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December 28, 2022December 28, 2022

Ujima / Collective Work and Responsibility: Team Work

Principle 3 Ujima / Collective Work and Responsibility: 1 Corinthians 12:21-25. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special honour. So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. This verse reminds us that we are one nation, one people, and one world and we should be concerned for each other. How different society would be today if we extended the care and concern as in the bible. We certainly would have a different perspective on Refugees, poverty, domestic violence, Gun and knife crime, unemployment, and war.

As a fan of Chelsea, Golden State and The Vikings, I would hear the deafening noise of fans speaking as one. While watching on the sofa might give you a better view of the game, it’s never as exhilarating as cheering on your team from the stands. A special energy comes from being part of a shared mission, whether that mission is to win a game or to bring heaven to earth.

When we ask God into our lives, we give Him permission to reshape our values and our perspective. We put Him in charge. We join His team and His mission. He sends all of His people out to share the good news that He has set us free and He will set things right forever. We might seem like a makeshift bunch. But when it comes to this mission, no one is too old or too young. Wherever we’ve come from and whatever we’ve done, we all have a place on this team.

Today, Ujima says to us at times, we are going to get tired and want to give up but the same way a team feeds off the energy of its fans, we can draw strength from one another. When our minds are unified with Yahshua anything is possible. Scripture reminds us that there is a special power that comes through unity. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of Yahshua”. He calls us to be one, working together for His glory. When we say yes to Jesus, we are clothed with His team jersey. And everyone regardless of skin colour, age, social status, or past life experience has a role to play.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special honour. So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 1 Corinthians 12:21-25

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I thank you for the gift of being a part of your team. Father, may I be steadfast in working toward the goals and determined in my effort to grow together with this team and through this journey. God, grant me the grace I need to be a good teammate, so that my contributions to this team may make others better and that the experience may be more fruitful because of my participation. Lord give me the courage to sacrifice for the good of the team when necessary and the wisdom to know when to do so. May I follow the example of Christ as I interact with others every day. I ask this through Christ, our Lord and saviour, Amen.

In Reflection

When was the last time you drew strength from someone else’s faith?

This week, is there someone you need to bear with or build up?

Is there anyone you have a hard time accepting as part of God’s team? Rather than hide that feeling, pursue unity by asking God to help you see that person through His eyes.

December 27, 2022December 27, 2022

Kujichagulia (Self-determination) True Grit

Principle 2 Kujichagulia / Self-determination: Philippians 3:13–14 “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”. Paul commands believers to possess the attitude of strong determination.

At a time when many people in Paul’s place would be looking back in regret, wondering what life would have been like in a different profession, Paul repudiates the past and looks with confidence to the future. His strong determination kept him focused on the ultimate goal of pleasing Christ all the way to the goal, even in his chains. It’s the picture of a runner running for the tape at the end of the race, straining forward in strong determination. Paul said, “I’m not looking back with longing. I’m stretching for the prize.” True grit.

No rusty Roman chains could deter Paul from reaching for the goal of pursuing the prize of Christ. He pressed on, determined to remain focused on his mission.

Today, I’m not talking about athletes, I’m talking about being a determined servant of Christ. There’s no easy route to spiritual maturity. It doesn’t happen overnight. Remember, it’s a gruelling journey at times. So, don’t bother to publish a pamphlet on all the obstacles you face. Don’t become famous for complaining. Forget the past, use what’s behind you as fuel and reach for the tape. Keep running no matter what as guided by God, remember it’s a spiritual race. Develop and maintain an attitude of strong determination.

“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”. Philippians 3:13–14

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I thank you for who you are, and for everything you have done in my life. Father, I ask you to make me a stronger person who can withstand all the setbacks that life throws at me. God, please make me a person with the courage to face life’s problems, enemies, and trials. Oh Lord give me a spirit of determination to fight and never stop running this Christian race until I win. Remove my obsession with the past. Thank you for listening to me in Christ’s name. Amen.

In Reflection

When was the last time you had to show real grit and determination?

How did you get through?

When was the last time you prayed for more courage and determination? Why not pray now? God is waiting to hear from you.

November 4, 2022November 4, 2022

You Can Be Pure Again?

A few months ago I spoke for a programme on Sexuality at Chiswick Church. One of the questions posed was, “can someone who has lost their virginity be pure again?”. I reminded them as a believer in Jesus, you’re not only getting something new, you become someone new. You are a brand-new creation! You are a pure – re-created in Christ. The old is gone, the new has come.

That now means, you have to trust God to retrain your body and mind to act, think, speak and live according to the new spirit within you (instead of the old habits you used to have). Don’t ever get stuck in a rut thinking, “I’ll never change, I will always be like this, that’s just the way I am.” No, the Bible says that the Spirit of God aids us in our weakness. He gives us strength to overcome. He empowers us to live as more than conquerors.

Today, do you want to change your life and become new? Remember, you must be willing to sacrifice to be a new creation in Christ. Through sacrifice you will be empowered to overcome, equipped to walk in the new, and have the abundant life that God has in store for you!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (II Corinthians 5:17)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for making me a new creation. Removing my past and making me pure in You. Father, thank You for empowering me to live as an overcomer in Christ. God, I give this day to You, and ask You to help me fully understand the plan You have for me. Please change me God, change my body, mind, and actions as I yearn to be more like Christ, in His name I pray! Amen.

October 28, 2022October 28, 2022

A Greater Level? ?

laughing black male colleagues clasping hands in excitement together

God has performed many amazing miracles throughout history, and it’s important that we give Him praise and glory. Oftentimes, we set our focus on what God has done in the past — how He parted the Red Sea, stopped the sun for Joshua, or fed thousands of people with just a little boy’s small lunch. This is all amazing, but we must also look forward to what God wants to do in our lives today.

In today’s verse, Paul says that “in the ages to come” God would do things that far supersede anything He’s ever done before. I believe that the “ages to come” that he’s talking about is this day and time we’re living in right now. God wants to outdo Himself in our generation! Hallelujah!

Today, remember God is a God of increase. Where you are today is not where you are supposed to stay. He has greater levels of His favour and blessing for you. Dream big! Keep a God-sized vision in front of you always! Take hold of every blessing that the Lord has in store for you!

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4–7, NKJ)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank you for the blessing of the past. Father, I receive by faith todays and tomorrow’s favour, I open my heart and mind to You so that I can see the greatness of what You want to do in my life. God, use me for Your glory God. Thank You for Your limitless blessings. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

September 15, 2022September 15, 2022

Joy and Pain

Recently, I watched a friend bury her daughter. Her heart was breaking apart with grief. The loss and loneliness are crushing burdens she carries every day. It seems almost sacrilegious to read today’s verse about rejoicing when we face trials with respect to my friend’s circumstances. Does God expect her to rejoice in this devastating sorrow?

Do you see the joy and pain in this verse? God’s adoption plan was to send His only Son to die in our place. What pain! What sorrow! Pain and Joy. They seem so opposed to one another and yet, their mutual presence is at the core of God’s rescue plan for us!

Joy comes from knowing God and trusting His way. Joy comes from the deep springs of the soul. It doesn’t happen overnight; it’s developed over time and hardship as we grab hold of God’s hand and put one foot in front of the other pain will become Joy. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Today, choose joy in the pain of your circumstances. Ask yourself what blessings are there in your pain. Take some time to focus on the good, instead of the bad and list your blessings and see God’s goodness in your life. I implore you to embrace the joy and the pain in your life.

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment.” Romans 5:3-4 (NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, Omnipotent, all-powerful God, I come to You today, thanking You that You listen when I pray. Father, I come to You asking to be delivered from all my troubles and pain. God, I ask for Your angels to be my guard to surround and defend me. I know that I will have joy because I come to You for refuge, and you will never turn me away. I have tasted and seen that You are good in my past knowing that you never change. In Christ’s name Amen.

August 18, 2022August 18, 2022

The Journey of Faith

Can you see how God keeps His promises? Let’s dare to believe in God, knowing he is faithful, even when we are not! Picture Abraham with Sara, his wife, his nephew, his servants, and his herd of livestock travelling with a tent to pitch anywhere they needed to.

Abraham believed in God with childlike faith. At seventy-five, Abraham would have loved to enjoy the wealth and lifestyle he was accustomed to in Haran. Yet, he left and went where God led him. As a foreigner in a new country, Abraham had to develop his faith to cope with new situations.

Scripture says Abraham moved to Egypt because of famine. Pharaoh, the King took his very beautiful wife to his palace. Abraham didn’t reveal that Sara was his wife. Then, a plague was sent to Pharaoh’s house causing him to release Sarah and send Abraham out of the country. While waiting for God to give them a family, he and Sarah tried to accomplish the promise themselves and a child was born, not of Sarah, but their Egyptian servant. Sarah, his wife, became angry at that servant’s scoffing and asked Abraham to act. So, God asked Abraham to listen to his wife. Abraham asked the servant and mother of the child to move out with her son. They did.

Today like Abraham you may have failed at times, but God hasn’t failed you. Abraham received everything that was promised, Canaan the land his descendants would one day possess, and Sara had the child Isaac, although they were both past the age of childbearing. Let’s dare to believe in God, knowing he is faithful, even when we are not! Thank God that nothing is impossible to him.

“The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed by you.” Genesis 12:1 NLT

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for showing how mighty and faithful you are through Abraham’s and Sara’s life. God, please help me to keep my eyes on you with eternity in my heart so I can finish strong. I hold on to Your promises knowing they are sure in Christ’s name. Amen

August 11, 2022August 11, 2022

We Can Do It!

As the Israelites got to the borders of the Promised Land, Moses sent out scouts to assess the situation. Ten scouts returned with reports that focused on the giants in the land, men so big and powerful the scouts feared they could not be defeated. However, two of the scouts focused on the promise from God that he would hand the land over to the Israelites. One of those scouts, Caleb, silenced the others by saying “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it”.

He trusted God’s promise instead of trusting his fear. The opposite of fear is faith, the belief that Jesus is capable of handling anything we may face in life. But operating out of faith means we must rely on Christ, no matter the issue. God brings us to a choice: Will we trust Him, or will we trust our fears?

Today we must hold God in reverence, recognizing his sovereignty, authority, and His ability to protect us in any situation. We reach that level of trust by knowing the Father and understanding His character. Your fear simply reveals a place where you aren’t yet trusting in Jesus. Don’t stay stuck in your fear, and don’t receive condemnation for your lack of faith. Jesus wants to move you past that into a place where your fears are replaced by faith. Follow Him and learn to trust.

“We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Numbers 13:30b

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, You said that the righteous man will live by faith. Father, Mould me in Your image and fill my heart with faith in You. Guide my actions so that I can live by faith and have a life in You, abundantly and eternally. God, please cleanse my thoughts of all impurities. Keep my eyes fixed on You and You alone. Lord, help me be steadfast in my trust in You and Your word so that I can live right in Your sight. In Christ’s name Amen.

August 10, 2022January 16, 2023

Wisdom Wednesday’s In order to grow you have to let go.

Spiritual growth requires change, and the only thing that is holding you back is your resistance.

Even though you try really hard to hang on to places of comfort and stability, it is not possible to keep things the same and grow. You must be willing to release the past and make peace with your current reality. Circumstances of life test your ability to adapt and thrive.

Let go and go.

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Marsha BURNS, Small Straws

July 14, 2022July 14, 2022

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.

July 13, 2022July 13, 2022

We Need Caleb’s Faith

When the Israelites first approached the borders of Canaan, Moses sent scouts into the Promised Land to assess the situation. Ten of the scouts came back with reports that focused on the giants in the land, men so big and powerful the scouts feared they could not be defeated. Two of the scouts focused on the promise from God that he would hand the land over to the Israelites. One of those scouts, Caleb, silenced the others when he said,

“We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it”

Caleb trusted God instead of trusting his fear. The opposite of fear is faith some say, the belief that Jesus is capable of handling anything we may face in life. But operating out of faith means we must rely on God, remaining dependent on him to see us through any issue.

It brings us to a choice: Will we trust God, or will we trust our fears? And we reach that level of trust by knowing the Father and understanding His character through His word and we understand the Father by following Jesus.

Today Your Greatest fears simply reveal places where you aren’t yet trusting God. Don’t stay stuck in your fear, and don’t receive condemnation for your lack of faith. Christ wants to move you past that into a place where your fears are replaced by faith. Follow him and learn to trust Him more.

“We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Numbers 13:30b

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I believe, but help with my unbelief! Help my head and my heart to believe in you and trust in you fully, without a doubt, knowing that in you all things are possible. I pray for help to strengthen my faith in you. Father, I believe, but I don’t always believe in your power and might. I don’t always believe that in you all things are possible. I don’t always place my trust in you, instead trying to fix everything on my own. I don’t always turn to you first, instead turning to others and the world for answers. Lord at times I struggle to relate the scriptures to my own life. Lord, Lord, please strengthen my faith! In Christ’s name Amen.

June 30, 2022June 30, 2022

Tanzania Here We Come Without Hesitation

As a child, I wanted to take a mission trip. Each time the topic was preached on I would sit on the edge of my seat. I would see the smiling faces of the people and would dream of hugging them. I wasn’t sure how… I didn’t know when… but it was a wish I prayed on.

As I prepare to leave for the mission field in Tanzania, I came across today’s verse that speaks to mission service. Genesis 12:4 says, “Without any hesitation, Abram went.” The bravery of Abraham to pick up his entire family and move to Canaan when he was seventy-five years old was true faith. Surrounded by modern-day conveniences and being some 15 years younger, I can hardly fathom leaving all I know for nothing familiar with no hope of returning.

The mission field can be local too there are things we can do every day and people in arm’s reach to be helped… but God specifically tells us to go out into the world. Some people groups still don’t know about Jesus. Some people don’t have clean water to drink. They don’t have consistent food, either, because they’ve never really had a prolonged time in their lives where their needs were easily met because of the greed and selfishness of others.

Today I challenge all to become intentional missionaries. We are privileged to have much and still complain. We scoff and waste food and flex our right to voice our opinion. But what if we chose to see and acknowledge what’s going on past our doorstep every day…to help those on the outskirts of society and the world, who don’t know and who don’t have daily needs and a fair quality of life. Like Abram, I have decided it’s time to move for God “Without any hesitation.” Keep us in your prayer as we leave for Tanzania this weekend.

“So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran.” – Genesis 12:4

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I praise You for our missionaries and mission teams. Father, thank You for allowing me the opportunity to come face to face with the people who need the gospel and who need physical, emotional, and spiritual aid. God, please forgive me for forgetting about the forgotten. Thank you for blessing me with the chance to go on mission this trip this weekend keep us safe and teach us valuable life lessons. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

June 15, 2022June 15, 2022

I Want A Miracle!

Many Christians focus on what God has done in the past. He parted the Red Sea, stopped the sun for Joshua, and fed thousands of people with just a little boy’s small lunch. Yes, God has performed many amazing miracles throughout history, and we must give Him praise and glory! But at the same time, we also have to look forward to what God is doing today. If He did it in the past He will do it even today, in a more magnificent way.

In this verse, Paul says that “in the ages to come” God would do things that far supersede anything He’s ever done before. I believe that the “ages to come” that he’s talking about, is this day and time we’re living in right now, amidst all the chaos of these uncertain days. God wants to outdo Himself in our generation! Hallelujah!

Today, I share with you, that God is a God of increase. Where you are today is not where you are supposed to stay. He has greater levels of His favour and blessing in store for you. I dare you to dream big! I dare you to keep a God-sized vision in front of you! I dare you to take hold of every blessing that the Lord has in store for you now and in the year to come!

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…raised us together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4–7, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in the past. Father, I open my heart and mind to You, so that I can see the greatness You have in store for me today, and what You want to do in my future. Please Give me God-sized visions and testimonies. God, please use me for Your glory. I thank You in advance for Your favour, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

June 6, 2022June 6, 2022

I Want A Miracle Today!

In the past, God parted the Red Sea, stopped the sun for Joshua, and fed thousands of people with just a little boy’s small lunch. Yes, God has performed many amazing miracles throughout history, and it’s important that we give Him praise and glory! But at the same time, we also must look forward to what God is doing today. If He, did it in the past He will do it even today, in a more magnificent way.

In today’s verse, Paul says that “in the ages to come” God would do things that far supersede anything He’s ever done before. I believe that the “ages to come” that he’s talking about, is this day and time we’re living in right now, amidst all the chaos of these uncertain days. God wants to outdo Himself in our generation! Hallelujah!

Today, I share with you, that God is a God of increase. Where you are today is not where you are supposed to stay. He has greater levels of favour and blessing in store for you. I dare you to dream big! I dare you to keep a God-sized vision in front of you! I dare you to take hold of every blessing that the Lord has in store for you now and in the years to come!

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in the past. Father, I open my heart and mind to You, so that I can see the greatness You have in store for me today, and what You want to do in my life in years to come. Give me God-sized visions and testimonies. God, please use me for Your glory. I thank You in advance for Your favour, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

May 6, 2022May 6, 2022

Breaking Free from the Bondage of Insecurity

Do you know him? He’s as close as a brother, but don’t be fooled because he’s a destructive enemy. he’s here to destroy your faith, confidence, and relationships. He makes you doubt yourself, your dreams, and God’s purpose in your life. He disguises himself as one who wants to help when his main purpose is to put you in bondage and control your thoughts, words, and actions. What’s His name? Insecurity. He’s the closest and most dangerous friend we’ve allowed into our lives, and it is time to say goodbye.

Today’s verse tells us that truth is the key to unlocking the shackles that insecurity has placed on us; shackles that have stopped us from speaking up, walking with our heads held high, pursuing our dreams, and living with an open and trusting heart.

Here are 4 truths to remember when you’re feeling insecure:

1.) You are Accepted

Insecurity may leave us feeling rejected, However, we know that God has accepted us, not just as friends but as family. In 1 John 3:1 NIV, we are called children of God! that is what we are! So if God accepts us there is no need to worry about who doesn’t.

2.) You will never be Let Go

Insecurity makes us want to push others away, however, God holds us tight in His hands. God is not going to let you slip through His fingers. Where others may walk away, God is here to stay. In Romans 8:39 we are reminded that “nothing will separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Hallelujah!

3.) God will Defend You

Insecurity makes us defensive and combative, However, God defends us. We don’t have to fight to prove ourselves to others when God has proven who He is in our lives. Let God fight for you. Exodus 14:14 says “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

4.) Doors will open doors for you

Insecurity makes us fearful of missing out, However, God opens doors for us that no man can shut. When we realize God is in control, we don’t have to worry about missing out. Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”

Today, God’s truth will always be, greater than our insecurity. Insecurity may seem a powerful and insurmountable foe, but God’s truth exposes it for the weak imposter it is. May His truth constantly set you free from the bondage of insecurity as you live for Him daily.

“The truth will set you free.” – John 8:32

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, help me break free from the bondage of insecurity. Father, in the past I confess that I’ve listened to the voice of the enemy more than I’ve listened to your truth. Please help me listen and know that I am loved by you, and I am perfectly made, that I am accepted by You. God, give me your Spirit to help me see when I am listening to lies instead of truth. Help me fix my eyes on you and all you are and have done for me and this world. Thank you, Lord! In Christ’s name. Amen!

April 4, 2022April 4, 2022

Renew Your Mind

What changed when you surrendered your heart to Christ? Certainly, not our outward appearance, our income or the people in our families or at work. The more we give in to the flesh the more our lives stay the same. But the more we yield to the Spirit the more we begin to look like Christ. It is important to note that we cannot and do not change our ways first before we come to Christ. Hard as we try we do not have the power to do that and if God required that no one would be saved.

In today’s verse, Paul knew that it takes a sincere desire to want to obey God to resist the lure of the world, hence his admonition to not copy the ways of the world. The same temptations we experienced in the past will come our way as new creations in Christ. We will face the same hardships and deal with the same emotions and circumstances. What makes the difference is our sincere desire to please God. Our desire, fuelled by God’s grace and love makes real change possible.

Today you may be asking the question Ray how do we carry out Paul’s instruction to renew our minds in the practical sense? It’s all in the Word. God’s Word empowers us and enables us to go all the way in our pursuit of Him. Our job is to study and apply the Word. It is our weapon against everything that comes against us; whether sickness, fear or evil thoughts. God’s Word is the standard by which we measure our lives, defeat the enemy and conform to His will.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” – Romans 12:2

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, help me to study and apply your Word to our lives each day. Father, help me make this a discipline of the mind and heart, empowered by Your Spirit, transforming me each day more and more into your likeness. God, help me have self-awareness of when I’m falling into temptation and turn quickly back to you. Thank you for your tender mercy and love, ever leading me. In Christ’s Name, Amen!

March 14, 2022March 14, 2022

Regret Isn’t Always Bad

Are you living with regret? Regret isn’t always a bad thing. It can point us toward God and beckon us to seek forgiveness when we’ve done something wrong. But when we don’t deal with the regret we have over past choices, it can create heaviness in our hearts. And the longer we hold on to regret, the more condemned we feel.

Paul gives the key to letting go of regret and living in freedom. He had shared some hard truth with the church in Corinthians — things they needed to hear. But then Paul encouraged them by acknowledging the sorrow they showed for their actions. The kind of sorrow that leads to repentance. As mentioned in today’s scripture. The next verse (11) goes on to show the value of allowing our regret to point us to Jesus.

Today, let’s remember when we deal with regret the right way, God produces good fruit in us. Let’s acknowledge the regret that weighs us down, then take it to a God who cares. He is ready and willing to help us find healing from our regrets.

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV)

Yahweh, thank you for your powerful Word that offers hope when I feel weighed down with regret. Father, thank you for showing me the difference between worldly sorrow and the Godly sorrow that leads me back to you. God, whether I’m holding on to regret for past sins or regret about decisions made, forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness help me to find forgiveness and freedom. In Christ’s name, I pray, Amen.