Tag: Kingdom of

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When It’s Okay To Break The Law

After spending a week in France, I came across this true story. During World War II, France was occupied by Nazi Germany. Anyone caught helping Jews would be killed or sent to concentration camps. In the small village of La Chambon, Pastor Andre Troceme and his Protestant church decided to hide Jews in their homes, provide them with new identities, and integrate their children into their schools. This pastor and his parishioners were credited with saving 5,000 Jewish lives. They violated the Nazi’s hateful law and risked their own lives to help others.

During Jesus’ time, a man with a deformed hand had worshipped in the synagogue for years. But on one Sabbath, he met Jesus. Jesus said, “Get up and stand” in front of everyone. As the man got up, he was probably not sure what would happen, but he was willing to obey. And Jesus was willing to demonstrate, especially on the Sabbath, that God was interested in helping and healing his people. Jesus was God’s answer in ushering in his Kingdom of mercy, grace, and restoration. Doing good on any day, especially on sabbath is the best way to live by the will of God. Visit a sick friend, help a single mother, mentor a child. Let’s go and act like Jesus today! And like Pastor Troceme break non biblical traditional law to save lives.

Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” (Luke 6:9).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I want to bring your Kingdom into my own family and neighbourhood. Father, please help me and Nudge me to serve you and usher in a culture that saves lives and shows mercy. In your name, Amen.

 

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Be Brave Like Christ 

Victory In Christ

The enemy is behind most of our fears. He loves to instil fear into us so we will stay stuck, unable to move forward in the promises God has for us. The devil doesn’t want us to live out our God-given calling. For our enemy roams the earth, “prowling around like a roaring lion just seeking someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8). 

Today’s verse reminds us that we will be hated as we are “set apart and chosen” and as we are called to be his disciples. But Jesus shows us what bravery looks like. We can persevere through our fears, the attacks of the enemy, and opposition from anyone who hates us and denies us just, as Jesus persevered. 

It takes bravery to recognize your fears and continue moving where God is leading you. Jesus was brave. He had to face adversity, accusation, and affliction as he shared the truth of the Gospel. He left his family to spread the good news of the Kingdom of God. He was brave when everyone around him hated him, leaving him, and betraying him. 

Today be encouraged by 1 John 4:4 “greater is He who is in me than he who is of the world.” The world may hate you. The world may spit on you for your faith, judge you for your values, and criticize you for your decisions in following Christ. But we know that a man in the flesh, our Saviour was brave enough to walk this earth before you. And the same Spirit He had, you have inside you, so that you too, can be brave like Christ. Step out, despite fear on every hand, trusting that God has gone before you. Follow in His footsteps and be brave just as He was. 

“If the world hated you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” – John 15:18 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for leaving me with your word, which is “God-breathed” and directed by you. Father, thank you for being brave against the devil and devil inspired people. God, thank you for sending your Son, who led the way as our greatest example of what it means to be brave in the face of fear and advance the Kingdom even if we are hated for it. 

Lord, we need you and can’t do this without you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen 

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Keys

Keys represent access. They represent authority. Whether it’s a key to a building, car, or safety deposit box; if you’ve been given a key to something, it means you have a right to use it. You have access to whatever that key will open.

Friend, because of Jesus, we have the keys to the kingdom of heaven! We have access to all the heavenly blessings and promises that are in the Word of God. And, we have the authority to take hold of those promises.

Today, are you using the keys that you have been given by God? The keys of faith and the power of your words and actions? No matter what you may have need of—be it physical healing, provision, wholeness, freedom from addiction—you have been given the authority to access it in Jesus’ Name! Take hold of those promises by faith and begin to declare that every need is met according to His riches in glory. Take a step of faith and use those keys you have been given to take hold of every blessing God has in store for you!

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven” (Matthew 16:19, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me the keys and access to every promise and blessing in heaven. Father, by faith, right now I receive everything You have for me. God, help me stay focused on Your Word which empowers me to live in the victory You have in store for me. In Christ’ Name. Amen.

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I AM FREE!

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.
On Fri, 30 Jul 2021 at 08:19, rayofhope 4u <rayofhope4u@hotmail.com> wrote:
I AM FREE!

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, 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 Savior, 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 devils 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’ name Amen.

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The Enemy Did It

The Enemy Will Flee

Have you ever done what you thought was right, only for everything to go wrong? in Matthew 13 there is a parable about a man who went out to his field and planted wheat in the ground. He sowed good seed. But while he slept, an enemy came in and planted weeds. The man didn’t know what had happened. He was expecting to have a great harvest; after all, he did all the right things, but the weeds sprang up among his wheat.  

This represents that the man did the right thing, honouring God with his life, and being good to others, he sowed good seed. Sometimes, things happen in life. Weeds spring up that we didn’t have anything to do with, it was the enemy. The key is to keep the right attitude and stay focused on the goodness of God. When these unexpected challenges happen, we can say, “It’s just another weed. I didn’t sow it. I don’t have to reap it.” Then we let God handle what the enemy has done. 

Today, don’t let the enemy’s weeds take root in your life. Don’t let him choke your good deeds. Don’t let discouragement creep in. Instead, lift up your eyes of faith to what your Father God can do for you. Keep believing, keep praying and keep hoping, because your harvest is on the way! 

“Jesus told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.’” (Matthew 13:24–25, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which sets me free. Father, help me to keep my heart and mind focused on You. Please destroy the evil weeds the enemy has planted in my life. God, give me Your peace so I can focus on the harvest that You have for my future, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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The Kingdom OF God is Like…

Lord, Prepare Me to Be a Godly Parent

While at seminary school I was told “you are what you’re becoming”. And in the new testament we are reminded that we are kingdom people now. So what’s God’s kingdom like? In God’s kingdom, when you give, it comes back to you pressed down, shaken together and running over. In God’s kingdom, you can have peace and prosperity in your spirit, soul and body, no matter what’s happening around you. If the economy crashes, God’s kingdom is still strong. If the housing market goes down, God’s kingdom is still strong. If petrol prices rise, God’s kingdom is still strong. Hallelujah! 

Scripture says that we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken! The kingdom is simply God’s system, principles and promises. It’s His way of doing things. The Bible tells us over and over what God’s kingdom on earth is like,  that His kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

Today, be thankful for the system of God’s kingdom which orders the Christian’s life. Thank Him for His system of blessing that cannot be shaken by the drama of this world. As you keep an attitude of gratitude and walk in God’s kingdom ways, you’ll experience His hand of blessing all your days! 

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” (Hebrews 12:28, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your kingdom, not just to come but now! Father, thank You for Your system that blesses my life. God, I open my heart to You. Please show me Your ways so that I can be a kingdom person now, and walk-in Your kingdom way’s all the days of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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How To Change Bad Habits

Yesterday someone asked me how to change bad habits? Do you have habits in your life that you want to stop or change? Maybe it’s a bad attitude, bad behaviour, or even negative thoughts. No matter what you may want to change in your life, you have to start with changing your mind. You have to change your thinking so that your thoughts are in line with God’s thoughts. Once your thinking changes your behaviour will change. 

 When you repent and make the decision to follow God in every area of your life, you open the door for His supernatural power to work. When you take control of your thought life, through the Holy Spirit you are co-operating with the power that brings about change. Your life will go in the direction of your thoughts. You can’t just allow any old thought or image to play in your mind. You have to choose right thoughts.  

Today, the easiest way to change your thoughts is by speaking God’s Word. When you say “pear,” you probably won’t start thinking about an apple. In the same way, when you confess the Word of God, it will drive those negative, defeated thoughts away which will change bad habits! Change your mind today by changing your words and focus, so that you can move forward into the abundant life God has in store for you! 

“Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2, AMP 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today give me the strength to take captive every thought that is contrary to Your will. Father, I repent for anything in my life that is displeasing to You. God, please empower me today by Your Spirit, so that I can change my bad habits and bring honour to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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BE A CHANGE-MAKER

Matthew 11:11-12 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist, yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. (NIV)

When I was young, I could never understand that passage of Scripture. To me, it was so unlike the Spirit of the Lord. How could a God of love and peace allow this to happen? Forcefulness sounded so like the kingdom of darkness. But praise the Lord, for He is always faithful to show you the truth if you ask Him. So, why then is it, that this Scripture is there?

It all boils down to passion! You see if you are passionate about something there is nothing on this earth that will stop you from getting the thing you think about. The desire and the drive are so strong that oftentimes you will go without food and water in order to get it. It’s time to get hungry for the Lord and get your fight back and make a change.

Why do you not have the things you’re believing God for? Why is it that your life is not at the place you want it to be? Are you passionate about a change? Are you passionate to see your circumstances change? Or are you listening to the lie of Satan telling you, you need to sit and wait for your turn and accept everything that is given to you? Your turn is now! You don’t have to accept defeat because you are an overcomer. You were ordained to do great things. So, get up and make a change!

Joh 2:13-17 And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

Jesus was very passionate about the temple, and that passion drove Him to drive out the unclean things in His Father’s house. The Lord may have passed by that temple before; but today, the Lord had enough of their foolishness. He was the Change Maker, and He caused things to change.

Well, isn’t time you allow your passion to rise and cause a change to happen in your life? I want you to get passionate today and let that passion drive you. Allow the Lord to work in you and for you so that you can become a new creation in Him and let all these things standing in your way be blown away by the power of the Holy Spirit. By faith take back everything the enemy has stolen from you. It’s time to be a change-maker for the Lord.

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Rom 12:2 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. 

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How To Change Bad Habits

The Church The Bad and The Ugly 3

What needs changing in your life? A bad habit, a bad attitude, or even negative, evil thoughts. You have to start by changing your mind. You have to change your thinking so that your thoughts are in line with God’s thoughts. When you make the decision to follow God in every area of your life, you open the door for His supernatural power to work.

I always say, your life will go in the direction of your thoughts. You can’t just allow any old thought or image to play in your mind. Nip it in the bud, you have to choose positive thoughts quickly.

Today, the easiest way to change your thoughts is by speaking God’s Word. When you say “mango,” you probably won’t start thinking about a banana. In the same way, when you confess the Word of God, which says you are more than a conqueror, you’re the head and not the tail, it will drive those negative, defeating thoughts away! Change your mind now by changing your words!

“Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2 AMP)

Let’s Pray 

Yahshua, today I choose to take captive every thought that is contrary to Your will. Father, I repent for anything in my mind and behaviour that displeases You. God, empower me today to saturate my mind with Your Word, by Your spirit, so that I can bring honour to You, and break my bad, negative habits, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Unless You Become Like Little Children

What is it in childlikeness that God finds pleasure and satisfaction in? Why is childlikeness necessary to finding one’s path to entering into an abundant relationship with God?

Childlikeness leads to genuine faith.

It is in a child to be softhearted and God desires that we be such. In being softhearted, one is positively responsive and not a sceptic. When one is softhearted, he can bend when reasoned with and follow affectionately. There is no stubbornness, there is no rebellion when one is softhearted.

The Bible says, without faith, it is impossible to please God, for if one will come in faith, he must come believing that God is indeed God and that He will reward the genuineness of your faith.   (Hebrews 11:6) Genuine faith confidently sees that God is real. Genuine faith is the very evidence of things hoped for even though they yet remain unseen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Childlikeness leads to genuine trust.

It is in a child to be trustful and God desires that we be such. In being trustful, one affords full belief in a person’s reliability, ability, and truthfulness. When one is trustful, he entertains no thoughts of doubt or suspicion. When one is trustful, he remains confident of the person even when he is not privy to the plan or purpose.

In genuine trust, we confidently know that God is working out all things for our good. (Romans 8:29) We confidently feel that God loves us beyond all measure no matter the circumstances we experience. (Romans 8: 31-39) We know that God loves us and we will never be unloved. We know that in all hardships we will overcome; we will persist, we will come out with renewed trust and confidence in our Father’s faithfulness and love.

Childlikeness leads to bliss and contentment

It is in a child to be blissful and content. There is pleasure in the simplest of things. Unless parents wrongfully spoil the toddler, a baby’s early years are full of sheer wonder and joy. Your baby will show animated gratefulness for the treats you give and for the care you provide. It is rare to see a baby feeling entitled to things rather than privileged. It is rare to see a child complaining of being treated less than what he deserves.

In bliss and contentment, we remember that all is of grace. Nothing is earned, nothing is deserved. The content heart never feels self-entitled but wonders like Job did in Job 7:17, “What is man that You magnify him, And that You are concerned about him?” The blissful heart muses on the generosity of God like David in Psalm 8, “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”

In bliss and contentment, we value the essential things of life. We don’t miss a thing, we don’t waste a thing. We may feel the lack but we focus on God’s faithfulness in meeting our needs. We may feel the “wants” of life but we focus on God’s desires over our own. Where there is bliss and contentment, there will always be positivity. There will be more good days than bad. In that state of mind and heart, there will be heartfelt worship. God will be pleased and His child will be at peace.

Childlikeness. These very qualities of childlike faith are what God desires of us.

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Willow Creek Interviews Jack Welch, Former GE CEO

“Face reality as it is, not as it was or as you wish it to be." ’• Jack Welch

Jack Welch, the salty former CEO of GE, sat down for an interview with Bill Hybels, senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, for the 2010 Leadership Summit and served up more truth and wisdom in 30 minutes than most seminary classes give over a semester.

Known for his own brutal candor, Welch emphasized authenticity and candor in leaders.

“You’ve got to be yourself. You’ve got to be comfortable in your shoes,” he said. “You’ve got to not portray yourself as something other than what you are. People can see through a phony in a minute.” and “Nothing is worse than negative energy,” Welch stressed.

Meanwhile, the top 20 percent are those who are filled with energy and likable, who love to reward and celebrate their people, aren’t mean-spirited or cheap and aren’t afraid to have great people around them, he said.

The mean-spirited hide the good people. But the top workers don’t have a lot of envy.

“Envy’s a terrible thing,” he pointed out.  

Jack Welch impact on society has been no doubt been tremendous, but good deeds and riches do not grant you automatic access to the Kingdom of God.

“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”

In another interview with Dan Rather on the CBS program 60 Minutes, Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric, said that the most difficult question he was ever asked was, “Do you think you will go to heaven when you die?”

“Welch replied and said had been a really good person, had done a lot  of good things for others in his most influential years in the business world.”

Whilst Welch isn’t a Christian, he has now started attending First Presbyterian Church for the past several months after he was hospitalized for 104 days for a spinal infection called discitis.

When asked if the health scare opened him up to things of God, he said, “Maybe.”

 

 

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