#christianpost

[wolint]

CONGRATULATIONS!.

Job 11:14-19 MEV if iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and do not let wickedness dwell in your tents; [15] for then you will lift up your face without blemish; yes, you will be steadfast and will not fear, [16] because you will forget misery, and remember it as waters that pass away, [17] and your life will be brighter than noonday, even your darkness will be as the morning. [18] You will trust because there is hope; yes, you will search about you, and you will look around and rest in safety. [19] Also you will lie down, and none will make you afraid; yes, many will court your favor.

Happy New Year! Welcome to the new year! Congratulations, we all made it! Unfortunately, we seem to think January alone or the first three months is the new year. Why can’t it be a new year always? A lot of people start the year by making “new year’s resolutions,” things they intend to either do or not do. Sadly, not many see this through. Some don’t even last until the end of January. It’s always good to start the year with plans and preparation, but we must remember that, as Psalm 37:5 says, only God can make our plans what they ought to be if we commit them to Him. Job’s impassioned speech to his friends could serve as our resolution, not just for the new year but for life generally. The Bible encourages us to examine our lives and resolve to change them if necessary (although not just at the beginning of a new year). Psalm 17:3 says that we should resolve to keep our speech pure, saying: “I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed.” Ephesians 4:22-24 encourages us to put off our old selves—the “old self” that refused to trust and serve Christ earnestly. But we should be renewed or transformed in the mind, according to Romans 12:2, as we study and apply God’s Word and begin to think in new and right ways. The new year should be a new beginning for us in many ways, especially in spiritual things. We should endeavor to enter and remain in the new year with renewed minds. So many of us walked the proverbial wilderness in the last year, wishing, praying, and hoping that God would do something new for us. God is promising in Isaiah 43:19 that He is, and will do, something new for us—something unprecedented and wonderful, not just for the new year but always. We make resolutions that are often too unrealistic; however, so many of our resolutions fail. Resolutions are sometimes wishful thinking, with no way to make them happen. For example, you might resolve to make a million this year, but if you don’t have a job or a business, how do you plan to earn it? It probably isn’t going to happen. Other resolutions fail because we aren’t willing to make the sacrifices necessary to reach them. When we plan with God, as Proverbs 16:9 states, He directs and establishes our plans and paths, with little or no chance of failure. Even if you made resolutions, who holds you accountable for keeping them? No one! All too soon, we find ourselves falling off the bandwagon. But when we make godly plans, the scriptures hold us accountable to obedience. We must remember that, according to Romans 7:18, the real problem with not being able to sustain carnal resolutions is within us—within our hearts and minds. We’d all like to be better people, but no matter how hard we try, we find ourselves tripped up by our moral failures and weaknesses. Even Paul experienced this: “I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” According to Deuteronomy 7:13, obedience to the covenant of God leads to blessings. Everything we would need, want, and desire in the new year is in the Lord. May it be a wonderful one. Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of seeing 2025. Thank you for the gift of life. May the year be established and prosper by Your word and Spirit as I commit my life and everything into Your hands for godly perfection. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Follow the FRESH MANNA CHANNEL on Telegram: https://t.me/freshmdevo Follow the FRESH MANNA CHANNEL on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va8y5tqAjPXP6kZdoX1j EMAIL: TEEWOMENOFLIGHT@OUTLOOK.COM WOULD YOU CONSIDER PARTNERING WITH US TO REACH MORE PEOPLE? PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING US TO UPGRADE OUR RECORDING EQUIPMENT TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF OUR EPISODES. ANY CONTRIBUTION, NO MATTER HOW SMALL, WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND GENEROSITY. SHALOM

[rosieerose]

Because of God....

I think in this life there some personalities we come across and we're just like I'm not sure if I'm going to work well with this person or people who ,ay have wronged us one or the other and we decide to treat them according to how we feel but this verse (Mathew 5:44) says not to do that but to show love to one another. By doing so we are carrying out God's commandment and loving God (John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments)

[sunadomusic]

LYRICS: Sunnypraise Adoga – I Will Praise You (Agama Jaginma) (+ Song Mp3 Audio) LYRICS: Sunnypraise Adoga – I Will Praise You (Agama Jaginma) (+ Song Mp3 Audio)   Agama jaginma le (I will praise You) Agama jaginma le (I will praise You) Agama jaginma le (I will praise You) Agama jaginma le (I will praise You) Agama jaginma le (I will praise You) Agama jaginma le (I will […] Read more here: https://sunadomusic.sundayadoga.com.ng/lyrics-sunnypraise-adoga-i-will-praise-you-agama-jaginma-song-mp3-audio/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lyrics-sunnypraise-adoga-i-will-praise-you-agama-jaginma-song-mp3-audio

[willows-at-the-well]

Thank you God for a beautiful afternoon of praise and worship. Your very presense is unable to be adequately described. Glory to the king of kings and Lord of Lords🙌🏼🕊🙏🏼

[willows-at-the-well]

Who can weigh the value of knowing you?

Who can judge the worth of who you are?

Who can count the blessing of loving you?

Who can say just how great you are?

There is none!

[feyti-odinsdottir]

"As a child, I liked to bake. I made many recipes that had nearly all the same ingredients, and yet the results were entirely different desserts, simply depending on the arrangement of ingredients. As a child, I liked to bake."

"As an adult, I realized I was a bad chef. Suddenly the ingredients were not flour and sugar, but instead, the shame and regret I used to create my life. My recipe book filled with sad stories, my cupboards full of the ingredients to bake them. A pinch of shame, a cup of fear, a pound of trauma, and a whole box of regret. As an adult, I realized I was a bad chef."

"What tender mercy that the Lord took the same ingredients I would have used to bake a suicide story, and instead he created a redemption story."

"Only such a love as this could turn the sourest of ingredients into nothing but a recipe of hope and joy."

- just little bits of poetry

Psalm 34:8

[wolint]

GRACE TO OVERCOME!

GRACE TO OVERCOME

Hebrews 4:16

 

We cannot do God’s work with our natural strength; we do not have the abilities needed to do spiritual activities. As stated in Zechariah 4:6, it’s not by power nor by might but by the Spirit of God.

What is grace then?

Grace is the favourable influence of God in renewing hearts through the application of Christ’s righteousness. Grace is much more than unmerited favour! Grace is God’s adornment of His people. It’s God’s decoration of His children, dignifying and beautifying His chosen ones when they least qualify for it.

Believers are encouraged to approach God boldly because of what our high priest Jesus Christ has done for us. He sympathizes with our weaknesses because He too was tested in every way as believers are daily tested. However, Jesus did not sin, and so we believe that by the grace bestowed upon us, we can confidently and boldly do everything that we set out to do with the help of God. Christ confirms in Philippians 4:13 that we can do anything and everything through His strength.

When God sends us on assignment, He knows and understands that there will be forces working tirelessly to limit us, condemn us, distract us, fail us, and stop us from enjoying all the benefits available to the saints of God. If, as scripture says in Ephesians 6:10-20, our fight is not with physical opponents but spiritual forces, then we need all the divine strength, grace, and wisdom needed to fight these forces.

We, therefore, need to arm ourselves with two things the enemy fears the most: the name and the word of God, according to Philippians 2:10. The grace of God gives us the boldness to discharge enemy forces and bring them to their knees, even as they confess the Lordship of Jesus.

God is ready to fight for you once you’ve called His name. When you acknowledge God’s sovereignty in persistent prayer, you begin to access grace to be, to do, and to overcome. This grace does not depend on your performance; it is a gift according to Ephesians 2:8-9. Grace reminds us of God’s unconditional love for us and motivates us to extend that same love towards others.

God is gracious in action. Grace is His goodwill and kindness shown to us through His encompassing love and unmerited favour. Grace is us receiving what mercy purchased that shields us from what we deserve.

Grace stopped Abimelech from being destroyed by God in Genesis 20:7.

Grace gave Cain a mark on the forehead in Genesis 4:13-15 to save him from being killed.

Grace stopped the adulterous woman in John 8:1-11 from being condemned and stoned.

The enemy uses condemnation to keep us from God, but God uses grace to save us. Condemnation plays on our ignorance, fear, and doubt to stop us from approaching the Father. The Father, on the other hand, grants us grace to overcome fear.

Grace gives us a clean slate, a new heart, a changed life, a new beginning, and frees us from accusation and condemnation. Wherever you are right now, grace can find you, save you, and help you to overcome.

It would no longer be grace if it is subject to human standards, according to Romans 11:6. According to 2 Chronicles 30:9, God is always gracious and will not turn His face from us if we return to Him.

God’s grace is free and extended to everyone. It takes the blame, covers shame, and makes beauty out of ugliness. Grace, grace to you!

PRAYER: Father, I declare that grace, mercy, and peace will be with me from You, Lord, in truth and love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Shalom,

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT’L PRAYER MIN.

[wolint]

SPIRITUAL AWAKENING!

SPIRITUAL AWAKENING

Psalm 57:8

 

Spiritual awakening generally refers to a newfound awareness of a spiritual reality. It can be gradual or rapid and can mean different things to different people. What the world calls “spiritual awakening” often involves new age concepts, which could potentially open doors to contact with demonic spirits.

True spiritual awakening often involves the realization of sinfulness, leading to repentance and a renewed commitment to follow God. Salvation serves as the primary spiritual awakening, changing us from spiritual death to spiritual life. This awakening leads to a stronger relationship with God, repentance, and a transformed life.

Biblically, spiritual awakening is not a waking from spiritual sleep but a resurrection from spiritual death. Everyone is born in sin and spiritually dead. Ephesians 2:1 state that, before we knew Christ, we were dead in transgressions and sins. Because of the sin of Adam, which we inherited, we are all separated from God, who is Life (Romans 5:12). We cannot experience, understand, or relate to a holy and perfect God in our unregenerate state, nor can we enter His kingdom.

Our need for spiritual awakening is profound: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:4). We must be “awakened” spiritually, or, as Jesus put it, we must be “born again” or “born of the Spirit” (John 3:3–8).

True spiritual awakening—the new birth that Jesus spoke of—occurs not by some physical, mental, or emotional process but by the power of the Holy Spirit. One who is awakened by the Holy Spirit is recreated into a completely new person (2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3). This new creation is characterized by a new heart that wants to please and obey God and live for Him (2 Corinthians 5:9). He has been awakened to a new reality, one that centres on the Savior who redeemed him, the Spirit who awakened him, and the kingdom of God to which he now belongs. This is true spiritual awakening.

John 9 records the story of the man born blind, whose spiritual awakening led to an acknowledgment of who Jesus is. The man’s receipt of spiritual sight was accompanied by physical sight. He spoke of the dawning of new light in his life in simple terms: “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25). He knew the truth of Psalm 36:9, “With you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”

Apostle Paul’s spiritual awakening was sudden and dramatic when Jesus met him on the road to Damascus and changed his life forever (Acts 9). From then on, Paul’s desire was for all believers to increase in their spiritual awareness: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened” (Ephesians 1:18). The psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 119:18 is also for spiritually open eyes: “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Our spiritual awakening begins when Jesus sheds His light upon us: “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Matthew 4:16).

The proper response to the Light of the World should be as natural as getting up in the morning: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you” (Isaiah 60:1). When the Holy Spirit awakens us to the truth of Christ and indwells us by grace through faith, we can truly sing with John Newton:

“Amazing grace—how sweet the sound— 

That saved a wretch like me! 

I once was lost but now am found, 

Was blind but now I see.”

PRAYER: Father, awake my soul from slumber and keep me spiritually alert in this time, that I may know your heartbeat and continually follow your light. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Shalom

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT’L PRAYER MIN.

[wolint]

WHAT DID PETER SEE?

WHAT DID PETER SEE?

Matthew 14:26-32

 

There are all kinds of fear. They say, there’s nothing to fear but fear itself. But we must all have a healthy fear of those things that are detrimental to us, whether physical or otherwise. The power of the word of God and the name of Jesus is enough to help us overcome fear and destroy unreasonable fear.

Fear comes from what we are seeing. Our eyes see things and immediately inform the brain that this is something to fear, even if it’s irrational. We live in a natural and fallen world with all manners of things coming against us. The enemy uses our senses to try and derail us from walking uprightly and faithfully.

But we must remember what Psalm 62:11 says, that “all power belongs to God.” We must learn to hide in the Lord as encouraged in Psalm 27:5: “For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; in the secret place of His tent will He hide me; He will set me high upon a rock.”

What did Peter see? And Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” What did he see then, that shook his faith and allowed fear to derail him?

Every sense must be engaged in faith activities and exercises as Psalm 94:9 says, God made them for you to use. Since it’s the physical senses that the enemy can use against us, we must guard them diligently, especially the heart as Proverbs 4:23 says.

What did Peter’s heart see that made him falter? Whatever you ask in my name I will do, declares John 14:13. We ask, just as Peter did, “Lord, if that is you, bid me come to you,” and Jesus did. The Lord answers every prayer we pray, but it’s unfortunate that like Peter, we start out well, looking at the Lord but then allow our gaze to wander and we begin to focus on the circumstances, problems, challenges, and the issues that induce fear that in turn makes us lose faith and our miracles.

The wind, waves, and rain were there when Peter asked to walk on water, but what changed? What did he see? Verse thirty says when he noticed the “strong wind” he became frightened and began to sink. Why? He not only took his eyes off Jesus—the anchor—but he saw what the wind was doing, the effect and devastation around him, which made him realize the strength of the wind, which he wrongly assumed was “stronger” than the Lord.

Aren’t we all guilty of the same thing? Don’t we take our eyes off the Lord and look at the assumed “strength” of the problem and allow that to impact and affect our faith, sight, and hearing? Nothing should have the effrontery to make us lose faith and hope if we focus on the Lord.

When Peter saw the wind! We don’t see wind but the effect and hear the sound. The wind of life will always rise against us, but we must remember to hold on to whatever the Lord has told us, the vision and dreams He’s shown us, and the places He’s taking us. Peter sadly didn’t engage his senses enough to stop the wind and wave from frightening him.

What are you seeing? Hearing and allowing to frighten you off the path of faith and God’s promises? When the Lord bids us do whatever we ask of Him, we must keep our eyes on Him and not see the waves, wind, and storm that would certainly derail us, frighten us, and most likely stop us from advancing as it did with Peter.

Don’t see what Peter saw and what circumstances show you. See only what the Lord wants you to see and what He’s doing. Hear only what He wants for you.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to only see what you’re seeing, hear what you are hearing, and say what you’re saying so that I’ll always do right in Jesus’ name, amen.

Shalom

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT’L PRAYER MIN

[wolint]

YOU ALREADY HAVE IT

Exodus 4:2 TLB "What do you have there in your hand?" the Lord asked him. And he replied, "A shepherd's rod."

Many people have experienced situations where they’re looking for something they already have or wanting to do something they don’t think they can, even though the skill or talent is already within them. Throughout the Bible, questions were asked to help people understand their standing with the Lord, delve deeper into the Word, and allow God’s hand to move freely in their circumstances. It would be great if we could say the first-ever question asked in the Bible came from God, but unfortunately, it didn’t. The first question in the Bible came from Satan in Genesis 3:1. The second question came from God in verse 9. “What is in your hand?” God’s question to Moses was meant to shift Moses’ focus from his perceived inadequacy to God’s choice and approval of him. God didn’t ask the question to gain information from Moses, but to draw Moses’ attention to what was already in him and the resources he already had. Where Moses saw a staff, probably his shepherd’s crook, God saw more—a powerful tool He could use for His glory, an instrument of authority and office. Like Moses, many of us wonder what we can do and how to do it, but the Lord is telling us, as He did Moses and others after him, that we already have what we are looking for. We find Elisha asking the widow a similar question in 2 Kings 4:2: “What do you have in the house?” Just like Moses, the widow saw only a small amount of oil, but Elisha saw a marketable and wealth-generating product. She already had what she needed to do what needed to be done. Because of the multipurpose use of oil, she could not only pay off her debt but also have enough for her family to live on. What do you have in your hands? What services has the Lord put in your hands? Whatever you’re looking for is already in your hand. What has God allowed you to go through, see, hear, and do that may be used as a rod for His glory? God uses whatever is already in your hands—your experiences, your pain, disappointments, and resources—as a tool for His kingdom mandate. Christians are often unfruitful because they believe they are not qualified to do what God calls them to do! I can identify with that; we always look for something that will help us feel capable of doing the job God calls us to and may not realize we already have it. Good stewardship is expected from us regarding everything God has given us. We cannot have a sense of entitlement over any skills, talents, and resources we have without a sense of responsibility. Everything we have is for service, and according to 1 Peter 4:10, all believers have received at least one spiritual gift from God, which must be used faithfully for God’s glory as stewards of God’s grace. What was in Samson’s hand? He was given super strength by God, and he gained many victories with the jawbone of a donkey in Judges 15:15. Hannah held a small child in her hand, but when she gave him to God, he became a great prophet. So, what do you have in your hand? What has God put in your hand? Do you wonder how God might use you? God equips people in various ways and diverse measures for His glory. Your responses could be, “I’m good with my hands,” “I can help get things done,” “I like to cook,” “I am good in administration,” or more. Allow God to use whatever He’s put in your hands, no matter how small, and He will use it supernaturally for His glory. PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for filling my hands, help me by your spirit to discover what is in my hand and use it wisely in Jesus’ name, amen. Follow the FRESH MANNA CHANNEL on Telegram: https://t.me/freshmdevo Follow the FRESH MANNA CHANNEL on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va8y5tqAjPXP6kZdoX1j EMAIL: TEEWOMENOFLIGHT@OUTLOOK.COM WOULD YOU CONSIDER PARTNERING WITH US TO REACH MORE PEOPLE? PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING US TO UPGRADE OUR RECORDING EQUIPMENT TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF OUR EPISODES. ANY CONTRIBUTION, NO MATTER HOW SMALL, WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND GENEROSITY. SHALOM

[wolint]

ACCESSED BY FAITH

ACCESSED BY FAITH

Romans 5:2

 

By whom we have access! Jesus declares in John 14:6 that he is the way, the doorway, the entrance and in most cases the exit, making him the ultimate access by which we enter the spiritual realm.

Divine access is not gained using a key or physical lock but by the authority in Christ Jesus and the blood of the lamb.

As Jesus gave authority to Peter to act on His behalf, so he gave to every believer.

Jesus, in Matthew 16:19 describes the authority He delegated to us as the "keys to the kingdom of heaven." He says that whatever we bind or loose on earth will be bound or loosed in heaven.

Only the most trusted servant in the household would be given the keys to the doors of the estate.

In handing them over, the master of the house would be sharing His authority to open and close, to lock and unlock, the entrance to His home.

In Christ's name, we will declare He is the Messiah and that faith in Him is the only entrance into His kingdom. In His name, we will also exercise discipline within the church, setting the standard for both what is true and how that truth will be practiced. When the apostles declare something bound or loosed in Jesus' name, the power that resides in heaven will respond and make it so. While all these keys are important, we still need our individual keys, activated by our unique authority and power to unlock what’s been locked.

Do you need to access the spiritual and divine doors made available for you? But what does your key look like? Do you know?�� The key you use for one lock may not fit the lock of the same situation in other persons’ hands.

There is a specific key to gain access for every lock, it’s our duty and responsibility to find out the appropriate key needed, acknowledge, and use it judiciously as stated in Isaiah 22:22 !And the key of the house of David I will lay upon his shoulder; he shall open and no one shall shut, he shall shut and no one shall open”.

We all need spaces, places and events we would like to access but sadly, we either don’t know how to get to these places or access them, or we may not just have the authority to access.

But by utilizing kingdom keys, we can impact our communities and invite others to experience the transformative power of God’s Kingdom.

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. Through him-only through Christ!

Christ grants us access by his blood and the redemptive work on the cross and Ephesians 2:18 repeats this but adds that the access is by the spirit of God and the Father. This is a clear indication that the trinity is involved in granting us access. The privilege of entrance and exit belongs to God the father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

He has brought us by faith! By faith-have you got the faith to access what the Lord has prepared before time for you?

PRAYER: Lord, God, thank you for granting me divine and spiritual access, help me to always boldly entre wherever you prompt me in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Shalom

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT’L PRAYER MIN.

[wolint]

PASSION!

PASSION

Psalm 119:97

 

In a biblical context, passion often refers to a deep, intense love and devotion to God and His teachings. It encompasses a fervent desire to live according to God’s will and to spread His message. This kind of passion is characterized by:

Zeal for God: A strong enthusiasm and dedication to worshiping God and following His commandments.

Love for Others: Demonstrating God’s love through acts of kindness, compassion, and service to others.

Commitment to Faith: Maintaining faith even in the face of challenges and adversity.

Biblical passion is about aligning one’s heart and actions with God’s purposes and seeking to glorify Him in all aspects of life. It involves a heartfelt devotion that goes beyond mere duty, reflecting a deep, personal relationship with God. Passion is often seen as a powerful force that drives individuals to pursue their calling and serve God with intense devotion and commitment.

The key to persistence is passion. Persistence is needed to achieve anything of worth, and the key to passion is purpose. We must always run with purpose and not aimlessly; otherwise, we won’t achieve anything. The driving force behind everything we do must be passion, either positive or negative, but godly passion (zeal for God) surpasses every other kind of passion.

There are several stories in the Bible that illustrate passion in various forms, such as devotion to God, love for others, and zeal for a cause:

David and Goliath: David’s passion for God and his people is evident when he faces Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Despite being young and inexperienced, David’s faith and zeal drive him to confront and defeat Goliath, showcasing his unwavering trust in God’s power.

Elijah on Mount Carmel: The prophet Elijah demonstrates his passion for God when he challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 18. His fervent prayer and faith lead to a miraculous display of God’s power, reaffirming his commitment to turning Israel back to God.

Jesus Cleansing the Temple: Jesus shows righteous passion in Matthew 21:12-13 when he drives out the money changers from the temple, declaring that the temple should be a house of prayer. This act reflects his deep commitment to preserving the sanctity of worship.

Can we say we are as passionate as these figures? Are we as passionate about the things of the kingdom as we are about other things? Would our passion stand the test of time and circumstances?

Paul’s Missionary Journeys: Passion drove Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys. His passion for spreading the Gospel is evident in his extensive missionary journeys as seen in Acts 13-28. Despite facing numerous hardships, including imprisonment and persecution, Paul’s zeal for sharing the message of Christ never wavers.

Nehemiah Rebuilding Jerusalem’s Walls: Passion for God and Israel made Nehemiah take up the challenge and arduous task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. Nehemiah’s passion for his homeland and his people is clear when he leads the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. His dedication and leadership inspire the people to complete the task despite opposition, as stated in Nehemiah 1-6.

Throughout the centuries, Christians have referred to Jesus’ sufferings as His passion, and it truly is. Without Christ’s passion for God, zeal for kingdom issues, and love for the Father, it would have been impossible for Him to lay down His life for humanity. The term “passion” is also used to describe the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, particularly during the events leading up to and including His crucifixion.

Passion, when aligned with God’s will, can lead to extraordinary acts of faith, courage, and devotion. Do you have that kind of passion?

PRAYER: Oh Lord, my zeal for your kingdom and passion for you glory lead and consume me always in Jesus’ name, amen.

Shalom

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT’L PRAYER MIN

[wolint]

SHED THOSE WEIGHTS!

SHED THOSE WEIGHTS

Hebrews 12:1

 

Weight! Bulk! Mass! Don’t we all struggle with it? Either we want to gain some or lose some. For some people, it’s a fluctuating issue. The loss and gain of weight is a big thing and has created a billion-dollar enterprise the world over. People will go to any length to lose weight for various reasons. Unnecessary weight is unhealthy and should be shed for health reasons, but doing all kinds of things as we see today to try and stay “socially acceptably thin” is wrong and unacceptable.

The Bible does not directly address weight loss, but it does give us principles for how to live a godly life, take care of our bodies, and stay healthy. The Bible teaches us to glorify God with our bodies in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and to avoid gluttony and idolatry in Proverbs 23:2 and Colossians 3:5. We should lose weight and exercise for the Lord, not for ourselves, and seek the Holy Spirit's help to overcome any sinful habits.

Our text, though telling us to shed, strip, or lay down every weight that binds us, is referring more to spiritual things and not just physical weight. We can shed all kinds of weight—these are things that weigh us down, stopping us from achieving our best and fulfilling our purpose. These weights could be mental, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and of course, physical. Shedding weight involves labour. We cannot lose physical weight without exercising, and the same is true for spiritual weight loss; we cannot shed this spiritual weight without spiritual exercise.

What spiritual weight are you lugging around that needs to be shed? We must throw off every weight of sin that so easily entangles, stifles, restricts, and limits us through a disciplinary diet, laid aside by candidates for the prize in racing. Carnal and worldly lusts, and all, whether from without or within, that would impede the heavenly runner, are the spiritual weights to be laid aside. All superfluous weight: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, and even harmless and otherwise useful things which would positively retard us, as seen in Mark 10:50 with the blind man casting away his garment to come to Jesus.

People lose weight for various reasons. A bride sheds weight and keeps it down to fit into the perfect dress for the perfect day. The new mother sheds all the weight gained from pregnancy to maintain a good and healthy shape. Some people may just want to shed the weight gained over the years from indulging too much.

As it is with the physical, so it is with the spiritual. We gain unnecessary weight from life’s challenges and doing the wrong things. Just as bad habits stick and create all kinds of problems, so too do bad spiritual habits stick and cause us to have unwanted and damaging baggage that becomes too heavy for us to carry and fulfil our God-given purpose.

Our text is telling us to lay down and aside anything that hinders our Christian Walk and progress. Anything addictive, that weakens or slows us down. Weights like arrogance, conceit, pride, lust, greed, and all mentioned in 1 John 2:16.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” We glorify the Lord in our bodies by taking care of the total man—spirit, soul, and body—by shedding everything unwanted.

To shed and keep shedding weight, we must remember what Proverbs 13:25 says: “The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.” Let’s therefore endeavour to feed on things that nourish the soul and not put unnecessary weight on us.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to keep to my idle weight in my total man, so that I am unrestrained in following and serving you in Jesus’ name, amen.

Shalom

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT’L PRAYER MIN.

[wolint]

NAKED AND EMPTY!

NAKED AND EMPTY

Job 1:21

 

When is humanity going to learn that everything in life has an expiration date? Everything that has a beginning must have an ending. As Ecclesiastes 3 says, there’s a time for everything. Ecclesiastes 5:15 puts it beautifully: “As a man came from his mother’s womb, so he will depart again, naked as he arrived. He takes nothing for his labor to carry in his hands.”

Whenever we lose a loved one, the first thing we think is where have they headed, at least I do. But nowhere during the mourning do we think of whatever of their earthly things should be buried with them because they need them where they are going. According to Solomon, they are the futility of wealth. Solomon, in all his splendor, makes us understand, as he did in Ecclesiastes 2:23b, that all the trappings of wealth are vanity that we rat race to acquire, only to be left behind finally.

We’ve heard so much about the queen of England’s life, her ethics, both to work and family, her love for God and people, her sunny nature, adventures, and even wealth. But all the power, authority, and influence she had were eventually nothing. As expensive as her funeral and burial were, she had to let go of the symbols of power and authority, laying them on the altar of the King of Kings, the only one with the ultimate power and authority, the Immortal God whom all other powers and authority bow to.

None of us has a choice of the family we are born into, the legacy we are given, the authority we gain, and the influence we exert. But at the final moment, all of these symbols will be left to rot on earth for they have no use in eternity. Our offices, titles, accolades, influence, authority, and wealth will amount to nothing in relation to the supreme being—Elohim, who only gives us standing both in life and death, on earth and in eternity. Without whom life and eternity will be empty. As Solomon declared in Ecclesiastes 1:2: “Meaningless! Meaningless! says the Teacher. Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." This verse reflects on the emptiness and futility of life without God.

This is a lifetime lesson: Naked and Empty! Being naked and empty in various contexts often symbolizes vulnerability, exposure, and spiritual emptiness. The reward of our endless pursuits and our acquisitions will be left behind someday. This is man’s way of trying their best to fill the vacuum meant for God and eternal pursuit, not taken with us into eternity. They have no eternal value and sustainability.

The dust will return to the earth, declares Ecclesiastes 12:7, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. The removal of these items from the queen indicates that her journey, work, and spirit cease to operate in this realm. Yes, work, as clearly stated in Ecclesiastes 9:7-18, everyone has a God-given work to do on earth. Everyone, looking at the queen’s life, is convinced she finished her work.

So many of us echo Revelation 3:17: "I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing." But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. This highlights spiritual poverty and the need for true spiritual wealth. We must seek God's presence and guidance to find true fulfillment and protection because God has made everything appropriate in its time. Use yours well, and do what you can now, for you came naked and empty, so you can go naked and empty when it’s time, leaving a lasting legacy.

PRAYER: Father, I confess that there are times when I feel empty and unfulfilled. I seek Your presence to fill the voids in my life in Jesus’ name, amen.

Shalom

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT’L PRAYER MIN.

[wolint]

NO SHORTCUT IN LIFE!

NO SHORTCUT IN LIFE

Proverbs 21:5

 

The Bible encourages us to avoid shortcuts and instead, to embrace hard work, patience, and diligence. Taking shortcuts may seem profitable in the short term, but they can lead to negative consequences in the long run. Trust in God’s guidance and commit your actions to Him, seeking His ways rather than quick fixes. I heard one thing constantly from my parents growing up, “the shortcut turns out the longest”. Yes, it is! I understand that perfectly. Have you received that revelation yet?

There are no shortcuts!

There are no cutting corners even in natural things, how much then in spiritual things. It’s impulsive to make haste without thinking or planning.

We all have a desire to get somewhere but don’t always have sufficient knowledge on how to reach our goals, so, we rush into things without ever considering the dangers involved.

Life is such a whirlwind that some of us don’t even take a minute to stop and smell the roses or enjoy the journey, there is a mad rush to get “there”, wherever there is, impulsively trudging on without seeing the danger signs. Unfortunately, Shortcuts have consequences! Shortcuts are dangerous!

Whatever promises God gives us are subject to work and process. The dangers and consequences of impulse and shortcuts are at most detrimental and for a lifetime. Abraham and Sarah found out the hard way that taking shortcuts will only get us into trouble as evidenced in Genesis 15 and 16. They forgot, just as we always do that God will ultimately work everything out for our good according to Romans 8:28, even when we get ourselves into trouble.

Sadly, some things are set into motion when we take shortcuts. Our actions may have far-reaching consequences, possibly spanning across generations. So, beware of taking the easy way out! Shortcuts lead to poverty according to Proverbs 21:5, Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

There are so many things in life that no matter how fast we want or desire them, we can’t just make them happen quicker than the designated time or season.

The time of life God referred to in Genesis 18:10 and Elisha used in 2 Kings 4:17 implies the duration of pregnancy, telling us that no matter how desperate we want something, the course can’t be changed. Pregnancy must go through nine months.

There are no shortcuts in God according to Matthew 7:13. If the natural world works according to times and seasons without shortcuts, then we can confidently believe that there are no shortcuts in God’s kingdom or getting to heaven without Jesus, the way, the truth and the life according to John 14:6.

Our bookstores and libraries shelves are flooded with quick but sure, easy going formulas for a shortcut to a successful life to help us achieve our goals and arrive at our destinations early.

But remember that there are no shortcuts in life!

In 1846, James Reed decided to head west to Springfield, Illinois hoping to prosper. The trip went relatively well until Fort Bridger, Wyoming where Mr Reed asked an old friend about shortcuts. His friend adamantly responded with “don’t do it. … You can’t take wagons that way. Go the old route. Be safe. You’ll perish.” Mr Reed replied, “There’s a newer route, and we might as well take it.”

Isn’t that our usual response when God takes us through trials of life that we don’t like? Shortcuts are supposed to be easier however, they don’t live up to our expectations. It’s never a good idea to take a shortcut-they sometimes don’t lead anywhere good. God’s way doesn’t offer shortcuts, but it leads to true success, fulfilment, and eternal blessings. Let’s avoid the allure of quick fixes and instead commit to walking the narrow path with unwavering faith and determination. Trust God’s truth and His ways.

PRAYER: Lord, I surrender my desires for shortcuts and ask for Your grace to walk faithfully. May my life reflect Your wisdom and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Shalom

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT’L PRAYER MIN.

[wolint]

HOW LONG?

HOW LONG?

Habakkuk 1:1-17

 

HOW LONG! Oh Lord, how long more do I have to wait?

This is a common beginning of a formal complaint, as seen in Psalm 13:1-2. I don’t know about you, but I have cried that question out to the Lord in anguish many times. Habakkuk felt the same way about the situations he faced in his days, just as you and I do today.

We see situations every day that may make us ask, “Where is God?” and “Why is He not doing anything about them?” Habakkuk weepingly waited on the Lord to answer his prayer, just like many of us do daily, wondering why the Lord is not answering.

Everyone asks the question, “How long, Lord?” Christians and unbelievers alike. The question is littered throughout the Psalms, and Psalm 88, one of the most desperate psalms, begins and ends in darkness—while acknowledging the God of our salvation. Believers have repeatedly cried out to Him like this. If you are, be comforted that you are not alone. You are with other believers and saints who have gone before and are desperate to hear God.

Today’s injustice, evil, and sin appear to prosper, but not because God is indifferent—He’s not. God always has a plan but wants to partner with us in prayer. Keep praying no matter what happens and how long the answer seems in coming. Pour out your concern to God in prayer.

Habakkuk knew he had to persevere in prayer no matter the delay, distraction, or discomfort to him. We need the help of God to have strong faith to keep praying and not give up if we think our prayers are not answered right away. It’s okay to have doubts occasionally; Habakkuk had doubts too. And it’s very easy to think God is inactive, but that’s far from true. God is always working according to John 5:17.

We must keep in the word of God and not become discouraged in times of waiting and continue in prayer. We must conclude like Habakkuk that if everything normal and predictable collapsed in life and society, we would still rejoice.

Peter says in 2 Peter 3:9 that the Lord is not slow to fulfil His promise, and at some point, we reach a place where it’s painfully clear that our sense of time urgency is different from God’s. We prefer to measure time in minutes, but the Ancient of Days measures time by millennia according to 2 Peter 3:8.

God knows that He always appears slow to us because we live in an era of instant gratification, but He assures us of His word and compassion when we must wait if it seems like a long wait. We may feel like God has forgotten us sometimes or that He’s hiding from us. He knows that as He patiently works out His purposes, we will experience circumstances so difficult and confusing that we cry out in bewildered pain.

God gave us stories like Abraham and Sarah to help us see that we are not alone. Psalm 13 starts with, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Good news, the Lord is not hiding from you. He’s not purposely delaying Himself over your matter, nor is He indifferent to your cry.

It does not matter how long it takes, hold on, wait on, and keep calm and keep praying and remember what Isaiah 30:31 promises those who wait.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, strengthen and uphold me to firmly hold on to Your timing and trust You to fulfil Your promises without complaints. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Shalom,

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT’L PRAYER MIN.