Tag: UK

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God is About to Burst In? ?

london-street-phone-cabin-163037.jpeg

In the UK things are hard economically, but we all go through seasons of difficulty or times when things just seem dark. During these challenging times, know that you are not alone. God has a plan to drive out the darkness — He will flood you with His light! You will notice that in today’s verse it doesn’t say, “The light will come trickling in.” No, it says that the light will come bursting in! That means suddenly, you will see God’s goodness. Suddenly, your depression will be gone. Suddenly, your addiction will be broken. Suddenly, you’ll be promoted. Suddenly, the answer will come! 

If you’ve been going through difficult times because of the cost of living crisis, get ready for the goodness of God to show up. His light is about to come bursting in! Get ready for breakthroughs. Get ready for miracles. Get ready for restoration. You may have had an issue for a long, long time, but today could be the day that it turns around. 

Today, suddenly things will change! God wants His glory to be seen in you and through you. He wants you to stand out in the crowd. He wants you to be so blessed that everyone around you can see His goodness in you! Today I declare, keep standing, keep believing, keep hoping and keep speaking His Word because His light is about to come bursting in! 

“When darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in” (Psalm 112:4, NLT) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your light that drives out every trace of darkness! I give you permission today to burst through my darkness with your divine light of hope, goodness, and faithfulness. Father, like light burst through the darkness suddenly, please change my depression suddenly, my addictions suddenly, my job status suddenly and my relationship situation suddenly. I trust that You are working behind the scenes, and I expect that You will turn things around for my good. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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True Comfort

With murders in the UK hitting an all-time high, prisons are bursting at the seams, divorce is still over 50% and mental health is growing at an alarming rate. Oftentimes when life has challenges, the natural tendency is to seek comfort in things that are familiar. It may be drugs, work, activity, or relationships; and of course, we all know about “comfort eating.” But those things only bring temporary comfort.

I believe true comfort is only found in a relationship with Jesus. According to Webster’s dictionary, comfort means to give strength and hope; to ease grief or trouble. No matter what difficulty you may be facing today, God wants to bring you comfort. Like a mother cares for her child, He longs to give you strength, hope and confidence.

Today, turn to Him. Receive His love. Let go of things that would hold you back. Let God heal your heart and mind, let Him give you strength and comfort for the road ahead. Let Him empower you to rise up and overcome every obstacle in Jesus’ Name! 

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…” (Isaiah 66:13, NIV)

Let’s Pray Yahweh, I come to You today and invite You to fill my whole being. Father, please heal my community. Give me and those that are mourning Your comfort and strength. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit during these challenging times, so that I can live in the victory You have planned for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
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Black History

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

If It Had Not Been For The Lord Where Would You Be?

In the UK it’s black history month. As I look back at where God has bought us from, like the Lord says, “through many dangers’ toils and snares…,” all I can say looking back and reflecting is “if it had not been for the goodness of God, where would we be?” Some wouldn’t be alive today. Some would still be mentally messed up. If it had not been for God’s favour and love, some would still be struggling, barely making it. You may say, “we haven’t made it very far, we’ve got a long way to go.” And that may be true, but black or not, I want you to take a moment and look back over your life and realise how far you’ve come. The same God that brought you this far, the same God that has kept you alive, is going to carry you through any difficulty you may be facing.

Today, just start praising and thanking God for what He is doing and what He has done. Thank Him for His love and favour and blessings upon you. Praise precedes the victory. Praise brings the walls of opposition down. Praise is the invitation for God to intervene on your behalf! Friend, I declare that the goodness of God is all over you! He is directing your steps, and you are following His leading. I declare that your best days are ahead, and as you praise Him and thank Him, you will move forward into the victory and blessing He has prepared for you!

“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” (Psalm 119:92, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You so much for Your consistent goodness and faithfulness in my life, and the lives of my forefathers. I don’t know where we would have been without You. We were mistreated beaten and abused, but what the devil meant for bad, You have used it to make us stronger. Hallelujah! Father, I know that Your hand of favour is upon me. I know that You are leading me and guiding me in victory. I won’t give up, please keep me close to You, as I surrender every area of my heart and mind to You, in Christ’ Name! Amen.
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Keeping Up With The Jones

Growing up in the UK, when people bought something new, we used to say that they were trying to “keep up with the Jones’s (trying to compete with your neighbours).” It’s easy to be tempted to go through life competing with everyone around us. When we see someone who’s more talented, better looking or has more gifts, instead of running our race and being comfortable with who we are, oftentimes we feel inferior and think, “I’ve got to catch up to my neighbours and friends.” The problem with this unhealthy competition is that it’s a never-ending cycle.

Did you know there will always be someone ahead of you? But it’s very freeing when you realise, “I’m not in a competition.” I don’t have to have as big a house as my neighbour to feel good about myself. I don’t have to keep up with my co-worker. I don’t have to be a certain size. No, I understand that I’m not in competition with my friend, my neighbour or my co-worker.

Today, say to yourself “I’m going to be the best me that I can possibly be, I’m going to run my own race, I’m going to stay in my lane, I will not compete with anyone.” Now, that’s an attitude God can work with. When you focus on being who God made you to be, that’s when you’ll rise up higher, and position yourself for every spiritual blessing He has in store for you!

“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come to You giving You all that I am. Father, help me keep my eyes on You and no one else. Please work on my heart and mind, so I will learn to stay in my lane and run my own race. God, I want You to be my only focus. I want to be free from competition today, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

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Are We Really Free? Have You Received Your Jabs?

Monday was classed as freedom day in the UK. A day when we stop being in bondage to Covid-19. Night clubs opened, no more compulsory mask-wearing and no social distancing. But are we really free? Is Covid-19 our biggest worry or concern? We cannot get a vaccine for depression or disappointment. So I ask the question again – are we really free? Are there deeper issues than coronavirus that keep us in bondage? These issues need a divine vaccine given by Jehovah Jirah in order to give us total freedom.

We’ve all been burnt by life. Everyone has experienced hurt and disappointment. But God doesn’t want us to sit in the ashes of the past; He wants to trade our brokenness for healing. He wants to give us beauty for our ashes. The key to being free is that we have to be willing to give up the ashes of a burnt life in order to receive the beauty of Christ. You can’t have both because the old has to decrease before the new can increase.

Today, you can be doubled jabbed, no need to wear a mask, and go where you want and still not be free, because you haven’t trusted God with your past ashes of hurt? Are you willing to let go of the pain, to forgive others and yourself so you can move forward into God’s beautiful freedom? Don’t waste another day sitting in the ashes of disappointment and hurt. Today, the past is over, but your future remains. Let God vaccinate you with the double jab of joy instead of mourning, praise instead of heaviness, and let Him make something beautiful out of the ashes of your past life today and always!

“…he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness… (Isaiah 61:3, TLB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your promise of true freedom – not only from Covid-19 but from life’s disappointments and hurts. Father, sweep away the ashes, mourning and heaviness of my past and give me something beautiful and joyful to look forward to. God, I give them up to You and receive Your divine jabs of healing and restoration in my life today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Flip Your Negative “What if’s”

What does it mean to be crucified with Christ?

Many people miss out on the good things because they allow fear to distract them and hold them back. They say, “What if I fail?” “What if people don’t like me?” “What if I make a mistake?” However, “What if you do succeed?” “What if people do like you?” “What if you do it better than anyone else?” Let’s expect God’s goodness and favour, and not focus on the negative “what if’s.”

The Scripture talks about how time and chance will come together for every person. In other words, there are moments of favour that God has already released into your future. If you’ll let that sink down into your heart today, it will change your whole outlook on your future. 

Today, go out with an attitude of faith and expectancy, you’ll see those good things He has in store, and not the negative fearful thinking the enemy wants you to have. Then you’ll walk into divine moments of favour, moments of blessing, moments of increase, and embrace all the good things God has in store for you! 

“…time and chance happen to them all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11, NIV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the good things You have planned for my future. Father, thank You for the positive expectations that Your Spirit brings which gives me daily peace, joy and protection. God, I choose to keep my heart and mind focused on the blessings in my future and not the negative fearful “what if’s,” in Christ’s Name! Amen

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He Is Still In Control

Why the Resurrection of Jesus Matters in the 21st Century

In the UK we have entered into another national lockdown. The frustration levels are high, anxiety has gripped millions, and jobs will be lost. In this confusing time we may decide to take control, as we think God and others are taking too long and our prayers are not being answered. 

We all have things we’re believing for, situations we want to see changed, and dreams God has placed in our hearts. But sometimes because of difficulties, we try to figure out how it’s all going to happen. Then we try to take control and start to tell God how to do it, when to do it, and where to do it! Scripture tells us that God’s ways are not our ways. They are so much higher and better. So we must continue to trust Him despite the times.

Today, as you move deeper into these uncertain times it’s clear things won’t happen on your timetable, but instead of getting discouraged and down, why don’t you believe that God has something better in store? Just because it doesn’t happen your way, doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. God has a plan. He’s got it all figured out. Don’t limit Him by trying to get it done your way. Instead, tell God, “I trust You. I believe You have my best interests at heart, and even if it doesn’t happen my way, I’m going to stay in faith that You are still in total control.” 

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9, NIV) 

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for blessing me throughout my life, Today I choose to trust in You despite life’s uncertainties. Father, I cast my cares on You. I give You my plans, dreams and desires for the future. God, I will stay in faith as You work things out on my behalf. I receive Your peace as I wait patiently to see Your plan unfold in my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Don’t Let Jealous Folk Stop Your Praise

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." ?

Across the world, from Japan to the UK, we have experienced major droughts. In the Bible Isaac was in a great drought, but he went out and planted crops right in the middle of the famine. It didn’t make any sense, but somehow in that same year of drought, the Bible says, “Isaac received 100 times what he had sown, because the Lord blessed him.” Hallelujah!

What’s interesting is that when Isaac got blessed, the people around him, the Philistines and his friends, all of a sudden got jealous of him. They were fine as long as he was broke. As long as they were at the same level it was no big deal. But when he stepped up to a new level, when he began to wear his blessings well, the scripture says, “The Philistines hated Isaac.”

Today, you may have noticed, when you start to do better, the people around you don’t celebrate. They become jealous. But you can’t allow the attitudes of others to hold you back and cause you to live in mediocrity. Instead, when you’re blessed, brag on God! Shake off the criticism of others and receive His blessings. Wear it well because when you honour Him, He will continue to increase and promote you all the days of your life!

“Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him.” (Genesis 26:12, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for every good and perfect gift that You have poured out on my life. Father, in humility, I choose to wear my blessings well. I won’t shrink back at the criticism of others; but instead, I will walk forward with You into the life of blessing You have prepared for me, in Christ’ name! Amen.

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Surprise Surprise

15 Shocking Project Management Statistics

Growing up in the UK, every Sunday we used to gather around the TV to watch an exciting programme called surprise surprise. A surprise is something good that you weren’t really expecting. It’s something that makes you feel special, and lets you know that you are thought about. It brings us joy and lifts our hearts. Good news! God has a surprise for you and wants to overtake you with His goodness.

In the Hebrew, the word “overtake” can also be translated “to catch by surprise.” God wants to catch you by surprise! He wants to help you accomplish your dreams and overcome your obstacles. He wants to amaze you with His goodness and mercy. Every morning you should wake up with the attitude, “I can’t wait to see what God will surprise me with today!”

Today, make room in your heart and mind for what God wants to do in your life. For all of the blessings and favour that will come your way, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Let God surprise you with His love, and overtake you with His blessings and miracles!

“If you will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments which I command you…all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you…” (Deuteronomy 28:1—2, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I open my heart and mind to You right now. Father, surprise me, fill me with Your goodness and overtake me with Your blessings. Almighty God, I honour You and invite You to use me to be a blessing to others, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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How To Overcome Grade Confusion

Speak Greatness Into Our Youth

What a week for all high school, college and university students here in the UK. The confusion of grades, the uncertainty of their futures and seeing your future disintegrate in front of your eyes. It’s no secret that life can get crazy at times. There can be days when you’re just wanting to scream because things are not going your way or you’re stressed out about something going on. In times like those, this verse is always great to remember.  “”¦despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” (Romans 8:37) 

With all that’s going on. Despite the things that are going wrong and despite all the stress you may be feeling, you can experience overwhelming victory through Christ. That’s great, amazing news. 

What a powerful reminder, Today’s verse tells us that we can experience victory regardless of what we see and what might be going on around us. So in those times when you feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn, take comfort in the fact that you’ve got an overwhelming victory in Jesus. Trust Him, lean on Him, talk to Him and celebrate your victory! 

Lets Holla @ God 

Wow God! Thank you for this promise and reassurance that despite the mess up with grades and the uncertain future, that all will work out for my good and victory will be mine. Thanks God for your love, in Christ’ name Amen! 

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Please Take Care of Yourself

As we look at the sad reality in the UK, ethnic minorities are two thirds more likely to die of the coronavirus than their white friends. Although there may be many different factors, the question that must be asked before looking to others, is “what can I do to protect myself?” We may have to subtract in order to multiply, we may have to cut back in order to move forward and have a brighter future. Because we are bought with a price, we must do whatever we can to take care of God’s most precious creation — me!

There is no doubt that being in shape spiritually is the most important kind of fitness. But being in shape physically is just as important. Most of us know our Bible well, we pray often and we know what to do, but then don’t have the physical energy to do anything at all. All three parts of your being physical, emotional and spiritual should be healthy and in sync for you to function most productively.

Today, during this period of the coronavirus, we should do all we can to look after ourselves, remembering that our body is the temple of the most high God, and you must honour Him with the care you take of it. Seek a balanced diet, and try to be healthy and God-honouring in every part of life.

“For God has bought you with a great price. So use every part of your body to give glory back to God because He owns it.” 

(1 Corinthians 6:20, TLB)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for giving me the ability to honour You with my body. Help me to take care of my body physically, mentally and spiritually, realising that my body is my responsibility. God, show me what needs to change to make my body a stronger and healthier temple for You. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Created With Gift And Purpose

62 Reasons Why I Love My Mom

Covid-19 or your sin doesn’t take away your gift or purpose. God created and designed you for a specific purpose. God has placed gifts inside of you to equip you to fulfil your purpose. He knew that covid, disease and sin would be here, but He still blessed us with gifts and purpose. Do you know what your gifts are? What are you passionate about? What can you do better than other people? What would you choose to do if there were no obstacles? God wants you to develop and pursue the gift inside of you, because your gift is a part of your destiny.

The gifts God gives aren’t just for us. He gives us gifts to help build up other people. You have a specific role to play in the body of Christ and your community. That doesn’t mean God’s going to send you to a third world country or make you preach. But, there are people all around you that only you can reach. 

Today, are you using your gifts to build up the kingdom? Are you serving in your local church? Even if you are still discovering what your gifts and purpose are, you can simply take a step and volunteer. Everyone has something to give. You can give a smile, a handshake or an encouraging word. When you step out and serve others, that’s how you develop your gift and move forward in the destiny God has for you!

“Do not neglect your gift”¦”

(1 Timothy 4:14, NIV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me with gifts and a purpose to fulfil my destiny. God, thank You for walking with me and guiding me to this point in my life. Thank you that covid-19, disease or sin won’t take away my gifts, purpose or eternal destiny. Lord, please show me ways to develop the gifts You have given me, so that I can be a blessing everywhere I go, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Enthusiasm Is What We Need Today

Despite the storms, the Christian should be enthusiastic and excited because of the gift of the Holy Ghost which lives inside of them. The word “enthusiasm” comes from the Greek word “entheos.” “Theos” means God. When you’re enthusiastic, it simply means you are full of God. When you get up in the morning you should be excited about your future, recognising that today is a gift. Go out with a spring in your step, pursue your goals and be passionate about life, because God has breathed into you His Spirit.

Studies tell us that people who are enthusiastic seem to get better breaks. They’re promoted more often and people love being around them. That’s not a coincidence. When you’re full of spiritual passion and enthusiasm, you have the favour of God. God didn’t breathe His life into us to drag through the day. He didn’t create us in His image, crown us with His favour, and equip us with His power to just go through the motions of life.

Today, you may have had some setbacks, the wind may have been taken out of your sail because of this current situation, but this is a new day! God wants to breathe new life back into you, so you’ll get your fire back, your passion back, the wind will start blowing once again. When you’re in agreement with God, He will cause the winds of favour to shift in your direction!

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace”¦ 

(Isaiah 55:12, NIV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for allowing me to see another sunrise, another day, and have another opportunity to praise You and pursue the dreams You’ve given me. God, help me to stay filled with enthusiasm, joy and passion, so I can serve You with my whole heart in everything that I do for You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Societal enables people to connect with one another online through this time of international crisis

Societal is inspired by a passion for all things creative

We’re living through a time of international crisis. Our systems are falling apart, we’re being separated from friends and loved ones, frightened and unsure as to how life may be about to unfold. “Reality” seems to stagger from one disturbing scenario to another. Information and advice keep changing – nothing holds fast, but the idea that everything is going dreadfully wrong. But if there is a silver lining in this crisis, it could be that the virus is forcing us to use the internet as it was always meant to be used – to connect with one another, share information and come up with collective solutions to vital problems.

Launched in March 2020, Societal’s (https://societal.co/) sole purpose is to connect people and allow people to share their thoughts with a big audience.

Societal website administrator Dean Jones a former Central St Martins College of Art & Design postgraduate said, ‘One of the most disastrous months in the history of global medicine and global economics has ended with country after country retreating into their national silos. They are fighting their own individual battles against coronavirus and in their own way, but we must work together. Like it or not the Coronavirus Crisis is showing us how to live online and hopefully Societal can help people with that.’

The new Social Network follows a UK government announcement that everyone should only go outside for food, health reasons or work (where this absolutely cannot be done from home).

Jones hopes his digital platform will help create connections, not conflict in this time of uncertainty.

Jones said further ‘As we isolate ourselves at home to protect our health and our neighbours, we still need each other. Societal means that even in this time when we are physically apart, we can still connect with our friends.”

The Core Principles of Societal are-

  • Respect.
  • Justice/Fairness.
  • Honesty.
  • Service/Giving Back/Contribution.
  • Responsibility.
  • Family.
  • Community.

Societal is trying to shift the paradigm. In a web full of pseudo thought-leaders, Societal promises to be place that people from all walks of life can rely on and cater to those looking for fresh, new, authentic voices and believe wholeheartedly in community. Societal offers free accounts and doesn’t serve ads.

Jones has launched a kickstarter page in order to support this worthwhile project https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/deanjones/societal

Press release distributed by Pressat on behalf of Societal, on Thursday 26 March, 2020. For more information follow https://pressat.co.uk/

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Do You Need Hope or Faith for Something Today?

Since being back in the UK, I’ve noticed that folk 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)

Pray With Me
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 Jesus’ name! Amen.

 

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