Tag: February

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I am not helpless.

But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14: 26

How many times have we paced through life, unsure of which direction to take, unsure of how our decision will play out in the future?

How many times have we been plagued by forgetfulness cannot remember the last this we said or did?


Sometimes we all need a little encouragement along the journey in John 16:7  the bible tells us “But here’s the truth: It’s to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away the Divine Encourager will not be released to you. But after I depart, I will send him to you.”

Jesus has not left us to fend for ourselves or go around aimlessly trying to figure out life. He gave us the Holy Spirit. In John 14 the bible tells us the Holy spirit is our friend, our unwavering confidant.

I challenge you to see the holy spirit as the companion that is readily available to guide you. The bible says you will hear a voice from behind saying this is the way walk in it. – Isaiah 30:12

Whether you are not sure of your next move in life, whatever crossroad you have reached remember – you are not helpless, you are not abandoned.

Today I choose to remember The Holy Spirit is my helper, enabler, the one who convicts of sin, reveals, and guides into all truth I need the Holy Spirit!

Let’s Pray

Holy Spirit, I need you to guide me. I thank you that you are constantly there.

Leading me and guiding me I am not alone I am not abandoned – in Jesus name – Amen

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Empowering of The Holy Spirit

By Tinika Rock

Now the angel who talked with me came back and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep. And he said to me, “What do you see?” So, I said, “I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.” So, I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?” Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” So, he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts. ‘Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”- Zechariah 4:1-7

Zechariah – “Yahweh”

We cannot accomplish much in our own strength and might but by the empowering spirit of the Lord, not even a mighty mountain will stand in the way!

As we continue the story of Zerubbabel, we can see that God’s spirit is upon them. Now that their spirits are stirred up, they are walking in the spirit of God. Although they were responsible for rebuilding the Lord’s temple it was not by their might or by their power but by the spirit of the Lord which was given to them.  Now that they had the strength and guidance from God, not even a mountain or obstacle could stand in the way of what God had planned for them. Proverbs 3:5 NLT

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

In all that we do we can ask for Gods holy spirit to be upon us. For example, when reading the word of God call onto him, ask him to renew your heart and your mind so that you may have a desire and an attitude to read and to take in the word of God. Pray and ask for wisdom and for the holy spirit to be upon you so that you can understand what God is saying. James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

Proverbs 2:6 NKJV For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Whose strength are you relying on today?

Today I choose to remember not to rely on my own strength but to ask God for his Holy Spirit and guidance.

Prayer

Dear heavenly father I Thank you for always being with me and loving me. Lord help me to seek you and not rely on my own strength but by the holy spirit.

In Jesus name, I pray

Amen

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A Renewed Desire to Serve the Lord

By Tinika Rock

“So, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God, “- Haggai 1:14

In this passage there was a call to rebuild God’s temple. The Lord gave a message through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel.

One of the challenges we may face in life is putting our own desires first. The prophet Haggai paints a picture of this challenge. The people became more concerned about their own desires and were working hard to rebuild their own houses whilst the temple of God was in ruins.

 In verse 5 – 8 we see that their ways were not beneficial, they were keeping a lot for themselves and even though they had sown much they didn’t realise that their bags had holes in them and whatever they had wasn’t enough. However, when they came to understand Gods command to get the wood and build the temple. God saw that they understood what he was saying and stirred their spirit up to start building the house.

We see that at the beginning our ways may be selfish but its only when we obey God, change our ways and seek him to renew our minds, he will stir up a new desire in us to serve him.

We must recognise that it is only by the holy spirit that gives us the ability and desire to do all what God asks of us. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 – ‘But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So, all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.’

As we read on to verse 13 – 14 God spoke to Haggai to encourage the people saying “I am with you” even though the people had turned away from God he was still there for them and encouraged them. God stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel and all the people that they would have the strength to be renewed and build Gods temple. Although we see that this message was for the people of Israel, we can relate this message to our lives.

What do we learn from this message?

  1. We learn that God requires our service and calls us to serve him
  2. God helps and encourages us to serve him
  3. The spirit of obedience and seeking God to stir up a renewed desire to serve him and build his temple

Today I choose to remember to put the Fathers desires first and not my own and to pray and ask the Lord to stir up a renewed desire to serve him

Prayer

Dear heavenly father I Thank you for always being with me and loving me even when I turn away from you. I thank you for forgiving me even when I turn away from you and put my own desires before yours.  Lord help me to be build your temple and not rely on my own power but by the strength of the holy spirit.

In Jesus name

Amen

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Seek God, Seek Righteousness, Seek Humility

By Tinika Rock

‘Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord ’s anger.’ – Zephaniah 2:3

In this verse we see a call to repentance. The result of repentance is forgiveness and true salvation. Romans 3:23 ‘for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

A well-known scripture that many people hold close to their hearts is John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ‘

God is loving even when we don’t deserve his love, he still loves us and sent his only son to save us, so that we could have everlasting life. God wants his children to seek him and his righteousness. This means that we must walk in his ways and guard our hearts and minds.

Sometimes it’s hard to resist temptation or even realise how certain friendships or relationships can influences a decision we make. Would you be able to notice how a conversation or certain programmes affect your thoughts?

The truth is sometimes it can be hard, and we can get distracted or may not notice. Which can potentially lead us down the wrong path.  Proverbs 13:20 reminds us that we must watch the company that we keep and surround ourselves with wise counsel.

We can guard our hearts by reading Gods word and clothing ourselves with the full armour of God.

Ephesians 6:10-13 ‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole Armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole Armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’

Today I choose to remember to seek God and his righteousness, I choose to surround myself with positive influences, guard my heart and seek Gods counsel when I feel tempted my flesh.

Prayer

God, I thank you for loving me and accepting me. Thank you for sending Jesus to die for me so that I will be cleansed and forgiven for my sins. Lord help me to do what is right and guide me in your ways.  I pray for your forgiveness and your mercy
In Jesus name, I pray Amen

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God is our Strength

By Tinika Rock

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. (For the choir director: This prayer is to be accompanied by stringed instruments.)”
 – Habakkuk 3:17-19

In our journey of living, we can sometimes find ourselves worrying about current situations. As we look at this passage, we are reminded that even though the situation around us may be difficult it is still possible to be faithful and trust God. We sometimes go through things and worry about our situations or feel trapped in the darkness, but God is saying he is our strength, and he is confident that we will overcome. Even when we face trials and tribulations, even when we get a promotion at work, even when things don’t seem to be changing or seem too hard like this current pandemic. We can still see a faithful God and give thanks for the small and big victories we achieve.

In this time let’s dedicate our focus on a God who does not change and who will never leave us nor forsake us. He is our strength in everything we go through. He is always there for us whether good or bad.

He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all things we could ever think or imagine. 

Romans 5:5 tells us that hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the holy spirit who was given to us.

So, let’s count it all joy when we fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience. Let us also come boldly to the throne of grace and let our requests be known to God. Pray and ask him for strength and guidance in situations. Nothing is too much or too hard for God. He cares for us and wants us to cast all our anxieties onto him.

So today I choose to remember even though the situation around us may be difficult, let us focus our attention on God who does not change and is our strength

II Corinthians 1:4 NKJV – “who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Deuteronomy 31 NJKV – “And the LORD, he is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

 Prayer

God thank you for loving me and showing your grace and mercy in every area of my life. Thank you for accepting me for who I am and guiding me along the right path.

Lord, I pray that even when things are difficult, help me to focus my attention on you and rejoice always.

In Jesus name, I pray,  Amen.

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God the promise keeper

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

In the books we looked at this week, from Hosea to Micah, we see that there is a recurring theme of people committing all manner of sin and forsaking God.

We also see that God gave these people a warning through prophecy, with instructions of what he is asking his people to do in order for them to be saved and restore their relationship with him. It’s not God’s desire to destroy his people, he wants us to live our best life and have a relationship with him.

In the previous podcasts we talked about how God desires to show mercy and forgive us, all we have to do is follow his instructions and humble ourselves before him.

To contextualise this a bit more, we can look at the relationship of a mother and her child. If your child is being disrespectful or causing all kinds of trouble, you as a loving and responsible parent, you’re not just going to sit back and watch. You want the best for your child, so you will warn them at first and if that doesn’t get through, you might let them learn from their mistakes and if needed you’ll discipline them.

Hebrew 12:6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves…

This is how God is with us, but God’s love and compassion for us is several-folds over than that of a mother for her child, if you can do anything for your child, imagine how much more God does for us!

Today I choose to remember that God loves me, he promises to keep his covenant with me and all I have to do is follow his instructions

Let’s pray: Thank you God for your word today, please help us to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to you and according to your word.

Thank you for listening. As always, please follow and share our podcast. For the notes visit pursing athentic.co.uk. Bye!

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God of restoration

By Belina Sithole

” In that day, I will restore David’s fallen shelter, I will repair its broken walls and restore its ruins, and will rebuild it as it used to be, so that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear my name”, declares the Lord, who will do these things. Amos 9:11

Amos chapter 9, starts off with Prophet Amos’ vision of how God will destroy Israel because they had broken their covenant with God.

In our society today, we might not be worshipping or offering sacrifices to wooden idols. However, when we put our value on material things, be it our cars, house, jobs etc. One could argue that we are probably living a similar lifestyle that the Israelites did.

If we barely prioritise or include God in our day to day activities but have time to be fully active on our social media from morning to night, I think we are enslaving ourselves.

The good news is, in the verse we just read, we see that there is hope of restoration for the Israelites. God is promising to repair and restore, the same is true for us. He will restore his relationship with us. In order to have a relationship with God, as with any relationship, we need to spend time with him, put God first.

So today I choose to remember that God is a God of restoration!

Prayer: God I thank you because you continue to pursue me, I will prioritise my relationship with you and put you first in all I do. Amen!

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God of grace, love and Mercy

By Belina Sithole

“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness: He relents from doing harm.” Joel 2:13

In the verse we just read, Joel 2:13, it says ‘rend your heart and not your garments.’  and verse 12 says ‘return to me with all your heart’.

My understanding from these verses is that for us to repent, we must do so whole heartedly and not try to do it for show or under false pretence. Sometimes when you offend someone, or do something wrong, it’s easy to apologise and not really mean it and if you’re good at it the other person might believe that you’re truly sorry. But we know that we cannot fool God.

God knows our hearts; he knows when we are really trying to live a life that is pleasing to him and when we are genuine about it.

The verse then goes on to say, ‘for he is a gracious and merciful God’. So, if we are genuine about changing our lifestyle, even when we fail, God willingly forgives us. Why, because we do not earn God’s forgiveness, no matter how good of a person you might be or how much work you put in, God forgives us because he is a gracious and merciful God who is slow to anger and of great kindness.

So today I choose to remember that I’m saved by God’s grace, his love and mercy are much greater than my sins.

Prayer: God I thank you for your grace and mercy, I pray that I continue to seek you with all my heart and remain faithful to you. Amen!

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God loves me unconditionally

By Belina Sithole

“Return, Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.” Hosea 14:1-2

The book of the Prophet Hosea talks about the relationship of God with the Israelites, how the Israelites rebelled against God.

They had turned away from God, worshiping wooden idols, living a life governed by their own desires and rejecting God’s word. They no longer had a relationship with God, living as if they didn’t know God.

God was so angry with the Israelites to the point of withdrawing himself away from them, and he wanted to punish them for their actions, but he didn’t. Why, because of his unconditional love! However, the Israelites still suffered the consequences of their actions.

So instead of punishing the Israelites for their unfaithfulness, God decided to pursue them, and the Israelites had to repent from their sins in order to restore the relationship they had with God.

The same is true for you and I, we are not perfect and we make mistakes but God still loves us and he delights in showing us mercy.

So today I choose to remember that God loves me unconditionally, he willingly forgives me even though I repeatedly continue to sin. 

Prayer: God I thank you because you continue to show me mercy when I don’t deserve it. You showed me unconditional love by giving up your only son to die for my sins. By his blood my sins were washed away making me new in Christ and restoring my relationship with you. Amen!