Tag: wearyourfaith

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When Someone Hurts You

Your Hurt For His Healing

When we harbour unforgiveness or negative feelings towards other people, it can overwhelm us. Picture someone you’re not too fond of. What did you think of them doing to you? Did you think of something bad about them/their actions? Did you immediately want to start telling everyone a story about how awful they are? If you were in a good mood before, you’re probably annoyed or agitated now. If you are still bothered by that person or situation, you probably haven’t quite reached the end of your process of forgiveness yet.  

If you want to live a life free from those overwhelming, not-so-positive unforgiving emotions, you must keep that process of intentional forgiveness going, with a heart open to God, until you can move forward with no negative feelings. One way to make sure that process reaches its conclusion is to take that person to God, in a good way, even while you’re still hurting.  

Today, when we pray for those who do us wrong, even while it’s happening, it’s the only way we’ll ever truly let go. Come to God without pretending that you’ve let the problem go, but even while you’re honest about your hurt, pray for that person, and the situation you need to forgive. Let God give you strength beyond your hurt to love the unlovable. If you’re in the process of forgiving someone, ask God to guide the steps that you take next. 

If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you.’ Mark 11:25 NIV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I desire to obey Your Word. Your word tells me to get rid of bitterness and anger and to forgive others as you forgave me in Christ. Lord, I lay all my pain into your hands. I give you my heavy burden of unforgiveness and pain of the past, in exchange for your yoke, which is easy, and your burden, which is light. Your word says – Come all who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Lord, I come to you that you may give me rest from all the hurt, pain, and unforgiveness. In Christ’s name Amen! 

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Fools Lose Control  

Whether it’s complaining about people queue-hogging at the supermarket or sounding off about someone behind their back, the Bible says this, ‘Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back’ (Proverbs 29:11 NLT).  

It’s okay to share your feelings with those you trust. But think wisely about whom you tell and what you say because you don’t want your words to bite back. For times when you feel like you’re about to explode, here’s a tip for you: get rid of some excess adrenaline by getting active physically rather than vocally. Don’t get physical with people. 

Today God is not an advocate of kicking butt! He would prefer you kicked a football around or take a good long run. It helps clear your head to think rationally and handle things in a way you won’t regret afterwards. If you’re anger-prone, challenge yourself to learn a couple of scriptures to grab from your mind when you need it most. Start with Proverbs 14:17. 

‘Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back’ (Proverbs 29:11 NLT).  

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I’m sorry that anger rises in my heart. Father, at times I feel so much pressure. I feel as though I’m on a knife’s edge, Sometimes I resent colleagues, family and friends and I fall into anger. I know you understand, and You see all I am, the good and the bad. Please Lord let Your love flood my angry moments. God help me to pray, to look to you, to take a step back and calm down. Help me to breathe deeply, to re-fuel, to rest and reset. Please step in when I feel anger surging again and remind me of these things. I trust in you. God Amen. 

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How to Soothe Your Anxious Heart (Pt 3)

When Your Church Fails You: A Message For the Disheartened

Anxiety is not that simple because it is often misunderstood to be simply that a person is stressing too much. There is a distinct difference between the sin of anxiety (fear and worry of being caught in your sin) and the mental health disorder of anxiety that is characterized by physical changes in the brain. Anxiety is both a mental health issue and a spiritual issue. 

In principle, anxiety is a mental health disorder characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety, or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one’s daily activities. It often includes panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Sadly, anxiety disorders are on the rise which makes it critical for the Church to understand the epidemic on our hands. 

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the world, affecting millions aged 18 and older, every year. It is highly treatable, yet only 37% of those suffering receive treatment. People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders. It is developed from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events. 

Today anxiety will creep up unexpectedly. It normally happens when we’ve put, too much, on our plate or we say too many yeses. Our body wants to say no. finally, it shuts down in ways we don’t expect. God didn’t design us to hustle 24-7. He designed us to Be Still and Know. To ‘Be still’ means to rest in God’s presence. This verse wasn’t written in the context of taking a spa day. It was written in the context of war. It means to stop; cease striving and stop fighting and acknowledge God. Daily we should learn to be still before our Lord. That means to be un-busy, not hustle and free your mind. We are to prioritize our time with Him and listen to what our bodies need. Rest, exercise, a good bedtime routine, eight hours of sleep, consume healing foods and meditate on God’s word. This is how we war against the battle of anxiety. 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, when I feel crushed by my worries, lift my mind, and help me to see the truth. When fear grips me tight and I feel I cannot move, free my heart and help me to take things one step at a time. When I can’t express the turmoil inside, please calm me with Your quiet words of love. Father, I choose to trust in You, each day, each hour, each moment of my life. 

God, I know deep down that I am in Your grace, forgiven, restored and by Your sacrifice, You have set me free. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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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! 

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Remain Strong In Him

In life, we all have ups and downs. Some seasons are more difficult than others, seasons of testing, trials and temptation, where our character is being developed, and our faith in God is being strengthened. Sometimes it can feel like we are taking one step forward and two steps back. 

If we’re not careful, we’ll start thinking that life is always going to be this way. Even in the strong seasons, you’ll start looking for things to go wrong. God doesn’t want us to live life like a roller coaster. He wants to bring us to a place of stability where we remain strong in Him.  

Today, Christ says in His Word, “if you abide in Me, you will bear much fruit and your fruit will remain.” The word “remain” means “to be fixed, immovable, not affected by circumstances.” If you will just keep abiding in God, just keep meditating on His Word, He’ll bring you through. He’ll make you strong, He’ll keep you stable, and you’ll keep moving forward into the life of blessing He has prepared for you! 

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7, NKJV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I set my heart and mind on You, knowing that You are good and faithful. Father, I trust that as I seek You and put You first, You will direct my steps. God, I will remain in You and follow Your leading in everything I do, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Stir It Up

Last week I was at a bomb fire. Have you ever watched a fire begin to burn down to the point that all you have left are coals? It looks as though there is no fire left, but when you take a fresh log and toss it on top of those coals and stir it around a bit, it suddenly ignites, and you have a whole new fire going.  

We need to take advantage of the opportunities that are out there. Some want to have big, visible ministries. They want the applause of men. But if we will humble ourselves and take what we have and offer it to God if we are willing to do what He has set before us and be faithful in the little things, then He will give us something better than visible ministries or applause – He’ll give us the peace and joy that comes from pleasing Him. 

Today on my 59th birthday Paul says Ray, “Stir up the gift of God which is in you…” (2 Tim1:6). The phrase stir up the gift means to fan it into full flame. The truth is as I reflect over my years there are live coals in my life like yours, that we have allowed the fire to burn down. We haven’t been using the gifts and talents that God has given us. It’s time to fan them into full flame again. It’s time to be reignited. It’s time to say, “please Lord, use me for Your glory until You return?” 

“Stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6). 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for another year of life. Father, I pray I do not neglect Your Spirit or the gifts You have given me. Give me the courage to use these gifts and the humility to not use them for my glory, but You and Your glory. God, help me see the good work You have ready for me and embrace that work with willingness and joy. In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

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Driving Through Life

Several years ago, I was teaching my son how to drive. Talk about nerve-racking! Sitting in the passenger seat, I felt helpless. All I could do was guide him and trust him to follow it. And when he started driving on his own, I was constantly in prayer! 

Now when it comes to teaching kids how to drive, you can do it one of two ways. You can start by showing them the toolbox, the map, the insurance card, and where to put their cup while the car is moving. Or you can let them start driving and show them what to do along the way. 

Today, God wants to teach us how to drive through life. One way He could teach us is by telling us exactly how to respond to any and every situation that might arise. All we’d have to do is memorize His instructions, and we’d be good to go. But like driving, God knows the best way for us to learn is to get out and experience life for ourselves, walking by the Spirit and listening to Him as we go. So, if you want to get the most out of life, live teachable. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your steps and you’ll learn how to excel in every aspect of life! 

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, please allow me to take every experience I possess and use it for good in this lifelong journey. Father, teach me to be wise and to use that wisdom for your glory. God, teach me to strive for excellence in everything I do. May my actions always be righteous, and my heart always be sensitive to your voice. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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Breaking News!

As many of us celebrate birthdays this summer, we tend to look back and reflect on our mistakes and shortcomings or what may have been. We get down on ourselves and think, “if only…” “I should have…” “What if…?” It’s easy to feel like you’ve missed opportunities over the year, then we get depressed and discouraged and stop pursuing our God-given dreams. But understand today, just because you’ve made mistakes or failed in some way, it doesn’t cancel God’s plan, that’s breaking news! Hallelujah!

Here is more Breaking News! God never disqualifies you. He never says, “go sit on the side. You’ve blown it too many times. You’ve got too many weaknesses.” No, God always gives you another chance! Hallelujah! Some of the great people in Scripture made very poor choices. The apostle Paul started as a murderer, yet his destiny was bigger than his mistakes. He ended up becoming a great leader and writing over half of the New Testament.

Today, as you evaluate the year, know that your mistakes, your failures, and your poor choices don’t have to keep you from your God-given destiny. With God, it’s not about the way you start in life, it’s about the way you finish. Receive His grace today, embrace His Word and the bright future He has in store for you!

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”(2 Timothy 4:7, KJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Father, I trust that my days are ordered by You. Please help me not focus on my mistakes and poor choices, but on my destiny in You. God, I ask that You strengthen and empower me to fulfil Your call on my life. I love You and bless You today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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We Are All Sinners

How to Love the Sinner & Hate the Sin

Why do we need Christ? We need Christ because we are sinners. That isn’t confined to the small “easy to fix” sins. That applies to ALL sins. We put so much pressure on ourselves, but the truth is that we need Christ. We need him because we absolutely cannot live the way we are called to live on our own. 

Don’t look down on people for sinning. That’s the most hypocritical thing we could do. We can never forget that we, sin. We were once drowning in our sin. And I don’t know about you, but I still struggle to keep my head above water every day. We are broken; we are sinful. Jesus comes in and changes that. If we could change ourselves, then we wouldn’t need him. He wouldn’t have had to die on the cross. None of that is necessary if we can “fix” ourselves on our own. What is so wonderful about Jesus is that he changes something fundamentally inside of us. It’s a change that cannot be described in words, it can only be experienced. You don’t have to change for Jesus. He is the one who changes you. 

Today even those of us who have accepted Christ aren’t perfect. We need to cut each other some slack. We need to recognize that, yes, we must live to a certain standard as Christians, but that Jesus is about forgiveness first. He forgives us before he changes us, and then he continues to forgive us over and over again. we are only human. We must remember why we need Jesus; why his sacrifice was necessary. We must remember that true change of heart requires supernatural intervention, not human intervention. We must remember not to get things in the wrong order. We should help each other up and pray for the grace to get up when we fall. 

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you that you are the one that can change me. Thank you that I do not have to change myself. Thank you for dying so that I could have life. Father, help me not judge others in sin but treat them with love and compassion. Lord, help me come to you just as I am: broken, imperfect, but fully alive and healed by the power of your blood. Hallelujah Jesus! This is good news. In Christ’s name Amen. 

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Make Me A Giver

You Should Never Give up on Your Dreams

Today as I prepare to start my day, I am reminded of what Paul said in 2 Corinthians, “I want you to excel in the gracious ministry of giving.” He could have said, “I want you to excel in business, excel in sports, excel in medicine.” That’s all good. But he said, “What I want you to really be great at, what I want you to excel in is giving.” What a challenge from Paul to us. 

Today I’ve made up my mind I’m going to live my life as a giver. If you get around me, I better warn you, you’re going to get blessed – not with finances necessarily – but I will study ways that I can be good to you. I’m going to encourage you. I’m going to uplift you. I’m going to be good to your children. I’m going to pray your dreams come true. When I come to the end of my life, I don’t only want to be remembered for, “Ray was a good speaker, he wrote some nice books. He travelled the world.” No, I want to be remembered as a giver. “Ray made my life better. Ray brightened my day. Ray was good to me.” Hallelujah! 

Today, and throughout 2022, let your desire also be to leave people better off than when you met them. Excel in the grace of giving and glorify God in all you do! Give and it will come back to you! 

“But since you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you — see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for empowering me to do good to others. Help me to be a good person to all those I meet. Father, I give You my selfishness and pride.  Please show me ways that I can be a blessing to others and honour You in all that I do. God, if my life were to come to end, may I not be known for the secular achievements of men, but as a giver. Someone who excelled in caring, encouraging, uplifting, and making dreams come true. In Christ’s name. Amen. 

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Speak Blessings

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

As we think about our purpose now and for the rest of the year, how we treat others and how we use our influence can bless or curse us, and the people around us. Have you thought about how the people in your life need your blessing? Especially our youth. Some need your approval. They need to hear you say, “I’m proud of you. You’re going to do great things.” That’s speaking blessings. That’s using your influence to bless. When you say to the people, “I’m so glad you’re in my life. You mean the world to me,” you just spoke blessings. 

When you tell one of your employees, co-workers, or a student, “you amaze me with your ability. You have such a bright future,” those are not just nice compliments. When you speak the blessing, you’re releasing God’s wisdom, protection, favour and maybe even abundance into their life. You can literally help shape their destiny. One word of encouragement, one word of approval can be what helps someone break, depression, addiction and other negative thoughts or behaviour, and help them take the next step to who God created them to be.

Today, choose to speak blessings and influences to those around you. Sow good seeds into the lives of people. Remember, what you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. The Bible says whatsoever you sow you will reap. Sow blessings and reap blessings, and experience God’s favour all the days of your life! Hallelujah!

“The tongue has the power of life and death…” (Proverbs 18:21, NIV)

Let’s PrayYahweh, thank You for empowering me with Your love, grace, favour, and influence. Father, show me ways that I can be a blessing, and speak a blessing over the people I encounter in my life. God, use me for Your glory to bless and influence others to You, in everything I do, in Christ’s Name! Amen

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By The Spirit

Spirit = Breath

Have you gone through your life struggling or striving to make things happen? Maybe it’s in your finances or relationships. It’s good to do everything we know to do in the natural, but we must never forget that victory or breakthrough doesn’t come by human might nor power, but by the Spirit of the living God.

The word Spirit in today’s verse in some translations can be translated as breath (Ruach). “It’s by the breath of Almighty God,” that’s how breakthroughs come. When you realise God is breathing in you by His Spirit it’s time to take a leap of faith and say, “yes, this is my season; I’m going to accomplish my dreams, I’m going to reach my goals, I’m going to grow spiritually.” That’s when you will feel God’s wind beneath your wings. That’s when you’ll feel a supernatural lift, an anointing that will help you accomplish what you could not accomplish before.

Today, know that the breath (Ruach) of God is blowing through you. This is your season. This is your moment to believe again. Believe that God can open doors that no man can shut. Believe that He is working in your favour. Believe that it’s your season, it’s your year, and get ready to embrace every blessing He has in store for you! Hallelujah!

“…‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6, NIV)

Let’s PrayYahweh, thank You for the power of Your Holy Spirit who is at work in my life. Father, today I surrender every area of my heart, my mind, my will, and my emotions to You. God, I believe if You breathe into me Your supernatural power, then my breakthrough will come, so I give You permission to take my breath away and fill me with Your Spirit so that things will change in my life. Lord, direct my steps and give me the power to overcome my weaknesses, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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A New You!

At this time of year with summer approaching, we are looking forward to new beginnings. Everyone loves to receive new things to truly appreciate something new you must say goodbye to some old things. When you become a believer in Jesus, you not only receive something new, but you can also become something new. His brand new creation! The old is gone, the new is here! Hallelujah!

The Bible calls this salvation – it also says we should work out our salvation. That means you must retrain your body and mind to act, think, speak, and live according to the new Spirit within you, instead of turning to the old habits you used to have. The good news is with total surrender God will do the retraining, renewing, and reforming.

Today, don’t get stuck believing the enemy’s lies thinking, “I’ll never change…that’s just the way I am, I can’t be made new.” No, the Word of God says that His Spirit helps us in our weakness. He gives us strength to overcome and begin again. He empowers us to live as more than conquerors. If there is something you want to change right now, remember, that you can be a new creation in Christ. It’s time to say goodbye to the old and embrace the new. You are empowered to overcome!

“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for making me anew. Thank You for empowering me to live as an overcomer. Father, I give permission to retrain, renew and reform me, so that I can be new. God, I refuse to believe the lies of the enemy today. I trade in my old for Your new. I give this day to You and ask You to help me fully understand the plan You have for me. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Unexpected Storms

After learning about the sudden passing of my friend and now a few months later his wife has passed away and thinking about their children and family, and how unexpected this is, it led me to say, everyone faces storms in life where unexpected circumstances shake us emotionally or spiritually. Sometimes we have the faith to be delivered from the storms instantly; sometimes we have the faith to walk through the storms. But no matter which route you take, you can be sure that God is right there with you.

No matter the size of the storm, or the unpredictability of it, know that God will equip you and sustain you. He will give you strength and grace, as well as the supernatural empowerment to make it through. With every step, you take, know that God is doing a work in your life. Know that He is with you, and He will comfort you. Remember the blessings of the past, and if it’s the loss of a loved one how they affected your life with theirs. Keep moving forward and walk through the storm to the place of victory He has prepared for you!

Today, maybe you are facing an unexpected storm and can’t see a way out. Maybe you’re not sure what the answer is, or why things have worked out the way they have. All you must do is take it one step at a time by saying, “God, I know You have a good plan for my future. I know You are leading and guiding me. I trust you with this storm and the many others that will come my way.” Weeping may endure for the night, but joy will come…

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4, ESV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for walking with me through every season of life. Father, I thank You for being a shield of protection around me, for going before me and preparing the way. During this unexpected storm of my dear friends, God stay close to them show them love and give them comfort and strength to move forward into the victory You have for them, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Stand!

When faced with hard times we take off running. We tend to run from anything hard. We run from our problems. We run from responsibility. We run from people we don’t like or have conflict with. We run from our past. We run from anything that makes us uncomfortable.

We don’t seem to face issues and deal with them, we take the easy way out and go down the path of least resistance. But if you’re going to live in victory the way God intends, you must learn how to face your challenges head on. Notice today’s verse doesn’t say, “keep running until you see the salvation of the Lord.” It doesn’t say, “bury your head in the sand until God delivers you.” No!

Today, God wants us to stand strong, set our faces like a flint, and fight the good fight of faith. And the good news is, you don’t have to do it in your strength! He’s equipped you with His supernatural power to overcome every obstacle you will ever face, including the one you’re going through right now! Hallelujah!

“…stand and see the salvation of the Lord…” (2 Chronicles 20:17, NASB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the gift of strength. Father, please search my heart. Show me any area in my life where I am running or hiding from life’s difficulties. God, help me stand in faith, and I invite You to fight my battles and move mightily on my behalf, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Reflections 

Like a mirror, when you reflect something, you are exhibiting its likeness. You are displaying its characteristics. the Bible tells us that we should reflect the character and likeness of Christ. We shouldn’t only have His features, like in a mirror, but most importantly – His attitude.

That may sound like a tall order; after all, He was the Son of God. But remember, when we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, we become sons and daughters of the Most High God. We become empowered by the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. That means we have the same spirit of humility—the same strength, the same love, and the same power on the inside. We are equipped to follow His example and do what He did. He went around doing good and bringing healing to others – physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Today, we must let God work on our attitudes and actions. We must open the door and invite Him in. Decide to open every area of your life to Him. Reflect Him and do good everywhere you go!

“Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]” (Philippians 2:5, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, right now I invite You to dwell in my thoughts, heart, and attitude. Father, I want to be a true reflector of You. A pure reflection of Your love in everything I do. God, I choose to follow Your example and bring good to others. Help me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

 

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