Don't Turn Back

“But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?”
— Galatians 4:9 (NIV)

Good morning, friend. You’ve made it to the end of the week. You may have been tested, tried, or even broken this week, but you’re still here. You’re still here because of God’s grace and mercy. He’s aware of all your challenges this week. He saw your successes and the changes you’ve made in your life to achieve them. I want to encourage you to stay on that new path. Don’t give in to your flesh and turn back to those weak and miserable forces, only to be enslaved by them again. Keep your faith in God and your eyes on Christ. Allow the Holy Spirit to continue to guide you. Granted, it may not be easy all the time, but you’re a lot better than the old you that you were familiar with. Don’t turn back now. God still has more great things He wants to show you.

Keep moving forward

 

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Heavenly Father, I am blessed to be known by You. I am not going back to those weak and miserable forces of my past. I am free from sin and free in You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Heart's Desire

“May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
— PSALM 20:4 (NIV)

Did you know God thinks about you? You’re constantly on His mind because He cares for you. He wants you to have the desires of your heart and to make all your plans successful.

When your desires and plans align with God’s purpose over your life, His blessings flow your way. Living for God is not burdensome nor complex as many would have you to believe. It becomes simple once you’ve decided to start living for God by loving Him and loving others as you love yourself. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with family, friends, co-workers and others, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus and you will have the desires of your heart and all your plans will be made to succeed.

Success is yours

 

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Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the desires of my heart and for making all my plans succeed. I love You Lord. Thank You for being a caring God. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Broken

““…and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’”
— 1 CORINTHIANS 11:24 (NIV)

Have you ever noticed when God breaks something it multiplies or becomes better? Think about it! Before He fed the multitude of people with two fish and five loaves of bread, it had to be what? Broken. Before He shared the last supper with His disciples, He gave thanks, and then what did He do with the bread that represents His body? Broke it. You see the pattern, yet?

If you’re broken today, Jesus can make you better than before. Broken hearted? He can fix you. Financially broke? He can fix you. You only need to submit to His will and His way. Then He can take you in His righteous right hand and multiply your health, multiply your wealth, multiple your wholeness, multiple your ideas, your talents, your support, your opportunities, your footstools, and more. So, if you find yourself in a broken state today or tomorrow, give thanks, and get ready to be made whole and brand new.

The Potter’s House is open

 

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Heavenly Father, You are the Potter and I am the clay. Lift me in Your righteous right hand and fix my brokenness. I have faith that You can make me brand new. Touch me, Lord, and I know I will be made whole again. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Effects of Your Purpose

“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them.”
— JOSHUA 1:2 (NIV)

God’s purpose for you is specific and should effect other people. So, if you’re on your mission from God, and your life is the only one that’s changing for the better, you might want to have another little talk with Jesus. In your purpose, God includes other people. When Moses died, God told Joshua his purpose was to take the Israelites across the Jordan River into the land He’s about to give them. Pretty specific, right? Joshua was then to divide the land amongst all the tribes. So not only did Joshua’s mission and purpose prosper Him in the Lord, but it also prospered the nation as well.

The purpose God has for your life is bigger than you. It’s bigger than your family and your community. What God has for you will change the world! Through your purpose, He’s able to open up a window of heaven and pour you out a blessing that you won’t have room enough to receive it. So you’ll have to bless someone else! But it all starts with you in your purpose.

Discover your purpose

 

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Heavenly Father, I thank You for giving me purpose. Give me the strength to have the courage to walk in my purpose so I can be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

This is my prayer

There For a Reason

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.”
— Matthew 4:1 (NLT)

Whatever you’re facing today is for a reason. It may be uncomfortable, it may not be what you expected, but remember that God has a plan for your life and that includes the good times as well as the bad times. When you’re experiencing the bad times, know that God has you there for a reason. And without this experience that God is allowing you to have, you may never know all that you’re capable of.

Much like Jesus, when God leads you into the wilderness, it’s because He knows you’re ready. God will never set you up for failure. If God allows you to be tempted by the devil, it’s because He knows you have enough Christ in you to successfully past the test. It’s up to you to make the right choice in your situation. Also, don’t give Satan credit for what God is doing in your life. God knows you’re up for this challenge. He knows you can overcome your obstacle. You have the strength and stamina to run your race and successfully accomplish life. Keep focusing on Jesus and continue to execute His word.

Everything has purpose

 

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Heavenly Father, I know You will never set me up to fail. Whatever difficult times are ahead of me, I have victory over already. You are with me. Your Word is in me. And I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Rescue Mission

“Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the LORD rescues him from them all.”
— PSALM 34:19 (AMP)

There was a religious man stranded on a rooftop during a flood. A person in a boat came by to help shouted, “I’ve got room! Let me help you!” The stranded man replied, “No! I’m waiting for Jesus to save me!” Later that day, as the water nearly covered the rooftop, a helicopter flew over. “Grab the ladder! We’re here to help!” The stranded man said, “No! Jesus will save me!” The water rose higher. The man drowned. He met Jesus in heaven and asked, “Jesus! Why didn’t you save me from the flood?” Jesus answered, “I tried! I sent a person in a boat and people in a helicopter!”

You may be experiencing a flood today (or one could be on its way), but have faith that help is on the way. Jesus will rescue you from all your hardships and perplexing circumstances and He will use people around you to do so. Whether it’s your pastor, best friend or co-worker, Jesus will place people in your life to help you in trying times. They may not always come packaged the way you expect, but trust that God knows what He’s doing. Receive God’s help no matter the package and pass it on.

Help is on the way

 

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Heavenly Father, whatever hardship or perplexing circumstances I am confronted, I know You will rescue me from them all. Everything You do is good and perfect and I know I’m in Your hand. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Dearly Departed

“So Paul departed from among them. However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.”
— ACTS 17:33 - 34 (NKJV)

The plans God has for you may not be accepted by everyone. The people you may have known your whole life, may not celebrate the new you or your obedience to God. It would be nice to have the support of everyone while you follow the plan Christ has for you, but not everyone who started with you, finish with you - And you have to be OK with that.

To carry out God’s mission, you may have to depart from some people, but God will always strengthen you along the way with the support you need to be successful. Try not to be concerned with the crowd behind you, but with the path in front of you. Keep doing what God wants you to do. If He wants certain people to stay in your life, He’s more than capable of orchestrating that. You only need to be faithful and keep listening to the voice of God.

God’s mission. My path.

 

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Heavenly Father, thank You for the people you’ve placed in my life to strengthen me as I fulfill the mission You have for me over my life. I’m won’t look back, but only ahead.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Get Out of Here!

“‘Get out of here, Satan,’ Jesus told him. ‘For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.’ Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.”
— MATTHEW 4:10 – 11 (NLT)

The devil has come to steal, kill, and destroy what God has blessed you with. His goal is to distract you from what God has planned for you. He wants you to behave in a manner pleasing to him, not Christ. He wants you to disrespect your mother and father. He wants you to fight with your family and friends. He wants you to take shortcuts in life, cheat, and hurt other to get what he has for you. When the enemy approaches and begins to attack your mind, stop and boldly say, “Get out of here, Satan!”

2023 is going to be a year of blessings for you. God’s favor is going to overtake you. Your family is going to be blessed. You’re going to experience increase, promotion, peace, prosperity, and joy. So, you have zero time for whatever the devil is trying to sell you. Tell him, “Get out of here, Satan!” Take back your mind. Take back your peace. Take back your joy. Forgive those who have hurt you. And once the enemy has retreated, then God’s angels will comfort you and give exponentially what Satan tried to trick you with. So, say it loud!

Let me hear you say it!

 

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Heavenly Father, thank You for Your example. Thank You for Your word. I have decided to tell Satan to get out of here as I follow and trust in You. Thank You for Your angels of comfort.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Identity

“During that time the devil came and said to Him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.’”
— MATTHEW 4:3 (NLT)

There is an old saying that “If you don’t know who you are, the world will tell you.” I want to encourage you today to not let the world tell you who you are. Instead, remember who God says you are. In Matthew 3:17, God identified Jesus as His dearly loved Son. Isn’t it amazing in the very next chapter the devil brings Jesus’ identity into question by saying “if” you are the Son of God…? Of course Jesus remembered who He was because God said it.

The devil knows he can’t pluck you out of God’s hand. So, what he will try to do is attack your identity. He will try to make you forget you are a child of God. He will try to make you forget you are joint heir with Jesus Christ. He will try to make you forget you’re His chosen people. When you know who you are in Christ, the devil in hell cannot stop you! You address stress differently, you handle anxiety with scripture, you look at obstacles as growth opportunities. Why? Because you know who you are. Don’t let the world tell you who you are when God already has.

What does God say?

 

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Heavenly Father, thank You for telling me who I am through Your word. I don’t have to define myself through the world’s eye, because I am fearfully and wonderfully made in You. I am Your child.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

You're Chosen

“We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be His own people.”
— 1 THESSALONIANS 1:4 (NLT)

I remember playing basketball with my older brothers and their friends. Two captains would pick four people to complete their teams of five. I recall standing there, hoping to get picked, but because of my age and size, I was often underestimated and not chosen to play. It was a crushing feeling to not get picked to play. From the sideline, I’d watch the bigger guys play waiting for my chance to get in the game.

Praise God you don’t have to experience the same crushing feeling in life. You don’t have to watch life from the sideline. With God, there are no first picks or second picks. He loves you and chose you to be His own people.  He created you to do good works and declared you to be the head and not the tail. You are above only, and never below. When others underestimate you, know that God doesn’t. You’re chosen. You’re equipped. You’re ready!

 Get in the game

 

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Heavenly Father, I know that You love me and have chosen me to be Your own. I was created in Christ Jesus to do good works. I am the head and not the tail. I am above only and never beneath.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

A Fresh Start

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
— 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 (NIV)

A new year is right around the corner! A fresh start with endless possibilities. In order to explore these possibilities, you have to first get rid of your old thinking. So what if 2022 didn’t end the way you planned. So what if your ideas didn’t work or your to do list still has more left to do. You’re alive, which means Christ still has more work for you to do.

You can’t erase your past failures or the things that caused you discomfort in 2022, but you can choose to learn from them. Move past the old, but take the learning experiences with you. God has something new for you in 2023. Align with His plan and receive what He has for you. Inside of you, a new creation has come. Get ready for a big year and welcome your fresh start!

Happy New Year

 

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Heavenly Father, I am in Your Son, Christ Jesus, and am a new creation. The old is gone and I welcome the fresh start You have given me this year. I am blessed. I am successful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

God Delivers

“The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.”
— PSALM 37:40 (NIV)

When the wicked press upon you, breathe easy! Your safety is in the Lord. You don’t have to rely on your own strength or get geared up for battle. You have a God who is ready to fight on your behalf. Take refuge in Christ. In Him you will always triumph. And even in times where you may think you’ve lost or gotten the short end of the stick, He’s still able to make everything work out for your good. Pray without cease and study His word so that you will be able to encourage yourself in times of adversity. Know that the Lord will help you and deliver you from your enemy. He did it in 2022 and He’s ready to do it again in 2023! Take refuge in God and watch Him deliver.

Ask the Savior to help you

 

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Heavenly Father, thank You for helping me and delivering me. You will deliver me from the wicked and save me because I take refuge in You today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Life Savior

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.”
— PSALM 138:7

I have asthma that can be triggered by my allergies. For it, I was prescribed a rescue inhaler that I take everywhere with me – just in case. It’s in my routine to take it with me when I go to work, when I go to the store, when I exercise, everywhere. Yesterday morning while running on my treadmill, I noticed my inhaler was not in my pocket. I quickly checked my other pocket – not there either. I didn’t panic. I knew I was covered. I was safe because I was at home and knew where to go if I needed it.

 

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With everything going on around you, you don’t ever have to panic. You’re covered. You’re covered by the blood of Jesus. When you walk in the midst of trouble, He will preserve your life. If you got haters, gossipers or people who just don’t like you for some reason, God’s outstretched hand protects you from the anger of your foes. You’re safe because Jesus promised to keep you saved in His right hand. Even when you forget, you’re still covered. When you make a mistake, you’re still covered. Ain’t no need to worry what tomorrow’s gonna bring! You’re covered in Christ.

Forever.

 

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Heavenly Father, thank You for preserving my life in the midst of trouble. Thank You for Your outstretched hand that protects me from my enemies. I am covered in Your right hand and saved. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Peace is a Choice

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
— COLOSSIANS 3:15 (NIV)

Peace is a choice. You have the power to decide how you are going to respond to your situation. Scripture says, “Let the peace of Christ rule…” The word “let” means you have a choice. You can let or you can decide not to let. You can choose to have peace. You can experience it every day. You simply have to decide. Are you going to act a fool with the people who are talking about you or are you going to let the peace of Christ rule in your heart? Are you going to stress about what tomorrow may bring or are you going to let the peace of Christ rule in your heart? The key word in today’s scripture is “let.” Jesus is offering you His peace. You were called to peace. Make the choice. Accept it. And be thankful today.  

 Peace is yours

 

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Heavenly Father, I choose to let Your peace rule my heart. I am grateful that You called me to peace. I will accept it and be thankful! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Get Up and Go

“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
— ACTS 9:6 (NIV)

Shhhh! Can you hear that? Jesus is calling your name. He’s called you before and you simply responded, “Here I am, Jesus” but did you go? Have you done the last thing God told you to get up and go do? Did you forgive that family member or friend you haven’t spoken to in umpteen years? Did you give your offering to the church you promised you would when God blessed you financially? Did you put into action the last scripture you read? Jesus called you and you answered, but He can’t reveal to you the rest of your blessing until you get up and go. Don’t be afraid and don’t ask any questions to which you already know the answer. You’re in great hands. You can trust Christ. Just get up and go.

Don’t wait any longer

 

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Heavenly Father, I hear Your voice. I am blessed that You’ve called my name. In faith, I will get up and go knowing You will tell me what I must do. Thank You for using me, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

The Lord is Good

“For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation.”
— PSALM 100:5 (NLT)

Today I want to remind you that the Lord is good. It doesn’t matter what you’re going through, or about to go through, God’s unfailing love will continue with you and in you forever. Jesus’ faithfulness endures to every generation. That means what Christ promised you is yours forever. His goodness is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Jesus is bigger than the storm you’re in. Whatever is too big for you, is just right for Christ. His promises can leap frog any obstacle in your way. And it’s nothing you’ve done to deserve this great promise. It’s because God chose you. He loves you. And He is good.

 

Forever and forever

 

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Heavenly Father, You are good. Your unfailing love continues forever in me. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for blessing me for generations. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Standing with God

“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
— JOSHUA 1:5 (NIV)

Isn’t it a great feeling to know that God will always be with you? No matter where you go or what you do, He’s right there with you. In Psalm 139, David said it like this, “If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.” As long as God is with you, no one will be able to stand against you. They will try, and times my get tough, but remember Who’s got your back (front, side, top and bottom)! You’re covered through Christ. So, remember this Christmas season, there’s nothing you can’t get through when you stand with Jesus.

Never alone

 

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Heavenly Father, I feel Your presence in my life. No one can stand against me because You are with me. Thank You for never leaving me or forsaking me. Direct my path, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Reaping What You Sow

“A man reaps what he sows.”
— Galatians 6:7b (NIV)

Jesus wants us to treat everyone with love and compassion. Whatever you speak or put out into the universe will surely return to you. Some people like to refer to this phenomenon as “karma” and would have you believe Christ has little to do with this natural occurrence among the human race. I couldn’t disagree more! Jesus wants you to treat others how you want to be treated. The more you bless others, the more He will bless you. The more you smile, the more people will smile on you. The more positive you are in the darkest of situations, the more light will be shed. So when you feel like people around you are angry or not treating one another in a loving manner, make sure the energy you’re releasing is what you’d like returned to you.

The universe is listening…

 

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Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me how to treat others. I will set my mind on things of You and prepare to reap what I sow. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

Joy. Patience. Faith.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
— Romans 12:12 (NIV)

It’s easy to trust in God when things are going your way, but what about days when they aren’t?  God wants you to trust Him when you have all the answers, and when you don’t have a clue about what’s going on in your life. In those clueless times, find joy knowing the same God that blessed you yesterday will bless you today. Be patient during the moments you experience affliction. Know that Jesus is moving in your life, working everything out for your good, and making you better. When you need the strength to be patient, exercise your faith and go to God in prayer, but let Him do the talking. He will remind you who you are and that He cares for you. Allow Christ to soothe your anxious spirit and love you through your storm into the victory awaiting you!

Wait on the Lord

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Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me a joy that cannot be taken from me. I will be patient in my affliction knowing You are with me. Thank You for speaking to me through prayer as I move in faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer

All Things New

“‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.”
— HAGGAI 2:9

Starting over in life can be difficult. This difficulty can be due to the pressures that come with experiencing the unknown, moving out of your comfort zone, or just physically and mentally not being able to do what you use to be able to do.  But just as change is guaranteed to be part of life, so is Christ’s faithfulness guaranteed to the believer!

God promises the glory of where He’s presently taking you will be greater than the glory you’ve experienced in the past. Know that He is faithful and will grant you peace to comfort you during your transition.  Trust that God has great plans for your life and that He can make all things new.

I’m ready for greater!

 

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Heavenly Father, I trust You with my life. I know the glory of where You are presently taking me is greater than the former. I accept Your peace in this place. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This is my prayer