THE POWER OF HIS MIGHTY HAND

“And in the future, your children will ask you, ‘What does all this mean?’ Then you will tell them, ‘With the power of his mighty hand, the LORD brought us out of Egypt, the place of our slavery.” —Exodus 13:14

There have been times in my life that I needed undeniable divine intervention.

Have you ever been in a situation where the only way out was God? In other words, if God didn’t come through for you, you were not going to make it? Maybe it was a negative report from a doctor. Maybe it was a financial issue that had your nerves rattled, on the brink of collapse. Maybe it was the death of a loved one; I know how this feels. That’s the type of situation the Israelites faced in Exodus 13.

God had delivered them from Egypt, their captors and God was leading them to the Promised Land. While on the edge to freedom, Israel had a problem – they were being chased, harassed and threatened by the powerful Egyptian army, and their escape route was blocked by “impossibilities” – the Red Sea. They found themselves in a seemingly impossible situation, trapped between an enemy and an impassable sea.

Now, here’s the great news!!

God was leading them and God has never lost a battle! “For with God nothing will be impossible” – Luke 1:37 NKJV. As we have read and watched movies depicting the parting of the Red Sea; the truth of the Bible remains! God parted that sea, and the Israelites escaped – they crossed to the other side and oh what a celebration it must have been.

I’m here to remind you… Get ready for your celebration!!

How big is your problem? How big is your obstacle? How big is the issue and circumstance that you’re facing?

The good news for you is that God is bigger and more powerful than anything you’re facing or will ever face. John 1:5 says “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it and could not comprehend it.”

God knows your heartache, issue and circumstance; God knows the end from the beginning so you can start rejoicing now because He is holding you in His mighty hand.

We are told in scripture many times that we are held by God. There is a peace that comes when we are reminded, I am in God's hands. He is wise and He is loving and He is perfectly on time. He is not indifferent about the anxieties you or I carry. He cares. He will take care of you. 

He’s got a plan your life and He will guide me. And that guidance is informed by his love, planned in his wisdom, and timed in his sovereignty.

Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

He’s Got You! God Loves You!

Come and let yourself go into deep worship diving in the presence of our Lord on Sunday! Be excited and anticipate the good things He has for you. Let your spirit be inclined to His anointed and inspiring word ministered this Sunday! 

DESTINED TO WIN

“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.” —Job 42:2 NLT 

“Sovereignty”…hmmm, now that’s a word that is tough for some people to wrap their minds around, especially in today’s highly “some timey”, up and down culture.

Someone thought that God got it wrong??  

Everyone answers to someone. Politicians are swayed by donors. Corporations react and bow to petitions and strikes. Public figures, unfortunately change their opinions based on the pushback or status quo. 

There is no ultimate authority, no sovereignty… Except with God.

Job began to scratch the surface of God’s sovereignty and omniscience when he said to God, “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you” –Job 42:2 NLT. Truly, God will do what He pleases with whomever He chooses whenever He wishes whether we like it or not. That’s absolute power. God answers to no one. He is not swayed by public opinion nor pressure, democracy nor conventional wisdom. God doesn’t have to ask anyone’s permission nor worry about anyone’s reaction nor disagreement. God doesn’t seek approval, likes on Facebook, followers on X or popularity. God can’t be second-guessed, scolded nor tutored because everything He does is perfect.

His ways are always right and require no intervention nor judgment, He never fails. His ways are always higher than our ways, His thoughts higher than our thoughts.

Psalm 115:3 says, “Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes”. Some people challenge His sovereignty by asking, “What about the bad things that happen in some person’s life? Are they part of what He wishes?” And the answer is yes. Evil, suffering, and tragedy aren’t arguments against a sovereign God. They are all firmly under His control and His permission based on His all-knowing authority.

Someday, we will better understand the wisdom and purpose of God’s plans in our lives and lives of others. In the meantime, we take the word of the psalmist who wrote this about God: “Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans” – Psalm 119:90–91 NLT.

Everything serves God’s plans – full stop.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” – Romans 8:28 NLT.

Everything is part of God’s good and perfect plan.

The amazing truth is that God, who does possess absolute power, uses His power to accomplish genuinely good things in the lives of His people and His church. God’s sovereignty can’t be separated from His love for you each and every day.

That means we can trust Him to care for us at all times. We may not always understand what that care looks like or why certain things happen, but we can be confident that God will work all things for our good. No one and nothing can thwart His will. No person, no rivalry, no committee, no government, no jealous person, no malice, no devil, NOTHING!

God can do anything!! Get ready for the miracles that are destined for your life.

You won’t hear the rain coming, you won’t see the rain coming, however the ditches that you have dug through prayer, fasting and faith in Jesus Christ are going to be flooded with God’s blessing.

Your best days are right in front of you. As you honour God's house, He will honour your house – that’s a guarantee!! Can I anticipate seeing you next Sunday?

We can rest assured in His sovereignty.

It's A Heart Condition

You are anointed and equipped to present the powerful gospel of Jesus on multiple levels within this ministry; helping hundreds of precious people find spiritual strength as they turn their hearts to Jesus.

Foundational biblical tenants, such as prayer, fasting, tithing, offerings, soul winning, the body as ONE, the Holy Spirit, the blood of Jesus, and the name of Jesus are the backbone of the New Testament church.

The Apostle Paul describes the gifts received through Epaphroditus. He clearly received money, enough for him to consider himself more than fully paid as well as potential unknown other gifts, supplies, etc. that were purposed to assist him in the work of the Lord:

“At the moment I have all I need and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. ” –Philippians 4:18 NLT

Today, most churches are supported financially by a relatively small percentage of people who biblically give their tithes and offerings on a weekly basis understanding the process and power of “sowing and reaping”.

Others, at best, give sporadically, while some sadly don’t give at all towards the spreading of the gospel and salvation to the lost. However, there is a core group that understands what the Bible teaches about giving, and they faithfully engage. And it’s truly because of their faithfulness that we have a ministry today. Truly, this ministry acknowledges those who, in their hearts believe and live by biblical standards for they will witness God’s blessings in their lives – for God is no man’s debtor.

Seed time – Harvest time! Should you foster this concept, you will be blessed beyond measure as God promises!

God knows exactly who they are and they have God’s attention. And through their consistent faithfulness to Him, they make it possible for hundreds of other people to be cared for and ministered to. These ministry builders (Hezikiahs) have discovered the joy and power of giving. We might even venture to say that as a result, they have probably discovered the secret of contentment as well. For the Bible reminds us that, it is more blessed to give than to receive.

We can talk all day about walking with God and relying on His strength, but if it doesn’t affect the way that we live and the way that we give, it means nothing.

All “harvest” is predicated by “seed”. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). It’s a heart condition.

All the money that you currently have under your control either has the spirit of God on it or the spirit of mammon on it. The way that you get God’s spirit on your money according to scripture is you give the first 10% to the house of God as a “tithe” and then God redeems the 90% of your money out from under the spirit of this world.

There is perhaps no clearer evidence of spiritual maturity than financial generosity. Martin Luther, speaking of the Christian life, pointed out, “There are three conversions necessary: the conversion of the heart, the mind, and the purse (or wallet).” Equally important to note is, working or serving in any capacity in the house of God is not a replacement for tithe, offering and seed. God does not barter.

Writing to the Christians in Philippi, the apostle Paul said, “As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once” – Philippians 4:15–16 NLT.

Our finances are often the last area that we’re willing to turn over to God. We want to retain complete control. In fact, we are uncomfortable when someone brings up the topic. It may be that our discomfort is an indication that this area is not in its proper order in our lives as Christians.

The Bible does address it quite frequently. Not only does Paul address it in this passage, but it’s worth noting that money is the main subject of nearly half the parables that Jesus told. In addition, one in every seven verses in the New Testament deal with this subject.

How does that compare with other topics? The Bible offers about 500 verses on prayer, less than 500 verses on faith, and 2,000 verses on money. God wants this area to be in balance in our lives.

Paul continued, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (v. 19). WOW!! Paul was confident that God would meet their needs because of their generous giving.

Epaphroditus had brought a special offering from the believers in Philippi. This deeply touched the apostle because it was a sacrificial gift. These believers gave sacrificially and cheerfully when others who were more able to give weren’t giving at all. That meant a lot to Apostle Paul and the work of God because there were others who could have helped him but didn’t.

Paul the Apostle was saying, “God bless you for this. It is a sweet-smelling aroma to God that you have given in such a way”.

Let me encourage you to be a consistent tither, giver, a sower and prepare for your business to be blessed, your family, your health, your financial economy, your social economy and your spiritual life because of your faith, understanding the power of seed time is truly a heart condition. 

Giving reflects your worship to the Lord! It is a definite correlation laced throughout the Bible. Don't listen to the world threatening the notion of Christians or the church should be "poor". It's exactly the opposite; God wants nothing but for you to be blessed and prosperous in every aspect of your life.

Anticipating God’s richest blessing for you and yours as we together win souls for Jesus, touching hearts and changing lives daily.

VISION

I remember Abraham, full of doubt after struggling with infertility, entering a covenant with God to become the father of many nations. I think about the shepherds, tending their flocks at night, among the very first people to receive the “good news of great joy” that the Messiah was born.

As you go through life day to day, with routines, challenges, etc. there is always a "new day" just around the corner, God willing, a new opportunity at the horizon, what do you see?

A glimpse of your future is a vision birthed from your spirit as you keep covenant with The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

A vision is something that you gaze from your spirit by faith what is going to be your end!

A vision; you have to see it by faith.

Because of covenant with God, what is your vision for your:

• Spiritual growth

• Family & Relationships

• Finances

• Career or Education

The tragedy in life is not to have a vision.

When you have no vision you have no initiative.

Are you a visionary?

This is someone believing and walking towards their  vision by faith, in covenant with God.

Vision is designed to make you grow.

This is not to be confused with “ambition”, which is selfish. Ambition caused the devil to rebel against God. Ambition is a "ME" concept, self-gratification.

Whereas, vision is about people.

Godly vision is kingdom minded with kingdom goals. How will your vision bless others?

If it's a God vision then God will provide. “Pro-vision”… “Pro” means “before”.

Before God gives you a vision, He already provided for the vision through His covenant! Amen!

You need to have a vision first then provision will come. Can I get an Amen!

Sow into the expansion of the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 14:14-22 tells us about this kingdom principle: provision will come when you serve the vision of God.

Vision empowers you to see something that you cannot see in the physical realm right now. A vision is intangible when birthed in your spirit seeded by God.

A Godly vision is to bless people.

No matter how much you have, in Jesus' hands He will multiply it.

If you walk with a visionary, you will become a visionary. So, surround yourself with goal setters, dream builders and those who recognize their divine calling to further the church of God.

Welcome to The Prayer Palace family, a covenant house with vision.

DECLARE THIS TODAY !! AND EVERYDAY !!

My hands are blessed, my steps are ordered, and everything | touch today will prosper in Jesus' name!

I declare open doors in places where others see impossibilities.

The favour of God surrounds me, and I will not be denied!

Today, I take authority over every negative thought and declare the mind of Christ is in me.

Fear, anxiety, and doubt have no power over me!

I prophesy breakthrough in every area of my life including financial, spiritual, emotional, my future, my family, healing and restoration, before me, beside me, and all around me!

I am moving from glory to glory in Jesus’ name,

AMEN & AMEN!! 

Habakkuk 2:2-3 NLT 

“Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed."

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Proverbs 19:21 ESV

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Fasting & Prayer

When coupled with prayer, according to the bible, this is a great spiritual transformation!

Jesus said, “When you pray…” (Matthew 6:5) and “When you fast…” (Matthew 6:17), making it clear that both prayer and fasting should be a normal part of our life as believers.

In fasting, we abstain from food and say “no” to our bodies, denying the flesh's demands. Instead of giving our body what it wants, we take dominion over it and allow our spirit to rise up.

The Bible tells us in Isaiah 58 that fasting is “afflicting your soul.” In other words, it is saying “no” to the things your mind and body want. It is denying the things you crave that draw your attention away from God. It is like turning down the volume of the world around you and turning up the volume of God’s voice!

When you fast, you actually partner with God. He desires to have a divine partnership with you in the area of fasting and prayer for your family, your life, your career, your health, and wealth and ultimately His purpose for you in the earth.

There are times when God requires us to take a physical action to receive a supernatural spiritual blessing from Him. There's a connection between what we do physically and what God releases supernaturally and spiritually in the Bible. Exodus 17 tells the story of Moses holding up his hands with a staff (physical action) and, as long as his hands were extended, the battle was won against the enemies of Israel. But when Moses’ arms started getting weary, the battle would start to turn in favour for the enemies as his arms would slowly fall down and Israel's enemies would begin to prevail.

I want to remind you – not to grow weary in well-doing for you shall reap in due season if you don’t faint. (Galatians 6:9)

The story tells us that there are times when, what we do physically affects our circumstances, the battle and the victory spiritually. Fasting is perhaps the most powerful physical action a Christian can take to show God how sincere they are about wanting to see change.

Don’t be distracted by any source of negativity such as people, friends, and circumstances. My friend, let me encourage you to keep focused, steadfast, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.

If you are ever led to fast and pray – GET READY!! Because you choose to commit to “fasting and prayer” that there will be moments in your Christian walk when, in an instant, God provides for your needs. You get progress, favour, open doors, results, or insight that in the natural, would have taken years or longer.

Together, every year, our church enters into a 21-day prayer and fasting at the start of the new year to experience a breakthrough at the beginning of a new season. 

Just by committing to this 14-day journey with me, you are saying to God that you are ready for Him to use you in the most profound way you've never experienced before knowing God! I'm so excited for you as you deepen your faith with Jesus! While fasting is not a pre-requisite or a requirement of being a born-again believer, when you choose to, it will most certainly manifest in your spiritual life.

The Bible tells us about a man who brought his demonized son to Jesus’ disciples, but they were unsuccessful in curing him. When Jesus heard about it, He said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour” – Matthew 17:17-18 NKJV. 

Later, when the disciples asked why they had been unable to cast out the demon, Jesus said, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” – Matthew 17:20-21 NKJV.

Remember to PRAY

Have you ever been in a situation or struggle where it looks like there is no way out? 

Perhaps it’s a family problem or hardship that’s overwhelming, it may be a great need that must be met. Maybe your future seems uncertain, or life just feels like an unfixable mess. 

I need you to feel what I’m saying to you today – even if your struggles feel impossible to overcome, there IS hope. Your hope is in Jesus! Our overcomer and promise keeper.

Here’s an amazing truth. Our prayers and our consistent prayer life can change situations, transform people, and even alter the very course of nature!!

When we pray, we acknowledge that we are weak and need help. As we cry out to God, it opens a way for Him to move in powerful ways and answer our prayers just like the early church. When believers were persecuted, killed, and imprisoned, the early church prayed for each other and they prayed together, and God moved mightily. 

This week remember to pray for it is our secret weapon as believers and a church body fitly joined together supplying strength one to another. It shows us how God can make the impossible a reality.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." –Philippians 4:6

The fact is everyone needs a change of narrative sometimes. When life seems to be trending toward disaster, chaos, issues,  uncertainty, or suffering, it’s comforting to know that God can and will intervene and YOU have the power in Him to do it. 

Our Lord can rewrite the script for you. All we have to do is ask:

Ask –> Receive

Seek –> Find

Knock –> Doors Open

God uses prayer to change not just our circumstances but our attitudes and perspectives, our hearts and minds.

In prayer, acknowledging our weakness and dependence on Him is difficult for some people to do. We think, I can figure this out. I can resolve this conflict. I can save my own family. But it doesn’t work and a downward spiral continues. This is the exact time that need we need to call on God and say, “Lord, I’m weak. I need Your help. Please come through for me.” And that’s when the narrative starts to change.

In Acts 12, we find a changed narrative. Things were looking dark for the early believers. King Herod had killed the apostle James and imprisoned the apostle Peter, two important church leaders. And how did the believers respond? “The church organized a protest and stormed Herod’s palace.” No, that’s definitely not what happened. Hmmmm “The church boycotted all products made in Rome.” Nope, not that either.

Here is how the believers responded to Peter’s imprisonment: “Constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church” (Acts 12:5 NKJV). They prayed, but not just one time. They were engaged in constant prayer. 

For many people, prayer is a last resort. They say, “We’ve tried everything. All we can do now is pray.” Prayer is the first thing we should do. Paul said, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything” in Philippians 4:6 NLT. Nothing is too small to pray about.

Is there a troubling narrative in your life right now? Is there a circumstance or issue that you have no control over that needs to change? Offer it to the Lord in prayer. Jesus said, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” –John 15:7. In other words, “Trust Me. Ask Me. I will change your narrative.”

The lesson and narrative of Acts 12 changes when an angel appears in Peter’s cell. Peter’s chains fall off, and he walks out of prison. 

Get ready, chains are coming off you!!

And Herod, the man who imprisoned him, gives a speech that’s so impressive that the audience starts referring to him as a god. Herod accepts their praise, falls down dead, and is eaten by worms. There is only ONE GOD and He said, “I am the Lord, your God, and above me there is no other.”

Acts 12 starts off with Herod holding absolute power (so he thought) and the church was down for the count. In the end, Herod was destroyed and the church had its leader back. Nothing can destroy the “body” of Jesus, His church!   

It was a narrative twist no one but God could have predicted. And it is important for you to be reminded that no situation is hopeless. Every narrative can be changed through prayer, including yours! Believe it, practice it and see it.

This is your blessing!

"Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." This is one of God's many amazing promises for us found in Jeremiah 29:12-13 NKJV.

It's the reward God promises you. No matter what you’re going through, no matter what you face, whether it’s one thing this year and something altogether different next year, He promises you… “When you seek Me, you will find Me. And I will reward you.”

The reward is Him. The reward is His presence, the blessing of His goodness, the abundance of His nature. He offers these to you fully when you seek Him.

King David, the Psalmist, continually encouraged himself, not in the seeming stability of his circumstances or his military might, but in his relationship with God. He valued it above anything else. And rightly so. No, David wasn’t perfect, but his pursuit towards the things of God was continual and intentional. It’s the reason God called him “a man after My own heart” – Acts 13:22 NKJV. And I believe the same can be true of you.

I know the giants you face may be bigger than you are. But don’t measure your problems against yourself. Measure them against your God. It’s been often and rightly said, we have a tendency to pray, talking to God about our problems when we should be really talking to our problems about our mighty, powerful and victorious God.

I’m praying for you and so thankful you chose to spend these moments of 14 days with me. There’s a Hebraic blessing I often speak over my congregation at The Prayer Palace, and I want to declare it over you now.

Receive it today in faith…

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine on you. May the Lord be gracious unto you. May He lift up His countenance upon you and may He give you peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

As we close this "become your best version" devotional experience, I encourage you to continue your faith journey especially your Bible! Get yourself if you haven't already, a Holy Bible translated in a version that you can understand and commit to daily.

If you are still in search of a bible-believing, Holy Ghost filled, and sound doctrine church where you can call your home and become a part of the a body, I know a great one! Consider making us your home church and if or when you do, please don't hesitate to come by and say hello! I'd love to connect with you and hear your story! Everyone's got one.

One of the greatest gifts you can share is Jesus with someone else. Tell a friend, a family member or co-worker. Invite them to church with you and speak of the good things of God so they too can experience His amazing grace on earth. There's nothing like growing in your faith together with someone you care about.

You and your friends and family are invited to take the next step if you haven't already and continue this journey to our Connect Class. I highly encourage you to take part on Sundays at 9:45am. There's no obligation, this is simply my personal invitation to you. Reach out to me here and we'll take care of the rest!

I look forward to seeing you this coming Sunday, 10:30am! 

God bless you and keep you,

Pastor Tom