land – Godinterest

February 20, 2024February 20, 2024

No Map, Just Go

The Bible says, Abraham had lived in Ur (modern-day Iraq), which was a big city in its day. With his extended family, he had moved to Harran (modern-day Turkey). Abraham was prosperous, and even if he wasn’t looking for God to take over his life, God was looking for him with a special plan in mind. Because of this, Abraham’s life changed in a big way. At that time his name was Abram, but God later changed his name to Abraham.

God said leave your country, your culture, your clan, and “follow me”. That’s not easy to do when you are 75 years old and as successful and settled, as Abraham was. Plus, God didn’t give Abraham a map to follow. God said, “Go . . . to the land I will show you”.

Today, when it comes to God’s calling in our lives, we like to have both clarity and content. We want a detailed description of where to go and what to do when we get there. But God seldom works that way. God wants us to exercise faith, not simply our intellect. He wants us to learn to walk by faith in Him, rather than simply by sight. Not every call of God involves relocation, but every call does involve leaving some of our past behind and venturing into the unknown with God as our guide. Are you ready?

By faith Abraham, when called to go . . . obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. (Hebrews 11:8).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, teach us what it means to listen for your voice and to respond in faith. Lord, remind us that the safest, most joyful place to be is with you and in your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

February 19, 2024February 20, 2024

Victory

Are you aware God has put a promise inside each one of us? We often must go through the wilderness before reaching our promised land. Oftentimes, like Joseph, we feel like we are in a pit long before we ever see the palace. Maybe you’re in a season right now where you don’t see anything happening. You think, “I’ve been praying and believing for a year, five years, ten years. It’s never going to work out”.

Scripture says the eyes of the Lord search to and fro to find someone who will be faithful on His behalf. Be the person He finds faithful. Keep believing, keep praying, keep obeying and stay the course.

Today be encouraged. You may be tired, discouraged, and frustrated, but don’t give up on your future. Stay on the high road. Our God is a faithful God. It may be taking a long time, but what He started He will finish in your life. He will lead you into victory!

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ ” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for leading and guiding me in paths of righteousness. Father, I choose to trust even when I don’t understand. God, I believe that You are working behind the scenes for my good. I will stay the course knowing that You have blessing and victory in store for me in Christ’s name, Amen.

February 2, 2024February 2, 2024

Far From Home

Have you ever looked back over your life and said ‘I’m far from home’? What happened when you realised?

In scripture, Naomi had been away from Bethlehem in the land of Judah for a long time. She and her husband had moved to Moab because of a famine, and their sons had grown up there and married. Naomi also experienced deep grief when her husband and then later her sons died.

Being a widow in those days was very difficult because a household depended on men to provide food, shelter, and support. So when Naomi heard that God had provided food in Bethlehem, she was motivated to go back there.

Isn’t it interesting to see how God works in our lives. Wherever we go, God watches over us. And sometimes, in dire situations, we may be drawn to seek him in renewed ways. In this story, as we learn later, God was drawing Naomi back to Judah because he had a special plan for her family. But Naomi didn’t know that at the time.

Today, like Naomi, you may be dealing with some adversity. Maybe it’s the death of a loved one or the unexpected loss of a job. Maybe it’s some trouble you brought on yourself. Whatever the case, difficult situations can lead us to focus on the goodness of God and how he provides us a spiritual home for us. Wherever you are at this moment, may God help you see that our true home can only be found in Him, through the gift of Christ, His Son.

She left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah. (Ruth 1:7).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for the hope of an eternal home. Father, wherever I am in my life, help me to hear your voice and to know that my home is with you. In Christ’s name, Amen.

January 15, 2024January 15, 2024

A Dream of Hope

Today Americans celebrate the life of the great Christian leader, Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Below are four quotes from him that will give us hope in this hopeless time.

“I say to you today, my friends . . . even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

“. . . I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; ‘and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together’. . . . “

“ . . . With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.”

Today these words of Dr King not only give us hope for now but in the years to come “This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with new meaning: My country ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. The land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring! . . .”

“Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” (Isaiah 40:4-5).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, have mercy upon us. Father forgive us for what we could have been but failed to be. God, give us the intelligence to know your will and give us the courage to do your will. Please give us the devotion to love your will. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

January 2, 2024January 2, 2024

Scandalous Discipleship

Throughout December, we’ve looked at the scandals of the advent. The definition of the word scandal is an action or event regarded as morally or legally wrong and causing public outrage. From the King becoming to an unmarried teenager, to being born in Poverty, then the murders surrounding Jesus’ birth. What about the expensive elaborate gifts given to a humble king? Then having to be moving like a fugitive to avoid the law of the land. The greatest of all scandals must have been the insurrection at the cross. Jesus’ scandalous death on the torture instrument called the cross would cause outrage and cast a long shadow over his life and his followers.

What makes the Christian faith different from any other, is how Christ’s followers all have scandalous lives just like the Advent and the crucifixion. The Christian faith has the boldness to declare that we were lost in sin and through Christ’s death on the cross the world was reconciled to God. The Christian faith has the audacity to declare that those who are Jesus’ disciples should take up the cross…

I suppose the ultimate scandal is that suffering can be used by God for our good. Suffering is not only redemptive in the life of Jesus. It is redemptive in our own lives. Christ will use our sufferings to establish his kingdom, witness to his gospel, and work greater holiness in our personal lives. On this day as we kick off the new year, here’s a resolution worth keeping: Take up Christ’s cross of obedience, face the hardship that such a life of discipleship creates, and follow your Lord with everything you have – loving your neighbour as yourself. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

“Anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:38).

Let’s Pray Yahshua, thank you for your willingness to bear my burdens. Father, give me the strength to bear the burdens of others and take up the cross of discipleship and all that it brings for your sake. In Christ’s name, Amen.

January 18, 2023January 18, 2023

Wisdom Wednesdays

The promise of a glorious new beginning came from God to the Children of Israel at a bleak period of their history. They were in captivity, lost everything, and were homesick for the land God had promised them. But God wanted to do a new thing for them.
Maybe you can identify with the Children of Israel.

The first step to embracing the new thing that God wants to do in your life is to change your focus. Quit looking behind and start looking ahead. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”
If you are ever going to move on to a new thing God is doing there are 3 things you must learn:

You cannot depend on past victories to sustain you – past victories are great memories but future victories are now ahead.
You cannot allow past failures to consume you – you can do nothing about the past once it is gone, it went, but anything is possible when you embrace the future.
You cannot rely on the faith you had yesterday – God designed your faith in Him to grow and develop over time so you must be open to growth.

God promised to do a new thing for the Children of Israel and He did, far beyond what they could ever imagine. He promised to do a new thing for you too.

Do you want God would work as He did in days of old? Are you ready for a new beginning? Do you want God to do a new thing in your life? – Sophia Peart

January 16, 2023January 16, 2023

A Dream of Hope

Today Americans celebrate the life of the great Christian leader Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Below are four quotes from him that will give us hope in this hopeless time.

Today these words of Dr king not only give us hope for now but in the years to come “this will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with new meaning: My country ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring! . . .”

Let’s Pray

November 17, 2022November 17, 2022

Have You Ever Been Bullied? Pt4? ?

multiethnic male students gossiping about sad crying woman

Have there been people in your life that have caused you trouble? Like the youth say, “they just keep getting in your face.” In the Bible, Hezekiah was faced with enemies coming against him, causing him trouble, trying to keep him from his destiny. But Hezekiah didn’t get upset. He just kept abiding, kept being faithful and putting God first. In 2 Kings 19, God said, “Hezekiah, I Myself will come against this enemy. He will receive word that he is needed at home, and I will cause him to want to return and he will be defeated.”

Today, when you abide in God, He says, “I will come against your enemies. I will come against that sickness. I will come against those who oppose you.” It says God is the one who caused Hezekiah’s enemy to turn around. That means God can cause that unfair boss to take early retirement. God can cause that neighbour that’s giving you so much trouble, to decide to pack up and move. God can cause that classmate to be transferred to another school.

Today no matter what’s coming against you, keep abiding in God. Put His Word first place in your life. Honour Him in all that you do. Let Him fight your battles and bring you into the land of victory He has prepared for you!

“With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles…” (2 Chronicles 32:8, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I bless You and praise You today because You are good! Father, thank You for Your good and precious promises. I submit my ways to You, and vow to abide in You no matter what… I surrender my will to You, knowing that You are working in my life. God, thank You for fighting my battles as I keep myself in covenant with You, 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.

July 25, 2022July 25, 2022

The State of the Union

Each year the President delivers to Congress the annual State of the Union Message and across America governors of their respective states deliver their State of the State messages to the various legislatures. Its purpose is to summarize the status of various things throughout the land and to make a change, for the chief executive to suggest legislative action…

I sat and watched the president give his state of the union message not too long ago. He started by saying that the state of our union is strong. He cited several achievements during his administration and glossed over several storms.

Today, what it would be like if God had come to the podium and delivered His state of the union message. I’ll bet he wouldn’t hold anything back or not tell it like it is.

I wonder what he would single out first. Perhaps he would talk about the rampant proliferation of pornography. Certainly, he would mention rampant sexual immorality. Maybe he would remind us that we are about to enter a post-Christian era as we have turned our back on Him. He would give reference to tolerance ‘which says we must tolerate the beliefs of others and not thrust ours upon them. He would challenge us to be bold in speaking of our faith. He would talk about a watered down feel good’ theology and modern preaching that de-emphasizes the salvation message. He might remind us that we seem to have forgotten Him while focusing our attention on ourselves and our hedonistic pleasures. Maybe He would talk about sexual disorientation rampant across our land. He would paint a grim prognosis for the land if its people do not return to him. Certainly, He would quote from Revelation.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, there are many opponents to Christians in the world today. Father, help me to have a healthy spiritual state and keep in the forefront of my mind that I am in a war, not against flesh and blood, but against the evil powers of the spiritual realm. Please God Embolden me to be a formidable soldier for You and join in the battle to fight for You. Clothe me in the Armor of God and energize my spirit. Make me bold. Make me strong. In Christ’s name 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.

April 26, 2022April 26, 2022

How To Overcome Evil

The Devil Does Not Shoot BlanksThe Devil Does Not Shoot Blanks

If you live in this world, you will experience evil. Therefore, we should expect it and be prepared to deal with it. You may ask how should we respond to evil?

Pray against it. In Matthew 6:13 the Lord’s prayer says. “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” Our human pride often makes us think we can deal with evil on our own. We cannot! If we try, we will fail. We must pray to our God and ask for deliverance.

Speak God’s word at it. In Matthew 4:1-11 we see Jesus’ response to evil. Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. How did He respond? He quoted Scripture. Imagine being face to face with Satan, the author of evil. Jesus shows us the utmost importance of knowing God’s Word and being able to speak it in the face of evil!

Expose it. Ephesians 5:11 says “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Our current culture teaches complete tolerance. We are expected to accept and tolerate any behaviour, even if the behaviour directly violates God’s Word. While we are expected, as Christians, to respond to sin with a certain level of grace and love, evil should in no way, under any circumstance be tolerated. It should be EXPOSED! We should take no part in it.

Hate it. Romans 12:9 tells us “Let love be genuine. Hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” Our culture has turned evil into entertainment. We pay money to see evil unfold on the big screen. We make time to sit in our own homes and watch evil on the television and we find ourselves numb to the actual presence of evil when we see it on the news or right before our very eyes. Saints, we must recognize evil and hate it.

Let God handle It. Ephesians 6:12 says “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood…” Wars are waged to fight against evil nations and their leaders. We also have punishments in place to deal with evil people. We should be thankful for the laws of our land and the protection provided by law enforcement, but we must also remember our responsibility as individuals are to give it to God, we cannot fight in this war for the battle isn’t ours it’s God’s.

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I praise you for your love and faithfulness towards me. Father, I praise you for being a perfect, holy, trustworthy God that is bigger than all the evil I will experience on earth. Lord, I ask that you give me eyes to see when evil is before me, a heart to hate evil and the desire to flee from its presence. God, deliver me from evil and draw me close to you. In Christ’s name. Amen.

April 20, 2022April 20, 2022

Troublemakers

Today, when you abide in God, He says, “I will come against your enemies. I will come against that sickness. I will come against those who oppose you.” It says God is the one who caused Hezekiah’s enemy to turn around. That means God can cause that unfair boss to take early retirement. God can cause that neighbour that’s giving you so much trouble to decide to pack up and move. God can cause that classmate to be transferred to another school.

“With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles…” (2 Chronicles 32:8, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

February 24, 2022February 24, 2022

His Goodness

In these uncertain times, we can learn the attitude of the psalmist, David, who was going through very tough uncertain times when he declared the words in today’s verse. He said, in effect, “I’m not worried. I’m not upset. I am confident I will see God’s goodness. ” In other words, “this situation I’m in may be rough, but that’s not going to steal my vision or joy. It’s not going to cause me to give up on my dreams. I am confident that in this crazy, unpredictable year, I will see God’s favour unfold in my life. ”

Today, remember, what you focus on is what will come to pass. No matter what the medical report says, no matter what your finances look like, no matter how bad that relationship may seem, be confident that you will see God’s goodness unfold in your life!

Today, during your strange 2022, we must not forget that our God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent. He is the creator of the universe, and he holds you, your plans, and your dreams in the palm of his hand. So, you can be confident that nothing is too difficult for him! Take hold of this truth by faith and focus on His goodness today!

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

(Psalm 27:13, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for your goodness in my life. Father, I remain confident in your power to control my life in these uncertain times. I will focus on you no matter what my circumstances may look like. God, please give me your peace as I keep my mind focused on you in Christ’s name. Amen

January 3, 2022January 3, 2022

An Unexpected Journey

In his old age Jacob now begins one more journey. Many years earlier, Jacob had fled his homeland in fear; now he leaves in the hope of a joyful reunion with a son he had thought was dead. But this journey also requires him to leave the land God has promised to him. This journey will take him to Egypt, a place of danger for his father and grandfather. Can God be involved in this unexpected change of plans?

Jacob begins this journey with worship, even if a plan seems appealing to us, it will not succeed if it does not honour God. Though his own son had invited him to come and stay in Egypt, Jacob also knew of God’s warning that his descendants would be mistreated in a foreign land (Genesis 15:13). For this reason, God’s assurance was vital to his journey.

Today, it may seem that God has placed you on a journey you did not expect: a new career, a new home, a challenging situation that stretches your faith. Hear today the great assurance that Jacob heard: “Do not be afraid. . . . I will go . . . with you.” God, who lived among us and journeyed with us in the flesh of Christ, will redeem and bless even the unexpected journeys of all who trust in Him in 2o22.

“Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.” — Genesis 46:3

Let’s Prayer

Yahweh, sometimes you send us to unexpected places in life. Give us wisdom to discern your leading in our journeys, and give us courage in knowing you are always with us, through Christ, our Savior. Amen.