Fixing Our Focus on the Source

Matthew 14:29-33 (MSG)

It’s easy to profess trust in the Lord and make confident confessions, but often, our trust wavers when our focus drifts from the Source. Just like Peter walking on water toward Jesus in Matthew 14:29-33, our faith holds firm when our gaze is fixed on the Source. Yet, when our attention wavers, we start sinking.

In those moments of distress, Jesus is there, extending a helping hand with His Word to redirect our focus. When we cry out, He pulls us up, just as He did with Peter. Even in the midst of life’s storms, Jesus brings us to a place of peace, nurturing calmness within our spirits.

In the Message translation of Matthew 14:31, Jesus asked Peter, “Faint heart, what got into you?” Similarly, we must reflect on what influences we’ve allowed into our lives, potentially choking out the truths in God’s Word. Often, it’s fear that creeps in, causing us to sink.

If you find yourself sinking, consider what you’ve allowed in – fear, complaining, resentment, bitterness. Remember, Jesus is right there, ready to pull you up, walking with you back into a place of peace. Whatever burdens you carry, trust that He won’t let you go under or leave you without support.

May your focus remain steadfast on the Source, and may His peace anchor your spirit in every circumstance.

The Power of Words

In life, your words play a profound role, weaving a powerful narrative. Matthew 12:34 (TPT) reminds you that your heart overflows into your words, and Matthew 12:36 cautions you about being accountable for every careless utterance. What is careless utterance? It is those words that are inactive, unprofitable, unfruitful, lazy or useless words. Always remember this, your mouth reveals the condition of your heart.

Proverbs 18:21 underscores the weight of your words, categorizing them as either life-giving or harmful. Ephesians 4:29 encourages you to let your words be beautiful gifts, uplifting and encouraging others. Everyone that you encounter should always feel as if their voice matters, and what they say, carries value. James 3:8-10 challenges you to tame your tongue, choosing life-giving words over those that bring harm. Whatever is in you in abundance is what’s gonna come out of your mouth.

As children of God, make Psalm 141:3 a pray for grace, guarding your lips from wrongdoing. Your words, reflect the abundance within your heart, which should intentionally pour out love, uplifting others in your daily walk. We all have things in our life that we need to work on, so why not start with our words? May your conversations today be a testament to the transformative power of gracious and intentional words. May your words encourage and uplift everyone you come in contact with today.

Identity in Christ

Scripture: Ephesians 1-2

Last night, I watched a movie called “Overcomer,” prompting profound questions that make you reflect. If someone were to ask you, “who are you?” What emerges from your lips first? Your identity is linked to what your heart is connected to. What have you permitted to shape you? Is it your job, race, family, people, or God? Discovering your identity in the One who created you transforms your perspective. God defines who you are, not your job, family, past, social media, or even your degree.

In God’s eyes, you are blessed, chosen, adopted into His family, a joint heir with Jesus, one with God, redeemed, forgiven, and seated with Christ in heavenly places. Explore Ephesians 1-2; your identity is there. When your identity is rooted in God, external factors won’t define you. You’ll confidently assume your position and walk in your authority. Your countenance changes, and your pursuit of the Word flows. As a child of God, you represent Him in all you do.

Consider this song by Lauren Daigle: “You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing, strong when I think I am weak, healed when I’m falling short, yours when I don’t belong.” When you truly know who you are, your spirit can rise above the noise of your flesh. You are who the Word of God declares you to be. Meditate on it, believe it, confess it, and experience true freedom in your soul—free indeed.

Speaking Faith: The Power of God’s Word

Mark 11:23, “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”

When you speak in alignment with God’s word, it shows the assurance that what’s spoken in faith will come to pass. I want to encourages perseverance and steadfastness, reminding you not to grow weary in speaking the Word of God, for you will reap what you are believe for.

Surrender your situation to the Word of God, everything that has a name must yield to the authority of the word. For you to have peace amidst chaos is by focusing on God’s promises and His ability to work situations out for your good.

When Jesus calmed the storm in Matthew 8, it reinforces the idea that God’s word can bring peace and authority over turbulent situations. I want to encourage you to arm yourself with scriptures related to your situation, plant the Word of God deep within your heart and speak them forth in faith, trusting in the word to work on your behalf.

Shift your focus from the natural appearance of circumstances to the promises found in God’s word. By doing so, it will encourage a sense of peace, and bring confidence in the knowledge of God’s love for you and His ability to turn situations around for your good.

Prosperity of the Soul

3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.”

What do you desire? God takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servants, but there’s a vital key: your prosperity aligns with the state of your soul. God yearns for you to be abundant in every aspect, lacking nothing, but it hinges on your willingness. Are you ready to sacrifice your fleshly desires and choose to spend time with the Lord, allowing His Word to guide you and align your life? When your soul is flourishing, your speech and actions transform. What you consistently do and say reflects your soul’s state; therefore, your speech and actions matter greatly.

From the overflow of your heart, your words pour forth. Continuously monitoring what you say reveals how well your soul prospers. It’s simple to express a desire for more of God and claim to relinquish control, yet the true test lies in your willingness to set distractions aside, engaging with the Holy Spirit to nourish your soul. When you commit, then your body, wealth, and health will synchronize with His word. Another crucial aspect is aligning your words with His. Thinking before speaking is imperative if you seek God’s manifestations in your life.

Today, foster prosperity within your soul—your mind, will, and emotions. Immerse yourself in the Word until it becomes an inseparable part of your being. Let your speech echo this transformation, and watch everything else align accordingly. However, be prepared to stand in faith, because your adversary, the devil, seeks to snatch away God’s Word that’s being planted in you. Fearlessly possess faith-driven courage to believe in God’s extraordinary promises as your soul begins to flourish.

Cultivating the Kingdom: Planting and Harvesting

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.”

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In the Kingdom of God, it’s like to sowing seeds into the fertile ground of your heart. Isaiah reminds us that every spoken word fulfills its purpose—it’s like a seed, active and potent. These seeds take root within you and yield what you’ve nurtured inside. As the heart overflows, so do your spoken words—reflecting the seeds you’ve planted and cultivated.

Consider your words as seeds. Should one not align with your vision, uproot it while it’s young, before it matures and bears unwanted fruit. To reap a bountiful harvest, you must sow the seeds of God’s Word, embracing its principles with unwavering faith. Align your words with this truth; speak it, and it will manifest.

Yet, for these seeds to thrive, they need deep roots in your heart. The Word acts as a stronghold against pressures, negativity, and adversities. Refrain from being swayed by what your eyes perceive, for succumbing to such distractions strangles the growth of God’s Word, impeding transformative results.

Every uttered word is a seed, shaping the harvest you’ll reap. Your words determine your reality. You yield the authority to speak like God, yet it hinges on what you’ve planted within, dictating what you’ll reap.

Tend to your words diligently. Let the Word take root in the soil of your heart, ensuring the bountiful harvest God intends for you. Cultivate a garden of faith and positivity through your spoken seeds, reaping the divine abundance destined for you.

Speaking Life into 2024: Harnessing the Power of Words

Genesis 5:1 states that when God created mankind, He made them in His likeness.

In this scripture, it’s conveyed that you possess the ability to create through your words, just as God did. You have the power to call forth things that don’t yet exist, shaping your destiny by what you speak into existence. As you step into a new year, the outcome ahead will be shaped by the words you choose. Remember, “life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Your words not only impact your life but also influence the lives of your children.

Scripture cautions against being ensnared by the words of your own mouth. It’s crucial to guard your speech to ensure it works in your favor and doesn’t hinder your outcome. Often, it’s the little things—like harboring offenses or unforgiveness—that disrupt the manifestation of what you’re wanting. Therefore, safeguard your words diligently.

To live in the likeness of God means to love as He loves and speak as He speaks—declaring His word over your life, your children, and your circumstances. This aligns you with the life God intends for you: one filled with grace, mercy, favor, joy, peace, love, and prosperity across every aspect.

Embrace 2024 as a year of abundance—fill in the blank with what you desire, as you craft your story with the power of your words. Let your speech reflect His goodness, and watch as He exceeds your expectations beyond measure. This year, seize the opportunity to script a narrative of abundance and fulfillment through the words you choose.