Tag: Holy Spirit

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Wisdom Wednesday

Wisdom Wednesday

Have you ever felt lost, unsafe and disoriented? It can be quite overwhelming. It might even be difficult to admit. I have some good news is you don’t need to worry or fear Jesus is near. He describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who cares so deeply about the one sheep who is lost, in danger and overwhelmed. In fact, his concern is so intense that he will leave the others in pursuit for the one who is lost. And He won’t stop until the one is found, safe and secure in His arms.

His primary concern is to find you. Make you safe and protect you from all harm and danger. And when he finds you He will carry you home where you belong with him. But here’s the thing, he does all this with joy in his heart. He doesn’t ask questions about where you’ve been and how you got there he just wants you to know that you are loved so deeply by Him.

Wherever you are today know that He is concerned about you, he is looking for you, you are loved, safe and protected by Him. – Pastor Sophia Peart

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Our Security 

man wearing blue dress

During the Halloween season, I’ve been thinking more about the security of the family. During these uncertain times, the need for extra security rises. I spend time trying to figure out ways to protect my loved ones. I wonder if I am doing enough to keep them healthy and safe — and whether my plans will bear fruit for my children in the future. 

The scripture today reminds us, that true disciples of Christ recognise that attempting to create security on our own, has its limitations. The highest security comes from God through the loving care He provides to his people. As the old saying goes, “The more we give, the more we receive.” There is more of God’s reassuring security of grace in our lives when we choose to sacrifice for others as Christ indeed sacrificed for us. We are reminded that, based on our generosity to those in need, Christ promises to help us by pouring out a good blessing on us. When we fulfil this call, God will generously provide us with the spiritual abundance and the divine safety net we seek. 

Today, don’t forget this biblical truth from the life of Christ. He lived his life journeying from one community to another, caring for the sick, feeding the poor, and comforting lost souls. So, it should be with our lives. As disciples we should be inspired to serve others by the depth of God’s care and love for us. This is how we secure ourselves and our families. 

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  Luke 6:38 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I am grateful for your outpouring of reassuring grace during those times when I feel most vulnerable and unsafe. Father, as your disciple, give me the grace and knowledge to fulfil the role of freely providing your people with the support they need in times of uncertainty and vulnerability. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 

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Living with Integrity

You Are Equipped

Living with Integrity 

Integrity is something that seems to have disappeared from our society, yet it is such a powerful attribute in the life of the believer. Integrity means that you are dependable. You are a person of your word. You are consistent and honest. 

You may say, “Oh, I’m a pretty good person”, “I do the right thing most of the time…” But understand, it’s the little foxes that spoil the vine. Don’t allow the little things to keep you from your destiny; choose integrity — even when no one is looking. For instance, you might need some paper at home, but you shouldn’t take supplies from the office. Or you might be running into a store for just a minute, but don’t park in the handicap parking spot unless you’re supposed to. If the checkout clerk makes a mistake and gives you too much money back, that’s not God’s provision, that’s a test of integrity! 

Today remember, if you’ll be faithful and choose integrity in the little things, God will make you ruler over much. Don’t forget, “what goes around comes around.” Be a person of integrity and open the door for God’s blessing and honour all the days of your life! 

“The Lord judges the people; judge me, O Lord, and do me justice according to my righteousness [my rightness, justice, and right standing with You] and according to the integrity that is in me” (Psalm 7:8, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I commit to living a life of integrity in every area of my life. God, I choose Your life of excellence and ask for Your hand of favour. Father, make me a person of integrity; dependable, consistent, honest and a person of my word. Show me any area that is not pleasing to You so that I can continue to grow and increase in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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A Greater Level? ?

laughing black male colleagues clasping hands in excitement together

God has performed many amazing miracles throughout history, and it’s important that we give Him praise and glory. Oftentimes, we set our focus on what God has done in the past — how He parted the Red Sea, stopped the sun for Joshua, or fed thousands of people with just a little boy’s small lunch. This is all amazing, but we must also look forward to what God wants to do in our lives today. 

In today’s verse, Paul says that “in the ages to come” God would do things that far supersede anything He’s ever done before. I believe that the “ages to come” that he’s talking about is this day and time we’re living in right now. God wants to outdo Himself in our generation! Hallelujah! 

Today, remember God is a God of increase. Where you are today is not where you are supposed to stay. He has greater levels of His favour and blessing for you. Dream big! Keep a God-sized vision in front of you always! Take hold of every blessing that the Lord has in store for you! 

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4–7, NKJ) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank you for the blessing of the past. Father, I receive by faith todays and tomorrow’s favour, I open my heart and mind to You so that I can see the greatness of what You want to do in my life. God, use me for Your glory God. Thank You for Your limitless blessings. In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

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How To Have a Prolonged Productive Life

woman in white long sleeve shirt standing near white and gray house during daytime

So many people today are looking for ways to prolong their lives and renew their youth, but God already has a fail-proof system outlined in His Word. It says in Isaiah that when you put your hope in Him, He will renew your youth. Also, today’s verse tells us that keeping God’s Word close to your heart will prolong your life. 

Today’s verse doesn’t say that you will just have a long, drawn-out, ordinary life. No, God promises that He will prolong your life and fill your days with peace and prosperity. He wants you to live fulfilled and happy all the days of your life.  

Today we must keep God’s word first place in our life. We can’t allow distractions to steal our focus or take us off course. If you want a productive life, choose to keep, and live out God’s commands. This will allow you to enjoy His peace and prosperity all the days of your life. 

“Do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity” (Proverbs 3:1–2, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for allowing me to have a long, productive life. Father, I choose to honour You and keep Your Word first place in my life. God, please show me Your ways so that I may walk with You all the days of my life. In Christ’s Name. Amen. 

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Wisdom Wednesday

Our word for today is ‘Integrity’. Integrity is the state of being undivided, together with the quality of brutal honesty. The first step to cultivating integrity is to recognize that we are not always honest. This can be difficult, it can throw up some aspects of ourselves we never knew existed.

It requires sitting with some uncomfortable truths about who we are. A failure to acknowledge dishonesty can negatively impact our lives and those around us. Once we see these aspects of ourselves, God has given us the unique ability to choose what happens next, this is the second step.

We can choose to confess those areas we were out of integrity, seek forgiveness from God and others, and then do what is necessary to get back on track to living in integrity. We do this all through the power of Christ who strengthens us. Integrity is the unwavering determination in the heart to do right no matter what. Today let’s choose to live in integrity. – Pastor Sophia Peart

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Pleasing God Not Man

woman in white sweater and blue denim jeans sitting on bed

I told someone just the other day that ministry is about pleasing God not man. I also said that I don’t need to win man’s approval as long as I have God’s. Amen! 

Paul in the bible feels the same way. He was evidently not worried about trying to please the people around him. It’s not that he didn’t care about others. It’s just that his primary focus was on serving the Lord. 

Many times, you may be too worried about what people think of you, which inhibits you from following God with your whole heart. Instead, follow those God-given desires with reckless abandon, because all that will matter in the end is fulfilling God’s plan for your life. 

Today remember you are called to serve God without reserve, so fulfil His plan without letting others side-track you with their selfish, self-centred, denominational political agendas. Please don’t forget it’s always God first and man second. 

“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10, NIV) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, give me the dedication to be Your servant alone. Help me not to be side-tracked by what others may think of me or their self-centred political denominational agendas. Father, I am tired of looking for man’s approval over Yours. I repent of that sin and ask for Your forgiveness. God make me Your servant today and always, In Christ’s name. Amen. 

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The Big Question 

notes on board

Most of us have asked this big question, “why am I here?” Understanding why God put you here is one of the most important principles when it comes to discovering your unique purpose and calling. 

To know why you are here helps you answer the question of why God has uniquely gifted you the way He has. Remember, we all have gifts whether we are black or white, rich, or poor, old or young, God has called you to accomplish individually special unique tasks. There’s nothing more exciting than to discover your purpose and area of calling and focus on it!  

Don’t let the enemy tell you you’ve been forgotten or left out. God has not left anybody out. You have talents, abilities, and natural strengths and you need to be aware of what they are and make sure that you’re taking advantage of them and using them for His glory. Your gifts are wrapped up in your abilities and positive passions. Pray about it today because there is something important that only you can accomplish for God! 

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” (Romans 12:6, NIV) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, I want to clearly understand the reason You created me and gifted me the way You have. Father, I pray for your Spirit to make my purpose live in me and through me, so I can fulfil my God-given purpose.  I declare positive passion and ability over my life. Father, I beg you to allow me to experience the joy and victory that comes from being in Your will. In Christ’s Name. Amen. 

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Why We Get Into Trouble? 

man in black shirt and gray denim pants sitting on gray padded bench

Whilst talking to a young person on my radio show about street life, stabbings and shootings (which is on the increase in our communities) I am realising that folk act first and think later. One of the characteristics of a prudent person, is that they give thought to their ways. Too many people today just act, or react, based on their emotions or circumstances. They let the world around them determine and dictate how they should feel, or what they should do. They believe the media hype with all kinds of negatives. Don’t let that be you!  

Please give thought to your ways. Submit every decision to the Lord in prayer, and allow Him to direct you from inside your heart. Don’t believe everything you hear. Let the Lord guide your steps. 

Today, as you take time to meditate before the Lord, submit your plans to Him. Proverbs says that your ways will be established. You will find supernatural peace that passes understanding, and you will live in success all the days of your life. Please give thought to your ways! 

“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” (Proverbs 14:15, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Thank You for guiding and directing my steps. Father, help me each day to give thought to my ways, and follow the good plan You have for me. God, teach me to stop being reactive and instead become proactive. God, I don’t want to act first and think later, so I give You my mind. Please control my thoughts in Christ’s name! Amen. 

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Favour in Store For You

silhouette image of person praying

Today’s scripture talks about how time and chance will come together for every person. In other words, there are moments of favour that God has already released into your future. If you let that thought sink down into your heart, it will change your whole outlook on your future.

People miss out on the good things because they allow fear to distract them and hold them back. They say, “What if I fail?” “What if they don’t like me?” “What if I make a mistake?” However, “What if you do succeed?” “What if they do like you?” “What if you do it better than anyone else?” – that’s what expecting God’s goodness and favour is.

Today go out with an attitude of faith and expectancy and you’ll see the good things God has in store for you. You’ll walk into divine moments of favour, moments of blessing, and moments of increase. Get ready to embrace all the good things God has for you!

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11, NIV.

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the good things You have in store for my future. Thank You for Your peace and joy that surrounds my every step. Father, I choose to keep my heart focused on the blessings you have for me today and in my future, in Christ’s name. Amen.

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**Wisdom Wednesdays**

woman in orange coat with black and brown scarf

Wisdom Wednesdays began from a simple request. This request was ‘Lord, help me to write a weekly devotional that would bless others.’

Now I must confess, at the time, writing didn’t come naturally and I wasn’t sure I would be consistent in producing a weekly devotional that would be relatable, inspiring and biblical. But the beauty is I’ve experienced God wake me up every Wednesday morning.

As I lay on my bed, I ask Him what do you want to say today to us. I believe, so I wait even if it takes awhile. Then He’ll give me a scripture, a thought or a word and it flows from there. It all comes from Him. Today hundreds of people each week recieve, read, respond and reshare Wisdom Wednesdays. I’m humbled by how God can use our simple requests and turn them into blessings.

Today you may have a simple request of God. All you have to do is ask and you will recieve! – Pastor Sophia Peart

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Links

grayscale photography of people

Do you think you can accomplish your goals and dreams by yourself? Your destiny is too big to accomplish on your own. God has already arranged for certain people to come alongside you and speak faith into your life. He has placed in your path people who will inspire you, challenge you, and help you accomplish all your God-given dreams. But some people never reach their highest potential because they never get away from the wrong people. 

Recognize today that not everyone can go where God is taking you. You’ve got to link up with people who understand your destiny and can call forth your seeds of greatness. You don’t have time to spend on people who are always pushing you down, telling you what you can’t do, or who refuse to give you their approval no matter how hard you try.  

Today life is too short to drag people along. If you are struggling to get the wrong people (parasites) out of your life, then pray. Pray also, that God will help you make the right connections so you can fulfil the destiny He has in store for you. 

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”Proverbs 18:24, NIV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for placing godly people in my life. Father, Help me to discern the right people You have for me. Please give me strength to release the wrong relationships so I have room in my life for the people You have chosen to connect with me, in Christ’s name, Amen. 

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Good Gifts 

people celebrating christmas online

God is a good God and He has good gifts for His children! He wants to bless you with provision and supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. He wants to pour out His abundant favour on you and cause everything you touch to prosper. He wants to bless you with spiritual gifts and make you strong in your inner being. He wants you to enjoy your job and be proud of your work each day. These are all gifts from God. 

Today, understand that every good gift from God is meant to draw us closer to Him. He is good and faithful, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Seek Him today and experience the life of blessing He has in store for you! 

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your good and perfect gifts. Father, I open my heart to You and ask that You help me see Your goodness. Please draw me to You, fill me with Your peace and joy, as I follow You all the days of my life. In Christ’s name, Amen. 

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Joyful Swagger?

woman in collared shirt

This morning on the breakfast show we had a joyous time. Did you know that it is God’s will for you to be joyful always? He wants you to be happy and carefree. He wants you to love your life no matter what your situation looks like. When you have joy amid difficult circumstances, it is evidence that you have faith and trust that God will bring you through.
 
I submit to you today, joy is strength. When you have God’s supernatural joy, you can stand strong no matter what’s going on around you. You may say, “I’m not a real jovial person. I’m mostly serious. I never laugh much.” And of course, God made us all differently, but you can train yourself to laugh and smile more. One article said that the average child laughs over 200 times a day, but the average adult only laughs 4 times a day. What’s happened? We’ve allowed the pressures of life, stress and more responsibilities, little by little, to steal our joy.
 
Today, make your mind up to get your joy back, get your smile back and get your Holy Swagger back. Decide that you are going to look beyond your problems and look at what God will do on your behalf. Ask Him every day to fill you with His supernatural peace and joy so that you can live in His strength, victory and abundance all the days of your life! 

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

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I humbly receive Your Word, today. Lord, give me Jesus’ joy in this very moment. I choose to open my heart to You and invite You to fill me with Your Spirit, joy and strength. I rebuke the spirit of sadness and misery, in Jesus’ name. Thank You for showing me Your goodness and empowering me with Your grace. I bless You today and always, in Christ’s name. Amen.

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Is Your Friend A Fool??

two women sitting on white bench

Some time ago I asked a young man the question, “Is your friend a fool?”. Sometimes in order to embrace the destiny God has in store, you have to be willing to ask the difficult questions. You have to be willing to examine where you are and what you need to do in order to move forward. This may mean that you need to change some friends you’re spending time with. 

Your friends may have been fine for a season in your life, but you’ve outgrown them. This is a new season, and in order for you to rise higher, you have to break away from relationships that are limiting you. You have to develop some new friendships with people who are going to pull you up and inspire you to rise higher. It’s hard to say this but it’s true for each of us. 

Today, if you’re the smartest one in your friendship group, your group is too small. Find people who are smarter or different from you, people who will challenge you to stretch you to the next level. Remember, he who walks with the wise becomes wise. He who walks with fools becomes foolish. Choose your friends wisely so that you can rise higher and walk in the destiny God has for you.
 
“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20, NIV)
 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your grace and mercy despite some bad choices I have made. Father, thank you for the power you have given me to release friends that zap me of time and energy. Thank you for downsizing my friends to only those that stick to your plans for my life. God, I beg you to choose my friends and companions for me, so that I can continue to move forward in the destiny You have for me. Lord, please send me next-level friends today and make me a next-level friend to others, In Christ’s Name. Amen.

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It’s Time To Retrain Your Mind 

As we come to the final days of 2022 let's read Psalm 23.

Repeatedly I hear people say, “I just want to be happy.”  Many people today don’t realize that the reason they’re not happy, the reason they’re not enjoying life, is simply that they’ve trained their minds in the wrong direction. They’ve trained their minds to worry. They’ve trained their minds to complain. They’ve trained their minds to see the negative. But just as you can form these negative mindsets, you can retrain your mind according to the Word of God and form godly mindsets. 

One of the keys to retraining your mind and developing a positive attitude is by learning to stay grateful. When you stay grateful, you are focusing on what’s right rather than what’s wrong. The seed of the Word takes root in the good ground of your heart. This doesn’t happen automatically; you must discipline yourself. You must make a conscious effort every single day until a good habit is formed. 

Today, remember when you live with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, you are shielding yourself from the attacks of the enemy. The seeds of discouragement cannot take root in a grateful heart. Neither can bitterness, envy, or strife. So, retrain your mind and be empowered with His strength to overcome in every area of your life! 

“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind…” (Romans 12:2, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I surrender my thoughts and mind to You. Father, help me retrain my thoughts so that they are in line with Your Word and Your will. God, show me how to have lasting happiness no matter how things turn out. I claim joy over sadness and contentment over confusion. I choose to have an attitude of faith and expectancy . Thank You for empowering me to live the life You have for me, in Christ’s name. Amen. 

 

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