Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Align Your Thoughts

Align Your Thoughts

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he..."
Proverbs 23:7, NKJV

TODAY'S WORD:

Sometimes we need to just stop and think about what we are thinking about! The Bible tells us that what happens on the inside of us—our thoughts, attitudes and motives—are more important to God than what happens on the outside. You can fool people all day long by saying the right things, but the scripture tells us that God is looking at our hearts. He wants our thoughts and attitudes to come into alignment with His Word so that we can see His promises come to pass in our lives.

Remember, your life will follow the course you set with your mind. When you align your thoughts with God's thoughts, your life will follow Him. Jeremiah 29 tells us that His thoughts are for our good. His thoughts are for our peace. His thoughts are for our victory! So today, align your thoughts with His thoughts by meditating on His Word. Embrace His promises so that you can move forward into the life of victory He has prepared for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, today I surrender every area of my life to You. Help my thoughts to line up with Your Word. Bring Your promises to my remembrance today as I meditate on You in Jesus' name. Amen."

Lean on Him...

Lean on Him

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
Proverbs 3:5, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

Are you facing a situation that seems like it has no logical solution? Sometimes we have to turn our minds off, stop trying to figure it all out, stop overanalyzing, and stop researching everything. When you don't see the answer in the natural realm, it's time to stop leaning on your own understanding and choose to trust God.

Sometimes our minds can be a distraction to our "inner sensor" or that place inside where God speaks to our hearts. Our minds can allow fear and dread to distract us from what God is trying to tell us. That's why the scripture says that we can't lean on our own understanding. We have to take time to shut off the distractions, shut off fear, and listen to what's going on inside of us. That's where faith rises up. That's where all of the sudden, you'll feel a spark of hope even when things look impossible.

Today, no matter what it looks like in the natural, choose to lean on Him. Trust that He has favor in store for your future. Trust that something good is about to happen. Trust Him because He alone can take you to new levels in every area of your life!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, today I choose to lean on You. I choose to trust that You are working on my behalf. I won't put my confidence in what I see, but I will trust in Your Word which remains true forever in Jesus' name. Amen."

Monday, February 22, 2016

This Day

This Day

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him all the days of his life..." - Joshua 4:14, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

I love the promise that God gave to Joshua. He said, "Joshua, today I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all the Israelites." He was saying, "Today, I'm going to start releasing more of My favor, My blessings, My increase." But notice, there was a set time that God began to release favor in a new way. 

Friend, God wants to do the same thing for you. He wants to release His blessings and favor in such a way that it makes you a great parent, a great spouse, a great leader, a great employee, a great friend, a great business person. He is saying to us what He said to Joshua, "This day, I'm going to begin to make your name great. This day, I'm going to begin to release My favor in a new way. I'm going to open doors that no man can shut." It is a set time of God's favor. Get ready! Make room in your thinking. Stay open to Him and keep an attitude of faith and expectancy because this day, God has something amazing in store for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, I bless You today. You alone are worthy of all glory and honor. Thank You for pouring out Your favor and blessing on me. I open my heart and mind to receive everything You have in store for me this day in Jesus' name. Amen."


"NOT TO ME IT DOESN’T"

"NOT TO ME IT DOESN’T"

  Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. - Ephesians 5:1-2.

        A tourist traveling through the mountains of Kentucky came to a fork in a winding road. He became confused when he saw two signs that read, “Rutland” pointing toward each of the branches of the fork.

        Seeing a farmer standing beside his mail box, he rolled down his window and asked, “Does it make any difference which road I take to Rutland?”
        “Not to me it doesn’t,” answered the farmer.

        Indifference is one of the worst sins toward others. Rather than hating someone, indifference says, “I just don’t care one way or the other about you or your problem since it does not concern me.”

        Paul thoughtfully said, “Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ.” Just as children imitate their parents, so are we to be imitators of our Lord in showing His unending love for others. God expects us to follow the examples of Jesus in the way He treated others. When we remember the fact that He sacrificed Himself for us that we might have eternal life, we can begin to realize the love that Paul is talking about. Our love toward others is to be that same kind of love – a love that is not sentimental or conditional, but a love that is self-sacrificing if necessary. We need to train our eyes to see the needs of others and open our ears to hear their cries for help.

Prayer: 

Help us, Father, to constantly search for ways to show Your care, compassion and concern for others every day of our lives. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.


Love Never Fails

Love Never Fails
 
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Love never fails..." - 1 Corinthians 13:8, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

We all have people in our lives that are difficult at times. Maybe it’s someone you work with, a family member or even your spouse. Relationships can be complicated, but remember: love never fails. The Word of God clearly defines love in 1 Corinthians 13. It says that love is patient and kind. It doesn’t seek its own way. Love doesn’t keep a record of wrongs. And most importantly, love never fails. Notice that this chapter doesn’t talk at all about how you feel. God’s love isn’t about feelings. It’s a choice. You can choose to be patient, even when you don’t feel like being patient. You can choose to be kind, even when you don’t feel like being kind. 

No matter what situation you find yourself in, you can choose love. You are never more like God than when you are walking in love. And when you are walking in love, you will never fail because love never fails. Open your heart to God’s love today. Receive His love and ask Him to show you how to love others better because love never fails!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for Your love which never fails. Thank You for loving me so that I can be free to love others. Empower me, by Your Spirit, to walk in love no matter what I may face today in Jesus’ name. Amen."


Follow Him Daily

Follow Him Daily

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'" - Luke 9:23, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

Every day there are things that come against us, distractions that would try to pull us away from our faith in Christ. That's why Jesus said that every day we have to make the choice to follow Him. Sometimes it's easy to think, "Well, I go to church regularly," or "I read my Bible on Sundays." But really, the Christian life isn't about how we live on the weekends, it's how we live every single day. 

Are you spending time with Him, daily? Are you reaching out and putting others first, daily? Are you sowing seeds to help those in need, daily? 

If you know you need to make some adjustments in your daily walk with Him, the good news is that you can start right now, today. Just simply turn to Him and make the commitment to follow Him moment by moment. Let Him direct your steps and follow that inner prompting of the Holy Spirit. Make the choice every day to follow Him and watch what He will do on your behalf!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for another day to serve and follow You. Search my heart and mind right now and remove anything that would keep me from You. I choose to set my mind on You as I daily follow Your steps in Jesus' name. Amen."


Winning the Respect of Others

Winning the Respect of Others

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"So that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders..."1 Thessalonians 4:12, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

When others look at your life, what do they see? Does your daily life win the respect of others? As believers, we are Christ's representatives in the earth. We are called to a higher standard. The way we live our lives should bring glory to God the Father. 

Notice this verse doesn't say, "Go out of your way to do something major so that everyone will notice and respect you." It doesn't say, "Win a gold medal or Pulitzer prize so that people will glorify your Father in heaven." No, it says that your daily life should win the respect of others. That simply means always taking the high road and living a life of excellence. It means doing the right thing even when no one is looking. It means finding common ground in order to be a peacemaker. It means living with an attitude of faith and thanksgiving. 

Remember, you will become like those you spend the most time with. If you are committed to spending time with God the Father every day, you'll develop His character. You'll win the respect of outsiders and bring glory to Him all the days of your life!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, I dedicate every area of my mind, will and emotions to You. Help me to live my daily life as an example of Your goodness. Teach me to love others and win their respect so I can bring glory to You in everything I do in Jesus' name. Amen."


Change Your Focus

Change Your Focus

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." - Colossians 3:2, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

We all have days when we don't feel very enthusiastic. If you don't feel like you have any reason to be excited about your life, today is the day to change your focus! It's time to set your mind on things above. 

Too often, we settle for what we see in this earthly realm, but God has so much more for us in the supernatural realm. Whatever we choose to focus on is what we will see manifested in our lives. We need to daily set our focus on the goodness of God and keep hope alive. 

Today is not the day to give up on your dreams; it's the day to feed your dreams. That means instead of dragging around finding every reason you can to be unhappy, your attitude should be: "I am not going to live my life defeated and depressed. I may have some obstacles in my path, but I know I have victory in my future. I know God has great things in store for me, so I'm going to get up each day anticipating the good things He has in store for me!"

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, I choose to set my mind on You. I know that Your dream for me is so much bigger than my own. Draw me close to You as I daily set my focus on You. I bless You today and always. In Jesus' Name. Amen."


He Daily Loads Us with Benefits

He Daily Loads Us with Benefits
 
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits..."
Psalm 68:19, NKJV

TODAY'S WORD:

When you live a life that honors God, when you obey His Word and have an attitude of excellence and integrity, the scripture says that God's blessings will chase you down and overtake you. You won't be able to outrun the good things of God. He daily loads us with benefits! 

People get confused sometimes and think they have to go chasing after the blessings. But really, when you chase after God each and every day, when you make Him your highest priority, the blessings will automatically follow. 

Today, make pleasing the Lord first on your list. Let go of any weights or sins that you know are holding you back. Be willing to deal with any issues God brings to light. Don't give in to compromise and temptation—all that does is keep you from God's best. Instead, make the decision to daily put Him first and keep your heart pure before Him. Then get ready because His blessings will chase you down as He daily loads you with benefits!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

 "Father, today I dedicate every area of my life to You. Help me to live a life of integrity and honor. Thank You for daily loading me with benefits as I put You first in everything that I do in Jesus' name. Amen."

 

Monday, February 15, 2016

Each Day

Each Day

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly."
Psalm 5:3, NLT

TODAY'S WORD:

What are some of the things you do each day? We are all creatures of habit in one way or another, but do you wait expectantly each day like the psalmist? Most people bring their requests each day; but really, the key to seeing God move in your life is found in the second part of this verse—to wait expectantly.

When you go out with an attitude of faith and expectancy, you are opening the door for God to move on your behalf. You are declaring with your actions that you trust Him. The more you spend time in His Word, the easier it is to trust Him because you know Him. Make time for Him; make time for His Word. Bring your requests and wait expectantly each and every day!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, I dedicate this day to You. Thank You for all the blessings You have prepared for me. I wait expectantly on You, knowing that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf in Jesus' name. Amen."

Do we praise God like David did?

Do we praise God like David did?

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.
(Psalms 113:3 (KJV))

Let us think about this passage. Do we truly realize what it is saying?

Think about the time in history when this was written. Most people were up and working when the sun was coming up and most people went to bed with the sun going down. The sun actually reflected the waking hours of most people when this was written. Perhaps we should read it with a fresh perspective and a slightly paraphrased translation.

From the time that we wake up until the time that we go to sleep, let us praise God!

Doesn’t that make more sense to us as we place the passage in the context of our lives today?

I honestly believe that this is what David was telling us when he wrote this Psalm. We are to praise God with every waking breath that we take. We are to live our lives fully devoted to God. No wonder that David was known as a man after God’s own heart. He spent every waking moment in praise of the God that he longed to be with.

Can we honestly say the same about our praise?

Arise Shine

Arise Shine

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you."
Isaiah 60:1, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

I believe that God wants to exceed your expectations! He has amazing things stored up for you. He'll take you places that you've never dreamed and give you breaks that seemed impossible. His glory is rising upon His people. Things are going to fall into place so that you can accomplish what God has placed in your heart. Even the hidden dreams that you've given up on, God has not given up on. He is going to do exceedingly, abundantly above and beyond all you could ask, think or imagine!

Your mind may try to talk you out of it, but if you'll listen with your heart, it will resonate on the inside of you. Don't let discouragement hold you back or keep you down. It's time for you to arise. It's time for you to shine. Let that sink down into your spirit today because it's time for you to receive every spiritual blessing and move forward in the destiny He has prepared for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Heavenly Father, I come to You today with an open and humble heart. Thank You for choosing me and preparing a bright future for me. I will arise and shine. Let everything I do bring honor to You in Jesus' name. Amen."


Thursday, February 11, 2016

What Defines Your Future?

What Defines Your Future?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"You will also declare a thing, and it will be established..."
Job 22:28, NKJV

TODAY'S WORD:

In the Old Testament, there was an Israelite woman who was about to give birth. She had just heard that the Ark of the Covenant which housed God's presence had been stolen. She was so upset about it that she named her baby boy Ichabod, which means "the glory has departed." Notice what she did; she named her future by what was happening in her present. She could have just as easily named him "the glory will return," but she was so focused on the negative, so caught up in where she was at that moment, that she defined her future by it.

Friend, don't ever name your future by your present-day circumstances. You may have had some hard times in the past, but get that "Ichabod" spirit off of you. It may look like you're stuck in a rut and you don't really see how you could ever rise any higher, but don't speak defeat over your life. Instead, name your future: blessed, prosperous, successful, victorious, healthy, whole, strong, talented, creative, wise. Declare what God's Word says so that you can move forward in the destiny He has prepared for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for the good future that You have prepared for me. Today I choose to come into agreement with Your Word and speak Your blessing over my life. Keep me close to You and show me Your ways in Jesus' name! Amen."

Nothing is Wasted

Nothing is Wasted

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

Life can be full of ups and downs, twists and turns. We've all had to face challenges and difficulties. But did you know that everything you've been through up until now is getting you prepared for what God is going to do in your future? Nothing in your life has been wasted. Every disappointment, every setback, every person that did you wrong, every lonely night, God is going to turn around and use for your good!

During the difficult times, we grow and mature. That's when our faith is stretched and our character is developed. God didn't send that hardship, but He'll use it to get you prepared for your next step. Those adversities will help make you and mold you into the person you are called to be.

You may be experiencing tough times today, but remember, nothing is ever wasted. Have the attitude that says, "This is a new day. Things are shifting in my favor. This difficulty is not going to stop me. It's going to promote me. God is going to use it to lift me up and lead me into victory all the days of my life!"

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for drawing me close to You. I choose to dwell in the secret place of Your presence. I know that with You, nothing in my life is wasted. Thank You for Your peace and protection as You carry me through the difficult places into the place of victory in Jesus' name. Amen."

Honesty—The Only Policy

Honesty—The Only Policy

Today's Scripture:

Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase. - Proverbs 13:11

Today's  Word:

People who are hasty for success and wealth often resort to dishonest means. They lie, cheat and even come up with elaborate scams to deceive the innocent and naive. They may succeed for a while, but as God’s Word declares, “wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished.”
The same verse states that “he who gathers by labor will increase.” So my friend, be diligent in your work. Trust in the Lord’s favor and goodness, and not in get-rich-quick schemes or scams. Conduct your affairs with honesty and integrity because the Lord hates “dishonest scales,” but “a just weight is His delight” (Proverbs 11:1).
Beloved, God wants you blessed and free of lack, but not through compromising your moral standards. He doesn’t want you losing sleep because you are worried about the law knocking on your door. So do it His way—honest, diligent work empowered by His unmerited favor—and enjoy His divine success.

 Prayer:

Lord, Help me to be honest in everything I do today. I want to exalt you and let your glory shine in me. Give me pure conscience and help me walk upright. I trust in your favor and goodness, in Jesus name. Amen !

Monday, February 8, 2016

The Attitude of an Overcomer

The Attitude of an Overcomer

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith."
1 John 5:4, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

Are you facing some challenges or experiencing some unexpected setbacks? We all have things that come against us, but God didn't create us to be overwhelmed and overcome; He created us to be overcomers!

During the times when we face challenges, it's our attitude that is most important. Think about it for a minute. When something isn't going your way month after month, how do you respond? Are you tempted to get sour or start expecting the worst? Does your mind start going "ninety-to-nothing" playing out all the scenarios? It may be easy to get down and discouraged, but if we go around thinking it's never going to work out, our attitude limits what God can do. But when we dig our heels in knowing that God is bigger than our problems, when we fight the good fight of faith, that's what allows God to show up and turn negative situations around.

Today, remember, you are created to overcome. There is victory already in store for your future. Stand strong with the attitude of an overcomer and watch what God will do on your behalf!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for making me an overcomer in Christ Jesus. I trust that You are bigger than my problems and that You are working on my behalf. Thank You for the victory in store for my future in Jesus' name! Amen."

Perfect love drives out fear...

No Fear

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear..."
1 John 4:18, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

Do you know what the anecdote for fear is? The first thing many people would say is faith; however, the scripture tells us that perfect love is what drives out all fear.

When we truly understand how much God loves us, what can we possibly be afraid of? The scripture tells us that God is love. When we are one with God through a relationship with His Son, Jesus, we are wrapped in perfect love. We can find security in His love. We can find peace in His love. We can find refuge, provision and joy in His love. His love knows no limits. It has no boundaries. His love never changes. There is nothing you can do to make Him love you any more, and there is nothing you can do to make Him love you any less.

Today, open your heart and receive His love. Meditate on His goodness and faithfulness. As you do, those old fears will melt away, and you will move confidently into the life of victory He has prepared for you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, I come before You with a humble heart. Show me Your love and fill me with Your peace. Help me to be an example of Your love to the people around me. I bless Your name today and forever in Jesus' name. Amen."

"FOLLOW THE LEADER"

   "FOLLOW THE LEADER"

John 8:12.  When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
       
   When Dale was a small boy living on a farm in Missouri, he would entertain himself by holding a stick across the gateway of a sheep pen. The sheep, not thinking or concerned about the stick, would simply jump over it. One day his arms became tired and he dropped the stick. To his amazement the sheep that followed continued to jump as though the stick were still in place. They jumped over an imaginary stick because those in front of them jumped.
        From watching sheep jump over an imaginary stick Dale Carnegie eventually went on to study public speaking. He became a successful salesman, writer and lecturer and wrote one of the most popular books of all times: How to Win Friends and Influence People.
        Most people are like sheep – they want to find someone to follow. But, most have a difficult time finding that person. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
        What did Jesus mean when He said I am the “light that leads to life?” When He becomes our Savior, He becomes our “light,” our protector and guide by bringing God’s presence and protection into our lives. When we become faithful to God’s Word the teachings of Scripture will become the light that leads to life.

Prayer:  Help us, Lord, to follow You as the One true leader who has our best interests at heart and will keep our minds focused on eternal realities. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Choose Faith Today

Choose Faith Today

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9, NLT

TODAY'S WORD:

In the same way that faith opens the door for God to work in our lives, fear opens the door for the enemy to work in our lives.

The Bible says that fear brings torment. Fear has no mercy. If you act on fear instead of acting on faith, it will keep you depressed, miserable and lonely. So many people today are missing out on God's joy, peace and victory because they keep giving in to fear. They feed fear by what they watch on TV or read in the news or on the internet. Don't let that be you! Romans tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. The more you fill your heart and mind with God's Word, the stronger your faith will be so you can stand against the powers of darkness. Choose faith instead of fear by choosing God's Word.

Remember, the power that is in you is greater than the power of fear. When thoughts come that say, "You're not able," choose faith by saying, "I can do all things through Christ!" Choose faith, overcome fear and live in the freedom God has in store for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, I receive Your Word today which is life, health and strength to me. I choose to close the door on fear by guarding what I say, listen to and dwell on. Fill me with Your love and faith as I meditate on Your Word in Jesus' name. Amen."

Set the Tone

Set the Tone

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises."
Psalm 34:1, NLT

TODAY'S WORD:

When you wake up in the morning, what's the first thing you do? Do you look for God's goodness? Do you set the tone for success, favor and blessing?

We're in the second month of the new year. Last year may have had some hardships and difficulties, but it's time to set the tone for a new season.

The scripture tells us that the darker it gets in the world, the brighter it's going to be for God's people. Things may be bad all around you. People may be negative, complaining and discouraged, but don't let that spirit rub off on you. The worse it gets, the brighter you're going to shine. Be determined to set the tone for the new year by praising God and speaking words of faith over your future!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, I will bless You at all times. I set the tone to receive Your favor, grace and mercy. Thank You for Your faithfulness to me at all times in Jesus' name! Amen."

Trust God to Do it His Way

Trust God to Do it His Way

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:9, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

Every person has things they're believing for, situations they want to see changed, and dreams God has placed in their hearts. But sometimes, we try to figure out how it's all going to happen. If we're not careful, we'll try to take control and start to tell God how to do it, when to do it, and where to do it! Today's scripture tells us that God's ways are not our ways. They are so much higher and better.

If things don't happen on your timetable, instead of getting discouraged, why don't you believe that God has something better in store? Just because it doesn't happen your way doesn't mean it's not going to happen. Remember, God has a plan. He's got it all figured out. Don't limit Him by trying to get it done your way. Instead, simply say, ""God, I'm trusting You. I know You have my best interest at heart. And even if I don't get my way, I'm going to stay open and believe that You're still directing my steps."

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, I choose to trust in You. I cast my cares on You. I give You my plans, dreams and desires for the future. Thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. I receive Your peace as I wait patiently to see Your plan unfold in Jesus' name. Amen."

Waiting the Right Way

Waiting the Right Way

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"...faith without works is dead."
James 2:20, NKJV

TODAY'S WORD:

Are you waiting for God to do something in your life? One thing I've learned is that waiting should not be a passive thing. When we're waiting the correct way, we're on the lookout. We talk like what we are believing for is going to happen. We act like it's going to happen. We're making preparations.

It's just like when you're expecting someone for dinner; you don't wait until they show up before you decide to start cooking. Most likely you start early in the day. You make sure the house is clean, you go to the grocery store, and maybe buy some flowers for the table. You make preparations because you're expecting someone. Well, that's the attitude we need to have while we're waiting for God's promises to come to pass. As you put actions behind your prayers, your faith comes alive and opens the door for God to move mightily on your behalf.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, I choose to put actions behind my faith today. I trust that You are at work in my life. I will wait the right way—with expectancy knowing that You are leading me into the path You have for me in Jesus' name! Amen."

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

"HEADWORK AND HARD WORK"

   "HEADWORK AND HARD WORK"

2 Timothy 2:15.Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

        He was new at his job of painting yellow lines to divide the city streets. The first day he painted three miles. The second day he painted two miles. On the third day he painted one mile.
        Noticing that his work was taking longer and the lines getting shorter, his supervisor went to him and asked, “What’s happening? You did three times as much work the first day as you did today and two times the work yesterday that you did today. What’s going on?”
        “Well, sir,” came the reply, “I am getting further and further from the locker where we store the paint and it takes me longer to walk back and forth to get it.”
        This is a great example of hard work instead of headwork. To be successful in life it takes both, especially, for the Christian.
        The quality and quantity of our work is very important because it reflects our relationship with God.
        Paul said, “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval.” It is important for us to remember that God examines our work. There are times when what we do becomes boring or seems to be insignificant; but we must always remember that whatever we do, we are to do it for the glory of God.

Prayer: Lord, may we constantly remind ourselves that whatever we do represents You to those around us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Delivered from All

Delivered from All

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"'Don't be afraid,' the prophet answered. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'"
2 Kings 6:16, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

Everyone has times when they feel overwhelmed or "outnumbered" by the things that are coming against them. You may have heard the saying, "When it rains, it pours." For example, just about the time the air conditioner needs repair in your house, the transmission goes out in your car. It seems like one thing happens after another. It may feel as if all of the forces of darkness are coming against you. But the scripture promises that with God on your side, you have all the resources you need to have complete victory. You are never outnumbered because the Greater One lives in you!

The next time you're feeling anxious, fearful or worried about anything, remember, He's on your side. If God is for you, who can be against you? He promises to guide and protect you and lead you into victory in every area of your life!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Thank You for Your peace even in the midst of the storms of life. I know that You are with me, and I can stand strong because You will lead me into victory all the days of my life in Jesus' name. Amen."

Monday, February 1, 2016

Set Your Mind Higher

Set Your Mind Higher

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Colossians 3:2, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

Sometimes when people look toward the future, they don't see how they will ever rise higher or fulfill their destiny. That's because they are looking at things in the earthly, natural realm. But if we'll set our minds higher, if we'll set our minds on things above, we will have a different perspective.

We walk by faith and not by sight. In other words, we have to believe it before we're ever going to see it. If we walk only by what we see in the natural realm, we can easily allow circumstances and fear to keep us from moving forward. But when we set our minds higher, we are walking by faith, and we can see things God's way.

Make the decision to set your mind on things above. Focus on the good things God has in store. Be determined to close the door on fear and doubt and choose to listen to that inner prompting of the Holy Spirit. Walk and live by faith and set your mind on higher things!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

"Father, thank You for Your Word which lights the path You have for me. I choose to keep my heart and mind focused on You. I choose to meditate on Your Word knowing that it feeds my faith and sets me in a position to receive every blessing You have in store for me in Jesus' name. Amen."