Tag: People

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Faith In The Midst Of The Storm

There are always reasons to get upset and be stressed out. The storms of life come to every person, you are not unique or too good. No matter how good a person you are, you’re going to have some “rain” in your life. When these storms come, a lot of people use their faith to try to control their circumstances, but I’ve found it’s better to use my faith to control myself in the midst of my circumstances.

If we can just remain stable in the storms of life and stay in peace, we give God permission to act on our behalf. Remember, God never said that we wouldn’t have difficulties, but He did promise we could have peace in the midst of the storms. 

Today, when you face adversities, one of the most powerful things you can do is simply stay calm. When you are at peace, you are displaying your faith in God. By your actions, you’re saying, “God, I know You’re still on the throne. I know You’re bigger than this problem.” So keep the peace in the midst of your storms today. Trust that He is working behind the scenes. Keep your heart open to Him, because soon He will deliver you!

“…he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.” (Matthew 5:45, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for peace in the midst of the storms of life. Father, I choose to hold my peace knowing that You are working for me. God, I trust You, I trust Your timing, and I trust that You are working everything together for my good because You love me, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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This Is Preparation Time

This Is Preparation Time

In these uncertain times of lockdown and restrictions, I have heard folks saying they are bored and frustrated. We all go through seasons of waiting, and this could be yours. A lot of times, people just sit back and wait for God to do it all. But you have to remember to do your part, and make preparations with the tools He has given you.  

Making preparation is having a vision and moving in that direction. Talk like it’s going to happen and act like it’s going to happen. Some people might say “well, what if I do and it doesn’t happen?” Really, we should think “what if I do and it does happen?” Be positive. Even if things don’t turn out the way you had hoped, you are better off living your life feeling positive and hopeful, than going around down and discouraged. I love what David said in the Bible, “God, my times are in Your hands.” He was saying, “God, I don’t know when it’s going to happen, but I know You know what’s best for me.” 

Today, go out expecting good things. Even if it doesn’t happen, I’m not going to go to bed disappointed. I’m going to go to bed knowing that I’m one day closer to seeing my dreams, visions  and desires come to pass! 

 “…Prepare the way of the Lord…” (Isaiah 40:3, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I dedicate this day to You. Father, show me how to prepare for the blessings that are coming in my future. Almighty God, help me guard my words and thoughts as I put my trust in You, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Faith Pleases God

Being a Christian is all about pleasing God because we love Him. Do you know how to please God? He’s not impressed by how much knowledge we have. He is not impressed by how many possessions we own. He’s not moved by our accomplishments; He is pleased by our faith.

Scripture says faith is a gift. It’s not something that has to be contrived or worked up. Everyone has been given a measure of faith which grows as we hear the Word of God. That’s why it’s so important to stay connected to a Bible-based community where the Word of God is being taught. It’s why we need to make time every day to read and study His Word, because that’s how we feed our faith. 

Today, the more we get to know God’s Word, the more we’ll understand that God is good, and He rewards the people who seek after Him. Take time to feed your faith and meditate on His Word. Ask Him to illuminate your heart with His truth. Trust that God is good and has good things in store for you today and in your future. Believe this by faith because that’s what pleases God!

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me the gift of faith so that I can please You. Father, as I seek You and study Your Word, please illuminate my heart with truth and power. Almighty God, transform me today into Your image, and let everything I do bring glory to You, in Christ’s Name. Amen. 

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Love & Unity = Blessings

How to Experience the Outpouring of God’s Love

If ever there’s a time we need major blessings in our lives it’s now. So many people today desire God’s blessing in their lives, which is great! However, did you know that He commands blessings on us when we are at peace with the people around us? 

The Scripture calls us to work together in unity so that we can fulfil God’s purposes. We are called to serve one another in love, and serve together in the house of the Lord. Is there someone in your life that you don’t quite get along with? The Bible says to pray for that person, and go out of your way to be a blessing to them. It isn’t easy, but the reward is eternal. His blessings are everlasting. 

Today, make the decision today to live in peace and unity with the people around you. Look for common ground. Even if the only thing you can agree on is Jesus, focus on that! Focus on the love you have for God and for seeing people come to know Him. Live together in unity and open the door to see His blessing in every area of your life. 

“How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity…for there the Lord has commanded the blessing…” (Psalm 133:1—3, AMP)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, search my heart and see if there is anything that is keeping me from walking in unity with others. Father, I seek the blessing of love today. God, I seek the blessing of peace with those I’m in conflict with. Almighty, help me to be an example of love and unity to those around me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.  

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Be Refreshed

If It Had Not Been For The Lord Where Would You Be?

Is your life mundane? Are you just going through the motions? Do you need refreshing? So many people go around overwhelmed, tired, worn down, barely getting by. But that’s not God’s best. He wants us to prosper. He wants us to be refreshed. He wants us to be excited about our God-given future. 

The key to refreshing yourself is to be generous and refresh others. Is there someone at work you can be a blessing to? Can you lighten someone’s load? Maybe a family member is going through a hard time. Can you help them out? Can you cook them a meal? Refreshing someone can be as simple as a smile or an encouraging word. Don’t wait until you feel like doing it, that day may never come! Do it because the Scripture tells us to. Do it because it blesses God. 

Today, look for someone to be a blessing to. Step out and refresh them; live a life of generosity. As you do, you will be refreshed in return, and experience God’s blessings in every area of your life! 

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” 

(Proverbs 11:25, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your grace, mercy and forgiveness in my life. Father thank You for blessing me so that I can be a blessing to others. Almighty, teach me to be more generous. Show me how I can refresh others and bring glory to You. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Be Still And Know”¦

You may be wondering why God has allowed lockdown. Maybe He is saying “be still” you’re doing too much. Our lives today have become used to having constant activity: computers, mobile phones, television, email, video games. There’s nothing wrong with any of that stuff, but the Bible tells us that we need to stop and be still so we can focus on knowing God.  

I’ve found during the difficult times when facing life’s challenges, it’s easy to want to run to a friend, or talk about it with a co-worker. But at some point, you have to stop and say, “God, I rest in You. I know You have me in the palm of Your hand.” You have to be still so you will know God and His plan for your situation. 

Today, recognise your battles are spiritual battles. The people in your life aren’t the source of your problems, the forces of darkness are. When you choose to be still and know that the Greater One lives on the inside of you, you are putting yourself in a position of strength and victory. Each day, take a moment to be still before God. Let His peace cover you. Let Him refresh you by His Spirit. Remember, the battles you face belong to the Lord! 

“Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 
Yahweh, I humbly come before You today. Father, I choose to be still before You. Speak to my heart so that I can know You more. Fill me with Your strength and peace so I can face today’s challenges. God, I put all my trust in You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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God Wants To Give You Victory

Victory, Not Just Today, But Always

Are you battling sickness? God wants to give you healing. Are you struggling with a broken relationship? God wants to give you restoration and peace. Are you facing a need–physically, spiritually or emotionally? God wants to give you provision. God desires for you to live in victory in every area of your life.  

The Scripture says He always causes us to triumph through Christ Jesus! No matter what you may be facing today, God wants to make you more than a conqueror, and supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory. Today’s verse starts by saying, “Thanks be to God.” In the Bible, when God’s people were going into battle, many times they sent the worshippers out in front of the warriors. When you choose to be thankful and bless the Lord in the midst of your battle, you are making a way for Him to move in your life.  

Today, start by thanking Him for His goodness. Magnify your God; don’t magnify your problems. Give Him thanks and make way for victory! 

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, AMP) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I say thank You for Your mercy and faithfulness. Father, thank You for always leading and guiding me into victory! God, I receive my victory right now for this trial I’m going through. I celebrate and magnify You and bless Your holy name for my total deliverance, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Complete Joy

How are you feeling? Are you joyful? When something is full, there really isn’t room for any more. It’s a feeling of complete satisfaction. God wants your joy to be full and complete! But, too many people drag through the day with a sour outlook, no enthusiasm and no joy. Hardly ever smile. No laughter anymore. Everything is a burden.  

Based upon today’s verse, God never created us to endure life; He created us to enjoy life. We’re not supposed to go around with a long face; negative, discouraged, sour and grumpy. Christians, are supposed to be the happiest people on earth. Everywhere we go, we should be so full of joy that we brighten other people’s day. 

Today, choose love by choosing to obey God. That’s how our joy becomes complete. If there’s an area in your life where you know you need to make some adjustments, do it today. Don’t waste another moment living in disobedience. When we obey, it opens the door to His blessings! When we follow His commands, our joy becomes complete! 

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:9—11, NIV) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I humbly come to You. Father, I ask for Your peace and wisdom to do what is right in Your sight. God, grant unto me complete and full joy, as I choose love for You and others by obeying Your Word, in Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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Emotions

What Type of Christian Are You?

Did you know that emotions are God-given? If there’s one thing that can lead you away from your potential, and seeing the awesome plan God has for your life, it’s your emotions. 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, when we are moved by what we see, or experience, it opens the door for doubt and anxiety to come in. When we allow doubt and anxiety in, we become unstable. We are tossed back and forth. Understand this key: the way you feel today has little to do with what God is actually doing in your life. He’s working behind the scenes 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 and not anxious by focusing your thoughts on the Word of God. Stand strong in Him so you can confidently embrace the plan 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 dispels all my doubts and anxiety. Father, I will meditate on Your truth which has become my source of strength and faith. Almighty God, help me to be stable minded, as I set my focus on You. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Change Me Lord!

Shock the Culture — How millennials can (really) change the world

When we ask God to change us or fix us, and He begins to do a work in our lives, things can get a little uncomfortable before we see change, or while He is changing us. We may encounter people who are hard to get along with, or experience circumstances that seem beyond our control. When this happens, instead of getting upset or complaining, just pause and say, “Lord, thank You for doing a work in me.” 

Did you know God is more interested in changing you than He is in changing your circumstances? If you choose to stay sour because you’re not getting your own way, or if you get discouraged because things aren’t happening on your timetable, that’s going to keep you stuck, miserable and sad. 

Today, if you want to see change, if you want to see God open up new doors, the key is to bloom right where you’re planted. You can’t wait until everything gets better before you decide to have a good attitude. You have to be the best that you can be right where you are. When you bloom where you’re planted, you’re allowing God to work in you, and He will be faithful to complete the change He started in you! 

“…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I thank You for doing a work in me. I’m not complete but I can see growth in my life. Father, I will align myself with Your plan, so I can bloom wherever You plant me. God, help me, by Your Spirit, to be an example of Your love and life everywhere I go, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Iron Sharpens

In Uncertain Times Christ's Death and Resurrection Offer Comfort and Hope

One of the things I have tried to do in life and ministry is to ask God how to make those around me better. God does not bring people into our lives so that we can make them just like us. God loves variety and He wants us to be different from each other. He’s given us different personalities, different strengths, different interests and different looks.  

God made us all uniquely, so that we can sharpen one another and cause each other to rise up higher in life. If you’re going to be happy and enjoy your relationships, you’ve got to learn how to appreciate the differences, and learn from the people in your life. If you don’t focus on the right things, you’ll end up allowing the little irritations to cause you to become resentful. 

Today, remember, nobody is perfect. If you’re going to grow, you’ve got to be willing to overlook some things in people. Our assignment is not to fix people. Our assignment is to love people and make them thrive. Our assignment is to sharpen one another so we can move forward in the plan God has prepared! 

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the people You have placed in my life. Father, help me to see them the way You see them, and not judge or look down on them. God, help me to appreciate the ways You allow us to sharpen one another, so that we can help each other fulfil Your plan for our lives. In Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

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Life Has No Finish Line

People that are goal-oriented and very focused on achieving their dreams, many times overlook the simple things that we should be enjoying in our everyday. We have to remember that life is not really about the destination, it’s about the journey – how we live all along the way. It’s about the path we’re on. 

In this thing called life there is no finish line. Once you accomplish one dream, God will give you another. When you overcome one challenge, there will be another. There is always another mountain to climb. If we make the mistake of living just for the destination, we’ll look up one day and realise we’ve missed out on some of the most enjoyable parts of life. 

Today, most of life is routine – breakfast, work, lunch, home, dinner, bed and do it all again. There are very few mountaintops. The high times are few and far between; where you graduate, or get married, or have a child, or go on vacation. Don’t get stuck living for the mountaintops. Learn to enjoy the path you’re on. Learn to enjoy the people in your life. Learn to enjoy the simple blessings of walking in the path the Lord has prepared for you! 

“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” (Proverbs 4:18, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of life. Father, thank You for the plan You have for me today and in the future. Teach me to enjoy the journey of life, to embrace each day with joy and enthusiasm. Almighty God, help me to see the blessings of every moment You have given me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Seek Peace Not Strife

Worldly Peace Vs. God’s Peace

Many people fall into the evil trap of strife. Someone may say or do something that rubs you the wrong way, and before you know it, there is tension, quarrelling and division. The Bible tells us that strife opens the door to every evil work. It’s the enemy’s greatest trap to keep people from living in victory. 

The good news is, you don’t have to fall into the trap of strife, you can rise above it. Like today’s verse says, you can simply drop the matter before it turns into something bigger than it needs to. You don’t have to sink down to somebody’s level and argue with them and try to prove that you’re right. Remember, you weren’t put on this earth to correct everybody around you. 

Today, if you are going to be all that God’s called you to be, you have to learn to stay above strife and quarrels. Instead of letting disagreements pull your relationships apart, look for common ground to draw you closer together. Look for peaceful biblical ways to be a blessing. Stay above strife, and if you can’t say something positive don’t say anything, so you can enjoy your relationships and experience the blessings God has for you! 

“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” (Proverbs 17:14, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, help me to stay above strife no matter what’s going on around me. Father, I will honour You by seeking peace and staying positive in my relationships. Almighty God, empower me to walk in love and be a blessing everywhere I go, in Christ’s Name! Amen

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Don’t Judge Me

If you know me I can be very critical at times. Just recently I had to learn this valuable lesson, criticism given in the wrong way can make us feel anxious and in some cases, worthless. But when it’s given fairly and constructively, with real care and encouragement, not only does it show us where we’re going wrong, it fires us up to want to improve. So when we’re trying to help someone improve, let’s do it with kindness, understanding and empathy.

If it’s constructive, criticism can be a good thing. If we point out mistakes from a position of love and of wanting the other person to be the best they can be, it’s a useful tool that we can use to help others improve. Otherwise, it can easily turn into a destructive force that discourages and breaks people apart. We tend to find it easy to point out failings and weaknesses in others, while overlooking or excusing our own faults.

Jesus says: ‘How can you say to your friend, “Let me take that little piece of dust out of your eye”? Look at yourself! You still have that big piece of wood in your own eye. You hypocrite!’ (Matthew 7:4-5 NCV). Strong words, so we definitely need to take notice and avoid being unfair and judging others more harshly than we judge ourselves. Sometimes we might be overly critical to try and make ourselves look or feel better. Or we might be trying to hide the wounds of past experiences by using anger and criticism as a form of defence. 

Today, whatever the reason, Jesus gives us clear instructions, ‘Do not judge, or you too will be judged.’ When God looks at us and sees our faults and all the mistakes we make, He treats us with grace and gently corrects us. But what if God criticised us as harshly and as often as we criticise others? We’d soon feel completely depressed and wounded. The truth is, God, who has the highest standards of all, treats us with love and care even when we fail to live up to those standards. So when we need to correct someone, let’s do the same, and aim to encourage, not discourage.

Do not judge, or you too will be judged.’ MATTHEW 7:1 NIV

Lets’s Pray

Yahweh, I thank You for this timely advice not to judge others. I surrender my negative critical mind to You. Please Father, change me so I won’t be judgemental and hypocritical. God, help me to look at myself first before looking at others. Show me how to be constructive and encouraging when I have to criticise, and never to be discouraging and cause depression and discontent, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Forward Ever, Backward Never

Many people don’t fully understand what it means to forget the past. Do I do away with my history? Do I make myself vulnerable again? How do I forget something that’s happened to me?” Some of the biblical definitions of this phrase is to “disregard intentionally, to overlook or to cease reliving the pain.”  

In practical terms, what this verse is saying is that you have to choose to disregard your past, so that it doesn’t keep you from moving forward. That means the good and the bad. Even our past victories can sometimes keep us from rising higher. If we don’t let go of the old, we’ll never be able to embrace the new. 

Today, it doesn’t matter what’s happened in your history, it’s time to forget what‘s stopping you from moving forward. Make the choice today to look forward. Trust that God has a better future in store for you, with greater blessings, favour and massive victories. Hallelujah! Trust Him. As you forget pain, hurt and even some self-cantered victories, press forward and you will see the abundant life the Lord has in store for you! 

“…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” (Philippians 3:13, NLT) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I choose to forget the past that holds me back and makes me vulnerable. Father, I don’t want anything to hold me back from the good future You have prepared for me. God, I choose forgiveness, and ask that You help me by Your Holy Spirit to press forward in every area of my life. In Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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Jacob Blake – Sometimes Praising God Is Hard

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

When you wake up in the morning, what’s the first thing you do? Do you praise God for His goodness? Do you set the tone for praise because of success, favour and blessing? Looking at the events of this past week, months and year, it is so hard to praise God at all times like the Scripture says. To hear another mother crying, for her innocent black son, who was shot 7 times by the police is heartbreaking.  

We’re in the eighth month of the worst year on record, many commentators have said. Last year may have had some hardships and difficulties, but this year seems to be on another negative level. However, it’s time to set the tone for a season of praise. Despite all the negatives, Jacob’s family still managed to give God praise.  

Today, the Scripture reminds us that the darker it gets in the world, the brighter it’s going to be for God’s true believers. Things may be bad all around you. Murders, shootings and pandemics. People may be negative, complaining and discouraged, rightly so at times, but don’t let that spirit rub off on you, praise your way out of the negatives. The worse it gets the brighter God wants you to shine. Be determined to set a Godly tone of praise for the rest of the year, no matter how bad things get, by praising God and speaking words of faith over every situation! 

“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.” (Psalm 34:1, NLT) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I have decided to bless You at all times. I will go against my feelings and focus on Your goodness and love. God, I praise You for the faith of Jacob Blake’s family, who lift You up in the face of their tragedy. Please grant him a full recovery. Father, I set a new tone of praise in my life, to replace all of my negative emotions, and I receive Your forgiveness, grace and mercy. Thank You for Your faithfulness to me at all times, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

 

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