It is said, the greatest need in our world today is peace. No matter what is going on in your life, the Lord promises that you can have peace. No matter what’s happening in your finances, in your relationships, or at work; nothing in this world can take His peace from you. Our part is to listen to what God tells us to do.
You may be thinking to yourself, “God doesn’t speak to me.” But once you receive Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you become His. The Bible says that you are His sheep, and you can hear His voice, and the voice of a stranger you will not follow. The Lord speaks in many ways. First of all, He speaks through the Word of God. But sometimes, He speaks through the encouragement of a friend, or through a song, or in the beauty of nature. Sometimes it’s a simple “knowing” deep down on the inside of you in your spirit.
Today, if you aren’t sure how God speaks to you, ask Him to send His Spirit to show you and to train you to listen. Open your heart today by faith so you can hear His voice. As you take time to be still and read God’s Word and listen, He will speak. He will reveal Himself to you and give you peace. Receive it!
“I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people… (Psalm 85:8, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your promise of peace. Father, I open my heart to You and ask that You teach me to hear Your voice clearly. God, I have decided that I will listen, I will obey, and I will walk in Your ways, so when You speak I will know it’s You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Next to my home just outside of London there are two massive conifer trees. I often wonder how old they are, their trunks are bigger than the houses and they are as tall as skyscrapers. Have you ever looked at a large, old tree and wondered how long it has been there? It’s amazing to think that at one point those gigantic conifer trees were merely tiny seeds. In the same way, our words and actions are seeds. Our words may be small, but they grow when they are planted. We will always reap a harvest on what we sow!
Scripture tells us that “we will always harvest what we plant.” Think about the types of seeds you have been sowing. Are you sowing encouragement, hope, blessing, love and grace? Then that’s what you’ll reap in the future. 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, I beg you to pray and ask God to help you uproot any negative seeds you may have planted in the past, and begin sowing powerful seeds for your future. As you stay obedient and faithful to the Word of God, you’ll see those seeds grow. You’ll rise up higher and enjoy the harvest of blessing God has promised you.
“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, search my heart today. Father, show me any bad negative seeds that need to be uprooted. Oh God, help me, by Your Spirit, to plant good seeds for my future and in those around me. Use me for Your glory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
The Word of God is like a sword, the Bible says it has the power to protect you and keep you from sin. The Word of God is powerful in our lives, it’s living and active like food! Did you know that the Word of God when spoken causes evil to flee?
In the Bible, God’s Word comes in written form, however His Word can come in many other ways. In Scripture, His Word came through a burning bush, a still small voice, and even a donkey! He might speak to your heart through a friend or through a worship song. He may speak to you through creation. But when God does speak, your spirit knows it. There is confirmation in your inner man. You know it’s the voice of Jehovah because He always speaks truth, and truth always sets you free!
Today, put God’s Word in your heart, so it will prompt you and protect you when sin and evil comes knocking at your heart’s door. Meditate on His Word day and night. Let God’s truth transform you and lead you every day of your life!
“Your Word have I laid up in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11, AMP)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which strengthens and protects me from all evil, including my propensity to sin. Father, thank You for speaking Your truth to my heart. God, teach me and help me know how to hear Your voice more clearly, so I will know Your will and live a life that is pleasing to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Just as a seed needs water daily to grow, your life needs the Word of God daily. The more you hear God’s Word, the more you know Him. The more you know Him, the more you will believe in Him, and that’s what faith is all about!
We all need more faith. The Scripture tells us that faith can grow and increase. The Scripture doesn’t say, “Faith comes by having heard the Word of God one time.” It says “faith comes by hearing.” We have to hear the Word of God over and over again in order for it to take root in our hearts, and transform our faith and minds. God’s Word can transform us in an instant, but most of the time, our faith grows as we hear the Word of God consistently.
Today, choose a few Scriptures to meditate on. Write them down on small cards and carry them with you daily, so that God’s truth in His Word will transform your mind through the increase of your faith, and move you forward into the blessed life God has prepared for you!
“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17, NKJV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your Word that is living, active and growing in my life. Father, I submit myself to You today. Please teach me Your ways so that my faith will grow. God, give me more understanding of Your Word so that I may know and love You more, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Yesterday someone asked me how to change bad habits? Do you have habits in your life that you want to stop or change? Maybe it’s a bad attitude, bad behaviour, or even negative thoughts. No matter what you may want to change in your life, you have to start with changing your mind. You have to change your thinking so that your thoughts are in line with God’s thoughts. Once your thinking changes your behaviour will change.
When you repent and make the decision to follow God in every area of your life, you open the door for His supernatural power to work. When you take control of your thought life, through the Holy Spirit you are co-operating with the power that brings about change. Your life will go in the direction of your thoughts. You can’t just allow any old thought or image to play in your mind. You have to choose right thoughts.
Today, the easiest way to change your thoughts is by speaking God’s Word. When you say “pear,” you probably won’t start thinking about an apple. In the same way, when you confess the Word of God, it will drive those negative, defeated thoughts away which will change bad habits! Change your mind today by changing your words and focus, so that you can move forward into the abundant life God has in store for you!
“Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2, AMP
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, today give me the strength to take captive every thought that is contrary to Your will. Father, I repent for anything in my life that is displeasing to You. God, please empower me today by Your Spirit, so that I can change my bad habits and bring honour to You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
Did you know words are like seeds? When we say prayers, when we speak the Word of God, it’s like planting spiritual seeds. It’s a principle that God established at the beginning of time. The harvest is determined by the seeds we sow, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Think about how a planter waits for the harvest. He knows that if he protects his seed, he will get an abundant harvest. He waters it, pulls the weeds, keeps the soil moist and exposes it to sunlight.
Today, like the planter we have to protect our spiritual seed. We can’t allow the “weeds” of negative thinking to come in. We have to pull them out by saying, “God, my trust and confidence is in You, I will stay positive.” We have to water our seed through praise to God, keeping an attitude of faith and expectancy. We expose our seed to sunlight by staying in the presence of the Son of God. That’s how we protect our seed. When you protect it, it won’t be long before you will see that harvest of blessing in your life.
“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22, AMP)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Father, I declare that my trust and confidence are in You. Thank You for hearing my prayers daily. God, I know that seed planted in Your Word will produce an abundant harvest in my life. Help me stay positive, protective and potent with all my words and thoughts, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
As we enter the final day of this year, I urge you to let go of your past. All of those mistakes worries, stresses and fears. In the same way that faith opens the door for God to work in our lives, fear opens the door for the enemy to work in our lives. So leave it behind!
Scripture says that fear brings torment. Fear has no mercy. If you act on fear instead of acting on faith, it will keep you depressed, miserable and lonely. So many people today are missing out on God’s joy, peace and victory because they keep giving in to fear. They feed fear by what they watch on TV, or read in the news or on the internet. Don’t let that be you! How do you get faith? Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. I urge you in 2021 fill your heart and mind with God’s Word, and the stronger your faith will be so you can stand against the powers of darkness. Choose faith instead of fear this new year by choosing to spend time in God’s Word.
Today, on December 31st 2020, remember, the power that is in you through the Holy Spirit, is greater than the power of fear. When thoughts come that say, “you’re not able,” choose faith by saying, “I can do all things through Christ!” Choose faith, overcome fear and live in the freedom God has in store for you! Lets crossover by faith into 2021! Hallelujah!
“This is my command–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NLT)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, on the final day of 2020, I receive Your Word which is life, health and strength to me. I choose to close the door on fear by guarding what I say, listen to and dwell on. God, fill me with Your love and faith, as I meditate on Your Word and crossover into a new year, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
When that guy cat-calls you just to get a reaction, what do you do? You ignore him and keep walking.
When that bully pushes all of your buttons just to make you mad, what do you do? you tune them out and move on.
When somebody tries to convince you of something you know 100% isn’t true, you don’t even give it a second thought before you dismiss the argument.
So why don’t we use this tactic against the father of all lies, a.k.a the enemy that is out to destroy your life? Just don’t engage. As soon as you do, he wins. He is cunning, crafty, and manipulative, and he’s only after your heart. He wants to crush it and mutate it and trample it underfoot until there’s nothing left for God to use.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” John 10:10a
I know this isn’t easy. Trust me, I’m a thinker. Overthinking is my second nature, if not my first nature. I have to think through everything, especially when faced with a conflict. If somebody challenges my opinion, my first reaction is to analyze the entire argument…
What are they saying?
Do I agree or disagree? Why?
What do I think?
How does that compare to what they think?
What is true?
What evidence affirms/denies my argument?
Is there any way there is truth in both arguments?
Why do they think what they think?
Why do I think what I think?
And it goes on …
and on …
and on.
I think you get the idea. By the way, all of that overthinking happens in about 2 seconds. It’s an intense self-interrogation until I think my way into a solution that makes sense to me, so I can feel at peace with what I believe and move on.
Sometimes this is a really useful skill, but the enemy knows exactly how to use it for my deepest undoing. The problem with using the “overthinking tactic” against Satan is that he doesn’t care about logic. His goal is not to convince me that his argument makes more sense. In fact, he doesn’t even care about what he says. He doesn’t even believe the lies himself.
“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that — and shudder.”
James 2:19
Satan knows God. He knows scripture. He knows what the truth is, and his goal is to keep you as far away from it as possible. He knows the power that God’s word can have in your life and that terrifies him. He will say whatever it takes to get you to question God and doubt His goodness, and the moment you try to reason with him, you’ve fallen into his trap.
I say all of this because I fall into the trap far too often. The devil uses people near and dear to me to convince me of his lies because he knows it works with almost 100% accuracy. Because their opinion matters so much to me, I will over-analyze their every word and body language to my own demise. Something they say – or don’t say – pricks one of my insecurities (unbeknownst to that person), and the trap has been set. Suddenly, I’m hit with an avalanche of thoughts like these:
“They just don’t care enough about you to ask about your day.”
“You’re stupid for thinking ______ would happen.”
“You’re too dramatic, emotional, etc.”
“It’s your fault that you can’t handle this feeling.”
The first step is to recognize the lie. Now, to do this, you have to know the Truth. No, that’s not a typo. I meant Truth with a capital “T” because you have to know God’s Word, and His word is Truth. Once you start to bury His word in your heart, and begin to recognize his voice, you can more easily discern truth from lies.
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
But it doesn’t stop there! That’s where I made my mistake. I thought, “If I recognize the lie, it will become invalid and it won’t sting anymore.”
False.
Satan is more crafty than that, and he was already one step ahead of me. See, he recognized how I use my interrogation process to reconcile a contradicting thought, so he used it against me. He used it to blur the lines between lie and Truth. So he takes me down this rabbit hole to confuse me and muddle the words of God until I feel so lost, confused, and heartbroken that I can’t even remember what lie got the whole thing started to begin with. He knows how I look for the middle ground to make sense of things, but there is no middle ground between what the devil says and what God says.
So no, it CANNOT end with recognizing the lie. You have to take the next step and make the choice not to engage with the lie. Now, if you’re a thinker like me, this will be hard. Like really, really hard. But you have to choose to look the other way. Change your posture to look toward your loving, protective, jealous, Heavenly Father. Tell the enemy you don’t have time for his games. Don’t try to argue with him and tell him why his lie is a lie and why God’s Truth wins, because he already knows it, and he doesn’t care. He’ll just twist everything around until you find yourself lost in a muddy mess of nothing that makes any sense whatsoever.
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:18
To sum it up…
Study Truth, that is, the Word of God.
Recognize the lie, which is not the Word of God.
Don’t Engage. Choose to meditate on and dwell in the Word of God.
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Joshua 1:8
This is not something that my genius, overthinking brain came up with one day. This is something that the Holy Spirit whispered to me, and by God’s grace alone, I heard it. I was on the brink of yet another panic attack and fearful of going back down that dark road. I was on the brink of forming another unsuccessful argument for why the lie was a lie and trying to figure out a way to outsmart the devil this time, and the Holy Spirit simply said, “don’t engage with the lie.” Of course I tried to overthink and analyze again, but He didn’t relent. He just kept telling me, “Don’t engage with the lie. It’s not worth it. Just keep looking at Me. Lean on the love of your Father instead of your own knowledge for once.” Hey, that sounds familiar, right?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
So go ahead. Give the enemy the cold shoulder. Hit him with the silent treatment. Then you will taste freedom. Remember the second half of John 10:10…
“…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10b
Go live in the abundant life Christ bought for you. The enemy’s lies are not worth your time, precious child of God.
People are difficult at times. Maybe it’s a colleague at work, a family member or spouse. Relationships are complicated at the best of times, but remember: love never fails. The Word of God clearly defines love in 1 Corinthians 13. It says that love is patient and kind. It doesn’t seek its own way. Love doesn’t keep a record of wrongs. And most importantly, love never fails.
Notice that this chapter doesn’t talk at all about how you feel. God’s love isn’t about feelings. It’s choice and principle. You can choose to be patient, even when you don’t feel like being patient. You can choose to be kind, even when you don’t feel like being kind.
Today, no matter what situation you find yourself in, you can choose love. You are never more like God than when you are walking in love. And when you are walking in love, you will never fail, because love never fails. Open your heart to God’s love today. Receive His love, and ask Him to show you how to love others better, because love never fails!
“Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13:8, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your love which never fails. Thank You for loving me so that I can be free to love others. Empower me, by Your Spirit, to walk in love no matter what I may face today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
One day I received a gift card that I stored in a special place for so long that I forgot I had it? Most gift cards have an expiration date, and if you don’t use it, you will surely lose it! The same is true with the Word of God. No, the Word doesn’t ever expire, but we have to take action and use His Word in order to receive His promises. Just like you exchange your gift card for the things you need at the store, His Word gives you the power to receive every promise He has for you.
When you declare His Word and keep your heart and mind open to Him, you are using the gift. You are opening the door for Him to move in your life. For example, if you’re facing lack in any area, receive the gift of provision by declaring, my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). If there’s a mountain in your way, receive the gift of victory that says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
Today and every day, use the gift He’s given you. Make His Word a priority and don’t let it depart from your mouth or your blessings expire. As you do, He’ll make your way prosperous, and you’ll enjoy the abundant life He has for you!
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which is truth to set me free. Father, I determine in my heart to use my gifts before the expiration date, and set Your Word into motion in my life. God, keep me close to You so that I can please You in everything I do, in Christ’ name! Amen.
Amazing! When we are born again, we become children of the Most High God! The scripture says we are “adopted” into His family. In the natural, by law, an adoptive parent can never disown their adopted child. In the same way, God will never disown you! When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you become a permanent part of God’s family.
It’s a privilege it’s a free gift, and when you receive this gift it’s the beginning of a long life of blessings. Receiving Him means receiving all that He is and all of His promises for your life. It’s a process, but remember, God is the one working in your life, and He promises to complete what He’s started in you. Your part is to keep your heart open and receive by faith every gift, every promise, and every blessing in His Word.
Today, why don’t you become part of God’s family? He is waiting to adopt you. Receive His gift of adoption by saying thank You. Receive His gift by declaring His truth over your life and be born again. Receive His gift by obeying the Word of God. Put the Word of God into practice in your life and receive every blessing He has for you! Become part of God’s eternal family. Hallelujah!
“Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for the gift of eternal, abundant life. I accept Your free gift of adoption. Today, I open my heart and mind to You. Have Your way in my heart and help me to receive the wonderful blessings You have for me, in Christ’ name! Amen.
What Do you need from God today? Finances? Good health? Restoration? Deliverance? God has promised all of these things to you in His Word, because it’s His desire for you to live abundantly. If you follow the will of God by obeying His Word and precepts, it opens the door for His promises to be fulfilled in your life. You may be doing all of the right things – don’t give up! Perseverance will carry you to the promise.
When you persevere you are focused, you are believing what God says about your situation. It’s looking away from distractions and any negative, defeating thoughts. Perseverance looks away from discouragement and looks to the Word of God. The voice of perseverance will speak to you, saying things like, “no weapon formed against me shall prosper! If God is for me, who can be against me? I am more than a conqueror through Jesus!”
Today, whatever you are believing God for, keep believing! Stand strong and fight the good fight of faith. Ask God to give you endurance, perseverance and patience, so that you can see His promises fulfilled in every area of your life!
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your promises to me. Father, I ask that You give me a heart that is steadfast and fixed on You. Fill me with Your peace and perseverance, so I can hold on until all your promises come to pass in my life, and live in victory all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
Scripture tells us that seeking wisdom and discretion brings life and is “an ornament of grace.” No matter what decisions you may be facing today, God wants to equip you and empower you to make the right choices. How do we seek wisdom and discretion? By making the Word of God a priority. The answer to every situation we face is addressed in God’s Word, either directly or by principle. When God’s Word is the final authority in your life, His grace will empower you to live victoriously.
Proverbs 3:23 – 26 goes on to say, “then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.” Hallelujah!
Today, I encourage you to put God’s Word first. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you study. Follow His commands and open the way for His grace to cover you. Let His grace empower you to dwell in safety and rest securely all the days of your life!
“Do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.” (Proverbs 3:21—22, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which is life and health to me. Father, I submit myself to You knowing that You have good things in store for my future. God, thank You for the promises in Your Word. I will hide Your Word in my heart so that I can receive Your grace and walk in Your ways, in Christ’ name! Amen.
Many people think that when they have a need, God will just automatically meet it – and He could. But Christ didn’t say, “According to your need be it done to you,” He said, “According to your faith.” That’s why it’s so important to always have an attitude of expectancy.
Remember, if we want God to move in our lives, we have to approach every day filled with faith and hope. How do we get this faith and hope? The Scripture tells us in Romans that “faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” The more you have the Word of God in your life, the more your faith will grow, and the more you will get through trials and see God working in your life.
Today, God longs to bless you, and He’s given you everything you need to be successful in life. Remember, all things are possible to those who believe! Believe in His goodness today and take a step of faith toward the life of blessing He has prepared for you, and see yourself walking through trials, difficulties and experiencing divine peace.
“According to your faith be it done to you.” (Matthew 9:29, ESV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my life today. I open my heart to You and trust that You have a good plan for me. Lord, I receive the twin gifts of faith and hope. God, give me a heart filled with expectancy and trust, that today You will meet all my needs and grant me peace, in Christ’ name! Amen.
What needs changing in your life? A bad habit, a bad attitude, or even negative, evil thoughts. You have to start by changing your mind. You have to change your thinking so that your thoughts are in line with God’s thoughts. When you make the decision to follow God in every area of your life, you open the door for His supernatural power to work.
I always say, your life will go in the direction of your thoughts. You can’t just allow any old thought or image to play in your mind. Nip it in the bud, you have to choose positive thoughts quickly.
Today, the easiest way to change your thoughts is by speaking God’s Word. When you say “mango,” you probably won’t start thinking about a banana. In the same way, when you confess the Word of God, which says you are more than a conqueror, you’re the head and not the tail, it will drive those negative, defeating thoughts away! Change your mind now by changing your words!
“Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2 AMP)
Let’s Pray
Yahshua, today I choose to take captive every thought that is contrary to Your will. Father, I repent for anything in my mind and behaviour that displeases You. God, empower me today to saturate my mind with Your Word, by Your spirit, so that I can bring honour to You, and break my bad, negative habits, in Christ’ name! Amen.
Now, more than ever, our lives seem out of control, with governments making decisions for our every move. Have you ever felt like things in your life are out of control? That happens when you allow circumstances to dictate your thoughts and attitudes. You might say, “well, the economy is wreaking havoc on my business.” Or, “this relationship is just too far gone, it’s not worth trying.” My message to you today is “this is the day to take your life back!”
Today’s verse tells us we must take control of every thought which is not a natural idea. We live in this natural realm, but as believers, we are not limited by this natural realm. We can tap into God’s supernatural power. But it starts by making every thought line up with the Word of God, and declaring I’m taking my life back in Jesus’ Name! Hallelujah!
Today, from the government to the church, nobody seems to know what to do, and this confusion sows seeds of fear. By faith today I say take your life back. You may ask how? By taking your thoughts back from secular natural agencies. Don’t allow the enemy to have access any longer. Instead, meditate on the Word of God daily, and allow His truth to sink down deep into your spirit. Let His truth set you free! Hallelujah!
“…take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
(2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV)
Let’s Pray Yahweh, thank You for empowering me to live in victory. Father, today I choose to take my life back from the enemy and his agencies by taking captive every thought and submitting it to You. God, help me to live a life that is pleasing to You, starting now and throughout my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
