Tag: Lord

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Ujima / Collective Work and Responsibility: Team Work

Ujima / Collective Work and Responsibility: Team Work

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Let’s Pray

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

In Reflection 

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

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

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

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Kujichagulia (Self-determination) True Grit

man reading a book

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray

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

In Reflection 

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

How did you get through?

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

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Struggling Through The Holidays 

Ujima / Collective Work and Responsibility: Team Work

While the rest of the world around us becomes excited and enamoured with our culture’s celebration of the Christmas holidays, some of us struggle through the holiday season – overcome with clouds of depression, and battles with fear and dread. Fractured relationships, divorce, dysfunction, compromised finances, loss of loved ones, isolation, loneliness, and any number of other circumstances become even harder to navigate, due to the often unrealistic expectations of the holiday. For many years in my life, loneliness magnifies, stress accelerates, busyness intensifies, and sadness overwhelms. 

There is something about this holiday that intensifies all emotions. The hype begins in October and builds up in the weeks before Christmas and new year, often making it a very difficult time for those of us who have experience loss of any kind. If, like me, you find Christmas is a difficult time, then let’s see if we can figure out a better way of coping together. 

Today, I write this word from the depths of my own experience in hopes of helping those who struggle with this season for various reasons. God’s Word and His principles of love, power, and truth are woven into every element of encouragement. Practical suggestions and challenges are presented to help navigate this and every stressful and difficult season. My passion is to bring hope and healing to hearts that are hurting, helping them break free from the burdens of stress, depression and dread, and find a new way of joy and simplicity. 

 “The Lord is near the broken-hearted; He is the Saviour of those whose spirits are crushed down.” (Psalm 34:18 BBE) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I know only You can help this pain vanish away. Father, I plead for peace and serenity as I fight the pain I am feeling during this season. Send Your hand down to me, and fill me with Your strength. God, I cannot take this pain any longer without Your help! Release me from this hold and restore me. I trust in You to give me the strength to get through this time of the year. I pray that the pain will be gone! It will not hold me down, because I have the Lord on my side, in Jesus’ name! Amen. 

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Don’t Miss The Miracle 

silhouette image of person praying

No matter when you think Christ was born, you know God did something extraordinary. In the busyness and excitement of this time of year, we can sometimes forget this and lose the sense of wonder of the miracle. So let’s take a few minutes to reflect on what the first birth of Yahshua in Bethlehem really means for us. 

He gave up His comfort and glory in Heaven to come and live in our cruel, cold, harsh world. He gave up His pain-free home, and came to Earth in human form, able to experience pain like we do, to be ridiculed by those who didn’t believe in Him, to be betrayed and denied by His closest friends, to be condemned to death by those who, just a few days before, had been welcoming Him as He came through their streets. He left His heavenly Father, was born and laid in a feeding trough because his earthly parents couldn’t find anywhere else for Him to sleep. He left His throne in heaven and came into our world in the most humble and lowliest way imaginable. And He did it all for us. That’s how much God loves us. He willingly went through all of that, died on the cross, and paid the price for our sins, so that we could be saved. Hallelujah! 

Today, it’s impossible to imagine how much love God must feel for us. The Bible tells us that ‘neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’  This holiday, don’t forget Him, He is the best gift we could possibly have. Take some time to remember just how much Christ loves us and what He’s done for us and thank God for the gift of His Son. 

‘Nothing…will ever be able to separate us from the love of God.’ (Romans 8:39 NCV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Yahshua, our Christ, who has sacrificed all to save fallen man. Father, today I open my heart and mind to You, and declare that You are Lord over my life. God, fill me with Your peace and joy this holiday, as I keep my mind stayed on You. I pray I will never separate myself from You. I give You the gift of my life, take me and make me after Your will, in Christ’s name! Amen. 

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Giving: An Act Of Worship 

women wearing brown dress close up photography

When I was younger at our school play, I was asked to play one of the wise men. Can you imagine how the wise men felt, as they first looked upon our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? As part of their worship, they wanted to give Him gifts. They gave valuable presents to symbolize the love, honour and appreciation in their hearts. 

In the same way, you show your love and appreciation to God with gifts of worship, and you can also show your love and appreciation to others by the gifts you give. As you celebrate Jesus during this holiday season, don’t just focus on the gifts you bring in the natural; focus on gifts of love, kindness and encouragement that come through the super natural. 

Today, go out of your way to show honour to others just like the wise men went out of their way to show honour to Jesus. When you walk in love and peace, that is the best gift you can give and remember what you sow, you shall reap… 

“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him gifts…” (Matthew 2:11) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I set my mind and heart on You. Father, help me to choose the right gifts this holiday season—gifts of love, kindness and peace that will honour you and bless others. God, have Your way in my heart and let Your goodness shine through me in Christ’s name! Amen. 

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SMALL STRAWS by MARSHA BURNS

white ceramic cup with saucer

In a dream there was a steady stream of dogs and cats coming to my door for food. They seemed to be starving with no one to take care of them. I thought for sure that I would run out of food to give them, but there always seemed to be enough. And, the Lord said: Your provision comes from Me, and I never tire of those who come to My door seeking to be fed. You, and those like you, are My conduit on the earth. Do not grow weary in doing good. – December 7, 2022, SMALL STRAWS by MARSHA BURNS

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Teaching Your Children About Faith 

Is Teaching Christian Character in the Home Necessary?

You may ask how I teach my children about faith. The bible gives us a simple way, tell them about your faith and encourage them to tell their children about their faith and so on. This way, a living testimony for truth, is always kept alive in the world. Those that love the Lord are to hand down their witness of the gospel, and the covenant to their heirs. These heirs will pass it along to the next generation. 

Our first duty is to our family. A person who does not start his ministry at home is an inadequate witness. Now, all people who do not know Christ are to be sought by all means, and all the highways and hedges are to be searched. But home has a greater priority, and woe to those who reverse the order. 

To teach our children should be a personal duty. We cannot delegate it to teachers, or other friendly aids. These can assist us but cannot deliver us from the sacred obligation. Any substitutes are evil and insufficient. Mothers and fathers must, like Abraham, command their households in the fear of God, and talk with their offspring concerning the wondrous works of the Most High. Parental teaching is a natural duty. Who are more fit to look after a child’s well-being as those who are the authors of life? 

Today I believe to neglect the instruction of our children is worse than wicked. Education in the faith is necessary for the world, for the family itself, and for the church of God. In a thousand ways insidious false teaching is covertly advancing in the world, and one of the most effective means for resisting it is almost always neglected, namely, the instruction of children in the faith. 

“Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.” Joel 1:3 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh I pray that parents would awaken to the importance of educating their children in faith. God help us to talk about Jesus with our sons and daughters, so that they can be saved. My we never stop praying and instructing them in ways of God and may every house where this devotion is read honour the Lord in Christ’s name Amen. 

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Compromise: The Yoke Builder

silhouette photo of person near body of water

I never had a fight until I gave my heart to God. Since then, the enemy has tried to fight with me – to stop me, with a yoke of bondage, a yoke of depression, a yoke of low self-esteem, a yoke of addiction, a yoke of compromise. He tried to burden me down so that everything is a struggle. I was working hard, but I couldn’t get ahead because yokes were controlling me. 

Maybe you’ve been living with a yoke your whole life. It’s been passed down to you from family. Maybe you don’t realize it. You can’t seem to get ahead.  Struggles in your marriage, Your children won’t do what’s right, you have Low self-esteem, and you are lonely and depressed. But God said to the Israelites, “I have seen the affliction of My people, and I am coming down to deliver them.” Hallelujah! 

Remember, God sees every yoke, every unfair situation, and everything that you are struggling with. He doesn’t just sit back and say, “Well, too bad.” No, He says, “I’m coming down to do something about your situation.” You don’t have to worry. The yoke destroyer is on the way. God is saying, “I’m coming down to put an end to that struggle. I’m shifting things in your favour. I’m delivering you from addictions. I’m removing the burden and setting you free to walk into the fullness of your destiny.” Receive it today in Jesus’s name! 

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for fighting my battles daily.  Father, thank you for being my yoke destroyer today and always. God, I accept Your deliverance from all my enemies and negative situations. From now on I will acknowledge Your goodness and praise You for Your faithfulness to me in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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Have you ever been bullied? Pt 3

multiethnic male students gossiping about sad crying woman

The devil is our biggest bully. Daily he bombards us with challenges that try to move us away from God’s plan and purpose in our lives. You will be tempted to act out of character. You will be tempted to give in to the pride of your own thoughts, relying on yourself rather than fully relying on God. Unfortunately, all these decisions will put you in a position to lose the battle. 

If you are to get victory over the enemy, who is currently bullying you, you must learn the battle strategy from the one who knows best. God. He has strategic weapons to dismantle every attack of the enemy. We find this true throughout the Old Testament. 

In scripture, Joshua won the battle of Jericho by marching around the city 7 times, then releasing a loud shout. Gideon was told he had too many men for the battle. He was then instructed to take 300 men with him. As they went around blowing their trumpets, the Lord confused the opposing army, and they began to fight themselves.  Jehoshaphat was told by the Prophet of the Lord, ‘you will not have to fight in this battle, the Lord will fight for you’. They proceeded to battle worshipping their God and the other army began to destroy themselves. God does not fight as we fight. His weapons are much greater than ours. They are weapons of mass destruction, exposing our innermost thoughts and desires. 

Today, instead of cowering down to the enemy of doubt, fear, and insecurity. Instead of giving in to the temptation to quit. Instead of allowing the whispers of the naysayers to stop you in your tracks, I encourage you to fight back! You must stand and gird yourself with the full armour of God. Endure hardness as a good soldier and see those very obstacles demolished in your path. When you allow God to be your defence, your strong tower, He can perfect all things that concern you.  After all, He has already equipped you with the weapons that work; prayer, worship, and the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God. 

Do your battle on your knees today. Do your battle in worship. God will fight for you. 

“Praise the LORD, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle.” Psalm 144:1 (NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for teaching me how to fight. Often, I fight from a place of my own strength not fully relying on You. Lord as I begin to change course, teach me to be patient. I thank You for your power being made perfect in my time of weakness. I look to You when I am weak to help me win the victory in every area of my life. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 

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Have you ever been bullied?? ?

boy sitting on his desk looking lonely

Perhaps the tyrant called you names, or pushed you around, or took something that was yours. Bullies are often puffed-up people who think losers deserve to be hassled, and those who get bullied feel pain and humiliation as a result.

Nahum, the prophet’s, anti-bullying tactic was to assure the Jews that God was still in control despite the disturbing behaviour. Nahum reminded them that God had great power, enough to fix the issue in an instant if he chose to be patient and trust. He allowed the bullying to continue because King Hoshea had done evil in God’s eyes, and the Assyrians were helping God get Israel’s attention. This was difficult news, but God wanted his people to turn back toward him. In addition, Nahum declared that God will bring justice to everyone who is guilty — eventually — but, because of his loving kindness, He often withholds His judgment until later. 

Today when we experience bullying or hardship, think before you act and ask, “What is God teaching me here, and how may I, like him, be patient and merciful even toward my enemies?”. As Paul wrote, “…do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4). Remember God knows, He hears and is in control. 

“The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.” Nahum 1:3 

Yahweh, sometimes I wonder why my enemies who bully me seem to have the upper hand and beat me down. Father, help me see your purpose in affliction, and remember that you wait patiently for both sides to acknowledge your Lordship. God, may I show the same loving kindness toward my enemies in order that I may draw some to you. Give me the strength to take the necessary steps to report and expose, In Jesus’s name,  Amen. 

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Living with Integrity

You Are Equipped

Living with Integrity 

Integrity is something that seems to have disappeared from our society, yet it is such a powerful attribute in the life of the believer. Integrity means that you are dependable. You are a person of your word. You are consistent and honest. 

You may say, “Oh, I’m a pretty good person”, “I do the right thing most of the time…” But understand, it’s the little foxes that spoil the vine. Don’t allow the little things to keep you from your destiny; choose integrity — even when no one is looking. For instance, you might need some paper at home, but you shouldn’t take supplies from the office. Or you might be running into a store for just a minute, but don’t park in the handicap parking spot unless you’re supposed to. If the checkout clerk makes a mistake and gives you too much money back, that’s not God’s provision, that’s a test of integrity! 

Today remember, if you’ll be faithful and choose integrity in the little things, God will make you ruler over much. Don’t forget, “what goes around comes around.” Be a person of integrity and open the door for God’s blessing and honour all the days of your life! 

“The Lord judges the people; judge me, O Lord, and do me justice according to my righteousness [my rightness, justice, and right standing with You] and according to the integrity that is in me” (Psalm 7:8, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I commit to living a life of integrity in every area of my life. God, I choose Your life of excellence and ask for Your hand of favour. Father, make me a person of integrity; dependable, consistent, honest and a person of my word. Show me any area that is not pleasing to You so that I can continue to grow and increase in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Have You Been Tricked?? ?

surviving a zombie attack

As October 31st lands, it is easy to get busy with memorable Halloween costumes for your kids (and maybe even your dog too!), spooky house decorations, and how to best fill your candy bowl with treats – but we must never overlook the origins of Halloween… 

Trick-or-treating has been a popular Halloween tradition for an estimated 100 years. The origins of this community-based ritual have been identified in ancient Celtic festivals (founded in Scotland and Ireland), rooted in the belief and celebration of the god of the dead and darkness named ‘Samhain’. Poor people would visit the houses of wealthier families and receive pastries called soul cakes in exchange for a promise to pray for the souls of the homeowners’ dead relatives. Known as ‘souling’, the practice was later taken up by children, who would go from door to door asking for gifts such as food, money, and ale. 

But what does the Bible say about Halloween? Well, there is no mention of the holiday itself since it came into existence centuries after the Bible had been written. The Bible does, however, have a lot to say about darkness and evil, and Halloween for some is a season to reckon with darkness itself in various ways, possibly as they face inner demons or a frightening decision to make. Throughout stories about good versus evil, you will also find Bible verses about facing demons and the devil as well as darkness and wickedness. So, without further ado, here are some Bible verses to share during the Halloween season… 

1 Corinthians 10:21  

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.”  

Ephesians 5:11  

“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”  

Luke 10:19-20  

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”  

1 Peter 5:8  

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”  

Isaiah 5:20  

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”  

John 3:19-20  

“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.”  

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22  

“But test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”  

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, we thank you for these biblical revelations. I come against all spirits that operate during Halloween and any other pagan Holiday. We as Christians bind all spirits of death and Samhain. We cancel all of Satan’s assignments, against our family both human and spiritual in Jesus’ Name. I Pray that God will intervene and create circumstances that will prevent human rituals from taking place. I close all gateways and portals the enemy may use in Jesus’ Name. I seal and cover myself and my family with the precious Blood of Jesus right now. I declare and accept we are now hidden in the secret place of the Most High in Jesus’ Name. I release the Blinding Light of God on all the hosts of darkness that try to come near me and my Family! In Christ’s name, Amen. 

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A Greater Level? ?

laughing black male colleagues clasping hands in excitement together

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray 

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

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Is Your Life On Autopilot??

four person riding aircraft

As we move swiftly through this year, It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and go into next year on autopilot. Doing the same things, with the same problems, the same struggles and on the same income. But, because God is such a dynamic God, He wants us to rise higher and continually grow and reach new levels. 

What I sense in my spirit is that something massive is about to happen within the next year, not negative but exceptional; you will see promises come to pass; you will accomplish your dreams. It’s going to be a season of surprises; God will amaze you with His goodness! 

Is there an area in your life that you’ve struggled with? It seems like you just can’t get ahead? Well, you better get ready. This may be the year things are going to change. God is about to release His favour in a greater way in your life. You’ve sown the seeds. You’ve planted. You’ve watered. You’ve been faithful. Now you’re about to come into harvest.  

Today, as we think about the rest of this year and the next, get ready and begin to declare with boldness, confidence, and faith, “This is my time for a breakthrough! This is my season! This is my ‘above and beyond’ moment, and I receive victory in Christ’s!” Hallelujah! 

“Get ready! This is the day the Lord will give you victory…!” (Judges 4:14, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Father, today, I choose to take the limits off my thinking and lift my eyes to You as I end this year strong. God help me to see the good things You have in store for my future now and in the year to come. In Christ’s Name. Amen. 

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Waiting Patiently 

standing woman facing a speeding train

A few years ago, while in Tanzania, I spent days waiting to see the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, but inclement weather was keeping the peak hidden. In the end, I went to sleep hoping the next day I would see it. Early the next morning, I opened my eyes to see that huge white mountain glistening in the sun-covered sky. What a sight! It was truly worth the wait! 

Waiting gives us a greater appreciation. It gives us longer-lasting memories. It also gives strength and patience for the next situation. 

Rather than waiting until we reach heaven to reward us, God gives us blessings of hope now, to keep us strong and focus when heaven seems so far away. An attitude of patience. 

Points to consider while waiting patiently…

1. God’s way is the best, and we become more aware of this when we observe Him working out His plan in our life. 

2. The Lord knows the right moment to provide what we want or need. If we give up too soon or try to manipulate circumstances, we miss out on God’s best for us. 

3. We have God’s favour. When we are patiently waiting for His will, then He can freely bless us. God certainly wants to pour out His love on our life. 

Today I want to remind you that God has many rewards available to us when we abide patiently in His will. We will all face circumstances in which we are tempted to be impatient. What determines whether we express patience is faith and the value we place on whoever else is involved – a brother, friend, co-worker, or God. Do you value Him enough to be patient with His timing? 

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” (Galatians 6:7-9) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I give myself away so you can use me. Father, please bless me with joy, patience, and success in my life, please guide me each day to have patience with my friends and family. God bless this day, fill my life, and bless me eternally. I pray I will pass the spiritual tests that will come my way. Lord, please protect me as I wait on you. My Life is not my own, to you I belong. I give myself to you.  In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

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Just To Be Close To You

silhouette photography of person standing on green grass in front of mountains during golden hour

One thing I desire is to be counted among those who intentionally draw near to Jesus. Near to the One who saves us, loves us, and pours immeasurable grace and mercy into our lives; the One who leads and guides us, strengthens us, and never leaves us. 

In the bible, we are reminded of folk who desired to be close to Jesus. I remember Mary, at the feet of Jesus. John, the beloved disciple, leaning on the chest of our Lord. David, the psalmist whose soul thirst for God. Enoch, walking close beside Him—so close, in fact, that God just walked him on up to heaven, completely bypassing death. The list could go on and on. I want my name to be included with those who have deeply desired intimate communion and fellowship with the Lord. Don’t you? 

Today, I want to draw near to the Lord who wakes me up each morning and reminds me that this new day He has made is a day to be glad. And I am glad—deep in my heart, glad that I am His and He is mine. I am grateful that I have the privilege of walking in a close relationship with Him. Let’s live each day for Him and with Him and be counted as one of God’s closest friends. There is no better place to be.  

Psalm 145:18 “The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I thank You that You desire to spend time with me. Father, Your Word says if I draw near to You, You will draw near to me—and I want to be close to You. So, right now, I ask that You cause me to desire to draw close to You above everything else in my life. God, help me to have supernatural time management, help me to see clearly when I can set aside time to spend with You, and help me never to compromise that time, in Christ’s name, Amen.

 

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