Tag: faithful

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Your Blessing Is On It’s Way

Sometimes it seems like God is taking a very long time to answer your prayers. Many times, people can miss God’s best, simply because they give up before they see their blessing come. Don’t let that be you! Be encouraged today, your answer is closer than you think. If it seems like things are getting more difficult, remember, when the intensity heats up, that means you are closer to your victory. It always seems darkest just before the dawn.

Remember God is faithful and He’s working on your behalf. Don’t cast away your confidence today, because your reward is coming. Just like a new mother forgets about her labor pain once she is finally holding her newborn, you’ll forget about your struggle when you are holding on to your promise.

Today, while you are waiting on God, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Wake up every morning and say out loud, “I’ve come too far to give up now. My blessing  is coming. I will reap my harvest”. Stay in faith and look for His hand of blessing, because He has promised you victory and it’s closer than you think!

“Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.”(Hebrews 10:35, NKJV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I stand believing that You are working things out for me. God, give me Your strength to stand in faith until I see every promise You have for me, fulfilled in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Living With Integrity

Integrity is something that seems to have disappeared from our society, yet it is such a powerful attribute in the life of the believer. Integrity means that you are dependable. You are a person of your word. You are consistent and honest.

You may say, “Oh, I’m a pretty good person”, “I do the right thing most of the time…” But understand, it’s the little foxes that spoil the vine. Don’t allow the little things to keep you from your destiny; choose integrity — even when no one is looking. For instance, you might need some paper at home, but you shouldn’t take supplies from the office. Or you might be running into a store for just a minute, but don’t park in the handicap parking spot unless you’re supposed to. If the checkout clerk makes a mistake and gives you too much money back, that’s not God’s provision, that’s a test of integrity!

Today remember, if you’ll be faithful and choose integrity in the little things, God will make you ruler over much. Don’t forget, “what goes around comes around.” Be a person of integrity and open the door for God’s blessing and honour all the days of your life!

“The Lord judges the people; judge me, O Lord, and do me justice according to my righteousness [my rightness, justice, and right standing with You] and according to the integrity that is in me” (Psalm 7:8, AMP).

 Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I commit to living a life of integrity in every area of my life. God, I choose Your life of excellence and ask for Your hand of favour. Father, make me a person of integrity; dependable, consistent, honest and a person of my word. Show me any area that is not pleasing to You so that I can continue to grow and increase in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Victory

Are you aware God has put a promise inside each one of us? We often must go through the wilderness before reaching our promised land. Oftentimes, like Joseph, we feel like we are in a pit long before we ever see the palace. Maybe you’re in a season right now where you don’t see anything happening. You think, “I’ve been praying and believing for a year, five years, ten years. It’s never going to work out”.

Scripture says the eyes of the Lord search to and fro to find someone who will be faithful on His behalf. Be the person He finds faithful. Keep believing, keep praying, keep obeying and stay the course.

Today be encouraged. You may be tired, discouraged, and frustrated, but don’t give up on your future. Stay on the high road. Our God is a faithful God. It may be taking a long time, but what He started He will finish in your life. He will lead you into victory!

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ ” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for leading and guiding me in paths of righteousness. Father, I choose to trust even when I don’t understand. God, I believe that You are working behind the scenes for my good. I will stay the course knowing that You have blessing and victory in store for me in Christ’s name, Amen.

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Christ Our Hope In 2024 

It’s a New Year, and we look forward in hope to a year filled with potential, but we also know there is uncertainty. A review of 2023 reminds us of the changes a year can bring. Some good, some very painful. What will happen in 2024? 

We opened December asking, “What is the source of our hope?” And through Scripture, we have seen God in Jesus, meeting our deepest needs. Now in this New Year, we look once again to Jesus the Saviour who has come and who now reigns in heaven until the day he will return. 

Words can only begin to describe the power and glory of our ascended Saviour. He is the Lord of life. John describes Him as standing in long flowing robes. Long robes were worn by royalty, or at times of celebration. They were a sign of victory, security, and work completed. A person fleeing danger, or a worker could not be encumbered with a long robe, but Christ stands in flowing robes. 

Today there is no threat to God’s kingdom; His redemptive work is fully accomplished. Children of this victorious King have eternal security. As we enter the New Year, may we all declare, “My only comfort in life and death is that I belong to my faithful Saviour, Yahshua the Messiah!” 

No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame. (Psalm 25:3).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, In a world of uncertainty, I thank you, for the comfort, hope, and peace I have because I belong to you. Father, thank you for being my security and allowing me to share in your victory. In Christ name, Amen. 

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When Plans Fail 

man in black shirt and gray denim pants sitting on gray padded bench

What do you do when your plans fall apart? Where do you turn? Who do you run to for answers?  

In my life, I’ve had many plans fail. What about you? Have you ever had your plans fail? Have you ever made plans and had them changed on you at the last second? Have you ever planned something to work out one way, but it went the total opposite way? 

In scripture, Proverbs 21:30-31 says, “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” When our plans fail, we can have hope because our God never fails. 

There is nothing wrong with planning and preparing in life. However, our plans are always subject to change. Solomon also tells us, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” If we are faithful no matter what happens in our lives, God’s purpose for us always comes through. 

Today, our heavenly Father wants what is best for us. We serve a great God who gives good gifts to His children. He loves us so much that He promises us an abundant life. So, we can trust that His plans are better than ours. And even when it feels like everything is going wrong, He is using those circumstances to bring us to where He wants us to go. So next time your plans fail, take hope in the truth that God’s purpose for your life will prevail. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for another year to serve you and be your hands and feet. I’ve made my plans for this year and now I lay them at your feet because you know best. 

If these are the things you want me to do, I pray that you’ll give me the energy, focus and discipline to get them done. God, I’ll trust you for the outcomes. Father, if you have other plans for me, change mine, rearrange them and blow mine up. I put my confidence in you. Your will, not mine. In Christ’s name Amen. 

In Reflection: 

When was a time your plans failed, but you eventually saw that where God was taking you was better than where you planned to go? 

How can remembering that give you hope the next time you see your plans start to fail? 

What is one way you can seek God when making your plans, so they more closely align with His plans for you? 

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Have You Ever Been Bullied? Pt4? ?

multiethnic male students gossiping about sad crying woman

Have there been people in your life that have caused you trouble? Like the youth say, “they just keep getting in your face.” In the Bible, Hezekiah was faced with enemies coming against him, causing him trouble, trying to keep him from his destiny. But Hezekiah didn’t get upset. He just kept abiding, kept being faithful and putting God first. In 2 Kings 19, God said, “Hezekiah, I Myself will come against this enemy. He will receive word that he is needed at home, and I will cause him to want to return and he will be defeated.” 

Today, when you abide in God, He says, “I will come against your enemies. I will come against that sickness. I will come against those who oppose you.” It says God is the one who caused Hezekiah’s enemy to turn around. That means God can cause that unfair boss to take early retirement. God can cause that neighbour that’s giving you so much trouble, to decide to pack up and move. God can cause that classmate to be transferred to another school. 

Today no matter what’s coming against you, keep abiding in God. Put His Word first place in your life. Honour Him in all that you do. Let Him fight your battles and bring you into the land of victory He has prepared for you! 

“With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles…” (2 Chronicles 32:8, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I bless You and praise You today because You are good! Father, thank You for Your good and precious promises. I submit my ways to You, and vow to abide in You no matter what… I surrender my will to You, knowing that You are working in my life. God, thank You for fighting my battles as I keep myself in covenant with You, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Living with Integrity

You Are Equipped

Living with Integrity 

Integrity is something that seems to have disappeared from our society, yet it is such a powerful attribute in the life of the believer. Integrity means that you are dependable. You are a person of your word. You are consistent and honest. 

You may say, “Oh, I’m a pretty good person”, “I do the right thing most of the time…” But understand, it’s the little foxes that spoil the vine. Don’t allow the little things to keep you from your destiny; choose integrity — even when no one is looking. For instance, you might need some paper at home, but you shouldn’t take supplies from the office. Or you might be running into a store for just a minute, but don’t park in the handicap parking spot unless you’re supposed to. If the checkout clerk makes a mistake and gives you too much money back, that’s not God’s provision, that’s a test of integrity! 

Today remember, if you’ll be faithful and choose integrity in the little things, God will make you ruler over much. Don’t forget, “what goes around comes around.” Be a person of integrity and open the door for God’s blessing and honour all the days of your life! 

“The Lord judges the people; judge me, O Lord, and do me justice according to my righteousness [my rightness, justice, and right standing with You] and according to the integrity that is in me” (Psalm 7:8, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I commit to living a life of integrity in every area of my life. God, I choose Your life of excellence and ask for Your hand of favour. Father, make me a person of integrity; dependable, consistent, honest and a person of my word. Show me any area that is not pleasing to You so that I can continue to grow and increase in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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God Calls Me Friend 

four men sitting on ground

Did you know that the all-Knowing, all-Powerful Creator of the universe wants to be your friend today? He wants to walk with you, talk with you and simply share life with you. That’s why He created you, for His fellowship and your worship. It’s as simple as opening your heart of faith to Him just like Abraham did. 

The Bible says that God is a friend who sticks closer than a brother or anyone else. That means He is faithful and true. People may let you down, but God will never let you down. Family may forsake you but God won’t. He will never leave you. He will never forsake you. He’ll always be with you. He cares about you; He is always thinking of you. 

Today it’s an honour and privilege to be called a friend of God! Let that sink down into your heart. The next time the enemy tries to tell you that you are alone in this world, or that no one understands what you are going through, just say out loud, “I am a friend of God!” 

“And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.” (James 2:23, NIV) 

Let’s PrayYahweh, thank You for being my eternal friend today. Father, thank You for loving me and being faithful to me. God, help me understand Your friendship so that I can be a better friend to you and those around me in Christ’s name, Amen.

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Oh God I Need A Fresh Start

a woman getting ready to run

Do you need a fresh start? Even as believers and ministers in Christ, we’ve all sinned, made mistakes and made some wrong choices. The Bible says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But the good news is that we don’t have to stay separated from God in our sin. God wants us to come to Him so He can forgive us, cleanse us and give us a fresh start.

No matter what happened yesterday, last week, last year or even five minutes ago, God is waiting for you with open arms. Don’t let the enemy or people condemn you and lie to you this year. God is not mad at you. He loves you more than you know and longs to restore everything in your life.


Today, I admonish you to confess your sins to God, and allow Him to cleanse you and give you a fresh start. Choose to forgive others so that you can receive God’s forgiveness. Ask the Holy Spirit to keep you close so that you can live a life pleasing to Him. As you draw close to God, He will draw close to you, and show you His great love and blessings all the days of your life! Hallelujah!

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, ESV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for receiving me just as I am, with all my deliberate sins, faults, mistakes, and bad habits. Father, I cry out in confession of my sins to You, and ask You to cleanse me. Please help me make a fresh start today. I choose to forgive others so that You can forgive me. God, keep me close to You in this coming year, so that I can live a life that is pleasing to You. Thank You for not condemning me and for setting me free, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Don’t Worry Be Happy…? ?

photo of woman sitting on stairs

Have you heard the popular song, “Don’t worry, be happy” or the phrase “don’t worry it’s really not that bad – everything will get better.” Are these words of encouragement or could this be denial of the pain and reality, the stifling down of emotions? 

Thinking about these responses got me wandering. John had just experienced the earth-shattering, heaven-opening baptism of Jesus. He was blessed with the task of heralding the coming Kingdom – yet was thrown into prison. Jesus’ ministry and the fulfilment of all John the Baptist’ dreams of the coming Messiah had occurred. But we go on to read that immediately after hearing His Father’s affirmation, Jesus is sent by the very same Spirit into the wilderness of temptation and suffering. 

Jesus and John were faithful and knew the writings of the bible. In prison and in the wilderness, two places of real suffering,  both men recalled the words “Do not fear; I will help you”. God did not rescue Jesus from the temptations of the Evil One. He gave Him the power to resist. God did not open Herod’s prison doors so John could escape and continue ministry. Instead, the Tetrarch Herod ordered John’s head to be presented on a platter for the cruel enjoyment of his guests. 

Just as John and Jesus, it is in all places; the Jordan River, at home, in the wilderness, on our jobs or in the prisons, that we hear the words “Do not fear; I will help you.” As the Apostle Paul described it, it is in every circumstance and in everything, we are to “make our request known to God.” He goes on to say, “God’s peace shall be yours”, that tranquil state of mind through Christ Jesus. Our real God comes in the midst of real pain. 

“…at once the Spirit sent Him (Jesus) out into the wilderness…” Mark 1:12 

“(Herod) locked John up in prison.”  Luke 3:20 

“I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you.”  Isaiah 41:13 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You that even when all others leave and abandon me, You remain.  

Thank You that even when the ones I thought would be around forever choose to go, I can trust that you will stand with me. Father, I come to You with my cares and my worries concerning this trial I am facing.  Would You remind me that I am not alone? Would You tell me that you care about this and its outcome? Father, I thank You for standing with me, and I receive your strength to stand another day. Thank you that I can trust you to rescue me from this and every trial I will face in this life. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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Compromise A Dangerous Road 

Small compromises can easily grow and before you realise it, you’re compromising in bigger areas too. Do you lie to look better than others? Perhaps you decide to go to a party that you know your parents wouldn’t approve of. Are you dating the guy that looks cute, but who you know isn’t a good influence? Each day these small decisions that you make set the tone and direction for your life. 

If left unchecked, small compromises will eventually lead you down a path that you never intended. It can be easy to begin to compromise. Many times, you don’t even realise that you’ve compromised in an area. Compromises can happen in big areas of your life, but they also happen in the smaller ones too. 

Usually, compromise happens in small things. Small choices have gotten you to where you are at so far. Ask yourself the question, do you like the person you’ve become? Do you make godly choices even in the small things? Have you begun to compromise your beliefs? 

Today, the good news is that if you have been compromising, Jesus offers us forgiveness and a fresh start. You can stop compromising and begin living a life full of character.

The Bible says “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from everything we’ve done wrong. – 1 Jn 1:9 (CEB).  

To break free from compromise you’ve got to really get into God. Start by reflecting and confessing today! 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, forgive me for compromising and dropping my spiritual standards. Father, help me to make the right choices so I don’t jeopardise my relationship with You, my colleagues, and others around me in Christ’s name Amen!

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When Memories Are Painful  

Are you ok? Painful memories? Is everything in your life good right now, or are you suffering?  I can relate. 

Life can be painful sometimes. We all wish we could have seventy years of goodness, but that isn’t real life. Throughout my life, God has taught me valuable lessons regarding painful memories that I would like to share with you. God is faithful and will walk with us each step of the journey. He will never leave us or forsake us, and His grace and strength are always sufficient. Although some days you may doubt it. 

Another lesson is that, even though we may have forgiven ourselves and others, painful memories can tend to keep coming back. I asked God how I could stop the memories from coming back. He reminded me of today’s verse in Philippians 3:10. I should thank God for the experience, every time it pops up in my mind. As bad as it may be, He reminds me that I have the privilege of feeling a little of Christ’s suffering. 

Today when I look at my experiences from God’s perspective, suffering is a privilege. So, I may get to know Him more deeply. I would not have chosen some of the deep valleys I have gone through, but now I am thankful for them. Jesus, our Master, and Friend said we could expect trouble when we follow Him. We shouldn’t be surprised! But He is there with us, feeling our pain, strengthening us, loving us, and giving us grace and wisdom. 

“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering” Philippians 3:10 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I want to know You better even in my suffering. Father thank You for reminding me about the “fellowship of Your suffering.” God, today I thank You for the painful times in life and for walking with me each step of the way. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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God is Faithful 

Are you confident today that God is always faithful? That He is exactly who He says He is? Aren’t you glad He doesn’t change His mind or forget about His promises? Friends or family may let you down or even betray you. But not God. He is faithful not only to you but to all His children. Check out these scriptures: 

Do you lack confidence today? The Bible says, 

“Faithful is he that called you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). 

Are you fearful about something? He said, 

“I hem you in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me” 

(Psalm 139:5). He is watching over you – behind, in front and overhead. 

Are you facing an impossible task? Pray and discuss it with Him. 

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). 

Have you messed up? Feel guilty? 

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). He will cleanse you – make you completely pure. 

Do you want to be more faithful to those you love? You can. Daily ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and direct you. 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is…faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22-23). 

The Holy Spirit will produce faithfulness in you. 

Today I look back to when I was a young man, I believed in God was a churchgoer, but I did not know that I was created to glorify God and to enjoy Him. I learned that to experience a full and meaningful life, I needed to yield the control of my life to God, and then I could experience His love and power moment by moment.  

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God”   Psalm 145:13b 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I need You. I acknowledge that I have been directing my life, I have sinned against You. Father, I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ’s death on the cross. Lord, please take your place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I now thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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Wisdom Wednesday: Be honest…

How Can You Trust Christianity Is True When There Are So Many Unanswered Questions?

When you work, do you always give 100%? Or do you just want to get it and get out? In this text, we are reminded of the temptation to work just as hard as we have to, thinking we only have to please a man. However, a Christian who is a dishonest, lazy, or unreliable worker doesn’t just have to deal with a reprimand from his earthly supervisor. His heavenly supervisor may prepare a reprimand as well.

As Christian employees, we have the highest of all motives for faithful and conscientious performance of our work. Why? Above all else, we are servants of Christ and work first and foremost to please him.

Ultimately, God wants every worker to see that they work for Him. A change of motive. Therefore, they should do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. For that God promises to reward those who work with that kind of heart.

– Pastor Sophia Peart

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Waiting  

Waiting is hard because we don’t know what the answer will be. Neither do we know when the answer will come. Our Christian walk of faith is often a journey of waiting and waiting, which we don’t always do with much patience, but I am learning.  

We know that God has the answer and can turn our waiting into trust. As a result, faith renews our strength to wait, we will do a great deal of waiting on our faith journey. Everything we do, we do by faith. As faith is enabling us to trust and wait, it is also building more faith to help us wait on Him for the results, which may be a long time coming; and yet, faith is required day by day. 

Today, our journey isn’t necessarily about the result, but how we endure the unknown. Will we trust God to renew our strength and move us out of the place of discouragement to a place of peace and hope again? In my experience, when I call out to Him with my discouraged heart, He is always faithful to lift me again; then I can rest once again in knowing He is in control. The choice to trust will help us wait. A deeper faith is the result of bravely waiting on the Lord. 

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I pray the Psalmist’s words to you, “I wait for you Lord, my soul waits, and in your word, I hope” (Ps 130:5). Father, help me to remain faithful in this place of waiting. Help me to serve you and live for you at this crossroad of my life. Help me to wait as long as it takes. I put my total trust in you. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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Faith Through Adversity 

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

It doesn’t seem fair, does it? Paul spent his life serving Christ, and yet he experienced continual suffering. Why would God let one of His most faithful servants go through so much pain? This isn’t just a question about Paul; it’s an issue we face today. In our minds, the Lord should protect His loyal followers from hardships, but He doesn’t necessarily do so. 

Maybe our reasoning is backwards. We think faithful Christians don’t deserve to suffer, but from God’s perspective, suffering is what produces faithful Christians. If we all had lives of ease without opposition, trials, or pain, we’d never really know God, because we’d believe that we would never really need Him. 

Depending on your response, trials can be God’s greatest means of building faith or an avenue to discouragement and self-pity. If you’ll believe what Scripture says and apply its principles to your situation, your trust in God will grow, and your faith will be strengthened. 

Today Like it or loathe it, adversity teaches us more about the Lord than simply reading the Bible ever will. I’m not saying we don’t need to know Scripture; that’s our foundation. But if what we believe is never tested by adversity, it remains head knowledge. How will we ever know the Lord can be trusted if we’ve never been through hard times? God gives us opportunities to apply scriptural truths to our difficulties, and in the process, we find Him faithful. For example, how would Paul ever have known the strength of Christ if he had never been weakened by pain and persecution? 

“I leave you peace; my peace I give you.” I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

Let’s Pray 

Jehovah my faithful Father, thank you for your great promises. Father, I am thrilled at the reminder of your faithful presence in my life which helps me during difficult times. God, I fully believe that I can entrust my future to you and that you will bring me into your presence with victory and great joy. Thank you, Lord, for giving me this sure and steadfast faith. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen. 

 

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