Prisoners of Hope

To be incarcerated physically I’m told is difficult to deal with. Locked up for hours per day, cut off from loved ones and surround 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 right now? You may not have thought about it that way, but 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.  

God’s Word promises that if you’ll step out of that prison and become a prisoner of hope, He will restore back to you double for your trouble! That means if someone wrongs you, instead of getting negative and bitter, your attitude should 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. 

Get A Vision

Looking at the world’s current situation, it’s hard to believe at times that God desires that you be blessed and prosperous. But it’s true, He wants you to have so much peace, joy and victory that it spills over onto those around you. He desires that you be so blessed that you can turn around and be a blessing everywhere you go.  

In the Psalms, David said, “My cup runs over.” He was saying, “I’m so full of God, I’m overflowing!” So don’t settle for a barely-get-by-mentality. Jesus came so that you can live an abundant life. That means an abundance of joy, an abundance of peace, an abundance of health, an abundance of finances. An abundance in every area of your life. 

Today, you may not see your abundance or prosperity. You may not feel like things are going your way, but don’t get complacent and just settle where you are. Get a vision from God’s Word for your future! Get a vision of God’s purpose for your life, and remember He delights in your prosperity! 

“…Let them say continually, ‘The LORD be magnified, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant.’ ” (Psalm 35:27, NASB) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my life. Father, help me develop a vision for the abundant life You have in store for me. God, please show me how to be a blessing to You and all those around me, and increase my prosperity so that You can be glorified, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

We Will Get Through

10 Scriptures That Remind Us We Are Showered in Grace

I hear this question over and over these days – are we going to get through these difficult times? It’s easy to get discouraged during the tough times. Have you ever gone through something that felt like the valley of the shadow of death? But I love what it says in today’s verse, “though I walk through.” This phrase gives us hope. 

I know these are hard times with sickness and bereavement at record rates, but know this – you are not alone, and you are just walking through. You don’t have to stop and live in the tough times! They are only temporary. Don’t allow fear to paralyse you in the middle of “the valley of the shadow of death.” God is with you. He is walking beside you. He is strengthening you. He is making a way of escape for you. He will carry you if He has to. He is lining up people and situations to bring you out of these tough places into a place of strength and victory! 

Today, why don’t you get a vision of your life on the other side of that trial. See your life without the loss and bereavement of the pandemic more loving, more faithful, stronger and more blessed than before. Keep moving forward and keep walking through. Don’t stay in fear. Press forward in faith into the victory God has prepared for you! 

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me…” (Psalm 23:4, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life, I pray I will never take it for granted. Father, please continue to walk with me even in these hard times of sickness, death and uncertainty. God, I pray for a vision of the other side of this trial, trusting that You are taking me through my circumstances to a place of victory and strength, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Trust In Your God

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

During these times it’s easy to get discouraged with so many things going wrong. Maybe covid is in your family. Maybe you aren’t getting out of debt as fast as you thought. Or, you’re experiencing some challenges in your health or relationships. We have to be careful not to give up just because it hasn’t happened on our timetable. We serve a mighty God. His ways are higher than our ways. When we believe, all things become possible! 

Stop trying to figure things out. Humanly speaking there may not be a way, but that’s okay. God can do what men can’t do. Think about the children of Israel. When they left Egypt, there were two million of them. Then, Pharaoh came chasing after them, and when they came to a dead end at the Red Sea, it looked like it was over. They couldn’t see a way out, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t a way. God simply parted the Red Sea, and they went through on dry ground. Hallelujah! 

Today, it may look like there is no way out of your situation, trust God to make a way. He’ll part your Red Sea if He has to! He’ll do whatever it takes to lead and guide you in the path of victory that He has prepared for you! Praise God! 

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, good morning. I trust You, knowing with You all things are possible. Father, I will take my eyes off my circumstances and put my trust and hope in You for my victory. God, I bless You and thank You for Your faithfulness to me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Stand!

How to Stand With God Through the Storms of Life

In these times people are standing up for all kinds of reasons – against racism, against the vaccine, against voter fraud and the list goes on. One of the reasons people take a stand is because of poor choices others have made but other times, people have to take a stand to protect what is right. 

As you become convicted and you’re determined to fulfil your God-given destiny, and you’re taking steps to improve your life or make a difference in your family or community, don’t be surprised if you face opposition. The devil isn’t going to just roll out the red carpet and watch you fulfil your God-given destiny. He’ll do everything in his power to keep you from moving forward. The apostle Paul said this, “A wide door of opportunity is open for me and there are many adversaries.” I’ve found that anytime you try to go forward in life, anytime you try to make progress, there will be opposition.  

Today, with God on your side, you can stand your ground against the adversary! For greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. So when you face opposition today and throughout this year, keep standing on God’s Word, keep believing in God’s promises, keep hoping in a brighter future. Don’t stop fighting the good fight of faith until you see the victory God has promised you! 

“Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your promise of victory. Father, I have decided to take my eyes off my challenges and focus on You. God, thank You for equipping me with Your armour so that I can stand strong in this new year and beyond. Help me to keep on fighting, keep on hoping, and to stay in faith, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

When It Rains It Pours

When the rain is still present

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray 

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

Let’s Crossover into 2021 With No Fear

As we enter the final day of this year, I urge you to let go of your past. All of those mistakes worries, stresses and fears. In the same way that faith opens the door for God to work in our lives, fear opens the door for the enemy to work in our lives. So leave it behind! 

Scripture says that fear brings torment. Fear has no mercy. If you act on fear instead of acting on faith, it will keep you depressed, miserable and lonely. So many people today are missing out on God’s joy, peace and victory because they keep giving in to fear. They feed fear by what they watch on TV, or read in the news or on the internet. Don’t let that be you! How do you get faith? Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. I urge you in 2021 fill your heart and mind with God’s Word, and the stronger your faith will be so you can stand against the powers of darkness. Choose faith instead of fear this new year by choosing to spend time in God’s Word. 

Today, on December 31st 2020, remember, the power that is in you through the Holy Spirit, is greater than the power of fear. When thoughts come that say, “you’re not able,” choose faith by saying, “I can do all things through Christ!” Choose faith, overcome fear and live in the freedom God has in store for you! Lets crossover by faith into 2021! Hallelujah! 

“This is my command–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, on the final day of 2020, I receive Your Word which is life, health and strength to me. I choose to close the door on fear by guarding what I say, listen to and dwell on. God, fill me with Your love and faith, as I meditate on Your Word and crossover into a new year, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Breaking News – We Have A Vaccine

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray 

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

Keep Pressing Forward!

What Do Others See?

As we come to the end of 2020, think about the process a caterpillar goes through before it becomes a butterfly. When it’s wrapped in its  cocoon in the dark side of some tree, it doesn’t look like it has many options. But after it becomes a butterfly, it doesn’t just sit and wait for someone to come and drill a hole and let it out. No! That butterfly knows that it has to make a move if it’s going to be set free. In the same way, we have to do something to get out of the confining places we are in. We have to pray, set goals and move; we have to believe and keep pressing through to victory. 

Truth be told we all go through seasons of difficulty that can sometimes feel overwhelming. But during these times, we have to remember that our God is greater than the struggle we face! In 2021 He’ll take our challenges and use them to strengthen us, all we have to do is get into agreement with Him. 

Today, and throughout 2021 no matter what you may be facing, remember His grace is sufficient for you. His strength is made perfect in your weakness. Keep believing, keep praying, keep hoping, and keep pressing forward. Before long, you’ll break free and rise to the new levels of victory God has prepared for you. Hallelujah! 

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’…” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I face in 2021. Father, I will put my trust in You. Almighty God, I declare that You are good, and I thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Your Fear Is Not From God

Fear Not

As we reflect on 2020, so many people have missed out on God’s abundant life of joy, peace and victory because they have lived in a spirit of fear. They are afraid to make a decision, afraid to confront issues, afraid to step out, afraid of the past, afraid of the future, afraid of racism and afraid of the pandemic. But as believers, we don’t have to live that way. Fear is not from God. God hasn’t given you that spirit, He has given you power, love and a sound mind! 

Today, in these last days of 2020, make the decision that you are not carrying the spirit of fear into 2021. Scripture says that perfect love casts out all fear. Ask God for a deep revelation of His love. Meditate on His Word and let it fill you with faith. Equip yourself spiritually to stand strong in the face of fear, knowing that God has good things in store for you in the year to come and beyond! 

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for giving me power to overcome the fears of 2020. Father, I receive Your love and choose to stand strong in faith. Almighty God, fill me with peace and joy as I end this year, please keep my mind stayed on You, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

The Christian Privilege

20 Inspiring Christian Quotes from Leaders of the Faith

When you become a Christian, you have certain privileges because you have surrendered your way and your will to Him, you are His. When you chose Him, God put a blood line around you that the enemy cannot cross. Hallelujah! As long as you keep God first place in your life, you have a hedge of protection, a hedge of favour, a hedge of mercy surrounding you like a shield.  

When difficulties come, God says that because you’re His child, because you honour Him, because you put Him first even when issues are formed in your life, in the end they well not prosper, it’s not going to harm you. God is going to turn it around and use it to your good. That’s your promise and privilege as a believer! 

Today, I’m not saying that you’ll never have problems. No, life is full of difficulties. The promise God is making to you is that when evil, issues and problems come against you, because you’re in a covenant relationship with Him, you can stay in peace, knowing that it is not going to prosper. God has already paved the way for you to live in victory in every area of your life! Hallelujah! 

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your many promises. Father, today I accept Your truth which sets me free and protects me from the enemy. Almighty God, I declare by faith that no weapon formed against me shall ever prosper, therefore I will not fear what man will seek to do to me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

I AM

As we come towards the end a year of uncertainty, one person that is certain is God! We serve a great and mighty God who is in control despite the chaos! He is the Creator of the universe, the one who spoke the worlds into existence. Scripture says He is the Great I AM, and He’s saying today, “I am everything you need. I am your strength. I am your wisdom. I am your protection. I am your provider. I am your way maker. I am your problem solver. I am your dream giver. I am your victory!” Hallelujah!  

In the Psalms David says, “Though I am surrounded by troubles, You will bring me safely through. Your fist is clenched against my enemies. Your power will save me.” Maybe you feel like David today.  

Today, you may be surrounded by all kinds of difficulties. You’re tempted to just settle right where you are. No, it’s time to get your fire back! Instead of focusing on how big your problems are, focus on how big your God is! He is everything you need. He is the Great I AM, and He is the one leading and guiding you into victory! 

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for being my certainty in the midst of all this uncertainty. Father, I declare today that I will focus on Your greatness. God, thank You for the reminder that You are in control – my I AM – my everything that I need to live the life of victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

Declare It!

Did you know there is creative power in the words we declare? In the same way that God created the world with His words in Genesis 1, we “create” our own world with our words. We can create an atmosphere of peace, joy, power and love with our words, or we can create an atmosphere of strife, confusion and defeat.

Today, use your words to open the door for God to move, by declaring His Word over your life. Declare that His strength is at work in you. Declare that no weapon formed against you is going to prosper. As you declare God’s Word over your life, you’ll see it come to pass. You’ll feel His strength, joy and victory rising up inside of you, so that you can embrace the life of blessing He has prepared for you.

“Now may the Lord’s strength be displayed, just as you have declared.”(Numbers 14:17, NIV)

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I recognize that there is creative power in my words. Father, help me, by Your Spirit, to use my words for good. God, remind me to always declare Your truth over my life, and over the lives of others. I bless You today and always, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

What Is The Address In Your Heart Today?

Total Recall

What I’m really asking, is what are you expecting to happen in your life? What kind of attitude do you have? If your thoughts are stuck and you’re focused on what’s wrong, or what’s not working, then it’s time to change your address! It’s time to pack up your belongings and move out of the land of discouragement. It’s time to move out of the “nothing’s-going-to-happen street” or “I-can’t-do-it road”. It’s time to pack your bags and move into the “Ray of hope close” or “by faith boulevard”, or even “expectation manor!”

Every time you get a negative thought and you want to dwell in “nothing’s-going-to-happen street,” or “I-can’t-do-it road” instead, dwell on God’s promises, pack your bags and change address.

Today, every time you declare God’s faithfulness, you are taking a step in the right direction, and you’re moving from your old address (old way of thinking) into a new one. The Bible says that those who hope in the Lord will never be put to shame. Hallelujah! As you turn your focus toward Him, you will start living in “Hope street” – a land where His peace, blessings and victory reside.

“…my flesh also will dwell in hope.” (Acts 2:26, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for ordering and directing my steps. Father thank You for moving me out of “I-can’t-do-it-road” to “expectation manor”, a place of hope and expectation! God, I claim Your promises, I choose to set my mind on You, knowing that You are faithful. God, I release the past and invite You to fill me with Your peace, blessings and victory, in Christ’ name! Amen.

Don’t Let It Expire

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray

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

God’s Anointing Is On You

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

We normally focus on what we don’t have, as opposed to what we do have. We focus on how big our obstacles are, and how bad the economy is etc. “I don’t have the connections. I’ve got this problem, but I don’t have anybody to help me. I’ve got this dream, but I don’t have the resources.” Here is the truth: everything you need to fulfill your destiny is within reach. God will always use something that’s close to you. It may not look extraordinary, but you have what it takes to fulfill your destiny.

Like when David faced the giant, Goliath, all he had was a slingshot and five stones. It looked ordinary. He could have thought, “I’m not going to face Goliath. That would be foolish. I don’t have a chance.” No, David knew that with God on his side, those ordinary stones would be exactly what he needed. Sure enough, David defeated Goliath with what he had and made history.

Today, remember, victory isn’t about what you have, it’s about God’s anointing on what you have. With God on your side, all things are possible! Focus on Him and what He has given you. God can do great things in your life because He has placed extraordinary things in you, use them today.

“So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a tstone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.” (1 Samuel 17:50, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me for success and victory in this life. Help me to clearly see the opportunities, connections and resources You have ordained for me. I trust that with You, all things are possible, in Christ’ name! Amen.

 

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