Tag: Thinking

Posted on

Stop Adding Laws

The scripture tells us that, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, were the leading citizens among the Jews. They knew what God’s law said, and they could tell people how to apply it. But they were hypocrites. They added 615 of their laws on top of God’s laws, thinking that would “protect” the law of God from being disobeyed. But in doing so, they violated the spirit of the law, which is love.

Today’s Christians can do the same as the Pharisees if they add their social and religious standards to God’s law. “Surely a Christian would never listen to that, or wear those clothes, or dance, or eat that meat…”. We might think we are being especially zealous for the law of God by adding such restrictions when the bible doesn’t – but God desires love, not legalism.

Today, following human standards while ignoring God’s call to love, can lead to terrible results – “hypocrisy”. It has led to racism like apartheid. It has led to sexism with statements like “she should have known better than to wear that”. It has led to nationalism where we look down on immigrants and refugees. Such hypocrisy will condemn us on the day of judgment. Laws that do not aim at love for all people are not God’s laws. The Ruler of Heaven and Earth is not fooled by distorted rule-following and fake self-centred Christianity.

“Do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” (Matthew 23:3).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, forgive us when we set up false standards. Father, forgive us if we have judged others unlovingly. Help us to follow your laws and not add our own trying to protect yours. Please show us how to love everyone as you do. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Posted on

You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet!

Today’s verse is really an encouragement for all of us to raise our level of expectancy! It’s like God is saying to us, “You think you’re blessed? You haven’t seen anything yet!”. I’m sure God has been good to you, but He also has things for your future that, if He told you right now, would boggle your mind – you wouldn’t even believe it.

If you had told me years ago that one day I would be a minister, speaking in front of thousands of people I would have said, “You’ve totally lost your mind!”. At the time, I could not even fathom that! Friend, that is how God wants to bless you in your future. He wants to overwhelm you with His goodness and with things so wonderful you can’t even fathom it!

Today, get ready for an increase. Get prepared for promotion. This year is the year to step into blessings you can’t even imagine. Keep believing, keep obeying His Word and keep your heart and mind open to what He has for you because you haven’t seen anything yet!

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9, NKJV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I raise my level of expectancy. I choose to take the limits off of my thinking. I know that You can do exceedingly, abundantly above all I could ever ask, think or imagine. Thank You for the blessing You have in store for me in 2024! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Posted on

Think About Your  Thinking 

When You Think of the Word Home, Does Jesus Come to Mind

In this age of social media influences, millions of people are not enjoying life because of the condition of their minds. They constantly dwell on negative, destructive, harmful thoughts. They don’t realise it, but the root cause of many of their problems is simply the fact that their thought life is out of control and very negative. 

More than ever, we have to realize that our lives follow our thoughts. If you think negative thoughts, then you’re going to live a negative life. If you think discouraging, hopeless thoughts, or even mediocre thoughts, then your life is going to go down that exact same path. That’s why we have to take captive every thought, and renew our minds with the Word of God on a daily basis. 

Today, I want to challenge you to think about what you’re thinking about. Don’t let those self-defeating thoughts linger in your mind. Instead, speak God’s promises over your life. Declare what He says about you. Take captive every thought and renew your mind daily through His awesome Word! 

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I choose to take captive every one of my thoughts. I will renew my mind according to Your Word. Father, thank You for being my teacher and helper. I give You my mind, please direct me in the way that I should go. In Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

Posted on

Success Comes With Favour

Success in this life isn’t necessarily about how much money, or influence or education someone has. Success is about living a life of excellence in obedience to God’s Word. When we step out to do what God has called us to do, Scripture says that His favour surrounds us like a shield. When we have His favour, we have everything; we have an advantage for success!

Favour opens doors. Favour will bring good breaks. The favour of God will cause you to accomplish what you could not accomplish on your own. It gives you an edge. Now, if you’re going to see the gracious hand of God at work in your life, you can’t go through the day feeling intimidated, thinking that you’re average, looking around and comparing yourself to everyone else.

Today, you have to live like you have His favour, think like you have favour, talk like you have favour, walk like you have favour, dress like you have favour! Not arrogantly. Not in a way that portrays that you’re better than somebody else, but with quiet humility and confidence, knowing that you have the gracious hand of God on your life! Live like you’ve got it because you do! Hallelujah!

“…His favour lasts a lifetime…” (Psalm 30:5, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your grace, favour and mercy upon my life. Father, I praise You today because You are good. I receive Your truth by faith and rise up to walk in my calling. God, I know that You are going before me to prepare the way, as I walk in Your favour all the days of my life, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

Posted on

Just Agree!

Approximately 20 years before Abraham had a child, God said to him, “Abraham, I have made you a father of many nations.” Notice God spoke to him like it had already happened, in the past tense. I’m sure Abraham thought, “God, You must have made a mistake. I’m not a father. I don’t even have one child.” Abraham could have talked himself out of it; but instead, he chose to believe.

Remember, when you agree with God, you are positioning yourself for a miracle. You are activating His truth in your life. When things look difficult, don’t agree with your circumstances, agree with His promises because He is faithful, and He will complete what He’s started in your life!

Today, you may be thinking, “I’m not blessed. I’m not confident. I’m not healthy. I’m not favoured.” But when God says you’re blessed, don’t try to figure it out. Just agree with God and say, “I am blessed.” When God calls you prosperous, don’t go check your bank account. Don’t go look at the stock report. Just agree with God and say, “I am prosperous.” Things may look impossible. That’s all right. That’s the way things looked for Abraham. But sure enough, God’s promises came to pass, and he became the father of many nations.

“As it is written: ‘I have made you a father of many nations.’ He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.” (Romans 4:17, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I bless You and thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Father, I receive Your promises as truth, no matter what is going on around me. Teach me to not doubt, but to believe no matter the circumstances. God, fill me with joy and peace, as I hold fast to Your promises for me, in Christ’ name! Amen.

Posted on

Imagine

One of my favorite songs starts out by saying, “I can only imagine.” When was the last time you imagined God doing something supernatural in your life? Is there a relationship that needs restoration? Is there a business you’ve wanted to start, but are holding back? If there were no limitations on your life if anything were possible, what would you be willing to imagine?

Remember, the only limits on your life are the limits you have in your mind, and God wants to do exceedingly more than you can ever imagine today! He wants to overwhelm you with His goodness, and amaze you with His faithfulness. But in order for Him to exceed what you’ve imagined, you have to at least be imagining something!

Today, why don’t you take a step of faith and let your imagination come to life? Begin to see in your mind all the possibilities for your future. Meditate on the amazing things God has done throughout history. Let that seed of faith take root in your heart. Hold on to His promises because He is faithful. He is able to exceed your expectations and go beyond what you can imagine!

“For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:11, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Father, I submit my imagination to You. Help me to see what You see for my future. God, please help me to take the limits off of my thinking, so that I can receive everything You have in store for me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

Posted on

Stay Under The Tap

Raised in a broken home; his parents split when he was aged 7; he felt abandoned by his dad. He attended one of the worst schools in London, one that was full of violence, drugs and other crimes. It was later closed down. He experimented with cigarettes, weed, alcohol and pornography; he struggled with sexual sin, leading to fornication and adultery, which led to relationship break-ups. He was arrested for embezzlement and had his first bout with jail. Misdemeanour crimes, leading to another bout with jail. He was homeless, sleeping on floors, in his car, with no money or food. 


As I look back over my life, all of the above have led to, and still lead to, difficult times of depression, loneliness, self-blame and ongoing sin, and sometimes it becomes hard to minister thinking of all the hurt I have caused myself, others and God.

Just recently, after reading the daily lesson and powerful books by Joyce Meyers and Beth Moore, I realised that all of my sins and hardships have all served as preparation for ministry and service. This could be the bio of Abraham, David, Solomon, Paul, Peter and many more. Today, I think that these shortfalls and sins, some of which still haunt me till this day, are my real CV for ministry, not my BA in Religion and my certifications in substance abuse counselling, but in my weakness God has become strong, and out of that strength God has given me a testimony that has helped thousands of people around the world. Hallelujah!!

If you are going through a storm, my word to you is to hold on, don’t give up. If God brought me through, He will bring you through. The Word of God says He will never leave you and, in your weakness, He is made strong. And even though you may have caused your own pain, Isaiah 61:4-8 says God will use it for ministry, and make your ministry achieve double.

Today, if you are feeling broken there’s only one way to be filled. Stay under the tap of the Holy Ghost! The moment you leave the tap you will not be filled with His power. God wants to fill you all day, every day. You are not bad, you are weak, and God still can, and will, use you, because it shows that He is bigger than your trial, and stronger than the devil and man. It’s time to rise above the opinions of man and turn your eyes upon Jesus.


The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion… (Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I thank You for loving me, after knowing what I’ve done and what I will do, and I thank You for my friends that will receive freedom from these words. Father, I don’t want to keep on hurting and being hurt. Help me to hate my sins, and to daily wash in Your blood. God, thank You for not leaving me when everybody else thought I was too filthy. Help those who don’t understand how You can still use broken, stained, and sinful people. You are awesome. Thank You. I LOVE YOU! Amen. 

Posted on

True Love

True Love

Today’s verse tells us how to make love great – by being kind. You may have heard today’s verse many times before, but one translation puts it this way “love looks for a way to be constructive.” In other words, kindness isn’t just about being nice; it’s looking for ways to improve someone else’s life. It’s bringing out the best in others.

Each morning, when you start your day, don’t just spend time thinking about yourself, or how you can make your own life better. Think about ways you can make someone else’s life better too! Ask yourself, “who can I encourage today? Who can I build up?” You have something to offer those around you that no one else can give. Someone in your life needs your encouragement. Someone in your life needs to know that you believe in them. We are responsible for how we treat the people He’s placed in our lives. He’s counting on us to bring out the best in our family and friends.

Today, ask the Lord to give you creative ways to encourage those around you. As you sow seeds of encouragement and bringing out the best in others, God will send people along your path that will build you up too. Keep showing kindness so you can move forward into the blessings and freedom God has for you! 

“…love is kind…” (1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for loving me when I was unlovable. Father, thank You for believing in me and always building me up, even when I disrespect Your kingdom. God, I ask that You show me creative ways to encourage and build up the people around me. Help me to be an example of Your love today and always, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

Let’s Celebrate God

Lord, Prepare Me to Be a Godly Parent

While traveling I get confused by Christian congregations who look sad and miserable as if the have hope. Even in worship our time to celebrate our God for who He is and what he has done we take the non biblical stance of silence, uniformity and in action. I remember after Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan scored a goal against Germany in the 2014 World Cup, he and his teammates did a coordinated dance step. When Germany’s Miroslav Klose scored a few minutes later, he did a running front flip. “Soccer celebrations are so appealing because they reveal players’ personalities, values, and passions,” says Clint Mathis, who scored for the US at the 2002 World Cup. Not suggesting that we celebrate as if we are at a football match.

In Psalm 150, the psalmist invites “everything that has breath” to celebrate and praise the Lord in many different ways. He suggests that we use trumpets and harps, stringed instruments and pipes, cymbals and dancing. He encourages us to creatively and passionately celebrate, honor, and adore the Lord. Why? because the Lord is great and has performed mighty acts on behalf of His people, He is worthy of all praise. These outward expressions of praise will come from an inner wellspring overflowing with gratitude to God. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord,” the psalmist declares (150:6). Which is why we were created.

Today, Though we may celebrate the Lord in different ways, our praise to God always needs to be expressive and meaningful and should show personality, passion and value. When we think about the Lord’s character and His mighty acts toward us, we cannot help but celebrate Him through our praise and worship. How has this psalm challenged you to be more expressive in your praise to God? Spend some time thinking about the greatness of the Lord’s mighty works. Then give Him your praise. Remember praise is the song of a soul set free.

Praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe. —Psalm 150:4

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I lift you up and magnify your name with my mind, body and soul. Father I apologies and ask for your forgiveness for my lack of personality, passion and power while praising and worshiping You.  For allowing the things of this world and the enemy to still my praise for You. God today I pledge and declare that sin will stop and I will praise you with my whole heart as you created me to be. I come in agreement with your word “let everthing that have breath praise the Lord” in Cr name Amen.

Posted on

Repetition Deepens Impression

GodInterest exists to welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds, equipping people with a faith that works in real life and sends them into a world to serve for God and humanity.

Notice in today’s verse, God’s people were commanded to go around saying continually, “Let God be magnified. He takes pleasure in prospering me.” I believe one reason they were supposed to say it all the time, is so that it would get down deep in their hearts. Reputation deepens the impression. 

Remember, when we hear something for long enough, we start to believe it. It starts to affect the way we see things. I wonder what would happen if, all through the day, we decided to stop dwelling on negative, self-defeating thoughts like, “I’ll always be broke. My business or ministry will never grow. I won’t be able to send my children to university, it’s too expensive.” What if we started dwelling on positive thoughts like, “God takes pleasure in prospering me. Good breaks are in my future. Explosive blessings are coming my way?”

Today, let the truth of God’s Word sink down into your heart, and throughout the day declare His goodness. Declare His faithfulness. Declare His blessings because He delights in seeing you prosper and live abundantly. Receive it today, hold your head high, speak God’s Word over every area of your life. 

“Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favour my righteous cause; And let them say continually, ‘Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.’ ” (Psalm 35:27, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness. Thank You for my success. Father, please change my thinking from negative to positive. God, send Your spirit to into my life today, so that my faith will become real and active, as I continually claim Your promises over my life. Help me to see my life the way You see it. Help me to see and declare the blessings and victories You have for me in Christ’ name! Amen.

Posted on

Today

This year I have been studying the book of Joshua, and today’s promise is one of my favourites. God said to Joshua, “today I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all the Israelites.” In other words, “today, I’m going to start releasing more of My favour, My blessings, My increase.” But notice, there was a set time that God began to release favour in a new way. God wants to do the same thing for you. He wants to release His blessings and favour in such a way that it makes you a great parent, a great spouse, a great leader, a great employee, a great friend.

Today, God is saying to us what He said to Joshua, “this day, I’m going to begin to make your name great. This day, I’m going to begin to release My favour in a new way. I’m going to open doors that no man can shut.” It is the time for God’s favour in your life. Get ready! Make room in your thinking. Stay open to Him and keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, because this day God has something amazing in store for you! Hallelujah!

“That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him all the days of his life…” (Joshua 4:14, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I bless You this morning. Father, You alone are worthy of all glory and honour. Thank You for pouring out Your favour and blessing on me today. God, I open my heart and mind to receive everything You have in store for me this day. I look forward to You blessing me for the world to see as You did for Joshua, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

Today

This year I have been studying the book of Joshua, and today’s promise is one of my favourites. God said to Joshua, “today I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all the Israelites.” In other words, “today, I’m going to start releasing more of My favour, My blessings, My increase.” But notice, there was a set time that God began to release favour in a new way. God wants to do the same thing for you. He wants to release His blessings and favour in such a way that it makes you a great parent, a great spouse, a great leader, a great employee, a great friend.  

Today, God is saying to us what He said to Joshua, “this day, I’m going to begin to make your name great. This day, I’m going to begin to release My favour in a new way. I’m going to open doors that no man can shut.” It is the time for God’s favour in your life. Get ready! Make room in your thinking. Stay open to Him and keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, because this day God has something amazing in store for you! Hallelujah!

“That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him all the days of his life…” (Joshua 4:14, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I bless You this morning. Father, You alone are worthy of all glory and honour. Thank You for pouring out Your favour and blessing on me today. God, I open my heart and mind to receive everything You have in store for me this day. I look forward to You blessing me for the world to see as You did for Joshua, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

God Renew My Mind Daily

Renewal, Of People Of God - Knowing Jesus

Did you know that your life moves in the direction of your mind? So many people today are not really enjoying their lives because of the condition of their minds. They constantly dwell on negative, destructive, harmful thoughts. They don’t realise it, but the root cause of many of their problems is simply the fact that their thought life is out of control. 

Yes our lives follow our thoughts. If you think negative thoughts, then you’re going to live a negative life. If you think discouraging, hopeless thoughts, or even mediocre thoughts, then your life is going to go down that exact same path. That’s why Scripture says, we have to take captive every thought and renew our minds on a daily basis. 

Today, I want to challenge you to think about what you’re thinking about. Don’t let self-defeating thoughts linger in your mind. Instead, speak God’s promises over your life. Declare what He says about you and renew your mind daily through God’s great and awesome promises! 

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, help me take captive every thought. Father, I want you to renew my mind according to Your Word. Dear Holy Spirit, please be my teacher and helper. I invite You to direct me in the way that I should go. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

Posted on

A Strong And Stable Mind

What Does It Mean to Have a Sound Mind?

When I was a boy I was always very emotional. I would cry and sulk at the drop of a hat. I would refuse to do things because of how emotional I was. One thing that can lead you away from your potential and seeing the awesome plan God has for your life is your emotions. Emotions are God-given, but too often, people allow their circumstances to dictate their emotions and thoughts, instead of the Word of God.

When we allow our circumstances to dictate our emotions, it opens the door for doubt and fear to come in. If we allow doubt and fear in, we become unstable. Understand this key: the way you feel has little to do with what God is actually doing in your life. He’s working in realms you cannot see, whether you realise it or not!

Today, don’t allow yourself to be tossed around by your emotions any longer. Instead, choose to be stable-minded by focusing your thoughts on the Word and promises of God. Never serve God out of just feelings. Stand strong in Him. Ask God to replace your thinking with His, so you can confidently embrace the plan He has for you!

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Father, I will meditate on Your truth and promises, which is my source of mental and emotional strength and faith. God, please help me to be steadfast and strong, not doubting, as I set my focus on You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Posted on

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. 

Posted on

It’s Your Imagination

If there were no limitations on your life, if anything were possible, what would you be imagining for you life? When was the last time you imagined God doing something supernatural in your life? Is there a relationship that needs restoration? Is there a business you’ve wanted to start, but you are holding back? It’s time to get rid of your limited imagination and focus on God’s promises. 

Do you know the only limits on your life are the limits you place in your mind, and God wants to do exceedingly more than you can even imagine! He wants to overwhelm you with His goodness and amaze you with His faithfulness. But in order for Him to exceed what you’ve imagined, you have to at least start imagining!  

Today, why don’t you take a step of faith and let your spiritual imagination run wild? Begin to see in your mind’s eye all the possibilities for your present and future. Meditate on the amazing things God has done throughout history. Let that seed of faith take root in your heart. Hold on to His promises because He is faithful and able to exceed your expectations and go beyond what you can imagine today! 

“For who knows a person’s thoughts except for their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God’s except the Spirit of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:11, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Father, I submit my imagination to You. Help me to see what You see for my future. God, help me to take the limits off my thinking, so that I can receive everything You have in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and watch GodinterestTV live every Saturday between 2pm and 3pm (BST) Click Here! 

Subscribe for Ray of Hope Daily Inspiration: http://subscribe.godinterest.com/

This newsletter is sponsored by netooze.com reliable website hosting, email, and affordable domain prices.

 

As seen on