Tag: People

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Your Blessing Is On It’s Way

Sometimes it seems like God is taking a very long time to answer your prayers. Many times, people can miss God’s best, simply because they give up before they see their blessing come. Don’t let that be you! Be encouraged today, your answer is closer than you think. If it seems like things are getting more difficult, remember, when the intensity heats up, that means you are closer to your victory. It always seems darkest just before the dawn.

Remember God is faithful and He’s working on your behalf. Don’t cast away your confidence today, because your reward is coming. Just like a new mother forgets about her labor pain once she is finally holding her newborn, you’ll forget about your struggle when you are holding on to your promise.

Today, while you are waiting on God, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Wake up every morning and say out loud, “I’ve come too far to give up now. My blessing  is coming. I will reap my harvest”. Stay in faith and look for His hand of blessing, because He has promised you victory and it’s closer than you think!

“Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.”(Hebrews 10:35, NKJV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I stand believing that You are working things out for me. God, give me Your strength to stand in faith until I see every promise You have for me, fulfilled in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Living With Integrity

Integrity is something that seems to have disappeared from our society, yet it is such a powerful attribute in the life of the believer. Integrity means that you are dependable. You are a person of your word. You are consistent and honest.

You may say, “Oh, I’m a pretty good person”, “I do the right thing most of the time…” But understand, it’s the little foxes that spoil the vine. Don’t allow the little things to keep you from your destiny; choose integrity — even when no one is looking. For instance, you might need some paper at home, but you shouldn’t take supplies from the office. Or you might be running into a store for just a minute, but don’t park in the handicap parking spot unless you’re supposed to. If the checkout clerk makes a mistake and gives you too much money back, that’s not God’s provision, that’s a test of integrity!

Today remember, if you’ll be faithful and choose integrity in the little things, God will make you ruler over much. Don’t forget, “what goes around comes around.” Be a person of integrity and open the door for God’s blessing and honour all the days of your life!

“The Lord judges the people; judge me, O Lord, and do me justice according to my righteousness [my rightness, justice, and right standing with You] and according to the integrity that is in me” (Psalm 7:8, AMP).

 Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I commit to living a life of integrity in every area of my life. God, I choose Your life of excellence and ask for Your hand of favour. Father, make me a person of integrity; dependable, consistent, honest and a person of my word. Show me any area that is not pleasing to You so that I can continue to grow and increase in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Satan Is Your Enemy

I’ve learned that in life, some people are peace-stealers. They feel it’s their calling to aggravate you, try to make you look bad, and tell you what you can or can’t do. They’ll try to bait you into an argument to get you upset, annoyed and frustrated. But don’t take the bait! Nothing is worth losing your peace over. They may think they’re getting the best of you, but in the end, God can use that to take you higher.

When people come against you, choose to keep your peace. Choose to forgive. Pray for that person because that’s how you disarm the enemy against you. Scripture says your battle isn’t against flesh and blood. In other words, that person isn’t your enemy; the accuser satan, is your enemy. He’s trying to bring division and get you upset.

Today, when you choose to keep peace, when you keep walking in love and keep a smile on your face, you are overcoming his tactics. That’s how you win. Choose peace today, choose to walk in love, and choose the victory God has prepared for you!

“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:28, NIV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me Your peace and strength today. Father, I choose to hold my peace and bless those who come against me. I choose to walk in love and forgiveness so that I can honour You. God, help me not to be a peace stealer in the lives of others, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Fear Can Keep Us From God’s Blessings

If you know me, you would know that one thing that really gets to me is Christians that operate on fear as opposed to faith. I declare that many people today live with less than God’s best because they’ve allowed fear to creep in and take root in their lives. Fear is the number one negative emotion and the enemy’s greatest weapon to try to hold us back. Fear is not from God. Scripture tells us that fear brings torment. Over a hundred times we are told to “fear not.” It’s designed to paralyse us and keep us from God’s blessings.

I’ve got good news! God-given faith is greater than your fear. His power in you is greater than any power that comes against you. Hallelujah! In order to walk in His power, you have to close the door on the enemy, the enemy can’t have access to your life unless you open a door and give him access. That’s why we have to be careful about what we watch, what we listen to, what we read, what we say and who we hang with. When we open ourselves to fear, we give the enemy opportunity.

Today, if you’ve allowed fear to steal from you in any area of your life, you can be free, you can be finished with fear. Conquering the enemy starts by making the choice to close the door on fear, and instead, meditate on God’s promises and His sacrifice. For the Word says we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony! Let His truth and what He has done for you sink down into your heart. Declare it out of your mouth. Let God set you free by praising Him, and watch Him lead you into victory as you close the door on fear!

“Do not give the devil an opportunity to work.” (Ephesians 4:27, ISV)

 Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I come to You today declaring that I am finished with fear. Father, thank You for giving me power, love and a sound mind. I declare I will stand on Your promises and share all You have done for me, because that will make me overcome fear and other negatives in my life. Fill me with Your peace and joy today, as I move forward in victory with You, in Christ’s’ Name! Amen.

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Stop Adding Laws

The scripture tells us that, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, were the leading citizens among the Jews. They knew what God’s law said, and they could tell people how to apply it. But they were hypocrites. They added 615 of their laws on top of God’s laws, thinking that would “protect” the law of God from being disobeyed. But in doing so, they violated the spirit of the law, which is love.

Today’s Christians can do the same as the Pharisees if they add their social and religious standards to God’s law. “Surely a Christian would never listen to that, or wear those clothes, or dance, or eat that meat…”. We might think we are being especially zealous for the law of God by adding such restrictions when the bible doesn’t – but God desires love, not legalism.

Today, following human standards while ignoring God’s call to love, can lead to terrible results – “hypocrisy”. It has led to racism like apartheid. It has led to sexism with statements like “she should have known better than to wear that”. It has led to nationalism where we look down on immigrants and refugees. Such hypocrisy will condemn us on the day of judgment. Laws that do not aim at love for all people are not God’s laws. The Ruler of Heaven and Earth is not fooled by distorted rule-following and fake self-centred Christianity.

“Do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” (Matthew 23:3).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, forgive us when we set up false standards. Father, forgive us if we have judged others unlovingly. Help us to follow your laws and not add our own trying to protect yours. Please show us how to love everyone as you do. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

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When It’s Okay To Break The Law

After spending a week in France, I came across this true story. During World War II, France was occupied by Nazi Germany. Anyone caught helping Jews would be killed or sent to concentration camps. In the small village of La Chambon, Pastor Andre Troceme and his Protestant church decided to hide Jews in their homes, provide them with new identities, and integrate their children into their schools. This pastor and his parishioners were credited with saving 5,000 Jewish lives. They violated the Nazi’s hateful law and risked their own lives to help others.

During Jesus’ time, a man with a deformed hand had worshipped in the synagogue for years. But on one Sabbath, he met Jesus. Jesus said, “Get up and stand” in front of everyone. As the man got up, he was probably not sure what would happen, but he was willing to obey. And Jesus was willing to demonstrate, especially on the Sabbath, that God was interested in helping and healing his people. Jesus was God’s answer in ushering in his Kingdom of mercy, grace, and restoration. Doing good on any day, especially on sabbath is the best way to live by the will of God. Visit a sick friend, help a single mother, mentor a child. Let’s go and act like Jesus today! And like Pastor Troceme break non biblical traditional law to save lives.

Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” (Luke 6:9).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I want to bring your Kingdom into my own family and neighbourhood. Father, please help me and Nudge me to serve you and usher in a culture that saves lives and shows mercy. In your name, Amen.

 

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Alright, you can make one phone call

He couldn’t remember his family members’ phone numbers and the police officer gave him one phone call. The night before, he drank too much, got into an argument, and started yelling at the top of his lungs outside in the street. His phone fell and was lost in the drama. He was arrested for public disturbance, spent the night in jail and woke up in a daze. Again the officer said, “You can make one phone call”.

He rattled off the number of the church by heart to the officer and said, “Ask for the Pastor. They know me there. Tell them I’m in trouble and need some help”.

Today, It’s a great thing to be a part of a church and ministry where the community knows the phone number by heart. On Sabbaths, I meet people who know the number of Adventist Radio London more than their family member’s numbers. Daily we get calls from our community, far and wide, who are in trouble. I am grateful to be part of a church and ministry where somebody in their lowest state, humiliated by bad decisions, disease, addiction, or trouble, can say, “Call them; they know me there”. No matter how badly you have messed up or who you may have become, let us be grateful for a God who we can call on, no matter the situation. He knows you by name and claims you. You belong to Him.

“I have summoned you by name. You are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for allowing us to be a lighthouse for those in trouble. Father, I am grateful that you call me by name and claim me, no matter the mess I find myself in. I am grateful that I belong to you. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

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Singles Matter Too

Ina is a single older woman, who felt she didn’t belong in her church, as if she didn’t matter even to God. One day after a spiritual gift assessment, people with gifts of compassion and kindness noticed her. Caring people surrounded her with God’s love, helping her to experience community. Now her gifts are being used, her feedback is listened to, and people make time to listen and fellowship with her. Praise God she is now a vital member of her church community, and people look forward to seeing her every weekend at the exit, where she hands out sweets to children. Ina matters to God even though she is single. Every one of us needs to know that.

Today, single or married, we matter so much to God that he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to give of himself so that we can show his love to others. He came to give us gifts of service, kindness, and leadership so that we may be built up and reach unity in the faith, growing and maturing in Christ. As the apostle Paul puts it, all who believe in Jesus make up the body of Christ here on earth, and he is our head. In His strength, the body grows and builds itself up in love. You matter to God and you matter to the people around you. Your gifts, abilities, and presence make a difference to your community, and they make a difference to God!

From [Christ] the whole body . . . builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:16).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for loving me and growing me to be a part of your body. Father, thank you for putting people around me who show that I matter. Amen.

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Winners & Losers

After spending the night looking at the Super Bowl it made me think about winners and losers. In the Bible, Jonathan became a close friend of David. The Bible describes their friendship as becoming “one in spirit”, and “Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself”.

As the son of King Saul, Jonathan had every right to oppose his father’s warrior. Yet maybe Jonathan had seen things in his father that he did not want to imitate. Jonathan saw David as someone who had the same human hopes, dreams, and aspirations that he had. Jonathan did not dehumanize David as an enemy. Instead of looking with wary eyes of jealousy and suspicion against the young warrior, Jonathan extended generosity of heart, openness of mind, and a spirit of charity.

Today, as we consider winners and losers – David was a winner. He rose through the ranks like a stunning rookie rushing through the NFL. Soon people were not praising King Saul anymore; they were raving about the young sensation who was breaking records left and right. David changed the game. His victories went viral in Israel. All of this made Saul boil with jealousy. All he could see was that David was a threat to his throne. Saul dehumanised David and tried to kill him (the characteristics of a loser). But God had other plans, and if Saul tried to oppose them, he simply could not win.

Saul was very angry. . . . And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David. (1 Samuel 18:8-9).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for making me a friend when I was your enemy. Father, please make me a winner for your sake. God help me to care about and love people who seem to be my enemies. Help me to live like you. In Christ’s name, Amen.

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Worship Instead Of Worry

With loved ones dying, funds low and many job losses, the enemy would love to get you worrying instead of worshipping. When the enemy brings you thoughts of worry, anxiety and fear, let them be a reminder to thank God that His answer and blessings are on the way. 

Do what King Jehoshaphat did. Rebuke the enemy, then say, “Father, I thank You for working on my behalf”. The people of Judah were surrounded by three major armies. It didn’t look like they had a chance. This godly King was probably bombarded with thoughts of fear and anxiety but he gathered the people together, lifted his eyes toward heaven, and prayed a simple prayer, and Jehoshaphat’s prayer was answered. Hallelujah! 

Today, know that God still answers simple prayers, like in the story of Jehoshaphat. God told the people to march right into the enemy’s camp, worshipping, singing and shouting praises on their way. Notice, they weren’t worrying, they were worshipping and God delivered them. Friend, it’s time to worship and praise your way out of your problems. No need to struggle and become negative, stop fighting and stressing and trust God and receive victory in your life. Please let’s worship instead of worrying! 

“…We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” (2 Chronicles 20:12, NIV).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, You are truly the great God who is the Provider of everything we need and much more. Father, teach me to be a worshipper instead of a worrier. God, today I claim Your promise of deliverance from thoughts of fear or anxiety. Thank You for giving me the victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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God Has A Promise For You

This devotion begins with humans being called to reflect the rule and reign of God. But people turned away, seeking to build their own Kingdoms. This quickly turned to violence and oppression. Humans lived in rebellion rather than in harmony with God. 

Amidst this situation, God called Abraham and Sarah. He came into their lives to make covenant promises, to re-establish them as a people living in harmony with Him. 

Scripture says Abraham and Sarah were an old and childless couple. The new start God made with them didn’t look very promising, but God makes promises in unpromising situations. God promised to be their God, to bless them, and to make them a blessing on the earth. Then, a powerful little seed was tucked in with this packet of promises. God said to Abraham, “Kings will come from you,” and God said about Sarah, “Kings of peoples will come from her”. What would that have been like, to hear God say that your descendants would be Kings and Queens on the earth? 

Today, just like in the lives of the old couple Abraham and Sarah, God is in the business of re-establishing Kings and Queens in our families and communities. His promises to Abra­ham and Sarah would, in time, bear good fruit for their descendants and for the whole Earth. Remember, God wants to do the same for us. For if we are in Christ we will bear good fruit and prosper. Let us trust His promises.   

“I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.” (Genesis 17:6).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for your promises. Fill me with your Spirit so that your Kingdom may come and your will may be done in me today. Please bless my family and community, in Christ’s name. Amen. 

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You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet!

Today’s verse is really an encouragement for all of us to raise our level of expectancy! It’s like God is saying to us, “You think you’re blessed? You haven’t seen anything yet!”. I’m sure God has been good to you, but He also has things for your future that, if He told you right now, would boggle your mind – you wouldn’t even believe it.

If you had told me years ago that one day I would be a minister, speaking in front of thousands of people I would have said, “You’ve totally lost your mind!”. At the time, I could not even fathom that! Friend, that is how God wants to bless you in your future. He wants to overwhelm you with His goodness and with things so wonderful you can’t even fathom it!

Today, get ready for an increase. Get prepared for promotion. This year is the year to step into blessings you can’t even imagine. Keep believing, keep obeying His Word and keep your heart and mind open to what He has for you because you haven’t seen anything yet!

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9, NKJV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I raise my level of expectancy. I choose to take the limits off of my thinking. I know that You can do exceedingly, abundantly above all I could ever ask, think or imagine. Thank You for the blessing You have in store for me in 2024! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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Think About Your  Thinking 

When You Think of the Word Home, Does Jesus Come to Mind

In this age of social media influences, millions of people are not enjoying life because of the condition of their minds. They constantly dwell on negative, destructive, harmful thoughts. They don’t realise it, but the root cause of many of their problems is simply the fact that their thought life is out of control and very negative. 

More than ever, we have to realize that our lives follow our thoughts. If you think negative thoughts, then you’re going to live a negative life. If you think discouraging, hopeless thoughts, or even mediocre thoughts, then your life is going to go down that exact same path. That’s why we have to take captive every thought, and renew our minds with the Word of God on a daily basis. 

Today, I want to challenge you to think about what you’re thinking about. Don’t let those self-defeating thoughts linger in your mind. Instead, speak God’s promises over your life. Declare what He says about you. Take captive every thought and renew your mind daily through His awesome Word! 

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I choose to take captive every one of my thoughts. I will renew my mind according to Your Word. Father, thank You for being my teacher and helper. I give You my mind, please direct me in the way that I should go. In Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

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He Is Alive 

Jesus the Good Shepherd

Two years had passed since Paul came to the palace prison in Caesarea. Festus is now the governor instead of Felix. Felix thought he would be doing Paul’s accusers a favour by leaving Paul in prison, but they wanted more. Two years is a long time to wait for a decision from the court. Two years is also a long time to hold on to anger, but Paul’s accusers still want Paul to be killed. The devil and people want you dead when you are serving God. 

Scripture says Festus is puzzled about how to investigate the charges and the claim that Jesus is alive. He realises he has been asked to decide a religious question about Jewish customs and practices (no being a Jew), so he asks Paul if he wants to stand trial at Jerusalem. Rather than return to Jerusalem, Paul, as a Roman citizen, appeals for his case to be heard by the emperor, Caesar. 

Leading up to this, Paul says, “If I am guilty of anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die”. He is willing to die, but he must be heard. He continues to follow the plan of God to be heard in Rome. 

Today the twists and turns of Paul’s life are clarified by this truth, “Jesus is alive”. Paul was headed to Rome to testify about Jesus before the highest court in the world. Festus the fearless leader may have been puzzled, but Paul is certain. Jesus is alive, and others need to know this good news. I pray this is our testimony. 

“They had some points of dispute with [Paul] about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. I was at a loss how to investigate . . .” (Acts 25:19-20).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh our Father, may the praise, testimony, and witness of our lives always be centred on this truth that puzzles people still today: Jesus is alive! May we shout it throughout this sin-cursed world. In His name we pray, Amen. 

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Walk In The Anointing

As I think about 2023, it reminded me of a cross-country race I saw. I was amazed at how many obstacles they had to get over in order to get to the finish line. God wants to empower and strengthen you to overcome every obstacle this new year. He wants to give you confidence, wisdom and boldness, to pursue the dreams and desires in your heart in 2024. He wants to give you supernatural insight so that you can be a witness of His goodness.

In scripture, Peter and John were supernaturally equipped (they were anointed). Everyone around them marvelled at their boldness, at their ability. They knew Peter and John didn’t have any formal training. They knew there wasn’t anything special about them. This power and wisdom could only come from a bold Holy Ghost anointing, and the presence of Christ.

This year remember, when you’re walking in the Holy Ghost anointing and spending time with Jesus, people will see it. You’ll be energised for the race ahead by His anointing, and equipped by His grace. That’s why it’s so important in 2024 to take time every day to be in His presence. No matter where you are on this earth, His presence is only a prayer away. Scripture says He is near to all who call upon His name. It says that He inhabits the praises of His people. I encourage you to make your relationship with Him your number one priority this year, and be empowered by His presence every single day of your life!

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marvelled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13, NKJV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, as I have arrived at the finish line of 2023, and now I’ve stepped into 2024, I humbly come before You giving You all that I am. I surrender every area of my life to You, and invite You to have Your way in my heart. Lord, I ask for strength and boldness to get over and through life’s obstacles. Father, empower me with Your love, as I daily set my focus on You. God, in 2024 I want to remain in Your presence and receive Your Holy Ghost anointing. In Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Your Grace And Mercy

In this day and age, many people are filled with worry about their future. They live stressed out, wondering, “What’s going to happen if I lose my job?”, “how am I going to handle it if my loved one doesn’t make it?”, or even “my parents are getting older, how can I take care of them and my own family at the same time?”. As I settle into another year of this thing called life, I have made up my mind that I’m not going to worry or fret anymore. I will trust in God’s grace to be there at every stage of my life, to help me do whatever I need to do.

Remember, God’s grace is what saves us, but that’s not all. His grace is His enabling power. His grace will give you the strength, wisdom and favour to accomplish what you could not normally accomplish on your own. His grace is sufficient for whatever you need in your future. Hallelujah!

Today, if you’re in a difficult marriage, if you’re raising a child that’s going astray or if you’re facing a sickness, one thing you can count on is that the grace of God will be there. Receive it today by faith, and let Him empower you to walk through the difficulty, into a place of victory in Jesus’ name!

“But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out His special favour on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by His grace.” (1 Corinthians 15:10, NLT).

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for Your grace and mercy upon my life this past year. Father, thank You for empowering me to rise above every obstacle. God, I trust that You are moving me forward into victory in this next year of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

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