Shine

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38,39

If only the world had knowledge of the love of God… When people realise how much they are loved and accepted, they begin to shine. God has demonstrated his love to us by sending Jesus who gave His life for us. “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8 That love that the Lord has given needs to be proclaimed around the world. God has already given His life for us. His salvation is freely given to whoever will come to Jesus. How grateful we are for the love of God to us personally. Nothing could possibly separate us from the Lord’s love in Christ Jesus. His arms are wide open to you. “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out.” John 6:37

Heavenly Father, thanks for your great love that is given for all the world. I rejoice in your love and about who you are.

Favour of the Lord on your life

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

There is a blessing in blessing. Blessing from heaven is the smile from the Lord on your life. How much appreciated is the prayers of our loved ones for us and our families. His light shines over us, His face is toward us, He is for us, praise the Lord! As we pray the Word of God, the Holy Spirit moves over lives, accomplishes what we could not, and brings about the will of God in lives. Don’t underestimate what your cry to heaven amounts to, that is eternal. God hears our prayers of blessings for the people of the Lord. Praise Jesus!

Lord Jesus,

The way you move as we pray is unquantifiable. Help me remember that you listen and answer prayer from my true deepest cry.

Good plans

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

God has good plans for your future and your children and grandchildren. The people of God were about to be exiled for 70 years and yet the promise was for the generations to follow. God considers the next generations with compassion. Every time you help and bless and speak life over future generations, you are aligning yourself with the promises of God. There is calling, there is purpose and reason in being intentional about building people. You may be having a wilderness experience. That’s not the end of the story. When Jesus steps into the picture, there is hope for your future and your families’ lives.

Lord Jesus, thanks for your purpose and good plans. I find refreshment in every season from your Word of life.

Help everyday

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22,23

I remember when my children were younger trying to get them all ready in time for school and getting frustrated and not always being as patient as I would have liked to be. At these times, I have learned and am still learning, to stop for a moment, just breathe, and say a quick prayer for help for my manner. That simple technique has helped me so many times to be calm and more relaxed, when under pressure. I wonder if you have practical experience of how the Lord has helped you carry the fruit of the Spirit well?

All the fruits of the Spirit are a blessing to us and build community well.

Lord Jesus,

Thanks that you are the one who empowers us to carry the fruits of the Spirit in all of our lives. Help me be patient and gentle everyday.

Knowing the character of God

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5,6

When you know the character of God, you are able to trust Him with all your heart. Joshua and Caleb had a different spirit about them. They believed that Israel should enter the promised land immediately. What made them so wholehearted? “Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God. So that day Moses solemnly promised me, ‘The land of Canaan on which you were just walking will be your grant of land and that of your descendants forever, because you wholeheartedly followed the LORD my God.’” Joshua 14:9,10 Joshua could wholeheartedly follow the Lord because He trusted Him. They had spent time with God and knew what Jesus said was what to move on. Do you find it easy to take God at His Word. We are blessed to not hold onto our fears and worries and instead trust Jesus in every step.

Heavenly Father,

I know I am able to trust you Jesus, because you are the epitome of what is true and faithful. Help me lean on you every day, following you wholeheartedly.

Not shaken

 “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.“ Psalm 16:8

Being close to Jesus, helps our resilience and ability to keep on keeping on. We never go on holidays from the need to keep up our spiritual disciplines and fervour for the Lord. Every time you reach for God, you are fulfilling your life in Christ. We don’t need to wait until we get to heaven to be close to Jesus. While we are on earth we have to awesome privilege of having relationship with God. What has the Lord being saying to you lately? How has God made you more resilient in the ups and downs of life?

Lord Jesus,

I want to fix my eyes on you as you are my Lord. Help me stay close to you always.

Cleft of the rock

The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. Psalm 118:24

Every day is a day to celebrate and praise the Lord! Gratefulness is a key to lasting happiness and peace. Knowing Jesus is with you and you have been so blessed by God, is reason to thank Him. Thanking Him for all He has done and will do helps us have a great life perspective. What are you grateful for today? Yesterday, I went with my daughter to Bells Rapids, in the hills. Just seeing Shelley sitting up in the cleft of the rock, watching the incredible panoramic views. Reminded me how God has us in the cleft of the rock. The Lord is our rock and always worthy of all our praises.

Heavenly Father, thanks for your presence every day. Help me remember you, praising you for who you are and all you have done.

Fire of God

Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11

Jesus is still coming back. The same Jesus the people saw being taken up to heaven, will come back in the same way. What a wonderful promise that everyone shares, Jesus is coming back and will be able to seen again. Now we are preparing for His return. Drawing closer to the Lord and not just maintaining, even more, taking spiritual ground for Jesus. God calls us to walk as Jesus walked on the earth, while waiting. Living stories are being created, of how the Holy Spirit is working in our lives to people around us. “Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, heal those who suffer from dreaded skin diseases, and drive out demons. You have received without paying, so give without being paid.” Matthew 10:8 Jesus gave the command to His disciples and is relevant to us today. God’s kingdom coming on earth is a partnership with Jesus and our responsibility. The fire you and I have received is not to keep to ourselves alone. The fire of God is for the world around us. Our covenant in Jesus allows us the authority of heaven and in His name, everything is possible.

Heavenly Father,

Thanks for the promise of Jesus returning soon. Help me be ready for Him coming back and operate in the work of the Spirit on earth in the present time.

Invitation to enter God’s presence

Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help. Hebrews 4:16

God has taken our fears away. He welcomes us into His presence. We don’t need to be timid about the way we pray. The verse is saying to go confidently to Jesus the king. As we enter boldly before the throne of grace, the Lord will grant us His mercy and there will be grace for you. Bringing our felt needs to the Lord is a part of having a healthy relationship with God. He cares for all of our needs and is giving us the invitation to enter His throne room. What a wonderful God we serve. Praise His name for being our Father God. What is on your mind that you could bring in boldness to the Lord today?

Lord Jesus, thanks that I am welcomed into your presence. Help me pray bold prayers and dwell with you daily, amen.

Shield

You are my hiding place and my shield; I wait for your word. Psalm 119:114

If there was a place you could go where you could feel completely free and hid from what affects you, that would be a haven of rest. Well, that’s life in Jesus. In his presence is a hidden place and knowing you are protected. Moses had a tent of meeting where he would wait for the word of the Lord. God met him as a friend. The Lord wants to meet you as his friend today. Very special is your relationship with Jesus. As you meet with him, you are going to find safety and that hidden place in His presence. There, you will flourish in Him.

Love you Lord Jesus. Thanks for being my safe place. I am hidden in you, in your presence is peace. I wait for your word Lord.

Jesus loves you

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

You come into a whole new life when you give your heart to Jesus. When we are baptised, we die as Jesus was crucified. The life we now live, is one empowered by the Holy Spirit, by faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus loves you so much, He gave himself for you. That’s something to marvel at. The love of God is so great! We are now alive in Him. Living for Jesus means we walk as He walked on the earth. The Holy Spirit wants for flow through our lives, bringing heaven to earth for God’s praise. As we pray for people, the Lord’s hand moves on their lives, as we prophesy, chains are broken, people are set at liberty, and a way is made for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. “A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Isaiah 40:3 We can be the ones calling, preparing the way for the Lord.

Thanks Jesus for your marvellous love. You gave your life for me and the life I live is in you, by faith. Today, I prophesy a way to be made for you Lord, eyes to be opened and people released in you Jesus.

Firm foundations

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Being in relationship with Jesus, is the most consistent relationship you will ever have. God is dependable, humble and loving and kind. As we build our lives on Him, we are building on a firm foundation. Following Jesus, loving Jesus and being mindful of Him all through the day is our passion as believers. Life is the most exciting when you spend life on an adventure with the Lord. His Word and the revelation of knowing Jesus causes us inspiration and new virtue every day. The Word of God is something you just want to savour, truly being our daily bread. What is the Lord teaching you from His Word today?

Lord Jesus, thanks every day for your revealed Word. Help me walk by faith and not by sight and experience your presence’ indwelling.

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.