Positive Obstacles

Whenever I can’t trust my heart with a major decision, I ask God to put an obstacle in the way to block the wrong decision. Not all decisions are black or white, good, or bad. Sometimes something that appears good can be placed in front of us, but not all good things are part of God’s plan for our lives. 

Friends, there is no “magic prayer” that can keep us from making the wrong decision. I would also like to clarify that reflecting on this thought helps me when I am faced with a decision and my desires are preventing me from thinking clearly or even caring if what I want is in God’s plan for me. 

Today I declare that God knows what he’s doing. Sometimes I forget he has a plan. I struggle with figuring out what that plan is most of the time, but one step I will never leave out is my obstacle Prayer asking Him to put an obstacle in the way of the wrong decision. God knows my heart. He knows what I desire. He wouldn’t withhold something out of spite. He has plans to prosper me and not to harm me, to give me hope and an awesome future. I challenge you to pray the obstacle prayer, mould it to fit your own life, and see how it changes your perspective. As it puts God in total control. 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, you know me better than I know myself. You know my fears and my desires. You know what I want. Father, I know you love me. I know you have a plan for me. Please, Lord, don’t let my desires blind me to your will. If my desires are not within your plan, give me an obstacle, I cannot get past. God help me follow your will, give me peace about whatever is to come. If this falls through, I will trust your plan for my future. Thank you for loving me in Christ’s name Amen. 

Down But Not Out

In life, we will all face some kind of disappointment or setback. Maybe bad news concerning your health, job, or a relationship not working out – a setback! It’s easy to get discouraged, lose your enthusiasm, or even be tempted to just settle where you are. But if we’re going to be God’s best, we have to have a “bounce-back” mentality.

That means when you get knocked down, you don’t have to stay down. You get back up again. You have to know that every time adversity comes against you, it’s a setup for a comeback. You may have got knocked down, but you haven’t been knocked out! Remember, as a believer, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives on the inside of you.

Today, there is no challenge too difficult, no obstacle too high, no sickness, no disappointment, no person, nothing that can keep you from your God-given destiny. If you stay in faith and keep a good attitude, you will rise again. God will turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones, and you’ll move forward into His victory! Hallelujah!

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…” (Proverbs 24:16, NIV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for setting me up for success in everything I do for You this year. Father, I choose to trust and rely on You, knowing that Your plans are for my good. Therefore when life knocks me down, when disappointment comes my way, I won’t stay down, but I will bounce back, knowing my best days are up ahead, and I look forward to the blessings You have in store for me, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

God Our Safe Place

Don’t ever doubt it. God works on behalf of those who love Him and honour His name. He is so good to us. We may never fully know, this side of heaven, how very much He has sheltered us from in this life. 

We may not always see it, or feel it, we might forget it’s there at times, or even wonder if God has left us to fend for ourselves in the heat of hard situations of life. But His protection is real. He doesn’t, He can’t, forget us or ignore us. If we belong to Him, His love is too great to leave us on our own. In whatever troubles we face today, God is the place of refuge we can run to, He is our safe place. 

Today, Pressure and stress can seem as stifling as a hot afternoon summer sun. Yet God whispers truth, strong and sure, “Walk in my shadow, up close to my side.  It’s in the safe place that brings confidence; for when we are resting in God’s shadow, we will never face the full heat of our difficulties. He shelters from that pain. His shade, His shadow, diminishes what is felt in the intensity of all the heat. Rest, peace, and calm rise strong, right in the struggling mess of life, and we’re assured, He’s in control. 

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for your presence around me, thank you for your Almighty Shadow. Thank you that you go before me and cover me from behind. Thank you that you are in my midst and that my future is secure in the place you’re preparing for me. God your words bring such hope and comfort. Reminding me of your strength, today may I see glimpses of your glory and blessing along the way as I seek after you. For victory and salvation are found in you alone. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Christ Amen. 

No Competition

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 be, I’m going to run my 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 be, that’s when you’ll rise 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 race. God, I want You to be my only focus. I want to be free from competition today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

God Is A Finisher

How long will it take? This is taking way too long. Is there something you’ve been waiting for? Something you’ve been hoping for that’s taking longer than you expected. You might be tempted to just accept things the way they are. You might be tempted to think it’s never going to happen. Be encouraged because God is a finisher! He will complete what He’s started in you!

So, what do I do while waiting? Your part is to believe. Your part is to keep your eyes on Him. When you believe, you have the Creator of the universe fighting your battles, arranging things in your favour, going before you, and moving the wrong people out of the way. 

Today, don’t be intimidated by the size of a problem, or the size of your dream! Don’t let circumstances convince you to stop believing. Jehovah Jireh, the Lord our Provider, is still on the throne. One touch of God’s favour and you’ll go from barely getting by, to having more than enough! Begin to thank Him and declare that God is at work. Declare that He is perfecting what concerns you. Declare that He will complete everything He’s started in your life!

“And David said to his son Solomon, ‘Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God–my God–will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD’.” (1 Chronicles 28:20, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I thank You for completing every good work in my life. Father, I believe Your Word, even when things look impossible. I know that You are working behind the scenes and that You will bring victory and breakthrough to every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

Breaking Free from the Bondage of Insecurity

Do you know him? He’s as close as a brother, but don’t be fooled because he’s a destructive enemy. he’s here to destroy your faith, confidence, and relationships. He makes you doubt yourself, your dreams, and God’s purpose in your life. He disguises himself as one who wants to help when his main purpose is to put you in bondage and control your thoughts, words, and actions. What’s His name? Insecurity. He’s the closest and most dangerous friend we’ve allowed into our lives, and it is time to say goodbye. 

Today’s verse tells us that truth is the key to unlocking the shackles that insecurity has placed on us; shackles that have stopped us from speaking up, walking with our heads held high, pursuing our dreams, and living with an open and trusting heart. 

Here are 4 truths to remember when you’re feeling insecure: 

1.) You are Accepted 

Insecurity may leave us feeling rejected, However, we know that God has accepted us, not just as friends but as family. In 1 John 3:1 NIV, we are called children of God! that is what we are! So if God accepts us there is no need to worry about who doesn’t. 

2.) You will never be Let Go 

Insecurity makes us want to push others away, however, God holds us tight in His hands. God is not going to let you slip through His fingers. Where others may walk away, God is here to stay. In Romans 8:39 we are reminded that “nothing will separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Hallelujah! 

3.) God will Defend You 

Insecurity makes us defensive and combative, However, God defends us. We don’t have to fight to prove ourselves to others when God has proven who He is in our lives. Let God fight for you. Exodus 14:14 says “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”  

4.) Doors will open doors for you 

Insecurity makes us fearful of missing out, However, God opens doors for us that no man can shut. When we realize God is in control, we don’t have to worry about missing out. Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”   

Today, God’s truth will always be, greater than our insecurity. Insecurity may seem a powerful and insurmountable foe, but God’s truth exposes it for the weak imposter it is. May His truth constantly set you free from the bondage of insecurity as you live for Him daily. 

“The truth will set you free.” – John 8:32 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, help me break free from the bondage of insecurity. Father, in the past I confess that I’ve listened to the voice of the enemy more than I’ve listened to your truth. Please help me listen and know that I am loved by you, and I am perfectly made, that I am accepted by You. God, give me your Spirit to help me see when I am listening to lies instead of truth. Help me fix my eyes on you and all you are and have done for me and this world. Thank you, Lord! In Christ’s name. Amen! 

You Will Win

Renewal, Of People Of God - Knowing Jesus

You can succeed. You can overcome any obstacle through Christ. Through His Word, God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfill your destiny. That means you are well able to do what he has called you to do. You can accomplish your goals. You can fulfill your dreams! You’ve been armed with strength for every battle.

God is working on your behalf. He has already gone ahead of you and lined up the right situations and the right opportunities. You have everything you need to live the miraculous, victorious life God created you to live!

Today, if you’ll stay in faith, it’s just a matter of time; victory is on its way. Don’t settle where you are. Don’t have a weak, defeated mentality. Have the attitude, “I am anointed. I can accomplish my dreams. I can overcome any obstacle. I am empowered by the Creator, and I am thoroughly equipped for every good work that God has called me to do!”

“Every Scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, AMPC)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me for success. Father, I thank You for empowering me by faith. I know that through You I can overcome every obstacle. Help me to stay focused on Your Word and Your plan for my life. God, please help me to walk in Your anointing so that I can do all You’ve called me to do. I bless You today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Progress over Perfection

Some of my goals in life are to be spiritually free, transformed mentally, and to learn to walk in love as I continue to grasp just how much I am already loved by God. Seeing this love has enabled me to know what goals to strive for and the goals God desires for me. The more I realize the immenseness of God’s love for me, the more I will make progress on goals that I would like to complete in His name. 

God loves our completed tasks as much as he loves our enthusiasm to work for Him. He is pleased every time that we are taking steps of obedience, not just at the end. Some things will never be completed this side of heaven—like world peace, for instance—but God is pleased when we take steps to live in unity with one other person. 

Today progress toward your goals and progress toward becoming more like Christ is ongoing. There will always be more to do and more ways to grow in character and love. God is pleased when we take steps and when we step out of our comfort zones. It’s a journey and each step will teach us something new and grow our character. God will help us as we seek Him. God gave us good work to do, and He won’t leave us until our progress is complete. 

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, thank You for making me for good works. Father, You gave me the desire to learn and grow in my ability to love You and my neighbours. Lord help me to make progress on my goals each day and not worry about perfection but focus on my obedience. God remind me regularly that my obedience will always bring fruit even though the conclusion may differ from what I am thinking. Your ways are above my ways. In Christ’s name Amen  

I’ve Never Seen Anything Like This Before!

Is your breakthrough taking longer than you hoped? Have you been praying for a loved one, or maybe you believed that a situation would change for years? Don’t get discouraged. God is going to finish what He started! He is faithful, and He has something unmatched, unparalleled coming your way, breakthroughs, restoration like you haven’t seen before, hallelujah!

God has been good to us, but I believe we’re coming into a time of greater anointing, greater power, and greater victories! The key is that we must stay in agreement with God. We should get up every morning and say, “Father, thank You for Your unprecedented favour. Thank You for the immeasurable, unlimited, surpassing greatness of Your power.” If you keep standing in faith, I believe you’re going to come into more of those days where you stand in utter amazement and say, “wow, God! I’ve never seen anything like this before!”

Today, remember the question that Scripture asks, “is there anything too hard for the Lord?” and the answer is “no”, nothing is impossible when we put our faith and trust in Him. So, keep standing, believing, and hoping because God has something astounding in store for your future. He will finish what He started!

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I give my heart and my mind to You, so You can finish what You started in me. Father, I trust and believe that You are working on my behalf. God, I will stand strong on Your promises today, knowing that victory is mine, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Troublemakers

Have there been people in your life that have caused you trouble? Like the youth say, “they just keep getting in your face.” In the Bible, Hezekiah was faced with enemies coming against him, causing him trouble, trying to keep him from his destiny. But Hezekiah didn’t get upset. He just kept abiding, kept being faithful and putting God first. In 2 Kings 19, God said, “Hezekiah, I Myself will come against this enemy. He will receive word that he is needed at home, and I will cause him to want to return and he will be defeated.”

Today, when you abide in God, He says, “I will come against your enemies. I will come against that sickness. I will come against those who oppose you.” It says God is the one who caused Hezekiah’s enemy to turn around. That means God can cause that unfair boss to take early retirement. God can cause that neighbour that’s giving you so much trouble to decide to pack up and move. God can cause that classmate to be transferred to another school. 

Today no matter what’s coming against you, keep abiding in God. Put His Word first place in your life. Honour Him in all that you do. Let Him fight your battles and bring you into the land of victory He has prepared for you!

“With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles…” (2 Chronicles 32:8, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I bless You and praise You today because You are good! Father, thank You for Your good and precious promises. I submit my ways to You, and vow to abide in You no matter what… I surrender my will to You, knowing that You are working in my life. God, thank You for fighting my battles as I keep myself in covenant with You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

A Sacrifice of Praise

We have so much to praise God for, there’s great power in giving honour to God. And many of you live that truth out, every. The Bible is filled with examples of praise when we see God’s power released – life-changing miracles, dramatic stories of the enemy being halted or defeated, hearts being changed, and sinners drawn closer to Him. 

The reality is that way too often we let daily struggles or constant life demands crowd out our praise to God.  We might check our worship box after church and somehow think we’re good for the week. And all the while, our souls are distant and cold, we sing words, we listen to music, then we go home still weighed down by life. I have realised that it’s a sacrifice to offer praise. We may not feel like it.  We’re struggling.  We’re weary.  Or maybe, we feel like God let us down. We think God seems distant, like he’s far away, or doesn’t care about what’s troubling us. Painful life blows and losses might have recently sent us spiralling. Yet God wants our praise. 

Today we have a choice. To live absorbed in worry and stress, on the fast track of busyness, focused only on the negatives that surround us, hearing only the roar of the world or to slow down and believe His word and allow our praise with our whole heart to drown out life difficulties. God waits for us to give Him total praise. He longs for us to know the power of His presence over our lives.  God desires to bless us more than we could imagine. His Spirit urges us onward, calling us closer through a life of unadulterated praise let’s begin today. 

“From the rising of the sun, to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” – Psalm 113:3 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I praise you with my whole heart and songs, I praise you for your faithfulness, I praise you for your great power and love. Father, I confess my need for you, my life doesn’t go so well when I just spin around on my own. God, I struggle and worry, get weary and worn. Yet you never leave me. Thank you for your presence. Thank you for your care over me. Lord, I ask for your spirit to fill me and work your purpose in me, as I set my eyes on you. In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

Don’t Look Past Your Victories

Photo by Ado Urra on Unsplash

When I open my Facebook account each morning my memories pop up. Most put a smile on my face – photos of baptisms, children, and miracles. When you think about your past, what memories do you allow to play over and over in your mind? In the Old Testament, they had what they called memorial stones. These were used to remind the people about God’s good things in their lives and all their victories.

We need to focus on our victories. Sure, we’ve all had setbacks, but it only drains you of valuable energy when you meditate on your disappointments and failures. It steals your confidence and joy. But when you focus on your victories, it builds your strength and confidence and increases your trust and your expectations of God. It also feeds your faith and gives you a reason to give God praise.

Today, I encourage you to get into the habit of focusing on your victories. Remember, every good and perfect gift comes from God. As you praise and thank Him for His victories in your life, He’ll pour out His blessing on you. He’ll open supernatural doors for you to move forward in strength, to fulfil the dreams and desires He has placed in your heart!

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph…” (2 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness and victories in my life. Father, I will focus on the victories You have given me and let go of any negative experiences from my past. God, I bless and praise You today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

God Rewards The Faithful

Keeping Faith in God During Hard Times

Notice today’s verse doesn’t say that God rewards those who “deserve” it or have “earned” it. It doesn’t say that God rewards those who act perfectly and never make mistakes. No, God’s blessing isn’t based on our performance, it’s based on our faith, our belief in Him, and His goodness.

So, do you want a reward? Start believing, start spending more time meditating on God’s goodness and dwell on His faithfulness. Expect Him to act in your life. Spend some time seeking Him, reading the Psalms, and begin to praise and thank Him for all He is doing.

Today, open your eyes of faith and see all the wonderful things He has prepared for you. Let His Word shape your thoughts, and remember He is a rewarder! He wants to bless you today because you earnestly seek after Him!

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which fills my heart and mind with faith. Father, I believe that You are good and that You are a rewarder, even when my faith is weak, and my behaviour isn’t great. God, I will put my trust in You, knowing that You have blessings in store for my future, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Let The Redeemed Say So! 

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” That’s what today’s Scripture begins with. It doesn’t say, “let the redeemed of the Lord think so.” Or, “let the redeemed believe so.” Of course, it’s important to think right and believe right, but something supernatural happens when we open our mouths and declare something so emphatically that You don’t even have to say it to anyone else.

You can say it while driving or in the shower. Say, “the economy may be low, but I am blessed. I am prosperous. I will lend and not borrow.” “I may have had some setbacks, but I know those setbacks are a setup for a comeback! This is still going to be my best year so far. The favour of God is turning things around.” You are prophesying positively into your future.

Today, remember when you say what the Lord has done for you, you are declaring that you are redeemed, you are opening the door for God to move on your behalf. The Scripture tells us that He watches over His Word to perform it. When you declare His Word, when you speak His promises, He is faithful to fulfil them, and lead you into victory all the days of your life!

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has delivered from the hand of the adversary.” (Psalm 107:2, AMPC)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for delivering me and setting me free. Father, I will declare Your goodness. I will declare Your promises. I will declare Your favour because You told me in Your Word let the redeemed of the Lord say so or declare it so. Hallelujah! God, I know what I declare with my mouth will allow me to live the good life You have prepared for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen

20/20 Vision

Do you have a vision for your life and your family’s life? The Bible says, “without a vision the people perish.” Today’s verse says, “the vision is for an appointed time.” That means there is a specific time already determined for the fulfilment of the desires God has placed in your mind and heart. The appointed time is the best time! We must trust that God can see the bigger picture for our lives. He knows what’s up ahead. He knows what we’re going to need, who we’re going to need, and when they need to show up.

Remember, if God did everything, we asked on our timetable, it would limit us, because sometimes what we’re asking for is too small. Sometimes the person we think we can’t live without, God knows they’re not going to be good for us in ten years, so He is closing the door right now. Sometimes the promotion we want so badly if God gave it to us right now, He knows it would keep us from a much bigger promotion in three years, or maybe a closer relationship with him.

Today, remember, God has the advantage of seeing it all – the bigger picture – the beginning and the end. The longer I live, the more I trust Him. The more I see His hand of faithfulness, the more I know that His plan is better than my plan. Today, trust that He knows what He’s doing. Trust that He has an appointed time for all that should take place in your life. Trust His will and His process and watch Your God-given vision and His promises come to pass in your life! Hallelujah!

“The vision is yet for an appointed time…” (Habakkuk 2:3, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I put my dreams, desires, hopes and longings into Your loving hands. Father, I trust that the vision You have given me is for an appointed time. God, give me patience and strength to trust Your process and timing. I know it’s best, so I will praise You until I see Your vision and Your promises come to pass in my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

We Will Face Disappointments

In life, we all will face disappointments. Maybe bad news concerning your health, job, or a relationship not working out – a setback! It’s easy to get discouraged, lose your enthusiasm, or even be tempted to just settle where you are. But if we’re going to be God’s best, we must have a “bounce-back” mentality. 

That means when you get knocked down, you don’t have to stay down. You get back up again. You must know that every time adversity comes against you, it’s a setup for a comeback. You may have got knocked down, but you haven’t been knocked out! Remember, as a believer, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives on inside of you.

Today, there is no challenge too difficult, no obstacle too high, no sickness, no disappointment, no person, nothing that can keep you from your God-given destiny. If you stay in faith and keep a good attitude, you will rise again. God will turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones, and you’ll move forward into His victory! Hallelujah!

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…” (Proverbs 24:16, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for setting me up for success in everything I do for You. Father, I choose to trust and rely on You, knowing that Your plans are for my good. Therefore, when life knocks me down, when disappointment comes my way, I won’t stay down, but I will bounce back, knowing my best days are up ahead, and I look forward to the blessings You have in store for me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

 

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