Pastor's Blogs

Everywhere throughout scripture we see that God established for His people to give him a sacrifice. Your sacrifice was dependent on the situation that brought you before God. There were specific prescriptions and protocols for each situation. 

Whether you are coming before the Lord regarding a sin or to give thanks, there was a specific offering assigned to each situation. For the birth of a first born, for guilt or for thanksgiving; each has their own predetermined sacrifice and it's procedure. 

Some sacrifices require an animal from a select list of creatures whereas some sacrifices were grain and others oils or wine offerings.

Some had to be burnt, some had to be poured out and others had to be splattered but the thing that they all had in common was that they all had to be presented to God at His altar. 

So, the occasion and reason for the sacrifice could easily differ but the location where the sacrifice was brought could never be changed or compromised… it had to be brought to the altar.

Today, we can sacrifice our finances and goods and as King David said our hearts have now been added to the list. Again, the reasons and the occasions may vary but the location has still not changed. Do you know God still requires an altar for sacrifice?

Most churches have an altar. You can kneel at the altar and pray at the altar but the real altar of sacrifice is a spiritual altar. 

I hope the altar of your church has been dedicated and is in use; meaning it receives regular offerings of worship, praise and prayer to Yahweh who is Emmanuel God with us; Jesus Christ the Holy one. 

Did you know you can build your own altar to the Lord? Like many of the Bible heroes Abraham, Jacob, Gideon, Solomon etc, they built altars to the Most High. 

Now, dear readers, is the time to build your altar to the Lord. A place where you regularly, even daily, bring your sacrifice of worship, praise, time, and heart spilled out before the Great I AM. 

King David understood this quite well. He explained in Psalms 40:6-7 that “Sacrifices and offerings are not what please you; gifts and payment for sin are not what you demand. But you made me willing to listen and obey.” He later added “The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. You will not despise a broken and humbled heart, God”. 

In John 4:24 Jesus said “For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” I know that you know that we do not need to go to Jerusalem to offer our sacrifices to God but the Lord does have a spiritual altar where he is waiting for that part of you that you bring to him to that place where humanity meets divinity. That place where you lay down the fruit of your labour, the place where you bring your broken heart, your humbled spirit and you lay, pour it, present it and sometimes kill your flesh before God. 

Dear readers, I encourage you to build an altar to the Lord and go to it every day. 

Pastor Julianna Daniel

No matter how you feel in life, please do not give up. Do not give up on your dreams nor on life itself. You are created for such a time as this. This same encouragement was given to Queen Esther who started out as an orphan many years before she became the queen who saved her people and this same word applies to you today. 

Ephesians 2:20 states “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Sometimes I catch myself wondering why some people are so blessed while others are having a difficult life. At times, I also ponder on why so many people are so beautiful and others are not so beautiful. Some have queen talents while others excel intellectually. Then there are those who are mechanically inclined while another set have amazing speaking abilities and incredible personalities. So many people each with a different skill, gifting, ability and intelligence to align with their God-given purpose. 

Since I have a personal relationship with my creator, I have come to realize that God has specific plans for each and every one of us. Plans that have been established before we were even born. God will place people in specific places at specific times for specific seasons and reasons beyond what we could even think or know. 

Learn to appreciate yourself and be thankful for having been born. It does not matter if you were abandoned or forsaken by your birth parents or rejected by them, tell  yourself what God has said of you. He says “you are fearfully and wonderfully made and born with a purpose “ even for such a time as this. 

Please take note that your talents and abilities will always match perfectly with the circumstances and with what God created you to do in life. Whether your talents are in sports, academics, cooking, or  making friends easily; in every which way, God has a plan.

Stop making excuses because you are beautiful or handsome; recognize that even then, you are not the designer of your own beauty and having that said, even your beauty can be used as part of God’s plan for your life. Look for opportunities to use your God-given talents and assets knowing that it is God himself that has placed you among your family, in your community, your school, that workplace of yours etc. all for a purpose. 

 It was all God’s design and arrangement to connect you to key people that are linked to your destiny...that spouse of yours, for example… it was a divine connection.

In spite of the circumstances that surround  you, stop whining , complaining and murmuring for nothing, rather consider God’s word that says that “All things work together for the good of them that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. When you begin to understand this basic information you ill begin to understand that even when misery comes  your way, you should know that your ministry and purpose in life is about to manifest. Even when your situation is very very messy, please be assured that a great message can come out of your mess and when all is said and done, may we all be able to truly say “ I am born to impact my generation”. 

Pastor Julianna Daniel

Do you know where the command centre of your body is? it's not your mouth nor your heart but it's the mind. 

Though we have a wealth of organisms, systems and organs that make up the human body and enable us to function in health. We cannot function without our minds. If you lose your mind, you can no longer function. No matter how healthy you are or the amount of hours you spend in the gym your mind is the member you should exercise most. What is the good in having a pumped up muscular body if you were to lose your mind? Without your mind, your witt; your ability to socialize or to communicate adequately; how much value would those muscles and that nice fit body have?

Our bodies are important vehicles that allow us to experience life and get around; but the body needs the mind to direct it, instruct it, lead and guide it. The brain helps to regulate the body and is also an interpreter for what we feel and experience in our world. Despite immense scientific advancements in the medical field, both the body and the mind remain mysteries to mankind. Indeed you are wonderfully and fearfully made!

The mind is a beautiful and marvellous part of who we are. Physically it is your brain and neurological system whereas figuratively it is your thoughts, your ability to reason, to think and perceive. 

What does the Bible say about the mind?

2corinthians 4:4 tells us that “ Satan, who is also the god of this age; has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ.” This means that there are many who hear the truth yet renounce it. This means that they are blinded from seeing the truth of knowing Christ as God.

Those who see His truth , however, begin to be transformed to become more and more like Jesus.

If you are already a believer praying for friends, family and your employers; might I urge you to pray for their mind that whatever veil Satan has put on them would not blind them as he intends. For many it is not that they do not want to live the life that Jesus has promised nor that they do not want to know the love of God but rather many are blinded. You may tell the blind man that there is a stream of water at a certain distance. You can see it and taste it. You can even try to direct them but because of their blindness there is no guarantee that they will get to it. This example is only of visual blindness. Imagine now blindness of the mind. 

This is why the Word of God encourages us to read the Bible to shield and regenerate it. In Ephesians 4:23 we are told to be made new in the attitude of your minds; Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. and to be renewed in the spirit of your mind.”

Your mind can also express its worship to the father. This is why brother Mark tells us in 

Mark 12:30 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” 

Dear readers protect your mind with God's word. Read it everyday like a vitamin and may the light of God’s truth shine bright in your life. 

I invite you all to come and experience the light of God's word and the brilliance of his love at House of prayer for all nations church on Sunday at noon. All safety measures are in place. Come and let your mind and body worship the Lord together with us. 

Pastor Julianna Daniel

This is the year of the mind. 

It's time to mind your own business, because the enemy is after your mind. 

Ever since the pandemic the governments have been forced to pay more attention to the impacts many of these restrictions have had on the minds of many. Readers, I encourage you; even with this pandemic; watch your mind. 

The most powerful thing in a human is their mind. Many have lost their minds by giving it over to either a woman or a man who refuses to love them. Whereas  some have lost their minds to bad habits, especially to drugs. 

A man Without a sound mind is like a car without an engine; It can take you no place in life. 

The mind is the place where you think. It's a place where you get dreams and visions. So, your imaginations must be healthy. The mind is where you focus, the place where you get understanding, revelation, illumination, inspiration, insight, etc. 

Some people’s minds are like a treasure box; loaded with good things. This is one of the reasons why some people are after your mind. If a man gets your mind, they ultimately get you. 

In Romans 12 verse 1 God's word begs us to take care of our mind. Don't get too conformed to this world to the point where you forget your creator. 

Indeed there are people who want to take over your mind to cause you to think that there is no God, no Lord, no Savior, no Jesus Christ, no redeemer, no deliverer, etc. That kind of thinking is completely false and completely negative. Such thoughts lead to a mindset without hope with the risk of  taking your mind on a path of destruction.

Do you see now why it is crucial to take time to renew your mind? 

1Corinthians 2 verse 16 tells us that we should learn to gird up our minds with the word of God. 

You need a sound mind to tap into the great resources that have already been deposited in you by your creator. All the great thinkers, builders, musicians, surgeons, lawyers, judges, politicians and even (not forgetting) the man who started this universal paper the Montreal Community Contact… they all have this gift and information within them.

Please note that you can go to the best university in the land to be educated but if you do not but if you lose your mind you will never be able to function nor exercise your potential or reach your goals. 

Please take some time to read the Bible daily, it is the manual for your life and it will help you maintain a sound mind. Some may have lost their jobs, some may have lost their loved ones, during this pandemic, but one thing we can hold tight to and guard; is our mind.

Pastor Julianna Daniel

Dear readers, be encouraged.

The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 9:11 “The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding…” This tells us that no one man can make it because of themselves, their skill, their talent or their knowledge. We need to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. He will strengthen you for whatever the task is. Our Heavenly Father knows that we (all of us: men, women, children, Christians and non-christians too ) are weak. We get weary, we make mistakes and we at times get discouraged… we need refuelling.

 But today take heart and believe me when I say that Jesus knows our limits and He also knows the might of His power through you. It is super power, it is infinite, it is always available. So don't worry if you don't think you can live up to the standards of others… that's right… don't worry and don't fret. 

 The Bible tells us in 1Corinthians 10:13 that we should not feel overtaken or enticed... but [remember that] God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. In other words, He will not give you more than you can bear. We sometimes feel like we can't do it or won't make it but we have to remember the source of our strength, the source of our fuel. Like a vehicle that needs gas to keep going and oil to keep performing; we need Jesus to keep going and the help of the Holy Spirit to keep performing. This is the provision of the father for us. 

We need to know and remember that it is Christ, in us, the hope of glory.  Any good we can achieve is the working of God's grace and God's strength through us. 

Do you know that the strength and fuel that comes from the Holy Spirit sometimes comes through human packaging?

 At times, the strength that God gives us is through the uninvited guest who rang the doorbell for a chat or the surprise bags of groceries left at your doorstep or the freshly made meal to share. All of these offer relief and strength; all the while, God did not come down from heaven for you. 

What does this mean?  Well it is quite simple; God works through people. God intends for us to interact with one another, to communicate and to collaborate one with another. We need each other. Whether temporary or lifelong; relationships are important to God. So be careful how you treat others, what you say about others and the thoughts you carry and entertain about others. They might just be your blessing carrier. 

There is only one standard to live by and to be concerned about; and that is God's standard.  

Follow Jesus' example.  When asked which is the greatest commandment, the Jesus said "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind," before also paraphrasing a second passage; "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”. 

In following it you will have so much peace and contentment and you will be amazed at what a blessing you will become in the lives of others. 

With love 

Pastor Julianna Daniel

Are we taking our blessings for granted? The Bible tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from God. Your children are a gift from God. Your house is a gift from God. Your car is a gift from God. If you have a good and faithful friend; they are a gift. 

Anything you have that someone else may not have should be considered a gift. Let us appreciate the gifts God has given and privileged us with. 

How do we appreciate them? We take care of them, continually thank God for them and we pray for them. Maintain your car, maintain your house and maintain your relationships. Invest in the oil change and the rustproofing your vehicle needs. Sweep, mop and clean the house. That fashionable wardrobe you wear so well also needs to be washed, dried, folded and ironed.  

Many of us know what is best but are we doing what it takes to say “God I appreciate what you have given to me”. Are our behaviours, actions and attitudes saying “God I am grateful for this friend, for this wife you've blessed me with, this husband, this child, this house, this job etc”?

There is a saying that says “we don't know what we have until it's gone”. Don't wait until you lose something or someone you love before you treat it or them well. 

If you have a dishwasher, praise God; some people do not and wash all of their dinnerware by hand. 

If you have a washing machine; give thanks for once upon a time people had to wash their clothes by hand. 

If you can read this article; shout for joy; some people cannot read and some cannot read the fine print. If you, by chance, fall into that latter category, you still have reason to rejoice because I suppose you have glasses or some kind of magnifying glass to see. Inasmuch, we  can all thank God for the internet. If you are reading this article online you can zoom in and no one needs to know about the performance levels of your eyes. 

Once you have come to a place where you can identify and recognize your diverse blessings, both great and small; I urge you to pray over them. Not only prayers of thanksgiving but prayers of protection and preservation. Pray over your vehicle and cover it in the blood of Jesus Christ. Ask the angels of the Lord to go before you when you drive and to protect you from accidents and sudden death. Pray for the longevity of your vehicle. It is amazing the amount of people who get in chronic accidents or become a hot magnet for tickets. Try giving your vehicle to God in prayer and with divine covering you will see total transformation. 

Pray for that friend whose kindness and generosity is incomparable. Pray for that neighbour who mows your lawn and shovels your snow. If that neighbour were to get ill or hurt they may no longer be able to extend that generous gift to you. Also, pray and seek God about how you can in return be a blessing to others with the blessings He has given you.  How can you bless that neighbour? Could you buy them groceries or cook them a meal? Could you give someone a ride in that well maintained car of yours? What about allowing a family member to use your washer and dryer instead of going to a laundromat?

Finally, you are a blessing! So remember to pray for yourself and cover yourself in the blood of Jesus Christ and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your way. As He guides you, the blessings and the thanksgiving will only increase. 

This Thanksgiving season, let's look around and look within to appreciate all that the father has blessed us with. And as we dine and appreciate His blessings let us also appreciate the giver. Thank God for the wonderful  gift of salvation and freedom through Jesus Christ. Thank God for His unconditional love and his faithfulness to mankind. He sends rain, sun and breath in the lungs of all who are born of a woman. Lastly, give thanks for Canada and pray for this nation and its leaders. 

I thank God for you dear readers and I welcome you to join me in giving thanks unto the Lord for all of His goodness; each Sunday at 4119 DeMaisonneuve West in Westmount 12pm noon.

www.hopfanqc.ca

Pastor Julianna Daniel

IMPACT: A time for change

What is change?

Change is the act or process of making radically different shifts. It means to transform, transfer, and substitute or to make a definite shift from one state to another.

It is the act of leaving one condition for another. It is a constant factor in life. Change is integral to life itself. If changes were to cease, so would your life.

Today, many are stagnated in their individual families, businesses, corporate and social lives because they refuse to embrace changes.

It is time to accept that we are all progressively changing. Even if your situations may not seem to be changing, one fact is that we are all aging. In a few years from now, you will be retired and people will refer to you as a senior citizen. Some of us have already reached that point and some of you will be entering your adolescent years. Another group of you may be hitting middle age, while there are babies growing and changing on a daily basis with stride as they recognize each day is a new adventure.

Let us become like little children and learn to adapt and develop and evolve because in this world, change is inevitable.

One thing, however that will never change, is our creator. The God who created the

heavens and the earth, He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

God expects all of us to define and appropriate our own change. Some of us need to work on changing our minds. A few of us need to change our jobs, while others need to change their location. In the same manner, a great deal of us need to change our bad attitude for a good attitude. Some of us need to change our heart towards some people, especially in the cases where forgivingness is lacking. Please forgive, today, from the bottom of your heart, chose to make this change.

Regardless of your age today, I urge you to forgive your parents and love them! Do you not know that God gave them to you, as a life-long gift?

Many need to change spiritually and read the Bible. The Holy Spirit wants to empower you to commit yourself to changes so that when you read the Bible, you would see the plans God has for you. His plans for you are good and intended to make you an influence to impact others and fulfil your destiny.

Please understand that you are the one that has to work on changing yourself; so do not expect anyone else to do it for you.

If you feel as though there are powers preventing your change or keeping you back from where you are should be; it is time for power to change hands.

Things must change if you change. So go ahead, embrace changes and rise up to

defend yourself and your family. Change your mind and you can change your future. Mindsets are an immense part of change. Your frame of mind is what will make the difference that will take you from the prison to the palace. If you keep your thoughts and

attitude on what it should be in spite of your current situation or location, that shift will take you from the bottom to the top.

You can go from being a “nobody” to being a somebody of great value. When you

change your mind for the better, you will be able to tap into your inheritance of equality in the world. Change Change Change!

If you need help, guidance or mentorship on how you can change any of the

aforementioned aspects of your life; you are more than welcome to join us for any of our services Sundays at 12:30PM or Tuesday 6:30PM. Our team of pastors and intercessors would be delighted to pray with you and help you attain a life of purpose, freedom and victory in Christ Jesus. Visit us at 4119 DeMaisonneuve O. (Corner Wood ave) H3Z 1K2 (Atwater metro).

We want to hear what you have to say and will assist you in this GREAT change.

Yours truly,

Pastor Julianna