Heaven around us
"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
There is so much to be grateful for in any given day. Christians are the most blessed people on earth! Having Jesus in our hearts is more than enough for our joy and fulfilment. Even in our sufferings, we are able to make our perspective higher because of our wonderful Lord and Saviour. The Holy Spirit is near, our comforter. Being filled with the Spirit is a daily blessing. He empowers us and goes before us. As we set ourselves on fire for the Lord, we become stronger in Him and that atmosphere of heaven surrounds us.
How has the Lord blessed your day?
What could you reframe in light of Jesus being with you?
Lord Jesus, you are my everything. Thanks for being my eternal flame. Help me have a consistent good outlook knowing you are so close Lord.
Enthusiasm for your day
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." Colossians 3:23
Need motivation? The skies the limit of what someone is able to accomplish when they put their mind to it. Surprisingly having rhythms of rest and productivity as well, puts you at an advantage of making progress. When you remember you are living for the King of Kings, that helps us know, whatever we do is for Him, and that matters. As you take your everyday…”So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” Romans 12:1-2
Lord Jesus, today I’m bringing everything to you, knowing you have done everything for me. Thanks for your constant fellowship and help with that extra get up and go everyday.
Leaning upon Jesus
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." Proverbs 18:10
When you have been saved and delivered by the Lord, there’s not much that will be able to hold you back from moving forward in the Lord. As we get out of our comfort zones, we are able to because we know the Jesus is our safe place. If you took everything away you discover what you are leaning on and the most beautiful thing is to realise you are truly reliant and leaning on Jesus in life. Jesus is not our last resort, He is our first love. There is nothing more precious than your friendship with the Lord. “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.” Proverbs 25:14
How have you known the Lord as your best friend?
What could you thank Jesus for saving you from and how He has lead you?
Heavenly Father, thanks for saving me and calling me by name. Train me in the respect of you Lord Jesus. I want to lean upon you in every aspect of my life.
Fear not
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you. Isaiah 41:10
I remember when my children were babies and if they couldn’t see you in person and present, they would think you had disappeared. They don’t get object permanence until later. That’s why games like peeka boo are so fun for them. Knowing the Lord is with our lives, gives us the confidence to take every step. Your help if from God. He lifts your head. Every time you remember the goodness of God and all He is. You will be able to say, “who shall I fear,” because you know Jesus is always there. God is always present in your life, always. When you say Jesus is your Lord, that means you have given Him leadership of you, so all your worries and fears need to move to the side.
How has the Lord taken you from your fears to His peace?
What could you say of God to praise Him for all He is in your life?
Lord Jesus, thanks for your peace and grace. Remind me today that you are always there. You are the Lord of my life. I give you my fears and worries knowing you are my help.
Blessing that’s creative
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Mark 10:45
Lately I have been thinking about this verse. Is really something we can choose to take on board, a mindset of serving. One meeting I had been really blessed at, I remember after, there were people putting away the chairs and I was talking with people and then I realised later how I could have put my hand up to help. The people helping were all the same ones as usual. There is this 1 percent that makes the greatest difference. We could be that 1 percent! We are blessed to bless. Is so wonderful that even when we miss opportunities there is always more opportunities to be a part of serving. That could be using whatever you happen to be able to do. Serving could be remembering to keep up contact with dear friends or just being led by the Spirit, He has the most creative ideas.
How has Jesus impacted your life by His life of purpose?
What is something you feel the Holy Spirit leading you to do to help someone?
Heavenly Father, you are the ultimate giver, you sent your Son to give His life for us. Help me follow you Jesus and see opportunities to serve creatively.
Jesus renews
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
I have seen my son Daniel go through seasons where he has had many of his friends going to youth and church and then them not going anymore. As people give their lives to Jesus, there is sometimes times of testing. What could have discouraged Daniel and derailed him, has not, praise the Lord. He is still reaching out to his friends and he is grateful a a friend is coming to youth today. We have a new way of living and being. Our lives are hidden in Jesus in heavenly places. Being shaped by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit moving in our lives means that we have a whole different way of thinking and believing. God has a gift of faith for us. That means that whatever people out there are saying, in your heart you know that you know Jesus is real and that He is alive and moves in our lives today. How counter cultural are we as believers? Let’s keep believing and standing on the Word of God which is a rock to us.
How are you able to believe God instead of being discouraged?
What has the Holy Spirit shared with you that has renewed your mind and shaped your worldview?
Lord Jesus, thanks for being real in my life. Help my worldviews to be shaped by your Words in my heart.
Set free
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
So wonderful to have peace in Jesus. Life isn’t perfect, there is always something to work on. Yet, the Lord has bestowed on us His peace and making us right with Him. By His precious blood we are sanctified daily. God refines as and helps us live up to the callings on our lives. Praise God for the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth. As we continue to stand up for our beliefs and values, pray and be apart of the answers God wants to bring on earth, we will see His kingdom come and His will be done. The Lord sees you as His masterpiece. Rejoice in your wonderful relationship with Jesus. We are set free in His name, to be a praise to Him.
How has the Lord encouraged you in your process of becoming who God has called you to be?
What is the Lord sharing with you and how is He working in your life at the moment?
Lord Jesus, thanks for your salvation and sanctification. I always want to be so close to you Lord Jesus.
Courageous
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8
God wants us to stay enthused. What the Lord has done is enough for you to know He is Lord and He is able. As we rely on the finished work of the cross, we are empowered to prosper. “Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.” 3 John 1:2 Remembering Jesus and all the Lord has done is key to our soul prospering. When Joshua was standing at the beginning of all his dreams in the Lord, he would have remembered how God delivered the people of Israel from Egypt and how they were rescued by God making a way through the Red Sea. The Lord was with Him and that was reason to be strong and courageous.
How has God made a way in your life before?
What are your reasons for staying enthused in the Lord?
Heavenly Father, thanks for all you have done, saving me and delivering me in Jesus. Thanks for your presence with me always. Praise you Lord Jesus.
Extraordinary
"Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3
What God has planned for your life is extraordinary. It’s the ordinary with His extra that makes all the difference. As we do everything for His praise and glory, no matter the task, our lives will be so fulfilled and flourishing. There is nothing so small or insignificant that we can’t rejoice in the Lord in whatever we are doing. I remember when my babies began walking, the delight and excitement of seeing their progress. We are all God’s children and He takes delight in our offerings of giving everything to Him. On the weekend, our worship co leader Sheldon was talking about how God said to Moses to use what was in his hand. No matter our inadequacies, God makes up for everything with His wonderful plans. “Then the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied.” Exodus 4:2 Maybe what Moses saw was just a walking stick, except God’s plan was to deliver the people of Israel safely across a dry path through the Red Sea. We just don’t know what God will do with what as we do everything for Him.
What are you thinking of stewarding well in the Lord today?
How are you able to pause and commit what you are doing to Jesus?
Lord Jesus, thanks for the opportunity of the everyday. Everyday to live for you Lord. I give everything to you.
Burdens lifted
"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13
Faith, hope and love will always be there. Love is the greatest. Of everything that we could accomplish in life, having love is of highest importance. Love is the ingredient that makes life work well. God has entrusted us with our loved ones and fellow believers and as we pray for one another and bear each other’s burdens, our lives will be blessed to be blessings. “Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love].” Galatians 6:2 When Hillsong came over to Perth for the incredible One Day Conference, at the time I had a toddler and a baby and Pastor Bek, the wonderful kids pastor, lifted my pram up the stairs. I was so amazed that she would do that. Is wonderful how these gestures really do impact our lives and help us have people who you aspire to be like.
How are you able to intentionally celebrate people in your life today?
How has Jesus shown you how to believe, hope and love recently?
Lord Jesus, thanks for your great love. Help me lift someone else’s burdens today in Jesus.
Light of the world
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Romans 12:21
Reading the news sometimes gets overwhelming. While the world challenges our beliefs and values, the church will always be the church. God calls us a city on a hill. Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus is always bringing good in hard times. You get to keep hoping for better days for the world around you because of Jesus. Yesterday was 100 days until Christmas. The shops are already setting up for the season. Everything gears up towards Jesus, the birth of the Saviour of the world. As we continue to pray for the goodness of God to fill the earth, we will see good happenings. We do not need to be overwhelmed, because we have the hope of the world in our lives, Jesus.
What are you believing for God to do in the world around you?
How has the Lord given you hope even in the face of discouraging news?
Heavenly Father, thanks for sending us Jesus, our Saviour and Lord. Praying your Holy Spirit will move in our families, communities and the world, bringing the goodness of God to the brokenness and wholeness wherever needed.
Scripture Passages
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105
How good is the Word of God. Like sheep grazing on green pastures, is what soaking in the Word is like. Our spirits are like sponges taking in scripture passages. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” Psalm 23:1-3
Something that is good for our spirits, is good for our whole lives. God is able to guide us in our day and minister to us by His Holy Spirit as we absorb portions of scripture. Some Jewish people even memorise the Torah, which is the first five books of the Bible. That kind of dedication and devotion for the Lord is so precious. You could read whole sections of scripture or you could focus on one or 2 verses and really enjoy the Lord as you think about them.
What do you aspire to read and learn in the Bible?
How has the Lord spoken to you through His Word?
Lord Jesus, you are the Word and I love your Word. Give me a hunger for you Holy Spirit.
Humility prerequisite
“Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding.” Proverbs 2:2
Knowing our need of Jesus and that we never arrive at having arrived on this side of eternity is a foundational blessing in our lives. God has great wisdom for every one of us. Like tuning up your instrument, we can make our ears attentive to the Lord. Having humility in Jesus is precious and is a prerequisite for living in sync with the Spirit. “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”Galatians 5:16 If you have chocolate bars you could eat, what would stop you eating them? If you have healthy foods available you are less likely to give in to unhealthy eating habits. When you are living, going after the Spirit, you are going to be in a really healthy place, far from the pitfalls of life.
How has the Lord lead you into His grace and wisdom recently?
What is the Spirit saying to you today?
Lord Jesus, help me keep tuned up to listen the Holy Spirit. Your wisdom puts me in good step to healthiness and wholeness.
How blessed knowing Jesus
All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6
When Jesus was hung on the cross, He took on humanity’s sin upon Him. God made salvation, redemption and daily sanctification possible. Praise God for the Lord’s great mercy and grace over our lives. When being a witness to people around us, we are able to share that good news that Jesus has given us freedom in Him to approach God. His love is upon us. God is writing our stories in heaven as we live on the earth, praising and worshipping Jesus for the miracle of relationship with the Lord. How blessed we are to be the recipients of salvation and to live for the kingdom of God. “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20
Lord Jesus, thanks for setting me free from every entanglement that holds me back from following you. Help me believe for people to hear and comprehend the good news that you save for real!
Protect what matters
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7
There was a bean patch that one of David’s mighty men were defending. Whatever God has given you to defend, your faithfulness to steward is so important. As we respect Jesus and consider Him His constant presence in our lives, that causes us to keep a tender conscience before the Lord and defend and protect what matters. “Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the Lord brought about a great victory.” 2 Corinthians 23:11,12
Sometimes you need to take your stand. Ephesians also encourages us to stand. You are able to be strong and courageous because we have the Spirit of the Lord.
Lord Jesus, praise you for your Holy Spirit, who causes us to rise up and be courageous to guard what is precious.
New perspective
"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" Psalm 139:23-24
Every time we bring our lives to the Lord, the Holy Spirit does a cleansing in our hearts. Is so wonderful being close to Jesus. Because of His blood, there’s nothing between us and God. You have such a closeness with God by the power of the Holy Spirit. God leads us in the everlasting way. Sometimes when you are working on a painting, it’s good to step back and see the painting from a distance. You are able to see that from a different perspective and helps you to see the work completing. Bringing your life to Jesus daily, gives you a new outlook on life and how you face your day.
How has the Lord shaped your days by His Word and time with Him?
What has Jesus being saying in your quiet times?
Heavenly Father, your presence in my life means everything to me. Help me make that place that I hear your voice and you are free to work in my life. Thanks Jesus.
Jesus our help
"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
On my 40th birthday I had decided I wanted to drive to the hills in Perth early in the morning to catch the sunrise from the hills over the city. Was a very memorable morning as the darkness gave way to sunlight streaming across the rural area all the way to the skyline of the city. Even more than the security of what we know, like hills, is the Lord. We go to Jesus, for in Him is our help. God, the creator of the heaven’s and earth, is our greatest help. Whatever you are in need of today, know that Jesus cares and is there for you.
What could you bring to God for His help today?
How have you known the goodness and help of the Lord in your life?
Lord Jesus, thanks that I am able to look to you knowing my help is from you. Everything I need is in you Lord.
Loved
For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
God’s love for people is so strong. You know how much you love your loved ones. Imagine how much the Lord loves us. He loves us with perfect love. Jesus was sent, God’s only Son, that people who believe Him will have eternal life. God values every human soul and wants everyone to believe in Jesus. You are loved. You are accepted in God’s family. “May have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18 God dreamed you up and in Him you have purpose, redemption and fulfilment.
Lord Jesus, thanks for being my Saviour. I believe in you. Thanks Father God for your unconditional love.
Father’s Day
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
Father’s Day is a reminder of the importance of father figures in life. I have been blessed with a wonderful father and I am grateful that He is still strong. Also, is a time to praise and celebrate our ultimate Father in heaven. The Father heart of God is so wonderful to every one of us. His arms are wide open to us. How tender is His love and how attentive God is to us talking with Him. A world of wonder awaits for you to discover in your precious relationship with Jesus. Whenever you seek the Lord, God’s presence is there and He shares unsearchable knowledge with you. Praise the Lord for intimacy with Jesus. Belonging to the Lord is the purest and most important friendship ever.
Heavenly Father, thanks for being there, all of our lives. Help me honour you for who you are and all you’ve done. Praise you always Jesus!
Praises to Jesus
"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." Psalm 19:1
When you take time for watching sunrises and sunsets, beholding the skies is cause for praising the Lord. How marvellous is our creator God. Every intricate detail of a flower, to great hills and breathtaking skylines. Praise the Lord! The whole earth praises Him. We have the awesome responsibility of praising and worshipping the Lord. Being a royal priesthood to Jesus is such a privilege and our priority. If you slow down for a moment and thank the Lord, you shall surely bless His heart. Remembering Jesus all through the day, is real communion with God. Praise gives us an awareness of His presence that is so close.
Praise you dear Lord. Thanks for your majestic creation and all your goodness and love you have for everyone.