• Psalm 56:1-13
    Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; Fighting all day he oppresses me. [2] My enemies would hound me all day, For there are many who fight against me, O Most High. [3] Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. [4] In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? [5] All day they twist my words; All their thoughts are against me for evil. [6] They gather together, They hide, they mark my steps, When they lie in wait for my life. [7] Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, O God! [8] You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book? [9] When I cry out to You, Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me. [10] In God (I will praise His word), In the LORD (I will praise His word), [11] In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? [12] Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God; I will render praises to You, [13] For You have delivered my soul from death. Have You not kept my feet from falling, That I may walk before God In the light of the living?
    Psalm 56:1-13 Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; Fighting all day he oppresses me. [2] My enemies would hound me all day, For there are many who fight against me, O Most High. [3] Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. [4] In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? [5] All day they twist my words; All their thoughts are against me for evil. [6] They gather together, They hide, they mark my steps, When they lie in wait for my life. [7] Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, O God! [8] You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book? [9] When I cry out to You, Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me. [10] In God (I will praise His word), In the LORD (I will praise His word), [11] In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? [12] Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God; I will render praises to You, [13] For You have delivered my soul from death. Have You not kept my feet from falling, That I may walk before God In the light of the living?
    Like
    1
    0 Kommentare 0 Anteile 23 Ansichten
  • OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

    DATE: WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST 2026

    TOPIC: GOD'S COVENANT OF PROTECTION

    MEMORIZE:
    "For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her." Zechariah 2:5 (KJV)

    BIBLE READING: PSALM 91:1-16
    1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

    2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

    3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

    4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

    5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

    6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

    7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

    8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

    9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

    10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

    11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

    12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

    13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

    14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

    15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

    16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

    MESSAGE:
    The devil lures many people into evil covenants with the promise of protection; however, complete protection only exists in God. Romans 8:31 says, "... If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:37 further says that we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. This means that, if you are in a covenant with God, you will not have to fight any battle, because He will always fight for you. Many times, you would have won the battle before you even realise that someone was trying to attack you.

    I ran away from my village after some people threatened that they were going to 'eat me for breakfast,' and for 13 years, I could not return. However, after I met the Lord Jesus Christ, I was able to visit my village, and I even attended a wedding where I saw many of the people who had threatened to kill me through diabolical means. I was much younger in the faith at the time, so I had a lot of zeal but not much wisdom. I was asked to preach at the wedding, and I delivered a powerful sermon that hit them hard with the word of God. Some months later, those people went to the mother of the lady who got married and told her that it was her daughter's wedding that provided a platform for me to insult them. They further said that they had been waiting for an opportunity for revenge, and the opportunity had presented itself now that her daughter was pregnant. They told her, "We will see if your daughter will give birth, unless we are not the ones in charge here on earth." The lady's mother became frightened and came to me. I told her not to worry and assured her that on the day her daughter would give birth, all those who had threatened her would fall asleep. To the glory of God, things turned out exactly as I said; her daughter gave birth while those who threatened her were sleeping. The baby they swore would not be born is now a medical doctor.

    Beloved, God said that He will be a wall of fire around you in today's memory verse, and anyone who chooses to confront the Consuming Fire will not live to tell the story. Never be afraid of any force, person, or situation that threatens to harm you. Cry out to God in such cases, and He will show up to defend you and give you victory.

    KEY POINT:
    God is a wall of fire around those who are in a covenant with Him.

    BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR:
    JEREMIAH 49

    AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

    HYMNAL 5 - BLESSED ASSURANCE
    1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His spirit, washed in His blood.

    CHORUS:
    This is my story; this is my song, praising my Saviour all the day. Long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Saviour all the day long.

    2. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight, Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of
    love.

    CHORUS:

    3. Perfect submission, perfect all is rest, I in my saviour am happy and blest watching waiting looking above filled with his goodness lost in his love.

    CHORUS:


    PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL
    WEDNESDAY, 19TH AUGUST, 2026
    *GOD'S COVENANT OF PROTECTION*

    1.Father, thank You for being my protection in all situations, for in You is my protection complete.

    2.Father, thank You for making me more than a conqueror; through the love of Jesus, I have victory without a fight because You are always fighting for me

    3.Father, please keep me forever in Your covenant of protection, so I won't have to fight in battle with anyone trying to attack me, in Jesus' name.

    4.Father, please help me to dwell in the secret place of Your word, and under the shadow of Your presence, in Jesus' name.

    5.Father, please deliver me from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence; cover me with Your feathers, and hide me under Your wings, in Jesus' name.

    6.Father, please save me from the pestilence that walketh in darkness; and from the destruction that wasteth at noonday; let no evil come near me and my household, in Jesus' name.

    7.Father, please give Your angels charge over me and my loved ones, let them keep us in all our ways, in Jesus' name.

    8.Father, as many that are into covenant with the devil against my well-being, send them on errands they will never recover from; let their waiting be in vain over my life, in Jesus' name.

    9.Father, thank You for Your promise to be a wall of fire round about me, please help me never to go out of Your covenant of protection, in Jesus' name.

    10.Father, please show up to defend me from those that are after my soul, and give me victory, in Jesus' name.

    11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.

    Help him to continue to enjoy Your covenant of protection, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name

    ‎11.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name.

    ‎12.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name.

    ‎13.Your personal petitions.
    ‎(Philippians 4:6)

    ‎14.In Jesus name I pray.
    ‎(John 14:1315:16)

    #GodBlessOurNation

    *These prayers have no expiry date!
    OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: GOD'S COVENANT OF PROTECTION MEMORIZE: "For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her." Zechariah 2:5 (KJV) BIBLE READING: PSALM 91:1-16 1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. MESSAGE: The devil lures many people into evil covenants with the promise of protection; however, complete protection only exists in God. Romans 8:31 says, "... If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:37 further says that we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. This means that, if you are in a covenant with God, you will not have to fight any battle, because He will always fight for you. Many times, you would have won the battle before you even realise that someone was trying to attack you. I ran away from my village after some people threatened that they were going to 'eat me for breakfast,' and for 13 years, I could not return. However, after I met the Lord Jesus Christ, I was able to visit my village, and I even attended a wedding where I saw many of the people who had threatened to kill me through diabolical means. I was much younger in the faith at the time, so I had a lot of zeal but not much wisdom. I was asked to preach at the wedding, and I delivered a powerful sermon that hit them hard with the word of God. Some months later, those people went to the mother of the lady who got married and told her that it was her daughter's wedding that provided a platform for me to insult them. They further said that they had been waiting for an opportunity for revenge, and the opportunity had presented itself now that her daughter was pregnant. They told her, "We will see if your daughter will give birth, unless we are not the ones in charge here on earth." The lady's mother became frightened and came to me. I told her not to worry and assured her that on the day her daughter would give birth, all those who had threatened her would fall asleep. To the glory of God, things turned out exactly as I said; her daughter gave birth while those who threatened her were sleeping. The baby they swore would not be born is now a medical doctor. Beloved, God said that He will be a wall of fire around you in today's memory verse, and anyone who chooses to confront the Consuming Fire will not live to tell the story. Never be afraid of any force, person, or situation that threatens to harm you. Cry out to God in such cases, and He will show up to defend you and give you victory. KEY POINT: God is a wall of fire around those who are in a covenant with Him. BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 49 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE HYMNAL 5 - BLESSED ASSURANCE 1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His spirit, washed in His blood. CHORUS: This is my story; this is my song, praising my Saviour all the day. Long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Saviour all the day long. 2. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight, Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. CHORUS: 3. Perfect submission, perfect all is rest, I in my saviour am happy and blest watching waiting looking above filled with his goodness lost in his love. CHORUS: PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY'S OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL WEDNESDAY, 19TH AUGUST, 2026 *GOD'S COVENANT OF PROTECTION* 1.Father, thank You for being my protection in all situations, for in You is my protection complete. 2.Father, thank You for making me more than a conqueror; through the love of Jesus, I have victory without a fight because You are always fighting for me 3.Father, please keep me forever in Your covenant of protection, so I won't have to fight in battle with anyone trying to attack me, in Jesus' name. 4.Father, please help me to dwell in the secret place of Your word, and under the shadow of Your presence, in Jesus' name. 5.Father, please deliver me from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence; cover me with Your feathers, and hide me under Your wings, in Jesus' name. 6.Father, please save me from the pestilence that walketh in darkness; and from the destruction that wasteth at noonday; let no evil come near me and my household, in Jesus' name. 7.Father, please give Your angels charge over me and my loved ones, let them keep us in all our ways, in Jesus' name. 8.Father, as many that are into covenant with the devil against my well-being, send them on errands they will never recover from; let their waiting be in vain over my life, in Jesus' name. 9.Father, thank You for Your promise to be a wall of fire round about me, please help me never to go out of Your covenant of protection, in Jesus' name. 10.Father, please show up to defend me from those that are after my soul, and give me victory, in Jesus' name. 11.Father, thank You for the life of Your son, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. ‎ Help him to continue to enjoy Your covenant of protection, in Jesus' name. Bless his children (biological and spiritual). Help him to continue to produce sons and daughters to Your glory, in Jesus name ‎ ‎11.Father, please bless Your son that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, with wisdom and favour. Answer all his prayers beyond measure, and all those who have been broadcasting them, in Jesus' name. ‎ ‎12.Father, please let every challenge and temptations, hindrance and obstacles of getting these prayer points across to Your children, timely, and on daily basis be removed, in Jesus name. ‎ ‎13.Your personal petitions. ‎(Philippians 4:6) ‎ ‎14.In Jesus name I pray. ‎(John 14:1315:16) ‎ #GodBlessOurNation *These prayers have no expiry date!
    Like
    1
    0 Kommentare 0 Anteile 30 Ansichten
  • Daily devotion for August 19th
    Time After Time
    But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.

    Nehemiah 9:28
    What a marvelous picture of the patience of God! He lets us taste the results of our evil. He gets our attention sometimes by letting disaster strike. But it is only in order that we might hear what He is saying and be delivered. He warns us in order to keep us free.

    One evening the president of the Gay People's Union of a university was invited to come and speak to a church's group of young people on what the Bible says about homosexuality. The group gave him the opportunity to defend the position that the Bible endorses homosexuality as an alternate lifestyle. Although this man was the president of his university's debating club, he struggled as he tried to present his case. He went all through the Bible trying to prove his cause, but he floundered and could not get anything together.

    The group leader made an agreement with him that when he finished, one of the church's pastors would speak on the same subject. The pastor graciously opened the Scriptures and pointed out that when God forbids something it is not because He wants to limit us or narrow our lives. It is because He is protecting us from something that we cannot handle, something so devastating it will ruin us. He demonstrated from the Word how homosexuality destroys human beings and turns them into something God never intended them to be. Eventually those embracing a homosexual lifestyle would be locked into pain, hurt, misery, loneliness, and death.

    Out of that episode came opportunity for members of this church to reach out to those who were struggling with homosexual tendencies. A great number of these people were delivered by the mercy and grace of God. That is what this passage describes--the tough love of God, who will not let ruin overtake us without adequate warning.

    The closing paragraph, beginning with verse 32, connects the history of earlier generations with the present generation. Here we find a change of pronouns from they and them to we and our as the Israelites begin to look at their own generation.

    This is where we find ourselves today. Our cities are torn with violence and strife of such intensity that people hardly dare to go outside their homes. The only recovery is to do as these people did--confess our wrongdoing to God and praise Him for His compassionate mercy.

    Notice how specific the Israelites are. You have acted faithfully, but we did wrong. There is no if in true confession. You say, Lord, I did it. I walked in my own willful way. Then God hears, forgives, and restores.

    Lord, thank You for Your promise that as I confess my sin, You are faithful and righteous to forgive and restore
    Daily devotion for August 19th Time After Time But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time. Nehemiah 9:28 What a marvelous picture of the patience of God! He lets us taste the results of our evil. He gets our attention sometimes by letting disaster strike. But it is only in order that we might hear what He is saying and be delivered. He warns us in order to keep us free. One evening the president of the Gay People's Union of a university was invited to come and speak to a church's group of young people on what the Bible says about homosexuality. The group gave him the opportunity to defend the position that the Bible endorses homosexuality as an alternate lifestyle. Although this man was the president of his university's debating club, he struggled as he tried to present his case. He went all through the Bible trying to prove his cause, but he floundered and could not get anything together. The group leader made an agreement with him that when he finished, one of the church's pastors would speak on the same subject. The pastor graciously opened the Scriptures and pointed out that when God forbids something it is not because He wants to limit us or narrow our lives. It is because He is protecting us from something that we cannot handle, something so devastating it will ruin us. He demonstrated from the Word how homosexuality destroys human beings and turns them into something God never intended them to be. Eventually those embracing a homosexual lifestyle would be locked into pain, hurt, misery, loneliness, and death. Out of that episode came opportunity for members of this church to reach out to those who were struggling with homosexual tendencies. A great number of these people were delivered by the mercy and grace of God. That is what this passage describes--the tough love of God, who will not let ruin overtake us without adequate warning. The closing paragraph, beginning with verse 32, connects the history of earlier generations with the present generation. Here we find a change of pronouns from they and them to we and our as the Israelites begin to look at their own generation. This is where we find ourselves today. Our cities are torn with violence and strife of such intensity that people hardly dare to go outside their homes. The only recovery is to do as these people did--confess our wrongdoing to God and praise Him for His compassionate mercy. Notice how specific the Israelites are. You have acted faithfully, but we did wrong. There is no if in true confession. You say, Lord, I did it. I walked in my own willful way. Then God hears, forgives, and restores. Lord, thank You for Your promise that as I confess my sin, You are faithful and righteous to forgive and restore
    Praying
    1
    0 Kommentare 0 Anteile 22 Ansichten
  • This thought has been sitting with me for a while now.
    And every time I think about it, I somehow become even more convinced.
    I genuinely don't think you can afford to follow Jesus and ignore emotional intelligence.
    Notice I didn't say every Christian is emotionally intelligent.

    They're not.

    We've all met Christians who can quote Scripture for hours but cannot apologize.

    Who can discern "spirits" in every room but cannot discern that the person sitting beside them is tired, grieving or afraid.

    Who know how to pray, but don't know how to listen.

    Who know how to correct, but don't know how to restore.

    And I don't say that to judge anybody.

    I say it because I think we've accidentally separated two things that Jesus never separated.

    We've treated spiritual maturity and emotional maturity like they are different journeys.

    I don't think they are.

    Actually...

    I don't think they can be.

    Because who exactly are you becoming if you're becoming like Christ?

    Think about Jesus for a second.

    And no, not just what He taught.

    But the way He related to people.

    That's the part that keeps arresting me.

    He didn't speak to everyone the same way.

    To some people, He asked questions.

    To others, He sat and listened.

    Sometimes He challenged.

    Sometimes He comforted.

    Sometimes He walked away.

    Sometimes He stayed.

    He knew when Peter needed correction.

    He knew when Peter needed breakfast by the sea.

    He stood in front of a woman caught in adultery and somehow managed to hold both compassion and truth in the same conversation.

    How?

    He wasn't just spiritually deep.

    He understood people.

    He understood timing.

    He understood emotions.

    He understood that the same truth can heal one person and crush another depending on how and when it's delivered.

    And I think that's where a lot of us struggle.

    We've become so committed to saying the right thing...

    that we've forgotten to ask whether this is the right moment.

    Sometimes the truth is right.

    The timing isn't.

    Sometimes the words are biblical.

    The posture isn't.

    Sometimes we're so eager to "speak the truth" that we forget Scripture didn't stop there.

    It says to speak the truth in love.

    Love changes how truth sounds.

    I've also noticed something else.

    A lot of us think emotional intelligence means having deep conversations.

    Or using words like "boundaries" and "attachment styles."

    No.

    Sometimes emotional intelligence is much simpler than that.

    It's noticing that your friend has gone unusually quiet.

    It's realizing someone is angry but the anger isn't the real emotion.

    It's apologizing without adding, "But you also..."

    It's knowing when your spouse doesn't need another solution. They need to know they're not carrying the weight alone.

    It's recognizing that the person who keeps interrupting everyone may not be proud. They may simply be desperate to be heard.

    It's asking one more question instead of making one more assumption.

    You know what I find interesting?

    Paul spent so much of the New Testament teaching people how to relate.

    Be kind.

    Bear with one another.

    Forgive one another.

    Encourage one another.

    Be patient.

    Be gentle.

    Those aren't just spiritual instructions.

    They're relational ones.

    And relationships are where emotional intelligence is tested.

    Not during prayer meetings.

    During disagreement.

    During disappointment.

    During correction.

    During marriage.

    During leadership.

    During friendship.

    During ordinary Tuesday afternoons when someone says something that hurts your feelings.

    That's where you find out whether you've just learnt Scripture...

    or whether Scripture has started reshaping you.

    Because following Jesus should change more than your prayer life.

    It should change how safe people feel around you.

    How you handle conflict.

    How quickly you assume the worst.

    How you carry people's weaknesses.

    How you respond when you're misunderstood.

    How you hold both conviction and compassion without sacrificing either.

    If ten years with Jesus has made me more knowledgeable but less patient...

    something is wrong.

    If I've learnt how to preach but not how to apologize...

    something is wrong.

    If I know every spiritual principle but cannot sit with someone's grief without trying to fix it immediately...

    something is wrong.

    I honestly think we've admired gifting more than we've admired Christlikeness.

    And they're not the same thing.

    You can be gifted and still be emotionally immature.

    You can be anointed and still wound people with your words.

    You can lead thousands and still not know how to love the person sitting across from you.

    That should bother us.

    Because the goal of Christianity has never been to know more about Jesus.

    It's to become more like Him.

    And every time I read the Gospels, I don't just see a man full of power.

    I see a man who noticed people.

    Who made space for questions.

    Who wasn't intimidated by tears.

    Who wasn't threatened by people's emotions.

    Who could tell the hardest truths without making people feel unseen.

    The more I think about it, the less I believe emotional intelligence is optional for the Christian.

    Not because it's trendy or because psychology says it's important.

    But because every step towards Christ should also be a step towards becoming more patient, more gentle, more aware, more compassionate, more self-controlled.

    More human in the way heaven intended.

    Maybe that's what emotional intelligence looks like in the Kingdom.

    And not becoming better at reading people so you can manage them.

    But becoming so formed by Christ...

    that people consistently experience His heart when they encounter yours.
    This thought has been sitting with me for a while now. And every time I think about it, I somehow become even more convinced. I genuinely don't think you can afford to follow Jesus and ignore emotional intelligence. Notice I didn't say every Christian is emotionally intelligent. They're not. We've all met Christians who can quote Scripture for hours but cannot apologize. Who can discern "spirits" in every room but cannot discern that the person sitting beside them is tired, grieving or afraid. Who know how to pray, but don't know how to listen. Who know how to correct, but don't know how to restore. And I don't say that to judge anybody. I say it because I think we've accidentally separated two things that Jesus never separated. We've treated spiritual maturity and emotional maturity like they are different journeys. I don't think they are. Actually... I don't think they can be. Because who exactly are you becoming if you're becoming like Christ? Think about Jesus for a second. And no, not just what He taught. But the way He related to people. That's the part that keeps arresting me. He didn't speak to everyone the same way. To some people, He asked questions. To others, He sat and listened. Sometimes He challenged. Sometimes He comforted. Sometimes He walked away. Sometimes He stayed. He knew when Peter needed correction. He knew when Peter needed breakfast by the sea. He stood in front of a woman caught in adultery and somehow managed to hold both compassion and truth in the same conversation. How? He wasn't just spiritually deep. He understood people. He understood timing. He understood emotions. He understood that the same truth can heal one person and crush another depending on how and when it's delivered. And I think that's where a lot of us struggle. We've become so committed to saying the right thing... that we've forgotten to ask whether this is the right moment. Sometimes the truth is right. The timing isn't. Sometimes the words are biblical. The posture isn't. Sometimes we're so eager to "speak the truth" that we forget Scripture didn't stop there. It says to speak the truth in love. Love changes how truth sounds. I've also noticed something else. A lot of us think emotional intelligence means having deep conversations. Or using words like "boundaries" and "attachment styles." No. Sometimes emotional intelligence is much simpler than that. It's noticing that your friend has gone unusually quiet. It's realizing someone is angry but the anger isn't the real emotion. It's apologizing without adding, "But you also..." It's knowing when your spouse doesn't need another solution. They need to know they're not carrying the weight alone. It's recognizing that the person who keeps interrupting everyone may not be proud. They may simply be desperate to be heard. It's asking one more question instead of making one more assumption. You know what I find interesting? Paul spent so much of the New Testament teaching people how to relate. Be kind. Bear with one another. Forgive one another. Encourage one another. Be patient. Be gentle. Those aren't just spiritual instructions. They're relational ones. And relationships are where emotional intelligence is tested. Not during prayer meetings. During disagreement. During disappointment. During correction. During marriage. During leadership. During friendship. During ordinary Tuesday afternoons when someone says something that hurts your feelings. That's where you find out whether you've just learnt Scripture... or whether Scripture has started reshaping you. Because following Jesus should change more than your prayer life. It should change how safe people feel around you. How you handle conflict. How quickly you assume the worst. How you carry people's weaknesses. How you respond when you're misunderstood. How you hold both conviction and compassion without sacrificing either. If ten years with Jesus has made me more knowledgeable but less patient... something is wrong. If I've learnt how to preach but not how to apologize... something is wrong. If I know every spiritual principle but cannot sit with someone's grief without trying to fix it immediately... something is wrong. I honestly think we've admired gifting more than we've admired Christlikeness. And they're not the same thing. You can be gifted and still be emotionally immature. You can be anointed and still wound people with your words. You can lead thousands and still not know how to love the person sitting across from you. That should bother us. Because the goal of Christianity has never been to know more about Jesus. It's to become more like Him. And every time I read the Gospels, I don't just see a man full of power. I see a man who noticed people. Who made space for questions. Who wasn't intimidated by tears. Who wasn't threatened by people's emotions. Who could tell the hardest truths without making people feel unseen. The more I think about it, the less I believe emotional intelligence is optional for the Christian. Not because it's trendy or because psychology says it's important. But because every step towards Christ should also be a step towards becoming more patient, more gentle, more aware, more compassionate, more self-controlled. More human in the way heaven intended. Maybe that's what emotional intelligence looks like in the Kingdom. And not becoming better at reading people so you can manage them. But becoming so formed by Christ... that people consistently experience His heart when they encounter yours.
    Like
    2
    0 Kommentare 0 Anteile 18 Ansichten
  • Thank God for His countless blessings. What a great God we serve we Thankyou Jesus. August praise report in last service 20 people delivered in the presence of God by His word, His power. Mark 5:30 says At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”
    Power is still going out from Jesus. we just need to have faith like that women had.
    #Holyspirit #Power #Deliveremce
    Thank God for His countless blessings. What a great God we serve we Thankyou Jesus. August praise report in last service 20 people delivered in the presence of God by His word, His power. Mark 5:30 says At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” Power is still going out from Jesus. we just need to have faith like that women had. #Holyspirit #Power #Deliveremce
    0 Kommentare 0 Anteile 16 Ansichten
  • THE SPIRITUAL TRUTHS OF EACH BEATTITUDE…

    The Beatitudes, delivered by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12), are far more than a moral code or a list of pleasant virtues. They map out a radical spiritual inversion—a pathway where worldly weakness becomes divine strength and the values of the human ego are completely upended by the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven.

    "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
    The Spiritual Truth: Spiritual Bankruptcy is the Gate to Grace.
    Insight: To be "poor in spirit" means recognizing your utter inability to save, justify, or sustain yourself spiritually on your own terms. It strips away self-sufficiency and spiritual pride. The paradox is that you can only inherit divine richness when you admit your spiritual destitution.

    2. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
    The Spiritual Truth: Holy Sorrow Prepares the Heart for Divine Joy.
    Insight: This mourning refers not just to general grief or bereavement, but to deep contrition over personal sin and the brokenness of the world. In a culture that desperately pursues endless distraction and superficial happiness, this truth teaches that facing the weight of human suffering and our own shortcomings creates an empty space that only divine comfort can fill.

    3. "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
    The Spiritual Truth: Surrendered Power is True Strength.
    Insight: Meekness (prautes) is often misunderstood as weakness or timidity, but in the ancient world, it described a wild stallion that had been broken and trained to respond to the slightest touch of its master's reins. It is power under control. The meek do not need to manipulate, dominate, or defend themselves because they trust God to vindicate them, ultimately inheriting the renewed creation.

    4. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
    The Spiritual Truth: Desire Determines Destiny.
    Insight: Most people hunger for comfort, approval, status, or security. This beatitude points to a relentless, visceral appetite—like a starving person craving food—for alignment with God's justice, character, and righteousness. Spiritual fullness is not given to the self-satisfied, but to those whose deepest craving is union with the divine good.

    5. "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
    The Spiritual Truth: Grace Given is Grace Received.
    Insight: Mercy is withholding judgment and extending active compassion where it is completely unearned. Spiritually, we cannot truly comprehend or hold onto the mercy we’ve received from God if we hoard it from others. Extending forgiveness and empathy is the mirror that reflects our own participation in God's forgiving nature.

    6. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
    The Spiritual Truth: Internal Singleness of Purpose Leads to Divine Vision.
    Insight: Purity here does not mean flawless perfection; it means integrous and undivided. A pure heart is one whose motives are transparent, unclouded by hypocrisy, double-mindedness, or hidden agendas. When the lens of the heart is wiped clean of ego-driven distortions, God stops being a theological concept and becomes a lived reality you can perceive everywhere.

    7. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
    The Spiritual Truth: Active Reconciliation Mirrors the Family Likeness.
    Insight: Peacemaking is vastly different from mere "peacekeeping" (which often just sweeps conflict under the rug to keep things quiet). Peacemakers actively step into hostility, brokenness, and division to bridge gaps, absorbing conflict to restore harmony. By doing this, they act like their Father, bearing the unmistakable family resemblance.

    8. "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
    The Spiritual Truth: Friction is the Proof of Alignment.
    Insight: When a life completely aligns with transcendent truth and selfless love, it inevitably clashes with a world system built on self-preservation and compromise. This beatitude reframes suffering not as a sign of divine abandonment, but as the ultimate badge of honor—proof that your life is echoing a reality higher than this world.



    THE SPIRITUAL TRUTHS OF EACH BEATTITUDE… The Beatitudes, delivered by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12), are far more than a moral code or a list of pleasant virtues. They map out a radical spiritual inversion—a pathway where worldly weakness becomes divine strength and the values of the human ego are completely upended by the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." The Spiritual Truth: Spiritual Bankruptcy is the Gate to Grace. Insight: To be "poor in spirit" means recognizing your utter inability to save, justify, or sustain yourself spiritually on your own terms. It strips away self-sufficiency and spiritual pride. The paradox is that you can only inherit divine richness when you admit your spiritual destitution. 2. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." The Spiritual Truth: Holy Sorrow Prepares the Heart for Divine Joy. Insight: This mourning refers not just to general grief or bereavement, but to deep contrition over personal sin and the brokenness of the world. In a culture that desperately pursues endless distraction and superficial happiness, this truth teaches that facing the weight of human suffering and our own shortcomings creates an empty space that only divine comfort can fill. 3. "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." The Spiritual Truth: Surrendered Power is True Strength. Insight: Meekness (prautes) is often misunderstood as weakness or timidity, but in the ancient world, it described a wild stallion that had been broken and trained to respond to the slightest touch of its master's reins. It is power under control. The meek do not need to manipulate, dominate, or defend themselves because they trust God to vindicate them, ultimately inheriting the renewed creation. 4. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." The Spiritual Truth: Desire Determines Destiny. Insight: Most people hunger for comfort, approval, status, or security. This beatitude points to a relentless, visceral appetite—like a starving person craving food—for alignment with God's justice, character, and righteousness. Spiritual fullness is not given to the self-satisfied, but to those whose deepest craving is union with the divine good. 5. "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." The Spiritual Truth: Grace Given is Grace Received. Insight: Mercy is withholding judgment and extending active compassion where it is completely unearned. Spiritually, we cannot truly comprehend or hold onto the mercy we’ve received from God if we hoard it from others. Extending forgiveness and empathy is the mirror that reflects our own participation in God's forgiving nature. 6. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." The Spiritual Truth: Internal Singleness of Purpose Leads to Divine Vision. Insight: Purity here does not mean flawless perfection; it means integrous and undivided. A pure heart is one whose motives are transparent, unclouded by hypocrisy, double-mindedness, or hidden agendas. When the lens of the heart is wiped clean of ego-driven distortions, God stops being a theological concept and becomes a lived reality you can perceive everywhere. 7. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." The Spiritual Truth: Active Reconciliation Mirrors the Family Likeness. Insight: Peacemaking is vastly different from mere "peacekeeping" (which often just sweeps conflict under the rug to keep things quiet). Peacemakers actively step into hostility, brokenness, and division to bridge gaps, absorbing conflict to restore harmony. By doing this, they act like their Father, bearing the unmistakable family resemblance. 8. "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." The Spiritual Truth: Friction is the Proof of Alignment. Insight: When a life completely aligns with transcendent truth and selfless love, it inevitably clashes with a world system built on self-preservation and compromise. This beatitude reframes suffering not as a sign of divine abandonment, but as the ultimate badge of honor—proof that your life is echoing a reality higher than this world.
    Like
    Praying
    2
    0 Kommentare 0 Anteile 23 Ansichten
  • ANXIETY: When we let go of our anxiety, we can take back the joy of today.

    I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4

    Contact Us: (559) 307-5271

    Website: www.hopehealingcc.org

    #HopeAndHealingChristianCounseling #CounselingServices #HealingInFaith #TemperamentCounseling #GodsHealingGrace #FaithBasedCounseling #Anxiety
    ✔️ ANXIETY: When we let go of our anxiety, we can take back the joy of today. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4 📲 Contact Us: (559) 307-5271 🌐 Website: www.hopehealingcc.org #HopeAndHealingChristianCounseling #CounselingServices #HealingInFaith #TemperamentCounseling #GodsHealingGrace #FaithBasedCounseling #Anxiety
    0 Kommentare 0 Anteile 32 Ansichten
  • TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER FOR OUR FAMILY!

    “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15 (KJV)

    Heavenly Father, in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we come before You on this Tuesday morning with grateful hearts. Thank You for waking us up and giving us another day that we did not earn but received because of Your grace and mercy.
    Your Word declares, “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24.
    Father, before we ask You for anything, we thank You for everything. Thank You for life. Thank You for strength. Thank You for our families. Thank You for keeping us through dangers seen and unseen. Thank You for the doors You opened, the doors You closed, and even the things You protected us from that we never knew were coming.
    Lord, as our families begin this Tuesday, go before us. Order our steps, direct our decisions, guard our hearts, protect our homes, and keep Your hand upon every member of our family.
    Your Word says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6.
    HEAL OUR FAMILY, LORD
    Father, this morning we bring before You every family member who is battling sickness—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
    You know every diagnosis.
    You know every symptom.
    You know every pain.
    You know every sleepless night.
    You know every private struggle.
    You know every burden that has become too difficult to explain to others.
    Father, touch them right now.
    Your Word declares, “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved.” — Jeremiah 17:14.
    Lord, stretch forth Your healing hand.
    Where there is sickness, bring healing.
    Where there is pain, bring relief.
    Where there is weakness, bring strength.
    Where there is fear, bring faith.
    Where there is confusion, bring clarity.
    Where there is discouragement, restore hope.
    Where there are troubled minds, release Your supernatural peace.
    You promised in Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
    Father, guard the minds of our family members. Give peace to those overwhelmed by life's pressures. Strengthen those carrying emotional burdens in silence. Remind them that they are seen by You, loved by You, and never beyond the reach of Your hand.
    Your Word says, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3.
    So, Lord, heal, deliver, restore, and set free!
    We stand upon Psalm 107:20:“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”
    Send Your Word into every hospital room, rehabilitation center, doctor's office, nursing facility, and every home where healing is needed.
    Give physicians wisdom. Give nurses compassion. Give caregivers strength. Give families patience. And give those who are sick the courage to keep believing You one day at a time.
    SAVE OUR FAMILY, LORD
    Father, our greatest prayer is not simply that our family will be healthy, prosperous, or successful. Our greatest prayer is that our family will know Jesus Christ.
    We lift before You every family member who has not surrendered their life to Christ.
    Draw them by Your Spirit.
    Let somebody who has been running from You begin running toward You.
    Let somebody who has questioned You begin seeking You.
    Let somebody who has never prayed begin calling upon Your name.
    Let somebody ask the same question asked in Acts 16:30:
    “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
    And let the answer ring clearly:
    “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” — Acts 16:31.
    Father, let salvation come into our households!
    Your Word declares, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13.
    And Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” — John 14:6.
    Lord, let our children know Jesus.
    Let our grandchildren know Jesus.
    Let husbands and wives know Jesus.
    Let our brothers and sisters know Jesus.
    Let our extended families know Jesus.
    Break destructive generational patterns and establish a new spiritual legacy—a legacy of faith, prayer, worship, obedience, integrity, forgiveness, and love.
    May generations after us be able to say, “Our family served the Lord!”
    PROVIDE FOR OUR FAMILY, LORD
    Father, we lift every family member who is looking for employment.
    You know every application submitted, every résumé sent, every interview completed, and every person waiting for someone to call them back.
    Open the right doors.
    Give them favor with hiring managers and decision-makers. Lead them to positions where their gifts, abilities, and experience will be appreciated.
    For those already employed who need promotion, advancement, better opportunities, increased wages, raises, improved benefits, or greater financial stability, we ask You to make a way.
    Your Word declares, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge.” — Psalm 75:6–7.
    Bless the work of our hands, Lord.
    Let integrity speak for us.
    Let excellence distinguish us.
    Let favor surround us.
    And when You elevate us, keep us humble enough to remember Who opened the door.
    PROVIDE FOR THOSE STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY
    Father, we especially pray for family members facing financial pressure.
    Some are trying to stretch a paycheck.
    Some are worried about rent or mortgage payments.
    Some are facing medical bills.
    Some are dealing with debt.
    Some need groceries.
    Some are facing unexpected expenses.
    Some are working but still struggling to make ends meet.
    But today we stand upon Philippians 4:19:
    “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
    Father, You are our Source.
    Provide what our families need.
    Give us wisdom to manage what You provide. Teach us to be disciplined, generous, responsible, and faithful stewards.
    Give our families creative ideas, opportunities, strategies, and open doors.
    Where there has been lack, provide.
    Where there has been financial confusion, give wisdom.
    Where there has been debt, give us a plan and discipline.
    Where there has been financial fear, replace it with faith and responsible action.
    Lord, supply every need according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
    PROTECT OUR FAMILY THIS TUESDAY
    Father, as our family members leave their homes today, cover them.
    Protect those driving to work.
    Protect those traveling.
    Protect our children and grandchildren.
    Protect those working long hours.
    Protect those caring for loved ones.
    Protect those going to medical appointments.
    Protect our homes while we are away.
    Your Word declares, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” — Psalm 91:11.
    Lord, keep us from accidents, danger, violence, and circumstances we cannot see coming.
    Bring everyone safely home.
    STRENGTHEN THE LOVE IN OUR FAMILY
    Father, help us to remember that before careers, money, possessions, accomplishments, titles, and recognition, our greatest responsibility is to love You and love one another.
    Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” — Matthew 22:37.
    Lord, You come first.
    Before our plans—You.
    Before our ambitions—You.
    Before our possessions—You.
    Before everything else—You.
    And because we love You, teach us how to love one another.
    Your Word declares, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” — 1 John 4:11.
    Heal broken relationships within our family.
    Remove bitterness.
    Destroy unforgiveness.
    Break down walls caused by pride.
    Help us apologize when we are wrong.
    Help us forgive when we have been hurt.
    Help us communicate with grace.
    Help us stop allowing small disagreements to create permanent separation.
    Let husbands and wives love one another.
    Let parents and children understand one another.
    Let brothers and sisters support one another.
    Let generations respect and learn from one another.
    Lord, make our families stronger, closer, healthier, and more Christ-centered.

    OUR TUESDAY FAMILY DECLARATION...
    This Tuesday morning, we declare:
    Our family belongs to God!
    We declare healing over our sick.
    We declare peace over troubled minds.
    We declare deliverance for those who are bound.
    We declare salvation for those who do not yet know Jesus.
    We declare employment for those seeking jobs.
    We declare favor and increase for those needing advancement.
    We declare provision for those struggling financially.
    We declare restoration over broken relationships.
    We declare protection over our homes and families.
    We declare love where there has been division.
    And above everything else, we declare:
    “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15.

    Father, we may not know everything this Tuesday will bring, but we know Who holds this Tuesday in His hands.
    Therefore, we trust You.
    Order our steps.
    Guard our hearts.
    Renew our minds.
    Strengthen our bodies.
    Provide for our needs.
    Protect our families.
    Save our loved ones.
    Restore our relationships.
    And let everything we say and do bring glory to Your name.
    We seal this prayer with Ephesians 3:20:
    “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
    We believe You can do it.
    We believe You are working even when we cannot see it.
    And we believe that the hand of God is upon our family!
    In the mighty, healing, delivering, saving, providing, protecting, and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
    AMEN, AMEN, AND AMEN!
    TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER FOR OUR FAMILY! “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15 (KJV) Heavenly Father, in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we come before You on this Tuesday morning with grateful hearts. Thank You for waking us up and giving us another day that we did not earn but received because of Your grace and mercy. Your Word declares, “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24. Father, before we ask You for anything, we thank You for everything. Thank You for life. Thank You for strength. Thank You for our families. Thank You for keeping us through dangers seen and unseen. Thank You for the doors You opened, the doors You closed, and even the things You protected us from that we never knew were coming. Lord, as our families begin this Tuesday, go before us. Order our steps, direct our decisions, guard our hearts, protect our homes, and keep Your hand upon every member of our family. Your Word says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6. HEAL OUR FAMILY, LORD Father, this morning we bring before You every family member who is battling sickness—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. You know every diagnosis. You know every symptom. You know every pain. You know every sleepless night. You know every private struggle. You know every burden that has become too difficult to explain to others. Father, touch them right now. Your Word declares, “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved.” — Jeremiah 17:14. Lord, stretch forth Your healing hand. Where there is sickness, bring healing. Where there is pain, bring relief. Where there is weakness, bring strength. Where there is fear, bring faith. Where there is confusion, bring clarity. Where there is discouragement, restore hope. Where there are troubled minds, release Your supernatural peace. You promised in Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Father, guard the minds of our family members. Give peace to those overwhelmed by life's pressures. Strengthen those carrying emotional burdens in silence. Remind them that they are seen by You, loved by You, and never beyond the reach of Your hand. Your Word says, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3. So, Lord, heal, deliver, restore, and set free! We stand upon Psalm 107:20:“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” Send Your Word into every hospital room, rehabilitation center, doctor's office, nursing facility, and every home where healing is needed. Give physicians wisdom. Give nurses compassion. Give caregivers strength. Give families patience. And give those who are sick the courage to keep believing You one day at a time. SAVE OUR FAMILY, LORD Father, our greatest prayer is not simply that our family will be healthy, prosperous, or successful. Our greatest prayer is that our family will know Jesus Christ. We lift before You every family member who has not surrendered their life to Christ. Draw them by Your Spirit. Let somebody who has been running from You begin running toward You. Let somebody who has questioned You begin seeking You. Let somebody who has never prayed begin calling upon Your name. Let somebody ask the same question asked in Acts 16:30: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And let the answer ring clearly: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” — Acts 16:31. Father, let salvation come into our households! Your Word declares, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13. And Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” — John 14:6. Lord, let our children know Jesus. Let our grandchildren know Jesus. Let husbands and wives know Jesus. Let our brothers and sisters know Jesus. Let our extended families know Jesus. Break destructive generational patterns and establish a new spiritual legacy—a legacy of faith, prayer, worship, obedience, integrity, forgiveness, and love. May generations after us be able to say, “Our family served the Lord!” PROVIDE FOR OUR FAMILY, LORD Father, we lift every family member who is looking for employment. You know every application submitted, every résumé sent, every interview completed, and every person waiting for someone to call them back. Open the right doors. Give them favor with hiring managers and decision-makers. Lead them to positions where their gifts, abilities, and experience will be appreciated. For those already employed who need promotion, advancement, better opportunities, increased wages, raises, improved benefits, or greater financial stability, we ask You to make a way. Your Word declares, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge.” — Psalm 75:6–7. Bless the work of our hands, Lord. Let integrity speak for us. Let excellence distinguish us. Let favor surround us. And when You elevate us, keep us humble enough to remember Who opened the door. PROVIDE FOR THOSE STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY Father, we especially pray for family members facing financial pressure. Some are trying to stretch a paycheck. Some are worried about rent or mortgage payments. Some are facing medical bills. Some are dealing with debt. Some need groceries. Some are facing unexpected expenses. Some are working but still struggling to make ends meet. But today we stand upon Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Father, You are our Source. Provide what our families need. Give us wisdom to manage what You provide. Teach us to be disciplined, generous, responsible, and faithful stewards. Give our families creative ideas, opportunities, strategies, and open doors. Where there has been lack, provide. Where there has been financial confusion, give wisdom. Where there has been debt, give us a plan and discipline. Where there has been financial fear, replace it with faith and responsible action. Lord, supply every need according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. PROTECT OUR FAMILY THIS TUESDAY Father, as our family members leave their homes today, cover them. Protect those driving to work. Protect those traveling. Protect our children and grandchildren. Protect those working long hours. Protect those caring for loved ones. Protect those going to medical appointments. Protect our homes while we are away. Your Word declares, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” — Psalm 91:11. Lord, keep us from accidents, danger, violence, and circumstances we cannot see coming. Bring everyone safely home. STRENGTHEN THE LOVE IN OUR FAMILY Father, help us to remember that before careers, money, possessions, accomplishments, titles, and recognition, our greatest responsibility is to love You and love one another. Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” — Matthew 22:37. Lord, You come first. Before our plans—You. Before our ambitions—You. Before our possessions—You. Before everything else—You. And because we love You, teach us how to love one another. Your Word declares, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” — 1 John 4:11. Heal broken relationships within our family. Remove bitterness. Destroy unforgiveness. Break down walls caused by pride. Help us apologize when we are wrong. Help us forgive when we have been hurt. Help us communicate with grace. Help us stop allowing small disagreements to create permanent separation. Let husbands and wives love one another. Let parents and children understand one another. Let brothers and sisters support one another. Let generations respect and learn from one another. Lord, make our families stronger, closer, healthier, and more Christ-centered. OUR TUESDAY FAMILY DECLARATION... This Tuesday morning, we declare: Our family belongs to God! We declare healing over our sick. We declare peace over troubled minds. We declare deliverance for those who are bound. We declare salvation for those who do not yet know Jesus. We declare employment for those seeking jobs. We declare favor and increase for those needing advancement. We declare provision for those struggling financially. We declare restoration over broken relationships. We declare protection over our homes and families. We declare love where there has been division. And above everything else, we declare: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15. Father, we may not know everything this Tuesday will bring, but we know Who holds this Tuesday in His hands. Therefore, we trust You. Order our steps. Guard our hearts. Renew our minds. Strengthen our bodies. Provide for our needs. Protect our families. Save our loved ones. Restore our relationships. And let everything we say and do bring glory to Your name. We seal this prayer with Ephesians 3:20: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” We believe You can do it. We believe You are working even when we cannot see it. And we believe that the hand of God is upon our family! In the mighty, healing, delivering, saving, providing, protecting, and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we pray. AMEN, AMEN, AND AMEN!
    Praying
    1
    0 Kommentare 1 Anteile 294 Ansichten
  • Daily devotion for August 18th
    Where To Begin
    Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.

    Nehemiah 9:5b
    This prayer in the book of Nehemiah is a great model that will teach us much for our own prayer life. It begins with a great section of praise. First, God is praised as the Creator and Maker of everything. Beginning with the life He gave you is a great place to start when you are praising God. It seems strange to me that people who are dependent every moment on God to give them life allow themselves so easily to forget that fact. God sustains us moment by moment. We ought to be grateful for that. Let us never forget that our very breath comes from Him.

    The next section praises God as the caller and chooser of people. He is the one who gives undeserved blessings to those He chooses. God is the keeper of promises. Not one of us would be here today if it were not for that merciful, sovereign call of God. Jesus said, No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him (John 6:44). We are here today because the Spirit of God in wondrous grace has drawn us to Himself.

    Then the people praise God as the deliverer from sin and its enslavement. They retell the history of this nation, beginning with the call of Abraham and their deliverance from Egypt. Some of us have forgotten the lessons God has taught us and have returned to the same sins, plunging ourselves once more into rebellion and slavery. Let us never forget that we have been wonderfully, even miraculously, delivered by the great hand of God.

    Praise for God as the great provider of wisdom and the necessities of life follows. Here is God's providential care of His own. He taught this people how to live in the midst of great wickedness. He knew he was sending them into a land inhabited by tribes who were morally degraded to a degree that is appalling to us today. They offered their children to the god Molech by throwing them alive into a furnace of fire. It was among these people that the Israelites had to live. Yet God taught them how to avoid defilement from those things. He taught them how to be friends with these people but not be destroyed by their immorality. It is exactly the situation we are called to live in today. God has given us this wonderful book that teaches us the rules of life, health, salvation, and deliverance and the inner strength that can resist the temptations that abound all around us. To neglect it is folly.

    God also supplied their needs. He gave them bread to eat when there was none. He gave them water from the rock in the middle of the desert. That is not only an account of meeting physical needs, but it describes the meeting of spiritual needs as well. The New Testament tells us these are pictures of Christ: He is the bread of life; He is the water of life. As the Israelites learned the meaning of these symbols, they began to understand that there was One coming who would fully meet the need of the human heart.

    Father, I praise and worship You as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, as the One who has chosen me and drawn me to Yourself and the One who provides all that I need
    Daily devotion for August 18th Where To Begin Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. Nehemiah 9:5b This prayer in the book of Nehemiah is a great model that will teach us much for our own prayer life. It begins with a great section of praise. First, God is praised as the Creator and Maker of everything. Beginning with the life He gave you is a great place to start when you are praising God. It seems strange to me that people who are dependent every moment on God to give them life allow themselves so easily to forget that fact. God sustains us moment by moment. We ought to be grateful for that. Let us never forget that our very breath comes from Him. The next section praises God as the caller and chooser of people. He is the one who gives undeserved blessings to those He chooses. God is the keeper of promises. Not one of us would be here today if it were not for that merciful, sovereign call of God. Jesus said, No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him (John 6:44). We are here today because the Spirit of God in wondrous grace has drawn us to Himself. Then the people praise God as the deliverer from sin and its enslavement. They retell the history of this nation, beginning with the call of Abraham and their deliverance from Egypt. Some of us have forgotten the lessons God has taught us and have returned to the same sins, plunging ourselves once more into rebellion and slavery. Let us never forget that we have been wonderfully, even miraculously, delivered by the great hand of God. Praise for God as the great provider of wisdom and the necessities of life follows. Here is God's providential care of His own. He taught this people how to live in the midst of great wickedness. He knew he was sending them into a land inhabited by tribes who were morally degraded to a degree that is appalling to us today. They offered their children to the god Molech by throwing them alive into a furnace of fire. It was among these people that the Israelites had to live. Yet God taught them how to avoid defilement from those things. He taught them how to be friends with these people but not be destroyed by their immorality. It is exactly the situation we are called to live in today. God has given us this wonderful book that teaches us the rules of life, health, salvation, and deliverance and the inner strength that can resist the temptations that abound all around us. To neglect it is folly. God also supplied their needs. He gave them bread to eat when there was none. He gave them water from the rock in the middle of the desert. That is not only an account of meeting physical needs, but it describes the meeting of spiritual needs as well. The New Testament tells us these are pictures of Christ: He is the bread of life; He is the water of life. As the Israelites learned the meaning of these symbols, they began to understand that there was One coming who would fully meet the need of the human heart. Father, I praise and worship You as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, as the One who has chosen me and drawn me to Yourself and the One who provides all that I need
    Praying
    1
    0 Kommentare 0 Anteile 20 Ansichten
  • Charles Spurgeon Morning Devotion August 17th

    "The mercy of God."
    Psalm 52:8

    Meditate a little on this mercy of the Lord. It is tender mercy. With gentle, loving touch, he healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He is as gracious in the manner of his mercy as in the matter of it. It is great mercy. There is nothing little in God; his mercy is like himself--it is infinite. You cannot measure it. His mercy is so great that it forgives great sins to great sinners, after great lengths of time, and then gives great favors and great privileges, and raises us up to great enjoyments in the great heaven of the great God. It is undeserved mercy, as indeed all true mercy must be, for deserved mercy is only a misnomer for justice. There was no right on the sinner's part to the kind consideration of the Most High; had the rebel been doomed at once to eternal fire he would have richly merited the doom, and if delivered from wrath, sovereign love alone has found a cause, for there was none in the sinner himself. It is rich mercy. Some things are great, but have little efficacy in them, but this mercy is a cordial to your drooping spirits; a golden ointment to your bleeding wounds; a heavenly bandage to your broken bones; a royal chariot for your weary feet; a bosom of love for your trembling heart. It is manifold mercy. As Bunyan says, "All the flowers in God's garden are double." There is no single mercy. You may think you have but one mercy, but you shall find it to be a whole cluster of mercies. It is abounding mercy. Millions have received it, yet far from its being exhausted; it is as fresh, as full, and as free as ever. It is unfailing mercy. It will never leave thee. If mercy be thy friend, mercy will be with thee in temptation to keep thee from yielding; with thee in trouble to prevent thee from sinking; with thee living to be the light and life of thy countenance; and with thee dying to be the joy of thy soul when earthly comfort is ebbing fast.
    Charles Spurgeon Morning Devotion August 17th "The mercy of God." Psalm 52:8 Meditate a little on this mercy of the Lord. It is tender mercy. With gentle, loving touch, he healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He is as gracious in the manner of his mercy as in the matter of it. It is great mercy. There is nothing little in God; his mercy is like himself--it is infinite. You cannot measure it. His mercy is so great that it forgives great sins to great sinners, after great lengths of time, and then gives great favors and great privileges, and raises us up to great enjoyments in the great heaven of the great God. It is undeserved mercy, as indeed all true mercy must be, for deserved mercy is only a misnomer for justice. There was no right on the sinner's part to the kind consideration of the Most High; had the rebel been doomed at once to eternal fire he would have richly merited the doom, and if delivered from wrath, sovereign love alone has found a cause, for there was none in the sinner himself. It is rich mercy. Some things are great, but have little efficacy in them, but this mercy is a cordial to your drooping spirits; a golden ointment to your bleeding wounds; a heavenly bandage to your broken bones; a royal chariot for your weary feet; a bosom of love for your trembling heart. It is manifold mercy. As Bunyan says, "All the flowers in God's garden are double." There is no single mercy. You may think you have but one mercy, but you shall find it to be a whole cluster of mercies. It is abounding mercy. Millions have received it, yet far from its being exhausted; it is as fresh, as full, and as free as ever. It is unfailing mercy. It will never leave thee. If mercy be thy friend, mercy will be with thee in temptation to keep thee from yielding; with thee in trouble to prevent thee from sinking; with thee living to be the light and life of thy countenance; and with thee dying to be the joy of thy soul when earthly comfort is ebbing fast.
    0 Kommentare 0 Anteile 13 Ansichten
Suchergebnis