Tag: RE

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What To Do In Hard Times

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

When trials come what do you do? If you shrink back, get bitter, and lose your enthusiasm, then you are allowing the trial to control your life. Did you know that the way you handle your adversities has a huge impact on your success? You may be allowing hardship to keep you from your God-given destiny.  

However, look to God, keep pressing forward, put a smile on your face, rejoice even in the hard times, you are allowing God’s character to be developed inside of you. You are setting yourself up for your breakthrough! The only difference between a piece of black coal and a priceless diamond is the amount of pressure that it endures.   

Today, stand strong in the midst of trials and difficulties and allow God to shape and mould your character, it’s like going from a piece of coal to a priceless diamond. Those difficulties are going to give way to new growth, new potential, new talent, new friendships, new opportunities, new vision. You’re going to see God develop your life in ways that you’ve never even imagined! 

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation” (Romans 5:3-4, NLT). 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me strength to overcome every obstacle in life. Father, I will  rejoice no matter what may come against me, because I know You are working all things together for my good. God, thank You for developing Your character in me. In Christ’s Name! Amen.  

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Your Harvest Will Come

Season = Ploughing, Planting, Watering and Harvest

In my front yard I have two large conifer trees. I often wondered how old they are. Have you ever looked at a large, old tree and wondered how long it has been there? It’s hard to believe that, at one point, that gigantic tree was merely a tiny seed. 

Everything we do are seeds; and we will always reap a harvest on whatever we sow. Ask yourself what are you sowing into the lives around you? What are you sowing into your future? Are you sowing encouragement, hope, blessing, love? Then that’s what you’ll reap. But if you’ve been sowing criticism, judgement, and anger, you’re probably already reaping a bad harvest. It’s time to start changing your seed. 

Today, pray and ask God to help you uproot those negative seeds and start to sow positive seeds for your future. Keep the light of God’s Word shining on your seed by speaking His Word. Allow the refreshing water of His Spirit to pour over you. Keep planting those good seeds of faith, because soon you’ll see growth and enjoy the harvest of blessings God promises. 

“Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant” (Galatians 6:7, NLT). 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for the promise of growth and a great harvest. Father, I choose to guard my heart and plant good seeds for my future. God, please help me, by Your Spirit, to say and do things that honour You and will give me an amazing future. Use me for Your glory. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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The Lord Your God Is With You

Kisses from God: When God is in the waiting

As a believer in Jesus, you can approach each day with boldness and confidence. Why? Because He is with you, and in Him is everything you need. That means if you need provision for something today, provision is with you. If you need wisdom today, wisdom is with you. If you need strength, joy or peace today, they’re with you. Hallelujah!

Friends, you can be confident today, knowing that all of your needs are supplied spiritually, physically and emotionally, because the Lord is with you. And best of all, He’s promised never to leave you! Isn’t it good to know that you will always have whatever you need, any time you need it?

Today, please don’t let the devil’s lies, or pressure from the world, keep you from taking hold of everything the Lord has in store for you. Open your heart by faith, and receive whatever it is that you need right now. Just begin to thank Him for His provision in your life, and move forward in confidence and strength, knowing that the Lord is with you!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for loving me. Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. I know that You are closer to me than the air I breathe. Thank You for supplying all my needs. Today, I receive Your promises in faith, and choose to cast all of my cares on You, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

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Set Your Hope

Set Your Hope

Talking to some youth this weekend, amidst the optimism, there also seems to be a lot of hopelessness. It’s time to set our hope so we are not easily swayed by the trials of life.

Setting our hope on God, means we set our lives in the right direction. One translation of today’s verse says, “Look forward to more and more of God’s favour.” God wants to pour out His goodness and grace on you. He wants to help you get ahead in this life. He wants to lead you to the right job. He wants to lead you to the right relationship. But here’s the key: we have to be on the lookout for more and more of God’s favour. More and more of God’s hope. More and more of God’s grace. That tells me that we can’t get stagnant.

Today, meditate on the truth that God wants to do more than you can even ask or think. It says in Ephesians that He wants to show us the immeasurable, limitless, surpassing greatness of His free favour. In other words, God wants to go far and above what we’re used to! He wants to show you favour in unusual and extraordinary ways. Set your hopes dynamically higher today, and increase your expectations of what God will do in your life!

“…set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favour) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:13, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your abundance in every area of my life today. Father, I choose to set my hope in You, knowing that You want to do more in my life than I can ever imagine. By faith I receive more of Your favour, grace and hope. God, teach me to be a vessel used by You, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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God Can Make Up For Lost Time

During this season, many of us have lost so much – a job, relationship, money and maybe even sanity. None of it may have been your fault. God knows how to make up for the years you’ve lost in your life. No, you can’t re-live your childhood, but God can make the rest of your life so rewarding, so fulfilling that you don’t even miss what didn’t happen in the past. 

You may be sitting there thinking about wasted years in relationships that didn’t work out. But God can bring somebody into your life so great, so fun, so friendly, so attractive, that you don’t even remember the years that you’ve lost. You may have spent years in a job that turned out to be a dead end. You were working your way to the top; things didn’t turn out like you had hoped, and now it looks like it was a big waste of time. You may not see how you could ever get to where you want to be, but don’t believe the enemy’s lies. God knows how to make up for lost time. Hallelujah! 

Today, God can change things in your life. He can bring opportunities back that you missed, that will thrust you years ahead of where you are. It may not have happened the first time, but God will always give you another chance. He’ll make up for the lost time and bring you out better and stronger than ever before! 

“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten…” (Joel 2:25, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, You are my Great Redeemer. Father, thank You for Your promise to restore to me the years that have been lost or wasted – some through no fault of my own. I receive this promise by faith. God, I claim my job back, my finances back, my relationship back, my dignity back, and I put my trust and hope in You, and believe that my best days are ahead of me, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Fiery Trials

Christianity in India Standing Strong Despite Growing Persecution

After some strange turbulent weather, it has made me reflect on life’s unexpected and strange moments. Sometimes, if you know you are going into a challenging season, you can get prepared for it. You can make sure you are mentally ready. But what about the strange and the difficult situations that we don’t see coming? The unexpected crisis that catches you off-guard? Sometimes, it can seem so overwhelming. 

In Scripture we are told not to be surprised by fiery trials. That’s because the forces of darkness would not be fighting against you if they didn’t know that God has something amazing in your future! Sometimes, those unexpected difficulties are just a sign that you’re on the right track. The enemy always fights the hardest when you are closest to your breakthrough. Stay on course, keep the faith and leave the fighting to God. 

Today, if you’re in the difficult times, keep your joy and declare God’s Word over your trial. God has promised that you will overcome every obstacle. You will defeat every enemy, and you will embrace the blessings and victories God has in store for you! 

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12–13, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for walking with me in my strange and difficult trials. Father, I cast all of my cares on You. God, I give You all of my difficulties, all of my questions, and all of my concerns. Thank You for working all things out for my good, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Don’t Worship Your Dreams

After a year of lockdown, are you frustrated because a dream or a goal didn’t happen or wasn’t reached? It’s good to be passionate about your dreams, but did you know a dream can become an idol? Here’s how. If that’s all you think about and you’re not going to be happy unless it happens your way, that’s not balanced. 

Many times, we hold on to things too tightly, but when we let them go, that’s when it will come to pass. If you’ll release that frustration and not let it become the centre of your attention, that’s when God can begin to move. So, use the same time and energy to thank God for directing your steps, and watch how it opens the door for God to give you the desires of your heart. 

Today, remember God already knows what we want and what we are in need of. He’s the one who put those desires in us. We shouldn’t be consumed with trying to make things happen. Instead, a greater act of faith is to be happy right where you are and with your circumstance! Stay open minded and trust God, because He has good plans in store for you! 

“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.” (John 12:24, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for placing dreams and goals in my heart. Father, today I release my dreams and desires like seeds falling to the ground. God, I know that You have a plan for my future, and I trust that Your plans will unfold in every area of my life and lead to true success, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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I Am Your Everything

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14, NIV)

In Scripture God is called the Great I AM – to many – the greatest title for God. Through this title He’s saying, “I am everything you need. I am the Creator of the universe. I am the one who spoke the worlds into existence. I am your strength. I am your wisdom. I am your protection. I am your provider. I am your way-maker. I am your problem solver. I am your dream giver. I am your victory!” Hallelujah! 

In Scripture David says “Though I am surrounded by troubles, You will bring me safely through. Your fist is clenched against my enemies. Your power will save me” (Psalm 138). Do you feel like David today? Are you surrounded by all kinds of difficulties and enemies? Maybe you are tempted to just settle right where you are.  

Today, you need to get your fire back! Instead of focusing on how big your problems are, focus on God the I AM. Your water when you’re thirsty, your food when you’re hungry, your helper when you’re helpless, your hope when you’re hopeless. He is everything you need. He is the Great I AM, and He is the one leading and guiding you into victory! 

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for being the I AM – everything that I need to live. Father, I choose to focus on Your greatness today despite my difficulties and enemies. God, I receive Your provision and victory, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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How To Get Rid Of Stress

Dealing With The Unexpected

One of the number one killers of all time is stress and not enough rest. Sometimes the daily pressures of life can cause unnecessary stress. In fact, many people lose sleep worrying about things or people in their lives. But God doesn’t want us to live stressed out and overwhelmed. He wants us to live a life of rest and peace.

As Jesus walked on this earth, He took time for Himself. He got away from the crowds. He spent time with the Father. That’s how He found rest. He was gentle and humble in heart. Have you noticed that when you don’t take time out you are stressed, worried and less tolerant of others? You’re more likely to say or do something you don’t really mean.

Today, God wants you to cast your cares on Him and live with a gentle and humble attitude. When you release your burdens and rest and don’t worry, like Jesus, you will find rest for your soul. You will be rejuvenated and refreshed! You will find peace in your heart, so you can move forward in the abundant life God has for you!

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29, NIV

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I cast my cares on You. Father, teach me to have a gentle and humble attitude. God, help me find rest for my soul and not live with stress and worry, so that I can love You and others the way You love me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

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Making Up For Lost Time

Are You On God's Timetable?

Many of us have lost things during this pandemic – a job, house, relationship or even credibility, which may not have been your fault. I have good news, God knows how to make up for the things you’ve lost, not only during the pandemic but in life. No, you can’t re-live your childhood, but God can make the rest of your life so rewarding, so fulfilling that you don’t even miss what didn’t happen in the past. Hallelujah! 

Many of us feel like we’ve wasted years in a relationship that didn’t work out. But God can bring somebody into your life so great, so fun, so friendly, so attractive, that you don’t even remember the years that you’ve lost. You may have spent years in a job that turned out to be a dead end, it was a big waste of time. You may not see how you could ever get to where you want to be, but don’t believe the enemy’s lies. God knows how to make up for lost time by a better job, or with an unexpected promotion. 

Today, I declare God can accelerate things in your life. He can bring opportunities back that you’ve missed that will thrust you years ahead. Things may not have happened the first time, but God will always give you another chance. Your God will make up for lost time or things, and bring you out better and stronger than ever before! 

“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten…” (Joel 2:25, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, my Great Redeemer and Lord. Father, thank You for Your promise to restore to me the years the locusts have eaten, the years that have been lost or wasted. I receive this promise by faith in Jesus’ Name. Father, we claim jobs back, finances back, dignity back and new relationships. I put my trust and hope in You, and believe that my best days are ahead of me, 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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Dealing With The Unexpected

Dealing With The Unexpected

When you start serving God with your whole heart, don’t be surprised when you find yourself a target for the enemy. If you know you are going into a challenging season, you can get prepared for it. You can make sure you are mentally ready. But what about the difficulties that we don’t see coming? The unexpected crisis that catches you off-guard? Sometimes, it can seem so overwhelming that it almost knocks the wind right out of you, and leaves you at times questioning God. 

According to God’s Word we shouldn’t be surprised by those unexpected fiery trials. That’s because the forces of darkness would not be fighting against you if they didn’t know that God has something amazing in store for your life! Sometimes, those unexpected difficulties are just a sign that you’re on the right track. It’s always darkest just before the dawn. The enemy always fights the hardest when you are closest to your breakthrough. The key is to stay the course and keep fighting the good fight of faith. 

Today, in these difficult times, keep your joy and keep declaring God’s Word over your future. God has promised that you will overcome every obstacle – even the unexpected ones. You will defeat every enemy, and you will embrace the blessing and victory He has in for you! Hallelujah! 

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12–13, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for walking with me in every season of my life. Father, today I cast all of my cares on You. I cast all of my difficulties, all of my questions, and all of my concerns on You. God, teach me how to handle the unexpected fiery trials. Thank You for working all things out for my good, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Abide & Remain

God Doesn’t Make No Junk

Our lives are like roller coasters, we all have ups and downs. There are seasons that are more difficult than others, when our character is being developed and our faith in God is being tested. Sometimes it can feel like you are taking two steps forward and three steps backward. If we’re not careful, we’ll start thinking that life is always going to be inconsistent. 

God doesn’t want us to always have roller coaster lives. He wants to bring us to a place of stability and peace, so we can remain strong in Him. Jesus said, “I am the vine. You are the branches. If you abide in me, you will bear much fruit and your fruit will remain.” The word “remain” means “to be fixed, immovable, not affected by circumstances.”  

Today, if you will just keep abiding in God, by meditating on His Word and staying constant in prayer, He’ll bring you through. He’ll make you strong, He’ll keep you stable and consistent, and you’ll embrace the life God has prepared for you! 

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I set my heart and mind on You, knowing that You are faithful. Father, I trust that as I seek You and put You first, You will direct my thoughts and my life. God, teach me how to remain in You and follow Your leading in everything I do, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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God Can Transform Your Mind

10 Scriptures That Remind Us We Are Showered in Grace

What are you thinking? Did you know Your life will move in the direction of your dominant thinking? If you’re constantly down on yourself, thinking you’ll never get ahead, then you won’t. But if you’ll choose to believe that you are an overcomer, that you have victory ahead, that God has good things in store for your future, then that’s what you’ll end up with. 

We must guide our thoughts, it’s so important to make sure our thoughts are the same as God’s Word. Just like your computer or smart phone, whatever you allow into your mind is what will come out in your attitude and actions. The more you meditate on God’s Word, the more you will transform your thinking to be like God’s thinking. 

Today, you must choose to focus on the Word of God. Allow your mind to be renewed and transformed. As you focus on God’s Word, His will and His way, you will become more like Him, and you will see His hand of blessing and favour in your life.  

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”  (Romans 12:2, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

 Yahweh, thank You for the promise of transforming my sinful mind. Father, I submit to You everything I am. I ask that You renew my mind by Your Word, so that my thoughts are Your thoughts. God, please transform me into Your image in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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God Will Rescue You

While in Malawi I came face to face with a lion – albeit a blind one. Most people won’t ever literally come face to face with a hungry lion, but we’ve all been in situations where we feel like we are about to be destroyed. In the Bible we are told Daniel lived a life of excellence and the king kept promoting him and giving him authority, which made the other administrators jealous and angry. They manipulated the king into putting an unfair law in place that Daniel broke. 

Even though Daniel prayed, he still found himself in the den of lions as a punishment. How would you respond in that situation? I’m sure Daniel believed that God would deliver Him. I’m sure he hoped it would be before he was thrown into that den. Have you ever prayed and prayed for something and it looked like things just kept getting worse? Daniel trusted that God would work His supernatural plan for His glory. But he still had to go through the hardship of the lion’s den. 

Today, your friends may have turned on you, or you may feel like you’re in a lion’s den about to be devoured by the trials of life. Don’t be discouraged because God has the final say. Keep believing Him, keep trusting Him. He’s promised to never leave you or forsake you. He’ll shut the mouth of the lions that surround you; He’ll silence your accusers; He’ll stand with you in the fire, and He will lead you into victory in every area of your life. 

“Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” (Daniel 6:20b). 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for being my light in dark times. Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness, and trust that You have a wonderful plan for my life. God, silence those who seek to do me harm, and vindicate Yourself through me. Almighty God, no matter how things seem, I will put my hope and trust in You. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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God Will Respond

Have Needs? God Will Provide Your Every Need.

Have you ever wondered where God is when you call on Him in the midst of your trial?  Scripture promises that He is near to those who call upon His Name. It doesn’t matter where you are or what you’re going through; He is your deliverer. He’ll bring light into your darkest hour; He’ll bring rain into the dry places; He’ll bring restoration and healing to the broken places. Hallelujah! 

When you call on His Name, you can be assured that He will respond. As sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, God will faithfully respond when you seek Him. 

Today, you may think you have to clean up or change your behaviour or habits before you can turn to God, or before He will respond to you, but that’s not what God says. He is ready to receive you just as you are. Even if you feel like a mess, He’ll take your mess and turn it into a message. God’s arms are open wide right now. Open your heart and call upon Him. Draw close to Him and His goodness.  

“Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring” (Hosea 6:3). 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for always receiving me with open arms. Father, I love You and choose to give You all that I am. God, I choose to press on that I may know You better. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

 

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