Set free

As it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. They have all together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one. Romans 3:10-12

Have you ever had a go at walking up an escalator when the escalator was going down. I’m sure I have at some point, lol. Is hard work getting up those escalators when they are going downwards. Or when you are swimming at the beach and get carried far from where you began. You need to literally swim against the current. Life can feel like that. We are just making progress and then struggle as we are working against the pull. Thank God for the work of the Holy Spirit. God takes the human effort out of our walk with Jesus. We are blessed to be able to rest in the finished work of the cross. Jesus’ death and resurrection means that we don’t fight in our own strength, we fight from a place of victory and overcoming in the Lord.

Thanks Lord Jesus, for your eternal grace and limitless help. Help me rest in the finished work of the cross.

Stay grateful

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

What a great way to begin each day, thanking the Lord for the day and committing everything to Him. As we stay grateful and aware of the goodness of God daily, grumbling will not happen and that is pleasing to God. “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blamelesss and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Philippians 2:14-15 Sometimes you need to discover new motivations for living up to all that the Lord has for you to fulfill.

Lord Jesus, thanks for every new day. Help me keep you at the centre of everything I do.

Being in the Father’s blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

As people who are praying for our loved ones, we have the privilege of seeing the Father’s blessing upon their lives. In the Old Testament, we see time and again, how the blessing given by a father to his children impacted them. Now that we are believers, we are children of God and therefore have the blessing from Father God. The Lord has also given us authority, that as we pray a blessing on those who we care for, they will be blessed indeed, in Jesus’ name. Pastors also, have a mantel to bless their congregations. Just a prayer can move heaven that people are impacted by the presence of God.

Heavenly Father, I have so much thankfulness for your blessing and believing today for my loved ones, that you would bless and keep them and cause unmerited favor to be on their lives, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Seeking Jesus

He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

If you plan to make a special item of clothing, what helps is having a pattern to help you to achieve the desired outcome. When we follow the pattern of seeking the Lord prior to whatever we do, we are opening a way for blessing of the Lord. The truth is, the further we go on the journey with Jesus, the less life becomes about us and the more life becomes about Jesus and the people we are reaching for Him. The more interdependent you are with the Lord, the more revelation you will find in Jesus and the more fruitfulness will result. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Lord Jesus, how much I need you. Help me to remember the importance of seeking you in everything.

More than imaginable

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Phil 1:21

Like a newborn baby that looks lovingly at his or her parents, so is our relationship with God. We are loved more than imaginable. Living is purposed for Jesus, from the time we rise in the morning, to evening. Our ordinary lives are made supernatural because of the Holy Spirit. Every time you take up your cross and follow Jesus, you are being His disciple. Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”Matt 16:24 Our calling is following Jesus daily.

Thanks Lord Jesus, I am delighted to hear you and follow you. Help me be consistent in my daily walk with you Lord, amen.

Believes in you

Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love. Psalm 33:18

God is love. When you spend time with Jesus, His love rubs off on you. We are changing because of our proximity to the Lord. God loves our respect of Him. His eye is on those who fear Him. In every step you take, God is there, watching over you and guiding you, prophesying over your life. The Lord believes in you so much, that’s the reason you can always hope in his faithful love. So whatever you’re going through, you don’t face life alone. God is your shepherd and friend, and His love will light the way forward. “Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.” Psalm 119:105

Thankyou Lord Jesus for your unfailing love. Staying close to you is everything to me.

God hears us

Thousands and thousands are waiting in the valley of decision. There the day of the Lord will soon arrive. Joel 3:14

How many are needing salvation? Where there’s an expectation of Jesus coming soon, you are more motivated to prepare yourself for the day of the Lord. Every man, woman and child needs to know about the saving grace of Jesus. There is an urgency in getting our news to everyone. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” Romans 10:13 Your prayers reach heaven and influence multitudes for eternity. We can have confidence that God hears us as Jesus showed us. “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.” John 11:41

Lord Jesus, help me be ready and help people to be ready for when you arrive.

Life to the maximum

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 Cor. 15:58

The song line, “the cross before me, the world behind me, no turning back,” is the cry of our hearts. We have an upward calling in Christ. Every new day, there are so many reasons to rejoice in the Lord and be connected to the vine of Jesus our Lord. In every high and low, we praise God. Sometimes you feel like you’ve never been so close to your dreams, and you have to say, “praise the Lord for your faithfulness!” When you are following Jesus, you have such purpose, life to the maximum. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

Heavenly Father, thanks for your presence. Help me keep you in mind, in the middle of the happenings of the day.

Staying motivated

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22,23

Sometimes day to day life overtakes our plans and goals. How do you keep being motivated year after year? The truth is the Holy Spirit gives us wind in our sails. Just as the results of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control; so the Lord can help us keep going forward with our surrendered to Jesus’ plans. “Commit your works to the Lord[submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].” Proverbs 16:3

Heavenly Father, I commit everything to you and believe to be filled with the Holy Spirit, who keeps me motivated, as I pray your will be done Lord.

Peer pressure

Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. Daniel 1:8

What do you do when you feel pressured to be something your not. Sometimes the best change is no change at all. Keeping your convictions is central to being a follower of Jesus. Daniel made up his mind. When you make up your mind, you are able to stand up for what you believe in. “No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”1 Corinthians 10:13 You will overcome because you have the Spirit of God upon your life. Praise the Lord!

Lord Jesus, thanks for your help everyday living for you.

Jesus the architect

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

God is creative and original. The origins of the heavens and the earth are from Him. Jesus is the great architect (Colossians 1:15-16). When you encounter the God of all creation, you will certainly be transformed. When a caterpillar turns into a butterfly, they are completely different creatures. They are like a miracle. God ministers new life to us, He is still creating today. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Cor 5:17

How has God created newness in your life?

The Holy Spirit gives us the supernatural ability to create and be original. What ideas/ projects could you commit to God today?

Lord Jesus, you are our creator and help us in the creative process. Help me commit every new idea to you and give you all the praise everyday.

Holiness

Sanctify them by your truth, your word is truth. John 17:17

Our daily walk of faith is being purified by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Holiness is who Jesus is. As we invite God into every area of our life, He makes us holy, set apart for Him. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16 All of our failures find redemption in Jesus. When you come to the cross, there you meet the Lord. Praise God for His salvation. God sanctifies us, we are not where we used to be, and we are not yet at our destination. We are a work in progress. How has God worked salvation in your life? Praise is our response as we are so grateful for all the Lord has done and who He is to us.

Thanks Lord Jesus, your life given, means redemption and real life change to mine.

We are the Lord’s

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

God cares for us, even amidst our brokenness and fragility, the Lord has us in his hands. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” John 10:27-28 We are the Lord’s and hear his voice and follow Him. Jesus is our good shepherd. How can you practice listening to Jesus today? God is our keeper and help. Just one moment in the Lord’s presence can bless your day and ignite a passion for Him.

Heavenly Father, thanks for your complete love and peace. I love hearing your voice and following you Jesus.

Persistence in prayer

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Every time a worry comes across your path, you can go and roll that on to the Lord. He takes our burdens and worries, these are too much for us and slow us down. When you focus on the Lord’s promises, and bring your circumstances into the light of all He says in His Word, what is not possible… If we can be persistent in prayer, worries are less likely to arise. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Dear Lord Jesus, thanks for your love. I give you all my worries and thank you Lord.

Seeking Jesus

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

We are ones set apart, on journey closer to Jesus. Like when you go for a drive in your car, as you go from neutral into drive, you are moving forward. Every time you are thinking of Jesus, you are making progress. When you head towards the Lord, you are in fact trusting Him. God keeps our attention by our praise and worship. As we acclaim who He is, a holy exchange happens. Just like still waters gain movement after rains, the presence of God brings peace. So how do we bring that touch of heaven into our everyday experience? We can think about the nature and character of God and recognise how that impacts our lives.

Lord Jesus, I love seeking you. Thanks for your peace and grace, your truth and freedom, your justice and love.

New beginnings

Therefore is anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

The Bible is filled with practical wisdom for living as an overcomer. God uses us ordinary people to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth, as we pray and take real steps of faith. God has made us new and that is what we are. When you go to help someone, you are helping Jesus. Everyone has the same Spirit of God, the same God that sanctifies us daily, the same Lord who is our healer. Our big visions begin with the smallest beginnings. “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” Zechariah 4:10

Thankyou Lord for making me new in you Jesus. Help me practically walk your will in my everyday life.

Making memories

“He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Cor 1:31

Being a worshipper is purposefully making memories glorifying the Lord. When your reality is shaped by your time in worship of Jesus, you have a happy life indeed. Drawing from our experience in corporate worship at church in the week, empowers us living for Jesus. How sweet is times in God’s presence, singing and praising Him, declaring the sovereign reign of Jesus. Never underestimate the importance of your delight in your Lord and his delight in you. “Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” Psalm 103:1

Lord Jesus, in your presence is where I love to be. As I worship you, draw me up in who you are God.

Set for a blessing

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to seperate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

When you have the love of Jesus framing your life, you are set for a blessing. Being in the Lord’s love causes us to be complete. “Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” Jude 1:21 Thank God our relationship with Jesus isn’t a one way relationship. Just as we love Jesus, He loves us. As we praise Jesus, God lives in our praises. When you talk to your Heavenly Father, He talks to you as well. “The Father has loved us so much that we are called children of God. And we really are his children.” 1 John 3:1

Thanks Lord Jesus for your love and kindness. Help me live from that place of closeness and revelation of you every day.

Mission

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

There is so much mystery and wonder in the Lord. If we can have child like faith, what a wonderful we can find. In your prayer life, that place of stillness is filled by the presence of God. “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:7,8 As we align ourselves with the purpose of the kingdom of God in drawing near to Jesus, we are going to be drawn into that realm of the Spirit. There we can hear the Father’s heart for us and be prepared for our mission each day.

Heavenly Father, thanks for your love and closeness. Help me draw near in reverence and awe of you Lord Jesus.

Help and shield

Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20

Where can your soul find a place of peace, except for in Jesus… God, who has ransomed and redeemed us, is our help and our shield. A shielded person is protected in a time of danger. In God there is such a place of safety. He even says for us not to worry about anything. “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 4:6-7 In Jesus, we have peace and help. Have you ever gone through a time, when you could have been stressed, or worried and instead you found yourself praising the Lord? Praise God for Jesus, who is close.

Thanks Lord Jesus, you are my help and my shield. I find peace in you every day. I bring you everything and believe you are helping me, amen.