A Dream of Hope 

Today Americans celebrate the life of the great Christian leader, Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Below are four quotes from him that will give us hope in this hopeless time.  

“I say to you today, my friends . . . even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

“. . . I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; ‘and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together’. . . . “

“ . . . With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.”

Today these words of Dr King not only give us hope for now but in the years to come “This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with new meaning: My country ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. The land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring! . . .” 

“Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” (Isaiah 40:4-5).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, have mercy upon us. Father forgive us for what we could have been but failed to be. God, give us the intelligence to know your will and give us the courage to do your will. Please give us the devotion to love your will. In the name of Jesus, Amen. 

What Or Who Am I Reflecting?

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 Jesus. We shouldn’t only have His features, like in a mirror, but most importantly – His attitude.

That may sound like a pretty tall order; after all, Jesus 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, too. 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 have to let God work on our attitudes and actions. We have to open the door and invite Him in. Make the decision 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, my heart and my 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 Jesus’ name! Amen.

Walk In The Anointing

As I think about 2023, it reminded me of a cross-country race I saw. I was amazed at how many obstacles they had to get over in order to get to the finish line. God wants to empower and strengthen you to overcome every obstacle this new year. He wants to give you confidence, wisdom and boldness, to pursue the dreams and desires in your heart in 2024. He wants to give you supernatural insight so that you can be a witness of His goodness.

In scripture, Peter and John were supernaturally equipped (they were anointed). Everyone around them marvelled at their boldness, at their ability. They knew Peter and John didn’t have any formal training. They knew there wasn’t anything special about them. This power and wisdom could only come from a bold Holy Ghost anointing, and the presence of Christ.

This year remember, when you’re walking in the Holy Ghost anointing and spending time with Jesus, people will see it. You’ll be energised for the race ahead by His anointing, and equipped by His grace. That’s why it’s so important in 2024 to take time every day to be in His presence. No matter where you are on this earth, His presence is only a prayer away. Scripture says He is near to all who call upon His name. It says that He inhabits the praises of His people. I encourage you to make your relationship with Him your number one priority this year, and be empowered by His presence every single day of your life!

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marvelled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13, NKJV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, as I have arrived at the finish line of 2023, and now I’ve stepped into 2024, I humbly come before You giving You all that I am. I surrender every area of my life to You, and invite You to have Your way in my heart. Lord, I ask for strength and boldness to get over and through life’s obstacles. Father, empower me with Your love, as I daily set my focus on You. God, in 2024 I want to remain in Your presence and receive Your Holy Ghost anointing. In Jesus’ name! Amen.

God’s Anointing Is On You

We normally focus on what we do not have, as opposed to what we do have. We focus on how big our obstacles are, and how bad the economy is etc. “I don’t have the connections… I’ve got this problem,  but I don’t have anybody to help me… I’ve got this dream, but I don’t have the resources”. Yet here is the truth, everything you need to fulfill your destiny is within reach. God will always use something that’s close to you. It may not look extraordinary, but you have what it takes to fulfill your destiny.

Like when David faced the giant, Goliath. All he had was a slingshot and five stones. It looked ordinary. He could have thought, “I’m not going to face Goliath. That would be foolish. I don’t have a chance”. But David knew that with God on his side, those ordinary stones would be exactly what he needed. Sure enough, David defeated Goliath with what he had and made history.

Today, remember victory isn’t about what you have, it’s about God’s anointing on what you have. With God on your side, all things are possible! Focus on Him and what He has given you. God can do great things in your life because He has placed extraordinary things in you, use them today.

“So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.” (1 Samuel 17:50, NIV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for equipping me for success and victory in this life. Help me to clearly see the opportunities, connections and resources You have ordained for me. I trust that with You, all things are possible. In Christ’ name, Amen!

He Gives You Space 

Newer translations of the Bible include a footnote with this story, saying that it is not found in the earliest manuscripts. I hope this “messiness” of the Bible does not trouble you. It shouldn’t. Rather, we can recognize that the perfect Word of God entered a messy world and picked up some scars, yet still tells us plainly that while no one is perfect, Jesus gives us space. 

In scripture, Jesus gave space for this crowd to go home shame-faced. They expected to jeer and throw stones at a “fallen woman”. He challenged them to investigate their own hearts to see if they were sinless before throwing the first stone. Then he drew in the sand while they all slinked away, now seeing their faults a little more clearly. 

Jesus gave space to the woman too. The officials dragged her before him to test his ability to judge, not realising that he would one day be the Judge over all. Jesus does not rush to judge this woman. He does not condone her actions but gives her space to change: “Go now and leave your life of sin”…  

Today, just like the woman caught in adultery, Jesus gives us space to realize that sin does not have us trapped. We can, by his grace and Spirit, leave our sins behind. There is some space as this new year begins. To reflect on our sinful life and decide to get closer to Christ. Is this not a great idea for 2024? 

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11). 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, as I reflect on the past year and move to the new year, help me leave my old sins behind and the guilt that goes with them. Thank you for your mercy. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 

Stop Pleasing People

While talking to some youth, I realised an important truth – people pleasing is alive and well. From fashion, to language and everything in between, there will always be people who try to squeeze you into their mould; people who try to pressure you into being who they want you to be. They may be good people. They may mean well. But the problem is – they aren’t your creator. They didn’t breathe life into you. They didn’t equip you, empower you or anoint you; Our Almighty God did!

If you’re going to be all that God created you to be, you can’t focus on what everybody else thinks. If you change with every criticism, trying to win the favour of others, then you’ll go through life being manipulated, and letting people squeeze you into their box. You have to realise that you can’t keep every person happy. You can’t make everyone like you. You’ll never win over all of your critics.

Today, instead of trying to please people, when you get up in the morning, ask the Lord to search your heart. Ask Him if your ways are pleasing to Him. Stay focused on your goals. If people don’t understand you, that’s okay. If you lose some friends because you wouldn’t let them control you, they weren’t true friends anyway. You don’t need others’ approval; you only need Almighty God’s approval. Keep your heart and mind submitted to Him, and you will be free from people pleasing!

“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.” (Proverbs 29:25, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I come humbly to You today. I invite You to search my heart and mind. Let my ways be pleasing to You. Father, take away my need for people’s approval. Please let my thoughts be Your thoughts and not the thoughts of a corrupt man. God, thank You for setting me free from people pleasing, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Christ Our Hope In 2024 

It’s a New Year, and we look forward in hope to a year filled with potential, but we also know there is uncertainty. A review of 2023 reminds us of the changes a year can bring. Some good, some very painful. What will happen in 2024? 

We opened December asking, “What is the source of our hope?” And through Scripture, we have seen God in Jesus, meeting our deepest needs. Now in this New Year, we look once again to Jesus the Saviour who has come and who now reigns in heaven until the day he will return. 

Words can only begin to describe the power and glory of our ascended Saviour. He is the Lord of life. John describes Him as standing in long flowing robes. Long robes were worn by royalty, or at times of celebration. They were a sign of victory, security, and work completed. A person fleeing danger, or a worker could not be encumbered with a long robe, but Christ stands in flowing robes. 

Today there is no threat to God’s kingdom; His redemptive work is fully accomplished. Children of this victorious King have eternal security. As we enter the New Year, may we all declare, “My only comfort in life and death is that I belong to my faithful Saviour, Yahshua the Messiah!” 

No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame. (Psalm 25:3).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, In a world of uncertainty, I thank you, for the comfort, hope, and peace I have because I belong to you. Father, thank you for being my security and allowing me to share in your victory. In Christ name, Amen. 

We’ve Closed The Book On 2023 

Today you might find yourself remembering some of the triumphs and trials of the past year. Even if you have had wonderful successes in the past twelve months, you can probably remember some low points. 

As you enter a new year, I hope you remember that God’s plans have always been to prosper you. He can transform ordinary events and difficult trials into key moments that help his plans to prosper. He is not out to harm us, but the dark moments we experience can be part of the most important lessons to help us grow nearer to him. 

Today ponder on this thought: God has a way of saving His world that we may find hard to understand. He introduced His Son into the world and brought about our salvation in a way that could easily be overlooked by this secular world. Yet He has changed the world, and His Kingdom keeps growing. That same God comes into our lives and draws us into His plans for a hope-filled future! Thank you, God! 

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, my life is in your hands. Father, I praise you for the joys you have brought me in the past year, and for the ways you refined me through the trials in my life. Lord, prepare me to be part of your work in the year ahead. In Jesus’s name, Amen.  

New Year Opportunities 

One day in March 2005, Ashley Smith came home to find a fleeing murderer waiting for her. He held her hostage for several hours at gunpoint. During that time, she did something extraordinary; she took advantage of the opportunity and witnessed to her captor. She cooked him breakfast, read from Rick Warren’s book The Purpose-Driven Life, and talked about God’s plan for his life and about Christ. Later the man peacefully gave himself up to the police. 

Scripture reminds us, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity”. God often presents us with opportunities to witness, but we often let them slip by because we’re not wise enough to see them for what they are. 

The apostle Paul says we are “God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”. God often places good works before us in the form of opportunities to share our faith with people who are outside the faith, but we need to be wise and willing enough to make the most of those opportunities. 

Today as we enter a new year, we need to remember that each new day brings opportunities to serve the Lord and express our faith to others, sometimes in strange and different situations. 

Be wise in the way you act … ; make the most of every opportunity. (Colossians 4:5).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I have often let many opportunities pass by. Father in this New Year, give me the wisdom to see each opportunity you place before me, to do your will and share our faith. In Christ’s name, Amen. 

God Has Come To Us

When Christ was born, a great company of angels announced his birth. He was the Son of God, after all, he deserved a grand supernatural entrance into the world. They sang a glorious song and must have looked amazing as they shone in the night sky. 

But the angels announced the Saviour’s birth to a group of peasants, not the rich and famous. They were not a grand audience to receive the King of all nations, “Yahshua the Messiah.” Nevertheless, His birth was announced to the lowly. 

It’s fitting that Christ’s birth was announced to a lowly group of people. For the Messiah’s coming was to bring God’s love to the loveless, hope to the hopeless and help to the helpless like us and to fulfil the dreams of the lowly, meek, and humble. Another purpose of Christ’s coming was to restore people like us to a relationship with God. So, the shepherds were just the right kind of people to hear this news. 

This world desperately needs God. We desperately need God. But no matter how hard we try, we cannot get to God on merit. The good news of this season is that God has come to us. Hallelujah! The good news of the nativity is that in Yahweh, the hopes of the world are fulfilled. Let’s make this good news the focus of our New Year celebration! 

Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:11).

Let’s Pray 

Yahshua, with the angels, I give you glory and praise. With the shepherds, I thank you that by your grace you have come to the lowly and alone like me and all my family and friends. Help me to never loose sight of this truth as I reflect on the birth of Jesus. In His name I pray, Amen.

How To Make Most Of The New Year

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Many people give advice on how to make the most of the New Year. They may suggest a new diet, a new exercise routine, new learning programs, new money management, or new relationships, but there is something else we should consider. Something that includes all those areas of our lives and more.

God’s word! Read your Bible. It’s as simple as that.

The goal isn’t just to read some verses and walk back into the rest of your life unaffected. The goal of reading your Bible should be to know God better and do what He says. How will the Bible change our year?

God communicates His truth and love through the Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). By reading the Bible, we are learning that God came to rescue us and give us what we need for our lives, through purpose and meaningful connections. When we experience the truth revealed in Scripture, we are given the opportunity to change. Since the Bible is full of truth, we have so many things to learn and ways to grow.

Scripture is a powerful tool God can use throughout our lives. Even if you’ve read the Bible for most of your life, there is always more to learn. Each time we open the Bible, God shows us something new and leads us further than we’ve been before.

Today, Jesus wants us to have a better New Year than we want for ourselves. The best way to discover what He has in store for us is to listen to Him and do what He says. That process begins with the instructions He has given us in His Word. As you move forward into this year, walk with Yahweh by reading the Bible and obeying Him. Scripture itself promises that God’s words would not return to Him void but accomplish what He desires (Isaiah 55:8-11).

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, as the dawn breaks on a new year, let us give thanks for all we hold dear: our health, our family and our friends. Father, help us release our grudges, our anger and our pains, for these are nothing but binding chains. Let us spend time daily in your word. Learning to live in the most loving and God-conscious way. Let us serve all who are in need, regardless of race, colour or creed. God may my year be filled with peace, prosperity and love. May blessings shower upon me and bestow upon each of us a bright, healthy and peaceful new year. In Christ’s name, Amen

In Reflection

Do you want to see how much your New Year and your life can be changed by God? Read your Bible and follow Jesus, step by step.

Compromise: The Yoke Builder

silhouette photo of person near body of water

I never had a fight until I gave my heart to God. Since then, the enemy has tried to fight with me – to stop me, with a yoke of bondage, a yoke of depression, a yoke of low self-esteem, a yoke of addiction, a yoke of compromise. He tried to burden me down so that everything is a struggle. I was working hard, but I couldn’t get ahead because yokes were controlling me. 

Maybe you’ve been living with a yoke your whole life. It’s been passed down to you from family. Maybe you don’t realize it. You can’t seem to get ahead.  Struggles in your marriage, Your children won’t do what’s right, you have Low self-esteem, and you are lonely and depressed. But God said to the Israelites, “I have seen the affliction of My people, and I am coming down to deliver them.” Hallelujah! 

Remember, God sees every yoke, every unfair situation, and everything that you are struggling with. He doesn’t just sit back and say, “Well, too bad.” No, He says, “I’m coming down to do something about your situation.” You don’t have to worry. The yoke destroyer is on the way. God is saying, “I’m coming down to put an end to that struggle. I’m shifting things in your favour. I’m delivering you from addictions. I’m removing the burden and setting you free to walk into the fullness of your destiny.” Receive it today in Jesus’s name! 

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for fighting my battles daily.  Father, thank you for being my yoke destroyer today and always. God, I accept Your deliverance from all my enemies and negative situations. From now on I will acknowledge Your goodness and praise You for Your faithfulness to me in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Thanksgiving Pt3

Total Recall

Most people seem to be living in fear while others are uptight, worried and anxious, filled with frustration and concern. In the natural there may be good reason, but understand, living that way is not God’s best. God doesn’t want us to be filled with anxiety and frustration; He wants us to live in peace. You can find rest in Him knowing that no matter what is happening around you, Yahweh has His hands on you.

Remember todays verse the next time you’re tempted to worry or be anxious. God invites us to come to Him. In fact, the Bible says He rewards those who diligently seek Him. But notice, we can’t just come to Him any old way. He wants us to come to Him with a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving. 

Today, begin by simply saying, “Father, thank You for the privilege to come before You. Thank You for hearing my prayers.” As you come to Him with an open and humble heart, He will hear you and fill you with His peace and joy, to live free from anxiety all the days of your life!

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6, NASB)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, today I choose to be anxious for nothing. I choose to set aside my worries and concerns. I thank You for Your faithfulness to meet every need in my life, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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.

God Gives Us Power

Travelling from Watford, to do a revival after my radio broadcast, the enemy was trying to bombard my mind with negatives. Saying your too tired, is this worth it, the church is not ready, there is no excitement and there will be no visitors. But the Spirit reminded me God will give you strength, He wants to do something great in and through you. He has promises and blessings in store for you that you haven’t even thought of yet. I let out a loud “hallelujah” and kept on driving. I arrived and the church was on fire – great singing and praising, and two people gave their hearts to God and will be baptised. Hallelujah!

The Scripture tells us that God gives us power… He wants you to live in abundance so that He can use you to be a blessing to others. When we are willing and obedient, we open the door to His promises. He will do great things for you and through you. In other words, when we live in excellence and integrity, when we follow the Spirit of God, we will walk in His blessing. Like a tree planted by the water, your leaf will not wither because you are connected to an unlimited supply line.

Today’s verse says that “He gives us the power to get… ” God gives us the ability. He gives us creative ideas and inventions, but we have to be diligent, do our part, and step out in faith, go against how we feel in the natural, and use what He’s given us. We have to sow seed in order to see the harvest that He has promised. Receive His power today and choose a life of integrity, so that you can move forward into the abundant life He has prepared for you.

“And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get…” (Deuteronomy 8:18, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me the power to live in abundance, and to move when I don’t feel like it. Father, I will be faithful to You and Your Word. I will stand on Your promises and listen to the Spirit. God, help me to be diligent and follow Your commands, please bless everything I set my hands to today, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

God Made You, You

I heard someone saying they wished they looked different. They wished they were lighter skinned like their friend who gets all the young men. Did you know that when you compare yourself to others, or wish you were like someone else, it’s like saying God just didn’t do a good enough job? It’s actually like saying, “God, why did You make me subpar? Why did You make me less than?”

Breaking news! God didn’t make anyone inferior. He didn’t make any person second class. No, you are a masterpiece! You are fully loaded and totally equipped for the race that’s been designed for you!

Today, change your mindset and say to yourself, “I may not look like someone else, or have the shape like some else, or have the job that someone else has, but no one will ever be a better me. I’m anointed to be me. I’m equipped to be me!” Hallelujah! Remember, it’s easy to do what you are equipped to do. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to be like someone else. Praise God you are who He made you to be, and embrace the good things He has prepared for you!

“I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for making me who I am. Father, thank You for equipping me to fulfil my destiny. Today, I will be focused on what You’ve placed in my hand, knowing that as I am faithful to You, You will direct my steps. God, I bless You and praise You for making me who I am, directly from Your hand and mind of the Creator, with my own mind and DNA. Today I accept who I am, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

 

As seen on