Triumphing In Challenging Times

TRIUMPHING IN CHALLENGES TIMES

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;… Philippians 1:12-13

As children of God we all face trials from time to time. These trials come not to destroy us but to challenge and build our faith. When we face our trials with the strength of the Lord, and with the assurance that they will ultimately turn out for our good, we will always triumph over them. In 2 Corinthians 1:8, we read that the trials the Apostle Paul faced were so horrendous that he sometimes desired to depart this life and be with the Lord. But Paul learned to live above his circumstances, and overcome all his challenges. And you too can do the same. Here are three lessons we can learn from him:

•  Focus on God and not the problem. As you deal with life’s trials, keep the eyes of your heart focused on Jesus Christ. He has the sovereign ability to handle whatever you are facing. When you relinquish control to God, He is free to work in a miraculous way.

•  Focus on the will of God and not on the opinions of men. Seeking the counsel of others always is a wise idea, and the Bible supports this. However, be sure what your friends tell you aligns with God’s Word, which is your ultimate authority. Seek godly counsel from others but make sure that you spend time alone with God in prayer. God reveals Himself to those who seek His face.

•  Focus on positive results and not personal pain. No one enjoys hardship. However, when trials come, ask the Lord to show you what He wants you to learn from the situation, and how you can apply those lessons to your life. Paul lived above his circumstances because his focus was set on the Saviour and not on the trial. As a result, he gained a tremendous victory.

Prayer: Father, give me the strength to focus on Jesus, and so triumph even in difficult times.

Scriptural Reading: Philippians 1:12-26

12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,

13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;

14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill:

16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;

17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

To Live Is Christ

19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

Triumphing In Challenging Times

You Will Eat The Best

YOU WILL EAT THE BEST

If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land. Isaiah 1:19

The hope of glory, a healthy body more than enough money to take care of your family and finance the work of the gospel, a happy marriage, happy and healthy children, peace of mind are some of the blessings God has for His children. But, those blessings are not just going to fall in your lap. You must be willing – as well as obedient – if you’re going to eat the best from God’s table.

   To be willing and obedient to God implies being unwilling and disobedient to Satan. You must resist the devil and reject lies. If you are willing and obedient to the devil, you will have no peace. His intention is to kill, steal and destroy.

   Don’t be willing for Satan to put sickness on your body. Be willing, instead, to be healed! In honor of Jesus’ sacrifice at Calvary, refuse to except anything less than divine health. Don’t be willing to live in lack, but be willing instead to live in divine prosperity and abundance. Refuse to allow Satan to stop the flow of God’s financial blessings to you.

   Be willing to receive God’s best plan for your marriage and your children. Don’t settle for anything less than the perfect will of God for your family. God wants to raise your children in a home full of love and harmony; a home that is a house of God and a gate of heaven.

   To receive the best God has for you, you must also be obedient to His commands and instructions. You must be willing to submit to His will. May you receive God’s best as you walk before Him with a willing and obedient heart.

Prayer: Lord, I am willing and ready to obey. Feed me and my family with the best in the land.

Scriptural Reading: Isaiah 1:10-20

10 Hear the word of the Lord, You rulers of Sodom; Give ear to the law of our God, You people of Gomorrah:

11 “To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?” Says the Lord. “I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fed cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, Or of lambs or goats.

12 “When you come to appear before Me, Who has required this from your hand, To trample My courts?

13 Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies— I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.

14 Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; They are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them.

15 When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood.

16 “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil,

17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.

18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall …

You Will Eat The Best

Choose Your Companions Carefully

CHOOSE YOUR COMPANIONS CAREFULLY

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 1 Corinthians 15:33

Sinful companionship will corrupt a good lifestyle. You may ignore this truth, you may deny it, you may wish it were not so; but the truth still remains that close friendship with ungodly persons will always have a negative impact on your Christian walk.

   This is why Paul exhorts in 2 Corinthians, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (6:14). Of course, we are to reach out to, and show genuine love toward, unbelievers. But witnessing to an unbeliever and closely embracing an unbeliever are two different things.

   Knowing how we easily justify our wrong choices, Paul says, do not be deceived! No matter how much you may justify this friendship to yourself, you cannot change the spiritual reality. If you are yoked in a romantic relationship, a business partnership, or a close camaraderie with an unbeliever, or a person with ungodly values, the idolatry of their heart and the faithlessness of their worldview will inevitably become a stumbling block for you.

   We do not like to think of friends or acquaintances as being “evil”, but anything that draws you away from a single-minded pursuit of Christ will have an evil effect on your life. Their intentions may not be evil, their lifestyle may not appear evil, but if their faith is not in Christ then their effect on you will be negative.

   Those you walk with have a powerful impact on your success and destiny. So choose your companions wisely.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for giving me godly and faithful friends.

Scriptural Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-34

20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.

22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.

24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.

25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.

26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.

27 For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted.

28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

Effects of Denying the Resurrection

29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead?

30 And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour?

31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ J…

Choose Your Companions Carefully

Work Hard

WORK HARD

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10

The Lord has appointed believers to be His ambassadors to a lost and hurting world. As His followers, we are to represent Him in our character, conduct, and conversation whenever we interact with family, friends, neighbours, or coworkers.

   God expects us to be diligent in our work and faithful to complete it. However, in our self-absorbed, pleasure-seeking culture, it’s very easy to get sidetracked into laziness. This sin is dangerous in a Christian’s life because of the potential harm that can result—it can hurt our witness for Christ, damage our relationships with others, and waste both the time and the gifts the Lord has given us. One negative result of such a lifestyle is a character marked as unreliable and untrustworthy.

   Laziness frequently shows up as procrastination. For example, despite saying that we will take action, we repeatedly delay the start time. Or we may begin a project and yet find reasons not to finish it. Being neglectful is another manifestation: though we make an attempt to carry out responsibilities, they are handled in a haphazard  or incomplete way; relationships with loved ones go untended; or the needs of others are overlooked.

   Irresponsible behavior doesn’t fit who we are in Christ. It takes hard work to be successful. It is going to take diligence for you to achieve your goals in life. It is important to have a dream. Yes, plans and strategies are necessary. Praying to God for help is vital. But, all these must be crowned with hard work in order for you to achieve your goals.

Prayer: Lord, give me a diligent heart.

Scriptural Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;

8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you,

9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

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Work Hard

Live A Life Of Love

young asian woman running and jumping with colored balloons

LIVE A LIFE OF LOVE

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Romans 12:15

The church of Jesus Christ is often described by Paul as being “the body of Christ.” This imagery is meant, we are told, to remind us of how closely we are connected to one another.

   If you accidentally smash your thumb with a hammer, the rest of the body is not unconcerned as though the effected area does not concern the rest. The injured thumb will be pulled away from the place of injury by the arm, perhaps cradled by the other hand, or brought to the mouth for comfort’s sake.

   Similarly, any member of the body of Christ should have their pain felt, and ministered to, by every other member of the body. The sorrow of one should be a grief for all.

   On the other hand, where one member of the body is prospering or enjoying a special time of blessing, the rest of the body should rejoice together with them. This is many times more difficult to do than grieving with each other, because of our self-centered and covetous nature. Too often we grieve when others are blessed rather than rejoicing with them.

   But the church that is functioning as it ought to will see each member in its midst being comforted, cleansed, encouraged, and enjoyed by every other member of the body. Therefore, look for someone today in your church to grieve, or rejoice, with; bear their burden, or share their happiness with them.

Prayer: Lord, help me live a life of love.

Scriptural Reading: Romans 12:9-21

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Live A Life Of Love

Great Faith

GREAT FAITH

The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.” Matthew 8:8

This centurion knew authority when he saw it. He himself commanded one hundred men, and he had witnessed countless examples of power and authority within the ranks of the Roman army. And he knew Jesus had it.

   As a result, the centurion did not come pleading his worth (although the Jews made the mistake of pleading on his merit to Jesus). He knew that there was no claim he could make upon Jesus’ power; if Jesus healed, it would be because He wished to heal, not because the centurion deserved the favour.

   Further, the centurion had such confidence in Jesus’ authority that he knew Jesus could do what had not even been seen or done yet, apparently. Jesus had so far only healed in person, but the centurion knew that anyone who could heal personally could also heal from a distance if he so desired. “Speak the word only” was all that Jesus had to do and he knew his servant would be healed.

   Jesus’ reply to the centurion is just as remarkable as the centurion’s statement. Jesus exclaimed, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (v.10). This is quite a compliment, coming from anyone. But for Jesus Himself to marvel at the centurion’s faith tells us it is certainly something to emulate ourselves.

   When you come to God in prayer, do you see yourself as deserving His favour or do you realise that you are not even worthy to come before Him in the first place? No matter what displays of power or answered prayer you have seen in the past, do you have faith that He is able to do even more than you have witnessed?

Prayer: Lord, increase my faith.

Scriptural Reading: Matthew 8:5-13

5 Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him,

6 saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”

7 And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”

8 The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.

9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!

11 And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.

12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.

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Great Faith

Created For Good Works

CREATED FOR GOOD WORKS

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

When Jesus told the parable of the talents, He was letting us know that each of us has a special purpose in life, and God expects us to cooperate with Him so that it is fulfilled. All three servants in the parable in today’s scriptural reading are given various talents, which represent the individual’s gifts and resources. The servants who put their gifts to productive use were rewarded by the master. They were given more resources and greater responsibilities.

But one of the servants was so fearful and self-centred that he buried his talent and was totally unfruitful for the master. Jesus calls him a “worthless servant.”

If you are a child of God, He has blessed you with special gifts that He expects you to use for His glory. If you don’t know what they are, ask Him to reveal them to you. Ephesians 5:15 AMP says that we should “live purposefully” and make the most of our time. We have a destiny to fulfil and a purpose to accomplish. We have a God to glorify.

There may be a solution to a problem facing society that you are the only one wired to solve. There may be many people who will perish if you don’t preach the gospel to them. It’s my heartfelt prayer that you will make a decision today to cooperate with God’s plan for your life and align your will with His. If you do, God’s promise in Psalm 138:8 belongs to you: The Lord will fulfil his purpose for you!

Prayer: Lord, give me more grace to fulfil my calling and fulfil my purpose for your glory.

Scriptural Reading: Ephesians 2:1-11

1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,

3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Brought Near by His Blood

11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh — who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in …

Created For Good Works

You Can Experience GOD"S Best

YOU CAN EXPERIENCE GOD’S BEST

“Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you.” Job 22:21

None of us wants to miss the blessings God has planned for us. If asked, we would say we want to receive every one of the gifts He desires to give us. However, because of the choices we make, we often miss our blessings. Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years because they chose not to enter the Promised Land. Though the Israelites were on the brink of tremendous blessing, the leaders forfeited the outpouring of God’s goodness, not only for themselves but for the whole nation. (Numbers 13-14)

   The Christian life is one of surrender and obedience, not independence and rebellion. To live such a life means bringing our choices to God and being prepared to accept and submit to His will. Remember, His way is always best because it comes out of the goodness of His character.

   To choose God’s best also requires learning how to listen to Him. Too many times we present our requests and leave before giving God time to answer us. Hearing God speak to us is one of the most powerful experiences. The voice of God brings certainty, direction and courage.

   God wants you to experience His best this year. He also wants you to be the best you can be. But it will take your willingness to follow His ways, and your obedience to His voice. If you will submit to Him and align your ways to His ways, you will find success and prosperity.

Prayer: Lord, help me surrender to Your will so that Your prosperity may come to me.

Scriptural Reading: Job 22:21-30

21 “Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; Thereby good will come to you.

22 Receive, please, instruction from His mouth, And lay up His words in your heart.

23 If you return to the Almighty, you will be built up; You will remove iniquity far from your tents.

24 Then you will lay your gold in the dust, And the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks.

25 Yes, the Almighty will be your gold And your precious silver;

26 For then you will have your delight in the Almighty, And lift up your face to God.

27 You will make your prayer to Him, He will hear you, And you will pay your vows.

28 You will also declare a thing, And it will be established for you; So light will shine on your ways.

29 When they cast you down, and you say, ‘Exaltation will come!’ Then He will save the humble person.

30 He will even deliver one who is not innocent;

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You Can Experience GOD"S Best

Let Jesus Be Your Confidence

LET JESUS BE YOUR CONFIDENCE

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Ephesians 3:12

Don’t let the difficulties of today get you down. Just feed your spirit on the word. Get strong on the inside—in your mind, thoughts and understanding. One of these days, when you are going through some really tough situations, someone is going to ask you, ‘How are you handling the pressure?’ You will turn to the person and respond in surprise, “Pressure? What pressure?” That response would not be because you are in denial or avoiding reality. It would simply be because you have built the spiritual and mental capacity to handle your challenges with ease. You have grown to carry that which easily crushes others.

   As you build yourself up in the word and power of the Lord, you will begin to see life in a totally different perspective. Once you see that the very Spirit and power of Christ resides in you, nothing—no debt, disease, or demon—will be able to defeat you. You will be so aware of who Christ has made you that the giants of this life will appear like dwarfs. You will see people running and panicking in all directions but you will find great stability and confidence in the power of the Lord.

   Those who build their confidence in the Lord, look within themselves and see Christ magnified. When they look on the inside, they do not see their own human limitations; they see the unlimited Christ. That point of view will transform a weak, beggarly, defeated person into a champion for Christ. Remember, we live for Him and not for ourselves. He is our Lord; we are not masters of ourselves. He is our King; we do not rule ourselves. He is our deliverer; we do not deliver ourselves. He is the Lord of the battle. He lives in us, stands by us and walks with us. In Him we have the victory!

Prayer: Thank You Lord for living Your life in and and through me.

Scriptural Reading: Ephesians 3:8-13

8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;

10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,

11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,

12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.

13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

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Let Jesus Be Your Confidence

Be Joyful

BE JOYFUL

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2

The Bible says, “the joy of the Lord is our strength.” O how you need some strength to triumph this year. Most of us are weak because we lack the joy of the Lord. Note, not the joy of the world but the joy of the Lord. The joy of the world depends on circumstances, but the joy of the Lord comes from the hope of the glory of God.

   Because the devil knows that the joy of the Lord is our strength, he will do everything in his power to still our joy. How sad it is that most of us have lost our joy in the Lord. We can lose our joy for several reasons:

•  Wrong focus. Paul and Silas were able to praise God despite severe trials because they centred on Jesus. Concentrating on our difficulties will cause delight to disappear. Refocusing through praise will bring it back.

•  Disobedience. Sin steals our joy because it separates us from the Lord. As we receive forgiveness and obey Him, joy returns.

•  Regret. We crowd out gladness when we continue to feel bad about past mistakes and failures. Our Father wants us to believe that He forgives us (1 John 1:9) and live in His grace and move ahead.

•  Fear. Too often we attempt to live out the future before it has happened. With so much outside our control, we become afraid. Joy and fear cannot coexist. The Lord calls us to live by faith, asking Him to meet today’s needs and trusting Him with the future.

•  Someone else’s suffering. How can we rejoice when others are hurting? Romans 12:15 says we are to weep with them, but we are also to offer the hope of God’s presence, power, and provision. A downcast spirit is a poor witness for hope.

   What excuse have you been using for your lack of joy? Fix your gaze on the Lord and let His joy fill your heart in power and strength.

Prayer: Lord, let Your joy be my strength.

Scriptural Reading: Roman 5 : 1-5

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

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Be Joyful

The Lord"s Arm

PRAYER

Behold, the Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor His ear too deaf to hear you call. It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, He has turned away and will not listen anymore. Isaiah 59:1-2

Staying in constant fellowship with God through prayer is crucial to your success in life. This is the reason why it is so important to be on a lookout for anything that will be a hinderance to your prayer life.

   One of the reasons our prayers may not be answered is because of unconfessed sins in our lives. Nothing will bring a prayer life to a halt faster than unconfessed sin. Psalm 66:18 says, “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”

   Offence, bitterness and unforgiveness will also hinder your prayer. When the Lord taught His disciples to pray in Matthew chapter six, He said to them, when you pray tell the Father, “forgive us our offences as we have forgiven those who have offended us.” If you don’t forgive those who offend you from your heart, God will not listen to your prayers.

   Idolatry, or putting something in our lives into a place of prominence over God Himself, can also be a hinderance to prayer. In Ezekiel 14:3, God said, “Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their requests.?”

   Is there someone or something that is more important to you than God Himself? Anyone or anything that becomes more important to you than God can potentially become your idol. Any object, idea, philosophy, habit, occupation, or sport that has your primary concern and loyalty—or to any degree, decreases your trust and loyalty to God—could potentially become an idol. And it could stop your prayers from being answered.

Prayer: Lord, revive my prayer life, and help me be vigilant and look out for the schemes of the devil to stop my prayer life.

Scriptural Reading: Isaiah 59:1-5

1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened,

That it cannot save;

Nor His ear heavy,

That it cannot hear.

2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.

3 For your hands are defiled with blood,

And your fingers with iniquity; Your lips have spoken lies, Your tongue has muttered perversity.

4 No one calls for justice, Nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies; They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity.

5 They hatch vipers’ eggs and weave the spider’s web; He who eats of their eggs dies, And from that which is crushed a viper breaks out.

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The Lord"s Arm

You Need Some Adversities

YOU NEED SOME ADVERSITIES

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13

The pathway to success and greatness almost always passes through the valley of adversity. We see this principle not only in the story of Joseph, who endured thirteen years of adversity, but also in the lives of many other men and women in both the Old and New Testament.

   Moses was raised in the royal splendour of Pharaoh’s household in Egypt, but he was forced to flee and spend 40 years in desert exile before God called him to lead the children of Israel out of slavery. Joshua spent the years of his youth as a slave in Egypt and his middle-aged years wandering in the desert as Moses’ aide. He was well acquainted with adversity when God called him to lead Israel’s armies in the conquest of Canaan. The prophet Daniel was thrown into a den of hungry lions before he could reach a place of power and influence in the Babylonian courts. And we see this same pattern played out in the lives of David, Isaiah, Amos, Hosea and other Old Testament leaders.

   Even Jesus our Lord had to face adversity. He suffered hunger, thirst, temptation and opposition from Satan. He had to endure hardship and shame before He could be glorified. The Lord’s apostles also suffered persecutions, hardships, and despair.

   All those adversities were necessary parts of the process of making these people what they needed to be to accomplish what they did. So get ready to face some adversities on your way to great accomplishments this year.

Prayer: Lord, make me stronger and wiser by the adversities You allow my way.

Scriptural Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is is glorified.

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.

16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

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You Need Some Adversities

Keep The Big Picture

KEEP THE BIG PICTURE

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. *James 1:2-4 *

Sports can teach us lot of valuable life lessons. Sometimes we buy into the idea that if we will do all the right things, we are guaranteed immediate success. The problem is that sometimes this is true. The outcome matches the execution and the goal. However, in sports, as well as in life, success is not always guaranteed.

   For instance, if you bring a smothering perfectionism to the golf course, you will probably leave with a higher handicap and a lousy disposition, because your game will never meet your expectations. You can make the perfect golf swing and end up in a divot or sand bunker. A footballer can kick the perfect penalty and the goalkeeper tips it over the bar; analogies are limitless.

   So what do we do when the outcome does not match the expectations? We must accept that in sports, as in life, outcomes don’t end the way we always hope. A player may miss a penalty kick, but his team may eventually win the match. You don’t have to win every battle to win a war. Some short-term outcome may be bad, but keep your eye on the big picture. As you set off to achieve your goals for this New Year, some short-term results may not be what you hoped for, but don’t be discouraged. Learn the lessons that need to be learned and move on.

   You and I need to keep the big picture in mind when short-term outcomes don’t turn out well. The Bible calls this perseverance. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).

Prayer: Thank You Lord, for Your plan to ultimately bring me to a perfect end. Help me focus on the big picture.

Scriptural Reading: James 1:1-6

1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:

Greetings.

Profiting from Trials

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

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Keep The Big Picture

Watch Your Thoughts

WATCH YOUR THOUGHTS

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

It is said that thoughts are the seedlings of realities. What you predominantly think about becomes your reality. Our thoughts control our lives and determine our destiny. This is why our minds are the battle ground of our fight with the force of darkness.

   The Scriptures urge us to cast down imaginations or thoughts that are variant with the word of God out of our mind. To live victoriously, every thought that originates from the devil must be immediately cast out of your mind. The command to “cast down” indicates the fact that you have the ability to decide what thoughts stay in your mind and what thoughts you cast out of your mind. God has given you the power to control the kind of thoughts you allow to stay in your mind.

   The question is how to discern which thoughts originate from God and which ones are from the devil? Generally, thoughts that originate from God are true, honest, pure, just and lovely. They are thoughts that reflect God’s nature and are in harmony with His will. Thoughts that originate from the devil are false, hypocritical, filthy and self-centered. They reflect the devil’s charater and bring out the worst in us.

   Let us maintain a high level of awareness and keep a perpetual watch over our minds. We must not entertain negative or evil thoughts in our mind. Your success, prosperity, peace, and your destiny depend on the quality of your thoughts.

Prayer: Father, help me develop the discipline of keeping watch over my mind. Help me meditate day and night on Your word.

Scriptural Reading: 2 Corinthians 10:1-6

1 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ — who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.

2 But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

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Watch Your Thoughts

The Controller

THE CONTROLLER

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your rememberance all things that I said to you. John 14:26

A pilot found himself in a terrible storm. Visibility had dropped and he couldn’t see his way through the storm. At this point when his own vision was not clear, the only option left for him was to put his total trust in the cockpit instruments.

   His destination was a crowded airport he wasn’t familiar with. To make a safe landing he had to make accurate decisions. During training his instructor had practically forced him to memorize the airplane Rulebook. He didn’t like it much at the time, but now he was thankful he learnt it.

   As he approached his destination, he made contact with the air traffic controller. For the next 45 minutes, the controller confidently and gently guided the pilot through the storm. As course and altitude corrections were made, the young pilot realized the controller was guiding him around obstacles and away from potential collisions. With the words of the Rulebook firmly placed in his mind, and with the gentle voice of the controller, he landed safely at last.

   The Holy Spirit guides us through the maze of life much like that air traffic controller. The controller assumed that the young pilot understood the instructions from the Rulebook. His guidance was based on that. Our Rulebook is the Bible. The traffic controller is the Holy Spirit. Our guidance in life comes through knowledge of God’s word and dependence on the Holy Spirit. We must hear His voice in the midst of the storm and follow His guidance.

   Have you studied the Rulebook? Do you know the voice of the Holy Spirit?

Prayer: Guide me, Holy Spirit, and lead me to the future You have prepared in advance for me.

Scriptural Reading: John 14:23-31

23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.

The Gift of His Peace

25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.

26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

28 You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.

29 “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.

30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.

31 But that the world may know that I love the Fa…

The Controller

Powerful Intercession

POWERFUL INTERCESSION

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you. Colossians;1:9

One of the most important poweful ministries is that of an intercessor. That is the present ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ at the right hand of the Father in heaven. When we intercede, we don’t pray for ourselves but for others. Apostle Paul provides one of the greatest examples of an intercessor. His letters to the churches are full of powerful intercessory prayers for the churches. His prayer for the Christians in Colosse is a model of an effective intercessory prayer. Why don’t you receive it by faith as my prayer for you this New Year?

•  May you be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. May the Lord make His perfect will known to you through spiritual wisdom and understanding. May you never lack guidance and direction.

•  May you walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. May He be at work in you both to will and to do according to His good pleasure.

•  May you bear fruit in every good work. May all your efforts to please the Lord yield positive results. May you achieve extraordinary results that will bring glory to the Lord.

•  May you increase in the knowledge of God. Above all else, may you come to know God intimately and walk closely with Him this year.

•  May that same power that brought our Lord Jesus Christ from the grave, be at work in you. May it strengthen and sustain you.

•  May you always give thanks to God for the many blessings He has showered on you, especially, your eternal inheritance in Christ. There is nothing for which we should be more appreciative than the fact that God has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in His Kingdom.

   May all these blessings and more be yours this year and forever.

Prayer: Thank You Lord for Your intercessions for me at the right hand of the Father.

Scriptural Reading: Colossians 1:9-14

9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;

12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,

14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

NKJV

Powerful Intercession

Renewal

RENEWAL

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

Periodically, we need some push to help us gather momentum. This is because we often get stranded in life. This happens when for some reason, you come to a standstill in your life and find it difficult to move ahead. It happens to all of us.

   In fact, maybe today, you find yourself stranded in your own life. Perhaps life has lost its energy for you. Perhaps you’ve settled for mediocrity. Mediocrity in your marriage; mediocrity with your Christian life, mediocrity in your career. But God has so much more for you! He wants to do supernatural things in you, things you could never imagine.

   His promise to you today is firm and clear: “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” In other words, God is saying “Look! Can’t you see it? Can’t you taste it? Can’t you feel this new thing that I’m doing?”

   He takes barren places and barren people and uses them for His glory when He does a brand new thing in their lives. And God wants to do something new in you. Give Him space in your life. Open up to the Holy Spirit. When you do, He will take you out of the place where you are stranded. He will move you out of mediocrity and make your life exciting.

   Can you see the great things He has in store for you? Look, He is about to do something new in your life today. Reach out. Touch Him. Take His hand and let Him walk you into new places. This is a new day for you.

Prayer: Father, renew my strength and help me gather momentum towards what You have set before me this year.

Scriptural Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21

16 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea And a path through the mighty waters,

17 Who brings forth the chariot and horse,

The army and the power (They shall lie down together, they shall not rise; They are extinguished, they are quenched like a wick):

18 “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.

19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness

And rivers in the desert.

20 The beast of the field will honor Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I give waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My people, My chosen.

21 This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise.

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Renewal

You Are More Than A Conqueror

YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR

_”The Lord will cause Your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come against you one way and flee before you seven ways.” Deuteronomy 28:7

God does not promise us a life without enemies. What He promises us is victory over the conspiracies of our enemies. Who is an enemy? Webster’s Dictionary describes an enemy in part as ‘one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent.’

   The ultimate enemy for a child of God is Satan. However, there are human beings who off and on play the role of enemies in our lives. Apart from that, certain conditions of life and situations we encounter may also become our ‘enemies’ such as sicknesses, poverty, ignorance and low self-esteem.

   Enemies can either ‘rise against’ us or ‘come out against’ us. Both postures are postures of challenge. An enemy’s challenge or attack is designed to drive fear into us so that we turn and run away.

   God promises that when we walk in obedience before Him, He will cause two things to happen to our enemies:

•  ‘They will be defeated before your face.’ That means God will give us a visible victory. It will not happen behind your back but right in front of you.

•  ‘They shall flee before you seven ways.’ God will rout our enemies in battle and scatter their plans and conspiracies on the winds.

   Whether your enemy is Satan, people or threatening conditions, there is victory for you. When the evil conspiracies multiply against you, fear not. Today, your enemies seem formidable; tomorrow they will be defeated and scattered.

Prayer: Lord, cause that which rises against Your purposes for my life to be defeated and scattered before me.

Scriptural Reading: Deuteronomy 28:1-14

1 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.

2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:

3 “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.

4 “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks.

5 “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

6 “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.

7 “The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.

8 “The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

9 “The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways.

10 Then all pe…

You Are More Than A Conqueror

Set Some Spiritual Goals

SET SOME SPIRITUAL GOALS

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2

Where your treasure is, there will your heart be. Your heart will pursue anything that you consider to be important. For your heart to pursue the right things, you must treasure the right things. You must have godly desires and godly goals.

   A spiritual goal is any specific Christ-centred target you set for yourself. The Lord said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” God’s Word is filled with what is right and good, therefore reading and learning the Bible is a good place to start and a good place to stay.

   A spiritual goal does not depend on people or circumstances beyond your ability or right to control. It is a goal that depends on God’s grace and the help of the Holy Spirit. Although people may let you down, you can still fulfil your godly desires. When your desires are of God, His grace and favour abounds towards you.

   Holiness is a spiritual desire. Walking in love is a godly desire. Serving in the house of God is a spiritual desire. Sharing the gospel with others is a spiritual desire. Set these desires as goals to pursue. Seek these first and all the other things shall be added to you.

   When your ways please the Lord, He answers your prayers before you pray. When your heart is in the right place, God’s will becomes your will. His thoughts become your thoughts. His ways become your ways. If these are your treasures in 2019, then your heart will be in the right places this year.

Prayer: Lord, I need Your help to make some advancements this year.

Scriptural Reading: Colossians 3:1-16

1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,

7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,

10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,

11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Character of the New Man

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

13 bearing with one another, and forgivi…

Set Some Spiritual Goals

Go From Strength To Strength

GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion. Psalm 84:7

Those who get prepared and set their hearts on pilgrimage, enjoy God’s rain. That means, God refreshes them. In addition to that, they go from strength to strength. The key to renewed strength is waiting upon the Lord. Waiting on God is not a waste of time. Our strength always comes from the Lord. Waiting on Him is like charging your phone before using it. The longer you charge your phone and continue to keep it charged, the more usage you have of it. Similarly, when we wait on the Lord, we go from strength to strength.

   The passage says those who go from strength to strength will appear before the Lord. This Psalm was for those who were on pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. For the pilgrim on the journey to a feast to Jerusalem, their goal was to eventually appear before the Lord. We are also on pilgrimage. For us, the goal of our pilgrimage is getting to the place God has appointed for us. The place could be a spiritual place or a family place or a career. As we journey in God’s strength, He enables us to get to arrive at the goals He has given us. By the end of this year, each one of us should be able to say we are where God wants us to be – in all areas of our lives. He will give us the strength to get to our appointed place.

   May you grow from strength to strength. May your energy at the beginning of the year be stronger each day. Today, receive strength for your journey. Receive strength to overcome every challenge. Receive strength to push through every resistance. Receive strength in your spirit. Strength in your mind. Strength in your body. Strength to win.

Prayer: Lord, give me the inner strength to persevere till I break through.

Scriptural Reading: Psalm 84:5-7

5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.

6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools.

7 They go from strength to strength;

Each one appears before God in Zion.

NKJV

Go From Strength To Strength

Be A Good Steward

BE A GOOD STEWARD

I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Revelation 3:8

The kind of doors that open for us determine the places we can enter. If a classroom door opens to you, you will enter a classroom. If a business door opens to you, you enter into that business. Open doors are exciting but each one of us has experienced a closed door. Sometimes we try for some doors to open to us without success. There are job seekers who try one door after another, yet no one responds to their résumé. No university accepts their application. No buyers look at your property.

   The good news is that our God is able to use closed doors to advance His cause. He closed the womb of a young Sarah so He could display His power to the elderly one. He shut the palace door on Moses the prince so He could open another door to Moses the liberator. He marched Daniel out of Jerusalem so He could reveal the God of heaven to Babylon.

   Our Lord Jesus also knew the challenge of a blocked door. In the garden of Gethsemane He did not have His will granted. When He requested a path that bypassed the cross, the Father said no. Yet out of that ‘no’ came the greatest ‘yes’ of all time. Yes, to our salvation. Yes, to our healing. Yes, to our blessing. Yes, to heaven.

   God’s ‘no’ is not a denial. It is a redirection from our path to His path. From our way to His way. Ultimately, what we consider a closed door is actually an open door to something bigger, better and greater.

Prayer: Lord, when the door shuts, help me to see the new doors You’ve set before me and the new path You want me to walk on.

Scriptural Reading: Revelation 3:7-13

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,

‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”:

8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie — indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.

12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

13 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”‘

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Be A Good Steward

Make The Valley Sing

MAKE THE VALLEY SING

As they pass through the valley of Baca, they make it a spring; the rain also covers it with pools. Psalm 84:6

Our verse today, follows after our verse yesterday. It is the result we receive when we prepare for the year. Those who set their hearts on pilgrimage; or face life prepared, are able to turn situations around to their advantage.

   They pass through the valley of Baca. The valley of Baca was a dry and waterless place on the road to Jerusalem. It also symbolised weeping. As people made the pilgrimage to the house of God, they went through the valley of Baca – the place of dryness and weeping. Yet, because they had set their hearts on pilgrimage and prepared their hearts, the valley of Baca could not depress them. Instead of depression, the valley of Baca becomes a spring to them. They experience God’s rain.

   That is how our year will be. Where others weep, we will experience God’s rain in the valley of Baca. Not only will we experience God’s rain, He will create pools for us in the valley of Baca.

   As we set our hearts on the Lord and the journey ahead of us, He also sets His heart on us. He sets His heart on us to water our dry places. The distance of the journey will not change but the presence of the Lord will renew our strength and cause us to flourish. The Lord will cause us to blossom in the place where others are weeping.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You will cause Your rain to fall on every dry path in my walk this year.

Scriptural Reading: Psalm 84:5-7

5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.

6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools.

7 They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion.

NKJV

Make The Valley Sing

Be Prepared

BE PREPARED

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. Psalm 84:5

Welcome to the New Year. We give thanks and praise to God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ for bringing us into this new year. God has awesome blessings for us this year, but we have to be prepared for them.

   The motto of the Scout Movement is, ‘Be Prepared.’ Boys and girls who join the Scouts are trained mentally and physically for emergencies. To face life, we have to think like the scouts, ‘Be Prepared.’ What comes to mind when you hear about preparation? Do you think about, studying for a test, or maybe packing all the necessary equipment before a trip? Perhaps, we need to approach the year as we would a test or a journey. We need to be prepared for 2019.

   The first preparation we need for this year is the preparation of our hearts. We need to prepare our hearts to the Lord. The Psalmist encourages us to set our hearts on pilgrimage. That means to prepare spiritually for the journey that the Lord has set before each one of us.

   Prepare your heart. Take charge of your spiritual life. The word of God must move from the pages of the Bible into our hearts. To do that, we must read it often and meditate on it deeply.

   Prepare your head. Take charge of your thoughts. Choose the thoughts you entertain in your mind.

   Prepare your hands. Take charge of your actions. Choose to courageously do what you know that the Lord has called you to do.

   Preparing for a journey does not change the distance of the journey; it only helps us manage our lives better during the journey. It gives us better tools to deal with whatever comes our way on the journey. Let’s live 2019 with hearts that are prepared for the journey. It’s going to be a good ride.

Prayer: Father, my heart is set on pilgrimage this year; order my steps.

Scriptural Reading: Psalm 84:5-7

5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.

6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools.

7 They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion.

NKJV

Be Prepared