The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)

The enemy wants us to feel bad about ourselves, compare ourselves to others, be jealous and envious, hide our light under a bushel so others won't feel bad, live small, only look after ourselves, be fearful.

God wants us to branch out, to go for it, to live to the max, to excel, to rejoice, to burst forth, to be free, to thrive. God wants us to enjoy ourselves. He wants us to know we're loved abundantly and he loves to surprise and bless us.

These are the two camps we can live in and it's easy to fall into the one the enemy wants us to, because he's working day and night to say to us, "We’re nothing special", "Who are we to do this, or do that", "God has short-changed us", "We're left behind", "We'll never overcome that difficulty", "We don't have enough" and, "We're not enough".

But this is all a smoke-screen of lies we have to daily rebuke in Jesus name to stand up and remember...

1. We are dearly loved by God

2. Great are His plans for us to prosper us not to harm us

3. We are the lights of the world

4. He is our shepherd and we have all that we need

5. He'll never leave us or forsake us

6. We are the sheep of his fold and there's nothing that can seperate us

7. No eye has seen or ear has heard all he has in store for us.

Sometimes life gets so hard and we get weary but the God who is more than enough will not leave us there, He's with us in it, He's fighting our battles and He's already planned the victory. Hold on, be strong and see what the Lord will do...

If we know Jesus, he gives us our identity. The words we speak, need to reflect this. God has been speaking to me again that if I speak words of faith, and life, then that releases supernatural power into situations. Similarly, if I speak negatively, this also has an impact.

It would be easy to think; 'well that's a bit over the top, surely it's not that important.' This is because the enemy does not want us to know the power of our words. If he can keep us thinking they have no impact, then he will. Proverbs 18:21(ESV) however, says: 'Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.'

So this is an encouragement to us again. If we want to see transformation in our families and communities, we need to line up everything we say about ourselves, and others, with the Word of God...

A couple of little questions to test this out:

1. The last time that you described yourself to someone else, what words did you use?

2. Were they in line with the Word of God?

3. In what situation in your life, do you need to speak words of faith?

I've recently been reflecting on the story of Moses in Exodus 17. In this story, the Israelites are battling the Amalekites. Whenever Moses had his arms raised, the Israelites were winning, but when his arms lowered, the Amalekites began to prevail. To help, Moses’s companions Aaron and Hur held up his arms, and as a result, the Israelites won the battle.

This story highlights the importance of the people we surround ourselves with. Here are three key qualities to look for in those we allow into our close circle:

1) Supportive Companions: We need people of God around us, those in whom the Spirit dwells, who encourage us and help us in our daily battles. Just as Aaron and Hur physically supported Moses, we need friends who will hold us up when we are weary.

2) Understanding and Awareness: Aaron and Hur were with Moses and understood his situation without him having to ask for help. They saw his struggle and stepped in to assist. Similarly, the people closest to us should be aware of our challenges and be ready to support us without needing detailed explanations. These are friends who know our hearts and respond to our needs instinctively.

3) Practical Assistance and Encouragement: Aaron and Hur didn’t just hold up Moses’s arms; they also found a rock for him to sit on, making his task more manageable. Our true friends are those who not only provide moral support but also offer practical help to ease our burdens, making it easier for us to follow God’s plan.

Ann and I have experienced the value of such friendships. We’ve supported each other and our friends through various challenges, and these shared experiences have strengthened our bonds. The story of Moses reminds us that the right companions can make a significant difference in our journey, providing the support and encouragement we need to persevere.

I'm not very good at resting, I like to be busy and even when not physically working my mind is going a hundred miles an hour. But I know the importance of rest, to switch off and to relax. True rest is found in having time with God.

This week I felt God speak to me about the need to truly rest in him, its half term so I should have time. Naturally I have filled my week up with things to do but I am still seeking Gods rest. Even in the busyness God is still there. Seek time this week to simply be with him in whatever your doing.

R - READ (Read/listen to the Word, seek God, thank him)

E - EMOTIONS (Pray to God and give him our worries)

S - SILENCE (Silence our thoughts by listening to him)

T - TRUST (Trust in God, he holds the future)

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30