Godinterest

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.

In reflection, I’ve had so many awesome times. What about you? Maybe you have had some great times with family and friends, with delicious food to enjoy, and perhaps even a sunny, blue sky overhead, a soft breeze blowing, and the world radiating God’s glory in creation. It’s at these times I’m reminded of the statement in the Apostles’ Creed, “I believe in . . . the life everlasting.” 

It doesn’t matter how exciting our times are they fleet in comparison to the eternal joy we can look forward to with Christ. 

Scripture tells us one day, we will stand before God’s throne with Jesus, surrounded by countless sisters and brothers from around the world, completely freed from all fears, and filled with perfect peace and joy. There we will be fully doing what we were created for: “to glorify God and enjoy him forever” 

Today and until that time, when Christ will return we will only have fleeting glimpses of our ultimate destiny, and those moments may come in the midst of struggles, challenges, and sometimes even utter defeat. But we are encouraged not to despair in the midst of hard times but to wait with hope for the day when Jesus will be all and all, when his kingdom will come in power and glory.

We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, my greatest hope is being with you forever. Father, until that day, help me serve you wherever I am with deeds of love in Christ’s name. Amen. 

We’ve closed the book on 2023. Today you might find yourself remembering some of the triumphs and trials of the past year. Even if you have had wonderful successes in the past twelve months, you can probably remember some low points. 

As we are 19 days into a new year, I hope you still remember that God’s plans have always been to prosper you. He can transform ordinary events and difficult trials into key moments that help his plans to prosper. He is not out to harm us, but the dark moments we experience can be part of the most important lessons to help us grow nearer to him. 

Today ponder on this thought: God has a way of saving his world that we may find hard to understand. He introduced his Son into the world and brought about our salvation in a way that could easily be overlooked by this secular world, and yet he has changed the world, and his kingdom keeps growing. That same God comes into our lives and draws us into his plans for a hope-filled future! Thank you, God! 

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, my life is in your hands. Father, I praise you for the joys you have brought me in the past year, and for the ways you refined me through the trials in my life. Lord, prepare me to be part of your work in the year ahead. In Jesus’s name Amen.  

Today I watched golf, football and athletics. I was able to experience the difference it makes to have somebody in the stands rooting for you. When you know someone is watching you, you hear them calling your name, and you see their hands up in the air; it does something on the inside. It causes you to jump a little higher, run a little faster, and you find strength you didn’t know you had. You’ve got a greater determination because somebody is rooting for you.

Right now you have a great multitude in heaven (angels and the Godhead) cheering you on! When you’re faced with trials and temptations they’re saying, “you can do it! You’re a winner! You are well able, strong and equipped. No weapon formed against you shall prosper!” Hallelujah!

Today, no matter what difficulty you may be facing, know someone is rooting for you – you always have the home field advantage. You are always surrounded by the voice of victory. Let that sink down deep into your heart today. Let it build confidence and perseverance in you, and give you the strength you need to keep moving forward into the abundant, victorious life He has prepared for you!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1, NIV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, open the eyes of my heart. Help me to see the grand stands of heaven cheering me on, rooting for me every step of the way. Father, thank You for instilling confidence, power and grace in me, so that I can run this race and finish strong, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

As the doctors came in yesterday to share the bad news with the family, all the faces were solemn. After he delivered the bad news gasps, shouts of “no”, swearing and anger filled the room. The spirit prompted me to pray for peace, quoting Matthew 4, I stated “peace be still” in my prayer. No matter what may be going on around you today, you can still live in peace. Scripture encourages us not to let our hearts be troubled. In other words, don’t meditate on all the negative things in this world to the point that it steals your peace. 

Today, if you have fear, worry or anxiety about anything, recognise that those feelings aren’t from God, because He has promised to give you a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. There is tremendous power in peace. When you are at peace internally, you can think more clearly. You can hear the voice of God more easily. You’ll make better decisions. Even your physical body responds to peace.

Remember, the enemy knows this, and his goal is to steal your peace. He tries to set you up to get you upset. But when you choose to receive God’s peace, then no weapon formed against you shall prosper! Hallelujah!

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27, NIV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for Your gift of peace in my life. Father, I choose to receive Your peace in my heart and hold it close to me always. Despite what happens in life, I receive Your Word as truth and life to my heart and soul. God, I ask for Your healing hands upon the prime minister, his family and the thousands of others who have been unwell by this virus. God, I claim and receive Your promise of peace in our lives today, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

The scripture tells us that the teachers of the law and the Pharisees were the leading citizens among the Jews. They knew what God’s law said, and they could tell people how to apply it. But they were hypocrites. They added 615 of their laws on top of God’s laws, thinking that would “protect” the law of God from being disobeyed. But in doing so, they violated the spirit of the law, which is love.

Today’s Christians can do the same as the Pharisees if they add their social and religious standards to God’s law. “Surely a Christian would never listen to that, or wear those clothes, or dance, or eat that meat…” We might think we are being especially zealous for the law of God by adding such restrictions when the bible doesn’t. But God desires love, not legalism.

Today, following human standards while ignoring God’s call to love can lead to terrible results “hypocrisy”. It has led to racism like apartheid. It has led to sexism with statements like she should have known better than to wear that.” It has led to nationalism where we look down on immigrants and refugees. Such hypocrisy will condemn us on the day of judgment. Laws that do not aim at love for all people are not God’s laws. The Ruler of heaven and earth is not fooled by distorted rule-following and fake self-centred Christianity.

do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” Matthew 23:3

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, forgive us when we set up false standards. Father, forgive us if we have judged others unlovingly. Help us to follow your laws and not add our own trying to protect yours. Please show us how to love everyone as you do. In Jesus’s name Amen.