The Just Judge October 17, 2021

“When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:23

Did you know that the only time Jesus asked His Father to forgive sinners was when He was being crucified and said, in Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing?” On every other occasion, Jesus would forgive sinners Himself, but on the cross He asked His Father to forgive them. Why did He do that?

To understand, it helps to look at another occasion when Jesus healed a paralytic man (Luke 5:17-39). Not only did Jesus heal this man’s physical infirmity, however, He also forgave the man’s sins. The Pharisees complained, saying, “Only God can forgive sins.” And they were right…God is the only One who can forgive sins. Jesus Christ was God, so why didn’t He forgive the sins of His crucifiers?

On the cross, Jesus was not dying as God, because God cannot die. On the cross, He was dying as one of us. Yet He still wanted the only One who can forgive to forgive those who were hurting Him. When the disciple Peter looked back on the crucifixion, he remembered how Christ did not retaliate against His accusers. Peter remembered Jesus’ silence – and it spoke volumes. Jesus entrusted Himself to God.

We must learn to follow Jesus’ example. If you can trust God with your heart, you can trust Him with your hurt. Heartache and hurts should never become walls that separate us from God; they should instead be bridges that bring us closer to Him. When others turn their backs on you, turn your eyes towards God. Entrust yourself to Him. He is the only Just Judge. Then you will be free to offer unmerited forgiveness to those who have hurt you.

God, help me to entrust myself to you when I am hurt or wronged. Help me to offer grace rather than retaliation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The weapon that is fully loaded,3rd of October 2021
"I've hidden Your Word in my heart so that I don't offend You." (Psalm) 119:11

Many of you are probably aware that I am a serious golfer. I love playing golf and have had the pleasure of playing with several great players throughout the years. Do you know what I've learned from every great golfer I've ever played with? It's the ease with which they swing. It's almost carefree. In the same way, Jesus easily overcame temptation. It wasn't a fight or a struggle. He overcame temptation by using the only weapon we really need: God's Word.

Every time Satan tempted Jesus (Matthew 4), Jesus responded by saying, "It is written..." and then quoting the Scriptures that applied to the particular temptation. Temptation is weak against truth, because temptation is always founded on a falsehood, as Jesus knew. Here's the deception: Temptation will always tell you that sin is not only pleasurable in the present, but that you can get away with it in the long term. The first portion of this is frequently correct, while the second part is never correct. Your sin will always come back to haunt you (Numbers 32:23).

One of two things will happen every time you are tempted. You can either submit to what your eyes see and your heart feels, or you can follow the truth of God's Word that you know in your mind, no matter how you feel about it. Here's the deal: You have no chance of continually defeating temptation unless your guns are filled with the truth-bullets of God's Word. Willpower alone can only go you so far. The sword of the Spirit, God's Word, is our only offensive weapon against Satan's attacks.

Why would you try it any other way if Jesus Christ, the Son of God, would not face the Devil and temptation without the Word of God filling His heart and mind? There is a Word from God that counteracts every temptation the Devil sends into your life. Jesus did not argue with the devil. He didn't haggle or argue with him. He simply stood fast and resisted temptation by relying on God's Word.

If you believe in Jesus Christ, you are a gun loaded with God's truth bullets. Put the sword of God's truth by your side at all times by keeping it hidden in your heart and mind, for truth will always triumph against temptation.

Thank you, God, for Your Word, which is the only weapon I have against temptation. Assist me in reading, learning, and memorizing it so that I am always prepared when temptation strikes. Amen, in Jesus' name.

The Sense of the Sixth, 3rd of October 2021

“Then submit yourselves to God. The devil will flee from you if you resist him.” 4:7 James
Have you ever heard of the concept of the "sixth sense?" Power of perception is similar to but not one of the five senses; an acute intuitive power, according to Merriam-Webster. Some people exaggerate the concept of a "sixth sense," claiming to be able to read people's minds, communicate with ghosts, or predict the future. Wouldn't it be great if there had a sixth sense for avoiding sin? What if we could see into the future, recognize temptation, and avoid it completely?

While no such sixth sense exists to entirely avoid every temptation, Jesus does teach us how to detect temptation in a variety of situations before it occurs. Satan tempts Jesus in three different ways, and he tempts us in the same way. Understanding these three areas of temptation can help us build strong intuition in our lives so that we can be ready to avoid falling into the Devil's trap when we are tempted.

The temptation will first appeal to our bodily selves. Satan tempted Jesus after He had completed a 40-day fast and had been ravished. Satan tempts Jesus to break His fast by transforming stones into bread and eating it - something Jesus might have done effortlessly. He was, however, fasting under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We live in a world where “if it feels good, do it.” That is precisely the temptation Satan presented to Jesus: to divorce the physical from the spiritual and to achieve His wishes in His own unique way. It's critical to realize that there's nothing wrong with having bodily urges. Sin is when you satisfy your needs in your own way.

Second, the temptation will entice us to act on our emotions. When Satan is unable to persuade Jesus to follow His carnal impulses, he appeals to how good it would feel to be worshiped as He deserves. Satan knows Jesus' rightful place in the world is one of respect, and yet He is starving, filthy, and exhausted in the desert. He takes advantage of how Jesus must be feeling and goes for the kill, attempting to persuade Him to reveal who He truly is to the world. Our feelings are the first leaders we follow in life. But it's important to remember that emotions are meant to be felt, not obeyed.

Finally, the temptation will entice us spiritually. Satan was enticing Jesus in a subtle but potent way when he offered Him all the kingdoms of the earth. He gave Jesus the same kingdoms that His Father was about to gift Him, but he was cutting Jesus a deal. Satan tempted Jesus by saying, "Skip the cross." Short cuts are Satan's specialty. He entices us to give a little of ourselves, but not all... to listen to podcasts instead of reading the Bible... to speak of God but not with God... The list goes on and on.

Learning to recognize temptation is a valuable weapon in the fight against Satan's plans. The Holy Spirit has been given to us as a "sixth sense" that might warn us of impending dangers. Remember that Satan will always appeal to one of three areas in your life: bodily, emotional, or spiritual, so be on the lookout for it.

Thank you, God, for the Holy Spirit, who is my most powerful tool for identifying temptation. Help me to be aware of these three areas of temptation so that, like Jesus, I am prepared to oppose the Devil. Amen, in Jesus' name.

Expect to be Tempted, 2nd of October 2021

“Except for what is common to mankind, no temptation has grabbed you. And God is trustworthy; He will not allow you to be tempted beyond your capacity. When you are tempted, however, He will offer a way out so that you can persevere.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

The protection of presidents and their families is one of the most critical responsibilities of the US Secret Service Department. The Secret Service's primary protection purpose is to maintain a "safe zone," also known as the "outer perimeter," a "zone of security," or the "sanitation zone," at all times during the President's schedule, no matter where he is. The President's safe zone is a physical area that surrounds him.This zone should be the size of a football field, according to the Secret Service. Agents are required to totally surround the President, whether he is stationary or moving. As a result, once dangers materialize, the zone gives agents a better chance to avoid or stop the attack right away.

Creating a safe zone in our lives is one of the wisest and most efficient methods to combat temptation. No one is immune to the effects of temptation. You can never be too old to succumb to temptation. It's impossible to be too good to be seduced. You can never be too strong to succumb to temptation. Temptation isn't a bad thing. Being tempted is not uncommon.The first rule to follow if you want to handle and overcome temptation is to anticipate it. Being tempted should never catch you off guard.

Half the struggle of overcoming temptation is going out into the world every day with your spiritual antenna and spiritual radar turned on. We must continually be hearing and communicating with the Holy Spirit about the possible dangers surrounding us, just as the Secret Service uses earpieces and microphones to listen and communicate with one another about potential threats. Walking through life is like walking through a field of land mines.Because sin is ubiquitous, temptation is as well. Every day, we should have a safe zone around our lives that we have created. Because we are always expecting temptation, our safe zone should contain boundaries that we will not cross or allow others to cross.

Have you created a safe space in your life? Consider the areas in your life where you are most prone to sin. Create some limits in your life once you've recognized these areas to help you avoid falling into sin.

Please, God, show me the areas in my life where I need to build a safe zone. Remind me to expect temptation in these areas and to prepare myself for it. Amen, in Jesus' name.

Temptation, 1st of October 2021

“Then the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil.” 4:1 Matthew

It's amazing to see how Jesus' ministry was announced to the rest of the world. It would seem appropriate for His ministry to begin with a bang. If Hollywood had done it, Jesus would have arrived on a throne atop an angel-held throne, surrounded by adoring throngs and paraded down Main Street. But that is not how God works. The beginning of Jesus' career was marked by two major events. He was baptized in the Jordan River first. Then, in the desert, Satan tempts Him. His baptism and temptation are depicted together in all four Gospel books of the Bible.

God recognized Jesus as His beloved Son as soon as He emerged from the Jordan River's baptism waters. So, what occurred right after that? Is it true that Jesus began healing the sick, walking on water, and speaking powerful sermons? No. Instead, He fasts for 40 days in the desert before being confronted by the Devil face to face. The story is short and sweet, occupying less than 200 words in the Bible. The narrative of Jesus' temptation, on the other hand, is one of the most inspiring stories in the Bible because it demonstrates that, while temptation comes to all of us, it does not have to defeat us.

Is it a coincidence that Jesus' temptation occurs immediately following His baptism? No, I don't believe so. The Spirit of God brought Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted, according to Matthew 4:1. Does this imply that God is the one who tempts us to sin? No. God does not tempt anybody, according to James 1:13. So, why would the Holy Spirit tempt Jesus? It was, I suppose, to provide us a wonderful example of how to withstand the Devil's machinations. Three essential realities emerge from Jesus' temptation. To begin, we must learn to anticipate temptation. We will be tempted to sin if Jesus, the flawless Son of God, was tempted to sin. Temptation should not come as a surprise to us. Second, when the Devil tempts us, we discover how he works.In his attempt to seduce Jesus, Satan was cunning and devious, even twisting God's Word to induce Jesus to sin. He'll employ the same strategies against us. Finally, we discover how to resist temptation by relying on God's Word and the Holy Spirit.

We can be confident that temptation is no match for the Holy Spirit who lives in God's people because of Jesus' example in Matthew 4. If we have dedicated our life to Him, His Spirit dwells in us, giving us the strength to resist the Devil's plans. Temptation is unavoidable, but succumbing to it is not. We can overcome the temptation to sin because of God's grace.

Thank you, God, for Jesus' example in the face of temptation. When I am tempted, please enable me to hold to Your truth. Amen, in Jesus' name.

Don't be worried; be joyful, 29th of September 2021

“Cast all of your worries on Him, for He is concerned about you.” 1 Peter5:7
The song "Don't Worry, Be Happy" made artist Bobby McFerrin a household name. “In every life, we have some trouble,” one lyric in the song states, “but when you worry you make it double.” Indeed, most of us are concerned about something on a daily basis. Money, employment, decisions, deadlines, relationships, and potential problems are all factors to consider. Anxiety is unavoidable in most people's lives.

Worry, on the other hand, may and does become a disorder if we let it go on for too long. Worrying all of the time has an impact on our relationships and duties. Fears and dread might become excessive and unreasonable, preventing us from functioning at all. A worry-filled existence is linked to physical problems and emotional instability. The singer believes that the simplest answer to worry is to simply stop worrying. “Don't be concerned; be happy.” Self-soothing, diverting strategies, exercise, or taking up a hobby are some of the therapies suggested by psychologists for concern. A true end to concern, however, is a spiritual one.

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus encourages us not to be concerned. What is his solution? We must put our faith in God. Pray and beg Him to provide for our most basic needs. Cast our troubles and cares on Him, and trust in Him. Worry is the spiritual polar opposite of trust. Worrying implies doubting that God is aware of your future and has your best interests at heart. Yes, he does! The death and resurrection of His Son is His greatest gesture of love toward us. God not only loves us, but He is concerned about our well-being. “Cast all your worries on Him, since He cares for you,” 1 Peter states.

God, I'm trusting you with the things that are bothering me today. I know You love me and are concerned about what happens to me, and You always want the best for me. Today, I feel that Your concern for me is genuine and that You will take care of the issues that I am concerned about. Allow today to be an opportunity to learn more about You, as I entrust You with my concerns. Amen, in Jesus' name.

The Myth of Self-Help, 28th of September 2021

“However, your sins have separated you from your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so He will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2

If you go to any bookshop, you'll discover a significant section of things labeled "self-help." According to a marketing research firm, the self-improvement products business in the United States is worth more than $9 billion. We're all about "pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps" and finding our "inner strength," from books to seminars, personal coaching, weight reduction, stress management, and holistic institutes.

“God assists those who help themselves,” according to an old proverb. Perhaps this is where the concept of self-help originated. The only problem is that the sentence does not appear in the Bible. It isn't even biblical in nature. We are born into sin, according to Isaiah 59:2. As a result, we are entirely estranged from God. We can't help ourselves when we're caught up in our sins. There isn't anything we can do.

We can't go to ourselves for help with the most important issue in our lives: our sin against God. No amount of hard work will be enough to solve the problem. The answer will not come from intelligence or expertise. There is no way to deal with our estrangement from God on our own. All books, seminars, institutes, and coaching are ineffective. The truth is that God never meant for us to rely on "self-help" methods. God, on the other hand, is waiting to hear our surrender to Him and to assist us in being reconciled to Him via the blood of His Son, Jesus.

Do you want to improve yourself? Do you want to be more successful, fulfilled, less worried, or less distracted in your life? Look to God for guidance. Inquire of God for assistance. Solicit God's help in molding your "self" into the flawless image of You He created and designed. Step away from the myth of self-help and accept the help that God has for you today and forever.

Thank you, God, for assisting me. Thank you for making it possible for me to be reconciled to you through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each day, help me to rely less on myself and more on you. Remind me, while I pray and study the Bible, that You are the ultimate source of assistance, and that You want me to rely on You for all of my needs. Amen

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A Call for Help, 27th of September 2021

“The Lord hears the righteous cry and relieves them from all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17)

Most parents of newborns have a feeling of knowing what their infant is screaming about very fast. Food is sometimes cried for, or a diaper needs to be changed. They cry because they are exhausted at other times. However, every parent understands their child weeping because they are terrified or in need of assistance. It may sound or feel the same to someone else, but a parent who knows their child well enough can tell the difference.

God hears the cries of His children in the same way as a father does. “The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles,” says Psalm 34:17. God is aware of our cries. He hears us when we are injured, tormented, or in agony. “The Lord is near the brokenhearted...” continues the next verse. Isn't it comforting to know that when we cry or are in distress, our Heavenly Father hears us and responds?

A hormone called cortisol is released in the brain when a newborn screams because she is in distress. It's a poisonous substance that's detrimental to the brain, according to some neuroscientists. If mom or dad ignores the sobbing, the chemical damages the baby's brain development over time. A separate chemical is released when the mother or father responds to the baby's crying and meets her need, restoring the baby's brain chemistry to normal. The parent and child form a bond as a result of the child weeping and having a need met on a regular basis.

Cry out to God when you have a need. We can find peace by expressing our wants and our pain with God. Our cries will be heard by God. When we pray, he will respond. As we learn to trust God more and more, this process strengthens our connection with Him over time. God desires for us to convey our worries and concerns to Him in order to strengthen our faith in Him. Do you need assistance with something in your life today? Listen in prayer and in your Bible study to see how God hears and responds to your cries.

Thank you, God, for hearing my cry for assistance. I'm bringing my problems to you, and I'm trusting you to address my innermost needs because you created me and know me. I'm asking you to show me the way through difficulties and pain so that I can learn more about You and better serve you. Amen, in Jesus' name.

Thank you, God, for finally and completely accepting me in Jesus. Amen, in Jesus' name.

Make the Correct Decision, September 16, 2021

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10

Only 26% of professionals believe that doing the right thing is more essential than financial gain, according to a 2017 ethical practice poll. A quarter of those surveyed said they were scared of the consequences at work if they reported unethical behavior.

Your parents most likely instilled in you the value of "doing the right thing" as a child. Keep the Golden Rule in mind. Kindness is important. Compassion. You are concerned about others. As we get older, our self-interest typically takes precedence over what we thought when we were younger. Society appears to be far more complicated than we were lead to believe, and doing the right thing is not only difficult, but it can also get us in trouble.

Those who are persecuted for doing the right thing are blessed by God, according to Matthew 5:10. Verse 12 further reminds us that our actual reward will come in heaven, not from the approval of our fellow man.

It's difficult to do the right thing. We may look at all of the celebrities and their misbehavior that is reported in the press and on social media on a daily basis. Scandals in politics. Scandals surrounding sex. Financial misdeeds. They're all over the place! Is doing the right thing really so difficult? To live a morally upright life? Yes, it is without Jesus. And with Jesus, it certainly is. It is in our nature to turn away from God—our sin nature. To go our own path and uproot our lives and the lives of those around us through disobedience.

We can, however, do the right thing because of Christ. We can live a life that is markedly different when we listen to Him and obey His Word. A life of sanctification rather than scandal. That's a fancy ecclesiastical term for "set apart for God's purposes." Consider what a life like that might be like. One in which you are so tuned in to Jesus that you are practically set apart from the world's methods in order to follow God's. The Bible warns us that it will not be easy, but that if we persevere, we shall be praised and rewarded in the one way that matters.

Prayer - God, please enable me to obey your commands, even when they are tough. Remind me that your way and your will are worth it when I want to go my own way. When I suffer as a result of my devotion to you, may my life serve as an example to others that I will not abandon Your Word in the face of adversity. Amen, in Jesus' name.

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Are you able to read? September 15, 2021

“But Jesus answered them, ‘You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.’” Matthew 22:29

Did you know that Jesus doubted the Pharisees' ability to read their own Bible? Despite the fact that they were the most erudite religious leaders of the Jewish people at the time, Jesus did not believe they knew how to read the Holy Scriptures, which was a requirement to even be a Pharisee. How is it possible? Those eager finger-pointers could read the words of Scripture, but they couldn't figure out what the Author wanted them to know from it.

What exactly is the point of reading a book? Isn't it to receive what the author intended when he wrote it out of the book? The Bible is in the same boat. Reading the Bible entails more than simply looking at the words on a page. Looking at those words and then having your own thoughts, feelings, or doing your own thing with them is not it. That, according to Jesus, is not the same as reading the Bible.

What evidence do we have that this is correct? Almost every time Jesus chastised the Pharisees, He would say to them, "Have you not read..." “Have you not read...?” He would ask when they questioned His acts. Of course, they had read whatever literature He had cited — and He knew it. They were acting as if they had never read it, He was saying. They'd entirely misunderstood what they'd just read.

Something went horribly wrong with the Pharisees' Bible reading. Many individuals today, I believe, are in the same boat. Many people have read the words on the page and still failed to grasp the message. So many people have added their own interpretations, sentiments, and ideas into their Bible reading that the message of the Great Author has been distorted, if not completely lost.

Thank You, God, for Your Word. Please excuse me if I miss the point despite reading the words on the page. Please assist me to read Your Word with reverence every time I do. Amen

The Perfect Way September 14, 2021

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 14:12

Proverbs 14:12 is one of the few verses in the Bible that causes me to pause. When I hear individuals say things like, "I do what I feel like God wants me to do," I cringe. This text demonstrates unequivocally that we cannot always rely on our instincts. We can't just observe how things appear and then act on it. Under no circumstances could man's rationale take precedence over God's Word. Never.

On either side of life's journey, God has provided two guardrails to safeguard us from falling off the cliff of life. The Holy Spirit is the first, and His Word the Bible is the second. We can be protected from making entirely rational conclusions by God's Word. Doesn't that seem insane? However, man's reasonable thinking frequently clashes with God's Word and intent. God frequently uses what appears to be insane at the time to reveal His glory. Many people find it difficult to tithe when their bills are piling up. God, on the other hand, is not bound by budget numbers or account balances. And He is praised when we take a leap of faith and entrust Him with our finances by giving obediently, despite not knowing how He will meet our needs.It is illogical to forgive someone who has not expressed regret. But it is to God's glory that we choose to obey His Word even when it is difficult.

Similarly, God's Spirit keeps us from making decisions based solely on our emotions. Contrary to popular belief, “do what feels right.” is not a good way to live. Feelings shift as a result of a variety of factors, including the environment. Any decision made just on the basis of how you feel will almost always result in regret. The Holy Spirit has a way of combining scriptural wisdom and godly counsel to speak directly to your heart. We can hear God in a special way because God's Spirit lives in us. He will reveal His will to us.

When God talks to you and you listen, when He leads you and you trust Him, you will have an unbreakable peace in your heart. You can rest assured that God's will will never take you to a place where God's peace will not keep you. You can always trust God's Word and His Spirit to direct you down the correct path, no matter how you "feel."

Thank You, God, for guiding me through Your Word and Spirit. Please assist me in always prioritizing Your voice over my own. Amen.

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A Heart of Humility September 13, 2021

“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.” Psalm 25:9

Let's face it, no one enjoys being told what to do. This fact surfaces at the age of two...if not sooner. It is human nature to want to make our own choices and have our own way of doing things. It is simply not in our nature to beg for permission or assistance. The first step in making sensible judgments may just be admitting that we require assistance.

We must all mature at some point. We must stop stomping our feet and declaring, "My way," and instead begin bowing our knees and declaring, "Your way, Lord." This way of living has a biblical term for it. It's called humility, and there's nothing more pleasing to the Lord than a humble spirit. God delights in a humble spirit, as we can see throughout the Bible. He rewards humility as much as He opposes pride. And we find in Psalm 25:9 that humility is rewarded with God's wisdom and direction.

God desires for us to understand His will. He desires for us to make the best judgments possible in accordance with His plan. He will not, however, compel us to seek His direction. Most of the time, if we want to do things our way, He will let us. He will teach us the hard way that His ways are superior to ours. He will enable our circumstances to humble us if we do not humble ourselves. In either case, we end ourselves bowing down to Him.

Why would we take the more difficult path to humility? Instead of trying to figure everything out on our own and failing, why not humble ourselves before God and accept that we need His help? Rather than correcting our errors, we should ask the Lord to direct our steps.

Prayer - God, thank You for Your endless grace when I mess up. Today I choose to humble myself before You and admit that I need your help. Please guide me in what is right and teach me Your ways. Amen.

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I Need Help! September 12, 2021

“I know, Lord, that a person’s way of life is not his own; no one who walks determines his own steps.” Jeremiah 10:23

Did you know that if you Google the question, “What should I do?” you will get more than 64 million results? You will receive more than 64 million different opinions, ideas, suggestions, and points of view. That is a lot of information to sort through! It may seem funny to you to imagine using Google for guidance; but there are many people who are so desperate for purpose and direction they are willing to try almost anything.

There is evidence of this everywhere. Look around. Advice experts have exploded across the country…and even the world. There is self-help everywhere from smartphone apps, to videos, to books, to live chats, to blogs, to podcasts, and to support groups. People come in droves - paying good money – with their questions about career, family, health, emotional issues, and finances. We are a people desperate for help and hungry for answers.

It makes sense that we would seek guidance outside of ourselves. Think about it – not one of us knows the future. We don’t know what will happen in the next 15 minutes, much less the next 15 years. As hard as we try, we cannot control everything. Even the wisest person cannot plan for every unknown. So how can anyone, with no help, make the best decisions all of the time? The problem is not in seeking help or guidance…it is from whom we seek help and guidance.

At the end of the day, the best counselors and authors are just like us – human. The wisest people can still be wrong. There is only One who is always right. He knows the future and controls each and every variable of the unknown. He is our Creator, who knows us better than we know ourselves.

Need help? Want advice? Ask away! Just make sure you first are seeking answers from the only One who can truly provide them. There are no quick fixes or loopholes to fulfilling your destiny. God is the Author of your life; and He has a plan even in your uncertainty and pain. He can be trusted with every fear, question, or worry; and He will never lead you astray.

God, please forgive me for the times I look to other people or things for help instead of coming to You. Today I bring You all my doubts and questions. Please direct my steps. Amen

Expect God's Presence September 11, 2021

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” Luke 2:9

As you read Luke 2:9, try to imagine the scene as it unfolded. Picture the shepherds out in the fields on a nice, quiet, dark night. No one is around. Suddenly, there is literally an explosion of light. In fact, the word for “shone” in this verse is a word that is only used one other time in the New Testament and it refers to a light that was so bright it actually knocked a man off of his horse. The shepherds were terrified. They were literally frightened out of their minds.

The way the shepherds reacted was normal, but it wasn’t necessary. In the next verse, the angel specifically tells these shepherds they don’t need to fear. This is a sure indicator that they were devout men. They were Jewish men who were raised in Jewish homes. They didn’t have to fear God, because they revered God. We know this because of what they say in verse 15, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” The word, “thing,” means, “word.” So they said, “Let’s go see the word that has happened.” What “word” were they talking about?

They were talking about the Old Testament that they had been taught as children. Every Jewish parent taught their children the promise that one day God would send a deliverer for the Jewish people. He would send a Messiah. This angel had just said to these shepherds that what the scribes, prophets, and the Jewish nation had been looking forward to for thousands of years had now come. From the moment that Adam and Eve sinned and plunged this world into spiritual darkness, God made a promise that He would send a Savior.

These shepherds are now realizing that God has kept His promise. God has kept His Word. And they were expecting God to keep His promise. They were waiting for it. They didn’t know when, they didn’t know where, and they didn’t know how but they lived in a daily expectation that God would keep His promise and send a Messiah.

Likewise, we should get up every morning expecting God to show up in our lives…expecting God to lead us, to guide us, to direct us, and to walk beside us. Everywhere we go, we should go, believing that God goes with us. Do you remember the name they gave Jesus? Immanuel – God with us. God is with us every day.

Are you expecting God’s presence each day?

Believe In God’s Word September 10, 2021

“Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw the star when it rose and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:2

Three wise men are usually present in most Christmas scenes, giving gifts to baby Jesus. They are featured in the nativity scene because they are a vital element of the Christmas story, despite the fact that they were never at the actual manger (their visit was later). According to the Bible, a star guided them to Jesus. But why were they following a celebrity in the first place? How did they find out about this Jewish King’s birth? You might be surprised by the answers to these questions.

The book of Daniel is the first time that Magi (wise men) are referenced in the Bible. Daniel was a Jewish expatriate who was kidnapped by Babylonians and held captive. Daniel was given command of all the Magi in Babylon, according to Daniel 2:48. There’s little doubt they learned about God’s plans to send a Messiah to the Jewish people from Daniel. Following the exile, many Jews remained in Babylon, and their teachings were passed down from generation to generation. These teachings originated from the Torah, which Daniel and the Jews would have had in their possession, as well as a book written by Daniel himself.

The wise guys, remember, were astronomers. The stars provided them with information about life, death, the present, and the future. These astrologers would make comparisons between what they observed in the sky and what they read in the Jewish scriptures. So when they read in Numbers 24:17, “A star will arise out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel,” it was clear to them that a Great King would arrive, heralded by a magnificent light of some kind of astronomical light.

But why did they follow this particular star…this particular light? Because Daniel foretold in Daniel 9:26 that the Messiah would arrive 490 years after the command to restore the Temple was granted. The wise men were able to calculate backwards and discover that this was the time for the Messiah to arrive on God’s clock. Because they chose to believe God’s Word, these guys traveled hundreds of kilometers through distance, difficulty, and danger.

It was the Scripture that brought these guys to the star that led them to Jesus, not the star that led them to Jesus. The world convinces us that there is a God. The Bible explains who this God is and how we can approach Him.

Have you believed God’s Word and followed it to the Son of God, like the wise men did?

Betrayal to Blessing September 9, 2021

“If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.” Psalm 55:12-14

There is no hurt like the betrayal of a friend – someone you loved or completely trusted. I have seen the devastation of an unfaithful spouse and I have personally felt the pain of being stabbed in the back by someone I thought was a trusted friend. It is one thing to be deceived by an enemy; it is another thing to be disappointed by a friend. You can handle rejection by someone that hates you, but to be betrayed by someone who you thought loved you is totally different. That can destroy your self-esteem, your ability to trust other people, and your willingness to allow yourself to engage in any close personal relationship.

There is simply no greater human heartache in life, relationally speaking, than when someone you love, trust, and have opened yourself up to takes your legs out from under you, and sucks the air right out of you, by rejection or deception, or when someone goes from having your back to sticking a knife in it. In these situations, the worst thing you can do is to harbor your hurt, because harbored hurt becomes bitterness. Don’t ever think you have no one to talk to, because you can always talk to God. You can think nobody will understand, but God always understands. He is always available, He completely understands, He can be totally trusted, and He can always help. You never bother God. In fact, I think the only thing that bothers God is when we think we bother God. His shoulders are big enough to carry our hurts. His ears are sharp enough to hear our hurts; and His hands are strong enough to handle those hurts.

I want to remind you that God understands betrayal, because it happened to Him twice in two different gardens. In the Garden of Eden, the dew was still wet on the grass of creation when the first two people He created betrayed Him. Then, in the Garden of Gethsemane, the grass was wet from the blood-drops of sweat from the brow of the Son of God and one of His best friends betrayed Him. But out of both of those betrayals came a Savior, a Rescuer, and a Ruler who died on a cross and came back from the grave so that He can take any betrayal and turn it into a blessing.

Have you been betrayed by a trusted friend? If so, are you harboring that hurt or have you turned it over to Jesus?

God Is The Source Of Hope. September 8, 2021

“Cast your concerns on the Lord, and He will sustain you; the righteous will never be shaken.” 55:22 Psalm

It’s been stated that a person may survive for a few days without food, a few minutes without oxygen, but not a single second without hope. Nearly everyone relies on the intrinsic idea that, beyond circumstances, crises, and the hardships of life, there is something better just ahead the hope to get us through the day, the week, and beyond.

Where does hope originate? Our hope, according to God, is in Him. We think that God is Who He claims to be and that His Word, the Bible, is accurate. We can know that God is true and just if we believe that. God is unchanging. His decisions are always certain, and his thoughts are always on the same track. We couldn’t trust His words or deeds if that weren’t true. We couldn’t trust the route God advises us to take would bring us to Him and to paradise if He wasn’t persistent and consistent. God be praised for being unchangeable, unshakable, consistent, and true.

As a result, we can place our faith in God. We can look forward to the future He has promised us. And we can be confident that our optimism is not misplaced or misguided. True hope does not result in wishful thinking. True hope, the type that comes from God, gives us hope for the future. Hope in God provides us the strength to accept risks in our life for Him, trusting in His promise of a secure future.

What gives you hope today? Is it in a pal, your wallet, or your workplace? Are you confident in your abilities or talents? In a given condition or circumstance Consider what you might be hoping for if you don’t have faith in God. In your prayers, ask God to show you in His Word why you should only place your trust in Him.

Ammishaddai:
It is well. I just hope this thing doesn't become a thread for confusion and denominational hogwash

I Pray so too

God Is In Charge Of Your Healing. September 7, 2021

There was a news story not long ago about a man who helped the sick. He gave them medicine, evaluated them, and devised treatment regimens to help them get better. The only problem was that he wasn’t a doctor. He was a phony. He had a lab coat and stethoscope on and stated the proper things, but he had never studied or passed an exam, had no medical license and had never completed a residency.

Would you put your health in the hands of someone like that? Most likely not. When you’re sick, you want someone who has researched all of the diseases and ailments, understands the human body and chemistry, is well-versed in all pertinent medical facts, and has been tested and authorized by top medical specialists. You require the services of a licensed physician. Someone to whom you can entrust your recovery.

We require the services of a spiritual doctor we can rely on. God is the only One who is aware of our spiritual state. He is aware of the nature and consequences of our disobedience and sin. But, more importantly, He is aware of the remedy. In truth, in the Person of Jesus Christ, He supplied the Cure. We can find complete spiritual healing in Jesus. He has the power to free us from the consequences of our sin and to put us on the path to eternal life. God can be trusted with our spiritual health.

Have you ever come to terms with your spiritual illness—sin—and the consequences it brings? Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ’s sacrificed life on the cross to bring healing for your sin? Have you entrusted your spiritual recovery to Jesus, the Great Physician?

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“Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” Psalm 51:11

In Psalm 51:11, King David makes a strange statement to God that can even be somewhat frightening at first glance. He asks God not to remove him from His presence or take the Holy Spirit away from him. No one wants to lose the presence of God or the Holy Spirit; and yet many fear that is exactly what will happen if they don’t get their act together – that God is going to get so fed up that He will finally just wash His hands of them forever. What a terrible burden to carry through life!

This is not what King David meant when he prayed these words. He was not referring to losing salvation or to having God forsake you forever. If we go back just one verse, we see that David had just asked God to give him a pure heart. As he is praying these words, he wants with everything in him to live a life of purity. He wants to take the right path this time. It is with this desire that the King asks God for His continual presence in his life.

There are two things that we all must have if we are going to live the life that God wants us to live. We need God’s presence and we need God’s power. King David understood this truth. That is what he was asking for in verse 11…the continual presence and power of God in his life.

The Christian life is not you living for God; it is God living through you. When you give your life to Jesus Christ you immediately get two things – you get the presence of God the Father in you, and the power of God the Spirit for you. This is the key to true and lasting revival. Revival is knowing I am going to live a life of purity, not because of my performance, but because of God’s presence and the Spirit’s power.

Have you experienced the true revival of the presence and power of God?

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Grace Has Renewed Me September 2, 2021

“O God, refresh a steady spirit inside me and create in me a pure heart.” Psalm 51:10

Have you ever found yourself struggling with the same sin over and over again? Far too many of us find ourselves trapped in the sin cycle. What is the reason for this? When we sin, we instinctively understand that the first thing we need is God’s forgiveness. However, this is merely a treatment for the infection of guilt. Forgiveness addresses the infection’s source, which is sin. When it came to his sin problem, King David knew that pardon was not his sole requirement. He sinned with his hands, but his heart was the problem. The same can be said for each of us.

We are all sinners, not just those who sin. We are who we are, therefore we do what we do. This necessitates that we address not only the symptoms of our problems but also their root causes. King David recognizes in Psalm 51:10 that he doesn’t just need forgiveness for his sin; he also wants purity. To put it another way, we need to be cleansed from our sin, not only freed of it. That is why David prayed to God, “Create in me a pure heart…”

When it comes to dealing with guilt, it’s not just a fungus that can be scraped off the surface. It is not a condition that can be treated at home. Sin necessitates open-heart surgery. In truth, a spiritual heart transplant is required. The Hebrew word for “create” in Psalm 51:10 is the same word used in Genesis to describe the world’s creation. It literally means “to make something out of nothing.” Only God is capable of performing such a miracle. Our heart is the problem that lies at the center of our sin. We require a new heart… A comprehensive spiritual renovation, not just a minor repair.

It’s not enough to just get on with what we’re doing. We have to face who we are. When we pray for God to “establish in us a new heart and renew a firm spirit,” what we truly mean is that we want Him to change us from the inside out, not the other way around. It’s difficult to give up “pet” sins like drugs, alcohol, rage, and gossip. The truth is that all New Year’s resolutions are meaningless and ineffective in combating recurrent wrongdoing. What we all need is for God’s grace to renew us.

Are you attempting to overcome your sin with your willpower? If that’s the case, stop attempting to transform yourself from the outside in and instead ask God to change you from within.

To help us serve you better, get daily devotionals and Prayers from our telegram channel @wepraydaily

Grace Has Renewed Me September 2, 2021

“O God, refresh a steady spirit inside me and create in me a pure heart.” Psalm 51:10

Have you ever found yourself struggling with the same sin over and over again? Far too many of us find ourselves trapped in the sin cycle. What is the reason for this? When we sin, we instinctively understand that the first thing we need is God’s forgiveness. However, this is merely a treatment for the infection of guilt. Forgiveness addresses the infection’s source, which is sin. When it came to his sin problem, King David knew that pardon was not his sole requirement. He sinned with his hands, but his heart was the problem. The same can be said for each of us.

We are all sinners, not just those who sin. We are who we are, therefore we do what we do. This necessitates that we address not only the symptoms of our problems but also their root causes. King David recognizes in Psalm 51:10 that he doesn’t just need forgiveness for his sin; he also wants purity. To put it another way, we need to be cleansed from our sin, not only freed of it. That is why David prayed to God, “Create in me a pure heart…”

When it comes to dealing with guilt, it’s not just a fungus that can be scraped off the surface. It is not a condition that can be treated at home. Sin necessitates open-heart surgery. In truth, a spiritual heart transplant is required. The Hebrew word for “create” in Psalm 51:10 is the same word used in Genesis to describe the world’s creation. It literally means “to make something out of nothing.” Only God is capable of performing such a miracle. Our heart is the problem that lies at the center of our sin. We require a new heart… A comprehensive spiritual renovation, not just a minor repair.

It’s not enough to just get on with what we’re doing. We have to face who we are. When we pray for God to “establish in us a new heart and renew a firm spirit,” what we truly mean is that we want Him to change us from the inside out, not the other way around. It’s difficult to give up “pet” sins like drugs, alcohol, rage, and gossip. The truth is that all New Year’s resolutions are meaningless and ineffective in combating recurrent wrongdoing. What we all need is for God’s grace to renew us.

Are you attempting to overcome your sin with your willpower? If that’s the case, stop attempting to transform yourself from the outside in and instead ask God to change you from within.

To help us serve you better, get daily devotionals and Prayers from our telegram channel @wepraydaily

Mide3367:
The thing these people teaching u all this classes won't tell u Is that u will need money to run all these. I always long to learn facebook ads years back and email marketing. Lol and behold I met a guy here on nairaland. I paid 5k for the class. Lemme shock you. I spent 20k to set email marketing site up that I use. I have spent more than 10k on Facebook ads but I never made any dime from them sha but I know with time I will. So the bottom line is that it worth it to learn them but u will still need money and patience to start making money from them... I talk my own

Thanks, bro appreciate it because I'm hopeful that your business will still go well since you believe !

kaii

cool

Tak 450K which is 30% of the money and buy Keke or okada this would bring 5k - 20K to you every month passively the remaining money you have from the 450k use it to start an e-commerce business or affiliate marketing there are a lot of people on naira land that will teach you these things for free but you buy your tools yourself
Lock 1M up
and use the remaining 50K to find people that are making money connect with them and find out the real things they do
There is a thread on naira land 'how I made my first million' there are still a few people who didn't just make the 1M but were able to make it grow

You need to decide what you want to go into ill advise you to get the Affiliate Marketing a bit of work is still required but after that its more like passive income because all the tools you will be using will do 90% of the work for you your work is just to set them up

Ecom Elites - Dropshipping by Franklin Hatchett

How to create wealth investing in real estate - by Grant Cardone

10x Rule videos by Grant Cardone

Affiliate Marketing - Savage Affiliates by Franklin Hatchett

Facebook Ads by Billy Wilson

Traffic Secrets by Russel Brunson

Advanced Marketing Program by Neil Patel

Saw a post on WhatsApp and the man was offering all these courses and masterclasses for 10k please I want to ask if anyone here has used any of the courses and if they would really help me make money online especially Affiliate marketing which is what I want to go into

Ecom Elites - Dropshipping by Franklin Hatchett

How to create wealth investing in real estate - by Grant Cardone

10x Rule videos by Grant Cardone

Affiliate Marketing - Savage Affiliates by Franklin Hatchett

Facebook Ads by Billy Wilson

Traffic Secrets by Russel Brunson

Advanced Marketing Program by Neil Patel

Saw a post on WhatsApp and the man was offering all these courses and masterclasses for 10k please I want to ask if anyone here has used any of the courses and if they would really help me make money online especially Affiliate marketing which is what I want to go into
Ecom Elites - Dropshipping by Franklin Hatchett

How to create wealth investing in real estate - by Grant Cardone

10x Rule videos by Grant Cardone

Affiliate Marketing - Savage Affiliates by Franklin Hatchett

Facebook Ads by Billy Wilson

Traffic Secrets by Russel Brunson

Advanced Marketing Program by Neil Patel