He Is My Refuge”¦

Watching hurricane Maria destroy parts of the West Indies, and earthquakes decimate Mexico, the word was “take refuge where ever you can”. My question to you today is — where do you take refuge when the storms of life come? Where do you go for comfort and safety? Some people find it easy to turn to their friends, their job, alcohol or even a bowl of ice cream. Before you turn to anything turn to God. He wants us to take refuge in Him. He longs to protect us, defend us and give us His strength. We serve a good God, and when we take refuge in Him, He will pour out His abundant blessing in our lives.

Today, taste and see that the Lord is good, and His promises are true. When you turn to God, you will find rest and refuge for your soul in the Bible’s promises. Lean on Him when you’re not strong, no matter what storm you may be facing, come to the Father. He will give you His peace and strength as you take refuge in Him.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” 

(Psalm 34:8, ESV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I open my heart to You, please be my refuge during my storms. Thank You for Your peace and rest, and for showing me Your hand of blessing as I take refuge in You. God, help me today while I’m going through some hard times. I hold on to You with all I have, trusting in Your promises, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Life’s Ups And Downs

I always say life is like a roller coaster. In life, we all have ups and downs. This time of year can be especially challenging. There are seasons that are more difficult when our character is being developed, and our faith in God is being strengthened. Sometimes, it can feel like we are taking two steps forward and three steps backward. If we’re not careful, we’ll start thinking that life is always going to be this way.

God doesn’t want us to live life like a roller coaster. He wants to bring us to a place of stability, so we can remain strong in Him. Jesus said, “I am the vine. You are the branches. If you abide in me, you will bear much fruit and your fruit will remain.” The word “remain” means “to be fixed, immovable, not affected by circumstances.”

Today, if you will just keep abiding in Him, just keep meditating on His Word, He’ll bring you through. He’ll make you strong. He’ll keep you stable, and you’ll embrace the life of blessing and focus He has prepared for you!

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

(John 15:7, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahshua, thank You for wanting to remain with a sinner like me. I choose to set my heart and mind on You, despite the roller coaster of life, knowing that You are good, faithful and stable. Father, I trust that as I seek You and put You first, You will direct my steps. God, today I’m choosing to remain in You, and follow You in everything I do, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

COVID 19 or Psalm 91?

The ongoing COVID 19 pandemic has Christians and non-Christians alike worried and on edge. These fears are fed by the reality that the basic facts of this virus (transmission and mortality rates, for example) are still poorly understood and there is no vaccination against the spreading contagion. However, Christians have a defense that is not available to non-believers.

The most direct evidence of this is found in Psalm 91. These 16 verses speak generally about the Lord acting as our defense and specifically mentions protection from infectious disease 3 times. This is in addition to at last 4 references to being protected from danger and evil. A full reading of the text gives a blessed assurance of security. (This is the ESV.)

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.”

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his pinions,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

You will not fear the terror of the night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,

nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

You will only look with your eyes

and see the recompense of the wicked.

Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place–

the Most High, who is my refuge–

no evil shall be allowed to befall you,

no plague come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways.

On their hands they will bear you up,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the adder;

the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;

I will protect him, because he knows my name.

When he calls to me, I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will rescue him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation.”

Which Testament is this in?

The critical point in this fantastic promise of safety is found in the first line of the last stanza (verse 14) where we are told that God will do this “because he holds fast to me in love.” This is a remarkable statement coming from an Old Testament writer operating under the covenant of the law where “do good to get good” was the normal mode of operation.

Instead of an “if you do this, then” formulation typically found in passages based on law, the blessings of Psalm 91 are unconditional. They come from God because we hold fast to Him in love. Obedience or service is not mentioned as a condition. Instead the entire psalm describes benefits that come from a relationship with God based on love.

Who’s love?

An interesting perspective is gained by considering the possibility that the love referred to is an understanding of God’s love for us, not our love for God. This is in keeping with 1 Peter 5:7 where we told that God cares for us, and so we should cast our concerns on Him. (Which is another good piece of Scriptural advice when dealing with COVID 19).

Of course, 1 John 4:19 identifies God’s love for us as the root of our love for God. Just like any plant cut off from its root dies, so too would our love for God wither if it were cut off from the understanding that God loves us. While we might protest that this is impossible, if it happened to the Ephesians (Revelation 2:4) it can happen to us.

Is this real?

The idea that Christians have nothing to fear from COVID 19 because God will protect us from the virus may strike some as laughable. However, the whole idea of God becoming man and dying for our sins is considered laughable by many. The bigger issue is that this Psalm asks us to do something that makes us very uncomfortable.

C.S. Lewis said it best. “The state of having to depend solely on God is what we all dread the most.” This is the appeal of many Christian religions which add a healthy dose of works to their message of salvation. While it is straightforward to reject that error, it is still a challenge to depend on God’s love to protect against a pandemic.

Conclusion

It is fitting that the numbers 19 and 91 are in reverse order, because God’s wisdom runs in the exact opposite direction from that of mankind. Our “wisdom” looks like absolute foolishness to God according to 1 Corinthians 3:19. The simple reversed order of the numbers also serves as a useful memory tool.

When you see “COVID 19”, remember “Psalm 91”. When you see fear, remember confidence. When you are told that medical systems are unable to cope with this crisis, remember that the purpose of Scripture is to fully equipped us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). Psalm 91 is the perfect example of that truth for today.

A NEW YOU: God can change impossible situations

Does this situation look impossible? It’s time to believe God for something that seems impossible? We serve a great and mighty God, and He can create something out of nothing! He can make a way when there seems to be no way. Before God spoke the world into existence, it was formless and void. If God can make the world out of nothing, He can take the empty places in your life and create something beautiful too.

Today, God can speak light into your darkest hour. He can take your formless dreams that seems to be fading and give them shape. He can resurrect your dormant gifts and talents! He can make your crooked places straight! Trust Him in all things, because He can make something out of nothing, there is nothing too hard for Him! trust Him at this time!

“The earth was formless and void”¦and God said, let there be light.” (Genesis 1:2—3, NASB)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, I trust that You will make a way where there seems to be no way. Father, thank You for forming my shapeless life. Now God, fill the void that is in my life today because of this world’s circumstances and instabilities. Please, I beg You, turn on the light in our darkness today. Give me Your peace and faith, and give me a vision of hope which is bigger than my now. I trust You in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Don’t Get It Twisted – God Is My Sustainer

I was washing my hands thinking about life, I began to think that water is the great sustainer of life – we drink it, bathe in it and now we are being told it could save our lives by washing our hands. We are told most of our sources are generated by water. But don’t get it twisted, the greater sustainer and generator of life is God. He is your source of life. He wants you to abide in Him and rely on Him for everything. He wants to be your source for strength, provision, hope and joy. Like the air you breathe, He wants you to rely on Him for your very existence.

Remember, abiding in God begins by communing with Him, and meditating on His Word all day long. When you abide in Him, you talk to Him before you go to sleep at night. You think about Him when you first wake up. You dwell on His promises all throughout the day, and continually fellowship with Him in prayer. You make Him your number one priority and stay connected with other believers. Notice what this verse says will happen when you abide in Him–you will produce much fruit! He will be your water and sunlight in the midst of your darkness, so that you can produce gigantic fruit for His Kingdom!

Today, when you are connected to God, everything you set your hand to will be fruitful and blessed. Just like a branch thrives when it is connected to the vine, you will thrive and be prosperous when you abide in Him!

I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who abides in me while I abide in him produces much fruit…”

(John 15:5, ISV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, today I have decided to abide in You. Please be my source. Father, as I wash my hands more than ever before, and drink more water to survive and remain healthy, I won’t get it twisted, but remember, You are my sustainer and I totally depend on You. God, thank You for Your promise of blessing on me, and help me to always be a blessing to others at this time. God, I praise You today because You are my primary sustainer and generator of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

What does the Bible say about Judgment Day?

I was recently looking into “life expectancy” rates and discovered that they are all over the map. Quotes from various websites, for example, set mine at 67, 78 and 88. (Suzie Orman says that it’s in the 90s!)

Here’s another surprise……..as you age, your life expectancy can actually increase because by then, you will have survived many of the things that could have brought about an earlier death.

Here’s an example that I found online”¦”¦”¦”¦..

In 2006 the life expectancy at birth of someone born in 1942 was about 68 years. If that person survived to 65, they could expect to live another 18.4 years, meaning their life expectancy was no longer the same as it was at birth.

The biggest surprise to me, however, was to realize that half of the people who shared the same life expectancy died earlier than their expected end.

Consequently, for those who plan to turn from sin and accept Christ’s offer of forgiveness at some point in the future, it is a foolish and perilous thing to do. It is a sign that deep in your heart, you are more in love with the world than with God (1 John 2:15; Matthew 7:21-23).

But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

(Luke 12:20)

The same principle applies to believers who have decided that they will get serious about living for God at some point in the future. They say to themselves: “I’ll just be glad to get into heaven.” And certainly, we’ll all be glad to get into heaven!

However, the crowns and rewards that are on offer will be ours for all eternity! So also will the loss of such crowns and rewards — making this a far more important issue than is often realized.

What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived — the things God has prepared for those who love Him — these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

(1 CORINTHIANS 2:9-10)

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us”¦”¦..

(Ephesians 3:20)

Salvation by God is a Limited-Time Offer!

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom!

(Psalm 90:12)

The Bible teaches that the number of our days are fixed and are already known by God. In other words, salvation by God is a limited-time offer!

From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’

(Acts 17:26-28)

Man’s days are determined; You have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.

(Job 14:5)

For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.

(Psalm 139:13-16)

You Have Been Designed to Win Big!

This explains why so many people who have had near-death experiences are met by loved ones who are already in heaven – who have obviously been alerted to their arrival. It also explains why some are told that they have to return to earth because their “time” has not yet come.

Based on the character of God, I believe that the number of days assigned by God, whether many or few, has been calculated to produce the greatest, eternal outcome for us on the Day of Judgment. Even the severity of a negative outcome may be lessened in this way.

It’s true that King Hezekiah begged God to allow him more time on earth. After many tears, God relented and gave him an extra 15 years beyond what had been allotted. (See Isaiah 38-39).

However, during those extra 15 years, Hezekiah foolishly invited the king of Babylon to see all the treasures of Israel, only to see those treasures stolen, his sons kidnapped, castrated and sent into exile.

This is where the exception proves the rule. God had calculated the years Hezekiah should live — I believe, in order to maximize his eternal and temporal blessings and to save him from the disasters that would come upon him should he live longer.

You see, God knows our hearts. He knows our sins – past, present and future. And He knows whether we will repent of sin and surrender our lives to Jesus Christ. He also knows the number of days that will optimize the outcome of our final judgment.

The “Bema Seat” vs the “Great White Throne” Judgment

I believe that God’s judgment for the lost will be designed to limit the eternal suffering that will be the consequence of their earthly lives. In some cases, God may shorten their earthly years in order to limit the number of sins for which they will be penalized. (This is speculation on my part, but it is based on the merciful goodness of God).

For believers, God’s criteria for final judgment, (and all the evidence that pertains therein), is based on what we have done in the body since our salvation (2 Corinthians 5:10). It perfectly flows from His omniscience (Romans 2:5-7; Psalm 18:30) and like the judgment of the unbeliever, cannot be appealed.

Again, for believers and unbelievers alike, it is likely that God plans the number of our days on earth so that we will have the best possible outcome on Judgment Day (Matthew 25:31-46; Hebrews 4:13).  Yes, He is that good!

The “Bema Seat” judgment of believers will determine the rewards, or loss thereof, for those who gave their life to Jesus Christ and have therefore escaped eternal separation from God. (See Romans 8:1-2; 14:10c-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27-28; Revelation 14:13). They will be saved, but as through fire (1 Corinthians 3:15).

Assuming that the ”crowns” given to believers are different than the “rewards” cited above, those too can be won or lost at the judgment of believers. (See 2 Timothy 2:5; 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10).

As for the “Great White Throne” judgment, which is for those who never repented of their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, they face a divine determination of what their experience in Hell will be like for all eternity. In other words, Hitler’s experience of Hell will undoubtedly differ from that of the sweet lady next door who never surrendered her life to Jesus Christ. (See Matthew 12:36-37; Luke 23:41; John 5:29; Romans 2:5-11; Hebrews 2:1-3; Revelation 2:23c; 20:11-15).

So for both believer and nonbeliever, the Bible declares”¦”¦

I urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For He says, ‘In the time of My favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

(2 Corinthians 6:1-2)

God Kill Those Weeds

I visited the four seasons nursery in Malawi some years ago and I was looking at the weeds. I am reminded of Jesus in Matthew 13, telling a parable about a man who went out to his field and planted wheat in the ground. He sowed good seed. This represents that he was doing the right thing — honouring God with his life and being good to others. But while he slept, an enemy came in and planted weeds. The man didn’t know what had happened. He was expecting to have a great harvest; after all, he had done all the right things, but the weeds still sprang up among his wheat and cause destruction amongst many.

When life seems great, unexpectedly things will happen. The enemy comes in and sows weeds to strangle us, and cause destruction that we didn’t have anything to do with. The key is to keep the right attitude and stay focused on God, the sower of goodness. When these unexpected challenges happen, we must say, “it’s just another weed, I won’t panic, I didn’t sow it, the enemy is not going to get me off focus, so I don’t have to reap it.” Then we can keep the door open for God to move on our behalf and deal with what the enemy has done.

Today, don’t let the weeds in your life take root. Don’t let discouragement creep in. Instead, lift up your eyes of faith to what your Father God can do for you. He will protect you from all evil, so keep believing, keep praying and keep hoping, because your harvest is on the way!

“Jesus told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.’”

(Matthew 13:24—25, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for the truth of Your Word which sets me free from the weeds the enemy has sown in my life. Help me to keep my heart and mind focused on You and not the weeds. Father, give me Your peace, strength and wisdom, as I uproot the weeds in my life, and focus on the harvest that You have for my future. God, please remove the devil and his weeds today, so I won’t get strangled by them, and totally lose my focus, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

More Hope Than Optimism

Talking to some of the youth at school yesterday, amidst their optimism, there also seems to be a lot of hopelessness. It’s time to set our hope on God so we are not easily swayed by the trials of life.

Setting our hope on God means we set our lives in the right direction. One translation of today’s verse says, “look forward to more and more of God’s favour.” God wants to pour out His goodness and grace on you. He wants to help you get ahead in this life. He wants to lead you to the right job. He wants to lead you to the right relationship. But here’s the key: we have to be on the lookout for more and more of God’s favour. More and more of God’s hope. More and more of God’s grace. That tells me that we can’t get stagnant.

Today, meditate on the truth that God wants to do more than you can even ask or think. It says in Ephesians that He wants to show us the immeasurable, limitless, surpassing greatness of His free favour. In other words, God wants to go above and beyond what we’re used to! He wants to show you favour in unusual and extraordinary ways. Set your hopes dynamically higher today, and increase your expectations of what God will do in your life!

“…set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favour) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed.”

(1 Peter 1:13, AMP)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your abundance in every area of my life today. Father, I will set my hope on You, knowing that You want to do more in my life than I can ever imagine. God, by faith I receive more of Your favour, grace and hope. God, teach me to be a vessel used by You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Spiritual Healing: What Does the Bible Say about Healing?

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

Over the last 72 hours many people have become sick, many have been asking God for healing in Jesus’ Name! I came across today’s verse that I found so powerful. Do you need healing in your body physically? spiritually? emotionally? Do you believe you can be healed? Your words can bring that healing. Hallelujah! Start speaking pleasant, powerful, potent words–words of life, encouragement and thanksgiving.

Today, guard your heart by making sure you are only listening to pleasant, life-giving and life transforming words. If there’s something on the TV or radio that isn’t bringing life to your soul, turn it off. If someone’s having a conversation that’s not uplifting or productive, don’t be a part of it, walk away.

Today, choose to meditate with God’s Word, and your words which are living and active and full of life. Speak pleasant, powerful, potent words–words of life. Let God’s strength and peace rise in your soul. Keep your heart and mind focused on Him, and always choose pleasant words so you can be healed!

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body.” 

(Proverbs 16:24, AMP)

Pray With Me
Jehovah Rapha, thank You for Your Word which is truth that heals. Father, I repent today for any words that have brought destruction into my life, or the lives of those around me. God, I ask that You uproot every negative seed, and help me to always choose pleasant words of life, so I can be healed physically, spiritually and emotionally, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Corona Virus — No Match For God’s Covenant Of Peace

Yesterday I was speaking to some people who was frustrated with the panic over corona virus. They were full of complaints and fear. My advice to them, as it is to you is, “no matter what you may be facing in life, God is with you. You don’t ever have to feel anxious, worried or upset, because you have a covenant of peace with the Almighty.” That means His peace is always available to you.

Remember this, God’s peace passes all understanding. That means you can have peace when it doesn’t make sense to have peace. When the rest of the world seems to be upset or fretting, you don’t have to be upset or fret. When viruses appear, When loved ones die unexpectedly, you can be at peace, knowing that God has promised to supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory. When the bills are high and the money is low, you can trust that God is your refuge, and He will cause you to live in safety. He’ll make a way where there seems to be no way. Hallelujah!

Today, despite the panic of this corona virus and the death of hundreds of people around the world, begin to trust in God’s promises. Thank Him for His peace and faithfulness in your life. Declare that God’s peace and joy dwells and rules in your heart and mind. As you dwell on God’s promises, your heart will be at rest, and you’ll experience the blessing of His peace and not panic.

“And I will make with them a covenant of peace”¦” 

(Ezekiel 34:25, KJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your covenant of peace. I receive it by faith today. Father, I choose not to worry, fret or panic over this outbreak of the corona virus. God, I will keep my heart and mind fixed on the comfort of Your promises, and I declare the gift of Your peace over my heart and mind, and rebuke that spirit of panic, satanic distrust and selfishness. I lift up those around the world affected by this virus, and ask for total healing in Jesus’ Name! Please comfort those that mourn. Amen.

Insanity Is Doing the Same Thing Over and Over Again and Expecting Different Results

Photo by Leonardo Sanches

There is an old saying – “you can’t do the same thing all the time and expect a different result.” Too often, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut, doing the same thing, the same way, over and over every day. But if we are going to live at our absolute best, our optimum, we should constantly be growing and sharpening our skills. We should strive to learn and grow every single day, because when you stop learning, you stop growing. When you stop growing, you stop living.

Right now what are you doing to stretch yourself? What are you doing to improve your skills? Don’t get trapped into thinking that what you are doing is good enough. You were created for more than just average. Hallelujah!

Today is a new day, and there are new heights for you to climb. Pursue what you love and keep developing that area of your life. Take a class, or find a mentor that will help you live skillfully. Increase in your spiritual giftings. Be skilled at your work and stand blessed before leaders, rulers and politicians!

“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings…” 

(Proverbs 22:29, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I choose to rise out of mediocrity. I want to live and not just survive. I want to stop doing the same thing everyday and expecting a different result. Father, I choose to give my very best to everything I do. Teach me how to grow, improve, and stretch myself, so that I can live a better life and be the best I can be. God, teach me to live skillfully, so that my life is a continual praise to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Love From The Red Sea

This morning I was reminiscing about when Jen and I were sitting on a yacht on the Red Sea, overlooking Egypt on one side and Israel on the other. It was amazing, the lights, the stars and the bright half moon all seemed so surreal. But what was clear was God’s love. All through this region, throughout its history, we see God’s love for His people. There is tremendous power in love! In the same way that a tree will grow taller and stronger when its roots grow deep, you will be stronger and rise higher when you are rooted and established in God’s love.

You may ask the all important question, how do you establish yourself in love? It starts with a choice. When you say “yes” to love, you are saying “yes” to God, because God is love! Then, you choose love again, according to 1 Corinthians 13. Love means being patient and kind. It means not seeking your own way, not being jealous or boastful. 

Today, When you choose love instead of choosing your own way, you are showing the world that God is first place in your life. The more you choose to walk in love, the deeper and stronger your roots will grow. Let me remind you, love is the greatest thing, and it is all that will last in eternity. Choose to establish yourself in love, and let it be firm within you. Let His love build security in you, and empower you to live the life of blessing He has in store for you.

“”¦May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love.” 

(Ephesians 3:17, AMP)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today and everyday, I choose love. Father, show me how to love You and others the way You love me. Give me patience and kindness. Take away selfishness, jealousy and pride. God, thank You for setting me free and empowering me to live the good life You have prepared for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

I Have The King’s Power And Authority

Did you know that you were created with power and authority. Today’s scripture tells us that we have the mark of authority of the Almighty. We don’t often hear about signet rings anymore; but in Bible times, they were very significant. The signet ring was used to identify the message or messenger, and the authority they had. In other words, you knew something was from the king because it was marked by his signet ring. It was representative of power and authority. God has chosen and set you apart to be identified with Him. Hallelujah!

When you have someone’s power and authority, it’s like having power of attorney; you have the authority to act on behalf of that individual. As a believer in Jesus, you are marked with His seal. Think of all you have access to today!

Today, think about the authority you have. Everything God has is available to you healing, provision, strength, peace and joy. You have been given authority to unlock His abundant blessings and power over all the forces of evil in Jesus’ Name. Accept His seal, and you will be marked to live the abundant life He has in store for you!

“‘”¦I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ declares the LORD Almighty.” 

(Haggai 2:23, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for choosing me and calling me Your own. Father, help me to fully understand the authority and power You’ve placed in me, through Your Son and Holy Spirit. God, I receive all the supernatural blessings You have for me today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Success: What is it? What is God’s Idea of Success?

Have you heard the saying “what goes around comes around?” God has a system in place in order to bless you, and it works on the principle of sowing and reaping. What you pour out to others, it will come back to you in increased measure. When you give generously, a generous harvest will return to you. When you help others succeed, you will find abundant success on your own path too.

Remember there are people in your life who will help you reach your full potential. These are people that God has placed in your life for you to help along, for you to sow into. The higher they rise up, the higher you will rise up too. When you give generously of your time, talent and resources, you are setting yourself up for greater success.

Today, what are you doing to invest in the lives of the people around you? Are you helping others get ahead? Step out and sow a seed, not necessarily of money. Look for ways to help others. As you sow success, you’ll reap success, and move forward and upward into the life God has in store for you!

“Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you.”

 (Ecclesiastes 11:1 NLT)

Pray With Me
Jehovah, I open my heart to You and the success You have in store for me. Father, use me to be a blessing in the lives of others, helping them become successful in You. God, I believe in Your principle whatsoever we sow we will reap. Help me to sow positively, show me where to invest my time, talent and resources, to help others succeed for Your glory, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

What did Jesus mean when He said, “Ask and you shall receive”?

Yesterday I was thinking about one of my needs that’s not happening for me. I felt disappointed. I wonder today how many people have been disappointed simply because they didn’t pray and ask God for the big things in their hearts. You might say, “well, Ray, God is God. If He wants to bless me, He will bless me.” But no, it says in James 4:2, “you have not because you ask not.” If you’re not asking big, you are shortchanging yourself.

You will never reach the fullness of your potential if you only pray small prayers. I’m not talking about just making a wish list and praying every whim. I’m talking about asking God for what He has already promised you. The scripture says, “when you walk in God’s ways, you will lend and not borrow. With long life God will satisfy you. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Today, there are hundreds of promises that you have every right to pray and ask God to bring to pass; not only that, there are specific dreams and desires that God has placed in your heart. They didn’t just randomly show up. The Creator of the universe put them in you. I dare you to ask, and ask big, and watch what God will do in your life!

“”¦you do not have because you do not ask.”

(James 4:2, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I ask You to fulfil the promises and dreams You have placed in my heart. Father, I will be detailed and not limited in my asking of You for blessings. God, I believe that You are waiting and willing for me to ask big. God, I believe that You are able, and I believe that You are working things together for my good, as I put my hope, trust and belief in You, as I change my thinking from small to spiritually massive, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Do You Need Hope or Faith for Something Today?

Since being back in the UK, I’ve noticed that folk look sad and down. The Bible tells us that Jesus came to give us abundant life. Not only did He come to give you life in eternity, but He desires that you experience abundant life here on earth. He wants your relationships to be vibrant and alive. He wants your dreams to be alive. He wants your body, heart and mind to be alive and full of vitality. God is the source of all life, and when you seek Him, you will find Him, and the result will be everlasting life.

Are there areas in your life that need to be resurrected? Are there things that you’ve put on the back burner that you need to revive again? Do you need hope or faith for something today?

Today, seek God and allow Him to breathe His life into you. Seek Him with your dreams; seek Him with your plans. Seek Him in all things, and you will find His abundant life, and everything you set your hand to will prosper in Jesus’ name.

“”¦Seek me and live.” 

(Amos 5:4, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for giving me abundant life, both now and in eternity. God, I don’t want to just survive, I want to live a powerful, happy and excited life. So God, I give You my dreams and my plans, resurrect them and make them live. I humbly seek You today, giving You all that I am. I ask for Your hand of blessing and guidance in everything I do. In Jesus’ name! Amen.

 

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