Tag: peace

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Faith In The Faithful 

a close up shot of a woman holding a rosary while praying

Our God is a promise-keeping God. Does this matter? Does God’s integrity make a difference? Does his faithfulness come into play? 

Others may make a promise and forget it. But if God makes a promise, He never forgets it. 

The Book of Hebrews says, “God has given both his promise and his oath” (6:18). The scripture goes on to say, “He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). Hallelujah! 

Today, we may ask the question ‘does it matter that God is a God of integrity? Does he keep his promises?’ – when your child is on life support, it does. When you are pacing the ER floor, it does. When you are wondering what to do with your worst trial, you must choose faith or fear. You must choose between God’s purpose, random history, a human opinion, or a God who knows and cares, a God who isn’t there in the flesh but loves you.  

Today, we all have a choice. Choose to trust God’s promises. Choose to believe that God is up to something good, even though all you see looks bad. Choose to believe, because God is faithful! 

He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). 

Let’s pray 

Yahweh, as waves of fear come right now, i pray no harm would overtake me, that no disaster would come near me. Father, I pray that your angels would guard me in all my ways and you would stir up in me a heart that desires to trust your promises and run to you. God, I pray for unwavering trust in all your promises to be a refuge. Thank you for your unfailing love, grace, and mercy over my life. Calm my fears and bring your peace to my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

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Blessings For Everyone

a man praying with a woman

God has a blessing for everyone that will cause us to rise from lack into abundance! It will take you from barely getting by, to more than enough. God’s blessing brings supernatural increase and peace of mind. We were never created to drag through life constantly struggling. God has commanded blessings when we come into agreement with His Word, in our minds and actions. 

In Deuteronomy 28, Scripture tells us that if we will live a life of honour and obedience, then blessings will overtake us. It says that we will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. God will open up to you His good treasury and cause you to lend and not borrow. He will make you plenteous in goods and give you a surplus in all areas of your life. 

Today, let this thought sink deep down into your spirit: the Creator of the universe has commanded blessings just for you. Receive it today and choose to follow Him in everything you do! 

“If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 28:1–2, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for all Your blessings. Father, I receive Your truth which sets me free. God, help me, by Your Spirit, to follow Your commands, so that I may live a life that brings You honour, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Your Abba Father

man carrying baby drawing their foreheads

God rejoices as your Abba Father. You are His child on the authority of His Word. He ordained you and brought you forth. “You brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother’s breast.” And “From birth I have relied on you…I will ever praise you.” 

The Father wants to cleanse your deep wounds that you received from words and actions in your family. Receive the ministry of Jehovah-Rapha, the healing covenant name of your eternal God, as He works in the core of your being. Receive His healing, blessing, and deep release. The Spirit of your Father lives in you to heal and make you whole. 

The Father of all mercy is ready to bring new life. Receive His cleansing from all hurtful memories, feelings, and emotions. Jesus died to set you free. Release all pain to Him. God promised in His word that He would wash you and make you whiter than snow. 

Today, be blessed as God fills the hole in your heart, those empty spaces, that bottomless pit that craves nearness, affirmation, connection, and significance – and yet fears it is unable to receive it, and runs away from it. Be at peace and receive healing from wounds caused by lack. Receive cleansing from attachment wounds, as Father-God binds you to Himself with cords that cannot be broken. God fed His Son with His words of approval that nourished Him emotionally. Be blessed to rest secure and safe in His love. 

“A voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased‘” (Mark 1:11). 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for my life, please heal my heart and fill me with joy. You know I lost my joy because of the things that happened, but I have forgiven those that hurt me. Now, Father, I need You to restore my heart. God, restore unto me the joy of my salvation, and uphold me with Your generous Spirit. Please put the bounce back in my step, and the smile back on my face. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

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Don’t Waste Today?

space gray aluminum case white sport band strap apple watch

On Monday afternoon, while at school,  I received the news of an earthquake in Indonesia. The reports were that 160 had died and hundreds were injured. People were sitting enjoying their day, setting goals for the future, and living unrepentant lives. And in a moment-their lives came to an end. Our days can be so full and busy that we forget how fragile life really is. It can be easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy.   

Things may not go your way, someone may say something that upsets you, and traffic can cause you to lose focus. You must remember that each day is a gift. If you choose to focus on what’s wrong, you’ll miss the beauty that each day has to offer. I encourage you to not let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don’t wait for Christmas and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable.   

Today, you have been given time that can be invested or wasted, hours that can be used or misused. That’s why the psalmist prayed to God, “teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “teach us to value every moment that we’ve been given.” As you keep a proper perspective daily, you’ll gain a heart of wisdom, and experience the full blessings that God has for you each and every day of your life!  

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, NIV)  

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of life. Father, I promise to focus on the blessings of each moment instead of allowing the little things to steal my joy. Lord, help me to make the most of each day and not let them waste away. God, please keep me close to You always as I submit every area of my heart and mind to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Discipleship The Easy Yoke

man wearing blue dress

When I was young, I thought a godly life meant avoiding things that others in town enjoyed freely. I was on the outside looking in as my youthful peers spoke of their first cigarette, drink, and engagements with girls. Their lives seemed carefree, and mine a burden. 

As a teenager, I remember commenting that I wish I had come to Christ from being a drug addict because then my testimony would be powerfully compelling. But God reminded me “just think of all the heartache you’ve avoided by the path you have taken.” 

Dallas Willard says, “To depart from righteousness is to choose a life of crushing burdens, failures, and disappointments, a life caught in the toils of endless problems that are never resolved. Here is the source of that unending soap opera – that horror show known as normal human life. The ‘cost of discipleship,’ though it may take all we have, is small when compared to the lot of those who don’t accept Christ’s invitation to be a part of his company in The Way of life.”  

Today, do you seek reprieve from a “soap opera” life? Have you been fed the lie that following God will mean just one more burden? What’s keeping you from leaning on God and following his ways? Doing so may bring rest to your soul like you have never known. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for all you have protected me from. Father, I desperately seek the restful yoke of following you. Please help me choose your way so that I may know your pleasure and peace rather than the horror show I know, in Christ’s name. Amen. 

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How To Have a Prolonged Productive Life

woman in white long sleeve shirt standing near white and gray house during daytime

So many people today are looking for ways to prolong their lives and renew their youth, but God already has a fail-proof system outlined in His Word. It says in Isaiah that when you put your hope in Him, He will renew your youth. Also, today’s verse tells us that keeping God’s Word close to your heart will prolong your life. 

Today’s verse doesn’t say that you will just have a long, drawn-out, ordinary life. No, God promises that He will prolong your life and fill your days with peace and prosperity. He wants you to live fulfilled and happy all the days of your life.  

Today we must keep God’s word first place in our life. We can’t allow distractions to steal our focus or take us off course. If you want a productive life, choose to keep, and live out God’s commands. This will allow you to enjoy His peace and prosperity all the days of your life. 

“Do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity” (Proverbs 3:1–2, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for allowing me to have a long, productive life. Father, I choose to honour You and keep Your Word first place in my life. God, please show me Your ways so that I may walk with You all the days of my life. In Christ’s Name. Amen. 

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“Patience” The Hardest Prayer

woman in white sweater and blue denim jeans sitting on bed

The prayer I struggle most to pray, is the one for more patience. This is because, developing patience comes through trials and the learned skill of seeing other people the way God sees them. Practising patience teaches us to keep looking toward things above, where we witness God working in the most difficult of circumstances or within the most difficult of people. 

The Bible says, welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their history to deal with. Treat them gently (Romans 14:1 MSG). 

Today consider these three things in developing Patience: 

Patience comes with a cost. Patience requires that you trust God’s timetable, setting aside your quick-fix agenda, your rights and demands, not in a sense of co-dependent weakness, but with the sacrificial strength of the Jesus-life within you, where you sync with the deep, mysterious, ancient love of the Creator. 

Patience comes with practice. Most people can muster patience when it’s convenient; the real test comes with the stress of time slipping away, or when someone keeps making the same mistakes repeatedly. 

Patience comes through God’s love. Patience may cost you all the love you have, but that’s okay! God has more love in his love bank than our minds could ever conceive. So, give all the love you have, and God will give you more and more and more as you keep giving every ounce of love away. Can’t do it? Of course, you can’t but God can. Hallelujah! 

Allow God’s love and his patience to flow through you. 

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 (NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, teach me to be patient – with life, with people, and with myself. I sometimes try to hurry things along too much and push for answers before the time is right. Father, touch me and fill me with your light and your hope. God, give me strength when I am weak, love when I feel forsaken, courage when I am afraid, wisdom when I feel foolish, comfort when I am alone, hope when I feel rejected, and peace when I am in turmoil. In Christ’s name, Amen. 

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Why We Get Into Trouble? 

man in black shirt and gray denim pants sitting on gray padded bench

Whilst talking to a young person on my radio show about street life, stabbings and shootings (which is on the increase in our communities) I am realising that folk act first and think later. One of the characteristics of a prudent person, is that they give thought to their ways. Too many people today just act, or react, based on their emotions or circumstances. They let the world around them determine and dictate how they should feel, or what they should do. They believe the media hype with all kinds of negatives. Don’t let that be you!  

Please give thought to your ways. Submit every decision to the Lord in prayer, and allow Him to direct you from inside your heart. Don’t believe everything you hear. Let the Lord guide your steps. 

Today, as you take time to meditate before the Lord, submit your plans to Him. Proverbs says that your ways will be established. You will find supernatural peace that passes understanding, and you will live in success all the days of your life. Please give thought to your ways! 

“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” (Proverbs 14:15, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Thank You for guiding and directing my steps. Father, help me each day to give thought to my ways, and follow the good plan You have for me. God, teach me to stop being reactive and instead become proactive. God, I don’t want to act first and think later, so I give You my mind. Please control my thoughts in Christ’s name! Amen. 

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Favour in Store For You

silhouette image of person praying

Today’s scripture talks about how time and chance will come together for every person. In other words, there are moments of favour that God has already released into your future. If you let that thought sink down into your heart, it will change your whole outlook on your future.

People miss out on the good things because they allow fear to distract them and hold them back. They say, “What if I fail?” “What if they don’t like me?” “What if I make a mistake?” However, “What if you do succeed?” “What if they do like you?” “What if you do it better than anyone else?” – that’s what expecting God’s goodness and favour is.

Today go out with an attitude of faith and expectancy and you’ll see the good things God has in store for you. You’ll walk into divine moments of favour, moments of blessing, and moments of increase. Get ready to embrace all the good things God has for you!

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11, NIV.

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the good things You have in store for my future. Thank You for Your peace and joy that surrounds my every step. Father, I choose to keep my heart focused on the blessings you have for me today and in my future, in Christ’s name. Amen.

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Good Gifts 

people celebrating christmas online

God is a good God and He has good gifts for His children! He wants to bless you with provision and supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. He wants to pour out His abundant favour on you and cause everything you touch to prosper. He wants to bless you with spiritual gifts and make you strong in your inner being. He wants you to enjoy your job and be proud of your work each day. These are all gifts from God. 

Today, understand that every good gift from God is meant to draw us closer to Him. He is good and faithful, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Seek Him today and experience the life of blessing He has in store for you! 

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your good and perfect gifts. Father, I open my heart to You and ask that You help me see Your goodness. Please draw me to You, fill me with Your peace and joy, as I follow You all the days of my life. In Christ’s name, Amen. 

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Joyful Swagger?

woman in collared shirt

This morning on the breakfast show we had a joyous time. Did you know that it is God’s will for you to be joyful always? He wants you to be happy and carefree. He wants you to love your life no matter what your situation looks like. When you have joy amid difficult circumstances, it is evidence that you have faith and trust that God will bring you through.
 
I submit to you today, joy is strength. When you have God’s supernatural joy, you can stand strong no matter what’s going on around you. You may say, “I’m not a real jovial person. I’m mostly serious. I never laugh much.” And of course, God made us all differently, but you can train yourself to laugh and smile more. One article said that the average child laughs over 200 times a day, but the average adult only laughs 4 times a day. What’s happened? We’ve allowed the pressures of life, stress and more responsibilities, little by little, to steal our joy.
 
Today, make your mind up to get your joy back, get your smile back and get your Holy Swagger back. Decide that you are going to look beyond your problems and look at what God will do on your behalf. Ask Him every day to fill you with His supernatural peace and joy so that you can live in His strength, victory and abundance all the days of your life! 

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, NIV)

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I humbly receive Your Word, today. Lord, give me Jesus’ joy in this very moment. I choose to open my heart to You and invite You to fill me with Your Spirit, joy and strength. I rebuke the spirit of sadness and misery, in Jesus’ name. Thank You for showing me Your goodness and empowering me with Your grace. I bless You today and always, in Christ’s name. Amen.

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Don’t Get Yourself Into Trouble 

photo of man touching his head

Talking to young people about these stabbings and shootings that are on the increase in our communities, I’m realising that folk act first and think later. One of the characteristics of a prudent person is that they give thought to their ways. Too many people today just act or react, based on their emotions or circumstances. They let the world around them determine and dictate how they should feel, or what they should do. 

They believe the media hype with all kinds of negatives. When the economy is up, they are up. When the economy is down, they are down. When negative things are said about them, or they hear that things are said about them, they react. Don’t let that be you!  

Today, please give thought to your ways. Submit every decision to the Lord in prayer and allow Him to direct you from inside your heart. Don’t believe everything you hear. Let the Lord guide your steps. As you take time to meditate before the Lord and submit your plans to Him, Proverbs says that your ways will be established. You will find supernatural peace that passes understanding, and you will live in success all the days of your life. Please give thought to your ways! 

“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” (Proverbs 14:15, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Thank You for guiding and directing my steps. Father, please, I beg You to help me each day to give thought to my ways and follow the good plan You have for me. Teach me oh God to stop being reactive, but to be proactive. God, no longer do I want to act first and think later, so I give You, my mind. Please control my thoughts in Jesus’ name! Amen. 

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Hardship 

alone man person sadness

Experiencing hardship is never easy. It can be agonizing, exhausting, and depressing. There have been times in my life when I have instantly sensed God’s awesome presence with me during difficult circumstances. But there have been even more instances when it seemed as though God was nowhere to be found. 

While Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane awaiting His fate, His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground as He prayed. He knew that what He was about to endure was going to be excruciatingly difficult. He didn’t even hesitate to ask God if He could be spared from the suffering. Jesus felt utterly alone. Even His friends had fallen asleep during the most crucial moment in his life. 

Not only did Jesus ask if His cup of suffering could pass, but He prayed for strength and embraced the will of His heavenly Father who gave Him the power to endure.  

Today, no one enjoys going through trials, especially feeling alone. But in these moments, God asks us to trust Him. hard times will pass. But with patience, prayer, and a heart full of hope and trust, we can live through them, knowing God can give us lasting peace and deep joy that will outlast any pain and sorrow. 

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You, for the gift of Your Holy Spirit which comforts me during the difficult times in my life. Father, I ask for Your strength to empower me, and for hope to fill my heart. God, I walk through this current situation trusting You and believing that You have something good in store for me and those around me. Lord, I open my heart to Your will and Your way. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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Don’t Worry Be Happy…? ?

photo of woman sitting on stairs

Have you heard the popular song, “Don’t worry, be happy” or the phrase “don’t worry it’s really not that bad – everything will get better.” Are these words of encouragement or could this be denial of the pain and reality, the stifling down of emotions? 

Thinking about these responses got me wandering. John had just experienced the earth-shattering, heaven-opening baptism of Jesus. He was blessed with the task of heralding the coming Kingdom – yet was thrown into prison. Jesus’ ministry and the fulfilment of all John the Baptist’ dreams of the coming Messiah had occurred. But we go on to read that immediately after hearing His Father’s affirmation, Jesus is sent by the very same Spirit into the wilderness of temptation and suffering. 

Jesus and John were faithful and knew the writings of the bible. In prison and in the wilderness, two places of real suffering,  both men recalled the words “Do not fear; I will help you”. God did not rescue Jesus from the temptations of the Evil One. He gave Him the power to resist. God did not open Herod’s prison doors so John could escape and continue ministry. Instead, the Tetrarch Herod ordered John’s head to be presented on a platter for the cruel enjoyment of his guests. 

Just as John and Jesus, it is in all places; the Jordan River, at home, in the wilderness, on our jobs or in the prisons, that we hear the words “Do not fear; I will help you.” As the Apostle Paul described it, it is in every circumstance and in everything, we are to “make our request known to God.” He goes on to say, “God’s peace shall be yours”, that tranquil state of mind through Christ Jesus. Our real God comes in the midst of real pain. 

“…at once the Spirit sent Him (Jesus) out into the wilderness…” Mark 1:12 

“(Herod) locked John up in prison.”  Luke 3:20 

“I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you.”  Isaiah 41:13 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You that even when all others leave and abandon me, You remain.  

Thank You that even when the ones I thought would be around forever choose to go, I can trust that you will stand with me. Father, I come to You with my cares and my worries concerning this trial I am facing.  Would You remind me that I am not alone? Would You tell me that you care about this and its outcome? Father, I thank You for standing with me, and I receive your strength to stand another day. Thank you that I can trust you to rescue me from this and every trial I will face in this life. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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God Says I Love You

silhouette image of person praying

A few weeks ago, I was sitting in Africa at night reflecting on my life. I looked up and It was amazing. The lights, the stars and the bright moon all seemed so surreal as they shouted “I love you, Ray!”. Throughout my life, I see God’s love even amid chaos. There is tremendous power in love! In the same way that a tree will grow taller and stronger when its roots grow deep, we will be stronger and rise higher when we are rooted and grounded in God’s love. 

Love is a choice. When you say “yes” to God, you are saying “yes” to love, because God is love! According to 1 Corinthians 13. Loves means being patient and kind. It means not seeking your way, not being jealous or boastful. When you choose love instead of choosing to hate, you are showing the world that God holds first place in your life. The more you choose to love, the stronger your spiritual roots will grow. 

Today, I remind you, that love is the greatest principle and it’s the currency of heaven. Love will last throughout eternity. Choose to love today, and let it be strong in your heart. Let His love build security in you, and empower you to live the life of kindness, patience and peace God has for you. 

“…May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love.”(Ephesians 3:17, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today and every day, I choose love. Father, show me how to love You and others the way You love me. Give me patience and kindness. Take away selfishness, jealousy and pride. God, thank You for setting me free and empowering me to live the life You have for me, in Christ’s name! Amen. 

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Waiting  

Waiting is hard because we don’t know what the answer will be. Neither do we know when the answer will come. Our Christian walk of faith is often a journey of waiting and waiting, which we don’t always do with much patience, but I am learning.  

We know that God has the answer and can turn our waiting into trust. As a result, faith renews our strength to wait, we will do a great deal of waiting on our faith journey. Everything we do, we do by faith. As faith is enabling us to trust and wait, it is also building more faith to help us wait on Him for the results, which may be a long time coming; and yet, faith is required day by day. 

Today, our journey isn’t necessarily about the result, but how we endure the unknown. Will we trust God to renew our strength and move us out of the place of discouragement to a place of peace and hope again? In my experience, when I call out to Him with my discouraged heart, He is always faithful to lift me again; then I can rest once again in knowing He is in control. The choice to trust will help us wait. A deeper faith is the result of bravely waiting on the Lord. 

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I pray the Psalmist’s words to you, “I wait for you Lord, my soul waits, and in your word, I hope” (Ps 130:5). Father, help me to remain faithful in this place of waiting. Help me to serve you and live for you at this crossroad of my life. Help me to wait as long as it takes. I put my total trust in you. In Christ’s name Amen. 

 

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