Today’s Scripture “But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’” Jonah 2:9, NIV
SHOUTS OF PRAISE Today’s Scripture was spoken by the prophet Jonah while he was inside the huge fish that God sent to spare his life after he had disobeyed God’s command. You can imagine how it reeked almost unbearably inside the fish’s digestive system. For eight verses, Jonah had talked about how bad his life was, how he was in the depths of despair, how he didn’t see a way out. All that was true, but it didn’t change his situation. Then in the midst of the stink and difficulties, he suddenly offered up a sacrifice of praise and surrender. That’s what caused God to go to work and have the fish put Jonah back on dry ground to fulfill his destiny.
You may be in a stinky situation today. You could describe what you’ve done wrong, how you aren’t treated right, or how you’re not getting well. But that creates an atmosphere of doubt, defeat, and negativity that keeps you where you are. Be a Jonah and send up a shout of praise. Send up faith. Send up hope. You’re about to see that negative situation turn around.
A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You that when I make a mistake and bring trouble upon myself as Jonah did, You cover me with mercy and give me second chances. Today I will offer up a shout of grateful praise to You and declare You as my Lord. I believe You will get me to where I’m supposed to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
SECTION TWO
When I was a teenager, I used to belong to a Christian fellowship group. We would sing this song which you may be familiar with. It went like this: “Is He satisfied, is He satisfied, is He satisfied with me? Have I done my best? Have I stood the test? Is He satisfied with me?”
Let me just say that 10 out of 10 times when we sang this song, I would always believe that God was not satisfied with me. When we look to ourselves, all there is to see is the inadequacy and futility of our ability and performance. In and of ourselves, we will never meet God’s standard for Him to be satisfied with us. We will always fall short!
You can imagine how condemned we felt each time we sang this song. After all, we had never been taught that God was satisfied with His Son’s sacrifice at the cross, and we did not understand what the new covenant of grace was all about. We were young and zealous for God, but defeated by our lack of knowledge.
With all due respect to the songwriter, whom I believe had the best intentions when he wrote the song, this song is not based on the new covenant of God’s unmerited favor. It negates the cross and places the emphasis back on you—what you must do, what you must perform, and what you must achieve for God to be satisfied with you.
But the question to ask today is not if God is satisfied with you. The question that we need to ask is this: Is God satisfied with the cross of Jesus? And the answer is this: He is completely satisfied!
At the cross, our acceptance is found. There, Jesus cried out with His last breath, “It is finished!” (John 19:30). The work is complete. The full punishment for all our sins was exacted on Jesus at the cross. God will not punish the believer again, not because He has gone soft on sin, but because all our sins have already been punished in the body of Jesus.
God’s holiness and His justice are now on your side! Today, God is not assessing you based on what you have or have not done. He is assessing you based on what Jesus has done. Is God satisfied with Jesus today? Yes, of course He is! Then, to the same extent that God is satisfied with Jesus, He is satisfied with you.
God’s own Son had to be crushed at Calvary for this blessing to become a reality in your life. The gift of His unmerited favor and His righteousness is only a free gift for you today because the full payment for this gift was exacted upon Jesus’ body. The cross made all the difference!
Don’t let anyone hoodwink you into thinking that you need to pay for your own sins. Don’t let anyone deceive you with the lie that your eternal salvation in Christ is uncertain and shakable!
Today’s Scripture “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32, NIV
FREEDOM Abraham left his home at the call of God, with the promise of His great blessing. But in his journeys in Genesis 12 and 20, he lied to Pharaoh and later to King Abimelek that his beautiful wife, Sarah, was his sister, because he feared they would kill him so they could have her. When the truth came out, Abraham was shamed by them. In Genesis 26, many years later, Abraham’s son Isaac committed the same cowardly act with his wife, Rebekah. Notice how that same negative trait was being passed down.
It’s the same way today. It can be a spirit of low self-esteem. Everyone in your family feels unworthy, not good enough, inferior. Or maybe it’s a spirit of mediocrity. No one in your family thinks they can get ahead. Do yourself a favor and get rid of that spirit. You’re made in the image of God. You have royal blood flowing through your veins. Start expecting to rise higher. Start declaring God’s promises over your life. Break that negative cycle and set your family on a new course of freedom.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY “Father, thank You that You have made me in Your image and that I am Your child. Thank You that Jesus has redeemed me and set me free from sin and guilt and negative traits that have been passed down to me. I declare that the forces for me are greater than the forces against me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
A life that is founded upon the gospel of Jesus Christ is unshakable. When you build your life upon the gospel, you are building on a strong foundation that will give you stability and the power of God for lasting breakthroughs (Rom. 1:16).
You may be going through an extremely difficult season right now. Perhaps you are reading this and you have just received a negative medical report, or maybe you are surrounded by some challenging circumstances at your place of employment. I want to encourage you to say this by faith: “I am too blessed to be stressed.”
Now invite our Lord Jesus into your situation. Involve Him in your area of need. Whether it is a healing, provision, or relationship breakthrough that you need, see and believe that the Lord is with you.
My dear friend, don’t put your trust in your own understanding. Instead, lean wholly on the one Who is more interested in your success than you are. The book of Proverbs tells us, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Prov. 18:10). Run to Him and cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.
Speak with me this promise of God found in today’s scripture into your situation right now: ” ‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,’ says the LORD.” Amen and Amen!
Meditate on the last line of this powerful scripture. In the new covenant of grace, your righteousness is from the Lord Jesus Himself. Now, the more you understand your righteousness in Christ, the more you will experience His promise in today’s scripture.
The opposite holds true. When God’s people are not established in their righteous identity in Christ, they become susceptible to the weapons of the enemy. Weapons such as sickness, lack, guilt, condemnation, fear, depression, and all kinds of disorders and addictions. That is why it is so important to be sure that you are listening to the real gospel.
God’s Word proclaims that none of these weapons, even if they have already been formed, shall prevail against you. And every unfounded accusation, every malicious lie, and every false allegation you shall condemn! The enemy doesn’t have a hold over your life. God does, and He holds it together!
Today’s Scripture For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. Psalm 66:10, NIV
SPOKEN FAITH Before you see the promises of God fulfilled in your life, there will always be tests. Before you go into your promised land, there will be giants and fortified cities, things that look impossible. One way your faith is released is through what you’re saying in times of testing. Your mind will tell you all the reasons it’s not going to happen, and the temptation is to start speaking negatively. That gives life to the doubts and limits what God will do. Don’t let that happen.
Speak what God says in His Word about you. Let your words of faith override the doubts. Speak faith when every thought is telling you, “It’s never going to work out. I don’t have what it takes.” You can talk about how bad it’s been, or you can say, “Father, thank You that You have beauty for these ashes. What was meant for harm, You’re turning to my advantage. I’m excited about my future.” That’s what causes God to go to work. That’s when you’ll defeat giants, beat the illness, and the right people will suddenly show up.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY “Father, thank You that my faith and trust are anchored to You and Your power at work in my life. Thank You that I don’t have to be moved by the tests and troubles I face because I am fully persuaded You will do what You promised. I declare that my hope is in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Beloved, it is not enough for you to merely know the Word in your heart. You must say it. That’s when latent power becomes actual power.
When our Lord Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He did not merely think about Scripture. He spoke it out loud.
You can memorize thousands of Scriptures, but if you don’t learn to say, “It is written,” and release the Word, there will be no power. God’s power is there, but it is all lying dormant inside you. But when you speak it out, God’s power is unleashed. When you release God’s Word through your mouth, you release God’s power into your situation.
Fear is not something you can reason or analyze away. Fear is irrational. There are some fears that come into your life and you can think to yourself, Come on, what are the chances of that happening? or It’s so silly to fear this. But have you noticed that those fears still hang around?
We are in a war, my friend, and the only way to defeat fear is to speak the Word of God to whatever fear you have by saying, “It is written.”
It is written—”For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7).
I want you to memorize that. It’s a powerful verse of Scripture.
Now, I want you to say this out loud: It is written—”For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Do you feel the power that comes with saying this aloud?
This is the truth: God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. I don’t care what kind of fears you are battling with—fear of growing old, fear of contracting this or that disease, fear of losing your job, fear of failure. Whatever the fear that has come against you, declare, “It is written.”
What if the fear comes back? Then say it again! Sometimes, I speak Scriptures over my situation in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening. Whenever the fear comes back, I speak the Word of God.
If the devil wants a fight, give him one! Give him the sword of the Spirit and he will get the point every time.
There are many Scriptures you can memorize. Write down the Scriptures that cover the areas of your need, and arm yourself with them!
Today’s Scripture 2 Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always. Romans 12:12, TLB
444BE PATIENT IN TROUBLE It’s no coincidence I 2234333433 apostle Paul connected “be glad for all God is planning for you” with “be patient in trouble.” That’s because in trouble, in difficulties, and in delays, you’ll be tempted to get discouraged and think, “The medical ⅗²332 where He’s taking you. Be patient in trouble. Be prayerful in trouble. The trouble is not permanent. The trouble is not how your story ends. God wouldn’t allow the difficulty if He wasn’t going to bring you out better. The Scripture says, “God makes everything beautiful in its time.” Give God the time to work it out. Just because you don’t see anything happening doesn’t mean God is not working. Behind the scenes right now, He’s lining up everything that you need. His plans are bigger, better, and more rewarding than you could ever imagine.
A PRAYER FOR “Father, thank You for Your plans for my life and how You will work them out. Thank You that I can trust You in times of trouble and be patient, knowing that You will make it beautiful in its time. I believe that trouble is temporary and You’re going to bring me out better. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
SECTION TWO I want to talk to you today about experiencing God’s kind of peace in the midst of fearful circumstances. My friend, peace is not but tbout sence of trouble in your life. It is not the absence of turmoil, challenges, or things that are not harmonious in your physical environment.
It is possible to be in the midstYou didn’t send the data ag45eain? the biggest crisis in your life and still experience peace. That’s the t44rue kind of peace that you can experience with Jesus—peace that surpasses understanding. Naturally speaking, it does not make sense for you to feel completely at rest and at peace when you are in dire straits, but supernaturally, you can 5 filled with peace!4
The world defines peace, harmony, and tranquility 4 on Whatsapp is 44is happening in the sensory 33 kicks in, and the transient peace that was experienced just moments ago dissipates into thin air!3
You see, my friend, you cannot use your external surroundings to permanently influence the turmoil that you are feeling inside. Only Jesus can touch what you are feeling inside and turn that turmoil into His peace. With the Lord by your side, and from that abiding peace within, you can influence your external surroundings.
It’s not the other way round. With Jesus, transformation is always from inside out and not outside in. He puts a peace and rest in your heart that is so secure, you can face any challenge without worry or stress, regardless of your negative circumstances and environment.
How do we know that God is a good God and a good Father?
Jesus dealt with this question simply by asking another question: “If earthly fathers, imperfect as they are, know how to give good gifts to their children, don’t you think that your loving Father who is in heaven will be even better?”
My friend, if your child asks you for bread, would you give him a stone? Certainly not. You would give him the best bread you can find. How much more then, will your heavenly Father give good things to you when you ask Him!
Beloved, know in your heart that God is a good Father to you. So if you need something today, just ask Him for it. And as you ask Him, believe that you have received it from Him, and you will have it (Mark 11:24)!
Do not worry. Three simple words, mentioned three times by our Lord Jesus as He taught on not worrying about the necessities of life. Jesus really doesn’t want us to worry about our needs!
“Pastor Prince, how can I not worry about my needs?”
My friend, it’s because the Lord Himself assures you that “your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things,” and He wants to provide them!
So if you are facing a pressing need today, or seeing lack in a certain area, take heart. Don’t be discouraged. Your heavenly Father knows all about it and He is more than willing to meet that need because He loves you.
Beloved, you have a good Father who cares deeply about you and wants to provide for your every need. So don’t worry. Cast every care to Him now and be at rest (1 Pet. 5:7), knowing that He will abundantly provide!
WMD2024: LAGOS STATE LAUNCHESNEW MENTAL HEALTHHELPLINE TO ENHANCE SUPPORTSERVICES
• Advocates for Employee Assistance Programs • As Lagos First Lady Advocates for Mental Health Awareness
In a groundbreaking move to enhance mental health support and expand access to mental health services across Lagos, the State government has introduced a new mental health helpline; the Lagos Lifeline Smart Number: 0700 000 MIND (0700 000 6463). This is in addition to the existing Lagos Lifeline Number: 090 9000 MIND (090 90006463).
The new line which was announced at the “Lift Up Hope” event held at JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja to commemorate this year’s World Mental Day, aims to provide immediate access to mental health resources, reinforcing the government’s commitment to tackling mental health challenges in the workplace and beyond.
The event organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Health featured a mental health lecture, a ceremonial release of green balloons, symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of mental health challenges and discussions focusing on the theme, “Mental Health in the Workplace,” aimed at raising awareness and fostering support for mental health issues affecting the workforce.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, highlighted the critical importance of mental health in today’s fast-paced environment. She expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Health for their continuous efforts in addressing mental health challenges and emphasized the need for sustainable solutions to support those in need.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Consultant Public Health Physician and Independent Health consultant, Orunsi Wellcare Foundation Dr. Laja Odunuga noted that mental health awareness in Nigeria is alarmingly low, calling for a collective effort to bring attention to the issues surrounding mental illnesses. “There is no health without mental health,” she stated, underscoring the interconnection between physical and mental well-being.
While urging everyone to prioritize mental health alongside physical health, the First Lady emphasized the importance of creating safe and healthy working environments. She warned that poor mental health could lead to decreased productivity and urged employers to recognize the mental well-being of their staff as a crucial component of workplace success. “All hands must be on deck towards improving help-seeking behavior for emotional disorders,” she said.
Echoing these sentiments, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, spoke passionately about the impact of workplace environments on mental health. She lamented the stigma surrounding mental health issues that often prevents individuals from seeking help, stressing the need for a cultural shift that views asking for help as a strength, not a weakness.
“The workplace is where many of us spend much of our time, and it can either be a source of stress or a source of support. Unfortunately, mental health challenges in professional environments are often overlooked or downplayed. People who are struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression may feel pressure to “push through” for fear of being seen as weak or unproductive. This stigma around mental health must end”, she said.
Dr. Ogunyemi while announcing the launch of a new mental health helpline, 0700 000 6463, highlighted the State government’s commitment to mental health initiatives, including the Lagos State Wellness Centre (LASWELL), established to provide mental health counseling for government employees. She emphasized the importance of mental resilience in the workforce, stating, “We now know that a healthy workforce is not just a matter of physical well-being but also of mental resilience. Workers who are supported mentally are more engaged, more productive, and less likely to experience burnout or other negative health outcomes. For this reason, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which offer mental health support, counselling, and resources for employees, are crucial tools in building healthier work environments.”
During her address, she also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, which have significantly enhanced mental health services in the state. “Mental health is a shared responsibility,” she reminded the audience, calling on employers and community leaders to work together to foster supportive environments.
“To the business leaders and corporate organizations, I encourage you to take concrete steps to support the mental health of your employees. Implementing Employee Assistance Programs and offering counselling services is not just good practice—it is a necessity for the well-being of your workforce and the success of your business. To the community leaders and mental health advocates here, thank you for your continued dedication to raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Your work is invaluable, and together, we can continue to move the needle on mental health in Lagos State”, she concluded.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, reinforced the importance of mental health in the workplace, stating that many individuals spend more waking hours at work than at home. He underscored the ministry’s role in promoting mental health through various initiatives and collaborations aimed at raising awareness and providing support.
“At the Lagos State Ministry of Health, we have made mental health a top priority, and our efforts to build a mentally resilient society have been fruitful. One of our flagship initiatives, the LagosMiND project, continues to lead the way in expanding access to mental health services. In January 2024, LagosMiND launched a volunteer program that now engages over 100 volunteers who are contributing to research, media and content development, and community-based projects”, he said
Dr. Ogboye explained that this program has empowered young people and professionals to work toward creating a mentally healthy Lagos, stressing that the Ministry is proud of the dedication of every volunteer who has passed through the project. “LagosMiND has also made significant strides in collaborating with government agencies and professional bodies to promote mental health awareness and its importance in various sectors. We have engaged with the Ministry of Education’s Education District 6, the Teaching Service Commission, the State Treasury Office, and professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management. These collaborations have been pivotal in discussing mental health’s impact on productivity and creating a culture of care and support in workplaces and educational institutions.
“Our work doesn’t stop there. We have expanded our library of digital mental health screening tools by more than 500%, giving residents of Lagos access to more resources to assess and manage their mental health. In addition, we have launched the first state-driven mental health program in Nigeria to provide resources and free mental health counseling and psychosocial support to NYSC corps members throughout their service year. This initiative, the first of its kind in the country, underscores Lagos State’s commitment to supporting young people as they transition into professional life.”, he explained.
Head of Special Projects and Mental Health, Dr. Tolu Ajomale provided insights into the state’s efforts to improve access to mental health services. Dr. Ajomale highlighted the launch of the mental health hotline, in April 2021, which has been instrumental in providing support to residents. He explained that the hotline was developed after extensive research, including lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The next phase of this initiative involves expanding access through the new smart number 0700 000 MIND (0700 000 6463) that will allow licensed counselors to work remotely, offering mental health support to both Lagos residents and individuals outside the state.
Dr. Ajomale emphasized the importance of connecting individuals with healthcare professionals who understand their cultural and social contexts, particularly those who may have relocated abroad but still wish to contribute to mental health care in Nigeria. He noted that Lagos is pioneering this initiative in Nigeria and across Africa, with the support and directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. “The aim is to increase investment in mental health care and provide services through various channels, including workplace and community programs, while integrating these efforts with clinical services”, he said.
The event featured a ceremonial release of green balloons, symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of mental health challenges. Attendees were encouraged to participate in this gesture as a demonstration of their commitment to lifting the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
The “Lift Up Hope” event was a significant step in promoting mental health awareness in Lagos State, highlighting the critical importance of supporting the mental well-being of individuals and communities alike. With ongoing initiatives and increased awareness, stakeholders are hopeful for a future where mental health is prioritized and stigma is eradicated.
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Today’s Scripture Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed. Acts 28:5, NLT
UNHARMED When the apostle Paul survived being shipwrecked and was safe on the shores of the island of Malta, a poisonous snake bit him on the hand. The natives who saw it happen knew that it was only a matter of time before he would swell up or suddenly drop dead. But Paul simply shook off the snake and went on with his business, unharmed. From a logical, human point of view, he should have been afraid, but he already had a promise from God that he would make it to Rome and stand before Caesar. He knew that nothing could snatch him from God’s purpose.
When we overanalyze problems, try to reason them out, it hinders our faith. That’s why the Scripture says, “Lean not to your own understanding.” Take this in the right sense, but sometimes you have to turn off your mind. Faith is not of the mind; faith is of the heart. We should use common sense, make good decisions. But don’t let your logic talk you out of what God put in your heart.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY “Father, thank You that no matter what the problem or obstacle, it will not stop Your purpose for my life. Thank You that I am not limited to leaning on my own understanding or abilities. I believe that You always have the final say, and what You have purposed is on the way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
SECTION TWO
Learning to see what God sees is a powerful key in right believing. It involves replacing your wrong beliefs with right beliefs based on God’s Word.
When Jesus saw the man with the withered hand, He didn’t just see the withered hand, He saw that there was more than enough grace for that hand to be made completely whole. Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand!” The man did as told, and his hand was completely restored and made as whole as his other hand (Mark 3:1–5).
Now, you don’t say “stretch out your hand” to someone whose hand is obviously shriveled and disabled unless you see differently. Jesus sees differently from you and me. That’s why we need to go back to God’s Word and learn to see what He sees.
When Jesus sees a disease, a lack, or someone trapped in fear, guilt, addiction, and sin, He doesn’t just see the problem. He sees God’s healing, grace, and power superabounding in that area of weakness.
You too can change what you believe by seeing beyond what your natural eyes see. Press in to see what God sees. In your very area of lack, struggle, or challenge, see His superabounding grace all around your current situation.
Jesus says to you today, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). Give all your weaknesses, failings, and mistakes to the Lord Jesus and see Him transform your weaknesses into strengths.
What you believe is powerful, so are you going by what you see or what God sees? You may not be able to stop negative thoughts from passing through your mind or unhealthy emotions such as fear gripping your heart, but you can definitely anchor your thoughts and emotions on the unshakable Word of God. You can certainly ensure that you believe right regarding what God says about you in His Word, which contains His precious promises to you.
The more you learn and believe right about His love and what His Word says about your situation and your life, the more your thoughts will line up with His thoughts about you. You’ll begin to develop thoughts of peace and not of evil, thoughts of hope and a bright future (Jer. 29:11). And you’ll be transformed!
Today’s Scripture “Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’” Joel 3:10, NKJV
Tongue Trouble Peace, one thing that can keep us from our destiny is tongue trouble. If we go around saying negative things about ourself, our family, or our future, it will limit how high we can go. When you say, “I’ll never be successful. I’m not talented. I can’t break this addiction. I always get the flu. After what they did, I’ll never be happy again,” you’re giving those words the right to come to pass. You’re prophesying your future. You’re inviting that into your life. Before you say it, make sure you want it.
Get your words going in the right direction. You can’t talk negative and have a positive life. You can’t talk defeat and lack and live victoriously and in abundance. Your words set the course for your life. If you want to know what you’re going to be like five years from now, listen to what you’re saying about yourself. You have to quit speaking defeat over your future and start prophesying victory over your life. Start talking about the way you want to be. Speak health, speak vitality, and speak abundance.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY “Father, thank You that my words give life to my faith and I can use my words to prophesy my future. Thank You that I can use my words to invite healing, freedom, abundance, and strength into my life. I will say what You say about me and what You promise in Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
I can still remember what happened when I visited a lady from my congregation in the hospital. Heather had suffered a stroke that completely paralyzed the left side of her body.
As I prayed for her, she lifted her right hand in a gesture of prayer. Amazingly, her left hand followed suit, albeit slowly. This was something that she had been unable to do following the stroke. By the grace of God, she was beginning to experience healing in her body, with sensations starting to seep back into her left arm.
Within a few moments, though, as she lay in the intensive-care ward, intubated and hooked up to incessantly beeping medical equipment, her left arm started to tremble with strain.
“Don’t worry about praying for a breakthrough,” I assured Heather. Smiling at her, I gestured to one of my pastors who was with me and told her, “Leave the praying to us.”
Then, tapping my index finger on the side of my head, I told her, “But watch your mental movies. Make sure that you play the right movies in your mind.”
What did I mean by that? I was telling her to see what God sees and ignore all the sounds, scents, and sights that her natural senses were picking up in the hospital environment. I was encouraging her to fill her mind with mental images of herself being healthy, strong, and basking in the love of her family at home. I didn’t want her to keep seeing all the worst-case scenarios in her mind.
Then I said to her, “It takes a thought to heal a thought.”
It was a word that I had received in my spirit for her. For some reason, I just felt like the enemy had succeeded in planting a wrong thought or mental picture in her mind, and that had to be removed and replaced with the right thoughts, pictures, and beliefs that are based on the unchanging Word of God. Shortly after our meeting, Heather was discharged from the hospital and her condition improved.
My friend, if you are being tormented by wrong or negative thoughts in your mind, you need the truth of God’s Word to uproot them. Keep meditating on God’s Word and promises to you.
As you do, the negative, defeatist thoughts that have kept you in fear and anxiety will be replaced with God’s good thoughts to bless you with peace and wholeness in every area of your life. Let His Word give you a vision of a bright future full of hope and good things!
Today’s Scripture But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 2 Timothy 2:20, NKJV
A Vessel Of Gold. In today’s Scripture, the apostle Paul says that we can be and stay vessels of wood and clay. That’s fine. We’re still God’s creation. We can live with these impurities and still make it through life. But we shouldn’t be just trying to make it through life. We should be desiring to see the greatness God put in us, becoming a vessel of gold that is used for His highest purposes. That happens when we keep letting God refine us, when we keep dealing with what He brings to light.
You can’t pray away every problem, every grouchy person, the delays in your schedule, or the loved one who gets on your nerves. Those are tests. They may not change, but you can change. A key to becoming God’s best is to stay pliable, to walk in humility, to be willing to change. What can you do to get along better in relationships? What improvements can you make? Don’t pray for God to change someone else—your spouse, your boss, your child—without first praying, “God, show me where I need to change.”
A PRAYER FOR TODAY “Father, thank You for calling me to be the best person I can become and for the privilege of representing You as a vessel for Your highest purposes. Thank You that I can dedicate every area of my life to You and always be my best. Keep showing me the things I need to change. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
SECTION TWO
You will never be sure that you have God’s unmerited favor if you are not sure if God has forgiven you of your sins. Beloved, I want you to know that your sins are forgiven not according to the riches of your good works, but according to the riches of God’s grace (unmerited favor).
All your sins—past, present, and future—have been forgiven. Don’t draw a timeline of God’s forgiveness of your sins.
There are some Christians who believe that the forgiveness they received spans only from the day they were born to the day they became Christians. From that point onwards, they think that they need to tread very carefully in case they lose their salvation. This belief is simply unscriptural. Colossians 2:13 states clearly that we have been forgiven of all our sins.
Does “all” mean the same thing to you as it does to me? My Bible says that all our sins have been forgiven by Jesus’ one sacrifice on the cross. We have been forgiven once and for all!
The high priests in the old covenant had to offer sacrifices for sins daily. But Jesus, our perfect new covenant High Priest, offered the complete, perfect sacrifice “once for all when He offered up Himself” (Heb. 7:27).
On the cross, He took upon Himself all the sins that you will commit in your lifetime, and once for all paid the full price for all your sins. Christ does not need to be crucified again for your future sins. In fact, all your sins were in the future when He died on the cross. So when you received Jesus into your heart, ALL your sins were completely forgiven!
Instead, take God at His Word and expect to enjoy the benefits of the heavy price Jesus paid at the cross for you. We sowed nothing good, but through Jesus, we have reaped every good blessing. That, my friend, is called unmerited favor. And you honor what He has done for you by thanking Him and expecting these blessings to manifest in your life every day.
Now that you know that your sin debt has been completely cleared and settled by Jesus on your behalf, don’t expect God to deal with you according to your sins. When something negative happens, don’t imagine that God is coming after you because of what you did in the past.
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