God Wants Diligence

The Gospel: From Oral Tradition to the Written Text

Matthew 25 tells a parable about three men whose employer entrusted them with some money. Two of the men were diligent and invested the money and received a great return. The third man was afraid and buried his money. The first two men were rewarded and praised for their investment and diligence, while the third man was rebuked because he did nothing.

God longs to show you His goodness and provision. He promises to always do His part, but you have to do your part. You have to be diligent. Be diligent in seeking His ways and following His Word. Be diligent with your time and resources. Follow the example of the first two men and look for ways to be diligent with what you have in your hand.

Today, whatever you do, do it with excellence. Be the best you can be, and go the extra mile even when you think it goes unnoticed. Understand that when people don’t notice, God notices and will reward the appetite of the diligent.

“…the appetite of the diligent is abundantly supplied.” (Proverbs 13:4, AMPC)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your favour on my life. Father, I choose to be diligent in all things. I choose to live in excellence and do everything to the best of my God-given ability. God, I will give You all the glory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Incredible Future

In a sign of things to come, a Swedish train operator is using new technology that employs big data to predict the entire commuter train system two hours into the future.

You may feel right now, like the challenges you face are too big or too overwhelming. We all face challenges. We all have obstacles to overcome. Keep the right attitude and focus, it will help us stay in faith so that we can move forward into victory.  

I’ve learned that average people have average problems. Ordinary people have ordinary challenges. But remember, you’re above average and you’re not ordinary. You are extraordinary. God created you and breathed His life into you. You are exceptional, and exceptional people face exceptional difficulties. But the good news is that we serve a super exceptional God!  

Today, when you have an incredible problem, instead of being discouraged, you should be encouraged knowing that you’re an incredible person, with an incredible future. Your path is shining bright because of your incredible God! Be encouraged today because your life is on an incredible path. So, keep in faith, keep declaring victory, keep declaring God’s promises over your life because you have an incredible future! 

“The path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day…” (Proverbs 4:18, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I lift my eyes to You. Father, I know that You are the One who helps me and has given me an incredible future. God, I choose to stand in faith, knowing that You have an incredible plan in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

In The Day Of Trouble

When we seek God, when we serve Him with our whole hearts, He will hide us in His shelter. Hallelujah! You can be so connected to God that you are untouchable and invisible to the enemy! You are hidden in Him! No matter what is happening around you, you can have strength, confidence and rest.  

In life, challenges may come your way, but don’t be worried about them. You know that ultimately things are going to work out for your good. You know that no weapon formed against you shall prosper.  

Today, people may try to make you look bad, but don’t give it a second thought. Your future is too bright to be distracted. People don’t control your destiny, God does. Just keep on being your best you, walk in integrity, meditate on the Word, and worship throughout the day so you can stay hidden in God! 

“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” 

(Psalm 27:5, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I come to You today with an open and humble heart. Father, I surrender every area of my life to You. Mould me into Your image and keep me hidden in You. God, I bless You and praise You today and always in Christ’s Name! Amen.

God Renew My Mind Daily

Renewal, Of People Of God - Knowing Jesus

Did you know that your life moves in the direction of your mind? So many people today are not really enjoying their lives 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. 

Yes 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 Scripture says, we have to take captive every thought and renew our minds on a daily basis. 

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

“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, help me take captive every thought. Father, I want you to renew my mind according to Your Word. Dear Holy Spirit, please be my teacher and helper. I invite You to direct me in the way that I should go. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

It’s My Emotions

What Type of Christian Are You?

Our emotions are God-given, but too often, people allow their negative circumstances to dictate their emotions instead of the Word of God. If there’s one thing that can lead you away from your God-given potential and seeing the awesome plan God has for your life, it’s your emotions.  

If we allow our circumstances to dictate our emotions, and are moved by what we see and experience, doors of doubt and fear are opened. When we allow doubt and fear in, we become emotionally unstable. The way you feel today has little to do with what God is actually doing in your life. He’s always working behind the scenes even if we don’t realise it!  

Today, don’t allow yourself to be tossed around by your emotions. Instead, choose to be stable minded by focusing your thoughts on the Word of God, and being around positive people. Stand strong in God so you can confidently embrace the plans He has for you! 

“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which guides my feet and lights my path. Father, I choose to meditate on Your truth which is my source of mental strength. God, please help me to be stable minded as I focus on You and Your Word. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Faith and Righteousness Go Together

GodInterest exists to welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds, equipping people with a faith that works in real life and sends them into a world to serve for God and humanity.

Many people are looking for ways to be righteous or in “right standing” with God. In Genesis 15 it simply says that when we believe God, that’s righteousness. The evidence, of our faith is found in our actions. Faith without works is dead. That means, when we really believe something, our actions will support what we believe. Abraham believed God, he obeyed His Word and left his father’s land, even when he didn’t know where he was going. In the same way, when we believe God, we have to leave some things behind in order to embrace the new life He has in store.  

Today, as you let go of the old and, by faith, embrace God’s promises, know that He is leading you down paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake! Keep believing and keep stepping out, knowing that your best days are ahead of you! 

Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for making me righteous in You. Today I choose to accept and believe Your Word by faith. God, help me to follow You all the days of my life in Christ’s Name! Amen.

A Strong And Stable Mind

What Does It Mean to Have a Sound Mind?

When I was a boy I was always very emotional. I would cry and sulk at the drop of a hat. I would refuse to do things because of how emotional I was. One thing that can lead you away from your potential and seeing the awesome plan God has for your life is your emotions. Emotions are God-given, but too often, people allow their circumstances to dictate their emotions and thoughts, instead of the Word of God.

When we allow our circumstances to dictate our emotions, it opens the door for doubt and fear to come in. If we allow doubt and fear in, we become unstable. Understand this key: the way you feel has little to do with what God is actually doing in your life. He’s working in realms you cannot see, whether you realise it or not!

Today, don’t allow yourself to be tossed around by your emotions any longer. Instead, choose to be stable-minded by focusing your thoughts on the Word and promises of God. Never serve God out of just feelings. Stand strong in Him. Ask God to replace your thinking with His, so you can confidently embrace the plan He has for you!

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Father, I will meditate on Your truth and promises, which is my source of mental and emotional strength and faith. God, please help me to be steadfast and strong, not doubting, as I set my focus on You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

What Do Others See?

What Do Others See?

We all like to dress up, some people spend large amounts of money on brand name clothes, how they look is important. They want to portray a certain image. When people look at you, do they see the love of God at work? Can they see growth and change? Do they know you are a follower of God? Can someone see beyond your clothes and see the love of God?

Remember, the real evidence of who and whose you are is in your words and actions, not necessarily in what you wear, or your hairstyle. The most important thing you can do with your life is live as an example of God’s love. His love empowers us. His love changes us. It takes us to new levels. His love blesses others through us. His love gives us eternal life.

Today, open your heart fully and receive His love. Wear it like clothes, because it’s designed by the best designer. Then turn around and let it flow naturally, reaching all those you come into contact with. Show your love for Him by following His commands. Live in His love and show His love, so that others will be drawn to Him. Hallelujah!

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“We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4, NLT)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for loving me, for empowering me, and changing me to be more like You. Father, have Your way in my heart, so the light of your love can shine through me, and I can be a shining light of Your love to the people around me. God, let me spend more time and money on the things that matters eternally, and that will help me reach others for the kingdom. Lord, please let your love shine through me today in Christ’s Name! Amen.

An Appetite of Diligence

God Wants to Take You to the Next Level

We serve a God of favour and blessings. He longs to pour them out on you. He wants to show you His goodness and provision. Your part is to be diligent. Be diligent in seeking His ways and following His commands. Be diligent with how you treat others and what you have in your hands, your time and your resources. 

The Bible tells us a parable about three men whose employer entrusted them with some money. Two of them were diligent and invested the money and received great returns. The third man was afraid and buried what he was given. The first two men were rewarded and praised for their diligence, while the third man was rebuked for not being diligent. 

Today, look for ways to be diligent with what you have in your hands. Whatever you do, do it with excellence. Be the best you can be and go the extra mile even when you think no one notices. When people don’t notice, God notices, and He promises to reward the appetite of the diligent. 

“…the appetite of the diligent is abundantly supplied.” (Proverbs 13:4, AMPC) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your favour and blessings on my life. Father, I will be more diligent. Teach me how to live in excellence and do everything to the best of my ability. God, I give You all the glory for my past, present and future, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Don’t Worship Your Dreams

You Should Never Give up on Your Dreams

Have you heard the saying “what goes around comes around?” God has a system in place in order to bless you, and it works on the principle of sowing and reaping. What you pour out to others, it will come back to you in increased measure. When you give generously, a generous harvest will return to you. When you help others succeed, you will find abundant success on your own path too.

Remember there are people in your life who will help you reach your full potential. These are people that God has placed in your life for you to help along, for you to sow into. The higher they rise up, the higher you will rise up too. When you give generously of your time, talent and resources, you are setting yourself up for greater success.

Today, what are you doing to invest in the lives of the people around you? Are you helping others get ahead? Step out and sow a seed, not necessarily of money. Look for ways to help others. As you sow success, you’ll reap success, and move forward and upward into the life God has in store for you!

“Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1 NLT)

Pray With Me

Jehovah, I open my heart to You and the success You have in store for me. Use me to be a blessing in the lives of others, helping them become successful in You. Show me where to invest my time, talent and resources, to help others succeed for Your glory, in Christ’ name! Amen.

How To Get Rid Of Stress

Dealing With The Unexpected

One of the number one killers of all time is stress and not enough rest. Sometimes the daily pressures of life can cause unnecessary stress. In fact, many people lose sleep worrying about things or people in their lives. But God doesn’t want us to live stressed out and overwhelmed. He wants us to live a life of rest and peace.

As Jesus walked on this earth, He took time for Himself. He got away from the crowds. He spent time with the Father. That’s how He found rest. He was gentle and humble in heart. Have you noticed that when you don’t take time out you are stressed, worried and less tolerant of others? You’re more likely to say or do something you don’t really mean.

Today, God wants you to cast your cares on Him and live with a gentle and humble attitude. When you release your burdens and rest and don’t worry, like Jesus, you will find rest for your soul. You will be rejuvenated and refreshed! You will find peace in your heart, so you can move forward in the abundant life God has for you!

“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.” (Matthew 11:29, NIV

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I cast my cares on You. Father, teach me to have a gentle and humble attitude. God, help me find rest for my soul and not live with stress and worry, so that I can love You and others the way You love me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

One Day At A Time

God's grace is His undeserved, unearned and unmerited favour

I always thought that grace was unmerited favour, but recently I’ve learned it’s also God’s supernatural empowerment on your life. Throughout Scripture, we see God giving daily grace, power, and provision to His people. When the people of Israel were in the wilderness headed toward the Promised Land, God gave them manna each morning to eat. It would just appear on the ground. But, He specifically instructed them to gather up enough for that day only. In fact, if they gathered more than that, it would spoil. God was teaching them to trust His grace and that He would bless them every single day. 

God doesn’t give us grace for a year at a time, or even a month at a time. Oh no! Every day God has a fresh supply of grace, favour, blessings, wisdom and forgiveness.  

Today, you may be wondering how are you going to make it through this season in your life? One day at a time. Look for His grace today. Look for His provision today. Look for His hand of favour, because God promises to supply everything that you need just for today! 

“Give us this day our daily bread…” (Matthew 6:11, NKJ) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I thank You today for Your grace and favour. Father, I know that You have a fresh supply of everything that I need physically, spiritually and emotionally, I receive them today. God, help me to trust You more as I seek Your face daily. In Christ’s Name!  Amen.

God Will Rescue You

While in Malawi I came face to face with a lion – albeit a blind one. Most people won’t ever literally come face to face with a hungry lion, but we’ve all been in situations where we feel like we are about to be destroyed. In the Bible we are told Daniel lived a life of excellence and the king kept promoting him and giving him authority, which made the other administrators jealous and angry. They manipulated the king into putting an unfair law in place that Daniel broke. 

Even though Daniel prayed, he still found himself in the den of lions as a punishment. How would you respond in that situation? I’m sure Daniel believed that God would deliver Him. I’m sure he hoped it would be before he was thrown into that den. Have you ever prayed and prayed for something and it looked like things just kept getting worse? Daniel trusted that God would work His supernatural plan for His glory. But he still had to go through the hardship of the lion’s den. 

Today, your friends may have turned on you, or you may feel like you’re in a lion’s den about to be devoured by the trials of life. Don’t be discouraged because God has the final say. Keep believing Him, keep trusting Him. He’s promised to never leave you or forsake you. He’ll shut the mouth of the lions that surround you; He’ll silence your accusers; He’ll stand with you in the fire, and He will lead you into victory in every area of your life. 

“Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” (Daniel 6:20b). 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for being my light in dark times. Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness, and trust that You have a wonderful plan for my life. God, silence those who seek to do me harm, and vindicate Yourself through me. Almighty God, no matter how things seem, I will put my hope and trust in You. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

Diligence Brings Rewards

Everybody likes a reward whether earned or unearned. God likes to give rewards He longs to pour out His favour and blessings on you. He wants to give you His goodness and provision. He promises to do His part, but you have to do your part and be diligent. First of all, be diligent in seeking His ways and obeying His commands. Then, be diligent with what He has already given you, your time and resources. 

Scripture says in Matthew, there were three men whose employer entrusted them with some money called talents. Two of the men were diligent and invested the talents, used them and received a great return. The third man was afraid and buried what he was given. The first two men were rewarded and praised for their diligence, while the third man was rebuked. He got no return or reward! 

Today, follow the example of the two men who used their talents. Look for ways to be diligent with what the Master has placed in your hand. Whatever you do, do it with excellence. Be the best you can be and go the extra mile, even when you think it goes unnoticed. Understand that when people don’t notice, God notices and promises to reward the appetite of the diligent! 

“…the appetite of the diligent is abundantly supplied.” (Proverbs 13:4, AMPC) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the favour and blessings You’ve placed in my life. Father, today I will be diligent. I will strive to live in excellence and do everything to the best of my ability. God, I give You all the glory for every reward I have and will receive, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

Sphere Of Influence

Sphere Of Influence

During this pandemic and periods of lockdown, one thing that God has done for us is that He has given us more ministry opportunities. Reaching out to neighbours, friends, and the vulnerable. Millions have started online ministries and businesses. What about you! Don’t just sit there and watch the world go by. God wants to bless you and enlarge your territory. Your territory can be your sphere of influence, or your realm of responsibility or authority.  

Are you ready for increase in your life today? You may desire God’s increase, but the Bible says we have not because we ask not. Are you asking for God’s blessing and ministry opportunities? Are you asking Him to enlarge your territory to make things bigger and better for you and your sphere of influence? When you ask God to bless you, your faith is activated, which opens the door for Him to work in your life. 

Today, ask for God’s blessing, ask for His discernment and wisdom. Ask Him to make you more effective on your job; ask Him to increase the quality of your life and relationships; ask for more people to love and encourage. Ask Him to enlarge your territory so that you can be a greater blessing to those around you. Why not take one step of faith in prayer, God will open doors that no man can close, and He will pour out abundance in every area of your life! Hallelujah! 

“Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory…” (1 Chronicles 4:10, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I open my heart to You and ask You to bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory and my sphere of influence. God, I ask You to increase me in every area, and teach me to be faithful to You always, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Beyond Your Limits

God’s Heart-Fires Set His People Free

When you are incarcerated – physically or emotionally – you are stuck, limited and in trouble. When Paul in Scripture wrote he was in chains, arrested for preaching the gospel, everything in his surroundings was “limited.” But instead of looking at his surroundings, Paul kept his eyes on the limitless God. Paul, kept looking for the open door of opportunity that God would have for him next. He was physically in chains but spiritually and emotionally free. 

Today, no matter what chains may be limiting you or holding you back, remember, we serve a God who’s in the business of setting people free, and He has equipped you with His power. When doors seem closed all around you, when your surroundings look limited, when you feel like you’re in chains, God is still at work. He will walk with you all the days of your life. Keep your hopes up and keep expecting. Like Paul, pray for opportunities to be opened to you, look beyond your limits and focus on your limitless God! 

“Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about His mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains.” (Colossians 4:3, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I choose to take my eyes off of my limited surroundings and focus on You. Father, I trust that You are working for me, opening doors of opportunity. Thank You God for giving me the power to look beyond my limits, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

 

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