Author: knowingjesusdaily7

When an athlete crosses the finish line, their voice and expression radiate joy and excitement – they shine from the inside out knowing for sure that their hard work indeed paid off. Every athlete knows that success requires rigorous preparation physically, mentally, and emotionally and they also understand that the journey demands patience, endurance, discipline, self-control, trust, and above all faith. Parallel to our faith journey as believers, we’re like athletes training for eternity. While our ultimate victory is secured through Christ’s sacrifice, our journey still requires endurance and obedience. We must trust the process, cultivating patience, self-control, and faith. Unlike athletes, our outcome is guaranteed if we persevere and follow God’s commands. Our journey isn’t just about reaching eternity, but about honoring God and living out our purpose every step of the way.

“1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified”. This passage emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and endurance in our walk with God. Each believer has a unique purpose and strategy ordained by God, Just as athletes tailor their training, we must pursue our specific calling with discipline and purpose, ultimately honoring God and drawing others to Him. Let’s endure to the end, no matter our specific calling or strategy, to receive God’s promises – both now and in eternity.

✝️Whatever challenges come your way, keep pushing forward; for your prize awaits you.

Conviction is the deep-seated confidence in our values, faith, or purpose that drives our actions. While external voices may influence us, it’s the inner voice that must ultimately guide us. Our journey on earth is more spiritual than physical, which requires us to tune into God’s guidance within. Seeking wise counsel is essential, but we must discern what aligns with the Spirit’s leading. History shows us that even Jesus faced opposition by religious leaders, yet His conviction kept Him going. Similarly, Paul’s story serves as a reminder that human backing without God’s conviction can lead us astray. When God empowers us for a purpose, we need both His conviction and the support of others. However, our actions must always align with His will, not just human expectations.

Acts 4:19 showcases the unwavering conviction of Peter and John, who boldly declared, ‘Judge for yourselves whether it’s right in God’s eyes to obey you rather than God.’ This powerful stance reminds us that our loyalty to God’s calling supersedes human expectations. As we pursue the purposes God has entrusted to us, we’ll inevitably face opposition. Yet, we’re called to press on with conviction, trusting that God’s provision accompanies His commission. Even when we can’t see the way forward, His mighty arm is always at work, making a way for us to fulfill our calling. Brethren, I urge you to reflect on the calling that’s been on your heart. Is there something the Lord has been nudging you towards, but you’ve put on the backburner due to fear of what others might say or doubts about its potential impact? I want to remind you that your Father is a God of possibilities. He can take the smallest step of faith and turn it into something life-changing. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Consider the potential, and take that step of faith. Your obedience could be the catalyst for something amazing.

✝️ Let conviction drive your Christian journey 🙇‍♀️

There is a song, I would like us to meditate on briefly today….No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me. From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand. Till He returns or calls me home, here in the love of Christ I’ll stand..These lyrics remind us of the assurance and certainty we have in Christ’s love. As believers, we often face challenges that overwhelm us. For some, it might be guilt over past mistakes, feeling distant from God. For others, it could be the grief over losing a loved one, struggling to feel God’s presence. Some may wonder if God’s love is real amidst life’s struggles, but I want to encourage you today: God cares about you more than you can imagine. His love is unwavering, and He’s always present, even in our darkest moments.

“As Romans 8:38-39 reminds us, ‘For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. When life’s challenges overwhelm you, I urge you to fix your eyes on Jesus. God’s plans often surpass our understanding, and what may seem daunting will ultimately workout for our good. Recall times when you thought you’d never make it through, yet here you are. God’s love remains constant, His presence unwavering. He prioritizes our well-being above all else. Let this truth anchor your soul: God’s agenda prevails, and His love endures. Whenever doubts creep in, reflect on His faithfulness and the miracles He’s worked in your life.

✝️ Let’s hold onto the truth that we’re secure in Christ’s love, and nothing can separate us from it.❤️

As believers, we’ve often unknowingly given in to the enemy’s lies, limiting our potential to manifest God’s glory in our lives. Circumstances have crippled us, and for many, it’s become our identity. We know we’re Children of God, but do we truly live out that reality when faced with impossibilities or hopeless situations? Fear is a natural response to perceived threats, but as believers, we must not let it dominate us. In Mark 4:35-41, the disciples, despite having witnessed Jesus’ miracles, were gripped by fear as the storm raged. But Jesus rebuked the wind and waves, calming the tempest. This powerful display was to remind them – and us – of His absolute authority over all creation.

2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us: ‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.’ This scripture empowers us to recognize our identity and the authority we carry. When fear arises, it’s a sign that faith is lacking in that area. I challenge you to view life through the lens of your Father’s power and love. Just as a lion’s cub sees itself as king due to its lineage, we too should walk in confidence, knowing our heavenly Father’s might. The next time fear confronts you in any area of your life, remember your heritage in Christ and shake it off. Though fear may linger, persisting in faith will ultimately overcome it. Let’s live out our faith, unshaken by fear’s grip.

✝️ Let’s shift our perspective, embracing our identity in Christ and exercise faith over fear in all things

Children’s vulnerability, innocence, and curiosity make them uniquely precious. When adults exhibit these traits, they’re often likened to children. While childlike behavior may seem impractical in many areas of life, Jesus encourages us to adopt childlike qualities to receive faith. This paradox highlights the importance of humility, trust and openness in our spiritual journey. Children trust their parents unconditionally, even when faced with discipline or correction. This trust allows them to maintain a strong bond, knowing they’re loved and safe. Only in cases of betrayal or abuse might this trust be broken. In the same way, we are to see and relate with our Heavenly Father.

Matthew 18:3-4 “Learn this well: Unless you dramatically change your way of thinking and become teachable, and learn about heaven’s kingdom realm with the wide-eyed wonder of a child, you will never be able to enter in. Whoever continually humbles himself to become like this gentle child is the greatest one in heaven’s kingdom. This is a powerful reminder that faith requires openness, innocence, and total surrender to God. Let’s reflect on areas of our lives where we struggle to trust Him fully, and let go of past doubts and limited understanding. By surrendering to the Father, we can step out in faith, even when things seem impossible, and witness God’s limitless power transform our lives.

✝️ May we experience the miraculous power of God in our lives, as we walk in Childlike faith this week!

Accountability is about being responsible for our actions and decisions. As we journey with God, this principle takes on a profound significance. It involves acknowledging the destructive tendencies of our sinful nature and deliberately choosing to yield to the gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit. Scripture makes it clear that our own strength is insufficient to please God. However, by embracing accountability to the Spirit, we open ourselves to live a life of holiness, one that is empowered and sustained by God’s grace.

Galatians 5:16 exhorts us, “Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives, and don’t gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” This underscores our accountability to God. Even on the days we stumble, we must rely on His guidance and mercy. To embody accountability, we must: ✝️Take ownership of our choices and its consequences ✝️Be transparent and honest ✝️Set standards and goals aligning with God’s will By living accountable lives, surrendered to the Spirit’s guidance and empowered by His strength, we will please God and walk in His ways, finding true freedom and life in His transforming power.

✝️ I pray the Lord, grants us the strength and grace we need to resist temptation.🙏

Death is an unavoidable reality for every living being and for those who seek to fulfil God’s will, this truth holds profound significance. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross serves as a powerful reminder that death can be a transformative step toward fulfilling a higher purpose. Christ’s ultimate sacrifice teaches us that embracing God’s will often requires surrendering our desires and ambitions. This process of “dying to oneself” is not a one-time event but a daily choice to prioritize faith over worldly influences. In today’s world, secular beliefs and values have made their way even into the church, making it difficult to maintain to practice dying daily. To truly die with Christ is to be willing to “die” to the pressures and temptations of the world, embracing a path that may not always be easy.

Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die. But if through the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. This daily surrender involves letting go of personal agendas, preconceived notions, and attachments that conflict with God’s will. It requires humility, self-denial, and a willingness to follow Christ’s example. Struggling with unforgiveness, pride, greed, anger, the need to be right or to be seen is an indicator of a life controlled by the flesh. By yielding to the Spirit and doing the hard work of overcoming fleshly tendencies, we can theen truly experience the power of God in our lives and impact others. 🙇‍♀️ Love is one of the powerful ways to “die to oneself” and live for others. Being driven by love in our every action can be a transformative force in our lives and the lives of those around us.

✝️ May we surrender our own desires and live in love, truly dying with Christ to rise to new life today.

Just as our bodies need food to grow, stay healthy, and thrive, our spirits need the Word of God to flourish. As believers, we must prioritize feeding on Scripture daily, allowing it to transform our lives one area at a time. By doing so, we’ll experience spiritual growth, health, and vitality. A friend once asked me if I eat only when I’m hungry or because it’s healthy. My initial response was the former, but he corrected me, saying it’s the latter. Similarly, we shouldn’t only seek God’s Word when we’re troubled or in a service, but rather make it a habit to feed our inner selves, growing strong and healthy in our walk with Him.

“Long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurtured and grow in respect to salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). This powerful verse reminds us that spiritual growth is fueled by God’s Word. Accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior is the foundation of our faith, but it’s only the beginning. To truly grow in our relationship with God, we must cultivate a deep love for His Word. The Bible is our spiritual food, providing us with the guidance, wisdom, and strength we need to navigate life’s challenges.Jesus Himself demonstrated the importance of Scripture in His life, when faced with temptation in the wilderness, He responded with truth from the Bible, saying “It is written…” By doing so, He showed us the power of God’s Word in overcoming adversity. As believers, we can follow Jesus’ example by immersing ourselves in the Bible. By diving into God’s Word, we discover the promises that are rightfully ours, we learn about God’s love, provision, and protection. We gain confidence in His ability to guide us and provide for our needs. Don’t give the enemy a foothold by neglecting God’s Word due to ignorance or busyness. You can’t tap into promises you don’t know exist.

✝️ I encourage us to pursue an active and intentional relationship with God’s Word, allowing it to transform us.

In today’s society, believers often feel pressured to restrain their devotion, making wholehearted surrender to God a rare and awkward occurrence, even within church walls. Those who abandon themselves in worship are frequently labeled as excessive. However, the Bible offers a powerful counterexample in King David, who willingly became even more undignified in his worship. We’ve lost sight of this unbridled passion, instead becoming overly self-conscious about how we present ourselves to God and others.When we encounter God’s presence, our ultimate goal should be to surrender everything to Him. While personal, quiet worship is valuable, our motivation shouldn’t be driven by fear of others’ opinions. God’s goodness transcends human approval, deserving genuine, untainted praise.

In 2 Samuel 6:14, 20-22 David danced before the Lord with unbridled enthusiasm, wearing a simple linen tunic. Later, when David returned home to bless his family, Michal, Saul’s daughter, confronted him, saying, ‘How the king of Israel disgraced himself today, exposing himself to the servant girls like a shameless fool!’ David replied, ‘I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and his family to lead His people, Israel. I’ll celebrate before the Lord, and I’ll be even more undignified if I choose to. I’ll be willing to look foolish in my own eyes and in the eyes of the servant girls you mentioned, but they will ultimately honor me. For many of us, our families, church leaders, and close friends have become like Michal, hindering us from giving God the unrestrained worship He deserves. It’s not about mimicking David’s exact actions, but about being willing to move beyond the opinions of others and wholeheartedly pursue our relationship with God, no matter the setting.

✝️ Let’s reclaim a lifestyle of wholehearted worship, unapologetically honoring God in every setting.