Tag: single

Posted on

When It’s Okay To Break The Law

After spending a week in France, I came across this true story. During World War II, France was occupied by Nazi Germany. Anyone caught helping Jews would be killed or sent to concentration camps. In the small village of La Chambon, Pastor Andre Troceme and his Protestant church decided to hide Jews in their homes, provide them with new identities, and integrate their children into their schools. This pastor and his parishioners were credited with saving 5,000 Jewish lives. They violated the Nazi’s hateful law and risked their own lives to help others.

During Jesus’ time, a man with a deformed hand had worshipped in the synagogue for years. But on one Sabbath, he met Jesus. Jesus said, “Get up and stand” in front of everyone. As the man got up, he was probably not sure what would happen, but he was willing to obey. And Jesus was willing to demonstrate, especially on the Sabbath, that God was interested in helping and healing his people. Jesus was God’s answer in ushering in his Kingdom of mercy, grace, and restoration. Doing good on any day, especially on sabbath is the best way to live by the will of God. Visit a sick friend, help a single mother, mentor a child. Let’s go and act like Jesus today! And like Pastor Troceme break non biblical traditional law to save lives.

Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” (Luke 6:9).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I want to bring your Kingdom into my own family and neighbourhood. Father, please help me and Nudge me to serve you and usher in a culture that saves lives and shows mercy. In your name, Amen.

 

Posted on

Let’s Support

According to recent news, four out of every ten children in our culture live in homes without their

. Close to half of our children are being raised by single parents or find themselves part of a “blended” family. The so-called nuclear family consisting of two parents and their children is no longer the norm.

Single parents face many challenges. Single parents must accomplish on their own what often is a challenge for two parents. Without a partner, however, they need emotional support. Some single parents find themselves deep in debt and often face financial hardship. Some no longer feel accepted by former friends because their partner is gone.

Today, single parents need the help of the Christian community. In the Old Testament, God made provisions for widows and orphans. James calls us to put our faith into practice by reaching out to them. Had James been writing today, he would have included single parents and their children too. You and I may need to step in and help. Look around in your church for such needs and help. You can help care for young children, accept single-parent families into fellowship groups, and provide financial assistance. In the church, everyone should be accepted and included.

Religion that … [is] pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress. (James 1:27).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, help us as members of your church to reach out to all who stand alone as they raise their children, Father give us all the grace to accept and learn from each other. In Jesus, Amen.

Posted on

Singles Matter Too

Ina is a single older woman, who felt she didn’t belong in her church, as if she didn’t matter even to God. One day after a spiritual gift assessment, people with gifts of compassion and kindness noticed her. Caring people surrounded her with God’s love, helping her to experience community. Now her gifts are being used, her feedback is listened to, and people make time to listen and fellowship with her. Praise God she is now a vital member of her church community, and people look forward to seeing her every weekend at the exit, where she hands out sweets to children. Ina matters to God even though she is single. Every one of us needs to know that.

Today, single or married, we matter so much to God that he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to give of himself so that we can show his love to others. He came to give us gifts of service, kindness, and leadership so that we may be built up and reach unity in the faith, growing and maturing in Christ. As the apostle Paul puts it, all who believe in Jesus make up the body of Christ here on earth, and he is our head. In His strength, the body grows and builds itself up in love. You matter to God and you matter to the people around you. Your gifts, abilities, and presence make a difference to your community, and they make a difference to God!

From [Christ] the whole body . . . builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:16).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank you for loving me and growing me to be a part of your body. Father, thank you for putting people around me who show that I matter. Amen.

Posted on

Don’t Worry About It!

Do you worry? Some of us worry about paying the monthly rent or mortgage. Some of us worry about the choices our children are making. Others are anxious about the big decisions we must make about our future. With all the concerns in life, can Jesus be serious when he tells us not to worry?

While we will never know a life without concern, Jesus assures us we can know without worry. He points out that worry—any manner of ‘pace-the-floor’, ‘can’t-sleep-at-night’ fretting—is not helpful, because it changes nothing. Worry doesn’t add a single hour to life; it doesn’t solve a single problem. Worry isn’t helpful because life is more than our worries make it out to be! Followers of Jesus are called to live for so much more than the fleeting things we worry about.

Jesus reminds us that worry isn’t necessary for a child of God. Your heavenly Father knows precisely what you need and when you need it. Your heavenly Father is good. The same God who paints the flowers of the field and tends the birds of the air, holds every part of your life in his nail-pierced hands. The same God who loved you so much that he went through the hell of Calvary for you, loves you too much to leave your life to chance. Don’t worry! God is in control!

“Do not worry about your life …” (Matthew 6:25).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, you hold the vastness of the universe and the intricacies of the smallest molecules in your hands. Please help me to trust in your perfect care for me, so that I may be free to build my life in you. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Posted on

Walk In The Anointing

As I think about 2023, it reminded me of a cross-country race I saw. I was amazed at how many obstacles they had to get over in order to get to the finish line. God wants to empower and strengthen you to overcome every obstacle this new year. He wants to give you confidence, wisdom and boldness, to pursue the dreams and desires in your heart in 2024. He wants to give you supernatural insight so that you can be a witness of His goodness.

In scripture, Peter and John were supernaturally equipped (they were anointed). Everyone around them marvelled at their boldness, at their ability. They knew Peter and John didn’t have any formal training. They knew there wasn’t anything special about them. This power and wisdom could only come from a bold Holy Ghost anointing, and the presence of Christ.

This year remember, when you’re walking in the Holy Ghost anointing and spending time with Jesus, people will see it. You’ll be energised for the race ahead by His anointing, and equipped by His grace. That’s why it’s so important in 2024 to take time every day to be in His presence. No matter where you are on this earth, His presence is only a prayer away. Scripture says He is near to all who call upon His name. It says that He inhabits the praises of His people. I encourage you to make your relationship with Him your number one priority this year, and be empowered by His presence every single day of your life!

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marvelled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13, NKJV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, as I have arrived at the finish line of 2023, and now I’ve stepped into 2024, I humbly come before You giving You all that I am. I surrender every area of my life to You, and invite You to have Your way in my heart. Lord, I ask for strength and boldness to get over and through life’s obstacles. Father, empower me with Your love, as I daily set my focus on You. God, in 2024 I want to remain in Your presence and receive Your Holy Ghost anointing. In Jesus’ name! Amen.

Posted on

How does Technology Affect Your Spirituality?

https://tolmission.com/2022/12/03/how-does-technology-affect-your-spirituality/ In both its practical and technological forms, technology has become an intrinsic element of contemporary civilization. In our daily lives, we utilize technology not just for communication and enjoyment, but also for education and inquiry. However, for many individuals, technology may also be a source of tension, especially when it comes to spiritual topics. With the power of the internet, we can now access any type of information with a single click. This has profoundly altered our interactions with religion and spirituality, affording us more options than ever before. However, although it may be a useful tool for advancing our understanding of religion and belief, it can also be a cause of misunderstanding and conflict.

Posted on

It’s Time To Retrain Your Mind 

As we come to the final days of 2022 let's read Psalm 23.

Repeatedly I hear people say, “I just want to be happy.”  Many people today don’t realize that the reason they’re not happy, the reason they’re not enjoying life, is simply that they’ve trained their minds in the wrong direction. They’ve trained their minds to worry. They’ve trained their minds to complain. They’ve trained their minds to see the negative. But just as you can form these negative mindsets, you can retrain your mind according to the Word of God and form godly mindsets. 

One of the keys to retraining your mind and developing a positive attitude is by learning to stay grateful. When you stay grateful, you are focusing on what’s right rather than what’s wrong. The seed of the Word takes root in the good ground of your heart. This doesn’t happen automatically; you must discipline yourself. You must make a conscious effort every single day until a good habit is formed. 

Today, remember when you live with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, you are shielding yourself from the attacks of the enemy. The seeds of discouragement cannot take root in a grateful heart. Neither can bitterness, envy, or strife. So, retrain your mind and be empowered with His strength to overcome in every area of your life! 

“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind…” (Romans 12:2, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I surrender my thoughts and mind to You. Father, help me retrain my thoughts so that they are in line with Your Word and Your will. God, show me how to have lasting happiness no matter how things turn out. I claim joy over sadness and contentment over confusion. I choose to have an attitude of faith and expectancy . Thank You for empowering me to live the life You have for me, in Christ’s name. Amen. 

Posted on

Scars: A testimony of a lost soul

man standing in the middle of road

I’m all alone in this world. I don’t know what I am doing. I always make bad choices. People say I’m ugly. My face is long, and my nose is big. So is my butt. I’ll never finish school. I can’t afford cute clothes. I had an abortion. I don’t deserve to live. My kids deserve better. Nobody loves me. My parents kicked me out. My dad is on drugs. My mom is a drug addict. I’m an alcoholic. I used to sell my body. I have a lot of tattoos. I am a single parent. All my friends are fake. 

If I really listened to everything people told me, I’d already be dead. But I chose a new life. I decided to take my old life and kill it. I choose to be an optimist and know that God has a plan for me.  Amen.

Most people seem selfish and self-absorbed, so why should their opinion matter? I choose to surround myself with people who like me for me. Even if it is only one or two people. One true friend is worth more than many fake ones. The many who surround themselves around me for my beauty, my talent, my self-worth, or just to be in my entourage. I’m glad God showed me the way. I’m thankful for second chances. I accept myself and give second chances to the people around me. I will accept the positive and shield against the negative. Now I know I have a purpose and my talents will not be wasted. I plead with you today, for you to never give up on yourself or your dreams. Things change, and people can change physically and emotionally. Money does not rule the world, God does. 

Today, it is difficult to believe in things that seem so unreal and impossible, but that is what faith is. It is believing in the presence of doubt. So, take this step of faith, tell God that you are hopeless and helpless without Him. Tell God how afraid you are, how angry and frustrated you are with life, how worried you are about the future. Just close your eyes and start pouring out to God, until you feel the weight on your shoulder is lighter. Let the tears, all the hurts and pain pour out from your heart. It is between you and God, no one else. There’s no pretence, no hiding, no holding back. Be transparent in front of Jesus, lay all your junk and burden at His feet, for it is not for us to carry all these burdens in life. It was never meant to be ours to bear. Our bondage has been broken. Today, we bind ourselves to chains, when the key to these chains is in our hands. Let’s make Jesus’ death worthwhile. Go back to basics, go back to your first love, and go back to the roots of why you call yourself a Christian. Going back to basics is always the best move to make when you find yourself lost. 

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for your unconditional love.  Father, it is because of your great love that I live in the freedom that Jesus has given me.  Thank you for opening my eyes to the truth that is found in your Word. Mighty Saviour, thank you for rescuing me from the kingdom of darkness into your kingdom of light.  God, I am so heartbroken because some of my family and friends have not accepted Christ, as their Lord and saviour.  Please Lord, use me as your vessel to go and tell them the gospel so that they can become part of your family.  In Christ’s name, I believe and pray, Amen. 

Posted on

The State of the Union 

Each year the President delivers to Congress the annual State of the Union Message and across America governors of their respective states deliver their State of the State messages to the various legislatures. Its purpose is to summarize the status of various things throughout the land and to make a change, for the chief executive to suggest legislative action…  

I sat and watched the president give his state of the union message not too long ago. He started by saying that the state of our union is strong. He cited several achievements during his administration and glossed over several storms.  

Today, what it would be like if God had come to the podium and delivered His state of the union message. I’ll bet he wouldn’t hold anything back or not tell it like it is. 

I wonder what he would single out first. Perhaps he would talk about the rampant proliferation of pornography. Certainly, he would mention rampant sexual immorality. Maybe he would remind us that we are about to enter a post-Christian era as we have turned our back on Him. He would give reference to tolerance ‘which says we must tolerate the beliefs of others and not thrust ours upon them. He would challenge us to be bold in speaking of our faith. He would talk about a watered down feel good’ theology and modern preaching that de-emphasizes the salvation message. He might remind us that we seem to have forgotten Him while focusing our attention on ourselves and our hedonistic pleasures. Maybe He would talk about sexual disorientation rampant across our land. He would paint a grim prognosis for the land if its people do not return to him. Certainly, He would quote from Revelation. 

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, there are many opponents to Christians in the world today. Father, help me to have a healthy spiritual state and keep in the forefront of my mind that I am in a war, not against flesh and blood, but against the evil powers of the spiritual realm. Please God Embolden me to be a formidable soldier for You and join in the battle to fight for You. Clothe me in the Armor of God and energize my spirit. Make me bold. Make me strong. In Christ’s name Amen. 

Posted on

Have you ever thought…

Have you ever thought... 
God, I want to please you but just don't know how or if I keep on doing the same thing that dishonours you, those around me and myself? 

This Scripture provides us with hope. It speaks of God doing something transforming inside of us. He is working inside of you and me. 

He is giving us the desire, the willingness and the longing to please him. He gives us a vision of what that would look like, feel like, and be like—this desire gives us hope. 

This is the best part. The desire comes from God, but we may not have the ability to fulfil that desire. We may try in our own power, but each time we experience massive failures. 

God never intended for us to fail. He wants us to experience the desires he has placed in our hearts. He wants to help us experience the fulfillment of every single desire we have. How does he help us? 

He gives us his power. His power is able to move us beyond physical realities into a supernatural reality in which He exists. He is able to do far more than we could ever ask or think. His power can bring life to death and strength to weakness. 

His power is all we need for the desires of our hearts to be realised today. And this will empower us to do what pleases him. 

You know the desires God has placed in your heart. Why not claim His power today to experience the fulfilment of these desires and make God pleased with you.
Posted on

Stuck in the Waiting Place

Waiting. I’ve never been a fan. But I find myself here again, in this waiting place. The place where I know God is sovereign. I know He holds my life in His hands. I know He is there. I know He cares. I know the very hairs on my head are numbered… as are my days. And yet there is a knot in my stomach and my eyes flicker to the phone. Again. And again. It does not ring. Not yet. Of course, not yet. But I watch anyway. I swallow. And remind me of all the things I already know. The bible says, “Who among you by worrying can add a single moment to your life?” 

Sometimes change is outside our control. Sometimes we’re not in charge. Sometimes we’re stuck, just like Abram and Sarai were in Haran. On their way to the promised land, the scripture says, “Terah took his son Abram… and his son Abram’s wife, Sarai…and arriving at Haran, they settled there.” Haran wasn’t the promised land. But because of Terah, they got stuck there anyway, and Sarai didn’t have the power to choose to continue the journey. God had to remove a barrier before she could move forward. In their case, Terah himself had to die. 

Today, if you’re stuck in the waiting place, our culture says, “Get out of that rut! Life’s too short. Stop the excuses. Do something.” You’ll be told to smile more, care less, be happy, and think good thoughts. If you’re in a waiting place, know you are not alone. God is right there with you. So, Trust while waiting. Pursue your faith while waiting. Serve others while waiting. Be watchful and expectant while waiting. Be grateful while waiting. There is Hope! 

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. – Romans 8:25 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, can I be honest? I am tired of waiting. Waiting is hard, painful, and exhausting. Father, I know that learning to wait is beautiful, sanctifying, and hope-giving. So, help me wait well. Help me cling to you as I wait. Please God, let your peace rule in my heart. Help me live by your grace each day while waiting. And help me bring you glory as I wait expectantly. In Christ’s Name, Amen! 

Posted on

More Questions Than Answers ?

Throughout life, we may experience sorrows for which there are no adequate explanations. Some are difficult events with far-reaching effects, while others are personal, private tragedies that alter our individual lives and families forever. We want to know why, but we seem to find more questions than answers. Yet even as we struggle with “why?” God extends His unfailing love to us. 

 Some years ago, an experimental spacecraft broke apart during a test flight. The co-pilot died while the pilot miraculously survived. Investigators determined what happened, but not why. The title of a newspaper article about the crash began with the words “Questions remain.” 

 In the bible, Job lost his children and his wealth in a single day, he sank into an angry depression and resisted any attempted explanations by his friends, even though he still had questions. Yet he held out hope that someday there would be an answer from his God. Even with no answers, Job could say, “God knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold”. 

 Today, as we face life’s unanswered questions, we can find help in God’s love and promises that one day, every tear and perplexity, every oppression and distress, every suffering and pain, and wrong, and injustice will have a complete, and powerful explanation. Until then hold on by faith that the answer is on the way. 

“God knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold” Job 23:10 

 Let’s Pray 

Sweet Yahweh, thank You for giving me faith and trust in You so that even though I have questions about life, and why things have happened the way they have, my love for You hasn’t wavered. Father, there is one thing I can’t and won’t question and that is Your love for me. God, give me wisdom and understanding today to accept what I can’t explain, believing You know what’s best for me. In Christ’s name! Amen. 

Posted on

Don’t Worry ?

With casualties going up in Ukraine, and the economy at its weakest ever, it’s easy to worry. What are you worrying about today?

Worrying means allowing something to revolve in your mind repeatedly until it stresses you out. God doesn’t want you to live worried or anxious about anything. He knows that worry steals your peace and joy. It affects every area of your life negatively. Have you heard the saying, “Don’t worry yourself sick?” That’s because worrying affects your physical and mental body. It even affects your sleep! 

The Bible says you won’t ever gain anything by worrying; in fact, you’ll lose precious moments that you can never get back again. The good news is that God has promised that you can have victory over worry. It starts by choosing to trust in Him. When you cast your cares on him, he will give you his peace, which will eradicate your worry. Hallelujah! 

Why not put an end to worry in your life. Choose to feed your faith and fill your mind with God’s promises of peace. As you focus on God’s Word and spend time in conversation with Him, He will drive out worry and fill your heart with faith and expectancy, and you will overcome in every area of your life! 

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27, NIV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I permit You to put an end to worry in my life. Father, I have decided to feed my faith by studying Your promises and declaring Your Word over my life. God, help me to trust in You today and every day, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

2021 Struggles will be 2022 Successes

Have you ever wasted anything during this year? Maybe time, words or even food? In the bible, Jesus fed a crowd of five thousand with only five loaves and two fish. That day, everyone had enough to eat, and there were still twelve baskets full of bread and fish leftover—more than what they started with! We serve a God of abundance! When God provides, you will always end up with more than you started with. I love that Jesus told the disciples to collect all the leftovers “so that nothing is wasted.” With God, nothing is ever wasted. God never wastes your experience, He’ll never waste your pain, He’ll never waste your dreams, He’ll never waste even a single piece of bread. Hallelujah! 

If you felt like your year has been wasted in the wrong job, hanging around the wrong people, doing the wrong things, no goals reached and so many trials that you haven’t moved forward. Today, I assure you God will gather those seemingly wasted weeks, months and years and He’ll restore them back to you.  


He’ll take those experiences that the enemy meant for your harm and turn them around for your good. He’ll make you stronger, wiser and better off than you were before. He can launch you further into your destiny than before. You will have more than you started with.  


Be encouraged because “all things will work together for your good” because nothing is ever wasted with God! 

“After everyone was full, Jesus told His disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted” (John 6:12, NLT). 

Let’s Pray 

Lord, I give You every bit of my life, my past, my present and my future. I thank You for taking every experience in my life and turning it around for my good. Father, I’m glad that with You nothing is ever wasted. So I give You my pain, I give You my disappointments, I give You my dreams from 2021 and look forward to these being turned into success, strength and favour in 2022. In Christ’ Name. Amen. 

Posted on

A Morning Of Hope

In Uncertain Times Christ's Death and Resurrection Offer Comfort and Hope

David was called a man after God’s own heart. He knew God and saw amazing miracles in his life. Notice what David did. He set the tone for his whole day by spending time with the Lord in the morning.  

It didn’t matter what was going on in his life, David had his priorities set. Even though he was mistreated by his family, manipulated, made fun of, hunted down by King Saul, and even made some major mistakes of his own, David realised that each morning held the promise of new hope. 

Today, if you’ll make spending time with God a priority in your life, you will see Him move mightily on your behalf. Make it a habit to seek Him first every single day no matter what. Set the tone for your day and set your course for victory! 

“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, I choose to put You first in everything that I do. Father, I choose to set the tone for my day by starting it with You. God, please draw me close to You, and empower me by Your Spirit to fulfill the dreams and destiny that You have placed within me. Each morning Lord, I live in hope of blessings, miracles and joy, in Christ’ name! Amen. 

Posted on

God’s Compassion

Is there something that you’ve done in your past that you’re not particularly happy about? A choice that you regret? The good news today is that you can be free of guilt and condemnation. You don’t have to live with that burden any longer.

The Bible tells us that God’s mercies are new every morning. He’s not ever going to run out of compassion. He’s not ever going to run out of forgiveness. He’s not ever going to say, “well, this is the last time I’m going to give you mercy.” No, you can have a new beginning every single day!

Today, if there is anything from the past that you may still be carrying, take a moment and call on His faithfulness. Call on His mercy. Ask for His forgiveness. Let Him refresh and restore your soul right now. Praise Him and thank Him for the work He is doing in your life, and enjoy a fresh new beginning today!

“…His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” 

(Lamentations 3:22–23, NAS)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I choose to let go of every single sin, issue or weight from my past. God, I call on Your mercy; I call on Your grace. Father, thank You for hearing me and delivering me. I receive Your love and forgiveness today, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

 

As seen on