Tag: Life

the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death.
“the origins of life” GOD

 

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Catch The Little Foxes

How to Stand With God Through the Storms of Life

It’s been said, “tornados and hurricanes get more news coverage; but in reality, termites do more damage.” Most often, it’s not the big things that happen in life that keep us from being happy; it’s the small things. Most of the time, we’re not dealing with some major crisis like losing a job, a life-threatening illness, or a relationship breaking up. The big things are rare.  

That’s what today’s scripture is saying. It’s the little inconveniences – like not being able to find your car keys, or being in a hurry and getting behind a slow driver. It’s the little interruptions and frustrations that get our emotions worked up and cause us to lose our joy and peace.  

Today, take note, it’s the way we handle the little things that will determine what kind of life we live. When we allow negative thoughts of frustration to come in, we are allowing the little foxes to spoil the vines as the scripture says. Make the decision today to “catch” those foxes by choosing to think on the positive things. Let His Word bring light and life to your emotions, so you can move forward in peace and joy each and every day! 

“Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines…” (Song of Solomon 2:15, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I submit my mind, will and emotions to You. Father, I will focus on Your Word, and not allow the little foxes (the little things) to steal my joy and peace. God, keep me close to You and guide me through life’s frustration, and show me the way I should go, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Emotions

What Type of Christian Are You?

Did you know that emotions are God-given? If there’s one thing that can lead you away from your potential, and seeing the awesome plan God has for your life, it’s your emotions. Too often, people allow their circumstances to dictate their emotions and thoughts, instead of the Word of God. 

When we allow our circumstances to dictate our emotions, when we are moved by what we see, or experience, it opens the door for doubt and anxiety to come in. When we allow doubt and anxiety in, we become unstable. We are tossed back and forth. Understand this key: the way you feel today has little to do with what God is actually doing in your life. He’s working behind the scenes whether you realise it or not!  

Today, don’t allow yourself to be tossed around by your emotions any longer. Instead, choose to be stable minded and not anxious by focusing your thoughts on the Word of God. Stand strong in Him so you can confidently embrace the plan He has for you! 

“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6, NIV) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which dispels all my doubts and anxiety. Father, I will meditate on Your truth which has become my source of strength and faith. Almighty God, help me to be stable minded, as I set my focus on You. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Change Me Lord!

Shock the Culture — How millennials can (really) change the world

When we ask God to change us or fix us, and He begins to do a work in our lives, things can get a little uncomfortable before we see change, or while He is changing us. We may encounter people who are hard to get along with, or experience circumstances that seem beyond our control. When this happens, instead of getting upset or complaining, just pause and say, “Lord, thank You for doing a work in me.” 

Did you know God is more interested in changing you than He is in changing your circumstances? If you choose to stay sour because you’re not getting your own way, or if you get discouraged because things aren’t happening on your timetable, that’s going to keep you stuck, miserable and sad. 

Today, if you want to see change, if you want to see God open up new doors, the key is to bloom right where you’re planted. You can’t wait until everything gets better before you decide to have a good attitude. You have to be the best that you can be right where you are. When you bloom where you’re planted, you’re allowing God to work in you, and He will be faithful to complete the change He started in you! 

“…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I thank You for doing a work in me. I’m not complete but I can see growth in my life. Father, I will align myself with Your plan, so I can bloom wherever You plant me. God, help me, by Your Spirit, to be an example of Your love and life everywhere I go, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Iron Sharpens

In Uncertain Times Christ's Death and Resurrection Offer Comfort and Hope

One of the things I have tried to do in life and ministry is to ask God how to make those around me better. God does not bring people into our lives so that we can make them just like us. God loves variety and He wants us to be different from each other. He’s given us different personalities, different strengths, different interests and different looks.  

God made us all uniquely, so that we can sharpen one another and cause each other to rise up higher in life. If you’re going to be happy and enjoy your relationships, you’ve got to learn how to appreciate the differences, and learn from the people in your life. If you don’t focus on the right things, you’ll end up allowing the little irritations to cause you to become resentful. 

Today, remember, nobody is perfect. If you’re going to grow, you’ve got to be willing to overlook some things in people. Our assignment is not to fix people. Our assignment is to love people and make them thrive. Our assignment is to sharpen one another so we can move forward in the plan God has prepared! 

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the people You have placed in my life. Father, help me to see them the way You see them, and not judge or look down on them. God, help me to appreciate the ways You allow us to sharpen one another, so that we can help each other fulfil Your plan for our lives. In Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

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Life Has No Finish Line

People that are goal-oriented and very focused on achieving their dreams, many times overlook the simple things that we should be enjoying in our everyday. We have to remember that life is not really about the destination, it’s about the journey – how we live all along the way. It’s about the path we’re on. 

In this thing called life there is no finish line. Once you accomplish one dream, God will give you another. When you overcome one challenge, there will be another. There is always another mountain to climb. If we make the mistake of living just for the destination, we’ll look up one day and realise we’ve missed out on some of the most enjoyable parts of life. 

Today, most of life is routine – breakfast, work, lunch, home, dinner, bed and do it all again. There are very few mountaintops. The high times are few and far between; where you graduate, or get married, or have a child, or go on vacation. Don’t get stuck living for the mountaintops. Learn to enjoy the path you’re on. Learn to enjoy the people in your life. Learn to enjoy the simple blessings of walking in the path the Lord has prepared for you! 

“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” (Proverbs 4:18, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of life. Father, thank You for the plan You have for me today and in the future. Teach me to enjoy the journey of life, to embrace each day with joy and enthusiasm. Almighty God, help me to see the blessings of every moment You have given me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Forward Ever, Backward Never

Many people don’t fully understand what it means to forget the past. Do I do away with my history? Do I make myself vulnerable again? How do I forget something that’s happened to me?” Some of the biblical definitions of this phrase is to “disregard intentionally, to overlook or to cease reliving the pain.”  

In practical terms, what this verse is saying is that you have to choose to disregard your past, so that it doesn’t keep you from moving forward. That means the good and the bad. Even our past victories can sometimes keep us from rising higher. If we don’t let go of the old, we’ll never be able to embrace the new. 

Today, it doesn’t matter what’s happened in your history, it’s time to forget what‘s stopping you from moving forward. Make the choice today to look forward. Trust that God has a better future in store for you, with greater blessings, favour and massive victories. Hallelujah! Trust Him. As you forget pain, hurt and even some self-cantered victories, press forward and you will see the abundant life the Lord has in store for you! 

“…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” (Philippians 3:13, NLT) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I choose to forget the past that holds me back and makes me vulnerable. Father, I don’t want anything to hold me back from the good future You have prepared for me. God, I choose forgiveness, and ask that You help me by Your Holy Spirit to press forward in every area of my life. In Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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Jacob Blake – Sometimes Praising God Is Hard

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

When you wake up in the morning, what’s the first thing you do? Do you praise God for His goodness? Do you set the tone for praise because of success, favour and blessing? Looking at the events of this past week, months and year, it is so hard to praise God at all times like the Scripture says. To hear another mother crying, for her innocent black son, who was shot 7 times by the police is heartbreaking.  

We’re in the eighth month of the worst year on record, many commentators have said. Last year may have had some hardships and difficulties, but this year seems to be on another negative level. However, it’s time to set the tone for a season of praise. Despite all the negatives, Jacob’s family still managed to give God praise.  

Today, the Scripture reminds us that the darker it gets in the world, the brighter it’s going to be for God’s true believers. Things may be bad all around you. Murders, shootings and pandemics. People may be negative, complaining and discouraged, rightly so at times, but don’t let that spirit rub off on you, praise your way out of the negatives. The worse it gets the brighter God wants you to shine. Be determined to set a Godly tone of praise for the rest of the year, no matter how bad things get, by praising God and speaking words of faith over every situation! 

“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.” (Psalm 34:1, NLT) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I have decided to bless You at all times. I will go against my feelings and focus on Your goodness and love. God, I praise You for the faith of Jacob Blake’s family, who lift You up in the face of their tragedy. Please grant him a full recovery. Father, I set a new tone of praise in my life, to replace all of my negative emotions, and I receive Your forgiveness, grace and mercy. Thank You for Your faithfulness to me at all times, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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My Steps Are Ordered

This week one of my prayers has been that God would give me direction and a renewed vigour. When we encounter difficult situations, we can be tempted to wonder if we are on the right path for our lives. And yes, sometimes we make poor choices that get us off course.  

If your heart is following after God, if you’re determined to stay in faith and put Him first in your life, you can be confident that you are right where you are supposed to be in God’s will! You might say, “that couldn’t be right. I’m uncomfortable. Somebody isn’t treating me right.” God will not allow a challenge to come into your life unless He has a divine purpose for it.  

Today, remember when God is in control, things don’t happen to us they happen for us. Hallelujah! In other words, God uses those difficult things to grow us and stretch us and take us to another level. He orders our steps. So stay in faith, keep a good attitude, and let God lead you into the righteous plan He has for you! 

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord…” (Psalm 37:23, KJV) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for ordering my steps and directing me. Father, I trust that You are at work in my life, even during the times when I don’t understand what’s happen in my life. God, please give me the strength and courage to do what is right in Your sight. I bless You today and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Now Faith = Now Blessings

A Faithful Guarantee

The goal of every believer is to please God. We are told  that faith is what pleases God. It gives substance to the things we hope for and makes them tangible. Faith opens the door to God’s favour and shows our dependence on Him. 

The Bible tells us we’ve all been given a measure of faith, but it’s up to each of us to nurture it, develop it and use it. We develop our faith by surrendering our lives to God and meditating on His Word. We exercise our faith through our prayer and actions. Today’s verse starts by saying, “Now faith.” It’s not “later” faith or “one day” faith. We have to have faith for today, right now.  

Today, do you believe that God has blessings in store for you, right now? Do you believe He wants to pour out His favour on you right now? Put your faith into practice by speaking and believing that His promises are coming to pass right now in your life. Use your “now” faith and see “now” blessings! 

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” 

(Hebrews 11:1, KJV) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of faith that can move the mountains of trials in my life. Father, I choose to trust Your promises which are a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Oh God, show me how to totally surrender to You, so that I can continue to grow in faith. I really want to please You in every area of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Let Freedom Reign

We live in a world where not everyone is free. Freedom is based on race, gender or money. The good news is God’s freedom is not partial. The Word says, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” and God’s freedom is free for everyone! It doesn’t matter what your nationality, heritage or gender is, or what your family name is. It doesn’t matter how much money you have or don’t have; God wants you free from everything that would hold you back from your relationship with Him! 

Today, God wants to pour out His abundant blessing on all who honour Him and do what is right. In fact, the Bible says in Galatians, that in Christ, there is no Jew or Greek or even male or female. That means God’s not judging you based on physical conditions. He’s looking at your heart. He’s looking at the gifts He’s placed inside of you, and is offering you His freedom. 

Today, don’t let the enemy lie to you and tell you that God is blessing everyone else but you. Look for the ways He is pouring out blessings in your life. Thank Him for His acceptance, love and freedom. Focus on honouring Him and doing what is right, and you will be free in mind, body and Spirit, and you’ll see His hand of blessing in every area of your life! Hallelujah! 

“…God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.” (Acts 10:34—35, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for loving and accepting me and setting me free. Father, my desire is to do what pleases You, and honour You with my attitude, words and actions. Holy Spirit, show me if there is any area that isn’t pleasing to You, and help me eradicate it today. God, I want to live as an example of Your goodness all the days of my life. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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I Will Not Be Moved

Christianity in India Standing Strong Despite Growing Persecution

How do you deal with challenges over this year of strange happenings? Do you feel better equipped to handle life’s difficulties? it’s interesting that the apostle Paul never prayed for every challenge to go away. He prayed that God would give him the strength to go through them with a good attitude. He sought emotional maturity. 

The Scripture tells us if we don’t keep our emotions in check, we’ll always be stressed out and make mountains out of molehills. If we lose our cool because our child forgot his or her homework, or we’re aggravated because somebody didn’t do something we wanted them to do, then we’re not passing the test. We’ve got to grow and mature to the point where we can say what the apostle Paul said, “None of these things move me.” He said in effect, “It’s no big deal. I’m not worried about it. I trust God. I have a destiny to fulfil.” 

Today, decide to see things from God’s perspective. Keep your emotions in check. Don’t be moved by your circumstances, be moved by your God. Trust Him because He is faithful. He’s working behind the scenes, and He will fulfil His promises to you! 

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, thank You for doing a work in my life. Father, thank You for molding me and shaping me into Your image. God, help me not to be moved by the enemy’s tricks and negativity. Almighty, I ask for Your supernatural joy and strength to stand strong no matter what I’m facing, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Words For Good Or Evil

The Devil Does Not Shoot BlanksThe Devil Does Not Shoot Blanks

This week I have felt the wrath of someone’s tongue, as well as wise words spoken to encourage and uplift. It’s easy to use words as a weapon. We’ve all either been “cut” by the words of others, or we’ve used words to put someone “in their place.” The truth of the matter is that when we use words recklessly, we are not being wise.  

Scripture tells us that the tongue of the wise brings life and healing to others. Throughout your day, look for ways to be wise with your words. Find something nice to say about someone. Share an encouraging word. Let your words bring healing to those around you. You can change a person’s life by sharing a kind word, a gracious word, a wise word. 

Today, choose wise words that build up and not tear down, remember words are like seeds. When you plant words of life and blessing into others, you will reap a harvest of blessing in your own life in return. But when you use words to cut, cuss and tear down, you will reap that harvest. Be wise today and bring healing! 

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your wise healing Word. Father, I choose to follow Your lead and be wise. I submit my tongue to You, and commit to use it for good and not for evil. God, show me ways to be a blessing to others. Help me find creative ways to encourage the people You have placed in my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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God Make Me A Sower

"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?" (Matthew 5:13)

In the book of Genesis, God set up a system of seedtime and harvest. Everything God does starts with a seed. The Bible also tells us that He gives seed to the sower. In other words, if you are a person who has a desire to bless others and sow seed, God will make sure you have plenty to give.  

Notice in today’s verse what happens when we generously sow seed, we increase more! Just like planting a seed in the natural brings a natural abundant harvest, planting a spiritual seed brings a spiritual abundance. You can’t outgive God! The Scripture says that He will pour out blessings on you that you can barely contain. God’s blessing goes way beyond the financial realm. He wants you to have blessed relationships, good health and a happy career.  

Today, why don’t you take a step of faith and look for ways to start sowing? What do you have in your hand? Can you start by giving a smile and sowing joy? Do you have five pounds to help someone who is homeless buy some food? Choose to be a blessing and watch how God brings increase in every area of your life. 

“There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want.” (Proverbs 11:24, AMP) 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, today I want to be a sower. Father, help me to see the people around me the way You see them, so that I can bless them the way You want to bless them. God, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life as I do my best to be obedient to Your Word, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Let’s Get Excited About Our Faith

Speak Greatness Into Our Youth

Talking about your faith with others isn’t always the most popular topic amongst young people. Fashion, football and music are more popular. Most youth are not excited when talking about faith. Feeling that if they share their faith with others, people at school, uni or on social media will think they’re weird. So they do what many Christians do, they stay quiet. Not speaking up when someone challenges their beliefs. Praying with your friend who’s parents are going through a divorce would really help, but you’re afraid of what your friend might think. The list of excuses we make for not sharing our faith can be very long.  

Why is it that we talk about our sports team winning with everyone we know, but when it comes to sharing our faith, many times we tell no one? We have something way more exciting than a winning team, we have a winning God. We have a God who loved us, and gave his son so that we could experience a life changing relationship with Him. Why aren’t we filling our insta, snap and facebook feed with that news? It’s easy to get afraid to share our faith with others. It’s easier to not say anything so that we don’t look weird to others. We are called to be salt and light to our world. The message in the bible puts it this way. You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept.  — Matthew 5:14. 

So choose to put your fears aside, step up and tell others about your God. 

Let’s Holla @ God 

God, please give me a Christlike excitement and remove my fear, so I can let others know that you have changed my life and to let them know that You can change theirs too. God make me a light for You. In Christ’ name Amen. 

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How To Overcome Grade Confusion

Speak Greatness Into Our Youth

What a week for all high school, college and university students here in the UK. The confusion of grades, the uncertainty of their futures and seeing your future disintegrate in front of your eyes. It’s no secret that life can get crazy at times. There can be days when you’re just wanting to scream because things are not going your way or you’re stressed out about something going on. In times like those, this verse is always great to remember.  “”¦despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” (Romans 8:37) 

With all that’s going on. Despite the things that are going wrong and despite all the stress you may be feeling, you can experience overwhelming victory through Christ. That’s great, amazing news. 

What a powerful reminder, Today’s verse tells us that we can experience victory regardless of what we see and what might be going on around us. So in those times when you feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn, take comfort in the fact that you’ve got an overwhelming victory in Jesus. Trust Him, lean on Him, talk to Him and celebrate your victory! 

Lets Holla @ God 

Wow God! Thank you for this promise and reassurance that despite the mess up with grades and the uncertain future, that all will work out for my good and victory will be mine. Thanks God for your love, in Christ’ name Amen! 

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Why Worry?

With infection rates going up, our children about to head back to school, and the economy the lowest it’s ever been, it’s easy to worry. What are you worrying about today? To worry means to allow something to revolve in your mind over and over again until it stresses you out. God doesn’t want you to live worried or anxious about anything. He knows that worry steals your peace and joy. It affects every area of your life negatively. Have you heard the saying, “Don’t worry yourself sick?” That’s because worrying affects your physical and mental body. It even affects your sleep.  

The Bible says you won’t ever gain anything by worrying; in fact, you’ll lose precious moments that you can never get back again. The good news is that God has promised that you can have victory over worry. It starts by making the choice to trust in Him. When you cast your cares on Him, He will give you His peace, which will eradicate your worry. Hallelujah! 

Today, why not put an end to worry in your life. Choose to feed your faith and fill your mind with God’s promises of peace. As you focus on God’s Word, and spend time in conversation with Him, He will drive out worry and fill your heart with faith and expectancy, and you will overcome in every area of your life! 

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27, NIV 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, today I give You permission to put an end to worry in my life. Father, I have decided to feed my faith by studying Your promises, and declaring Your Word over my life. God, help me to totally trust in You today and every day, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

 

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