Choose to Enjoy Life

Today's Scripture

"Jesus came so that we might have and enjoy life, and have it to the full until it overflows." (John 10:10)

Today's Word

A 17th century monk, Brother Lawrence, found the answer to enjoying the nitty-gritty of everyday life. He was a humble cook in a French monastery, but he authored a book entitled Practicing the Presence of God. In it, Brother Lawrence explained how he was able to turn even the most commonplace and menial tasks, like preparing meals and washing dishes, into acts of praise and communion with God. The key, he wrote, was not to change what you do, but to change your attitude toward what you do. When you begin doing these tasks, realize that you are doing them for God. Use it as an opportunity to worship Him through acts of service. When you do, you will discover pleasure even in taking out the trash.

So don't let the enemy deceive you into thinking that you must get away from your daily routine in order to truly relax and enjoy life. Don't wait for your next vacation–enjoy today and every day as a gift from God. Enjoy getting up and eating breakfast. Enjoy going to work. Enjoy mowing the lawn. Enjoy going to the grocery store. Enjoy washing the dishes. You have to do these things anyway–why not choose to enjoy them? When you do, you will go through life with a smile on your face, a spring in your step and you'll enjoy the abundant, overflowing life of victory that God has in store for you.

A Prayer for Today

God, what an amazing and blessed day this will be when I choose to tackle every task with joy and thanksgiving. As I go through my to-do list, I will do so knowing that every day is a gift and I am happy to accept it from my Father in Heaven. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Double your blessings

Today's Scripture

"Return to the stronghold, O prisoners who have hope. This very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you." (Zechariah 9:12)

Today's Word

Recently, I was blessed to celebrate my son's wedding. At the reception one of the desserts served was up-side-down mini ice cream cones dipped in rainbow sprinkles, that were absolutely fabulous. As the desserts were being served I offered one to my granddaughter only to see it knocked to the floor by a passerby, along with that came her tears. Usually we only give her a single scoop, but something made me say, "Lucia, this time I'm going to get you a double scoop."

Do you know that when God restores what you have lost, He doesn't just give you a single scoop . . . He promises to give you more than you have lost! No matter what has been taken away from you, no matter what you've lost or experienced in the past, if you give it over to the Lord, He will return to you more than you could ask or imagine. He'll make things right and give you more than what was lost or stolen. He'll restore double what was lost!

A Prayer for Today

God, I believe my better days are still to come. The pain in my life prepares me to receive twice what I have lost, so I will face whatever comes with steadfast faith. Thank you for giving me this hope. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

God honors perseverance

Today's Scripture

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." (Hebrews 10:36)

Today's Word

We all face challenges, difficulties, and times when things don't go as we have planned. Have you ever noticed that it's in times of difficulty that we grow and develop? Those times are opportunities to allow God's Word to come alive in your life and see you through to victory. God will use your challenges to stretch you, and enlarge your vision.

I encourage you to be faithful during your adversity. Make up your mind to serve God no matter what comes against you, and God will honor you. Hold your head up high knowing that no matter what the situation looks like today, God will reward your faithfulness. Fight the good fight of faith. You are being prepared for promotion. And if you'll simply remain faithful and fight through life, then in due season, God will promote you to new levels of victory and you'll live that abundant new life that He has promised you!

A Prayer for Today

God, I can face the challenges in my life with my head held high, knowing You have confidence in me. Open my eyes to the good that will come from it. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

God's peace is in you!

Today's Scripture

"Cast your burdens on the Lord, releasing the weight of them and He will sustain you." (Psalm 55:22)

Today's Word

Jesus said in John 14:27, "I'm leaving you My peace. I'm giving it unto you." The Amplified version says, "Now stop allowing yourself to be agitated and disturbed. And do not permit yourselves to become unsettled." God has done His part to give you His peace. As a child of God, His peace is on the inside of you right now. You've got to do your part and make the decision to live in peace.

When negative circumstances arise, and you make the choice to stay calm and live in peace, you are showing that you have faith and trust in God. You are saying, "God, I know that You are in control, I know that You're going to see me through. I know that no weapon formed against me is going to prosper." Today, choose to keep peace in your life. When you cast your burdens on Him, He promises to sustain you–that's a place of true peace, a place of lasting power!
A Prayer for Today

God, what an amazing discovery to find that Your perfect peace is within me! I trust You and will tap into that peace when life tries to steal it away. Thank you for giving me power over negative attitudes! In Jesus' Name – Amen.

Fight the good fight

Today's Scripture

"Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth." (Psalms 26:2)

Today's Word

Anyone can be obedient, keep a good attitude and stay full of joy when things are going well. But what kind of attitude do you have when times get tough and things don't go your way? Will you stay faithful and keep pressing on even when it seems you're making no progress?

Sometimes God allows trials to test us, to refine and purify our faith. Remember – anyone can quit. Anyone can complain. But God is looking for people who will persevere until the very end. Stand strong and fight the good fight of faith. When you do you live a life of abundance and you will be a champion in life!

A Prayer for Today

God, I have what it takes to overcome adversity and arise victorious! I know You will never disappoint me and will be present in troubled times. I am determined to have an attitude of gratitude no matter what I face. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

Why Do I Need To Go To Church?

Today's Scripture

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. (1 Cor 14:12 - KJV)

Today's Word

We need church because we're designed as relational beings. Spiritual growth occurs in the context of relationships that we'll find in a fellowship of Christians. A Christian lifestyle is best practiced when it is lived out in community. Only in relationships can we learn what it means to be patient, loving, giving, or sacrificial. Even God's gifts to you are meant to function in relation to others: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms" (1 Peter 4:10).

God wants a personal relationship with his children, and he wants his children to experience that relationship with other Christians. He has always centered our spiritual worship, training, and religious celebration in the heart of community. The people of Israel practiced devotion as a nation. Modern-day Christians practice theirs in the collective body of the church.

It's easy for us to think that religion is strictly a personal matter. It's true that God calls each of us individually and uniquely to our spiritual journeys. But that's only one aspect of Christian living. From our individual commitment to Christ will come a growing need to both find and give support, direction, and interaction in a community of believers. What begins as "I" finds its completion in "we."

In Matthew 18:20 Jesus proclaimed. "For where two or there come together in my name, there am I with them." God is always with us as individuals, but Jesus seems to be saying that there is also a unique quality of communion that he shares with us when we meet together as his church. One of the most important functions of the church in our lives, however, is in moving us toward spiritual maturity. Ephesians 4:11-16 explains that the goal of church life is that we may be "built up until we all reach unity in the faith...and become mature." Through the influence of the church we "will in all things grow up into him...as each part does its work." We may know and love God on our own, but we become complete in him when we're connected to the life of his church.

A Prayer for Today

God, help me to use the gifts you have created in me to grow with your church. Show me that I so need a community of faith and encouragement in my life. I am so grateful that You have chosen me to be a part of Your Holy and precious Body [The Church]. Help me to grow and mature, so that I may walk in harmony with ALL that You have joined together, as the Body of Christ. - Amen

Overcoming obstacles to victory

Today's Scripture

"A wide door has been open to me and with it are many adversaries." (I Corinthians 16:9)

Today's Word

God is always giving you opportunities to move forward in life. It is God's desire that you grow and reach your full potential. Anytime you take a step forward, the enemy will try to bring opposition and adversity against you. But God also promises that through Him, you can overcome any opposition the enemy brings your way.

When you step out in faith and the opposition comes, stand your ground and keep doing what you know to do. Keep on praying. Keep reading the Word. Keep going to church. Keep walking in love and forgiveness, and keep your heart tender. When the enemy sees that you are more determined than he is, he'll back down and you will move forward to new levels of victory! Stay focused and full of joy no matter what comes against you. As you do, you will overcome opposition and discover your new life and the champion in you!

A Prayer for Today

God, I will be the steadfast Christian You called me to be with the help of prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship. I have faith that I will overcome whatever comes my way. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

You're Approved!!!

Today's Scripture

"Before you were ever formed in your mother's womb, God saw you and He approved you." (Jeremiah 1:5)

Today's Word

You are approved by Almighty God! You are created in His image and you're the apple of His eye. You did not choose God, but He chose you and He is pleased with you–His most precious creation.

Notice that verse doesn't say that God approves you as long as you don't have any faults, or as long as you don't make any mistakes. No, God approves you unconditionally. No matter how many weaknesses you may think you have today, no matter how many times you fall in your walk with God, you've got to get right back up again and hold your head up high. Don't allow the enemy to bring strife into your life by deceiving you into thinking that you are not "good enough" for the plan of God. Stand strong in your thoughts about yourself knowing that not only have you been chosen, but you are approved by Almighty God!

A Prayer for Today

God, Thank you for your unconditional acceptance. I was made in Your image and born with your approval...and that makes me good enough for any challenge I face in this life. I will hold my head up high and look for opportunities to share this message with my brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

Stay on course!

Today's Scripture

"Keep your eyes fixed straight ahead. Don't look to the left and don't look to the right." (Proverbs 4:25)

Today's Word

In order to fulfill your destiny, you have to know your purpose. You need a plan and then you must live according to that plan. You should wake up each day knowing where you're headed, which direction you're taking, and what you are going to accomplish – and then stick with it! Don't allow the distractions and busyness of life steer you off course. Don't be distracted and spend your time and energy on things that are not helping you fulfill your destiny.

If you need direction for your life today, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to order your time and arrange your schedule to accomplish God's will. Remember, as you walk in His plan for your life, you will experience His abundant blessing on everything you set your hand to! I send you my love knowing and believing that God orders your every step!

A Prayer for Today

God, I have inside me seeds of greatness and a calling to move toward my destiny. I know that I need to be focused, and not just busy, to live out my purpose in life. I will order my steps for Your glory. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

What's in the air?

Today's Scripture

"Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say." (Ecclesiastes 10:20 NIV)

Today's Word

Have you ever spoken something into the air that you have regretted? Like "I think I'm going to be sick" and then you actually became ill? Or, how about, "We'll never get out of debt" and wonder why you can't make ends meet? What about, "He/she will never change", and a child is put behind bars, gets into trouble or runs away? Or, "We might get that contract", instead of, "I'm believing we will get that contract!" One of the statements I hear most often is, "I'm tired..." and the person just never has enough energy. Their are many confessions which come out of our mouth that actually pollute the air we breath. Negative comments effect our lives just as any pollution is harmful. Get in the habit of speaking words like, "I know everything is going to be all right", or, "I'm blessed", or, "I know that I will be healed." Words sent out into the atmosphere travel very fast and we must always remember the enemy has ears and is always drawn to weakness. He listens to negative charges, then at your most venerable moment he will use your own words against you and give you what you have declared.

Next time you feel negative, speak the positive, "I know that I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength.." and you will experience the victory you have always wanted but did not know how to get it.... Want the victory? Speak it!!!

A Prayer for Today

God, forgive me when I forget that you spoke me into existence and I appeared. Teach me to always remember you have given me the power to speak to a mountain and it will move. I need more faith Father, and I thank you for supplying all of my needs as I speak Your promise into the air - Amen

Make room for more

Today's Scripture

"Try to show as much compassion as your Father does. Never criticize or condemn-- or it will all come back on you. Go easy on others; then they will do the same for you. For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give-- large or small-- will be used to measure what is given back to you." (Luke 6:36-38)


Today's Word

How do you measure compassion? Stand in front of a mirror and see yourself as God see's you. Look at yourself from head to toe. What do you see? More importantly, what does God see?

According to His Word, He see's His own glorious image in you, you're a "chip off the old block" as my grandfather use to say. And you posses the same qualities your Father does, you were created and designed to be like Dad, filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. When you live like your Father, compassion is the rule for everything you do, regardless, of the circumstance, remembering, how compassionate your Father in heaven has been to you throughout your entire life. Remember, when He picked you up when you fell down, brought your family back together when they were falling apart, comforted each of you when you were hurting so very badly, provided when you didn't know where to turn next, and delivered you from your most painful moment? That is how you measure compassion and giving. As it has been given freely unto you, give freely (in ALL things) unto others.

A Prayer for Today

God, remind me each time I see a need in someone's life just how much You have given for me and how compassionate You have been to me even before You placed me in my mothers womb. Refresh me today with Your Spirit of compassion and generosity as I am used by You to reach to others - Amen

You Are Pleasing to God!

Today's Scripture

"Before you were ever formed in your mother's womb, God saw you and He approved you." (Jeremiah 1:5)

Today's Word

You are approved by Almighty God! You are created in His image and you're the apple of His eye. You did not choose God, but He chose you and He is pleased with you–His most precious creation.

Notice that verse doesn't say that God approves you as long as you don't have any faults, or as long as you don't make any mistakes. No, God approves you unconditionally. No matter how many weaknesses you may think you have today, no matter how many times you fall in your walk with the Lord, you've got to get right back up again and hold your head up high. Don't allow the enemy to bring strife into your life by deceiving you into thinking that you are not "good enough" for the plan of God. Stand strong in your thoughts about yourself knowing that not only have you been chosen, but you are approved by Almighty God.

A Prayer for Today

God, remind me that no matter how many times I fail or fall short of Your expectations, You have already given me Your eternal "stamp of approval." I was made in Your image. Help me to have a healthy, positive self image so I can face the world with confidence. In Jesus' name – Amen.

Visualize a Better You

Today's Scripture

"In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him." (1 Samuel 18:14)

Today's Word

There is a gymnast from Great Britain who, in her training for the 2008 Olympic Games, was trying to complete a particularly difficult move on the uneven bars. Her coach explained it to her, and she attempted to follow his instructions. She tried over and over, but she was unable to master the move.

Her coach wisely called a halt to practice and suggested that she step back and practice the move in her mind. She spent 30 minutes just looking at the uneven bars, again and again imagining herself completing each step perfectly. When the coach finally called for her to try once again, she stepped up confidently to the uneven bars and succeeded on her first attempt.

One explanation is that scientists have discovered that muscle memory can be created not only by performing a physical act, but also by visualizing yourself doing it. The same is true in the spiritual realm. If there is an area of life where you are struggling–your marriage, your health, your finances–wherever you may be having difficulty, I encourage you to see yourself succeeding. Once you begin to look at life "through" your eyes of faith, your actual physical existence will come in line with what you see.

A Prayer for Today

God, I will envision myself as healthy and whole because that is the way You see me. I will retrain my mind to think positive thoughts of victory and abundance and I will see myself succeeding. In Jesus' name, Amen.

There's power in unity

Today's Scripture

By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves]. (John 13:35 The Amplified Bible)

Today's Word

People aren't going to know we're His disciples by how many times we go to a church or how many scriptures we can quote. People will know we're His disciples [witnesses of Jesus' Death, Resurrection, Ascension and Promise of Return, individuals with converted hearts] by the love we show one another, regardless, of our domination, chapter or organizational ties.

The enemy tries to bring division throughout the "Body of Christ" by keeping us focused on our differences. Regardless of your denomination, you're either a disciple of Jesus Christ or you're not. I want to point out here that Jesus Christ is and was a Jew, so regardess, of where you worship the point is, whom are we worshiping? All Christian denominations teaching Jesus as the "Risen Savior" make up the "Body of Christ". So, therefore when we're critical and judgmental, we build walls that separate us. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:13, "We need to come together in the unity of faith." There's great power in unity! We can do a whole lot more together, as "born-again believers" [one whom has turned their life and will over to God by accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, regardless of their denomination - See John 3], than we can do apart. Let's decide to lay down our differences and come together in the unity of our faith in Jesus Christ, because it's not about us, remember, it's all about Him.

A Prayer for Today

God, I will allow the love of Christ to flow through me and show love to others in thought, word, and deed. Not only because it honors You, but because I am Your disciple to the world. When I am tempted to find fault with people, I will remember that you look on me with love, despite my sin. In Jesus' Name - Amen.

A well-balanced life

Today's Scripture

"Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [[f]in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour." (I Peter 5:8 Amplified Bible)

Today's Word

Excess is the enemy's playground. He knows that if he can get you over into extremes in any area, then he can keep you from experiencing God's best. When you get out of balance, you give the enemy a foothold. But when you have your priorities in order, there's security, protection, and safety. When you are taking care of yourself, your family, and your relationship with God, you are going to be strong and healthy. The enemy won't have a chance!

I encourage you to examine your heart and life today. Ask the Lord to show you if there are areas where you may be out of balance. Ask Him to help you make the right adjustments so that you are able to be effective in every area of your life. As you work towards balance, you will walk in the abundant life that God has prepared for you!

A Prayer for Today

God, I will not let the busyness of life dictate my priorities. I will consciously choose how I spend my time and my money so that my priorities align with Your purpose. You are my priority! In Jesus' Name – Amen.

The high price of victory

Today's Scripture

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11)

Today's Word

There is a price to pay to walk in victory. If you want to experience God's best, it's going to take some hard work. In order to live the abundant life God has planned, we must be willing to sacrifice acting on how we feel, so we can act on the Word of God. It's not easy to love people when they're not being nice. It's not easy just to overlook an insult. It's not easy to keep a good attitude and be patient when things aren't going your way. Sometimes it hurts to keep the flesh under control, and sometimes it's uncomfortable.

The seeds you sow today will bring a harvest in the future. When you focus on the payoff of doing what is right in the Lord's sight, you will find strength to obey His Word. The Bible tells us that Jesus "focused on the joy that was set before Him" so He could endure the cross. Jesus knew the suffering He endured on your behalf would bring Him the joy of having a personal relationship with you–and you were worth the price!

A Prayer for Today

God, I am so blessed to follow the example of Your son, who loved and forgave unconditionally. When I find the strength today to turn the other cheek, overlook an insult, or keep a good attitude, I will harvest the rewards tomorrow. I have the strength to obey. In Jesus' Name – Amen.

Your Appointed Season

Today's Scripture

"And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.." (Galatians 6:9 The Amplified Bible)

Today's Word

God has a due time and an appointed season in store for each of us! The Bible doesn't say we might reap, it says "we shall reap"–if we don't give up. In order to reach your appointed season or what I call your "harvest of blessing", you must continue to believe God's Word and confess His promises every day. You are the only one who knows what God has placed in your heart, and the evidence of that is what comes out of your own mouth. It's as if you are in a court room and the enemy is your accuser but the Holy Spirit [God's Sprit] is your advocate. Your testimony [God's Word coming out of your mouth] will prove that you are standing strong on what God has promised you. Friend, you can't loose you are represented by the best!

Today and every day, I send you the gift God has given me, the gift of His "Love" and the encouragement of His Word, and I declare that it's time for your appointed season!

A Prayer for Today

God, I won't give up! I will patiently wait for the blessings that You have in store for me. I trust that Your timing is perfect. Meanwhile, I will honor You with the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart. In Jesus' Name – Amen

Words can pollute or purify

Today's Scripture

"Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it." (Ephesians 4:29 Amplified Bible)

Today's Word

Your words have the power to pollute or purify both your life and the life of others around you. Ultimately, what you plant will come back to you in a bountiful harvest. If you constantly complain or speak unbeneficially of others, you release poison into your own life, as well as the life of others. Complaining and "chatter" is not based on your circumstances or truth, it's based on the attitude of your heart ("listen to the tongue and you will know the heart"). If you will keep the right attitude during your time of conversation and witness, God will honor you. When you truly trust God's Word, and honor Him by blessing yourself and others with the words you minister, then you are speaking favor into your own life.

When you have a heart full of gratitude, it leaves no room for negative-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language. You can always find something to praise God for, no matter what the day may bring. So decide today to live a life of blessing others! Don't allow the poison of "chatter" prevent you from receiving all that God has for you! Remember, words can either pollute or purify both your own life and the life of others.

A Prayer for Today

God, I confess that I don't always speak the way I should; I sometimes let negative words poison me and those around me. Please forgive me and help me to be joyful and thankful in every situation and speak Your blessings over myself and others. I want to look on the bright side of the victorious new life you have so generously planned for me. In Jesus' name – Amen.

Be a People Builder!

Today's Scripture

"Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." (Romans 15: 2)

Today's Word

When Jesus warned his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees in Matthew 16:6, they were thinking with their stomachs and said, "It is because we brought no bread." They began arguing and accusing one another of being irresponsible. They must have sounded like school children. "John was supposed to bring our lunch." "No, Peter was!" "I told Matthew to do it!" "It's Mark's fault!"

Jesus overhears them, and says (my paraphrase), "Uh, guys? You remember who fed five thousand people with the loaves and fishes and turned water into wine? I can handle lunch. I wasn't talking about bread. I was warning you to be careful about following the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

Although His disciples did not always grasp the initial meaning of His teachings or actions, Jesus didn't reprimand them in public or make them feel stupid. He made them feel loved and appreciated. In fact, six verses later, Jesus let his disciples know that He thought so highly of them that He planned to give them the keys to the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19). He never embarrassed them or belittled those who served Him. He overlooked their faults and limitations and celebrated their strengths.

We are the ambassadors of Jesus, and should speak words of hope and encouragement – building others up! I believe when we focus on the strengths and gifts of those around us we will begin to see God's favor poured out on our own life in an even greater way and we will experience each and every victory that He has in store for us.

A Prayer for Today

God, because I am Your child I am held to a higher standard in this world. I am called to be a giver, not a taker; an encourager, not a critic. There will be an opportunity to build someone up today—I'm going to act on it! In Jesus' name, Amen.