Guard what goes in and out of your heart
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Luke 6:45
45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Guard your hearts and guard the content you consume so that when you talk, your words shall be honourable and will build you and others. [Col 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.]
2 Cor 10:3-5
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Bringing our thoughts and imaginations under Jesus
Phil 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
It is very easy to have a mind with very wild thoughts that are not edifying. These thoughts should be brought under the authority of Jesus Christ.
When we bring our thoughts under the authority of God, the peace of God that is beyond human understanding will take over and rule our hearts in Christ Jesus.
When we get wild thoughts, fears, rumours and every other imaginations, we should find strength to quickly pray concerning them and destroy them in Christ's power.
Solution to wandering thoughts
Prov 4:25
Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
My eyes can be fixated on things that help me keep my thoughts worried or on things that help me look to Christ and drive me to pray to Him more.
Resources we recommend
Book-The Secret Power of Speaking God's Word
Book-Let God Fight Your Battles : Being Peaceful in the Storm
Prayer Changes Things (Glass Plaque)
Do Not Be Anxious (Writing Notebook)
SpotColorArt Do Not Be Anxious about Anything (Philippians 4:6 Handcrafted Canvas Print, 13" x 17")
Sunday, 30 June 2019
Thursday, 27 June 2019
Simple check on my actions
1. Do what is right
James 4:17
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
The bible makes it clear that I should do what is right no matter the circumstances I am going through.
2. Love in actions
1John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
We should do what we know is right and always do so with a lot of love. Love that is evidenced through words and speech and actions.
Our actions should be led by love that the father has also loved us with.
3. Act in reverence of God
Psalms 7:11 God is a righteous judge,
a God who displays his wrath every day.
God requires that we do the right things in love and reverence of Him who is our righteous judge. Knowing He is a righteous judge who displays His might and wrath should encourage me to worship Him as God in the things I do and do so with love.
4. Allow God to search your heart
Psalms 4:4 Tremble and[d] do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
The Spirit of God is able to lead us in examining our lives according to God's righteousness if we allow Him.
Get yourself a journal for self reflection
Activities planner journal
Beautiful pink journal, handcraft
Beautiful brown journal, handicraft
cute pink Journal for the lil' ones
James 4:17
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
The bible makes it clear that I should do what is right no matter the circumstances I am going through.
2. Love in actions
1John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
We should do what we know is right and always do so with a lot of love. Love that is evidenced through words and speech and actions.
Our actions should be led by love that the father has also loved us with.
3. Act in reverence of God
Psalms 7:11 God is a righteous judge,
a God who displays his wrath every day.
God requires that we do the right things in love and reverence of Him who is our righteous judge. Knowing He is a righteous judge who displays His might and wrath should encourage me to worship Him as God in the things I do and do so with love.
4. Allow God to search your heart
Psalms 4:4 Tremble and[d] do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
The Spirit of God is able to lead us in examining our lives according to God's righteousness if we allow Him.
Get yourself a journal for self reflection
Activities planner journal
Beautiful pink journal, handcraft
Beautiful brown journal, handicraft
cute pink Journal for the lil' ones
Tuesday, 18 June 2019
Look around you and see the power of God, trust Him
Psalm 8[a]
1 Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
in the heavens.
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
9 Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Useful resources
Monday, 17 June 2019
Anger and reacting in Anger
1 Cor 13:4-5
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
The first thing I should ask God to help me do is be patient and be kind. If I become impatient, chances of being unkind are highly likely.
The second thing is to pray God to help me keep away from envying others when good things come their way but instead celebrate with them.
The third thing is to ask God to help me overcome boastfulness and pride. These vices are a result of a selfish heart in me that makes me believe that I am better than others and so I deserve better than them. It will push me to always think of self, that I am the one who deserves what they have...just me and not them.
Verse 5 reminds us what love does. It is the opposite of selfishness. We should watch ourselves to ensure that we don't dishonour others or seek things for self gratification, or sit about like time bombs and explode at a tick. Instead, we should make room for forgiveness in our hearts.
God in His divine nature has given us love that builds a character in us as shown in verse 4-5 and this forms a strong foundation for His love in us to overcome anger.
He moves our eyes from constantly thinking about us to thinking about others through the love lenses that God uses.
When we see through God's eyes and heart, we are more likely to be patient and kind, humble and honourable, caring and forgiving which is a perfect solution towards overcoming anger.
There will be room in our hearts to give people second, third and many more chances in our interactions with them without keeping records of wrong.
So today's prayer is a prayer to be filled with love.
Lord today I want to behave (Act) and respond (React) in love. Help me God.
Amen
Useful resources to overcome anger
God's Peace in Your Home: Ten Ways to Reduce Anger in Relationships
Forgiveness
My Forgiveness Notebook: Leave Your Anger Behind & Learn to Forgive Yourself and Others
The Five Minute Gratitude Journal: Experiencing God's Power and Love Through 5 Minutes Gratitude (Reflect/Prayer Requests/Bible Study)(Daily Gratitude Journal/ Gratitude Notebook)
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
The first thing I should ask God to help me do is be patient and be kind. If I become impatient, chances of being unkind are highly likely.
The second thing is to pray God to help me keep away from envying others when good things come their way but instead celebrate with them.
The third thing is to ask God to help me overcome boastfulness and pride. These vices are a result of a selfish heart in me that makes me believe that I am better than others and so I deserve better than them. It will push me to always think of self, that I am the one who deserves what they have...just me and not them.
Verse 5 reminds us what love does. It is the opposite of selfishness. We should watch ourselves to ensure that we don't dishonour others or seek things for self gratification, or sit about like time bombs and explode at a tick. Instead, we should make room for forgiveness in our hearts.
God in His divine nature has given us love that builds a character in us as shown in verse 4-5 and this forms a strong foundation for His love in us to overcome anger.
He moves our eyes from constantly thinking about us to thinking about others through the love lenses that God uses.
When we see through God's eyes and heart, we are more likely to be patient and kind, humble and honourable, caring and forgiving which is a perfect solution towards overcoming anger.
There will be room in our hearts to give people second, third and many more chances in our interactions with them without keeping records of wrong.
So today's prayer is a prayer to be filled with love.
Lord today I want to behave (Act) and respond (React) in love. Help me God.
Amen
Useful resources to overcome anger
God's Peace in Your Home: Ten Ways to Reduce Anger in Relationships
Forgiveness
My Forgiveness Notebook: Leave Your Anger Behind & Learn to Forgive Yourself and Others
The Five Minute Gratitude Journal: Experiencing God's Power and Love Through 5 Minutes Gratitude (Reflect/Prayer Requests/Bible Study)(Daily Gratitude Journal/ Gratitude Notebook)
Sunday, 16 June 2019
I looked for someone...can we be found when God looks for a someone?
Ezekiel 22:30-31
30 “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. 31 So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign Lord.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
We don't deserve anything good. In deed we deserve evil upon us because we sin in many ways (Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God). But God is a merciful God who keeps looking for someone who will come in repentance and also repent for the sins of the land so that He can avert the wrath that is swiftly coming upon us.
In Ezekiel verse above, God warns that if no one is found to stand in the gap for the land then God's wrath will come upon the land.
We have such a merciful God who reminds us in 2 chronicles above that when evil has come upon our land we can still turn from sin and repent and He will heal the land experiencing His wrath.
One important thing to note is that God is not looking for random people, He is looking for His sons (Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.) . Heirs of His kingdom (Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.), those who profess Christ Jesus as their Lord and saviour (Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved). Those that Christ through His authority in heaven and on earth has sent to go forth and reach nations to the ends of the earth (Matt 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”).
Today the world is deeply crying for salvation. There is war, hunger, deaths, violence against children, so much evil! The reality is that we live in a sick world that is deeply crying for healing. This healing is found at the cross of Jesus Christ and believers in Jesus Christ have been given the authority to go to God confidently and pray for the needed healing.
Let us be found crying for our lands. God has placed us in the different parts of the world for a specific reason as the body of Christ. Pray for the much needed salvation of the land you are in.
The first prayer is for people of the land to be reconciled back to God and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. God deeply longs that everyone should be saved (1 Timothy 2:2-4 2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.)and is making us ambassadors through whom He can reconcile the world back to Him. (2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.)
Amen
Useful resources
What Prayer Can Do for Churches and Nations
New City of Righteousness That Exalted the Nation: Ask Seek and Knock and Pray and Pray
The Daniel Prayer Video Study: Prayer That Moves Heaven and Changes Nations
30 “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. 31 So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign Lord.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
We don't deserve anything good. In deed we deserve evil upon us because we sin in many ways (Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God). But God is a merciful God who keeps looking for someone who will come in repentance and also repent for the sins of the land so that He can avert the wrath that is swiftly coming upon us.
In Ezekiel verse above, God warns that if no one is found to stand in the gap for the land then God's wrath will come upon the land.
We have such a merciful God who reminds us in 2 chronicles above that when evil has come upon our land we can still turn from sin and repent and He will heal the land experiencing His wrath.
One important thing to note is that God is not looking for random people, He is looking for His sons (Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.) . Heirs of His kingdom (Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.), those who profess Christ Jesus as their Lord and saviour (Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved). Those that Christ through His authority in heaven and on earth has sent to go forth and reach nations to the ends of the earth (Matt 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”).
Today the world is deeply crying for salvation. There is war, hunger, deaths, violence against children, so much evil! The reality is that we live in a sick world that is deeply crying for healing. This healing is found at the cross of Jesus Christ and believers in Jesus Christ have been given the authority to go to God confidently and pray for the needed healing.
Let us be found crying for our lands. God has placed us in the different parts of the world for a specific reason as the body of Christ. Pray for the much needed salvation of the land you are in.
The first prayer is for people of the land to be reconciled back to God and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. God deeply longs that everyone should be saved (1 Timothy 2:2-4 2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.)and is making us ambassadors through whom He can reconcile the world back to Him. (2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.)
Amen
Useful resources
What Prayer Can Do for Churches and Nations
New City of Righteousness That Exalted the Nation: Ask Seek and Knock and Pray and Pray
The Daniel Prayer Video Study: Prayer That Moves Heaven and Changes Nations
Thursday, 13 June 2019
Children do minister, allow them
Start by learning and teaching children God's word
Deut 6:6-7
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
God requires that we deliberately teach our children His commands. This is the foundation that will help them begin to minister at a young age. As a parent, it is important that this word of God be in you so that you teach from a point of agreement with God.
Encourage children to continue in God's word at all ages
2 Tim 3:14-15
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Paul wrote to Timothy reminding him to continue.. Timothy had been taught scriptures from infancy as the scripture shows us and so on this foundation of God's word he was encouraged to continue in the ways of God.
Parents need to lay a foundation that will help children know God at a tender age.
God is clear that children are His and that He uses them
Psalms 127:3
3 Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
If then they are from God, they have the potential to accomplish God's will on earth.
Psalms 8:2
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
Imagine God does such a powerful deed as this. Using children to establish strongholds against enemies and silencing the avenger! What a powerful gift God has blessed parents with! Let us unlock this potential in Jesus name.
Matt 18:10
10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
The message version puts it this way:
10 “Watch that you don’t treat a single one of these childlike believers arrogantly. You realize, don’t you, that their personal angels are constantly in touch with my Father in heaven?
This truth is so powerful that we should teach the children as early as possible God's words so that they can join in to pray for us parents when we are in need! Praise God.
The story of Samuel, a baby fully given to the Lord after weaning
1 Sam 1:21-22
21 When her husband Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the Lord and to fulfill his vow, 22 Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, “After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the Lord, and he will live there always.”[c]
1 The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.
4 Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
It is interesting that the bible refers to Josiah as a son of David, see below verses and you notice his biological father was Amon who was evil. His grandfather was Manasseh who was also evil! (verse 19-23).
2 Kings 21:25-26
25 As for the other events of Amon’s reign, and what he did, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah? 26 He was buried in his tomb in the garden of Uzza. And Josiah his son succeeded him as king.
This is the story of hope for the children! God can preserve them. God can re-write their stories! We as parents have the power to change the destiny of other children who interact with our children by introducing them to our Lord and saviour.
Be encouraged dear parent!
Some useful resources to help you raise a godly child
Heritage Parenting: A Parent's Guide to Intentionally Raising Godly Children
A Shift Has Come: Pearls of Wisdom for Raising Successful, Godly Children
The Sons of Eli: Or Words of Caution, Counsel, and Encouragement, Addressed to the Children of Godly Parents (1877)
The Obedience Factor: How to Raise Godly Children
Footprints: Raising Godly Children: The Life and Legacy of Robert L. Hoover Sr.
Speaking Forth Godly Children: Influencing the Personality and Character of Children Yet Unborn.
How To Raise Godly Children
My Book of Godly Characteristics: For Children
Christian Parenting: The ABC Technique for Parents to Raise Godly Children (Special Prayers for Children Included)
Deut 6:6-7
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
God requires that we deliberately teach our children His commands. This is the foundation that will help them begin to minister at a young age. As a parent, it is important that this word of God be in you so that you teach from a point of agreement with God.
Encourage children to continue in God's word at all ages
2 Tim 3:14-15
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Paul wrote to Timothy reminding him to continue.. Timothy had been taught scriptures from infancy as the scripture shows us and so on this foundation of God's word he was encouraged to continue in the ways of God.
Parents need to lay a foundation that will help children know God at a tender age.
God is clear that children are His and that He uses them
Psalms 127:3
3 Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
If then they are from God, they have the potential to accomplish God's will on earth.
Psalms 8:2
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
Imagine God does such a powerful deed as this. Using children to establish strongholds against enemies and silencing the avenger! What a powerful gift God has blessed parents with! Let us unlock this potential in Jesus name.
Matt 18:10
10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
The message version puts it this way:
10 “Watch that you don’t treat a single one of these childlike believers arrogantly. You realize, don’t you, that their personal angels are constantly in touch with my Father in heaven?
This truth is so powerful that we should teach the children as early as possible God's words so that they can join in to pray for us parents when we are in need! Praise God.
The story of Samuel, a baby fully given to the Lord after weaning
1 Sam 1:21-22
21 When her husband Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the Lord and to fulfill his vow, 22 Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, “After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the Lord, and he will live there always.”[c]
- We can start by dedicating our children to the Lord and committing to training them in His ways. Hannah took a step further and gave her only son to live at the temple serving God daily.
1 The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.
4 Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
- We can actually have activities that are christian and miss on pointing the children to God. Notice Samuel was serving under Eli in verse 1, but in verse 7 we are told Samuel did not know the Lord yet. We can pray for our children and ask God to call them as He did to Samuel in verse 4. He will reveal Himself to them.
- God continued to use Samuel in such a great way that none of Samuel's words fell on the ground! How powerful!
- God continued to reveal Himself to Samuel through His word. Let us allow our children an opportunity to know God. They will minister and serve nations.
God can change the story of a lineage through children
The story of King Josiah
2 Kings 22:1-2
1 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. 2 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.
It is interesting that the bible refers to Josiah as a son of David, see below verses and you notice his biological father was Amon who was evil. His grandfather was Manasseh who was also evil! (verse 19-23).
2 Kings 21:25-26
25 As for the other events of Amon’s reign, and what he did, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah? 26 He was buried in his tomb in the garden of Uzza. And Josiah his son succeeded him as king.
This is the story of hope for the children! God can preserve them. God can re-write their stories! We as parents have the power to change the destiny of other children who interact with our children by introducing them to our Lord and saviour.
Be encouraged dear parent!
Some useful resources to help you raise a godly child
Heritage Parenting: A Parent's Guide to Intentionally Raising Godly Children
A Shift Has Come: Pearls of Wisdom for Raising Successful, Godly Children
The Sons of Eli: Or Words of Caution, Counsel, and Encouragement, Addressed to the Children of Godly Parents (1877)
The Obedience Factor: How to Raise Godly Children
Footprints: Raising Godly Children: The Life and Legacy of Robert L. Hoover Sr.
Speaking Forth Godly Children: Influencing the Personality and Character of Children Yet Unborn.
How To Raise Godly Children
My Book of Godly Characteristics: For Children
Christian Parenting: The ABC Technique for Parents to Raise Godly Children (Special Prayers for Children Included)
Wednesday, 12 June 2019
Staying in God's presence
Psalms 51:4
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.
When I read this verse as part of my confession prayers before God, He opened my eyes to the realities of these words:
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.
When I read this verse as part of my confession prayers before God, He opened my eyes to the realities of these words:
- When we sin, we actually sin against God. It is knowing what God requires of us and deliberately choosing to ignore Him. Sin can also be unintentional.
- There is a drift from God's presence that makes it easier for us to sin. This drift results from the lack of thinking about God.
Psalms 51:5-6
5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
The reality is that we have been born in sin, we can't separate ourselves from sin. God requires righteousness and we are without excuse because He made provision for the forgiveness of sin through the cross of Jesus.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Psalms 51:7
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Only God can take away our sin that turns us from thinking of God and being in His presence.
As we look to God to help us stay in His presence every moment, we make the below prayer that David made:
Psalms 51:10-12
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me
Tools you can use
Dare to Abide: Cultivating God's Prevailing Presence in Your Life
Selah: Intentionally Spending Time in the Presence of God
The Presence of God Is Among Us
Discovering God in Diapers and Dishes: Finding His Presence in the Midst of Motherhood
God Is in Your Pizza
God Has a Plan for Little Boys
God Has a Plan for Little Girls
Read your bible
Baby Girl First Bible
Candle Bible for Toddlers
The Children's Bible in 365 Stories
Be still (Journal for the journey)
Wholehearted: A Coloring Book Devotional
Wall Paper Proverbs 31:25
Tools you can use
Dare to Abide: Cultivating God's Prevailing Presence in Your Life
Selah: Intentionally Spending Time in the Presence of God
The Presence of God Is Among Us
Discovering God in Diapers and Dishes: Finding His Presence in the Midst of Motherhood
God Is in Your Pizza
God Has a Plan for Little Boys
God Has a Plan for Little Girls
Read your bible
Baby Girl First Bible
Candle Bible for Toddlers
The Children's Bible in 365 Stories
Be still (Journal for the journey)
Wholehearted: A Coloring Book Devotional
Wall Paper Proverbs 31:25
Tuesday, 11 June 2019
Our victorious King Jesus!
Matt 28:1-7
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
When the pharisees and many enemies of Christ thought that it was all over, God was working something very powerful!
Our redemption story!
I can imagine the thoughts and emotions the women went through when they saw the angels! and heard the words that Christ was risen! that they would see Him!
What joy that must have felt, what bounding joy and peace and hope!
The guards who were meant to keep the body of Jesus from being stolen came face to face with the angels and were as dead men! Praise our Lord Jesus because nobody can prevent Him from doing a good work in you!
The sabbath may have felt like a dark day, indeed your situation might feel like a deep dark situation, no hope, no joy.
My brother and sister, look to Jesus who did such a wonderful work of redemption on the cross that has brought us salvation.
Let the joy of the Lord fill your hearts especially in the situations you are facing.
Keep looking to Jesus because He is our hope. Indeed He said these words:
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
There will always be trouble because the world is ruled by evil, but we find hope and courage in the Lord Jesus. He has already overcome for us! Amen
Tools you can use
Be still (Journal for the journey)
Read your bible
Wholehearted: A Coloring Book Devotional
Wall Paper Proverbs 31:25
Baby Girl First Bible
Candle Bible for Toddlers
The Children's Bible in 365 Stories
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
When the pharisees and many enemies of Christ thought that it was all over, God was working something very powerful!
Our redemption story!
I can imagine the thoughts and emotions the women went through when they saw the angels! and heard the words that Christ was risen! that they would see Him!
What joy that must have felt, what bounding joy and peace and hope!
The guards who were meant to keep the body of Jesus from being stolen came face to face with the angels and were as dead men! Praise our Lord Jesus because nobody can prevent Him from doing a good work in you!
The sabbath may have felt like a dark day, indeed your situation might feel like a deep dark situation, no hope, no joy.
My brother and sister, look to Jesus who did such a wonderful work of redemption on the cross that has brought us salvation.
Let the joy of the Lord fill your hearts especially in the situations you are facing.
Keep looking to Jesus because He is our hope. Indeed He said these words:
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
There will always be trouble because the world is ruled by evil, but we find hope and courage in the Lord Jesus. He has already overcome for us! Amen
Tools you can use
Be still (Journal for the journey)
Read your bible
Wholehearted: A Coloring Book Devotional
Wall Paper Proverbs 31:25
Baby Girl First Bible
Candle Bible for Toddlers
The Children's Bible in 365 Stories
Sunday, 9 June 2019
Where is God? Part 2
Matt 27:62-66
62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”
65 “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
On the Saturday after the death of Jesus, He was not physically present. He was very dead! There was no fellowship as before, and it must have felt like one of the most hopeless days for those who had followed Jesus.
The pharisees did not make it any better by claiming that Jesus' disciples might go steal His body. In fact, they got orders to keep the tomb safely guarded.
This could be what you feel today in the situations you are passing through and are consistently wondering why God is not acting or coming through. In fact it may feel like your enemies are working harder to shut out God's goodness from your life.
You probably have friends who are trying to convince you that you are walking in sin like Job's friends did when he was in utter sorrow having lost everything. Some might have probably given up on you.
In this dark time, don't give up. Hold on.
Don't get tired of lifting your head to the hills and turning to God who is our help. Psalm 121 is a good place to encourage yourself from and trust God again.
Ps 27:14
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
Ps 30:5
5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Hold on.
Tools you can use
Be still (Journal for the journey)
Read your bible
Wholehearted: A Coloring Book Devotional
Wall Paper Proverbs 31:25
Baby Girl First Bible
Candle Bible for Toddlers
The Children's Bible in 365 Stories
62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”
65 “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
On the Saturday after the death of Jesus, He was not physically present. He was very dead! There was no fellowship as before, and it must have felt like one of the most hopeless days for those who had followed Jesus.
The pharisees did not make it any better by claiming that Jesus' disciples might go steal His body. In fact, they got orders to keep the tomb safely guarded.
This could be what you feel today in the situations you are passing through and are consistently wondering why God is not acting or coming through. In fact it may feel like your enemies are working harder to shut out God's goodness from your life.
You probably have friends who are trying to convince you that you are walking in sin like Job's friends did when he was in utter sorrow having lost everything. Some might have probably given up on you.
In this dark time, don't give up. Hold on.
Don't get tired of lifting your head to the hills and turning to God who is our help. Psalm 121 is a good place to encourage yourself from and trust God again.
Ps 27:14
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
Ps 30:5
5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Hold on.
Tools you can use
Be still (Journal for the journey)
Read your bible
Wholehearted: A Coloring Book Devotional
Wall Paper Proverbs 31:25
Baby Girl First Bible
Candle Bible for Toddlers
The Children's Bible in 365 Stories
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