Tag: Holy Spirit

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Don’t Get Yourself Into Trouble 

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Talking to young people about these stabbings and shootings that are on the increase in our communities, I’m 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. When the economy is up, they are up. When the economy is down, they are down. When negative things are said about them, or they hear that things are said about them, they react. Don’t let that be you!  

Today, 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. As you take time to meditate before the Lord and 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 

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Thank You for guiding and directing my steps. Father, please, I beg You to help me each day to give thought to my ways and follow the good plan You have for me. Teach me oh God to stop being reactive, but to be proactive. God, no longer do I want to act first and think later, so I give You, my mind. Please control my thoughts in Jesus’ name! Amen. 

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Prisoners Can Be Set Free Today!

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To be physically Incarcerated is difficult to deal with. Locked up for hours per day, cut off from loved ones and surrounded 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? 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. 

Today ask God to give you the strength to break out of that prison. God’s promises that if you’ll move away from that prison of unforgiveness and negativity. He will make you a prisoner of hope, He will restore to you double for your trouble! That means if someone wrongs you, instead of getting negative and bitter, your attitude will 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. 

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God Help Me, I’m Unworthy Of This Assignment 

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Not long ago I accepted the challenge to assist the Mayor of London and other community leaders in fighting gun and knife crime. I began feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. Have you ever felt inadequate for what you have been called to do? Well, you’re not the first one to feel that way! 

So often, when we think of Moses, we remember him as the great spiritual giant who led the Israelites out of captivity. But, did you know that Moses doubted himself too? He didn’t feel equipped. In fact, he had a speech problem that made him self-conscious! God simply said to him, “What do you have in your hand?” God showed Moses that it didn’t matter what he thought he needed. The God of the universe can take what you have and turn it into whatever it needs to be, in order for you to accomplish what He’s called you to do. Hallelujah!!! 

Today, what do you have in your hand? It may not seem like much, but God wants to use it. He wants to take you to places beyond your wildest dreams. He wants to live out His purpose and pour out His blessings and favour on your life. So go forward and take your opportunity, don’t forget – you miss 100% of the opportunities you never take… 

“Then the LORD said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’…” (Exodus 4:2). 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, today I release to You all that I am and all that I have. Father, at times I feel overwhelmed and inadequate by the assignments You give me. I beg You to give me confidence, faith, and the ability to do what You’ve called me to do. Please remove fear or any negative emotions or people, so that Your will can be done. God, I invite You to flood every part of my being with Your Spirit and use me for Your glory. I Thank You, by faith, for using what You have given me in my hand today, in Christ’s name! Amen. 

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**Wisdom Wednesdays**

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Our word for today is procrastination. It means the act or habit of putting off or delaying, especially something requiring immediate attention.

Are you putting something off that needed to be done a few hours, days, weeks, months or even years ago?

This something could be as serious as your health, finances, family, relationships, work, business or ministry. Or it could be as simple as cleaning up your house. It needed your attention before now. Time has lapsed. Now, your excuses seem to justify your inactivity. You’ve allowed fear to paralyse you. You’ve allowed what people might say to delay your progress.

The lazy man, in this bible proverb, didn’t follow through on his actions but instead allowed procrastination to steal his attention from the care and effort required to get things done this laziness cost him. Do not procrastinate any longer or things will become more difficult to deal with. Now is the time to get it done.

You will be glad you did ? – Pastor Sophia Peart

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God Says I Love You

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A few weeks ago, I was sitting in Africa at night reflecting on my life. I looked up and It was amazing. The lights, the stars and the bright moon all seemed so surreal as they shouted “I love you, Ray!”. Throughout my life, I see God’s love even amid chaos. There is tremendous power in love! In the same way that a tree will grow taller and stronger when its roots grow deep, we will be stronger and rise higher when we are rooted and grounded in God’s love. 

Love is a choice. When you say “yes” to God, you are saying “yes” to love, because God is love! According to 1 Corinthians 13. Loves means being patient and kind. It means not seeking your way, not being jealous or boastful. When you choose love instead of choosing to hate, you are showing the world that God holds first place in your life. The more you choose to love, the stronger your spiritual roots will grow. 

Today, I remind you, that 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 every day, 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. 

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Your Faith Will Meet Your Needs

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

Many people think that when they have a need, God will just automatically meet it. Though Christ definitely could, He is intentional with stating “According to your faith” it will be done, not “according to your demand” it will be done. This small distinction makes a big difference in how we interact with and understand God. Faith is the key.

Remember, if we want God to move in our lives, we have to approach every day filled with faith and hope. How do we get this faith and hope? The Scripture tells us in Romans that “faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” This means, that the more we indulge in listening to and reading God’s word, the more our faith will grow. Consequently, the greater your faith, the more you will be able to maintain hope in your trials and acknowledge God’s hand in your life.

Today, know that God longs to bless you. He has given you everything you need to be successful in life. God longs to meet our needs, so rest assured that even if they are not met just yet, or in the manner you’d desire, His timing and methods are perfect and tailor-made to meet our truest needs. Believe in His goodness today and take a step of faith toward the life of blessing He has prepared for you.

“According to your faith be it done to you.” (Matthew 9:29, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my life today. I open my heart to You and trust that You have a good plan for me. Lord, I receive the twin gifts of faith and hope. God, give me a heart filled with expectancy and trust, that today You will meet all my needs and grant me peace, in Christ’s name! Amen.

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We have Super powers

Did you know that you have a superpower? Yes! Jesus has proclaimed us all to be Super Heroes! We can move mountains with our mind! We can cause seas to part! We can kill fig trees….? Ok, that last one doesn’t seem so glamorous but you get the point right?

Jesus says “when you pray believe and you shall receive” Wow that’s so crazy,  But let’s not get carried away here! We must remember that Jesus surrendered his will to his Heavenly Father “…not my will, but thine be done”  His will and his Father’s will were one. So when we claim the promise or when we use our superpower of faith, believing that God will truly bless us with that nice car or fancy job or great apartment, we must ask ourselves ‘Is this the Father’s will or will it enhance the Kingdom”

The bible clearly states that anything we ask and I mean ANYTHING we ask, believing in faith that it will happen according to His will. God will grant it unto us. That is the power of faith! God desires the best for his children. He wants to see us happy; however, with great faith comes great responsibility. Many times we pray and believe in faith that something will happen that isn’t in accordance with God’s will. As Christians we must first ask “God, is this what you want for me?” and then pray in faith “If it is your will, I trust and believe that it will happen.”

Today consider the fig tree in scripture as an example Jesus uses to prove His point, that when we believe, pray and have great faith we can trust that God will do everything that we ask of him, once it is in accordance with this will. So go out there today and crush mountains with your bare hands! Break down barriers with your mind! And face the enemy with the power of faith! Super Christians Faith!

“Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and shall ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank you for your promises. Father I believe and trust in your promises. Lord, Show me your will, that I may walk only in your will by faith. God, please help me to trust you more each day in Christ’s name Amen.

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When Memories Are Painful  

Are you ok? Painful memories? Is everything in your life good right now, or are you suffering?  I can relate. 

Life can be painful sometimes. We all wish we could have seventy years of goodness, but that isn’t real life. Throughout my life, God has taught me valuable lessons regarding painful memories that I would like to share with you. God is faithful and will walk with us each step of the journey. He will never leave us or forsake us, and His grace and strength are always sufficient. Although some days you may doubt it. 

Another lesson is that, even though we may have forgiven ourselves and others, painful memories can tend to keep coming back. I asked God how I could stop the memories from coming back. He reminded me of today’s verse in Philippians 3:10. I should thank God for the experience, every time it pops up in my mind. As bad as it may be, He reminds me that I have the privilege of feeling a little of Christ’s suffering. 

Today when I look at my experiences from God’s perspective, suffering is a privilege. So, I may get to know Him more deeply. I would not have chosen some of the deep valleys I have gone through, but now I am thankful for them. Jesus, our Master, and Friend said we could expect trouble when we follow Him. We shouldn’t be surprised! But He is there with us, feeling our pain, strengthening us, loving us, and giving us grace and wisdom. 

“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering” Philippians 3:10 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I want to know You better even in my suffering. Father thank You for reminding me about the “fellowship of Your suffering.” God, today I thank You for the painful times in life and for walking with me each step of the way. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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It Hurts To Grow

3 Truths About Christianity

As a child I was very short whenever I complained about aches or pains that had no clear physical explanation, my parental diagnosis was: “It’s just growing pains.” I used to imagine my muscles and bones hurting while they stretched and grew. While I know nothing about the scientific nature of this evaluation then, today I do know it has a spiritual application that is very accurate. It hurts to grow. 

Why does It hurt to grow? because we must die to old ways in order to live anew, and old habits die hard. We place a high premium in life on dying peacefully but dying to anything is accompanied by pain. It’s hard letting go of our security blankets. 

It hurts to grow because growing usually means facing some fear or weakness that has limited us. Though God saves us through no effort of our own, he asks for our cooperation when it comes to our spiritual growth. Real spiritual growth only happens when our effort to act upon God’s word meets the provision of the Holy Spirit in us. 

Today learn this spiritual principle of growth. We obey by stepping into our weakness or our fear, trusting in the fact that because it is something He asks of us, He will meet us somewhere along the way with the power to do it. This is almost always a painful proposition because it requires a step into the unknown. What if God doesn’t keep His promises? I suppose we can ask that question, but we will never get the answer until we step. We must take the step as painful as it may be. And if that doesn’t hurt in some way to make these changes maybe it’s not God’s will and there may be there no growth. Old ways die hard, but new life dances on the gravestone. 

“Put into action God’s saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him.” Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT). 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for the incredible pain you suffered on the cross for me. Not only did You carry the sins of the world,” past, present and future” but You died an extremely painful death. God, You are the best Friend I could ever ask for. Help me place my trust in you by accepting your word even when painful. I cast all my anxiety about moving forward on you. In Christ’s Name Amen 

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When Faith Falters? ?

Two sisters who have seen Jesus heal on many occasions, sent for Him when their brother became sick. They believed Jesus could heal him. Their faith was strong. But Jesus delayed His arrival and the brother died. The sisters were grief-stricken and disappointed. 

Four days later Jesus arrived and asked them to take Him to where the brother was buried and to have the stone rolled away from the tomb, they objected. “Lord, he will stink by now!” However, they followed His command, and the stone was rolled away, and Jesus called, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he did! 

Mary and Martha had faith that Jesus could heal Lazarus. But as time passed, Jesus did not show up as they expected, and he died. Their faith was crushed. Jesus wanted to show them Himself in a new way. Not only as they had known Him, as Healer, but now, also as The Resurrection and the Life! 

When things look dead around us, and even within us, choosing to turn to Jesus, the Resurrection, and the Life, will breathe fresh hope and life into our spirit. His Spirit brings life to the places that are dusty, cold, smelly, and hopeless. 

Today in these upside-down dead days, let’s allow Jesus to bring that fresh hope to our souls. He wants to reveal Himself in ways we have not yet experienced. He wants to empower our words and actions with life as we engage with those around us. There is more of Jesus’ resurrection power to experience both today and for eternity. Be expectant of Jesus’ power in your life! 

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies…” John 11:25 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, I need You. My faith does falter in these days of confusion. Father, please lift my expectation and may I see and experience You in new and fresh ways today. God, I love You, and I lift my eyes above all the dead negative things that are going on around me and look to You, the Resurrection and The Life for new life. Please help me to live in expectation of your miracle-working power always. I pray this in Christ’s name, Amen
…

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God is Faithful 

Are you confident today that God is always faithful? That He is exactly who He says He is? Aren’t you glad He doesn’t change His mind or forget about His promises? Friends or family may let you down or even betray you. But not God. He is faithful not only to you but to all His children. Check out these scriptures: 

Do you lack confidence today? The Bible says, 

“Faithful is he that called you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). 

Are you fearful about something? He said, 

“I hem you in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me” 

(Psalm 139:5). He is watching over you – behind, in front and overhead. 

Are you facing an impossible task? Pray and discuss it with Him. 

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). 

Have you messed up? Feel guilty? 

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). He will cleanse you – make you completely pure. 

Do you want to be more faithful to those you love? You can. Daily ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and direct you. 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is…faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22-23). 

The Holy Spirit will produce faithfulness in you. 

Today I look back to when I was a young man, I believed in God was a churchgoer, but I did not know that I was created to glorify God and to enjoy Him. I learned that to experience a full and meaningful life, I needed to yield the control of my life to God, and then I could experience His love and power moment by moment.  

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God”   Psalm 145:13b 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I need You. I acknowledge that I have been directing my life, I have sinned against You. Father, I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ’s death on the cross. Lord, please take your place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I now thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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*Suddenly*?

'Be Still and Know'

During life’s challenging dark times, know that you are not alone. We all go through seasons of difficulty, or times when things just seem dark. Remember, God has a plan to drive out your darkness and flood you with His light!


Today’s verse doesn’t say, “the light will come trickling in.” No, it says that “the light will come bursting in!” That means suddenly you will see God’s goodness. Suddenly, you’ll be promoted. Suddenly, answers will come! If you’ve been going through a difficult time, get ready for the goodness of God in a new way. Know that His light is about to come bursting in! Hallelujah!


Today, get ready for breakthroughs. Get ready for promotion. Get ready for restoration. You may have had that problem for a long, long time, but today could be the day that it turns around. Suddenly, things will change! God wants His glory to be seen on you. He wants you to stand out in the crowd. He wants you to be so blessed that everyone around you can see His goodness on you! So keep standing, keep believing, keep hoping and keep declaring His Word, because His light is going to come bursting into your life!


“When darkness overtakes him, light will come bursting in…”  (Psalm 112:4, TLB)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your light that drives out every trace of darkness in my life! Father, I choose to expect Your goodness. I will stay focused on Your faithfulness. God, I know that You are working behind the scenes in my life, and I expect that You will turn my darkness into light, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

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Faith That Pleases God

Faith-based Methods For Overcoming Stress

One of my favourite stories in the Old Testament is the story of David slaying Goliath he took 5 smooth stones and defeated the giant that was stopping Israel’s success. As I reflect today on these events, I ask myself the question what type of faith must it take to defeat giants in our lives? 

As I began to think about this question, I remembered how David went from shepherd boy to King of Israel, capturing Jerusalem, reuniting the nation, and controlling an empire. David always looked toward the Lord; and from the anxieties he suffered, he developed faith and determination in God. His unwavering confidence in God became apparent to all. 

Everyone has struggles, and these struggles test our faith. We all want the type of faith that releases the fullest blessings of God in our lives. How do we ensure the type of faith that pleases God? When your faith is tested, reflect on how God has helped you in the past, acknowledge his power over the situation and trust him for the resources you need. Praise him in the trial and ask others to pray for you. Ask the Lord to increase your faith. 

Today, ponder the story of David and Goliath which provides a brief narrative of faith. It describes and explains how faith works in three simple steps. First, a humble dependence on God recognising that He is the source of everything we need. Second, approach Him with an open heart because He is the sovereign Lord over all; third, trust God to keep his word. Together, these three simple steps represent the type of faith that pleases Him. Invite God to daily increase your ability to depend on Him for everything, approach Him full-heartedly, and trust Him to keep his promises. 

We all want the type of faith that releases the fullest blessings of God in our lives. 

“And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, thank you for increasing my faith and helping me to see the specific ways you have revealed yourself to me. Father, I praise you that you know all things perfectly and that I can trust the unknown to you. In Christ’s blessed name I pray, Amen.

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A Present Thought Can Determine Your Future

Do you know that your negative or positive future can be determined by how you see the present? In the Old Testament, there was an Israelite woman who was about to give birth. She had just heard that the Ark of the Covenant which housed God’s presence had been stolen. She was so upset about it that she named her baby boy Ichabod, which means “the glory has departed.”  

Notice what this woman did; she named her future by what was happening in her present. She could have just as easily named him “the glory will return,” but she was so focused on the negative, so caught up in where she was at that moment, that she defined her future by it. Don’t ever name your future by your present-day circumstances. You may have had some hard times in the past, but get that “Ichabod” spirit off of you.  

Today, it may look like you’re stuck in a rut, and you don’t see how you could ever rise any higher, but don’t speak defeat over your life. Instead, name your future: blessed, prosperous, successful, victorious, healthy, whole, strong, talented, creative, wise. Declare what God’s Word says so that you can move forward in the destiny He has prepared for you! 

“You will also declare a thing, and it will be established…” (Job 22:28, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the blessed future that You have prepared for me. Father, today I choose to come into agreement with Your Word and speak Your blessing over my life. God, keep me close to You and show me Your ways, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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Control Your Tongue

I believe every word we speak has power. Have you ever said things you wish you could take back? Our words determine the direction of our lives. 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 with our words. This is a good day to take inventory of your words and make the decision to sow only good seeds with your words.

Today, speak God’s Word over your own life and the lives of those around you. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you to consider every word before you say it. Make the decision today that your words will bring glory to the Lord. As you guard your mouth, you will “keep” your life. You’ll see an increase in every area and enjoy the blessings God has in store for you!

“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, I give this day to You. I give You my every thought, I give You every word and action. Spirit, help me to live a life pleasing to God in every way. Please help me speak words of blessing to edify those around me. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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I Am Forgiven

If you’ve done things wrong (and we all have), the forgiveness that comes from God through the blood of Jesus can lift the guilt and shame, and take the weight from your shoulders. The key to God’s forgiveness is knowing and accepting that Christ gave His life to pay the price for the things you’ve done wrong. 
There is no sin that God cannot forgive. God’s forgiveness is made complete by asking Christ into your life and surrendering your life to Him. Remember your sin doesn’t take away your purpose or calling.

Today, God is speaking to your heart and drawing you to Himself. He doesn’t want you to perish. God wants to give you life. He wants you to pass from death to life. He wants to take you out of Satan’s kingdom of darkness and bring you into God’s Kingdom. The way He does that is by saying to you, ‘your sins are forgiven.’ Can you imagine what it’s like to have all your sins forgiven? To have the load taken off of your back and to be set free? Accept it today and experience God’s freedom.

Gods Promises
Claim them today;
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I believe that You are the Son of God. I believe that You are the only Saviour promised to me who will give me eternal life. God, I want to be set free from my sin. I don’t want to be a slave to sin any longer. Take away my guilt and shame today, cover me with Your blood, break the devil’s hold on me and remove the curse. Give me the faith to believe it is done. Christ, I receive You as my Lord and Saviour. I want to be Your child, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

 

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