HE WILL GIVE US REST

 Psalms 91:1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Highest will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust

Father, Thank You for Your continued presence in our lives. Thank You for Your Almighty wings which cast an impenetrable shadow of protection around us. Thank You for holding our hands as we walk through this Valley of death and guiding us around the obstacles ahead. Thank You for choosing to dwell in our hearts, lifting our burdens, and securing a Heavenly place for us. Thank You for the Holy Spirit that brings hope and comfort to our hearts. Thank You for renewing us daily with Your strength, and may we always see glimpses of Your infallible glory and blessing as we seek Your face throughout our days. Lord, our victory and salvation are found in You, in Jesus' name, Amen.

THE FIRST FOUR PRINCIPLES OF KWANNZA

 Unity and self-determination will give us collective work habits and responsibilities. So, we can build and maintain our neighborhoods and communities. Taking control of our problems by making their problem our problems to solve them together. Understanding that none of us are free until we are all free. Understanding these principles will help us develop cooperative economics for our social and cultural needs and aspirations through jointly-owned and democratically controlled businesses. The road map to a better life.

Father, unite us with the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am among them." Lord, fill us with self-determination and give us the tools to control our lives. Fill our hearts with gratitude, compassion, and kindness so we can treat others like ourselves by helping them carry their burdens. Father, let us understand that none of us are free unless all are free, so their problems are still our problems. Lord, let the principles of Kwanzaa bring us closer together ❤️ 🙏 to develop cooperative economics for our social and cultural needs to depend on ourselves. Lord, give us the financial wisdom of how to use the resources and the knowledge of how to implement them in our neighborhoods, communities, schools, hospitals, businesses, and lives. Finally, baptize us in the Holy Spirit to help us stay connected to You and each other. In Jesus' name Amen

UJAMAA (COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY

 Ujamaa (Collective Work and Responsibility)

To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and solve them together. Akoma ntoaso - the Adinkra symbol of shared effort and obligation

Active and Informed Togetherness

The third principle is Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) which is a commitment to active and informed togetherness on matters of common interest...

African Freedom is Indivisible

The principle of collective work and responsibility also points to the fact that African freedom is indivisible. [As] long as any African anywhere is oppressed, exploited, enslaved or wounded in any way in her or his humanity, all African people are also

Active Cooperation

In the context of a communitarian social order, cooperation is another key aspect of Ujima. It is based on the assumption that what one does to benefit others is at the same time a benefit to him/her...

Finally, collective work and responsibility can be seen in the challenge of culture and history. Work, both personal and collective, is truly at the center of history and culture...

KUJICHAGULIA MEANS SELF-DETERMINATION

Kujichagulia means (self-determination)

Self-determination impels us by centering on purpose, conviction, and value rather than negative considerations.

Father, help us put away fleshly determination to focus on a spiritual resolution by centering on purpose, conviction, and value rather than negative considerations. Lord, let us not doubt ourselves, fill us with self-determination, set goals for ourselves, and take the initiative to reach them. Lord, give those overweight the self-determination to exercise because they value their health and wellness. Give those that are addicted self-determination to value living a better life sober-minded. Father, help us raise our children and our children's children with Your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the value of responsibility and self-determination. Lord, help us practice what we have learned, to build our self-determination, to believe in ourselves, and stand firm on Your Word. Father, baptize us in the Holy Spirit that gives us the determination and motivation to walk through this Valley of Death, fearing no evil because You are with us. Father, let our self-determination help us remain courageous and strong in all areas of our lives. Lord, let us partner with You in all we do to ensure we are on the right path. Thank You, Lord, in advance for giving ears to our prayers, in Jesus' name. Amen.

HAPPY KWANZAA

Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days beginning on December 26 and lasting through January 1. This holiday was created in 1966 and named for the time of year when some African tribes traditionally celebrated the first harvest of their crops.

On each night, a candle is lit to observe the nguzo saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The principles of Kwanzaa are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).

2 CORINTHIANS 5:11-13

11 Since then, we know what it is to fear the Lord; we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also simple to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.

Father, we praise You for Your infinite wisdom. We know so little, yet we are grateful to serve the one who knows everything. We confess that our hearts have been shattered by our sinful desires and that we have tried to hide our shame from You. Please forgive us for the ways we’ve slandered other people in our lives. We are broken, and we cannot save ourselves. We thank You for knowing our hearts better than we do. We thank You for saving us through Jesus Christ. We thank You for bringing our dead hearts to life through the power of the Holy Spirit. Please guard our hearts against worldly desires and evil spirits, and help us to not lose heart when we feel pressures leading us into doubt. Renew our minds and give us the confidence to stand on what we have learned, in Jesus' name Amen.

WE HAVE ENOUGH GOING ON TO PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always pray without ceasing to give thanks in all circumstances; this is God's will for us.

We have enough going on in our lives and the world to pray without ceasing, and if we have children or a spouse, we can go into overtime. God wants to communicate with us daily through prayer and worship. Daily worship and prayer open the channel for our blessings and helps keep our families and friends in the Blood. Prayer also invites peace and joy into our hearts.

Father, we thank You that Your amazing faithful love has been poured out for us at the cross and poured into us by the Holy Spirit. Let the Spirit develop our Fruit to help build Your character in us. Lord, we want to experience Your great love. Help us to walk by faith through this Valley of death, hold our hands and order our steps around the obstacles ahead. Help us endure suffering by practicing what we've learned, so Your courage and strength will manifest in our lives. Help us own our need of You as You teach us to stand with faith in our storms. Help us fully embrace Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. So, pour Your wisdom and knowledge into our hearts, in increasing measure, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, through Christ our Lord. In Jesus' name Amen.

GENESIS 41:1-43

Father God, we praise You for the Holy Spirit who grants us wisdom, fills us with life, guards our hearts, and illuminates our minds to comprehend the good news of Jesus Christ. Let us settle for nothing less than the unadulterated truth You have revealed in Your Holy Word. For we confess that apart from You, we can do nothing. So please forgive us for how we have disobeyed Your Word to put our own selfish desires before the needs of others. By the Holy Spirit, we ask that You lead us into repentance and a life that glorifies You. Help us to resist the allure of this world’s deceitful philosophies promising hollow pleasures that ultimately lead to death and destruction. Instead, put a deep desire in our hearts to know the wisdom of the Bible and use it to transform and renew our minds. Use each of us to exemplify Your holiness and love to this world as we aspire to follow Jesus and execute his commands. Make us Your gospel lights this week to those wandering in the darkness among our families, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Embolden us and our brothers and sisters worldwide to proclaim our faith in Jesus Christ unashamedly. Use our testimonies for Your glory to help save souls. All this we pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

JABEZ DEFIED THROUGH FAITH

1st Chronicle 4:10 Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain."

Just like Jabez defied the curse of his name, we can fight the curse of our environment and sinful nature. When we wholeheartedly cry out to God for His presence and Mercy, He hears and answers us. So, let's pray for God to strengthen our faith and invest in His kingdom. So, the answer will be yes.

Lord, we come to Your throne with gratitude for what You have already done for us 🙏 and to thank You for another day to get our lives aligned with You. Thank You for Your sacrifice that has set us free from our sinful nature and our weakness for the flesh. Give us Your wisdom and knowledge of how to implement what we have learned daily in our lives. Lord, let our hearts and minds partner with You when we study, so we can receive the Truth that nourishes our Spirit and strengthen our faith. Lord, give us the same favor You gave Jabez to defy his supposed destiny. Father, we are conquerors through what You have done and will do in us. We have the power through our faith in Christ to overcome the challenges life throws at us, and we honor You by doing so. Father, baptize us in the Holy Spirit that helps us walk through this Valley of death without fear. Jehovah Tsidkenu continues ordering our steps in righteousness in Jesus' name. Amen. 

2 Corinthians 5:6-10

Father God, we praise You for using us to bring joy to Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amid all the struggles, pressures, and discouragement we face while in our frail, failing bodies, please continue transforming us into servants who are always of good courage. Lead us by Your Holy Spirit to find rest in the grand promises that You’ve revealed to us in Your Word. We confess that we are weak and that we need Your help. Prepare us for the day when You will judge an account of all our works and offenses. Though we do not deserve Your grace, we can not express gratitude for nailing our guilt and shame upon the cross through your crucified Son. Lord, we earnestly long to experience the moment when You will declare to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of Your master.” Help us this week as we continue our walk of faith, looking forward to the day when our faith will become sight. It is in the name of Jesus that we pray, Amen.

IF HE SAID IT WE CAN BELIEVE IT

 • God promises to strengthen us...Sometimes we all feel lost and overwhelmed, and we have to face our weaknesses. This is the time to study, pray, and worship Him, and He will rejuvenate us through the Holy Spirit.

• God promises to give us rest...Our Souls need to rest, and Jesus will provide us with peace of mind for that to happen. He will give us rest and emotional stability when we focus on Him.

• God promises to take care of all our needs... So many people live in financial despair, but God is there waiting to help. If we trust and believe God will provide for us, He will.

Lord, we understand that we will suffer because You suffered for us; because You suffered, we are free. Free from addictions, deliverance from sin and evil, and financial provision. Lord, Your suffering gives hope to the lost and hurting and unity in the family and with friends. Your sacrifice helps us overcome depression, save marriages, keep us in good health, heal mentally, emotionally, physically, and most of all, Spiritually. Lord, because of Your stripes, we can be free from fear, anxiety, and worrying about provisions. Lord, You promise to answer our prayers, and we believe You. Lord, You promise to work everything out for our good, and You have kept Your promise. In Jesus' name Amen 

THE TRUTH WILL SET US FREE

Isaiah 26:3 We will keep in perfect peace whose minds are steadfast because we trust in You.

The problem is we are weak. But the promise is God will give us strength. The problem is we are walking through the Valley of death. But the truth is God is walking beside us, so we don't have to be afraid. The problem is this world 🌎 is a very dark place. But the truth is He will light our path. The problem is we worry too much. But the truth is He will give us courage in those times. The problem is people will talk about us. But the truth is what they think or say doesn't matter because He has His hands on us.

"Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). Father, thank You for Your wonderful Truth that can be taken seriously, especially when we need healing. Whether the difficulty is injury, illness, financial hardship, a troubled relationship, or anything else. Thank You for Your Truth that we are never alone. Thank You for Your Truth that You will always remain the same. Thank You that Your grace is sufficient for us, and thank You for the favor. Lord, the fact is we cannot take this walk alone, But the truth is we don't have to; in Jesus' name Amen.

REFLEXTION

 As I sit here and reflect on all the blessings God has given me and think about the person I have become spiritually, I cannot do anything but praise Him. Praise Him for saving and keeping me and the protection and blessings of my children's children. When I think about where I have come from, it makes me cry tears of joy; I have finally found Peace beyond all understanding. The Peace that only comes from the Father, and no man can take it away. So Lord, as I approach a New Year, I want to thank You for all You've done for me, even though I did not deserve it. I am so grateful to belong to You; my New Year's resolution is to become more like You and abandon everything that is not You.

Father, our goal is to be a better person in 2023 than in 2022; we want to surrender our lives to You; please use us to lift up Your Kingdom and others. Lord, our goals are to have our names written in the Book of life, Your heavenly Book in which the name of the righteous is written. Father, our prayers are for all people to come together in unity, love, and Peace and to stop putting ourselves in physical slavery due to not knowing You. We pray that each one of us will take heave to Your calling, which was made possible by the sacrifice of Your Son on Calvary. Lord, we decree and declare that all believers will stand up for what is right and good; and do what is necessary to achieve our Spiritual goals. Father, thank You for your creativity and, above all, for listening to and granting my request. In Jesus' name Amen

GRATITUDE INSTEAD OF JEALOUSY

Never get jealous of what others have; praise God for what He has done for them. Sometimes God will bless people WE feel are undeserving. But, instead of getting jealous and wanting what they have, we should praise God for what He's done for them and ourselves.

When the Queen of Sheba met King Solomon, she was not jealous of his riches and wisdom. Instead, she began praising God for what He had done for the King and blessed King Solomon with more gifts. The next day King Solomon gave the Queen many advantages and whatever else the Queen wanted.

Father, thank You for a new day and being in our right minds, and bless those who were called home. Lord, let us not harbor Jealousy in our hearts or want what others have; just praise You for what You have done for them and ourselves. Lord, help us understand that Jealousy will bring disorder in our lives and take our focus off Him. Lord, every time that source of our flesh rises, feel our hearts with gratitude for what You have done for us. So, we can be grateful for how You blessed others. So, Lord, we ask that You uproot Jealousy from our hearts and fill us with gratitude to help us act like children born of the Spirit and not the flesh. In Jesus' name Amen