Jesus our comfort

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18

Is wonderful the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Whatever hard times you have endured, that cannot be compared to what we have to look forward to in Jesus. Be encouraged, there is more of the Lord’s lovingkindness and mercy and more. In times of grief and loss, God is even closer to us. Jesus comforts us so greatly that so we then are able to comfort others. Knowing heaven is closer than we know is like a warm hug when we feel cold. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Heavenly Father, thanks for your great comfort and consolation’s. I hide in you and you are my Lord and place of safety. Praying for those who have had loss of loved ones in Nepal. Comfort the Nepalese people in Jesus’ name.

Daily lives

Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You! Psalm 119:11

What happens when you memorise scriptures? Your conscience is sharpened, your knowledge and understanding of God increases and our love for people grows. The Bible is filled with wisdom and tells of who God is and Jesus’s heart for people. As we get to know Jesus better, that is going to have a good influence on our lives. “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 The Lord rejoices as we begin in Him. Every step you make living for Jesus and loving Him matters. Reading, memorising and meditating is worthwhile. Knowing Jesus changes our worldviews and how we live our daily lives.

What scripture have you been thinking of lately?

How could you soak in the Word today?

Lord Jesus, thanks for your Word, that you quicken to me. I want to know your heart, because I want to please you.

See the blessing

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Who is the most positive person you have ever encountered? They are genuinely filled with belief that something good shall occur. God is a positive thinker. He’s always bringing good from whatever happens. Jesus helps us to see the positive in everything. However you are feeling, just begin to praise and thank the Lord. God’s heart for you is to be filled with all the fullness of the spirit of the Lord. In what you do, know God wants to bring fruitfulness and multiplied blessing. Abiding in Jesus is key to our success and longevity. Knowing everything is working together for our good helps us to keep stepping forward into all God has purposed us for. In the background of our lives, there is Jesus, fulfilling His promises day by day, bringing His Word to life in our present times.

Lord Jesus, your presence is all my dreams come true at every moment with you. Thanks for being so faithful to bring the good in every situation.

Belonging in Jesus

Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He has blessed us in Christ with every blessing which is in heaven, such as the Spirit gives us. Before the world was made, God chose us in Christ. He chose us that we should be holy and good before him. Because he loved us, he planned that we should be his own children. It is through Jesus Christ that we are God's children. That is the way God wanted it to be. Ephesians 1:3-5

What a Father in heaven we have! God dreamed us up before the creation of the world. You are predestined, loved and chosen in Jesus. You have been made especially for the Lord. We are His beloved children. That means in Jesus, we have every spiritual blessing. All the love and peace of God is ours because we belong to Jesus. Our lives are kept in the everlasting arms of God. “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27

Heavenly Father, you are so wonderful and present in all of our lives. I’m so grateful for your grace, love and presence in Jesus.

Jubilation

It is time to bring back the ark of the Lord. 1 Chronicles 13:3

In the kingdom of God, there are seasons of renewal. You know when it’s time to pick up that guitar again, drawing near to the majesty of Jesus. Imagine the jubilation and happiness the Israelites felt as they were planning to bring the ark back. They wanted to be close to the Lord and His presence was in the ark. The presence of God is something we should never take for granted. How wonderful that God dwells with His people by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus has made a way for us to enter the very Holy of Holies. As we have reverence for God and worship Him, how His heart is delighted.

What are you thinking of refreshing in your relationship with God?

How has this new season made your heart glad in the Lord?

Lord Jesus,

You give me great reason for jubilation in your presence Jesus. Is time for more of your closeness as I worship you.

Salvation

"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

You could search the world and not ever find what you are looking for. Only in Jesus is salvation. He is the only way for us to enter heaven. Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour is the most important decision a person could make ever. The search is over and His name is Jesus! Not only does God save us eternally, He is present in our daily lives, saving us from danger. My heart goes out to those in Nepal who have lost loved ones. Praying for the comfort of heaven and for souls to be saved in that precious nation.

How have you known the salvation of Jesus in your life?

Who could you believe for, to come to know the Lord today?

Lord Jesus, thanks for your salvation. I pray for loved ones that are yet to know you. Help those in Nepal grieving for those they love. May your Spirit move across the nation, comforting and bringing hope and peace in Jesus.

Passion for praising Jesus

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

Jesus is the God of Israel! Is so wonderful that every believer gets to be welcomed into the throne room with Jesus, praising and worshipping the Lord. I have recently been reading about David and his army hiding in the hills. The Psalms denote David’s classic desire for the Lord. In difficulty, he didn’t rely on his own devices, he believed the Lord had kept him alive and God was his hiding place. Is always the time for devotion for Jesus. Our praise and worship is precious to the heart of God. We are practicing for eternity every day.

How have you had Jesus close even in difficulties?

What attributes of God could you focus on today?

Lord Jesus,

Thanks that you have made a way for us to enter in to your presence Lord. I love praising and worshipping you Jesus!

Keep believing

“Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” Genesis 18:14

How hard is too hard? There isn’t anything that is too hard for the Lord. Jesus is the miracle worker that lives in our neighbourhood. Waiting is sometimes longer than expected, as Sarah discovered. However, at the correct time, God steps into the scene. Being able to keep your hope in God in the midst of hardship is key to longevity in the passionate life for Jesus. Abraham and Sarah received what they had been praying about, the promise of God is never late. Sarah even laughed when the angel was saying about her having a baby. If we are able to keep God’s voice as what our heart’s lean upon, we are going to believe against all hope. “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed” Romans 4:18

How has the Lord encouraged your belief in His promises?

What in the Word could you declare today?

Lord Jesus, thanks for being so close always. Help me to believe in all your promises.

Green pastures

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. Psalm 23:1

The Lord our shepherd has everything we need in Him. As we look to Him in our every day lives, we are going to flourish. You know you have a protector. You know you have a friend forever. God leads us into peace and refreshment in the Holy Spirit. Whatever you are going through, the Lord is above all that and you are seated in Jesus in heavenly places with Him. Immerse yourself in His great love today. Remembering all He has taken you from and how He has rescued you from helps you keep persevering and believing for all God will do. Praise goes before breakthrough.

What is Jesus telling you about who you are to Him today?

How are you being kept by the Lord?

Heavenly Father, thanks that you are my shepherd and you keep leading me to green pastures and beside still waters. You take away all my fears.

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

Imagine the maker of the heavens and earth shining His face on you. His warm love melts away our fears and He gives us His peace. Thank God for His grace and lovingkindness. I have a sitting room and when the sun streams in the window, what a blessing. That reminds me of the Lord shining over lives. As we lift up loved ones in prayer, we are able to believe for the Lord’s face to shine upon them, for His grace to overwhelm them and His peace on their lives. We are blessed to have the presence of God with us wherever we go.

How have you experienced the Lord’s face shining upon you?

Who could you believe for today for the Lord to move in their lives?

Lord Jesus,

Thanks for your wonderful presence. I bless you Lord. Thanks for being mindful of my loved ones and shining on them with your face Lord and blessing them with peace.

Perfect peace

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

Praise and worship is something that fills our hearts with who God is and helps our focus. Jesus does a sanctifying work in our lives as we dwell in His presence. It’s the goodness of God that leads us to turn our lives around for Him. Praise the Lord for His abiding presence. He’s always working in our lives, refining and helping us be a light for Jesus. Keeping your mind on the Lord is something spending time with Him helps. You are God’s beloved and He wants to dwell with you.

How are you being reminded of God’s presence with you?

What is something about Jesus that has impacted you today?

Lord Jesus, thanks for your abiding presence and faithfulness. Help me guard my heart and fix my soul on praising and worshiping you Lord.

Zealous for Jesus

not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; Romans 12:11

Being zealous for the Lord means we are passionately committed to God’s kingdom and Jesus is number one in our lives. Before the world began, God had you in mind. Jesus has purposed you for life to the full in Him. Today is the day of God’s salvation. Is the day to live for Jesus. Being in the Lord is not a heavy burden. His burden is light. As you follow the road map God has set for you from His Word, you are going to find encouragement, guidance and help from the Holy Spirit. More than will power alone, the Holy Spirit empowers us in our walking with Jesus. If you try in your own strength, that’s tiring, when you are being filled by the Holy Spirit, He leads us and helps us and lightens the load.

How could you wait on the Holy Spirit today?

What could you train in diligence for, in serving the Lord?

Lord Jesus,

Renew my passion for you Jesus. I want to be on fire for you Holy Spirit.

Life building

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”  2 Corinthians 9:15

When we are grateful, we have more happiness. There is something so life building about counting our blessings. Really helps to have our focus on the positive. Always, there will be other things we may find ourselves dwelling on, except as we intentionally remember the Lord and all the good things He has done in any given day, what a blessing. Being grateful isn’t just an automatic happening. Is something we can stoke up in our lives, gratefulness. Really is a key to our wellbeing. We will always be blessed, if we are aware of the goodness of God. I love that song Jenn Johnson wrote about the goodness of God. The song says what we all want to articulate of God. All our lives the Lord has been faithful and so good. Such an incredible God that we serve.

What are some good happenings you could give thanks to Jesus for today?

How could be intentional about gratitude in your daily life?

Lord Jesus, you are so good to me. Thanks for every new day and every blessing. Help me remember all your works and just being thankful that you are there.

Step forward

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

Has been so fun attending my daughter’s netball games this season. All us parents are there, cheering on the team. Whenever I cheer on Shelley I feel like she may lift her head that much more and play her game confidently. I know other parents are believing the same for their children on the team. Reminds me of how our Father God is championing us in our every step. God is on your side! He is there cheering you on in life. Be encouraged, the Lord has you in His hand and nothing can take you out of His hand. “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:28-30

The love of God is so great for us all. Jesus wants each one of us to have the peace that He gives that is not from this earth, is from the Lord himself.

How have you known God cheering you on?

What is an area you would love the peace of God for?

Heavenly Father, thanks for your great love and faithfulness. Fill me with your peace and give me fortitude to live victorious in you Jesus.

Shine for Jesus

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:16

There’s nothing more that the enemy wants to do than water down our Christianity, in our nation. On the census form this year they had a choice of religion for Muslims and Buddhist people, yet for Christians, they have divided us into denominations. This is divisive because the general population can connect with being a Christian yet they may not have a clue about denominations. Why this push to water down our faith and ultimately our beliefs and values. Then there was questions you had to answer, prior to the religion question, about your sexual orientation? Is that not a private matter? Why does the government need to know that information? They have also put controversial sexuality above religion, therefore promoting that, by order of placement on the census. As believers, we need to keep shining for Jesus. The Bible tells us not to hide our light. Even unbelievers have shared with me that they don’t think was right that they have divided Christians into denominations on the census. May we continue to pray for our nation and our nation’s leaders and decision makers, for God’s blessing and wisdom to be upon them.

Heavenly Father, help us to be united as Christians for your cause Lord Jesus. Bless the people who run our nation and may we be free to believe and have peaceful lives living for the Lord. Thanks for moving across Australia Holy Spirit.

Next generations

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

Thank God we have been brought up learning beliefs and morals from our parents, grandparents and family. What a remarkable responsibility we have to pass on what we believe to our children and grandchildren and our nieces and nephews. If you could impart any wisdom or knowledge to the next generations, what would that be? The passing on of what we believe is so critically needed. Today, as I am going to see my daughter in a relay race, I am reminded of how wonderful to help others understand what’s important in life. Like a relay race, our team of our families and indeed society, can’t win unless we pass those golden gems on.

How has your life been blessed by loved ones living for Jesus?

What could you do to help the next generations know the Lord and His ways?

Heavenly Father, thanks for all that has been imparted by my loved ones in my future. Help me remember to pass on knowledge of who you are Lord, your Word and ways.

Testing and approval

Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:10

Having beliefs and values that line up with our daily lives is important. Sometimes as we are tested, we find areas that could improve and areas that we need God’s help and grace. The Lord purifies us in our testing times. Job went through what he never expected and yet he kept his reverence for God. I was telling my daughter yesterday that often when I say something that’s what I get tested on by the Lord and that’s what happened yesterday. Keeps us humble knowing we are ordinary people who serve an extraordinary God. Job didn’t do anything wrong that made him have circumstances go so wrong. It was his perspective he was responsible for and he kept confidence in God.

What areas have you felt tested in?

How can you show your reverence for God in your life?

Heavenly Father,

Praise you for knowing everything and that in your testing of me, you refine me. I trust in you Lord Jesus.

Love in everything

"Let all that you do be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14

Having loved ones in our lives is so precious. Our interactions need always to be in love, that’s the measure of goodness we need. Every time you do something with thoughtfulness for someone, you are blessing the Lord. Is good to keep in mind that in our everyday the love we bring is the excellent way of living. Jesus explains about the greatest love. “Greater love has no one than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 Sacrificial love is what Jesus showed us and the Holy Spirit helps us in giving and blessing and sometimes sacrificially helping those around us. Even in our communities we are sometimes surprised by blessings. The other day, my neighbour mowed my verge lawn, without being asked, such a blessing. Everyday, we have opportunities to be mindful of people and how we may bless them.

What’s a small gesture you could do for someone today ?

How have you been by the lovingkindness of Jesus and people in your life?

Lord Jesus, thanks for your ultimate love. Thanks for laying down your life for us all. Help me have the same love you have for people Father God.

Good overcomes

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21

There is so much we read in the news which could weigh us down. Except, we have this belief in the Lord that He brings His light and love into the world by the power of the Holy Spirit. God is always working in the unseen, overcoming evil with good. The Lord wants us to be different from the world around us. Knowing Jesus affects our speech, our attitudes and our actions. Going that extra mile for someone, being a listening ear, contributing to the good on the earth. The cross is a universal symbol of Jesus being the Saviour of the world. Being in Jesus means bearing a cross each day. As disciples of Jesus, we bring the Lord’s presence and light.

Lord Jesus,

Praying for your good to overcome evil, and for your light would shine brighter and brighter.

Blessed in our souls

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12

Jesus is someone to be so excited about! The reality that we will be in heaven one day with God is something to rejoice in. You have all sufficiency in Jesus our Lord. That means you have all needed to complete the calling the Lord has on your life. You are able to see past barriers that have held you back previously. You are stepping into new realms of closeness in God. The Lord has you kept by angelic protection as He promises in His Word. As we keep praying continually with Jesus in mind, and living well, even in rough times having patience, we are going to be so blessed in our souls.

How have you known the angelic protection of the Lord?

How does the reality of heaven with Jesus encourage you in your daily life?

Heavenly Father, thanks for your uplifting Spirit. I can’t wait to be with you in heaven. Help me to have a great attitude and patience in everything.