Tag: Holy Spirit

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It’s Time To Change Your Focus

Recently it’s been hard to get motivated and to stay focused. We all have those days when we don’t feel very enthusiastic. Maybe you don’t feel like you have any reason to be excited about your life. Today is the day to change your focus! It’s time to set your mind on things above. 

Often, we settle for what we see in the natural – the earthly realm, but God has so much more for us in the supernatural realm. Whatever we choose to focus on is what we will see manifested in our lives. We need to daily set our focus on the goodness of God and keep hope alive.  

Today, don’t give up on your dreams, feed your dreams. That means instead of dragging around finding every reason you can to be unhappy, your attitude should be: “I am not going to live my life defeated and depressed. I may have some obstacles in my path, but I know I have victory. I know God has great things in store for me, so I’m going to get up each day, starting today, anticipating the good things He has in store for me!” 

“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2, NIV) 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, I want to set my mind on You. I know that Your dream for me is so much bigger than my own. God, please help me be more spiritually motivated. Draw me close to You as I daily set my focus on You. Father, I bless You today and always. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Bridging The Generation Gap in Christ

Old and young often live in different worlds, from one generation to the next! The young now talk of cool social media sites and new apps that can be downloaded instantly. With so much technology and texting today, however, many young people are missing out on developing social skills with one another as well as with older folks. There has always been a gap between young and old, but we may wonder if in some ways it is getting wider. 

There’s also polarisation, with so many worldviews and political views. The teaching of alienation and class has deepened the estrangement between people and tried to drive God from our midst. My generation has sowed seeds of alienation, simply assuming that people would be estranged from each other, and almost celebrating it. 

Today praise God, He doesn’t abandon us to isolation. He has reconciled us with God and made new life possible for the young and old. Think how rich our relationships could be if young and old talked and listened to each other more! It would bring happiness not only to humanity but would also bridge the gap between God and His children. Can you reach out to someone today and show them the love of God? 

He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents. . .  (Malachi 4:6) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for bridging the gaps in my life and not abandoning me to isolation. Father, how sad it is to be estranged from you and others in society. God, if I’ve grown unable to communicate with some of the people around me, please give me the courage to talk, the patience to listen, and the desire to be helpful to others. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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The Music Is Over Now The Singing Can Start

Theology in Worship and Music

Right now, we may feel as if nothing will ever again be right in our lives. Some feel beaten down and afraid to hope. Or perhaps we have heard of a better day, and yet we are filled with despair. The music is over! 

In the book of Lamentations, we have many funeral songs for Jerusalem and its people after the city was destroyed. Jeremiah confesses God’s sovereignty and justice, but he also can’t shake off the feeling of rejection and pain. He cries out, “Why do you forsake us so long?” You may feel today, please know that Jesus understands. He was mocked by his enemies as he hung dying on the cross. He was forsaken by his closest friends. He even cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” But God raised Him from the grave and “gave Him a new name. God hears your cry and is willing to lift you from the pit of despair.  

Today be like Jeremiah in scripture who looked beyond his despair to God’s promise of deliverance, that’s why he could sing with words of faith that have given believers hope through the ages: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Hallelujah! 

The young men have stopped their music. Joy is gone from our hearts. . .  (Lamentations 5:14-15) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh thank you for hearing my cry of despair. Father, today I receive your promise of deliverance just like Jeremiah and I sing like him “Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father. Morning by morning new mercies I see.” Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord! Amen. 

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Kingdom Living Now

God likes to see you look good and prosperous. Our God is an extravagant God! He loves to do exceedingly beyond anything we can hope for or imagine. It gives Him pleasure to pour out His abundance and goodness in our lives. It gives Him pleasure to give us His kingdom now.

What is the kingdom of God? It’s simply God’s heavenly operating system or His way of doing things. Throughout scripture, God reveals His principles for living an abundant life. When you do things God’s way, you get God’s results; you get His success and blessing, and that’s what He wants for you – to live a kingdom life of power and divine prosperity.

Today’s kingdom living is not only about materialistic gain, but also about internal blessings that affect the external. Romans 14 tells us that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Do you need more joy and peace in your life? Follow the Word and open your heart to His kingdom. As you do things God’s way, you will get His results, and live in the blessing of His kingdom all the days of your life!

“…it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32, KJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of blessing in my life, materially and spiritually. Thank You for giving me kingdom living. Father, I receive it by faith today in all areas of my life and look forward to living in it eternally with You. God, I choose to follow Your Word in everything I do, claiming Your joy, peace and righteousness, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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I Want Joy!

After a hard year many of us might have lost the joy we started the year with. 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 circumstances look like. In fact, when you have joy in the midst of difficult circumstances, that is evidence that you have faith and trust that God will bring you through.

Remember, joy is strength. When you have His supernatural joy, you can stand strong no matter what’s going on around you. You might say, “I’m just not a real jovial person. I’m more serious. I never laugh much.” And of course, God made us all differently, but you can train yourself to laugh 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? As we get older we’ve allowed the pressures of life, stress and more responsibilities, little by little, to steal our joy.

Today, make the decision to get your joy 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 and victory 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)

Pray With Me

El Shaddai, I humbly receive Your Word today. Father, I choose to open my heart to You and invite You to fill me with Your joy, strength and spiritual vigour. God, I want to spiritually be excited again, I rebuke the mundane, routine and stress of life that rob me of my God-given joy. Thank You for showing me Your goodness and empowering me with Your grace. I bless You today and always, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Throw Away Your Stone

In my youth, many moons ago, we were drawn to “who done it” detective movies. Real-life movies about murder, tragedy, love, and heroism, and we tended to hope for a happy ending. Our imaginations would get fired up with the plot’s twists and turns. We didn’t like it when a character got treated unfairly, and we smiled when justice was served. We would walk away satisfied when it all ended well. 

Stories in Scripture and life can work out a little differently. I don’t know who the adulterous woman in the story of John 8 is, or where her story started, but I am pretty sure she didn’t want to be dragged into a public square and threatened with execution. Having your faults exposed for everyone to see is not something any of us want in our life story. It is easy to judge others and find fault, but remember Jesus, is there looking and listening. 

Today, let us think about the adulterous woman. She was guilty as charged, as we often are, but at that moment when Christ told them, “you who are without sin throw a stone,” He reminds us that we are all sinners and that this woman represents all of us. Only Jesus has the right to throw a stone, and He chooses not to. Instead, He decides to use grace and forgiveness. In this new year, Christ asks us to throw away our judgemental stones and follow His example. 

“Where are [your accusers]? Has no one condemned you? . . . Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” — John 8:10-11 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for reminding us today that our task is not to judge others but instead to offer people your forgiveness. Father, help us all to accept your offer of forgiveness and begin living a new story. In Christ’ name, Amen. 

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An Unexpected Journey

In his old age Jacob now begins one more journey. Many years earlier, Jacob had fled his homeland in fear; now he leaves in the hope of a joyful reunion with a son he had thought was dead. But this journey also requires him to leave the land God has promised to him. This journey will take him to Egypt, a place of danger for his father and grandfather. Can God be involved in this unexpected change of plans? 

Jacob begins this journey with worship, even if a plan seems appealing to us, it will not succeed if it does not honour God. Though his own son had invited him to come and stay in Egypt, Jacob also knew of God’s warning that his descendants would be mistreated in a foreign land (Genesis 15:13). For this reason, God’s assurance was vital to his journey. 

Today, it may seem that God has placed you on a journey you did not expect: a new career, a new home, a challenging situation that stretches your faith. Hear today the great assurance that Jacob heard: “Do not be afraid. . . . I will go . . . with you.” God, who lived among us and journeyed with us in the flesh of Christ, will redeem and bless even the unexpected journeys of all who trust in Him in 2o22. 

“Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.” — Genesis 46:3 

Let’s Prayer 

Yahweh, sometimes you send us to unexpected places in life. Give us wisdom to discern your leading in our journeys, and give us courage in knowing you are always with us, through Christ, our Savior. Amen. 

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No Fear in 2022

How to Deal with Chronic Fear and Anxiety

As we enter the final day of this year, I urge you to let go of your past. All of those mistakes worries, stresses and fears. In the same way that faith opens the door for God to work in our lives, fear opens the door for the enemy to work in our lives. So leave it behind!  

Scripture says that fear brings torment. Fear has no mercy. If you act on fear instead of acting on faith, it will keep you depressed, miserable and lonely. So many people today are missing out on God’s joy, peace and victory because they keep giving in to fear. They feed fear by what they watch on TV, or read in the news or on the internet. Don’t let that be you! How do get faith? Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. I urge you in 2022 fill your heart and mind with God’s Word, and the stronger your faith will be so you can stand against the powers of darkness. Choose faith instead of fear this new year by choosing to spend time in God’s Word.  

Today, on December 31st 2021, remember, the power that is in you through the Holy Spirit, is greater than the power of fear. When thoughts come that say, “you’re not able,” choose faith by saying, “I can do all things through Christ!” Choose faith, overcome fear and live in the freedom God has in store for you! Lets crossover by faith into 2022! Hallelujah!  

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NLT)  

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, on the final day of 2021, I receive Your Word which is life, health and strength to me. I choose to close the door on fear by guarding what I say, listen to and dwell on. God, fill me with Your love and faith, as I meditate on Your Word and crossover into a new year, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Favour And Honour

Do you need peace, provision or guidance today? What do you need from the Lord? The Word of God promises that no good thing will He withhold from those who walk blamelessly before Him. Now you may be thinking, “I’m not perfect. How can I have a blameless walk?”  

When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you automatically have a new, blameless walk. The past is erased in God’s eyes. Sure, you may make mistakes from time to time, but 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

Today, God wants to pour His favour and honour on you. If you feel like there is anything in your life that you need to be cleansed from, go to the Father today and confess it to Him. Let Him make you new so that you can receive the good things He has in store for you! 

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favour and honour; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for loving me and choosing to pour out Your favour and blessing on me. Father, thank You for giving me a new beginning and making me blameless in Your eyes. God, search my heart today, and show me if there is anything that would keep me from You, in Christ’s name! Amen. 

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A Great Time To Be Refreshed

I went to bed tired and overwhelmed by life and I woke up feeling the same. God promises in His word to bring you times of refreshing. Oh how I need it now. He doesn’t want us to live overwhelmed, in despair, or weighted down by burdens in this life. Scripture says that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. That means He wants you to live without unnecessary pressure. He doesn’t expect you to figure everything out because He already has a plan for your good, and whatever He asks you to do, He equips you for it. 

One of the ways we feel heavy and overwhelmed in this life is by carrying unnecessary burdens, or taking on responsibility that God never required. When we get out of step with God, when we go against His word, things become more difficult. Condemnation and guilt can creep in and cause us to try to “work harder” the next time. 

Today, if you find yourself in this cycle of works, or if you know you are out of step with Him, this new year is a great time to be refreshed and find a new beginning! God wants to refresh you. He wants to empower you with His strength. Why don’t you turn to Him with an open and humble heart? Repent, of carrying those heavy, unnecessary burdens which are outside of God’s will for you. Let go of the past, and start moving forward. Receive His love and grace and let’s enjoy times of refreshing with Him! 

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I come to You with an open and humble heart. I choose to submit myself and my heavy burdens to You. Father, I also surrender my ways to Your ways. I have decided today to make the right and necessary choice to change. I thank You for lifting my heavy burdens and accepting my repentance for being out of Your will. God, I urge You to empower me and refresh me today, in Christ’ name. Amen. 

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A New Creation

As a born again child of God, you are a new creation. You have a new spirit and a new life! There may be “old” things in your life that you are trying to get rid of. Maybe you have old habits or addictions that you need to change. Remember today that the new has come. It’s a new season with fresh opportunities, and it’s time for you to be the new fresh you. Let this be the moment, the day, the year that you break old habits, addictions and old thinking. Let this be the time that you move forward into a new life of victory. So take hold of your spiritual blessings that the Lord has promised — peace, health, protection and victory. Don’t let anything pass you by. 

Today, be encouraged, because no matter what is happening in your life right now, you have a chance for a new beginning. Choose to leave the old behind — leave behind old behaviours, old thinking, old words, and old mindsets and embrace the new by faith. Trust that He is leading you in this season. Declare His Word and embrace the blessings and victories He has prepared for you! 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for making me new. I leave behind the old life and ask that You empower me by Your spirit. Father, help me to understand Your plans for my life, and to embrace the truth of Your Word that sets me free. God, please break my addictions and bad habits. Make me new and whole. Grant me Your peace, health and protection, as I move forward in Christ’ name! Amen. 

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I Need Direction

Photo by christopher catbagan on Unsplash

Are you lacking direction? Do you worry and fret about your future? Do you daily operate on fear, that you might get hurt or even die? God has many ways of pouring out His favour and goodness on your life. Scripture says that He is your sun and shield. What does the sun do for us? It lights our way, keeps us warm, and nourishes the plants of the earth so that we can have food. Think about that for a moment. The earth is sustained by its relationship to the sun, and God wants to sustain you through your relationship with Him. He wants to give you direction and be your shield of protection against all the fiery darts of the enemy. 

Today, it’s easy to fall into the trap of relying on the things of this world to direct and protect us. But when we put our trust and hope in our Father, not only does it enrich our relationship with Him, it opens the door to the supernatural realm. It opens the door to supernatural favour, wisdom, divine connections, new ideas and so much more. Remember, when you trust God, He shines His light on your future, and leads you forward into the bright blessings and victories He has prepared for you! Why not do that today and throughout 2022? 

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favour and honour; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless”. 

(Psalm 84:11, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I open my heart and mind to You. I want You to know how much I need You to be my sun and shield. I choose to put my trust in You and receive Your blessing of direction and protection. Lord, I need Your protection because daily the enemy seeks to harm me. Father, I need Your direction. I feel static, like I haven’t moved this year. Life is mundane and routine. Please show me Your ways oh God, release me into my future, that I may walk with You today and always, in Christ’ name. Amen. 

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As We End 2021 Switch To Praise

Praise Him Always

After dealing with 4 deaths in 4 days I have concluded this is a hard season. We all face challenges and obstacles. We all have dreams in our hearts, and at times, it looks like they may not come to pass. When this happens, we have a choice. We can get negative and discouraged and talk about how things are not going to work out, or we can switch over into praise and thanksgiving, which confuses the enemy and will opens the door by faith for God to move on our behalf. 

People say, “I’ll have a good attitude as soon as I get over this health issue.” “I’ll give God praise when I get through these tough times.” But that’s not how faith works. As long as we’re negative, discouraged and focused on our problems, it limits what God can do. Faith says “You’ve got to give God praise first, and then the breakthrough will come as God wills it. ”You’ve got to change your focus first, and then things will change in your favour. Praise always precedes the victory. 

Today, if you’ve been dwelling on what’s wrong and focusing on the wrong direction, switch into praise and thanksgiving. Begin to declare that God is good all the time! Declare that He is faithful. Declare His praises and open the door to victory in every area of your life! 

“Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines…yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:17–18, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I come before You, lifting You up and magnifying Your holy name. Father, this is a hard season for many with financial issues, loneliness and deaths. God, despite life’s challenges I praise and lift You up, and I thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. By faith I praise You today for all You have done and will do. I bless You and honour You for Your goodness, in Christ’ name. Amen! 

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What Do You Need From God In 2022?

Do you need peace, provision or guidance today? What do you need from the Lord? The Word of God promises that no good thing will He withhold from those who walk blamelessly before Him. Now you may be thinking, “I’m not perfect. How can I have a blameless walk?”  

When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you automatically have a new, blameless walk. The past is erased in God’s eyes. Sure, you may make mistakes from time to time, but 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

Today, God wants to pour His favour and honour on you. If you feel like there is anything in your life that you need to be cleansed from, go to the Father today and confess it to Him. Let Him make you new so that you can receive the good things He has in store for you! 

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favour and honour; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for loving me and choosing to pour out Your favour and blessing on me. Father, thank You for giving me a new beginning and making me blameless in Your eyes. God, search my heart today, and show me if there is anything that would keep me from You, in Christ’s name! Amen. 

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Stay Till The End

It is God’s will that we flourish in this life. He wants to see you come out of setbacks stronger, wiser, increased and promoted. He wants to give you hope and see you flourish before you come to the finish line of life. 

My father died unexpectedly, everyone in our family was in shock. We didn’t know how everything was going to turn out. We didn’t have all the answers, but we understood the principle of life and death in Christ. Instead of getting stuck, we just kept moving forward little by little, doing our best, being faithful, being good to people. As I look out today, I can see the faithfulness of God. I can say like David, “look what the Lord has done!” 

Today, when you encounter adversity, know that God isn’t finished yet. God’s will never ends on a negative. He has more in store for you if you will keep pressing forward. Don’t let your thoughts get stuck on the circumstances. Instead, lift up your eyes to Jehovah, the Author and Finisher of your faith. Trust Him and He will lead you into a flourishing finish! 

“For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you…to give you hope in your final outcome.” (Jeremiah 29:11, AMPC) 

 Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I humbly come to You, ready to receive Your favour, grace and mercy. Father, I cast my cares on You. I cast my questions on You. God, I put my hope in You, knowing that You will bring me to a flourishing finish, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 
…

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Control Your Thinking

When You Think of the Word Home, Does Jesus Come to Mind

In this age of social media influences millions of people are not enjoying life because of the condition of their minds. They constantly dwell on negative, destructive, harmful thoughts. They don’t realise it, but the root cause of many of their problems is simply the fact that their thought life is out of control and very negative. 

Today more than ever, we have to realize that our lives follow our thoughts. If you think negative thoughts, then you’re going to live a negative life. If you think discouraging, hopeless thoughts, or even mediocre thoughts, then your life is going to go down that exact same path. That’s why we have to take captive every thought, and renew our minds with the Word of God on a daily basis. 

Today, I want to challenge you to think about what you’re thinking about. Don’t let those self-defeating thoughts linger in your mind. Instead, speak God’s promises over your life. Declare what He says about you. Take captive every thought and renew your mind daily through His awesome Word! 

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I choose to take captive every one of my thoughts. I will renew my mind according to Your Word. Father, thank You for being my teacher and helper. I give You my mind, please direct me in the way that I should go. In Christ’ Name! Amen. 

 

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