Tag: God

In theism, God is the creator and sustainer of the universe, while in deism, God is the creator, but not the sustainer, of the universe. In pantheism, God is the universe itself. In atheism, there is an absence of belief in God. In agnosticism, the existence of God is deemed unknown or unknowable.

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Freedom Through Christ

What Would Jesus Pin

All my life I have wanted to be free from bondage and oppression just like Anna. The temple must have been busy the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus there. They kept bumping into people who were waiting. One of these was a woman named Anna. Anna was devoted to God. She worshipped day and night, fasting and praying. She was one of a group of people who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 

Redemption can mean paying a price to set someone free. Anna and the people looked forward to redemption because Jerusalem was under siege by the Roman and they wanted freedom. In the New Testament, we learn that others were longing to be free. They were yearning for freedom from religious oppression that burdened them, from sicknesses that plagued them, from spirits that posed them, and from the sin that condemned them. 

Today, although we value our freedom, we often find ourselves trapped, in prison, by debt, in relationships, by scorn, or by circumstances. Sometimes this is because of something we have done. Sometimes it’s a result of what others have done to us. Either way, we long for redemption to be set free. In Christ, Anna the oppressed lady at the temple saw what she was waiting for: the One who could pay the price and set her free. That’s what Christ has done for you receive Him today. 

[Anna] gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. — Luke 2:38 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for the death of Jesus which gives me freedom from my physical and spiritual oppressors. Father, open my eyes, so I can consistently grasp and appreciate your redemption which gives me total freedom in Christ’ name. Amen. 

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Keep Your Obligations

In today’s scripture, David was in a better place when he asked whether anyone was left of the house of Saul. After many years of struggle, he had become king over Israel. David had secured Jerusalem as his city and had brought the ark of the covenant into it. The Lord had given David rest from his enemies and bought peace to Israel. On top of that, God had promised that a son of David would rule forever, a promise that would be fulfilled in Christ. 

However, David had an obligation. Long before, David had made a covenant with Jonathan his friend and Saul’s son. Others may have forgotten but David did not. David set out to find someone from Saul’s family to whom he could be kind. 

Today, we accumulate obligations. We make promises that we don’t fully keep despite our best intentions. We also accumulate hurts that we have never really forgiven. Worse yet, we often cause hurts for which we do not fully apologize. Over the years our spiritual debts pile up. The beginning of the year is a good time to consider what we have left undone, and our acceptance of Christ has assured us of God’s peace. With His Gift of peace, we can make peace. Are there any obligations you need to attend today? Stand on God’s word and keep your promises right now.  

David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” 2 Samuel 9:1 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for keeping your promises and obligations to me. Father, I’m so glad your faithfulness endures forever. Lord, help me to be faithful, keeping the promises I make and forgiving others as I have been forgiven. In Christ’ name, Amen. 

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Today We Have Relief From The Enemy

Our God has consistently defeated the enemy from Eden to Calvary and will continue to defeat the enemy till the second coming. One of those times was in the biblical story of Esther. The Jews had escaped Haman’s plot of destruction. Haman (the enemy) had fallen into the pit he had dug for others, and many of his followers were destroyed on the day decreed for the Jewish annihilation. That day was celebrated as the day of relief from the enemy. not just a one-time celebration, Purim was to continue through generations. Feasting, joy, gifts to one another and gifts to the poor marked this day every year, up to this very day among Jews. 

As Christians, we too observe a time each year when we remember the day the devil plotted Christ’s destruction and failed, and with great joy we celebrate the day of Christ’s victory over God’s enemy. As instructed by Christ we are to gather as often as possible at the Lord’s table to remember His gifts of body and blood, offered so all who believe in Him may live. Week by week and year by year, we, Christians are reminded to be joyful because death nor the enemy no longer has any power over us. 

Today, the Lord’s Supper, Good Friday, and Easter are celebrations of what God has done for us and continues to do through Christ our messiah. What a mighty God we serve! And because of calvary, the enemy has lost eternally. Today as Christians let’s begin to enjoy our eternal rest from the enemy, as we await the final return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

These days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews — nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants. — Esther 9:28 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I praise you, my God, for giving me relief and rest from the enemy. Hallelujah! Father, help me to be faithful and honour you by sharing this good news every­where I go. In Christ name Amen. 

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God Restores

In the book of Ruth in the bible, Ruth’s mother-in-law was bitter and empty after the loss of her two sons. However, isn’t it strange? Ruth was pregnant and gave birth, but the women proclaimed that Naomi had a son. 

This is the point of the story: not only did Ruth fill Naomi’s emptiness with enough food according to the bible, but she also provided a son to replace the ones Naomi lost. Even though Ruth gave birth, the women praised God and responded with excitement toward Naomi. They credit God for bringing food back to Bethlehem and providing a son.

Today, after looking at this biblical story we see that Ruth and Boaz had a hand in restoring Naomi’s well-being after she lost her sons. But God’s people were clear that there is no provision and no children without the Lord’s blessing. God restores loss, He blesses the fruit of our labour and the fruit of the womb. For out of the birth of ruth’s son, Jesus, a descendant of this family, was born in Bethlehem. Through the story of Ruth, we can see that Christ’s birth is part of a family history that depends on God’s abundant blessings and restoration. From this, we learn that it is normal for our God to fill the empty and redeem the lost.

The women living there said: “Naomi has a son!” — Ruth 4:17

Let’s Pray

Yahweh thank you for filling my emptiness and restoring my loss. Father, I shout “Praise be to the Lord”! For your provision, I am so grateful to know that my Redeemer cares. Lord, please live in my heart today and always. In Christ’s name Amen.

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Tired Of Waiting

6 Qualities of A Man Worth Waiting For

Much of life is spent waiting. Too often, when things don’t happen on our timetable, we get down and discouraged or anxious and fretful. That’s because we’re not waiting for the right way.

Today’s scripture talks about the return of our saviour, but God has placed dreams and desires in every person’s heart. But most times, there’s a season of waiting involved. Maybe you’re waiting for a relationship to improve; waiting to get married; waiting for a promotion; or waiting to overcome an illness. But there’s a right way to wait and a wrong way to wait.

Notice that today’s verse below doesn’t say if you wait, it says as you wait. The fact is that we’re all going to have to wait. It goes on to say that we should consider how the farmer waits — patiently and eagerly. We’re not supposed to sit around and be discouraged; we’re supposed to be hopeful, positive, and full of expectancy!

Today, no matter what you are praying for, expect things to change in your favour. Today could be your turning point. As you wait with patience and expectancy, you’ll open the door for God to move. He’ll fight your battles, and you’ll see the abundant harvest He’s promised in every area of your life. Hallelujah!

“Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.”(James 5:7, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I choose to wait expectantly for You. I know that You are working behind the scenes. Grant me the patience to believe that my wait won’t be in vain, and my spiritual dreams and aspiration will come to pass. I put my total trust and hope in You, knowing that You have good things in store for my future. God, as I wait for Your second coming, teach me to help others to be ready also, in Christ’s name! Amen.

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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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Everything Remains The Same

Renewal, Of People Of God - Knowing Jesus

Wow! We’ve reached the second day of the second month of this new year. That was quick! It’s possible that, for many of us, this year may already be “the same old same old” as many years before with promises of new beginnings dashed, resolutions faltered, and hopes receded. 

I have learned that newness does not come with a New Year; nor does it age by the last day of an old year. Newness and change can happen every day through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who makes all things new. Hallelujah!

In scripture Ruth did not look for anything new or exciting at the end of the year; she embraced God’s kindness and integrity daily, and she immersed herself in living out her days with her God. The ancient, living Word of God kept her young and refreshed till the day she died. Esther too didn’t wait till the New Year when a change was needed, she made it and she was done with anxiety and the evil of Haman’s persecution. She found out that victory is gained by doing God’s will in her life daily. 

Today, wisdom invites us to eat what refreshes and keeps us ever new daily which is God’s word. Folly waits till the end of a year for new things to happen, which only embitters and binds us to perpetual old age. Take, eat, and drink of God’s wisdom every second, every minute, every hour, and every day and be ever new in Jesus! In so doing you will not have any regrets and life will never be “the same old, same old” 

Praise the Lord, my soul . . . who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. — Psalm 103:1, 5 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I praise and magnify you, for your limitless grace which comes to me daily. Father, I bless your name for providing for me and all the good things you continuously do for me. God, thank you for your love. In Christ, Amen.
…

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Wait Until Harvest

Season = Ploughing, Planting, Watering and Harvest

Digging up weeds is one of my least favourite activities. But I know that weeds can kill, overtake and ruin my garden, and I want my garden to thrive. So, I cultivate my young plants and pick and pull weeds trying not to pull or disturb the plant. Because even though I try to be careful, I sometimes pull up plants along with the weeds. At these times, I remember keenly the wisdom of the gardener in Jesus’ parable. “Wait until harvest” 

However, there are some critical differences, between weeds in my garden and the weeds in Jesus’ parable in Matthew. Those weeds were deliberately and liberally sown by the enemy. And the weeds looked like the young wheat plants and the roots of the wheat and weed plants were tightly intertwined before the act of sabotage was detected. So, weeding would have destroyed the good with the bad. Not weeding made good sense in that scenario. Hence the advice to “wait until harvest” 

Today, the parable of the wheat and tares (wheat and weeds) in the book of Matthew reveals God’s wisdom and mercy toward us. Our enemy, the devil, is actively working overtime sowing weeds among the good seeds and plants in God’s Garden. We may wonder why God does not weed out wicked and evil from this world, but we can be thankful that he is most intent on preserving His people and allowing for life’ changes instead of destroying us once evil is present… Christ says He’ll “wait until the harvest.” 

While you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. (Matthew 13:29-30) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I praise you for your wisdom, mercy, and patience with me. Father, please protect me from evil and preserve me, together with all my friends and family, until the day of harvest. When We will live with you forever In Christ’ name, Amen. 

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Bridging The Generation Gap in Christ

Old and young often live in different worlds, from one generation to the next! The young now talk of cool social media sites and new apps that can be downloaded instantly. With so much technology and texting today, however, many young people are missing out on developing social skills with one another as well as with older folks. There has always been a gap between young and old, but we may wonder if in some ways it is getting wider. 

There’s also polarisation, with so many worldviews and political views. The teaching of alienation and class has deepened the estrangement between people and tried to drive God from our midst. My generation has sowed seeds of alienation, simply assuming that people would be estranged from each other, and almost celebrating it. 

Today praise God, He doesn’t abandon us to isolation. He has reconciled us with God and made new life possible for the young and old. Think how rich our relationships could be if young and old talked and listened to each other more! It would bring happiness not only to humanity but would also bridge the gap between God and His children. Can you reach out to someone today and show them the love of God? 

He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents. . .  (Malachi 4:6) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for bridging the gaps in my life and not abandoning me to isolation. Father, how sad it is to be estranged from you and others in society. God, if I’ve grown unable to communicate with some of the people around me, please give me the courage to talk, the patience to listen, and the desire to be helpful to others. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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When We’re Under Pressure

Have you ever lived with stress? Most of us would answer yes but have you ever been shipwrecked, whipped within an inch of your life, had a group of assassins after our blood, or been lowered over a city wall in a basket at night to escape pursuers? All those things happened to Paul in the New Testament, being frequently under unbearable pressure. 

We all live with stress at some stage in our lives. Stress has a way of bending us out of shape, making us act out of character, and making us more vulnerable to temptation. We find ourselves snapping at people, losing patience when we need it most, or becoming depressed. Ultimately stress can cause us to take our eyes off God and focus only on our problems. 

Today, when we’re under pressure, it’s important to realise that if we are not careful, it could hurt our relationships with others. Most importantly, we should use those situations to learn to rely on God. How do we do that? Pray, “Lord, help me. I need your wisdom and strength!” Then continue to trust God when things are beyond your control. Believe that God can bring victory out of seeming defeat. Continue to obey God’s commands.  

We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure. . .  But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God. . .  (2 Corinthians 1:8-9) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for caring about my life. Father, I ask not for a stress-free life but that you will teach me to rely on you in stressful times. God, through your Spirit living in my heart, please grant me wisdom and strength when the pressures of life seek to overtake me. In Christ’ name, we pray. Amen. 

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Sad Movies Always Make Me Cry

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray 

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

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The Music Is Over Now The Singing Can Start

Theology in Worship and Music

Right now, we may feel as if nothing will ever again be right in our lives. Some feel beaten down and afraid to hope. Or perhaps we have heard of a better day, and yet we are filled with despair. The music is over! 

In the book of Lamentations, we have many funeral songs for Jerusalem and its people after the city was destroyed. Jeremiah confesses God’s sovereignty and justice, but he also can’t shake off the feeling of rejection and pain. He cries out, “Why do you forsake us so long?” You may feel today, please know that Jesus understands. He was mocked by his enemies as he hung dying on the cross. He was forsaken by his closest friends. He even cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” But God raised Him from the grave and “gave Him a new name. God hears your cry and is willing to lift you from the pit of despair.  

Today be like Jeremiah in scripture who looked beyond his despair to God’s promise of deliverance, that’s why he could sing with words of faith that have given believers hope through the ages: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Hallelujah! 

The young men have stopped their music. Joy is gone from our hearts. . .  (Lamentations 5:14-15) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh thank you for hearing my cry of despair. Father, today I receive your promise of deliverance just like Jeremiah and I sing like him “Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father. Morning by morning new mercies I see.” Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord! Amen. 

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Kingdom Living Now

God likes to see you look good and prosperous. Our God is an extravagant God! He loves to do exceedingly beyond anything we can hope for or imagine. It gives Him pleasure to pour out His abundance and goodness in our lives. It gives Him pleasure to give us His kingdom now.

What is the kingdom of God? It’s simply God’s heavenly operating system or His way of doing things. Throughout scripture, God reveals His principles for living an abundant life. When you do things God’s way, you get God’s results; you get His success and blessing, and that’s what He wants for you – to live a kingdom life of power and divine prosperity.

Today’s kingdom living is not only about materialistic gain, but also about internal blessings that affect the external. Romans 14 tells us that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Do you need more joy and peace in your life? Follow the Word and open your heart to His kingdom. As you do things God’s way, you will get His results, and live in the blessing of His kingdom all the days of your life!

“…it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32, KJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of blessing in my life, materially and spiritually. Thank You for giving me kingdom living. Father, I receive it by faith today in all areas of my life and look forward to living in it eternally with You. God, I choose to follow Your Word in everything I do, claiming Your joy, peace and righteousness, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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I Want Joy!

After a hard year many of us might have lost the joy we started the year with. Did you know that it is God’s will for you to be joyful always? He wants you to be happy and carefree. He wants you to love your life no matter what your circumstances look like. In fact, when you have joy in the midst of difficult circumstances, that is evidence that you have faith and trust that God will bring you through.

Remember, joy is strength. When you have His supernatural joy, you can stand strong no matter what’s going on around you. You might say, “I’m just not a real jovial person. I’m more serious. I never laugh much.” And of course, God made us all differently, but you can train yourself to laugh more. One article said that the average child laughs over 200 times a day, but the average adult only laughs 4 times a day. What’s happened? As we get older we’ve allowed the pressures of life, stress and more responsibilities, little by little, to steal our joy.

Today, make the decision to get your joy back! Decide that you are going to look beyond your problems and look at what God will do on your behalf. Ask Him every day to fill you with His supernatural peace and joy, so that you can live in His strength and victory all the days of your life!

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, NIV)

Pray With Me

El Shaddai, I humbly receive Your Word today. Father, I choose to open my heart to You and invite You to fill me with Your joy, strength and spiritual vigour. God, I want to spiritually be excited again, I rebuke the mundane, routine and stress of life that rob me of my God-given joy. Thank You for showing me Your goodness and empowering me with Your grace. I bless You today and always, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Ridiculous Laughter

Holy Laughter

Has God ever surprised you with the ridiculous? Has He promised you something that seems impossible? Have you ever thought that God is taking too long because there is no time left? You’re not alone Sarah was ninety years old when she became the mother of Isaac. When the Lord visited Abra­ham a year earlier and told him they would have a son she laughed. Sarah thought it was impossible—and perhaps even ridiculous. Shortly after that, she held her newborn son in her arms, understanding that, God had the last laugh. Now she laughed with Him not because the situation was surprising, funny or ridiculous, but because it was so wondrous. She even named her son child Isaac, which means “laughter.”

Today, are you waiting on God for the ridiculous? Is He taking too long? Abraham and Sarah’s long years of disappointment at not having a child and waiting on God to keep His promise ended in the joy of welcoming their beautiful baby boy. God had indeed brought laughter and hope, the beginning of the fulfilment of His promise to make them parents of a great nation. His faithfulness to them is one example of how God is faithful to us. God wants to birth laughter and joy in you right now to end sin, suffering and death.

Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” — Genesis 21:6

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for your promises. Father, please give me patients as I await answers and hold on to the ridiculous and the miraculous. Just like Sarah and Abraham, keep me laughing until my breakthrough comes. Today I celebrate the birth of joy and no more sin, suffering, Sorrow and death in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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In Him We All Have Hope

The life of Dr. Martin Luther King was all about hope—and not just hope for a better day or an end to suffering, but also hope that our human existence has meaning and possibility beyond our present situation. This hope is in God, who makes things new and with whom “all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). 

In the Old Testament, God’s people wanted a mighty Messiah to come and change their oppressive circumstances. They were deeply disappointed when that didn’t happen. But that was a short-sighted view of hope. Our hope cannot be in circumstances, no matter how badly we want them to change. God’s people experience oppressive circumstances in the same ways that others do. They get sick, they are victims of violence, and they get killed in accidents, in war, and, in some parts of the world, by hunger. 

Today, if our hope is only in a change of circumstances, we will always be disappointed. That is why we hope in God, who has continually, across the span of human history, revealed himself as a God of newness, redemption, and transformation. He is a God of possibilities who sees far beyond what we can think or even imagine. How amazing God sent a Savior not just for the people of Israel but also for the Gentiles. He came to save the world—and that includes you and me. Hallelujah! 

The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope. — Romans 15:12 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh Root of Jesse, during this new season of 2022, please draw us to you, give birth to new hope in me. God, show me how you can make all things new including my life. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen. 

 

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