DESTINY ALIGNMENT

TITLE: ALIGN YOURSELF WITH THE WILL OF GOD

FOCUS WORD: DESTINY ALIGNMENT

FOCUS VERSE: Amos 3: 3 - Can two walk together unless they are agreed?

DECLARATION:  I align with God’s plan and the right people; destiny flows where divine agreement exists.

Alignment with God comes before alignment with people:  Our primary question should be - am I walking in agreement with God?  In any partnership seek the will of God first.  God will not adjust His purpose to align with our preferences but it should be the other way round.  Divine alignment comes before human partnership.  

Deuteronomy 13: 4 - You shall walk after the Lord your god and fear Him and keep His commandments and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.
John 12: 26 -
Psalm 86: 11 - Teach me Your way, Oh Lord, that I may walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.

Destiny comes to be established when our desires, decisions and direction come under God's will.  If you live under God’s will you have nothing to fear on this earth.  If God is for us, who can be against us?  To know His will we should know the Word and the Holy Spirit working in us should be audible to our ears.  God does not change His frequency but our hearts need to be in tune and alignment with Him.  When the Spirit of Truth comes He will lead you into all truths.

Some relationships are for a season:  Abraham and Lot together left the land of Ur and were together for many years but eventually their paths had to separate.  Lot was blessed due to his association with Abraham.  Association brings blessings and anointing.  

Genesis 13: 8 and 9 -  Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen.  Is not the whole land before you?  Separate yourself from me.  If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.”

After they separated, Abraham was given new assignments and lands.  

Proverbs 13: 20 - Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
2 Timothy 2: 22 - So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Not every separation is rejection.  Sometimes assignments change and associations change accordingly.

Right alignment multiplies Kingdom effectiveness:  It was the will of the Holy Spirit to set apart Paul and Barnabbas for His purpose.  God joined these two people for a specific assignment.  Barnabbas was the person who mentored Saul.  Their partnership grew into a missionary movement that carried the Gospel into new regions.  Paul commends the church in Philippi of their constant support in the spreading of the Gospel.

Philippians 1: 5 - …..because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now.
1 Corinthians 3: 9 - For we are God’s fellow workers.  You are God’s field, God’s building.
Nehemiah 3: 2 - And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.

Here, we see that families came together for a specific purpose and worked in unity.  The right people not only admire your work but lend a helping hand in completing the work of the Gospel.

Alignment should be established and maintained:  You could begin in good alignment and slowly drift away after a while.  Alignment requires regular examination of your goals.

Philippians 2: 2 - Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
1 Corinthians 1: 10 - I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgement.  
Hebrews 12: 13 - ……. and make straight paths for your feet, so tht what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.

We need to regularly examine ourselves - am I aligned with the assignment entrusted to  me?  Are my priorities aligned with His will?  Set yourself right quickly.


GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Purpose Driven Life

Living According to God’s Plan
Focus word: Purpose Driven Life
Focus verse: Philippians 1.21 – “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Declaration: My life is driven by purpose; every breath counts for the glory of Christ.
Points to ponder
1. Christ is the center of our purpose
Paul summarizes his life in the statement – To live is Christ. The first half of his life was wasted away while the next half was Christ centered. Many live for their kids, some for their specific goals, some live for possessions and still some for recognition. But if we are Christ centered, then our problems can’t affect us or our eternal purpose. While all other purposes are earthly and temporary and eventually fade away, the eternal purpose remains – to live is Christ and to die is gain. Paul firmly resolved at Corinth – My consideration is only the crucified Christ.
In Galatians 2.20, Paul says, “… Christ lives in me.”
Colossians 3.4 – Christ is described as …. your life.
Romans 14.8 – “whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”
Biblical purpose is not asking you what you want to accomplish in your life or what you hope to achieve because whatever we achieve or accomplish, will have to be abandoned here before we pass/move on. So then the real question should be – how can Christ be expressed through my life? Pastor Damien often says, we are the 5th gospel. Technically there are only 4 gospels but people will read us, our lives.
Just like the spokes of a wheel have a hub in the center, to revolve and rotate in perfect alignment, so too our lives should find its centre in Christ. When Christ is at the centre, every area of our life finds its proper place.
2. Purpose gives meaning to every season
Many live a meaningless life. Pastor Damien found meaning in life when he was 16. That was when he found Christ. In Philippians 1.12, Paul confirms that his imprisonment actually served to advance the gospel in spite of the hardships he had to suffer – low ceiling prison cell, and movement was restricted because he was perpetually chained to a Roman officer. Yet the Word of God was not chained.
2Corintians 4.17 states that the present troubles are producing an eternal glory that outweighs them.
Ecclesiastes 3.1 – There is a season for every activity under heaven. There is a fixed time. Paul understood that circumstances change but our God given purpose remains the same. You may serve God on a platform, or in a waiting room while at other times, you serve Him through visible achievements, and still sometimes through quiet faithfulness. Just as the pieces on a chess board are not permanent and they can be moved according to the player’s strategy, so too, God has a purpose which is unchangeable.
3. Purpose helps us decide what really matters
When you know the reason for living, then it becomes easier to prioritize what deserves your time and what does not. It helps or we would land up majoring in the minor and minoring in the major.
Acts 20.24 – I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task. No other purpose.
1 Corinthians 6.12 – Paul refused to be mastered by anything.
Ephesians 5.15-17 – live wisely, making the most of every opportunity and understanding the Lord’s will.
The importance of time management in life centers around understanding God’s will.
Psalm 90.12 – Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Moses’ prayer)
Not everything that demands our attention deserves our attention!
4. Purpose looks beyond this life
To live is Christ, to die is gain. Paul says his purpose was larger than this existence.
2 Corinthians 5. 8-9 – Paul decided to please the Father whether at home or in the body of Christ – the church or even when away from it.
1 Corinthians 3. 13-14 – Our work will be ultimately tested and what endures will receive an award.
Revelation 14.13 – the deeds of those who die in the Lord will follow them. A purpose driven life asks – not only will they succeed; but will this matter in eternity?

DESTINY DOORS

TITLE: STEP INTO YOUR GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE

FOCUS WORD:  DESTINY DOORS

FOCUS VERSE:  Revelation 3: 8 - See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.

DECLARATION: God opens destiny doors for me today; no power can shut what heaven has ordained.

God is the One who opens the doors of destiny:  Jesus is the initiator - He is the One who opens doors.  The above verse is spoken to the church in Philadelphia which was a weak church with a limited number of people.  But Jesus spoke to them to strengthen them; He opened a door.  Their limitations could not limit His authority.

Isaiah 45: 1 -  Thus says the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings,to open doors before him that gates may not be closed.
Acts 14: 27 -  And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
1 Corinthians 16: 9 - …..for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

What god o[ens in divine authority does not require the participation of human strength.  Doors of destiny open to divine authorisation and not determination.

Not every open door is a destiny-door:  An open door is not automatically God's will.  All good ideas may not be God’s direction for you.  The prophet Jonah was directed by Jehovah to go to Nineveh and in turn he took the opposite road to Tarshish.  A convenient door can still be a wrong door.

1 John 4: 1 - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

If you study the Word under the guidance of the Holy Spirit you will be able to discern His good and perfect will for you.  

Philippians 1: 9 and 10 - And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.
Acts 16: 7 - And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.


Always ask - Is it Jesus leading me through this door?  Is this door God’s intention for me?  If you choose to enter a beautiful but wrong door you may not reach your destination.

Open doors require courage to walk through them:  Many people step back from an open door for lack of courage.  

Colossians 4: 3 - At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison.

When heaven’s door opened, Paul had to travel, preach, endure opposition and take responsibility.  

Joshua 3: 13 - And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap.”
Acts 14: 27 -  “And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
2 Corinthians 2: 12 - When I came to Troas to preach the Gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord,......

In the above verses we read how Paul and Barnabas testified to the door that god had opened for them.  An open door is an invitation and obedience should naturally follow.  When God opens a door, step in and move ahead.  

Destiny-doors are opened for a divine purpose:  In the book of Revelations the open door was placed before the faithful church of Philadelphia.  The purpose was not for personal gan but to fulfill the vision of Christ and as a testimony to His glory.

Acts 19: 20 - So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.
2 Thessalonians 3: 1 - Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honoured, as happened among you,...........

The Gospel spread widely into the regions with power and it was highly honoured.  

Romans 15: 20 - …..and thus I make it my ambition to preach the Gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation,......

Paul’s ambition was to preach the Gospel.  An opened door to penetrate the unsaved to reach the unreached.  God may open a new door to a place, relationship, responsibility, sphere of influence, etc.  God opens a door for the spread of His Gospel.



GOD BLESS YOU ALL !

Divine Endorsement

October is a month of supernatural clarity and establishment of God’s purpose in our lives.

The focus word for today is ‘Divine Endorsement’.

The focus verse for today is Genesis 39:2-3 says, ‘2 The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did’

The declaration for today is ‘God’s presence endorses my destiny. His favour speaks louder than any credentials.’

God’s Presence Is The Greatest Endorsement

The biggest endorsement we can have for our life is the presence of God. Joseph arrived in Egypt with very little probability for influence. His brothers had abandoned him. He did not have connections to gain opportunities or consolidate influence of any kind. Joseph landed in Egypt as a slave. No credentials. No influence. No connections. No position. No power.

You may be in a position like this in your life, where you don’t have the means to gain power or know anyone of significance in the society. Joseph also was in the same position. He fell into slave trade and was sold by his own blood brothers. Joseph was bought by Potiphar who was a steward of the King. Joseph did not have an impressive social standing and was a slave in a foreign country. But he possessed something greater; the Lord was with Joseph. What we must understand is that, we could be bruised and broken in our life, and our situation could be dire, but if God is with us the biggest and greatest divine endorsement is also there in our life.

Exodus 33:14 says, ‘ The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

For context, before this verse, the Lord told Moses that an angelic presence will go with him, to which Moses said, the Lord must go with him or else they will not budge an inch.

Joshua 1:5 says, ‘ No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.’

Acts 10:38 says, ‘ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.’

God was with Jesus and because God was with him, Jesus was able to do good things and healing. Because God was with Joseph, those who were possessed were freed from the clutches of the devil and sickness was healed in many. In our earthly life, the greatest endorsement we can have is the presence of God lingering in us. This is why The Lord is also called Immanuel which means God is with us. Before seeking people’s approval, seek God’s presence. God’s presence is God’s endorsement upon our surrendered life.

Divine Endorsement Becomes Visible Through Our Life

In Genesis, it says ‘...the master saw that the Lord was with him’. Pothiphar quickly realised that the Lord was with Joseph, the slave boy. God was not with Pharaoh the emperor, or Potiphar his steward. Instead, God was with Joseph the slave boy. Your current social status is not important if God’s presence is there in your life. Potiphar did not know Joseph’s covenant background, yet he could see the evidence in him. Joseph is a descendant of Abraham, Issac and Jacob with all of them God made a blood covenant which is ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’  These generations are built on this covenant. However, Potiphar and Pharaoh were not in covenant with God. There is an evidential difference between those who are in covenant and not in covenant with God. Even though Potiphar did not have any relation with God, Jehovah, he could easily recognise that the Lord was with Joseph.

God’s presence is God’s endorsement and this endorsement becomes visible to others. God’s presence produced visible qualities in Joseph's life such as wisdom, stewardship, effectiveness, faithfulness and more. Joseph’s fruitfulness was evident and his Master started noticing it.

1 Samuel 3:19 says, ‘The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.’

Daniel 1:20 says, ‘In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.’

The men gathered to be part of King’s court are usually considered the most wise in the city. Out of all of them, Daniel and his friends were considered to be the wisest. When Godly wisdom is in someone, they will prove to be remarkable and outstanding.

Acts 4:13 says, ‘When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.’

After the crucifixion of Christ, all the disciples scattered out of fear. In fact, they were absconding and hid themselves behind closed doors. However, after the day of pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon them a sense of courage and fearlessness rose in them. When people saw them, they recognised their faces and knew that they were with Jesus.

Divine endorsement should eventually become visible in our character and in our fruitfulness. God’s presence may be invisible but its effects should become visible.


Divine Endorsement Works Even In Unfavourable Environments

All of us go through some kind of hardship and adversity in our lives. But the Bible says that Joseph prospered in Potiphar’s house, even as a slave. The word used here is ‘prospered’.  Prosperity is not merely living an affluent life, but living a life with the presence of God and having his plans for your life fall into place. Later when Joseph was falsely accused, the Word says ‘the Lord was with him’.

Genesis 39:21 says, ‘the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.’

We can see the paradox of events here, the Word says ‘the Lord was with him’, in the context of Joseph being thrown into the prison cell. When we imagine the Lord with us, we assume our life to be made perfect with God’s presence. We imagine a time of prosperity and favourable circumstances. But that is not the case here. Joseph was in a prison cell and yet God was with him. Just as he was with Paul and Silas. The location changed, the circumstances changed, the people changed, the environment changed, through it all, God was with him.

Your situation can change, your social status can change, your family could leave you, you could lose a job; no matter what circumstance may befall on you, but God’s presence will not leave you.

Jeremiah 20:11 says, ‘But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten.’

Psalm 46:1 says, ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’

2 Timothy 4:17 says, ‘But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.’

What God places within you, can sustain you when everything around you is unfavourable.

God’s Endorsement Must Produce Greater Stewardship

Potiphar saw God's hand upon Joseph and he put Joseph in charge of his household. Potiphar gave Joseph a promotion when he saw that the presence of the Lord was with him. When you have God’s endorsement, your responsibilities and position in life will be elevated. Divine favour brought increased responsibility. Joseph did not use his favour to only increase his comfort, but to serve faithfully.

Genesis 39:5 says, ‘From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.’

The key theme here is that, because of Joseph and because the presence of God was with Joseph, the Egyptian household that he was in was blessed.

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.’

1 Peter 4:10 says, ‘ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.’

When God endorses, you should ask, how can I use this influence to serve his purpose?

Heavenly endorsement is not merely a recognition, but a great responsibility.

ESTABLISHED PURPOSE

FOCUS VERSE: 1 Peter 5: 10 - After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace…….will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

DECLARATION:  God establishes my purpose through grace; nothing can uproot what He has planted.

Your purpose is rooted in God’s calling:  Peter begins with - the God of all grace.  Thus we can surmise that purpose does not begin with what we want to become but with the One who called us.  Paul could face opposition because he knew who had called him.  He could push forward through failures because Jesus had already spoken a purpose over his life.  

Romans 11: 29 - For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
2 Thessalonians 2: 14 - To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable because He is an unchanging God.

1 Corinthians 7: 17 - Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.  This is my rule in all the churches.

When your purpose is rooted in God’s calling, changing circumstances do not have to define you.  Eg: When a building is being constructed many people passing by may give adverse opinions but the builder can build only according to the architect’s plans.  Similarly whatever adverse comments or situations you may go through, you should only walk in response to the calling placed upon your life by the One who called you.  Do not live by public opinion or to please others.  Take your steps carefully and according to your God-given purpose.

Difficult seasons can strengthen purpose:  Struggles and problems may come your way, temptations or tests - all these are to get a child of God firmly rooted in God and His divine purpose, not to destroy them.  Peter wrote this epistle to the new believers who were undergoing severe persecution, yet Peter did not consider this as a sign of the absence of God’s purpose.  But what he said was that God would establish them for His works.  

Acts 14: 22 - Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God.
Romans 8: 18 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

We would need to pass through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.  this world’s sufferings are nothing compared to the eternal.

Zechariah 13: 9 - And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested.  

God refines His people by testing them as gold and silver.  Problematic seasons do not change your assignment but they work on you to change you for your assignment.  After you have passed through these trying times God will make you shine.  So what seems like immense pressure today would actually be developing your strength that your purpose would require for tomorrow.

God Himself will establish you:  He will restore and refresh you, make you firm and steadfast.  God is personally involved in establishing His people.  

Isaiah 22: 23 - And I will fasten him like a peg in a secure place, and he will become a throne of honour to his father’s house.
Psalm 20: 4 - May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!
2 Thessalonians 2: 16 and 17 - Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

Our confidence is not that nothing will ever shake us but that God knows how to strengthen us and keep us steadfast.  God can establish stability within you even when circumstances around you are contrary.

Established purpose produces steadfast living:  God does not establish us to make us comfortable but to make us faithful and dependable.  When purpose is established, we stop becoming influenced by every changing onion, circumstance or emotional upheaval.  

Acts 20: 20 - 24 - How I did not shirk from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, ….repentance towards God and of the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ……….except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me……..finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God.

Paul refused to move away from his God-given assignment even under heavy persecution.  

Hebrews 6: 19 - We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain.

Our hope should always remain strong in every season of our life.  

1 Corinthians 16: 13 - Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

An established person can speak with confidence - I KNOW WHOM I SERVE!  I will remain faithful to my God.


GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Enduring Faithfulness

The focus word for today is ‘Enduring Faithfulness’.
The focus verse for today is John 15:16, which states that we did not choose Him, but He chose and appointed us to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will grant whatever is asked in His name.
The declaration for today is ‘My life produces lasting fruit; everything I do brings glory to Jesus and remains eternal.’
Fruitfulness Flows From Divine Appointment
True spiritual productivity does not depend merely on natural talent, charisma, personality, or human opportunities. It originates from God’s sovereign choice and divine assignment. Scripture reminds us that Christ chose and appointed us before addressing the fruit we are to bear. Divine selection provides the calling, and with that calling comes the spiritual enablement and grace required to accomplish the task. Genuine spiritual honor is received through God's calling rather than human ambition or self-promotion. When God commissions a life, He equips it to labour for what endures into eternity rather than what quickly fades away.
John 6:27 teaches not to labor merely for food that spoils, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man gives.
2 Corinthians 4:1 explains that having received this ministry through divine mercy, we do not lose heart.
Hebrews 5:4 emphasizes that no one takes this honor upon themselves; it is received only when called by God.
Lasting Fruit Comes From A Lasting Connection
Producing enduring results is not centered on striving harder in our own strength, but on abiding more deeply in Christ. A branch does not struggle or strain on its own to produce fruit; its primary responsibility is simply to remain vitalized and connected to the vine. In the same way, spiritual fruitfulness is the natural outcome of staying intimately attached to Jesus. Outward, public results cannot permanently exceed the depth of one’s private walk and communion with God. Visible fruit is always the proof of an invisible, steadfast connection to the divine source of life.
John 15:4 commands us to remain in Him, just as He remains in us, since a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine.
Hosea 14:8 declares the Lord’s promise that our fruitfulness comes directly from Him.
Psalm 52:8 portrays the believer flourishing like a green olive tree planted in the house of God.
Jude 1:20-21 urges believers to build themselves up in their most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and keep themselves in the love of God.
Enduring Fruit Requires Depth
God is not interested merely in quick, flash-in-the-pan growth that looks impressive today and disappears tomorrow. He desires fruit that carries endurance and depth. Shallow roots may allow rapid sprouting, but without depth, plants wither as soon as trials and scorching heat arise. God often spends extended seasons developing unseen root systems before displaying visible results. When our foundation is deeply grounded in godly character and His Word, external storms cannot uproot what God has firmly planted.
Mark 4:16-17 describes seeds sown on rocky places that spring up quickly, but because they have no root, they last only a short time and fall away under trouble.
Proverbs 12:3 states that the root of the righteous cannot be uprooted.
2 Peter 1:5-8 shows that continuously growing in godly virtues keeps believers from being ineffective and unproductive in their knowledge of the Lord.
Lasting Fruit Continues Beyond You
Some achievements end the moment an individual stops working, but true kingdom fruit multiplies and extends far beyond a single lifetime. Enduring impact occurs when what God has deposited in you is reproduced and sustained in others. Jesus invested deeply into disciples who then carried the gospel forward across generations. Faithful stewardship means passing truth, godly character, and conviction to reliable people who will in turn teach others. Lasting fruit continues to speak, influence, and reproduce long after the initial laborer has finished their race.
2 Timothy 2:2 instructs that the things heard should be entrusted to faithful people who will be qualified to teach others as well.
Psalm 145:4 tells us that one generation will commend God’s works to another and declare His mighty acts.
1 Thessalonians 1:8 highlights a faith whose message sounds forth and becomes known everywhere far beyond its origin.

WALK IN GOD’S PURPOSE

FOCUS WORD:  DESTINY DEFINED

FOCUS VERSE:  Jeremiah 29: 11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.

DECLARATION:  God’s plan for me is clear and good; I walk in His purpose with confidence and peace.

Destiny begins in the mind of God:  God knows the plans He has for us - for our lives, future, destiny, etc.  At that time the Israelites were exiled to Babylon and their circumstances looked confusing, but God had perfect plans for them.  The people were captives in a foreign land with no hope for a future, but God has predestined everything.  He has laid out plans for us; He knows them well.  

Isaiah 46: 10 - Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.”
Acts 17: 26 - And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.

From this we learn that it is God who has appointed times and boundaries.  God has set apart a time slot in history for each one of us.

Ephesians 2: 10 - For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Biblical destiny is not blind fate.  It is God’s purposeful intention for our lives lived out through faith and obedience.  God has a plan and He chips off and adds according to them and if we are available we will reach that pattern or plan.  God sees the finished purpose while we are still experiencing individual pieces.  Eg:- cloth-cutting in a tailoring shop.  In the beginning when a length of cloth is cut into pieces, the shapes may not make sense.  But once the pieces are aligned and tailoring is done, a beautiful outfit is created.  

Your present location is not your final destination:  The children of Israel were disobedient and rebellious and hence exiled to a pagan land.  But here too, God says that He will not leave them or forsake them, but that He will bring them back to their land according to His promise.  

Genesis 28: 15 - Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land.  For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.
Psalm 138: 8 - The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, Oh Lord, endures forever.

Never define your destiny by your present circumstances.  A difficult chapter does not signal an ending; these are only suspenseful moments.  You may be through a tunnel in your life at present - illness, financial problem, joblessness, etc., but wait patiently for the destination.  We have a responsibility to provide light and hope to those passing through the valley of Baca (darkness).  If we desire mercy we should be merciful to others.  Where you are passing through should not define where God is taking you.

Destiny is discovered through seeking God:  Clearly in our focus verse God speaks to Jeremiah to instruct the people that it is when they set their hearts to seek Jehovah wholly that they will find Him.  Destiny is not discovered by chasing opportunities alone.  It is discovered by seeking God.  

Proverbs 16: 3 - Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans wil be established.
Romans 12: 2 - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

We are taught to submit to God, seek His will and pattern for our lives.  We need to be transformed accordingly.  Only a renewed mind will be able to understand and discern the perfect will of God.

Psalm 143: 10 - Teach Me to do Your will, fro You are my God!  Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Destiny must be walked out daily:  God’s plans do not make our choices irrelevant.  In the book of Jeremiah, chapter 29, God tells the people to build houses, plant gardens, raise families, seek the welfare of the society, etc.  The Israelites in exile were asked to do all these while in Babylon itself.  They were given a future promise but at the same time had to fulfill certain present obligations

Jeremiah 29: 5 - Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce.
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.
Hebrews 10: 35 and 36 - Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.  For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

Perseverance is necessary to reach your destiny.


GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

REJOICE IN GOD’S GRACE

FOCUS WORD:  CELEBRATION OF GOD’S GRACE

FOCUS VERSE: 1 Corinthians 15: 10 - By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect.

DECLARATION:  I celebrate grace today; my elevation is a testimony of God’s unmerited favour.

Grace reminds me of where I came from: Paul never ceased to forget who and what he was before the depth of grace that worked in him.  At one time he was a persecutor of Christians.  Paul did not allow his present usefulness to erase the memory of God’s mercy that was upon his life.  

Romans 5: 8 - But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

It was God who first loved us and it was when we realised and understood His love for us that we started loving Him - His death on the cross for our redemption.  

Ephesians 3: 8 - To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.

Grace turns memories into thanksgiving and hence we should not continue to be in condemnation.  Paul who had led a very violent life had a personal encounter with Jesus and he was transformed; he did not remain guilt-ridden of his past life nor did he forget it.  Forgiveness by the mercy and grace of God and the redemption received from these sins, he kept in mind while working very hard to be useful for the Kingdom of God.  He led many to the Saviour.  Grace gives us what we could never have achieved ourselves.  We have received a multitude of blessings solely through grace - forgiveness, salvation, infilling of the Holy Spirit, ministry, gifts of the Holy Spirit, fruit of the Spirit and innumerable others.

Grace gives me a new identity:  Paul says - I am what I am - his whole identity itself is by the grace of God.  God was not only to improve Paul’s circumstances but transformed Paul himself inside out.  The ‘persecutor’ became a ‘preacher’, the destroyer became a builder, the enemy of the church became an apostle to the nations and the Gentiles.  

Titus 2: 11 and 12 - For the grace of God has appeared, bring salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.  

Grace not only saves us but teaches us to live differently.  We are equipped to reject ungodliness and live in a godly manner.  

Romans 3: 24 - And are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 2: 10 - Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.  

We need to always remember that we are the chosen people of God.  grace does not only change where we are going but changes who you are becoming.  Grace claims us and then transforms us completely.  

Grace works through our continued effort:  Paul writes that he worked hard on the mission field, more than others yet it was not him but the grace of God working in him.  The grace of God was not wasted on him.  Grace did not permit Paul to be passive, but on the contrary, he became very productive.  

Acts 20: 24 - But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Philippians 2: 13 - For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

We need to bow down before the will of God and make ourselves available to the work of the Holy Spirit.

1 Timothy 4: 15 - Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.

Grace is not an excuse for laziness but empowers diligence.  It is then that we become fruitful and reap a big harvest.  Grace supplies what we cannot produce ourselves and should not be an excuse to fail in our duties and responsibilities.

Grace turns elevation into testimony:  Paul did extraordinary things but his conclusion was - it was all by the grace of God.  This is how a believer should carry success.  Paul was able to do a lot for the Kingdom.  He wrote epistles, established churches, much more than the other disciples.  But he was always humble about his work and attributed everything to the grace of God.  all his works Paul dedicated to the glory of God.  When a believer is able to work in many areas to build up a church or for the establishment of the Kingdom, success should never go to his head.  On the contrary, he should be filled with gratitude and humility for the grace of God working in him.  

2 Samuel 9: 7 - And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.”

Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, had fallen into sorry times and spent his life in slum dwellings.  He had been forgotten and lived in obscurity.  Jonathan and David were covenant friends and David honoured his promise to Jonathan by taking Mephibosheth under his wings; this too, was the grace of God upon the life of Mephibosheth.  

Romans 8: 12 - So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
1 Corinthians 3: 10 - According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it.  Let each one take care how he builds upon it.

When we stand alight for Jesus and become a trophy for Him, there is a story behind it all - a story of grace that leads to victory.  




GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Heavenly Promotion

The focus word for today is ‘Heavenly Promotion’.

The focus verse for today is Revelation 4:1 says, ‘After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”’

Today’s declaration is ‘Heaven calls me upward today; I respond to divine promotion with humility and gratitude.

Heavenly Promotion Begins With A Divine Call

John the Apostle in Revelation hears a voice that says “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”’. John did not elevate himself, he did not fly off like a hydrogen balloon, rather he was invited upwards. A voice invited him upwards. In God’s kingdom we do not have to push ourselves to get ahead of others. This might be the case in our earthly realm, but this is not the principle in the heavens. In God’s kingdom, there is no competition or contest, we respond to God’s call and we allow him to determine our place.

Hebrews 5:4 says, ‘And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.’

Psalm 75:7 says, ‘It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.’

John 3:27 says, ‘To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.’

What heaven gives, earth cannot manufacture. For instance, a person has always been fascinated with the position of a judge and due to their fascination they try to sit on a judge’s chair in a courtroom. But is this possible? Surely, not. To sit on a judge’s chair requires a legitimate appointment. An appointment from above is required. Hence our place and position needs to come from the heaven above. So kingdom authority is received and not ceased. In the kingdom of God, no one can cease power or position that is not given by God.

God Takes Us Higher To Show Us More

As Revelation 4:1 says, ‘...“Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”’ The word I want to draw attention to is, ‘show’. God takes us higher to show us more. Higher spiritual perspective brings greater revelation.

John experienced this revelation when he was imprisoned in Patmos. Patmos was a place where deadly criminals were imprisoned. The prison is situated in a tricky geographical landscape where all you can see are giant rocks and the water ahead. It is at such a time and place that John sees the revelation play out. And John was elevated here in the midst of imprisonment. God’s elevation is not about a higher position, but about a greater perspective.

Jeremiah 1:11-12 says, ‘11 The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied. 12 The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching[a] to see that my word is fulfilled.”

1 Corinthians 13:12 says, ‘ For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.’

Proverbs 2:3-5 says, ‘3 indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
4  and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5  then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.’

Sometimes God changes our viewpoint before he changes our circumstances. When you are in a maze, your viewpoint is limited. On other hand if you have a drone that gives you an aerial view, you are able to navigate through it better. In the same way, God changes our viewpoints first, to help us get to our God appointed destination.

The Higher You Go, The More You See The Throne

What was the greatest thing that John saw after going higher? He saw God’s glorious throne. He did not see his own glory, but God’s glory and throne.

Revelation 4:2 says, ‘At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.’

True spiritual elevation makes us more conscious of God’s elevation and not our own.

Isaiah 57:15 says, ‘For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.’

Psalm 103:19 says, ‘The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.’

1 Timothy 6:15 says, ‘which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords,’

The higher you go spiritually, the smaller your ego must become. Why does pride seep in us? It is because our eyes are not on the Lord. It happens when we fail to understand God and his glory and greatness. Even the large planets and stars are miniscule and tiny compared to the whole universe in front of us. In the same way our achievements and the adulation seems far bigger to us when we forget to understand who our Maker is.

Heavenly Promotion Calls For Greater Stewardship

With heavenly promotion comes greater responsibility. God does not merely elevate us for a better view. What John saw, he was eventually commanded to communicate to others. God did not only want to elevate John to show him the things in heaven, but with that elevation, John was expected to communicate what he saw to others. With John’s written revelation it is not just one generation that is blessed but many many generations after are also blessed and learns the Word of God. God raises a person for a greater responsibility. Greater revelation brought greater responsibility.

Luke 19:17 says, ‘‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’

Romans 12:6 says, ‘ We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;’

1 Corinthians 9:17 says, ‘ If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.’

As 1 Corinthians 9 says, Paul knew that he was entrusted with a great responsibility. So as he grows spiritually, at every new level, he asks what will I do with what God has entrusted to me. In the same way, when you grow in your career and get promoted, with a better package that you enjoy, you are also given more responsibilities. As you grow higher, your responsibility also increases. In God’s kingdom, elevation enlarges responsibilities before it enlarges privileges.

Exalted in His Presence

Exalted in His Presence
The focus word for today is ‘Exalted in His Presence’.
The focus verse for today is Psalm 149:4 says, “For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.”
The declaration for today is ‘God rejoices over me today; His delight lifts me into greater realms of grace.’
1. God Delights In His People
We must fundamentally understand that God delights and rejoices in His people. We often think about our delight in God, but Scripture also speaks about God's delight in us. In Zephaniah 3:17, it says God takes great delight in us and rejoices over us with singing. God looks at His children and sings over them with joy. Just as parents delight in their young children and sing to them not because the children are perfect, but because they belong to them and are growing, God delights in us as we take steps forward. Our relationship with God in Christ is not built on desperately striving to capture His attention; rather, through Christ, we approach a loving Father who welcomes us. When we come through Christ, He delights in us as His beloved children.
Psalm 149:4 says, ‘For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.’
Zephaniah 3:17 says, ‘The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.’
Psalm 147:11 says, ‘the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.’
Isaiah 62:4 says, ‘No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married.’
John 14:6 says, ‘Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”’
2. His Presence Is Our Highest Place
Our highest position and place of blessing is God's presence; there is no position higher than that. Moses witnessed extraordinary, unprecedented miracles, yet his greatest request was not for another miracle, but for God's presence. Moses understood that advancement without God's presence is not true advancement. We must never become so focused on where God can take us that we lose interest in simply being with Him. The greatest elevation in life is not standing before influential people, but standing in the presence of God.
Exodus 33:15 says, ‘Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”’
Psalm 27:8 says, ‘My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.’
Psalm 84:10 says, ‘Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.’
Hebrews 10:22 says, ‘let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.’
3. Humility Attracts God's Grace
Humility attracts the grace and favor of God. Scripture promises that God crowns the humble with victory. God's kingdom operates on principles that reverse the patterns of the world. While the world promotes self-exaltation, God teaches humility. Humility does not mean thinking you are worthless or suffering from an inferiority complex. True humility means recognizing that everything you are and everything you possess ultimately comes from God. Just as a satellite must stay connected to its ground station and remain in its orbit to be useful, we must remain connected to God. Humility keeps us aligned and connected with Him.
Psalm 149:4 says, ‘For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.’
Isaiah 66:2 says, ‘“Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.”’
Proverbs 22:4 says, ‘Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.’
Matthew 5:5 says, ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.’
4. His Presence Changes How We Carry Elevation
God's presence transforms how we handle elevation and success. The danger of elevation is that success can change people and lead to pride. However, those who continuously dwell in God's presence remember who the true King is. King David was the highest leader in Israel, yet he remained a humble worshiper. Despite his royal status, David sat before the Lord in humility and asked who he was that God had brought him so far. In heaven, the elders lay their crowns before God's throne. The greatest evidence of maturity is being able to wear a crown without letting it possess you. Living in God's presence ensures that promotion does not turn into pride.
Psalm 16:8 says, ‘I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.’
2 Samuel 7:18 says, ‘Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: “Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?”’
Revelation 4:10 says, ‘the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne’

Influence For Impact

Focus Word: Influence For Impact
Focus Verse: Mathew 5:14 - You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden
Declaration: I shine brightly for God’s Glory; my influence becomes a beacon of truth and hope.

4 Points to contemplate:

Influence Begins With What You Are:

Jesus didn’t command us to manufacture politeness; He declared that we are the light of the world. True influence flows from identity, not activity.  We don’t achieve a state of being through doing. Instead, our actions naturally reflect who God already created us to be. Long before people listen to our words, they are reading the story of our lives.

Ephesians 5:8 states: "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light." It does not say we will become; we are. We are the light of the world & not that we will become the light of the world.
Titus 2:7- "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness"
I Timothy 4:12 states: "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity"
Your life tells a story long before you ever speak a word. True communication goes far beyond what we say out loud - It is broadcast through how we live.  We speak volumes through our daily service, our written words, our attitude, and our behaviour. This form of silent, non-verbal communication is powerful. Every choice you make, every trait you display, and the core of your character work together to show the world exactly who you are.

God Places You Strategically :

You are exactly where you need to be. When Jesus called you a “city on a hill,” He meant your life is meant to be seen.  No matter how dark the surrounding valley, a hilltop light cannot be hidden. God strategically positions His people to impact the world; He did it with Daniel in Babylon, Joseph in Egypt, Esther in Persia, and Paul before the rulers of Rome.  Your life cannot be hidden. You are called to shine brightly and carry God’s truth to nations, leaders, and kings.

Daniel’s extraordinary wisdom & understanding became known even in a pagan empire. Daniel 5:14 states, "I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you."  These people didn’t know only Daniel, but also came to know about his God.

Acts 17:17 states – “So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there”

This verse highlights Paul’s dual approach to ministry. By engaging people both inside the synagogue and out in the public square, he shared his message with religious insiders who already knew God, as well as everyday secular individuals who knew nothing of Him.

Before his arrest, Paul travelled continuously by ship and land, moving from city to city to preach the gospel. Yet, despite his missionary journeys, the message had not yet penetrated the highest levels of the Roman Empire. When Paul was finally stripped of his physical freedom and confined, God used that exact limitation to unlock an entirely new level of reach.

As Philippians 1:13 states: As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
Paul could no longer move, but the Good News moved rapidly through the palace because he chose to embrace his placement rather than complain about his confinement. Your current circumstances are no different. Do not look at your workplace, your neighbourhood, or your difficult relationships as accidents or setbacks. They are strategic assignments. If you allow discontentment and complaining to consume you, you risk missing your moment, and you must remember that God can always raise someone else to fulfil the ultimate plans. God does not just use what you do; He uses exactly where you are.

God commands light to shine out of the darkness. While no one enjoys a toxic environment, God frequently places His light in the most negative spaces to bring about transformation. You might want a transfer, but your current calling is to stay put, shine brightly, and work faithfully in His presence.

Your placement may be part of your assignment.

Influence is Greatest When It Produces Transformation:

Biblical influence is never measured by popularity, but by impact.  True influence is about making a lasting difference, not achieving worldly fame. If a prominent celebrity dominates the headlines but leaves the world unchanged, what is the value of their platform?  We see countless Hollywood, Bollywood, and sports icons capturing media attention every day, yet we must ask: what enduring legacy are they leaving? How many of them are bringing eternal transformation to a broken world? In contrast, history is quietly shaped by ordinary people without fame or followers, who dedicate their lives to truly altering the eternal destinies of others.

I Thessalonians 1:8 – …" but your faith in God has gone out to every place, so that we have no need to say anything more"
This means they became famous in a very different way - their faith in God was known to everyone. They were able to do this because their lives had changed.
Acts 19:20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.
Proverbs 11:30 -  “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives”.
Daniel 12:3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
Many of you listening today have actively shared God’s Word and passed along Morning Glory links, transforming countless lives in the process. You are the true stars.  The world praises social media influencers, movie icons, and sports legends, but earthly fame fades. In the eyes of heaven, the real stars are the evangelists - those who dedicate their lives to leading others out of darkness and into righteousness.
Real influence produces change, not attention.
Rather than merely capturing public attention, a true influencer drives meaningful, eternal transformation in the lives of others.

Let Your Influence Point People To God:
The ultimate purpose of the light Jesus gave you is to bring glory to God the Father. When Jesus transforms us into the “light of the world,” He does not intend for that light to be hidden. As Mathew 5:16 commands, we must let our light shine openly before others.  When people witness your good deeds and Christlike character, they are drawn to praise and honour God. This active, visible reflection of His love is how we extend the influence of the Kingdom of God on earth.
1 Peter 4:11 - If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God…
John 12:32 - “And I, when I am lifted from the earth, will draw all people to myself”.
Psalm 67: 1-2: … so that your ways may be made known on earth, your salvation among all nations.
God blesses people so that His Name will be glorified, and that becomes a testimony.
How many of you will truly act on the message you heard today? Take a moment to ask God: “Lord, what kind of influence do I actually have? How many lives have I truly impacted?”
You must honestly ponder this. Your name might be saved in hundreds of phone contacts, and have thousands of social media followers - but none of that equals real influence. True influence isn’t about popularity. It is about how many people have come to know God because you stood as a light in their lives. How many souls have been transformed and steered away from eternal separation, guided instead toward eternal heaven because of your witness?
That’s real influence.
Let’s Pray!

TRUST GOD’S PERFECT TIME

FOCUS WORD:  GOD’S TIMING

FOCUS VERSE:  1 Peter 5: 6 - In due season, He will exalt you.

DECLARATION:  I wait with faith and patience; God’s timing for my elevation is perfect and unstoppable.

God has a due time:  The Apostle Peter says that there is a time attached to God’s promises.  Abraham received a promise and Isaac was born 25 years later at God’s appointed time.  Jesus too, came into the world when the time was fulfilled.  

Genesis 21: 2 - And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him.
Galatians 4: 4 - But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law.
Psalm 102: 13 - You will arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favour her; the appointed time has come.

Delay does not mean denial, but just ‘not yet’.  God knows when and where to take you and when to release you.  

Waiting time is preparation time, not wasted time:  God does some of His deepest works during the waiting period.  These are times of self-examination, realisation, revelation, deep prayer times.  Before Moses was called to lead the Israelites, he spent forty years in Midian.  Before beginning His ministry, Jesus lived almost thirty years in relative obscurity.

Lamentations 3: 26 - It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Romans 8: 25 - But we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Psalm 130: 5 - I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope.

God is preparing you for what He has prepared for you.  Some waiting seasons are strengthening seasons too.

Do not force open what God has not released:  Abraham and Sarah struggled with waiting and attempted to procure the promise through Hagar, a very big mistake.  All good ideas may not be ‘God-ideas’.  Their decision brought unnecessary complications to not only their families but to the whole of human history.  God’s promise does not require human manipulation.

Proverbs 19: 2 - Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.
Isaiah 30: 18 - Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you.  For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him.
Psalm 37: 7 - Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.

We could inadvertently create an Ishmael when we are impatient for an Isaac.  We will have to suffer the consequences of our decision for a whole lifetime.  Do not manufacture or manipulate opportunities, do not compromise on princi;es or accelerate promotions.  What impatience forces prematurely may not carry the quality that patience would have produced.

When God’s time comes, be ready to move:  Noah took a 100 years to build the ark and he had not seen a single drop of rain the whole time.  Joseph served in different places till his promotion.  David remained responsible while waiting for the palace.  At the appointed time preparation meets opportunity.

Habakkuk 2: 3 - For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end - it will not lie.  If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.
Luke 12: 35 - Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning.
2 Timothy 4: 2 - Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

Wait patiently and prepare diligently.  Waiting time should never be wasted.




GOD BLESS  YOU ALL

PROMOTION WITH PURPOSE

FOCUS WORD:  PROMOTION WITH PURPOSE

FOCUS VERSE: Esther 4: 14 - For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise from another place.

DECLARATION:  God promotes me for a purpose; I use every opportunity to fulfill His divine will.

Your promotion may be part of God’s larger plan:  Esther, an orphan girl, was nurtured by Mordecai and finally becomes Queen of the land.  It was a positioning by God to save His people from that annihilation.  She received the position before the big plan or purpose was revealed to her.  Mosdecai helped her connect the position and purpose.

Genesis 45: 5 - And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.

Joseph was sent ahead to save the lives of the Israelites - from the prison and dungeons to the palace of the Pharaoh.

Judges 4: 14 - And Deborah said to Barak, “Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand.”

Deborah the Prophetess discerned the time for which God had brought and raised her up.

Acts 9: 15 - But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine to carry my Name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.”

Paul was the chosen instrument to carry the message of the Chrrist to others.  Sometimes you understand why God placed you somewhere only after you arrive there.  Example: On a chessboard there are many pieces but it is the player who decides which piece should be placed strategically to complete the game.  Similarly, God positions His people strategically for purposes bigger than themselves.

Opportunity comes with responsibility:  Mordecai’s words to Esther were very strong - if you remain quiet ……….. For such a time as this.  She was called to prevent a genocide.    Esther had access to the King and this privilege created an opportunity and responsibility.  This would be a sin of omission.  Speak for those who are not able to speak out.

James 4: 17 - So whoever knows the right thing to do and fals to do it, for him it is sin.
Proverbs 31: 8 - Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.
Luke 12: 48 - Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

What can I do from where God has placed me that others cannot.  Every privilege carries a responsibility.

Purpose requires courage:  Esther had access to the King’s court but his alone was not sufficient, she needed the courage to take up responsibility and complete the task appointed to her.  

Esther 4: 16 - “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.
Joshua 1: 9 - Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.
Acts 20: 24 - But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Hebrews 11: 27- By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the King, for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.

There comes a time when we move outside of our comfort zone to complete the God-appointed task.  Purpose is revealed not only through what you believe but what you act upon.

Promotion is successful when others  are blessed:  Esther risked her position  but ultimately her position became an instrument for the preservation of an entire population.  God does not elevate us only to improve our lifestyle but He enlarges our influence so that our lives can make a greater difference.

Isaiah 58: 10 and 11 - If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.  And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong.
Acts 9: 36 - Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which translated, means Dorcas.  She was full of good works and acts of charity.
1 Corinthians 9: 22 - To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak.  I have become all things to all people that by all means I might save some.

The question is not just how high I have risen but who is being helped because I am in this position.




GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Destined for Greatness

The focus word for today is ‘Destined for Greatness’.

The focus verse for today is Jeremiah 1:5 says, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.’

Today, let’s declare ‘God ordained my greatness before I was born; I walk boldly in his divine plan.’

Your Purpose Existed Before Your Performance

Before you were born and grew up and achieved things in life, God had a divine plan and purpose for you. Before the Lord formed us, he knew us. Jeremiah’s calling did not begin when people recognised him, it began in the heart of God.

Psalm 139:16 says, ‘Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.’

Many of us journal and write diaries about their day. But this is written only after their day is done. Not before their day starts. However, God writes your story, he writes the diary about us even before the day has come to pass. We record the happenings of the day, but God writes our story even before it happens.

Ephesians 1:11 says, ‘In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will’

Galatians 1:15 says, ‘But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased’

Paul writes this verse above in Galatians and how fitting it is. At the appointed time by God, Paul rode to Damascus and there he had an encounter with God which changed all his views and perspectives. At the right time, God made it happen. Your value does not begin with what you achieve. Oftentimes people achieve things, but that achievement becomes real only when it’s recognised by others. But that’s not the way it works in God’s kingdom. Before God your value begins with him. It is not gauged as per your worldly achievements or public opinions.

A music composer will already have the symphony within him before its public showcase. In the same way, your life and its trajectory is in God’s heart before it becomes visible in history.

Your Limitations Do Not Cancel Your Calling

If God called you, nothing and no one can stop you.

Jeremiah 1:6 says, ‘“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”’

God did not deny Jeramiah’s youth. God is aware of his shortcomings, but simply refuses to make ‘age’ an excuse.

Jeremiah 1:7 says, ‘But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.’

Exodus 3:11-12 says, ‘11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”’

Moses had the exact same thoughts and feelings of inadequacy as Jeremiah did. Moses was aware of his poor oratory skills. But God assured that he will be with him. God filled Moses' weakness. Through God’s strength Moses could lead and preach.  

2 Corinthians 4:7 says, ‘But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.’

God’s deposits are not in jars of gold, but jars of clay. We are earthen jars, our body is the earthen jar. It is to us, the imperfect us, that God has deposited his glorious gifts. God’s calling is greater than our inadequacy. We’ve seen how small hinges support thick, massive doors. These small hinges look inconsequential in size as compared to the door, however, they support the door, make sure it stays erect and aids in its movement. These hinges are designed in a specific way to support them and placed specifically to carry the weight of the door. So, whenever you feel inadequate, know that you are designed for God’s heavenly purposes and you are strategically placed to carry on his will. Never measure your calling only based on your current capacity. Know that God will provide and he has designed you to carry out his will.

Destiny Requires Your Cooperation

God had a purpose for Jeremiah, but Jeremiah still had to go, speak and obey. This is cooperation.

Jeremiah 1:7 says, ‘But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.’

Divine purpose does not eliminate human responsibility.

Philippians 2:12-13 says, ‘12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.’

Joshua 1:7 says, ‘“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.’

2 Timothy 1:6 says, ‘For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.’

Destiny is God’s design but obedience is our responsibility.

Greatness Is Fulfilling God’s Purpose

A person attains greatness when they fulfill God’s purposes. Greatness before God, is not achieved through human endeavors. Biblically greatness is not necessarily fame, wealth or position. Jeremiah became great because he fulfilled the assignment God gave him, even though his ministry went through several sufferings. Jesus defines greatness through service.

Matthew 20:26 says, ‘Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant’

John 15:8 says, ‘ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.’

2 Timothy 4:7 says, ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’

Greatness is not becoming what people admired, but fulfilling God’s purpose. The success of a compass does not lie in its craftsmanship or its size, but it lies in its ability to show the right direction as this is the purpose of a compass. God does not look at the awards or achievements that you have gathered on Earth. He simply wants to know if you have been faithful to him in completing your purpose.

Anointed For Greatness

The focus word for today is ‘Anointed For Greatness’.
The focus verse for today is Psalm 23:5 says, “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
The declaration for today is ‘The anointing of greatness rests on me today; I overflow with favor and influence.’
True Greatness Begins With God’s Anointing                
 Biblical greatness does not begin with human ambition or striving to become prominent; it begins with the divine anointing of God. David did not anoint himself; God chose him and poured oil on his head through the prophet Samuel. The emphasis is entirely on God: "You anoint my head". The anointing is not meant to make someone a celebrity; it is divine enablement empowering an individual to fulfill God’s specific purpose. Like an ink pen that cannot write until it is filled with ink, a person remains an ordinary vessel until the Spirit of the Lord flows through them to make them effective for His kingdom.                                                                        
1 Samuel 10:6 says, ‘The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.’                    
Judges 14:6 says, ‘The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands.’
Luke 4:18 says, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.’

The Anointing Changes Your Capacity.
When the anointing touches your life, it expands your abilities beyond natural limitations. David declared, “My cup overflows”. The image is not merely a cup filled to the brim, but a vessel continuously receiving so much that it spills over. The anointing does not make human effort unnecessary; rather, it makes human effort supernaturally effective. Just as an amplifier takes a small voice from a microphone and fills an entire stadium, the Holy Spirit takes our limited capacity and magnifies it to reach far beyond our natural scope.    
Micah 3:8 says, ‘But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might.’
Acts 10:38 says, ‘How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.’
 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, ‘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.’
The Anointing Is Given For Service                                      
 The anointing is never given as a spiritual ornament or personal decoration; it is empowerment for an assignment. Jesus directly connected His anointing to His mission of preaching good news, binding up the brokenhearted, delivering captives, and setting prisoners free. If the anointing increases in your life, your service must also increase. God’s empowerment is always tied to meeting the needs of people. Faith should not rest on human wisdom or eloquence, but on the power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit.                  Isaiah 61:1 says, ‘The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives.’                                        
Acts 4:33 says, ‘With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.’
1 Corinthians 2:5 says, ‘So that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.’

Overflow Means What God Gives You Reaches Others.      
An overflowing cup is not intended to waste God’s blessings; it is designed to reach the people around you. God fills your cup so that His goodness can spill over into the lives of others, like a sprinkler distributing water to refresh everything within its radius. True greatness is not measured by how many people serve you, but by how many people you serve through what God has placed upon your life. God anointed David while he was still a shepherd boy, preparing his character before expanding his platform and influence. Never pursue greatness without pursuing God; seek His presence, His Spirit, and His purpose, and let the anointing that lifts you be used to lift others.                                                             John 7:38 says, ‘Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’            
Acts 9:36 says, ‘In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.’    
2 Corinthians 8:7 says, ‘But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.’

From Ashes to Honour

Focus Verse: Psalms 113.7-8: “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people.”

Declaration: God Turns My Pain Into Promotion; My Season of  Honour Has Arrived

4 points to contemplate

God Meets Us In The Ash Heap:
             Throughout Scripture, sackcloth and ashes served as profound, outward symbols of absolute grief, ruin, and humiliation.  When individuals face catastrophic loss or deep spiritual brokenness, they cast aside comfort to signal their mourning by covering themselves in ashes and wearing sackcloth.
Have any of you sat in heaps of ash or worn sackcloth? It was a deeply uncomfortable piece of clothing - the body itched due to its abrasiveness. Some people even poured loose soil over them as an act of lamentation.
The life of Job epitomizes this extreme desolation. After losing his home, his children, his wealth, and health, he was brought to the absolute lowest point of human suffering.

In Job 2:8, the bible records, “ And he took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself as he sat among the ashes”.
People did this to show those around them that they were in mourning.
In Psalms 113,  there is a beautiful description of how God reaches into this ash heap and lifts you out of it!  He does this to cleanse and renew us, trading our heavy garments of grief for festive clothes of celebration, joy, and peace. He places us back into a community of vibrant life, dancing and praise. What a beautiful picture! No matter how overwhelmed, depressed, oppressed, suppressed or broken you feel - even if you are fighting dark, suicidal thoughts - the Holy Spirit speaks truth and hope into your life today. Scripture assures us that Jesus descends into our absolute lowest moments. Whenever we feel heavily burdened, Jesus meets us right where we are to carry us through.
Psalms 34:18 says: - The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
An orphan spirit traps you in fear, but Jesus reaches into the deepest pit to pull you out and call you His own.
Isaiah 43.2 says: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze
Even when you feel overwhelmed by deep waters, remember that God is right beside you. When you walk through fiery trials, you will not be consumed because He walks with you. Just as He was the fourth Man in the fire with the Hebrew boys in the Book of Daniel, He is actively present in your deepest struggles. Look at Peter in the gospels - when he attempted to walk on water toward Jesus and stumbled in fear, did the Lord condemn him for his small faith? No, Jesus immediately reached out a helping hand, lifted him, and ultimately trusted him with a new ministry. If he did it for them, believe that the same God will reach down today and lift you out of the miry clay.
Scripture Reference: Nahum 1:7-The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

Your lowest place is not beneath God’s reach

When massive earthquakes strike, survivors often find themselves trapped deep beneath the heavy, dark rubble. To the human eye,all hope seems lost. Yet, rescue teams arrive with specialized, highly sensitive technology designed to detect the feeblest heartbeat buried under the debris. In the same way, the Lord reaches into the deepest ruins of your life.
I am speaking this over you prophetically today: there’s someone reading this who feels like they have reached the end of their tether. You might feel like you are standing at the point of no return, staring at a definitive full stop. But the Holy Spirit is moving right now to turn that full stop into a semicolon - a hyphen - shifting your story to open up the next glorious phase of your life.  Right where you are, in the middle of your darkest moment, He is actively looking for you. You do not need to pull yourself out. Just call out the name of Jesus, and He will answer. God doesn’t abandon you in the ruins, he comes looking for you in the ruins.
He is your Redeemer; He is your Saviour. Your story is not over.


Your Present Condition Is Not Your Final Position:

As Psalms 113 beautifully reminds us, there is a powerful divine movement at work: “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes..
God sees beyond your present condition. Yet, so many of you remain trapped in your past. You find yourself constantly looking backward - replaying the hurts of your teenage years, the hardships that followed marriage, the trials of raising children, or the endless friction with in-laws and neighbours. It seems like a never-ending litany of past suffering. By focusing entirely on yesterday’s pain, you miss the grace of your present moment and the bright hope of what lies ahead.

To everyone carrying this heavy burden, the Lord gives this reassurance: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End”.
We do not need to groan, grumble, or worry about how the pieces will come together. Gently let go of the past, remain still in HIs presence, and allow Him to carry you into the future He has already prepared. As Psalm 55:22 says: Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.

When Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, society labelled her a “widow in mourning”. They expected her to conform to the script written for her by her circumstances - a script of perpetual grief & isolation. In many cultures throughout history, including our own traditions of the past, a widow’s life effectively ended with her husband’s; deemed unfit to live, she too would jump into the burning pyre of her husband and give up her life. Then there was a system where the woman had to wear only a white sari,  without ornaments, forced to live in a perpetual state of widowhood.  This was the society’s expectation.
But God does not consult society to write your future

What started in the ashes of loss, God destined for dignity, honour, and glory. Unlike human authors who write stories after the events take place, God scripted Ruth’s ultimate victory before she ever faced her deepest pain. He has done the same for you. Before you were formed in your mother’s womb, your triumphs were already recorded in His book. Ruth 4:13 says: So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife…
She went out to the fields just to gather leftovers for survival, but God had a greater inheritance in mind. By marrying the owner of the field, Ruth moved from gleaning the harvest to owning it - stepping into a divine lineage that would ultimately bring forth Jesus the Messiah.

Also refer to Scriptures:

Psalms 91.14 Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him
Psalms 73:24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
Job 42:10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.
Psalms 30:11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

Never put a full stop where God has put a comma. Do not judge your destiny by an unfinished chapter. This is not the end of your story. The Lord is yet to do great things in your life.

God Can Turn Pain Into Preparation:
God does not call the pain good but he can bring good even out of painful experiences. God does not ask us to enjoy suffering. Instead, He promises that no injury is ever wasted in His Hands.  He specializes in rewriting our darkest chapters into stories of triumph. Consider the evidence throughout Scripture:
Ruth- lost her husband in Moab, but her journey of grief led her straight to Bethlehem, positioning her directly in the royal lineage of the Messiah.
Job -intense suffering stripped away hollow theology and deepened his personal knowledge of God.
Peter - experienced a moral failure, but God used that brokenness to forge a humbler, wiser shepherd to lead the early church.
Scripture Reference:
Romans 5:3-5 teaches that suffering produces perseverance, character and a hope…
2 Corinthians 1:9 states that difficulties taught Paul deeper dependence upon God.
1 Peter 5:10- after a short time of suffering, God will restore, strengthen, and establish you.
Your pain is not wasted, to becomes a gain.
Pain in God’s hands becomes preparation for purpose.

When God Lifts You, Remember The Ash Heap:

In Today’s promise verse - it says God lifts the people who are in the ash heap and places them among the nobles to dine with them. Elevation should never make us forget where God found us.
God lifts us from the ash heap to sit with nobles.Never let where you are make you forget where you came from. Your elevation is meant to change your situation, not your heart. Let the memory of His mercy fuel your humility and compassion.

Scripture References:

             Deuteronomy 15:15 - Remember that you were once slaves
              in the land of Egypt and the Lord redeemed you…
Titus 3:3-5 - At one time we too were foolish, disobedient.      deceived, and enslaved…4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.
Luke 7:47 ... 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
Those who understand God’s profound forgiveness naturally live in love. People who remember their ashes handle honour differently. When elevated, they remember their humble beginnings - protecting them from arrogance and compelling them to publicly give glory to God.  Having survived deep adversity, they don’t look down on others; they look out for them with genuine compassion and empathy.
Having survived seasons of hardship, mental anguish, and financial lack, I am now blessed with the patience to listen, pray, and stand beside those who are hurting today. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, the comfort God gives us in our darkest hours is meant to be shared with others in theirs. Your struggles are not in vain; they are a training ground. God can turn your mess into a powerful message, and your pain into a meaningful ministry.  
Never allow your new seat to erase the memory of your old season.

Let’s pray!

WALK UNDER GOD’S HAND

FOCUS WORD:  GOD’S HAND UPON ME

FOCUS VERSE:  Ezekiel 37: 1 - The hand of the Lord was upon me; and He brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord.

DECLARATION:  God’s mighty hand lifts and leads me today; His touch brings resurrection power.

God’s hand gives direction:  It is God’s desire to direct us according to His will and purpose.  Ezekiel did not desire to go into the valley.  God took him there.  Sometimes God takes us to places we would never want to go because there is an assignment waiting for us there.  Ezekiel sees only a lot of dry bones in a burial pit; there is no prospect in this.  

Psalm 139: 9 and 10 - If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.
Ezra 7: 9 - For on the first day of the first month he began to go up from Babylonia, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, for the good hand of his God was on him.
Acts 11: 21 -  And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

God’s hand is upon us not only to bless us but to lead and guide us too.  If we seek His guidance in every area of our life, we will never lose our way.  Wherever He guides you, God has a purpose laid out for you.

God’s hand enables you to see possibilities even in impossible places:  Ezekiel was led into a valley of very dry bones.  Humanly speaking, it was a place with no hope at all.  

Jeremiah 32: 27 - “Behold, I am giving this city into the hands of the Chaldeans and into the hamd of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he shall capture it.
Romans 4: 17 - As it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations” - in the presence of the god in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
Mark 10: 27 - Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God.  For all things are possible with God.”

When God’s hand is upon you, that which seemed impossible becomes possible.  Dead situations are not necessarily finished situations.  God can make and create new situations.  Any situation in our life that looks formless, problematic or chaotic - give it into the hands of God and He will make it beautiful in His time.  God sees possibilities where we can only see impossibilities.

God’s hand empowers your words:  This means that the Holy Spirit or the power of God comes upon us.  God could have spoken directly to the dry bones.  These bones could have been an army that had been killed long ago and God wanted to bring them back to life, back to a strong and powerful fighting army.  There could be situations in your life that have been dead and dry for decades and God wants to bring them back to life.  God instructed Ezekiel to prophesy to the dry bones.  He wants the participation of His children in certain incidences.  Ezekiel spoke but God supplied the power.  Bones came together, flesh, muscles and sinews formed on them and life started to flow into each body and when they received the breath of the Holy Spirit, they rose up as a vast army.  In that period, the Israelites had fallen to evil ways, they were scattered as a diaspora and living in exile.  This was a prophecy over the scattered people, bringing them together and forming them into a vast and powerful army.  

Isaiah 55: 11 - So shall My word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
Jeremiah 23: 29 - Is not My word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?
Acts 4: 33 - And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.

Our words’ spiritual effectiveness is evident when they are aligned with God’s word and empowered by His Spirit.  Our authority is not in ourselves, it comes from our relationship with God.

God’s hand turns hopeless valleys into armies:  Ezekiel was led into a valley of dry bones and eventually saw a vast army rising up.  

Ezekiel 37: 10 - So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.

The route is - dry bones, bodies, breath, army.  God’s hand did not merely bring about a change in the situation but completely transformed it.

Psalm 40: 2 - He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
Isaiah 61: 3 - To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour, and the day of vengeance of our god; to comfort all who mourn.
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,............

God can take a dry, scattered and hopeless situation and make it profitable again.  Families that are scattered will come together as Jacob and Esau did.  God can bring order, life, purpose and beauty into every hopeless and problematic situation.


GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

HEAVENLY PERSPECTIVE

FOCUS VERSE: Colossians 3: 2 - Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

DECLARATION:  My thoughts are lifted higher; I see life through heaven’s perspective and purpose.

Your perspective determines your response:  Paul teaches us to set or focus our minds on things above or that which is heavenly.  A rider can control his horse only with a bridle.  Two people may face the same situation and yet respond in totally different ways.  Eg: Two widows - one angry, rebellious at her sorry situation while the other leans onGod for comfort and sustenance.

Numbers 14: 8 and 9 - If the Lord delights in us, He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey.  Only do not rebel against the Lord.  And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread of us.  The Lord is with us; do not fear them.
Romans 8: 31 - What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?
Psalm 73: 17 - Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.

The psalmist Asaph was dejected and utterly in despair with the people of Israel and had a lot to complain about.  But when he entered the sanctuary of God, his whole attitude took an about turn as he was influenced by the magnificent presence of God.  He immediately became repentant and his whole demeanor was transformed by letting go of earthly realities and accepting heaven’s perspective.  Looking toward God and speaking in faith takes you to greater realities.  When we are unwell we need not deny our illness, but should speak in faith of a God who is greater than your ailment and One who can heal.

Look at what is happening in the unseen realms:  The Prophet Elisha’s servant saw the army of the enemy surrounding them and panicked.

2 Kings 6: 17 - Then Elisha prayed and said, “Oh Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.”
Hebrews 1: 14 - Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
Romans 8: 26 - Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  For we do not know what to pray for as we ought,but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Never interpret your life by what only the natural eyes perceive.

Measure life by eternity:  Always live for the eternal; measure your like in the standards of God’s eternity.   You can either think on earthly terms - ‘what and how much can I achieve?’ - or in the heavenly perspective - ‘what will matter eternally?’  Moses chose suffering alongside God’s people than the temporary pleasures because he was looking ahead to his eternal reward.

Hebrews 11: 26 - He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
Matthew 6: 20 - But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
2 Peter 3: 11 - Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,.............

A heavenly perspective always rearranges our priorities.  Some things that take prominence today will have no value in eternity.  Our life is a short trip and the minimum is necessary.  Eternity should determine what we carry and what we leave behind.

Bring heaven’s values to earthly life:  Setting our minds above does not mean escaping our responsibilities on earth.  Some people are so heavenly-minded that they are not of much use on earth.  Instead they should live on this earth as people of good quality - in character, prayer life, ministry, etc.  

Colossians 3: 12 and 17 - Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,............And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, given thanks to God the Father through Him.
Romans 12: 2 - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Our heavenly perspective should transform our earthly habitation.


GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Step Into God's Plan

The focus word for today is ‘Promotion & Purpose’. This is the month of supernatural elevation. God can pull you up from any dire situation and when he does that, know that there is always a purpose and reason behind it.

The focus verse for today is Esther 8:15 says, ‘When Mordecai left the king’s presence, he was wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration.’

Today’s declaration is ‘My promotion serves God’s purpose; I use every position for his kingdom's influence.’

Promotion Is Often Preparation For An Assignment

Setting context for the book of Esther. Esther was brought up by her uncle, Mordecai who also looked out for her while she was in the King’s palace. Moredecai’s story and status changed dramatically through the story. His story changed from sitting at the King’s gate, to leaving the King’s presence wearing royal garments. The reason for this is another character Haman who hated the children of God. Haman plotted to kill Moredecai and hurt the children of God. He devised a plot and this plot was revealed to the King by Esther which led to the fall of Haman. Moreover, before this incident took place Moredecai warned the King and saved his life from a life threatening incident which was revealed to the King while reading Chronicles.

It should be emphasised that Haman prepared a trap for Mordecai to hang him. It was prepared and erected, but God is faithful, he will never leave us nor forsake us. God brought a twist to Mordecai’s future in an instant. In fact, as the story progresses, when the King asked Haman what should be rewarded to a man who pleases and honours the King. Haman assumed the King was referring to him. He told the King everything he dreamt of and desired of, to adorning him with royal garments and praising him all through the town. Hearing this, the King asked all of this to be prepared by Haman for Mordecai, the very man he plotted to kill.

Mordecai’s promotion was beyond his status or praises, God had a clear vision and purpose behind Mordecai’s elevation. If God elevates your life, your status, know that he has a clear purpose for you. At the time of Moredcai’s elevation, the Jewish people were also going through a crisis. There was widespread anti-semitism in the land and there was a plot to kill and eliminate them. God elevated Mordecai to ensure that his people were saved. God’s promotion often comes attached to assignments.

Esther 4:14 says, ‘ For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

At the same time, while Mordecai’s fate changed, Esther’s also changed. Esther rises to take the position of Queen Vashti. Both Mordecai and Esther’s elevation came with an assignment and purpose which was to save God’s people.

Genesis 50:20 says, ‘ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.’

Acts 13:36 says, ‘“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.’

Often when we go through uncertain situations in life, we ask ‘God where are you taking me?’ instead our question should be ‘God why are you taking me there?’.

When a crane lifts something up, it’s not lifted up to be thrown down or put down, but it’s lifted up to be placed in a higher position and there is a reason for that. God’s elevation always has a destination and a purpose.

Your Position Gives You Access

Before Mordecai experienced elevation in his life, he was a man of limited influence. He was a man who prayed and hoped well for the Jewish people. However, when he rose in position, he received the King’s authority and access to a decree that protected the Jewish people. He had the influence to hold this decree, use the signatory ring of the King and circulate this decree protecting the Jewish people all over the kingdom. Hence position creates access and access creates opportunities to influence decisions.

Nehemiah 2:4-5 says, ‘ 4 The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”’

God used Nehemiah to rebuild the Jerusalem wall, a man who was several miles and miles away from Jerusalem. But sitting there Nehemiah was able to gather resources from the King. It was his position that granted him direct access to the King.

Genesis 45:8 says, ‘ “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.’
This was the case of Joseph who was hated by his brothers but God turned the situation around.
 
Proverbs 29:2 says, ‘When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.’

Never underestimate the doors attached to the position God gives you. When God raises you to a position, you are made into a key where only you can open certain doors. Influence is not merely about how much power you possess, but about what doors God allows you to enter.

Promotion Should Increase Your Contribution

When Mordecai was elevated, the result was not merely that he became happier.

Esther 8:16 says, ‘For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.’

The king elevated the position of one man and one woman, but this resulted in the happiness and joy of an entire community. His elevation became their blessing. This is one of the greatest tests of promotion - are more people blessed because God elevated me?

Galatians 5:13 says, ‘You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.’

2 Corinthians 1:4 says, ‘ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.’

God comforts us so that we can comfort others in distress.

1 Timothy 6:18 says, ‘Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.’

Promotion is not an invitation to consume more but an opportunity to give more to others. When God increases our supply, our resources, elevates our position it’s an opportunity for us to give more and be more useful for others. The evidence of true elevation is an enlarged contribution.

Promotion Should Make God’s Purpose More Visible

Mordecai received royal garments, a crown and authority from the King. When God blesses you, several things become visible. But the real victory is not Moredcai’s crown, it was deliverance of God’s people. It was not the crown that takes the center stage in this context but it’s the influence it brought. The purpose was greater than the position.

Isaiah 61:3 says, ‘and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.’

John 17:4 says, ‘ I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.’

1 Corinthians 12:7 says, ‘Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.’

Have you ever seen a fruit bearing tree consume its own fruit? Of course, not, because these fruits are for others around it to enjoy.
Your title and position in this world are temporary, including your platform. But God’s purpose is eternal. When you see a building rise and the scaffolding getting taller, it's not for the benefit of the scaffolding itself, but for the benefit of the building. In essence your elevation is not for your benefit alone, but for the benefit of others around you.

Crowned with Glory

Focus Word: Crowned with Glory.
Focus Verse : Psalm 8: 5 - "You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor"

Declaration:  I am crowned with divine glory & honor; The presence of God dignifies my life.

4 Points to contemplate:

God Has Given Human Life Dignity
David looks at the enormous universe and asks in Psalm 8:24, “ What is man that you are mindful of him?”
Yet humanity is not insignificant to God.  In God’s eyes, we are honored.  We are created in His image and entrusted with rulership over this world -
Genesis 1:27: "So God created mankind in his own image…". Genesis 9:6 states that human life is precious …for in the image of God has God made mankind.
The Book of Acts 17:28 states: "For in him we live and move and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring."
Human life bears the very image of God. Our worthiness is not defined by public opinion or titles behind our name. Our dignity resides solely in our Creator.  We can illustrate this through art:  When looking at a complex canvas, an observer might see nothing but streaks of paint that look confusing. Yet, if they discover that the piece was crafted by Michelangelo or Rembrandt, the painting’s value is instantly redefined.  God looks at us & sees His own handiwork - a priceless creation reflecting His glory.

Your value is connected to your maker.

Glory Is Something We Receive, And Not Manufacture.
We don’t have to manufacture or advertise our greatness; Who we
are or our greatness & glory is never advertised.  It is present  
without making a noise.
 In Psalm 3:3, David states, -"But you, Lord, are a shield around
me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high."
 Romans 8:30 states- "And those he predestined, he also called;
those he called, he also justified;...
In 1 Samuel 2:30, God declares…Those who honor me I will honor,
but those who despise me will be disdained.
Divine gifts are completely free & cannot be manufactured or earned through human effort. Their true value comes entirely from the authority of the Giver. Consider a trophy: if you simply buy one from the shop to display at home, it carries no real meaning. It is worthless. However, if that same trophy or award is presented to you by the Prime Minister, President, or the Chief Minister, it holds immense honor. In the same way, the blessings we receive from God hold ultimate worth because He bestows them on us.

Let God be the one who honors you.

Jesus Restores Humanity To Its Intended Glory
Jesus is bringing us back to what God originally intended for us. Hebrews 2:9 states -But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
Sin damaged humanity’s original calling when Adam & Eve were created. When this was lost, Christ came as the perfect example of what it means to be human. In Him, our destiny is being restored.
Hebrews 2:10 tells us that Jesus brings many sons & daughters to glory.
Colossians 1:27 tells us… Christ in you, the hope of glory.
 2 Thessalonians 2:14 states “You are called so that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ”.  
What does this mean? Ultimately, it means becoming just like Him- reflecting His character, love, and righteousness, because as He is, so are we in this world.
To understand this restoration, think of ancient kings who used metal seals engraved with letters or emblems to mark their authority.  Over time, these seals could become scratched,worn down or damaged. Instead of discarding them, the king would have them carefully repaired and restored to their original perfect state. In the same way, we were damaged by sin, losing the perfect reflection of our Creator. But Christ, our Redeemer, steps in to repair what was broken. He restores us to the beautiful image of God we were always meant to carry.

Carry God’s Glory With Responsibility
Psalm 8:6 says “ you made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet”.  
Every divine calling comes with a crown of authority & responsibility.  God entrusts us with influence, skills, and resources to manage as faithful stewards for His greater purpose. Let’s look at some scriptures now:
Romans 8:19 “ For the creation waits with eager expection for the children of God to be revealed”.
When God first created Adam, He establisehd him as the ruler of the entire earth, equipping him with absolute perfection, power, grace and wisdom. Today, that same creation eagerly anticipates the unfolding revelation of God’s children as people receive Christ as their Saviour.  As believers, we must cast off  our old selves and live fully as a new creation. This requires boldness & faith.  While some might hesitate when asked where they worship, we should have the courage & faith to declare we worship at Blessing Today International Church. However, walking in this divine identity is about duty, not pride.
 As scripture reminds us, “ But we have this treasure in Jars of clay, to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us”  (2 Corinthians 4:7) .
God does not give us His glory simply for our personal enjoyment; He entrusts it to us to carry with deep awareness and responsibility. Wearing a crown might bring a sense of royal pleasure,but a crown is not an invitation to sit idly on a throne, eating & drinking, indulging in comfort & pride.  It is a call to step up and take responsibility for the entire kingdom.

Let’s pray!

JOY OF ELEVATION

FOCUS WORD:  JOY OF ELEVATION

FOCUS VERSE:  Psalm 92: 4 - You make me glad by Your deed, Oh Lord: I sing for joy at what your hands have done.

DECLARATION:  Joy erupts in my heart today; I celebrate the mighty works of God in my life.

Recognise what God has done:  The Psalmist rejoiced when he discerned that God was on his side working for him.  Most times we are focussed on the prayers not answered that we forget to count the blessings God has already given us. Always be joyful at the work of God.

Psalm 126: 3 - The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.
Deuteronomy 8: 2 - And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that He might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.
1 Samuel 7: 12 - Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.”

God led His people through the centuries protecting and providing for their needs.  We need to retrospect on our past to thank God for His goodness and mercy.  He is Ebenezer!  Remembering yesterday’s faithfulness gives us joy for today’s journey.  

Celebrate every step of elevation:  We always wait to celebrate till something magnificent happens in our lives.  God desires that we recognise His goodness in everything in our life’s journey.  Israel celebrated God’s goodness with feasts.  In the parable of the ‘Prodigal Son’, the father celebrated when the lost son came back home.  The father accepted him as he was.  The shepherd celebrated when the lost sheep was found.  

Luke 15: 6 - And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.”
Philippians 4: 4 - Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
Zephaniah 3: 17 - The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty One who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.

Do not be so ambitious for the next level that you forget the level that God has already brought you to.  You need to have a ‘landing space’ in your life - to pause and thank God for His benevolence.

Let elevation increase your gratitude not your pride:  Success can produce two responses - ‘look what I have achieved’ OR ‘look what the Lord has done’.  When God elevates us, gratitude protects us from pride.  The ability to produce wealth ultimately comes from God.

Deuteronomy 8: 18 - You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
1 Chronicles 29: 12 - Both riches and honour come fromYou, and You rule over all.  In Your hand are power and might, and in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.
1 Corinthians 1: 31 - So that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

If you need to boast, boast in the Lord and His goodness.  The higher God takes you, the louder your gratitude should become.  Always have a song of praise in your mouth.

Your joy should become a testimony:  God’s goodness should not remain a private experience, it should be turned into a public raise.  When Philip preached in Samaria, there was great joy in the city.  

Psalm 40: 3 - He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 107: 2 - Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from trouble………….

Your testimony should influence others to Jesus.  

Luke 10: 17 - The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!”

The twelve disciples returned with joy at the works of His hands - God’s work in you can awaken faith in others.  


GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

STAY FAITHFUL AND RISE

FOCUS WORD:  ELEVATION BY FAITHFULNESS

FOCUS VERSE: Matthew 25: 21 - You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many.

DECLARATION:  Faithfulness in small places positions me for supernatural promotion today.

God tests us with a little before entrusting much:  The Kingdom principle is different from that of the world.  God looks to see whether we are managing well the little that he has given us.  It is God’s training before giving us larger playing grounds.  

Zechariah 4: 10 -
 
The Prophet Elijah prayed for rain and his disciple went out and looked six times into the sky.  No sign of rain.  But on the seventh round, he could see a cloud the size of a man’s hand.  

Proverbs 27: 18 -

We are not to despise small beginnings.  

1 Corinthians 4: 2 -
We need to prove ourselves faithful with whatever we have been given, however little it may seem.

Be faithful even when no one notices:  Man may not see what you are doing but God always watches over you.  Joseph was the supervisor in Potiphar’s house, watching over the whole household.  He was diligent and hard-working and faithful to his master.  Even in the prison he was faithful to the duties he had been entrusted with.  This was his training ground for greater things.  

Genesis 39: 4, 22 and 23 -

Always be faithful in your responsibilities because this will be a stepping stone to promotion.

Psalm 105: 21 -

Joseph did not wait to reach the palace to excel in his duties but started out in the prison itself.  What you adhere to in obscurity prepares you for public acclaim.

Faithfulness means staying consistent:  Faithfulness is doing everything responsibly again and again, not just once or when we have the inclination.  In the book of Ruth, she gleans from morning till night.  She was hard-working and finally became bride to Boaz because he was impressed with her faithful nature.  

2 Timothy 4: 2 -
Daniel 6: 10 -

Daniel was faithful to his God even in a foreign land.  He kept on with his devotion to God and prayed three times a day looking towards Jerusalem.  Greatness is often built through acts of obedience repeated faithfully.  Reliability creates trust.  We need to be always faithful in our duties and responsibilities not seeking to be people-pleasers but to please God.

God’s promotion brings greater responsibility:  The faithful servant pleased the master and he was given greater responsibility; this is promotion.  

Genesis 41: 40 -
Nehemiah 15: 14 and 15 -
1 Peter 4: 10 -

A faithful steward seeks integrity not exploitation.  The higher God takes us the more we should be able to bless people.  Today’s small assignment may be tomorrow's great opportunity and qualification.  Be faithful with the few things in your hand today and allow God to decide when you are ready for the big things.


GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Exalted By Humility

This is the month of Supernatural Elevation.

The focus word for today is ‘Exalted By Humility’.

The focus verse for today is Matthew 18:4 says, ‘Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’

The declaration for today is ‘Humility is the path to greatness. I rise because I bow before the Lord.’

In God’s Kingdom, The Way Up Is Down

The way up the stairs is by walking from down to up. And that is the worldly principle, the only way to go up, is to climb up from down. However, that is not the way in the kingdom of heaven.

The disciples asked Jesus, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’. Jesus called a child from among them, and he said the greatest in the kingdom of heaven is one that has faith and humbles themselves like a child. The world expects us to promote ourselves, prove ourselves and do things that will elevate the self. But God says, humble yourselves.

Luke 14:11 says, ‘ For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”’

Proverbs 18:12 says, ‘Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.’

Matthew 23:12 says, ‘For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

Kingdom elevation follows kingdom humility. Take for instance a bow and arrow. When a person bends the bow and pulls the arrow back, the bow curves and loses its original shape. This is how humbled we must be in our lives in order to experience true elevation. Sometimes what feels like bending is preparation for elevation. In that period of waiting, humble yourselves before God. Spend time in prayer and worship, bend your knee and pray and submit your lives to the Almighty.

Humility Is Not Thinking Less Of Yourself

Biblical humility is not an inferiority complex. Humility is not thinking less of ourselves. A child in Jesus' illustration had little social status, but he placed the child in the centre. Biblical humility means not having the need to prove ourselves before others. We are secure in our relationship with God and are fully aware of where we stand with God.

Romans 12:3 says, ‘For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.’

Philippians 2:3 says, ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,’

Numbers 12:3 says, ‘ Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.’

Moses held the highest position among Israelites, however, despite this, he was called the most humble man on Earth.

Humility is not denial of value but it's refusing to exaggerate your importance. Wherever God has placed, it has its own position and value and we should stop ourselves from comparisons.

Humility Makes Us Teachable

A humble spirit makes us teachable, it makes us absorb advice, it makes us listen and better ourselves. Many people in this world are not teachable. Children naturally ask questions, which means they are teachable, they want to know more, they want to learn. But as they grow up they start asking less questions, they start believing that they know everything. They become less teachable. Children are willing to learn because they know that they do not know everything.

One of the greatest signs of humility is teachability. The moment we think nobody can tell us anything, growth begins to stop.

Proverbs 11:2 says, ‘When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.’

Proverbs 19:20 says, ‘Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.’

Psalms 25:9 says, ‘He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.’

The humble keeps learning, therefore the humble keeps growing.

When a phone does not have the latest update and if it is not constantly updated, then after some time it becomes obsolete and outdated. Often the data gets scattered and becomes unusable. A person who refuses correction eventually stops developing. My advice is: stay teachable, stay humble.

God Can Safely Elevate The Humble

Elevation is dangerous when a character cannot carry it. Sometimes when people experience success and they grow, pride seeps into their character. For such people, God holds us back until he can be sure that we will not be boastful.

King Saul became insecure when people praised David. When this happened jealousy seeped in, anger followed. John the Baptist's ministry started before Jesus’. During this time soon after John the Baptist’s ministry, Jesus’ ministry took over. Instead of being jealous, John the Baptist said ‘He must become greater and I must become less’. John the Baptist knew that his purpose was to show the way to Jesus. He was the waymaker and Jesus was the way.

John 3:30 says, ‘“He must become greater; I must become less.”’

Isaiah 57:15 says, ‘For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.’

1 Peter 5:6 says, ‘Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.’

New Dimensions

Focus Word: New Dimensions
Focus Verse: Revelation 4: 1 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this
Declaration: The Spirit calls me higher today; I enter new dimensions of revelation and authority.
4 points to contemplate
Every New Dimension Begins with God’s Invitation
Apostle John, in the Book of Revelation, did not force his way through heaven’s doors; he was invited by the Lord. True spiritual invitation always begins with God’s call. We must recognize a fundamental truth: spiritual elevation comes solely through divine invitation, never through human intervention. Every new season in our lives demands a fresh response to His voice. Take our seasons here in Kerala, for example. While other parts of India enjoy a variety of seasons, our experience is defined primarily by two: the powerful monsoon, marked by its unforgettable, destructive rains and floods, and the blazing summer. In the same way, the seasons of our spiritual life are shaped by God's sovereign call.
Most seasons on earth experience 4 seasons: spring, summer, autumn & winter. But in the Spirit realm, seasons don’t change automatically.
Spiritual shifts require your cooperation. Before God transitions you into a new season, He speaks. Your response to His voice is critical. Look at the life of the Apostle John, while exiled on the island of Patmos, he hears a voice from heaven inviting him to “come up here”
John had a choice; he could have said:
“I don’t really feel like it right now”
“I’ve been through too much; I just want to stay here”
            If John had chosen comfort over God’s command, he would have missed his season.  Our seasons change when our response to God changes. Consider a simple parallel: When I ask you to share a comment in the chat box, those who respond engage in a simple act of participation & connection, while others may choose to ignore. Similarly, stepping into a new season requires more than hearing God’s voice - it demands that we intentionally connect with it through a simple act of obedience. Scripture reference:  John 10: 27  - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
Jesus says He is the Good Shepherd, and those who know Him hear His voice (invitation) and follow Him into the next dimension - Isn’t that wonderful!  Now, this happens only to those who hear and respond to His call.
Scripture reference: Isaiah 55:3 -   Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David
Hebrews 3: 15   - Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.
Higher Vision Requires A Higher Perspective:
When John was caught up to heaven from Patmos, he witnessed realities completely invisible from the earth. Surrounded by a harsh atmosphere on the ground, his entire perspective shifted the moment he was lifted into the heavenly realm.  The same transformation happens to us when we draw closer to God. Because He occupies the highest place, we are called to rise up to Him. Problems that look overwhelming from the ground look entirely different from a heavenly viewpoint.
Consider a rocket launch: as you ascend, the earth, which once felt overwhelmingly massive, begins to shrink until it is no larger than a football. In the same way, when we view life from a spiritual realm, the heavy burdens of this world - from political turmoil to inflation- lose their power and become insignificant. That is why, in Isaiah 55- 5-9, God says - Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you…
Scripture Reference: Ephesians 1:18 - I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you…
True revelation begins the moment we look at life through God’s lens. When you stand on a chaotic, crowded street in a busy city in Thailand or Turkey, all you see is the immediate stress- bumper-to-bumper traffic, overwhelming crowds, and noise. You cannot see beyond people’s heads. But everything changes when you step into a watch tower or a revolving restaurant. Looking down from the Eiffel Tower, the very chaos that stressed you on the ground suddenly becomes a beautiful masterpiece! The buildings look like tiny matchboxes, and your view expands, and you go Wow! This is the power of a higher perspective.  When you lift your vision to match God’s viewpoint, the overwhelming chaos of our daily lives becomes insignificant.
New Dimensions Demand Deeper Worship:
John’s first experience in heaven was not activity, but worship. He sees the 4 living creatures, the 24 elders, and countless angels worshipping God. This shows us that worship supersedes any activity. In the Book of Revelation, you will read about the revelation John received only from the 6th chapter onwards. Until then, in the preceding chapters, you read mostly about worship. This suggests a profound spiritual principle: before we can handle the weight of divine revelation, we must first be anchored in deep, uncompromised worship.
Revelation always flows from relationship; Authority flows from worship.
Scripture Reference:  Revelation 4: 10-11 - the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne….
Psalm 95:6 - O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker
John 4: 23 - Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth…
The deeper our walk with God, the more Christ moves to the centre of everything.  Just as the sun sits fixed at the heart of a solar system while the planets revolve around it. When Christ becomes our focal point, every detail in our life naturally begins to revolve around Him.
Every Higher Level Brings Greater Responsibility:
Apostle John did not receive heavenly revelation for personal blessings. He received that revelation so that he could faithfully communicate God’s message to the body of Christ - which is the church.
God does not elevate people simply to increase their status; rather, He does so to enable them to take on greater responsibilities.  
             God elevates his servants to increase their usefulness.
        Scripture Reference: Luke 12:48 – From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded…
Amos : 3:7 – Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan
  to his servants the prophets.
Matthew 5:14 – You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Let’s pray!

GRACE IS TAKING YOU HIGHER

TITLE:  GRACE IS TAKING YOU HIGHER

FOCUS WORD:  PROMOTION BY GRACE

FOCUS VERSE:  1 Corinthians 15: 10 - By the grace of God I am what I am.

DECLARATION:  Grace promotes me today; my effort is multiplied by God’s favour and faithfulness.

Grace changes our identity before it changes our position:  Paul’s life is a great testimony to the transforming grace that worked in his life.  Saul, who once persecuted the followers of Christ was transformed to Paul who became passionate about Christ and the preaching of His Gospel.  He became the greatest missionary.  The grace of God can transform you completely - your thoughts, your character, meditation, future visions.

2 Corinthians 5: 17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
Ephesians 2: 8 - 10 - For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

We have been saved by grace.  Lasting promotion begins with inward transformation.  

Grace does not eliminate hard work but empowers it:  Paul says that he has worked extremely hard and it was the grace working in him.  Grace is not an excuse for laziness; now is the time to work hard for His Kingdom.  People around the world strive to get salvation through pilgrimages, self-affliction, arduous journeys - but salvation is a FREE GIFT by the grace of God.  Because it has been given freely it does not mean that it is inexpensive or cheap, it only means that there is nothing we can do to achieve it.  

Philippians 2: 13 - For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
Colossians 1: 29 - For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works within me.
Hebrews 13: 21 - Equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.  Amen.  

Grace does not replace the works for His Kingdom, but works in the believers to transform ordinary effort into fruitful results.  

Grace qualifies those who feel unqualified:  Paul never forgot that at one time he had opposed Christ, yet the grace of God rewrote his story.  God is going to change our story too.  God delights in using unlikely people so that God receives all the credit and the glory.  

Exodus 4: 10 - 12 - But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since You have spoken to Your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.”  Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth?  Is it not I, the Lord?  Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”
Judges 6: 15 and 16 - And he said to Him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel?  Behold, my clan is the weakest inManasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”  And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.”

Grace specialises in turning weakness into usefulness.  

Promotion by grace always points back to God:  Paul never boasted in his achievements but boasted in the grace of God working in him.  When God promotes us others should see the grace of God working in us  rather than our greatness.  

Jeremiah 9: 23 and 24 - Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his reiches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth.  For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
 
Always be humble in your elevation.  Never boast but always be grateful that God has lifted you up at His appointed time.  The more He lifts you up the more you should embrace humility.

Psalms 115: 1 - Not to us, Oh Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and Your faithfulness!
James 4: 6 - As it is, you boast in your arrogance.  All such boasting is evil.

God always pours out grace on the humble.  The grace of God lifts us up so that pride may not rule over us.  Whatever God does in your life is for the glory of His Name.





GOD BLESS YOU ALL!