Today Reminder – 30 December 2016

A reminder for today

Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:13-17)

This is my last entry for 2016. Wow, the year is over. Shall we reflect on the year and look back, nope I think lets rather look ahead. Yes, I know there is much to be grateful for in the year behind us, but that should form the foundation of what is yet to come. The year ahead is where I think we should put our focus on. Yesterday I had our security company here to fix some of the alarm issues from the previous system. You see here in South Africa you have to put in an alarm system with armed response, because our country has become a haven for all kinds of bad people. But lets not get me started on that.

One of the guys that was here is a born again Christian and a fascinating person. He was in the special forces, then became a chef and finally ended up as an alarm technician. What struck me is how he declared his faith and had no issue of talking about Jesus and what Jesus has done for him. I was just a stranger to him and yet he had no trouble telling me how Jesus works in his life. What was just amazing is when he spoke about his time as one of the response teams and how Jesus protected him so that he did not need to fire one shot, the criminals just surrendered with no fight when they saw these huge men of light that protected him. Now this is where I got goose bumps in our conversation. He went on to tell me how a gypsy feared him when he came to fix her alarm and how he single handedly took on 15 men when they tried to rob a store. And all this time I keep telling you that we are worshiping and awesome and powerful God and here walks this unbelievable testimony of our God. So my faith got a huge boost yesterday. One thing he did mention is that we should wear our Armour every day. So, today I make my first new year resolution and that is to wear my Armour every day against the enemy.

First—Put on the Armor of God

The Helmet of Salvation

Thank you, Lord, for my salvation. I receive it in a new and fresh way from You, and I declare that nothing can separate me now from the love of Christ and the place I shall ever have in Your kingdom.

The Breast plate of Righteousness

And yes, Lord, I wear Your righteousness today against all condemnation and corruption. Fit me with Your holiness and purity — defend me from all assaults against my heart.

The Belt of Truth Lord, I put on the belt of truth.

I choose a lifestyle of honesty and integrity. Show me the truths I so desperately need today. Expose the lies that I am not even aware that I believe.

The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

I do choose to live for the gospel at any moment. Show me where You are working and lead me to it. Do not let me become slack in my walk.

The Shield of Faith

Jesus, I lift the confidence that You are good against every lie and every assault of the enemy. You have good in store for me. Nothing is coming today that can overcome me because You are with me.

The Sword of the Spirit

Holy Spirit, show me specifically today the truths of the Word of God that I will need to counter the snares of the enemy. Bring them to mind throughout the day.

Then Pray

Finally, Holy Spirit , I agree to walk in step with You in everything — in all prayer as my spirit communes with You throughout the day.

Have an awesome day dear friend of Jesus and I hope that you have an amazing new year and that you and your family will be blessed in the year ahead.

Cheers

Today Reminder – 29 December 2016

A reminder for today

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)

I love this part of the year. The gym is so quiet and only a few determined souls are there in the mornings. The roads are not so busy, yet the malls are filled to the brim. You would think everyone won the lottery. It is basically raining everyday now and that is so awesome. Now with the new year mere days away everyone is planning huge parties and then comes those new year resolutions. Do you have new year resolutions and do you keep them or do they seem to fade away as the year progresses. I guess everyone does it, they all start of with this year I am going to do this or change that. I always say that this year I am going to save money and then well, then the year passes. So I am awful at new year resolutions. 

But what I can tell you is that this year the Lord is going to be even greater in our lives than ever before. This new year is the year that you will see more of the Lord in all of us and all I am.

So as the last days of 2016 fade away the Lord wants us to let His peace rule our hearts. We are all united in Him and in a way you and I are connected even if you find yourself in the USA or France or Russia or the Ukraine. We are all part of this one body so I carry your heart in my prayers just as you carry me in your prayers. And I am so grateful for you, my friend, as we journey onward and more determined. You are just amazing and you are so loved.

So today take a moment and think about those new year resolutions as we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with peace.

Lord, be our peace today as we give thanks for another year and as take a moment to reflect on what is to come, let remember what we leave behind. The good times and the bad. The friends we made and the friends we lost. The things we gained and the things we lost, but above all let us rejoice in what we gained in you. In Jesus name.

Have an awesome day dear friend of Jesus.

Cheers

Today Reminder – 28 December 2016

A reminder for today

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. (Colossians 3:12-13)

How are you, my friend? Yesterday was a public holiday and I had so much to do I missed my time to write to you. But believe me you were in my thoughts. I got up early and went to the gym, then I cut the grass, washed the cars and bathed the dogs. Then we still had our electricity fault so new electrician came out to have a look and yes it costed an arm and a leg. I think at this stage in our financial situation it costed an ear and a nose also. But anyway it seems to be fine now and the grass does look nicer when it is mowed. It has been raining unbelievably here and it is amazing how the Lord is just blessing us with this amazing rain. It rained a few minutes ago and I can see clouds are thick again so I am sure it will rain again soon. 

God is full of love and His amazing blessings in our lives are just beyond believe. Today the Lord wants us to remember that He chose us to be holy and He wants us to be full of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Accept other people’s faults and forgive, because you are forgiven.

Forgiveness is the best weapon besides prayer that we can use against the enemy. He wants you to hate and hold grudges, where the Lord wants you to forgive and live. So as the new year approaches I challenge you to take up this new year’s resolution with me as we leave the past in the past and forgive all as we step into His light into a new year with no burdens holding us back.

Lord, help us to let go of the past and focus on the new us as we look to you and eternity that awaits us. In Jesus name.

Have an awesome day dear friend of Jesus.

Cheers