Exalting Jesus

The Lord lives; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation. 2 Samuel 22:47

The world changes so quickly that we need to know the place that’s secure. You can place your trust in God and build your life upon Him. The Lord is dependable. As we exalt Jesus, praise Him and thank Him, we put our eyes on eternity. During Christmas, we gather to celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ, who was sent from heaven for us. How many blessings has the Lord given us, that we can be grateful for… The present Saviour Jesus is with us always. “For where two or three are assembled in my name, I am there among them." Matthew 18:20 We remember also those who are less fortunate than us or are isolated at Christmas and pray for Jesus’ love and closeness to be there with them.

Lord Jesus, praise be your name. Lord God, you are celebrated and loved so very much. We pray for safety on the roads and at the beach this Christmas and for those who are suffering or alone, may your presence be so near.

Blessing

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

God came to earth, making His dwelling among us. Jesus is the real reason for the season. Our souls are saved because of Him. We have a relationship with God because Jesus gave His life. Jesus had so much grace and truth that poured from His life. Praise God for His only Son’s birthday! We are recipients of the blessing from the Father, as Jesus has made a way. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3

Lord Jesus, thanks for coming to dwell with us. Your presence means everything.

Precious gift of Jesus

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11-14

God has a sign for you. Are you searching for the true existence of Jesus in your world? God wants you to find Jesus this festive season. There is so much in the Bible prophetically pointing to the coming of Jesus. At Christmas we delight in the birth of Jesus, Christ our Lord. He was sent from heaven to save us all and we live in the fullness of our Saviour being alive today. As we celebrate this year, may we remember the greatest gift that has ever been given to us, “unto you is born this day, in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

Heavenly Father, thanks for the precious gift of Jesus our Lord. Be honoured in our praises Lord.

New ideas

So we keep praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 2 Thessalonians 1:11

The Holy Spirit helps us live up to the calling of God on our lives. God cares about us more than we know. He wants the best for our futures. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”” Acts 1:8 When the early church began, they had no pattern to follow because they were the first. They relied upon the scripture, their knowing Jesus and the Holy Spirit to lead, preach and disciple. Being original is natural when you walk closely with the Holy Spirit. God has new ideas and inspiration for us, all for the asking.

Thanks Lord Jesus for your help. Show me how to draw upon your wisdom and grace in my everyday life.

All I need

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
 and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

The Lord is our Shepherd. Even when you go through pain in life, the comfort of the Lord holds you up. Belonging to Jesus is the closest to heaven you can be this side of eternity. “For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” Acts 17:28 When you spend time listening to what God says in His Word, that’s like reading a real letter from Him. The Holy Spirit brings the written words to life. God quickens us to what He’s saying to us. The Lord is close to the broken hearted. His comfort is uniquely for you. Jesus longs to heal you and restore you.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your comfort and peace. I find in you, all I need.

Stay in faith

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

When there’s a promised land to reach, being in a positive frame of mind, puts you on the front foot. Sometimes we need a reminder not to be afraid. In difficult times, we know we have the presence of God with us. There is a calling in Christ to be strong and courageous. Keep showing up and believing that God will make a way, because He will. God has purposed us to be pioneers for His kingdom. When you keep believing, asking and praying, you are staying in faith and that’s a good place to be.

Father God, thanks for the opportunity to live in faith and have no fear. Keep me in your peace Lord.

Made for praise!

Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6

My youngest daughter is very creative and loves to make puppets and cat masks and before she begins each project, she always has a plan and a purpose in mind. Like that, the Lord made us with purpose. God didn’t create us with the intent of us worrying about anything. He made us for praise! When we bring our needs to God, thanking Him for all He has done, we will know His peace. God has the kind of peace that goes beyond our natural minds, guarding us in Jesus. What needs can you bring to the Lord today? Are there happenings that you can thank God about? How can you express praise afresh to Jesus? If there’s some worries that have been troubling you, you can invite the Holy Spirit to help you more than your understanding. God is our peace. “The Lord is peace” Judges 6:24.

Praise you Jesus, for your goodness, your grace and help. You care about every aspect of our lives and every need. Thank you for all you have done. Thanks for your peace Lord.

Hiding place

And he said, Lord God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keeps covenant and mercy with your servants that walk before you with all their heart. 1 Kings 8:23

You can go searching everywhere on earth and you will never be anyone like God. Jesus is so awesome. God is a covenant keeper. His relationship with you is secure eternally. The Lord loves when we follow Him wholeheartedly. When you bring your all to Jesus, that’s true worship. In this life, there can be rough times, hardship and tragedy. The same God that keeps covenant with you, is your comforter and hiding place. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Heavenly Father, thanks for your abiding presence, comfort and peace. I want to live wholehearted for you Lord.

Beliefs and values

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13,14

Morals and beliefs are very important to the survival of our societies and is what really causes a people to flourish. Bringing up children is heaps of times of gentle guidance that teach over time what really matters. Don’t let go of what you believe, generations are depending on your values. What happens when people can’t say what they believe anymore? We are called to be salt and light in our world. You can make a good difference with your insights.

Lord Jesus, thanks for every opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Help me shine for you everyday.

Serving Jesus

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

God is good to us. The Lord causes everything to work together for the good of us who love God and have a calling in Jesus. Every time you go to the Lord, you find peace, understanding and wisdom. There isn’t anything you do for God that has no purpose. “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 So be encouraged in living for Jesus, He has a way of making everything turn out well.

Heavenly Father, thanks for your will. Help me always be enthusiastic about serving you Jesus.

Faithful love

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

I love a game of netball. When the main emphasis is on good sportsmanship and having fun, no matter what the score is, that’s a fantastic game. In life we have our wins and losses and all the while, the Holy Spirit is our best cheerleader. God has a gentle way of correcting us and guiding us. So great is the mercies of the Lord that He keeps us from tragedy. When God sees us, He sees us from the work of the cross. Could be time to get back in the game.

Lord Jesus, thanks for your mercies that are new every morning. I want to walk close to you, amen.

Purpose

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 118:1

People can find purpose in different ways. What is ultimate purpose? We have the ultimate purpose of praising God. Jesus deserves our praise. He is good! The Lord is just and true. God has love that is faithful and endures forever. Always remember the love that Jesus has for you. When you are going through a storm, knowing the love of God keeps you at peace. God is good. You can base your life on His goodness. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness and heart of love.

Heavenly Father, thanks for your love. Help me to remember your love every day and praise you Lord.

Believers

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17

How much has Christian friends have made a difference in my life. When you get around people who believe in Jesus, someone is going to be encouraged, blessed and ready for the new week. That’s what fellowship means to believers. You know you are loved and someone is praying for you. There will always be people more mature in the faith, wiser and stronger in God that just being around them kindles fire in your spirit. Never underestimate what one act of kindness or word of wisdom can mean to someone.

Thanks Lord Jesus, help me be a blessing in fellowship and glean from people’s life and faith in you Lord.

Unconditional love

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38,39

How great is the love of God! The Holy Spirit tells us that we are children of God(Romans 8:16). You can bask in Jesus’ love for you. There is no way that you can be separated from His love. We don’t have to be afraid of suffering alone, God is always beside us. You can be secure in your relationship with God. Being God’s child means closeness to Jesus, unmerited favour and unconditional love. Keep the Lord in the forefront of your mind as you are always on His mind.

Lord Jesus, you mean the world to me. Thanks for your close fellowship.

Belonging to Jesus

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

As Jesus was born, angels announced praise to God and peace apon people favoured by the Lord. “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

If you belong to Jesus, you are the favoured of the Lord and have peace from God. As we live in the kingdom of God, we have access to all God’s promises, including peace to transcends understanding. You are blessed. You are the redeemed of the Lord. Don’t let the world steal the peace Jesus has for you.

Thanks Lord Jesus, you are hallowed. Praise you and thanks Father for your peace.

Encouragement

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

The Holy Spirit gives us the passion for preaching the gospel. My uncle Pete told me he used to preach to the cows in the paddock. Lol. Such was the zeal of His love for Jesus. Sometimes you could only have a small congregation or larger. Whoever you are able to preach to, sharing the gospel is worthwhile. There’s a fire that the Bible describes that you can’t hold back His Word. “If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.” Jeremiah 20:9 Have you ever been encouraged in the Lord and that just energises you to live for Jesus. Encouragement gives courage to be that blessing in other’s lives, to go the extra mile and be a part of the answer in Christ.

Heavenly Father, thanks for your Word. I need your Holy Spirit to cause a passion to proclaim your gospel, amen.

New people

1 Peter 1:3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

Have you known the great mercy of the Lord? That gives us much reason to praise God! Jesus has rescued us and we have been born again. What Jesus did giving His life on the cross, changed the world forever.

What that means to our lives is, we are new people. You can walk with a spring in your step, giving praise to Jesus, as you remember all He has done. You have a special purpose to fulfill in the Lord. The future is yet to be written.

Thanks Jesus, for your wonderful mercy, help me be all you have called me to be in you Lord.

Pilgrimage

Not that I have already attained, or am

already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Philippians 3:12

There’s something wonderful about being on a journey in your faith. We have not yet arrived. There is more to learn and understand in the Lord. “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” Psalm 84:5 Every time you keep up in following Jesus, you are pressing on to go the distance. Success is not perfection, success is measured progress. Spending time with the Lord, working on areas of your life with the help of the Holy Spirit, means you’ll be growing.

Father God, thanks for the upward calling in Jesus. Help me press on and live on the cusp of all you have said in your Word.

Lifting up Jesus

O God, my heart is steadfast [with confident faith]; I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul. Psalm 108:1

Singing praise isn’t just something to do to pass time, praise is powerful. Praise keeps your heart and soul steadfast towards the Lord. When you praise God, you are reminded of how God Jesus is and how you are mercifully kept by his grace. What is the song on your heart today? What a privilege and blessing to be able to come before the Lord with a song of praise. Not only are we lifting up Jesus, as we praise God, His presence fills the place and we are blessed as well.

Thank you Jesus, your presence is so good and I love to praise you.

Momentum

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58

As you keep gratefulness as a priority, remembering how blessed you are and have been, your life gathers momentum. Your story is interlinked with the Lord so there is always something good to reflect upon. “The path of life leads upward for the wise” Proverbs 15:24. Even when you sow in tears, you know there will be rejoicing when you reap.(Psalm 126:5) Stay confident that God is always there. Our thankfulness is how we keep our spirits up with consistency. How can you give thanks to Jesus today?

Heavenly Father, thanks for all the ways you have blessed me, so many that I can’t count them.