Tag: Philippians

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What Or Who Am I Reflecting?

Like a mirror, when you reflect something, you are exhibiting its likeness. You are displaying its characteristics. the Bible tells us that we should reflect the character and likeness of Jesus. We shouldn’t only have His features, like in a mirror, but most importantly – His attitude.

That may sound like a pretty tall order; after all, Jesus was the Son of God. But remember, when we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, we become sons and daughters of the Most High God, too. We become empowered by the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. That means we have the same spirit of humility—the same strength, the same love, and the same power on the inside. We are equipped to follow His example and do what He did. He went around doing good and bringing healing to others – physically, spiritually and emotionally.

Today, we have to let God work on our attitudes and actions. We have to open the door and invite Him in. Make the decision to open every area of your life to Him. Reflect Him and do good everywhere you go!

“Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]” (Philippians 2:5, AMP).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, right now I invite You to dwell in my thoughts, my heart and my attitude. Father, I want to be a true reflector of You. A pure reflection of Your  love in everything I do. God, I choose to follow Your example and bring good to others. Help me, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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Kujichagulia (Self-determination) True Grit

man reading a book

Principle 2 Kujichagulia / Self-determination: Philippians 3:13–14 “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”. Paul commands believers to possess the attitude of strong determination.

At a time when many people in Paul’s place would be looking back in regret, wondering what life would have been like in a different profession, Paul repudiates the past and looks with confidence to the future. His strong determination kept him focused on the ultimate goal of pleasing Christ all the way to the goal, even in his chains. It’s the picture of a runner running for the tape at the end of the race, straining forward in strong determination. Paul said, “I’m not looking back with longing. I’m stretching for the prize.” True grit.

No rusty Roman chains could deter Paul from reaching for the goal of pursuing the prize of Christ. He pressed on, determined to remain focused on his mission.

Today, I’m not talking about athletes, I’m talking about being a determined servant of Christ. There’s no easy route to spiritual maturity. It doesn’t happen overnight. Remember, it’s a gruelling journey at times. So, don’t bother to publish a pamphlet on all the obstacles you face. Don’t become famous for complaining. Forget the past, use what’s behind you as fuel and reach for the tape. Keep running no matter what as guided by God, remember it’s a spiritual race. Develop and maintain an attitude of strong determination.

“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”. Philippians 3:13–14 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I thank you for who you are, and for everything you have done in my life. Father, I ask you to make me a stronger person who can withstand all the setbacks that life throws at me. God, please make me a person with the courage to face life’s problems, enemies, and trials. Oh Lord give me a spirit of determination to fight and never stop running this Christian race until I win. Remove my obsession with the past. Thank you for listening to me in Christ’s name. Amen.

In Reflection 

When was the last time you had to show real grit and determination?

How did you get through?

When was the last time you prayed for more courage and determination? Why not pray now? God is waiting to hear from you.

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When Memories Are Painful  

Are you ok? Painful memories? Is everything in your life good right now, or are you suffering?  I can relate. 

Life can be painful sometimes. We all wish we could have seventy years of goodness, but that isn’t real life. Throughout my life, God has taught me valuable lessons regarding painful memories that I would like to share with you. God is faithful and will walk with us each step of the journey. He will never leave us or forsake us, and His grace and strength are always sufficient. Although some days you may doubt it. 

Another lesson is that, even though we may have forgiven ourselves and others, painful memories can tend to keep coming back. I asked God how I could stop the memories from coming back. He reminded me of today’s verse in Philippians 3:10. I should thank God for the experience, every time it pops up in my mind. As bad as it may be, He reminds me that I have the privilege of feeling a little of Christ’s suffering. 

Today when I look at my experiences from God’s perspective, suffering is a privilege. So, I may get to know Him more deeply. I would not have chosen some of the deep valleys I have gone through, but now I am thankful for them. Jesus, our Master, and Friend said we could expect trouble when we follow Him. We shouldn’t be surprised! But He is there with us, feeling our pain, strengthening us, loving us, and giving us grace and wisdom. 

“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering” Philippians 3:10 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I want to know You better even in my suffering. Father thank You for reminding me about the “fellowship of Your suffering.” God, today I thank You for the painful times in life and for walking with me each step of the way. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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It Hurts To Grow

3 Truths About Christianity

As a child I was very short whenever I complained about aches or pains that had no clear physical explanation, my parental diagnosis was: “It’s just growing pains.” I used to imagine my muscles and bones hurting while they stretched and grew. While I know nothing about the scientific nature of this evaluation then, today I do know it has a spiritual application that is very accurate. It hurts to grow. 

Why does It hurt to grow? because we must die to old ways in order to live anew, and old habits die hard. We place a high premium in life on dying peacefully but dying to anything is accompanied by pain. It’s hard letting go of our security blankets. 

It hurts to grow because growing usually means facing some fear or weakness that has limited us. Though God saves us through no effort of our own, he asks for our cooperation when it comes to our spiritual growth. Real spiritual growth only happens when our effort to act upon God’s word meets the provision of the Holy Spirit in us. 

Today learn this spiritual principle of growth. We obey by stepping into our weakness or our fear, trusting in the fact that because it is something He asks of us, He will meet us somewhere along the way with the power to do it. This is almost always a painful proposition because it requires a step into the unknown. What if God doesn’t keep His promises? I suppose we can ask that question, but we will never get the answer until we step. We must take the step as painful as it may be. And if that doesn’t hurt in some way to make these changes maybe it’s not God’s will and there may be there no growth. Old ways die hard, but new life dances on the gravestone. 

“Put into action God’s saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him.” Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT). 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for the incredible pain you suffered on the cross for me. Not only did You carry the sins of the world,” past, present and future” but You died an extremely painful death. God, You are the best Friend I could ever ask for. Help me place my trust in you by accepting your word even when painful. I cast all my anxiety about moving forward on you. In Christ’s Name 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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Erect A Spiritual Firewall

The battle for our minds and hearts is real and ongoing. Have you ever been ambushed by spontaneous impure thoughts — thoughts that undermine your faith? Lots, of distracting thoughts, sometimes infiltrate our minds, especially when we’re praying or contemplating God’s Word. I ask myself are they my thoughts or are they the strategic mind games of an oppressive offensive by the enemy attempting to sabotage my psyche, envelope me in false guilt and shame, and hinder my devotion to loving the Lord with all my heart and mind? 

In scripture, Paul says that the only way to counter, confront, and combat enemy mind games are for us to recondition our minds by focusing on wholesome thoughts, and ultimately, on the irrefutable truth of God’s Word. Interestingly, Scripture uses the words hearts and minds interchangeably — reflecting an intentional intimate connection that the mind is the gateway to, and the battleground for, the heart. The devil employs psychological guerrilla warfare on Christ-followers who aspire to sanctify their hearts and minds — hindering their thriving faith walk. 

Today like Paul, I advise you to protect, fortify, and recondition your mind with a spiritual firewall. Daily and prayerfully strive to sanctify a sound mind fully devoted to purity by taking “captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Throughout the day ask the Spirit to make you sensitive to any lie or ungodly thought you begin to entertain. Invite him to turn your eyes fully on Christ so that your thoughts are filled with worship as you go from task to task. 

“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, thank you for your faithfulness. Father, help me to recognize the enemy’s mind games. Give me the strength to counter, confront, and combat the devil’s mind games by erecting a spiritual firewall. God help me to avoid toxic media and immerse myself in your Word and take every thought captive in obedience to you. In Christ’s name Amen! 

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How to Soothe Your Anxious Heart (Pt 1)

Worry and nervousness have gripped our world. Anxiety will present itself, but you don’t have to live there. The answer to anxieties is to go to God as soon as you sense worry. Don’t wait. Pray immediately and ask for His strength to help you. Today’s verse Philippians 4:6 has three steps to soothe your anxious heart: 

1. Pray about everything. if I do what Philippians say and pray about everything, that does include everything. God is strong enough to handle all our worries. If we give all to Him we can break from the pressure that we put on ourselves. 

2. Tell God what you need. Don’t use the excuse that He already knows. Actually, He knows even more than you do. We get so caught up in our wants, that our real needs are often hidden. God wants us to always come to Him about everything. He listens and is glad when we feel comfortable talking with Him. 

3. Thank Him for all He has done (and will do). Gratefulness goes a long way to covering our anxieties. When we keep a list of all our blessings, they often crowd out my anxieties. Add to that a list of hopes and promises, which also will take up the space where fears want to live.  

Today when worry comes knocking, remember that the Lord is your light and salvation. Doubt, fear, and anxiety may seek to surround you with darkness that you can’t move forward. This is Satan’s goal—to stop you from living out your faith in God. But God is always your light, especially when anxiety threatens to darken your path. Why should you be afraid with that much light all around you (Psa 27:1)? 

“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 thank you that I can come to You always for any reason. Father, I’m grateful that when I pray to You, You answer me. Help me to come to You at the beginning of my fears and anxieties instead of waiting until I can’t stand them anymore. The quicker I go to You the better. God, I know You want to free me from ALL my fears. Help me look to You for help more often so I can be radiant with Your joy. In Christ’s Name Amen. 

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Think About It

Thinking about all you have to appreciate can boost your happiness and your overall sense of well-being, according to psychologists.

Did you know that God wants us to live an abundant life? Scripture says that Christ came so we can have abundant life, but it all starts in our thinking. What should we be thinking about? The Scripture says, things that are noble, right, lovely, pure and praiseworthy.  

When a thought comes to your mind that you’re never going to be successful, replace it by saying, “Father, You said that if I would put You first, You would crown my efforts with success. You said that You surround me with favour like a shield. You said that Your blessings would chase me down and overtake me!” That’s how you take every thought captive, that’s how you change negative thinking by replacing it with God’s Word! 

Today, don’t allow any negative thoughts to take up space in your mind. Fill your heart and mind with the Word of God, and open the door for His hand of blessing in every area of your life! 

“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, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your truth which sets me free. Father, I choose to meditate on Your Words and goodness and dwell on the right things. God, help me to keep my heart and mind set on all that is pure, lovely and true, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Praise Prepares The Way For Victory

End of Year Prayer for Your Finances


When hard times come your way what do you focus on? We can learn so much from the apostle Paul. He was deliriously happy and joyful because of what Christ had done in his life. Even when he was chained and shackled in a dark prison because of his faith, Paul praised God, and counted it a privilege to deliver the message of the gospel. He had His eyes focused on the prize of eternity!  

Paul didn’t let a bad day throw him off course. He didn’t get depressed when people didn’t like him or talked bad about him. No, he stood confident in Christ, knowing that praise prepares the way for victory! One thing Paul teaches us is that you can’t defeat a person who is always focused, happy and praising God.  

Today, if you are in a battle, if you need a miracle in your situation, follow Paul’s example – open your mouth, and begin to be joyful and praise God! Develop an attitude of faith, praise and expectancy. Keep your eyes focused on eternity, because when you praise God at all times no matter what comes your way, you’ll be victorious! Praise God now and for the good things He has for your future! Hallelujah! 

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12, ESV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for ordering my steps today. I set my eyes on You in the midst of my trial. Father, I will praise You because You are good, and I trust that no matter what, today I choose joy instead of sorrow, good instead of bad and praise instead of negativity. God, thank You for working in my life! In Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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Superheroes

We all like superheroes, the way they can run and jump through and over danger to protect and solve difficult situations. However, the great heroes of the Bible impress us with the strength of their confidence and depth of their faith in God. And as God’s Word tells us, you can do the same great things they did, you can be a superhero because you have the same God in you!  

One of those biblical superheroes is King David. He was supremely confident in God, firm in the knowledge that God would give him the strength to overcome his obstacles.  Whether it be a lion, a bear or a philistine giant. Philippians 4:13 says you can accomplish anything through the power of Christ who strengthens you. Hallelujah! 

Today, I hope this will encourage you to take a stand for God. Don’t ever think that God did great things only for people in the Bible. Greater power than Christ had we can have. According to Psalm 18:29 God can give us great supernatural power to run up against troops and jump over walls, obstacles and challenges in our lives! Just give Him an opportunity and you’ll see just how awesome and powerful He is. 

“For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.” (Psalm 18:29, ESV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the invincible and unexplainable power which You have placed within me through Christ, which I receive by faith. God, my deepest desire today is to be confident in Your supernatural power, so I get over, through or around life’s challenges. In Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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I’m Going Further

What does it mean to be crucified with Christ?

Don’t you dare settle for a mediocre life! No matter what’s happening in your life today, you are not limited by resources or family background. God has equipped and empowered you. He has blessed you with creativity, ideas, inventions, skills and talents. Today, call forth those seeds of greatness within you! 

Today, go further and dream bigger, declare that your best days are ahead. Declare that you are going further than anyone in your family ever did, that you are going to dream bigger and live better. No one can put a curse on you when God has put His blessing on you. So, walk and live in that blessing by following His commands and stay fully committed to Him! 

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for blessing me and calling me according to Your purpose. Father, I receive Your Word which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. God, please bless me to dream bigger and go further in every aspect of my life. I declare I will hide Your truth in my heart, so I won’t sin against You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Don’t Let It Expire

Godinterest: A Return to the Web of Old, While Pushing the Internet Forward

One day I received a gift card that I stored in a special place for so long that I forgot I had it? Most gift cards have an expiration date, and if you don’t use it, you will surely lose it! The same is true with the Word of God. No, the Word doesn’t ever expire, but we have to take action and use His Word in order to receive His promises. Just like you exchange your gift card for the things you need at the store, His Word gives you the power to receive every promise He has for you.

When you declare His Word and keep your heart and mind open to Him, you are using the gift. You are opening the door for Him to move in your life. For example, if you’re facing lack in any area, receive the gift of provision by declaring, my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). If there’s a mountain in your way, receive the gift of victory that says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

Today and every day, use the gift He’s given you. Make His Word a priority and don’t let it depart from your mouth or your blessings expire. As you do, He’ll make your way prosperous, and you’ll enjoy the abundant life He has for you! 

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which is truth to set me free. Father, I determine in my heart to use my gifts before the expiration date, and set Your Word into motion in my life. God, keep me close to You so that I can please You in everything I do, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Attitude & Altitude

Have you heard “attitude determines altitude?” In other words, a positive, faith-filled attitude will cause you to rise higher in life, but a negative, self-critical attitude will only bring you down.

Our attitude affects the outcome during hard times. Are we going to treat people right even when we’re being mistreated? Are we going to stay full of joy even when the bottom falls out? So many people get all bent out of shape and start complaining when things don’t go their way, but that kind of attitude only closes the door to God’s miracle-working power.

Scripture says that faith is what pleases God. Understand that He’s trying to work in your life. He’s trying to get you prepared for a promotion, but you’ve got to stay on His side. You’ve got to stand strong and fight that good fight of faith!

Today, if you are going through a difficult time, I encourage you to keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Start thanking God for bringing you through to the other side. As you stand strong, I believe you’ll rise higher. I believe you’ll come out stronger and wiser, and you will continue moving forward in the abundant life God has for you!

“Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ.”(Philippians 2:5, TLB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I choose to have a positive, faith-filled attitude. Please keep me positive despite what life brings my way. Father, I choose to bless You and trust You even when things don’t make sense in my natural mind. God, help me to have the right attitude at all times. I know You have a purpose for my life and trust that You are working all things out for my good, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Be Contented Now

Woman, You Are Enough

Be contented now! It’s easy to get so focused on our dreams, our goals and what we want, that it consumes us. We can get to the point where we are not going to be happy until it happens. But I’ve found that if we have to have something in order to be happy, our lives are out of balance. When our goals and dreams start to frustrate us, when we lose our peace and are not enjoying life, that’s a sure sign that we’re holding on too tightly. 

What’s the solution? You’ve got to release it. Freedom comes when you say, “God, I’m turning it all over to You. You know my desires, and You know what’s best for me. I’m choosing to trust You and Your timing.”

Today, learn to be content in whatever circumstances you find yourself, this will take away the power from the enemy. It takes away his ability to frustrate us. Not only that, but by our actions, we show our faith in God. Choose to trust in His timing; choose to live in peace and joy now, and know that your “now” shapes you for the good things God has in store for your future.

“…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11, NIV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today I will trust You with my now. Father, I release to You my frustrations over the dreams and desires that’s in my heart and mind, knowing that You know what’s best for me. God I will trust in Your timing, because You are always reliable and faithful, 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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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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