OBEDIENCE AND ORDER

FOCUS VERSE: 1 Corinthians 14: 40 - Let all things be done decently and in order.

DECLARATION:  My obedience and order attract God’s presence; divine order releases divine stability.

Our God is a God of order, not confusion:  This is God’s basic character.  In the 16th, 17th and 18th chapters of the Acts of the Apostles, we read of the ministry of Paul in Corinth and Athens.  Paul was insistent that all ministry be Spirit-ordained resulting in miracles, signs and wonders and not limited to debates or oratory skills.  Hence the church in Corinth was established through the supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit.  But later on discord, confusion and disunity crept into the Church.  It is in such a situation that Paul writes to the church in Corinth instructing them to bring about order and discipline in their congregation.  Order reflects God’s nature.  This is very much evident in the Creation process.  God first created light and He separated it from darkness because the two cannot walk together.  The sun, moon, stars, planets, earth and the whole solar system are in perfect balance - all revolve and rotate in their specific paths in an orderly fashion.  

Genesis 1: 4 - And God saw that the light was good.  And God separated the light from the darkness.
Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
James 3: 16 and 17 - For where jealousy and selfish ambitions exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.  But the wisdom from above is first pure,  then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

Disorder comes from selfish ambition, but heavenly wisdom produces peace.  Confusion drains strength; order creates clarity and protects progress.

Obedience brings alignment to life:  Obedience places our lives under God’s guidance instead of personal impulse.

Deuteronomy 5: 33 - You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you.
John 14: 23 - If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home with him.
Psalm 119: 133 - Keep steady my steps according to Your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.

Alignment with God produces stability.  Eg: The coaches of a train are connected to each other and move in alignment on the railway track.  Misalignment would create danger and even catastrophe.

Disorder often reveals neglected discipline:  Cluttered lives are the result of neglected discipline.  Disorder can affect time, finances, relationships and even our spiritual life.  

Proverbs 24: 30 and 31 - I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.
Ephesians 5: 15 and 16 - Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  
Colossians 3: 23 - Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not fro men.

Order is often trained up through small and daily discipline.  Organisation increases effectiveness.  

 Godly order creates peace and fruitfulness: Order is not legalism as some might assume.  On the contrary, it creates healthy space for life and growth.  

Titus 1: 5 - This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you.  
Psalm 90: 12 - So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Isaiah 32: 17 - And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.

Well-organised lives make room for peace, productivity and spiritual focus.  


GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Spiritual Discipline

The focus word for today is Spiritual Discipline.


1 Timothy 4:7 says, ‘Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.’


The declaration for today is ‘Daily discipline builds spiritual strength; consistency establishes my walk with God.


Godliness Requires Intentional Training


 Paul is asking Timothy to train himself in Godliness. Essentially, this is advice from a mentor to a mentee. Timothy was a young boy when he set out to speak the gospel. It was after a few years that he became a prominent leader in the Church of Ephesus.


Spiritual maturity does not happen accidentally. Growth requires intentional habits. Firstly and most importantly, personal prayer is the first habit that we should all develop. Scripture must be studied daily, which builds our character and behaviour.


Hebrews 5:14 says, ‘But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.’


2 Peter 1:5-7 says, ‘5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.’


Joshua 1:8 says, ‘Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.’


Discipline turns desire into development. A dancer might dance in front of you for a minute or two, but in order to perform their best, they practice for years on end. Paul Wilbur, before performing his album in Israel, practiced for over a year and a half with the choir.


Discipline Builds Strength For Future Seasons


We must ask ourselves daily; am I just living my life night after night, day after day, or am I building myself spiritually everyday?

Training prepares people before challenges arrive. Athletes train for years before competition. An army doesn’t fight wars everyday, but they prepare their body, they remain vigilant, every single day. In the same way, believers must also prepare spiritually. Two instances where I commonly see people enter without training is marriage and ministry. Without proper training and preparation, many fail and struggle to live out their decisions. We see Paul training young Timothy to enter into ministry. He trains Timothy in all aspects of the ministry including the gospel, self-discipline, travels and such. When Timothy becomes a prominent leader of the Ephesus Church, Paul continues to mentor and train him through his letters.

Ephesians 6:11 says, ‘Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.’

1 Corinthians 16:13 says, ‘Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.’

Psalms 18:34 says, ‘He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.’

Hearts that are steeped in God’s Word are better equipped to deal with challenges that they face.

Firefighters only fight fire when there is a crisis. But they do mock drills everyday to prepare themselves for such instances. In an instance where a building is caught on fire, firefighters are trained and prepared to fight the fire, but a normal person who is untrained will not be able to do so. In the same way, we need to prepare ourselves in the Word everyday to deal with any crisis or challenge that we may be faced with. Preparation reduces panic.

Spiritual Discipline Requires Consistency, Not Occasional Intensity

The word ‘consistency’ is key. We should practice spiritual discipline in our lives at all times and not practice intense prayers only during times of crisis and stray away from that practice later. Most believers go through ‘occasional enthusiasm’, but this cannot replace steady devotion.

Luke 9:23 says, ‘Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me’.

Psalm 1:2 says, ‘but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.’

Galatians 6:9 says, ‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’

Small daily discipline shapes long term character. Continue to build yourself in prayer and supplication everyday.

When water gushes past a rock on a daily basis, the rock starts to erode slowly and sometimes even creates patterns as per the flow of the water. When you think about it, water has no strength, it just flows and a rock is steady and hard. But over years through continuous flow, the water is able to mold the rock. In the same way it is only through continuous prayers and daily spiritual discipline that our character gets formed. If we want to reflect a Godly character, we must practice daily spiritual discipline. Consistency carries quiet power.

Discipline Creates Freedom, Not Bondage

I often hear people say, ‘I don’t want a time tabled life, I want one that’s relaxed.’ There might be days when you might not be able to spend a lot of time in prayer because you are tired, overworked or sick, and that’s okay. However, it is important you come back to God, come back to your prayer and not fall off the prayer wagon because of that one instance. Your prayer life is for you, it is not for God or to please anyone else. It is to build and mold your character.

Some people resist discipline because they associate it with restriction. Godly discipline practiced diligently releases great freedom. You will enjoy freedom from destructive habits, instability and spiritual weakness. Instead of bondage, what you will enjoy is spiritual freedom.

John 8: 31-32 says, ‘31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”’

Proverbs 25:28 says, ‘Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.’

Romans 6:22 says, ‘ But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.’

Healthy boundaries strengthen life. Hence, spiritual discipline is essential to our lives. It’s not enough to have a sporadic prayer routine when you face a crisis, but a consistent prayer life will equip you to face challenges head-on while staying strong in your faith. Always be in commune with God in your daily life and set apart time everyday to spend time with God. It’s important to have an unceasing prayer life and a scheduled prayer life.

Wisdom for stability

Focus Word: Wisdom for stability
Focus Verse: Isaiah 33:6
“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.”
Declaration: The Spirit of wisdom stabilises my heart; I walk in sound judgement and divine understanding.
Wisdom creates stability in uncertain times.
In life we go through different seasons or even terrains. When we go through uncertain times, wisdom brings stability. Here, Isaiah says that it is wisdom and knowledge that becomes your sure foundation. In unstable seasons, wisdom becomes spiritual protection.
We all need money to survive, but it is not enough. How many rich people end their lives? To live life, we need emotional stability and wisdom as well.
Wisdom creates stability and balance.
Proverbs 4:7
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
Ecclesiastes 7:12
“Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.”
James 3:17
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
Wisdom helps people respond correctly under pressure.
When we think of wise Bible characters, we think of people like Solomon, Daniel, Joseph. They went through uncertain times but were able to respond quickly with wisdom about what to do.
2. Wisdom helps us discern what truly matters.
Many voices compete for attention. Fear is a spirit and has a voice. Trends, opinions and distractions speak to us. But wisdom helps us understand which voice to listen to.
 1 Timothy 1:7
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Proverbs 2:11
“Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.”
Philippians 1:10
“so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ”
Imagine you could always choose the best thing for yourself: food, clothes, a partner, financial dealings. If you could follow God’s will for everything and choose the best thing, where would you be? Haven’t we all fallen short in places because we chose wrong?

3. Godly wisdom is practical, not merely intellectual
Many people make intellectual decisions with their understanding; but their understanding can be foolish. Biblical wisdom affects everyday living. It affects and is reflected in our language, our relationships, decisions, reactions, and every area of our lives.
Colossians 4:5
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Matthew 7:24
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house.”
The Word of God should be practical in your life, not just knowledge that is locked up. If we don’t apply this wisdom, we end up like the foolish builder.
4. Wisdom is received through humility and reverence.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Pride keeps away wise counsel and keeps people from listening to advice or following the Word of God. Humility welcomes correction. These lives keep on improving.
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
More than anything else, ask God for wisdom and He will grant it.
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Humility brings wisdom. Teachable hearts grow stronger over time. There are people who don’t like criticism or teaching; they will not learn, but merely judge. Some people attend service to judge the sermon, instead of attending to learn or improve themselves. But others pray asking God to speak to them, take down notes, and keep learning!
Wisdom requires continual renewal. Pursue wisdom.
Isaiah 11:2
“The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge.”
Wisdom makes our life stable. So pursue the Spirit of wisdom.

IMMOVABLE CONFIDENCE

FOCUS VERSE:  Hebrews 10: 35 - So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

DECLARATION:  My confidence in God remains firm; I will not waver until His promises are fulfilled.

Confidence in God is a spiritual strength:  The epistle to the Hebrews says - do not throw away your confidence.  The enemy usually begins his work by an attack on the confidence of a person.  Godly-confidence is not arrogance but steadfast faith in God’s faithfulness.  

Psalm 27: 1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

Challenge the challenges that life throws at you.  The young lad David rested his strength and trust in God and challenged a mighty foe Goliath.  David came out victorious.

2 Timothy 1: 12 - I know who I have trusted.

If you fear God, you need not fear anyone else.  Confidence grows from knowing God personally.  He is the Rock of Ages; immovable and unshakeable - you can always rely on His trustworthiness.       Eg: A mountaineer, however high he climbs or however rough the terrain may be, relies on his sturdy equipment to keep him stable and prevent falling from great heights.  Our God is the sturdy root we can always hold on to.

Pressure often tries to steal our confidence:  In the epistle to the Hebrews, the believers faced hardships, delays and opposition.

Isaiah 41: 10 -  Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.
John 14: 1 -  Let not your hearts be troubled.  Believe in God; believe also in me.

Discouragement targets expectations.  In such circumstances, we need to depend on our heavenly Navigator.  Eg: A pilot trying to land in foggy conditions relies on the navigator or control tower to guide him to a safe landing.  

Confidence must be rooted in God not circumstances;  Seasons change quickly but God does not.  

Jeremiah 17: 7 -  Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
Malachi 3: 6 - I the Lord do not change.
Psalm 46: 2 -  Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,........

Confidence, if rooted in emotions, will surely go through ups and downs.  The reading of a thermometer changes according to the surrounding environment, but a thermostat retains and maintains and stabilises the temperature.

Persistent confidence leads to reward:  The letter to the Hebrews states that your confidence will be richly rewarded.  Faithful endurance carries future fruitfulness.

Hebrews 6: 12 - So that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Galatians 6: 9 -  And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
James 1: 12 - Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.

God honours steadfast faith.  Eg: those fishing for pearls need to go into the depths of the sea searching.  This requires a lot of hard work and persistence as pearls are not easy to come by. Persistence brings the reward.  Do not surrender in front of delay.  Do not let troubles or temptations silence your blessings. Strive forward in the sure confidence that God will see us through.


GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

DEPENDENCE ON GOD

FOCUS WORD: DEPENDENCE ON GOD

FOCUS VERSE:  Proverbs 3: 5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

DECLARATION:  I depend fully on the Lord today; His wisdom and guidance make my path secure.

Trust begins where self-reliance ends:  It is only when you surrender completely to God that you see His work unfolding in your life.  Dependence on God is not a sign of weakness as some might think - it is actually spiritual wisdom.  Human understanding is limited, as is our perspective on matters related to us.  We think and plan for a season or a year or two at the most.  God’s time is for the eternal and, since He is all-knowing there is no need to waste time or effort in making extensive plans by ourselves.  Our God is the Ancient of Days - from generation to generation.  

Isaiah 55: 8 - For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 17: 7 - Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
Psalm 20: 7 - …..but we trust in the Name of our Lord.

Faith grows when control is entrusted to God.  trust follows confidence in the Guide, our Holy Spirit.

Dependence on God requires daily connection:  dependence is not occasional emergency prayer, but a continual relationship with the Father.  Be connected to God in daily fellowship.  Man, however upright, has many failings; no one is perfect but God alone.  Jesus is the perfect model for every person to follow.  

John 5: 19 - ….the Son can do nothing of His own accord.  
Psalm 121: 1 and 2 - I lift up my eyes to the hills.  From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Lamentations 3: 25 - The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.

Daily dependence keeps the soul alight in the Lord.  As Jesus lives in the Father, we too are to live in Jesus, then He leads us beyond human understanding - ‘lean not on your own understanding.  Jesus compares our relationship with the Father as the branches of a grape vine. If the branches are cut off, it slowly dries up and dies.  Similarly, we too will dry up without our noticing it if we do not follow a continuous relationship with God.

God’s guidance may at times seem incomprehensible:  Noah was instructed to build an ark when he and the others had not seen rain.  But without questioning, Noah went ahead by faith and in obedience to build the ark.  When the floods came only Noah and his family of seven were saved.  Abraham was instructed to leave his kith and kin and migrate from the land of Ur to an unknown land, no given destination.  By faith, he packed up and left for the new land even though he had no idea where it was.

Hebrews 11: 8 - Abraham obeyed and went.
2 Corinthians 5: 7 - …for we walk by faith, not by sight.  

Peter walked on water by faith and as instructed by Jesus.

Isaiah 30: 21 - And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.

Dependence on God without trusting Him completely will not work - it has to be a hundred per cent commitment even when there is no explanation.

Dependence on God brings stability and direction:  He alone can make the crooked paths straight and the rough edges smooth.  In the beginning we may not understand His ways but after a while we see God’s plans unfolding for our good.  Faith is obedience even when we do not understand the plans He has prepared for us and this is pleasing to Him.

Hebrews 11: 6 - And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.
Psalm 32: 8 - I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.
James 1: 5 - If you lack wisdom, ask of God.
Proverbs 16: 9 - He establishes our steps.

God directed lives can avoid unwanted detours.  Many people waste many seasons of their lives without looking to the direction of God.  It is after many failures that they finally turn back to the Lord for His guidance.  It may not be easy but it is wise to walk according to the directions of God.  His blessings will be upon us.



GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Purity and Integrity

The focus word for today is ‘Purity & Integrity’.


The focus verse for today is Matthew 5:8 says, ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.’

Our declaration is ‘My heart is pure before God; integrity establishes my life on a foundation of holiness.’


God Looks first At The Heart

Man looks at the physical appearance at first, but God looks at our hearts first. Sometimes, we can decipher a person’s thoughts based on their body language and physical expressions. However, that can be misleading too where their thoughts and actions could be two very different things. God can see through our hearts.

God never said blessed are the most impressive people or the ones that are most charismatic. Instead God says, blessed are those pure in hearts. Purity begins internally before it appears externally. It’s always inside first, then outside.

1 Samuel 16:7 says, ‘ But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”’

Psalms 51:10 says, ‘Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.’

Psalms 51:10 is a prayer from David’s heart after he indulges in an extra-marital affair with Bethsaida and kills her husband in order to secure her. However, despite his wrong doing, he goes back to God, confesses his sin and cries out to the Lord with a guilty heart. This is when David wrote this Psalm. Sin separates us from God’s presence even if we are born again. As soon as you indulge in sin, it creates an immediate rift with God and we may start to slowly distance ourselves from God’s presence. When this happens we must consciously with our hearts build back this connection and back to his presence.

Proverbs 4:23 says, ‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.’

Everything flows from our heart, that is where it all begins, so it’s important to guard your heart. The condition of the heart shapes the direction of life. Many water bodies originate from the top of the mountain and flow down below. If the water at the source is pure and clean, then the water that flows below will also emulate those qualities. A healthy source produces healthy flow.

Integrity Means Wholeness, Not Double Living
Integrity is consistency in character without double living. For instance, there are so many people around us who seem astute and blemishless in their public life, but seem to have a completely different personality at home. A person without such a conflict in their lives is one with integrity. Their words and actions are consistent.

Psalms 15:1-2 says, ‘1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? 2 The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;’

A person whose thoughts, words and actions are consistent, is a person with integrity and is called an upright man.

Titus 2:7 says, ‘In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness’

2 Corinthians 8:21 says, ‘ For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.’

Integrity removes hidden fractures from character. Just like gold ores that are refined to extract pure gold, a man is also refined to remove the fractures in his heart to make it pure. However, it is a much more tedious process to purify a man’s heart than gold and the only one who can do this is, is the Holy Spirit. As the name suggests, the Holy Spirit is ‘Holy’. As the Holy Spirit comes upon us, we are purified and sanctified. Jesus uses many agents in our lifetime to sanctify us, it could be the people around us, the situations and trials that we face.

Purity Creates Spiritual Clarity

God says, the pure in heart will see him. We can only see and experience God through our spiritual eyes. Sin clouds our perception. However, purity sharpens our spiritual sensitivity.

Hebrews 12:14 says, ‘Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.’

James 4:8 says, ‘Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.’

Psalms 19:8 says, ‘The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.’

Purity helps us discern God’s voice and direction more clearly. More often than not, we bring impurity in our lives through our own actions and this sinful nature blurs our spiritual clarity and vision. With the purity that is brought in us through the Holy Spirit our spiritual clarity also sharpens.

Integrity Builds Lasting Trust

People may admire talent, but they trust only a person with integrity. A person might be a good orator, a singer or an impressive businessman even, but in order to trust them, they should show integrity in their words and actions. We should always ask ourselves, ‘are we trustworthy?’

Proverbs 10:9 says, ‘Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.’

Luke 16:10 says, ‘“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.’

Colossians 3:9-10 says, ‘9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.’

Integrity creates credibility over time. Guard your inner life today, because what is inside you is what will show on the outside over time. Do not pursue outward success while neglecting inward purity. Choose sincerity over performance. Choose holiness over compromise. Holiness and purity are the most important characteristics that we must chase after. If you are pure and holy, you will also be someone of integrity.

Planted by God

Focus Word: Planted by God
Focus Verse: Matthew 15:13 "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots."
Declaration: I am a planting of the Lord; my life cannot be uprooted by circumstances or oppositions.
What God plants carries divine purpose
Jesus spoke about plants that the Father himself has planted. When God plants something, it is intentional. God plants lives, callings, ministries, relationships, seasons, assignments, etc.

Psalm 92:13 “planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God.”
Jeremiah 24:6 “My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them.”
Ecclesiastes 3:2 “a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot”
You are not random in God’s plan. A gardener is very intentional about how they sow, where they sow, and how they grow the plants. God is the biggest gardener.
John 15:1-3 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
God plants with purpose.
Many of us struggle with self worth. But God has created each person with an appointed time, place, and purpose.

Acts 17:26 “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”
Deep roots create lasting growth
Anything planted must develop roots before fruit. These roots need to be deep. Invisible seasons often prepare visible fruitfulness.
Jeremiah 17:8 “They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.”
Colossians 2:7 “rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Hosea 14:5-6 “I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots; his young shoots will grow.”
This is what we see about Israel today, after all the trials they went through, they are now deepening their roots where God placed them.
Strong roots absorb minerals for the plants, and seek out water in the depths. It creates stability and does not wither in tough times.
Gardeners that plant grapes keep pruning the plants. When this happens, the roots grow stronger. Healthy growth often happens underground.
Many things in our life too happen in the invisible realm. For example, we can’t see sobering getting blessed, but we see the fruits in the visible realm. Same with someone who is cursed, they might try their best outside, but are unable to bear fruit.
For example, when people criticise men of God, it invites an invisible curse.
David was a God fearing man, but he was hunted by His father in law and King, Saul. But because Saul was anointed by God, David vowed to never speak or act against him. This is why he was blessed. This is how we should be towards men of God.
Not everything that grows is planted by God.

Jesus warned that eventually some plants would be uprooted. But those planted by God will never be uprooted. Just because something grows doesn’t mean it is from God. Plants and weeds both grow. But remember that weeds are destined to be burned.
Sometimes things look very successful, but its roots can be arrogance or deception. Many people succeed by cheating others or with greed. They may buy expensive things and it may look like they are growing. But one day that will be uprooted because it is not planted by God.

Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”
Matthew 7:17 “Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit"
Psalms 127:1 “"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."
What is rooted wrongly cannot endure forever.
Artificial flowers can look beautiful, but they have no fragrance, life, or fruit. Some things in life can look very beautiful and we may feel envy, but anything that isn’t from God will be uprooted.
Live obeying the Word of God. The things you do to show people will burst like a bubble, they are of no value. Appearance alone is not life
God protects and sustains what He plants
When God plants, He also watches over its growth.
Isaiah 27:3 “I, the LORD, watch over it; I water it continually. I guard it day and night so that no one may harm it.”

1 Corinthians 3:6 “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”
Psalm 1:3 “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.”
In a greenhouse, plants are grown carefully with protection. This is how God protects and watches over our growth, watering the plants Himself.

MATURITY

FOCUS VERSE:  Ephesians 4: 14 and 15 - Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves… Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.

DECLARATION:  I grow in spiritual maturity today; Christ is formed in me as I walk in truth and love.

Spiritual growth is God’s desire for every believer:       God does not want us to remain infants, but to grow in five-fold ministry and maturity.  As we observe with joy at the growth of our children, so also our heavenly Father observes our growth in love, faith and in His Word.  

Hebrews 5: 12 - 14 - Maturity gives us discernment over good and evil.
2 Peter 1: 5 and 6 - For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

Maturity may be measured by the transformation in a person.  A healthy tree grows, matures and produces good fruit.  This can be compared to the spiritual growth in the life of a person.  

Maturity produces stability:                                              Paul warns against being tossed this way and that as through waves when faced with the troubles of life.  Immaturity is easily controlled by emotions, trends, pressure and impulse.  Maturity gives steadiness in our spiritual and day to day life.  

James 1: 6 - 8 - A double-minded person is unstable.
Psalms 15: 4 - …..who keeps an oath even when it hurts.  
Proverbs 4: 24 - Give careful thought to the path of your feet.

Train yourself to be like a shock-absorber or a suspension bridge that can easily handle all the shocks that life throws at you.  Strength often depends on our inner structure.

Maturity balances truth and love:                                 Speak the truth in love.  Spiritual maturity holds both together.  Do not stray from the Word; let your thoughts and actions be always rooted in the Word.

Colossians 4: 6 - Let your speech be full of grace.
Proverbs 27: 8 -  Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home.
1 Corinthians 13: 2 - And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

God’s discipline is never to shame us but to heal us and train us. Discipline with compassion and conviction trains us for greater growth.

Maturity reflects Christ more clearly:                               We are able to reflect Christ in ourselves  more clearly as we grow in maturity - to grow into Christ who is the Head.  The goal of spiritual maturity is not only to become informed believers but to be Christ-like believers who reflect the character of Jesus.

Romans 8: 29 - For those god foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Galatians 4: 19 - Christ formed in you.
John 13: 35 - By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.



GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

UNSHAKEABLE HOPE

FOCUS WORD:  UNSHAKEABLE HOPE

FOCUS VERSE: Hebrews 6: 19 - We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.  It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.  

DECLARATION:  Hope anchors my soul today; I refuse to be shaken by fear or doubt.  

Biblical hope is confident expectation:  This hope is confident trust in God’s faithfulness.  

Romans 15: 13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  
John 6: 63 - It is the Spirit that gives life.
Titus 1: 2 - God does not lie.
Psalm 130: 5 - I wait for the Lord and in His word I put my hope.

Hope stands on God’s character which is unchanging.  Man’s moods may change according to seasons

James 1: 17 - He does not change like shifting shadows.

Hope anchors the soul during storms:  An anchor goes deep into the sea to get hold of and be embedded amongst the rocks.  This keeps the ship steady and unmoving.  Hope in God alone keeps our soul steady and anchored during every season.  Anchors do not keep away storms but keep the ship steady in dangerous storms. Hope keeps the soul secure in God.  

Psalm 62: 5 - My hope comes from Him.
Lamentations 3: 21 -
Romans 5: 5 - Hope does not put us to shame.

Hope gives stability to our inner life.  Hope keeps us connected to a security beyond every source.  

Hope sees beyond present circumstances:  Faith sees God at work even when there is no visible change.  

2 Corinthians 4: 18 - So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  
Micah 7: 7 - But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Saviour; my God will hear me.
Job 19: 25 - I know my Redeemer lives.  
Unshakeable hope produces endurance:  Hope strengthens perseverance.  People quickly lose their strength when they lose hope.  

Romans 12: 12 -  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
1 Thessalonians 1: 3 - We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.  
Isaiah 40: 31 - Those who hope in the Lord renew their strength.

Hope fuels spiritual resilience.  You may be beaten down by circumstances with no chance of rising up, but here it is hope that helps you to shake off and get back on your feet.  


GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Rest Secure In God’s Presence

The focus word for today is Peace and Stability.

The focus verse for today is Isaiah 26:3 says, ‘You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.’

Today’s declaration is ‘My mind is steadfast on the Lord; peace anchors my heart and stabilises my walk’

God’s Peace is Deeper Than Circumstances

Isaiah in 26:3 talks about ‘perfect peace’. Biblical peace is not the absence of trouble, it is the inner calm sustained by God’s presence, despite the circumstances.

John 14:27 says, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’

Philippians 4:7 says, ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’

In fact, after the resurrection of Christ the first thing Jesus said when he saw people was ‘Let peace be upon you’. Even the apostles began their letters by praying for Godly peace, grace and mercies. Peace is a fundamental human need, without which we lose our sanity and stability. You could be in the middle of a hundred problems, but God is telling you today that his peace is with you. When Jesus appeared to the disciples, he said to them ‘Let peace be upon you’. And he said this when they knew in their hearts that the people who killed Jesus Christ would also accuse them and they were next in line. Disciples were frightened with doors closed, afraid for their lives when Jesus appeared. The same Jesus tells you today that you will have peace.

Psalms 29:11 says, ‘The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.’

At this moment, I’m recording this sermon in our own recording studio inside our church. Our church sits in the middle of a railway track, construction sites and metro line. However, I’m not affected by any of the noise outside, neither are you hearing the noise or commotion. This is the kind of peace that our Lord will give you today. When he is with you, the commotion in your life is muted and the only thing you will experience is peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding. The external noise does not have to create internal chaos.

A submarine is unaware of the roughness of the waves at the shore. It is not affected by other external pressures and keeps on moving forward, deep under water. The deeper you are in Christ, the more at peace you feel in your everyday life.

Stability Begins In The Mind

A drifting mind creates a drifting life. When you lack stability in your mind, your life becomes like a captainless boat, drifting away without clear directions. But with God in your life, you can train your mind and grow stability in your thoughts and decisions.

Romans 12:2 says, ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.’

Colossians 3:2 says, ‘Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.’

2 Corinthians 10:5 says, ‘Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.’

Peace is protected by disciplined thinking. We should constantly strive to train our minds so that it does not drift away into unnecessary thoughts. Just like a camera fixed upon a tripod, your mind should be stable in its thoughts, unwavering. It’s a focused mind that sees clearly.

Trust Is The Foundation Of Peace

It is trust in God that gives you peace, trust that he is all knowing and will care for all your needs. Peace grows where trust deepens. In order to help you deepen your trust, you should be part of a community. A community could have many issues because after all everyone is human and is flawed in their own ways. But despite that it’s important to be part of a church community, because they help you deepen your trust and relationship with God. A church is where the inner man is built.

Anxiety increases when we try to do things that God is supposed to do for us. We must learn to let God do things for us, rather than trying to control everything around us. Anxiety ends where trust in God begins.

Psalm 37:5 says, ‘Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:’

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, ‘5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’

Nahum 1:7 says, ‘The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him’

Trust relieves the burden of control from our lives. It’s like passengers trusting their pilot sitting in the cockpit to land them safely in their destinations. Trust calms uncertainty.



Peace Creates Stability In Unstable Times

The world changes constantly, uncertainty is a daily issue that we struggle with. In a split second everything in this world could change. Everything could change, but the only thing that is unchanging is our Lord and it is in him that we trust. He has forever been the same, the unchanging one. Therefore, Godly peace brings stability even during turmoil.

Psalms 112:7 says, ‘They will have no fear of bad news;  their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.’

Hebrews 13:8 says, ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.’

John 16:33 says, ‘“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”’

Godly peace is spiritual stability under pressure.

IMMOVABLE FAITH

Focus Word: Immovable Faith
Focus Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Declaration: I stand firm in faith today; trials cannot move what God has established in me.

Strong faith is built before storms arrive.
Firmness does not suddenly appear in crisis, it comes as part of or result of strong faith which has been growing for a while. Just take a look at the Indian Army - they are always training and preparing for war. There might not be a war today or tomorrow but because they are diligently preparing, the army will be ready for the day it comes.
Firmness or strength is developed beforehand through daily trust in God!
People tend to pray and go to church when they face problems. And once their problems are solved, they will lose the motivation to pray regularly and go to church etc. For these people, prayer is just a solution to their problems.
Psalms 62:6 says Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

Matthew 24:25 says See, I have told you ahead of time.

Joshua 23:14 says  “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.

Convictions formed deeply become anchors during pressure.
For instance, look at an aircraft - each part is carefully assessed and then put together and assembled. It only gets approved for flying after passing numerous trials and tests. It is only after this tough period of scrutiny that the aircraft is permitted to operate for its true functionality;  to have passengers board the flight and fly safely.
This is the same thing in our lives as well!

Immovable faith refuses to bow to pressure.
Here, we read about the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Their faith was tested and they were put in a high pressure test situation and still demonstrated immovable faith. I believe that this was not a sudden burst of faith but something they have been building over time through prayer. So, my advice to you is to pray daily. Don’t wait to pray only when you’re facing issues. Rather, pray now so that when you have a problem, you are able to face it with ease like Daniel in the lion’s den. As seen in the Bible, Daniel and his friends didn’t pray only at the time of the problem but it was their routine and lifestyle.

Daniel 3:17-18 says (17) If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[a] from Your Majesty’s hand. (18) But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Acts 5:29 says Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!

Romans 12:2 says Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Immovable faith chooses obedience over convenience!

Stability comes from knowing what you believe.
Faith becomes vulnerable when it lacks foundation.
Ephesians 4:14 says Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

Colossians 1:23 says if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

2 Peter 1:10 says Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,

Strong believers are not emotional believers, they are grounded believers. We need emotions and feelings in our life but we become strong when the Word of God is our foundation. We need to invest our time for this!

Immovable faith produces lasting fruitfulness.
1 Corinthians 15:58 says Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

“The work of the Lord” does not only refer to pastors, evangelists, preachers, etc. according to the New Testament. Wherever we are, we ought to do the work of God. We can share about God to others in our school, college, hostel, office, etc.
Steadfast faith means that it keeps serving, giving, praying, building etc.

Hebrews 10:39 says: But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

Psalms 125:1 says Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

Galatians 6:9 says Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Endurance

Focus Word: Endurance
Focus Verse: Hebrews 12:1-2 “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.“
Declaration: I endure with joy; patience strengthens me to finish every assignment well.
Every believer has a race to run
Hebrews speaks about the race marked out for us. A track is already marked out for each person. We don’t need to look at others' journeys, but focus on the personalised journey for each person. God has a unique course for each life. Comparison weakens endurance because it distracts from assignment.
Galatians 6:4 “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else”
2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Philippians 2:16 “as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.”
Your calling is not accidental. God doesn’t make mistakes. Your path has purpose.
Endurance requires letting go of extra weight.
Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Not every weight is sinful, but every unnecessary weight slows progress. Weights can include bitterness, unforgiveness, fear, wrong relationships, discouragement, etc.
These can distract us and take the centre of our attention.
Mark 4:19 “but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.”
Ephesians 4:31 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
Psalms 55:22 “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Travel lighter to go farther! This is why Hebrews tells us to let go of everything that hinders us.
Endurance is sustained by focus on Jesus
Fix your eyes on Jesus. Endurance weakens when focus shifts constantly to circumstances.
Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
God is unchanging, so fix your eyes on Him!
Endurance produces maturity and reward.
God uses perseverance to develop character.
James 1:3-4 “because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Romans 5:3-4 “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Do not stop because the road feels long, just keep running. Do not surrender because the pace feels difficult. Throw off distractions, refocus your eyes on Jesus.
The process of God is to shape within you. You are not running aimlessly, you are running towards purpose.

Faithfulness

MG 1936 – The Key to Lasting Blessings (Faithfulness)
Focus word: Faithfulness
Focus verse: 1Thes 5.24: ‘The One who calls is faithful, and He will do it.’
Declaration: I walk in faithfulness today; as I remain steadfast, God establishes His promises in me.
Points to ponder:
1.   God’s faithfulness is the foundation of our confidence.
It points believers not to their strength but to God’s character – His faithfulness! Our security rests not in our performance but on our faithful God.
Lamentations 3. 22 – 23 written by Jeremiah. He changes seasons and situations. We have seasons of grief followed by joy. God will turn our mourning into dancing. 2Cor 12 – the ending verses – ‘Great is your faithfulness.’ Jesus and David too went through seasons of grief and joy.
Deut 7.9 – ‘He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant.
Heb 10.23 – ‘He who promised is faithful.’
Promises are only as reliable as the person who makes them. That’s why we say ‘yes’ and ‘amen’ to the promises we have in Lord Jesus Christ. God never fails in His word. God’s promises remain as constant as the mountains through changing seasons and weather conditions.
2.   God finishes what He starts
When God initiates purpose, He also supplies grace to finish it.
Phil 1.6 – ‘He will carry it on to completion.’
Isai 46.11 – ‘What I have planned, that I will do.’
Rom 11.29 – ‘God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable.’
Delay does not mean abandonment. eg: Saul bypassed God and the anointed man of God – Samuel,  and worked in his own capacity which earned him God’s displeasure. Abraham and Sarah were promised Isaac but they made their own Hagar project disrupting God’s plans bringing a lot of trouble into the world. God sees the end of a project right at the very beginning itself. God always envisions a finished project or product. Trust His process!
3.   Faithfulness must also be reflected in us.
God is faithful and His people are called to live faithfully.
 Lk 12. 42 – talks about the faithful and wise manager.
 Pro 20.6 – talks about a faithful person – who can find?
Rev 2.10 – be faithful even to the point of death, (usually spoken during water Baptism) in order to receive the crown of life.
Faithfulness is consistency without applause. It is obedience without shortcuts, steadiness during delay. A clock’s needles can go only at the set pace/speed. I need to work where God has planted me at the pace He has planned for me.
4.   Faithfulness sustains us through uncertain seasons.
There are seasons when emotions fluctuate and circumstances shift. Our God still remains dependable.
2Tim 2.13 – ‘Even if we are faithless, He is faithful.’
Psa 36.5 –  ‘Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.’
Isa 25.1 – Perfect faithfulness.
Faithfulness anchors the soul during uncertainty.
Practical tip to remain steadfast in faithfulness - Hold firmly to God’s promises; for He doesn’t change. He is faithful even when there are delays in answers to our prayers; when we are weak or don’t have clarity or are confused.

Strength In The Lord

Focus Word : Strength In The Lord
Focus Verse - Ephesians 6.10 “ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

Declaration: My strength is renewed in the Lord; His power enables me to stand firm and overcome.

True Strength comes from dependence on God

Paul does not say strong in yourself. He says ‘be strong in the Lord’. It is because human strength has limits while God’s strength has no limit. So a person who stands strong in the Lord will be as firm and stable as Mount Zion.

Isaiah 40.29 “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12.9 ‘But he (Jesus) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.’
In our weakness, God’s strength is manifested.
Psalm 46.1 ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’
Philippians 4.13 ‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength’.

Spiritual strength begins where self reliance ends.
Zechariah 4.6 ‘So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.’
Stay connected to God’s strength.

God’s strength often works quietly within us

Strength is not always loud emotion or visible power.
If we can do some things when we have no strength on our own is a sign that it is God’s strength working for us.
Secondly, remaining faithful under pressure also shows it is God’s strength who is helping us through.
Holding peace through uncertainty is a sign of God’s strength.
Choosing obedience even when it is difficult shows God's strength.

2 Corinthians 4.16 ‘Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.’

Isaiah 30.15 ‘in quietness and trust is your strength,’
When you trust God and be at peace even when you go through fire, it shows your dependence on God’s strength.

Psalm 73.26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Inner reinforcement often happens silently. Empty vessels make more sound. Those who know God and depend on God totally, there is inner peace.

Strength is given so we can stand firm

Ephesians 6 connects strength with spiritual warfare. God’s strengthens believers not merely to survive but to stand.

1 Corinthians 16.13 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
James 4.7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
2 Thessalonians 3.3  But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

Spiritual battles need spiritual strength. Ephesians 6.10 speaks about being strong in God’s mighty power because of the warfare that we need to get involved in. Resistance can develop resilience.

God’s power is perfected in weakness

Paul learnt that weakness can become a doorway for divine power.
Romans 8.26 “ the Spirit helps us in our weakness”
Habakkuk 3.19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;

Weakness surrendered to God becomes strength multiplied by grace.

 A sail catches invisible wind and moves a heavy boat across the water. In Ancient times, ships did not have engine. It was the way they handled the wind that pushed them forward.

God’s Power For Every battle

Focus Word : Strength In The Lord
Focus Verse - Ephesians 6.10 “ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

Declaration: My strength is renewed in the Lord; His power enables me to stand firm and overcome.

True Strength comes from dependence on God

Paul does not say strong in yourself. He says ‘be strong in the Lord’. It is because human strength has limits while God’s strength has no limit. So a person who stands strong in the Lord will be as firm and stable as Mount Zion.

Isaiah 40.29 “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12.9 ‘But he (Jesus) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.’
In our weakness, God’s strength is manifested.
Psalm 46.1 ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’
Philippians 4.13 ‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength’.

Spiritual strength begins where self reliance ends.
Zechariah 4.6 ‘So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.’
Stay connected to God’s strength.

God’s strength often works quietly within us

Strength is not always loud emotion or visible power.
If we can do some things when we have no strength on our own is a sign that it is God’s strength working for us.
Secondly, remaining faithful under pressure also shows it is God’s strength who is helping us through.
Holding peace through uncertainty is a sign of God’s strength.
Choosing obedience even when it is difficult shows God's strength.

2 Corinthians 4.16 ‘Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.’

Isaiah 30.15 ‘in quietness and trust is your strength,’
When you trust God and be at peace even when you go through fire, it shows your dependence on God’s strength.

Psalm 73.26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Inner reinforcement often happens silently. Empty vessels make more sound. Those who know God and depend on God totally, there is inner peace.

Strength is given so we can stand firm

Ephesians 6 connects strength with spiritual warfare. God’s strengthens believers not merely to survive but to stand.

1 Corinthians 16.13 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
James 4.7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
2 Thessalonians 3.3  But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

Spiritual battles need spiritual strength. Ephesians 6.10 speaks about being strong in God’s mighty power because of the warfare that we need to get involved in. Resistance can develop resilience.

God’s power is perfected in weakness

Paul learnt that weakness can become a doorway for divine power.
Romans 8.26 “ the Spirit helps us in our weakness”
Habakkuk 3.19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;

Weakness surrendered to God becomes strength multiplied by grace.

 A sail catches invisible wind and moves a heavy boat across the water. In Ancient times, ships did not have engine. It was the way they handled the wind that pushed them forward.

FIRM FOUNDATION

FOCUS WORD: FIRM FOUNDATION

FOCUS VERSE: 1 Corinthians 3: 11 - For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

DECLARATION:  Jesus is my sure foundation; my life and ministry stand strong on His word.

Foundations determine the strength of the future:  A building is only as strong as what lies beneath it.  Paul declares that Jesus Christ is the only true foundation that can carry every weight.  

Isaiah 28: 16 - “See I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;............
Matthew 7: 24 and 25 -
Psalm 18: 2 -  The Lord is my Rock and my Fortress.

Generally, many people are prone to decorate the facade of a building and not pay much attention to the foundation.  Without a firm foundation, the building may lean and be uninhabitable.  What if this were to happen to the life of a person; without a strong spiritual foundation, his life may prove unfruitful.  Depth determines durability - the more you want to rise up, the deeper should be the foundation that is laid.  

Wrong foundations eventually reveal weaknesses:  Some foundations look good for a season, but unstable foundations begin to reveal cracks after a while.  Different seasons bring different challenges.  This is the time the depth and strength of the foundation is revealed.  God is the designer, architect and builder.

Psalm 127: 1 - Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.  Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.    
Ecclesiastes 10: 8 - …….Whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.

This means that when man violates the boundaries or walls that God has established around him, he is liable to come to harm.  Shortcuts may bring immediate success but these temporary successes cannot replace eternal grounding.  We need to lay a firm foundation that will last for the eternal.  Pressure reveals the strength of a structure - whether it will stand firm or crumble.  

Christ must be more than a part of life:  Paul says that Christ is not merely to be a decorative piece, but your FIRM FOUNDATION in your life, in your ministry and everything that concerns you.  

Colossians 1: 17 - He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.  
Acts 4: 12 - Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.  
John 14: 6 - Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.  
Hebrews 1: 3 - The Son ………………sustaining all things by His powerful word.  

Christianity is not adding Jesus to an already self-built life, but demolishing all the unwanted things and building everything upon Christ - the tested stone.  Building a new life upon the foundation of Christ is the actual and true Christian life.  

A firm foundation produces confidence amidst storms:  We may not be able to avoid storms in life but a firm foundation decides survival.  

2 Timothy 2: 19 - God’s solid foundation stands firm……..
Nahum 1: 7 - The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those who trust in Him.

If you decide to trust in the Lord and stand firmly grounded on His word, you will come out victorious through every storm.  

Stand Strong In Every Season

Focus Word: Rooted in Christ

Focus Verse: Colossians 2.6-7 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness”

Declaration: My roots go deep in Christ; nothing can shake my faith or move my confidence in Him.

Strong roots produce stable lives

Paul speaks about being rooted in Colossians 2.6-7. Before fruits appear publicly, roots appear privately. Roots can penetrate any soil, it can even push through strong and stubborn obstacles like concrete.
Roots determine stability, nourishment, endurance and growth.

Psalms 1.3 like a stream planted by the streams of water
Jeremiah 17.7-8 its roots go deep and it does not fear heat.
Roots spread to wherever there is water
Ephesians 3.7 rooted and established in love
Shallow roots create unstable lives. Trees encounter different kinds of strong winds. It is only those who are strongly rooted that can stand strong. If we have depth, we will survive.

Spiritual growth will continue  
We must continue to live our lives in Christ. Christian life is not merely beginning well, it is continuing faithfully. We must finish the race that we started. Jesus said, “It is finished”.
As it is written in Hebrews 6.1, we must move beyond elementary teachings and reach maturity.
2 Peter 3.18 says grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1. 6 assures us that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Healthy things grow. If we don’t grow it shows that we are unhealthy. Spiritual growth requires ongoing connection with Christ.

Christ is both foundation and source
Paul writes in Colossians 2.6-7 that we must be rooted and built up in him.
Jesus is not only the starting point of faith, He is the sustaining source of it. Jesus is the beginning (Alpha) and the end (Omega) and so the sustaining source.
Hebrews 12.2  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jesus is someone we can depend on, all the time.
1 Corinthians 3.11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 33.6  He will be the sure foundation for your times, and He is stable unlike humans.
God does not have mood swings. He does not change. Many people want Christ as Saviour not as a daily source.
Life grows from attachment. A branch that is attached to the bark thrives but the moment it is detached it dies. That is why Jesus said in John 15. 5 If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Rooted believers remain strong in difficult seasons
Colossians 2.7 says ‘strengthened in the faith’. Faith becomes strong through rootedness not convenience. Storms reveal root depth.
Romans 5.3-4 says “we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
It is when we face challenges that our perseverance is tested and character is built up.
1 Peter 5.10 “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
Matthew 13.21 says “shallow roots fail under trouble”. In the parable of the Sower, we see different kinds of believers who fall away because they are not rooted. But a rooted believer bends without breaking.
The bamboo tree is an example of a tree whose bark is not great but the roots are intertwined together and go deep and so will not fall easily. Strength is not always hardness, sometimes it is anchored resilience.

Courage To Advance

Focus Word: Dominion
Focus Verse: Deuteronomy 28:13 says The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.
Declaration: I walk in authority and dominion today; no power can limit my God-given influence.

4 things about dominion:
Dominion was part of God’s original design.
From the beginning, God created humanity to rule responsibly and under His authority.

Genesis 1:26 says Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
God’s original purpose was to have man rule and have authority over all living things on the earth.

Psalms 8:6 says You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet:

Romans 5:17 says For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

Dominion is not arrogance, it is stewardship under God’s leadership because God never designed His people to live defeated, without any direction, enslaved by fear etc.
True dominion is operated under heaven’s authority not human authority.

Dominion begins with self-government.
Before ruling territory, we must rule ourselves.

Proverbs 16:32 says Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

Galatians 5:22-23 says 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Everything will follow if you have self-control.

1 Corinthians 9:27 says No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Self-government preserves strength.

Dominion requires courage and responsibility.
Leadership is not merely privilege, it is accountability and with  this comes a lot of responsibility to be held questionable for things. During Joshua’s time, he had to lead very courageously into an open fight. Joseph governed wisely during famine. Nehemiah built under pressure.

Joshua 1:9 says Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Luke 12:48 says But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Colossians 3:23 says Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

Dominion carries the responsibility to protect, build, and influence rightly. Leadership demands alertness. So, authority must be matched with responsibility.

Dominion in Christ overcomes limitation.
Through Christ, believers are not ruled by fear, sin, or defeat.

Romans 8:37 says No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Luke 10:19 says I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

2 Corinthians 2:14 says But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.

Dominion means:
Refusing despair,
Overcoming temptation,
Advancing through obstacles,
Walking in spiritual authority.

Specialities of people of dominion:
They influence environments instead of being controlled by them.

From today on you should live in God’s authority! Don’t live beneath your calling. Serve with wisdom and advance with courage.

Overflowing Blessing

Focus Word: Overflowing Blessing
Focus Verse: Psalm 23:6 “Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life”
Declaration: Goodness and mercy overtake me today; I overflow with blessing to bless others.
God's blessing flows from relationship, not chance.
It is your relationship with God that blesses you. Psalm 23 starts with “The Lord is my shepherd.” This means that we have an individual relationship with God. Some of us think of God as an external and universal being. Like someone you know of, but don’t know personally. But look at David’s life, he says “the Lord is MY Shepherd”. He has a personal relationship with God.
How many of us can say: To the world he is God, but to me, he is my Father! Overflow starts with connection with the Shepherd.
Our overflow of blessing starts with our relationship with God. Blessing in scripture is not random luck or lottery. It flows from walking with God.
John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
If God is a good shepherd, we are His good sheep.
James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Ephesians 1:3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
When the shepherd leads, provision follows. When I follow the shepherd, goodness and mercy follows me!
Just like train bogeys that are connected to the Engine, drawing strength from it, the sheep get their strength when they are connected to the shepherd.
God’s goodness pursues his children.
Surely goodness and love/ mercy will follow us. The word ‘follow’ carries the idea of pursuing or chasing after. Let’s appoint Jesus as our Shepherd, then surely goodness and mercy will follow us.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Psalm 84:11 “no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 “Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Even difficult seasons cannot cancel covenant goodness.He never changes. He is like the sun. Even though clouds hide the sun for a while, He is still faithful and working things out for your good.
He is the God of generations. God’s goodness remains at work even when it is unseen.
Overflow is more than material prosperity.
Blessings are not just about money or earthly things, it is about all things and life in abundance- peace, guidance, restoration, presence, honour, protection, overflow, tranquility etc. Our cup overflows.
3 John 1:2 “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well”
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
John 7:38 “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
Overflow begins inward before appearing outward.
Overflowing blessing must flow toward others.
God blessed us not to accumulate, but to distribute as well.
Genesis 12:2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”
2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Overflow is designed to spill into generosity, encouragement, service, and kingdom impact. A candle is lit for someone else’s benefit . Similarly, Blessed people become channels of blessing.
We need to believe that it is goodness and mercy that follows us every day! You are not abandoned or orphaned, but God lives with us and leads us as a shepherd. You do not walk alone, goodness and mercy are following you into every area of your life.

PRAYER FOR TERRITORY

FOCUS WORD: PRAYER FOR TERRITORY

FOCUS VERSE: 1 Chronicles 4: 10 - Oh that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain!

DECLARATION: Like Jabez, I pray for enlargement today; God’s hand rests on my life for expansion and protection.  

It is right to desire Godly increase:  Jabez prayed for increase and enlargement.  His mother gave birth to him in the midst of pain and hence named him Jabez, meaning ‘pain’.  Jabez wanted a change in his life and future and cried out to the Lord.  He did not pray from greed, but from dependence on God.  God is not offended by prayers for growth when the motive is Kingdom purpose.  
Isaiah 54: 2 - Enlarge the place of your tents.
Psalm 115: 11 - May the Lord cause you to flourish.
Ephesians 3: 20 - Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,.....

Increase in wealth may replace surrender and dependence on God and this would turn out to be dangerous.  Increase in territory should always serve the purposes of God.

Enlarged territory requires enlarged capacity:  Sometimes God delays expansion till the character lis stabilised and transformed.  Greater territory means greater responsibility, greater pressure, greater stewardship, greater influence

Colossians 1: 10 - So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him; bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

God’s hand is more important than greater territory:  Jabez did not pray for increased territory alone, but that God’s hand would be with him.  Without God’s hand, increase could turn out to be a burden.

Exodus 33: 15 - And he said to Him, “If Your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.”
Psalm 127: 1 - Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.  
When God’s presence goes with us, we are able to do great things, accomplish our purposes and conquer territories.  We are able to take the right steps towards our goal.

Enlarged territory must remain free from evil:  Jabez prayed that he may be kept fro evil.  Enlarged territory brings new challenges.  Expansion requires vigilance.

Matthew 6: 133 - Deliver us from evil.
Ephesians 6: 11 - Put on the full armour of God.

Protection needs to increase with growth.  Capacity needs to be increased and an increased capacity to bless others is to be prayed for.  For this always remain under the hand of God.


GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Generational Influence

Focus Word: Generational Influence

Focus Verse - Luke 1:50 - His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

1. God thinks in generations, not just moments.
God is a God of generations and covenants. Luke 1:50 reveals the heart of God. God's covenant language often extends beyond one lifetime. God establishes covenants and He is a covenant- keeping God.
Genesis 17:7 - I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.
Psalm 145:4 - One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
Teach these commands diligently to your children. (Deuteronomy 6:6,7)
Religion is always manmade whereas God intends to have a personal relationship with us humans, who are God’s wonderful creation.
What you build today can bless tomorrow. Legacy begins with present obedience.

2. Influence is transferred through daily examples.

Children and followers learn not only from instruction, but from observation. Paul's faith influenced Timothy through his mother and grandmother.
2 Timothy 1:5 - I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
1 Corinthians 11:1 - Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Proverbs 20:7 - The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.
Consistency speaks louder than occasional inspiration.

3. Mercy and reverence create lasting legacy.

The fear of the Lord anchors generational blessing.
Psalm 112:1,2 - Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Proverbs 14:26 - Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.
Exodus 20:6 - but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Reverence for God creates stability for future generations.

4. Your life can outlive your lifetime.

A godly legacy continues speaking after death. (eg: Gandhiji, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, David, Apostle Paul, and many other biblical characters) People's influence extends far beyond their physical lives through the enduring impact of their actions. David shaped worship generations later. Paul's letters still disciple the church.
And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. (Hebrew 11:4)
Teach the next generation so they would put their trust in God. (Psalm 78:6,7)

Never underestimate the reach of a faithful life. Influence multiplies when passed forward.

Declaration - My life plants seeds that bless generations. My impact outlives me.

FAITHFULNESS IN INCREASE

FOCUS VERSE: Luke 16: 10 - Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.

DECLARATION: I remain faithful in every season; God entrusts me with more for His glory.

God measures faithfulness before He measures capacity:  God looks to the measure of a person’s capacity before He entrusts anything to him.  Jesus does not seek the measure of wealth a person has but how trustworthy he is with what he has - this is the Kingdom principle.  

1 Corinthians 4: 2 - Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
Matthew 25: 21 - Well done, good and faithful servant.
Proverbs 28: 20 - A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

God watches how we handle small opportunities.  An earthly reward is for a short while, but appreciation from God is eternal.  Whatever little you do for His Kingdom even if it is not visible to others or appreciated, God sees them.

Small things often prepare great things:  David was given charge of herding sheep before being assigned to lead a nation.  Completing the task shows faithfulness and trustworthiness and this makes way for greater assignments.  Joseph was given charge of Potiphar’s household and as he proved faithful. Later on he was imprisoned but, even here the head jailor put him in charge of prison details and soon he was to rise up to be the right hand of Pharaoh.  

Zechariah 4: 10 - Do not despise the day of small beginnings.
Psalm 78: 72 - And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.  

God often trains privately before promoting publicly.   Moses was trained in the wilderness in the midst of many trials, visible to no other person.  But his faithfulness was rewarded - he rose to lead a nation to the Promised Land.  

Increase requires greater stewardship:  More influence means more responsibility.  Increase tests character, discipline, priorities and humility.  

Colossians 3: 23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.  Growth without stewardship leads to loss.  Expansion demands management.  

Faithfulness keeps the heart stable during increase:  Increase can either deepen dependence on God or weaken it.  When you are blessed with increase, always remember to seek humility and dependence on God.   Remain grounded as God enlarges you - it is He alone who has given you these multitude of blessings.  

Deuteronomy 8: 11 - 14 - Do not forget the Lord when prosperity comes.  

Be trustworthy in the little things.  Honour God in all responsibilities.  Be humble, be disciplined, be grateful.  If you are faithful in the least, you will be given much responsibility.  

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Vision Fulfilment

Focus Word : Vision Fulfilment

Focus verse: Habakkuk 2.2  Then the LORD replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.

Declaration: The visions God gave me come to life. His timing brings every word to completion.

God given vision must be clearly defined

If God gives us a vision, there must be clarity. We must have a written vision statement in our life. Habakkuk tells us to write down our vision/ revelation and make it plain. Vision becomes powerful when it is clear. Unclear vision creates uncertain movement. It is like a blind person who cannot walk on his own. Jesus said our eyes are the lamp of our body. Clear vision creates focused direction.

Proverbs 29.18 Where there is no vision, people cast off restraint;

Without a clear vision people do what they want. This is what happened during the time of ‘ Judges’; there was no proper leader, vision, direction etc. Judges 21.25 says, “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.”

Nehemiah 2.17 Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace. ”
Nehemiah had a clear vision to rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem and protect the city and he presented the vision clearly to the people.

Luke 14.28 sit down first and count the cost : ‘Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?’
Heavenly vision must be a practical direction. It might be one person who receives it. For example, Moses got the blueprint and gave the directions. Clarity strengthens momentum.

Vision requires patience before fulfilment

When we receive a vision from God, we expect it to be fulfilled immediately. But as Habakkuk 2.3 says ‘the vision awaits an appointed time’. God’s time is not according to our watch time. He has appointed a time for the vision to be fulfilled. Delay is not denial.
God develops both the vision and the Visionary.

The dream Joseph received as a teenager was fulfilled in his life only when he was 37 years old. David was anointed long before he was enthroned.
The vision and the Visionary are developed and enlarged during the time gap.

Hebrews 10.36  You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Galatians 6.9 ‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’
Ecclesiastes 3.11  He makes everything beautiful in its time.

Time often prepares capacity. The delay is because God is enlarging the vision and the Visionary. Concrete is strongest not immediately after pouring but after curing under pressure and time. The waiting season strengthens structure and increases capacity.

Vision Fulfilment Demands Action And Persistence.                            
 
The Vision  was written so that a herald may run with it. Vision is not decoration. It is an assignment from God.
James 1.22 says “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Philippians 3.14 “Press on towards the goal”

God blesses movement not passivity.

Fulfilled vision brings glory to God

When God fulfills the vision, people see His faithfulness.

Genesis 50.20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Psalm 126.1-3 1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. 2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” 3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

Vision fulfillment is not self glory, it is a testimony to encourage others.

Obedience and Breakthrough

Focus word: Obedience and Breakthrough
Focus verse: Isaiah 1:19 “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land”

Declaration: My obedience brings breakthrough today; I walk in the faithfulness of God’s promises.

Breakthrough begins with a willing heart.
Willingness comes before movement/ action. In Matthew 15.8, Jesus says “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” God often works first on the heart and then in the hands.Sometimes it’s the opposite for us- we do many things but our heart is not always in it. God works inside out- first in the heart and then in the hands.
Psalm 40:8 “I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”
How many can say “Have thine own way Lord”?
Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
God can implant His desires and His will in our heart if we submit to Him. This is why God loved David- he was a man after God’s own heart who would do whatever God willed.
2 Corinthians 8:12 “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable
A resistant heart delays what obedience could release.
Our spiritual heart can have a block where it refuses to obey God or pursue Him. Willingness removes the spiritual block and turns the handle of a door. God values surrendered desire or our own will. God can move in us when we surrender to Him and place ourselves in the right place.
Obedience turns promise into experience.
Many promises are heard but never walked into. Israelites experienced the promises of God after 40 years in the wilderness when Joshua led them into the Promised Land.
Deuteronomy 28:1 “If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.”
John 2:5 “His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
When the servants obeyed Jesus’ instructions, they tasted its goodness!
Revelation alone isn’t enough, response matters. Just knowing what the Word is and knowing what God desires is not enough. We need to walk in that instruction and obey it. Instruction ignored cannot produce results.
Obedience converts truth into testimony.
Breakthrough often hides behind simple instructions.
God's instructions are practical, not dramatic.
Naaman was a fierce warrior, but he had leprosy. Initially he wasn’t willing to obey God’s instruction to immerse himself in the Jordan river seven times. When his soldiers nudged him, telling him how simple the instruction is and that it’s worth trying out, he obeyed. And he saw God’s healing!
Even water baptism is like this. So many people resist baptism and block their blessings and miracles even when it is such a simple instruction that even Jesus followed.
2 Kings 5:14 “So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that.”
Joshua 6:20 “When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged.”
Luke 5:5-6 “But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless fat Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.”
Even Peter was given a simple instruction to cast the net on the right side- and he saw a miracle! Don’t despise God’s simple instructions.
Sometimes even you pray you may feel a very small nudge to call someone or pray for someone; always obey that nudge. If you keep ignoring the nudge, we may grieve the Holy Spirit who may stop nudging you so.
In big factories, small switches control the whole thing. It is our small obedience that impacts our life in big ways.
Jesus obeyed the simple law in getting baptised from John the Baptist who was his creation. This simple obedience is what gave us our salvation.
If there is anything you have been ignoring or not obeying, decide to change that today.
Obedience positions you to enjoy the good things.
Our focus Verse of today talks about enjoying the good things of the land. God is not only a God of commands, but a God of covenant blessings.
Psalm 84:11 “no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly”
Obedience is not punishment.
Obeying parents brings blessings upon children. It feels like a punishment at the time, but later it is revealed as a huge blessing.
We first need willingness in our hearts to obey God. And then we need to act on it and move forward in it. Instead of debating or disputing instruction, only to struggle with guilt, obey God’s simple instructions. Don’t delay your obedience, that is also a block to your blessings.

Faith Unlocks Growth

Title: Faith to Expand (Faith Unlocks Growth)
‘Faith to expand’ is today’s focus word.
Jeremiah 32.17 says, “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”
Declaration: I believe God for the impossible today; my faith creates room for supernatural expansion.
Faith to Expand - points to ponder:

1.Expansion begins with a bigger view of God.

What is the picture you have of God in you? Without that, there cannot be expansion. Jeremiah starts with praise and worship before he speaks about impossibility. He addresses God as the one who created the universe.
Faith grows when our view of God grows!
Understand God’s greatness and faith grows. If God created the universe, then our situation is not beyond Him. For He who made everything by His Word need only say the Word for my situation to change! Remember the Centurion who requested Jesus to heal his servant who was miles away at home? The Centurion had authority over a 100 soldiers and whatever he commanded would be done. He didn’t see Jesus as a mere Hebrew or a carpenter’s son. He saw Jesus as the powerful authority who could heal his servant with His word!
The first chapter of John declares that all things were created through the Word – Jesus. Understanding this Word changes all limitations and impossibilities to sure possibilities. Hallelujah!
A few verses to ponder….
Gen 18.14 says, “Is anything too hard for the Lord? …”
Lk 1.37 – ‘Nothing will be impossible with God.’
Ps 115. 3 says, “Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him.”
Small vision often comes from a small view of God.
Consider a big boulder that can’t be lifted or moved. Place it next to a mountain. Now doesn’t it seem insignificant in comparison to the immovable mountain. Similarly, when you approach God with all your impossibilities, they are very small in comparison to the God of possibilities. Whatever your difficulty – be it cancer, mortgage or debt or problems at work/home. Bring it all to God for whom this is so simple.
When our vision of God expands, our view of problems becomes smaller. When God becomes larger in your sight, obstacles become smaller.
Expansion starts in perspective.

2.Faith breaks the limits of past experience.

Many people expect tomorrow to look exactly like yesterday – no change. But faith believes that God can do more than what has been seen before.
Isa 43.19 says, “See, I’m doing a new thing….”
Eph 3.20 says, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine ….”
Mk 9.23 says, “…. Everything is possible for one who believes….”
Do not let history become a ceiling – a limit; for we pray to the One – Our Father who can raise it.
Remember the story of the eagle’s chick that grew with the hen’s chicks. As it grew, it stood out from the other chicks, having big wings and big wing span. In comparison, the siblings looked round and small with small wings and could hardly fly. The eagle realized that it could fly to heights while the hens were limited in flight. Once it saw its mother soaring in the sky, the eagle flew away. Until then it had not used its wings. On our own, what is impossible is made possible when we put our faith in God. ‘Nothing can be achieved without me’ – reminds God, ‘but with me all things are possible!’
Faith awakens hidden capacity!

3.Expansion requires movement and preparation

Faith is not a passive vision. It responds with action. Jer 32 cites an example, about buying land in difficult circumstances. It was a prophetic act of future confidence.
Isa 54.2 says, “Enlarge the place of your tent ….”
Josh 3.13 says – step into the river.
James 2.17 says – faith without works is dead.
Prepare for what you are praying for!

4.Expansion must serve God’s purpose

If God gives us expansion, His purpose has to be fulfilled through it. We shouldn’t confess expansion and sit back.
Not every enlargement is Kingdom expansion.
God expands lives so purpose can grow not merely ego. Understand the purpose for which He has given you expansion.
Gen 12.2 says, “…. I will bless you and you will be a blessing.” How many can actually commit that when God gives me an expansion, I will use it to bless others!
2Cor 9.8 – abound in every good work. With expansion, we’ll have greater influence, wider ministry, stronger finances, new opportunities, increased capacity – various expressions of expansion but all expansions should glorify God.
When rivers flow, they originate from the mountains as big and loud waterfalls traversing boulders, changing into cascades, slowing down into gentle flow on the plains, covering a larger area than depth, serving the purpose of irrigation. This is God’s purpose. This is where expansion happens. The fast flowing, gurgling rapids ultimately irrigated a region, a nation and turned into a blessing for many people.
A river that flows through many countries serves as a drinking source, a useful resource of transport, for cleaning and bathing purposes; later diverted as streams to irrigate fields, the economy thrives. So too God gives me expansion.
Years ago, I remember hearing God’s voice telling me prophetically that I was a little stream soon to transform into a river with many tributaries, that would touch the hearts of many regions, and to flow ultimately into the ocean. I received this prophesy into my life and God moved just as He said. Why am I telling you this?
This is what the Lord desires of each one of us. The expansion we receive should impact many; that’s the Kingdom purpose. Remember!
Let all limitations, setbacks and fear be removed from you.
Raise your eyes.
Expand your faith.
Make space for God to work.
Nothing is impossible for God. All that is closed will open. What is small will grow. Amen!
God will give you a sudden acceleration.