Keep Believing: God in the Midst of Our Deepest Struggles

I read this story from a well known preacher and thought it made my point so I thought I’d share it. He knew a man who was believing to pay his house off. It was a standard 30-year mortgage, and he had 23 years left. In the natural, there was no way he could do it. But he was bold enough to say, “Father, I want to thank You that You are Jehovah Jireh; the Lord my provider. I know my job is not my source. You are my source. It may look impossible, but I know You can do the impossible.”

Several years ago, he received an inheritance from a family member that he had never met before. He didn’t even know they were related. He was able to not only pay his house off, but he paid a friend’s house off as well. What was that? Explosive blessings! Hallelujah!

Today my friend, when you believe God, you position yourself for miracles. When you are obedient to His commands, you set yourself under the open windows of heaven. When you declare God’s Word with faith, power and boldness, you activate His power. All you have to do is keep believing, keep trusting, keep speaking, and see the victory and miracles God has in store for you!

“It is written: ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken.’ With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak.”

(2 Corinthians 4:13, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which is alive and powerful! Father, I set my mind on Your promises, and will declare by faith what You say about me. I will keep believing no matter what. Thank You for Your faithfulness, as I move forward in the divine plan You have for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

God rewards the righteous

Notice today’s verse doesn’t say that God rewards those who “deserve” it, or have “earned” it. It doesn’t say that God rewards those who act perfectly and never make mistakes. No, God’s blessing isn’t based on our performance, it’s based on our faith, our belief in Him, and His goodness.

So do you want a reward? Start believing, start spending more time meditating on God’s goodness and dwelling on His faithfulness. Expect Him to act in your life. Spend some time seeking Him, reading the Psalms, and begin to praise and thank Him for all He is doing.

Today, open your eyes of faith and see all of the wonderful things He has prepared for you. Let His Word shape your thoughts, and remember He is a rewarder! He wants to bless you today because you earnestly seek after Him!

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

(Hebrews 11:6, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which fills my heart and mind with faith. Father, I believe that You are good and that You are a rewarder, even when my faith is weak, and my behaviour isn’t great. God, I will put my trust in You, knowing that You have blessings in store for my future, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Let It Go!

As I took a long hard look at my life, I realised that in order for me to get to the next level in my life and move into the next chapter in my life, I have to get rid of the old. Are you ready for a new chapter in your life? In order to move forward into the blessings God has for you, you have to be willing to let go of the old. The things that are behind you are not nearly as important today as what is out in front of you. It’s time to get ready for the “new”!

Some unfair things happen, things that you don’t understand. But let me tell you, you have come too far to stop now, despite what others may say and what you think. Instead of allowing those things to hold you back, why don’t you let go and take a step of faith into the new? It’s time to get a new, bigger vision; it’s time to get a new, fresher outlook; it’s time to rise up with a new attitude!

Today, Instead of settling where you are, pick up and move forward, no matter what has been said about you. Have the attitude that says, “I may not understand it; it may not have been fair, but I am not getting stuck on this page of my life. I know God has a new chapter for me–a chapter filled with blessings, favour and victory!

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed.”

(Luke 5:37, ESV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Father, today, I will trust You with my past, present and future. God, give me wisdom to discern the seasons of my life, and teach me to embrace the new things You have in store for me. Cover me from my enemies and the devil who will seek to bring me back into the old, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Today is the day to let go of the past.

You are never going to live out your true potential in life if you hold onto past hurt. You’ve already finished those chapters. Now is the time to re-write your story, one that is empowering and uplifting. As someone once said, “You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.” 

Quotes For Letting Go Of The Past And Moving On With Your Life

“If letting go, if letting people and things work themselves out in the way that they needed to without your help was the most important thing, then it was also the hardest.”
? Deb Caletti, The Six Rules of Maybe

“When someone you love says goodbye you can stare long and hard at the door they closed and forget to see all the doors God has open in front of you.”
? Shannon L. Alder”

“If you spend your time hoping someone will suffer the consequences for what they did to your heart, then you’re allowing them to hurt you a second time in your mind.”
? Shannon L. Alder

“The greatest step towards a life of simplicity is to learn to let go.”
? Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

“If you want to forget something or someone, never hate it, or never hate him/her. Everything and everyone that you hate is engraved upon your heart; if you want to let go of something, if you want to forget, you cannot hate.”
? C. JoyBell C.

“Cry. Forgive. Learn. Move on. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness.”
? Steve Maraboli

“There is no such thing as a “broken family.” Family is family, and is not determined by marriage certificates, divorce papers, and adoption documents. Families are made in the heart. The only time family becomes null is when those ties in the heart are cut. If you cut those ties, those people are not your family. If you make those ties, those people are your family. And if you hate those ties, those people will still be your family because whatever you hate will always be with you.”
? C. JoyBell C.

“If you didn’t love him, this never would have happened. But you did. And accepting that love and everything that followed it is part of letting it go.”
? Sarah Dessen, Dreamland

When we think we have been hurt by someone in the past, we build up defenses to protect ourselves from being hurt in the future. So the fearful past causes a fearful future and the past and future become one. We cannot love when we feel fear…. When we release the fearful past and forgive everyone, we will experience total love and oneness with all.”
? Gerald G. Jampolsky

“Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.”
? Ann Landers

“The beautiful journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday.”
? Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience

“Let go of certainty. The opposite isn’t uncertainty. It’s openness, curiosity and a willingness to embrace paradox, rather than choose up sides. The ultimate challenge is to accept ourselves exactly as we are, but never stop trying to learn and grow.”
? Tony Schwartz

“Being different is a revolving door in your life where secure people enter and insecure exit.”
? Shannon L. Alder

“We can’t be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don’t have something better.”
? C. JoyBell C.

“I realise there’s something incredibly honest about trees in winter, how they’re experts at letting things go.”
? Jeffrey McDaniel

Repetition Deepens Impression

Notice in today’s verse, God’s people were commanded to go around continually saying, “let God be magnified. He takes pleasure in prospering me.” I believe one reason they were supposed to say it all the time, is so it would get down on the inside of their hearts, and stick in their minds.

There is an old saying that “repetition deepens impression.” When we hear something long enough, we start to believe as it sinks deep in our minds. It starts to affect the way we see things. I wonder what would happen if all through the day, we decided to stop dwelling on negative, defeated thoughts like, “I’ll never get out of debt. My business will never expand. How can I send my children to university, it’s so expensive?” And what if you started dwelling on thoughts like, “God takes pleasure in prospering me. Good breakthroughs are in my future and explosive blessings are coming my way?”

Today, let the truth of God’s Word sink down into your heart. All throughout the day, declare His goodness continually, praise Him at every opportunity, let the world know of His faithfulness. Declare His blessings, because He delights in seeing you prosper, and God inhabits your praise!

“Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favour my vindication; and let them say continually, ‘The Lord be magnified, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant.’”

(Psalm 35:27, NASB)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness. Father thank You for finding joy in seeing me succeed. Help me to see my life the way You see it, and I will praise and magnify You continually, for You are worthy to be praised and lifted up. God, help me to see and declare the breakthrough, blessings and victories You have for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Greater Than Pizza, Movies And Ice Cream

Greater Than Pizza, Movies And Ice Cream

I’m always disheartened, bewildered and even confused by the way we use the word “love,” prompting the question “what is love?” We love food, movies, clothes and sports, but we also love our family or spouse.

In the Word of God, we see God’s true definition of love. First Corinthians 13 tells us that “love is patient and kind. It does not envy nor boast. It is not proud. It is not rude. It does not seek its own way, is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not rejoice in evil, but rejoices in the truth. Love believes, hopes and endures. Love never fails.” This is how God responds to us, and this is how we should respond to the people in our lives with patience, kindness, hope, humility and love. Scripture tells us that God is love, and His character never changes!

Today, and every day, know that God loves you more than you love pizza, ice cream and cake. He loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He is there for you and has a great plan for you. Receive His perfect, consistent and patient love, and let Him transform you from the inside out. His love is the greatest love and will last throughout all eternity! Hallelujah!

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

(1 Corinthians 13:13, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for loving me and accepting me with all my faults and flaws. Father, thank You for doing a work in my life that no one else can do. God, please help me to love like You, with patience and consistency. Help me to see others the way You see them, and respond in love, because You are love. I bless You,  honour You and love You today and always, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Have Needs? God Will Provide Your Every Need.

Have Needs? God Will Provide Your Every Need.

Jehovah Jireh means “God will provide.” Hallelujah! When the children of Israel were in the desert on the way to the Promised Land, God provided them with manna to eat. That was good. It sustained them for a while, but it wasn’t a permanent solution. Eventually, the manna stopped coming. The people had to move forward, and then God allowed them to have quail. They were so excited. That fed them for a while, but it was also temporary.

God gave the Israelites temporary provision on the way to the Promised Land where they would have permanent provision. The fact that God had something much greater in store for their future is what kept them moving forward. God could have sustained them with manna or quail, but God is a God of increase, a God of better and best. He works in seasons, and He always has something better in store for us.

Today, don’t get stuck in a rut and think that your current situation is going to last forever. Instead, stay open and be willing to change and adjust, and make corrections, or try something new as God provides for you. If the “manna” stops coming, like it did for the children of Israel, don’t get upset or disheartened. Remember, God is Jehovah Jireh, He will provide. Just keep moving forward and trusting. Be on the lookout for the new provision God has in store for you!

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 4:19, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, You alone are the just and faithful God! Father, thank You for always providing for me. Thank You for leading and guiding me. God, I trust that You have better and greater things in store for my future. I will choose to keep my eyes on You, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

How to Reset Your Joy in God

I had to ask God the question “where is the joy You promised me?” I had a great weekend, saw many souls baptised, had many friends come to visit from around the world, had a great radio programme, but still I’m left looking for joy. I used to believe the greatest need in this life was peace, however my mind has changed to joy being the greatest need. Jesus came to give us joy and joy to the fullest! When your joy is full you will feel it, and it can be seen and experienced by others. Joy is supposed to be displayed. As believers, we should have a smile on our face and a spring in our step. We should be kind and friendly. We should be fun to be around. We should be full of His supernatural joy!

Have you, like me, allowed the pressures of life to push you down? Have you been more focused on your circumstances than on your God who is joy? If you’re not enjoying your life or relationships, it’s time to refocus and tap into the full joy that the Spirit brings. It’s time to draw the line in the sand and say, “that’s it. I’m not going to live another day negative, discouraged, sour or grumpy. I’m going to pray and attempt to put a smile on my face. I’m going to let my God-given joy be seen so I can brighten somebody else’s day. I’m going to live my life happy and full of joy!”

Today, take a step of faith and choose to trust God with your present and your future, believing that something will change on the inside. Your feelings will soon line up. Your faith will tap into God’s supernatural joy. And when you tap into His joy, you tap into His strength and victory, so you can live the full, abundant life of joy God has prepared for you!

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

(John 15:11, KJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for the gift of joy. Father, thank You for lavishing Your love and grace on me. Please fill me with Your power, strength and virtue, so I can look beyond despair and discouragement, and remain faithful and focused on You. God, change my circumstances right now, so that my joy will overflow and be a blessing everywhere I go, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

How can I teach my children to resist temptation?

How can I teach my children to resist temptation?

It seemed to Eve a small matter to eat of the forbidden tree, the fruit was pleasant to the eye and to the taste desirable to make one wise. But what terrible results!

It was not a small matter to forfeit allegiance to God. It opened the floodgates of sin to our world. Oh, the amount of evil which can come from one false step in life! Our eye must not be fixed on earth, but upward to Heaven. We must pass through dangers and difficulties, making advance at every step, gaining victories in every conflict, still rising higher and higher our standard of Christianity. As you do this the earth’s attractions will sink out of sight and the heavenly landscape opens with clearness and beauty. You will see the crown, the white robe, the harp, the palm branch of victory and immortality will be within your reach.

If we lose everything else, we should keep conscience pure and sensitive. When asked to go where there is the least danger of offending God, doing that which you cannot do with a pure conscience, do not fear or hesitate. Look the enemy of God firmly in the face and say, “No; I will not imperil my soul for any worldly attraction. I love and fear God. I will not venture to dishonor or disobey Him for the riches of the world or the love and favor of a host of worldly relatives. I love Jesus who died for me. He has bought me. I am the purchase of His blood. I will be true to His claims, and my example shall never be an excuse for any to turn from the straight path of duty. I will not be the servant of Satan and of sin. My life shall be such as to leave a bright track heavenward.”

The time has come when every Christian must stand or fall according to his own merits. A few righteous acts, a few good impulses, may be presented to the mind as evidences of righteousness, but God requires the our whole heart. He will accept no divided affections. The whole being must be given to Him or He will not receive the offering.

We must now be learning the lessons of faith if we would stand in that time of trouble which is coming upon all the world to try them who dwell upon the face of the earth. We must have the courage of heroes and the faith of martyrs.

10 Ways To Resist The Devil

God gives us specific guidance to counteract the devil and his influence.

1. Be Ruled by the Word.

2. Beware of Grieving the Holy Spirit.

3. Labor for Wisdom.

4. Resist the First Stirring of Temptation.

5. Labor to Be Filled With the Spirit.

6. Keep Humble.

7. Be Constantly on Guard.

8. Continue Communing With God.

9. Do Not Engage Satan In Your Own Strength.

10. Pray Constantly.

A Prayer to Guard Your Heart  
Lord God, Captain of my heart, Satan knows if I follow Your Greatest Commandment — to love You with all my heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37) — he is powerless over me. Guard my heart, Lord Jesus, so that it beats for You alone. Don’t let me grow complacent toward You or be lured to love anyone or anything more than You. Remove the idols from my heart so that You alone command my allegiance and utmost affections Help me to love and forgive others as You have forgiven me so the enemy can get no foothold through hate or bitterness on my part. Cultivate in my heart Your love that “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7, NASB). Finally, Lord, set my heart on things above, not on earthly things. Help me to remember that You died for me and my life is now hidden which Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-2). Increase my longing for heaven so this world holds no power over me.   

How Christians Can Experience Deeper Rest

TRUE REST IS LETTING GOD DO THE “DOING”…

As I come to the end of a 2 week revival at Reading Central, preaching each night and then driving an hour and a half home, I’m shattered and in need of rest. Then I read today’s verse and shoutedhallelujah! In principle it says, God wants to give you rest. He wants to refresh and restore your soul–your mind, your will and your emotions. It’s so easy to get caught up in the “busyness” of life, and before long, your mind, will and emotions are so “tiredand weary” that you can barely think straight! But even in the hustle of life, you can find rest, ease and relaxation.

Friend, God wants you to enjoy your life. That’s why He tells us to come to Him. God wants to take care of everything that concerns you, so that you can find rest in your innermost being. Imaginehow you would feel if someone came up to you today and said, “give me all of your monthly bills; I’m going to pay them.” You’d get pretty excited, wouldn’t you? But it wouldn’t happen until you did your part to actually hand that person your bills. They can’tpay them for you if you never release them. In the same way, when we release our cares and concerns to God, He promises to take care of them.

Today, stop holding on to things you need to release. Things that are zapping you of your spiritual energy. Things that are making you weary and heavy, and choose to release your cares to the Lord.Let Him fill you with His peace and joy. Receive the rest that He promises, and enjoy the fulfillment and blessings He has for you!

“Then Jesus said, ‘come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” (Matthew 11:28, NLT)

Pray With Me 
Yahweh, today I humbly come to You. Father, I cast my cares on You so that I can live in Your rest. Thank You for caring and loving me. I am in awe of Your goodness to me. God, help me find waysto rest in You and release my burdens into your hands, so that I can share Your goodness with those around me in a powerful and effective way, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Life is tough, and the burdens it hands you can be so hard to bear. But you don’t need to carry them alone. Read the promises of God ”¦

1. “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22). God is glad to carry your burdens and give you the daily strength you need.

2. “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6). It’s not God’s will that you should be crushed down with excessive burdens; let Him free you today.

3. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28—30). Jesus will remove your heavy burden of guilt and hopelessness and give you true rest in Him.

4. “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you’” (Isaiah 41:13). God promises to support and help you through every trial.

5. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6, 7). Just knowing your heavenly Father cares about you personally can make any load seem lighter.

6. “Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (Isaiah 46:4). The Lord desires to constantly support you throughout your life, with the intention of saving you eternally.

7. “He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom” (Isaiah 40:11). The Good Shepherd will gladly bear you in His gentle arms right now.

8. “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17). If you belong to Him, God will always listen when you call to Him for help.

9. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Through faith His strength becomes yours, and He reaches out to keep you from falling.

10. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). When God has lightened your burdens, He asks you to do the same for others.

Why not come to Jesus today and allow Him to relieve you of your heavy load? 

‘Keep walking and don’t get comfortable,’ Jesus said

Based on today’s verse, do you feel at times you’re walking through the valley of the shadow of death? This is referring to life’s tough times when you’re at breaking point, and evil is all around you, and fear steals your faith.

During these tough times, it’s easy to get discouraged. I love what it says in the verse, “though I walk through”¦” So no matter what evil you are facing today, know this: you are not alone, and you are just walking through. You don’t have to stop and live in the tough times, just keep walking through. They are only temporary. Hallelujah!

Today, don’t allow fear to paralyse you in the middle of “the valley of the shadow of death.” Remember, God is with you. He is walking beside you. He is strengthening you. He is making a way of escape for you. He is lining up people and situations to bring you out of that tough place into a place of strength and victory. Don’t give up! Press on and walk through, staying focused as you walk. Have a vision of your life on the other side of the valley. See yourself more loving, more faithful, stronger and more blessed than ever before. As you keep moving forward and walking through, you will get to the other side and experience the victory God has for you!

“Yea, 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)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness toward me. Father, thank You for walking with me in the hard times of life when I feel like giving up and giving in. God, I won’t stay or stop in my negative, discouraging or evil trial, I will keep walking forward keeping my eyes on You. I trust that You will carry me and care for me as I go through my valley, to a place of victory and strength, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Bible Verses about Walking with God and Jesus

We can find many references in scripture of “walking with God and Jesus,” beginning with God coming down in the cool of the evening to walk with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8). Other references include:

– “…because you have saved my life from death, saved my feet from stumbling, so that I can walk before God in the light of life” (Psalm 56:13 CEB).

– “The people who know the celebratory shout are truly happy! They walk in the light of your presence, Lord!” (Psalm 89:15 CEB).

– “Come, house of Jacob, let’s walk by the Lord’s light” (Isaiah 2:5 CEB).

– “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2 CEB).

In addition, just a few of the many passages found in the New Testament are given in John 8:12, John 12:35-36 and 1 John 1:7.

A God Greater Than Google

Most drivers these days have some kind of navigation system, whether on their phone or built into their car. I use Google on my phone, I just have to programme it to take me to a certain location and it will take me there, as long as I follow the directions given. 

The announcer will give me instructions like, “turn left in a quarter of a mile. Take this freeway three miles. Exit in one mile.” But sometimes I don’t follow the directions. I may miss a turn, stop to get gas or go the wrong way. The announcer doesn’t come on and start yelling at me and say, “what are you doing? I told you to turn left! You ruined my plan.” No, the moment I get off course, the navigation system immediately starts recalculating and rerouting in a few seconds, and it will give me new directions.

Today, God is like our navigation system; google maps, etc. He has a plan for you to get to your destination. He has directions and a path that is best for you when you commit your heart to Him. However, you may mess up on following His directions, miss an exit or make a wrong turn, but praise God, in less than a second He recalculates another route. He’s still going to get you to where you’re supposed to be. Listen to Him and follow His instructions as He announces them in His Word, and you will arrive at your God-given destiny. Remember, He loves you with an everlasting love. When you seek Him with your whole heart, no matter where you are in life, He’ll get you back on track! Hallelujah!

“Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.”

(Psalm 25:4, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, show me Your path; teach me Your ways. Father, my heart’s deepest desire is to know You and to be known by You. Help me stay on track, and when I make a wrong turn or go the wrong way, please get me back on track and recalculate my life and reroute my mind, so I can get to my God-given destination. God, You are my King, and I humbly submit my ways to You. Thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Maybe God Doesn’t Want You To Be A Super Hero

I was talking with some children about their dreams. Some wanted to be football players, actors or actresses, super heroes and firemen. But most of the time, those dreams end up just being wishful thinking. As we get older we grow out of them.

We all have dreams as children, but when we grow up, we have to know the difference between a God-given dream and a wish. Beyond our wishes, we all have dreams placed inside of us by the Creator of the universe. In fact, the Latin word for “desire” means “from the Father.” One way to tell if a dream is really from God, is that the desire won’t go away. You may have had it for years, but you still can’t let it go. In fact, you may have tried to let it go, but it won’t let go of you.

Today, search your heart to know the difference between a play dream of your childhood, and the dreams and desires placed in you by the Creator. Allow those God-given dreams to surface, remembering He placed those desires inside of you for His purpose and your success. Ask Him to order your steps as you embrace the destiny He has in store for you!

“A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.”

(Proverbs 16:9, AMPC)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for the dreams and desires You’ve placed within me for Your purpose and my success. Father, show me the difference between my childhood dreams, and what You want for my life. I submit them to You and ask that You direct my steps. God, search my heart, and cause my thoughts to become agreeable to Your Word and the plan You have for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Renewal, Of People Of God – Knowing Jesus

Renewal, Of People Of God - Knowing Jesus

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.

Ephesians 3:16.

Have you ever heard the phase – you’re living on borrowed time? Meaning living after the time you would have expected to have died. Well, there is some truth to the saying as we are all living in probationary time. 

However, isn’t it wondering that Jesus has paved the way and that those who truly and earnestly desire eternal life and strive for it with desire and effort should have it. What a comfort it is to know that the Lord wants us in His family above.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.

(John 3:16)

We need to cherish and exercise faith. Our faith must work. We must have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. The leaven has a vital energy, penetrating and absorbing all the elements into which it is introduced. So likewise, the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.

The Word of the Lord is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword. The Word is a power as we practice it. The great change that the truth makes is inward. It begins in the heart, and works outwardly. With the heart, man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. “Burnt offerings and sacrifices thou wouldest not.” The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. God is not pleased with false pretence.

We should hide in Jesus Christ and trust in His love. We should believe day by day that He loves us with a love that is infinite. Let nothing, absolutely nothing discourage you, and make you sad. Think of the goodness of God. Recount His favours and blessings hallelujah.

I am labouring constantly in writing and speaking. The Lord has been my very best Friend, and you can testify the same.

Let the praise of the Lord Jesus Christ the be ever in your hearts and in your minds and upon your lips. In this way you can magnify the truth. The Holy Spirit will witness with your spirit that you are indeed children of God. Be of good courage; Jesus is our personal Friend and Saviour. He loves us, and if He notices the little brown sparrow, how much more will He love and care for us. The memory grows weak when it is not exercised. So will our faith and hope and courage become feeble unless we look unto Jesus with all the confidence that a little child looks to its mother. By beholding Him, we become changed into His righteousness. Let not one thought of unbelief be woven into your religious experience. 

The Lord will be our efficiency and exceeding great reward. Amen

DIVINE FAVOUR

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.” Every one of us can say that in our lives God has been good to us. We’ve all experienced God’s favour at some point in our life. He has protected us, promoted us and opened doors for us. That’s favour. But I believe in the coming days, weeks and months, God wants to show us immeasurable, unlimited favour, that’s favour like we haven’t seen before.

In today’s Scripture below, Paul said that in the “ages to come,” we would see “the immeasurable, unlimited, surpassing the greatness of God’s power.” Paul wrote this passage ages ago, however, I believe that we are now living in the “ages to come” that Paul was talking about. I believe you and I are going to see God’s powerful, immeasurable, unlimited favour!

Today, the words “immeasurable and unlimited” mean “uncalculated, unmatched,  unparalleled, unpredictable, unprecedented and with no end.” In other words, you may have seen God’s favour in the past, but you need to get ready. You haven’t seen anything yet. What God has in your future is going to be bigger, better, greater! He is going to show you His goodness in ways you’ve never seen before. Keep standing, keep praying, keep putting Him first, and watch His favour undo every negative area of your life! Hallelujah!

“And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe.”

(Ephesians 1:19, AMPC)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for allowing me to live in this day and age where daily I see Your miracles and favour. Father, I believe that You created me for such a time as this. God, I bless You, praise You and magnify You, for all that You are, and do, in my life. I receive Your immeasurable and unlimited favour, as I serve You with my whole heart, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Scriptures On God’s Favor

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. 2 Thessalonians 2:16—17

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, Ephesians 1:7—8

You have granted me life and favor, and Your care has preserved my spirit. Job 10:12

And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight, Genesis 39:3—4

For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield. Psalm 5:12

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:5—6

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. John 17:22—23

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46—47

”¦ For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. Romans 5:15

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, Ephesians 1:3

For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14

How the God of All Comfort Can Help You

The God Who Comforts

We live in a world of temporary comfort. Oftentimes when people face challenges, they seek comfort by surrounding themselves with things that may seem familiar or pleasurable, like alcohol, cigarettes, illicit drugs, sex, sport, relationships, or food. But those things are temporary, and they can only bring temporary comfort. True, lasting comfort is available, and it’s only found in a personal relationship with God, through our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Webster’s dictionary defines comfort as “to give strength and hope; to ease grief or trouble.” No matter what difficulty you may be facing today, God wants to bring you comfort. Like a mother cares for her child, He longs to give you strength, hope and confidence.

Today, make the decision to put God first in every area of your life. Let go of those things that you know are holding you back. Let Him be Lord over all! As you surrender to His grace, you will be filled with His peace, joy and comfort. You’ll be empowered to overcome every obstacle, and you will be fulfilled all the days of your life.

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you”¦” 

(Isaiah 66:13, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, as I come to You, I invite You to fill my whole being with Your divine hope. Thank You Father, for being my lasting comfort and strength. Please, help me not to rely on the temporary pleasures of this life. God, empower me by Your Spirit to live in the victory You have established for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Dictionary Definition of Comfort

Look up comfort in a dictionary and you’ll find a definition like “something that promotes a state of ease or provides freedom from pain and anxiety.” But according to God’s Word, when consolation is needed, the only true solution is the indwelling Holy Spirit. In Greek, He is called parakl?tos, which means “he who stands at one’s side; he who comes to one’s aid.” Believers don’t have to rely on outward remedies or distractions to ease their mind, because help is available from the ultimate Comforter.

Victory In Christ

Victory In Christ

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

1 John 5:4

The Meaning of the Victory of God

We need to draw near to our Helper, the One who is infinite in wisdom, Jesus. He is our Minister and our great Medical Missionary, and He knows that trials through which His believers on this earth will pass. He has been tempted like we are tempted. Let us not forget that Christ Jesus had came face to face with Satan, and that when He met him, He, our Saviour, was bearing the likeness of humanity. 

Jesus is our Restorer, the Perfecter of His covenant with the human agencies who depend upon Him as their Prince and their Redeemer.

Christ conquered as a sinless, unfallen, perfect Man. As the Messiah He has won the victory over the temptations of the enemy, making it possible for us to overcome as He overcame. 

We are to overcome in every encounter with the enemy, Satan. We are to be victors by becoming partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Each victory that Jesus gained in His humanity makes it possible for us, through receiving and believing in Him, to gain the victory as well. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God” (John 1:12). 

Each victory that He gained in humanity secures for us its genuine fruits. Each assault of Satan overcome marks the occasion of a victory for humanity as a-whole

The deliverance of the people of God and His mercies to them in past trials are to be called to mind as an assurance of that which, if we trust in God, He will do for us in present and future emergencies. 

Whatever may have been our experience, if we people surrender to God with full purpose of heart, with humility and contrition, He will receive us. To all who by faith receive Christ as their personal Saviour, He will give power to become overcomers–sons and daughters of God. We will become partakers of the divine nature, and fully realize the father God’s mercy and the grace of His Holy Spirit.

Let our prayers ascend to God in all humility. Let us through the grace Christ came to the world to impart confess and forsake our sins, with humble, contrite hearts. The Lord understands, for all secret things are known to Him. Not one mean action can be performed without God understanding every phase of temptation.

Throughout the gospels, Christ made frequent reference to the great conflict that He had with Satan at the beginning of His ministry. He makes constant reference to Satan’s kingdom as opposed to the kingdom of God. Let us be sure that we are on the Lord’s side.

Bible Verses about Victory In Christ

Christians can have victory over sin when they are living for Christ, and there are many Scriptures which detail this topic.

John 3:16 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Hebrews 7:25-27 

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.

2 Corinthians 4:8 

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;

Romans 8:14 

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

John 8:36 

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Luke 10:17-20 

The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Luke 1:47-49 

And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

Colossians 2:15

He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Hebrews 4:12 

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Ephesians 3:6 

This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

John 6:50-71

This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. …

Galatians 2:20 

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Zechariah 4:6

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

Ephesians 6:17

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

Romans 8:23 

And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

 

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