Dealing With The Unexpected

Dealing With The Unexpected

When you start serving God with your whole heart, don’t be surprised when you find yourself a target for the enemy. If you know you are going into a challenging season, you can get prepared for it. You can make sure you are mentally ready. But what about the difficulties that we don’t see coming? The unexpected crisis that catches you off-guard? Sometimes, it can seem so overwhelming that it almost knocks the wind right out of you, and leaves you at times questioning God. 

According to God’s Word we shouldn’t be surprised by those unexpected fiery trials. That’s because the forces of darkness would not be fighting against you if they didn’t know that God has something amazing in store for your life! Sometimes, those unexpected difficulties are just a sign that you’re on the right track. It’s always darkest just before the dawn. The enemy always fights the hardest when you are closest to your breakthrough. The key is to stay the course and keep fighting the good fight of faith. 

Today, in these difficult times, keep your joy and keep declaring God’s Word over your future. God has promised that you will overcome every obstacle – even the unexpected ones. You will defeat every enemy, and you will embrace the blessing and victory He has in for you! Hallelujah! 

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12–13, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for walking with me in every season of my life. Father, today I cast all of my cares on You. I cast all of my difficulties, all of my questions, and all of my concerns on You. God, teach me how to handle the unexpected fiery trials. Thank You for working all things out for my good, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

God Can Transform Your Mind

10 Scriptures That Remind Us We Are Showered in Grace

What are you thinking? Did you know Your life will move in the direction of your dominant thinking? If you’re constantly down on yourself, thinking you’ll never get ahead, then you won’t. But if you’ll choose to believe that you are an overcomer, that you have victory ahead, that God has good things in store for your future, then that’s what you’ll end up with. 

We must guide our thoughts, it’s so important to make sure our thoughts are the same as God’s Word. Just like your computer or smart phone, whatever you allow into your mind is what will come out in your attitude and actions. The more you meditate on God’s Word, the more you will transform your thinking to be like God’s thinking. 

Today, you must choose to focus on the Word of God. Allow your mind to be renewed and transformed. As you focus on God’s Word, His will and His way, you will become more like Him, and you will see His hand of blessing and favour in your life.  

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”  (Romans 12:2, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

 Yahweh, thank You for the promise of transforming my sinful mind. Father, I submit to You everything I am. I ask that You renew my mind by Your Word, so that my thoughts are Your thoughts. God, please transform me into Your image in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

God Will Rescue You

While in Malawi I came face to face with a lion – albeit a blind one. Most people won’t ever literally come face to face with a hungry lion, but we’ve all been in situations where we feel like we are about to be destroyed. In the Bible we are told Daniel lived a life of excellence and the king kept promoting him and giving him authority, which made the other administrators jealous and angry. They manipulated the king into putting an unfair law in place that Daniel broke. 

Even though Daniel prayed, he still found himself in the den of lions as a punishment. How would you respond in that situation? I’m sure Daniel believed that God would deliver Him. I’m sure he hoped it would be before he was thrown into that den. Have you ever prayed and prayed for something and it looked like things just kept getting worse? Daniel trusted that God would work His supernatural plan for His glory. But he still had to go through the hardship of the lion’s den. 

Today, your friends may have turned on you, or you may feel like you’re in a lion’s den about to be devoured by the trials of life. Don’t be discouraged because God has the final say. Keep believing Him, keep trusting Him. He’s promised to never leave you or forsake you. He’ll shut the mouth of the lions that surround you; He’ll silence your accusers; He’ll stand with you in the fire, and He will lead you into victory in every area of your life. 

“Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” (Daniel 6:20b). 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for being my light in dark times. Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness, and trust that You have a wonderful plan for my life. God, silence those who seek to do me harm, and vindicate Yourself through me. Almighty God, no matter how things seem, I will put my hope and trust in You. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

Life Blessings

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Every time you choose to obey the Word of God, you are choosing blessing. When you put God first in your life; when you walk in love toward others even when it’s difficult, you are choosing blessing. God desires that you live in blessing in every area of your life. He’s given promises in His Word and established a plan for you to live in total victory. He promises to give you the answers, but you have to be the one to decide to obey His voice. You have the final choice, so choose life and blessing! 

Today, turn away from ungodly influences and give to others, then God will pour out His blessing on you in return. Start now and do what you know to do. Obey God’s Word, and His blessing will overtake you! You’ll rise higher and higher and live the abundant life He has for you. 

“…I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live…” (Deuteronomy 30:19, NASB) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your consistent blessings. Father, today I choose life in You and blessing through obeying Your Word. God, Keep me close to You so that I can honour You in all that I say and do, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Keep Going

To My Strong-Willed Child, I See You

Over this past weekend we began the 12 steps to breaking free series. Many of the responses, comments or questions had to do with how to keep going in the midst of constant negativity –  at home, at work and even at church. 

Christ doesn’t want you to settle for negativity and mediocrity in any area of your life! His plan is for you to be victorious and filled with joy each day. No matter what has happened to you in the past, God wants you to pick yourself up and keep going on the path that leads to victory.  

Today, if you look to God, He will renew your strength and help you soar like an eagle. That’s an amazing promise from an amazing God! So, keep waiting, keep pushing, keep running, keep believing, even through the tough times, and you’ll see enormous magnificent blessings come your way. 

“But they that wait upon 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, KJV) 

Let’s Pray 

God, thank You for Your promises in Your Word of strength and endurance, which will come when I wait on You. Father, please do not allow me to get stuck in a rut or give up on my journey with You. In Christ’s Name. Amen. 

Don’t Let Go Of Hope

Ray of Hope

A week ago today, satan thought he had won. Christ was in the grave, the disciple’s were hiding, and many followers of Christ had quit. It’s the same today, during our trials and hopeless situations he wants us to give up and quit so he can have the victory in our lives. But, just like Christ we can overcome him through the almighty power of God!  

Today, remember we still have resurrection miracle working power, which always confuses the enemy. Christ’s power today is the same yesterday, today and forever. No matter what weapon the enemy may throw at you, it cannot penetrate the blood defence that Christ has put around you! Guard your hope, your joy and your victory in Christ, because they are God-given blessings that He wants you to enjoy each day. Hallelujah! 

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10, ESV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for hope, resurrection power and the blood defence of Calvary. Father, please do not allow the enemy to overcome me. Help me to guard my joy, my hope and my victories in Christ, which are gifts from You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

Look back At Your Victories

Looking back at life is not always a good thing as not all our memories are good.  However, today I encourage you to take time to look back and see the victories that God has given you? Are they written down somewhere?  

Scripture suggest It’s so important to meditate on the victory of God in your life everyday, because it helps you to take hold of the fact that God always leads us in triumph! 

Today, are going through a difficult time? Instead of focusing on your problems focus on your God. Say, “Thank You, God, for leading me into victory!” Meditate on God’s faithfulness in the past and keep an attitude of expectancy. Give Him thanks and praise, because He is leading you into victory in every area of your life! Hallelujah! 

“Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph through Christ…” (2 Corinthians 2:14, NASB) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness to me in so many situations. Father, fill me with expectation for what You will do in the future. God, thank You for the assurance of victory, 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.  

He Is Risen The Day After

On the Monday, the day after Christ rose from the grave, “Jesus is Risen” were the words on everyone’s lips. For many, that was a reason to celebrate, not only on that day but every day! Because He is risen, we can rise up too in every area of life. We can have victory over sin and death, and embrace eternal and abundant life! 

The main importance of Christ’s resurrection is it gives mankind a new beginning, and greater hope for the future. When we embrace the resurrection and receive Christ as Lord and Saviour, believing He died for our sins and was raised from the dead, that’s when life begins! Hallelujah! 

Today, know that God loves you and receives you just the way you are. If you need a new beginning, there’s no better time than right now. Call on Him, receive Him by faith and join with us to celebrate His resurrection! 

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” (Matthew 28:6, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I receive the new beginning in my life that Your resurrection brings. Father, thank You for sending Your Son to die on the cruel cross and be raised from the dead, so that I can have abundant life and eternal life. I embrace and accept this new season, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Good Friday

Where Feelings Are Not Facts 

On Good Friday some 2000 years ago Christ was overwhelmed, the pressure of the world was on His shoulders, it was going to be a hard day. He was weak but he had to push through. On good Friday Christ teaches us how to handle being overwhelmed and feeling weak. We all have seasons in life when we feel overwhelmed. When unexpected things happen, we can be tempted to get discouraged. We may feel like we don’t have what it takes, or we may feel weak. Anytime you feel this way, you have to realise that feelings aren’t facts. Hallelujah! 

Today, just like that Friday when Christ was crucified, let’s not forget God has equipped you just like Christ was, and He already has a plan for you to come out of that difficulty. Scripture says, when you feel weak, that’s when God’s strength rises in you. His strength will overcome any opposition you may face. Anytime you feel weak, that’s when God is strong in You! Keep praying, keep believing, keep pressing forward and rise up in the victory He has in store for you! 

“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for going through the pain of good Friday for me, this gives me strength for any adversity I face in this life. Father, I know that with You, I will overcome. God, please help me to keep my heart and mind focused on You as I move forward in victory. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Worship Instead Of Worry

With loved ones dying, funds are low and many job losses, the enemy would love to get you worrying instead of worshipping. When the enemy brings you thoughts of worry, anxiety and fear, let them be a reminder to thank God that His answer and blessings are on the way. 

Then do what King Jehoshaphat did, rebuke the enemy then say, “Father, I thank You that You are at work on my behalf.” The people of Judah were surrounded by three major armies. It didn’t look like they had a chance. This godly king was probably bombarded with thoughts of fear and anxiety. But, he gathered the people together, lifted his eyes toward heaven, and prayed a simple prayer, and Jehoshaphat’s prayer was answered. Hallelujah! 

Today, know that God still answers simple prayers like in the story of Jehoshaphat. God told the people to march right in to the enemy’s camp, worshipping, singing and shouting praises on their way. Notice, they weren’t worrying, they were worshipping and God delivered them. Friend it’s time to worship and praise your way out of your problems, no need to struggle and become negative, stop fighting and stressing and trust God and receive victory in your life. Please let’s worship instead of worrying! 

“…We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” (2 Chronicles 20:12, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, You are truly the great God who is the Provider of everything we need and much more. Father, teach me to be a worshipper instead of a worrier. God, today I claim Your promise of deliverance from thoughts of fear or anxiety. Thank You for giving me the victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Take A Closer Look

Take a close look at your life. Can you see the “brand new thing” God is doing? Sometimes the storms of life can cloud our vision, but look closer and you will see the hand of God moving in many areas in your life.  

No matter what you’re going through or where you are in life today, focus on the fact that God is working, and there are positives to praise Him for and get excited about! You can trust that God is doing a new thing and a good thing because He is faithful. His plan for you is good, great, and generous, and He wants to give you a future and hope. 

Today, ask the Lord to show you His good or new plan for you. Ask Him to show you the new thing He is doing. Set your mind on things above and let go of the old negatives. Take a step of faith and change your focus, embrace the blessing and victory God has in store for you! 

“For I am about to do a brand new thing. See, I have already begun!…” (Isaiah 43:19, NLT) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Father, forgive me for not always realising it, even when it’s right before my eyes. God, I receive the promise of the brand new thing You are doing in my life even now. Lord, I open my heart and set my focus totally on You today and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Praise = Faith In Action

Faith can move mountains

One of my biggest pet peeves is the lack of praise for God amongst believers. We were created to praise God. Praise is powerful! Praise is putting your faith in action. Just as putting your physical body into action to make it grow strong, putting your faith in action through prayer and thanksgiving will cause it to grow strong too!  

The Bible says about Abraham: no unbelief made him waver regarding the promise of God. What does it mean to waver? It actually means to go back and forth. It’s a very unsteady posture. Spiritual wavering is when we go back and forth in believing the promises of God. Wavering shows up in our words and actions. When you speak contrary to God’s promises, you are wavering and unsteady. Abraham never had unbelief or doubting thoughts. It basically says that he didn’t let it control him or cause him to waver in his words, actions and thinking. He took captive every thought and stood strong through His praise and worship! 

Today, take captive your thoughts through praise to God. Praise makes you stable. It makes you strong. Decide today to put your faith into action by thanking and praising God all throughout the day! As you do, you’ll grow strong and live the life of victory God has in store for you! 

“No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God.” (Romans 4:20, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I bless Your name and lift You up! Father, thank You for life. I thank You for breath. I thank You for provision, healing, strength and joy. God, I praise You for abundantly supplying all my needs so that I can be a blessing to others, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Time To Move Forward

KEEPING GOD in OUR DAILY LIVES

Life is not always fair. In fact, God warns us of just the opposite! People aren’t perfect; we all make mistakes and bad decisions. You may have hurt or been hurt by others in the past, but what’s most important is how you choose to deal with that hurt. If you harbour hurt and offences, it keeps you stuck in the past. It only causes harm in your life.  

If you want to move forward in joy and peace, you have to choose forgiveness, love and positivity. Yes, forgiveness is a choice, and it has nothing to do with the person who hurt you. Forgiveness is the choice to hand your hurts over to God and let Him make the difference. 

Today, if we choose to extend forgiveness, that’s when we choose to receive God’s forgiveness! Begin right now by forgiving yourself and others. Choose His way, choose forgiveness, and choose to move forward in the blessing and victory God has prepared for you! 

“But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.” (Mark 11:26, NASB) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for forgiving me and giving me the gift of forgiveness. Father, I open my heart and mind to You. Please help me understand Your truth about forgiveness so that I can be set free. God, I love You and bless You today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

Be A Victor

Spiritual Maturity: Steps to Growing as a Disciple of Christ

We all need more joy, victory and confidence during these uncertain times. The Bible tells us that what we think about, we will become. You might need to evaluate what you are thinking about on a daily basis. If you go around thinking things like, “I’m just average,” “I’ve already reached my limits,” or “I’ve missed so many good opportunities,” then those thoughts are going to drag you down and hold you back.  

When you think thoughts of success, victory, joy and peace, your life will be filled with success, victory, joy and peace. It doesn’t matter what’s going on around you when the greater One lives in you!  

Today, and every morning when you wake up, start your day with thoughts of hope and success. Determine to be a victor! You are an overcomer through Christ. Set your mind on victory and move forward into the victory God has for you! 

“The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” (Psalm 118:14, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of another day! Father, today I choose to be a victor and focus on Your goodness and grace. Holy Spirit, help me to stay focused on the blessings and favour You have for me, please renew my mind from defeated to victorious, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Your Troubles Won’t Last Forever

Breaking news – your troubles will come to an end. Hallelujah! In this life, God warns that we will have trials and tribulations. The good news is that He also promises to deliver us from them all! Now, He doesn’t necessarily say that He will deliver us instantly, or the way we expect, or on our schedule.  

When things don’t happen the way you expect, it can be tempting to get discouraged, down and despondent. When you feel like trouble is surrounding you, that’s when you have to dig your heels in as the saying goes, and say “I’m not going to give up, because God promised me victory!” 

Today, if you are going through a dark time, keep moving forward! Remember, it’s always darkest just before dawn. That difficulty didn’t come to stay, it came to pass as the Bible says. Please stay in faith and keep praising and thanking God for delivering you. Set your hope in Him, stir up your faith, and keep believing, because soon you will see the victory God has prepared for you! Hallelujah! 

“Our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” (2 Corinthians 4:17, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for giving me the strength to overcome every trouble I face today through Your Spirit. Father, I set my mind on You. I set my hope on Your love, knowing that You are paving the way for my victory all the days of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

 

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