LJB Ministries, Auckland (2026)

26/04/2026

Chapter 27 – Hearing God’s Voice

Reflection & Teaching

Jesus said:
“The sheep follow Him because they know His voice” (John 10:4).

We learn to recognise and respond to God’s voice through spending time in His presence.

Through Christ’s finished work on the cross and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we have continual, unhindered access to the Father. He is never too tired, too busy, or unavailable. Ongoing communion with our Heavenly Father is the place where we learn to hear His voice.

But this has not always been the case.

In the Old Testament, messages from God often came through prophets and priests. At times, the Word of the Lord was rare (1 Samuel 3:1), and people waited long seasons to hear Him speak.

But in the New Covenant, everything changed. The veil was torn (Matthew 27:51). Believers became temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). The Spirit does not come and go - He dwells within us.

Jesus also said:
“My sheep hear My voice; I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).

The word akouō (ἀκούω), translated “hear,” goes beyond simply hearing a sound. It means to perceive, to understand, and to respond. And phōnē (φωνή), meaning “voice,” describes a voice that is recognised - one that is familiar, known, and distinguishable.

This means God is not silent. His voice is not distant or reserved for a few. His voice is relational - familiar, recognised, and known to us, and we are able to hear it.

The Holy Spirit speaks - not always audibly, but faithfully.
He leads into truth (John 16:13),
bears witness within us (Romans 8:16),
and trains us in discernment (Hebrews 5:14).

He speaks through:

Scripture brought to remembrance
the inner witness of the Spirit
a deep sense of peace or conviction

Elijah encountered God not in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12).

God’s voice is often not loud or forceful - it is gentle, steady, and clear to a heart that is listening.

As we walk with God, His voice becomes easier to recognise.

God’s Spirit is always present, always speaking, and always interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:26).

So if He dwells within us, why do we sometimes struggle to hear Him?

1. Distraction
Like Martha, we can become “anxious and troubled about many things” (Luke 10:41).

2. Hardness of Heart
Hebrews 3:7–8 reminds us: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”

3. Sin That Dulls Sensitivity
Sin does not separate God from us, but it can dull our sensitivity to Him. When we turn toward sin, we become less attentive to His voice and leading.

4. Immaturity
Hebrews 5:14 teaches that discernment is developed through practice.

How do we know the voice we are hearing is from God?

God’s voice will always align with His Word. He will never contradict Scripture or lead us into sin. His voice reflects His character - truth, peace, love, and righteousness.

If what we are hearing causes confusion, draws us away from God, or justifies sin, it is not His voice. God leads us into truth and always points us back to Himself.

You have access to your Heavenly Father. He is not distant - He is near, present, and speaking. Spend time with Him. Draw close to Him. The more you walk with Him, the more clearly you will recognise His voice.

Application

1. Continuous Conversation
Communion with God is not an event - it is a relationship.
Talk with Him throughout your day.

2. Intentional Stillness
Create space to listen.
The Greek word hēsychazō (ἡσυχάζω) means to be still, to quiet oneself.
In stillness, we become more aware of His voice.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You that I always have access to You through the Holy Spirit.
Thank You that You are never distant, never distracted, and never silent.

Teach me to recognise Your voice.
Quiet the distractions around me and within me.
Soften my heart, and grow my sensitivity to Your Spirit.

Help me not just to hear, but to respond in obedience and trust.
Lead me in truth, and anchor me in Your Word.

Thank You that You are always speaking,
and that I belong to You.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

19/04/2026

Chapter 26 – Prayer

Walking in Freedom
Living in Grace

📖 Scripture

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

Reflection & Teaching

Through Jesus, the barrier between us and the Father has been removed. We are sons and daughters of the Most High King, and through prayer we draw near to Him and bring everything before Him.

This invitation to approach God is not distant or hesitant - it is bold and confident.

The word “confidence” comes from the Greek parrēsia (παρρησία):

• boldness
• freedom to speak openly
• assurance without fear

The word “grace” comes from the Greek charis (χάρις):

• unmerited favor
• kindness
• the freely given love of God

This means we do not come to God unsure or hesitant.
We come freely, openly, and confidently - because of who we are in Christ.

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 (NIV)

The word “powerful” in this verse comes from the Greek energeō (ἐνεργέω):

• to be active
• to be effective
• to be at work

Prayer is not passive - it is active and effective.

As Scripture reminds us:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.” Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

God invites us to bring everything to Him.
He desires to be part of every area of our lives.

It is not because of how we speak or what we say.
Not because of how long we pray.

But because of who He is.

We pray from victory, aligning with what Christ has already accomplished.

Jesus did not teach His disciples to pray from a place of uncertainty - He taught them to pray with confidence:

“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10

Prayer is partnership with heaven.

Prayer Brings Alignment

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” Matthew 18:19

The word “agree” comes from the Greek symphoneō (συμφωνέω):

• to be in harmony
• to be in unity
• to sound together

Prayer is alignment with God.

It is bringing our hearts into harmony with His.

Sometimes situations shift.
Sometimes we shift first.

But prayer is never without effect - because God is always at work.

Reflection
Prayer is about relationship and bringing everything before our Heavenly Father, who loves us and desires to be part of every aspect of our lives.

It is where we draw near to Him, not out of obligation, but out of love and trust.

In prayer, we are not performing or striving - we are coming as children to a Father who already knows us, sees us, and cares for us deeply.

Nothing is too small, too big, or too insignificant to bring before Him.

Prayer becomes the place where our hearts are softened, our perspective is renewed, and our trust in Him is strengthened.

Prayer

Father,
Thank You that I can come to You freely and confidently because of Jesus.

Thank You that You are my Heavenly Father, who loves me, sees me, and desires to be part of every area of my life.

Help me to come to You in prayer with openness and trust, not out of obligation, but out of relationship.

Teach me to bring everything before You - my thoughts, my worries, my desires, and my needs.

Soften my heart, renew my perspective, and deepen my trust in You as I draw near to You.

Let my life be marked by continual connection with You.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Today’s Practice

• Set aside 5–10 minutes to be with God without distraction
• Come before Him openly and honestly, just as you are
• Talk to Him about your day - your thoughts, worries, and desires
• Pause and simply sit in His presence, allowing your heart to rest in Him
• Throughout the day, return to Him in simple, honest conversation

04/04/2026

🌅 EASTER SUNDAY

“He is not here; He has risen.” - Luke 24:6

Today we pause and remember…

The stone was rolled away.
The grave is empty.

Jesus is alive.

What once felt final…
was not the end.

What looked like loss…
became victory.

Because Jesus rose,
hope is alive again.

When we accept Jesus Christ,
we are welcomed into new life with Him.

Not by striving or trying harder…
but by receiving what He has already done.

A life marked by grace.
A heart made new.
A future held securely in Him.

Today, wherever you find yourself…
be reminded:

You are not alone.
You are held.
You are deeply loved.

02/04/2026

✝️ GOOD FRIDAY

“It is finished.” - John 19:30

Today we remember what Jesus has done.

Not defeat…
but love poured out.

Not loss…
but a finished work.

On the cross, Jesus took our sin, our shame, and our burden…
and in exchange, gave us freedom, forgiveness, and new life.

Nothing left to earn.
Nothing left to prove.

When we accept Jesus Christ,
we step into what He has already done.

Because of Jesus…
it is finished.

Completely.
Fully.
Forever.

Take a moment today to reflect:

You are forgiven.
You are free.
You are deeply loved.

01/04/2026

🌿 HEADING INTO GOOD FRIDAY

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8

As we head toward Good Friday, let’s pause.

Before the celebration of Easter…
there was a cross.

Before the victory…
there was sacrifice.

Jesus knew what was coming - and He chose it anyway.
For you.
For me.

This is not just a story we remember -
it’s love we live from.

A love that doesn’t wait for perfection.
A love that meets us right where we are.
A love that gave everything.

Take a moment today to reflect:

You are loved.
You are chosen.
You are worthy.
You are His.

29/03/2026

Walking in Freedom
Living from Grace

Chapter 25 –
Authority in Christ

Scripture
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’” Genesis 1:26 (NKJV)

From the very beginning, God created man in His image to live in His authority and exercise dominion over the earth.

This dominion, in Hebrew, is expressed through words like:
- radah - to rule, to have dominion
- mashal - to govern, to exercise authority

Through sin (disobedience), man became subject to sin and darkness.

Yet God, in His love, already had a plan for redemption through Jesus Christ.

Through Jesus, what was lost is restored.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

And in Him, authority is given again.

Authority is not a feeling.
You do not have authority by earning it.
Authority is given because of who you are in Christ.

It is something you have received through Jesus.

Authority is not control.
It is not force, and it is not striving.
Authority is the right to stand, to speak, and to act in alignment with God’s will.

It is not about elevating ourselves.
It is about representing Christ.

We do not walk in authority from a place of pride.

We walk in it from a place of surrender and alignment.

“Listen carefully: I have given you authority… over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will in any way harm you.” Luke 10:19 (AMP)

Jesus said, “I have given you authority.”

The Greek word used here is exousia - meaning delegated authority, the legal right to act on behalf of another.

Throughout Scripture, Jesus acknowledges the authority given to us:
- Authority is given (Luke 10:19)
- Authority is delegated (Matthew 10:1)
- Authority is exercised in His name (Mark 16:17)
- Authority is expressed through speaking (Mark 11:23)
- Authority flows from His authority (Matthew 28:18)

We do not live passively.
We live with intention, alignment, and confidence in who we are in Christ.

Why This Matters?

If we do not understand our authority, we will live as though we are powerless.

We will ask instead of stand.
We will hope instead of believe.
We will shrink back instead of step forward.

But when we understand who we are in Christ, everything changes.

We no longer live from fear.
We live from truth.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus and for the authority I have through Him.
Forgive me, Lord, for my sin and for the times I have doubted.
Show me who I am in You, and help me to live with confidence in the authority You have given me - chosen, loved, and anointed in Christ.
Teach me to walk in alignment with Your will, not led by circumstances or feelings, but grounded in Your truth.
In Jesus’ mighty name I pray,
Amen.

Today’s Practice

Take a moment today to reflect on one area of your life where you have felt powerless or fearful.
- Remind yourself of who you are in Christ
- Speak truth over that situation
- Choose to stand in your position in Christ

Stand today with intention, knowing who you are in Christ and the authority you carry in Him.

16/03/2026

Faith in the Fire

Key Scripture

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

⸻

Reflection

Life moves through seasons.

There are seasons of growth, waiting, and joy. There are also seasons where everything feels uncertain.

Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a time for everything under heaven. Some seasons feel light and full of blessing. Others feel like walking through fire.

⸻

Isaiah 41:10 (AMP)

“Do not fear [anything], for I am with you;
Do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you;
I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand.”

Faith in the fire is not about pretending the fire is not real. It is about remembering who God is while we walk through it.

Isaiah 41:10 reminds us that we are never alone in those seasons. God does not ask us to face difficulty by our own strength. He promises His presence, His help, and His strength.

“Do not fear… for I am with you.”

Faith begins by standing firm on who God is.

⸻

1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

The Bible often speaks about standing in faith.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often used for stand is “amad.”
It means to remain, to endure, to stay in place, to hold one’s ground.

In the New Testament, the Greek word often used is “histēmi.”
It means to stand firm, to establish, to remain steadfast, or to hold your position.

Both words carry the same powerful truth.

Standing is not passive.
Standing means refusing to move away from trust in God.

God is faithful.
God is present.
God is our strength.

⸻

2 Chronicles 20:17 (AMP)
“You will not need to fight this battle. Take your positions, stand and witness the salvation of the Lord on your behalf.”

When the Israelites faced overwhelming armies during the reign of King Jehoshaphat, God gave them an unexpected instruction.

“Take your positions. Stand firm. See the salvation of the Lord.”

God did not ask them to win the battle.
He asked them to stand firm and watch Him move.

Faith often looks like standing.

Standing when circumstances shake us.
Standing when answers have not yet appeared.
Standing when we feel uncertain about what comes next.

⸻

Matthew 17:20 (NIV)
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you.”

Jesus said that even faith as small as a mustard seed is enough.

A mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds in existence, yet it grows into something far greater than its beginning.

In the same way, faith that may feel small can still produce powerful results when it is placed in a faithful God.

Faith is simply choosing to trust God.

⸻

Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)
“When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

Throughout Scripture we see people who walked through seasons that looked impossible.

Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and spent years in prison before God raised him to leadership. What looked like loss became preparation for purpose.

David spent years hiding in caves while waiting for the kingship God had promised him.

Job lost almost everything he had, yet God restored his life and blessed him beyond what he had known before.

The story of Scripture is filled with seasons like these. Seasons where the outcome was not immediately visible, yet God was working behind the scenes.

⸻

James 1:3–4 (NIV)
“Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete.”

Sometimes the fire we walk through becomes the very place where God deepens our trust and prepares us for what lies ahead.

The fire does not define our story.

God does.

When we stand firm in who He is and continue trusting Him, even when our faith feels small - as small as a mustard seed - something powerful begins to unfold.

The fire does not destroy us.

God uses it to refine us, strengthen us, and deepen our faith.

This season is not the end of the story.

God is.

⸻

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You are with me in every season of life. Even when circumstances feel uncertain, You remain faithful and unchanging.

Help me to stand firm in faith. Remind me that I do not face life’s challenges alone, but that You walk with me through every trial.

Strengthen my trust in You. Grow perseverance in my heart, and use every season to shape me into the person You have called me to be.

Thank You that the fire does not destroy me - it refines me.

I place my faith, my future, and every season of my life in Your hands.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

⸻

Today’s Practice

• Identify the season of life you are currently walking through and bring it honestly before God in prayer.

• Read Isaiah 41:10 slowly and declare it over your life today.

• When fear or uncertainty rises, remind yourself:
“God is with me in this season.”

• Ask God what He may be forming in you through this season.

10/03/2026

Chapter 23

Worship as Warfare

Exodus 15:3 (AMP)
“The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is His name.”

Reflection

God is love.
He is merciful, compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in steadfast love.

But Scripture also reveals another truth.

God is holy.
God is righteous.
And God is a warrior.

Deuteronomy 20:4 (AMP)
“For the Lord your God is the One who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”

God does not ignore sin. God does not abandon His people. God does not stand passive in the face of adversity.

The same God who comforts also conquers.
The same God who heals also defends.
The same God who forgives also judges what stands against His purposes.

2 Chronicles 20:22 (AMP)
“… they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were struck down in defeat.”

In this verse, King Jehoshaphat faced an army greater than his own. Judah was outnumbered and vulnerable. The king was distressed and called the people to fast, worship, and seek the Lord for help. And God answered.

Scripture reveals something extraordinary. When they began to sing and to praise, the Lord moved.

Praise rose before victory was visible.

And as praise rose, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy.

The victory did not come from their strength. It did not come from superior weapons or military planning. It came from God.

Earlier in this same account, Scripture tells us that the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel and gave instruction for the battle. The strategy was not human. It was revealed by the Spirit.

Worship did not create God’s power. It acknowledged His authority and gave the Spirit room to act.

Worship positions us under the authority of God. And when we stand under His authority, the Spirit moves on our behalf.

1 Samuel 17:47 (AMP)
“For the battle is the Lord’s, and He will hand you over to us.”

David understood this long before he wore a crown. Standing before Goliath, he did not speak of his own ability. He declared the name of the Lord. Before the stone was ever released, the battle had already been placed in God’s hands.

Throughout the Psalms, David models this posture. In caves, in pursuit, in betrayal, and in war, he magnifies the Lord. Not because danger is small, but because God is greater.

Acts 16:25–26 (AMP)
“About midnight as Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened.”

When Paul and Silas were chained in prison, they did not wait for freedom before they worshipped. At midnight, in darkness, they sang. And heaven responded.

Worship shifts more than perspective. It establishes alignment.

Psalm 22:3 declares that God is enthroned in the praises of His people. God does not become King when we worship. He already reigns. But humanity was given dominion in the earth, and authority operates through alignment.

When we worship, we bring our domain under His rule.

Praise is not making God sovereign. It is choosing His sovereignty over the situation before us.

And where His rule is welcomed, His authority is released.

Worship declares:
God is faithful.
God is present.
God is sovereign.

When praise rises, dominion aligns under God’s rule. The Spirit moves in agreement with heaven’s authority. What opposes His will begins to lose ground.

Isaiah 54:17 (AMP)
“No weapon that is formed against you will succeed;
And every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn.
This peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.”

Worship is warfare because it exercises dominion under God’s throne. It declares who truly reigns. It releases heaven’s authority into earthly conflict.

We do not fight for victory.
We worship under the authority of the One who has already secured it.

And when we align our dominion with His throne, the Spirit acts.

Pause for Reflection

Where have you been trying to fight in your own strength?

Is there an area where you need to bring your situation back under God’s rule?

What would it look like to worship before you see the outcome?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your love, Your mercy, and Your grace in my life. Thank You that I am Your child, and that no weapon formed against me shall prosper. Thank You that You go before me and fight on my behalf.

I surrender my will and my life to You. Help me to stand in Your authority, not in my own strength.

Holy Spirit, thank You that You are with me - guiding me, strengthening me, and leading me in the way I should go.

Forgive me for the times I focus on the adversity around me instead of keeping my eyes on You.

Teach me to trust You completely. You are a God of honour and righteousness, and I know that I can trust You.

In Jesus’ mighty name I pray.
Amen.

Today’s Practice

• Put on one worship song and give God your full attention.
• Speak aloud one truth about who God is over your current challenge.
• When pressure rises today, respond with praise before reaction.

06/03/2026

This story is why we are so passionate about supporting Expose HOPE

Behind every statistic is a real child, a real life, and a real story.

Amanda was deeply loved. Her story reminds us why this work matters so much. There are still so many young girls trapped in unimaginable situations who need someone to see them, rescue them, and walk alongside them in healing.

At LJB Ministries, we believe every life matters and every act of compassion counts.

Every cent given helps support the work being done to rescue, restore, and bring hope to those who feel forgotten.

Please keep supporting this incredible mission and keep these girls in your prayers. ❤️

27/02/2026

To those carrying heavy battles today - I want to remind you that we serve a mighty and faithful God, the One who created the heavens and the earth and holds all things together in His hands.

You do not have to strive in your own strength. You do not have to carry it alone.

Surrender what feels overwhelming. Place it before Him. Trust His heart.

He is able. He is present. He loves you and He will fight for you.

💛💛💛

24/02/2026

I want to share that this chapter was probably one of the toughest I have written. Whenever the Lord brings revelation, it usually comes with lessons and growth - and this one required a lot of both.

It seems I had some deep learning to do around surrendering and releasing control. For those who know me, you’ll know I can be a slight control freak 😉

My prayer is that as you read, you experience your own revelation and breakthrough in whatever you are facing right now. 💛💛💛

Chapter 22 – Worship – Repositioning the Heart

Scripture for Today

Psalm 95:6 (AMP)
“O come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”

Reflection

The heart can be affected by fear, pressure, disappointment, and distraction. Worship is one of the ways we connect with God and intentionally align our hearts in His presence.

Worship is not reserved for moments of adversity. It is also the natural response of a grateful heart - praising God for who He is and for all He has done.

In every season, worship brings the heart back to its rightful centre - God Himself.

The Meaning of Worship in Scripture.

In the Old Testament, the primary Hebrew word for worship is shachah (שָׁחָה). It appears more than 170 times and carries the idea of humbling oneself and showing reverence before God.

In the New Testament, the primary Greek word is proskuneō, meaning to express reverence and allegiance before rightful authority.

Both words point to the same truth: worship is surrender. It is willingly placing ourselves under the wisdom, authority, and goodness of our Heavenly Father.

When we worship, we are saying:
• I trust You more than I trust my understanding.
• I place my will beneath Your wisdom.
• I choose Your authority over my anxiety.

This is not weakness. It is strength rooted in surrender.

Worship is the ongoing act of bringing the heart into agreement with who God is and who we are in Christ.

What Happens When We Reposition the Heart

When we choose worship, Scripture shows that something shifts - because our hearts are brought back into alignment with who God is and who we are in Him.

Throughout the Bible we see:
• Perspective clarified (Psalm 73)
• Fear eased through remembering who God is (Psalm 27)
• Strength renewed in trust (Isaiah 40:31)
• Peace guarded through prayerful dependence (Philippians 4:6-7)

Our circumstances may not immediately change, but our heart does.

God becomes greater than the problem before us.

Choosing worship is choosing trust before outcomes are visible.

It is not denial of adversity.
It is confidence in God’s character within it.

Notice how David worshiped in every season of his life - when facing Goliath, when protecting his father’s sheep, and even while hiding from a king who sought his life. His circumstances changed repeatedly, but his posture toward God remained steady.

When we learn to adopt that same mindset, something deep within us shifts - sometimes in our situation, always in our hearts. Trust strengthens. Perspective steadies. Faith grows.

Worship does not limit what God can do.
It positions us to trust Him whatever He chooses to do.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

You are the Alpha and the Omega - the Beginning and the End. I choose to put my trust in You and in Your character, not in the circumstances that surround me.

Teach me, Lord, to worship no matter what the situation and to place my full trust in You.

When fear rises, steady me.
When pressure builds, centre me.
In gratitude, keep me humble.
In uncertainty, help me trust.

I choose You over my circumstances.
I choose surrender over control.

In Jesus’ mighty name I pray,

Amen.

Today’s Practice
1. Identify one area of pressure or one area of gratitude in your life right now.
2. Speak aloud one truth about who God is.
3. Notice what has been influencing your heart.
4. Intentionally turn your focus back to Him.

Let worship move from sound to surrender.
From reaction to trust.
From pressure to peace.

LJB Ministries

26/04/2026

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