Tag: jesus is love

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How To Make Most Of The New Year

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Many people give advice on how to make the most of the New Year. They may suggest a new diet, a new exercise routine, new learning programs, new money management, or new relationships, but there is something else we should consider. Something that includes all those areas of our lives and more.

God’s word! Read your Bible. It’s as simple as that.

The goal isn’t just to read some verses and walk back into the rest of your life unaffected. The goal of reading your Bible should be to know God better and do what He says. How will the Bible change our year?

God communicates His truth and love through the Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). By reading the Bible, we are learning that God came to rescue us and give us what we need for our lives, through purpose and meaningful connections. When we experience the truth revealed in Scripture, we are given the opportunity to change. Since the Bible is full of truth, we have so many things to learn and ways to grow.

Scripture is a powerful tool God can use throughout our lives. Even if you’ve read the Bible for most of your life, there is always more to learn. Each time we open the Bible, God shows us something new and leads us further than we’ve been before.

Today, Jesus wants us to have a better New Year than we want for ourselves. The best way to discover what He has in store for us is to listen to Him and do what He says. That process begins with the instructions He has given us in His Word. As you move forward into this year, walk with Yahweh by reading the Bible and obeying Him. Scripture itself promises that God’s words would not return to Him void but accomplish what He desires (Isaiah 55:8-11).

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, as the dawn breaks on a new year, let us give thanks for all we hold dear: our health, our family and our friends. Father, help us release our grudges, our anger and our pains, for these are nothing but binding chains. Let us spend time daily in your word. Learning to live in the most loving and God-conscious way. Let us serve all who are in need, regardless of race, colour or creed. God may my year be filled with peace, prosperity and love. May blessings shower upon me and bestow upon each of us a bright, healthy and peaceful new year. In Christ’s name, Amen

In Reflection

Do you want to see how much your New Year and your life can be changed by God? Read your Bible and follow Jesus, step by step.

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The Message of The Advent is “Fear Not” 

How to Deal with Chronic Fear and Anxiety

In the story of the advent, again and again, we hear the phrase, “Fear not!” 

“Fear not Mary” (Luke 1:30); “Fear not, Joseph” (Matthew 1:20-23); “fear not shepherds” (Luke 2:9-12). Like Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, we are so prone to fear. We’re afraid because we feel alone and forsaken, when we encounter the unknown, and when we face something bigger than us. 

The advent story teaches why we do not need to be afraid. When we feel alone and forsaken we need to remember the message of the Advent: a Saviour has been born to us…and they will call Him, Immanuel which means God with us. 

Because of Jesus God is approachable and very near—even holding our hands at times. 

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”(Isaiah 41:10). 

As we encounter the New Year let’s remember it’s not unknown to God. 

The future has its uncertainties, but we enter it every day, confident in the sovereignty and sufficiency of God. Our security is not in knowing where we are, but Who we are with! We are with God Who loves us and always wants the best for us. 

“God is faithful, reliable, trustworthy and therefore ever true to His promise and He can be depended on” (1 Corinthians 1:9 Amplified) 

Today as we face something bigger than us, let’s remember that God is bigger than the things that threaten us. He will do the impossible through us. In all these things (whatever we’re facing) we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For every day of the year, there is a “fear not” in the Bible. Do you have one for today? Try these three from the advent for the next few days, they will bring you Joy. “Fear not Mary” (Luke 1:30); “Fear not, Joseph” (Matthew 1:20-23); “fear not shepherds” (Luke 2:9-12). 

“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear: The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid… In the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling.” Psalm 27:1,2,5 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, we thank You because You are with us and Jesus lives within us, we have nothing to fear. Father thanks for the reminder from the story of the advent. That I have nothing to fear. In Jesus’s Name. Amen 

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Maybe We Are Scattered on Purpose

In a moment, everything changed. Life, as usual, ceased and Christianity and the world plunged into a time of fear and uncertainty. 

This sounds like our current situation during a pandemic, war, and major growth in anti-social behaviour, but it also speaks to a time of “great persecution” the early Church faced. The vibrant new Christian Church was forced to splinter apart. They were under siege. New believers, untethered from their apostolic anchor, fled through the Judean countryside and into the surrounding nations. What did they feel? Fear? Confusion? That this new, seemingly fragile faith was threatened with eradication? 

They felt a mixed bag of many things. But after a brief time, the scattered believers regained their bearings and “went about preaching the word”. The crisis turned out to be a vehicle that God, in His sovereignty, used to further His purposes. The Gospel entered new nations and began its inexorable march to the ends of the earth. 

God has repeated this process throughout history. Plagues, persecution, and disasters all have come and gone, appearing as threats but proving to be the kindling that has stoked the fires of the mission. 

Today as in the early Christian Church we have become scattered in a different way, what might God do? Instead of gathering physically on Sabbath mornings and various weeknights, we journey on digital roads, streaming church services and Gospel messages wherever we go. Might this moment be another watershed moment in Church mission history? How can we move past our own fear and uncertainty to proclaim Christ when we’re physically and digitally scattered? Maybe God has scattered us on purpose so that this gospel can be preached into all the world…  

“And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” Acts 8:1 ESV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for your sovereign control of all things, even still through the chaos of today. I give my anxieties to you and pray that you’d give me the peace, wisdom, and creativity to proclaim your greatness to those around me, both digitally and physically. Father, revive my heart During this time and use me to help bring the Gospel to the very ends of the earth. Amen. 

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Breaking News!

As many of us celebrate birthdays this summer, we tend to look back and reflect on our mistakes and shortcomings or what may have been. We get down on ourselves and think, “if only…” “I should have…” “What if…?” It’s easy to feel like you’ve missed opportunities over the year, then we get depressed and discouraged and stop pursuing our God-given dreams. But understand today, just because you’ve made mistakes or failed in some way, it doesn’t cancel God’s plan, that’s breaking news! Hallelujah!

Here is more Breaking News! God never disqualifies you. He never says, “go sit on the side. You’ve blown it too many times. You’ve got too many weaknesses.” No, God always gives you another chance! Hallelujah! Some of the great people in Scripture made very poor choices. The apostle Paul started as a murderer, yet his destiny was bigger than his mistakes. He ended up becoming a great leader and writing over half of the New Testament.

Today, as you evaluate the year, know that your mistakes, your failures, and your poor choices don’t have to keep you from your God-given destiny. With God, it’s not about the way you start in life, it’s about the way you finish. Receive His grace today, embrace His Word and the bright future He has in store for you!

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”(2 Timothy 4:7, KJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Father, I trust that my days are ordered by You. Please help me not focus on my mistakes and poor choices, but on my destiny in You. God, I ask that You strengthen and empower me to fulfil Your call on my life. I love You and bless You today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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A New You!

At this time of year with summer approaching, we are looking forward to new beginnings. Everyone loves to receive new things to truly appreciate something new you must say goodbye to some old things. When you become a believer in Jesus, you not only receive something new, but you can also become something new. His brand new creation! The old is gone, the new is here! Hallelujah!

The Bible calls this salvation – it also says we should work out our salvation. That means you must retrain your body and mind to act, think, speak, and live according to the new Spirit within you, instead of turning to the old habits you used to have. The good news is with total surrender God will do the retraining, renewing, and reforming.

Today, don’t get stuck believing the enemy’s lies thinking, “I’ll never change…that’s just the way I am, I can’t be made new.” No, the Word of God says that His Spirit helps us in our weakness. He gives us strength to overcome and begin again. He empowers us to live as more than conquerors. If there is something you want to change right now, remember, that you can be a new creation in Christ. It’s time to say goodbye to the old and embrace the new. You are empowered to overcome!

“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for making me anew. Thank You for empowering me to live as an overcomer. Father, I give permission to retrain, renew and reform me, so that I can be new. God, I refuse to believe the lies of the enemy today. I trade in my old for Your new. I give this day to You and ask You to help me fully understand the plan You have for me. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Another Chance? 

In life, some of us need a mentor to guide our steps and to be our advocates. Some learn slowly. we learn lessons the hard way. Others are stubborn and mess up easily.  

Mark in the bible messed up too. He had gone with Paul and Barnabas on a missionary journey, but along the way, he had given up and deserted them. Paul thought it would be unwise to take him on another journey. But Barnabas was willing to mentor Mark. Barnabas advocated for giving him another chance.  

Paul and Barnabas had such a sharp disagreement over this that they parted ways. Paul left with Silas, and Barnabas left with Mark. Even so, God continued to work through them to take the gospel to different places.  

Today we learn that Mark in the New Testament benefited from being ­given another chance, and so did others. We see later that Paul also reconciled with Mark, saying to Timothy, “Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry” In addition, the Spirit of God led Mark to write an account of Jesus’ life and ministry. We know it as the gospel of Mark. Who in your life needs forgiveness and another chance? For whom could you be an advocate today? Let’s offer grace and give others a second chance.  

They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus… — Acts 15:39 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, thank you for a second chance. Father, sometimes it is hard to forgive. Please help us to remember how we have been forgiven and help us to extend your grace to others. In the name of Christ, our forgiver. Amen.

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Freedom Through Christ

What Would Jesus Pin

All my life I have wanted to be free from bondage and oppression just like Anna. The temple must have been busy the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus there. They kept bumping into people who were waiting. One of these was a woman named Anna. Anna was devoted to God. She worshipped day and night, fasting and praying. She was one of a group of people who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 

Redemption can mean paying a price to set someone free. Anna and the people looked forward to redemption because Jerusalem was under siege by the Roman and they wanted freedom. In the New Testament, we learn that others were longing to be free. They were yearning for freedom from religious oppression that burdened them, from sicknesses that plagued them, from spirits that posed them, and from the sin that condemned them. 

Today, although we value our freedom, we often find ourselves trapped, in prison, by debt, in relationships, by scorn, or by circumstances. Sometimes this is because of something we have done. Sometimes it’s a result of what others have done to us. Either way, we long for redemption to be set free. In Christ, Anna the oppressed lady at the temple saw what she was waiting for: the One who could pay the price and set her free. That’s what Christ has done for you receive Him today. 

[Anna] gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. — Luke 2:38 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for the death of Jesus which gives me freedom from my physical and spiritual oppressors. Father, open my eyes, so I can consistently grasp and appreciate your redemption which gives me total freedom in Christ’ name. Amen. 

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Everything Remains The Same

Renewal, Of People Of God - Knowing Jesus

Wow! We’ve reached the second day of the second month of this new year. That was quick! It’s possible that, for many of us, this year may already be “the same old same old” as many years before with promises of new beginnings dashed, resolutions faltered, and hopes receded. 

I have learned that newness does not come with a New Year; nor does it age by the last day of an old year. Newness and change can happen every day through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who makes all things new. Hallelujah!

In scripture Ruth did not look for anything new or exciting at the end of the year; she embraced God’s kindness and integrity daily, and she immersed herself in living out her days with her God. The ancient, living Word of God kept her young and refreshed till the day she died. Esther too didn’t wait till the New Year when a change was needed, she made it and she was done with anxiety and the evil of Haman’s persecution. She found out that victory is gained by doing God’s will in her life daily. 

Today, wisdom invites us to eat what refreshes and keeps us ever new daily which is God’s word. Folly waits till the end of a year for new things to happen, which only embitters and binds us to perpetual old age. Take, eat, and drink of God’s wisdom every second, every minute, every hour, and every day and be ever new in Jesus! In so doing you will not have any regrets and life will never be “the same old, same old” 

Praise the Lord, my soul . . . who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. — Psalm 103:1, 5 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I praise and magnify you, for your limitless grace which comes to me daily. Father, I bless your name for providing for me and all the good things you continuously do for me. God, thank you for your love. In Christ, Amen.
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When We’re Under Pressure

Have you ever lived with stress? Most of us would answer yes but have you ever been shipwrecked, whipped within an inch of your life, had a group of assassins after our blood, or been lowered over a city wall in a basket at night to escape pursuers? All those things happened to Paul in the New Testament, being frequently under unbearable pressure. 

We all live with stress at some stage in our lives. Stress has a way of bending us out of shape, making us act out of character, and making us more vulnerable to temptation. We find ourselves snapping at people, losing patience when we need it most, or becoming depressed. Ultimately stress can cause us to take our eyes off God and focus only on our problems. 

Today, when we’re under pressure, it’s important to realise that if we are not careful, it could hurt our relationships with others. Most importantly, we should use those situations to learn to rely on God. How do we do that? Pray, “Lord, help me. I need your wisdom and strength!” Then continue to trust God when things are beyond your control. Believe that God can bring victory out of seeming defeat. Continue to obey God’s commands.  

We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure. . .  But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God. . .  (2 Corinthians 1:8-9) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for caring about my life. Father, I ask not for a stress-free life but that you will teach me to rely on you in stressful times. God, through your Spirit living in my heart, please grant me wisdom and strength when the pressures of life seek to overtake me. In Christ’ name, we pray. Amen. 

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Happy New Year – God Has A Plan For 2022

As we look forward to a New Year, did you know that God had a plan for you before the foundations of the earth? He created you to be holy. Remember as you enter 2022, He chose you to be His ambassador, His representative in the earth. He created you to reflect His glory, character, righteousness, and holiness. Think about that for a moment. Part of your purpose on this earth is to be a representative for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! 

Friend, because of your purpose, it should make you walk a little differently. It should make you talk a little differently. It should make you think a little more carefully about the places you go and the things you do. 

Today and in 2022, God will equip you to do whatever He’s called you to do. If there are things in your life that you need to change in order to represent Him well in this New Year, God wants to empower you to overcome. Receive His strength and might today, so that you can walk in holiness and be His ambassador everywhere you go! 

“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.” (Ephesians 1:4, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for choosing me to be Your representative in the earth before I was born. Father, as I approach this New year, search my heart and remove anything that is displeasing to You. God, I receive Your holiness and will walk according to Your ways, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Emmaus Just Like Boxing Day

Secularizing Christmas

After the crucifixion, the mood of the disciples on the road to Emmaus could describe some of our moods after Christmas. The disciples were downcast. Did you know a time of anticipation is often followed by a time of letdown? In December everybody looks forward to Christmas morning. But once Christmas has come and gone, what is left to look forward to? Gifts need to be returned, the tree disposed of, decorations stored or thrown, and credit cards bills are sky high. We try to put off the letdown for as long as we can. We still have New Year to anticipate, but New Year is soon followed by another long hard year. 

Before the crucifixion the disciples had hoped that Jesus, Mary’s son, was “the one.” In their disappointment they did not pay much attention to the person who came to walk along with them. They were surprised on the road to Emmaus, He did not seem to know what had happened at the cross. They told Him how their hopes had not been met in the way they had expected. Before the crucifixion they didn’t listen when He told them how the Christ had to suffer and then enter His glory.  

Have you been so focused on the the events and the benefits, that you missed that this Christian walk is deeper than a date in December and some gift you want? The mood after Christmas can be a bit muted when we don’t get what we expect. After Christmas, shrug of the disappointment and unmet expectations, and recognise that the one we have been hoping for, the greatest gift to man, has been with us all along. Look beyond your boxing day of disappointment and embrace Christ who is always with you, and will meet all your expectations. 

“We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.” — Luke 24:21 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh our ever-present God, revealed in the Word and Christian symbols. God, please lift the veil of disappointment from our eyes, that we may see You are with us always, Don’t let us miss You this Christmas season. Help us to simplify our activities and traditions so we can focus our celebrations on You. in Jesus’ 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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Something New

When The New Year Doesn’t Feel Like The Start Of Anything

Everybody loves something new, from shoes to smartphones. Today’s verse says God is doing something new with you right now. Can you see the “brand-new thing” God is doing in your life? Sometimes it’s easy to see the hand of God moving, and sometimes the storms of life can cloud our vision. But no matter where you are in life today, meditate on this truth that God is working, even when you can’t see Him.

Just like a seed buried deep in the ground, it may seem dark and lonely, and there may be dirt all around, but that is the place where new springs forth. In your old stale, dark situation trust that God is doing a new thing! You can trust Him because He is faithful! His plan for you today is blessings. His plan is to give you a future and hope. His plan is to do a new thing in your life.

Today, let go of the thoughts of the old past, and push through your dirty life, and open your heart to the “brand-new thing” God has already started in your life. Ask Him to show you what He’s doing. Ask Him to reveal it to your heart and mind. So, seek Him with your whole heart and you will find Him, and see the brand-new thing He’s doing in you!

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun!” (Isaiah 43:19, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for pushing through my stale, dirty life and doing a new work in me, even when I’m not paying attention or deserve it. Father, thank You for the brand-new thing You have promised me. God, I open my heart and put all my faith and trust in You, now and always, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

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Keeping Up With The Jones

Growing up in the UK, when people bought something new, we used to say that they were trying to “keep up with the Jones’s (trying to compete with your neighbours).” It’s easy to be tempted to go through life competing with everyone around us. When we see someone who’s more talented, better looking or has more gifts, instead of running our race and being comfortable with who we are, oftentimes we feel inferior and think, “I’ve got to catch up to my neighbours and friends.” The problem with this unhealthy competition is that it’s a never-ending cycle.

Did you know there will always be someone ahead of you? But it’s very freeing when you realise, “I’m not in a competition.” I don’t have to have as big a house as my neighbour to feel good about myself. I don’t have to keep up with my co-worker. I don’t have to be a certain size. No, I understand that I’m not in competition with my friend, my neighbour or my co-worker.

Today, say to yourself “I’m going to be the best me that I can possibly be, I’m going to run my own race, I’m going to stay in my lane, I will not compete with anyone.” Now, that’s an attitude God can work with. When you focus on being who God made you to be, that’s when you’ll rise up higher, and position yourself for every spiritual blessing He has in store for you!

“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come to You giving You all that I am. Father, help me keep my eyes on You and no one else. Please work on my heart and mind, so I will learn to stay in my lane and run my own race. God, I want You to be my only focus. I want to be free from competition today, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

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God’s Compassion

Is there something that you’ve done in your past that you’re not particularly happy about? A choice that you regret? The good news today is that you can be free of guilt and condemnation. You don’t have to live with that burden any longer.

The Bible tells us that God’s mercies are new every morning. He’s not ever going to run out of compassion. He’s not ever going to run out of forgiveness. He’s not ever going to say, “well, this is the last time I’m going to give you mercy.” No, you can have a new beginning every single day!

Today, if there is anything from the past that you may still be carrying, take a moment and call on His faithfulness. Call on His mercy. Ask for His forgiveness. Let Him refresh and restore your soul right now. Praise Him and thank Him for the work He is doing in your life, and enjoy a fresh new beginning today!

“…His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” 

(Lamentations 3:22–23, NAS)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I choose to let go of every single sin, issue or weight from my past. God, I call on Your mercy; I call on Your grace. Father, thank You for hearing me and delivering me. I receive Your love and forgiveness today, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

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Don’t Just Sit There!

We all face storms in life. But during those times, we have to remember that Almighty God is greater than any struggle we face! He’ll take those challenges and use them to strengthen us, but we have to do our part and take a step of faith toward the victory.

When a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, it’s in a dark place on the backside of some tree, been battered by the storms of life. it doesn’t look like it has many options. But when it becomes a butterfly i, it doesn’t just sit and wait for someone to come and let it out of it’s cocoon. No, that butterfly knows that it has to make a move if it’s going to be set free to fly. In the same way, we have to do something to get out of the confining places life has placed us in. We have to pray, we have to believe, and we have to move into our victory .

Today, don’t just sit there! No matter what you may be facing, don’t forget, His grace is sufficient for you. His strength is made perfect in you. He has given you everything you need to be an overcomer in this life. Now is the time to make a move break free from the clutches of the storm and rise to new levels because God has victory and blessing prepared for you!

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’…” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV)

Let’s PrayYahweh, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. Father, I will not stand still in my struggles , I will move beyond them putting my trust in You. God, I declare that You are good and faithful. Thank You for equipping me with strength for a powerful victory in every area of my life in Christ’ name. Amen
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