Living With Integrity

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

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

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

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

 Let’s Pray

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

God Has A Daily Blessing For You!

Yesterday was yet another day of difficulties for many, particularly the two mothers I spoke with. Many Christians think we shouldn’t have trials or hardships. Yet, if the bible is true, it’s those hard times which make us strong and show our loyalty to God.
Christians experience daily obstacles and struggles. Although you aren’t immune to life’s day-to-day challenges, you do have the power in Jesus Christ via the Holy Ghost, to overcome them!
Today, Christ’s power is available to help you win not only the big battles, but the little daily battles as well. God has an abundant life in store for you, which includes victory over the little things in your life that may seem big. Hallelujah! Remember, nothing can prevent you from being all that God wants you to be but you. So choose to claim victory and walk in it today, in the name of Jesus!
 
“Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever.” (Psalm 145:2, NASB).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I praise You for the daily victories you give to me, your child.  Father, I am sorry for my lack of loyalty to you, always complaining and not trusting. God, I praise you for your faithfulness towards me. It’s a blessing to know that I can bring every problem I have to you, no matter how small, knowing that you will work it out In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Real love

Real love never quits. God’s love is timeless and constant. It is “always” there, without fail. Psalm 103:17 says, “From everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children”. “Everlasting” and “always”, are wide open words that expand our limited view of God’s love.

God’s love is not fickle or wavering, because it does not depend on anything other than God’s decision to love. If God’s love were merely a response to our love or a reward for our good behaviour, it would fluctuate wildly and at times disappear entirely. Fortunately, though, God’s love is deeply rooted in his faithfulness and character, not in our limited commitment or our temperamental love.

Today on this Valentine day, don’t forget Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s love. He died for us “while we were still sinners”. When we were at our worst, He offered us his best. Though I love my kids even on their naughtiest days, God loves us even more constantly and without condition. God’s love does not waver. It is a constant presence in our lives. God’s love originates and flows from his own character. The greatest blessing and perhaps the only constant in the universe is the mighty force of God’s love. Do you know this love?

[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:7-8).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for your unfailing love. Father, may your love define me as your child, and may I return it to you and offer it to others in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Heavenly Joy

Are you tired of sorrow and sadness? I have good news for you; get to heaven, there will be no sorrow and sadness there. In the final book of the Bible, heaven is described as a place of wonderful freedom from pain, sorrow, and suffering. Joyful moments here are just that—moments. They seem to end quickly. In heaven joy is eternal. Hallelujah! Your best memories are those that are timeless, that seem to live on in your mind and in your heart forever. They seem so crystal clear and so crisp. That’s because the joy that surrounds those moments is of the Lord.

Scripture tells us that joy is a fruit of the Spirit, and the Spirit is eternal. So when you experience His joy, it is eternal. It becomes timeless. Joy-filled moments down here on earth are like sneak previews to whet your appetite for heaven. I think that’s God’s way of getting your heart every once in a while, a little closer to heaven and out of the mess of earth and onto the solid, real ground of heaven.

Today, rest assured there won’t be any violence or death in heaven. We won’t have to worry about nation against nation, or if a bomb is going to be dropped in heaven. We don’t have to worry about the atmosphere or pandemics killing us, because our bodies are going to be glorified, and we’re going to be eternally happy. We’re going to smile. We won’t have any more tears. I’m so looking forward to being with my family members and my friends in heaven. Will you be there?

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11).

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for the joy of heaven, so that my joy will be full as I live in Your presence now and forever. Father, I’m so glad that the pain and emptiness of this world will not exist in heaven and I will be totally free, hallelujah! Thank You! In Christ’s Name! Amen.

Christ Our Hope In 2024 

It’s a New Year, and we look forward in hope to a year filled with potential, but we also know there is uncertainty. A review of 2023 reminds us of the changes a year can bring. Some good, some very painful. What will happen in 2024? 

We opened December asking, “What is the source of our hope?” And through Scripture, we have seen God in Jesus, meeting our deepest needs. Now in this New Year, we look once again to Jesus the Saviour who has come and who now reigns in heaven until the day he will return. 

Words can only begin to describe the power and glory of our ascended Saviour. He is the Lord of life. John describes Him as standing in long flowing robes. Long robes were worn by royalty, or at times of celebration. They were a sign of victory, security, and work completed. A person fleeing danger, or a worker could not be encumbered with a long robe, but Christ stands in flowing robes. 

Today there is no threat to God’s kingdom; His redemptive work is fully accomplished. Children of this victorious King have eternal security. As we enter the New Year, may we all declare, “My only comfort in life and death is that I belong to my faithful Saviour, Yahshua the Messiah!” 

No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame. (Psalm 25:3).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, In a world of uncertainty, I thank you, for the comfort, hope, and peace I have because I belong to you. Father, thank you for being my security and allowing me to share in your victory. In Christ name, Amen. 

Call On God

7 Heroes of Faith and the Power of Prayer in Their Lives

David, who was anointed to become King of Israel, had many enemies, and he wrote the words of Psalm 18 at a time when God delivered him from those enemies, including Saul, the King he would then replace.

David was so overwhelmed by his enemies that he felt as if “the cords of death entangled” him. He felt that his end was near. In response, David called on the only one who could help, saying “I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.”

David displayed great courage based on his trust in God, his rock and deliverer. David had been taught and had learned from experience that the Lord was always present for him. No enemy could separate him from the care of the Lord.

Today, when we depend on God for all good things, as David did, we know that God will bring the solutions we need. This doesn’t mean we should ignore emergency services or other kinds of help that are available when we might need them. God provides those resources in our communities for the good of everyone. But realizing that we can rely on God to help us with all our needs is of greater comfort – just as it was for David. Let’s be sure to call on God whenever we need help of any kind.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; God is my rock, in whom I take refuge (Psalm 18:2).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, often we forget to look to you for help when we need it. Father, teach us to lean on you for protection, guidance, and all that we need, knowing you provide all good things. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Parenting For Eternity

Parenting For Eternity If someone asked you what you wanted most for your children. Your automatic response would properly be, “Success!”

If someone asked you what you wanted most for your children. Your automatic response would properly be, “Success!”

As a follower of Christ, I’ve discovered things more important than success in and of itself.

Our time on earth is short, and eternity is sure to follow. James 4:14 describes life on earth as, “a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” This should help with the choices parents make.

Ways Eternity Should Change How We Think As Parent 

 

We Realize our kids are not our own. 

Being a parent naturally involves putting the needs of our kids above our own and sacrificing to provide for them. But ultimately, each child belongs to God. Psalm 127:3-4 says God gives them to us as a reward. When we think of children as solely “ours,” our goals and our desires for them become the focus. When we think of parenting as stewarding the gifts God gives us, it puts the focus back on what God wants for them, which may not always be what we want for them.

We will Have different priorities. 

To most people, wanting success for my children would be admirable, even expected. We’re called to teach our children there is more to life than the success the world tells you about. Knowing the love of God is the greatest thing we can desire for our children. Encouraging good grades and allowing kids to excel in sports is great. But teaching our kids to look for the lonely and the hurting, to love sacrificially, to forgive quickly, and to obey God’s Word is more important than anything else.

We will encourage and celebrate differently. 

The world tells us that our kids are defined by their accomplishments in school, on the playing field, and in comparison to others. But the Bible tells us to focus on their hearts, not their trophies. We’re to point our children to the love of God so much it becomes a way of life. They should hear about it day and night, they should see it in our houses and in how we live our lives. Our lives should be a picture of the Gospel, pointing others to Christ and celebrating when our children do the same. If someone asked me today what I want most for my children, my answer would be, “That they would love the Lord.”

Today, our children who love the Lord, whose confidence and trust are in Him, are blessed no matter what comes. “They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8). I can live in peace knowing that a child who follows the Lord will ultimately be blessed. Their roads may not look like I envision, but if they’re following God’s plan for their lives, I know it’s the best plan for them. Parenting with eternity in mind means remembering we have the opportunity to raise disciples who will make a difference in this world. We can leave a legacy that makes an eternal impact, one generation pointing the next generation to Jesus.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. ‘ (Prov. 22:6.) 

 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I commit my children unto you. Father, supply whatever is wanting in me, through frailty or negligence. Strengthen them to overcome the corruptions of the world, to resist all solicitations to evil, whether from within or without and deliver them from the secret snares of the enemy. God, pour your grace into their hearts and confirm and multiply in them the gifts of Thy Holy Spirit, that they may daily grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ both now and throughout eternity, in Christ’s name. Amen.

**Wisdom Wednesdays**

As we come to the final days of 2022 let's read Psalm 23.
As we come to the final days of 2022 let’s read Psalm 23.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Let’s reflect on the following questions:
In 2022, how did the Lord Shepherd you? Did you lack for anything? What did you learn about resting and trusting in Him? How did He lead you in 2022? What were the darkest moments for you? How did He comfort and protect you during those dark times? How did He deal with you before your enemies? Can you trace His footsteps of goodness and mercy following you throughout 2022?
Today I’d like to invite you to make the Lord your Shepherd in 2023? – Sophia Peart

The Message of The Advent is “Fear Not” 

How to Deal with Chronic Fear and Anxiety

In the story of the advent, again and again, we hear the phrase, “Fear not!” 

“Fear not Mary” (Luke 1:30); “Fear not, Joseph” (Matthew 1:20-23); “fear not shepherds” (Luke 2:9-12). Like Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, we are so prone to fear. We’re afraid because we feel alone and forsaken, when we encounter the unknown, and when we face something bigger than us. 

The advent story teaches why we do not need to be afraid. When we feel alone and forsaken we need to remember the message of the Advent: a Saviour has been born to us…and they will call Him, Immanuel which means God with us. 

Because of Jesus God is approachable and very near—even holding our hands at times

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”(Isaiah 41:10). 

As we encounter the New Year let’s remember it’s not unknown to God. 

The future has its uncertainties, but we enter it every day, confident in the sovereignty and sufficiency of God. Our security is not in knowing where we are, but Who we are with! We are with God Who loves us and always wants the best for us. 

“God is faithful, reliable, trustworthy and therefore ever true to His promise and He can be depended on” (1 Corinthians 1:9 Amplified) 

Today as we face something bigger than us, let’s remember that God is bigger than the things that threaten us. He will do the impossible through us. In all these things (whatever we’re facing) we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For every day of the year, there is a “fear not” in the Bible. Do you have one for today? Try these three from the advent for the next few days, they will bring you Joy. “Fear not Mary” (Luke 1:30); “Fear not, Joseph” (Matthew 1:20-23); “fear not shepherds” (Luke 2:9-12). 

“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear: The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid… In the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling.” Psalm 27:1,2,5 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, we thank You because You are with us and Jesus lives within us, we have nothing to fear. Father thanks for the reminder from the story of the advent. That I have nothing to fear. In Jesus’s Name. Amen 

Have you ever been bullied? Pt 3

multiethnic male students gossiping about sad crying woman

The devil is our biggest bully. Daily he bombards us with challenges that try to move us away from God’s plan and purpose in our lives. You will be tempted to act out of character. You will be tempted to give in to the pride of your own thoughts, relying on yourself rather than fully relying on God. Unfortunately, all these decisions will put you in a position to lose the battle. 

If you are to get victory over the enemy, who is currently bullying you, you must learn the battle strategy from the one who knows best. God. He has strategic weapons to dismantle every attack of the enemy. We find this true throughout the Old Testament. 

In scripture, Joshua won the battle of Jericho by marching around the city 7 times, then releasing a loud shout. Gideon was told he had too many men for the battle. He was then instructed to take 300 men with him. As they went around blowing their trumpets, the Lord confused the opposing army, and they began to fight themselves.  Jehoshaphat was told by the Prophet of the Lord, ‘you will not have to fight in this battle, the Lord will fight for you’. They proceeded to battle worshipping their God and the other army began to destroy themselves. God does not fight as we fight. His weapons are much greater than ours. They are weapons of mass destruction, exposing our innermost thoughts and desires. 

Today, instead of cowering down to the enemy of doubt, fear, and insecurity. Instead of giving in to the temptation to quit. Instead of allowing the whispers of the naysayers to stop you in your tracks, I encourage you to fight back! You must stand and gird yourself with the full armour of God. Endure hardness as a good soldier and see those very obstacles demolished in your path. When you allow God to be your defence, your strong tower, He can perfect all things that concern you.  After all, He has already equipped you with the weapons that work; prayer, worship, and the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God. 

Do your battle on your knees today. Do your battle in worship. God will fight for you. 

“Praise the LORD, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle.” Psalm 144:1 (NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for teaching me how to fight. Often, I fight from a place of my own strength not fully relying on You. Lord as I begin to change course, teach me to be patient. I thank You for your power being made perfect in my time of weakness. I look to You when I am weak to help me win the victory in every area of my life. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 

Letting Go

a couple s hands breaking apart

One of my favourite bible stories is the Prodigal Son. Watching the father allow his youngest son to leave home and experience life reminds me of the challenges parents face daily. The process of growing and maturing is not always pleasant to watch.  We cannot raise strong, responsible children or even spiritual sons and daughters by shielding them from all pain and hardships, especially those that come from their own decisions. Often it is the pain that leads them to the arms of the Father. 

Today’s parents of older teens and young adults must release control and learn to trust God in the process. Looking back at the Father in the parable, he knew that he had to allow his son to leave.  But he also knew that he could trust the Lord with what was precious to him, the life of his son.    

Today, we too must trust God and allow our heavenly Father to mature our children and bring them to His perfect stature.  Just as the prodigal son came to himself realizing that he had it better with his father, our seed will as well. It may not be an easy transition, but it is a necessary one. Our children may need a pig pen experience (trial) to come to their heavenly Father. Trying to shield them may lengthen the process of conversion. 

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endures forever–forsake not the works of Your own hands.” Psalm 138:8 (Amplified Bible) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, grant us the grace to trust you with the lives of those we love. Father, teach us continually how to guide our children in wisdom and truth. God as we commit them to you, I ask that you reassure us daily that you will complete the work that you have begun in them. In Jesus name Amen. 

God Is… 

Sometimes we forget who God is and the role He plays in our lives. Just in case you may have forgotten here is a reminder of who He is: 

He is your Shelter 

…For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5 

He is your Strength 

…The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Psalm 28:8 

He is your Protector 

…. You won’t need to run. No one is chasing you. The LORD God of Israel will lead and protect you from enemy attacks. He has your back. Isaiah 52:12 Praise Him! 

He is your Tower of Strength 

… for you are my refuge, a tower of strength against the foe. Psalm 61:3 

He is your Peace 

…Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 Hallelujah! 

He is your Healer 

…for I am the LORD, your healer Exodus 15:26 AMEN! 

He is your Portion 

LORD, You are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future Psalm 16:5 

He is your Shield, your Refuge, and your Saviour 

…my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my saviour, the one who saves me from violence. 2 Samuel 22:3 

Today let’s not forget who God is amidst the hustle and bustle of life. Look to Him and let Him be your light. Allow Him to take away your fears, guide you, and protect you. Take refuge in Him, no matter what problems you face. Be confident in Him. Realize He is your Saviour in every situation! 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for being everything to me. Father, may I never forget who you are to me. God, help me to always remember your loving kindness, compassion, and grace in my life in Christ’s 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 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.

Seek God’s Purpose

God has a purpose and plan for each of our lives. The greatest thing we can do is to find that purpose and live it out. We can trust his purpose in us because it is based on his wisdom and love. If we seek His will, we’re not going to do anything that can ultimately spoil His purpose in us.  

Today, we may at times stray from the perfect path God wants us to travel, but we never totally get off the main path. As long he does not abandon us, and He won’t. He promised he would never leave us nor forsake us He will use us for His purposes. Despite our sins and shortcomings. 

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; Your love, O Lord, endures forever — do not abandon the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, help me discern what my life is intended to fulfil. Father, thank you for loving me and promising to walk beside me every step of my life. God, I live trusting that you will never forsake me no matter what. In Christ’s name. Amen. 

Your Pain Has Purpose

God will use whatever he wants to display his glory. Including my dying dad. 

The heart attack took him from a healthy man to a comatose paralytic. He lost his voice and couldn’t move, but never lost his faith. Dad suffered stately and died with dignity. His faith in the last few years of life led me to marvel in amazement. After the funeral, I sat there thinking that because of my dad’s example, many may have become Jesus’s followers. 

Now I ask the question did God orchestrate my father’s illness for that very reason? Knowing the value, he places on one life; I wouldn’t be surprised. And imagining the beauty of heaven, I know my father will not complain. 

Today, a season of suffering is a small assignment when compared to the reward. Rather than begrudge your problem, explore it. Ponder it. And most of all, use it. Use it to the glory of God. Your pain has a purpose. Your problems, struggles, heartaches, and hassles cooperate toward one end—the glory of God. 

“Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” Psalm 50:15 NLT 

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, when problems and pain come my way, help me to remember that nothing comes into my life without your approval. So rather than complain and cry about the challenges I face, help me consider them as opportunities to bring glory to you. Father, give me the strength and patience to bear my burdens in a way that will honour you. God, I will lift my eyes off the trials and keep them fixed firmly on you. In Christ’s Name Amen. 

A Thankful Heart

God's Heart-Fires Set His People Free

It is not easy to give thanks in every circumstance. But when we choose to thank God amid difficulty, it defeats the forces of darkness in the spiritual realm. When we thank God for every gift, He has given us even when things are hard, the enemy loses the battle against us. He is stopped in his tracks when we come to God with a thankful heart. 

Today, learn to be thankful for every blessing from God in your life. It is of great significance to Him if, during great trials, we can be thankful. There is a way of looking at life from the standpoint of eternity. The reality of eternal life and eternal glory that far exceeds this life is a priceless treasure. Our afflictions are working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Hallelujah! 

My cup overflows with your blessings – Psalm 23:5 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, teach me to offer you a heart of thanksgiving and praise in all my daily experiences of life. Father, I long to bring pleasure to You and to Break the power of the enemy in my life. God, defeat him through my sacrifice of praise. Please change my outlook and attitude into one of joyful contentment in my present circumstances. I thank You almighty for accepting me and blessing me despite my sins and complaining. Lord, convict me whenever I complain or compare myself with others. I know that Your truth dwells in a thankful heart. In Christ’s name Amen. 

 

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