Gratitude: For We Still Have Joy

What happens when you lift up the weights but still face the problem? I've noticed this as I commit to visiting the spiritual gym; the devil doesn't give up easily and isn't planning on giving up on you. But here's the thing: it's a double intensity. The devil might be committed to marking an "X" on you, but God is also committed to helping you grow healthy muscles.

We've talked about praying for everything, every little detail, but today, we're approaching the gym with a different approach: the way of gratitude. We're flipping the pages of the year's first quarter, in our hearts and entering His presence with joy and praise.

Lately, the enemy has been trying to lay siege on my joy. But we can choose to approach God not from the depth of our feelings but from a place of honor. We can declare that the Lord is good, and His mercies endure forever. So, we say, "Lord, we are grateful."

Beloved, the rain you might have waited out for might have become a season of hardship. But you know what should still be intact? Your joy, my joy. You can say this loudly to yourself: "My joy is still intact."

It's difficult to speak of having joy when you look at your physical circumstances and hear the mocking laughter saying, "I thought you said your God watches your back." Most times, our replies aren't automatic because we're still processing our pain. I get stuck in those moments too, but I've learned that nothing is responsible for my joy except God.

You can declare solely that "Lord, I am grateful that my joy is still intact. I have joy in my heart, and for this, I am so grateful." This gratitude we feel and express today isn't for anything except joy, even if we don't feel it. Because you don't need to feel it to declare it. You can boldly say, "Lord, I am grateful that You hear my prayers, and I am thankful that joy isn't far from me."

So, when we lift up the weights daily and search for evidence, see your joy as the best gift for diligently seeking Him.

Stay Revived!

By Guest writer.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU LIFTED WEIGHTS?

I'm not an athletic person, but whenever I notice the food I eat getting stored as fat in my belly, that's when I decide to go to the gym or engage in a workout session, which sometimes doesn't last more than a week.

I woke up yesterday feeling quite sad and exhausted. This feeling lasted until the evening when I spoke to a loved one about it. She recommended, "Why don't you pray in tongues for a while?" I did, and immediately I started engaging my spirit. I felt lighter and more joyful. She called it "weights." I had called it a "heaviness," and as I thought about it, I realized that it was indeed a weight that lay heavy on my chest and wouldn't go away until I exercised my spiritual self.

Just like not being committed to physical exercise, we also display a lack of commitment in our spiritual lives. The enemy sneaks in and replaces our anticipation of forthcoming events, like interviews or doctor's appointments, with weights.

Instead of feeling heavy-hearted throughout the day, we can lift these weights. Just as exercising burns excess fat, leaving us with what we need, we can spiritually exercise to lift our burdens.

As God says, "Come unto me, all ye that are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). We can choose to arm ourselves with scripture and go to God to take away the burdens that threaten our peace of mind.

Are you anxious? Pray in the Holy Ghost. Is your marriage troubled? Pray in the Holy Ghost. Do you have a major decision to make? Engage with the Holy Ghost.

The world is filled with weights, and as long as we live, we'll constantly face heavy burdens. But the truth is, we have a God who is a champion in lifting weights and burdens.

I felt relieved after praying, and even if I had stopped immediately, I felt okay. God wants us to know that a healthy emotional lifestyle can be achieved not just once, but by constantly submitting our feelings to Him. Just as we maintain a physical lifestyle by regularly exercising, we can maintain a healthy emotional lifestyle by regularly seeking God.

Do you desire to enroll in this session of weight lifters? You won't just be lifting your weights; you'll be lifting those of your family as well. In God's words, "Come! 

Stay Revived!

By Guest writer.

IT'S TIME TO TAKE A REDEFINED POSTURE: THE PRAYING POLICY

When Christ said we should pray without ceasing, He did not create room for exceptions - whether we feel like it or not, or whether we're happy or not. Although I love words, I could easily be torn down by the wrong words, especially in moments when I'm thin-skinned. In those moments, it feels as if I'm visited by the spirit of heaviness. Not even food, activities, or confronting the person who hurt me can alleviate the pain.

Recently, as I prayed in the Spirit, I realized that my emotions are always under attack. With an unstable and unhappy feeling, I gave up praying. But God had already given us the instruction: "Men ought always to pray and not to faint" (Luke 18:1). So, it's in those moments of feeling heavy that God wants us to press into Him.

I've discovered that if I can stay and pray, even if it's just a little at a time, God's presence eventually overtakes my feelings, and I'm filled with joy. Not the kind of joy that comes from resolved arguments or changed circumstances, but the joy that comes from God, replacing the spirit of heaviness with the spirit of laughter.

Praying always is an instruction we should take seriously. The devil knows that when we start seeing God's face, we become a terror to him. That's why he gives us countless reasons to discourage us from praying.

When God spoke about "dwelling in the secret place" (Psalm 91:1), this scripture became our key verse for protection. But it means more than that. It means finding our identity in God. We might have been trying to prove our worth or identity, but God says, "I can give it to you. You can find it in Me."

The world doesn't need to define us with a name or role. We can choose to be like Jesus, allowing Him to transform our lives. As we pray and seek out the deep things of God, we don't just get answered prayers; we get transformed. We discover who we are meant to be and align ourselves with that identity.

We can use prayer to liberate the identity Christ has formed for us. The devil's strategy is to make us question our worth. He can use the words of our loved ones or respectable people to discourage us. But we can arm ourselves with the Word of God and the lamp of the Holy Spirit, finding strength and meaning in Him.

There is provision for all our needs, but the question is, are we ready to find it?

Stay Revived!

Be Still and Know That I Am God

 

Amid life's chaos and uncertainty, when the tides seem high and the road feels rough, God invites us to pause and reflect. In Psalm 46:10, we hear a powerful command:

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations and exalted in the earth."

This verse reminds us of God's sovereignty and His promise that He will be exalted, even amidst the trials and upheaval of life. No matter how difficult the circumstances may seem, God’s power and presence remain supreme.

In a world that is constantly on the move, being still can feel like an impossible task. The busyness of life, the constant noise, and the pressure of responsibilities make it difficult to quiet our minds and spirits. Yet, God's invitation to "be still" goes beyond physical silence. It is a call to quiet our hearts, surrender our anxieties, and trust in His control.

Being still is an intentional act of trust—a moment to step away from the distractions of the world and create space to seek God’s guidance for the next phase of our lives. It’s about allowing His voice to rise above the noise around us.

While being still may be challenging in such a fast-paced world, it is precisely in those moments of stillness that we encounter God's peace. God is not asking us to be passive; He is calling us to actively surrender, trusting that He is in control. "Be still, and know that I am God" is not just a reminder of God’s presence—it is an invitation to experience His love, power, and guidance in our lives.

In the Bible, Job expresses his unwavering trust in God despite immense suffering. In Job 13:15, he says:

"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him." (KJV)

Job's words serve as a testament to his deep trust in God's will, no matter the circumstances. Even when life seems unfair or overwhelming, we can still place our trust in God, knowing He holds our future in His hands.

God's love for us is unconditional and profound. In a world filled with noise and chaos, we can find peace when we are still before Him, listening for His voice. Psalm 46:10 reminds us that in stillness, we are not simply waiting in silence; we are experiencing God's presence, love, and promises.

When we quiet our minds and spirits, we make room for God's peace to fill us. We stop trying to control everything and instead trust that God is in charge. He is bigger than any worry or challenge we face. In those moments of stillness, we can reflect, seek guidance, and engage in open, honest conversation with God.

As we navigate the noise of life, let us remember that God is always with us, offering peace and guidance. Take time each day to be still, trust Him, and know that He is in control. In those moments of quiet, we can find the strength to move forward with confidence, knowing that God’s will is perfect.

Stay revived!

Full Reflection

As we enter the Lenten season, we are invited to pause and reflect on the profound significance of why Jesus came, why He died, and why He rose again. This sacred time encourages us to meditate on the journey of Christ and its transformative impact on our lives.

Jesus, the only begotten Son of Jehovah, left His divine nature to take on human form. By becoming fully human, He experienced everything we face in our own lives—pain, temptation, and suffering—demonstrating that we too can live as triumphant beings. His incarnation wasn’t just about identifying with us but also about showing us the way to victory through faith.

In this season of reflection, let us contemplate Jesus walking through His deepest pains, the bitterness, the sorrow, and the tears. He bore our burdens on the cross, so that we might be set free from the weight of sin and death. This is a time for us to acknowledge that He did not come for His own benefit but for ours. The Scriptures reveal that Jesus even asked God to let the cup pass from Him, yet He chose to endure it for our sake.

Imagine the depth of God’s love, as He watched His Son make this agonizing plea, but chose not to intervene. In that moment, the enemy believed he had triumphed. The devil thought that by taking Jesus away from the world, the spread of the Gospel would cease. But if only he knew, this moment marked the beginning of the dispensation of grace—the unmerited favor that continues to sustain us today.

The death and resurrection of Jesus are central to our Christian faith. They symbolize our victory over death, sickness, pain, and failure. Jesus took all of these upon Himself and nailed them to the cross, ensuring that we could experience freedom and restoration. This season also calls us to stand firm in our faith, rejecting the schemes of the enemy and declaring that his plans will not take root in our lives or in the lives of our loved ones.

Jesus, the second Adam, triumphed over death and secured our victory. If only the enemy had known that the plan wasn’t merely about Jesus’ death but about something far greater—the resurrection that would bring new life to us all. Through Christ’s triumph, God not only received His Son back but also claimed us as His own.

As we reflect on these profound truths, let us take time to examine our own faith. Are we standing firm in Christ’s victory? Are we truly part of God’s army, called to advance His Kingdom and live out the power of His resurrection?

This is a season to reflect, to renew our commitment, and to stay revived in the knowledge that we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us.

Stay revived in His grace and continue walking in victory. 

Navigating Relationships with the Holy Spirit’s Guidance

 

Friends, it’s a beautiful day, and I’d like to share my personal hack with you. Honestly, I’m not a “people person.” I’ve always found it difficult to deal with crowds or engage with people for long periods. I feel they talk too much, and I often feel drained. I simply prefer to be in my own space. However, as I grow in the knowledge of God, I’ve realized that He gives me the ability to cope and appreciate the presence of others. I’ve learned to enjoy seeing and hearing people speak, even if I don’t speak much myself. I love watching people express themselves and do what they love.

I’m sure some of you reading this may feel the same way at times. But as children of God, we trust that the Lord places the right people in our lives. He guides us in building a healthy circle of friends and a supportive community. Navigating relationships can be a challenging aspect of our lives, especially when it comes to friendships. These relationships play a huge role in our spiritual lives and mental well-being.

As children of God, we are never left to navigate this journey alone. We have the help of the Holy Spirit. God created us with limitations and abilities, knowing that we would need His guidance to navigate this. The Holy Ghost is always present to offer insight, wisdom, and direction in every area of our lives, including relationships.

 I believe that the Holy Spirit plays an essential role in guiding us to discern who should stay in our lives and who may not be a good fit for our journey.

No matter how friendly or kind someone might be, sometimes we encounter people who aren't meant to stay in our lives. If we don’t invite God into the process, we might find ourselves struggling with relationships that don’t align with His will. The Holy Spirit offers us the wisdom to recognize when someone’s presence in our life might be pulling us away from God’s purpose.

“Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” – Psalm 27:14 (ESV)

When we trust in God’s direction, we avoid rushing into relationships that may not be beneficial spiritually, emotionally, or mentally. This patience is key in avoiding unnecessary burdens and helps us stay aligned with God’s plan for our lives.

When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we are reminded that we have the power to choose who stays in our lives. God desires that we love everyone, but that doesn’t mean we should be friends with everyone. By listening to the Holy Spirit and inviting Him into our relationships, we can navigate our connections with others in a way that honors God and promotes our spiritual growth.

So, the next time you’re considering bringing someone into your circle, ask God for guidance. Let Him know about it, and trust that He will lead you in making the right decision. In doing so, you will find peace and direction, knowing that your relationships align with God’s will for your life.

Stay Revived!

THE HEM OF HIS GARMENT

To the woman who desperately needed a miracle after years of suffering from an ailment that defied medical diagnosis and treatment, the hem of Jesus' garment was her last hope for healing. Her sole thought was, "If only...".

Matthew 9:20-22 (NIV)

20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”

Some nights ago, as I worshiped God, I heard the voices of various African church denominations praising Him in their own unique and also dramatic way. Then, the Holy Spirit whispered, "Despite genuine and holy-looking faith, not everyone can touch the hem of His garment." Many worship God, seek miracles and follow Jesus, but few are determined to touch the hem of His garment.

The crowd surrounding Jesus represents the factors that resist us from touching Him, including:

- People pretending to honor and worship Him but seeking personal gain or miracles

- False prophets feigning devotion, but with hearts far from Him

And this hem of His garment is a symbol of the person of Jesus. Beyond being so close to godly nature we are under Godly. We are more confident in our ability to touch the core of Jesus and commune or worship him.

This is not determined by our proximity to his physical person but our desperation to seek Him daily and see Him manifest. 

Just like this woman each day our desire should be to touch the master's garment hem, it doesn't really get easier because as the age closes the barriers increases but as long as our focus is on Jesus, victory is sure. 

Do you desire to touch the hem of His garment? Do you yearn to connect with the Master beyond your needs or superficial desires? Do you want to behold His face and experience His presence?

Like the woman with the issue of blood, you must press through crowds of:

- Doubt

- Unbelief

- Fear

- Rejection

- Past hurt

- Childhood trauma

Your faith can reach the whole of God, and He wants to give you the entirety of Himself, not just a part. Today, desire to touch the hem of His garment, and may that encounter bring wholeness to your life.

Stay Revived!

TO BEHOLD WONDROUS THINGS (Psalm 119:18)

Have you ever read a scripture once and had it resonated deeply with you, only to struggle to understand it at another time? At face value, God's Word may seem like historical stories, instructions, or tales. We keep hearing that God has given us his manual for us to stand out, if a manual is given to a person who is unable to fathom the truth in it, the purpose of that manual will not be achieved. But when we sit with these words, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate them, we can behold wondrous truths and realities.

As the Psalmist declared in Psalm 119:18, "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." We can experience the light and life of God's Word, revealing new insights and understanding.

Recently, I listened to a minister describe the death of Jesus, highlighting the battered and shattered nature of His body during the beating. The minister emphasized how Jesus' face was intentionally disfigured, losing its form and shape. Reflecting on this, I realized that Jesus' face was marred for my sake. This truth awakened a new reality within me.

I prayed these words, and today the Holy Spirit whispered them back to me. As intellectuals, we may have a deep understanding of scripture, but we can ask God to open our eyes to behold wondrous things from His Word. We get to meditate on the life of a great king and his kingdom, and his intention is to make his reality our reality. 

Dear partner in this revival journey, can you desire today that Gods word will come alive within you? Not just achieve your reading plan for the month but also hunger for the truth that this word can bring out. That's exactly what God wants to do with his words in our lives. 

As we study scripture, let's ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the life and light within the words. May we walk in the reality of God's kingdom, seeing His Word as more than just instructions – but as a living, breathing guide for our lives.

Stay Revived!

HAVE YOU MET JESUS?

Have you met Jesus? Not the Jesus preached in your church, but Jesus Christ, our Savior, as revealed in the Bible. While listening to a message by a renowned minister, I felt a deep call, a sense that the Lord is inviting us to a personal, private encounter.

In this moment, Jesus is calling us beyond general knowledge to a profound understanding of who He is. He's not just a granter of wishes but a transformer of lives. He wants to give us His heart's desire, His call for our lives.

While we often gather as a community to hear from God, there are moments when we experience Jesus in a deeply personal way. In those moments, we move beyond calling Him "Jesus" to "my Jesus." We own that experience, and nothing can take it away.

Have you truly met Jesus? Not for material blessings or superficial benefits, but to behold Him as Paul did, to call Him "My Lord" with conviction, knowing He's alive and real.

Can we desire Jesus to become real and personal to us? Can we take the step to ask Him to reveal Himself to us? Then, when we speak of Jesus, we can speak from the depth of our personal experience: "My Jesus."

As the psalmist cried, "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple." (Psalm 27:4, NIV)

Allow my Jesus to love you. 

Stay Revived!

By Guest Writer.

Opposition Breeds Strength

One of the games I’ve come to truly enjoy watching is tug-of-war. During our employee team bonding events, I always look forward to the game. Not that I participate—if I were on your team, I’d probably be more of a liability! Dragging that rope and withstanding the tension isn’t my idea of fun. However, I love watching the energy and effort people put into it and observing how the opposing team responds.

In many ways, life can feel like a tug of war. We often face resistance, challenges, and opposition that try to hinder our progress or block our path to new opportunities.

It’s easy to question why God doesn’t prevent these obstacles or even wonder if He’s truly present in those moments. But we often forget that one of the fruits of the Spirit is longsuffering, which means there will be times in our lives when we’re called to endure, to wait, and to trust—even when it’s difficult. God's Word speaks to this in James 1:2-4:

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

It’s during these moments of opposition that our faith grows stronger, and we become steadfast in the Lord. I recall a time when someone asked me for advice about an opposition she was facing, and my response was, “In this part of town, we tarry—yes, we tarry in the Lord until we get answers.” So, take it to God.

There’s an important lesson here: opposition doesn’t come to defeat us or make us feel overlooked. In fact, God allows opposition for a reason. Even when we don’t fully understand the purpose, there is always meaning in the struggle. It’s through facing challenges that we develop resilience, deepen our faith, and grow into the individuals we are meant to become—lacking nothing.

So, the next time you find yourself amid opposition, remember it’s not there to break you—it’s there to build you. Embrace the process, trust in the journey, and know that strength often comes through resistance.

Stay Revived!

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Decision-Making

The uncertainty we often feel when faced with decisions reminds us that we were not created to navigate life alone. We often encounter situations where we must make choices, but because we are not the author and finisher of our lives, we cannot see the outcome. So, what do we do in these moments?

There is a place where the Holy Spirit helps us in our decision-making process. The Holy Spirit is our Helper—not just when we need a miracle, but also in the everyday decisions we face. As children of God, we must learn to bring our thoughts, our decisions, and everything we intend to do to the Holy Spirit, seeking His counsel in every decision we intend to make.

John 16:13 (KJV) states:

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."

The Holy Spirit desires to be included in our daily lives. He wants us to hear His opinion on every matter. When He speaks, He doesn’t force His will upon us; He gives us the freedom to make the final choice. As our Helper, the Holy Spirit provides peace during our times of aloneness, and He is the light in our darkest moments. We must bring our plans to Him in prayer, seeking His guidance.

We must pray until the noise in our minds and spirits is quieted, bringing us to a place of peace where we can agree with Him on a concrete decision. When we consistently seek the Holy Spirit’s opinion in our daily lives, He begins to influence our thinking and thought processes, guiding us to think in alignment with His will. However, we must remain vigilant, not allowing the enemy to interfere with this process.

Sometimes, we may feel unsure about when the Holy Spirit is speaking. The issue is not that we cannot recognize His voice, but that we have not yet become familiar with it. The Holy Spirit is eager to hear us ask Him questions. I remember a time when I wanted to make a decision about letting someone into my life, and I asked the Holy Spirit about it, but I didn’t wait long enough for an answer. Later, I went back to Him about the same matter, saying, “I thought You meant I should…” The Holy Spirt replied, “I didn’t say that. You did.” I laughed because, often, the Holy Spirit speaks in the language of our thoughts.

Holy Spirit, on this day, we ask for understanding, that we may truly live and comprehend the essence of our existence. Teach us to love You, and may we gain the guidance and wisdom to live as You have called us to live. Amen.

Stay revived!

God's Word, his Love Letter to us.

 

The Power of God’s Word: A Love Letter to His Children

Months ago, I began seeking the Lord for wisdom—not merely to read the Bible, but to understand it on a deeper level. I realized that God’s Word is not just a collection of ancient writings; it is a love letter from our Creator to His children. There are layers of meaning within each passage, and the Lord reveals these depths through His Spirit, giving us fresh insights each time we open the Bible. Two people can read the same passage and receive different revelations, but one truth remains: God’s Word is alive, and it cannot be fully understood through our wisdom alone.

In the Bible, God speaks directly to us, offering promises, sharing His desires for our lives, and revealing His heart. His Word is a powerful message of wisdom, comfort, and guidance, showing us just how much He loves us. As we read, we are reminded of His constant presence, unconditional love, and the hope He provides in every circumstance.

Many approach the Bible as if it were just another book, reading it as a story or a set of teachings. But God’s Word is not like any other book. It is His love letter to us. He spoke these words to the apostles to guide us in our Christian Walk with Him. Yet, this letter cannot come alive for us unless it is revealed by the Holy Spirit.

Much like a letter from a beloved friend or family member, God’s Word communicates His care for us, His intentions for our lives, and His longing for a relationship with us. Every passage is an invitation to grow closer to Him, trust His plan, and experience the fullness of His love. There’s a profound difference between reading God’s Word and having a passage open up to us, as the Holy Spirit reveals its true meaning.

God’s Word is supernatural. It holds power and truth that can only be fully realized when we have a relationship with Him and love Him deeply. It is through this relationship that we experience the fullness of what God’s love letter offers: freedom, deliverance, and the keys to victorious living. Friends, we should hunger for understanding from God’s Word every day. It is in His Word that we find peace—not the fleeting peace the world offers, but true, lasting peace.

When we become familiar with hearing God’s voice we begin to hear this word not just as a general word but as a personal word to us. We stop seeing His words as the apostles first recorded them and instead hear them as the Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts. The key is receiving these words with faith and living them out—this is when God’s Word becomes real to us.

Let’s always remember that God’s Word is not meant to be casually read; it is meant to be cherished, studied, and lived. When we embrace His Word, we are embracing His love. It’s never too late to begin studying God’s Word. Start with a verse, allow it to grow in your heart, and trust that the Holy Spirit is ready to guide you on this journey.

So open God’s Word today—He is waiting to speak to you.

Stay Revived!

My Assurance

Have you ever wondered, "How is this going to fix itself?" or "How is this going to work out?" You're faced with a long list of reasons why it might not be possible, and you're left questioning what your assurance is. Is there someone or something you can hold onto, who won't fail you and has a plan for you?

My sister once shared a story about a conversation she had with a friend after university, during her service year. Her friend was jobless and running a business, and when he asked my sister what she planned to do after school, she confidently replied, "I'll get employed by a prestigious firm and start working." Her friend laughed, citing the impossibility of achieving this, but my sister's testimony is that she actually landed the job just as she had expected.

When I asked her the basis of her confidence, she simply said it was her trust in God's ability to provide for her daily needs. Even when things don't unfold as we expect, we're reminded that "all things work together for good..." (Romans 8:28, ESV)

In God, there's room for everything – our fears, doubts, and uncertainties. But we have something greater: a greater assurance, hope, and trust that God's grace is sufficient for us. His grace reaches out to us, understands our deepest desires, and works everything out to bring meaning to our lives.

We don't need objects, positions, offices, or treatments to solidify our faith. Instead, we can put our confidence in God's great grace, which has a proven track record of not failing.

You can trust fully in God, it might not have turned out but God is definitely working it out for your good. 

Stay Revived!

Why I Chose Prayer?

 

A leader once remarked, "You know the prayer ministry isn't attractive to young people, so we decided to put them there for internship." This sparked a question within me: "Why did you choose to pray it out?" It seemed unreal, as many of us would opt for practical means, energy-giving activities, or intellectual pursuits over prayer.

During my quiet moments, I reflected on my journey. I never really loved praying, so I opted to spend hours reading Christian manuals to address specific issues. I'd seek God's counsel, but often through other means. However, I stumbled upon a powerful scripture that promises satisfaction to those who seek God in the secret place.

After struggling with feelings of emptiness, longing, and despair, I began praying. My sister introduced me to the idea of praying often, and I turned every moment of despair into an opportunity for prayer. Some moments lasted hours, while others were brief, but I came to God because He invited me.

Though my pressing needs weren't always met, I experienced God's satisfaction and healing in the process. This promise is fulfilled in Psalm 16:11 (NIV), "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

Everything can be a prayer point. We can take all our concerns to God, and His ability runs deep to meet us at any crossroads. Just as a lover seeks out their beloved, God wants us and wants us to need Him.

Prayer can be:

- Our "highness drug"

- Our wisdom well

- Our communication starter

- Our healing balm

You can find your way and the way through prayer. But remember, as long as you don't come to God, you'll miss out on His intention to partner with you.

Come to Him today, and take it all to the Lord in prayer. 

Stay Revived!

By guest writer

Wait it out on, the Rock that Never Fails.

What's your first response when faced with challenges? I often react with a sigh and spiral into a cycle of despair, getting stuck in a rut. However, that's not the response we should have. David's experience in Psalm 62 teaches us a better way. When faced with adversity, David chose to wait upon God, who is his Rock and Salvation.

Psalm 62:1-2, 5-7 AMP says:

"For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my Rock and my Salvation, my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be greatly moved."

"My soul, wait only upon God and silently..."

"He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved."

"With God rests my salvation and my glory; He is my Rock of unyielding strength and impenetrable hardness, and my refuge is in God!"

Would you choose to wait on God when:

- You can't figure out the solution?

- You're unsure what the problem is?

- You've tried everything, but it's still not working?

How would you wait? I often find myself waiting while complaining, tearful, and overwhelmed. But I've learned that focusing on God's faithfulness helps me see His power and sovereignty.

God can be your refuge, and He wants to be. Instead of seeking something extraordinary to fill the void, remember that we're allowed to wait on God – not in vain, but with expectation, knowing He's our salvation and rewards us according to our works.

Today choose to wait it out on the rock that never fails. 

Stay Revived!

Trusting God

Some time ago, I asked someone, "How do you rely on God when your present reality does not reflect the word, He has spoken to you? How do you respond to the calling on your life when it feels as though you are stuck in a cycle of repetition?

In times like these, God is calling us to rely on Him. When God gives us His word, He is not focused on our present circumstances or past experiences, but on what He intends to do. There is a version of us that God knows, and He wants us to trust Him. However, for this plan to become a reality, we must align ourselves with His will. He desires to strip us of everything that is not of Him and bring us to a place of total dependence on Him.

The Bible reminds us in Matthew 28:20, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." God knows we will face fear, yet He continuously reassures us to "fear not."

He understands that there will be times we doubt, but He still says, "Fear not." I remember a time when I prayed to the Lord for something, and for four years, I waited. I knew He was going to do it because He had given me His word through a vision and confirmed it through His written word. I held onto those promises, yet there were times when I looked for ways to use my logic to explain the situation. Even then, I knew He had spoken, and I had to trust that He would fulfill His word. He is calling us to trust Him — trust Him with all our hearts, trust Him through all uncertainties. God's plans are beyond our human understanding, but He desires for us to invite Him into the midst of our doubts and fears.

We often find ourselves shaken by external circumstances, even after hearing from God both personally and through His word. The future is real, but it only comes to those who are willing to step into God's purpose and trust Him completely. We must open ourselves to God, allowing Him to take charge and guide us in fulfilling His plans for our lives. As our Father, He desires to bring His purposes to fruition in us.

It is not about what we have or who we are, but about who God is and what He intends to do. We must be vulnerable enough to trust the vision God has given us and to work intentionally towards it, knowing that He will bring it to pass.

In Christ, there is a reality far beyond our own understanding. When we truly rely on God, He begins to reveal to us the chapters and paragraphs of what has been written about our lives. It is time to release our grip on what we know and place our full trust in who God is and the path He has set before us.

Stay revived!

God's Validation Is All We Need

 

Have you ever felt stuck in a rollercoaster of emotions? That feeling is one of the worst, as it's a point of uncertainty where we're unsure what to do, what to expect, or how things will turn out. Is it necessary for God's children to experience this? Thankfully, God's validation is the best remedy.

In the creation story, God looks at us and declares us good (Genesis 1:31). As we grow, He draws us closer, calling us into a deep, personal relationship. When we open our hearts to Him, He validates us, rejoicing in our existence. He knows the world's challenges will leave their mark, but He leaves us with the mark of Jesus—the blood and redemption that validate our identity.

Rejoice, friend, because you have a God who doesn't need you to love Him first. His love draws you into Himself and guides you on your journey. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by the world's coldness, seek the Father's warmth and rely on Him to navigate life's darkness.

As David wrote in Psalm 18:32-34 (NKJV), "It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer And sets me on my high places. He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze." 

This reminds us that only in God's strength can we thrive and live. Seasons come and goes but we have an open check to thrive in God's abilities. 

Stay Revived!

A Call to Radiate His Love

God’s love is so wonderful—

So high, I can’t get over it.

So low, I can’t get under it.
So wide, I can’t get around it.
Jesus, You give me wonderful love.

These were the rhythms in my heart as I wrote. Jesus is God's Love personified. It is God's genuine thought for mankind. When He wanted to show His love for us, He gave His only begotten Son, so that He might gain mankind in return. What manner of love is this, that one came to die for the sins of others?

The Holy Spirit sheds His love in our hearts daily and urges us to cultivate it and share it with others. The kind of love God promises sets us apart for His purpose and brings freedom.

He is a patient lover who waits patiently for His people to come to the knowledge of all He has and can do for them. When we acknowledge Him, He pours His love on us and expects us to show this love to mankind.

God’s love and position in our lives cannot be replaced by anyone, It is a selfless kind of love.

As children of God, we are to esteem others and show the same kind of love He has for us. This love is not conditional. We are commanded to love, as God’s Word says, Romans 13:8 “Owe no man anything, except to love.” Love is not optional—it's a command. The weight of God’s love is strengthened when we show it to mankind.

It’s time for us to become faithful in Love Work with God.

What are you doing with the love of God?

 Is your love dependent on what you can get from someone?

God is constantly putting us in situations where we can radiate His love to mankind. Live a life debt-free of love, always spreading God’s love.

Spread God’s love today and watch as your Lover sheds His peace within you daily. 

Stay revived !

Partnering with the Holy Spirit to Shape Our Reactions

Growing up, I realized that I was very sensitive to sound, especially when I was asleep. Any kind of noise or movement would disturb me. One night, sometime last year, I was sleeping when I suddenly heard my sister's voice. As soon as I heard it, my eyes flew open in anger, and I was about to speak. But in that moment, the Holy Spirit gently whispered to me, “Do not say anything.” I tried so hard to speak, but the prompting continued, urging me to remain silent.

So, I stayed quiet. The next morning, I woke up still feeling frustrated. I wondered, “Why was she so loud? Why didn’t she move more quietly?” But all of these thoughts remained in my heart. I went through my morning routine, took a shower, got dressed for work, and left for the office.

At the office, I kept thinking about how I would talk to her about it when I got home. But then, the Holy Spirit spoke to me again, saying, “Speak nothing about what happened.” I responded, “But Lord…” and He repeated, “Say nothing.” So, I obeyed and said nothing.

After that experience, I began to notice something important. There were times when I would hear loud noises from my neighbors, but the usual irritation and urge to complain had disappeared. I realized that since that moment with my sister, I no longer felt the same frustration or need to react to excessive noise.

The Holy Spirit is our character shaper. He works within us, guiding us to partner with Him so He can mold our character according to His will. It is the Holy Spirit who teaches us how to speak, when to sit, when to stand, and when to run. He helps us grow into the people God wants us to be.

The Holy Spirit is not confined to certain parts of our lives. He is our Helper in every area, every circle, and every situation. He is the author of our daily lives—nothing happens without His notice. So, we should never try to exclude Him from any part of our life.

As children of God, we should continually ask the Lord to work on our character. We need to bring our weaknesses before Him and allow Him to shape us into the people He wants us to be. If we are unable to deal with our weaknesses, they can become footholds for the enemy in our lives. The Holy Spirit is aware of our weaknesses, but He is also our strength in those weaknesses. Let’s seek His help daily, asking Him to sharpen our character and guide us in every moment.

Stay revived!

GOD WANTS TO BE OUR FATHER.

 

During a recent worship session, a song came into my spirit: "You are the fourth man in the fire, the one who does no wrong, the one who always comes true for His own." I sang this song, and although I only recall it during worship, its message stayed with me.

This morning, while reflecting on certain challenging events, I realized that God is our only ultimate help. Having relocated far from family and familiar surroundings, I sometimes face numerous challenges. In one of these moments, I thought of where and who would I depend on. The song's message became a reminder that "God is my security". 

 I thought about how God helped the three Hebrew men, and to me, that was a responsible Father who cared for His child caught in the world's fire.

Because they had an understanding of who God is they were able to say this From Daniel 3:16-18

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, "Your threat means nothing to us.

17 If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king.

18 But even if he doesn't, it wouldn't make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn't serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up."

I often feel stuck in challenging situations, and while I know how to navigate some, I sometimes wish for a Father to guide me. As I sang, I thought about God's help and said, "Father, help me. You know best!" 

Reading the story of the Hebrews, I saw God's fatherly nature and loved it more. It felt real to me. God is concerned with our life details and will step into any challenge with us if we acknowledge Him.

Stay Revived!

HOPE IN A GOD WHO DOES NOT FAIL

Currently, I've been facing a medical issue, and I've found myself seeking God's face consistently. Despite medical advancements, I kept on having fears and doubt. However, as I prayed, God kept revealing a reality different from my current circumstances. This built hope in me and brought me to a realization: God's reality goes beyond our physical circumstances, and He wants to impart His divinity on us.

God's reality is meant to be our reality. This was the main point of redemption. Although we're currently in a physical place that differs from God's reality, we must create an atmosphere worthy of holding His reality. As God's word says, "The Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (2 Corinthians 3:17). We must worship Him in spirit and truth.

The spirit reality is God's actual plan for us. He said we existed before the world was formed, and when we come into this existence, we can become who He intended us to be. God's ultimate show of love for us can be achieved when we choose to work in His spiritual reality.

In moments when we feel abnormal or uncertain, we can search within our spirit to seek out the kind of reality we once had. We can travel to the secret place to meet with our God, armed with the sword of truth. This is the multidimensional privilege we have, and we can be assured that He rewards those who seek Him out.

Do you want to come to this place? If you can just come consistently, even when you lack the faith to hold out, He will build faith and capacity in you. Today, there is a God who has a reality for us that is far different from what we want, but it produces peace. Come today with that posture. 

You can come.

Stay Revived!

By Guest writer.

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Stay Revived: Embracing the Newness of March and Beyond

 

It feels like just yesterday we entered into the new year, filled with hope, dreams, and expectations for 2025. Though not everything may go as planned, we all desire the best from this year. And now, here we are, already in March. God's word speaks powerfully to us in this season, as He reminds us, "On the third day, I will revive you" (Hosea 6:2).

To live triumphantly in the months ahead, we need revival. God desires to revive us so we can be launched into the dimensions He has set for us. He’s calling us to a fresh season of spiritual renewal, where we can fully walk in the fullness of His plans and purposes.

Looking back to the early church, we see how they were able to live out the miraculous. What made them different? They were constantly revived, persistent in their faith, and committed to communion with God. Their encounters with Jesus were real and life changing. They didn’t just know about Jesus—they experienced Him in profound ways, and that made all the difference in how they lived and ministered.

Just as the early church sought intentional communion with the Father, we too must make time for regular, intentional encounters with God. It is in these moments of communion where peace is found, a peace not given by the world but only through the Lord. Our hearts must long for that place of peace and intimacy, just as the early believers did.

There will be times in the coming months when we must close the door, shut out the distractions, and seek God in prayer. We need to quiet the noise in our minds, silence the constant bombardment of news and social media, and bring our doubts into agreement with God. In those sacred moments, we position ourselves to receive His revival. In stillness and intentional communion with God, He renews our spirit, filling us with His peace, strength, and direction.

There is a revival coming, just like in olden times. But as we anticipate this move of God, we must remain watchful and aware of our times. Darkness is increasing in the world around us, but we can take heart—victory is assured in the name of Jesus.

As we press forward, let us stay revived, continually seeking God's presence, and walking in the victory He has already won for us.

Stay revived!

The Gethsemane Experience: What Does This Place Mean to Every Believer?

 I must admit that I hadn't paid much attention to the significance of Gethsemane in the Bible. My knowledge of it was limited to the fact that it was the place where Jesus was arrested before being crucified. However, one morning, as I pondered over recurring dreams that weren't very positive, the Holy Spirit whispered a single word to my heart: "Gethsemane."

I couldn't understand why I kept having these dreams or why I seemed stuck in a rut, unable to move forward. Have you longed to break through to the next level and see the manifestation of prophecies in your life but can't? It was then that I heard the whisper: "Gethsemane."

Although unfamiliar with the term, I decided to research it. I discovered that Gethsemane is a Hebrew word that means "oil press." It's a place where olives are crushed to extract their valuable oil. As I read through Mark 14:32-33 (AMP), I gained a deeper understanding of the significance of Gethsemane:

"Then they went to Gethsemane, and He said to His disciples, 'Sit down here while I pray.' And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be struck with terror and amazement and deeply troubled and depressed."

As I reflected on this passage, I realized that Gethsemane represented a place of total defeat. Jesus wanted to ask for the trials to pass Him by, He wished for something soothing. However, at the close of His prayer, He accepted God's will and declared, "Not My will, but Yours be done" (Mark 14:36, AMP).

Speaking these words can be challenging, especially when we're faced with battles that seem to suck the life out of us. Yet, Jesus' acceptance of God's will transformed a place of defeat into a place of great victory.

I'd like to ask you: Have you truly surrendered to God's will? Are you at a point where it seems like your whole world is crashing down around you? Remember that what may appear to be a place of defeat can be the starting point of a victorious journey.

There are days when I wake up expecting triumph, and there are days when I feel uncertain. However, I've come to realize that the Gethsemane experience wasn't Christ's defeat, but rather a testament to His total submission to God's will. It marked the beginning of a victory chant that would echo throughout eternity.

Instead of focusing on the pain, defeat, and failure, let's choose to declare, like Jesus, "Abba, Father, everything is possible for You. Take away this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will" (Mark 14:36, AMP).

May we learn to surrender to God's will, even amid uncertainty. May we discover that what seems like defeat can be the starting point of a victorious journey?

Stay revived!

By Guest Writer.

Deliverance in the Midst of Adversity

It’s interesting how, even when you’re not causing any issues, people will try to smear your image simply because you are favored. They may attempt to discredit you or cause you to fall. As I reflect on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, I’m reminded of how Daniel found favor in the eyes of King Nebuchadnezzar. After Daniel interpreted the king’s dream, he requested that these Hebrew men be given positions in Babylon, and they were appointed as administrators over the province.

King Nebuchadnezzar, who had previously declared that the God of Daniel was "the God of gods and the Lord of kings" (Daniel 2:47), later issued an order for everyone to bow down and worship a golden statue. This was a clear trap designed to take out Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. However, what the enemy failed to realize was that this situation would only reveal God’s glory.

This is often how we find ourselves. The enemy tries to trap us in situations that challenge our faith and tempt us to deny God. Yet, in those moments, God is at work. When the king commanded that everyone bow down to the golden image at the sound of the music, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship the idol. They stood firm in their faith, saying that their God would deliver them from the fiery furnace, but even if He didn't, they would not worship the image.

Sometimes, when the world puts a period on your story, that’s when God begins a new chapter. He doesn't need anyone’s permission to move in your life.

For every fire we go through, there is always another person. The enemy may think he has trapped you in a crisis, but you are not in crisis; you are in Christ. There is always a fourth man in the fire, and that fourth man is your helper. No matter how impossible or hard it may seem, God has not brought you this far to leave you stranded. He is too faithful to fail, and He always shows up right on time.

So, gird up your faith, for the fourth man is here to help you. Just as King Nebuchadnezzar proclaimed, when God shows up in your situation, it will be a testament to His power and faithfulness.

Stay revived!

When Do the Temptation to Give Up Set in?

Fighting wars and facing battles can be exhausting, not just for one camp, but for both. Even when victory seems certain, prolonged battles can sow doubts and fears. Long battles have a way of doing that to those involved.

However, this time around, we're not just fighting physical battles, but spiritual battles that manifest physically. Our enemy is relentless, refusing to give up even when we think we've overcome. His persistence can lead us down a road of long, arduous battles.

In those moments, I'm tempted to give up. Why doesn't it just stop? Haven't we passed this point already? Haven't we broken through? Haven't our marriages, children, and jobs improved?

I was stuck at this moment sometime ago and it pierced a doubt in my heart. Sorrow did set in. 

This is a kind of popular feeling-

and we're unable to draw strength from God. Only joyful people can draw from God.

 God's word steps in to encourage us. 2 Samuel 3:1 AMP reminds us:

"There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker."

God knew we'd face battles that would last years, months, or weeks. That's why He left us His word – to keep us strong and fighting.

Even if the test results are still negative, I'll keep growing stronger. The enemy can't beat the strength we derive from God; that's the ultimate power.

Remember, friend, just as the enemy consistently blocks our paths, God's promise of a victorious life remains consistent. 

Stay revived!

By Guest writer.

CAN GOD BOAST ABOUT YOU

As a child whenever I read the story of Job. I wondered, why God allowed the devil to take the lives of Job's children, especially after all of Job’s dedication to worshiping and serving Him daily? Job lost everything in a single day. 

Imagine if this were you—would you speak badly about the Lord? 

However, the story of Job offers clear evidence of God's faithfulness. Job’s life shows that he truly served Yahweh, and the Lord blessed him for it. Satan tried to harm Job, but God allowed it only because He knew Job could handle it. A day came when angels were presenting themselves to the Lord that the Devil also came and the Lord conversed with him and he said to Satan, “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land.”

How did Satan know this? It means he had tried to harm Job before, but God had placed a protective hedge around him. Satan couldn’t harm him because God didn't allow it.

God is looking for people He can trust, people He can say, "Have you considered my servant Taylor? Have you considered my servant Kamsi?" There are times He lets most challenges our way because He knows we’re capable of handling challenges, and He watches to see our response and equips us with what we need to face whatever comes our way. If God allows something to happen in our lives, it's because He believes we have the strength and capacity to handle it.

God was so proud of Job. I can just imagine God looking down on him every day, smiling with pride. The Bible says in Job 1:8: “Then the Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.'"

So, here’s a question: Can God brag about you?

If God allows you to be challenged by the enemy, will you still love Him? If He allows you to be tempted by the enemy, will you still love Him?

From the story of Job, we see that the Lord doesn’t let the devil do anything without His permission. God is mindful of us and attentive to us.

Can God brag about you? What if your friends and connections sit and watch, asking, "Where is your God?" Will you still love God? There are certain things God allows us to go through, not because He wants to harm us, but because He knows He is refining us, like gold, for what He has ahead.

Friends, can God brag about you?

Will you still love Him even when things are tough? 

 When you've prayed, followed the rules, and still haven't seen the answers, will you still trust Him?

Stay Revived! 

Who wants to be God's Power House?

As a member of the Power House prayer ministry unit in my church, I've often heard our leader say, "We are the Power House in the church." Initially, I didn't fully grasp the magnitude of this statement, but the Holy Spirit has since revealed its significance through various experiences.

For a while now, I and my sister have been committed to consistent midnight prayers, in these moments there are times when we receive messages from God and there are times we just go in praying but we still get no message, just our voices echoing out but you know what, the enemy brought a false report in the midst of this season and the temptation to quiet our voice rang. 

But it that very moment this words came into my mind during the moments of prayer " may my voice not be silenced. The Holy Spirit has shown us that we're called to be a lighthouse and yes an echo room to roar and defeat the kingdom of darkness. We're to shine God's light from our lives, so when others look our way, they'll see the radiance of God's presence.

I sometimes doubt my victory, do you feel that way too? 

Do you ever wonder if you can be victorious? 

The enemy wants us to focus on the battles, not the triumphs. Seeing only the struggles can be frustrating, and we might feel like giving up. But God's reality for us is victory. Our victory dance celebrates Jehovah's triumph over every challenge.

See our reality in this book: 

1 Peter 4:14: "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, But On Your Part He Is Glorified."

When we pray, we roar in the enemy's camp, declaring that our voices will be heard. It's easy to lose our voice in the midst of life's conflicts and crises, but God wants to solidify our identity and presence, just like He did with David. Throughout David's journey, we hear God's words through his voice.

As we navigate life's paths, may we never lose our voice. In this season of revival, may we be ignited by the fire of revival as christ is being glorified in us. 

Stay Revived!

By Guest writer.

Wonderfully and fearfully made.

As we enter a new month, I would like to share a thought that often crosses my mind when I observe people. I find myself wondering: How is it that we all have different faces, yet the Bible tells us that we were created in the image of our sovereign God? It’s funny how people often say that one person is "fearfully made" while another is "wonderfully made."

 But what exactly does the image of God mean? What does God look like? In what likeness were we created, and for what purpose? Can we truly say that God looks like Eric, but not like Jane?

In Genesis 1:26-27, we read:

"Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them." (Genesis 1:26-27, NIV)

If we were all created in the same image, it means that there is a likeness to God in each of us. God created us this way so that we may rule and have dominion over the creatures of the sea and land. Our faces, though diverse, are all part of the same image. We are not biological accidents; there is a purpose and a design behind how God created us, reflecting His own likeness.

Consider this: when the 24 elders bow in worship before God, they experience a different dimension of His image each time. Likewise, if we are created in God’s image, then when the angels bow to worship Him, there are moments when they see your reflection as part of His divine image.

There are billions of people on Earth, and despite our differences—whether black or white, or any other distinction—we share one image: the image of God.

Galatians 3:28 reminds us: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, NIV)

Regardless of our gender, appearance, or background, we all bear the same image and likeness of God. The same Lord is Lord of all, and He richly blesses all who call on Him.

So today, I encourage you to embrace the unique way God has created you. Be confident in your identity, for it is for His glory that you are the way you are. Rest assured, no matter what you look like, you are made in God's image, and you are wonderfully and fearfully made.

Stay revived!