JOY OF KNOWING CHRIST

Philippians 1:6
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Do you sometimes feel as if you will never make progress in your life and spiritual life? Any work God starts or have started in your life, family or ministry He will definitely carry it on to completion. One of the things I have learnt and come to understand about God is; He is not man that He will lie and the Bible tells me in John 10:35 that, the scriptures cannot be broken either. God will help us grow in grace for as long as we are obedient to His instructions and abide by His every word with Faith without staggering. He will complete His work in our lives.

My sisters and I have experienced some tragic and trying moments in our lives in the last three years. It has been one death of a sister's husband after the other, my niece being admitted into a mental hospital, my younger sister living years apart from her husband who refuses to come home, she leaving her job without looking for a new one and me loosing every single penny I spent six years of building and running a business in the UK. I prayed and asked the Lord to please renew the joy of my family and restore my sisters stolen peace, joy and happiness in 2010. I told my sisters not to let their present condition steal or rob the joy of knowing Christ because they that wait upon the Lord shall renew strength.

The good news is, God did answer my prayers 2010 and brought nothing but pure joy. My younger sister got a new job in December and just three months after she left her old one considering the current economic climate, her husband finally returned back home after six years of been married and living apart on 31st December, 2010. For the first time she said to me Mama (that's my pet name), God has been very good to me. I have worked for 10 years and for all these years couldn't save, couldn't invest in anything or not even a home of my own. But this year, the year I worked the less with so much uncertainty is the year I have been able to achieve the most. Having an investment, savings in the bank, a place I can call home, a new job with a position I wasn't even qualified for and my husband is back home after six years of living apart. I burst out in tears of joy and thanksgiving to God and said "this is the joy of knowing Christ" thank you Jesus for answered prayer and for your faithfulness in our lives.  Then God placed this scripture in my heart and I said to her, this is our scripture sis! Philippians 1:6  "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

I want to encourage you today, when you feel incomplete, unfinished, discouraged or stressed by your present situation or shortcomings; remember God's promise and provision for your life. Don't let your present condition rob you of the JOY OF KNOWING CHRIST or KEEP YOU FROM GROWING SPIRITUALLY.

Reflections:
Look up to God the author and finisher of your faith and hold on to His promise. He will never forsake you nor leave you no matter what life might throw at you. Don't let your condition or circumstance overwhelm you and in turn clouding His unfailing love for you.

Power verses:
"Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."-- Hebrews 12:2

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." -- Philippians 4:13

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?"-- Romans 8:35

"But they that wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."--- Isaiah 40:31


2011 By Enyonam Gbekle. All rights reserved.

MAINTAINING SPIRITUAL HEALTH IN YOUR CHRISTIAN LIFE

Proverbs 4:20-24
My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh. Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flows the springs of life


Have you been maintaining your relationship with God and spiritual health? It’s vital to the life of a Christian. When our heart is hurting, and we are upset, we must protect our heart. For God has deposited spiritual truths in us for the objective of us relating them to others. Yes, through you God can bring a hopeful word to someone. Start with prayer, this gives God authorization to help us. The Bible says let not your heart be troubled but put your trust in God. Keep the focus on Jesus rather than the upsetting circumstances, as best as you can, this helps in maintaining good spiritual health. He has said (Jesus), He will in no way leave nor forsake us.

Communication comes after that because wisdom, at times, is discovered in the council of others. It is lovely to reason things out every now and then, being watchful to not gossip or condemn. Keep a guard on your spirit today and safeguard the call God has placed on your life. If we can remain in good spiritual health by guarding our hearts and remaining in God’s word, our life as a Christian will shine brightly to all those around us. Our Christian life is a heart thing!


Reflections:
Take some time today reflect and be honest to yourself by seeking God in prayer about anything that might be hidden in your heart that you might not know of. Like the Bible says, "The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?


Power verses:
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."-- Philippians 4:8

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." -- Ezekiel 36:26

"Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me."-- Psalm 51:10

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."-- Ephesians 2:10

2011 By Enyonam Gbekle. All rights reserved.

HE WILL GIVE LIFE TO YOUR MORTAL BODY (the living word).

Romans 8:11
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.



Early one morning as I was reading my Bible these living words jumped off of the page, “He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” I didn't understand why they had come to life inside of me until 11:30pm that night. The call came in around 9:30pm that my sister in-law, had been admitted into the emergency room at the local hospital. She was admitted due to a drug over dose, the emergency room doctor had told her brother my sister's husband that she was in serious condition and very well may not live.

My sister is a nurse, as soon as we reached the emergency room she talked to the doctor and the nurses. She then explained to us the medical reasons why her sister-law wouldn't live. My sister was not a believer at the time. As we sat outside, the words I had read that morning came back to me so clearly. I told my sister that her sister-law wouldn't die but she firmly disagreed with me, telling me that I didn't understand medically what has happened to her body. I then shared my experience earlier that morning when I was studying and how God caused His words to come alive in my spirit.

I shared God’s word with her stating, “ He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” Suddenly, I felt a supernatural, God- given faith, arise inside of me. I knew that I had to get into her room and pray for her. Half an hour went by and finally I was allowed to go into the room where she was unconscious. I laid my hand upon her and spoke God’s word with every ounce of faith that He had given me, “The same spirit that raised Christ from the dead will quicken your mortal body and give you live.” The tears streamed from my eyes.

As I prayed this simple prayer, I felt a supernatural flow of compassion moving in the words that I had spoken. It was one hour later that we were allowed to enter the room again where she was propped upright and conscious. With a silly grin she looked at me and said, “hey preacher woman it's good to see you.” she did not die. God is amazing!


Reflections:
Ask the Lord to cause His word to come alive in supernatural ways in your life today. Use your faith and trust God. Spend time with God by reading your bible daily so that God can speak to you too.


Power verses:
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."-- Romans 6:4

"For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it." -- John 5:21


"The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." -- John 6:63

2011 by Enyonam Gbekle. All rights reserved.

YOUR FIRST LOVE

Revelations 2:4-5

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.



There are many things to consider in this verse, however what really hit my spirit is the phrase "you have forsaken your first love." I remember reading this scripture during my Bible study in the early days in 2009 when I had just returned back home like the prodigal daughter. I couldn't help it but break down in tears knowing how I had forsaken my first love (Jesus) and from the heights I had fallen from. All the years I had spent in bitterness, disobedience, anger, unfrogiveness and sin away from my First Love, Jesus!

The truth and the beauty of being in love and fallen in love is, we are able to commit and surrender our lives completely and totally without holding back. Making Him the the number one most important person in  our lives and in whatever we do with confidence and trust knowing that nothing can harm or snatch us away from His hands.

When we commit our lives to the Lord and fall in love with Him, in His eyes we are in high place. We do not have to strive to get there, we only have to love Him. How do you love Him?

The main scripture text today, indicates that we love Him less when He is less a part of our lives than He once was. Is the Lord more or less a part of your life today?

If you've fallen like I did for many years or even just for a little while, then make a decision today to put God first again. Ask for His forgiveness and He will meet you in a special way like He did for me fifteen months ago. Make every effort to read your Bible more, study it more, going for walks and just spending quality time together talking and getting to know Him building that special bond you once had again. Let Jesus be a part of everything that you do, don't leave Him out of anything!

Reflections:
Is Jesus Lord of your life?
Is there any area in your life you are struggling with? He is at the door of your heart knocking and waiting for you to let Him to prepare you a big feast crowing you with His everlasting love and His glory to show you much you are loved and have been missed.

Power verses:
"Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering."--- Hebrews 10:32

"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent."-- Revelation 3:19

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house."-- Matthew 5:14-15

By Enyonam Gbekle. All rights reserved.

REWARD FOR THINGS DONE IN SECRET

Mathew 6:3-4
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.


As I was studying this scripture, it reminded me of a story a friend shared with me a few years ago of how God used her to bless a family in her church that were going through some financial difficulties. She said there was a couple in her church (500+ in attendance) who had three young children. My friend had never met them before but had seen them from time to time as you do in church mostly. One Sunday morning during worship, she looked over to her left and saw the couple from a distance. When she looked at them it was like she had a tunnel vision. She was not aware of anyone but them. Then she felt an overwhelming thought, she sensed was from God. In her mind, she heard "give them a thousand pounds." She immediately just turned this thought back over to the Lord an asked Him to lead her if this was from Him.

Two months later at Christmas time, another close friend of ours and  her decided to partner in doing some outreach ministry. They purchased children's gifts and made arrangements with the local hospital to give them to the children that were having an extended stay and would not be home for Christmas. The day that they gave out the gifts, they had many that were left over because there weren't enough children to give all of them to. Our other close friend told her there was a family in the church who had small children, that God had really put on her heart to pray for. She asked my friend if it would be okay to give them the remaining gifts. She said yes why not. When she told her their names and asked her if she knew them, she replied, " no". She had no idea who she was talking about.

A couple of days past and our other friend called her on the phone and told her that had met with the family and initially got a hint that they were having financial troubles, so she gave them the gifts. She explained to me how the wept as she gave her the gifts for the children. The mother then told our friend she had been behind on her bills and the financial pressure was great. The next Sunday during church service, our friend pointed out to her the family from a distance. It was the same family that she was looking at when she had that thought to give them a thousand pounds.

Now she knew that God was confirming to her that she heard Him correctly. She sent them two cheques in the mail for £500 each, for two weeks in a row. On the line where you are supposed to place your name, she wrote God loves you. She never told anyone who they were, not even our friend and the family knows it was her who gave the money. It's a secret between her and the Lord and He will reward her for giving Him the credit instead of them knowing the gift came through her hands.

Many times, we are led to show compassion, kindness and to favour others  sometimes it is friends and other times they are complete strangers with no relevance to us in any way. In the same way others are led to favours in our time of need and difficulty and sometimes they are complete strangers too and we marvel, oh God you are so good. My dear mother used to always say, no good deed goes unnoticed by God or goes to waste. It's like having a reserve in you or savings in the bank for emergencies.

Reflections:
Today, why don't you look around you and see who needs a helping hand and help in any way you could. It could be just helping the old lady or man who lives down your road on his or her own with their shopping, someone at work or it could a church member who needs some assistance is too embarrassed at ask.

Power verse:
"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full."-- Matthew 6:2

"He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done."-- Proverbs 19:17

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10

 "When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands."-- Deuteronomy 24:19


By Enyonam Gbekle. All rights reserved.

THE LORD SPEAKS GREAT REVELATION

John 16:12
I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or to grasp them now.

Present is a place in the realm of the Spirit where the Lord starts to speak openly and with intense revelation. If you have ever had those moments when you have been studying your Bible and the Holy Spirit, the teacher, is speaking at full volume, then you understand today's Scripture. The pen in your hand moves quicker than ever beforehand as the thoughts regarding the ways of God occur clearer than ever in the past. In a moment, God gives an understanding of His kingdom and an awareness of His presence that is almost more than we can bear. With this kind of experience with the Lord the understanding of what God is revealing is spread out over a great length of time, with little gold nuggets of revelation. We are compelled to go further into the Word of God. Today's scripture indicates that Jesus has an abundance of things to reveal to us. Open your heart to receive all which God has today and expect weighty revelation from Him!



Reflections:
The Lord is just waiting for us to get quiet enough to listen for great revelation to come from heaven. When we purpose to spend time with him in prayer and by reading the Bible, He speaks. Take a moment and ask the Lord to reveal some powerful things to you in His word.
 
Power verses:
"I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready."-- 1 Corinthians 3:2
 
"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15
 
"After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God." Acts 1:3
 
 
By Enyonam Gbekle. All rights reserved.
 

GIVE IT TO GOD

Luke 10:30-35

In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. “Look after him”, he said “and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.”


Recently a friend of mine's car broke down and his first response was to get a bit anxious about getting it fixed. I immediately prayed with him and asked him to turned his anxiety over to God. Later that day, he said to me as he was talking on the phone to another friend, about his troubles, the Holy Spirit reminded him of today’s scripture.

I told my friend at that moment, “God is going to provide someone today to help you with your car.” Within an hour, to his surprise, effortlessly God answered our prayers for help. He was scheduled to go to the airport with someone to pick up some evangelists who were flying into town, for a programme in their church, and the person he was scheduled to drive with was able to help him with his car. I am in constant awe of how God always without fail have all of us His details all worked out right to the very last bit.


Reflections:
I love Him so much, don't you?

What are you troubled with today?

Are you overwhelmed with the struggles and stresses of life today?

I encourage you to spend some time with Him in prayer and just pour out your heart to Him and He will work it all out for your good. He loves you very much. Why don't you entrust every thing on your heart to Him today by giving it to God as He waits to relieve you of that burden.

Power Verses:
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light-- Matthew 11:30

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.-- Phillippians 4:6

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.-- 1 Peter 5:7

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?-- Matthew 6:27

By Enyonam Gbekle. All rights reserved.

SIGNS AND WONDERS - (CONTINUED)

Psalms 105:39

He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.


Within seconds, from as far off in the heavens as we could see now, in perfect view in front of us had stopped a giant cloud of fire, as I think of it now nearly 28 years later it seemed as big as the earth. It was the most beautiful indescribable warm and peaceful glowing mixture of orange, red, and yellow swirling hugs of Gods glory. In utter amazement and awe, my friend said “what is it, a UFO?” Immediately, as fast this sign and wonder had appeared, God caused it to retreat on the same path it had arrived. We watched the giant loop of light leave a beautiful golden trail across the sky, as it returned to heaven. Many times I have wondered how God did that and it wasn't in the morning news the next day. He did it just for us!

Twelve years later, I went through the most difficult time in my life I grabbed a hold of that experience and knew that no matter what the outcome, God was real and He was with me!  Even now whenever life throws it's distractions and chaos at me, I remember He is forever with me and will never leave nor forsake me. This is just one of many signs and wonders that God has allowed me to experience since I gave my life to Him. God is the real deal, that’s what He was showing His disciples 2000 years ago and is still showing His disciples (as) today.

SIGNS AND WONDERS

Hebrews 2:3-4

This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

The Bible is full of supernatural truths that are still in operation today. When I was 12 years old the Lord caused an amazing sign in the sky. It was a cool evening and the darkened sky was decorated with many stars. My friend and I sat out side my parent’s home. We were talking about the Lord, when suddenly; the presence of the Holy Spirit was so near that we were actually trembling. It was like God was standing right there with us but we could not see Him. Just as this happened it was time for my friend to leave, she asked if I would walk her home, she lived only two houses away.

As we started walking across the circled road, lined with massive trees, she said, “Look what is that?” Coming toward us with incredible speed and seemingly dancing through the stars with a gigantic looped pattern, as if God were twirling a giant ribbon in the sky, was some sort of long golden trail of light. At the time, I didn't know what it was but now I realised it was God's way of testifying and revealing Himself to us by that gigantic looped pattern we saw in the sky so many years ago. Wow, what a mighty God we serve!

10 MINUTES

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

The key phrase of this scripture which I would like to emphasize is “pray continually”. Praying continually is not something that we are naturally motivated to do, but we must strive to do it. Jesus often withdrew from others to pray. There were times when He would pray all night; He also declared that His father’s house is to be a house of prayer.

Consider making a commitment to pray for 10 minutes every day. Decide what you will be praying about and stay focused. For example, you may want to pray for your family for 10 minutes, a friend, your church leaders, pastor or even your neighbour be specific and stay focused. Check the time before you start and go!

WORSHIPING IN SPIRIT

John 4:23

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”

John 3:5
Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’



This is a devotion I wrote some months back and I felt led to share it again today. I hope it blesses someone!
When we surrender our lives to God and accept Christ as our personal Lord and saviour, our spirit becomes born again. When our mother brought us into the world, we were born in the natural flesh, but when God caused us to be reborn - it’s our spirit that new life is given to. The Bible says that our spirit bears witness with God’s Spirit that we are children of God. (Romans 8:16)


A true worshiper has been spiritually reborn through the power of Christ’s death and resurrection. This is the only way to worship in spirit and in truth. Because we have become God’s children through surrendering our lives to Christ, our spirit can connect with His Holy Spirit and true worship can happen. Any other type of worship is considered false worship in the eyes of our Lord. You must be born again and completely surrender it all to God without holding anything back!

GRACE

1Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.


As Christians and Believers we sometimes limit the grace of God bestowed upon us not realising what a mighty force it is and a real privilege indeed. Grace is God’s ability given to us and placed upon us. You  and I are saved by grace, which means that there is nothing you and I can do to earn our salvation; it is a gift from God. It is what God has done for us. I have also seen that the disciples prayed that God’s grace would be given to one another often.

The Bible says there is a gift of grace, just like there is a gift of faith, leadership, encouragement and others. When we depend on God totally for His ability( grace) to work through us, then we look to His ability working through us, and we no longer have to consider only our own ability but that God is working through us. That is where the power to overcome difficulties and also to minister to others is found. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This is also means there is no limit to what we can do or achieve for as long as we depend on His grace and allow Him to be the Captain of our lives.

WILLFUL SIN

Psalms 19:13

Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

The book of Psalms is full of small prayers that we can use as a guide for our prayer life. I like this one because when we pray like this, we are placing our will and desires into Gods hands. God then is able to place a giant wall between our life and WILLFUL SIN. Ask and you will receive the help needed to over come temptation. God is able to provide help in our time of need. Talk to Him today about whatever it is that you are struggling with.

ENVY AND DESIRE

Galatians 5:19

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy;


Sometimes we can have a tendency to envy others. It is okay to desire to be like someone else, the important thing though is to not compare yourself to others and get discouraged because you are not like them. Here is an example. Joe may be an incredible piano player and you don't play quit as well. When you watch Joe, if your desire is to keep practicing until you can play like him, it is okay to want to be like him.


On the other hand, if you get upset, discouraged and cry because you think he is better than you and you will never be that good, that is envy. Mixed in with your envy is jealousy as well. God has created you to be exactly who you are with unique gifts talents and qualities. If maybe you are unsure of what they are, ask God to help you understand and learn who He has created you to be in this life.

YOU ARE SPECIAL

1 Corinthians 12:27

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.


Each of us has been created to fulfill a certain part of the church and ministry to others. It is important to understand that just because you do not do all things well, what you do with excellence can become even better when combined with someone else’s gifting. In a music group there are many different people playing different instruments. When connected together in unity the effect that the music can have on others is incredible.

Another example that is true to my life is this; I had a diverse life's experience and a very stormy adulthood throughout the years, and I am a pretty good communicator.  The only problem is that I never knew I could write and didn't know my life's experience was going to be my testimony to share with others. My Pastor is a very gifted teacher and  a very good student of the word with lots of passion. I thank God for placing me under his leadership, because his passion for God is so infectious. Due to my Pastor's gift of being able to develop, and strengthening believers in their walk with God. I am able to connect my experiences with God's truth in my life in writing with passion and enthusiasm. Find a place where your gifts can connect with others and become beautiful music that is pleasing to its listeners.

BITTERNESS AND BETRAYAL

Ephesians 4:31-32

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.


We have very little control over how other people treat us. Often times we are betrayed by others through situations like losing a job, people telling lies or broken relationships. What we do have control over is our attitude. Today's scripture instructs us to get rid of all bitterness. There is another verse in Hebrews 12 that says, bitterness causes trouble.

The best place to get rid of bitterness is in prayer and by reading scriptures concerning the subject. Look for verses about love and forgiveness, that will wash away the ugly taste of bitterness.

IN GOD'S PRESENCE

Psalms 16:11

".....in Your presence is fullness of joy, at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore."


Jeremiah 29:13-14
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD,”



God has promised that He will never leave us and that’s the truth, but are we aware of His presence with you?

I participated in a regular weekly meeting where we would get together every tuesday to seek after the things of God. Most of the time we would put on worship music and just sing or be quiet and listen, but we were always seeking to find God. God was always so faithful to let us know that He was with us and that we had found Him. God likes it when we seek after Him.

Today's scripture says that, when we seek after Him we will find Him. After we would have this time of focusing in on the Lord, we would share the encounters that we had experienced with God with others. Many times there would be a joy that would fill our hearts. Good things happen when you seek God and become aware of His presence. Take sometime to find God; seek after Him today with all your heart.

LOVING PEOPLE TODAY

1 John 3:11

This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

As I am writing this, I am setting a goal for today. That goal is to let my family know I love them and to contact several of my close friends and let them know I love them too. With the technology we have available to us it's so easy to send text messages, emails and call people on the phone and say “ I love You”. If you don't feel comfortable telling them you love them, how about letting them know that you appreciate them and you are glad they are your friend.

There are many ways to let people know we care about them, I personally enjoy getting surprised with small gifts. Sometimes friends or family will just surprise me with a card in the mail or leave a gift by my front door. Be creative, find ways to tell those you care about how special they are to you, do it today!

REJECTION

John 13:34

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Something to keep in mind today is that Jesus will never leave you and I. Many times in our lives we will experience the pain of being rejected by others, remember Jesus is faithful to always be with us. The pain of rejection is a very strong emotion. One way to overcome rejection is to reach out to others in love!

If you have experienced the pain of rejection by others, turn that pain into love for those around you. Touch everyone with a smile, or a kind word and encourage them to enjoy their day. Everyone experiences difficulty, that’s the way life is, therefore, everyone needs to feel loved. Love one another as Jesus loves you. Jesus is faithful to love you, consider being faithful to love those around you today.

LIVE THIS WAY

Ephesians 4:1-2
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.



This is enough for us to focus on for today!! Only by the power of Christ in us are we able to live this way.

FAITH FOR TODAY

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

God is able to do more than we could ever ask, so we can never ask for too much. His supply is abundant so keep asking. The key word seems to be “able” that’s the one that brings a realisation that I can trust God with all of the difficulties of life. Rejoice ever more today!

GOD HAS A PLAN

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

God has a plan for our lives. That plan includes doing good works. The Bible says, in the book of Acts chapter 10 verse 38, that Jesus went about doing good and healing all...This was the plan for Jesus' life, and it is the plan for our lives as well. Jesus healed many people everywhere He went and taught them how to live a victorious life.

When we surrender our lives totally to Christ we begin to step into the plan God has for our lives. We then can discover the good works that God has prepared in advance for us to do. A friend of mine once said, “God is serious about His business.” Doing good and filling heaven is God’s business. So being Christ like, we should also be about the Father’s business.

THE POWER IS FOR US

Ephesians 1:18-20
"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms."


This is one of my favorite verses. The power that raised Christ from the dead is available to us who believe. When I meditate on this verse, I am always filled with faith and the realisation that I am on the winning team. Often times when I am praying for someone who is weak and tired, I pray that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead will strengthen their weak body. On many occasions I have been really exhausted and suddenly by the power of God, became full of energy. He is so wonderful, He loves us His children a lot.

THE LIVING WORD

1 Corinthians 2:4-5
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.


1 Corinthians 2:13
This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

I recently met a stranger at a local park where I was taking a walk. Within a few minutes I discovered that this woman was a Christian. After about 10 minutes of talking, suddenly her words began to come alive in me, by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. This lady was saying things that were in perfect relation to what had been happening in my life over the past two weeks.

She said things that only God and I knew about. Her words were so spot on that at one point, I wondered if she was an Angel. A friend, who was with me, was listening to the stranger speak to me... Then the stranger began to say things that were identical to what my friend and I had just talked about on our walk earlier that morning. This was without a doubt, a demonstration of the Spirits Power. We hugged the stranger with gigantic grins on our faces, what an awesome God we serve.

As Christians, that’s the power we need flowing through our lives to win souls for Christ. Jesus said “my sheep know my voice”. We really need to hear God’s voice as we are interacting with others. Obviously this woman was hearing God’s voice as she was speaking to me and I was hearing God’s voice through her words that were filled with the Spirit.

WHY GOD?

Hebrews 12:7
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.

Hebrews 12:11
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Sometimes I get tired of having some kind of hardships in my life, but God is able to use them for good, and to bring Him glory. Just by reading this verse, I am able to let go of troubling things in my life and trust that God is able to teach me something through this hardship. Eventually, things always get better. Once I have victory over the hardship, I am able to share with others how to overcome hardships in their lives.

God teaches us in many ways, the Bible says that He is working all things for the good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. No matter what is going on in my life, because I am sincere about committing my life to God daily, I know that He is working in every area of my life. He is a loving father who helps us walk and stand so we then can reach out and help others who may be hurting.

JESUS GIVES FAITH

Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter or of our faith.

One of the greatest spiritual keys I have come to understand is that Jesus is the one who changes and transforms my life. I just have to become willing to let God show me the changes I need to make in my life. He does this as I read the Bible and stay close to Him in prayer, trusting Him like a best friend. Jesus is the one who gives faith and perfects it. I just become willing to let Him do this. Sometimes I just tell the Lord, “Increase my faith and help me believe”.

The Bible also teaches that there is a gift of faith. Ask God to do this work in you. The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God. Learning to live by faith, trusting in Jesus, is a very important part of our lives as Christians.

JESUS UNDERSTANDS

Hebrews 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

If there are areas in your life that you are struggling with, bring them to the throne of God. He doesn't want you to stay away from talking to Him because you feel like you are failing in your Christian walk. This verse says that He understands our struggles. Whatever your struggle is today, bring it to God to receive mercy and grace. He is a loving Father who wants to cleanse, purify, and help us to become more like Jesus. You may be asking “how do I take my cares to the Lord”?

Simply talk to Him through prayer, He is listening. I usually enter the throne of God on my knees with my eyes closed and then talk to Him about all my concerns, believing He cares for me and wants to help me.

I BELIEVE

John 11:27
“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”


Yes Lord, I believe you are the Christ! How has this decision affected your life?

I had no idea that when I decided to follow Jesus, so many other lives would be touched by the hand of the Lord through me. It is the truth, He is alive!!! If we truly believe He is the Christ; our lives will point to Him through our thoughts, our words and our actions. When we truly believe, we will live a life that is filled with loving and serving others. Others around us will be able to tell that we love Jesus, because everything about our lives will emanate the love of Christ. When Jesus is truly the Lord of our lives, our desires will change. Things that touch the heart of God will touch our heart. We will find we have the desire to spend time reading the Bible, studying His word, praying and fellowhshipping with other believers.

Is Jesus really the Lord of your life today? Let your actions (Life) reflect your love for Jesus; others are watching you. Be a demonstration of God's love in all you do and say.

LIGHT AND DARKNESS

1John 1:6-7
If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.



Today choose to walk in the light. Walking with God is always a matter of choice. Making a choice to follow God’s way or our own way. Deuteronomy 30:19, "I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live." Walk in the light that God has prepared for you to walk in, our own path if full of darkness, leads to death.

HEALING; GOD'S WILL

Mathew 8: 2-3
A man with leprosy came and knelt before him (Jesus) and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.


God's will is to heal people, why all people do not experience divine healing is a mystery that even the greatest healing evangelist alive today cannot explain. We put our hope in God's word and the truth of His word; we then leave the results up to Him. We never give up seeking God's divine touch and putting our trust in Him. We know that God is real, alive, willing and able to help us. As Jesus said in the scripture “I am willing”, He is the same today as He was then.

CONSIDERATION OF OTHERS

Mathew 7:12
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you...."

Who is able to figure out why people treat others and each other so rotten at times?

Only God really knows. All of us experience difficulties when interacting with others. God knows this and has given us guidelines to follow that will help you  and Ilive in peace. This peace I am talking about is inner peace (God’s peace). We have no control over someone’s actions toward us, but we can control how we treat them. When we control our actions and treat others in positive ways, there is no room for us to have feelings of guilt or shame. Friends and family do things that wound us, that’s the way life is.

Sometimes in response to other people's actions towards us we have a tendency to want to do something hurtful back to them. Jesus, in the scripture is saying; treat others the way you want to be treated. My pastor recently was telling the church to go to God first before you respond to how someone is treating you.

Pray and seek God before hurting someone because they have hurt you. I think it is very unhealthy to allow someone to continually treat a person poorly. If there is someone in your life who you feel is always hurting you, please seek to talk a leader in your church. If you are not in a church find an adult who you know you can trust and talk to them. Please do it immediately, without hesitation, no one should continually be harmed by another. Happy New Year!