November 28 Devotion - ASK, SEEK, KNOCK

 

“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 

فَإِنِّي أَقُولُ لَكُمْ: اطْلُبُوا، تُعْطَوْا؛ اسْعَوْا، تَجِدُوا؛ اقْرَعُوا، يُفْتَحْ لَكُمْ:

 

Luke 11:9

 

A S K

 

Those who Ask will receive answers. Those who Seek will find. Those who Knock will find the door opened for them.

 

The Lord wants us to pray to Him, not only because it honours Him, but also because it helps us to grow in Him. Furthermore, prayer taps us into His work in the world. At any given moment, we can pray for anyone anywhere on earth and have confidence that the Lord of the entire universe will hear us and respond in the most effective fashion.

For this reason, prayer is one of the best ways to get involved in God’s mission. What a wonderful privilege it is to be able to participate in the expansion of God’s kingdom by asking the Lord to help His children and impact His creation.

 

I invite you to repeat the following prayer for yourself:

Abba Father, please teach me to ask, seek, and knock—to persevere in prayer until I receive Your answer. Thank You for all the good and advantageous gifts You gave me, are giving me, and will give me in the future. Thank You for Your unfailing, inseparable, deep, and everlasting love. Father God, I praise You, revere You, worship You, I stand in awe of You, and glorify Your Holy Name. Lord God, please teach me to seek Your face and help me to grow in Your word. I knock on the door of Your Peace that surpasses all understanding. In the holy name of Your only begotten son Jesus, I pray to You Father. To Jesus be the power, the glory, the majesty, and the dominion, forever and ever. Amen.

In Him,

Wagdi Henein

November 27 Devotion - Happy American Thanksgiving Day

 

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness, and for His wonderful acts to the children of men! ⁴ For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; ⁵ for it is sanctified [set apart, dedicated to God] by means of the word of God and prayer. Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁸فَلْيَحْمَدُوا الرَّبَّ عَلَى رَحْمَتِهِ وَعَجَائِبِهِ لِبَنِي آدَمَ. ⁴لأَنَّ كُلَّ خَلِيقَةِ اللهِ جَيِّدَةٌ، وَلاَ يُرْفَضُ شَيْءٌ إِذَا أُخِذَ مَعَ الشُّكْرِ، ⁵لأَنَّهُ يُقَدَّسُ بِكَلِمَةِ اللهِ وَالصَّلاَةِ.

²⁰شَاكِرِينَ كُلَّ حِينٍ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ فِي اسْمِ رَبِّنَا يَسُوعَ الْمَسِيحِ، ِللهِ وَالآبِ.

Psalm 107:8 (AMP), 1Timothy 4:4-5 (AMP), Ephesians 5:20

 

Today is American Thanksgiving Day. Best wishes to all my American friends and family and to the whole nation. 

Some of us today are experiencing bright circumstances, and some of us are facing bleak circumstance. Let us remember that everything that God has created is good and is to be received with gratitude giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Giving thanks in all things (no exceptions) is only possible when we understand that every situation is used by our loving Father to further our dependence on Him and make us more like His Son Jesus. God is determined to conform us to the image of Christ through the inevitable afflictions that accompany life. Having, cultivating, and maintaining a grateful heart that continues to pulsate with thanksgiving, even in trials, presents a big challenge to me and maybe to you too. Thanking God in the trials is difficult, however I believe that when we do, His purposes and presence will illuminate our path and carry us through any trial.

 

I invite you to repeat the following prayer for yourself:

Abba Father, thank You for loving me with a deep, unfailing, steadfast, and everlasting love, thank You for Your abundant blessings in my life, and for the riches of Your grace upon my life. Lord help me to always see Your hand in my life and to be grateful for Your wisdom. Lord give me a grateful heart that continues to pulsate with thanksgiving, even in trials. Lord I ask that through my gratitude during trials that Your purpose and presence will illuminate my path and carry me through. Thank You God that You are determined to conform me to the image of Christ through any tribulations in my life. Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; the upright shall dwell in Your presence. Psalm 140:13  I give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever: Psalm 136:3 In Jesus’ mighty name I pray. To Jesus be the power, the glory, and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

 

                                                                   

In Him,

Wagdi Henein

November 26 Devotion - WALKING WISELY

 

What one thing would you ask of God if you knew absolutely that it would not be refused? King Solomon had such a choice. After his father King David died he became King over Israel and while he was at a place called Gibeon the Lord appeared to him in a dream during the night.

"God said; 'Ask! What shall I give you?”

في جبعون تراءى الرب لسليمان في حلم ليلا . وقال الله اسأل ماذا اعطيك

I Kings 3:5

Solomon prayed for:

"Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?"

فاعط عبدك قلبا فهيما لاحكم على شعبك واميّز بين الخير والشر لانه من يقدر ان يحكم على شعبك العظيم هذا

I Kings 3:9

 

Solomon was asking for wisdom to be a good King. The Bible says:

The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

فحسن الكلام في عيني الرب لان سليمان سأل هذا الأمر

I Kings 3:10

The Lord was so pleased with Solomon's request that he said:

"See, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you."

هوذا قد فعلت حسب كلامك . هوذا اعطيتك قلبا حكيما ومميزا حتى انه لم يكن مثلك قبلك ولا يقوم بعدك نظيرك

I Kings 3:12

Solomon became the wisest man that ever lived. But that isn't all. God told him that because he had asked for wisdom instead of long life, riches or the life of his enemies:

"I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days."

وقد اعطيتك ايضا ما لم تسأله غنى وكرامة حتى انه لا يكون رجل مثلك في الملوك كل ايامك .

I Kings 3:13

 

What is really in your heart?

 It may surprise you in the end that God gives you what you ask for - and maybe even all that you did not ask. Just like Solomon! Solomon's prayer was a great one because his heart was right when he prayed it. Listen to God's promise for those who have such hearts:

"I dwell in the high and holy place; With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones."

لانه هكذا قال العلي المرتفع ساكن الابد القدوس اسمه. في الموضع المرتفع المقدس اسكن ومع المنسحق والمتواضع الروح لأحيي روح المتواضعين ولأحيي قلب المنسحقين.

Isaiah 57:15

 

I invite you to receive The Apostle Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom for you and to pray it for others:

 ¹⁵ Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, ¹⁶ I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, ¹⁷ asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. ¹⁸ I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. ¹⁹ I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power ²⁰ that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. ²¹ Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. ²² God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. ²³ And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself. Ephesians 1:15-23

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.

وانما ان كان احد تعوزه حكمة فليطلب من الله الذي يعطي الجميع بسخاء ولا يعيّر فسيعطى له.

James 1:5

 

Jesus loves you,

In Him,

Wagdi Henein

November 25 Devotion - Time for Repayment

 

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens

لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ أَوَانٌ، وَلِكُلِّ أَمْرٍ تَحْتَ السَّمَاءِ زَمَانٌ

Ecclesiastes 3:1

 

 

 واعوض لكم عن السنين التي اكلها الجراد

I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—

Joel 2:25

 

I invite you to repeat the following prayer for yourself and to meditate on it:

Abba Father, thank You for Your abundant blessings and Your unfailing, deep, inseparable and everlasting love. Thank You that You care so much about every detail of my life. Lord, I know You will heal every single hurt and pain. You will restore all that has been lost. You know the longings and desires of my heart because You put them there. I know that You have my best interest at heart and Your timing is perfect. I will keep standing, keep believing, and keep doing the right things because the One who repays for the years the locusts have eaten will restore every area in my life. I declare Jesus as my Lord and Saviour and I pray in His holy name. To Jesus be the power, the glory, the majesty, the blessings, and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

In Him,

Wagdi Henein

November 24 Devotion - EXPERIENCING PEACE

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

سَلاماً أَتْرُكُ لَكُمْ. سَلاَمِي أُعْطِيكُمْ. لَيْسَ كَمَا يُعْطِي الْعَالَمُ أُعْطِيكُمْ أَنَا. فَلاَ تَضْطَرِبْ قُلُوبُكُمْ، وَلاَ تَرْتَعِبْ.

John 14:27

 

When God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die for our sins, the door of peace and forgiveness was opened once and for all to those who believe.

 

To obtain God’s peace, we must make three key decisions:

1. Accept and declare Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour,
2. Believe that the peace God offers is ours for the asking, and
3. Live in obedience to God’s will.

 

Remember—it is impossible to live with peace in our hearts and rebellion in our actions. It is God’s will for us to be tranquil in our hearts and serene in our spirit, despite the chaos surrounding us. 

 

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you remember the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.  

May  you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the  love that has been given to you.

May you be content knowing you  are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your  bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us who have accepted and declared Jesus Christ as our lord and saviour.

 

I invite you to repeat the following prayer for yourself:

Abba Father, thank You for Jesus, His death and resurrection. Teach me Jesus to rejoice in Your peace and to keep my mind, eyes and thoughts on You. Bless me Lord with the ability to rejoice in You always. I believe that you have already blessed me with Your peace; today I claim it as mine. I know Lord that when I am seeking Your will my heart will not be troubled or afraid because of Your peace within me. May the God of hope fill me with all joy and peace in believing through the experience of my faith that by the power of The Holy Spirit I will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in God's promises. Romans 15:13 In Jesus’ mighty name I pray. Amen.

 

 

In Him,

Wagdi Henein

 

November 21 Devotion - Trusting God

 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

Joshua 1:9, 2 Samuel 7:28, Psalms 9:10, Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 13:5

 

There are many reasons why we can trust God:

•     He is the one, true God (2 Samuel 7:21–22)

•     He is the essence of truth (Hebrews 6:17–18)

•     He is absolutely faithful (Lamentations 3:23)

•        He has all power (Matthew 28:18)

•        He loves you unconditionally (John 15:9)

•       He never changes (Hebrews 13:8).

 

When I am afraid, I will put my trust and faith in You. ⁴ In God, whose word I praise; In God I have put my trust; I shall not fear. What can mere man do to me?

فِي يَوْمِ خَوْفِي أَتَّكِلُ عَلَيْكَ. 4 تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللهِ الَّذِي أَحْمَدُهُ عَلَى كَلاَمِهِ، فَلَا أَخَافُ. مَاذَا يَسْتَطِيعُ أَنْ يَصْنَعَ بِي الْبَشَرُ؟

Psalm 56:3-4

 

I invite you to repeat the following prayer for yourself and for others:

Abba Father, great is Thy faithfulness. LORD, I pray that out of Your  glorious riches You strengthen me with power through Your Spirit in my inner being, so that I can trust You with an unconditional trust that allows me to have the patience to wait for Your deliverance. Jesus teach me to repose all my cares and my load onto Your shoulders. Lord I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. Help me to trust in You Lord with all my heart, and not to depend on my own understanding. Hear my prayers O’Lord, In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. ‘Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.’ Ephesians 3:20-21

 

In Him,

Wagdi Henein