Tag: John

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Are You A Witness Or A Spectator?

In court, witnesses are more than just spectators. They are active participants who help determine the outcome of a case. The same is true of the Christian’s witness of Christ. We are to be active participants in a matter of absolute importance— sharing the truth of Christ life, death, and resurrection.

John the Baptist was the ultimate witness of Jesus. He shared all he could about Jesus, the light of the world. John’s disciples recorded the events, testifying of his experiences with Jesus: “We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”.

Today, all Christians have been summoned before the courtroom of this world not to be mere spectators but active witnesses. We must tell the world the truth about Jesus’s life, death and resurrection. Like John the Baptist, the voice crying in the desert, our voices should be heard in our workplace, neighbourhood, church, and among our family and friends. We must be active witnesses, telling all about the reality of Christ who lives in our lives.

[John] came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. (John 1:7).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for giving me the boldness to be an active witness for you. Father, I thank you and glorify you for all the testimonies and experiences you have guided me through, so I can share everywhere I go. Lord, please don’t let the devil silence my witness about you in Christ’s name, Amen.

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Law And Love

“...May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love.” (Ephesians 3:17, AMP)

Law and love are nicely united in today’s scripture. The word of God that we are called to obey, is the law of God. When we obey it, God’s love is made complete in us—because we are living by God’s law of love.

This is pleasantly simple, and circular. What shall I do? Whatever the law says I should do. How shall I show my love for God? By obeying the law found in God’s Word. What happens when I obey God’s law? The love of God is made complete in me.

Seen in this way, the Christian life is not mysterious. We don’t have to wonder and fret about what God’s will might be. We can find directions in the Word of God, especially in His law. We may have to examine which words apply to our actions, but the directions are always there for us. Does our question have to do with honesty, fidelity, or our use of time? The law of God has directives for these and other circumstances.

Today, do you know someone who truly seems full of the Spirit of Christ? I’ll bet that person isn’t a lawbreaker. I’ll bet that person has long understood that obeying God’s law is a simple and direct way of getting close to God. What about you? Has God’s law of love been made complete in you?

If anyone obeys [God’s] word, God’s love is truly made complete in them. (1 John 2:5).

 Let’s pray

Yahweh, help me to obey you. Help me not to question what you might want from me when I already know it. Show me wonderful things in your law that direct me to act with love for you and others. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

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Walk In The Anointing

As I think about 2023, it reminded me of a cross-country race I saw. I was amazed at how many obstacles they had to get over in order to get to the finish line. God wants to empower and strengthen you to overcome every obstacle this new year. He wants to give you confidence, wisdom and boldness, to pursue the dreams and desires in your heart in 2024. He wants to give you supernatural insight so that you can be a witness of His goodness.

In scripture, Peter and John were supernaturally equipped (they were anointed). Everyone around them marvelled at their boldness, at their ability. They knew Peter and John didn’t have any formal training. They knew there wasn’t anything special about them. This power and wisdom could only come from a bold Holy Ghost anointing, and the presence of Christ.

This year remember, when you’re walking in the Holy Ghost anointing and spending time with Jesus, people will see it. You’ll be energised for the race ahead by His anointing, and equipped by His grace. That’s why it’s so important in 2024 to take time every day to be in His presence. No matter where you are on this earth, His presence is only a prayer away. Scripture says He is near to all who call upon His name. It says that He inhabits the praises of His people. I encourage you to make your relationship with Him your number one priority this year, and be empowered by His presence every single day of your life!

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marvelled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13, NKJV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, as I have arrived at the finish line of 2023, and now I’ve stepped into 2024, I humbly come before You giving You all that I am. I surrender every area of my life to You, and invite You to have Your way in my heart. Lord, I ask for strength and boldness to get over and through life’s obstacles. Father, empower me with Your love, as I daily set my focus on You. God, in 2024 I want to remain in Your presence and receive Your Holy Ghost anointing. In Jesus’ name! Amen.

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He Gives You Space 

Newer translations of the Bible include a footnote with this story, saying that it is not found in the earliest manuscripts. I hope this “messiness” of the Bible does not trouble you. It shouldn’t. Rather, we can recognize that the perfect Word of God entered a messy world and picked up some scars, yet still tells us plainly that while no one is perfect, Jesus gives us space. 

In scripture, Jesus gave space for this crowd to go home shame-faced. They expected to jeer and throw stones at a “fallen woman”. He challenged them to investigate their own hearts to see if they were sinless before throwing the first stone. Then he drew in the sand while they all slinked away, now seeing their faults a little more clearly. 

Jesus gave space to the woman too. The officials dragged her before him to test his ability to judge, not realising that he would one day be the Judge over all. Jesus does not rush to judge this woman. He does not condone her actions but gives her space to change: “Go now and leave your life of sin”…  

Today, just like the woman caught in adultery, Jesus gives us space to realize that sin does not have us trapped. We can, by his grace and Spirit, leave our sins behind. There is some space as this new year begins. To reflect on our sinful life and decide to get closer to Christ. Is this not a great idea for 2024? 

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11). 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, as I reflect on the past year and move to the new year, help me leave my old sins behind and the guilt that goes with them. Thank you for your mercy. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 

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Christ Our Hope In 2024 

It’s a New Year, and we look forward in hope to a year filled with potential, but we also know there is uncertainty. A review of 2023 reminds us of the changes a year can bring. Some good, some very painful. What will happen in 2024? 

We opened December asking, “What is the source of our hope?” And through Scripture, we have seen God in Jesus, meeting our deepest needs. Now in this New Year, we look once again to Jesus the Saviour who has come and who now reigns in heaven until the day he will return. 

Words can only begin to describe the power and glory of our ascended Saviour. He is the Lord of life. John describes Him as standing in long flowing robes. Long robes were worn by royalty, or at times of celebration. They were a sign of victory, security, and work completed. A person fleeing danger, or a worker could not be encumbered with a long robe, but Christ stands in flowing robes. 

Today there is no threat to God’s kingdom; His redemptive work is fully accomplished. Children of this victorious King have eternal security. As we enter the New Year, may we all declare, “My only comfort in life and death is that I belong to my faithful Saviour, Yahshua the Messiah!” 

No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame. (Psalm 25:3).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, In a world of uncertainty, I thank you, for the comfort, hope, and peace I have because I belong to you. Father, thank you for being my security and allowing me to share in your victory. In Christ name, Amen. 

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Oh God I Need A Fresh Start

a woman getting ready to run

Do you need a fresh start? Even as believers and ministers in Christ, we’ve all sinned, made mistakes and made some wrong choices. The Bible says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But the good news is that we don’t have to stay separated from God in our sin. God wants us to come to Him so He can forgive us, cleanse us and give us a fresh start.

No matter what happened yesterday, last week, last year or even five minutes ago, God is waiting for you with open arms. Don’t let the enemy or people condemn you and lie to you this year. God is not mad at you. He loves you more than you know and longs to restore everything in your life.


Today, I admonish you to confess your sins to God, and allow Him to cleanse you and give you a fresh start. Choose to forgive others so that you can receive God’s forgiveness. Ask the Holy Spirit to keep you close so that you can live a life pleasing to Him. As you draw close to God, He will draw close to you, and show you His great love and blessings all the days of your life! Hallelujah!

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, ESV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for receiving me just as I am, with all my deliberate sins, faults, mistakes, and bad habits. Father, I cry out in confession of my sins to You, and ask You to cleanse me. Please help me make a fresh start today. I choose to forgive others so that You can forgive me. God, keep me close to You in this coming year, so that I can live a life that is pleasing to You. Thank You for not condemning me and for setting me free, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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A Christian Queen

royal guard standing near lamp post

As the world mourns the death and celebrates the life of Queen Elizabeth II, It’s often forgotten that she has the title of Supreme Governor of the Church of England. This title reflects her genuine Christian faith, which she often spoke about, and how Jesus was her inspiration who kept her going in good times and bad.  

As hard as it was at times, listening to all the colonialist rhetoric, here are some inspirational quotes testifying of her love and acceptance of Christ and His word.  

“For me, as a Christian, one of the most important teachings is contained in the parable of the Good Samaritan, when Jesus answers the question, ‘Who is my neighbour?’ It is a timeless story of a victim of a mugging who was ignored by his own countrymen but helped by a foreigner – and a despised foreigner at that. The implication drawn by Jesus is clear. Everyone is our neighbour, no matter what race, creed or colour. The need to look after a fellow human being is far more important than any cultural or religious differences.” (Christmas message, 2004) 

“I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God. Like others of you who draw inspiration from your own faith, I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.” (Christmas message, 2002) 

“For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.” (Christmas message, 2014) 

Today, this quote from Queen Elizabeth II holds so much meaning as a she says, “It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’… Despite being displaced and persecuted throughout his short life, Christ’s unchanging message was not one of revenge or violence but simply that we should love one another.” (Christmas message, 2015) 

Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh thank you for life and all its ups and downs. Father, please comfort those that mourn today, including the royal family. We pray for strength and comfort as they go through the burial of their mother, grandmother, and auntie. In your Word you say, “…I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— for Kings and all those in authority— so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,…” In Christ’s Name, Amen.

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Don’t Worry Be Happy…? ?

photo of woman sitting on stairs

Have you heard the popular song, “Don’t worry, be happy” or the phrase “don’t worry it’s really not that bad – everything will get better.” Are these words of encouragement or could this be denial of the pain and reality, the stifling down of emotions? 

Thinking about these responses got me wandering. John had just experienced the earth-shattering, heaven-opening baptism of Jesus. He was blessed with the task of heralding the coming Kingdom – yet was thrown into prison. Jesus’ ministry and the fulfilment of all John the Baptist’ dreams of the coming Messiah had occurred. But we go on to read that immediately after hearing His Father’s affirmation, Jesus is sent by the very same Spirit into the wilderness of temptation and suffering. 

Jesus and John were faithful and knew the writings of the bible. In prison and in the wilderness, two places of real suffering,  both men recalled the words “Do not fear; I will help you”. God did not rescue Jesus from the temptations of the Evil One. He gave Him the power to resist. God did not open Herod’s prison doors so John could escape and continue ministry. Instead, the Tetrarch Herod ordered John’s head to be presented on a platter for the cruel enjoyment of his guests. 

Just as John and Jesus, it is in all places; the Jordan River, at home, in the wilderness, on our jobs or in the prisons, that we hear the words “Do not fear; I will help you.” As the Apostle Paul described it, it is in every circumstance and in everything, we are to “make our request known to God.” He goes on to say, “God’s peace shall be yours”, that tranquil state of mind through Christ Jesus. Our real God comes in the midst of real pain. 

“…at once the Spirit sent Him (Jesus) out into the wilderness…” Mark 1:12 

“(Herod) locked John up in prison.”  Luke 3:20 

“I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you.”  Isaiah 41:13 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You that even when all others leave and abandon me, You remain.  

Thank You that even when the ones I thought would be around forever choose to go, I can trust that you will stand with me. Father, I come to You with my cares and my worries concerning this trial I am facing.  Would You remind me that I am not alone? Would You tell me that you care about this and its outcome? Father, I thank You for standing with me, and I receive your strength to stand another day. Thank you that I can trust you to rescue me from this and every trial I will face in this life. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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When Faith Falters? ?

Two sisters who have seen Jesus heal on many occasions, sent for Him when their brother became sick. They believed Jesus could heal him. Their faith was strong. But Jesus delayed His arrival and the brother died. The sisters were grief-stricken and disappointed. 

Four days later Jesus arrived and asked them to take Him to where the brother was buried and to have the stone rolled away from the tomb, they objected. “Lord, he will stink by now!” However, they followed His command, and the stone was rolled away, and Jesus called, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he did! 

Mary and Martha had faith that Jesus could heal Lazarus. But as time passed, Jesus did not show up as they expected, and he died. Their faith was crushed. Jesus wanted to show them Himself in a new way. Not only as they had known Him, as Healer, but now, also as The Resurrection and the Life! 

When things look dead around us, and even within us, choosing to turn to Jesus, the Resurrection, and the Life, will breathe fresh hope and life into our spirit. His Spirit brings life to the places that are dusty, cold, smelly, and hopeless. 

Today in these upside-down dead days, let’s allow Jesus to bring that fresh hope to our souls. He wants to reveal Himself in ways we have not yet experienced. He wants to empower our words and actions with life as we engage with those around us. There is more of Jesus’ resurrection power to experience both today and for eternity. Be expectant of Jesus’ power in your life! 

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies…” John 11:25 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, I need You. My faith does falter in these days of confusion. Father, please lift my expectation and may I see and experience You in new and fresh ways today. God, I love You, and I lift my eyes above all the dead negative things that are going on around me and look to You, the Resurrection and The Life for new life. Please help me to live in expectation of your miracle-working power always. I pray this in Christ’s name, Amen
…

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God is Faithful 

Are you confident today that God is always faithful? That He is exactly who He says He is? Aren’t you glad He doesn’t change His mind or forget about His promises? Friends or family may let you down or even betray you. But not God. He is faithful not only to you but to all His children. Check out these scriptures: 

Do you lack confidence today? The Bible says, 

“Faithful is he that called you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). 

Are you fearful about something? He said, 

“I hem you in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me” 

(Psalm 139:5). He is watching over you – behind, in front and overhead. 

Are you facing an impossible task? Pray and discuss it with Him. 

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). 

Have you messed up? Feel guilty? 

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). He will cleanse you – make you completely pure. 

Do you want to be more faithful to those you love? You can. Daily ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and direct you. 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is…faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22-23). 

The Holy Spirit will produce faithfulness in you. 

Today I look back to when I was a young man, I believed in God was a churchgoer, but I did not know that I was created to glorify God and to enjoy Him. I learned that to experience a full and meaningful life, I needed to yield the control of my life to God, and then I could experience His love and power moment by moment.  

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God”   Psalm 145:13b 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I need You. I acknowledge that I have been directing my life, I have sinned against You. Father, I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ’s death on the cross. Lord, please take your place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I now thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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Let Not… 

Christ offers us peace which he made possible through His death on the cross. This peace of God fills our hearts with quiet confidence even when life is tough. But why do so many of us not experience this peace of heart and mind? For it to become a reality we must take care of our “let nots” as in John 14. There Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled neither let it be afraid.” 

Another translation says,” stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed, and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.” How? Do not feed fear by what you watch on T.V. video games, movies, or books you read. 

Replace a disturbing thought with a good thought—quote a Bible verse or a stanza from a hymn or chorus. One that has helped me is “He leadeth me”.  

Today, tell God about your fear with thanksgiving say, “God, you are bigger than my problem. I give it to you now. I want to trust you with it.” Then move ahead despite your fear. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Phil 4:4-7. 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, fill my heart and mind with your peace right now in Christ’s Name Amen. 

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God Is… 

Sometimes we forget who God is and the role He plays in our lives. Just in case you may have forgotten here is a reminder of who He is: 

He is your Shelter 

…For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5 

He is your Strength 

…The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Psalm 28:8 

He is your Protector 

…. You won’t need to run. No one is chasing you. The LORD God of Israel will lead and protect you from enemy attacks. He has your back. Isaiah 52:12 Praise Him! 

He is your Tower of Strength 

… for you are my refuge, a tower of strength against the foe. Psalm 61:3 

He is your Peace 

…Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 Hallelujah! 

He is your Healer 

…for I am the LORD, your healer Exodus 15:26 AMEN! 

He is your Portion 

LORD, You are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future Psalm 16:5 

He is your Shield, your Refuge, and your Saviour 

…my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my saviour, the one who saves me from violence. 2 Samuel 22:3 

Today let’s not forget who God is amidst the hustle and bustle of life. Look to Him and let Him be your light. Allow Him to take away your fears, guide you, and protect you. Take refuge in Him, no matter what problems you face. Be confident in Him. Realize He is your Saviour in every situation! 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for being everything to me. Father, may I never forget who you are to me. God, help me to always remember your loving kindness, compassion, and grace in my life in Christ’s name, Amen. 

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The Battle for the Mind 

10 Scriptures That Remind Us We Are Showered in Grace

In my book “Transforming Your Mind In 30 Days,” I allude to the fact, that there is a battle going on for control of your mind. Heaven and earth intersect there, and both spheres influence your thinking. God created us with the capacity to experience the foretastes of heaven, but we must somehow shut out the world and focus on His presence in order to experience it. 

The world has a downward pull on our thoughts. Media bombards us with greed, lust, and cynicism. We must pray for protection and discernment over our minds. We must stay in continual communication with God as we walk through the wastelands of this world. 

We must refuse to worry because this will weigh us down and block awareness of His presence. We must remain on guard, stay alert and recognize the battle being waged against our minds as we look forward to an eternity free of strife-free living reserved for us in heaven. 

Paul reminds us that the mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. John says do not love the world or anything in the world because the world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 

Today how are you doing in your battle for your mind? Who is winning …? the way of the world (satan) or the way of heaven (God)? Electronic communications, the media, and the grip of Satan on the world around us makes this a fierce battle and even more difficult for those not grounded in the Word of God. It is daily. It is constant, but for those of us who have professed Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we know God will win in the end in the battle for our minds. Hallelujah! 

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. “ Romans 12:2 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh my God of Comfort, I am seeking tranquillity for my mind. As I pray and meditate upon Your Word, my mind often drifts to my to-do lists and needs. I pause now from my day. I breathe out a deep sigh from within my soul and ask, will You please quiet my negative thoughts? Help me remember all Your goodness to me. Deliver me from anxiety and the battle that rages for control of my mind. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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Pruning Season

While pastoring in central California I was surrounded by vineyards. Have you ever walked through a vineyard? In John 15, Jesus’ words to His disciples reveal that He had passed through many vineyards. He had no doubt observed a caretaker faithfully preparing the grape vines for harvest: tenderly and thoroughly examining each vine and its branches to ensure maximum yield for many seasons to come. 

Jesus used this metaphor of the vineyard to emphasise, among other things, the necessity of the Father tenderly trimming branches in our lives so we can produce an even greater yield for His Kingdom. The Father separates the unproductive branches from the vine, enabling the remaining branches to flourish. 

Today what do you need to prune from your life so you can become more fruitful? Pruning can be painful and perplexing, but every believer, regardless of call or creed, and if he or she remains organically connected to the true vine, is commissioned, and pruned to bear eternal fruit. Are you a believer? then you are a candidate to be pruned and trimmed tenderly and thoroughly empowering you to thrive and flourish as you faithfully abide in God. If you’re not a believer, then choose to make Christ the centre of your life. Allowing Him to remove all the negatives from your life. 

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your love. Father, help me to discern and to surrender to your daily pruning process so that I can faithfully and effectively bear fruit for Your kingdom.  God, please Empower me for maximum yield in the harvest fields of my sphere of influence no matter how hard it may be. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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I Am Forgiven

If you’ve done things wrong (and we all have), the forgiveness that comes from God through the blood of Jesus can lift the guilt and shame, and take the weight from your shoulders. The key to God’s forgiveness is knowing and accepting that Christ gave His life to pay the price for the things you’ve done wrong. 
There is no sin that God cannot forgive. God’s forgiveness is made complete by asking Christ into your life and surrendering your life to Him. Remember your sin doesn’t take away your purpose or calling.

Today, God is speaking to your heart and drawing you to Himself. He doesn’t want you to perish. God wants to give you life. He wants you to pass from death to life. He wants to take you out of Satan’s kingdom of darkness and bring you into God’s Kingdom. The way He does that is by saying to you, ‘your sins are forgiven.’ Can you imagine what it’s like to have all your sins forgiven? To have the load taken off of your back and to be set free? Accept it today and experience God’s freedom.

Gods Promises
Claim them today;
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I believe that You are the Son of God. I believe that You are the only Saviour promised to me who will give me eternal life. God, I want to be set free from my sin. I don’t want to be a slave to sin any longer. Take away my guilt and shame today, cover me with Your blood, break the devil’s hold on me and remove the curse. Give me the faith to believe it is done. Christ, I receive You as my Lord and Saviour. I want to be Your child, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
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When Disappointments Come

In John 21:6b, the disciples were about to learn an important lesson about success and failure. After all, they were professional fishermen, doing everything they knew to do. But they caught nothing! When they obeyed Jesus’ directive and shifted the nets to the other side of the boat, when they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. The disciples didn’t just have success, they had great success. 

Jesus needed the disciples to see the difference between self-directed effort and Jesus-directed effort. And to show them, He let them fail first. Honestly speaking I need this lesson myself. I wonder if Jesus has watched me try on my own and held back success while I do. Is He just waiting for me to listen for His voice? To watch for His plan. 

Yes, we can do many things on our own, but that doesn’t mean we should. Why would we choose to ignore the greatest source of wisdom and power ever known, in exchange for our paltry efforts? When we operate in our power, we see what we can do. When we operate under Jesus’ direction and with the power of the Holy Spirit, we see what God can do. 

Today as I look back on my life, the times I’ve seen God work in the greatest ways are when I admit my natural strength isn’t enough. That’s when His supernatural strength is evident. Viewed from this perspective, it reminds me sometimes failure is an opportunity to see God work miracles. Sometimes that’s the only way to see the difference between self-directed effort and Jesus-directed effort. God is always up to something for my good. And that’s the best way to look at disappointment. 

“Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, ‘Friends, haven’t you any fish?’ ‘No,’ they answered.” – John 21:4-5 (NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for working in my life, even in ways that look like failure. Father, help me keep my eyes on You and not on my situation. God, I want to learn to trust You more, especially when I face what looks like a disappointment. Thank you, God, for using my disappointments as opportunities. In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

 

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