Prisoners of Hope

To be incarcerated physically I’m told is difficult to deal with. Locked up for hours per day, cut off from loved ones and surround by darkness and evil. Do you know that many of us are in prison in our minds. What about you? Are you in an emotional prison right now? You may not have thought about it that way, but if you are holding unforgiveness or bitterness toward someone who has wronged you – whether it was five, ten or thirty years ago – that is an emotional prison.  

God’s Word promises that if you’ll step out of that prison and become a prisoner of hope, He will restore back to you double for your trouble! That means if someone wrongs you, instead of getting negative and bitter, your attitude should be, “they just did me a favour. They just qualified me for double!” That’s the attitude of a prisoner of hope.  

Today, lock into an attitude of victory that says, “I won’t be defeated! Things may look impossible, but I know God can do the impossible. I may have been treated wrongly, but I’m not worried. I know God is my vindicator. It may be taking a long time, but in due season, I know I will reap if I just don’t give up.” Stay strong and in the place of hope today, knowing that you will come out with double! Hallelujah! 

“Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.”(Zechariah 9:12, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I choose to release those who have wronged me. Father, I refuse to live in an emotional prison, please change my mental location. God, I know You are my vindicator and redeemer. Make me a prisoner of hope and I receive Your promise today that You will give me back double for all my trouble, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

You Have An Appointment Time

Dealing With The Unexpected

A couple of weeks ago I called my doctor because I was feeling unwell. I was told to make an appointment and at the appointed time I would be seen. I made the appointment and waited to be called. I had nothing to do with the day or the time, it was given to me by the doctor. It is the same with God, He has an appointed time to fulfil the visions, dreams and desires He’s placed in your heart. Just because it has taken a long time, or because you’ve tried and failed, doesn’t mean that it’s not going to happen. You have an appointment time.   

Don’t give up, your dreams will come to pass, so don’t be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. Our God is a faithful God. No matter how long it’s been, no matter how impossible things looks, if you’ll stay in faith, your appointed time is coming. Every dream that’s in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God put it there and not only that, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass. Hallelujah! 

Today, hold on to your dreams and vision and declare, “my time is coming. God is working on my behalf and I will fulfil my destiny!” As you hold on to your vision, and speak life over your dreams, you’ll see them begin to take shape. You’ll see your faith grow, you’ll see your hope strengthen, and you’ll see yourself step into the appointed time God has prepared for you! 

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time…though it tarry, wait for it…” (Habakkuk 2:3, KJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for setting my appointed time. Father, please give me the patience to wait on You and not become complacent. Almighty God, ignite my heart with Your holy fire, so that I can pursue Your dreams and vision for my life. Make my thoughts and words agreeable to Your will and Your Word, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

I Miss Church!

I really miss church – the testimonies, spiritual energy, fellowship, praise, singing and those hugs.  Scripture commands us to come together with other believers as we see the end and the difficult times approaching, for our own good and protection.  

Why you may ask? When we come together, we are strengthened, encouraged and uplifted by each other in a way that cannot happen on any other platform. We are empowered to stay strong in faith day after day. When we are connected to a group of like-minded believers and can feel the pain we are going through, we can hold or lay hands and pray for one another, and help each other through the difficult times. 

Today, please make sure that you stay faithful to a good, Bible-based fellowship despite the pandemic. Be consistent to serve in any way you can. Whether you are a greeter, usher or children’s worker, musician or pastor, you play a vital role in the body of Christ. Together we are His hands and feet on the earth in these unprecedented times. As we see loved ones pass away and get gravely ill, let’s encourage ourselves and others by reaching out however we can. We all need each other!  

“Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one other, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for my family of believers. Father, in these tough times show me how to connect and encourage them. Please show me how to serve, help and do my best in a practical and tangible way. God, as I await Your return I want to be more faithful to You and Your body of believers, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Word!

Wise Words

The Word of God is like a sword, the Bible says it has the power to protect you and keep you from sin. The Word of God is powerful in our lives, it’s living and active like food! Did you know that the Word of God when spoken causes evil to flee? 

In the Bible, God’s Word comes in written form, however His Word can come in many other ways. In Scripture, His Word came through a burning bush, a still small voice, and even a donkey! He might speak to your heart through a friend or through a worship song. He may speak to you through creation. But when God does speak, your spirit knows it. There is confirmation in your inner man. You know it’s the voice of Jehovah because He always speaks truth, and truth always sets you free! 

Today, put God’s Word in your heart, so it will prompt you and protect you when sin and evil comes knocking at your heart’s door. Meditate on His Word day and night. Let God’s truth transform you and lead you every day of your life! 

“Your Word have I laid up in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11, AMP) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which strengthens and protects me from all evil, including my propensity to sin. Father, thank You for speaking Your truth to my heart. God, teach me and help me know how to hear Your voice more clearly, so I will know Your will and live a life that is pleasing to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

The Kingdom OF God is Like…

Lord, Prepare Me to Be a Godly Parent

While at seminary school I was told “you are what you’re becoming”. And in the new testament we are reminded that we are kingdom people now. So what’s God’s kingdom like? In God’s kingdom, when you give, it comes back to you pressed down, shaken together and running over. In God’s kingdom, you can have peace and prosperity in your spirit, soul and body, no matter what’s happening around you. If the economy crashes, God’s kingdom is still strong. If the housing market goes down, God’s kingdom is still strong. If petrol prices rise, God’s kingdom is still strong. Hallelujah! 

Scripture says that we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken! The kingdom is simply God’s system, principles and promises. It’s His way of doing things. The Bible tells us over and over what God’s kingdom on earth is like,  that His kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

Today, be thankful for the system of God’s kingdom which orders the Christian’s life. Thank Him for His system of blessing that cannot be shaken by the drama of this world. As you keep an attitude of gratitude and walk in God’s kingdom ways, you’ll experience His hand of blessing all your days! 

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” (Hebrews 12:28, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your kingdom, not just to come but now! Father, thank You for Your system that blesses my life. God, I open my heart to You. Please show me Your ways so that I can be a kingdom person now, and walk-in Your kingdom way’s all the days of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

God Open The Window

Godinterest Relaunches its Open Publishing Platform

We are all called to be stewards over the resources God has given us. When we are faithful stewards of our time, talent and money, the Lord entrusts us with more. God wants to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings the Bible says, but, our part is to be faithful and obedient to what God asks us, that will unlock the blessings from heaven!  

Today, ask yourself what kind of blessing would be so great to come directly from heaven that there would not be room enough to receive? It may be hard to comprehend, but that’s what God’s Word promises. Choose to be a good steward with time, talent and money. Prove the Lord and get ready to watch Him move mightily on your behalf! 

“Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for blessing me. Father, I choose to obey You and thank You in advance for opening the windows of heaven in my life. God, help me to be obedient to Your Word and be a giver of all my God given resource, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Bitterness Will Hinder Your Prayers

When you look around at the state of our world, church and community, it’s easy to become bitter. Bitterness is an extremely destructive force. It seeps into the depths of your heart when you choose not to forgive someone. When you hold on to unforgiveness, it closes the door to God’s power working in your life.  

Scripture tells us that if we choose not to forgive others, God cannot answer our prayers. Be grateful to God that He has empowered us to forgive and release bitterness! You may have been through unfair situations in your life, but it’s not over until God says it’s over. You can make the choice to get rid of bitterness so you can live in freedom! 

Today, we serve a God of justice. God sees every wrong that’s ever been done to you. He sees every unfair situation. If you will stay in faith, He’ll bring justice into your life, including the power to forgive. Let your attitude be, “things may have been unfair, I may have been done wrong, but I WILL NOT get bitter, because my blessings are on the way, and I need my prayers answered.” 

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Ephesians 4:31, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I refuse and rebuke bitterness in my life. Father, I refuse to allow my past to keep me stuck. I choose to forgive all those who have hurt me. God, I pray blessings on those that may have done me wrong, and pray they would come to know Your truth. Thank You for setting my heart free today, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

On A Mission

We all have a mission given to us by God, just like Christ once He arrived on earth, He was on a mission. Not only did He come to die to save us from our sins, He had a mission to set people free from every kind of brokenness and oppression. He was anointed, and empowered by God to fulfil His mission. He didn’t go around doing good to some people. No, He went around doing good to all. That was His mission, and Christ is still fulfilling that mission on earth today.  

When you accept Christ as your Saviour, the Bible says that you become an ambassador of His. That means you represent Him. As His representative, you have access to the same power and authority that He has. You are empowered to fulfil His mission on the earth. You are anointed to do good and heal those who are oppressed by the enemy. 

Today, is there someone in your life who needs a touch from God? You are His hands and feet on the earth. You are anointed to do great things. You are anointed to pray and heal the sick. As you reach out to others and allow God to use you, you will see His power and anointing flow through you, and you will be empowered as you empower others. You are anointed! 

“You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38, NASB 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for choosing me and anointing me. Father, thank You for doing good in my life and setting me free! Please show me my mission, and make me an instrument of Your goodness and healing to those around me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Get A Vision

Looking at the world’s current situation, it’s hard to believe at times that God desires that you be blessed and prosperous. But it’s true, He wants you to have so much peace, joy and victory that it spills over onto those around you. He desires that you be so blessed that you can turn around and be a blessing everywhere you go.  

In the Psalms, David said, “My cup runs over.” He was saying, “I’m so full of God, I’m overflowing!” So don’t settle for a barely-get-by-mentality. Jesus came so that you can live an abundant life. That means an abundance of joy, an abundance of peace, an abundance of health, an abundance of finances. An abundance in every area of your life. 

Today, you may not see your abundance or prosperity. You may not feel like things are going your way, but don’t get complacent and just settle where you are. Get a vision from God’s Word for your future! Get a vision of God’s purpose for your life, and remember He delights in your prosperity! 

“…Let them say continually, ‘The LORD be magnified, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant.’ ” (Psalm 35:27, NASB) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my life. Father, help me develop a vision for the abundant life You have in store for me. God, please show me how to be a blessing to You and all those around me, and increase my prosperity so that You can be glorified, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Automatic Thanks

10 Scriptures That Remind Us We Are Showered in Grace

Being thankful is a biblical command. This will happen naturally as we allow the peace of God to rule in our hearts. Did you know peace is a choice? You don’t have to let things upset you. You don’t have to be anxious and worried. Peace means to set at one again. When you set your mind at one with God and His Word, you will have peace.  

Today, God leads us to peace. If you don’t have peace about a decision, wait and follow the direction of the peace in your heart. When you have peace, you can’t help but be thankful! You can’t help but have a song in your heart and a spring in your step! Choose right now to let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, which will automatically give you an attitude of gratitude toward the Lord. 

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your peace that rules my heart. Father, today I choose Your peace, thank You for guiding my every step. God, I thank You and bless You for Your faithfulness to me, my family, and friends, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

I’m Going Further

What does it mean to be crucified with Christ?

Don’t you dare settle for a mediocre life! No matter what’s happening in your life today, you are not limited by resources or family background. God has equipped and empowered you. He has blessed you with creativity, ideas, inventions, skills and talents. Today, call forth those seeds of greatness within you! 

Today, go further and dream bigger, declare that your best days are ahead. Declare that you are going further than anyone in your family ever did, that you are going to dream bigger and live better. No one can put a curse on you when God has put His blessing on you. So, walk and live in that blessing by following His commands and stay fully committed to Him! 

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for blessing me and calling me according to Your purpose. Father, I receive Your Word which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. God, please bless me to dream bigger and go further in every aspect of my life. I declare I will hide Your truth in my heart, so I won’t sin against You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Don’t Water Down Your Dreams

Do You Love The American Dream More Than Jesus?

Life will always have critics and naysayers, but It’s not what people say about you that affects your life, but it’s what you say and believe about yourself that really matters. Have the opinions of others caused you to water down or walk away from your dreams? One of the most important things you can learn is that other people don’t have to believe in you in order for your dreams to come to pass. Other people don’t set the limits for your life, you and God do.  

Scripture say in Romans 3:3, “It doesn’t matter if other people don’t believe. Their unbelief is not going to keep me from believing in my dreams.” When God puts a promise in your heart, it’s not up to other people to bring it to pass; it’s up to you to believe God! You don’t need anyone to validate you. You have to follow the voice of God for yourself, and allow Him to keep His promises through you. 

Today, God sees and knows the hidden treasures that’s buried inside of you. He wants to bring those treasures out and make your dreams a reality! As you get rid of old, defeated thoughts and people, and replace them with what God says about you, you will remove the limits in your life, and live the abundant productive life God has for you! 

“What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness?” (Romans 3:3, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for another day where I can see Your awesomeness in my life. Father, help me to see myself the way You see me. Help me to take the limits off my mind and dreams. Help me to see the plans You have for me, so that I can be empowered by You to fulfil my destiny. God, please help me not to water down my dreams based on naysayers. I love You and bless You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

Anointed & Equipped

God Rewards The Diligent

Not only has God equipped you, but He is also working in you. He has already lined up everything you need to live a victorious life. You were created to excel! Greatness is inside of you. Don’t settle where you are. Have the attitude, “I am anointed. I can accomplish my dreams. I can overcome any obstacle”. God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfil your destiny through His Word!  

The scripture says as believers in Christ, we are anointed. The word “anointing” is the power of God which gives you courage, strength and ability. That means you are well able to do what God has called you to do.  

Today, because of your gift of anointing You can accomplish your goals. You can become more creative with talents success. You can overcome any obstacle and you’re equipped with strength for every battle! Remember the heavenly hosts that are with you are greater than the forces that are against you! Hallelujah! 

“Every Scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16—17, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me. Father, thank You for anointing me and empowering me through your Spirit. God help me to stay focused on Your Word and Your plan for my life today and in the future. I bless You and honour You alone in Christ’ name. Amen 

Life Changing Moments

Before the foundations of the world, God laid out an exact plan for your life. In this plan, He has placed life-changing moments in your life. These moments are not ordinary, they can even be moments of pain, they are destiny-altering moments. They are designed to thrust you years ahead into your God-given success. 

In the book of Ecclesiastes, it says, that “time and chance come together for every person.” That means you’ll have opportunities to meet the right people, opportunities to advance in your career, and opportunities to fulfil your dreams.  

Today and in your future, God has already arranged times of increase, blessing, and success. You may not see a lot of good breaks right now, but be encouraged because there are seasons of favor and increase marked for your life! 

“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for ordering my life. I look forward to increase and a brighter future. Father, thank You for making a way when there seems to be no way. God, I will step out today in faith and expectancy, knowing that You have placed special life-changing moments in my future for my good, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Share Some Love

Love Your Neighbour

With many of us distant from family and alone in this turbulent time, it would be nice to have someone put an arm around you just to let you know that they care, and that you are thought about. Showing the love of God, being hugged, prayed with and sang to, that is the kind of life-altering love that Christ showed as an example in the Bible.  

Many of us use the word love to describe our affection for places and things, however biblical love is best exhibited when shown to people as Christ did. When we show the selfless love of God, this would let the world know that we belong to Him. 

Today, let me remind you that love is a good word and action, so don’t be afraid to use it or show it. Christ said that more than anything else, love will be the way that the world knows the disciples of Christ. With loneliness on the rise this weekend, call an old friend, tell your family that you love them, or do something for someone to express the love that you have for them. 

“Your love for one other will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for loving me first. Father, please give me the strength to love others as You have loved me, and to display Your love for the world to see. God, please comfort those who are lonely and separated from family and friends, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Watch Your Mouth

Have you ever said something you wish you could take back? I’m sure you have. The Bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. There’s no neutral ground. We are either sowing seeds of life and productivity with our words, or we are sowing seeds of ruin and destruction. Scripture also says that when we guard our mouth, we keep our life. That’s because our words determine the direction of our lives, and wrong words can get us off course very quickly. 

Today, as we come to the end of the first month of a new year, it’s a good day to take inventory of your words and make the decision to sow only good seeds with your mouth. Sow seeds of life by speaking God’s Word over yourself and those around you. Make the decision today that your words will bring glory and honour to God as you guard your mouth and keep your life focused and positive! 

“He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” 

(Proverbs 13:3, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word that I can use to speak into my life. Father, I give You my every thought, word and action. Holy Spirit, please help me to live a life pleasing to You in every way. God, help me to guard my mouth and keep my life moving forward in a godly direction and know that the wrong words spoken can lead to ruin, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

 

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