Reaching people

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Romans 1:16

Knowing the message and how to deliver in a concise manner and asking God for opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus with others is going to make a difference in the community around you. When the disciples had no catch after all night of fishing, Jesus asked them to put their nets on the other side and they made the catch of their lives. “Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” he told them, “and you’ll find some.” So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish. John 21:6 God knows where the people that need the gospel are. We can seek the Lord and He can lead us to them! God can give us key ways in reaching people.

Heavenly Father, thanks for the gospel of Christ. Help me have opportunity to share Jesus and have boldness, amen.

Happiest people on earth

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

Christians are the happiest people on earth. Even in suffering, there is the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit. We are being saved. There is so much to be grateful for. The Lord gives us vision. Vision for a greater future. Having vision helps us remember our reason for going the distance, at times when we need that. Reminds me of that poem, “Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket, save it for a rainy day.” We have God life, that wherever we go, so does the Spirit of God. That purpose is for every believer.

Lord Jesus, I need the cross in my life. Help me stay in the eye of your will.

Being filled

Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24

In the Lord is encouragement. Just day in day out can ware us down sometimes. Being in Jesus is like a breath of fresh air. God encourages us and strengthens our walk with Him, as we abide in the Lord. The Spirit of God can cause you to have that get up and go. Being filled doesn’t just happen, just like building a fire, when the flames die down, you build the fire again. “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:31

Thanks Lord, you are my comforter and help.

Real love

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:17,18

I love how the Word helps us understand working with people and how to live in harmony with everyone. The cross reminds us of having love, the vertical, our relationship with God and the horizontal, our relationships with people. Because of what Jesus did, we have redeemed relationships with God and people. We can take the high road, keeping at peace. Our lives can change the world because of our love for God and love for our fellow people. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35 Our love declares the power of the cross in our lives.

Heavenly Father, thanks for the blessing of your Holy Spirit, empowering us in our love for you Lord, and our genuine love for people.

Eternity

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 3:23

We all need Jesus. No matter how hard we try, our lives can never measure up to perfection. In fact, because we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), we all deserve death. That doesn’t have to be our story. God changed our lives forever when He sent Jesus, who gave His life for us. We can’t work for our salvation, the Lord gives us eternal life in Jesus. We just need to accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, beginning a genuine friendship with God, and we will have eternity together with Jesus!

Praise you Jesus, for your gift of salvation. I believe in you and receive you as my Lord and Saviour.

Celebrating the Lord

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

The way God creates every person so special and unique is spectacular. God rejoices over you and you are the apple of His eye. As we celebrate the Lord, that’s praise! We have been adopted in His family, because of Jesus. And you are wanted, loved and appreciated by the Lord. Oh, how He loves us. Imagine having your birthday every day. That’s what having a real relationship with Jesus is like. The Lord loves you so much, his favour is upon your life. God delights in you. Praise the Lord!

Heavenly Father, thanks for making me fearfully and wonderfully. I praise you for being so loving Father. You’re worthy of all of my praise Lord Jesus.

Devoted

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! The children of men take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7

We run to God. There is safety in the Lord. Have you ever been on a long journey and then you finally get back home. How good is that feeling of being home. God’s presence is like that. We just want to be close to the Lord. “God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.  ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’[a] As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” Acts 17:27,28

Delighting in the Lord is the greatest privilege. Being devoted is being set apart. Set apart for His praise. Set apart for His calling. We were made for kingdom purpose. In our families, our workplaces, our friendships, we get to shine for Jesus.

Heavenly Father, as you are close, I feel so secure. Help me devote myself to you. In Jesus name, amen.

Freedom and peace

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

Great is the faithfulness of the Lord. God is like the best friend that never gives up on you. His compassionate love doesn’t fail. Because of Jesus, our relationship with God is always secure. God sees us through the light of the cross, our failures redeemed. Every morning is a brand new beginning, because of the new mercies of the Lord. As we bring our lives to God every day, we no longer carry the heavy burden of regret. God creates a fresh slate for us to live in His freedom and peace.

Praise you Jesus, you are the Lord of my life.  Help me keep in step with you each new day.

Purpose aligned

I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

God is able to strengthen you as you dwell in Him. Praise Jesus for His presence that is always there. David understood that setting the Lord continually before him, meant he could be unshakable. In what ways can you bring the Lord into your day? When we go to do something, we can commit that to God. As you lean upon Jesus, that doesn’t make you weak, in our weakness we are strong. Knowing your need of the Lord is like setting yourself apart from the Lord. Your purpose will always be aligned with the will of God as you set the Lord before you.

Father God, thanks for closeness and care of the little things and big things. I commit everything to you and ask you to lead me in all my undertakings, in Jesus’ name, amen.

New and living way

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

When Jesus came to earth and died for us, He made a new and living way for us. “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,  by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,” Hebrews 10:19,20. You don’t have to live crushed by your circumstances. The life we now live is by faith in Jesus and everything is different because of our Saviour. We are able to have peace and a quiet confidence in the Holy Spirit. As you walk on the earth, the Lord walks with you. As you talk you have heaven’s blessing and God’s anointing to declare the word of God.

Heavenly Father, thanks for giving us Jesus, that we can have a new and living way to live.

Believing

He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. Romans 4:20,21

Our belief in God sees past obstacles, to the promise of God. When you’re petitioning the Lord, begin to thank Him in advance for answered prayer and praise God for being a good Father. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 What steps could you take as you are believing and praying. In the process of where we are going, Jesus does a work in our lives, that shapes our character and builds our relationship with Him and our friendship with others.

Thanks Lord Jesus, your presence means everything to me. Praise you for being the God who does not change, always there. Help me bring my belief up to my circumstances and thank you for answering prayers even before I see the answers, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Praise

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

We are all wanting to get the best from our schedules and many look for ways to achieve new success. Remembering praise puts you a step ahead in your day. What can you proclaim about God that would really bless His heart. I have been thinking about how good the Lord is. His grace and love is so incredible. You can bask in His love. We can praise God for His infinite greatness. We can praise Him for being our creator God.

Thanks Lord, you are worthy of all my praise. Help me remember to set up my day, praising and worshipping you, amen

Gospel, heaven’s best kept secret

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

The gospel is the eternal good news of Jesus’ salvation to the world. Sometimes that can be like heaven’s best kept secret. What are we able to do about making the good news about Jesus known? Everyone is able to pray. When you make praying about harvesters a priority, what great outcomes could happen. “So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matt 9:38

Thanks Lord Jesus, your good news is something essential to all humanity. Please send passionate believers who can collect in the harvest,

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.