Tag: peace

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Faith Through Adversity 

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

It doesn’t seem fair, does it? Paul spent his life serving Christ, and yet he experienced continual suffering. Why would God let one of His most faithful servants go through so much pain? This isn’t just a question about Paul; it’s an issue we face today. In our minds, the Lord should protect His loyal followers from hardships, but He doesn’t necessarily do so. 

Maybe our reasoning is backwards. We think faithful Christians don’t deserve to suffer, but from God’s perspective, suffering is what produces faithful Christians. If we all had lives of ease without opposition, trials, or pain, we’d never really know God, because we’d believe that we would never really need Him. 

Depending on your response, trials can be God’s greatest means of building faith or an avenue to discouragement and self-pity. If you’ll believe what Scripture says and apply its principles to your situation, your trust in God will grow, and your faith will be strengthened. 

Today Like it or loathe it, adversity teaches us more about the Lord than simply reading the Bible ever will. I’m not saying we don’t need to know Scripture; that’s our foundation. But if what we believe is never tested by adversity, it remains head knowledge. How will we ever know the Lord can be trusted if we’ve never been through hard times? God gives us opportunities to apply scriptural truths to our difficulties, and in the process, we find Him faithful. For example, how would Paul ever have known the strength of Christ if he had never been weakened by pain and persecution? 

“I leave you peace; my peace I give you.” I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

Let’s Pray 

Jehovah my faithful Father, thank you for your great promises. Father, I am thrilled at the reminder of your faithful presence in my life which helps me during difficult times. God, I fully believe that I can entrust my future to you and that you will bring me into your presence with victory and great joy. Thank you, Lord, for giving me this sure and steadfast faith. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen. 

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Don’t Panic Exercise faith?

Christ, god, Holy Spirit, Jesus, panic, Pray

Last week I had a prayer request from a woman who thought she was losing her baby. She pressed her hands on her stomach, but nothing. she tried moving around, drinking something cold, but nothing. Her unborn child had either been quiet for quite a while, or something was wrong. She had two choices. panic or faith. 

Maybe you have the same choice to make in your life right now. I discovered a formula that can help you beat panic if you accept its words by faith and put them into practice. It’s found in Philippians 4-9. 

Paul says we should rejoice in God, and not panic, bringing all matters to the Lord in prayer. Next, we choose where we place our thoughts, and what we feed them. Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy — that should be our focus. 

When the woman’s baby went quiet, she decided to believe that her baby would “not die but live and would proclaim what the Lord has done”. She was happy to hear the beautiful heartbeat coming through the machine. She was aware that the outcome could have been different, but she decided from then on to deal with things as they came from the point of view of faith, not panic. 

Today, we have choices to make what will be our approach?  remembering the good in someone who’s hurt you and choosing to make peace with them. Maybe it is deciding to trust that God is holding the aeroplane you are about to board in His care and has commanded His angels to watch over you. Or perhaps it is accepting that He loves you beyond what you could ever imagine. So, if you’ve messed up, you can choose to believe it’s not over and turn to Him again, knowing He is not finished with you yet. Don’t Panic exercise faith. 

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I come to you because I need my mind shifted. I want my thoughts to be aligned with yours. I want my mind to be transformed. Teach me to choose faith over panic. God reminds me of your truth when darkness fills my thinking. Remind me of your love when I cease to believe it. Hold me close to you when panic is one of my choices. I love you, Lord. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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Lift Your Shield Of Faith 

Fear includes worry. We worry about our kids, our relationships, our finances, or any number of things, we are living in fear. And it can be paralyzing. 

Fear displaces our faith. Faith is the assurance of God’s ability to help and strengthen us, giving us spiritual wisdom. When fear displaces our faith, we find it hard to believe that our God can do the impossible.  

When faith displaces fear. We take each fear to God, trusting Him to be our help and our strength.  His peace comes in. It doesn’t mean our problems all fade into the distance. It does mean, however, that we will have the strength we need to face every challenge. It also means we can expect God to work within our circumstances in unexpected ways. It means we can be more than just survivors — we can be overcomers. Hallelujah! 

Today the feeling of fear in the face of the unknown is normal. Yet God tells us we can live beyond that and let our faith extinguish our fear. Whatever is worrying or plaguing your mind and heart identify the fear. Then invite God to help you lift the shield of faith to extinguish that fear in Jesus’s name. He is able and He will do it! 

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I thank You that You are more powerful than any of my circumstances. Father, increase my faith and extinguish the fear that threatens to sap strength from my soul in Jesus’ name! God, please help me to stay focused on You and not my fear. I lift my shield of faith. In the name of Jesus, amen. 

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**Wisdom Wednesday’s** In order to grow you have to let go.

Spiritual growth requires change, and the only thing that is holding you back is your resistance.

Even though you try really hard to hang on to places of comfort and stability, it is not possible to keep things the same and grow. You must be willing to release the past and make peace with your current reality. Circumstances of life test your ability to adapt and thrive.

Let go and go.

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Marsha BURNS, Small Straws

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Let Not… 

Christ offers us peace which he made possible through His death on the cross. This peace of God fills our hearts with quiet confidence even when life is tough. But why do so many of us not experience this peace of heart and mind? For it to become a reality we must take care of our “let nots” as in John 14. There Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled neither let it be afraid.” 

Another translation says,” stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed, and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.” How? Do not feed fear by what you watch on T.V. video games, movies, or books you read. 

Replace a disturbing thought with a good thought—quote a Bible verse or a stanza from a hymn or chorus. One that has helped me is “He leadeth me”.  

Today, tell God about your fear with thanksgiving say, “God, you are bigger than my problem. I give it to you now. I want to trust you with it.” Then move ahead despite your fear. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Phil 4:4-7. 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, fill my heart and mind with your peace right now in Christ’s Name Amen. 

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God Is… 

Sometimes we forget who God is and the role He plays in our lives. Just in case you may have forgotten here is a reminder of who He is: 

He is your Shelter 

…For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5 

He is your Strength 

…The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Psalm 28:8 

He is your Protector 

…. You won’t need to run. No one is chasing you. The LORD God of Israel will lead and protect you from enemy attacks. He has your back. Isaiah 52:12 Praise Him! 

He is your Tower of Strength 

… for you are my refuge, a tower of strength against the foe. Psalm 61:3 

He is your Peace 

…Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 Hallelujah! 

He is your Healer 

…for I am the LORD, your healer Exodus 15:26 AMEN! 

He is your Portion 

LORD, You are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future Psalm 16:5 

He is your Shield, your Refuge, and your Saviour 

…my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my saviour, the one who saves me from violence. 2 Samuel 22:3 

Today let’s not forget who God is amidst the hustle and bustle of life. Look to Him and let Him be your light. Allow Him to take away your fears, guide you, and protect you. Take refuge in Him, no matter what problems you face. Be confident in Him. Realize He is your Saviour in every situation! 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for being everything to me. Father, may I never forget who you are to me. God, help me to always remember your loving kindness, compassion, and grace in my life in Christ’s name, Amen. 

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Seek God presence your Life

We live in a world of uncertainty and unpredictability. Life can be full of disappointments and sorrow, but knowing Jesus provides us much more than a life free of suffering. If you’ve accepted His offer of eternal life, you know that He is with you no matter what life brings. Because of His great love, God will never leave you alone in pain or sadness. When you choose to follow Jesus, you enter into a relationship with the Lord. This is not a religion—it’s a personal relationship.

Understanding when we need God in our lives. To seek the Lord’s will is to listen for His voice. It requires that we seek His will in the responsibilities He gives us. It requires that we seek His will in the way we handle the circumstances of life. It requires that we seek His will in how we give or receive correction.

1. Find a quiet place to pray

Prayer for Christians is talking and listening to God. Prayer is having an open and honest conversation, sharing our joys, our concerns, and our disappointments, with the Creator of the universe. Prayer is also listening to God. God speaks to us through His word (the Bible), through other people, through the Bible’s story-line, and through the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. Prayer is about expressing what is in our hearts to God, and about listening for God’s response.

2. Be true to God

These are divine plans and purposes designed by our creator for our lives. There is only one thing we need to do to get more of God in our lives. We need to make God our first priority. We should have faith in God. We cannot seek God’s presence in our life without being true with God. We must be living a faithful life. If we seek him, we will find him. But, we must first seek him.

Do you want to experience true fellowship with God and other believers? Do you desire the peace that comes from knowing the Lord is with you? Do you want to receive God’s blessings? You must first seek God’s presence in your life.

2. Acknowledge God

Praising and worshiping God daily is a must for everyone. It is our spiritual connection to our creator. When we praise and worship God, we not only acknowledge God’s presence in our lives, but also draw closer to God.

If you have a desire to get closer to God, acknowledge him to seek his presence in your life. It is a simple concept, but many struggle with it. Simply, acknowledgment is the acknowledgment, appreciation, realization, or acceptance of something. Essentially, acknowledgement of God is seeking his presence. Acknowledging God brings his presence, and that presence is spiritual.

4. Listen to God

A vital piece of our growth as Christians is learning to hear the voice of God. The importance of discerning God’s voice, or “movements” as we call it, cannot be overstated. Our desire is for everyone to know God intimately and experience His presence in a powerful way. To do this, we must call on God and listen to Him. This is a spiritual discipline that takes time and intentional practice.

Listening for God in your life means making room for his presence. You can’t invite God into your life and then leave no room for him. If you truly want God’s anointing, you have to open your heart to allow it. One of the best ways to make room for God’s anointing in your life is by spending time in God’s Word. When we consistently spend time in God’s Word, God’s Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts and reminds us of how awesome and powerful he is.

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How to Use the Bible to Parent Children With Disabilities

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund estimates that about 240 million children are born with impairments. As a result, Christians raising children with disabilities must understand how to nurture them biblically. However, this might be one of the most difficult elements of parenting.

The good news is that you can often find guidance on how to raise your children, whether they have disabilities or not, in the Bible. Here are some biblical guidelines for how Christians should see disabilities and how the Bible can help you raise a child with disability.

Model Godly Behavior in Your Child

Modeling Godly behavior to your child is the best way to teach him or her. God’s love and wisdom are clearly demonstrated in Scripture. Using Bible verses or read Christian blogs such as When you need God, as a parent will help your children learn how to apply them to their lives even if they have disabilities.

For example, Proverbs 22:6 teaches Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. You can use the proverb to talk about taking care of our bodies through proper diet and exercise.

Also, you could apply to education by using verses such as 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which states, All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. You could apply this verse to teaching kids what is right or wrong based on biblical principles rather than just human thoughts.

Talk to Your Child

The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that it is crucial to maintain positive and open communication when parenting a child with disabilities. Listen more than you speak. Kids want to be heard. Ask your child how they feel about their disability and what they think is important about having a disability.

This can help you tailor your approach for them, which will make you an even better parent.It is also helpful when kids transition from one stage of life to another, like elementary school to middle school or high school. According to the Bible, patience is a virtue, and consider practicing it.

Children are embarrassed by their disabilities. But do not let that stop you from communicating with them on the subject or assuming anything about their limitations. Do not go overboard: You will probably have good and bad days as a parent of a child with disabilities. And that is okay!

House Chores

The Bible contains some specific instructions for believers to care for those less fortunate than themselves. In Ephesians 4:28, Paul writes, “…but must work, doing something useful with their own hands….”

He gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers. Many Christian parents use the passage as Biblical guidance on how to divide household chores among their children.

For Christians raising children with disabilities, certain Biblical principles can guide them through the challenges of parenting a child with a disability. One example is Galatians 6:2, which says, Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

It is important to remember that while you may have more struggles or responsibilities in life because your child has a disability, you also have the power to make life easier for your child by carrying the burden together.

Assure Your Children That They Are Normal

Everyone wants to be loved and accepted. Children with disabilities, just like every other child, have a desire for love and acceptance. Take time daily to assure your child that they are unique and special.

Talk about how much you love them, how beautiful they are, and how glad God chose them as your child. For example, Proverbs 3:5 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.

In essence, God promises He will be there for you and gives you confidence that He is in control of everything that happens. Psalm 139:14 asserts I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. You can point out this verse during bath time or when changing a diaper to remind them of how special they are.

According to the Book of Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus encourages people who have disabilities by saying, Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. These reminders can provide relief for your child while giving them a strong foundation as they grow.

Biblical Guidance on Disciplining Children Born With Disabilities

It is important that Christians raising children with disabilities get some biblical perspective on discipline. God commands parents to discipline your children. Discipline is not punishment; it is simply teaching a child what is right and wrong.

Parents should use biblical guidance for disabilities in disciplining their children. According to Hebrews 12:11-12 No discipline feels pleasant at the time but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those trained by it.

That is why an important piece of parenting children with disabilities is guiding them in the right direction. One good example would be Proverbs 23:13, which says, Withhold not correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod and deliver his soul from hell.

The Bottom Line: Ask God for Wisdom

There is no shame in asking God for help. You might be afraid of what you will hear but consider it an opportunity to ask God for wisdom as you raise your children. Remember that He loves you and your children and knows what they need better than anyone else.

Trust Him when He answers; ask Him again when you do not understand why things happen as they do. God wants us to be good parents, and he wants us to succeed. Inquire of him for wisdom and biblical guidance for disabilities in parenting your children. He will make sure you have everything you need.

(Psalm 111:10) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Read the Bible and pray regularly, especially when facing challenges in raising your children. Ask God to help you understand how He can use your difficult circumstances to bring glory to Himself.

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Crises Are A Catalyst For Prayer.

When was the last time you cried out to God about something other than personal issues? We’re often so absorbed in our own lives that we fail to see the crises others are facing. But whether a hardship impacts total strangers or hits close to home, do you ever feel some matters are just too big for one person’s prayer to make a difference? 

The Bible assures us that “the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (ESV). And the next verse gives a powerful example: “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” 

God can heal, bring peace, and change circumstances. And He has chosen to let His children participate in the process through prayer. He wants us to talk with Him about everything 

Today, when you hear of a tragedy or problem—regardless of whether it affects you or perfect strangers—resist the temptation to distance yourself from it. You can influence the lives of others when you intercede on their behalf. Let crises become a catalyst for prayer. 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”  Philippians 4:6 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, the world is in an uproar. News reports on radio, television, and social media grow grimmer each day. Along with the global crisis, there are families in crisis, too. From losing jobs and income to medical diagnoses that shock and scare, we find ourselves at a loss for words and direction at times. Father, please guide us to be alert for ways to lift each other and to offer help when needed. Remind us that this earth is not our home. God, I pray that in each moment, our thoughts will go to You. I pray we will glean hope that is found in Your Word. Thank You for the peace and comfort found in You. In Christ’s name. Amen 

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Forgiveness and Deliverance Are Not The Same

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray

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

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How to Soothe Your Anxious Heart (Pt 2)

I could have very easily let my thoughts be on the worst possibilities and worry the day away. Instead, I slowed down to ask myself “how can I overcome my fear and anxiety?” The only biblical way I could see to handle the fear was to choose to trust God, and “bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ”. (2 Corinthians 10:5) I had to control my thoughts, rather than letting them run away and paralyze me with fear. 

Jesus teaches acceptance, both of the world and oneself. Acceptance starts by understanding your anxiety further and recognizing the causes and solutions for your anxiety symptoms. 

One of the reasons that people find Christianity helps them overcome anxiety is because at the core of anxiety is fear. Fear over the unknown and the belief that specific things in your life are important. Christianity teaches values that promote less anxiety, specifically because the belief in Christianity runs directly counter to the issues that cause anxiety. For example: 

The bible teaches that fear of the unknown shows a lack of faith in God. Everything is supposed to be the result of God’s plan. If you’re allowing yourself to be overcome by anxiety and fear, then you’re showing that you don’t have total trust in God. The more trust you have, the more confidence you have in God’s ability to turn things around.  

Christianity also teaches that death isn’t something to fear. A life lived in God’s path is designed to help you get to heaven, which is the ultimate goal of Christianity. This is seen in many Christians that adopt the religion after experiencing profound stress. Jesus gives their life purpose, which helps them overcome the belief that death is something to fear. 

Today, many people also have personal fears that affect them. For example, someone may fear embarrassment, or they may fear spiders, or they may fear socializing. All these personal fears go against the belief in God, which is that your fears are selfish thoughts when God has a plan for you. Personal fears can be hard to control, but a healthy consistent belief in God can help you overcome anxiety. The core of believing in God is about trust over every uncertainty and fear in life and so this belief can be used to allow people to stop anxiety. 

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

Let’s Pray Yahweh, I come before You to lay my panic and anxiety at Your feet. Father, when I’m crushed by my fears and worries, remind me of Your power and Your grace. God, fill me with Your peace as I trust in You and You alone. I know I can’t beat this on my own, but I also know that I have You, Lord, and You have already paid the ultimate price to carry my burdens. For this, I thank you, in Christ’s name Amen.

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Stuck in the Waiting Place

Waiting. I’ve never been a fan. But I find myself here again, in this waiting place. The place where I know God is sovereign. I know He holds my life in His hands. I know He is there. I know He cares. I know the very hairs on my head are numbered… as are my days. And yet there is a knot in my stomach and my eyes flicker to the phone. Again. And again. It does not ring. Not yet. Of course, not yet. But I watch anyway. I swallow. And remind me of all the things I already know. The bible says, “Who among you by worrying can add a single moment to your life?” 

Sometimes change is outside our control. Sometimes we’re not in charge. Sometimes we’re stuck, just like Abram and Sarai were in Haran. On their way to the promised land, the scripture says, “Terah took his son Abram… and his son Abram’s wife, Sarai…and arriving at Haran, they settled there.” Haran wasn’t the promised land. But because of Terah, they got stuck there anyway, and Sarai didn’t have the power to choose to continue the journey. God had to remove a barrier before she could move forward. In their case, Terah himself had to die. 

Today, if you’re stuck in the waiting place, our culture says, “Get out of that rut! Life’s too short. Stop the excuses. Do something.” You’ll be told to smile more, care less, be happy, and think good thoughts. If you’re in a waiting place, know you are not alone. God is right there with you. So, Trust while waiting. Pursue your faith while waiting. Serve others while waiting. Be watchful and expectant while waiting. Be grateful while waiting. There is Hope! 

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. – Romans 8:25 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, can I be honest? I am tired of waiting. Waiting is hard, painful, and exhausting. Father, I know that learning to wait is beautiful, sanctifying, and hope-giving. So, help me wait well. Help me cling to you as I wait. Please God, let your peace rule in my heart. Help me live by your grace each day while waiting. And help me bring you glory as I wait expectantly. In Christ’s Name, Amen! 

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Stir It Up

Last week I was at a bomb fire. Have you ever watched a fire begin to burn down to the point that all you have left are coals? It looks as though there is no fire left, but when you take a fresh log and toss it on top of those coals and stir it around a bit, it suddenly ignites, and you have a whole new fire going.  

We need to take advantage of the opportunities that are out there. Some want to have big, visible ministries. They want the applause of men. But if we will humble ourselves and take what we have and offer it to God if we are willing to do what He has set before us and be faithful in the little things, then He will give us something better than visible ministries or applause – He’ll give us the peace and joy that comes from pleasing Him. 

Today on my 59th birthday Paul says Ray, “Stir up the gift of God which is in you…” (2 Tim1:6). The phrase stir up the gift means to fan it into full flame. The truth is as I reflect over my years there are live coals in my life like yours, that we have allowed the fire to burn down. We haven’t been using the gifts and talents that God has given us. It’s time to fan them into full flame again. It’s time to be reignited. It’s time to say, “please Lord, use me for Your glory until You return?” 

“Stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6). 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for another year of life. Father, I pray I do not neglect Your Spirit or the gifts You have given me. Give me the courage to use these gifts and the humility to not use them for my glory, but You and Your glory. God, help me see the good work You have ready for me and embrace that work with willingness and joy. In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

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Enjoy Life

In today’s ever-changing world, I begin my day thanking God for waking me. Unsure of His purpose and exact plan each day, or why everything in the world we live in seems to be immensely chaotic, I do know if God has awakened me for another day, there is a purpose for it. How often do we take a moment to embrace and enjoy the gift of another day before diving into T.V and social media? 

Today verse Psalm 128 say, “God’s blessing goes with his people everywhere, even when they are not in Jerusalem,” in other words the blessing of God is on us even outside of our home. Hallelujah! We often get caught up calculating a successful life in achievements and possessions, forgetting to embrace the literal breath of every moment. 

What if we approached every day with a grateful heart for the breath in our lungs? Instead of striving for what we think will make us happy, can we embrace the joy God offers us in Christ to sustain us? Christ died for us to live life to the full, not to live in fear over what each day will bring. 

Today let’s remember the world will always be in chaos until Christ returns to set it right. Putting our hope in Him allows us to embrace and enjoy life. After all, God promises His plans for us are more than we can ask for or imagine! Live, blessed… because you are! 

“May the LORD bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May you live to see your children’s children- peace be on Israel.” – Psalm 128:5-6 NIV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, help me to embrace and enjoy the life you’ve given me. Father, I know I am not accidentally here! Each day I wake to breathe, you faithfully meet me with purpose. I lift my anxiety and worry to you, today, as I seek to embrace your peace and promises. God, I confess my tendency to condemn, criticize, and compare instead of embracing the peace and blessings you have showered over my life. In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

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Emotional Rest

How would you feel if someone came up to you today and said, “Give me all of your monthly bills; I’m going to pay them.” You’d get excited, wouldn’t you? But it wouldn’t happen until you did your part to hand that person your bills. They can’t pay them for you if you never release them. In the same way, when we release our cares and concerns to God, He promises to take care of them. So, hand them over.

As you begin your day remember, that God wants to give you rest and restore your emotions. It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of this stressful life, and before long, your emotions are so spun that you can barely think straight! Remember, even in the hustle and bustle of life, you can find rest. God wants to take care of everything that concerns you so that you can find rest in your innermost being when you come to Him.

Today and throughout your life, release your cares to God. Let Him fill you with His peace and joy. Receive the rest, relaxation, and restoration that He promises and enjoy the total fulfilment and blessings for your body, mind, and emotions He has in store for you!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come to You. I choose to cast my cares on You so that I can live in Your rest and break free from the stress of this life. Father, thank You for Your goodness to me. I give You my mind heal it and take control of all my emotions. Please God, lift my burdens and refresh my weariness. God, help me find ways to share Your rest and goodness with those around me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

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Positive Obstacles

Whenever I can’t trust my heart with a major decision, I ask God to put an obstacle in the way to block the wrong decision. Not all decisions are black or white, good, or bad. Sometimes something that appears good can be placed in front of us, but not all good things are part of God’s plan for our lives. 

Friends, there is no “magic prayer” that can keep us from making the wrong decision. I would also like to clarify that reflecting on this thought helps me when I am faced with a decision and my desires are preventing me from thinking clearly or even caring if what I want is in God’s plan for me. 

Today I declare that God knows what he’s doing. Sometimes I forget he has a plan. I struggle with figuring out what that plan is most of the time, but one step I will never leave out is my obstacle Prayer asking Him to put an obstacle in the way of the wrong decision. God knows my heart. He knows what I desire. He wouldn’t withhold something out of spite. He has plans to prosper me and not to harm me, to give me hope and an awesome future. I challenge you to pray the obstacle prayer, mould it to fit your own life, and see how it changes your perspective. As it puts God in total control. 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, you know me better than I know myself. You know my fears and my desires. You know what I want. Father, I know you love me. I know you have a plan for me. Please, Lord, don’t let my desires blind me to your will. If my desires are not within your plan, give me an obstacle, I cannot get past. God help me follow your will, give me peace about whatever is to come. If this falls through, I will trust your plan for my future. Thank you for loving me in Christ’s name Amen. 

 

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