By now, we each understand how crucial it is to be careful about the ways in which we communicate about God and our fellow human beings. It is imperative not to slander or blaspheme the Lord and regarding people, applying the Royal Law will place a guard on our lips and thoughts, so we don't speak about them in a way that is contrary to God's word.
Did you know you need to be cautious how you talk about yourself as well? It is very common for individuals to make disparaging comments about themselves. These are comments that belittle and undervalue one's self. Some make such self-deprecating comments out of a desire to appear modest. For many others, they speak this way because they genuinely do not understand that they're a big deal in God's eyes.
Whatever the reason, as God's child you need to have a healthy amount of Godfidence. Please note that this confidence doesn't stem from how good-looking, intelligent, or wealthy you are. It has nothing to do with ego and it is definitely not pride. Instead, your confidence must come from knowing you were created by God in His image and that He loves you.
And that makes you a big deal to the Lord. So much so, He sent His only son - Jesus Christ - to die for you. The devil knows this and it can't get over the fact that we receive constant forgiveness and grace from God. It, on the other hand, was kicked out of heaven for one sinful act. Plus, if you weren't a big deal, satan wouldn't work so hard to trick you and make you believe you're not as important to God as you really are. The devil does this because if it can make you see yourself as less then you aren't as much of a threat to its desires to harm you and everything around you.
The Lord taught me this lesson when I once, in prayer, said, "I am nothing." He immediately corrected me and said," You're not nothing." In an instant, scripture flooded through my mind, reminding me just how much God loves and values me. Specifically, Isaiah 43:4 - Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. And that is but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how God truly feels about you and I!
Never again did I make that mistake in my speech or thinking. And neither should you. The devil understands how crucial each and every person is. It knows that our souls are worth so much to God and it fights tirelessly to make us feel less than we should.
But God has said, "You are mine." (Isaiah 43:1). He has said He knew you before you entered your mother's womb and came to live here on earth (Jeremiah 1:5). You therefore matter more than you could ever imagine. Each of us does. And we need to never forget it. We can't allow the enemy to use the media, our thoughts or the words of others to make us think we are less. We are the children of God. The ones He redeemed for Himself. Each time the devil's lie comes into your mind to steal, kill and destroy, fling your wordstones and make it flee (James 4:7). Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, instructs Psalm 107:2. Say out loud, I am the redeemed of the Lord! Through Christ, I am the righteousness of God. I am His beloved. To God, I am His favorite and I wouldn't have it any other way!
God bless you and IJMN, may He remind you of how much He loves and values you in a mighty way, IJN, Amen.
See you at Noon EST for fellowship!
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CLOSING PRAYER
Another hour of fellowship done, Lord and only because You keep Your word. You said Your children will worship You and indeed, that is what we have done by Your grace.
Thank You!
Thank You for the privilege of gathering to praise You and obey You by praying for the needs of people. Thank You for we know that if You hear us then You answer us. Thank You because these wonders are available to us not because we are righteous but because You have an inexplicable love for us.
Thank You, dear Abba Father for wanting us to be Yours and Yours alone. Thank You for deeming us of so much value that You stretched out Your righteous right hand to us.
Thank You so very much! May Your blessings and mercies surround all who fellowshipped in truth and fearful reverence for You. May they be covered by Your grace and may Your peace reside in them. I extend this to those who will show up at a later time and thank You so much for honoring my request.
Great God. Praise be to Your Holy Name! IJMN, Amen.
LAST 10 MINUTES
If there's one thing you take away from todays' fellowship time, it is that you are a big deal to the Lord. He desires to display His glory through you everywhere you go. Therefore, you can't afford to doubt His love and plans for you. After all, He did say in Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
You've likely heard me say this before - Don't let satan punk you! The war is in your mind. If you meditate on satan's lies then you stray from God's truth about you, about Him, and what He wants to do in your life.
God is heavily invested in making you the best version you can be as you walk the earth learning how to listen to the Holy Spirit and therefore be guided away from all the traps the devil is setting for you.
Don't you want that for yourself? A life filled to the brim with the goodness of the Lord, free of fear and filled with God's power? If so, let's pray together...
Lord, satan doesn't want us to know how powerful we are in You. It works overtime to dull our spiritual senses, distract us with issues that we need to submit to you, as well as fill us with unnecessary fear and doubts.
But You have promised that You are at our side in all situations and so we pray for even more grace to train our attention on You alone. May we be blind to the devil's antics and deaf to its voice that we aren't distracted from Your glorious light and power. Help us Lord to remember to walk with the knowledge that the Alpha and Omega, the Almighty is our Father, Guide and Protector IJMN, Amen.
Thank You God for being for us and not against us. Hallelujah!!!
Good God, You are the Almighty. Nobody compares to You. Father, thank You for hearing my prayer for people that they come to a knowledge of You as You promised in Jeremiah 24:7. Thank You for giving people a desire for You. Thank You for whetting their appetites for more of You. Thank You for letting hearts clamor for You. Thank You for kindly pouring out Your Spirit on all mankind in accordance with Your word in Joel 2:28. Be glorified, Lord our Redeemer.
Now and forever more, IJMN, Amen.
Lord I pray over the health situations of Ms B, Mr L, Ms S, and others. Show mercy Jehovah Rapha, the doctors are saying no problem comes up in the scan, but they clearly are experiencing symptoms of something. Shine Your light. No infirmity can hide from You. "The light shines , and the darkness cannot comprehend it. Put the enemy in confusion, and visit with tribulation those who trouble Your children. Please expose the cause of their problems and deliver them of their infirmity so they can walk in healing. IJMN amen!
Good Lord, You are worthy of all our praise. Worthy to always be glorified for You are great and greatly to be praised. Hallelujah!
Almighty God, Your word says in Psalm 12:5 - “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will protect them from those who malign them.”
Father the underprivileged suffer and cry out for You, while the wicked afflict them, thinking You do not see what they do.
However, Lord, You are the Righteous Judge, You will not stand by while the evil ones wink their eyes and gloat. For the earth is the Lord's and everything in it. Your dominion is an eternal dominion.
Sovereign Lord, I therefore call on You to honor Your word in Psalm 9:12 - For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cries of the afflicted. Do not close Your eyes and ears to the cries of the poor and suffering. Arise oh Lord. Be their wall of defense. IJMN, Amen.
*From M22* - Heavenly Father I pray for single women across the world. Help them to be complete in Jesus as they enjoy singlehood. Help them find completion in you Abba. Help them spend their singlehood serving you in any ministry you have directed them to. Help them burn for you Abba. IJMN amen.
*From M22* - Heavenly Father, I pray for people that don't know you that they come to know you. Help them know you are always there for them in every situation. Help them love you and help them lean in you IJMN amen.
*From M22* - *From M22* - Heavenly Father I pray for people experiencing financial crisis and debt. I pray that you better their financial situation and help them pay off their debts. I pray you open doors of financial opportunities for them IJMN amen.
*From M22* - Heavenly Father I pray for people experiencing financial crisis and debt. I pray that you better their financial situation and help them pay off their debts. I pray you open doors of financial opportunities for them IJMN amen.
*From M22* - Heavenly Father, I pray for people experiencing homelessness and poor living conditions, that you provide them with better living options. I pray that you supplement their better living with amazing streams of income to afford sustaining their housing. IJMN amen.
My God, You are highly exalted. Father of the fatherless. Defender of the helpless. God of justice and divine retribution. The Lord our shepherd.
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)
Lord I lift up Your word, that You may send it forth ahead of me. Send Your word to protect children in schools.
Remember the enemy for attacking the children, taking advantage of them, and submitting them to be under evil influences.
Lord I cry out to You to protect the children, as You are the Lord our shepherd. Have mercy and protect the children, in Jesus mighty name I pray, amen.
*From M22* - Heavenly Father, you are consistent in doing good, I pray for people experiencing mental health issues. I pray that you restore their God-fidence like today's word said help them to see themselves the way you see them. Stabilize their mental health, restore their self worth and esteem. IJMN amen.
*From M22* - Heavenly Father I pray for @k, @B2 , @MFC and every other folk that is I'll that you permeate your healing power from the crown of their hews to their toes. I pray that their cells, organs and systems submit to your healing authority. I pray that they will testify over their healed bodies IJMN amen.
PRAYER TIME
Everyone needs someone to pray for them. Oftentimes, they just don't realize.
Please put your own prayer requests to the side. I know they are pressing and hard to ignore, but during the next 25 minutes, it is our responsibility to pray for others and not ourselves.
God will not forget your needs just because you took a few minutes to focus on someone else's prayer point. You showing love to someone by praying for them will actually endear you to the Lord. He does great things for those He is pleased with.
We must first give to receive in the Kingdom of God. This requires great faith.
Put your faith to work right now, no matter how small it seems. Believe that as you take time to bless others with your prayers, your own needs will not go ignored by God Almighty.
Be selfless.
Intercede for someone in prayer.
Zephaniah 3:17 - 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.”
Dear Jehovah! Look at what You've said about Your beloved children! I thank You for speaking this word over us. You are the great and giving God who keeps every last promise.
Thank You for Your grace. You will guide Your own to Your promises and blessings. Thank You so much!
Sovereign Lord, You are the Prayer-answering God and I praise You for this aspect of who You are.
I am grateful that You hear and answer me and that Your ear listens. Thank You, dear Jehovah for being loving and kind.
My Deliverer.
Abba.
You are mighty on Your throne!
*From M22* - Heavenly Father help me live my life for you. As Ruth surrendered her existence to you. I surrender my very existence to you. Help me live for you IJMN amen.
*From M22* - Father, I pray concerning Greece. Comfort the families of people who passed away in the train accident. Strengthen them Abba, for those who survived, restore their health accordingly IJMN amen.
Praise reports!!!
- Thank You, God my King, for showing me favor. Thank You for giving me success in various transactions and health matters
- Thank You, God who holds all silver and gold, for giving us financial provision
- Thank You, God of reconciliation, for shining light on various relationships
I appreciate You, Abba Father! Thank You for confirming Your word, that _the desire of the wicked will fall, but the desire of the righteous will be granted_. Thank You for showing us special love and favor, thus confirming your word in today's P&P message!
*From M22* - Thank you Lord for the people of Nigeria. This election exposed a lot. I continually pray for the dismantling of systems of corruption, bribery, violence, intimidation and fear. You know the right leader that won that election. Irrespective of politics, show them who you are and restore the right person as the president.
*From CS* - God thank you for always being there for me - thank you for answering my prayers. I was having a hard week this week when it came to getting my Bible study done, but we got through it together. Lol Bible study is important; thank you for helping me to remain diligent about that.
Father, I am too grateful to You for keeping me out of trouble. What the enemy intended was not fulfilled. Instead, You kept me on Your path of righteousness in situations where it could have been very easy to think or say the wrong thing.
Thank You for being patient with me.
Thank You for raising Your standard against the enemy when it thought it could rise as a flood.
Praise the Lord!
*From M22* - Thank you Lord for helping me slow done and not putting a timeline to completing my case study. Thank you for helping me be easy on myself and not be overwhelmed by industry standards. Guide my hands as I continue to work on it. Amen
*From CUR* - Thank You Lord for all You've done for me!
*From M22* - Thank you Abba for another P and P. I want to thank you Lord for this week. I thank you for me and my loved ones. Thank God for his mercies in our lives.
Thank God for Peppers and their loved ones.
God I thank You for the favor You showed my loved ones and I his week. I am beyond grateful and thank You for this great grace from You.
Lord, I pray for Your continued favor and Your continued blessings upon us.
Glory be to Your holy name, IJMN, Amen.
*From CUR* - Good morning Peppers!
I want to praise God for drawing me near to Him although I've been distant and distracted these last few days.
From DR14U
*From CS* - This is a good thread topic. It’s often said that Christianity and perhaps even Judaism is a religion of self flagellation. I believed that too when I was an atheist. Things were very different when I came to God, though. God does not look down on us. Look how many times He begged Israel to come back to Him despite their sinning ways. “Wash you. Make you clean.” I learned that God is ever forgiving and faithful. I think it was church tradition to send up self pitying prayers ‘from a miserable sinner’ for centuries, in much the same way that the church promoted the notion that we could buy our way into heaven, but you’re right- we should not look at ourselves in a self deprecating fashion because He does not.
This is not what the Bible reveals about God.
*From UNCG* - "I'm walking with Jesus. I'm a child of the King, and it's all because I've been redeemed!"
*From IDQ* - Good morning, this message spoke to me this morning. I pray that I am able to see myself the way God sees me! Thank you for this beautiful message @FFJ.
God bless you all!
*From CD* - Happy Friyaayyy Family,
May these words bless you, free you & encourage you!!!
*From CH33* - Just want you to know how much I love and appreciate you all!
I've been traveling and not as active lately. Please belive I feel the power of your prayers!!!!
@FFJ I LOVE YOU ENDLESSLY! YOU are my sister!
*From EC* - Amen and good morning ladies!
From UNCG - Great devotional today!
*From HC* - Thank you Father for your word and how you describe us. Thank you for fearfully and wonderfully making us. Thank you for making us in your good and perfect image. Thank you for having both purpose and plans for us. Help us to lean on You so we can rejoice and walk in the divine path you have laid for us. IJMN amen
*From DJ* - Thank you JESUS for life, liberty and for your love. May our hunger and thirst for you be satisfied. Thank you for every blessing. Keep us and we will be kept. Bless us and we will stay blessed. Amen.
*From IA84* - My Lord in Heaven above, we thank you and give praise for a new day and new beginning. Thank you for your love, kindness, compassion, grace, mercy, wisdom, blessings and truth. Thank you for being our father and our friend. You are God, and God all by yourself. You need nobody else. We thank you for being our provider, our teacher, and our mentor. And as we step forth in this day, we ask that you be our eyes and ears, our love, guidance and protection in this world. And because this world is uncertain and full of doubt, hurt, pain, anger, deceipt and brokenness, Lord, we lean on you to see us through, and shield us. Teach us. Hold us. Comfort us. Help us move in the right direction. Help us to be the best version of ourselves that we can be, for you, for ourselves and nobody else. We lift your name on most high, because you are worthy and deserving. Thank you for every day, every thing, every blessing, every moment, and every second of life we are given. Let us all give thanks and praise, in this moment, in this day, in Jesus' name, Amen!
PRAISE TIME
Is there a voice telling you...God doesn't really love you That's the devil. Lying! Here's what the Bible tells us about the devil in John 8:44 - "...there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." Reject that liar. Don't let it punk you. GOD LOVES YOU!!!! LOTS!!!! He'll do anything for you. You are His most precious possession. He wants you to turn to Him, rely on Him for everything. He will lead you to where you need to be if you let Him. So, today, just tell Him thanks for wanting you. Tell Him thanks for loving you. And tell satan (doubt, fear, confusion, distraction, pain etc) to kick rocks, IJMN, Amen.
*From M22* - Thank you for today's word sis @FFJ. It really means a lot to me. Yes to God-fidence. I believe strongly the reason why myself and a lot of people used to think little of ourselves us because we don't see ourselves the way God sees us. What we should strive for everyday is to see ourselves the way God sees us. I understand the world is trendy and there are so many labels thrown around everyday that people are expected to fit into, so if you don't fit into any of them, you feel like nothing. Our focus should be on where God wants us to fit into.
I pray that God will continue to increase our confidence in him and also ourselves. I pray that we continue to think highly of ourselves irrespective of our circumstances. IJMN amen.