Jesus – Page 8 – Godinterest

January 12, 2022

Resist

Have you ever been tempted to take something that didn’t belong to you,? Maybe it was something you thought you deserved or felt you just had to have, maybe it was something that looked exciting and fun, but you also knew that it could be dangerous and hurt you and you knew this might be your only chance to have it. After all, it looked so interesting and inviting—and even though you had been warned about it, you thought, “How could this possibly harm me?”

When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he used all kinds of reasoning and tricks to try to convince Jesus that He should have certain things or do certain things. But, thankfully for us, Jesus never gave in to his temptation. Christ saw through Satan’s lies and pushed away those temptations by recalling God’s words.

Today, we can resist temptation by the power of Christ. You may be tempted by what you see in front of you, but, like Jesus, you need to let it go and move on. Jesus, endured temptation so that He could pass the test for our sake, and now we have His example of how to resist. You can trust that God will always provide a way out of temptation. Hallelujah!

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” — Matthew 4:10

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for your example of how to resist temptations. Father, please give me the courage and power to resist all of the devil lies, and please provide me with a way out of those bad things I enjoy. In Christ name, Amen.

January 11, 2022January 11, 2022

It’s Okay To Cry

I had just come from the hospital, where I had visited a member of our church who had been shot. As the night went on with no hope, he appeared ready to die and make heaven his home. I knew that when he passed away, we would miss him dearly.

A few days later, I got a bang on my door in the middle of the night. I could never prepare for what I heard next. They had found a dead baby in the dumpster next to my house. Emotional complications had led to a mother trying to deliver her baby and then throwing it away. This was a massive shock, causing immediate grief for my family, the community, and myself.

Today, as I remember those moments of weeping in my ministry; a young man shot, a newborn baby found dead in a dumpster. What comforted me in those times, is knowing God can use these dark moments for good. Even though, this isn’t what I expected or what I wanted to happen, I had to remind myself He is still good. Words from John 11:35 remind us that Jesus too had to deal with the death of people He loved. How comforting it is to know that just as Jesus wept over his friends, He also weeps with us in our grief. That’s why I love Him.

Jesus wept. — John 11:35

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for showing us that tears are okay. Father, remind us that you are with us in our grief and that you are our comforter. Lord, please heal our hurts and bring goodness into our lives, that we may share it with others. In Christ’s name. Amen.

January 10, 2022January 10, 2022

He Can See You

Growing up, I was always very short, The shortest at school and church. If you were short like me, you know that you were in the front row of every photo and always behind the tallest person at any event. Zacchaeus must have felt that way too. The bible says he was short, and the crowd was growing. The people wanted to see Jesus as he walked down the street. The only thing Zacchaeus could do was run ahead and climb a Sycamore tree.

He just wanted a glimpse of Jesus. He did not expect to be, noticed what he didn’t know was that Jesus could see him. Jesus always knows where we are and can see all that we do.Jesus then invited himself to dinner and offered friendship. Zacchaeus came down from the tree and was no longer invisible in the crowd.
Today is a great day to look for Jesus and prepare for him to come and see you. There may be times in our lives when we feel invisible, and we may hear about great things that Jesus is doing for others but have a hard time seeing or believing that he might notice us.The story of Zacchaeus reminds us that no matter who we are or what we believe, Jesus can see us and wants to invite himself into our lives. Won’t you let him in in 2022?

He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. — Luke 19:3

Let’s PrayYahweh, thank you for seeing me wherever I am. Father, help me know that you want to engage with me and share in my life. God, this year I am willing to do whatever it takes to reach you even if it means to stretch or to climb a little higher into a tree so that I can see you coming. I pray this in your name Jesus. Amen.
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January 7, 2022January 7, 2022

Back to Basics

It is interesting that at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry when He first called His disciples, they had been fishing all night but had caught nothing. Then he told them to go back out and fish again. They took the risk, and they caught more fish than their boat could hold. For the next three years, they followed and walked with Him, learning what it means to fish for people instead.

After Jesus was crucified and had risen from the grave, He told them through Mary to meet Him in Galilee, where they had first met him. While waiting for Him there, they must have had some time on their hands and didn’t know what else to do, so they went back to basics. They went fishing. However, they caught nothing. Then, the next morning, Jesus called out from the shore, telling them to cast their net on the boat’s other side. They took the risk, and before long, they knew exactly who it was onshore.

Today do you hear Jesus calling you? Although Jesus already had His own fish on the fire on the seashore, He invited His disciples to bring some of their fish too. He also invites you during this new year, to bring what you have, so that we can join with Him in the work of His kingdom.

Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” — John 21:10

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for your blessings and favour. Father, please guide us to listen to you and to trust you to provide all we need and more. Lord, help us to use what you have given to us this new year to share your love with all those we come in contact with. In Christ name, Amen.

January 6, 2022January 6, 2022

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.

January 5, 2022January 5, 2022

Losing Jesus

Have you ever lost your child? Having had the experience of losing our son in the store years ago – the panic, worry, and stress that came with it – it reminds me of one of the first stories about Jesus. It takes place when He, Joseph, and Mary were visiting Jerusalem with some other families for the Feast of Passover.

At first, it is easy to think that your child is with other friends in the crowd, but then you realise you don’t hear his laughter or see him anywhere nearby. The search began in earnest, and they had to travel back to Jerusalem to find Him. When they found Jesus, He was perfectly fine. In fact, He was astounding people with his questions and answers.

Today, I wonder if we get so busy doing life sometimes, that we lose Jesus like Mary and Joseph did. We stop experiencing God’s presence and His divine interruptions. Perhaps the beginning of a new year is a good time to search out where Jesus is and to join Him in conversation and in the important work he is doing.

They began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. — Luke 2:44-45

Let’s Prayer

Yahweh, at the start of this new year, help me find you and walk the journey of life with you. Father, help us to listen to you and follow you. Thanks for being here with us when we have forgotten about you, in Christ’s name. Amen.

January 4, 2022January 4, 2022

The Most Glorious Announcement

After man’s fall into sin, humans continued to live as precious works of the Creator while also needing to be redeemed from sin and brokenness. So in his great and amazing love for us, God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the price for our sin and to give us new life forever with him. And now the Spirit of God lives in us, guiding us to become like Jesus. He leads us “in the way everlasting.”

The apostle Paul puts it this way: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20), giving us one of the clearest statements in the Bible about dying to live.

Today, the fact that we are fearfully and wonderfully made—and remade—leads to the most glorious announcement in Scripture: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” Hallelujah!

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. . . . Search me, God. . . . See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. — Psalm 139:14, 23-24

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you, for your gifts of creation and redemption. Father, please continue to search me and to lead me in your way everlasting. In Christ’s name Amen.

December 24, 2021December 24, 2021

Have A Joyful Christmas

I have grown to enjoy the Christmas season. I like seeing cheerful decorations, spending time with family and friends, and eating Christmas goodies. My favorite part of Christmas, by far, though, is listening to carols and Christmas songs, one of my favourites is, “Joy to the World!”

Isaac Watts’ eighteenth-century carol based on Psalm 98, celebrates the coming of Christ. The joy of the Saviour’s coming should be resounding throughout all of creation, and the fields, the hills and plains “repeat the sounding joy.” This is good news for the entire world!

What’s so good about this news sang each Christmas? Isaac Watts answers that question in the third verse of this classic where he declares that Jesus has come to deal with the curse of human sin and rebellion. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus brings the blessing as “far as the curse is found.” Hallelujah!

This Christmas as you sing this carol “joy to the world’ don’t miss this theme mentioned throughout the song. To be released from bondage to sin and the power of death over us, we are now freed to live with joy, to love God and our neighbour, and to cultivate the earth God has given us. So let’s sing and shout throughout the universe with urgency and unity the joyul good news: “The Lord is come, let earth receive it’s King”!

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. — Luke 2:10-11

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, we praise You for coming to release us from the power of sin and death. God, help us to live in ways that proclaim the wonders of Your love and the joy that Jesus brings. We give thanks for this joyful holiday when we can celebrate our Saviour and His love for us. With joy we pray, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

December 22, 2021December 22, 2021

He Became Flesh

Each Gospel in Scripture gives a trustworthy account of Jesus’ life, but they don’t all repeat the same events. In Matthew and Luke we learn details about Jesus’ birth. John doesn’t mention Jesus’ birth, but he explains its deep meaning. John links Jesus with the creation of the world: “In the beginning was the Word.” Who is this eternal Word? As the rest of John’s gospel shows, the Word is the one and only Son of God. But He did not create the world and then step back, remaining aloof from His creation. After sin He entered the world He had made, took on flesh, and became just like us, offering us an eternal life line.

Today, we can’t explain it logically. God, who is not bound by human logic, sent His Son, who became flesh, to provide the very Saviour we need. Fully divine and fully human without sin, Christ makes us right with God by His sacrifice on the cross. Tracing the branches of Christ’s human family tree brings us to the first Advent many celebrate at Christmas, where we see, as Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds saw long ago, the glory of the Son of God, who became like us to save us from our sins. Now that’s good news of great joy! Hallelujah!!!

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. — John 1:14

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, full of grace and truth, great Creator and gentle Saviour, be born in our hearts this holiday season. God, this Christmas, be real in our lives. Father, never have we needed Your joy and peace more than now. Thank You for the gift of Jesus, our Immanuel, the Word made flesh. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

December 21, 2021December 21, 2021

The Lamb

As a boy I remember my mother reading bible stories to us, one that made an impression on me was the story of Abraham and Isaac. Abraham was pictured raising a knife over the altar to kill his son, and Isaac’s words have stuck with me “Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Our focus this Christmas is on Isaac’s question.

Even though God graciously provided a ram in place of Isaac, it was not “The Lamb.” Hundreds of lambs were sacrificed on the night of the Passover to deliver God’s people. Thousands more were sacrificed in the temple in obedience to God’s commands for offerings. Yet Isaac’s question remained: “Where is the Lamb?” Isaiah prophesied that the people’s true salvation and deliverance would come through a Lamb who would pour out His blood and bear the sins of many. 700 years after Isaiah prophesied, an angel proclaimed that Mary would have a Son and He will save the mankind from their sins. The Lamb had finally come.

Today, we are in the Advent season, Christmas Day is coming. We know our Saviour was not born on that day, but let us joyfully celebrate on the 25^th and every day the birth of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, the Lamb, who died and rose again to take away our sins and give us new life forever! Hallelujah!

“The fire and wood are here,” said Isaac, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” — Genesis 22:7

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, we sing this Advent with the angels of 2000 years ago, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive us and deliver us, honour and glory and praise!” God, we eagerly look for that day when Christ will return and there shall be no more pain, no more suffering, no more death, and praise God no more satan or sin, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

December 20, 2021December 20, 2021

Christians Please Stay Focused This Christmas

Yes, I Will Share Christmas Tree Photos, Gifts and All

Nothing deterred the wilderness preacher John the Baptist from losing his focus on Christ. From the beginning, John made it clear that he was not the Messiah. His ministry was about pointing people to Christ the Lamb. When Jesus came to be baptized, John said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Not even petty arguments, nor the fact that his followers left him to follow Jesus, caused him to lose focus. He simply said, “Christ must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30.” Then in John 3:29 he was full of joy because he had heard the bridegroom’s voice. Hallelujah!

At Christmas time, children and adults often ask, “What did you get for Christmas?” Unlike John the Baptist, how quickly we lose focus on Jesus, who came to give us salvation. Instead, we think of ourselves and the things we have or don’t have. Ask yourself today, “Am I full of joy because I have heard the Saviour’s voice and received His gifts?”

Today, stay focused on Christ the Lamb, because there is one event coming that is greater than Christmas. The day the Messiah will return. Then all who have heard His voice and have faith in Him as the Saviour will join with God’s people, singing, “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!” What a day that will be!

“He must become greater; I must become less.” — John 3:30

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, help me to avoid getting caught up in my own interests and other distractions during this Christmas time. God, please guide me daily to stay focused on Your Son and His amazing love, now and until He returns. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

December 16, 2021December 16, 2021

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.

December 14, 2021December 14, 2021

Focus On Jesus

What They Did To Jesus They Will Do To You

Have you ever asked these questions? “I’ve been a Christian nearly my whole life, but I’m constantly disappointed in myself. Why is it that I always seem to keep doing the things I wish I didn’t do and never seem to do the things I know I should do? Isn’t God getting tired of me?”

That’s a common struggle that even the apostle Paul experienced in Romans 7:15. I believe many who ask these questions are caught in the discouragement trap. But here’s some good news: we don’t have to stay in that trap of discouragement. To paraphrase Paul as he writes in Romans 8, the key is to stop focusing on the law and start focusing on Jesus. Hallelujah!

Remember the law, or us, can’t do anything about our sinfulness. The answer is not to try harder to be good at keeping rules – that’s the beginning of the discouragement trap. Instead, we must focus on the One who shows us mercy and loves us regardless and cooperate with the Spirit who changes us. Focusing on the law, will constantly remind us that we’ll never be good enough to deserve God’s grace.

Today focus on Jesus, and we’ll become more like Him, and will trade discouragement for encouragement and receive the freedom that Jesus brings.

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Romans 7:15

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I sometimes get caught in the cycle of trying harder to be good, failing, getting discouraged, and giving up. Help me Lord, to depend on Your grace and to draw near to You, so that You can change my heart. God, I’m so sorry for putting the law above You which has allowed me to live by works and not Your grace. Today I choose to focus on Jesus and trade my discouragement for encouragement. In His name I pray! Amen.

December 8, 2021

2021 Struggles will be 2022 Successes

Have you ever wasted anything during this year? Maybe time, words or even food? In the bible, Jesus fed a crowd of five thousand with only five loaves and two fish. That day, everyone had enough to eat, and there were still twelve baskets full of bread and fish leftover—more than what they started with! We serve a God of abundance! When God provides, you will always end up with more than you started with. I love that Jesus told the disciples to collect all the leftovers “so that nothing is wasted.” With God, nothing is ever wasted. God never wastes your experience, He’ll never waste your pain, He’ll never waste your dreams, He’ll never waste even a single piece of bread. Hallelujah!

If you felt like your year has been wasted in the wrong job, hanging around the wrong people, doing the wrong things, no goals reached and so many trials that you haven’t moved forward. Today, I assure you God will gather those seemingly wasted weeks, months and years and He’ll restore them back to you.

He’ll take those experiences that the enemy meant for your harm and turn them around for your good. He’ll make you stronger, wiser and better off than you were before. He can launch you further into your destiny than before. You will have more than you started with.

Be encouraged because “all things will work together for your good” because nothing is ever wasted with God!

“After everyone was full, Jesus told His disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted” (John 6:12, NLT).

Let’s Pray

Lord, I give You every bit of my life, my past, my present and my future. I thank You for taking every experience in my life and turning it around for my good. Father, I’m glad that with You nothing is ever wasted. So I give You my pain, I give You my disappointments, I give You my dreams from 2021 and look forward to these being turned into success, strength and favour in 2022. In Christ’ Name. Amen.

December 7, 2021December 7, 2021

What Do You Need From God In 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

November 25, 2021November 25, 2021

Thanksgiving Pt4 – A Thanksgiving Message!

On this thanksgiving day in the US, take time to reflect and give thanks to God for all of His blessings in your life. Whether you are eating turkey or pies, playing games with your family, watching T.V, or visiting friends or family, remember to take time to focus on God’s goodness. Count your blessings and notice all the grace, favour and love that God has given you.

If you’re not American the Bible says we too should give thanks. Psalm 95:2 says to “come before His presence with thanksgiving…shout joyfully to Him with psalms.” This scripture reminds us that we don’t have to wait for a day to give thanks, we should do it always. No matter the circumstances in your life, give thanks and praise to God for all that He has done.

Today, remember how good God is and that His love will endure forever. The Bible says that you show your love and real thanks to God through your actions toward other people. Reach out to those around you today who may not have family, friends or food. Share His love and forgiveness with them. Be thankful you can be a blessing to others!

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, no matter what the circumstances, I always give thanks to You for the blessings in my life. Father, help me find the time to serve others during this busy season and throughout the year. God in doing so, may I draw closer to You, in Christ’ name! Amen.