Tag: Lord

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Directions

Landing in Tanzania has given me a chance to reflect on my spiritual direction. Direction, “a purpose or orientation toward a goal that serves to guide or motivate,” has an inevitable flow in our lives. In consideration of our daily direction, the above verse from Romans aligns our internal compass with the One who breathes strength and purpose into the very muscles that compel us. 

Our spiritual direction stems from faith. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to “stand firm in the faith.” Scripture tells us to take captive every thought and to align all we hear with the truth of the Gospel. Reading Scripture daily builds godly confidence, preventing the propulsion down a path that doesn’t align with His unique purpose for our lives. 

God’s direction for our lives isn’t always easy to traverse. We’re guaranteed that it most certainly will be hard in this life. Courage and strength, supplied by the Father’s love flowing through us, help our feet forge the path that is purposefully ours to trod. So “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Strength and power were ideals used to make spiritual decisions. We’re not too called to rely on our strength but to surrender to the One who is strong enough to sustain us in our spiritual paths. 

Today, Jesus Christ’s residence in our hearts through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit when we accept Him as our personal Saviour empowers us to set the directional compass of our hearts to His love. His love is perfect it’s direction was certain …the cross. He unwaveringly obeyed His Father and crushed the punishment of sin forever. Taking every one of our names upon His heart as He hung there, the greatest direction that was ever undertaken. That Power that should focus our direction …as we follow Christ. 

“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.” – 1 Corinthians 16: 13-14 (NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I Praise You for Jesus’ sacrifice. His perfect love defeated sin on the cross. Thank You for loving me perfectly, and for layering my life with a unique purpose. Father, it’s hard to choose the right direction at times, forgive me for those times which have led me away from Your path for my life. Help me as we strive to be strong, courageous, and obedient to You. God, bless my heart to know the direction that You have mapped out for me. Help me to get through seasons of discouragement staying focused on Your Word and Your promises. Lord when I lose my way, remind me of who you are …Whose I am in Christ’s name Amen. 

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MAKE ME A SERVANT

During his reign, King Frederick William III of Prussia found himself in a bind. Wars had been costly, and in trying to build the nation, he was seriously short of finances. After careful reflection, he decided to ask the women of Prussia if they would bring their jewellery of gold and silver to be melted down for their country. Each piece of jewellery he received, he would exchange for decoration of bronze or iron as a symbol of his gratitude. These decorations would be inscribed, ‘I gave gold for iron, 18l3?.

The response was overwhelming. But more importantly, the women prized these gifts from the king even more highly than their former jewellery! The reason, of course, is clear. They were proof that they had sacrificed for their king.

When we come to know our King, we too should want to exchange the flourishes of our former life for Him. The amazing thing about our King is that He not only takes our jewels, but He takes our rags too — and uses them for the good of His Kingdom!

Today, there are some things we need to sacrifice for him. Let’s pray and ask for His revelation. Great things are awaiting those who give. It’s time to make the trade, the King is waiting if you want to be a servant you must sacrifice the glamour, and pleasure of this world and let the King transform you with his stamp. Then and only then you will be fit for service

I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good. Psalms 54:6 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thanks for this awesome opportunity to trade in my life for you my King, I lay all I have today at your feet begging you for the transforming stamp. So, I can be ready for Your service. Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to thee. In Christ’s name. Amen

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Fools Lose Control  

Whether it’s complaining about people queue-hogging at the supermarket or sounding off about someone behind their back, the Bible says this, ‘Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back’ (Proverbs 29:11 NLT).  

It’s okay to share your feelings with those you trust. But think wisely about whom you tell and what you say because you don’t want your words to bite back. For times when you feel like you’re about to explode, here’s a tip for you: get rid of some excess adrenaline by getting active physically rather than vocally. Don’t get physical with people. 

Today God is not an advocate of kicking butt! He would prefer you kicked a football around or take a good long run. It helps clear your head to think rationally and handle things in a way you won’t regret afterwards. If you’re anger-prone, challenge yourself to learn a couple of scriptures to grab from your mind when you need it most. Start with Proverbs 14:17. 

‘Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back’ (Proverbs 29:11 NLT).  

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I’m sorry that anger rises in my heart. Father, at times I feel so much pressure. I feel as though I’m on a knife’s edge, Sometimes I resent colleagues, family and friends and I fall into anger. I know you understand, and You see all I am, the good and the bad. Please Lord let Your love flood my angry moments. God help me to pray, to look to you, to take a step back and calm down. Help me to breathe deeply, to re-fuel, to rest and reset. Please step in when I feel anger surging again and remind me of these things. I trust in you. God Amen. 

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How to Soothe Your Anxious Heart (Pt 1)

Worry and nervousness have gripped our world. Anxiety will present itself, but you don’t have to live there. The answer to anxieties is to go to God as soon as you sense worry. Don’t wait. Pray immediately and ask for His strength to help you. Today’s verse Philippians 4:6 has three steps to soothe your anxious heart: 

1. Pray about everything. if I do what Philippians say and pray about everything, that does include everything. God is strong enough to handle all our worries. If we give all to Him we can break from the pressure that we put on ourselves. 

2. Tell God what you need. Don’t use the excuse that He already knows. Actually, He knows even more than you do. We get so caught up in our wants, that our real needs are often hidden. God wants us to always come to Him about everything. He listens and is glad when we feel comfortable talking with Him. 

3. Thank Him for all He has done (and will do). Gratefulness goes a long way to covering our anxieties. When we keep a list of all our blessings, they often crowd out my anxieties. Add to that a list of hopes and promises, which also will take up the space where fears want to live.  

Today when worry comes knocking, remember that the Lord is your light and salvation. Doubt, fear, and anxiety may seek to surround you with darkness that you can’t move forward. This is Satan’s goal—to stop you from living out your faith in God. But God is always your light, especially when anxiety threatens to darken your path. Why should you be afraid with that much light all around you (Psa 27:1)? 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I thank you that I can come to You always for any reason. Father, I’m grateful that when I pray to You, You answer me. Help me to come to You at the beginning of my fears and anxieties instead of waiting until I can’t stand them anymore. The quicker I go to You the better. God, I know You want to free me from ALL my fears. Help me look to You for help more often so I can be radiant with Your joy. In Christ’s Name Amen. 

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Driving Through Life

Several years ago, I was teaching my son how to drive. Talk about nerve-racking! Sitting in the passenger seat, I felt helpless. All I could do was guide him and trust him to follow it. And when he started driving on his own, I was constantly in prayer! 

Now when it comes to teaching kids how to drive, you can do it one of two ways. You can start by showing them the toolbox, the map, the insurance card, and where to put their cup while the car is moving. Or you can let them start driving and show them what to do along the way. 

Today, God wants to teach us how to drive through life. One way He could teach us is by telling us exactly how to respond to any and every situation that might arise. All we’d have to do is memorize His instructions, and we’d be good to go. But like driving, God knows the best way for us to learn is to get out and experience life for ourselves, walking by the Spirit and listening to Him as we go. So, if you want to get the most out of life, live teachable. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your steps and you’ll learn how to excel in every aspect of life! 

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, please allow me to take every experience I possess and use it for good in this lifelong journey. Father, teach me to be wise and to use that wisdom for your glory. God, teach me to strive for excellence in everything I do. May my actions always be righteous, and my heart always be sensitive to your voice. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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I Want A Miracle! 

Everyday Miracles

Many Christians focus on what God has done in the past. He parted the Red Sea, stopped the sun for Joshua, and fed thousands of people with just a little boy’s small lunch. Yes, God has performed many amazing miracles throughout history, and we must give Him praise and glory! But at the same time, we also have to look forward to what God is doing today. If He did it in the past He will do it even today, in a more magnificent way.

In this 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, amidst all the chaos of these uncertain days. God wants to outdo Himself in our generation! Hallelujah!

Today, I share with you, that 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 in store for you. I dare you to dream big! I dare you to keep a God-sized vision in front of you! I dare you to take hold of every blessing that the Lord has in store for you now and in the year to come!

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…raised us 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, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in the past. Father, I open my heart and mind to You, so that I can see the greatness You have in store for me today, and what You want to do in my future. Please Give me God-sized visions and testimonies. God, please use me for Your glory. I thank You in advance for Your favour, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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I Want A Miracle Today! 

In the past, God parted the Red Sea, stopped the sun for Joshua, and fed thousands of people with just a little boy’s small lunch. Yes, God has performed many amazing miracles throughout history, and it’s important that we give Him praise and glory! But at the same time, we also must look forward to what God is doing today. If He, did it in the past He will do it even today, in a more magnificent way.

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, amidst all the chaos of these uncertain days. God wants to outdo Himself in our generation! Hallelujah!

Today, I share with you, that God is a God of increase. Where you are today is not where you are supposed to stay. He has greater levels of favour and blessing in store for you. I dare you to dream big! I dare you to keep a God-sized vision in front of you! I dare you to take hold of every blessing that the Lord has in store for you now and in the years to come!

“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, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in the past. Father, I open my heart and mind to You, so that I can see the greatness You have in store for me today, and what You want to do in my life in years to come. Give me God-sized visions and testimonies. God, please use me for Your glory. I thank You in advance for Your favour, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Crypto Won’t bring you True Freedom

We aren’t bound to news feeds, opinions, and news reports. Statistics don’t have the final say on our lives. Christ does. He reigns over all because He defeated death on our account. Seated at the right hand of the Father, the name above every other name, Jesus Christ determined our freedom. 

We will never forget the last few years, but it isn’t the first time a generation has looked their freedom in eye and wondered what would become of it. God reigns over all that threatens to steal our peace, hope, and freedom. Christ, promised never to leave us. And though our world feels out of control, God holds the reigns. We may not understand what’s happening or know who or what to believe on this earth. But we can unwaveringly trust God. He is unchanging, rock-solid, dependable, and aware of what is happening on earth. 

Today don’t forget where our true freedom comes from. Not a country. Not leaders, nor policies. It isn’t dependent on a clean bill of health or an accumulation of wealth, nor does it fluctuate with crypto coins. Freedom was established on the cross, through Jesus’ death and resurrection. He sits at the right hand of the Father. Our hope is not in this willy-nilly world full of false hope of money and pretences built on shaky ground. No, our freedom is in Christ the. Saviour of the world. He has already won the battle. And when we live each day in pursuit of Jesus, we get to experience pure freedom and hope. 

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1 NIV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for setting me free. Father Freedom is something I won’t let the world define, and I won’t fall victim to its false pretences. It is in Christ I find true freedom, defined by His grace. God as I struggle through a year that has brought many daily routines, lives, and jobs to a halt, I pray for Your encouragement and wisdom. Lord help me to hear Your truth above all the noise and news. Give me the ability to know what is true, and what to do. Guide my next steps and fill my heart with grace and compassion towards others. In Your powerful Name, I pray, Amen. 

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Reflections 

Like a mirror, when you reflect something, you are exhibiting its likeness. You are displaying its characteristics. the Bible tells us that we should reflect the character and likeness of Christ. We shouldn’t only have His features, like in a mirror, but most importantly – His attitude.

That may sound like a tall order; after all, He was the Son of God. But remember, when we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, we become sons and daughters of the Most High God. We become empowered by the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. That means we have the same spirit of humility—the same strength, the same love, and the same power on the inside. We are equipped to follow His example and do what He did. He went around doing good and bringing healing to others – physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Today, we must let God work on our attitudes and actions. We must open the door and invite Him in. Decide to open every area of your life to Him. Reflect Him and do good everywhere you go!

“Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]” (Philippians 2:5, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, right now I invite You to dwell in my thoughts, heart, and attitude. Father, I want to be a true reflector of You. A pure reflection of Your love in everything I do. God, I choose to follow Your example and bring good to others. Help me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

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They Did It To Jesus

Jesus the Good Shepherd

Sometimes it’s hard to keep going in ministry and life amidst criticism and gossiping. In Scripture, many times people would come against Jesus and criticise Him. Many times, it says, “Jesus answered them not a word.” He simply didn’t respond to His critics. He didn’t try to convince them to change their minds. He didn’t get upset because somebody was talking about Him. No, He just ignored it.

Today, when people come against you and they’re jealous and just evil towards you and those you love, trying to make you look bad, trying to discourage you, remember what they did to Jesus! He was probably criticised and despised more than anyone else. I love the fact that He didn’t try to explain Himself. He didn’t try to make everyone understand Him. He just stayed focused on what He was called to do. He simply ran His race, stayed in His lane, prayed, and moved forward. And this is how we should deal with those who criticise us and gossip about us, don’t give in to the demonic distraction, just take them to the Lord in prayer.

…but Jesus refused to answer.” (Luke 23:9, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I release every person who has criticised me, gossiped about me, or tried to discourage me. Father, I choose to forgive them; I have decided to turn away from that distraction and move forward, refusing to react to the demonic forces that seek to bring me down. God, help me to stay focused on You and all the wonderful blessings You have in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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God Is A Finisher

How long will it take? This is taking way too long. Is there something you’ve been waiting for? Something you’ve been hoping for that’s taking longer than you expected. You might be tempted to just accept things the way they are. You might be tempted to think it’s never going to happen. Be encouraged because God is a finisher! He will complete what He’s started in you!

So, what do I do while waiting? Your part is to believe. Your part is to keep your eyes on Him. When you believe, you have the Creator of the universe fighting your battles, arranging things in your favour, going before you, and moving the wrong people out of the way. 

Today, don’t be intimidated by the size of a problem, or the size of your dream! Don’t let circumstances convince you to stop believing. Jehovah Jireh, the Lord our Provider, is still on the throne. One touch of God’s favour and you’ll go from barely getting by, to having more than enough! Begin to thank Him and declare that God is at work. Declare that He is perfecting what concerns you. Declare that He will complete everything He’s started in your life!

“And David said to his son Solomon, ‘Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God–my God–will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD’.” (1 Chronicles 28:20, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I thank You for completing every good work in my life. Father, I believe Your Word, even when things look impossible. I know that You are working behind the scenes and that You will bring victory and breakthrough to every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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In the Wilderness

God shows us who He is by what He does. His promises are worked out in the lives of His people. When we are in the middle of life’s barren wilderness, God’s hand seems absent, blinded as we are by circumstances and situations. But when we emerge from that leg of the journey, we can look back and see that God has watched over our every step. Yes, the journey was hard and went on longer than we thought we could bear. But we are still here. Through our wilderness, just when we thought we couldn’t last another day, God’s mercy met us in a kind word, an unexpected provision, or an encounter. The assurance of His presence always comes. 

Today we can learn from life’s wilderness. We learn things there that we can’t learn anywhere else. We see the provision of our Father in a different light. His love stands out in stark relief against the background of the barren landscape. In the wilderness, there is no selfishness. We learn in deeper ways to cling to God and wait for Him. When we come out of the wilderness, the lessons stay with us. We take them with us into life. We remember the God who got us through the hard times, He is with us still. Hard times can be fruitful times. Though barren, lush fruit is being produced as we walk through the wilderness. The Lord has promised to sanctify your wilderness times and make them fruitful. 

The LORD your God has blessed you in everything you have done. He has watched your every step through this great wilderness. During these forty years, the LORD your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing. – Deuteronomy 2:7 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I know that wherever I am, You are with me—guiding, protecting, providing. Father, You make a mountain into a way; You make streams flow in the desert; You cause a root to grow out of dry ground. Hallelujah! God, thank You for allowing me to see You work when all hope seems lost. In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

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Progress over Perfection

Some of my goals in life are to be spiritually free, transformed mentally, and to learn to walk in love as I continue to grasp just how much I am already loved by God. Seeing this love has enabled me to know what goals to strive for and the goals God desires for me. The more I realize the immenseness of God’s love for me, the more I will make progress on goals that I would like to complete in His name. 

God loves our completed tasks as much as he loves our enthusiasm to work for Him. He is pleased every time that we are taking steps of obedience, not just at the end. Some things will never be completed this side of heaven—like world peace, for instance—but God is pleased when we take steps to live in unity with one other person. 

Today progress toward your goals and progress toward becoming more like Christ is ongoing. There will always be more to do and more ways to grow in character and love. God is pleased when we take steps and when we step out of our comfort zones. It’s a journey and each step will teach us something new and grow our character. God will help us as we seek Him. God gave us good work to do, and He won’t leave us until our progress is complete. 

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, thank You for making me for good works. Father, You gave me the desire to learn and grow in my ability to love You and my neighbours. Lord help me to make progress on my goals each day and not worry about perfection but focus on my obedience. God remind me regularly that my obedience will always bring fruit even though the conclusion may differ from what I am thinking. Your ways are above my ways. In Christ’s name Amen  

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An Unwilling Heart 

Unwillingness has been a struggle for man since Eve ate the fruit from Satan. We saw this unfold in the book of Genesis. Eve was unwilling to trust what God has told her and Adam was unwilling to step in and lead his wife. We see clearly throughout scripture that being willing to do what God commands is not natural to the flesh. 

Unwillingness is something that often gets overlooked or passed off as permissible. The world tells us we can harbour whatever feelings we want, and we can do with them whatever feels best. I went through a season where God revealed to me just how much unwillingness was in my heart. Maybe you’ve been unwilling to forgive, to show up where God has called you, to listen to your neighbour struggling, to grieve and heal through your hurts, or to stand firm in your faith when you felt pressured by others. The lists go on and on regarding what we have buried in our hearts. 

As the Lord showed me my heart, I continually saw that a heart willing to do what God commands of us is completely contrary to the world. Our world celebrates the power of the person to choose to do what they desire when they desire, and how they desire. As I went through this season of my unwillingness, the Lord led me to today’s verse. 

Today, whatever you find yourself unwilling to hand over; know that the Lord sees it too. He sees your heart and desires you to surrender this to Him. The Lord not only wants to reveal His heart to you through this revelation, but He wants to walk with you each step of the way as this season unfolds. He is good, He is faithful, He can change your heart and He will see you through. Hallelujah! 

 “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14. 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for revealing my unwilling heart. Father, please help my heart in the places where it’s unwilling to surrender to You. Lord, help my heart seek You and your heart above all things. God, lead me as I continue to turn away from the ways of this world and cling tightly to You and your commands. In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

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A Sacrifice of Praise

We have so much to praise God for, there’s great power in giving honour to God. And many of you live that truth out, every. The Bible is filled with examples of praise when we see God’s power released – life-changing miracles, dramatic stories of the enemy being halted or defeated, hearts being changed, and sinners drawn closer to Him. 

The reality is that way too often we let daily struggles or constant life demands crowd out our praise to God.  We might check our worship box after church and somehow think we’re good for the week. And all the while, our souls are distant and cold, we sing words, we listen to music, then we go home still weighed down by life. I have realised that it’s a sacrifice to offer praise. We may not feel like it.  We’re struggling.  We’re weary.  Or maybe, we feel like God let us down. We think God seems distant, like he’s far away, or doesn’t care about what’s troubling us. Painful life blows and losses might have recently sent us spiralling. Yet God wants our praise. 

Today we have a choice. To live absorbed in worry and stress, on the fast track of busyness, focused only on the negatives that surround us, hearing only the roar of the world or to slow down and believe His word and allow our praise with our whole heart to drown out life difficulties. God waits for us to give Him total praise. He longs for us to know the power of His presence over our lives.  God desires to bless us more than we could imagine. His Spirit urges us onward, calling us closer through a life of unadulterated praise let’s begin today. 

“From the rising of the sun, to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” – Psalm 113:3 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I praise you with my whole heart and songs, I praise you for your faithfulness, I praise you for your great power and love. Father, I confess my need for you, my life doesn’t go so well when I just spin around on my own. God, I struggle and worry, get weary and worn. Yet you never leave me. Thank you for your presence. Thank you for your care over me. Lord, I ask for your spirit to fill me and work your purpose in me, as I set my eyes on you. In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

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Be Delivered!

It’s one thing to be forgiven of sin, however, there is still a need for deliverance. God is a mighty Deliverer! You may feel afflicted, overwhelmed, or burdened by the cares of life. God is working to bring you out of that difficult situation. It may not be in the way you thought, but you must trust that God has your best interests at heart.

Consequences and afflictions can take on different forms—sickness, hardship, temptation, a difficult co-worker, a friend or maybe a contentious family member. There are so many things that can come against us. Remember, those afflictions are only temporary. Stand in faith today believing that God is on your side. It doesn’t matter what your circumstances look like, why don’t you get up every morning and say, “this is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it!” 

Today, because of life’s afflictions and hardships, you may not feel like rejoicing or being upbeat, look to God with eyes of faithful expectancy, you’ll see your Deliverer is coming. Hallelujah! As you stand and trust the Lord, He will deliver you and empower you to overcome all evil afflictions, and you’ll see His abundant blessings in every area of your life.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:19, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for being my Deliverer! Father, thanks for the promise to deliver me from all evil and afflictions. I trust that You have a plan for me to not only be sinless but to be spiritually cleansed from my evil ways. God, I thank You for Your strength and peace in every area of my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

 

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