Jesus – Page 13 – Godinterest

September 14, 2020September 14, 2020

Let’s Pray Differently

7 Heroes of Faith and the Power of Prayer in Their Lives

Lately, I’ve found myself constantly praying for God to change my situations.

As if he doesn’t realize how messed up the world is. How broken we are. How chaotic 2020 has felt. I ask Him to change the circumstances surrounding me as if He’s just sitting up in heaven watching Netflix completely unaware of what’s happening in this world He created. As if He’s forgotten about us down here. But He hasn’t. He knows what’s happening. Nothing that happens in this world happens without his consent. He’s allowing it to continue to happen because He’s not done doing what He’s planning to do with it. Are you following?

Now let’s turn to the Old Testament superstar of struggle… Job. His story is unique in that we get a little glimpse at the dialogue between God and Satan. Satan and his angels come to God and get this… he had to ask God’s permission to mess with Job’s life. God literally gave His consent for the enemy to do whatever he wanted with everything Job had, but with an important condition: “…but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” (Job 1:12b)

For those of you that aren’t familiar with the story, Satan proceeded to take away everything Job had including all of his livestock and fields, his wife and children, and even his health. He left Job broke and alone, but through all of Job’s struggles and heartache, God was never worried because He still held Job’s life. God’s protection was on him the whole time.

So now that we’ve seen God’s side of it, let’s look at Job’s perspective. How did he respond? Well Satan’s plan here was to get Job to curse the name of God, but Job wouldn’t do it. Even after everything was taken from him and his three friends blamed him for his misfortune and gave him a bunch of bad advice, Job still praised God. His faith was not shaken. He prayed things like this:

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” – Job 23:10

and this…

“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” – Job 42:2

Even when he had nothing, Job still held on to the faith that God would use all of those awful circumstances to refine him like gold. He still acknowledged God’s power and honored Him. I want to pray like Job.

Instead of praying for God to change my circumstances, I want to pray that God will never stop using my circumstances to change me. I challenge you to do the same. Instead of praying for God to “fix” things so they can go back to our broken version of “normal,” let’s ask Him to keep shaking things up until they’re better, new, and more reflective of His kingdom.

“This, then, is how you should pray:
‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven…'” – Matthew 6:9-10 (emphasis mine)

Let’s ask Him to change our hearts in the face of uncertainty rather than asking Him to make COVID-19 go away. Let’s ask Him to cover our family with peace in the face of loss rather than blaming him for taking our loved one away. Let’s ask Him to change the hearts of those corrupted by power and authority instead of acting in violence in response to offense. Let’s ask for the coming of His glorious kingdom rather than asking for a perfect life in our own little bubble.

Because here’s the thing: circumstances will always change and more often than not, they will be inconvenient, uncomfortable, and difficult. So let’s stop complaining and wishing for an easier life.

Sooner or later, you’ll have to respond, and it’s how we respond that matters. It’s how God is using it to make us look more like Him that matters. It’s how it fits in to the bigger picture of the redemption of God’s creation that matters.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” – Thessalonians 5:16-18

So, let’s not get swept up in trying to pray away our problems. Let’s take up a different stance, and pray through them, because that allows God to change us, grow us, and mold us to better reflect His glory.

Remember, nothing in this world happens without God’s consent. Your bad day didn’t sneak past His radar while He was enjoying His morning coffee. He allows our circumstances to be difficult because He wants us to be a little uncomfortable, because that’s when we turn to Him and lean on Him so He can remind us of His power and glory. So let’s embrace whatever circumstance we find ourselves in and commit to seeking out the Lord and His goodness. Because no matter how broken we are, He is always good.

September 14, 2020September 14, 2020

God Wants To Give You Victory

Are you battling sickness? God wants to give you healing. Are you struggling with a broken relationship? God wants to give you restoration and peace. Are you facing a need–physically, spiritually or emotionally? God wants to give you provision. God desires for you to live in victory in every area of your life.

The Scripture says He always causes us to triumph through Christ Jesus! No matter what you may be facing today, God wants to make you more than a conqueror, and supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory. Today’s verse starts by saying, “Thanks be to God.” In the Bible, when God’s people were going into battle, many times they sent the worshippers out in front of the warriors. When you choose to be thankful and bless the Lord in the midst of your battle, you are making a way for Him to move in your life.

Today, start by thanking Him for His goodness. Magnify your God; don’t magnify your problems. Give Him thanks and make way for victory!

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, AMP)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I say thank You for Your mercy and faithfulness. Father, thank You for always leading and guiding me into victory! God, I receive my victory right now for this trial I’m going through. I celebrate and magnify You and bless Your holy name for my total deliverance, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

September 11, 2020September 11, 2020

Exceeding, Abundant, Above”¦

Do you believe that God wants to work in your life exceedingly, abundantly, above all you could ask or think? Do you believe He wants to overwhelm you with His goodness and blessings? He really wants to do exceedingly abundant things in your life, more than you could think or imagine.

The Scripture, says that no person has ever seen, heard or even imagined the wonderful things that God has in store for those who love the Lord. But we must have faith in what He says and in His power. if we have faith the size of a tiny mustard seed, we can move mountains the Bible says. Faith comes from studying God’s Word.

Today, make God’s Word your priority. Believe that He will do exceedingly, abundantly, above all you can ask or think. He is faithful to His Word, and He will be faithful to fulfill every promise He’s made to you!

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20—21, NKJV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You so much for Your daily goodness. Father, thank You for blessing me and doing exceedingly, abundantly, above all I can ask or think, You are truly amazing! God, thank You for increasing my faith as I focus on Your Word, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

September 9, 2020September 9, 2020

He Will Make Your Wrongs Right

Beyond Your Ability Is Right Where God Wants You

Have you ever been through a challenge that has brought you to tears? It seems like God doesn’t care, or that you are no longer important to Him? But He does care and you are important to Him. He cares so much about every detail of your life. He cares about your thoughts, feelings and emotions. In fact, what you are going through is so important to Him that He records every sorrow and collects every tear you’ve shed.

You may ask why would God record your sorrows and collect your tears? Because He loves you so much, and He is your vindicator. He’s keeping account of every wrong that’s ever been done to you, so that He can make up for every single one of them. He wants to restore everything that has ever been stolen. He wants to heal every single hurt and pain. He sees the longings and desires of your heart, and you can rest, knowing that He is working things out for your good!

Today, you are valuable to Him. He has your best interests at heart. He is working to bring restoration and peace to you. Keep standing, keep believing, and keep doing the right thing, because the One who collects your tears will restore every broken place in your life!

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (Psalm 56:8, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for loving me the way You do. Father, thank You for being my vindicator and the lifter up of my soul. God, I choose to release my tears, hurt, pain and sorrow, knowing that You will make all things new in Your time, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

September 4, 2020September 4, 2020

Change Me Lord!

Shock the Culture â€” How millennials can (really) change the world

When we ask God to change us or fix us, and He begins to do a work in our lives, things can get a little uncomfortable before we see change, or while He is changing us. We may encounter people who are hard to get along with, or experience circumstances that seem beyond our control. When this happens, instead of getting upset or complaining, just pause and say, “Lord, thank You for doing a work in me.”

Did you know God is more interested in changing you than He is in changing your circumstances? If you choose to stay sour because you’re not getting your own way, or if you get discouraged because things aren’t happening on your timetable, that’s going to keep you stuck, miserable and sad.

Today, if you want to see change, if you want to see God open up new doors, the key is to bloom right where you’re planted. You can’t wait until everything gets better before you decide to have a good attitude. You have to be the best that you can be right where you are. When you bloom where you’re planted, you’re allowing God to work in you, and He will be faithful to complete the change He started in you!

“…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I thank You for doing a work in me. I’m not complete but I can see growth in my life. Father, I will align myself with Your plan, so I can bloom wherever You plant me. God, help me, by Your Spirit, to be an example of Your love and life everywhere I go, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

September 3, 2020September 3, 2020

Iron Sharpens

In Uncertain Times Christ's Death and Resurrection Offer Comfort and Hope

One of the things I have tried to do in life and ministry is to ask God how to make those around me better. God does not bring people into our lives so that we can make them just like us. God loves variety and He wants us to be different from each other. He’s given us different personalities, different strengths, different interests and different looks.

God made us all uniquely, so that we can sharpen one another and cause each other to rise up higher in life. If you’re going to be happy and enjoy your relationships, you’ve got to learn how to appreciate the differences, and learn from the people in your life. If you don’t focus on the right things, you’ll end up allowing the little irritations to cause you to become resentful.

Today, remember, nobody is perfect. If you’re going to grow, you’ve got to be willing to overlook some things in people. Our assignment is not to fix people. Our assignment is to love people and make them thrive. Our assignment is to sharpen one another so we can move forward in the plan God has prepared!

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the people You have placed in my life. Father, help me to see them the way You see them, and not judge or look down on them. God, help me to appreciate the ways You allow us to sharpen one another, so that we can help each other fulfil Your plan for our lives. In Jesus’ Name! Amen.

August 31, 2020August 31, 2020

Don’t Judge Me

If you know me I can be very critical at times. Just recently I had to learn this valuable lesson, criticism given in the wrong way can make us feel anxious and in some cases, worthless. But when it’s given fairly and constructively, with real care and encouragement, not only does it show us where we’re going wrong, it fires us up to want to improve. So when we’re trying to help someone improve, let’s do it with kindness, understanding and empathy.

If it’s constructive, criticism can be a good thing. If we point out mistakes from a position of love and of wanting the other person to be the best they can be, it’s a useful tool that we can use to help others improve. Otherwise, it can easily turn into a destructive force that discourages and breaks people apart. We tend to find it easy to point out failings and weaknesses in others, while overlooking or excusing our own faults.

Jesus says: ‘How can you say to your friend, “Let me take that little piece of dust out of your eye”? Look at yourself! You still have that big piece of wood in your own eye. You hypocrite!’ (Matthew 7:4-5 NCV). Strong words, so we definitely need to take notice and avoid being unfair and judging others more harshly than we judge ourselves. Sometimes we might be overly critical to try and make ourselves look or feel better. Or we might be trying to hide the wounds of past experiences by using anger and criticism as a form of defence.

Today, whatever the reason, Jesus gives us clear instructions, ‘Do not judge, or you too will be judged.’ When God looks at us and sees our faults and all the mistakes we make, He treats us with grace and gently corrects us. But what if God criticised us as harshly and as often as we criticise others? We’d soon feel completely depressed and wounded. The truth is, God, who has the highest standards of all, treats us with love and care even when we fail to live up to those standards. So when we need to correct someone, let’s do the same, and aim to encourage, not discourage.

Do not judge, or you too will be judged.’ MATTHEW 7:1 NIV

Lets’s Pray

Yahweh, I thank You for this timely advice not to judge others. I surrender my negative critical mind to You. Please Father, change me so I won’t be judgemental and hypocritical. God, help me to look at myself first before looking at others. Show me how to be constructive and encouraging when I have to criticise, and never to be discouraging and cause depression and discontent, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

August 21, 2020August 21, 2020

I Will Not Be Moved

Christianity in India Standing Strong Despite Growing Persecution

How do you deal with challenges over this year of strange happenings? Do you feel better equipped to handle life’s difficulties? it’s interesting that the apostle Paul never prayed for every challenge to go away. He prayed that God would give him the strength to go through them with a good attitude. He sought emotional maturity.

The Scripture tells us if we don’t keep our emotions in check, we’ll always be stressed out and make mountains out of molehills. If we lose our cool because our child forgot his or her homework, or we’re aggravated because somebody didn’t do something we wanted them to do, then we’re not passing the test. We’ve got to grow and mature to the point where we can say what the apostle Paul said, “None of these things move me.” He said in effect, “It’s no big deal. I’m not worried about it. I trust God. I have a destiny to fulfil.”

Today, decide to see things from God’s perspective. Keep your emotions in check. Don’t be moved by your circumstances, be moved by your God. Trust Him because He is faithful. He’s working behind the scenes, and He will fulfil His promises to you!

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for doing a work in my life. Father, thank You for molding me and shaping me into Your image. God, help me not to be moved by the enemy’s tricks and negativity. Almighty, I ask for Your supernatural joy and strength to stand strong no matter what I’m facing, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

August 18, 2020August 18, 2020

How To Overcome Grade Confusion

What a week for all high school, college and university students here in the UK. The confusion of grades, the uncertainty of their futures and seeing your future disintegrate in front of your eyes. It’s no secret that life can get crazy at times. There can be days when you’re just wanting to scream because things are not going your way or you’re stressed out about something going on. In times like those, this verse is always great to remember. “”¦despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

With all that’s going on. Despite the things that are going wrong and despite all the stress you may be feeling, you can experience overwhelming victory through Christ. That’s great, amazing news.

What a powerful reminder, Today’s verse tells us that we can experience victory regardless of what we see and what might be going on around us. So in those times when you feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn, take comfort in the fact that you’ve got an overwhelming victory in Jesus. Trust Him, lean on Him, talk to Him and celebrate your victory!

Lets Holla @ God

Wow God! Thank you for this promise and reassurance that despite the mess up with grades and the uncertain future, that all will work out for my good and victory will be mine. Thanks God for your love, in Christ’ name Amen!

August 8, 2020August 8, 2020

#AWordToTheYouth Let’s look at attitude and character.

There are lots of motivational quotes about attitude. Your sports coach and teacher probably told you time and time again that attitude makes a difference. Maybe you’ve even had a friend encourage you to have a good attitude. It’s so easy to have a good one when everything is going well. If you’ve just done well on a test at school it’s easy to feel good and have a good attitude, but how is your attitude when things aren’t going well? When you didn’t get invited to that party when everyone else did. How is your attitude then? Remember, the storms of life reveal your true attitude.

Today, take a good look at yourself. How do you respond when things aren’t going well in your life? Do you need to make any adjustments to your attitude? If so, ask God to help you. He will give you wisdom and help you get the right perspective on what you’re going through. With God’s help, you’ll find that you can have a good attitude even in the middle of storms and disappointments.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds
James 1:2 (NIV)

Holla @ God

God, I thank You for your help. I ask you to give me your perspective on what I’m going through right now. Help me to have a positive attitude that pleases You and find peace in You, even if I’m going through a tough situation right now. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

July 31, 2020August 2, 2020

Out With The Old”¦

Is your life mundane? Has your spiritual life become normal? Are you ready for change? Are you ready for increase? Are you ready to go to the next level spiritually, physically and emotionally? In today’s verse, Jesus is saying that you can’t go to a new level with an old way of thinking.

Many people know through the Word that God has more in store for them, and it resonates with them. Their spirit comes into agreement with God. But oftentimes, their natural minds will try to talk them out of it. Thoughts come like, “you’re ok, you don’t have to change, It’s not going to happen. Things won’t improve. Wait till the virus is over, look at how bad the economy is.” Or, “you’re never going to get well. You saw what the medical report said.” “You’re never going to get married. You’ve been single for too long.”

Today, we have to get rid of old wineskins: old ideas, old feelings, old realities, old friends. This is a new season. What’s happened in the past is over and done. You may have been through some disappointments, you may have tried and failed. That’s okay. We serve a God of restoration. It’s time to get a new vision for your life. It’s time to open yourself to a new way of thinking, so that you can move forward and receive all of the blessings God has in store for you!

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.” (Mark 2:22, NKJV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I choose to get rid of my old wineskins. Father, I choose to release my old thinking, old habits, and anything that would keep me from Your best. God, strengthen me by Your Spirit, so that I can live my life in a way that pleases You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

July 30, 2020July 30, 2020

Focus On Eternity

Daily, things come against us in life to try to steal our God-given joy, and rob us of our victories. In fact, throughout our whole lives, the enemy has had one mission–to kill, steal and destroy our hope, vision and happiness.

Today’s verse reminds us to “take heart.” In one translation, it says, “Be of good cheer.” Now that may seem strange to say right after the phrase, “in this world you will have trouble.” But when we truly understand that we are overcomers in Christ Jesus, we can be joyful no matter what the circumstances. We don’t have to allow our emotions to get rattled. We don’t have to let our nerves go haywire.

Today, we can find rest knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and deprived it of the power to harm us! Remember, the things that happen in this life are temporary. We are in this world but not of it. We need to keep our focus on eternal things. Sure, we will have trouble in this life, but we can stay encouraged, because in eternity we are overcomers through Christ Jesus! Hallelujah!

“…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come to You today. Father, I ask that You help me stay focused on eternal things and not the temporal trials of this life. God, I will hold on to Your joy and peace no matter what comes my way, because I know I have the ultimate victory in You, in Christ’s Name! Hallelujah! Amen!

July 27, 2020July 27, 2020

Joining Team Jesus = Victory!

I’m a football fan, and yesterday was the final day of the football league here in the UK, and my team needed to win to finish in one of the top places. Only a victory would guarantee their progress, a loss would see them drop out of one of the top spots for next season. “Only a victory will do” the commentator said. God wants to pour out His favour on you so that you can live in victory in every area of your life, which will assist you as you progress into the next season of life.

Join team Jesus today, because the Scripture says you will always triumph through Christ Jesus. That means, no matter what you may be facing today, God wants to make you more than a conqueror. Are you battling sickness? God wants to give you healing. Are you struggling with a broken relationship? God wants to give you restoration and peace. Are you facing a need physically, spiritually or emotionally? God’s favour will bring you provision, and supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory.

Today, consider this, many times in the Bible when God’s people were going into battle, the worshippers were out in front of the warriors. When you choose to worship, when you are thankful and bless the Lord in the midst of your battle, you are opening the door to God’s favour in your life. It’s important to magnify your God; don’t magnify your problems! When you give God praise and worship, He gives you the victory! Hallelujah!

“But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I give You thanks for mercies, faithfulness and victories in my life. Father, thank You for leading me into victory in some life threatening battles! God, I magnify You and bless Your Holy Name. Today I choose to join team Jesus, because I want to be triumphant in every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

July 23, 2020July 23, 2020

An Attitude Of Abundance

My friend, what are you facing at this moment? No matter what your circumstances may look like today, God’s plan is to bring you through to a place of abundance. He wants you to have an abundance of peace, an abundance of joy, an abundance of resources–He wants you to overflow with His blessings so that you can be a blessing to your family and others.

Are you ready to receive the abundance God has promised you? Are you ready to live in the abundant overflow of His blessings? If so, you must have an attitude to receive the abundance. As a believer in Jesus, you are a child of the Most High God. Heavenly royal blood is flowing through your veins. You were not created to be average. You were not created to barely get by and drag through life. You have seeds of greatness planted on the inside. You are more than able to do whatever God has called you to do! Hallelujah!

Today, lift up your head, throw your shoulders back, stretch your hands out and start thinking like a victor. When you’re a victor, you know that any adversity in your life is not permanent – it’s temporary. Hallelujah! Have the attitude to receive the overflow of God’s abundance. Keep believing and keep expecting, because it’s just a matter of time until He turns things around in your favour, with mega abundance!

“…we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.”
(Psalm 66:12, NIV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I open my mind and heart to You. Father, I believe that You have a good plan for me. God, give me the right attitude as I wait on Your direction and abundance. Today, I receive the blessings You have for me, so that I can be a blessing to my family and others, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

July 17, 2020July 17, 2020

God Is Preparing You For Victory

Looking back over my short life I have concluded, there are times in life when we all face situations that seem impossible, difficult and hard. It’s easy to get discouraged and think that things won’t ever work out. But the Scripture tells us that God goes before us and makes our crooked places straight. In other words, even though you may not have the connections you need right now, you don’t have to worry. God is going before you arranging positive breaks, and creating life changing opportunities. He is preparing the way for your victory!

If you are facing difficulties, don’t fall into the temptation to get negative and sour. That adversity is no surprise to God. He’s not up in the heavens scratching His head and thinking, “Oh, no. Now what am I going to do?” No, He already knows every day of your life.

Today, I want to remind you that before you had that problem, God already had the solution. He is going before you right now preparing the next chapter of your life. So your focus must be on God and not on the problem. I encourage you to stay in faith and keep the right positive attitude, because He is moving you forward, despite what you see, into the victory He has prepared for you! Hallelujah!

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ…” (2 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I love You and thank You for ordering and directing my steps throughout my life. Father, thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf, moving me forward into the new chapter You have for my life. God, I choose today to trust in You, knowing that You are moral, magnificent and meticulous, and You will always lead me into victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

July 16, 2020July 16, 2020

I Declare A Quicker Season

Do you know that as a faithful believer in Christ, you have an enormous advantage? The Creator of the universe is not only fighting your battles, but He is lining up the right people, the right breaks, and the right opportunities to move you forward.

Right now you may be facing a situation that looks like it’s never going to turn around, but I believe, based upon today’s verse, that you’re going to see some changes come quicker than you think. You’re going to come out of debt quicker than you think. You’re going to accomplish your goals much quicker than you think. That relationship is going to be restored quicker than you think! Hallelujah!

Today’s scripture reminds us that God is not slow in keeping His promise. I honestly believe we are entering a period where we are going to see the hand of God move like never before. He is going to open up doors that no man can shut. He is going to turn impossible situations around and make them possible. He’ll take you places that you never dreamed. It’s time to get ready for more of God’s favour, because that breakthrough is going to happen quicker than you think! Hallelujah I receive it in Jesus’ Name!

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise…” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for being faithful to Your Word. I trust that You will complete the work You’ve begun in me, sooner rather than later. Father, Your Word says You are not slow in keeping Your promises. I beg You to move quickly in my life today. God, help me keep my heart and mind focused on You, as I stand strong in faith to see Your promises come to pass in my life, beginning today, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.