Clean My Hands So I May Receive Your Blessings

In His Word, God tells us about His wonderful blessings, but He also tells us how to receive His blessings – by having clean hands and a pure heart. God wants you to receive every blessing that He has in store for you.

You may ask, “How are we made pure and clean?” By the blood of Jesus! We receive Him as our Lord and Saviour and choose to live for Him. Most of the time, it’s not the big things that keep us from God’s best; it’s the small things. Maybe it starts with an offense that turns into unforgiveness. Maybe you watch something on TV or the internet that you know you shouldn’t, and it becomes a bad habit that steals your time and pollutes your mind.

Today, why not make the decision to let go of anything that would keep you from His blessings. Be a person of excellence and integrity. Treat others with respect and kindness, and look for ways to be a blessing. Be determined to live a life that pleases God, so that you can receive the abundance He has in store for you!

“Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” (Psalm 24:3—5, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the blood of Christ that cleanses and renews me. Father, I choose to turn away from anything that displeases You and robs me of my blessings. God, I receive all You have for me today, so that I can live righteously before You, in Christ’ name! Amen.

Keep Adding Clean Water

Do you want to be changed? Meditate on God’s Word and His marvellous deeds and it will change you! It will begin to drive out old, negative thoughts and fill you with His strength and power. How does that happen? Imagine that you are holding a glass of dirty water in your hand. It’s full of all kinds of dirty particles. If you were to pour fresh, clean running water into that glass continually, and just let it overflow over and over, eventually all the dirty water would be gone. All you would have left is the pure, clean water. And, you wouldn’t have to really do anything to get rid of the dirty water, except allow the new, clean water to flow.

Today your mind is cleansed and renewed in the same way. By getting into the habit of pouring continuously the right thoughts–thoughts of faith, thoughts of victory, thoughts of praise–then before long, your mind is going to be transformed and renewed. You’re going to find yourself positive, hopeful, strong and courageous. You’ll see God’s hand of blessing and increase, and you will live the abundant, victorious life He has in store for you!

“Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; meditate on and talk of all His marvellous deeds, and devoutly praise them.” (Psalm 105:2, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I humbly submit my whole mind to You. Father, I choose to meditate on You and Your promises, so that You can cleanse and renew my mind. I commit to getting rid of my sinful dirty mind, by daily pouring in clean thoughts of faith, victory, praise, kindness and love. God, thank You for working in me, in Christ’ name! Amen.

A Full Life

Secrets to success in life in 2019

God wants you to live a full and satisfying life. He wants you to enjoy the fullness of the earth and all of life’s experiences. When you open your mind to new things and new situations, you are broadening your horizons and opening yourself to new opportunities.

We get stuck in a rut, doing the same thing the same way all the time. But when we open ourself to new people and new ideas, we are making room for God to reveal Himself to us. We are making room for Him to work in our life. Make the decision to explore something new this week. Take a different route home from work. Try something new on the menu at lunch.

Today, be open to new people who may not necessarily look like you, or act like you. Let God direct and broaden your horizons. As you do, you’ll encounter new opportunities and live the satisfied, full and complete life the Lord has in store for you!

“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness of it…” (Psalm 24:1, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I open my heart and mind to You today. Father, I ask that You help me broaden my perspective, so I can experience the full life You have for me, in Christ’ name! Amen.

God Is Thinking About You

Ever-Present Troubles, Ever-Present God

Day by day, moment by moment, God is thinking about you. He thinks about you constantly. You are always on His mind. What is He thinking about you may ask? He’s not thinking about all that you’ve done wrong in your life. No, He’s thinking about the good things He has in store for you and your purpose.  

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God’s thoughts are for our good. His plans are to prosper us and to give us a future and a hope. Do you know what else He’s thinking? He’s thinking about how much He loves you. He’s not mad at you; He’s madly in love with you!  

Today, let God’s love bring security to your heart and mind. The Bible says that perfect love casts out all fear. Take a deep breath right now and breathe in His love and peace, and breathe out fear. Let God’s love drive out your fear, and give you confidence to embrace the good things He has in store for you now and in the future! 

“How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!” (Psalm 139:17—18, NLT) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for thinking of me each moment of every day. Father, thank You for the good work You are doing in my life, even though at times I question what You are doing. God, I receive Your love. Please drive out all my fears and increase my confidence. Please make me new as I meditate on You. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

His Goodness

I Just Can't Help But Talk About Jesus

In these uncertain times we can learn the attitude of the psalmist David. He was going through very tough uncertain times when he declared the words in today’s verse. He said in effect, “I’m not worried. I’m not upset. I am confident I will see God’s goodness.” In other words, “this situation I’m in may be rough, but that’s not going to steal my vision or joy. It’s not going to cause me to give up on my dreams. I am confident that in this crazy unpredictable year, I will see God’s favour unfold in my life.” 

Today, remember what you focus on, is what will come to pass. No matter what the medical report says, no matter what your finances look like, no matter how bad that relationship may seem, be confident that you will see God’s goodness unfold in your life!  

Today, during this strange year, 2020, we must not forget our God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent. He is the creator of the universe, and He holds you, your plans and your dreams in the palm of His hand. So you can be confident nothing is too difficult for Him! Take hold of this truth by faith and focus on His goodness today! 

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” 

(Psalm 27:13, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness in my life. Father, I remain confident in Your power to control my life in these uncertain times. I will focus on You no matter what my circumstances may look like. God please give me Your peace as I keep my mind stayed on You in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Today Is A Gift

God Sees You

On Monday night, a family of 5 who were travelling home to Oxford were in a tragic accident, 3 died on the spot and the father and the youngest are in a critical condition. Sometimes, our days can be so full and busy that we forget how fragile life really is. It can be easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy.  

Things may not go your way, someone may say something that’s upset you, and traffic can cause you to lose focus. You have to remember that each day is a gift. If you choose to focus on what’s wrong, you’ll miss the beauty that each day has to offer. I encourage you to not let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don’t wait for holidays and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable.  

Today, you have been given time that can be invested or wasted, hours that can be used or misused. That’s why the psalmist prayed to God, “teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “teach us to value every moment that we’ve been given.” As you keep a proper perspective daily, you’ll gain a heart of wisdom, and experience the full blessings that God has for you each and every day of your life! 

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of today. Father, I promise to focus on the blessings of each moment instead of allowing the little things to steal my joy. Help me to make the most of each day and not let them waste away. God, please keep me close to You always as I submit every area of my heart and mind to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Total Recall

Total Recall

These days are frustrating and sometimes overwhelming to say the least. During times like these that we have to be especially careful about what we think and say. It is said that our lives will go in the direction of our thoughts. Do you need to change your thoughts? 

In Psalm 77 the psalmist, while under immense pressure and challenges, cried out to God and said, “You know what? I’m going to focus on what You have done for me. I’m going to dwell on Your goodness. I will recall Your deeds.” 

Today, you may be frustrated and facing challenges, don’t dwell on negative, self-defeating thoughts. Instead, recall God’s deeds. Focus on what He’s done for you. Thank Him for the gift of life and salvation. Make a list of all His wonderful blessings. Let your thoughts turn toward Him throughout the day, and recall His wonderful deeds! 

“But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.” 

(Psalm 77:11—12, NLT) 

Let’s Pray Yahweh, I bless Your holy Name! Father, thank You for the gift of life both now and in eternity. God, today I give You my frustrations and challenges. Instead I will recall Your mighty works. Thank You God for loving me and setting me free. Help me to keep my mind on Your good deeds always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

In The Morning

Every morning you have the opportunity to set the tone for your whole day by putting God first. When you do that and go out with a grateful attitude and a positive spiritual frame of mind, not only will you feel better, but you’re going to draw in all the blessings of God, and pave the way for success and victory. 

If you wake each morning thinking, “man, life’s a drag. Nothing good ever happens for me. It’s going to be a miserable day,” then your day will be dismal, and throughout the day you are going to attract defeat, failure and mediocrity.

Today, make a conscious decision to start your day moving in the right direction. Find things to thank God for. Make a list of all the blessings in your life, and put it on your bathroom mirror and have your own praise party each morming. As you continually choose to set your mind on Him first thing in the morning, you’ll position yourself for victory throughout the day, and enjoy the good things God has in store for you!

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of the morning. Father, I promise to set my mind on You each morning. Oh God, I thank You for Your goodness and mercy, I thank You for forgiving my sins and for preparing my day for victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Love & Unity = Blessings

How to Experience the Outpouring of God’s Love

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

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

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

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

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

Be Still And Know”¦

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

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

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

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

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

He Will Make Your Wrongs Right

Beyond Your Ability Is Right Where God Wants You

Have you ever been through a challenge that has brought you to tears? It seems like God doesn’t care, or that you are no longer important to Him? But He does care and you are important to Him. He cares so much about every detail of your life. He cares about your thoughts, feelings and emotions. In fact, what you are going through is so important to Him that He records every sorrow and collects every tear you’ve shed.  

You may ask why would God record your sorrows and collect your tears? Because He loves you so much, and He is your vindicator. He’s keeping account of every wrong that’s ever been done to you, so that He can make up for every single one of them. He wants to restore everything that has ever been stolen. He wants to heal every single hurt and pain. He sees the longings and desires of your heart, and you can rest, knowing that He is working things out for your good! 

Today, you are valuable to Him. He has your best interests at heart. He is working to bring restoration and peace to you. Keep standing, keep believing, and keep doing the right thing, because the One who collects your tears will restore every broken place in your life! 

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (Psalm 56:8, NLT) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for loving me the way You do. Father, thank You for being my vindicator and the lifter up of my soul. God, I choose to release my tears, hurt, pain and sorrow, knowing that You will make all things new in Your time, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.  

Jacob Blake – Sometimes Praising God Is Hard

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

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

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

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

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

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

My Steps Are Ordered

This week one of my prayers has been that God would give me direction and a renewed vigour. When we encounter difficult situations, we can be tempted to wonder if we are on the right path for our lives. And yes, sometimes we make poor choices that get us off course.  

If your heart is following after God, if you’re determined to stay in faith and put Him first in your life, you can be confident that you are right where you are supposed to be in God’s will! You might say, “that couldn’t be right. I’m uncomfortable. Somebody isn’t treating me right.” God will not allow a challenge to come into your life unless He has a divine purpose for it.  

Today, remember when God is in control, things don’t happen to us they happen for us. Hallelujah! In other words, God uses those difficult things to grow us and stretch us and take us to another level. He orders our steps. So stay in faith, keep a good attitude, and let God lead you into the righteous plan He has for you! 

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord…” (Psalm 37:23, KJV) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for ordering my steps and directing me. Father, I trust that You are at work in my life, even during the times when I don’t understand what’s happen in my life. God, please give me the strength and courage to do what is right in Your sight. I bless You today and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Delayed Happiness

Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, finds joy in seeing His diseased sheep progress toward healing.

These days with our world in turmoil with a pandemic, it’s hard to be happy. It’s very easy to come up with excuses as to why we are not happy. All the time I hear things like, “as soon as I get out of debt, I’ll be happy.” Or “as soon as I lose weight”…”as soon as I get promoted…”as soon as my children start behaving…” No, if you don’t put your foot down and decide to be happy right now, there will always be something to keep you from being happy. Let’s get rid of the excuses and make the decision to enjoy life right now, beginning today! 

Today is when God wants you to be happy, not tomorrow. That’s why David said in the Psalms, “this is the day the Lord has made! I will rejoice and be glad in it.” He was saying, “this is the day to be happy; not tomorrow, not when the weather clears up. Not next week, when I don’t have to work so hard. Not next month, when I make it through these difficult times.” No, choose to honour the Lord right now by choosing to enjoy your life. This is the day that the Lord has made! 

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for this day. Thank You that yesterday has gone with its worry, stress and sadness. Father, thank You for another day, another opportunity to praise and rejoice for Your kind mercy towards us. God, I choose to set my mind and heart on You and not on my problems, so I will be happy despite the situation. Almighty, this day I will rejoice and be glad, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

You Belong To The Family Of God

We all go through times when we feel lonely, or wonder where we belong. God designed family to always be a place of love and acceptance. Maybe you didn’t come from an environment like that, or maybe you’ve been away from your family. Maybe they are no longer around. God still desires to meet that need for family. He says, “He is the Father to the fatherless, and He places the solitary in families.” God wants to give you a circle of people you can trust, who will embrace and accept you.

If you are lonely or in need of a family today, ask God to meet that need and show you where you belong. Or, maybe you are the one who can open your home and heart to someone who is alone. The point is that God loves family. He designed family for a purpose. Jesus said in Matthew 12 that those who do God’s will are His family.

Today, if you are part of the family of God, you are never alone! He promises to never leave you nor forsake you. He promises to fill you with His peace and joy, so that you can live as an overcomer all the days of your life!

“God places the solitary in families”¦” (Psalm 68:6, NKJV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for making me a part of Your family. Father, thank You for diminishing my loneliness and being my Father. Thank You for accepting and embracing me always, even when I embarrass You with my sinful behaviour. God, show me how I can reach out and be an example of family in someone else’s life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

A Thorough Knowledge of the Bible Is worth More than a College Education

It [the Word of God] is a light shining in a dark place. As we search its pages of the bible, light enters the heart, illuminating the mind. By this light we see an example of what we ought to be.

We see in the WORD, warnings and promises, with God behind them all. We are invited to search this Word for aid when brought into difficult places. If we do not consult the Guidebook at every step, inquiring, Is this the way of the Lord? our words and acts will be tainted by selfishness. We shall forget God, and walk in paths that He has not chosen for us.

God’s Word is full of precious promises and helpful counsel. It is infallible; for God cannot make a mistake. It has help for every circumstance and condition of life, and God looks on with sadness when His children turn from it to human aid.

He who through the Scriptures holds communion with God will be ennobled and sanctified. As he reads the inspired record of the Saviour’s love, his heart will melt in tenderness and contrition. He will be filled with a desire to be like his Master, to live a life of loving service. By a miracle of His power He has preserved His Written Word through all ages.

The Holy Bible is God’s great director…. It flashes its light ahead, that we may see the path by which we are traveling; and its rays are thrown back on past history, showing the most perfect harmony in that which, to the mind in darkness, appears like error and discord. In that which seems to the worldling an inexplicable mystery, God’s children see light and beauty.

Happy is the man who has discovered for himself that the Word of God is a light to his feet and a lamp to his path – a light shining in a dark place. It is heaven’s directory for men.

 

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