Tag: focus

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The Right Gifts

As part of the wise men’s worship, they wanted to give gifts. They gave valuable gifts that symbolised the love, honour and appreciation in their hearts. In the same way, you can show your love and appreciation to God with a gift of worship, and you can show your appreciation to others by the gift of love you bring. 

Today, as you celebrate this strange and unusual holiday season, don’t just focus on the natural gifts; focus on gifts of worship, love, kindness and encouragement. Go out of your way to show honour to God and others, just like the wise men in scripture. During these holidays walk in the gifts of love, joy and peace, this is the place of blessing. 

“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him gifts…” (Matthew 2:11, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, on this day I set my mind and heart on You. Father, help me to choose the right gifts this holiday season – gifts of worship, love, kindness and peace. Almighty God, thank You for all the gifts You’ve blessed me with this year. Have Your way in my heart, and let Your goodness shine through me in the year to come, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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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.  

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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.

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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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Value Every Moment

Our days can be so busy that we forget how fragile life really is. It’s easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy. Maybe something doesn’t go our way, or someone says something upsetting. Even traffic can cause us to lose focus if we let it. We have to remember that each day is a gift. If we choose to focus on what’s wrong, we’ll miss the beauty that each day has to offer.

Don’t let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don’t wait for holidays and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable. You have been given time that can be invested or wasted; hours that can be used or misused. 

Today,  the prayer of the psalmist still applies, “teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “teach us to value every moment we’ve been given.” As you daily keep a proper perspective, you’ll gain a heart of wisdom. You’ll draw closer to God and experience the full blessings that He has for you each and every day!

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

(Psalm 90:12, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of today. Father, I choose to focus on the blessings of each moment instead of allowing the little things to steal my joy. God, keep me close to You always, as I submit every area of my heart and mind to You, in Christ’s name! Amen.

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Overcoming Fears

Overcoming fear

There are times in our lives when the challenges we face are many. Whether there are things happening in your life or to the entirety of the world, fears can get the best of you. This can make anyone too scared to take chances and live their lives to the fullest.

Overcoming fears that are holding you back is challenging and cannot happen overnight. There are a few things you need to be able to include in your life in order for change to take place. Here are five simple tips to help you start dealing with the things that scare you and hold you back.

1. Have faith in change

One of the biggest things you need to keep in mind when trying to overcome fears is that change will take time. The fears you are facing have developed from experiences in your past, which have affected your life strongly. Trying to change the feelings these experiences have caused you is no easy matter. 

Believing that you are able to change these around is the best way to start this journey. While it might take some time, change is bound to happen when there is will. Having faith in your ability to change will help you see things from a different perspective. Through this, you will manage to keep pushing yourself forward. 

2. Focus on positive thoughts

Another thing that can help you come to terms with fear is focusing on the positive instead of the negative. Most of the time, being afraid of something will make you focus on everything that can go wrong. If you allow yourself to feel this way, it will be a lot more difficult for you to see things differently.

No matter what you go through and what you are afraid of, God is on your side. Instead of letting negativity impact your decisions and everyday life, have faith that something good will come out of a difficult situation. This way, you will be able to train your mind to focus on the positive outcomes and overcome the fear certain situations can cause.

3. Pray when you feel overwhelmed

The power of prayer is great and can help guide you when you feel scared and helpless. No matter what fear you are facing, praying about it can make it seem more simple and manageable. When you feel overwhelmed with emotions, taking a step back and thinking about it is important. 

This is something that you can easily do through praying about a situation. During that time, you are talking about your fears and worries to God and asking for help and guidance. Praying when your fears overwhelm can help you see things clearly and get the reassurance that everything is going to be okay.

4. Discuss your fears with people that care 

No matter what it is that scared you, talking about it with people that care about you is going to help you tremendously. Your family, your friends, and the members of your church are all people you can trust and ask for some of their time. Opening up about the things that scare you will make them a lot more manageable. 

In addition to that, you will be able to see how someone else understands and perceives what exactly scares you. In certain cases, they will be able to relate to your fears. Other people will be able to break your fears down and help you see just why they should not hold you back. 

5. Take some time off

If you find that certain fears are affecting your everyday life in a negative way, it might be necessary to take some time off. Something as simple as spending some time at home or going on a short trip can help you feel better very quickly. 

It is possible that the fears you are dealing with are caused by stressful situations in your everyday life. Taking some time to reevaluate certain scenarios and situations will help you seek new ways to overcome them.  

Facing your fears with the help of others

Facing your fears alone is a very difficult task. Having the help and support of other people in your church and your community is important. The best way to overcome situations and things that scare you is through finding your strength. God can provide you with a safe place where you can think about everything that scares you. This way, you will be able to think about them more logically and know that you will overcome every challenge that comes your way. 

Bio: 

Bridgette Hernandez is a professional writer and editor who works with websites such as TrustMyPaper and SupremeDissertations. Brid loves to educate her audience on the power of writing, and oftentimes creates blog content for platforms such as GrabMyEssay. In her spare time, she loves spending time with friends, cooking, and listening to audiobooks.

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It’s Time To Change Your Focus

Recently it’s been hard to get motivated and to stay focused. We all have those days when we don’t feel very enthusiastic. Maybe you don’t feel like you have any reason to be excited about your life. Today is the day to change your focus! It’s time to set your mind on things above. 

Often, we settle for what we see in the natural – the earthly realm, but God has so much more for us in the supernatural realm. Whatever we choose to focus on is what we will see manifested in our lives. We need to daily set our focus on the goodness of God and keep hope alive.  

Today, don’t give up on your dreams, feed your dreams. That means instead of dragging around finding every reason you can to be unhappy, your attitude should be: “I am not going to live my life defeated and depressed. I may have some obstacles in my path, but I know I have victory. I know God has great things in store for me, so I’m going to get up each day, starting today, anticipating the good things He has in store for me!” 

“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I want to set my mind on You. I know that Your dream for me is so much bigger than my own. God, please help me be more spiritually motivated. Draw me close to You as I daily set my focus on You. Father, I bless You today and always. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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His Goodness

I Just Can't Help But Talk About Jesus

In these uncertain times we can learn the attitude of the psalmist David. He was going through very tough uncertain times when he declared the words in today’s verse. He said in effect, “I’m not worried. I’m not upset. I am confident I will see God’s goodness.” In other words, “this situation I’m in may be rough, but that’s not going to steal my vision or joy. It’s not going to cause me to give up on my dreams. I am confident that in this crazy unpredictable year, I will see God’s favour unfold in my life.” 

Today, remember what you focus on, is what will come to pass. No matter what the medical report says, no matter what your finances look like, no matter how bad that relationship may seem, be confident that you will see God’s goodness unfold in your life!  

Today, during this strange year, 2020, we must not forget our God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent. He is the creator of the universe, and He holds you, your plans and your dreams in the palm of His hand. So you can be confident nothing is too difficult for Him! Take hold of this truth by faith and focus on His goodness today! 

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” 

(Psalm 27:13, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness in my life. Father, I remain confident in Your power to control my life in these uncertain times. I will focus on You no matter what my circumstances may look like. God please give me Your peace as I keep my mind stayed on You in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Today Is A Gift

God Sees You

On Monday night, a family of 5 who were travelling home to Oxford were in a tragic accident, 3 died on the spot and the father and the youngest are in a critical condition. Sometimes, our days can be so full and busy that we forget how fragile life really is. It can be easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy.  

Things may not go your way, someone may say something that’s upset you, and traffic can cause you to lose focus. You have to remember that each day is a gift. If you choose to focus on what’s wrong, you’ll miss the beauty that each day has to offer. I encourage you to not let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don’t wait for holidays and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable.  

Today, you have been given time that can be invested or wasted, hours that can be used or misused. That’s why the psalmist prayed to God, “teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “teach us to value every moment that we’ve been given.” As you keep a proper perspective daily, you’ll gain a heart of wisdom, and experience the full blessings that God has for you each and every day of your life! 

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of today. Father, I promise to focus on the blessings of each moment instead of allowing the little things to steal my joy. Help me to make the most of each day and not let them waste away. God, please keep me close to You always as I submit every area of my heart and mind to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Total Recall

Total Recall

These days are frustrating and sometimes overwhelming to say the least. During times like these that we have to be especially careful about what we think and say. It is said that our lives will go in the direction of our thoughts. Do you need to change your thoughts? 

In Psalm 77 the psalmist, while under immense pressure and challenges, cried out to God and said, “You know what? I’m going to focus on what You have done for me. I’m going to dwell on Your goodness. I will recall Your deeds.” 

Today, you may be frustrated and facing challenges, don’t dwell on negative, self-defeating thoughts. Instead, recall God’s deeds. Focus on what He’s done for you. Thank Him for the gift of life and salvation. Make a list of all His wonderful blessings. Let your thoughts turn toward Him throughout the day, and recall His wonderful deeds! 

“But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.” 

(Psalm 77:11—12, NLT) 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, I bless Your holy Name! Father, thank You for the gift of life both now and in eternity. God, today I give You my frustrations and challenges. Instead I will recall Your mighty works. Thank You God for loving me and setting me free. Help me to keep my mind on Your good deeds always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Love & Unity = Blessings

How to Experience the Outpouring of God’s Love

If ever there’s a time we need major blessings in our lives it’s now. So many people today desire God’s blessing in their lives, which is great! However, did you know that He commands blessings on us when we are at peace with the people around us? 

The Scripture calls us to work together in unity so that we can fulfil God’s purposes. We are called to serve one another in love, and serve together in the house of the Lord. Is there someone in your life that you don’t quite get along with? The Bible says to pray for that person, and go out of your way to be a blessing to them. It isn’t easy, but the reward is eternal. His blessings are everlasting. 

Today, make the decision today to live in peace and unity with the people around you. Look for common ground. Even if the only thing you can agree on is Jesus, focus on that! Focus on the love you have for God and for seeing people come to know Him. Live together in unity and open the door to see His blessing in every area of your life. 

“How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity…for there the Lord has commanded the blessing…” (Psalm 133:1—3, AMP)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, search my heart and see if there is anything that is keeping me from walking in unity with others. Father, I seek the blessing of love today. God, I seek the blessing of peace with those I’m in conflict with. Almighty, help me to be an example of love and unity to those around me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.  

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I’m Restored

God wants to restore everything that’s been stolen from your life. He wants to restore your joy, your peace, your health and your finances. We serve a God of restoration! You may have had some disappointments or unfair things happen in your life; but don’t dwell on the past and live in defeat.  

Restoration comes by intentionally choosing to focus on His promises like today’s verse. Here’s the key: you have to believe you can be restored and have that vision printed in the forefront of your mind. You have to get your hopes up and decide to get your thoughts and words in sync, going in the right positive direction. 

Today, choose to focus on the future and release past hurts through forgiveness. Draw a line in the sand and say, “I am a child of the Most High God, and I’m not going to live my life negative and defeated. This is a new day, and I’m taking back what belongs to me. I will have  a restoration mentality!”

“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…” (Joel 2:25, ESV) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for restoring my life. Father, thank You for the truth of Your Word that sets me free. Almighty God, fill me with Your power right now, so that I can stand strong and move forward on the path You have for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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Be Still And Know”¦

You may be wondering why God has allowed lockdown. Maybe He is saying “be still” you’re doing too much. Our lives today have become used to having constant activity: computers, mobile phones, television, email, video games. There’s nothing wrong with any of that stuff, but the Bible tells us that we need to stop and be still so we can focus on knowing God.  

I’ve found during the difficult times when facing life’s challenges, it’s easy to want to run to a friend, or talk about it with a co-worker. But at some point, you have to stop and say, “God, I rest in You. I know You have me in the palm of Your hand.” You have to be still so you will know God and His plan for your situation. 

Today, recognise your battles are spiritual battles. The people in your life aren’t the source of your problems, the forces of darkness are. When you choose to be still and know that the Greater One lives on the inside of you, you are putting yourself in a position of strength and victory. Each day, take a moment to be still before God. Let His peace cover you. Let Him refresh you by His Spirit. Remember, the battles you face belong to the Lord! 

“Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 
Yahweh, I humbly come before You today. Father, I choose to be still before You. Speak to my heart so that I can know You more. Fill me with Your strength and peace so I can face today’s challenges. God, I put all my trust in You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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Exceeding, Abundant, Above”¦

How to Love the Sinner & Hate the Sin

Do you believe that God wants to work in your life exceedingly, abundantly, above all you could ask or think? Do you believe He wants to overwhelm you with His goodness and blessings? He really wants to do exceedingly abundant things in your life, more than you could think or imagine.  

The Scripture, says that no person has ever seen, heard or even imagined the wonderful things that God has in store for those who love the Lord. But we must have faith in what He says and in His power. if we have faith the size of a tiny mustard seed, we can move mountains the Bible says. Faith comes from studying God’s Word. 

Today, make God’s Word your priority. Believe that He will do exceedingly, abundantly, above all you can ask or think. He is faithful to His Word, and He will be faithful to fulfill every promise He’s made to you! 

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20—21, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You so much for Your daily goodness. Father, thank You for blessing me and doing exceedingly, abundantly, above all I can ask or think, You are truly amazing! God, thank You for increasing my faith as I focus on Your Word, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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Catch The Little Foxes

How to Stand With God Through the Storms of Life

It’s been said, “tornados and hurricanes get more news coverage; but in reality, termites do more damage.” Most often, it’s not the big things that happen in life that keep us from being happy; it’s the small things. Most of the time, we’re not dealing with some major crisis like losing a job, a life-threatening illness, or a relationship breaking up. The big things are rare.  

That’s what today’s scripture is saying. It’s the little inconveniences – like not being able to find your car keys, or being in a hurry and getting behind a slow driver. It’s the little interruptions and frustrations that get our emotions worked up and cause us to lose our joy and peace.  

Today, take note, it’s the way we handle the little things that will determine what kind of life we live. When we allow negative thoughts of frustration to come in, we are allowing the little foxes to spoil the vines as the scripture says. Make the decision today to “catch” those foxes by choosing to think on the positive things. Let His Word bring light and life to your emotions, so you can move forward in peace and joy each and every day! 

“Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines…” (Song of Solomon 2:15, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I submit my mind, will and emotions to You. Father, I will focus on Your Word, and not allow the little foxes (the little things) to steal my joy and peace. God, keep me close to You and guide me through life’s frustration, and show me the way I should go, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Emotions

What Type of Christian Are You?

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

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

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

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

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

 

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