Where’s Your Heart At?

The heart is a vital organ. Its function is to pump blood around our body and is situated in the centre of the chest; 2/3 of it is to the left and the other 1/3 to the right. It is this muscle that pumps carbon dioxide, iron, oxygen, proteins, red and white blood cells, plasma etc, in the form of blood, all around the body and through all other organs that we have. It is EXTREMELY vital. We are advised to keep our hearts healthy by excercising regularly and eating healthily; a reduction (or elimination) of fatty foods, sugar-sweetened drinks, processed and cured meats, no smoking, amongst quite a few other things, is a must. It’s not easy though; as I type I have just finished a whole packet of chewy sweets and taken a break for a moreish double chocolate biscuit with cream in the middle!

The spiritual heart, however, is not different at all. As the vital organ situated in our chest needs to be taken care of, the spiritual one needs to be kept in check frequently too. It’s important that we recognise the things we dwell on; things we do; and things we say. They have an affect! How many times have we done or said something without even thinking what the effects will be to the other person who will be receiving it. If we dwell on The Word we are guaranteed to have words springing forth, which will lift up and not tear down.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Proverbs 18:21

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Ephesians 4:29

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

Colossians 3:8

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Colossians 4:6

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Our God wants all of us to be taken care of; both the physical and the spiritual. I mentioned some of the things required for the physical heart. The spiritual heart, however, can be strengthened by reading God’s Word, prayers, worship and meditation. Our spiritual heart includes our mind, soul, spirit, emotions, purity, strength and courage. These determine how we interpret information received and how we exchange information. Therefore, just as our physical heart is vital, so is our spiritual. Both go hand in hand. If you see someone that is aesthetically pleasing, your physical heart may skip a beat or flutter (I’m sure the younger readers can relate!). Any emotion; joy, anger, sadness, fear, surprise or disgust can cause a reaction in both your physical heart and your spiritual one.

Meditating on God’s Word will lead to positive thinking and, as mentioned before, from there you will begin to pray, praise and worship Him. All these things are not just limited to within a Church building, but in your home, as you walk down the street, whilst you work, at the gym. Anywhere. Anytime. You will find that once you do the aforementioned, you’ll feel a transformation taking place. No matter what the situation, there will be a scripture that will have an answer to calm your weary soul. In fact, for every emotion that we have there is a scripture that enables us to deal with it. Gospel songs (from a reputable artist) are filled with God’s Words; and God’s Word is a letter to us, a manual for life. It shows us the way we should live. The Most High God is our Manufacturer and The Holy Bible is our manual, which we need to read and digest, so that we can live this life He has given us to the best of our ability (with His assistance). There are times when things will break down, falter, we’ll lose bits but we can always go back to the Manufacturer to get replacements; get our cup refilled! Now, if we stay as close to Him as possible the fix will be immediate; sent to us by Special Delivery! We’ll be able to put our petition to Him as soon as possible BUT if we withdraw…..we will stay in our situation for a lot longer. Remember, He will neither leave not forsake us. Don’t allow things of the world to cover your ears or heart…..drown it. It may look cool, enjoyable and refreshing, but is it worth it? Don’t allow the gap to be too wide; you may not be able to recover!

Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of earthly possessions and be satisfied with what you have; for God Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will neither leave you nor forsake you.

Hebrews 13:5

So, I ask you again.

Where’s Your Heart At…?

Devotional Prayer

Thursday 8th October 2020

YHWH, earnestly will I seek You; my inner self thirsts for You, my flesh longs and is faint for You. On this earth which is filled with evil, let me be able to hide myself in You. Quench my soul.

Psalm 63:1

My prayer today is that I may know You and the full power of Your resurrection. May there be no doubt, as my understanding will be complete. May I feel what You feel and understand the pain endured on the cross just for me, even though I am so unworthy. As I fully understand may I also be fully persuaded and able to spread my knowledge that You have placed in my spirit, so that others may be convinced and ignited. Give me an increase.

Philippians 3:10

May The Name of Yeshua,The Anointed One, be glorified through and in me; when others look at me, may they see You.

2 Thessalonians 1:12

To You who is able to keep me from falling and to present me before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to You who is the only God, my Saviour, be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Yeshua The Anointed One, my Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen

Jude 1:24-25

Devotional Prayer

Wednesday 7th October 2020

Abba Father, as I face this day, I pray that you go before me and prepare every circumstance that faces me today. Forgive me of all sins, be they of thought, word or deed, seen or unseen, intentional or not. I thank You for Your Word that has been provided to show me The Way, The Truth and The Life.

As Jabez prayed, I pray with my whole heart that You would bless me and enlarge my territory. I pray for Your hand to be with me and that You would keep me from all harm and evil, that I may not cause pain. As it was granted for Jabez, I pray that You grant it for me.

1 Chronicles 4:9

To You who is able to keep me from falling and to present me before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to You who is the only God, my Saviour, be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Yeshua The Anointed One, my Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen

Jude 1:24-25

Devotional Prayer

Tuesday 6th October 2020

Abba Father, I call on Your Holy Spirit today. Prepare me to be a sanctuary where Your Holy Spirit dwells. In You there is strength. In You there is protection. In You there is healing. In You there is fullness of joy. I open my arms, heart and spirit to be filled to an overflow; to be healed. Heal me from all infirmities, whether they be of the mind, spirit or body. I ask that You touch me from the hairs on my head to the souls of my feet. Breathe on me breath of El Elyon.

I thank You that I am covered by Your blood, the balm of Gilead. It is that balm that saturates my soul and heals and makes me whole.

Genesis 37:25/Jeremiah 8:22/Jeremiah 46:11

You fill my heart with joy and body with all I require each day.

Acts 14:17

It is because I walk by faith, with a belief in You, that I will not fear and know that I am healed.

2 Corinthians 5:7

Your Word tells me You shall supply ALL my needs, according to Your riches in glory. Therefore, I need not fear what I face, because wherever there is lack, You will fill that void.

Philippians 4:19

I thank You that You have not given us a spirit of fear but one of power, love and a sound mind. Keep that imprinted on my heart.

2 Timothy 1:7

No matter what the media, society or the world is saying my focus will remain on You. Whose report will I believe, I’ll believe the one from the LORD, things that are above and not below.

Colossians 3:2

To You who is able to keep me from falling and to present me before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to You who is the only God, my Saviour, be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Yeshua The Anointed One, my Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen

Jude 1:24-25

Devotional Prayer

Monday 5th October 2020

Abba Father, as I start a new week, I give You all the praise, honour and glory. I lift You up and place this day before You and ask that You have Your way. Forgive me of all sins, be they of thought, word or deed, seen or unseen, intentional or not. Assist me as I try to live my life for You and grant me the grace to never give up, no matter how things may seem. Draw me closer to You.

At all times I will place You before me, in everything I do; because You remain at my right hand, I shall not be moved. I am unshakeable, I stand firm. I will be focused.

Psalm 16:5

Hear me as I earnestly ask for Your guidance in everything. Teach me to realise the trust and loyalty that You provide, so that I can learn how to give it back to You and to everyone I come across.

Psalm 143:1

LORD bless me and keep me: LORD make Your face shine upon me, and be gracious to me: LORD lift up Your countenance on me and give me peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

To You who is able to keep me from falling and to present me before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to You who is the only God, my Saviour, be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Yeshua The Anointed One, my Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen

Jude 1:24-25

Devotional Prayer

Thursday 27th August 2020

Abba Father, I pray today You will protect, guide and strengthen me. I pray You will forgive me of all sins, whether they be mental, physical or spiritual; seen and unseen; known and unknown. I pray that I will feel Your presence at every second and every minute of the day.

Father, I place all my trust in You and ask that I am brought to higher heights and deeper depths.

Psalm 61:2/Isaiah 55:8-10/Luke14:10

The enemy is waiting close by, seeking who he may devour. I know he comes only to steal, kill and destroy; my freedom, my joy, my money, my family members, my job, my future, my peace, my potential and so much more. However, You have come that I may have an abundant life. I receive and firmly grip all that You have offered and ask that You give me the strength to hold on to You in faith.

John 10:10

I pray that I may know You completely and the full power of Your resurrection. It is extremely important that wherever You lead me I follow. I realise the importance of my mind and spirit to be under the authority of Your Holy Spirit, so I will walk in victory and without fear.

1 Corinthians 2:16/Ephesians 1:17

LORD bless me and keep me: LORD make Your face shine upon me, and be gracious to me: LORD lift up Your countenance on me and give me peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Abba Father, I pray all these things in the Mighty Name of Your Son Yeshua, who came and died on Calvary’s cross and rose on the third day, so that through Him I might have life and have it more abundantly.

Amen

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER

Wednesday 26th August 2020

Abba Father, I thank You for getting me through yesterday’s day and waking me up to face another. You didn’t have to do it but You did, so I can only assume that You have a plan laid out for me. I ask that, as the rain is washing the earth that I realise Your living water is on offer to wash over my soul and purify me. No matter what I face today, I ask that You go before me and have Your way.

Living water, comes from You

The LORD will pour His water on us and our families. His Spirit will quench our dry places of work and rest.

Isaiah 44:3

Your Word tells us that they who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled, so I’m hungering and I’m thirsting and know I shall receive, as Your Word tells me all I need do is ask.

Matthew 5:6

Your Word says that we only have to thirst, go after and earnestly seek the Living Water, to be filled!

John 37

You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I thank You in advance for quenching this thirst within me. So great a gift, which is free, which is You.

Revelation 21:6

Abba Father, I pray all these things in the Mighty Name of Your Son Yeshua, who came and died on Calvary’s cross and rose on the third day, so that through Him I might have life and have it more abundantly.

Amen

LORD bless me and keep me: LORD make Your face shine upon me, and be gracious to me: LORD lift up Your countenance on me and give me peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Devotional Prayer

Tuesday 25th August 2020

Abba Father, as I wake this morning may I be covered in Your Holy armour. I ask that I am forgiven of all sins of thoughts, words or deeds. I am aware that if I am anointed, blessed and strengthened by You, I need not fear. From my head to toe, inside and out, walk with me today. Help me to fight all battles, both seen and unseen.

I stand amazed and in awe of You! My mind cannot fathom Your might, no matter how hard I try.

Romans 11:35-36

I stand with my waist, firmly protected with truth;

my physical body, and everything about me (emotional and spiritual), protected with the breastplate of righteousness;

my feet ready to stand firm and walk as far as is needed, to share Your gospel of peace;

I quench all fiery darts, both internal and external, that may negatively affect my faith using Your shield of faith;

I take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word;

Fervently and with perseverance, I will pray in Your Spirit, for the world, my family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and acquaintances, so that we may all come to really know You and the power of Your resurrection;

I pray utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; and

With this boldness, I pray that I may speak of anything pertaining to You with confidence.

Ephesians 6:14-20

All I do, is because of You who strengthens me

Philippians 4:6

All I do is not by my might nor by my power but by Your Spirit.

Zechariah 4:6

Abba Father, I pray all these things in the Mighty Name of Your Son Yeshua, who came and died on Calvary’s cross and rose on the third day, so that through Him I might have life and have it more abundantly

Amen

LORD bless me and keep me: LORD make Your face shine upon me, and be gracious to me: LORD lift up Your countenance on me and give me peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Devotional Prayer

Monday 24th August 2020

Abba Father, I awake ready to face the day and the week ahead. It has been hard to regulate and get back to normal after the changes that have taken place, because of the Coronavirus. Strengthen me, so that I walk without fear. I place myself at Your feet and ask that I walk in complete protection. Cover me from the hairs on my head to the soles of my feet. Please have Your Way.

Your Word says that we should ask, to receive; seek, to find; and knock for the doors to be opened. Therefore, I am asking, seeking and knocking. These things shall be honoured.

Matthew 7:7

You chose me, and for that I am grateful. It is because I have been chosen by You that I stand out and I am set apart from the world. It is only by Your grace that I have been brought out of the darkness to Your marvellous Light.

John 15:19

I thank You that You are the same God today that You were yesterday. You do not change. As You have been there for me in the past You will be there for me in the future and You will be there with and for me throughout the week.

Hebrews 13:8

As You told the disciples many years ago, to launch out into the deep, give me the courage to do the same.

Luke 5:4

Let me not be ashamed or too shy to share the Good News of You.

Matthew 28:19-20

You stand at the door and knock. I hear Your voice and open my heart, my mind and spirit, so that You can come in and have Your Way.

Revelations 3:20

Abba Father, I pray all these things in the Mighty Name of Your Son Yeshua, who came and died on Calvary’s cross and rose on the third day, so that through Him I might have life and have it more abundantly

Amen

LORD bless me and keep me: LORD make Your face shine upon me, and be gracious to me: LORD lift up Your countenance on me and give me peace.

Numbers 6:24-6

WE. ARE. ENOUGH!

Attractive ENOUGH

Beautiful ENOUGH

Bold ENOUGH

Important ENOUGH

Successful ENOUGH

Intelligent ENOUGH

Sexy ENOUGH

Handsome ENOUGH

Shapely ENOUGH

Slim ENOUGH

Kind ENOUGH

Strong ENOUGH

Pretty ENOUGH

Smart ENOUGH

Fat ENOUGH

Talented ENOUGH

WE. ARE. ENOUGH!

When will we think that we are enough? Society, family, friends, acquaintances and colleagues, can put so much pressure on us both knowingly and unknowingly. This can make us feel insecure, ugly, stupid, guilty, weak and any other negative connotation out there, but who is right? Who made the heavens and earth? Who made YOU? There is NO THING or NO ONE that our Most High God has made that is wrong, so YOU, my dear, are exactly as you are supposed to be!

You may feel as though you are finished with; at the end of your days. You may feel as though you are a lost cause. You may feel as though nothing can be done for you. You may feel as though you deserve every negative thing that has been thrown your way…but MY God…YOUR God…is telling ME/US that WE. ARE. ENOUGH!

This is no matter what age, colour, ethnicity, intellect, sex, size or whatever other way humans are categorised.

The world may try to tell you to improve in different ways so that you fit in or comply with your surroundings but, how about becoming at peace with yourself. It is when you are at peace with yourself that you will make amendments that you deem necessary. Now, with me saying that you may feel that I’m saying it in a ‘nicer’ way that you are not enough but I’m not. Our mental existence is a state of mind. You may have heard the scripture that says ‘how a man thinketh in his heart, so is he’ (Proverbs 23:7). One interpretation of this, for me, is that an individual can think negatively about themselves and live in turmoil or acceptance that they really are as they think or believe. They will live a sheltered life and not to their full potential because they do not believe they are worthy. However, putting it into that context, when there has been a complete change of mind; you begin to see yourself as what you really are and who The Most High God says you are. It is then that what you think of yourself will overflow into your life and it will truly begin. You’ll be able to walk with your head held high and life will truly be golden. How one feels is down to the individual. In the beginning our Most High God created Adam and Eve, and as when everything else was created, He saw that it was good! Affirm it!

AFFIRMATIONS

An affirmation is the confirmation or acknowledgement that a statement or something is true. Placing an ‘I am’, ‘I can’, ‘I will’ or ‘I must’ before a statement can solidify it and make it concrete. Below are a few that I have said haphazardly. You can affirm them any number of times per day and for as long as you think it is needed. I have found the longer and more consistent you are, the better. However, it varies for each person. Depending on whether it’s your first time or according to your brain capacity (i.e whether or not you can retain a lot of information), start off with one or as many as time will allow. As you build up momentum, increase the amount or replace some. It sometimes helps to do it before a mirror, looking into your eyes and telling yourself what you are affirming. Decree and declare it!

Here are a few that have worked for me!

  • I am enough
  • I am fearfully and wonderfully made
  • I am in charge of how I feel and TODAY I am choosing happiness
  • I am made in His image
  • I am whole
  • I believe that nothing is impossible, if I only believe
  • I deserve the best and I accept and create the best now
  • I have the power to create change
  • I let go of ALL that no longer serves me
  • It’s a good day to have a good day
  • Today I abandon old habits and take up new, more positive ones

Remember, The Most High God has given YOU this AMAZING, DYNAMIC POWER, to do, be, have and create ALL that you desire, so go out and make it.