Tag: relationships

Posted on

Hurting Holidays Pt 1

people celebrating christmas online

While the rest of the world around us becomes excited and enamoured with our culture’s celebration of the Christmas holidays, some of us struggle through the holiday season – overcome with clouds of depression, and battles with fear and dread. Fractured relationships, divorce, dysfunction, compromised finances, loss of loved ones, isolation, loneliness, and any number of other circumstances become even harder to navigate, due to the often unrealistic expectations of the holiday. For many years in my life, loneliness magnifies, stress accelerates, busyness intensifies, and sadness overwhelms.

There is something about this holiday that intensifies all emotions. The hype begins in October and builds up in the weeks before Christmas and new year, often making it a very difficult time for those of us who have experience loss of any kind. If, like me, you find Christmas is a difficult time, then let’s see if we can figure out a better way of coping together.

Today, I write this word from the depths of my own pain and experience in hopes of helping those who struggle with this season for various reasons. God’s Word and His principles of love, power, and truth are woven into every element of encouragement. Practical suggestions and challenges are presented to help navigate this and every stressful and difficult season. My passion is to bring hope and healing to hearts that are hurting, helping them break free from the burdens of stress, depression and dread, and find a new way of joy and simplicity.

 “The Lord is near the broken-hearted; He is the Saviour of those whose spirits are crushed down.” (Psalm 34:18)

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I know only You can help this pain vanish away. Father, I plead for peace and serenity as I fight the pain I am feeling during this season. Send Your hand down to me, and fill me with Your strength. God, I cannot take this pain any longer without Your help! Release me from this hold and restore me. I trust in You to give me the strength to get through this time of the year. I pray that the pain will be gone! It will not hold me down, because I have the Lord on my side, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Posted on

God wants to refresh you

Are you facing challenges in your relationships? Finances? Career? Does your soul need refreshing today? You can come to the Father to find what you need. God wants to refresh you. He wants to give you rest and peace. Think about that for a moment. What would cause you to rest? If you knew everything was going to be okay and would work out for your good, you would stop worrying and rest! Even if things don’t work out the way you planned, or on your timetable, you can trust that God will turn things around in your favour. Hallelujah!

Today, come to the Father with gratitude and thanksgiving. Thank God right now for taking your burdens and giving you peace through faith. Thank Him for loving you today and giving you a new start despite a difficult past. Thank Him for His faithfulness and hope of an awesome future! Please go out today with an attitude of expectancy and confidence. Remember, God always has a plan, you’re not alone, you can always can come to Him!

“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” (Matthew 11:28, AMP).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I come to You now giving You my cares, heartaches and burdens. Father, I thank You for working on my behalf and keeping me sane through some tough times. God, I thank You for loving me and setting me free in my mind. Thank You for giving me rest for my soul and peace in my heart today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Posted on

Choose Honour And Avoid Strife 

Will Jesus Find Faith on Earth?

One of my terms for this year is to avoid strife. Strife is a very destructive force. It can creep into relationships by starting small, maybe through a comment or a wrong look from someone, and it can then escalate into something much bigger. But when you choose to cease from strife and overlook an offence, you are acting honourably and honouring God. 

How do you avoid strife? Scripture tells us that love covers many offences. Love gives people the benefit of the doubt. Maybe someone was cross with you at the office, but they may also have a loved one in the hospital. Instead of getting upset, walk in love—be patient, be kind to them. Extend grace. 

Today, look for ways to walk in unity with the people in your life. When we walk in unity, there is a commanded blessing. Always avoid strife, choose peace, and watch the hand of God move mightily in your life! 

“It is an honour for a man to cease from strife…” (Proverbs 20:3, KJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I choose Your ways. Father, I invite Your plan to unfold in my life. Help me avoid strife so I can walk in peace, and unity, and honour all the days of my life in Christ’s name. Amen. 

In Reflection

How can I stay calm and avoid strife in my life?

Posted on

Building Your Faith Through Community

Building Your Faith Through Community

When I was young, I played with building blocks. You could stack them one on top of the other to build a big tower, or you could put them side by side to build a wall. You could use them to build anything you desire. They couldn’t do much on their own, but together they could make something great. The same is true for each of us. Living in a community with God’s people, we can accomplish more things than we could alone. The Bible tells us to build our faith through prayer and community. Prayer is how we talk to God. As we communicate with God through prayer, we put our hope and trust in Him, and our relationship with Him and others grows deeper.

What does a community of faith look like? Community is made up of the relationships we make with other Christians. Community builds our faith by allowing us to encourage each other. Just like rubbing sticks together can start a fire; when people get together in a community, they fan the fire of each other’s faith.

Today, please realise following Jesus is a journey. Sometimes, we’re going to want to throw our hands up and quit. At other times, we’re going to be so excited we want to jump up and down and scream. That’s why it’s so important to persevere with the building blocks of prayer and community. Whether life is going great or not going at all, God has given us ways to draw strength from Him and from His people. So don’t do life alone. Start building your faith today.

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith” Matthew 21:22. 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I pray for our community.  Each one of us within the community is important to you.  Father, you died so that each of them could experience freedom and eternal life.  You desire for each of them to be saved. Now help us to raise up a team of people who will intercede for the community.  People who are willing to put feet to their prayers.  People who will work together to glorify you by showing love and care for their neighbours.  People who are eager to share how you are transforming their character and blessing their lives.  Lord, show us how you want us to work together so that “your Kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”, In Jesus’ name Amen.”

In Reflection:

What’s one way you’ve seen prayer build your faith?

Is there anything you need to take to God in prayer today?

Do you have a solid Christian community? Who do you turn to when you need help or want to celebrate?

Posted on

Links

grayscale photography of people

Do you think you can accomplish your goals and dreams by yourself? Your destiny is too big to accomplish on your own. God has already arranged for certain people to come alongside you and speak faith into your life. He has placed in your path people who will inspire you, challenge you, and help you accomplish all your God-given dreams. But some people never reach their highest potential because they never get away from the wrong people. 

Recognize today that not everyone can go where God is taking you. You’ve got to link up 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 pushing you down, telling you what you can’t do, or who refuse to give you their approval no matter how hard you try.  

Today life is too short to drag people along. If you are struggling to get the wrong people (parasites) out of your life, then pray. Pray also, that God will help you make the right connections so you can fulfil 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 people You have for me. Please 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, in Christ’s name, Amen. 

Posted on

Is Your Friend A Fool??

two women sitting on white bench

Some time ago I asked a young man the question, “Is your friend a fool?”. Sometimes in order to embrace the destiny God has in store, you have to be willing to ask the difficult questions. You have to be willing to examine where you are and what you need to do in order to move forward. This may mean that you need to change some friends you’re spending time with. 

Your friends may have been fine for a season in your life, but you’ve outgrown them. This is a new season, and in order for you to rise higher, you have to break away from relationships that are limiting you. You have to develop some new friendships with people who are going to pull you up and inspire you to rise higher. It’s hard to say this but it’s true for each of us. 

Today, if you’re the smartest one in your friendship group, your group is too small. Find people who are smarter or different from you, people who will challenge you to stretch you to the next level. Remember, he who walks with the wise becomes wise. He who walks with fools becomes foolish. Choose your friends wisely so that you can rise higher and walk in the destiny God has for you.
 
“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20, NIV)
 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your grace and mercy despite some bad choices I have made. Father, thank you for the power you have given me to release friends that zap me of time and energy. Thank you for downsizing my friends to only those that stick to your plans for my life. God, I beg you to choose my friends and companions for me, so that I can continue to move forward in the destiny You have for me. Lord, please send me next-level friends today and make me a next-level friend to others, In Christ’s Name. Amen.

Posted on

5 Christian Living Tips That Can Change Your Life

Christians face many challenges in their daily life, and the decisions made at their core are often the cause of many problems and hardships. The decisions that most affect the Christian are the ones to sin and live a life of sin, or to follow Jesus and live a life of obedience. The Christian life is not easy, and the temptation to sin is constant. But, there is hope. With the help of God, the Christian can not only overcome sin and live a life of obedience, but they can also live a life of freedom, and experience peace.

Christian Living is a tough road to walk. If you are new to the Christian faith, or if you’ve been away from the church a while, you may think that everything is going to be tough. This is why it is a priority to learn the basics and polish up your walk with God. Here are 5 Christian Living Tips That Can Change Your Life. We all can benefit from the wisdom of the Bible, but not everyone knows how to live out what it teaches.

Life is filled with decisions, and many people find that their lives revolve around making the right decisions. And while it may seem like we make all of our decisions based on logic and sound reasoning, sometimes our decisions are made for us by God. The 5 Tips below will help you break out of your rut and take your life to another level.

1.Make time for God

As Christians, we are called to live faithfully, loving God and others. Below are five Christian living tips that can change your life and the lives of others for the better.Living out your Christian values in everyday life is not always easy. It’s easy to get distracted by all the things that are wrong with the world and to be discouraged by what we see happening around us. It is easy to get lazy about living out your faith.

But God wants us to live the Christian life. God wants us to love and serve others. God wants us to be a light in the world. God wants us to grow closer to God. But we can’t do this on our own. God wants us to rely on Him. God wants us to let Him lead us. God wants us to know that He is with us, and He is watching over us.

We all go through different seasons in our life. Whether it be a season of joy where everything seems to be going right or a season of life where everything seems to be going wrong.

2.Pray more

Our prayers don’t just affect the people we pray for. Our prayers affect those around us as well. Sometimes our prayers are filled with positive intentions, such as asking God to forgive our sins. Other times our prayers are filled with requests, such as asking God to help us with our problems. But whatever your prayer is, remember, others are affected by your prayers.

Prayer is the most powerful force on the planet. However, many people don’t feel they can pray or don’t know how to pray, or they think prayer is too wimpy for them. But the truth is, prayer is powerful. You can pray about anything, and you can have your prayers answered. Prayer is simply communication between you and God. And prayer works if you sincerely pray from the heart.

3.Good works

Good works is a topic that gets talked about a lot in Christianity. There is a small group of Christians who believe that the Bible teaches a works-righteousness doctrine, and that good works are the only way for a person to be saved. But there are others who believe that good works are just a way that God graciously shows His love for his children.

Good works is the name given to works done that are pleasing to God. One’s works, especially their good deeds, matter based on how good one’s intentions are, or whether they have been doing good works consistently.When you are struggling to find meaning in your life, good and faithful works may be exactly what you need. Good works do not have to be amazing or earth shattering, but they can give your life something to focus on, and help you feel a sense of fulfilment.

4.Meet with other Christians

Meeting with other Christians is a great way to find new friends, share your current faith experiences, and grow in your faith. It is a simple way to grow in your faith. It is a simple way to grow in your faith. There are many times in our lives when we feel alone, and that loneliness can be overwhelming. When you join a Christian church, you instantly have a community of people who are there for you.

Meeting with other Christians helps the church find ways to build relationships with each other. This is a type of small group that is focused on supporting and getting to know one another. Meeting with other Christians can be a good way to make connections within your church and with other Christians. Many people, Christians included, worry that talking about their faith will make others uncomfortable.

5.Treat others with love

Treat others with love. Well, that is a simple phrase. But if we are honest, most of us do not treat others the way we would like to be treated. But we can change that. We can see that by treating others with love, we are actually treating ourselves. Loving others takes the focus off ourselves and puts it on someone else.

Treat others with love. Love others lavishly. Love others without condition. While these are difficult concepts to put into practice, they are essential for being happy. These concepts are, however, very different. For some of us, love is easy. We are naturally loving people. For others of us, however, love can be a challenge.

Posted on

Love, faith and ambition in the digital age

The romantic drama ‘How We Met’ explores love, faith and ambition in the digital age – where life looks great online, but reality is a different story.

How We Met follows the journey of how Francesca and Joseph came to meet. Francesca is an ambitious dreamer who is questioning her dating choices. Joseph is a hopeless romantic who is finding it hard to let go of the only woman he’s ever loved. The series takes us on their journey to finding each other and how it impacts the moment they met.

“I wanted to create a show that didn’t shy away from talking about faith, in a natural and not preachy way. Just showing the lifestyles of young Christians in modern society, the positive sides more so than the negatives.” Loriamah (Writer)

It’s a story that many can relate to, especially in a time where we showcase our best moments on social media but don’t show the challenges and low moments that we all go through from time to time.

The series is due to be released on August 15 2022 on the Yellow Heart Entertainment YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/YellowHeartEntertainment at 7pm BST time.

How We Met is a Yellow Heart Entertainment production. Yellow Heart Entertainment aims to empower and promote diverse talent from different cultural backgrounds to tell inspiring stories, especially from a faith-based perspective.

Series is produced by Loriamah Skerrit and directed by Pharez Aouad.

Posted on

Bridging The Generation Gap in Christ

Old and young often live in different worlds, from one generation to the next! The young now talk of cool social media sites and new apps that can be downloaded instantly. With so much technology and texting today, however, many young people are missing out on developing social skills with one another as well as with older folks. There has always been a gap between young and old, but we may wonder if in some ways it is getting wider. 

There’s also polarisation, with so many worldviews and political views. The teaching of alienation and class has deepened the estrangement between people and tried to drive God from our midst. My generation has sowed seeds of alienation, simply assuming that people would be estranged from each other, and almost celebrating it. 

Today praise God, He doesn’t abandon us to isolation. He has reconciled us with God and made new life possible for the young and old. Think how rich our relationships could be if young and old talked and listened to each other more! It would bring happiness not only to humanity but would also bridge the gap between God and His children. Can you reach out to someone today and show them the love of God? 

He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents. . .  (Malachi 4:6) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for bridging the gaps in my life and not abandoning me to isolation. Father, how sad it is to be estranged from you and others in society. God, if I’ve grown unable to communicate with some of the people around me, please give me the courage to talk, the patience to listen, and the desire to be helpful to others. In Christ’s name Amen. 

Posted on

When We’re Under Pressure

Have you ever lived with stress? Most of us would answer yes but have you ever been shipwrecked, whipped within an inch of your life, had a group of assassins after our blood, or been lowered over a city wall in a basket at night to escape pursuers? All those things happened to Paul in the New Testament, being frequently under unbearable pressure. 

We all live with stress at some stage in our lives. Stress has a way of bending us out of shape, making us act out of character, and making us more vulnerable to temptation. We find ourselves snapping at people, losing patience when we need it most, or becoming depressed. Ultimately stress can cause us to take our eyes off God and focus only on our problems. 

Today, when we’re under pressure, it’s important to realise that if we are not careful, it could hurt our relationships with others. Most importantly, we should use those situations to learn to rely on God. How do we do that? Pray, “Lord, help me. I need your wisdom and strength!” Then continue to trust God when things are beyond your control. Believe that God can bring victory out of seeming defeat. Continue to obey God’s commands.  

We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure. . .  But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God. . .  (2 Corinthians 1:8-9) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for caring about my life. Father, I ask not for a stress-free life but that you will teach me to rely on you in stressful times. God, through your Spirit living in my heart, please grant me wisdom and strength when the pressures of life seek to overtake me. In Christ’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Posted on

Armed For The Battle

Mr Farron criticised social media too, saying it had been "naive" to think a decade ago the medium would lead to a "greater democracy". Genuine Christianity, he said, “has always has been countercultural. It will always go against the norms of the day," which makes it unbearable for the guardians of secular orthodoxy. Christians will have to battle against “inevitable disdain." "But Christianity rebukes both sides: don't judge, show kindness, show gentleness, show patience - especially to those who don't deserve it."

You can overcome any obstacle through Christ. God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfil your destiny through His Word. That means you are well able to do what He has called you to do. You can accomplish your goals. You can fulfil your dreams! You’ve been armed with strength for every battle. 

Friend, God is also working on your behalf. He has already gone ahead of you and lined up the right relationships and the right opportunities. You have everything you need to live the miraculous, victorious life God created you to live! 

Today, if you’ll stay in faith, it’s just a matter of time; victory is on its way. Don’t settle where you are. Don’t have a weak, defeated mentality. Have the attitude, “I am anointed. I can accomplish my dreams. I can overcome any obstacle. I am empowered by the Creator, and I am thoroughly equipped for every good work that God has called me to do!” 

“Every Scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, AMPC) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me for success. Father, I thank You for empowering me by faith. I know that through You I can overcome every obstacle. Help me to stay focused on Your Word and Your plan for my life. God, please help me to walk in Your anointing, so that I can do all You’ve called me to do. I bless You today, in Christ’ Name! Amen. 

Posted on

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.

Posted on

Armed For Every Battle

2 Misconceptions About Prayer

You have the ideas, the creativity and talent to be successful. You can overcome any obstacle through Christ. God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfil your destiny through His Word. That means you are well able to do what He has called you to do. You can accomplish your goals. You can fulfil your dreams! You’ve been armed with strength for every battle.

Friend, God is also working on your behalf. He has already gone ahead of you and lined up the right relationships and the right opportunities. You have everything you need to live the miraculous, victorious life God created you to live!

Today, if you’ll stay in faith, it’s just a matter of time; victory is on its way. Don’t settle where you are. Don’t have a weak, defeated mentality. Have the attitude, “I am anointed. I can accomplish my dreams. I can overcome any obstacle. I am empowered by the Creator, and I am thoroughly equipped for every good work that God has called me to do!”

“Every Scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, AMPC)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me for success. Father, I thank You for empowering me by faith. I know that through You I can overcome every obstacle. Help me to stay focused on Your Word and Your plan for my life. God, please help me to walk in Your anointing, so that I can do all You’ve called me to do. I bless You today, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

Posted on

I Want To Live

Today, I’ve noticed that people look sad and down. The Bible tells us that Jesus came to give us abundant life. Not only did He come to give you life in eternity, but He desires that you experience abundant life here on earth. He wants your relationships to be vibrant and alive. He wants your dreams to be alive. He wants your body, heart and mind to be alive and full of vitality. God is the source of all life, and when you seek Him, you will find Him, and the result will be everlasting life.

Are there areas in your life that need to be resurrected? Are there things that you’ve put on the back burner that you need to revive again? Do you need hope or faith for something today?

Today, seek God and allow Him to breathe His life into you. Seek Him with your dreams; seek Him with your plans. Seek Him in all things, and you will find His abundant life, and everything you set your hand to will prosper in Jesus’ name.

“…Seek me and live.” (Amos 5:4, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me abundant life, both now and in eternity. God, I don’t want to just survive, I want to live a powerful, happy and excited life. So God, I give You my dreams and my plans, resurrect them and make them live. I humbly seek You today, giving You all that I am. I ask for Your hand of blessing and guidance in everything I do. In Christ’ name! Amen.

Posted on

Remove Yourself

If the pressure keeps coming and coming and you’re getting weaker and weaker—quit standing in front of the bakery window. Remove yourself. It’s as simple as that.

We sit and struggle, asking, ‘What should I do?’ Get up and walk away. Get out of the car. Go home. Don’t go out with that person anymore. If all your friends are pressuring you, get new friends. Now, of course, this involves severing relationships. But move on and let God replace what you’ve let go of.

Many people fall into a sinful relationship because they are “people pleasers.” They don’t want to cause tension or stir up a conflict in a relationship by constantly being the one who says “no.” As a result, they do something they seriously regret, harming everyone around them. Sticking to your boundaries and upholding your beliefs may cause others to look down on you, to say hurtful words, or to try to make you feel guilty or wrong. You need to get to a place inside yourself where what people say doesn’t matter.

Today, if you have been living as a slave to sin, you can throw off the chains of slavery and live in freedom to please God. This is done by reckoning yourself dead to sin and alive to God, and taking your rightful place as a co-heir to the dominion that Christ won back. Instead of practicing sin, practice being free from sin and living for God.

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, You know that I’ve prayed this prayer before. Father, give me the courage to say “no” and to flee from any situation in which I feel pressured or uncomfortable that will lead to sin. God, I accept I am free today because of Your blood. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

Payday Is Coming

Payday Is Coming

God wants you to live in blessing and wholeness all the days of your life. But in order to experience His promises, we have to keep believing and trusting in Him. That’s what today’s verse is saying: if we will stay in faith, if we will keep believing, keep hoping, and keep doing the right thing, God promises there will be a reward. One translation says, “don’t get discouraged. Payday is coming!” So what are you believing God for today? A better job? Healing? Stronger relationships? Freedom from addiction?

When things aren’t going your way, When you’re tempted to get down just say to yourself, “this may be hard. It may be taking a long time, but I know God is a faithful God. I’m going to keep believing, because my payday is coming.”

Today, as you trust Him and stand in faith, as you boldly declare His promises, you are positioning yourself to receive His blessings. No matter what your circumstances look like, remember, payday is on its way! Hallelujah! Stand firm and experience the blessing and reward He’s promised you all the days of your life!

“So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!” (Hebrews 10:35, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your good and faithful promises. Father, I choose to trust and believe that my reward is coming, my payday is on its way. God, give me a heart that is fixed on You and fill me with Your peace, as I patiently wait on You, in Christ’ name! Amen.

 

As seen on