5 tweets that help you help others on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

“Sexual violence against women and girls is rooted in centuries of male domination. Let us not forget that the gender inequalities that fuel rape culture are essentially a question of power imbalances.”
UN Secretary-General AntÃ³nio Guterres

The United Nations General Assembly has designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (Resolution 54/134). The premise of the day is to raise awareness of the fact that women around the world are subject to rape, domestic violence and other forms of violence; furthermore, one of the aims of the day is to highlight that the scale and true nature of the issue is often hidden. For 2014, the official Theme framed by the UN Secretary-General’s campaign UNiTE to End Violence against Women, is Orange your Neighbourhood. For 2018, the official theme is “Orange the World:#HearMeToo” .

This year’s theme is “Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands Against Rape.” For the next two years, a campaign from the U.N. Secretary General will focus specifically on rape in its efforts to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.

According to U.N. figures, one in three women and girls experience some form of physical or sexual violence in their lives. The U.N. estimates that approximately 15 million adolescent girls have experienced forced sex during their lifetimes. Based on its data from 30 countries, only 1 percent of these girls ever looked for professional help.

“Too many of us fail to name or challenge the rape culture that surrounds us,” U.N. Women said in an statement about this year’s theme.

U.N. Women encourages people to get directly involved in preventing sexual violence by learning about rape culture, listening to survivors, and talking about consent.

For this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, here are some tweets that show you how to do exactly that.

1. Stand up

https://twitter.com/WFP/status/1198952338939101184

2. Know the definition of consent as there is no excuse for sexual violence

https://twitter.com/UN_Women/status/1198928076966641664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1198928076966641664&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Farticle%2Fviolence-against-women-2019-united-nations%2F

3. Support survivors

https://twitter.com/europeaid/status/1198856273565044736

4. To feel safe, women and girls have to look at everyday objects differently. Understand the burden women carry to avoid violence

https://twitter.com/UN_Women/status/1198897874626646017

5. Stop victim-blaming and body-shaming. What women choose to wear or not wear is not consent for sexual harassment, violence, bullying, body-shaming or victim-blaming.

https://twitter.com/UNDP/status/1198904157954031616

November 11, 2019November 12, 2019

A Victory for Christians Everywhere

As I listened to a football coach comment on his team’s win, he said “I knew we were going to win, it was just a matter of time.” Isn’t it wonderful to know that God promises to always lead us into victory? That means no matter what is going on in your life today, no matter what’s happening in the world around you, no matter what anybody says, you should always be thanking God, because victory is always on the way! Hallelujah!

Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you decide to celebrate what God is going to do in your life. Praise is putting action behind your faith. In the middle of adversity or a tough time, start making a list of who you’re going to invite to your victory celebration. That means if you’re in the hospital, start planning what you’re going to do when you get out. If you have no money, or low on money, start planning your coming-out-of-debt party.

Today, when things don’t look good in the natural, remember the words of our team coach Christ – we were always going to win, it was just a matter of time, we serve a supernatural God. With God leading you into victory, you can always plan for increase. You can plan for restoration. You can plan for a comeback, and you can plan for victory, because He is leading and guiding you in Jesus’ name!

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ”¦”
(2 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I give You thanks and praise today for the promise of victory. Father, give me Your vision for the future, so that I can move confidently into the abundant life of victory You have for me. God, I may not be experiencing victory now, but I know it’s on the way, it’s just a matter of time, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

November 6, 2019November 6, 2019

God’s Will and Your Big, Stupid Mistakes

I grew up in a church that taught me that my sins and my mistakes kept me from being blessed or used by God, and will cancel my God-given purpose. No matter where you’ve been, no matter what you’ve done, realise today that your destiny supersedes your mistakes.

When God designed the plan for your life, it wasn’t dependent on you being perfect, never making a mistake, or never taking a wrong turn. No, God knew we would all make mistakes. He knows how to get you back on track no matter where you are in life. Just like there are many routes on a map, God has a plan to help you reach your destination. He has detours, shortcuts and bypasses. He has already calculated the entire route for your life.

Today, If you’re feeling sinful, if you’re feeling like you’ve blown it, if you feel like you are too old, too far gone or too far off track, know that nothing you’ve done, no mistake that you’ve made or ever will make is a surprise to God. He’s already got it figured out. He’s arranged a comeback for every setback! He has grace for every sin or weakness. Hallelujah! He has mercy for every failure. Receive it today, confess and move forward with boldness and forgiveness into the destiny He has for you!

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:9, ESV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for the gifts and talents You’ve given me despite knowing my sins and my mistakes. Father, thank You for applying Your grace to my sin, and keeping me on track as You order my steps. God, I repent today for any disobedience that has caused me to get off course. Keep me close to You always, as I set my love on You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

October 9, 2019October 9, 2019

Why is it so Important to Read the Bible?

With over 66 books, 40 different authors, in 3 different continents, over a span of 1500 years the Bible stands firm generation after generation. With so many different characteristics it serves as a testimony to the one unifiying message of God’s love and redemption for mankind. Having been studied by thousands of people over centuries, there is still no amount of wisdom or knowledge that could match the contents of this one book.

When I was younger my mum MADE me read my bible in the mornings. It’s not that I didn’t like reading it, it was just that to me it was like a chore I just had to do, to get my mum off my back. But today, it is the source of my strength and comfort in my everyday life and I am grateful for that early exposure to it. I can still remember my mum making me memorise scripture on Saturday’s, which to this day are still stuck in my mind (If you are Indian, you can relate to this!).

Many times, before I gave my life to Christ, I asked myself why it was even important to read the bible? It was just words on a page written so many years ago. The stories were kinda nice but I’d heard them all before over and over again in Sunday School. After all, I was the preacher’s kid.

But now, whenever I find spare time my only thought is to listen to a podcast or do some bible journalling or dig deep into a passage. Don’t get me wrong though. There are times when I feel like that last thing I want to do is open up my bible. Have you ever found that when you force yourself to open up your bible on those days, you find yourself in God’s presence the most.

In Matthew Chapter 4, we see the account of Jesus being tempted by the Devil for 40 days. Once Jesus replaced Satan’s lies with God’s truth, it was then that His minsitry truly started. I’m sure many of you reading this will have seen so many different angles on this story and know it front to back, but humour me for a moment. This passage, for me, shows me really why reading the scripture is so important and such a meaningful part of my life.

It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’.
MATTHEW 4:4

The phrase ‘it is written” is recorded 3 different times in the space of 11 verses. Now, I don’t know about you but I’ve always been taught that when something is repeated in the bible, we best be paying attention to it! Especially, when it comes out of the mouth of Jesus!

Our world fills our hearts with doubts and fears. Lies that cloud our thoughts and judgment. When people twist Scripture for their own purposes or to throw us into confusion. What do you and I do then? If we don’t know what the word of God says, TRULY says, then how do we know what is the truth and who and what we can trust? What about ourselves? How can we judge ourselves and question whether our intents and our actions are right?

Scripture is important. One of the most important things you can invest your time in. It is essential to defend ourselves and to fight the enemy with. It dispels the fog of darkness under your feet, and lights the path underneath you like a lamp. If you do not know what the truth is, evil will twist and deviate what the Word of God really says.

If doubts are something that you struggle with a lot then check out my blog about Replacing Lies or if you struggle with reading the bible then check out my blog on How to Read the Bible More.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17

September 27, 2019September 27, 2019

Dear Depressed Christian: If You Do Nothing Else Today, Please Read This

Is there an issue in your life today that you would like to put a stop to? Maybe it’s a certain behaviour, addiction or bad attitude that isn’t pleasing to God. When Adam and Eve disobeyed in the garden, the first thing God did was to put clothing on them. They needed to be covered. In the same way, you and I need to be covered today. What should we cover or clothe ourselves with?

Remember, when you “clothe yourself” with the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be protected and able to stand strong against temptation. How do you clothe yourself with Jesus Christ? First of all, when you receive Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you are covered and cleansed by His blood. You are restored and renewed.

Today think about this, just as you get dressed daily to cover your body, you have to daily “cover” your mind with the Word of God. That means you cover every point that has access to your thoughts. Cover your ears by listening to the Word. Cover your eyes by watching only what is pleasing to the Lord. Cover your mouth by speaking the Word and encouraging those around you. As you cover yourself with Christ, you’ll be strong against temptation, you’ll walk in victory, and you’ll experience the good things He has in store for you!

“Clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature]”¦”
(Romans 13:14, AMP)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to redeem me and restore me. Father, there are many issues I’ve been struggling with for a long time. Please cover me with Your Spirit so I can stand against temptation. I say thank You in advance for making me new and covering me, so that I can stand strong against temptation. Today, I submit every area of my life to You and invite You to have Your way in me, in Jesus’ name! Amen

September 27, 2019September 27, 2019

Greater Than Pizza, Movies And Ice Cream

I’m always disheartened, bewildered and even confused by the way we use the word “love,” prompting the question “what is love?” We love food, movies, clothes and sports, but we also love our family or spouse.

In the Word of God, we see God’s true definition of love. First Corinthians 13 tells us that “love is patient and kind. It does not envy nor boast. It is not proud. It is not rude. It does not seek its own way, is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not rejoice in evil, but rejoices in the truth. Love believes, hopes and endures. Love never fails.” This is how God responds to us, and this is how we should respond to the people in our lives with patience, kindness, hope, humility and love. Scripture tells us that God is love, and His character never changes!

Today, and every day, know that God loves you more than you love pizza, ice cream and cake. He loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He is there for you and has a great plan for you. Receive His perfect, consistent and patient love, and let Him transform you from the inside out. His love is the greatest love and will last throughout all eternity! Hallelujah!

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
(1 Corinthians 13:13, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for loving me and accepting me with all my faults and flaws. Father, thank You for doing a work in my life that no one else can do. God, please help me to love like You, with patience and consistency. Help me to see others the way You see them, and respond in love, because You are love. I bless You, honour You and love You today and always, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

September 24, 2019September 24, 2019

What is the meaning of I AM WHO I AM?

The Hebrew name for “God” was considered so holy in scripture that the people wouldn’t even say it. Instead they used names that describe His character and attributes. In the same way that a “man” might also be called “father” or “husband” or “the boss,” God has names that describe Him and His relationship to His people.

When God appeared to Moses in a burning bush, and sent him to lead the Israelites out of captivity, Moses asked God, “who should I say sent me?” After all, he couldn’t breathe the name of God in public. God replied by saying, “Moses, My name is I Am.” In other words, “I am anything and everything you need. I am your joy. I am your peace. I am your strength. I am your victory. I am your way of escape. I am whatever you need.”

Today, God is saying to you! What is it that you need? I Am everything you need – Water when you’re thirsty; Bread when you’re hungry and your Lover when your lonely. The Great I Am, the Almighty God is ready to supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory. Open your heart of faith to Him right now, and receive all of the blessings He has in store for you!

“God replied to Moses, ‘I Am Who I Am”¦’”
(Exodus 3:14, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I call on You, the Great I Am. I totally surrender myself to You – body, mind and spirit. Father, I ask that You direct my steps, and please God, supply every one of my needs as I move forward in obedience to Your Word, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

September 10, 2019September 10, 2019

How the God of All Comfort Can Help You

We live in a world of temporary comfort. Oftentimes when people face challenges, they seek comfort by surrounding themselves with things that may seem familiar or pleasurable, like alcohol, cigarettes, illicit drugs, sex, sport, relationships, or food. But those things are temporary, and they can only bring temporary comfort. True, lasting comfort is available, and it’s only found in a personal relationship with God, through our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Webster’s dictionary defines comfort as “to give strength and hope; to ease grief or trouble.” No matter what difficulty you may be facing today, God wants to bring you comfort. Like a mother cares for her child, He longs to give you strength, hope and confidence.

Today, make the decision to put God first in every area of your life. Let go of those things that you know are holding you back. Let Him be Lord over all! As you surrender to His grace, you will be filled with His peace, joy and comfort. You’ll be empowered to overcome every obstacle, and you will be fulfilled all the days of your life.

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you”¦”
(Isaiah 66:13, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, as I come to You, I invite You to fill my whole being with Your divine hope. Thank You Father, for being my lasting comfort and strength. Please, help me not to rely on the temporary pleasures of this life. God, empower me by Your Spirit to live in the victory You have established for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Dictionary Definition of Comfort

Look up comfort in a dictionary and you’ll find a definition like “something that promotes a state of ease or provides freedom from pain and anxiety.” But according to God’s Word, when consolation is needed, the only true solution is the indwelling Holy Spirit. In Greek, He is called parakl?tos, which means “he who stands at one’s side; he who comes to one’s aid.” Believers don’t have to rely on outward remedies or distractions to ease their mind, because help is available from the ultimate Comforter.

September 3, 2019September 3, 2019

Time to focus on your victories and not your past failures

Every morning when I open my facebook account my memories pop up. Most put a smile on my face — photos of baptisms, children and miracles. When you think about your past, what memories do you allow to play over and over in your mind? In the Old Testament, they had what they called memorial stones. These were used to remind the people about the good things God did in their lives, and all their victories.

We need to focus on our victories. Sure, we’ve all had setbacks, but when you meditate on your disappointments and failures, it only drains you of valuable energy. It steals your confidence and joy. But when you focus on your victories, it builds your strength and confidence, and increases your trust and your expectations in God. It also feeds your faith and gives you a reason to give God praise.

Today, I encourage you to get into the habit of focusing on your victories. Remember, every good and perfect gift comes from God. As you praise and thank Him for His victories in your life, He’ll pour out His blessing on you. He’ll open up supernatural doors for you to move forward in strength, to fulfil the dreams and desires He has placed in your heart!

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph”¦” (2 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness and victories in my life. Father, I will focus on the victories You have given me, and let go of any negative experiences from my past. God, I bless and praise You today, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Victory Quotes

Joyce Meyer
No matter what has happened to you in the past or what is going on in your life right now, it has no power to keep you from having an amazingly good future if you will walk by faith in God. God loves you! He wants you to live with victory over sin so you can possess His promises for your life today! Joyce Meyer

Bradley Whitford
One of the most surreal moments in this election was after the third debate, when I heard a talking head say, Al Gore won on substance, on the issues. But you have to give the victory to Bush because he seems presidential.

Bear Bryant
You Election Debate Moments If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride – and never quit, you’ll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards.

Joyce Meyer
Inspirational Yourself You Believe When you make a mistake and the devil comes and tells you ‘You’re no good,’ you don’t have to take on the guilt and condemnation he wants to put on you. No! You can immediately confess your mistake to God, thank Him for forgiving you and cleansing you with the blood of Jesus, and move forward in the victory of His grace and forgiveness.

Theodore Roosevelt
Good Forgiveness God You Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory. George S. Patton Motivational You Challenges Feel Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure… than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.

September 2, 2019September 2, 2019

Your Divine Destiny Is Waiting

While watching a programme about organ transplants, I saw that many are donated by co workers, friends and family. It got me thinking, there are some people that God has placed in your life to help you reach your destiny. They may not know you very well, but they may introduce you to someone, or put in a good word for you with someone you need to be connected with. They may have wisdom or advice that will thrust you forward in life.

Remember, divine appointments have been orchestrated by God Almighty. Divine appointments aren’t always the people you would expect. In fact, oftentimes they are the people you don’t expect–a woman at the grocery store, an intern at the office, someone who may seem to be less influential. But God can give anyone an idea. God can use anyone to make a connection.

Today, be open to receive from others, because God may have placed them in your life to answer your prayers and lead you to your destiny. Always treat everyone you encounter with dignity, honour and respect. You never know who God is going to use in your life. So be open, be loving, be kind and sow good seeds that will open the doors to His divine appointments!

“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.”
(Proverbs 16:9, NLT)

Pray With Me
Elohim, thank You for ordering my steps to my destiny. Father, thank You for divine appointments that keep me on the right path. I submit my will and my way to You. God, help me to be kind and loving to those around me from every walk of life, knowing they have been placed in my life for my eternal good. Give me wisdom to discern the opportunities You have placed in front of me, so I will know clearly it’s Your hand guiding me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Bible Verses for Divine Destiny

1 Corinthians 15:48-49
As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.

Romans 8:29
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to beconformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

1 John 3:1-3
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Philippians 3:21
who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Ephesians 1:9-11
having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth–in Him. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

John 17:20-24
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. ‘Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

Colossians 1:26-29
the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this endI also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

Ephesians 1:14
who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Romans 8:14-17
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Ephesians 1:3-5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

Ephesians 3:14-19
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height– to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

2 Peter 1:3-4
as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Romans 8:9
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

John 17:5
And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

Romans 8:11
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

1 Corinthians 15:42-44
So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Colossians 1:15-16
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Genesis 1:26
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

August 31, 2019May 6, 2022

25 Faith Strengthening Christian Quotes

Believing in God has a fundamental impact on your life and is not easy. It’s not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. At the same time, being a devoted believer in Christ will encourage you to let go of sin and to start living a righteous life. It will help you to behave with integrity, kindness, and moral righteousness in a world that is filled with wickedness, deceit, and greed and in the end, such a life finds its reward in Christ as he is more than enough for us. To celebrate the joy of being a Christian and to celebrate Jesus, we’ve compiled the following selection of inspiring faith-strengthening Christian quotes.

“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us”- Augustine
“He who lays up treasures on earth spends his life backing away from his treasures. To him, death is loss. He who lays up treasures in heaven looks forward to eternity; he’s moving daily toward his treasures. To him, death is gain.” —Randy Alcorn
“God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supplies.” —Hudson Taylor
“Let God’s promises shine on your problems.” —Corrie ten Boom
“Christ literally walked in our shoes.” —Tim Keller
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” —Jim Elliot
“Remember who you are. Don’t compromise for anyone, for any reason. You are a child of the Almighty God. Live that truth.” —Lysa Terkeurst
“Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.” —Francis Chan
“The greater your knowledge of the goodness and grace of God on your life, the more likely you are to praise Him in the storm.” —Matt Chandler
“You are the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read.” —John MacArthur
“The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.’” —Billy Graham
“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” —Mother Teresa
“God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile” — Max Lucado
“Always, everywhere God is present, and always He seeks to discover Himself to each one” —A.W.Tozer
“God will meet you where you are in order to take you where He wants you to go.” —Tony Evans
There is no one who is insignificant in the purpose of God.” —Alistair Begg
“If you believe in a God who controls the big things, you have to believe in a God who controls the little things. It is we, of course, to whom things look ‘little’ or ‘big’.” —Elisabeth Elliot
“Relying on God has to start all over everyday, as if nothing has yet been done.” —C. S. Lewis
“Your potential is the sum of all the possibilities God has for your life.” —Charles Stanley
“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.” —Helen Keller
“Continuous effort — not strength nor intelligence — is the key to unlocking our potential.” —Winston Churchill
“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” —Chuck Swindoll
“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him” —John Piper
“God does not give us everything we want, but He does fulfill His promises, leading us along the best and straightest paths to Himself.” —Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship.”
? Martin Luther

August 31, 2019September 22, 2022

Justin Bieber Drops a Kanye Bombshell as He Opens up about Leading Worship

â€œI like making the music that I make,â€ Bieber said when asked if he would be recording a worship album.

Justin’s has immersed himself in religion in recent years, attending both Churchome and Hillsong services, and now it looks like he’s taking on a bigger role.

On Wednesday night Justin Bieber led worship at a Churchome service in Beverly Hills. Clips from the performance went viral on social media.

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A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber)

He wrote,

Sang at church last night. God is pulling me through a hard season. Having trust in Jesus at your worst times is the absolute hardest. But he is faithful to complete what he started. I also want to thank my wife for being such a huge support in my life through this season ”¦ it says in the Bible count it ALL JOY when you face trials of various kinds. Sounds insane considering when u face trials u feel terrible. But if we are grateful and worship god for what we do have in that season there is so much power in that”¦ whatever pain you are going through just keep telling yourself THIS WONT LAST! Love you guys we in this together

According to TMZ, pastor Judah Smith explained to the congregation that it was time for Bieber to help lead the flock in song after years of being a worshipper.

Bieber says his breakout moment was part of a larger message he wants to spread.

The 25-year-old has been open about his faith – particularly in recent years – attending services at Churchome and Hillsong.

In the caption to an Instagram post featuring a few clips from the evening, Bieber alluded to some recent struggles in life during this “hard season”, but also said he is leaning on his faith to get him through. He also encouraged others who are experiencing difficult times to rely on Christ.

August 29, 2019August 29, 2019

The Word This Week — AGAPE: A LOVE THAT GIVES AND DOES NOT EXPECT IN RETURN

Many people these days only give to get. They won’t do a thing without wanting something in return. The way to tell how mature you are is by the way you treat people who can’t do anything for you. We can all be kind to the leadership so we can get a promotion, or more money. We can all be friendly to the popular person at school so they will like us and be our friend.

If we’re going to live the Christian way God intended, we’ve got to learn to be good to everyone, not expecting anything back. Jesus said, “when you do good to the least of these, you’re doing it unto Me.” When you do good to those who can’t pay you back Jesus says “you’ve done it unto Me.” When you go out of your way to befriend the person that everyone shuns, Jesus says, “you’ve done it unto Me.”

Today, instead of looking down at the parking attendant who may have given you a ticket, why don’t you take time to see how they’re doing? That person at the office that others ignore or shun, why don’t you reach out to them and share the love of Jesus? We build the kingdom of God one life at a time. Show His love, show His goodness, and tell people about salvation through Christ. As you reach out and help others, just like a boomerang, that help will come right back to you, from God, (however that should not be your motivation), and you’ll move forward into the blessing and destiny He has prepared for you.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.” (Matthew 25:40, NIV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, I desire to always honour You. Father, help me to be a more mature Christian, blessing those who can’t bless me back. Please show me the needs of the people around me. God, help me to treat them the way You would treat them. Show me how to help others rise higher and sow good seeds into them, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

August 5, 2019August 5, 2019

Surprise!!!

This year I received a pleasant surprise. After my accident I was blessed with a very nice car. A surprise is normally something good that you weren’t really expecting. It’s something that makes you feel special and lets you know that someone is thinking about you. Surprises should normally bring us joy and lift our hearts. Your heavenly Father wants to surprise you and overtake you with His goodness. He wants to do things that make your life easier, and lets you know how much He loves you.

In our Scripture today the word “overtake” can also be translated “to catch by surprise.” God longs to be good to you, He wants to catch you by surprise! He wants to help you accomplish your dreams and overcome your obstacles. He wants to amaze you with His goodness and mercy. We should wake up every morning with the attitude, “I can’t wait to see what God is going to do for me today!”

Today, make room in your heart and mind for what God wants to do in your life. Keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. As you do, you’ll see His surprises pour into your life. You’ll see His hand of blessing overtake you and bring you to new levels in every area of your life!

“If you will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments which I command you…all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you”¦”
(Deuteronomy 28:1-2, AMPC)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I open my heart and mind to You right now. Father, fill me with Your goodness and overtake me with Your blessings and give me a massive surprise. God, I honour You today and invite You to use me to be a blessing to others, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

July 8, 2019July 8, 2019

Intentionally Taking Root

This weekend I attended a dear friend’s 50^thbirthday celebration. Amidst the laughter, fun and music, friends and family alike all agreed that she was a great spiritual person. A godly woman that God had planted a seed of greatness in. Someone that was able to bounce back from illness and adversity, someone who didn’t have a negative bone in her body, who is willing to help at all times. Person after person expressed what a wonderful person she was in Christ.

Today, I want to let you know God has planted seeds of victory on the inside of you. He’s wants to increase you. He’s wants to enlarge your vision. He wants to take you to new levels of victory. But before you see a harvest, the seed has to intentionally take root. You have to conceive it before you are going to receive it. In other words, before you’re ever going to be successful, you’ve got to see yourself successful. Before you’re ever going to have your dreams come to pass, you’ve got to look out through your eyes of faith and see them coming to pass. That’s how you allow the seed to intentionally take root.

Today, please examine your thought life. What are you allowing to take root? Are God’s seeds of victory and life growing in your heart and mind, or are you nurturing seeds of defeat and despair? The good news is that you can change your thoughts right now, at this very moment. Begin to dwell on God’s promises and His goodness. Let His good seeds take root in your mind and heart. It won’t be long before you’ll see that harvest of blessing come forth in every area of your life!

“He answered, ‘the one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man’.” (Matthew 13:37, AMP)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I surrender every area of my mind, will and emotions to You. Father, I dwell on Your goodness and faithfulness, so that the good seeds You’ve planted in my life will take root. God, keep me close to You and direct my steps, as I intentionally walk down the path You have prepared for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen

June 24, 2019January 15, 2024

Mum Shocked After One Twin is Born with Albinism: Real Life Story

Albinism is the “congenital absence of any pigmentation or coloration in a person, animal or plant, resulting in white hair, feathers, scales and skin and pink eyes in mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish and other small invertebrates as well.”Varied use and interpretation of the terms mean that written reports of albinistic animals can be difficult to verify.

For ages, Judith had a feeling that she would struggle to become pregnant. There wasn’t a medical explanation for this — it was simply a niggling fear.

She and her husband struggled to believe they would ever become parents after years went by without her becoming pregnant. “I found myself getting anxious and desperate,” Judith first wrote on Love What Matters.

“The fear remained no matter how hard I tried to stay positive. However, Eight years down the line, my husband and I decided to go for our second round of IVF. The first of which failed, as well as other various procedures and fertility treatments. Every ultrasound visit after that was horror”
Judith

The couple could hardly contain their joy when that second round of IVF proved successful.

Judith was carrying twins — a boy, Kamis, and a girl, Kachi.

It felt remarkable that after all these years, their aspirations and dreams of a family were about to be real.

However, mum’s joy quickly turned to horror as doctors broke the news that Kachi was “at risk and might not make it”. “Every ultrasound visit after that was a nightmare as Kachi was far behind in growth whiles Kamsi did great.

“Finally, at 37 weeks, I had to be induced immediately because I was told that Kachi had stopped growing..” After the birth Nurses let Judith hold her daughter briefly before she was whisked to the NICU.

“The first time I saw her, I wondered if the nurse was handing me my baby, or someone else’s,” Judith said. “I waited a few seconds for someone to tell me there was a mix-up?” “Soon the joy of seeing them both healthy surpassed any other feeling at that instant.”
“How did I get black and white twins?”

Several days later Judith and her husband were told that their baby girl had albinism.

“I loved my princess like every mother would love her baby but worried about her condition,” Judith said.
“I worried about her future, how society would treat her, how she’ll be accepted.
“Gradually, worry turned to sadness and I started questioning “I envied other black babies and thought, ‘Why me? Why was I the one to have an albino baby?’
“How did I get black and white twins?”
“I threw the braille sheets in the garbage”

Unfortunately, medical professionals were quick to affirm Judith’s worst fears and told her that Kachi would struggle to see and would likely need to learn to read braille.

“I couldn’t imagine Kachi reading with braille and threw the braille sheets in the garbage.” She said

“She’s so smart and has a strong personality. She knows what she wants and will always go for it.
“I always tell her how beautiful she is, because she really is.
“I’m not sure she`s aware of her uniqueness at the moment, but eventually she’ll know.”
“It’s my responsibility to educate her and teach her to love herself no matter what.

Albinism

Albinism affects the production of melanin, the pigment that colours skin, hair and eyes. It’s a lifelong condition, but it doesn’t get worse over time.

People with albinism have a reduced amount of melanin, or no melanin at all. This can affect their colouring and their eyesight.

Albinism is caused by faulty genes that a child inherits from their parents.

Symptoms of albinism

Hair and skin colour

People with albinism often have white or very light blonde hair, although some have brown or ginger hair. The exact colour depends on how much melanin their body produces.

Very pale skin that burns easily in the sun and doesn’t usually tan is also typical of albinism.

Eye colour

Someone with albinism can have pale blue, grey or brown eyes. Eye colour depends on the type of albinism and the amount of melanin. People from ethnic groups with darker pigmentation tend to have darker coloured eyes.

Eye problems

The reduced amount of melanin can also cause other eye problems. This is because melanin is involved in the development of the retina, the thin layer of cells at the back of the eye.

Possible eye problems linked to albinism include:

poor eyesight — either short-sightedness or long-sightedness, and low vision (sight loss that can’t be corrected)
astigmatism — where the cornea (clear layer at the front of the eye) isn’t perfectly curved or the lens is an abnormal shape, causing blurred vision
photophobia — where the eyes are sensitive to light
nystagmus — where the eyes move involuntarily from side to side, causing reduced vision; you don’t see the world as “wobbling” because your brain adapts to your eye movement
squint — where the eyes point in different directions

Some young children with albinism may appear clumsy because problems with their eyesight can make it difficult for them to perform certain movements, such as picking up an object. This should improve as they get older.

How albinism is inherited

The two main types of albinism are:

oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) — the most common type, affecting the skin, hair and eyes
ocular albinism (OA) — a rarer type that mainly affects the eyes

Autosomal recessive inheritance

In most cases, including all types of OCA and some types of OA, albinism is passed on in an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. This means a child has to inherit two copies of the faulty gene (one from each parent) to have the condition.

If both parents carry the gene, there’s a 1 in 4 chance that their child will have albinism and a 1 in 2 chance that their child will be a carrier. Carriers don’t have albinism but can pass on the faulty gene.

X-linked inheritance

Some types of OA are passed on in an X-linked inheritance pattern. This pattern affects boys and girls differently: girls who inherit the faulty gene become carriers and boys who inherit the faulty gene will get albinism.

When a mother is a carrier of an X-linked type of albinism, each of her daughters has a 1 in 2 chance of becoming a carrier and each of her sons has a 1 in 2 chance of having albinism.

When a father has an X-linked type of albinism, his daughters will become carriers, and his sons won’t have albinism and won’t be carriers.

Read more about how mutations are passed on.

Genetic counselling

If you have a history of albinism in your family or you have a child with the condition, you may want to talk to your GP about getting a referral for genetic counselling.

A genetic counsellor provides information, support and advice about genetic conditions. For example, you can discuss with them how you inherited albinism and the chances of passing it on.

Read more about genetic testing and counselling.

Diagnosing albinism

Albinism is usually obvious from a baby’s appearance when they’re born. Your baby’s hair, skin and eyes may be examined to look for signs of missing pigment.

As albinism can cause a number of eye problems, your baby may be referred to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for tests to check for conditions such as nystagmus, squint and astigmatism.

Electrodiagnostic testing is also sometimes used to help diagnose albinism. This is where small electrodes are stuck to the scalp to test the connections of the eyes to the part of the brain that controls vision.