Ridiculous Laughter

Holy Laughter

Has God ever surprised you with the ridiculous? Has He promised you something that seems impossible? Have you ever thought that God is taking too long because there is no time left? You’re not alone Sarah was ninety years old when she became the mother of Isaac. When the Lord visited Abra­ham a year earlier and told him they would have a son she laughed. Sarah thought it was impossible—and perhaps even ridiculous. Shortly after that, she held her newborn son in her arms, understanding that, God had the last laugh. Now she laughed with Him not because the situation was surprising, funny or ridiculous, but because it was so wondrous. She even named her son child Isaac, which means “laughter.”

Today, are you waiting on God for the ridiculous? Is He taking too long? Abraham and Sarah’s long years of disappointment at not having a child and waiting on God to keep His promise ended in the joy of welcoming their beautiful baby boy. God had indeed brought laughter and hope, the beginning of the fulfilment of His promise to make them parents of a great nation. His faithfulness to them is one example of how God is faithful to us. God wants to birth laughter and joy in you right now to end sin, suffering and death.

Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” — Genesis 21:6

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for your promises. Father, please give me patients as I await answers and hold on to the ridiculous and the miraculous. Just like Sarah and Abraham, keep me laughing until my breakthrough comes. Today I celebrate the birth of joy and no more sin, suffering, Sorrow and death in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Love Those Who Hate You

True Love

Love your Enemies. This command sounds almost impossible. Furthermore, these words of Jesus don’t have much appeal. In most situations, hate and disdain are the more natural responses we have for our enemies. Jesus points out, loving people who already love you is fairly easy. There’s a guaranteed return on our love investment when we love people whom we know will love us back. He goes so far as to say, “Even sinners love those who love them.” So just loving the people who love you as a Christian is not enough. 

People who are going to follow the Lord have to step up their game. Three times Jesus mentioned even sinners do the easy work of loving others by expecting something in return. Jesus challenges us to show radical crazy love by loving the unlovable.  

Today, do you want to be children of God? Then love your enemies, recognizing they are worth the same amazing grace you and I have received from God and pray for them too! That’s hard to do, but it’s what Jesus demands of you and He gives you the grace and strength to follow these commands.  

To you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. — Luke 6:27 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, may my mind no longer nurse grudges and rehearse scenes of hurt and pain, but focus on your grace granted to me in Jesus. God, may I experience your love as I strive to love my enemies as well as my friends? Lord, help me to follow you daily, in Christ’ name. Amen. 

Unanswered Season

Seasonal Depression: Remembering God’s Provision

There are things in this life I will never understand. Are you going through a situation in your life that you don’t quite understand? You may be going through an uncertain season, it’s natural to question things in your mind. But in order to move forward, we have to look forward with our heart and not just our head. We have to look beyond the questions and continue to trust in Almighty God.

Remember, serving God means we’re going to have some unanswered questions. You may never understand why a relationship ended sooner than you would have liked. You may never understand why you lost a loved one. You may never understand why you went through something difficult. You may never understand why your God-fearing child is on drugs or why your prayers didn’t get answered. But at some point, you have to decide to put your questions aside and go on with God.  Trust Him when you can’t trace Him.

Today, we have to decide to trust His character even when our circumstances don’t make sense. The Bible tells us that adversity will come, but God is the one who promises to lead us into victory. He has promised that He’s going to turn that difficulty around and use it for your advantage. He is faithful to His word, and you can be sure that He will fulfill every promise He’s made to you.

“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God…” (Deuteronomy 29:29, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I choose to trust You with my unanswered questions. I choose to release any doubt and confusion to You. Father, help me to focus on Your word which is truth that will set me free from doubts and lack of understanding. God, I will trust You when I can’t trace You. Thank You for Your goodness and for the blessings You have in store for my future, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Resist

How can I teach my children to resist temptation?

Have you ever been tempted to take something that didn’t belong to you,? Maybe it was something you thought you deserved or felt you just had to have, maybe it was something that looked exciting and fun, but you also knew that it could be dangerous and hurt you and you knew this might be your only chance to have it. After all, it looked so interesting and inviting—and even though you had been warned about it, you thought, “How could this possibly harm me?” 

When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he used all kinds of reasoning and tricks to try to convince Jesus that He should have certain things or do certain things. But, thankfully for us, Jesus never gave in to his temptation. Christ saw through Satan’s lies and pushed away those temptations by recalling God’s words. 

Today, we can resist temptation by the power of Christ. You may be tempted by what you see in front of you, but, like Jesus, you need to let it go and move on. Jesus, endured temptation so that He could pass the test for our sake, and now we have His example of how to resist. You can trust that God will always provide a way out of temptation. Hallelujah! 

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” — Matthew 4:10 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for your example of how to resist temptations. Father, please give me the courage and power to resist all of the devil lies, and please provide me with a way out of those bad things I enjoy. In Christ name, Amen. 

Happy New Year – God Has A Plan For 2022

As we look forward to a New Year, did you know that God had a plan for you before the foundations of the earth? He created you to be holy. Remember as you enter 2022, He chose you to be His ambassador, His representative in the earth. He created you to reflect His glory, character, righteousness, and holiness. Think about that for a moment. Part of your purpose on this earth is to be a representative for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! 

Friend, because of your purpose, it should make you walk a little differently. It should make you talk a little differently. It should make you think a little more carefully about the places you go and the things you do. 

Today and in 2022, God will equip you to do whatever He’s called you to do. If there are things in your life that you need to change in order to represent Him well in this New Year, God wants to empower you to overcome. Receive His strength and might today, so that you can walk in holiness and be His ambassador everywhere you go! 

“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.” (Ephesians 1:4, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for choosing me to be Your representative in the earth before I was born. Father, as I approach this New year, search my heart and remove anything that is displeasing to You. God, I receive Your holiness and will walk according to Your ways, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

No Fear in 2022

How to Deal with Chronic Fear and Anxiety

As we enter the final day of this year, I urge you to let go of your past. All of those mistakes worries, stresses and fears. In the same way that faith opens the door for God to work in our lives, fear opens the door for the enemy to work in our lives. So leave it behind!  

Scripture says that fear brings torment. Fear has no mercy. If you act on fear instead of acting on faith, it will keep you depressed, miserable and lonely. So many people today are missing out on God’s joy, peace and victory because they keep giving in to fear. They feed fear by what they watch on TV, or read in the news or on the internet. Don’t let that be you! How do get faith? Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. I urge you in 2022 fill your heart and mind with God’s Word, and the stronger your faith will be so you can stand against the powers of darkness. Choose faith instead of fear this new year by choosing to spend time in God’s Word.  

Today, on December 31st 2021, remember, the power that is in you through the Holy Spirit, is greater than the power of fear. When thoughts come that say, “you’re not able,” choose faith by saying, “I can do all things through Christ!” Choose faith, overcome fear and live in the freedom God has in store for you! Lets crossover by faith into 2022! Hallelujah!  

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NLT)  

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, on the final day of 2021, I receive Your Word which is life, health and strength to me. I choose to close the door on fear by guarding what I say, listen to and dwell on. God, fill me with Your love and faith, as I meditate on Your Word and crossover into a new year, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Have A Joyful Christmas

I have grown to enjoy the Christmas season. I like seeing cheerful decorations, spending time with family and friends, and eating Christmas goodies. My favorite part of Christmas, by far, though, is listening to carols and Christmas songs, one of my favourites is, “Joy to the World!” 

Isaac Watts’ eighteenth-century carol based on Psalm 98, celebrates the coming of Christ. The joy of the Saviour’s coming should be resounding throughout all of creation, and the fields, the hills and plains “repeat the sounding joy.” This is good news for the entire world! 

What’s so good about this news sang each Christmas? Isaac Watts answers that question in the third verse of this classic where he declares that Jesus has come to deal with the curse of human sin and rebellion. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus brings the blessing as “far as the curse is found.” Hallelujah! 

This Christmas as you sing this carol “joy to the world’ don’t miss this theme mentioned throughout the song. To be released from bondage to sin and the power of death over us, we are now freed to live with joy, to love God and our neighbour, and to cultivate the earth God has given us. So let’s sing and shout throughout the universe with urgency and unity the joyul good news: “The Lord is come, let earth receive it’s King”! 

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. — Luke 2:10-11 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, we praise You for coming to release us from the ­power of sin and death. God, help us to live in ways that proclaim the wonders of Your love and the joy that Jesus brings. We give thanks for this joyful holiday when we can celebrate our Saviour and His love for us. With joy we pray, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Christians Please Stay Focused This Christmas

Yes, I Will Share Christmas Tree Photos, Gifts and All

Nothing deterred the wilderness preacher John the Baptist from losing his focus on Christ. From the beginning, John made it clear that he was not the Messiah. His ministry was about pointing people to Christ the Lamb. When Jesus came to be baptized, John said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Not even petty arguments, nor the fact that his followers left him to follow Jesus, caused him to lose focus. He simply said, “Christ must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30.” Then in John 3:29 he was full of joy because he had heard the bridegroom’s voice. Hallelujah! 

At Christmas time, children and adults often ask, “What did you get for Christmas?” Unlike John the Baptist, how quickly we lose focus on Jesus, who came to give us salvation. Instead, we think of ourselves and the things we have or don’t have. Ask yourself today, “Am I full of joy because I have heard the Saviour’s voice and received His gifts?” 

Today, stay focused on Christ the Lamb, because there is one event coming that is greater than Christmas. The day the Messiah will return. Then all who have heard His voice and have faith in Him as the Saviour will join with God’s people, singing, “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!” What a day that will be! 

“He must become greater; I must become less.” — John 3:30 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, help me to avoid getting caught up in my own interests and other distractions during this Christmas time. God, please guide me daily to stay focused on Your Son and His amazing love, now and until He returns. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Favour And Honour

Do you need peace, provision or guidance today? What do you need from the Lord? The Word of God promises that no good thing will He withhold from those who walk blamelessly before Him. Now you may be thinking, “I’m not perfect. How can I have a blameless walk?”  

When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you automatically have a new, blameless walk. The past is erased in God’s eyes. Sure, you may make mistakes from time to time, but 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

Today, God wants to pour His favour and honour on you. If you feel like there is anything in your life that you need to be cleansed from, go to the Father today and confess it to Him. Let Him make you new so that you can receive the good things He has in store for you! 

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favour and honour; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for loving me and choosing to pour out Your favour and blessing on me. Father, thank You for giving me a new beginning and making me blameless in Your eyes. God, search my heart today, and show me if there is anything that would keep me from You, in Christ’s name! Amen. 

A New Creation

As a born again child of God, you are a new creation. You have a new spirit and a new life! There may be “old” things in your life that you are trying to get rid of. Maybe you have old habits or addictions that you need to change. Remember today that the new has come. It’s a new season with fresh opportunities, and it’s time for you to be the new fresh you. Let this be the moment, the day, the year that you break old habits, addictions and old thinking. Let this be the time that you move forward into a new life of victory. So take hold of your spiritual blessings that the Lord has promised — peace, health, protection and victory. Don’t let anything pass you by. 

Today, be encouraged, because no matter what is happening in your life right now, you have a chance for a new beginning. Choose to leave the old behind — leave behind old behaviours, old thinking, old words, and old mindsets and embrace the new by faith. Trust that He is leading you in this season. Declare His Word and embrace the blessings and victories He has prepared for you! 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for making me new. I leave behind the old life and ask that You empower me by Your spirit. Father, help me to understand Your plans for my life, and to embrace the truth of Your Word that sets me free. God, please break my addictions and bad habits. Make me new and whole. Grant me Your peace, health and protection, as I move forward in Christ’ name! Amen. 

What Do You Need From God In 2022?

Do you need peace, provision or guidance today? What do you need from the Lord? The Word of God promises that no good thing will He withhold from those who walk blamelessly before Him. Now you may be thinking, “I’m not perfect. How can I have a blameless walk?”  

When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you automatically have a new, blameless walk. The past is erased in God’s eyes. Sure, you may make mistakes from time to time, but 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

Today, God wants to pour His favour and honour on you. If you feel like there is anything in your life that you need to be cleansed from, go to the Father today and confess it to Him. Let Him make you new so that you can receive the good things He has in store for you! 

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favour and honour; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for loving me and choosing to pour out Your favour and blessing on me. Father, thank You for giving me a new beginning and making me blameless in Your eyes. God, search my heart today, and show me if there is anything that would keep me from You, in Christ’s name! Amen. 

Are You Ready For The Next Challenge?

Photo by Mukuko Studio on Unsplash

Caleb had helped lead the children of Israel into their Promised Land. But Caleb didn’t just stop there. In fact, when he was 80 years old he said, “God, give me another mountain.” He was saying, “God, give me something else to do. Give me another assignment.”  

He was planning on ending his life in victory. He could have said, “God, just let me retire. My back’s hurting. I can hardly see anymore. NHS won’t pay for that latest prescription. I’m so aggravated with life.” Instead, he was saying I’m strong, energetic, and excited; he was ready for another challenge. 

Today, no matter how old or how young you are, God has another assignment for you. You wouldn’t be here if God didn’t have a purpose for you. Make plans for another victory! Make plans to increase in influence, abundance, and favour. Choose to take a step of faith into the life of blessing God has in store for you! 

“Now, therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day…” (Joshua 14:12, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for creating me and giving my life purpose. Father, help me discover the gifts and talents You’ve placed within me so that I can use them for Your glory all the days of my life. God, thank You for the next victory You have in store for me, in Christ’s name! Amen. 

Stay Till The End

It is God’s will that we flourish in this life. He wants to see you come out of setbacks stronger, wiser, increased and promoted. He wants to give you hope and see you flourish before you come to the finish line of life. 

My father died unexpectedly, everyone in our family was in shock. We didn’t know how everything was going to turn out. We didn’t have all the answers, but we understood the principle of life and death in Christ. Instead of getting stuck, we just kept moving forward little by little, doing our best, being faithful, being good to people. As I look out today, I can see the faithfulness of God. I can say like David, “look what the Lord has done!” 

Today, when you encounter adversity, know that God isn’t finished yet. God’s will never ends on a negative. He has more in store for you if you will keep pressing forward. Don’t let your thoughts get stuck on the circumstances. Instead, lift up your eyes to Jehovah, the Author and Finisher of your faith. Trust Him and He will lead you into a flourishing finish! 

“For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you…to give you hope in your final outcome.” (Jeremiah 29:11, AMPC) 

 Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I humbly come to You, ready to receive Your favour, grace and mercy. Father, I cast my cares on You. I cast my questions on You. God, I put my hope in You, knowing that You will bring me to a flourishing finish, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

A Morning Of Hope

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

David was called a man after God’s own heart. He knew God and saw amazing miracles in his life. Notice what David did. He set the tone for his whole day by spending time with the Lord in the morning.  

It didn’t matter what was going on in his life, David had his priorities set. Even though he was mistreated by his family, manipulated, made fun of, hunted down by King Saul, and even made some major mistakes of his own, David realised that each morning held the promise of new hope. 

Today, if you’ll make spending time with God a priority in your life, you will see Him move mightily on your behalf. Make it a habit to seek Him first every single day no matter what. Set the tone for your day and set your course for victory! 

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I choose to put You first in everything that I do. Father, I choose to set the tone for my day by starting it with You. God, please draw me close to You, and empower me by Your Spirit to fulfill the dreams and destiny that You have placed within me. Each morning Lord, I live in hope of blessings, miracles and joy, in Christ’ name! Amen. 

Thanksgiving Pt4 – A Thanksgiving Message!

On this thanksgiving day in the US, take time to reflect and give thanks to God for all of His blessings in your life. Whether you are eating turkey or pies, playing games with your family, watching T.V, or visiting friends or family, remember to take time to focus on God’s goodness. Count your blessings and notice all the grace, favour and love that God has given you. 

If you’re not American the Bible says we too should give thanks. Psalm 95:2 says to “come before His presence with thanksgiving…shout joyfully to Him with psalms.” This scripture reminds us that we don’t have to wait for a day to give thanks, we should do it always. No matter the circumstances in your life, give thanks and praise to God for all that He has done. 

Today, remember how good God is and that His love will endure forever. The Bible says that you show your love and real thanks to God through your actions toward other people. Reach out to those around you today who may not have family, friends or food. Share His love and forgiveness with them. Be thankful you can be a blessing to others! 

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, no matter what the circumstances, I always give thanks to You for the blessings in my life. Father, help me find the time to serve others during this busy season and throughout the year. God in doing so, may I draw closer to You, in Christ’ name! Amen. 

We Have The Same Power As Jesus

What They Did To Jesus They Will Do To You

I read in the Bible that we have the same resurrection power that Jesus had. I found that so hard to believe, then this thought came to mind. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and get baptised, the Holy Spirit makes His home inside of us, just as He did at Christ’s baptism.

That same Spirit, with the same power that worked miracles and raised Christ from the dead, that resurrection power can do the same for you. It will bring back health, strength and life to your physical body. It will restore hope and breathe life into your dead dreams. In fact, the Spirit can resurrect any area that may seem dormant in your life today. The next time you feel overwhelmed by sickness, challenges or despair, remember, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you through Christ Jesus.

Today, you may be burdened by an addiction, fear or worry, but there’s nothing that can stand against the power of God. So rise up and declare by faith, “he whom the Son sets free is free indeed. I am restored and healed in the name of Jesus! No weapon formed against me can prosper!” Receive His truth, declare His Word, and activate His power within you!

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies, because of his Spirit who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for filling me with Your Holy Ghost power, the same power that raised Christ from the dead. Father, I will feed my faith by declaring Your Word. Father, I will walk in Your ways, and honour You in everything I do, and exercise your resurrection power in all the dead areas in my life, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

 

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