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This fall décor caught my attention because of the words inscribed on it. It is a reminder to keep a grateful heart. I really needed that reminder so I hung it on my door. Human wants and needs are simply unlimited. We will always have a need or want at every given time, hence the need to stay thankful at all times, so that we do not get caught in the web of dissatisfaction.

Lately, I’ve come to the conclusion that life is in cycles; that is there is an infinite cycle of needs to satisfy, goals to meet, obstacles to overcome, success to achieve and so on. The moment you achieve a success in an area, it opens the door for another goal that needs to be met. Likewise, there is always an obstacle to overcome. These processes of life can be overwhelming and can cause anxiety, comparison, and health complications in some cases. An antidote to this is the ability to keep a grateful heart.

How to keep a grateful heart

• Choose to remember: Remember the good things that God has done for you; be deliberate about it. The Psalmist said – Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.Ps.103:2NLT. It is often easy to forget God’s blessings.
  Ten lepers cried out to Jesus for mercy and he healed them, but only one returned to show appreciation. Jesus asked, Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner? – Luke 17:11-19.
  Jesus expected that all the lepers would return to give glory to God. When we easily forget God’s numerous blessings, we are like the other nine lepers.
  Let your shout of victory be as loud as your prayer for deliverance!

• Choose to find opportunities to be thankful – When you choose to look at your glass half full rather than half empty, you will find it easy to keep a grateful heart. It is easy to focus on what we don’t have or on how others seem to be better or more successful than us. This attitude blurs our ability to see God’s blessings in our lives. In every situation, no matter the circumstances, be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus -1Thess.5:18
  A grateful heart is a heart filled with gratitude

• Choose to trust God – Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Ps. 20:7. The ability to rest in God and His promises is a principal factor in staying grateful. When we are confident that God will not forsake us because He is faithful and able to do infinitely more, our perspectives will change. Consequently, we will be able to raise a hallelujah that is louder than unbelief.
  And if God cares so wonderfully for the wildflowers that is here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you.Matt.6:30a

Finally, to keep a grateful heart is a command and a reminder as well. Most times, it is very challenging to stay grateful, but always remember that it is a choice.

#Choose gratitude #Countyourblessings

Now all glory to God who is able through His mighty power at work within us to accomplish infinitely more that we might ask or think – Eph. 3:20 NLT

The phrase “infinitely more” perfectly describes God’s limitless ways. Infinite means lack of boundaries in time, space, extent, and magnitude. The brain is the seat of intelligence, and the source of all the qualities that define our humanity. Yet our brains cannot comprehend God’s limitless ways. This sometimes constitute a hindrance when dealing with spiritual matters. We pray and also try to figure out how God will answer the prayer. We set our hearts on the possible ways by which we think God can come through. The truth is that God’s ways are unsearchable. The best brain cannot fathom His ways because He is able to do infinitely more than we could ask or imagine.

An experience with the God of infinitely more.

Shortly after the event above, God stirred up four lepers to go to the Arameans camp. Meanwhile God caused the Aramean army to hear sound of horses and a mighty army marching, such that the soldiers panicked and fled the camp. The lepers looted the camp, as well as the people of Samaria. This caused food prices to drop, and the prophecy was fulfilled. 2 Kings 7:1-20

The Samarians experienced a miraculous turn of events with the God who can do infinitely more. Perhaps the King thought another city will come to their rescue and food prices will drop drastically. Maybe he was stunned at the possibility of such change. The story is a reminder of how God can eliminate shame in unusual ways. However, the king’s officer who denied the possibility of the prophecy was trampled to death while the people rushed out to plunder the camp.  Do not limit God’s ability in your life by trying to figure out how He will deliver you. When you run out of feasible options, you might seek alternatives out of God’s plan. Therefore when you have prayed, let your heart rest in His unchanging character, and God who is able to do infinitely more would unleash you to a world of divine possibilities.

Be careful how you think

Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” (Proverbs 4:23 TEV)
When you think there’s no way out of a situation, you have limited God’s power to work in that situation with unbelief. The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? (Prov. 20:24 NLT). Remember God is able to do infinitely beyond your greatest prayers, hopes or dreams according to His power that is at work within you. To experience infinitely more, we need to allow His power to work in us through our unwavering faith. Whenever you are faced with situations that seem to overpower your faith, instead of limiting God with unbelieving thoughts, simply pray: I believe, help me overcome my unbelief.

May you begin to experience the God who can accomplish more than you can guess or request in your wildest dreams!

Shalom!

Our God is in the business of making divine arrangements; the story of Jonah is a powerful reminder of this. The book of Jonah tells the story of the prophet’s flight from his assignment and how God stopped him. But it is much more than just a story of a man who spent three days and night in a fish. It is a powerful example of God’s mercy and grace, but mostly of His divine arrangements.

Jonah was given an assignment he found distasteful – to preach to the people of Nineveh. He felt the people deserved God’s judgment and not mercy, so he decided to go in an opposite direction away from God. But the God of divine arrangement intercepted his journey by sending a huge storm to stop him. No matter how far you have gone in the wrong direction, I pray that God will make arrangements to reorder your steps into His purpose. – Amen

Purpose in Divine Arrangements

There is a purpose attached to every divine arrangement. The purpose of the storm was to stop Jonah from going in the wrong direction. The sailors realized that Jonah was the cause of the storm, and as the storms got fierce, Jonah told the sailors to throw him into the sea. This was supposed to be imminent death for Jonah but again the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow him and take him to safety. The fish was his free ride back to dry land. When shame and danger are lurking around the corner, God will make arrangements for swift deliverance for you. – Amen.

After this miraculous deliverance, Jonah repented and went for his mission at Nineveh. He preached to them and the people repented of their sins. Nevertheless, Jonah became angry; he did not want God to forgive them. Are we sometimes narrow minded like Jonah? Do we often think the wicked does not deserve mercy? Forgiveness and salvation are free gifts from God to everyone.

Jonah went out of Nineveh and sat under a tree waiting to see what will become of the city. However, God in His mercy arranged for a leafy plant to grow. Its purpose was to provide shade for Jonah to ease his discomfort from the sun. Also, the Lord made arrangement for a worm. Its purpose was to damage the leafy plant and cause it to wither. Now, Jonah’s shade was gone. Finally, God arranged for a scorching wind to blow on him such that he wished to die. Jonah was angry that the plant had to die.

God is making arrangements for you!

Our Father is merciful and gracious. Jonah’s story is a reminder that the God of heaven is in the business of making arrangements. Just as He made different arrangements for Jonah to save him and to also teach him a lesson, be confident that God is making wonderful arrangements for you. He has not forgotten you. He is working something out for you, so rest in His promises.

Shalom!

Our Father is strategic. He places his children at strategic places or situations for particular purposes. The purpose may be as simple as meeting people (helpers, influencers, mentors, etc.), being a source of blessing to others, being an example of excellence and commitment, or upholding an organization or ministry through prayers and words of encouragement. Wherever you are today, it is not by accident; it’s for a purpose. I challenge you today to prayerfully discover your purpose. Today, let us draw from the wisdom of a little girl on some of the ways to fulfill God’s purpose and stay faithful where He has placed us.

Identify the purpose through compassion

The little girl in the story above was taken as a captive of war from her country, Israel. Her status quo changed from being a child living with her parents to being a maid in another country. Yet, she was not bitter towards her master, who was the captain of the raiders. She was not vindictive; rather, she was able to identify the healing need of her master. She had compassion on her leprous master and this helped her to identify her purpose. Also, she could have focused solely on her job as a maid and stay invisible without meddling into her master’s problems.

How often do we see opportunities to help or have compassion on those who hurt us or have spoken evil of us? This little girl did not stop at that. Her compassion gave her courage. Compassion will drive you to take actions that can help you fulfill God’s purposes and plans where He has placed you.

Be Courageous

Although she was a maid, culture has taught her to be quiet and keep her opinions to herself, but she mustered the courage to speak a life changing word to her mistress. Her words were filled with courage and confidence in the God of Israel and this led to her master’s healing. She stated with no iota of doubt that the prophet in Samaria is able to heal her master.

Through her brief word, Namaan the mighty captain became a believer –From now on I will never again offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to any other god except the Lord. – 2kings 5:17b. Undoubtedly many people were taken as captives, but we only read about this courageous little girl. Although her name was not mentioned, her profound faith was noteworthy.

When Namaan met the prophet, he was instructed to wash himself in the Jordan river seven times – the process was unusual and  he was at the verge of turning away when his servants convinced him to try it. He did and became free from leprosy– 2Kings 5:10-14. Likewise, God used the servants to ensure that he does not miss his miracle. Irrespective of your position or status, know that you are never too small to make a difference. Find your voice and be courageous.

Finally, wherever you are today – in a family, sports team, class, place of work, ministry, neighborhood, church, social bubble etc., always remember that you are there for a purpose. Seek to identify that purpose. It can be a simple act of forgiveness, humility, or generosity. God can use you to manifest His healing power, peace, blessings and glory. Look for opportunities to tell others what God can do. Let your light shine!

Shalom.

Stella@thejoyofhispresence

Just the same today, just the same today
As when He led His people through the sea
His trustful child I’ll be; for in His word I see
The God who doeth wonders is just the same today-CAC Hymnal 824

Change is the constant thing in life. People and situations change. Leaders and government change. Also, viruses mutate and evolve producing new variants. Amidst all these changes lies the confidence that our God does not change. I am the Lord and I do not change – Malachi 3:6. The character of God does not change like shifting shadows. He is forever faithful, powerful, and loving. If God has granted you success before, He is able to make you succeed again. Likewise, if He has won a battle for you or delivered you in the past, He is able to do it again. Remember also that the Lord who did the miraculous wonders you read in the Bible is the same today and He is able to do much more that you can ever possibly imagine.

I don’t know what is troubling your heart or that situation that seems insurmountable, but I know a God that has a history of turning impossibilities around. So, I invite you today to take account of God’s faithfulness in the past over your life. Take a hard look at God’s resume. Now, meditate on those times and let your worship and appreciation rise to God. Then let your confidence rise knowing that the same God will make all things beautiful in the right time again.

Go with the assurance of “That same God”

When David was preparing to fight with Goliath, he had an unshakable confidence in God and that was all he needed. Although David had never fought in any war, neither was he skilled in the use of weapon nor armor like Goliath; all he had was the assurance that the God who delivered him in the past is able to show up again. He stated :“the Lord who rescued me from the claws of lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine” – 1Samuel 17:37. He went into that battle and won because of this assurance.

Also, to fight with Goliath was something new for David, like trying to take a new territory but David was not intimidated by that. Just like David, no matter how fierce the battle, hold on to the fact that He is the same God. Wait for Him and He will come through for you again.

Finally friends, I am calling you today to come to a place of rest. Rest in His word, His promises, and in His unchanging character and let your faith be stirred up. GOD IS ABLE!

Starring so hard at my monitor, I was upset at myself for making such an error. I felt like it ruined the reputation that I was trying to build. I was determined to prove that I was more than capable to handle the job. Prior to that, I’ve been able to gain the confidence and approval of others regarding my ability to perform and I just wanted it to stay that way. As I sat at my desk with every ounce of confidence eroded, a thought dropped in my heart: “thank God I don’t have to work this hard for God’s approval because I am already approved. A sense of relief flooded my heart.

As human, it is natural to crave for the approval of others, especially those you hold in high esteem, but you do not have to be validated by another person. Human approval is warm and comforting but it is nothing compared to the approval of God; that should be our main focus. Paul knew the significance of this and advised Timothy – “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval” – 2Timothy 2:15a.

Also, it is God’s approval that guarantees success , no other approval does – “And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful”- Psalm 90:17NLT.  At the end of our journey here on earth, God will not ask about the number of Facebook likes that you have neither will He ask about the approval of your Instagram followers, the only thing that will count is His approval.

Perhaps you find yourself craving desperately for the approval of your boss, wondering if the cool kids at school will like you, nervous if your new neighbors will be friendly, anxious about joining a new team, or agitated at the thought of what tomorrow holds. Are you working so hard to prove that you are worth being a leader; thinking if you will ever be good enough for your spouse’s family, or trying so hard so others can see your gift and at least give you an opportunity to shine. Whatever the situation is, well I am here to inform you that YOU ARE APPROVED by God.

Still wondering if you are approved ?
Here are some of the evidences that you are approved by God:

Finally, allow these truths of God’s word to penetrate your heart. Shout it out to silence the lies of the enemies that say you are not enough. Stand up to the lies that one mistake defines you; it does not, for you are already approved by God, human approval is merely secondary.

#YOUAREAPPROVED# #IAM APPROVED# #GODHASAPPROVEDUS#

It is absolutely human to feel discouraged. No one is immune to this. However, it is imperative to know how to overcome it. Discouragement is lack of confidence or enthusiasm. It comes in different forms and at different times and peculiar to each individual. Discouragement chokes joy and can cause despair. The fact is that discouragement progresses like a disease and when it’s not put in check, it can lead to a state of hopelessness and depression. Here are some helpful ways to shake off discouragement.

Identify the Trigger

The first step is to identify the trigger. The two most common elements in discouragement are trigger and tiredness. No one wakes up and just gets discouraged; something escalates such feeling. This can be being tired of trying or looking for a way out or tired of the present situation. Nevertheless, just like you troubleshoot a computer system to search for the source of a problem in order to fix it; it can be helpful to troubleshoot the thoughts or events (triggers) that resulted in the loss of enthusiasm. The trigger can be unanswered prayers, health condition, waiting, betrayal of trust, feeling unaccomplished, envy, and the list is endless. The Psalmist was trying to identify the trigger when he asked himself in Ps.42:11a “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?”

Lay it all down to overcome discouragement

Secondly, lay down all the triggers and tiredness before the Lord. I have found this approach very helpful for me . “My heart has heard you say come and talk with me, and my heart responds, Lord, I am coming”- Ps. 27:10NLT. God is waiting for you with arms wide open, so lay all your concerns down by talking to God about it in prayers. Every spirit of heaviness will be lifted and the joy of the Lord will be your strength- Amen.

After you have laid it all down, at God’s feet, please leave it there and hope in Him to show up knowing that you will have reasons to praise Him again. The Psalmist answered himself –“I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again – my Savior and my God “– Ps. 42:11b

Remember and encourage yourself

Lastly, encourage yourself with God’s faithfulness in the past.
“Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your homes!” – Nehemiah 4:14NLT

In the text above, Nehemiah experienced such great opposition while he was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The opposition became so intense that some workers started to complain and it became a fearful situation. Instead of being overwhelmed, Nehemiah encouraged the people to not give in to fear but to remember the Lord who is great and glorious – the Lord who parted the Red Sea, provided manna, and destroyed the walls of Jericho for them to inherit the land; he reminded them that God is still able to help them through the situation. They only needed to assume their position. When we remember how God came through for us before, it will help us to stay confident and encouraged that He is able to show up again.

“But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus”- 2Corinthians 7:6.
Finally, no matter what you are experiencing today, God will encourage you with a divine arrival – Amen.

No one likes to wait .Waiting at the Doctor’s office, waiting for a response from a prospective employer or business partner, waiting at the restaurant, waiting in line to check out, and the list is endless. There is no fun in waiting. I have realized that waiting is sometimes a function of an individual’s patience. Waiting provokes patience to manifest.

The good things of life are worth waiting and fighting for. Waiting is a process and how you wait determines your result. It is however essential to wait with expectation and not passively.
To wait passively is to wait without looking forward with anticipation to a favorable result . It is often characterized with skepticism, lack of actions, complaining and eventually hopelessness. Surprisingly, it is possible to find ourselves waiting on God passively. Alternately, to wait with expectation is to look forward and hope confidently for the desirable outcome; it is waiting on the integrity of God. It is characterized with growth and strength.

Benefits of waiting with expectation

Waiting with expectation will make your faith stronger. Besides,there is guarantee of favorable results and assurance of answered prayers when we wait with expectation. I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord and He inclined to me and heard my cry – Ps. 40:1 AMP. Strong expectation is the foundation of faith.David realized this and said with confidence: Indeed, none of those who expectantly wait for You will be ashamed. Ps. 25:3a(AMP).

Also, your mind will experience perfect and constant peace. There will be no need for perpetual worry because your soul will find confident rest in God. Isaiah 26:3 – You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. Furthermore, you will experience divine strength to hold on and not quit, to walk victoriously and to stay strong. This kind of strength is inexplicable; it is a by-product of waiting expectantly.

How to wait with expectation

• Keep your heart focused on God: When you take your eyes off God, your problems become bigger. God is able to do what He has promised; He can make a way of escape for you. Abraham refused to entertain doubt in his heart despite his obvious circumstances; he stayed convinced that God is able to do whatever He has promised.

• Confess God’s promises more and complain less: Perpetual complaining creates bitterness. Instead, choose to declare God’s word regarding your situation, anticipate His deliverance, and look forward to a miracle. It will help to keep your hope alive. Ps 43:5AMP – Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.
• Take actions – While waiting confidently, take actions that will help to grow your faith. Memorize scriptures that are relevant to your case.Prepare yourself for that blessing. Just like an expectant mother prepares her house for the arrival of her baby. Be a blessing to others. Look for a need around you and meet the need. Stay faithful to the little things God has committed into your hands.

Finally friends, wait on God with an expectant attitude of faith, position yourself for that breakthrough.Pray with expectation, wait with expectation, and God will never fail with you.

Shalom