Heavenly Father, we are definitely men and women of hope. We put our hope in You, our faith in You and our very being into Your hands. As we walk our various life paths, we walk them knowing that no matter what we do for a living., where we are in our outstanding of faith, or how much we have grown in spirit, that we are grounded in the hope You have given us in Jesus Christ. We.
know that nothing else can take that hope from us for it is Your eternal gift and we are grateful. Lord, grant that we might keep our hopes high this week and share the light of our hope with those around us. Help us be the messengers of encouragement in the lives of others every chance we get and to be the light You have created us to be. We praise You for choosing us to be Your sons and daughters and we ask that You will bless our hopes for those we love in every area of life according to Your will and purpose. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Read Ephesians 1:18 Every single one of us deals with fear, but that doesn’t mean we have to be controlled by it.
I have a timely message on my heart that has the power to change the way you approach the fears in your life. As I’ve learned to apply this principle in my own life and ministry, I’ve seen God do amazing and unprecedented things. And I believe God wants to do the same thing for you! You’re going to rise to new levels, overcome every obstacle and see your God-given dreams come true. Here’s the key: Activate Faith, Not Fear It’s a simple choice you and I get to make every day. Activating your faith, rather than activating your fears, is one of the most important things you can do to live a victorious, overcoming life in Christ. The Scripture says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV) That means you can say “no” to fear, doubt and insecurity because those things are not from God. Instead, you can say “yes” to faith and live a bold, victorious, fearless life. Fear and faith have something in common: They both ask us to believe something is going to happen that we cannot see. Both fear and faith are powerful forces, but you get to choose which of these you want to activate in your life. When you choose faith over fear, it activates God’s power. Instead of focusing on your problems, choose instead to focus on God’s promises. · If things are tough at work right now, be fearless! God has promised to pour out His favour (Psalms 30:5) · If you’ve received a discouraging report from the doctor, be fearless! Healing is coming your way (Isaiah 53:5) · If there is a struggle in your finances, be fearless! God is going to provide for every need. (Philippines 4:19) · If your child or someone you care about has gotten off track, be fearless! God is going to bring them back. (Proverbs 22:6) If you’ll fearlessly activate your faith by standing on God’s promises, you will see God do exceedingly, abundantly more than you could even ask or think. from Joel and Victoria Psalm 126:5
'Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.' - Not every season in life is a season of joy. - What we sow during each season will lead to a time of reaping. - Embrace whatever season you are in and look for God in it all. - And believe the promise that you will reap with songs of joy! PRAYER: Lord, You know the season I am facing and I pray that what I plant during this time of my life will ultimately lead to a harvest of joy. Amen. Romans 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
When we go through a trial, we tend to ask ourselves, “Does God really love me? How come I don’t seem to see it?” When that happens, it is time to bring in the cross, for God’s love for you is displayed forever at the cross. God gave up His Son to suffer and die on the cross for you. Jesus was pierced in seven places for you—in His head by the crown of thorns, His two hands and feet by the nails, and His side and heart by the spear of a Roman soldier. Jesus wore the crown of thorns on His head so that you can have a sound mind free from fears, guilt, depression, anxieties and stress. When Jesus first showed His nail-pierced hands to His disciples, He said to them, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19–20) He wanted them to know that peace is found in His finished work, typified by His pierced hands. The more you see His finished work which has bought complete forgiveness of all your sins, the more your conscience will be at peace and rest. Jesus’ feet brought Him to places where there was lack, diseases, rejection, condemnation and even death. And those feet were nail-pierced so that you do not need to be in such places yourself. He has rescued you from having to accept and suffer these things in life. Blood and water flowed out of Jesus’ side when it was pierced. (John 19:34) Medical science will tell you that that means His heart had ruptured. Jesus died literally of a broken heart so that your heart can be filled with joy. And just as Eve came forth from Adam’s side when he was sleeping, the bride of Christ, the church, came forth from Jesus’ pierced side and death. If He died to have you as His spotless bride, He lives today to care for you. Beloved, the only man-made things in heaven today are those scars on His body. They will remain forever as tokens of His everlasting love and passion for you. So if God did not spare His Son, but delivered Him up for you, how will He not with Him also freely give you all things! Psalm 31:20
'You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.' - What other people say can often affect us greatly. - But God offers you a place of safety. - He wants to hide you in His pavilion. - Go to your refuge and He will cover you with His wings. PRAYER: Lord, I take refuge in You today. Hide me in Your pavilion and protect me from the strife of tongues. Amen. As daar Johannes die Doper gevra is wie hy was, het hy geantwoord: "Ek is die een wat in die woestyn roep: Maak die pad vir die Here reguit." (Johannes 1:23 NV). Nadat Johannes se dissipels na hom geluister het, het hulle weggegaan om vir Christus te volg. Johannes was tevrede daarmee omdat hy geweet het waarvoor hy geroep was. Weet jy? Jy kan ook net vir so lank dinge uitprobeer. Op een of ander stadium moet jy agterkom waarvoor God jou geroep het, sodat jy jouself ten volle daaraan kan wy. Paulus was blykbaar nie 'n goeie spreker nie. "Bewus van my swakheid, en met groot angs en huiwering, het ek na julle toe gekom." (1 Korintiërs 2:3 NV). Maar wat hy kortgekom het as 'n spreker het hy voor opgemaak as 'n skrywer. Hy het die geïnspireerde woorde geskryf wat ander in staat gestel het om te preek. Sy woorde was so kragtig dat hy in die tronk papier wou hê, eerder as 'n prokureur of lekker kos, sodat hy kon aanhou skryf. Paulus het sy lewe lank geskryf. Sy woorde beïnvloed mense se lewens tot vandag toe. Dit was Paulus se roeping en hy het homself daaraan gewy. Het jou al jou roeping ontdek en jouself daaraan gewy? George Bernard Shaw het gesê: "Die lewe is nie vir my soos 'n kers wat vlugtig brand nie, maar eerder soos 'n wonderlike fakkel. Ek wil die fakkel, wat ek slegs vir 'n oomblik kan vashou, so helder as moontlik laat brand, voordat ek dit vir toekomstige generasies aangee."
Sielskos: Heb. 11:17-13:25; Matt 15:29-39; Ps 28; Spr. 5:3-6 “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits...”(Psalm 68:19, NKJV)
When you live a life that honors God, when you obey His Word and you’re a person of excellence and integrity, the scripture says that God’s blessings will chase you down and overtake you. You won’t be able to outrun the good things of God. He daily loads us with benefits! People get confused sometimes and think they have to go chasing after the blessings. But really, when you chase after God each and every day, when you make Him your highest priority, the blessings will automatically follow. Today, make pleasing the Lord your top priority. Let go of anything that would hold you back or weigh you down. Be willing to deal with issues as God brings them to light. Don’t give in to compromise and temptation that will keep you from God’s best. Then get ready because His blessings will chase you down as He daily loads you with benefits! Father, today I dedicate every area of my life to You. Help me to live a life of integrity and honor. Thank You for daily loading me with benefits as I put You first in everything that I do in Jesus’ name. Amen.— Joel & Victoria Osteen “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is
faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NKJV) We all go through challenges, disappointments and unfair situations. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and think, “This is too much. I can’t deal with this illness. I can’t handle this difficult child.” Or, “I can’t take this traffic. It’s driving me crazy.” But, God promised He will never let us face more than we can bear. Nothing that comes your way in life is too much for you. This is what Joseph did. He was betrayed by his brothers, thrown into a pit and spent years in prison for something he didn’t do. But, he didn’t get depressed. He didn’t start complaining. His attitude was, “With God, I can handle it. God is still on the throne. I’m going to stay in faith and keep being my best.” In the end, he was made second in charge over all of Egypt. Today, if you are feeling burdened and overwhelmed by circumstances, know that with God, all things are possible. No person can keep you from your destiny, no bad break, no disappointment, no sickness. Keep believing, keep hoping, keep praying and keep moving forward because you can handle whatever comes your way! Prayer: Father, thank You for equipping me with everything I need to face the day. I know that with You, all things are possible. I trust that You are working all things together for my good in Jesus’ name. Amen. Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect [when it is] God Who justifies [that is, Who puts us in right relation to Himself ? Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen ? Will God, Who acquits us ?] ROMANS 8 : 33
GOD IS YOUR JUSTIFIER NOT YOUR JUDGE !! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever .. Psalm 23 : 6 The Grace Of God Will Never Take You Where The Grace Of God Cannot Keep You !! As a child of God’s, walking hand in hand with Jesus through your life’s journey .. You have no doubt experienced that on the odd occasion, God will say something or do something that makes absolutely no sense. The Bible is full of such instances, that when you read them, they leave you wondering .. What Was The Purpose Of That ? For Example .. What was God’s purpose for taking the Israelites through the wilderness pathway ? Now Please Remember .. Things May Not Make Sense To You, However, God Always Has A Plan !! AND A Relationship With Jesus Makes Faith Not Sense !! Regarding the Israelites .. God has a definite purpose in leading them through the wilderness pathway. God desired to develop their faith in His goodness, as well as in His ability and willingness to help them. God wanted the Israelites to really know and understand that regardless of the situations and circumstances at hand, He would care for and protect them and take care of their every need !! Unfortunately the Israelites failed to get the picture .. And .. As a result of this many of them were destroyed by earthquakes, snake bites and various other plagues. God would have killed them all .. But .. Moses, who was a friend of God, gained a reprieve by pleading their case before God. Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God .. Hebrews 12 : 2 Today, you no longer have Moses .. However .. What you do have as a born-again, bonified citizen of the Kingdom Of God, is an Advocate Who sits at the right hand of the Father constantly making intersession for you, as a saint of Almighty God’s. Your Advocate Goes By The Name Of Jesus Christ !! Therefore He is able to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them .. Hebrews 7 : 25 You Need To Believe That Before God Will Let You Go Under, He Will Take You Over !! In the meantime however, you may experience a period of struggling time. Understand that your faith will be tried and tested .. And .. It is during this time when your faith is being tested that all hell breaks loose in your life. During your times of tribulation, demons will begin to attack your faith .. satan will bring false accusations against you .. And .. principalities will bring condemning indictments .. BUT !! You Cannot Lose With The Lawyer We Use !! Jesus Christ Has Never Lost A Case !! God’s Word Declares .. If we say (claim) we have not sinned, we contradict His Word and make Him out to be false and a liar, and His Word is not in us [the divine message of the Gospel is not in our hearts] .. 1 John 1 : 10 However !! God’s Word Goes On To Further Declare .. MY LITTLE children, I write you these things, so that you may not violate God’s law and sin. But if anyone should sin, we have an Advocate (One Who will intercede for us) with the Father – [it is] Jesus Christ [the all] righteous [upright, just, Who conforms to the Fathers will in every purpose, thought, and action] .. 1 John 2 : 1 Jesus Christ is your constant Advocate .. And .. Your High Priest before God your Father !! 14 .. Inasmuch then as we have a High Priest Who has [already] ascended and passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith in Him] 15 .. For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathise and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we have, yet without sinning .. Hebrews 4 : 14 – 15 Please !! .. Do not give your situations and circumstances the permission to lock you into a spirit of delusion and complacency. Remember !! .. The devil is actively trying to destroy you !! .. he is trying to kill you !! Understand !! .. It is Only the Spirit Of God and The Blood Of Jesus that stands between you and destruction !! SO Don’t you allow satan the privilege of deceiving you into thinking that nobody cares and that God has not heard your pleading cries for help. Your Father knows well your moanings and groanings !! Your Father knows well what your tears mean when they well up in your eyes !! Trust Him !! If You Call Upon God .. He Will Answer !! Trust Him !! If God Said He Will Bring You Through .. He Will !! Trust Him !! You Cannot Lose With The Lawyer You Use !! Die liefde raak nie sommer agterdogtig nie, maar vertrou vinnig; oordeel nie vinnig nie, maar verdedig gou; gee nie graag aanstoot nie, maar neem ander in ag; stel nie sommer bloot nie, maar beskerm vinnig; toon empatie eerder as om te berispe; waardeer eerder as om te verkleineer; eis nie sommer nie, maar gee eerder; stook nie die kwaad nie, maar help eerder; neem nie maklik ander kwalik nie, maar vergewe gou. Jerry Cook vertel van 'n kerk waar die mense die volgende beloftes aan mekaar maak: "Ek sal nooit bewustelik iets doen of sê om jou seer te maak nie. Ek sal altyd probeer om jou te help en ondersteun. As jy neerslagtig voel, sal ek jou probeer opbeur. As jy iets nodig het en ek het dit, sal ek met jou deel of vir jou gee. Dit maak nie saak wat ek oor jou uitvind nie en al gebeur wat ook al - goed of sleg - in die toekoms, sal my belofte aan jou nie verander nie. Daar is niks wat jy daaraan kan doen nie." 1 Korintiërs 13:7 NV sê: Die liefde:
1) "... glo alles..." - As iemand waarvoor jy omgee onder verdenking geplaas word, vereis die liefde van jou om daardie persoon te verdedig. 2) "... hoop alles..." Die liefde sien ander nie net soos wat hulle is nie, maar soos wat hulle kan wees deur God se genade. God kan hierdie soort liefde in jou hart aanwakker. 3) "... verdra alles..." Jy moet vasstaan in jou liefde vir ander. Vat vandag die liefde wat God vir jou gegee het en gee dit vir ander. Sielskos: Ef. 5:21-33; Hoogl. 2:1-7; Ps 45; Spr. 5:15-19 |
Ana & Andre Schoonbee God uses us to motivate and encourage the body. Authors
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