether you are a Christian or not, life guarantees one thing – difficulty. Someone once wrote, “Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional.” There will be trials, oppression, and misunderstandings. And even when you become a Christian, you do not become immune to these things. Trials are a part of life, but how Christians behave or think in response to these circumstances, is what determines misery.  

Today, reflect on the following. 

How are you responding this week to the difficulties in your life?  

Are you thankful for the opportunity to learn patience?  

Are you resentful for every hardship life has given you? 

You can tell the amount of faith in a Christian, by how much it takes to stop them serving God. Today remember “Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional.” Make your choice…  

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”James 1:2-3 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, You are our loving Creator who has instilled us with purpose. Lord, even though I stand in the promises contained in Your Word, I still have struggles I’m going through, which I am in desperate need of Your strength to overcome. Father, give me a resolute faith that endures all trials. That though I may bend under the weight, I will never break. God, give me faith that moves mountains and believes that You will give me what is best. Please give me divine focus so I won’t choose misery. I ask this in Christ’s name. Amen. 

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Don’t Let It Expire 

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 them, you will surely lose them! The same is true with the Word of God. No, the Word doesn’t ever expire, but we must act and use His Word 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’s name! Amen. 

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Control Your Tongue

I believe every word we speak has power. Have you ever said things you wish you could take back? Our words determine the direction of our lives. The Bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue.

There’s no neutral ground. We are either sowing seeds of life and productivity with our words, or we are sowing seeds of ruin and destruction with our words. This is a good day to take inventory of your words and make the decision to sow only good seeds with your words.

Today, speak God’s Word over your own life and the lives of those around you. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you to consider every word before you say it. Make the decision today that your words will bring glory to the Lord. As you guard your mouth, you will “keep” your life. You’ll see an increase in every area and enjoy the blessings God has in store for you!

“He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 13:3, AMP)

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I give this day to You. I give You my every thought, I give You every word and action. Spirit, help me to live a life pleasing to God in every way. Please help me speak words of blessing to edify those around me. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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The State of the Union 

Each year the President delivers to Congress the annual State of the Union Message and across America governors of their respective states deliver their State of the State messages to the various legislatures. Its purpose is to summarize the status of various things throughout the land and to make a change, for the chief executive to suggest legislative action…  

I sat and watched the president give his state of the union message not too long ago. He started by saying that the state of our union is strong. He cited several achievements during his administration and glossed over several storms.  

Today, what it would be like if God had come to the podium and delivered His state of the union message. I’ll bet he wouldn’t hold anything back or not tell it like it is. 

I wonder what he would single out first. Perhaps he would talk about the rampant proliferation of pornography. Certainly, he would mention rampant sexual immorality. Maybe he would remind us that we are about to enter a post-Christian era as we have turned our back on Him. He would give reference to tolerance ‘which says we must tolerate the beliefs of others and not thrust ours upon them. He would challenge us to be bold in speaking of our faith. He would talk about a watered down feel good’ theology and modern preaching that de-emphasizes the salvation message. He might remind us that we seem to have forgotten Him while focusing our attention on ourselves and our hedonistic pleasures. Maybe He would talk about sexual disorientation rampant across our land. He would paint a grim prognosis for the land if its people do not return to him. Certainly, He would quote from Revelation. 

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, there are many opponents to Christians in the world today. Father, help me to have a healthy spiritual state and keep in the forefront of my mind that I am in a war, not against flesh and blood, but against the evil powers of the spiritual realm. Please God Embolden me to be a formidable soldier for You and join in the battle to fight for You. Clothe me in the Armor of God and energize my spirit. Make me bold. Make me strong. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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Make Me A Giver

You Should Never Give up on Your Dreams

Today as I prepare to start my day, I am reminded of what Paul said in 2 Corinthians, “I want you to excel in the gracious ministry of giving.” He could have said, “I want you to excel in business, excel in sports, excel in medicine.” That’s all good. But he said, “What I want you to really be great at, what I want you to excel in is giving.” What a challenge from Paul to us. 

Today I’ve made up my mind I’m going to live my life as a giver. If you get around me, I better warn you, you’re going to get blessed – not with finances necessarily – but I will study ways that I can be good to you. I’m going to encourage you. I’m going to uplift you. I’m going to be good to your children. I’m going to pray your dreams come true. When I come to the end of my life, I don’t only want to be remembered for, “Ray was a good speaker, he wrote some nice books. He travelled the world.” No, I want to be remembered as a giver. “Ray made my life better. Ray brightened my day. Ray was good to me.” Hallelujah! 

Today, and throughout 2022, let your desire also be to leave people better off than when you met them. Excel in the grace of giving and glorify God in all you do! Give and it will come back to you! 

“But since you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for empowering me to do good to others. Help me to be a good person to all those I meet. Father, I give You my selfishness and pride.  Please show me ways that I can be a blessing to others and honour You in all that I do. God, if my life were to come to end, may I not be known for the secular achievements of men, but as a giver. Someone who excelled in caring, encouraging, uplifting, and making dreams come true. In Christ’s name. Amen. 

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Live Like A Tree

The Tree of Life

Living in California I saw all kinds of trees. Large trees represent power, majesty, and stability. I also noticed the difference between a tree planted by the water and a tree far away from water? The tree next to the water was much healthier and more vibrant. Its fruit and blossoms were the most beautiful.

In the same way, when you are “planted” in the Word of God, your spirit is fed and you grow strong, just like the tree by the water. You’ll bring forth fruit at the proper season. In other words, you’ll be in the right place at the right time. You’ll be productive and fruitful. But notice the end of today’s verse. It says that whatever you do will prosper!

Today, do you want to prosper in your relationships? Seek God’s Word regarding relationships. Do you want to prosper in your health? Seek God’s Word about healing. Do you want to prosper in your finances? Seek God’s Word regarding finances. Make sure your heart and mind are planted in the Word of God. Let Him illuminate your heart with truth. Let Him wash over you with His promises. Seek Him, trust Him and obey Him, and everything you do will prosper in Jesus’ Name!

“He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:3, NASB)

Let’s PrayYahweh, I love You so much. Father, thank You for Your Word which is truth and water to my soul. God, make me like a strong tree planted and rooted in Your Word. Search me, know me, and guide me in the way that I should go, as I stay focused on You and planted in Your Word, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Sad Movies Always Make Me Cry

Wife Asked Hubby to Go on a Date With Another Woman, It Changed His Life Forever

Many of us know Psalm 23, the most well-known of David’s songs, written early in his life. But his first recorded song is this lament and tears in 2 Samuel 1. It is the heart cry of David over King Saul and David’s best friend, his son Jonathan, who died in a battle with the enemy, the Philistines. 

Growing up there was an old song that said, “Sad movies always make me cry.” The effects of sin and evil had the same impact on David’s life in 2 Samuel 3:33-34. We find another sad song of David, a lament over the death of his friend Abner. Such songs help us learn to keep talking with God, even though our lives may be falling apart, and we feel as if God has abandoned us. They remind us that although our lives are constantly threatened by sickness, pain, and death, God has promised victory through the life, death, and the resurrection of Yahshua.  

Today, it is good to know that in times of chaos, distress, and sadness, God hears us, and in His time, he will set our wrongs right again. Until then, we need to cling to his Word and the many promises it contains. We need to ­listen to God’s words of assurance: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” When evil Seeks to overtake you, cry if you must but know that Joy comes in the morning. Hallelujah!   

David took up this lament concerning Saul and his son Jonathan. — 2 Samuel 1:17 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for your reassuring promises. Father, there are many times in my life when I feel as if the world has collapsed all around me. God thank you for being there and not turning away, keeping your promise that “you will never turn away from my heartfelt cries”. Thank you for sending your Spirit to be our constant comfort in distress, 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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Are You Ready For The Next Challenge?

Photo by Mukuko Studio on Unsplash

Caleb had helped lead the children of Israel into their Promised Land. But Caleb didn’t just stop there. In fact, when he was 80 years old he said, “God, give me another mountain.” He was saying, “God, give me something else to do. Give me another assignment.”  

He was planning on ending his life in victory. He could have said, “God, just let me retire. My back’s hurting. I can hardly see anymore. NHS won’t pay for that latest prescription. I’m so aggravated with life.” Instead, he was saying I’m strong, energetic, and excited; he was ready for another challenge. 

Today, no matter how old or how young you are, God has another assignment for you. You wouldn’t be here if God didn’t have a purpose for you. Make plans for another victory! Make plans to increase in influence, abundance, and favour. Choose to take a step of faith into the life of blessing God has in store for you! 

“Now, therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day…” (Joshua 14:12, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for creating me and giving my life purpose. Father, help me discover the gifts and talents You’ve placed within me so that I can use them for Your glory all the days of my life. God, thank You for the next victory You have in store for me, in Christ’s name! Amen. 

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A Morning Of Hope

In Uncertain Times Christ's Death and Resurrection Offer Comfort and Hope

David was called a man after God’s own heart. He knew God and saw amazing miracles in his life. Notice what David did. He set the tone for his whole day by spending time with the Lord in the morning.  

It didn’t matter what was going on in his life, David had his priorities set. Even though he was mistreated by his family, manipulated, made fun of, hunted down by King Saul, and even made some major mistakes of his own, David realised that each morning held the promise of new hope. 

Today, if you’ll make spending time with God a priority in your life, you will see Him move mightily on your behalf. Make it a habit to seek Him first every single day no matter what. Set the tone for your day and set your course for victory! 

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I choose to put You first in everything that I do. Father, I choose to set the tone for my day by starting it with You. God, please draw me close to You, and empower me by Your Spirit to fulfill the dreams and destiny that You have placed within me. Each morning Lord, I live in hope of blessings, miracles and joy, in Christ’ name! Amen. 

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At Just The Right Time

God! I have fasted and prayed but still no answer. Why is it taking so long? This was my conversation with God. Are you praying for something that’s taking longer than you thought or expected? No matter how long you may have been standing on God’s promises, don’t give up! Your season is coming. Your harvest of blessing is on its way. It might be today, it might be tomorrow, it might be next week, next month or next year; but remember, at just the right time, you will experience your breakthrough. Hallelujah! 

Be encouraged because God is faithful, and His promises are true. Keep standing, keep hoping, keep believing. Keep doing good. Keep declaring the promises of God over your life. 

Today, choose to be around people who are going to encourage you. Make sure you fill your heart and mind with God’s Word. Let a song of praise come out of your mouth. Press on in faith because at just the right time, your harvest of blessing will come! Because God cares. 

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for caring, refreshing and renewing my heart. Fill me with Your peace; fill me with Your strength. Help me not to get weary as I wait for my blessing, trusting that Your timing is best. Teach me to do good and stand firm, until I see my harvest of blessing, in Christ’ name! Amen. 

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Live Forward

Photo by Mukuko Studio on Unsplash

Have you made the decision to forget the past? Many people don’t fully understand what that means. They wonder, “How can I forget something that’s happened to me?” But one definition of the word forget is to disregard intentionally or to overlook. In other words, you have to choose to disregard your past so that it doesn’t keep you from moving forward. That means the good and the bad. Sometimes our past victories keep us from rising higher as much as past failures. If we don’t let go of the old, we’ll never be able to embrace the new. 

Today it doesn’t matter what’s happened in your history, it’s time to forget what lies behind. Make the choice live forward. Trust that God has a better future in store for you. Trust that He’s working behind the scenes on your behalf. As you forget what lies behind and press forward, you’ll move forward. You’ll see increase and blessing and live the abundant life He has in store for you! 

“…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead”

(Philippians 3:13, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I choose to forget the past. I don’t want anything to hold me back from what You have in store for my future. I choose forgiveness. I choose peace. Help me, by Your Spirit, to press forward into the life of blessing You have for me in Christ’ name. Amen. 

 

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