Friday, 18 May 2018

Leading by example – modelling holiness




Joshua 24: 15 NIV

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.

My granddaughters are too cute. I watch how they act around their mom. I know she loves them with all her heart. I know they drive her crazy and she still loves them. She leads them by her example. 

She listens to them when they tell her about their day. I know she takes them to church on Sundays and on Wednesday they have a mentorship at her home. My granddaughters are learning to live Holy lives. My son also teaches his daughter and they also have interesting encounters. I know he also takes her to church on Sundays and takes her on Wednesdays to mentorship. My kids are modelling holiness into their daughter’s lives. They are leading their children by their example. I know it isn’t easy but I see them doing this every day.

Our children are influenced by what they see we do. The Bible teaches us that we should set an example and teach our children. Children are inquisitive and will have questions. We need to Answer their questions to the best of your ability using scripture. Cell phones and computers are at our children's disposal. Safety first, we need to teach our children to never divulge personal information over the internet. Remind your children that we can use our technology to enhance our Bible study. 

There are so many apps available which are useful and insightful.

Keep in mind once you teach your children about God there will be peace, joy and fulfilment in your homes. My motto for my house is "I and my house will serve the Lord my God."

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us to teach our children to live holy lives as we learn in 1 Peter 1 verses 16 "for it is written: "Be holy because I am holy." Our children are exposed to some many things please guard them. Lord send Your angels to protect each one of our children as well as our grandchildren. Lord, I plead the blood of Jesus Christ of Nazareth on each of my family members. Amen

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#Holy_lives


Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (AMP)
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and with all your soul and with all your strength [your entire being]. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be [written] on your heart and mind. You shall teach them diligently to your children [impressing God’s precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths] and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up. And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand (forearm), and they shall be used as bands (frontals, frontlets) on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

I believe God has called us to be holy. I go to church on Sunday and attend a mentorship on Wednesday. Is this enough? No, we need to do something more. I think I need to search God's Word daily. How would you go about becoming Holy? What is required and how will you attain it?

I believe your faith is the foundation of drawing near to God. We cannot draw near to God if we do not have faith in Him. The next step would be to love God and to focus on His Word.

I think you need to determine and decide what time and where you want to spend your time with God. Devoting your attention mainly on God's Word and drawing near to Him. I believe when we study God's Word we are learning more about Him. Dealing with issues in our lives and praying about what we are experiencing will create an atmosphere of understanding and love.

Another part of drawing near to God would be through prayer.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Lord, and today I draw near to You in humble prayer. Lord, I want to live a holy life. I love my family and friends. My life is worthless if I cannot speak to You. Show me the pathway forward, teach me and guide me, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen

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#Friday ~ His Mercy is New every day


Lamentations 3:22-23 (AMP)
22 It is because of the Lord’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed,

Because His [tender] compassions never fail.  23 They are new every morning;
Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.

Cross references:  Lamentations 3:22 : Mal 3:6; Lamentations 3:23 : Is 33:2

Is time flying for you as well? My goodness, I woke up on Monday and lived my life to Friday in a wink of an eye. Rising at 5 am each morning taking a shower and blow-drying my hair, getting dressed for work and waiting for the taxi at 5h45 every morning. We arrive at work before 7 am and then start our daily chores. I feel blessed today because I believe God's mercies are new every day.

Do you have any expectations for your day? I do, only goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. Focusing my attention on my God helps me stay positive. I never feel sorry for myself early in the morning.

God's mercies are New every day! I am expecting good things to happen to me today.

Without faith, we cannot make it through the day. I confess my sins to God early reminding Him that I am here asking Him to help me. God is eager to hear from you and me. God loved us so much He gave His son Jesus Christ for our sins. Wow! Jesus is my salvation and my God. I love Him with all my heart and soul.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Lord, please forgive me if I have sinned knowingly or unknowingly against You. Today I am making You a standard in my life. I want to live a holy life pleasing to You. I accept and believe that Your mercies are new every day. Thank You, Father God, in the name of Your son Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen

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Thursday, 17 May 2018

Protecting my family


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

One thing I have been focusing on is protecting my family from the use of drugs. Drugs have been a devastating evil in my life. The fear that accompanies drugs can make anyone paranoid.

I recall the screaming, fighting and crying. Begging and constant fear for the next day. The violence that accompanies drugs can destroy anybody's faith in humankind.

The steps I have taken to protect my family is to make sure they understand what drugs can do to your body, mind and your environment. Today we strive to live in a comfortable environment where we feel safe and secure. No one is out to get you. No hidden agenda's. Life is simple and peaceful.

I strive to contribute a peaceful and stable environment.

I am learning to settle in and trust people. I would not say it is easy but because there is love in our home we carry on.

I have been trusting God's promises and allowing God to work in His time. I used to live a disconnected life. Eradicating my joy and estranging me from my family and friends.

Prayer

Please, Lord, forgive me I sinned against my children and You. I am asking You to help my children heal from our ordeal. We faced too many challenges which snuffed out our compassion and understanding. We had to deal with rejection and constant pain. Please heal my children and set them free from these memories. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen

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Great Expectations


Zechariah 9:12 (AMP)
12 Return to the stronghold [of security and prosperity], O prisoners who have the hope; Even today I am declaring that I will restore double [your former prosperity] to you [as firstborn among nations].

Cross references:  Ps 40:2; Is 40:2

Here's a challenge do you have any expectations for your future? I am expecting double for my trouble. I have placed my hope in God the Lord Jesus Christ. Why would I allow the devil to come and steal my peace of mind?

Those days of feeling overwhelmed and hopeless are behind me. I am stretching myself forward to a brand new future. I am God's prisoner of hope.

I have allowed the devil too much power over my own life. I have accepted all his lies and believed that I am worthless. No more! I am a child of God, He called me by my name. I will never fall into despair again.

How did I become positive? I believe I am learning to stay positive every day.   My blind spot is my emotions. Emotions can cause me to fall more often than I want to. Those are my worst days. I try reading my Bible and focusing on the positive in life.

Practising my positivity takes time and effort. I work at staying positive every day. I remind myself of God's grace and mercies. I say thank you and please. I don't swear and curse. I embrace myself and have forgiven myself for my past mistakes.

Prayer

Heavenly Father God, thank You, for a brand new day. Thank You, that I am able to come into Your presence each morning. I want to bring You, praises and bless Your Holy Name. Thank You, for today and the Word stating that You, will give me double for my trouble. I humbly accept this word for my own life as well as for my blogger friends. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen

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Wednesday, 16 May 2018

Is Jesus your Friend?


Luke 19:5 (AMP)
When Jesus reached the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”

Looking at my picture I suppose you might think I must be a good person. I hope I am, but the truth of the matter is that you need to get to know me before you are able to make a definite decision. I find people are very judgemental and seem to think they actually know who I am, but they don't.

The same applies to Zacchaeus, this man was despised and people hated him. A Tax Collector that stole from them to enrich his own life. Then the Lord Jesus comes along and invites Himself to Zacchaeus' house for dinner. Can you imagine the slanderous discussions that followed?

Jesus makes friends with sinful people, despicable people and how does He respond to these people? He loves them and tells other that He has come to save the sick.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I want to say thank You for being my friend. Thank You, Lord, that I can come to You with all my problems and all my hang-ups. Lord without Your help I never will make it in this life. I love and adore You, Lord. Amen

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Who is Jesus?


Matthew 16:13-20 (AMP)
Peter’s Confession of Christ
13 Now when Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they answered, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah, or [just] one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of the living God.” 17 Then Jesus answered him, “Blessed [happy, spiritually secure, favoured by God] are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood (mortal man) did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church; and the gates of Hades (death) will not overpower it [by preventing the resurrection of the Christ]. 19 I will give you the keys (authority) of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth will have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth will have [already] been loosed in heaven.” 20 Then He gave the disciples strict orders to tell no one that He was the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).
Who is Jesus? In my own words, Jesus Christ of Nazareth is my Lord and my Saviour. I cannot live my life without consulting the Lord every day. I know people refer to the Lord Jesus as a good moral teacher but in my mind, He is my God.

Looking at Matthew 16 verse 13 Jesus is talking to His disciples and He asked them "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus confirms that Peter received a revelation from His Father in Heaven, agreeing that Jesus is God.

In the Book of John, we see that the Jewish leaders try to discredit the Lord, but Jesus tells them "I and the Father are one" John 10 verse 30. Those Jewish leaders wanted to stone Jesus because they thought He was stating He was equal to God. They felt it was blasphemy.

The Lord Jesus Christ has the authority over death as He rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God. I believe Jesus Christ can command His angels in heave to come and assist us here on earth. He commands them and they obey Him. I am able to reach the Lord Jesus Christ through prayer, this is the most precious and effective tool at my disposal. I believe the blood of Jesus Christ covers me and allows me access to God the Father. Jesus Christ redeemed me and has called me by my name. He knows where I stay and He knows me by my name. He can do the same for you, He is able to help you in any situation. He heals me and is the lover of my soul.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I want to dedicate this message to Your hands today. I have given a brief description of who I believe Jesus Christ is, I know that He is God and that I can call on Him and He is there for me. I want to pray that Father God You will let the Holy Spirit touch the lives of each and every person reading my blog today. Lord, I want to pray that You Holy Spirit will open the eyes of the people and reveal the Lord Jesus Christ to them. Drawing them closer to You and saving their lives. In the Holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen

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Love Her


Ephesians 5:25 (AMP)
25 Husbands, love your wives [seek the highest good for her and surround her with a caring, unselfish love], just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,

"Walk in Love" is the heading for Ephesians chapter five. We are reminded to walk in love and to be imitators of God. I see the Lord Jesus Christ loved us and gave himself up as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

We are reminded to be cautious of sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness among ourselves. I have heard couples talking to each other and my word, do they have filthy words pouring out of their mouths.

We need to bear the fruit of the Spirit in doing good and right and looking for the truth. Do not indulge in drinking wine and participating in debaucher but be filled with the Spirit of the Lord.

Submitting to your husband seems unheard of especially in our day and age. Are you a godly woman, do you serve God? Then I think it would be natural to submit to your husband. Your husband is the head of your household.

Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church. When you love your wife, she will open up like a flower. I find that my husband takes time to listen to me when I am talking to him. He would mute the TV to hear what is on my mind. He knows what I like and what I dislike. He respects my space and allows me to grow personally.

I see that a husband is reminded to love his wife three times in this passage. When your husband loves you it is so easy to be submissive and do what is right for your home.

Prayer

O Father, Lord as we think about our lives we want to submit to our own husbands, doing what is good and right and looking for the truth all the time. Lord, I want to dedicate our lives to Your hands. Protect women and help us to do the right things always in serving You first and obeying Your words always. In the Holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen

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