Stop Adding Laws
The scripture tells us that, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, were the leading citizens among the Jews. They knew what God’s law said, and they could tell people how to apply it. But they were hypocrites. They added 615 of their laws on top of God’s laws, thinking that would “protect” the law of God from being disobeyed. But in doing so, they violated the spirit of the law, which is love.
Today’s Christians can do the same as the Pharisees if they add their social and religious standards to God’s law. “Surely a Christian would never listen to that, or wear those clothes, or dance, or eat that meat…”. We might think we are being especially zealous for the law of God by adding such restrictions when the bible doesn’t – but God desires love, not legalism.
Today, following human standards while ignoring God’s call to love, can lead to terrible results – “hypocrisy”. It has led to racism like apartheid. It has led to sexism with statements like “she should have known better than to wear that”. It has led to nationalism where we look down on immigrants and refugees. Such hypocrisy will condemn us on the day of judgment. Laws that do not aim at love for all people are not God’s laws. The Ruler of Heaven and Earth is not fooled by distorted rule-following and fake self-centred Christianity.
“Do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” (Matthew 23:3).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, forgive us when we set up false standards. Father, forgive us if we have judged others unlovingly. Help us to follow your laws and not add our own trying to protect yours. Please show us how to love everyone as you do. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Heavenly Joy
Are you tired of sorrow and sadness? I have good news for you; get to heaven, there will be no sorrow and sadness there. In the final book of the Bible, heaven is described as a place of wonderful freedom from pain, sorrow, and suffering. Joyful moments here are just that—moments. They seem to end quickly. In heaven joy is eternal. Hallelujah! Your best memories are those that are timeless, that seem to live on in your mind and in your heart forever. They seem so crystal clear and so crisp. That’s because the joy that surrounds those moments is of the Lord.
Scripture tells us that joy is a fruit of the Spirit, and the Spirit is eternal. So when you experience His joy, it is eternal. It becomes timeless. Joy-filled moments down here on earth are like sneak previews to whet your appetite for heaven. I think that’s God’s way of getting your heart every once in a while, a little closer to heaven and out of the mess of earth and onto the solid, real ground of heaven.
Today, rest assured there won’t be any violence or death in heaven. We won’t have to worry about nation against nation, or if a bomb is going to be dropped in heaven. We don’t have to worry about the atmosphere or pandemics killing us, because our bodies are going to be glorified, and we’re going to be eternally happy. We’re going to smile. We won’t have any more tears. I’m so looking forward to being with my family members and my friends in heaven. Will you be there?
“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for the joy of heaven, so that my joy will be full as I live in Your presence now and forever. Father, I’m so glad that the pain and emptiness of this world will not exist in heaven and I will be totally free, hallelujah! Thank You! In Christ’s Name! Amen.
Worship Instead Of Worry
With loved ones dying, funds low and many job losses, the enemy would love to get you worrying instead of worshipping. When the enemy brings you thoughts of worry, anxiety and fear, let them be a reminder to thank God that His answer and blessings are on the way.
Do what King Jehoshaphat did. Rebuke the enemy, then say, “Father, I thank You for working on my behalf”. The people of Judah were surrounded by three major armies. It didn’t look like they had a chance. This godly King was probably bombarded with thoughts of fear and anxiety but he gathered the people together, lifted his eyes toward heaven, and prayed a simple prayer, and Jehoshaphat’s prayer was answered. Hallelujah!
Today, know that God still answers simple prayers, like in the story of Jehoshaphat. God told the people to march right into the enemy’s camp, worshipping, singing and shouting praises on their way. Notice, they weren’t worrying, they were worshipping and God delivered them. Friend, it’s time to worship and praise your way out of your problems. No need to struggle and become negative, stop fighting and stressing and trust God and receive victory in your life. Please let’s worship instead of worrying!
“…We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” (2 Chronicles 20:12, NIV).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, You are truly the great God who is the Provider of everything we need and much more. Father, teach me to be a worshipper instead of a worrier. God, today I claim Your promise of deliverance from thoughts of fear or anxiety. Thank You for giving me the victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Christ Our Hope In 2024
It’s a New Year, and we look forward in hope to a year filled with potential, but we also know there is uncertainty. A review of 2023 reminds us of the changes a year can bring. Some good, some very painful. What will happen in 2024?
We opened December asking, “What is the source of our hope?” And through Scripture, we have seen God in Jesus, meeting our deepest needs. Now in this New Year, we look once again to Jesus the Saviour who has come and who now reigns in heaven until the day he will return.
Words can only begin to describe the power and glory of our ascended Saviour. He is the Lord of life. John describes Him as standing in long flowing robes. Long robes were worn by royalty, or at times of celebration. They were a sign of victory, security, and work completed. A person fleeing danger, or a worker could not be encumbered with a long robe, but Christ stands in flowing robes.
Today there is no threat to God’s kingdom; His redemptive work is fully accomplished. Children of this victorious King have eternal security. As we enter the New Year, may we all declare, “My only comfort in life and death is that I belong to my faithful Saviour, Yahshua the Messiah!”
No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame. (Psalm 25:3).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, In a world of uncertainty, I thank you, for the comfort, hope, and peace I have because I belong to you. Father, thank you for being my security and allowing me to share in your victory. In Christ name, Amen.
Don’t Miss The Miracle
No matter when you think Christ was born, you know God did something extraordinary. In the busyness and excitement of this time of year, we can sometimes forget this and lose the sense of wonder of the miracle. So let’s take a few minutes to reflect on what the first birth of Yahshua in Bethlehem really means for us.
He gave up His comfort and glory in Heaven to come and live in our cruel, cold, harsh world. He gave up His pain-free home, and came to Earth in human form, able to experience pain like we do, to be ridiculed by those who didn’t believe in Him, to be betrayed and denied by His closest friends, to be condemned to death by those who, just a few days before, had been welcoming Him as He came through their streets. He left His heavenly Father, was born and laid in a feeding trough because his earthly parents couldn’t find anywhere else for Him to sleep. He left His throne in heaven and came into our world in the most humble and lowliest way imaginable. And He did it all for us. That’s how much God loves us. He willingly went through all of that, died on the cross, and paid the price for our sins, so that we could be saved. Hallelujah!
Today, it’s impossible to imagine how much love God must feel for us. The Bible tells us that ‘neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ This holiday, don’t forget Him, He is the best gift we could possibly have. Take some time to remember just how much Christ loves us and what He’s done for us and thank God for the gift of His Son.
‘Nothing…will ever be able to separate us from the love of God.’ (Romans 8:39 NCV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Yahshua, our Christ, who has sacrificed all to save fallen man. Father, today I open my heart and mind to You, and declare that You are Lord over my life. God, fill me with Your peace and joy this holiday, as I keep my mind stayed on You. I pray I will never separate myself from You. I give You the gift of my life, take me and make me after Your will, in Christ’s name! Amen.
The Battle for the Mind
In my book “Transforming Your Mind In 30 Days,” I allude to the fact, that there is a battle going on for control of your mind. Heaven and earth intersect there, and both spheres influence your thinking. God created us with the capacity to experience the foretastes of heaven, but we must somehow shut out the world and focus on His presence in order to experience it.
The world has a downward pull on our thoughts. Media bombards us with greed, lust, and cynicism. We must pray for protection and discernment over our minds. We must stay in continual communication with God as we walk through the wastelands of this world.
We must refuse to worry because this will weigh us down and block awareness of His presence. We must remain on guard, stay alert and recognize the battle being waged against our minds as we look forward to an eternity free of strife-free living reserved for us in heaven.
Paul reminds us that the mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. John says do not love the world or anything in the world because the world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
Today how are you doing in your battle for your mind? Who is winning …? the way of the world (satan) or the way of heaven (God)? Electronic communications, the media, and the grip of Satan on the world around us makes this a fierce battle and even more difficult for those not grounded in the Word of God. It is daily. It is constant, but for those of us who have professed Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we know God will win in the end in the battle for our minds. Hallelujah!
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. “ Romans 12:2
Let’s Pray
Yahweh my God of Comfort, I am seeking tranquillity for my mind. As I pray and meditate upon Your Word, my mind often drifts to my to-do lists and needs. I pause now from my day. I breathe out a deep sigh from within my soul and ask, will You please quiet my negative thoughts? Help me remember all Your goodness to me. Deliver me from anxiety and the battle that rages for control of my mind. In Christ’s name Amen.
Keys
Keys represent access. They represent authority. Whether it’s a key to a building, car, or safety deposit box; if you’ve been given a key to something, it means you have a right to use it. You have access to whatever that key will open.
Friend, because of Jesus, we have the keys to the kingdom of heaven! We have access to all the heavenly blessings and promises that are in the Word of God. And, we have the authority to take hold of those promises.
Today, are you using the keys that you have been given by God? The keys of faith and the power of your words and actions? No matter what you may have need of—be it physical healing, provision, wholeness, freedom from addiction—you have been given the authority to access it in Jesus’ Name! Take hold of those promises by faith and begin to declare that every need is met according to His riches in glory. Take a step of faith and use those keys you have been given to take hold of every blessing God has in store for you!
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven” (Matthew 16:19, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for giving me the keys and access to every promise and blessing in heaven. Father, by faith, right now I receive everything You have for me. God, help me stay focused on Your Word which empowers me to live in the victory You have in store for me. In Christ’ Name. Amen.
Forgiveness – A Heaven or Hell Issue
Bitterness is a poison that can destroy you, and it never destroys the person it’s aimed at. A way to get through bitterness is to forgive. In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others.
Dr. Les Carter says, “I recall one woman who came to me ten years after her divorce. She was talking about her son’s marriage and her daughter’s graduation. Her ex was going to be at both. She had never resolved the fact that he had rejected her. She kept going over it in her mind, ‘How could he have done this to me? Can’t he see that he just ripped apart a family?’ Her children would say, ‘Mom, we know the facts. We know he did it. We can’t go back and rewrite history.’ She would always come back with those infamous words, ‘Yes, but . . .'”
That is a woman who is so stuck in the past, it’s as if she is willing to hold on to that divorce, to hold on to that anger, as being the defining element in her personality.
Today, if you do not forgive the person who has hurt you, you are making it impossible to receive God’s forgiveness for you. You do not want to cut yourself off from God’s forgiveness. You need that forgiveness for your own freedom and healing, and to release God’s power in your life.
“…If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part” (Matthew 6:14-15 Msg).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I do not want unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment to define my personality and to make me miss out on the kingdom. Father, with Your help, I can be free from this. God, lead me through every thought and every decision and cleanse my mind, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Heavenly Joy
Are you tired of sorrow and sadness? I have good news for you; get to heaven, there will be no sorrow and sadness. In the final book of the Bible, heaven is described as a place of wonderful freedom from pain, sorrow, and suffering. Joyful moments here are just that—moments. They seem to end quickly. In heaven joy is eternal. Hallelujah! Your best memories are those that are timeless, that seem to live on in your mind and in your heart forever. They seem so crystal clear and so crisp. That’s because the joy that surrounds those moments is of the Lord.
Scripture tells us that joy is a fruit of the Spirit, and the Spirit is eternal. So when you experience His joy, it is eternal. It becomes timeless. Joy-filled moments down here on earth are like sneak previews to whet your appetite for heaven. I think that’s God’s way of getting your heart every once in a while, a little closer to heaven and out of the mess of earth and onto the solid, real ground of heaven.
Today, rest assured there won’t be any violence or death in heaven. We won’t have to worry about nation against nation, or if a bomb is going to be dropped in heaven. We don’t have to worry about the atmosphere or pandemics killing us, because our bodies are going to be glorified, and we’re going to be eternally happy. We’re going to smile. We won’t have any more tears. I’m so looking forward to being with my family members and my friends in heaven. Will you be there?
“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for the joy of heaven, so that my joy will be full as I live in Your presence now and forever. Father, I’m so glad that the pain and emptiness of this world will not exist in heaven and I will be totally free, hallelujah! Thank You! In Christ’s Name! Amen.
Just Like Dad
In the Lord’s prayer (Luke 11:1-4), Jesus begins his prayer with, “Our father who art in heaven.” That first word reminds us that we are not alone, that we are linked through God to one another as one family, and He is daddy. As we come close to God, we are drawn into a closer relationship with one another. By telling us to call God “father,” Jesus moves us from images of a remote God to an image of God as one who is with us constantly, who cares about us always, who daily provides for us like a good father should. I was always told, “you look like your dad, you walk like your dad and you act like him. This should be what folk say about us and our heavenly father. One whose likeness we bear at the deepest levels of our being.
Today, we ought to respect God’s title as father, “Holy is His Name,” we must acknowledge God’s holiness. This may seem a contradiction, to acknowledge that we are family and then immediately to acknowledge God’s holiness (in contrast to our lack of it). But “Holy is His Name” reminds us that one of the basic postures of prayer is awe. This is the essence of prayer: being with God as we are and He accepting us as child no matter what we’ve done, and we accepting God as God is. This encounter changes us, bit by bit, and allows us to experience freedom, confidence and self-worth. (See 2 Corinthians 3:18.)
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into His glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for being my father. Thank You for Your acceptance of me as Your sinful child and not turning Your back on me. I respect and love You today and always, You are awesome, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Walking In The Rain
I learnt while in Africa that rain is symbolic of God’s blessing and favour. Someone once said God’s Word is like rain that causes us to flourish and blossom. Scripture says we should live like a well-watered garden, vibrant and growing. We should live under a cloud of God’s blessing.
I’m told a cloud is formed when moisture rises up from the earth into the atmosphere. Eventually, the moisture is so abundant that the rain begins to fall. In the same way, your praise is like the invisible moisture that rises up to heaven and forms a cloud of blessings which will activate an outpouring of God’s blessing, favour and provision in your life. Hallelujah!
Today, if you feel like you are in a dry season, begin to praise and thank God that He is bringing you through to a place of refreshing. Praise God and magnify Him for His goodness until your praise forms clouds of blessings. As you turn up your praise, God will send down rain of blessings, and you will experience His abundant outpouring in every area of your life!
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10–11, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I praise and honour You. Father, thank You for this day. Thank You for giving me life. Thank You for making me new. Thank You for saving me and filling me with Your peace and joy. Hallelujah. I bless Your most Holy Name. God, please rain Your blessings on me today. I love You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
The Enemy Did It
Have you ever done what you thought was right, only for everything to go wrong? in Matthew 13 there is a parable about a man who went out to his field and planted wheat in the ground. He sowed good seed. 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 did all the right things, but the weeds sprang up among his wheat.
This represents that the man did the right thing, honouring God with his life, and being good to others, he sowed good seed. Sometimes, things happen in life. Weeds spring up that we didn’t have anything to do with, it was the enemy. The key is to keep the right attitude and stay focused on the goodness of God. When these unexpected challenges happen, we can say, “It’s just another weed. I didn’t sow it. I don’t have to reap it.” Then we let God handle what the enemy has done.
Today, don’t let the enemy’s weeds take root in your life. Don’t let him choke your good deeds. Don’t let discouragement creep in. Instead, lift up your eyes of faith to what your Father God can do for you. 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)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which sets me free. Father, help me to keep my heart and mind focused on You. Please destroy the evil weeds the enemy has planted in my life. God, give me Your peace so I can focus on the harvest that You have for my future, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
From God With Love
A few nights ago, I was sitting in my car reflecting on my day. I looked up and it was amazing – the lights, the stars and the bright moon all seemed so surreal, it shouted I love you! All through the world we see God’s love, even in the midst of chaos. 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 in God’s love.
Love starts with a choice. When you say “yes” to God, you are saying “yes” to love, because God is love! According to 1 Corinthians 13, love means being patient and kind. It means not seeking your own way, not being jealous or boastful. When you choose love instead of choosing to hate, you are showing the world that God is first place in your life. The more you choose to love, the stronger your spiritual roots will grow.
Today, let me remind you, love is the greatest principle and it’s the currency of heaven. Love will last throughout eternity. Choose to love today, and let it be strong in your heart. Let His love build security in you, and empower you to live the life of kindness, patience and peace God has for you.
“…May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love.”(Ephesians 3:17, AMP)
Let’s Pray
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 life You have for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Worship Instead Of Worry
With loved ones dying, funds are low and many job losses, the enemy would love to get you worrying instead of worshipping. When the enemy brings you thoughts of worry, anxiety and fear, let them be a reminder to thank God that His answer and blessings are on the way.
Then do what King Jehoshaphat did, rebuke the enemy then say, “Father, I thank You that You are at work on my behalf.” The people of Judah were surrounded by three major armies. It didn’t look like they had a chance. This godly king was probably bombarded with thoughts of fear and anxiety. But, he gathered the people together, lifted his eyes toward heaven, and prayed a simple prayer, and Jehoshaphat’s prayer was answered. Hallelujah!
Today, know that God still answers simple prayers like in the story of Jehoshaphat. God told the people to march right in to the enemy’s camp, worshipping, singing and shouting praises on their way. Notice, they weren’t worrying, they were worshipping and God delivered them. Friend it’s time to worship and praise your way out of your problems, no need to struggle and become negative, stop fighting and stressing and trust God and receive victory in your life. Please let’s worship instead of worrying!
“…We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” (2 Chronicles 20:12, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, You are truly the great God who is the Provider of everything we need and much more. Father, teach me to be a worshipper instead of a worrier. God, today I claim Your promise of deliverance from thoughts of fear or anxiety. Thank You for giving me the victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Time To Move Forward
Life is not always fair. In fact, God warns us of just the opposite! People aren’t perfect; we all make mistakes and bad decisions. You may have hurt or been hurt by others in the past, but what’s most important is how you choose to deal with that hurt. If you harbour hurt and offences, it keeps you stuck in the past. It only causes harm in your life.
If you want to move forward in joy and peace, you have to choose forgiveness, love and positivity. Yes, forgiveness is a choice, and it has nothing to do with the person who hurt you. Forgiveness is the choice to hand your hurts over to God and let Him make the difference.
Today, if we choose to extend forgiveness, that’s when we choose to receive God’s forgiveness! Begin right now by forgiving yourself and others. Choose His way, choose forgiveness, and choose to move forward in the blessing and victory God has prepared for you!
“But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.” (Mark 11:26, NASB)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for forgiving me and giving me the gift of forgiveness. Father, I open my heart and mind to You. Please help me understand Your truth about forgiveness so that I can be set free. God, I love You and bless You today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.