Godinterest

The opening verses of the Bible present a powerful declaration: God is the Creator of all things. In the beginning, before anything else existed, God spoke the universe into being. The description of the earth as formless and empty, with darkness covering the deep, sets the stage for the incredible acts of creation that follow. The Spirit of God hovering over the waters indicates His presence and active involvement in the creation process.

These verses remind us of God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring order out of chaos. No matter how formless or empty our lives may seem, God can create beauty and purpose. Recognizing God as our Creator helps us to understand our place in His world and encourages us to trust in His plan and timing.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2)

3 Things Christians should do

1. Acknowledge God as Creator: Begin each day by acknowledging God’s role as the Creator of all things, including your life.
2. Trust in His Sovereignty: Trust that God can bring order and purpose to any chaos or emptiness you may experience.
3. Seek His Presence: Invite the Spirit of God to be actively involved in your life, guiding and shaping you according to His will.

Let’s Prayer

Yahweh, we thank You for creating the heavens and the earth and for Your presence in our lives. Father, help us to trust in Your sovereignty and to seek Your Spirit’s guidance in all we do. Lord, bring order and purpose to our lives as we surrender to Your will. In Christ’ name, Amen.

Have you ever listened to a testimony that moved you to proclaim God is great and loves us unconditionally? This is one of those testimonies. Earl was a prisoner in Texas he says, “While behind bars, I began to treat Christians as badly as Paul did. I became a high priest of Satanism and even let others drink my blood. I joined a white supremacist gang. Six times I’ve been in prison, I became more violent each time. I was ordered to segregation and eventually to the psychiatric ward. I was like the possessed man of Mark 5. 

Earl continues to say “One day a friend invited me to church. I said, No way. He said, Four ladies are going to sing. I said, OK. The preacher preached, but I felt nothing in my heart of stone. Then the ladies sang ‘Break My Heart, Lord.’ Their voices were like angels, covered in the brightest light I had ever seen. And something else was different: where there were four people, now there were five. “I thought it must be the drugs. Wrong. Then a gentle voice spoke to my heart: ‘I love you, Earl.’ He showed me how filthy I was when I looked at his hands, I saw nail scars. I now know who it was. Jesus loves me,’ is all I could think. My eyes were so full of tears that I could not see, and when I tried to speak, I had no voice. That day I repented of all my sins and asked Jesus to be my Saviour and the Master of my life. Today, I study God’s Word so that I can be ready for life on the outside.”  

Today, if you ever doubted God’s love for you I pray this testimony showed you that he loves you enough to save you no matter what you have done or are doing. 

They saw the man who had been possessed … sitting there, dressed and in his right mind. Mark 5:15 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, only you have the power to truly set captives free. The song says “OH, for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise”! God, please penetrate our hearts, and fill us with your love. In Jesus’s name Amen. 

In scripture, Jesus left us with a powerful assurance: “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” These words resound through the ages, reminding us that God’s presence is an eternal reality in our lives.

In our journey of faith, we encounter moments of joy and moments of challenge, times of clarity and times of uncertainty. Yet, amidst it all, there is a constant, unwavering truth – God is with us, always.

No matter where we go or what circumstances we face, His presence is our comfort and strength. He walks with us through the valleys and rejoices with us on the mountaintops. His presence is not bound by time or location; it transcends all boundaries.

As we navigate the complexities of life, we can draw solace from these words of Jesus. His abiding presence is our anchor in the storms, our guide through the wilderness, and our source of hope in every season.

Today, in moments of solitude and amidst the busyness of life, let us take a moment to acknowledge His presence. For in the assurance of His constant companionship, we find courage, peace, and the unshakable confidence that we are never alone.

“Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:20)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, we thank you for your promise to always be with us. Father, help us to trust in you and to lean on your strength when we feel weak. Give us the courage and the faith to keep pressing on, knowing that you are always by our side. Lord, we pray that you will guide us and lead us in the direction you have for us. May we always be faithful to you, just as you are faithful to us. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Do you know what pleases God? He’s not impressed by how much knowledge we have. He isn’t influenced by how many possessions we own. Our accomplishments do not move him; He is moved simply by our faith in Him.

Faith is a gift. It’s not something that has to be contrived or worked up. The scripture tells us that everyone has been given a measure of faith. It also says that faith grows as we hear the Word of God. That’s why staying connected to a Bible-based church where the Word of God is being taught is so important. It’s why we need to make time every day to read and study His Word; that’s how you feed your faith. The more you know His Word, the more you understand that God is good, and He rewards the people who seek after Him.

Today, take time to feed your faith. Meditate on His Word and ask Him to illuminate your heart with His truth. Trust that He is good and has good things in store for your future because faith is what pleases God!

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

(Hebrews 11:6, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for giving me the gift of faith so that I can be pleasing to You. Father, as I seek You and study Your Word, illuminate my heart with Your truth. Transform me into Your image and let everything I do bring glory to You in Christ’s name. Amen.

The book of James challenges us to examine our faith. True faith is not merely intellectual agreement or spoken words it is demonstrated by loving actions. Claiming faith without living it out is as futile as wishing someone well but ignoring their immediate needs.

The example James gives is of a brother or sister in desperate need is met with empty words rather than compassionate action. This kind of response reveals a faith that is lifeless and ineffective. True, living faith produces deeds that reflect God’s love and provision.

This doesn’t mean we are saved by works; salvation is a gift of grace through faith. However, genuine faith naturally overflows into actions that glorify God and serve others. A faith that doesn’t work isn’t alive—it’s merely a hollow claim.

Today, look for tangible ways to live out your faith. Identify someone in need and take meaningful steps to help them. Let your actions show the love of Christ.

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” – James 2:14-17

Let’s Pray

Yahweh I Pray for a heart that is moved by the needs of others. Father, strengthen my faith and inspire actions that reflect your love. Lord give me opportunities to serve and glorify You through good deeds. In Christ name Amen

In todays verse, God calls us to an active and intentional pursuit of righteousness and peace. Psalm 34:14 challenges us not only to turn away from evil but to replace it with good. It’s not enough to avoid sin; we must fill our lives with actions that reflect God’s love and righteousness.

Seeking peace requires effort. It’s not something that happens automatically but something we must actively pursue. Whether in our relationships, communities, or personal lives, God desires that we be peacemakers. This means being intentional about how we speak, act, and respond to others—choosing forgiveness over bitterness, humility over pride, and love over anger.

Turning from evil and doing good is a daily commitment. It’s a reminder that living in a way that pleases God requires constant reliance on His strength. As we seek peace and pursue it, we reflect the heart of Christ, who brought peace through His sacrifice on the cross.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

Let’s Pray

Yahweh I pray for strength to turn from sin and live a life that honours You. Father, I ask for help to be a peacemaker in my relationships and community. Lord, I pray for the wisdom to pursue good and make choices that reflect Your love for me and others in Christ name Amen.

In scripture James uses strong language to call out divided loyalties. When we prioritize worldly values over God, we commit spiritual adultery, betraying the One who has saved us. Friendship with the world means aligning with its selfish, prideful, and sinful ways, which puts us at odds with God.

Yet, in His grace, God continues to pursue us. He longs for our whole-hearted devotion and offers His grace to draw us back to Him. The key to receiving this grace is humility. When we humble ourselves, acknowledging our dependence on God, He lifts us up and restores us.

Today’s scripture reminds us that our allegiance matters. Choosing God over the fleeting pleasures of the world leads to life, peace, and favor with Him.

Today, examine where your loyalties lie. Are there areas where you’re prioritizing the world over God? Humble yourself and draw near to Him, trusting in His grace to transform your heart.

You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that He jealously longs for the spirit He has caused to dwell in us? But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’” – James 4:4-6

Let’s Pray

Yahweh I pray for humility to turn away from worldly desires and to turn toward you. Father, I ask for God’s grace to remain faithful in my devotion to you.

Lord grant me strength to live in a way that reflects your values, not the world’s. In Christ name Amen

Christianity in Jamaica is far more than a religion observed on Sundays. It is a powerful force that has shaped the island’s history, influenced its culture, and helped define its national identity. From the earliest days of European contact, through slavery and emancipation, to independence and modern Jamaica, Christianity has remained deeply woven into everyday life.

To understand Jamaica properly, one must understand how Christian belief became embedded in family life, education, music, language, and community organisation. The faith did not simply arrive and remain unchanged; it was reshaped by Jamaican people, infused with African heritage, and adapted to local realities.

The Arrival of Christianity in Jamaica

Christianity first came to Jamaica with the Spanish in the early 1500s and later expanded significantly under British rule after 1655. Early Christian activity was closely linked to colonial authority, particularly through the Anglican Church. However, it was Protestant missionary groups—such as the Baptists, Methodists, and Moravians—that had the greatest long-term influence on the island.

While Christianity was initially introduced as part of the colonial system, enslaved Africans interpreted biblical teachings through their own experiences. Themes of suffering, liberation, justice, and hope resonated deeply. Over time, Christianity became a source of spiritual strength and quiet resistance rather than simply a tool of control.

This historical journey is explored in detail in an article examining Christianity’s deep roots and its continuing influence on Jamaican society, which can be read here:
https://news.jamaica-homes.com/2025/05/20/exploring-christianitys-deep-roots-and/

Christianity and Slavery

During slavery, Christian teaching occupied a complex and often contradictory position. Some plantation owners used selective scripture to justify oppression, while many missionaries challenged slavery openly or subtly supported abolitionist ideas.

For enslaved Jamaicans, Christianity offered something more profound than doctrine—it offered meaning. Biblical stories such as the Exodus and the promise of deliverance spoke directly to their lived reality. Churches and informal prayer meetings became places of solidarity, emotional release, and spiritual survival.

Christian hymns, call-and-response worship, and expressive preaching styles developed during this period, laying the foundation for Jamaica’s distinctive Christian culture.

The Role of the Church After Emancipation

After emancipation in 1838, Christian churches played a central role in rebuilding communities. Churches became centres for education, literacy, and leadership training at a time when opportunities were otherwise limited for newly freed people.

Baptist and Methodist congregations were especially influential, establishing schools and encouraging self-reliance. Many early Black leaders in Jamaica emerged from church communities, where public speaking, organisation, and moral leadership were cultivated.

Christianity during this period helped shape early ideas of citizenship, responsibility, and social order in post-slavery Jamaica.

Denominations and Diversity

Jamaica today is home to a wide range of Christian denominations, reflecting centuries of growth and adaptation. Anglican, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Moravian, Seventh-day Adventist, Pentecostal, Holiness, and evangelical churches all form part of the religious landscape.

Each denomination brought different emphases—education, revivalism, strict moral discipline, or spiritual experience—but all contributed to the shaping of Jamaican Christianity. Despite theological differences, churches often shared a commitment to community welfare and moral guidance.

A broader overview of Christianity as a belief system, including its development and influence, is available in the Jamaica Homes encyclopedia entry on Christianity, which can be accessed here:
https://jamaica-homes.com/encyclopedia/christianity/

Christianity and Jamaican Culture

Christianity’s influence in Jamaica extends well beyond formal worship. Gospel music, choir singing, and church bands have shaped Jamaica’s musical traditions, influencing even secular genres. Christian themes also appear in Jamaican speech, storytelling, and proverbs, reflecting how deeply biblical language has entered everyday life.

Church services themselves often reflect Jamaican culture—lively, participatory, and expressive. Worship is rarely quiet or detached; it is communal, emotional, and energetic. This style reflects African traditions of shared spiritual experience blended with Christian theology.

Major Christian celebrations such as Christmas and Easter are also national events in Jamaica, bringing families and communities together in ways that go beyond religious observance.

The Church as a Social Institution

Churches in Jamaica have long functioned as social institutions as much as places of worship. Many operate schools, basic schools, feeding programmes, youth clubs, counselling services, and community outreach initiatives.

In areas affected by poverty or violence, churches often provide stability and mentorship. Christian organisations have also played roles in peacebuilding, rehabilitation programmes, and support for vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly.

In times of national crisis—such as hurricanes or economic hardship—churches frequently mobilise resources quickly, reinforcing their importance in Jamaican society.

Christianity in Modern Jamaica

Modern Jamaica is more globalised, digital, and socially complex than ever before, yet Christianity remains influential. Many churches now livestream services, use social media for outreach, and maintain strong connections with the Jamaican diaspora.

At the same time, Christianity in Jamaica faces new questions. Issues such as social inequality, mental health, generational change, and evolving moral debates are increasingly discussed within church spaces. While some denominations hold firmly to traditional interpretations, others are re-examining how faith is lived in a changing world.

What remains consistent is the church’s role as a place where Jamaicans seek guidance, meaning, and community.

Faith and National Identity

Christianity’s story in Jamaica mirrors the nation’s own journey—marked by struggle, adaptation, resilience, and creativity. Although the faith arrived through colonialism, it survived and flourished because Jamaicans reshaped it to reflect their own realities and aspirations.

Today, Christianity continues to influence values, family life, public discourse, and social action. Whether expressed through quiet prayer or vibrant worship, it remains deeply embedded in the Jamaican experience.

To understand Jamaica—its people, culture, and history—is to understand the enduring role Christianity has played, and continues to play, in shaping the soul of the nation.

In today’s scripture Paul’s words reveal a powerful shift in perspective. All the achievements, status, and successes he once held dear now seem insignificant when compared to the value of knowing Jesus. Paul’s life had been full of accolades, but meeting Christ changed everything. Instead of pursuing personal honor, he found true meaning and purpose in his relationship with Christ.

We are challenged to assess our own values. Are there things in our lives that we hold above our relationship with Christ? Success, recognition, or even personal comfort can become idols that subtly draw our hearts away from God. Yet, Paul’s words remind us that nothing in this world compares to the treasure of knowing Jesus.

Today, let’s consider the value we place on our relationship with Christ. In moments of decision or priority, let us choose to seek Him above all else. True gain is found in the One who fills our deepest need and draws us close to Himself.

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” —Philippians 3:7-8

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, help me to recognize the surpassing worth of knowing You. Father, give me the courage to release anything that hinders my relationship with You. Lord, please teach me to value You above all worldly gains and achievements. In Christ name Amen

You may feel right now, like the challenges you face are too big or too overwhelming. We all face challenges. We all have obstacles to overcome. Keep the right attitude and focus, it will help us stay in faith so that we can move forward into victory.  

I’ve learned that average people have average problems. Ordinary people have ordinary challenges. But remember, you’re above average and you’re not ordinary. You are extraordinary. God created you and breathed His life into you. You are exceptional, and exceptional people face exceptional difficulties. But the good news is that we serve a super exceptional God!  

Today, when you have an incredible problem, instead of being discouraged, you should be encouraged knowing that you’re an incredible person, with an incredible future. Your path is shining bright because of your incredible God! Be encouraged today because your life is on an incredible path. So, keep in faith, keep declaring victory, keep declaring God’s promises over your life because you have an incredible future! 

“The path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day…” (Proverbs 4:18, AMP) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, today I lift my eyes to You. Father, I know that You are the One who helps me and has given me an incredible future. God, I choose to stand in faith, knowing that You have an incredible plan in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

God’s Word is not like my words limited, imperfect, and often powerless. When God speaks, His Word goes forth with divine authority and unstoppable power. Todays verse reminds us that every word God declares will fulfill its intended purpose without fail.

This truth should fill us with confidence as we read Scripture, pray according to His promises, and share the gospel with others. Even when we don’t see immediate results, God is always at work behind the scenes. His Word is not wasted—it plants seeds, breaks hard hearts, strengthens the weary, and brings the lost to salvation.

In a world filled with empty words, God’s Word stands firm. It is living, active, and enduring. Trust it. Speak it. Live by it. Whether you’re a parent teaching your children, a pastor preaching to your congregation, or a student reading alone—God’s Word will not return void.

Today, are you relying on God’s Word in your daily life? Speak it over your circumstances, read it with expectation, and share it boldly. Trust that every time it goes out, God is working through it powerfully and purposefully.

So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:11

Let’s Pray

Yahweh , thank You that Your Word is alive and never fails to accomplish its purpose. Father, help me to trust in Your promises, even when I can’t see the results. Lord grant me boldness to share Your Word, believing You will use it to change lives. In Christ name Amen 

The Apostle Paul, a man deeply transformed by Christ, confesses that he has not yet arrived spiritually. Despite his many accomplishments and deep walk with the Lord, Paul remained humble, pressing forward in his pursuit of Christ. He shows us that the Christian life is not about resting on past victories or being trapped by past failures, but about daily movement toward Jesus and His calling.

Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do: forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13–14

“One thing I do,” Paul says. He was singular in focus forgetting what lies behind and straining forward. This is the posture of a disciple: eyes fixed on Jesus, hearts pressing forward, not backward. The Christian journey is not a sprint, but a lifelong race requiring endurance, resolve, and grace.

Today is there something in your past whether failure, shame, or even success that is slowing your spiritual progress? In Christ, you are not bound by yesterday. God calls you to release the past and run forward, daily, with purpose. Fix your eyes on Jesus and press on. The upward call of God in Christ Jesus is not just a future hope it’s a present pursuit.

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, help me let go of the things in my past that hinder my walk with You.

Father, give me strength and focus to press on in my relationship with Christ.

Please Lord fill my heart with hope for the prize of Your divine call. In Christ name Amen! 

How would you feel if someone came up to you today and said, “Give me all of your monthly bills; I’m going to pay them.” You’d get pretty excited wouldn’t you? But it wouldn’t happen until you did your part to actually hand that person your bills. They can’t pay them for you if you never release them. In the same way, when we release our cares and concerns to God, He promises to take care of them. So hand them over.

As you begin a new year, God wants to give you rest. He wants to refresh and restore your soul, mind, will and emotions. It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of this stressful life, and before long, your mind, will and emotions are so spun that you can barely think straight! Remember, even in the hustle and bustle of life, you can find rest, ease and relaxation. God wants to take care of everything that concerns you so that you can find rest in your innermost being when you come to Him.

Today and throughout this year, release your cares to the Lord. Let Him fill you with His peace and joy. Receive the rest, relaxation and restoration that He promises and enjoy the total fulfillment and blessings for your body, mind and emotions He has in store for you!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come to You. I choose to cast my cares on You, so that I can live in Your rest and break free from the stress of this life. Father, thank You for Your goodness to me. I give You my mind heal it and take control of all my emotions. Please God, lift my burdens and refresh my weariness. God, help me find ways to share Your rest and goodness with those around me, in Christ’ name! Amen.

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” That’s what today’s Scripture begins with. It doesn’t say, “let the redeemed of the Lord think so.” Or, “let the redeemed believe so.” Of course, it’s important to think right and believe right, but something supernatural happens when we open our mouths and declare something so emphatically that You don’t even have to say it to anyone else. 

You can say it while driving or in the shower. Say, “the economy may be low, but I am blessed. I am prosperous. I will lend and not borrow.” “I may have had some setbacks, but I know those setbacks are a setup for a comeback! This is still going to be my best year so far. The favour of God is turning things around.” You are prophesying positively into your future. 

Today, remember when you say what the Lord has done for you, you are declaring that you are redeemed, you are opening the door for God to move on your behalf. The Scripture tells us that He watches over His Word to perform it. When you declare His Word, when you speak His promises, He is faithful to fulfil them, and lead you into victory all the days of your life! 

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has delivered from the hand of the adversary.” (Psalm 107:2, AMPC)

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for delivering me and setting me free. Father, I will declare Your goodness. I will declare Your promises. I will declare Your favour, because You told me in Your Word let the redeemed of the Lord say so or declare it so. Hallelujah! God, I know what I declare with my mouth will allow me to live the good life You have prepared for me, in Christ’ Name! Amen 

Matthew 25 tells a parable about three men whose employer entrusted them with some money. Two of the men were diligent and invested the money and received a great return. The third man was afraid and buried his money. The first two men were rewarded and praised for their investment and diligence, while the third man was rebuked because he did nothing. 

God longs to show you His goodness and provision. He promises to always do His part, but you have to do your part. You have to be diligent. Be diligent in seeking His ways and following His Word. Be diligent with your time and resources. Follow the example of the first two men and look for ways to be diligent with what you have in your hand.  

Today, whatever you do, do it with excellence. Be the best you can be, and go the extra mile even when you think it goes unnoticed. Understand that when people don’t notice, God notices and will reward the appetite of the diligent. 

“…the appetite of the diligent is abundantly supplied.” (Proverbs 13:4, AMPC) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your favour on my life. Father, I choose to be diligent in all things. I choose to live in excellence and do everything to the best of my God-given ability. God, I will give You all the glory, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Many go through life competing with everyone around them. They see someone who’s more talented, better looking or has more gifts. Instead of running their own race and being comfortable with who they are, oftentimes they feel inferior and start thinking, “I’ve got to catch up to them”. The problem with this unhealthy competition is that it’s a continuous cycle.

Remember, there will always be someone ahead of us. But, it’s a very freeing thing when you realise, “I’m not competing with anyone. I don’t have to have a big house like my friends to feel good about myself. I don’t have to keep up with my co-workers. I don’t have to be a certain size. I don’t have to have as many Christmas lights outside. No, I understand that I’m not in competition with my friend, my neighbour or my co-worker. Instead, I’m going to be the best me that I can be”.

Today, I remind you, contentment is an attitude God can work with. When you focus on being who God made you to be, and focus on running your own race, that’s when you’ll see things happen. That’s when you’ll rise up higher, and position yourself for every spiritual blessing God has in store for you!

“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1–2, NKJV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come to You giving You all that I am. Father, I will stay in my God-given lane in life. I will keep my eyes on You and allow You to work in my heart and mind. I rebuke the self destructive attitudes of competition, jealousy and envy. I declare that I am free from negative, unhealthy competition today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.