While talking to some youth, I realised an important truth – people pleasing is alive and well. From fashion, to language and everything in between, there will always be people who try to squeeze you into their mould; people who try to pressure you into being who they want you to be. They may be good people. They may mean well. But the problem is – they aren’t your creator. They didn’t breathe life into you. They didn’t equip you, empower you or anoint you; Our Almighty God did!
If you’re going to be all that God created you to be, you can’t focus on what everybody else thinks. If you change with every criticism, trying to win the favour of others, then you’ll go through life being manipulated, and letting people squeeze you into their box. You have to realise that you can’t keep every person happy. You can’t make everyone like you. You’ll never win over all of your critics.
Today, instead of trying to please people, when you get up in the morning, ask the Lord to search your heart. Ask Him if your ways are pleasing to Him. Stay focused on your goals. If people don’t understand you, that’s okay. If you lose some friends because you wouldn’t let them control you, they weren’t true friends anyway. You don’t need others’ approval; you only need Almighty God’s approval. Keep your heart and mind submitted to Him, and you will be free from people pleasing!
“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.” (Proverbs 29:25, NLT)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I come humbly to You today. I invite You to search my heart and mind. Let my ways be pleasing to You. Father, take away my need for people’s approval. Please let my thoughts be Your thoughts and not the thoughts of a corrupt man. God, thank You for setting me free from people pleasing, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
When Plans Fail
What do you do when your plans fall apart? Where do you turn? Who do you run to for answers?
In my life, I’ve had many plans fail. What about you? Have you ever had your plans fail? Have you ever made plans and had them changed on you at the last second? Have you ever planned something to work out one way, but it went the total opposite way?
In scripture, Proverbs 21:30-31 says, “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” When our plans fail, we can have hope because our God never fails.
There is nothing wrong with planning and preparing in life. However, our plans are always subject to change. Solomon also tells us, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” If we are faithful no matter what happens in our lives, God’s purpose for us always comes through.
Today, our heavenly Father wants what is best for us. We serve a great God who gives good gifts to His children. He loves us so much that He promises us an abundant life. So, we can trust that His plans are better than ours. And even when it feels like everything is going wrong, He is using those circumstances to bring us to where He wants us to go. So next time your plans fail, take hope in the truth that God’s purpose for your life will prevail.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank you for another year to serve you and be your hands and feet. I’ve made my plans for this year and now I lay them at your feet because you know best.
If these are the things you want me to do, I pray that you’ll give me the energy, focus and discipline to get them done. God, I’ll trust you for the outcomes. Father, if you have other plans for me, change mine, rearrange them and blow mine up. I put my confidence in you. Your will, not mine. In Christ’s name Amen.
In Reflection:
When was a time your plans failed, but you eventually saw that where God was taking you was better than where you planned to go?
How can remembering that give you hope the next time you see your plans start to fail?
What is one way you can seek God when making your plans, so they more closely align with His plans for you?
Overcoming Offences
Some of the definitions for the word Offence are the act of provoking, annoying, irritating or causing pain or injury. It is also the reaction the offence produces, like indignation, resentment, or anger, which can lead to a breach in relationships. When someone sins against you, your flesh rises and demands retribution. But the way of grace must, guard your mouth and heart and release the offender.
The writer of Proverbs urges us to respond to offences by giving evidence of the grace of God. An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel (Proverbs 18:19). A hostile relationship is hard to win back. Contention separates people into opposing sides. Jesus died to break down the dividing walls.
The Bible says He who guards his mouth, and his tongue keeps himself from calamity (Proverbs 21:23). When our unguarded mouth gives vent to our unhealed heart, we unleash words that hurt deeply.
The wise man continues, do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared (Proverbs 22:24-25). Don’t take the anger of angry people personally, or you will find yourself reacting to them in the same destructive way. Calmness can lay great errors offence to rest (Ecclesiastes 10:4). A quiet spirit will overcome great anger and turn aside the hurtful actions of others.
Today, “Let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or offence or occasion to fall in your brother’s way”. Show the redemptive purpose of Jesus in every situation and relationship. We overlook offences because Jesus took our offences and bore them to His cross. Our motivation is in the great forgiveness of Jesus. Those who have been forgiven much will forgive much.
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I present my emotions before you, and I pray that you set me free from the spirit of offence. Lord, help me not hold grudges, or harbour ill feelings and thoughts towards those who have hurt or insulted me. Please empower me to forgive and love unconditionally as you love me. Teach me not to cling to negative words or nurse my offences until they grow into something deeper. In Christ’s name Amen.
Why We Get Into Trouble?
Whilst talking to a young person on my radio show about street life, stabbings and shootings (which is on the increase in our communities) I am realising that folk act first and think later. One of the characteristics of a prudent person, is that they give thought to their ways. Too many people today just act, or react, based on their emotions or circumstances. They let the world around them determine and dictate how they should feel, or what they should do. They believe the media hype with all kinds of negatives. Don’t let that be you!
Please give thought to your ways. Submit every decision to the Lord in prayer, and allow Him to direct you from inside your heart. Don’t believe everything you hear. Let the Lord guide your steps.
Today, as you take time to meditate before the Lord, submit your plans to Him. Proverbs says that your ways will be established. You will find supernatural peace that passes understanding, and you will live in success all the days of your life. Please give thought to your ways!
“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” (Proverbs 14:15, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Thank You for guiding and directing my steps. Father, help me each day to give thought to my ways, and follow the good plan You have for me. God, teach me to stop being reactive and instead become proactive. God, I don’t want to act first and think later, so I give You my mind. Please control my thoughts in Christ’s name! Amen.
Don’t Get Yourself Into Trouble
Talking to young people about these stabbings and shootings that are on the increase in our communities, I’m realising that folk act first and think later. One of the characteristics of a prudent person is that they give thought to their ways. Too many people today just act or react, based on their emotions or circumstances. They let the world around them determine and dictate how they should feel, or what they should do.
They believe the media hype with all kinds of negatives. When the economy is up, they are up. When the economy is down, they are down. When negative things are said about them, or they hear that things are said about them, they react. Don’t let that be you!
Today, please give thought to your ways. Submit every decision to the Lord in prayer and allow Him to direct you from inside your heart. Don’t believe everything you hear. Let the Lord guide your steps. As you take time to meditate before the Lord and submit your plans to Him, Proverbs says that your ways will be established. You will find supernatural peace that passes understanding, and you will live in success all the days of your life. Please give thought to your ways!
“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” (Proverbs 14:15, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Thank You for guiding and directing my steps. Father, please, I beg You to help me each day to give thought to my ways and follow the good plan You have for me. Teach me oh God to stop being reactive, but to be proactive. God, no longer do I want to act first and think later, so I give You, my mind. Please control my thoughts in Jesus’ name! Amen.
How to Use the Bible to Parent Children With Disabilities
United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund estimates that about 240 million children are born with impairments. As a result, Christians raising children with disabilities must understand how to nurture them biblically. However, this might be one of the most difficult elements of parenting.
The good news is that you can often find guidance on how to raise your children, whether they have disabilities or not, in the Bible. Here are some biblical guidelines for how Christians should see disabilities and how the Bible can help you raise a child with disability.
Model Godly Behavior in Your Child
Modeling Godly behavior to your child is the best way to teach him or her. God’s love and wisdom are clearly demonstrated in Scripture. Using Bible verses or read Christian blogs such as When you need God, as a parent will help your children learn how to apply them to their lives even if they have disabilities.
For example, Proverbs 22:6 teaches Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. You can use the proverb to talk about taking care of our bodies through proper diet and exercise.
Also, you could apply it to education by using verses such as 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which states, All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. You could apply this verse to teaching kids what is right or wrong based on biblical principles rather than just human thoughts.
Talk to Your Child
The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that it is crucial to maintain positive and open communication when parenting a child with disabilities. Listen more than you speak. Kids want to be heard. Ask your child how they feel about their disability and what they think is important about having a disability.
This can help you tailor your approach for them, which will make you an even better parent.It is also helpful when kids transition from one stage of life to another, like elementary school to middle school or high school. According to the Bible, patience is a virtue, and consider practicing it.
Children are embarrassed by their disabilities. But do not let that stop you from communicating with them on the subject or assuming anything about their limitations. Do not go overboard: You will probably have good and bad days as a parent of a child with disabilities. And that is okay!
House Chores
The Bible contains some specific instructions for believers to care for those less fortunate than themselves. In Ephesians 4:28, Paul writes, “…but must work, doing something useful with their own hands….”
He gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers. Many Christian parents use the passage as Biblical guidance on how to divide household chores among their children.
For Christians raising children with disabilities, certain Biblical principles can guide them through the challenges of parenting a child with a disability. One example is Galatians 6:2, which says, Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
It is important to remember that while you may have more struggles or responsibilities in life because your child has a disability, you also have the power to make life easier for your child by carrying the burden together.
Assure Your Children That They Are Normal
Everyone wants to be loved and accepted. Children with disabilities, just like every other child, have a desire for love and acceptance. Take time daily to assure your child that they are unique and special.
Talk about how much you love them, how beautiful they are, and how glad God chose them as your child. For example, Proverbs 3:5 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
In essence, God promises He will be there for you and gives you confidence that He is in control of everything that happens. Psalm 139:14 asserts I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. You can point out this verse during bath time or when changing a diaper to remind them of how special they are.
According to the Book of Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus encourages people who have disabilities by saying, Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. These reminders can provide relief for your child while giving them a strong foundation as they grow.
Biblical Guidance on Disciplining Children Born With Disabilities
It is important that Christians raising children with disabilities get some biblical perspective on discipline. God commands parents to discipline your children. Discipline is not punishment; it is simply teaching a child what is right and wrong.
Parents should use biblical guidance for disabilities in disciplining their children. According to Hebrews 12:11-12 No discipline feels pleasant at the time but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those trained by it.
That is why an important piece of parenting children with disabilities is guiding them in the right direction. One good example would be Proverbs 23:13, which says, Withhold not correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod and deliver his soul from hell.
The Bottom Line: Ask God for Wisdom
There is no shame in asking God for help. You might be afraid of what you will hear but consider it an opportunity to ask God for wisdom as you raise your children. Remember that He loves you and your children and knows what they need better than anyone else.
Trust Him when He answers; ask Him again when you do not understand why things happen as they do. God wants us to be good parents, and he wants us to succeed. Inquire of him for wisdom and biblical guidance for disabilities in parenting your children. He will make sure you have everything you need.
(Psalm 111:10) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Read the Bible and pray regularly, especially when facing challenges in raising your children. Ask God to help you understand how He can use your difficult circumstances to bring glory to Himself.
Fools Lose Control
Whether it’s complaining about people queue-hogging at the supermarket or sounding off about someone behind their back, the Bible says this, ‘Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back’ (Proverbs 29:11 NLT).
It’s okay to share your feelings with those you trust. But think wisely about whom you tell and what you say because you don’t want your words to bite back. For times when you feel like you’re about to explode, here’s a tip for you: get rid of some excess adrenaline by getting active physically rather than vocally. Don’t get physical with people.
Today God is not an advocate of kicking butt! He would prefer you kicked a football around or take a good long run. It helps clear your head to think rationally and handle things in a way you won’t regret afterwards. If you’re anger-prone, challenge yourself to learn a couple of scriptures to grab from your mind when you need it most. Start with Proverbs 14:17.
‘Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back’ (Proverbs 29:11 NLT).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I’m sorry that anger rises in my heart. Father, at times I feel so much pressure. I feel as though I’m on a knife’s edge, Sometimes I resent colleagues, family and friends and I fall into anger. I know you understand, and You see all I am, the good and the bad. Please Lord let Your love flood my angry moments. God help me to pray, to look to you, to take a step back and calm down. Help me to breathe deeply, to re-fuel, to rest and reset. Please step in when I feel anger surging again and remind me of these things. I trust in you. God Amen.
Spiritual Boldness
In the last few years, it seems there has been constant brutal violence and restlessness all over the world and it’s increasing before our eyes and on social media. So much hatred, strife, and division in our land, stone-cold and bitter hearts toward anyone who may look different from us or think differently.
Most definitely, when we see injustice, it should cause us to want to rise and say something, yet our message as believers proclaiming the solution to such hatred and violence should be different than what the world offers. As believers, we must be bold as lions and not shy away from speaking the truth when the world may want to flee from the truth.
Today the problem with injustice is sin. The answer is the Gospel. It all begins and ends in the heart. We must take a stand against injustice for the sake of the Gospel! Human effort will not transform the heart of the sinner. Only God can change a hard heart of stone and make it a heart of flesh and that’s only done by acknowledging the need for a Saviour and believing the gospel that truly saves and changes hearts! Please, Jesus, give us the boldness to proclaim this today!
The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion” – Proverbs 28:1
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your mercy toward me. We are living in a world; unlike anything, we have ever seen before. Chaos, confusion, and turmoil have been stirring in the hearts of so many people. Father, I trust that justice belongs in Your hand, but I also trust that You have a great plan for me. God, help me fix my eyes on Christ so when I am tempted to only look at the problems around me, I will be able to proclaim with boldness that you are the only solution to what our world is experiencing! In Christ’s Name, Amen.
Team Work
As the football season begins, the thought came to mind in regards to teamwork. Your destiny is too big to accomplish things on your own. God has already arranged for certain people to come alongside you and speak faith into you. He has already placed in your path people who will inspire you, challenge you, and help you accomplish your dreams.
Some people never reach their highest potential because they never get away from the wrong people. Recognise that not everyone can go where God is taking you. You’ve got to connect with people who understand your destiny and can call forth your seeds of greatness. You don’t have time to spend on people who are always putting you down, telling you what you can’t do, or who refuse to give you their approval no matter how hard you try.
Today, realise life is too short to drag people along who will hold you back from your God-given destiny. Ask God to help you get the wrong people out of your life, then He will help you make the right connections, so you can fulfill the destiny He has in store for you.
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for placing godly people in my life. Father, help me to discern the right connections You have for me. God, give me strength to release the wrong relationships, so I have room in my life for the people You have chosen to connect with me for your will to be accomplished in my life, in Christ’ name! Amen.
The Dangers Of Sexual Sin
“I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare.” (Ecclesiastes 7:26 NIV) Solomon most likely wrote the above verse from Ecclesiastes in his later years. Who better to write about the enslaving nature of sexual sin than the man who had hundreds of wives and concubines? The scripture tells us that Solomon’s love for foreign women eventually led to his plunge into idolatry. Chasing sex, he allowed these women to lead his heart astray: “his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God” (1 Kings 11:4 NIV).
In the verse above, the woman can be used metaphorically as sexual sin in general. As in the first few chapters of Proverbs, Solomon here also warns people to steer clear of sexual sin. Those who do not will be ensnared by it. Regardless of gender, sexual sin can enslave people when they give it an opportunity to do so. It is the type of slave master who does not release its victims once they are ensnared. It seeks to consume every area of the slave’s life.
Today, remember, God created us to have dominion over the earth and to subdue it. At the fall of Adam and Eve, the devil usurped man’s dominion and was given the power of death. When Jesus died and rose from the dead, he took dominion away from the devil. And now those who believe in Jesus rightfully inherit that dominion over the earth, the forces of evil and sin. Paul explained in Romans that we are not to allow sin to reign in our bodies. We have dominion over sin and have the freedom to use our bodies to please God.
…so use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.” Romans 6:13-14 (NLT)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for dying in my place on the cross and rising from the dead. Father, thank You for winning back dominion for us over evil, sin and death. God, help those of us that struggle with sexual sin, we confess all our sins to You and repent asking for Your total forgiveness, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
God Wants Diligence
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
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.
An Appetite of Diligence
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.
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.
God Help Me Control My Tongue
I believe every word we speak has power. Have you ever said things you wish you could take back? Our words determine the direction of our lives. The Bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue.
There’s no neutral ground. We are either sowing seeds of life and productivity with our words, or we are sowing seeds of ruin and destruction with our words. This is a good day to take inventory of your words and make the decision to sow only good seeds with your words.
Today, speak God’s Word over your own life and the lives of those around you. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you to consider every word before you say it. Make the decision today that your words will bring glory to the Lord. As you guard your mouth, you will “keep” your life. You’ll see increase in every area and enjoy the blessings God has in store for you!
“He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 13:3, AMP)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I give this day to You. I give You my every thought, I give You every word and action. Spirit, help me to live a life pleasing to God in every way. Please help me speak words of blessing to edify those around me. In Christ’s Name! Amen.
Are Your Roots Grounded In God?
Have you ever felt like your life is spinning out of control? Do you feel tossed around by the storms of life? Have you ever seen a tree in a hurricane? The wind and the rain blows the leaves from the branches, and sometimes the branches are torn off and the tree is blown over. But, the tree’s roots are protected from the weather by being firmly established in the ground. The same should be true in our lives.
If our roots are not firmly grounded in the Word of God, we become vulnerable during the difficult times. But when our thoughts are in line with God’s thoughts, He plants a righteous root within us and we become spiritually grounded. Our thinking becomes clear, we become stronger and equipped to overcome the storms of life.
Today, God wants you to be solid. He wants you to be steady. He wants you to have a grounded life and character. He wants your roots to grow deep in His Word. He wants you to be righteous in Him. Ask Him to show you any areas of your thought life that might need to be firmly planted in Him. As you develop your relationship with God, you will grow deep spiritual roots and stand victoriously against all that life throws at you!
“No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.” (Proverbs 12:3, ESV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your plan for my life. Father, help me to grow deep roots in my relationship with You. Please Lord, cause my thoughts to be Your thoughts, so that I will be strong and grounded in You. God, thank You for Your favour and blessing in my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
