Prayers matter

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

Our real work is in spiritual warfare. Your prayers matter. If you have an arm wrestle with someone who is very strong, much stronger than you, your chances of winning are small. If you asked a strong friend to have a go at the arm wrestle, they would win on your behalf. Just like that, if we are trying in our own strength to change natural elements, we won’t get very far. When we begin to ask God and intercede for what we are not strong enough to change, God moves on our behalf and what seemed impossible can change and happen in real life.

Thanks Lord Jesus, I thank you that you can move mountains as I go to you in prayer instead of just trying myself.

Renewal

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

The world has a pattern which is easy to conform to. “It’s easy, just be like everyone else…,” the way of the world. You know what the stats are, that doesn’t make them right. The current trends are in stark contrast to what our lives are meant for. Our values are nothing to be ashamed of. The gospel is good news, the best news that brings a breath of fresh air to the weary earth. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” Romans 1:6. We are constantly needing to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. At the stage where you’re renewing your mind, the Bible says we can test and approve the will of God.

Lord Jesus, I need the help of the Holy Spirit to live different, think different and renew my mind. Thanks for the wonderful gospel that is the power of God bringing salvation.

Go the distance

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. Psalm 55:22

When my children were younger and we had a long walk, I would begin walking just with my handbag and by the end of the walk would be holding jumpers, jackets, toys and hats. In our relationship with God whatever burdens you are carrying you can feel free to hand them to Jesus. He is strong and can help us to be able to go the distance. God lightens our load so we can complete the journey we are on. What can you give to Jesus?

Thanks Father God, I can feel confident that you can carry my burden, that I am able to finish the course.

Keep in step

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God- this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1

Being close to Jesus, is cause to offering your body as true worship. God calls us to give Him every area of our lives. Imagine a house that you could only go into some of the rooms. God wants our lives in entirety. As we live for Jesus, we will be fulfilled and keep in step with the Spirit. When in community, we are walking in the light and that’s the most complete place to be. “If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin,” 1 John 1:7.

Lord Jesus, there is such purpose in being pure. Please set me apart for you, worshipping you in a real and genuine way.

Prudence

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

You don’t have to keep looking back when the best is in your future. God doesn’t bring up our past and neither do we have to think about the past. In Jesus, we are new creations. That process of freedom has already happened and at the same time we are in progress. “The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead,”Proverbs 15:24. Being prudent is taking steps practically towards your future. If we are good stewards of our today, what could happen in our future?

Thanks Lord Jesus for your redemption and that we are able to learn from you Holy Spirit.

New beginnings

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Have you seen cars that have been restored to their original condition? They could have been mistreated, and left to fall apart. Someone comes along and takes attention to the condition and fixes the automobile up, as good as new. That’s like the works of the Lord. When the Lord brings restoration to people’s lives, what an extraordinary change there can be. As we pray and seek the Lord, we have a new beginning in our lives. We begin to flourish when in the greenhouse of God’s presence. If you can intensify your time with Jesus, then that makes it easier to make the changes you need to make. What a wonderful God we serve. He forgives us faithfully and restores our land.

Father God, thanks for opportunities to seek you. Help me make the most of the time I have available.

Pioneers

“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

When your back’s against the wall, there’s only one place you can go, and that’s forward. God has courage for us to live in the promises of God. Like explorers we will go where we have never been before, pioneering is what Joshua and the children of Israel did, as well as the early church examples for us. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread and in prayers.” Acts 2:42 As we continue in fellowshipping and good doctrine, communion and prayer, what can be possible in Jesus?

Thanks Lord Jesus, you help me have courage to step forward in you, keeping pace with the Holy Spirit.

Lovingkindness

For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear and worship Him [with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence]. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:11,12

I have heard it said that astronomers very often become believers as they see the universe and the earth, they admit to believing in a creator. The reality of God is made so pronounced up in space. As huge as our surroundings are, the lovingkindness of the Lord is so great towards us. In our respect of God, his love is unrelenting. He makes our transgressions removed as far away as you can imagine. We have a redeemed future because of the love of Jesus.

Lord Jesus, I am so grateful to know you. Your lovingkindness is so incredible. Thanks for your forgiveness and grace.

Close to Jesus

With all my heart I have sought You, [enquiring of you and longing for you]; Do not let me wander from Your commandments [neither through ignorance nor by willful disobedience] Psalm 119:10.

What do you think of when you picture the ocean? There is something about the sea that makes me think of the awesomeness of God. Whether there be breathtaking, crashing waves, or calm, still water of the bay. We are lead to Jesus, not because we are afraid, but because we are awe inspired and captivated by the wonder of God. Because of his great love, we are moved to want to please Him with all of our lives. God never abuses his power on us. He is so gentle and kind and has lovingkindness literally from heaven. He is close to us.

Thanks Father God, I see in your creation a taste of who you are, your omnipresence and your peace.

Memories

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

Have you a special place you go to hear from God? I have memories of sitting in a tree by the banks of the Moore River, pen and notebook in hand. The Holy Spirit has mysteries to share with you. Listening to the Lord is like a taste of heaven. What memories can you make with Jesus today? He has made a way that we can enter his presence, because of the blood of Jesus. Are you ready for all God has to share with you ?

Thanks Jesus, your presence means the world to me. Help me make the time for listening to your precious voice.

People who worship Jesus

A time is coming and is already here when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father seeks such people to be His worshippers. John 4:23

God is wanting true worshippers, people who worship Jesus in spirit and in reality. Jesus met the woman at the well and prophesied about true believers. These are ones who worship God as a lifestyle are what the Father seeks. There is a calling in God to be a real worshipper. Not being swayed by the distractions of the world, rather our attention being honed in on Jesus and how worthy He is. He is exalted and the Lord of Heaven and earth.

Praise you Lord Jesus, you are the King of kings and the Lord of Lords and I worship you.

Living word of God

Truly, truly, I say unto you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life. John 5:24

There are some moments you never forget and always treasure. Grateful for the first time I heard the gospel, that Jesus gave his life and we are saved in believing. What a gracious Lord. When you hear God’s Word, really hear. There’s something very wonderful about walking with Jesus. When you hear his wonderful voice, you are reminded of him as the living word of God.

Praise you God for salvation. Thanks for every time I have heard your tender voice.

Help from heaven

My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2

Each person precious to God. Your relationship with Jesus makes God smile. Dwelling with Jesus brings life and depth to our daily walk. Believe that your source is from God and wait, as the one who made heaven and earth helps you. Not just sometimes, we need Jesus every day. Keep that deep dive into the scripture, and you will be blessed. You have our creator backing you up, that’s where our help comes from.

Lord Jesus, you are the only one I cling to. I appreciate your help and your presence.

Winning

In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. Romans 8:37

There are times when you are winning in life and there are other times… Well how good would it be if we were always winning. In Jesus, we always have the victory and knowing that helps us live from that place of victory. There’s like a buoyancy we have, not because of how good we are, depending of the goodness of God and the work of the cross. Every time you look to the cross, you see with grace healed eyes. What Jesus did is still relevant today. How have you been uplifted by the victory of the Lord?

Thanks Father God, help me remember to live from that place of victory in Jesus.

Jesus the same

Jesus is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Life is always changing. There is one who remains the same, Jesus. Jesus is the best friend you could ever meet and is eternally the same, dependable and consistent in our lives. We have this fearless warrior, that is by our side, ready and able to help. In all of our successes and failures, there is Jesus, praise God for his being there for us.

Thanks Lord Jesus, you’re my good shepherd. Help me cling to you, the one who is always the same.

Peace in Jesus

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

We have peace in Jesus. Especially in times of sorrow, the Lord gives us his peace like a seal on our lives. His grace is so relevant to your life. How many times in your life, have you known the comfort and peace of the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is there for us, confirming God’s love and sonship in our lives. You can rest in the unchanging character of God. Underneath are the everlasting arms (Deut. 33:27).

Thanks Lord Jesus, your peace is a little of heaven to earth.

Blessing of praying for your loved ones

The Lord will keep you from all harm- He will watch over your life Psalm 121:7

One day, my Uncle Pete was driving and he really felt to pull over. He didn’t know that just ahead a tree had fallen right across the road and at a high speed, He could have been seriously hurt if he hadn’t stopped. So much has the Lord protected us from. Don’t underestimate the blessing of praying for your loved ones, for their protection and peace. God cares about you and those you love. Our families are blessed to have the Lord as our shelter. He is worth of our praise for all he is and all he has done. Who knows, God could be sending angels in answer to your believing prayer.

Lord Jesus, thanks for your peace and protection. Thanks for protecting my loved ones and watching over them, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Gratefulness

He was pierced for our transgressions, he was wounded for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:6

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with support; so much so that you can hardly find the words to describe your thankfulness. When you were at your lowest ebb, someone reached out to you and steadied you along. Just like you see reflections of the love of Jesus in people, God is that one steadfast rock that you always have to pick you up when you fall. Thank God for Jesus! He took our punishment apon himself. The suffering He endured was for us. Because of His wounds, we are healed.

Praise you Jesus, I can’t put into words how grateful I am for all you have done for me. Thank you and praise you for reflections of your love in people’s lives that I know.

Believing the best

Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6

Being near the good shepherd, is a worry free life. You know that the goodness and mercy of the Lord is there, following you all the days of your life. Get swept up into the love of God and you will live life beaming. Wherever you go, there is Jesus. You have a dwelling place in the Lord forever. We are living in a time that we are seeing the promise of God fulfilled, a time of real miracles and answered prayers. What are you believing for at the moment?

Lord Jesus, I love dwelling in your house always. Thanks for your goodness and mercy. Believing to see real miracles in our time, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Help in the Lord

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

When I was little I was in the scouts. We had a camp canoeing on the river. There was several sections where the river had dried up that we had to carry our canoes across to the river finally. At times arduous, yet when we arrived at our destination, all seemed worth the effort. The Lord has the strength you need for the journey you are on. If you’re feeling weak, there is help in the Lord. He can help you build up momentum and motivation. The journey is always worth the effort.

Thanks Father God, your help is so appreciated in this journey called life.