And we, who with unveiled faces all [contemplate and] reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. — 2 Corinthians 3:18
Thoughts on Today’s Verse…. “Transformed … with ever-increasing glory.” In other words, it’s an ongoing process. The beauty of this truth is that with the continual help of the Holy Spirit, we’re going to arrive at our goal — the Spirit is transforming us to become more and more like Jesus!
The message is that we must not give up on our journey. We must keep looking to Jesus and reflecting his character, his compassion, his love, and his holiness, while we trust that the Holy Spirit is doing God’s work in us, making us more and more like Jesus each day.
My Prayer
Father, please forgive me for the times when I’ve let my faith grow complacent, and I’ve lost my focus on Jesus. Please bless me as I try to be more intentional in my plans, especially my spiritual maturity. Please make me more like Jesus each day. I offer myself to you that I might become more JESUS shaped. In his name, I pray. Amen.
”You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible. ” Matthew 17:20
Fear: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
There is an effective way to drive out fear; and it is Faith.Faith is a divine force and power. Our dear Lord created the whole universe by faith. When He came down to earth as the Son, all His mighty deeds were done on the basis of faith.
Jesus said, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23). “If you would believe you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40).
Once Lord Jesus got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and the disciples were terrified.
And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm”
“But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marvelled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” (Luke 8:22-25).
You need to have faith to overcome fear. “Whoever believes will not act hastily” (Isaiah 28:16). A person who has the faith, will be strong; stand against all fearful situations; and be victorious.
Fear is a not from God.It is the enemy’s dart of lie and game.On the other hand Faith is from God and The Lord Himself stands in control.For example, when the Lord stands as light; satan stands as darkness. But when light arises, the darkness is banished. When the Sun of Righteousness arises, all the forces of darkness will vanish like the mist at sunrise.
The commandment, “Do not be afraid; only believe”, is seen in many places of the Scripture (Mark 5:36, Luke 8:50). If a person is strong in faith, he will have powerful victory over all the spirits of fear. So The Lord is asking,in times of trials,hardships and tests,Where is your Faith?As a child of God, let’s exercise Faith over fear and be an overcomer,marching forward in victory that’s In Christ.
Prayer and Meditation:
“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Matthew 21:22)
Heavenly Father we thankyou for Faith the unseen substance that we can believe and hope cause it is from you.Help us to develop our little faith to great faith and experience the impossible in our lives for your Glory.In Jesus Name,Amen
John 14:14“You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Sometimes you can’t find anyone to agree with you about what you’re believing for. People may think what you’re believing for is too big, that the problem could never change. I want to come into agreement with you.
I want to put my faith with yours and tell you that I am absolutely convinced you’re going to see the goodness of God. I am fully convinced that forces that are holding you back are being broken right now. I am fully convinced that the sickness, the trouble, the anxiety, or the depression is not permanent; it’s on its way out. I am fully convinced that you are coming into increase, promotion, abundance, overflow, more than enough.
I am fully convinced that you will impact this world for the good, that your gifts will come to the full, that you will leave your mark. I am fully convinced that your dreams, your goals, what God whispered to you in the night, are on the way. It’s going to be bigger than you thought, more fulfilling than you’ve imagined.
Prayer for Today
Father, thank You for every opportunity to join my faith with others and to believe You for more in our lives. Thank You for the promise that if we agree together in what we ask that You will do it. I am expecting You to do great things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 🙏
What are the different types of prayer represented in the Bible? Although there are many different types of prayer, the following seven are the biggest ones. Each prayer type has one or two scriptures to give examples of those prayers.
Here are the 7 main types of prayer: Prayer of WorshipPrayer of ThanksgivingPrayer of FaithPrayer of IntercessionCorporate PrayerPrayer of ConsecrationPrayer of the Holy Spirit
1) Prayer of Worship –
Hebrews 13:15 & Revelation 4:11 One of the biggest types of prayer is a prayer of worship. Worshiping the Lord focuses on who God is. It is us recognizing God’s power and majesty. These prayers can be as simple as, “God, you’re so good.” or as huge as in Revelation 4:11, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will, they existed and were created.” Worship can mean anything from singing praise songs, or it can mean simply doing what Hebrews 13:15 says, “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”
2) Prayer of Thanksgiving –
Psalms 100:4 Praying our thankfulness to the One who gave us what we have in our lives is another way we can pray. It is closely related to a prayer of worship, although the difference is that one is recognizing who God is, and the other is giving thanks to God for what He has done. Psalms 100:4 sums both of the prayer types up by saying, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!”
3) Prayer of Faith –
James 5:13-16 When we pray in faith, it is us reaffirming that we have faith in God’s will. It isn’t us enforcing our will into His, but it is us conceding that His will be done. One example of this is in James 5:13-16 where it says, “13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
4) Prayer of Intercession –
Daniel 9:1-27 Intercession is the act of praying on behalf of another person or group of people. When we pray for the well-being of others we are interceding on their behalf. There are many examples of this kind of prayer throughout the Bible, but a clear one is Daniel 9:1-27. In this passage, Daniel goes to the Lord and intercedes on behalf of his people. We can also do this in our lives.
5) Corporate Prayer –
Acts 12:5-18 Corporate prayer is praying in a group. This can bring a sense of unity and community to you and your fellow believers. If you have been to a church service, then you have experienced this kind of prayer. An example of this type of prayer is in Acts 12:5-18. In this passage, the church is praying for Peter’s wellbeing.
6) Prayer of Consecration –
Matthew 26:26-27 When we take communion, we are praying a prayer of consecration. This means we are consecrating the bread and wine (or grape juice) and asking God to make it holy. Jesus himself did this in Matthew 26:26-27, “26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.”
7) Prayer of the Holy Spirit –
Romans 8:26-27 Sometimes we don’t know what we want or need to pray for at any given time. In Romans 8:26-27 the Bible says, “26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”Don’t Worry About Praying “The Right Way” At the end of the day, it is important to lose our fear of praying “wrong.”
There is no wrong way to pray honestly. If you are being honest with God and honest with yourself, then you are praying correctly. God can handle our anger, our grief, and our fears. He is there to walk with us through our journey, and He wants to see our growth.
Pray All the Time We want to get to the point where we are praying constantly because that is what helps us grow in our relationship with God. It takes time to get there, but we should be striving for it.
Faith: we can only please Jesus Christ by our faith.Faith in Christ can move mountains.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
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.
We are really blessed to have Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.Whatever we ask in prayer and believe we receive answer to our prayers.
John 11:40Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”
Testimony Few days back I was suffering from severe stomach ache at midnight.I was alone at home.I prayed and Jesus Christ asked me to read the Bible .I claimed promises
Isaiah 53:5 ,6 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Jeremiah 33:6 Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security.
I received healing within 1 hour.Not only this I have lots of testimonials to share. Jesus Christ is a living God who walks and talks with those who love him and follow his commandments.
Prayer: Holy spirit, Holy spirit!Loving heavenly Father,I bow down before your throne of grace.I surrender my mind body heart and soul at your feet.Please take complete control over my life and my near and dear ones.You are Jehovah Jireh my provider fulfill all my needs acc Matthew 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
You are my Jehovah Raffa heal me and all those who are sick and suffering. Psalm 107:20
He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.
I bind and destroy all negative power influence in all readers life. By the power of Jesus Christ Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.
I believe and receive heavenly blessings in life of all those who believe in Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect?
I ask this prayer in the powerful matchless and everlasting name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen and Amen Hallelujah
*“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:5-6).**
Lord Jesus not only poured forth His name upon us; but He has also poured out His divine love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. It is only through the Holy Spirit, that we experience the depth of His Calvary love.
The first miracle of Lord Jesus was to turn the water into wine, at the wedding in Cana. And His last act was establishing a covenant and memorial with the wine. He said to His disciples, “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins”.
He who turned water into wine at the beginning, turned the water into His blood at the end.He turned the unlettered fishermen into His disciples; and apostles by His love. And performed mighty miracles through them.Yes, the love of Jesus Christ was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
And He has poured out that love into our heart, and has become one with us.He gladly called Himself by associating with men, as God of Abraham; God of Isaac; and God of Jacob. He freely associated with tax collectors and sinners; had meal with them; and manifested His humility. His love is sweeter than wine.One day, a woman embraced His feet; her heart was overwhelmed with the love of Christ. She not only washed His feet with her tears; but also poured out precious ointment upon His feet.She considered it a great privilege to pour that precious ointment upon the Lord’s feet. When the Lord saw this, He gave a testimony of her love and said,
“Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much” (Luke 7:47).
**Lord Jesus is full of love; and He also longs for your love. We read in the Scripture that He asked Apostle Peter thrice the same question, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” (John 21:15-17)**He looked at the Church at Ephesus, which was lacking in love and said with sorrow in His heart,
“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Revelation 2:4).
*Children of God, give your first and complete love to Lord Jesus Christ. Let the love from your heart spring forth like a fountain and reach out to the Lord, to gladden His heart*
“Six days before The Pass Over, Jesus went to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, the man he had raised from death. They prepared a dinner for him, there which Martha helped to Serve” (John: 12.1).
Jesus went to Bethany to the home of Lazarus. This time, it is said that “They prepared a dinner and Martha was serving”. Unlike the previous time, we see togetherness of the two sisters in preparing the dinner. During his previous visit to Bethany, Martha while cooking, complained to Jesus about her sister. But this time probably Mary helped her whole heartedly, because Jesus had aroused her brother from death and it was a night dinner. Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with Jesus.
During his previous visit, Mary sat down at the feet of Jesus and listened to him. This time, she took a pound of ointment of Spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. It was an act of total surrender, perfect love and thanks giving. She gave the best she had in her home. It was estimated to be 300 pounds by Judas-iscariot and he suggested that it could be sold and given to poor. In those days 200 Pennies worth food was sufficient enough to feed 5000 men excluding women and children. (Mark 6:37) What a huge amount it worth! The whole house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Thus Jesus was honoured on that day in Bethany amidst a number of people who came to see Lazarus. Jesus just asked Judas to leave Mary, for; she had kept that for his burial, but, used it earlier. The poor would be always in this world. But the Son of God would soon go away to his father.
The Values we learn are
1. We should be always thankful to God for the innumerable blessings we receive from him.
2. The life of a Christian should reflect the love and grace, we receive from God.
3. Every good act would be opposed by the enemy. But we should not bother.
4. Our life should be like an perfume, giving happiness to others.
Testimony: A drunkard, who was touched and saved by the word “Eternity”, wrote everywhere possible in Australia with blue and yellow chalk “Eternity” to alert his fellow men about the eternal life which is ahead of us.
Prayer:
Lord! Help us to give our hearts to you as a thanks giving offering for rescuing us from the death of Sin Amen!
Masters, treat your servants considerately. Be fair with them. Don’t forget for a minute that you, too, serve a Master—God in heaven. Colossians 4:1
The messageSingapore’s Ministry of Manpower announced in 2022 that all migrant domestic workers must be given at least one rest day a month that employers couldn’t compensate them for instead of giving them the day off. Employers, however, were concerned they wouldn’t have someone to care for their loved ones on those days. While the logistics of caregiving could be solved by making alternative arrangements, their attitude in not seeing the need for rest wasn’t as easy to solve.Treating others considerately isn’t a new issue.
The apostle Paul lived in a time where servants were seen as the property of their masters. Yet, in the last line of his instructions to the church on how Christ like households should operate, he says that masters are to treat their servants “justly” (Colossians 4:1 esv). Another translation says, “Be fair with them” (the message).
Just as Paul tells the servants to work “for the Lord, not for human masters” (3:23), he reminds the masters also of Jesus’ authority over them: “you also have a Master in heaven” (4:1). His purpose was to encourage the Colossian believers to live as those whose ultimate authority is Christ. In our interaction with others—whether as an employer, employee, in our homes or communities—we can ask God to help us do what’s “right and fair” (v. 1).
Prayer Heavenly Father, please forgive me for times when I don’t treat others fairly. Help me to submit to You as the Master of my life.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Slavery was an integral part of the Roman economy in Paul’s day. In Colossians 3:22–4:1, Paul calls for slaves to serve honorably and to do so “with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord” (v. 22). This verse has tragically been abused by those wishing to defend the terrible practice of slavery. But we read in the book of Philemon that Paul sent the escaped slave Onesimus back to his owner Philemon with a letter telling the slave owner to receive him “no longer as a slave, but . . . as a dear brother” (Philemon 1:16). The letter says, “Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask” (v. 21). What more could Philemon do than to give Onesimus his freedom? Paul’s goal wasn’t societal revolution, it was the transformation of each heart.
📖Philippians 4:6-9 Worry about nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD. And the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ JESUS.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the GOD of peace shall be with you
💎💎💎 💫Think Like GOD, Think POSITIVE THOUGHTS
▫️A good place to start in thinking positive thoughts like our GOD is having a grateful and thankful heart, and spirit Looking back at Creation in Gen. 1:31“And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good (suitable, pleasant) and He approved it completely. GOD had pleasant feelings about what He created and approved same.
In my understanding, gratitude and thankfulness are two sides of same coin: we could see gratitude as appreciation of what has been done or received, and thankfulness as pleasant feelings for what others have done for us or what we receive.
▪️ From our Scripture passage, Phillipians 4:6 enjoin us to “pray with thanksgiving in every circumstance” An African proverb says
‘a child that shows gratitude for what he received yesterday, will receive more in coming days’
▫️GOD is above all, and deserving of our gratitude for He made us in His image. If we cannot offer our current prayer requests from the foundation of a life that is currently filled with thanksgiving, we will not get a favorable divine response.
▫️It takes a discerning heart to see that GOD is God of Orderliness and principles. For following gratitude is peaceful heart: Phillip. 4:7 “And GOD’s peace, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ JESUS.
▫️The Holy Bible presents detailed instructions on what kind of things we should think about. These good things are things that will build us up and not tear us down.
In Phillipians 4:8 are listed whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things (fix your mind on them)
▫️Our thoughts certainly affect our attitudes and moods. Everything the LORD tells us is for our own good. He knows when people are full of wrong thoughts, they are miserable, and I have learned from personal experience that miserable pple usually end up making others miserable also.
▫️Thinking in line with Scripture is the best solution to negative thoughts, because Satan usually deceives people into thinking that the source of their misery or trouble is something other than what it really is.He wants them to think they are unhappy due to what is going on around them (their circumstances), but the misery is actually due to what is going on inside them (their thoughts).
▫️In Conclusion, it is important to be grateful to GOD in all circumstances we find ourselves. This is guaranteed foundation for a peaceful heart, hence dwelling on truthful virtues and lovely reports will translate our actions to reflect GOD’s character and heart.
PRAYER
ABBA Father we thank You for guidance through Your Word. LORD, help us to change the things we allow our minds to dwell upon towards positive things, in order that we might be on the way to greater freedom, wholeness and victory, in JESUS Name: AMEN 🙏🏾
The rose is the queen of flowers. Some flowers are fragrant but not beautiful, and some flowers are beautiful but not fragrant. The rose is both beautiful and fragrant. As the bride of Christ, our life must be one of unique beauty, fragrance and sweetness. “Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee…
There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number. My dove, my undefiled is but ONE”, says the bridegroom of the bride (s.s 4:7 & s.s 6:8,9)Everywhere around the rose there are thorns. When the wind blows the soft petals of the rose are pricked by the thorns. What does the rose give in return? It gives sweet fragrance. We live in the midst of a crooked and perverse people, people who prick and hurt, people who cannot love; we need to perfume their lives with the aroma of forgiving love and kindness.
The oak tree lives for a thousand years but it has no beauty or fragrance. The rose lives only a short period but it is beautiful and it gives good fragrance. It matters how many days we live. All our days must be filled with beauty and fragrance. The Christian life is truly a beauty and fragrant life, for it is the life revealing Christ, of revealing Christlikeness to the world. “Thanks be unto God which maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us un every place” (II cor 2: 14) .so child of God, let Christ fill your life. Without him you have no holiness, no beauty.
Let him shine out of you.The rose never has to go to the butterfly and bee. They come to it even if it is in corner. If we are like the rose, souls will flock to us to taste of God’s love, to taste of Christlikeness. Dear child of God, today we may be a thorn in the garden of God, the church. However, our gracious Lord can transform you into a beautiful rose, filled with fragrance and honey – if only you will repent and return to him. So, let us lead a fragrant life. Our best example is our Lord who proved a fragrant life before us.
We pray today to live a fragrant life and win souls with pure grace of God our Lord.AMEN
