Praise Jesus

Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19

Praising Jesus for all He is doing and has done. Has been incredible hearing Dr Amy Orr-Ewing at Hillsong Conference, talking about her journey of believing in Jesus and sharing her faith with academics and people from all walks of life. When she was 15, the year after the Berlin Wall came down, she was there preaching with YWAM about Jesus and inviting people to know him. God gave them the gift of speaking in the Chzech language for that moment in time, to converse and pray with people. There were thousands there. In those times young people were having 8 hour prayer meetings and not even noticing the time. What an encouragement! God was moving in the 90’s and He is very much moving today. As we expect and keep praying, what miracles will happen all around us. What is the mission God has called you to currently? I know I have been talking about evangelism lately, just excites me so much! We are stepping into all God has for us as we walk by faith and not by sight.

Heavenly Father,

I know you do miracles in real time. Help me to be in the eye of your will, being someone willing to share the gospel and praying your kingdom come. Believing we will see Jesus bring more and more people from darkness to light. Praise the Lord!

Keep praying

“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

I was reading about heaven and how every gate was made from a single pearl. When I think of gates I think of people being able to enter the city. Prayer and intercession could make the difference in more and more people being able to enter those gates into heaven. Your prayers make an eternal difference by the Spirit of God. The city didn’t need lamps, there was no night, because the Lord filled the place with light. How incredible. Jesus is the light. While we are on the earth, Jesus is the light of the world. God lights up the darkness with the cross of Jesus and His resurrection. The light of the Lord shines everywhere. Blessed, so blessed are we to be bearers of Jesus’ light. The grace and truth of Jesus is not only for just us, Jesus is for everyone. As we shine our lights for Jesus, the earth will be like heaven, light all around. Praise the Lord.

Heavenly Father, thanks for your light that shines in the darkness. Help me be a bearer of your light in the everyday, remembering especially those who are yet to know you Jesus.

Multitudes saved

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

I love the way Peter expected everyone he was preaching to, to repent and be baptised. Sometimes, we get what we expect. As we raise our expectations of people’s response to salvation, how many more will repent, be baptised and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit? We are believing to see multitudes turn to Jesus and be baptised. Are you able to envision that? As we do, we are sure to see that happen in real time. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 The Jewish people in biblical times, had an awareness of the sacrificial system and were already seeking to be righteous to God. They would have known they needed forgiveness… first people need the understanding that they need forgiveness and then we get to explain how, Jesus. Others would have had the realisation first by the preaching, that they needed forgiveness. How blessed are we to have the Word of God and the freedom to believe and help people also believe.

Heavenly Father, yours is the kingdom and you have said that you are happy to give us the kingdom (Luke 12:32). We are believing for everyone who will, to turn and live for you Jesus.

Being prepared

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29

How our lives need the presence of God. Jesus is our eternal light. Praise His name! Without Him, this life is empty. So precious is our Lord Jesus. Whatever is required by the Lord, is always worthwhile living passionately for Jesus. “Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the LORD requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 Every time you humble yourself under God’s hand, you are being prepared for greater fruitfulness in Jesus. Finding rest in Jesus is the secret to the longevity of passion for God. The Lord helps us not grow weary and keep on keeping on.

Lord Jesus, thanks for your empowering presence. I need you more than anything. Help me always be passionate about you and abiding in you Lord.

Lifelong blessings

Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Telling your children or grandchildren that vegetables are good for them, may seem to not be listened to, except they are taking everything in. Our guidance and helping them on their way is going to cause lifelong blessings in Jesus. “Correction and discipline are good for children. If they have their own way, they will make their mothers ashamed of them.” Proverbs 29:15 Studies have shown children feel safer and more likely to play at parks when there’s bollards around the grassed area. Boundaries in balance really are well received by our children and helps them feel confident and secure.

Heavenly Father, thanks for your gentle correction and guidance in my life. Help me guide and lead my little ones in your principles and to seek you in every aspect of life.

Practical wisdom

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

What a blessing to our walk is the Word of God. Seeking the Lord is priority. “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.” Proverbs 4:7 The Lord has the know how we need for every practical question we have. Knowing Jesus is to know wisdom. The disciples who walked beside Him were shaped and discipled by Him and went on to being mighty apostles of the Lord. Our relationship with Jesus brings out the best in our lives and gives us the fruit of wisdom. That word He gives you is for the present time and for the time before you.

Lord Jesus, today I want to abide in you and seek your Word and wisdom.

Magnifying Jesus

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25

Paul and Silas were set free from their chains. The time was about midnight. Instead of focusing on what was their misery, being in prison, their hearts were on eternity. They were praying and praising the Lord, singing hymns to Him. What would happen today if you just begin to pray and lift your voice in praise to Jesus. God can take you beyond the limits of your circumstances, if He decides to. Against all odds, God can bring you into the victory Jesus has already won. When you feel the pressure of the world, instead of worrying, turn to Jesus and give everything to Him and notice the peace of God on your life. What miracle moments could happen in Jesus as you pray and sing praises to God today?

Lord Jesus,

Praise you for being my Saviour and best friend. You are always there and break every chain off my life, in Jesus’ name. Help me remember to praise you in the everyday.

Blessings

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17

When you have your mates, you’re going to fine. Is so good to be around people of like minded faith. Especially when you go through difficult times, having brothers and sisters and you maintain your stability. My brother Michael has always been there for me. He fixes the breaks on my car, installs light globes, mows the lawn. Yesterday we went to a GP together for different reasons. Was heart warming to share that time with my brother as never have before since we were little. Family is so precious and also precious is the family of God. Everyone has different gifts and callings and all build up the kingdom of God together.

Lord Jesus,

Thanks for my dear family and being able to be a part of the family of God. Help me be grateful and remember to give you praise for all the blessings in my life.

Life application

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

The Lord wants to bless us and He blesses us by sharing with us the wonderful principles in His Word. As we put into practice verses and passages we read, our lives are going to move forward in Jesus. Every time we make life application from the Scriptures, we are truly being His’ disciples, taking up our cross every day. Is not a legalistic walk in Jesus, is a balance of love, truth and grace. God wants you to know Him as He knows you. Having a real relationship with Jesus is what causes us fruitfulness and freedom in the Spirit.

Lord Jesus,

Thanks for working on my life, helping me be transformed by the light of your Word.

Jesus always near

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3

There are times where you can have a panoramic view of what the Lord’s purpose is for your life is and times you are only able to see just in front of you. God doesn’t leave us in valleys by ourselves. Jesus is with us always and forever. What a comfort that the Holy Spirit is so close and present. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.” Psalm 46:1-5 Getting that word from the Lord is all you need every day to flourish.

Lord Jesus, thanks for your constant companionship. Listening for your whisper today Holy Spirit.

Building

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

Every time you consult God instead of your own natural response, every time you choose to bless, whenever you prophesy life, you are walking by faith and not by sight. Is a spiritual battle we are in and when we are aware of that, we can be on our guard and building the kingdom at the same time. “building the wall. The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon.” Nehemiah 4:17

Lord Jesus, am aware of the spiritual battle we are in and believing to complete the wall building. Thanks that you back up every prayer we make.

Productive lives

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15,16

We just had January 1 and soon we will be at Christmas! Days slip away so quickly. We can make our days work for us by putting our best efforts in. Thank God that we can begin again every morning and have a go at success for your daily walk in God and all the practicalities of living well. Everyone needs times to unplug from technology and busyness and have a sabbath as we are able. Then we are able to have a more productive working week and not burn the candle at each end.

Father God, I am grateful for every new day and opportunity to live for you Jesus. Help me manage my time well so that I can maximise my productivity and creativity each day, amen.

Joshua’s exploits

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 1:9

The Lord Jesus, the lion of the tribe of Judah, is with us. Jesus is our victory. Instead of getting discouraged or afraid, we are able to remind ourselves of who God is. The Lord is lowly and wonderful. He will always be there for us. We have the opportunity to keep praising the Lord every step forward and knowing He is close. Cast all your worries and concerns on Jesus as he cares for you(1Peter 5:7). Just as Joshua took land for God and the Israelites, we can take spiritual land for Jesus today as we continue in boldness, being strengthened by the Spirit to be witnesses for Him. We will see mountains moved into the sea as we continue to believe, in Jesus’ name.

Father God, thanks for your help in interceding and seeing spiritual land taken for you Jesus.

Courageous belief

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Keep your enthusiasm for Jesus. Where there is expectancy, there can be miracles by the Lord’s mighty power. Don’t lose your belief in what God can do. Sometimes the natural world takes a while to catch up with the real spiritual world. Because of our persistence in prayer, we will see the promises of God come to pass.  “I would have fainted, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord!” Psalm 27:13,14

Lord Jesus, I declare your goodness over today and everything believed for. You are able to do more than we can ask or imagine Lord.

Step forward

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

God is always going before you. Jesus is the true pioneer, making a way as we step forward in Him. The Lord will never leave your side or turn away from you. Be encouraged and don’t worry, God wants to build up your spirits. When you have heard  Jesus calling you? The time for following Jesus is today. “He said to another man, “Follow me.”

But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:59,60

Lord Jesus, you are my Lord. I will always choose you over everything and anything else. Following you is my delight.

Priority and purpose

Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you Exodus 23:25

Saying grace is a key to blessing in our lives. Being aware that Jesus is there with you and worshipping Him daily is our priority and purpose. Jesus is Lord, God deserves all of our praise and worship. When you are putting the Lord first, you are giving your life to Jesus in reality. When I was at the dinner table with my cousins and Uncle and Auntie when I was little, before someone said grace, everyone would spend a minute altogether praising the Lord, each in our own words. Worshipping Jesus is so wonderful and brings such a blessing in our lives.

Praise you Lord, I seek to remember you at each meal time. Thanks for being my Lord, Jesus.

Exalting Jesus

Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1

God has every day of our lives written in His book. He has wonderful plans for your life, in His perfect faithfulness. What happens as we remember all Jesus is to us and how He helps us every day, is we are lead to praise Him and thank Him. Ephesians 3:14 says, “ When I think of the wisdom and scope of his plan, I fall down on my knees and pray to the great Father of all the great family of God.” Gaining new vision from heaven causes us to praise Jesus! Is never outdated to have fear and awe of God.

Lord Jesus, I am believing for miracles to happen. I know you have a wonderful plan for each person and I get to praise and exalt you as I know your faithfulness and goodness.

Salvation in Jesus

For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2

We are set free to live for Jesus. Imagine being rescued and made righteous in Christ. That is our reality and something to always be grateful for. As believers, we are accepted in the beloved, are pure and holy and the light of the world in Jesus. Salvation is a free gift, there’s nothing we can do to achieve that, is something the Lord blesses us with, because of Jesus. We are graced to live for Him. In everything that we do, we are living for God. Our praise and worship is the songs we sing from our hearts. That is wonderful. Praise and worship is also the lives we live, all for Jesus.

Heavenly Father, thanks for the gift of Jesus, who has saved each one of us by His blood.

Members of God’s family

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. Galatians 3:16

Is so wonderful to be all children of God. Trust is so important. You need to be able to trust people you do life with every day. Our Heavenly Father can always be trusted. How can we be trustworthy in being members of God’s family? I have so needed the grace of God in my life and am forever grateful for that. We are children of God and that makes us brothers and sisters in Jesus. Brothers and sisters in Christ are responsible for being salt and light on the earth. We are all on a mission. There are more people to reach, teach and inspire in Jesus.

Lord, help me be reflective of your grace and wisdom Jesus.

Faithfulness of God

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

Praising Jesus keeps our minds set on God. As you go about your day, know you have Jesus with you always. When the unexpected happens in your day, that won’t move you, because your life is on the rock of Christ Jesus. We are seated with Christ in heavenly places. We are citizens of heaven and so we belong in God’s presence and every spiritual blessing in Jesus, is ours. Praise is the constant reminder of the faithfulness of God. His character never changes. His love is everlasting. How great the Lord is. He gave His son for everyone, the sacrificial lamb that made us righteous. So much we have to celebrate Jesus about. Praise the Lord!

Lord Jesus, thanks for your salvation. Praise you today. Thanks for your peace that is always there. Bless you Lord.